http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf Latest 15 Press Releases at Durham County Council en-gb Latest 15 Press Releases at Durham County Council http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/lookup/dcc_usage_strp/$file/dcc_usage_strp.gif Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:00:26 GMT http://feedvalidator.org/docs/rss2.html Lotus Domino 6 press@durham.gov.uk press@durham.gov.uk http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/A9520D7976A6AA57802574BB0050C4E7 Fourteen schools in County Durham are taking part in an international project to open the gates to better languages teaching in Europe. The scheme will see 11 Slovak teachers – all from the county’s partner area of Banska Bystrica – spend two months observing the teaching of foreign languages in both primary and secondary schools. They will also give young people a taste of the Slovak language, culture, food and traditional tales and develop links with their host schools. In all, 100 qualified Slovak teachers are coming to Britain and Ireland to improve language and teaching skills. “To be able to welcome 11 teachers, all from Banska Bystrica, makes the project all the more special,” said Councillor Len O’Donnell, Chairman of Durham County Council, who will host a reception for the teachers on Monday. (September 8) “The county has won more international schools awards in 2008 than any other local authority in the country and we are delighted to be part of this Opening the Gates project. “We look forward to our visitors working in our schools and seeing our young people gain a better understanding of the wider world,” he said. Opening the Gates is supported by the European Social Fund and involves over 300 Slovak teachers of English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. It is hoped they will gain new insight into the teaching and learning process and the way schools function in other countries. County Durham schools taking part are – Woodham Burn Community Primary, Newton Aycliffe Dean Bank Primary, Ferryhill Escomb Primary School, Bishop Auckland St. Cuthbert’s RCVA Primary, Crook St. Michael’s RCVA Primary, Esh Village South Moor Greenland Community Infant, South Moor, Stanley Lanchester EP Primary, South Stanley Infant, South Stanley Catchgate Primary, Catchgate, Annfield Plain Sherburn Village Primary Roseberry Primary, Chester-le-Street Belmont School Community Arts College Park View Community, Chester-le-Street Sedgefield Community College Ends Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:00:26 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/A9520D7976A6AA57802574BB0050C4E7 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/34042D6F34D24B3B802574BB003B1379 A County Durham Olympic athlete who missed out on a medal at the Beijing Games is to receive a ‘gong’ after all. Former Durham City schoolgirl Jessica Eddie was a member of the Great Britain women’s rowing eight whose medal hopes were dashed when two of the crew caught ‘flu and had to be replaced in the final by last minute substitutes. Their only consolation was holding off the Australian boat to finish fifth. But that was before Durham County Council Chairman Len O’Donnell stuck his oar in – in the nicest possible way - and decided Jessica’s efforts were worth a better reward. And next Tuesday ( September 9 ) at the start of a special meeting of the full council, he will present her with The Chairman’s Medal, on behalf of the council and the people of County Durham, in recognition of her effort and achievement. “ Jessica may not have won an Olympic medal, but her place in the finals confirmed that she is one of the best athletes in the world at her chosen sport,” said Coun O’Donnell. “ Athletes may disagree, but to me, sport is not always about winning. It’s about being part of a team and doing the very best that you can, and there’s no doubt that Jessica and her crew-mates did that in Beijing. “ We’re all very proud of what she has achieved in her sport, and that she flew the flag for Great Britain and County Durham in such a prestigious event as the Olympic Games. “ She is a very worthy recipient of The Chairman’s Medal.” Jessica, 23, whose parents Stewart and Nora live in North End, Durham City, learnt to row in Durham at the age of eight and combined rowing with rugby and netball while at St Leonards RC Comprehensive. She now rows for for University of London Women's BC and is currently studying for a degree in biology at Royal Holloway, University of London. ( Ends ) Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:54:56 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/34042D6F34D24B3B802574BB003B1379 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/13C56870E69E2148802574BB003522BB Long distance footpath goes on-line Walkers in County Durham will be able to surf the turf when a long distance footpath is launched on-line next week. (September 10) The Weardale Way – from Sunderland Bridge to Cowshill – is going onto the internet thanks to countryside officers at Durham County Council. From September 10, walkers and internet surfers will be able to access 10 different maps covering 45 miles of the route at the touch of a button. Each of the full-colour maps can be downloaded and is a walk in its own right, or can be linked to others to plan a longer route. The new on-line version also allows people to explore the industrial heritage of the North Pennines through to the recent history of the west Durham coalfields. The County Council’s Access and Rights of Way team has been working to improve the County Durham section of the route, including new gates, stiles and signposts as well as way marking, as part of the Mineral Valleys Project*, and the on-line version is part of that work. “The Weardale Way is marked on maps and in books but many people have been asking whether they can see it on the internet,” said Elaine Field, of the Rights of Way team. “Since we have done a lot of work recently to improve and way mark the route, this seemed to be the next step so we set about breaking the route into 10 maps which people can download,” she said. Leigh Coulson, from the Rights of Way team, who developed the on-line maps, said: “We’re looking to do more in the future including an interactive version. “Whether it’s armchair walking, a day’s stroll or a week’s hike, all you have to do is click onto www.durham.gov.uk/weardaleway and you are on your way,” he said. The Weardale Way stretches 73 miles from Cowshill in Upper Weardale to the mouth of the River Wear at Sunderland. Ends Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:53:57 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/13C56870E69E2148802574BB003522BB http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/65D57BC35FF9D046802574B90048E0AB The way in which rural villages can promote themselves is questioned in a new exhibition opening in County Durham soon. (September 13) Pope and Guthrie – Titchy/Kitschy is the work of Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie and opens at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery on September 13. The artists work with different communities and Titchy/Kitschy is the result of a residency in a remote rice village in north-west Japan during 2006. The residency was developed by Grizedale Arts based in rural north-west England and aimed to explore how villages could adapt to new ways of living and the artists could be ‘useful’ in the community. Inspired by the Lake District company Lilliput Lane, Titchy/Kitschy questions how rural villages might promote themselves. Nina Pope lives and works in London while Karen Guthrie is in the Lake District. After studying together at Edinburgh College of Art, they completed MA degrees in London and began their collaborative and solo careers in 1995. They launched their creative organisation ‘Somewhere’ in 2001 and won the first Northern Art Prize last year. Their exhibition is at the Durham County Council-run dli until October 12 alongside Eleanor Moreton Durham Cathedral Artist in Residence 2008. Ends Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:22:44 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/65D57BC35FF9D046802574B90048E0AB http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/3BFD4B1F35520FF6802574B90048B6C5 An imaginary world of woods, princes and cottages comes to County Durham soon. (September 13) London-based artist Eleanor Moreton, the 2008 Durham Cathedral artist-in-residence, will exhibit her work at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery from Saturday, September 13. Her princes come in a range of disguises with inspiration ranging from Disney to Slovakian puppets, but they are always ridiculous. Eleanor often paints buildings and homes and her cottages can have claustrophobic, dark interiors or be more airy, illogical spaces with walls that seem to float apart. Sometimes they are seen from the outside, surrounded by woods or derelict. The imaginary world she creates alludes to German Romanticism and psychoanalytic theory but her position is always one of ambivalence. Eleanor, who studied painting and art history at Exeter College of Art, UCE and Chelsea College of Art, will give a free tour of her exhibition on Friday, September 19 at 6.00pm. The Durham Cathedral Artist-in-Residency is supported by Durham Cathedral Chapter, the Chaplaincy to the Arts and Recreation, the University of Sunderland’s School of Arts, Design, Media and Culture and St. Chad’s College of Durham University. The exhibition is at the Durham County Council-run dli until Sunday, October 12 alongside Pope and Guthrie – Titchy/Kitschy. Ends Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:22:44 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/3BFD4B1F35520FF6802574B90048B6C5 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/F64E68BFE6723562802574B90034E810 Children at a County Durham primary school have an extra reason to be excited about the start of the new term. Pupils at the newly-formed Seaham Trinity Primary School, built on the site of the former Princess Road Junior School, Seaham, will be enjoying lessons in a brand new building with modern classrooms and start of the art equipment. It also has innovative and sustainable features for lighting and the collection of rain water. The new school, which brings together Princess Road Junior, Camden Square Infants and Parkside Infants schools, opens its doors to pupils for the first time on Monday (Sept 8). Coun Claire Vasey, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Durham County Council, said: “The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for pupils and the children attending Seaham Trinity Primary School have an extra reason to look forward to going back this year. “Their brand new school will be an inspiring place to learn, with fantastic equipment and facilities that will help pupils to achieve to the best of their abilities. “The new school will also provide other services to meet the extended schools agenda and the flexibility the Government encourages so that the local community can benefit. “I wish all of the pupils and the staff every success in their new school.” The school, which cost around Pound Stirling 6 million, was designed by Durham County Council architects and built by contractor Surgo. It has places for 390 children as well as a 26-place nursery unit. Following the demolition of the former Princess Road Junior School later in the school year, an enclosed multi-use games area will be created, which will also be made available to the local community. ( Ends ) Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:48:22 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/F64E68BFE6723562802574B90034E810 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/9F8601710321AB79802574B40047EB21 Highway chiefs in County Durham are warning they will not hesitate to clamp down on thieves who steal roadside drain covers. The warning follows a recent case at Durham Crown Court in which a man was jailed for a month after admitting theft of drain covers in the Byers Green area of the county. He was also jailed for a further four months for possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s acting head of highway management services, said the theft of metal drain covers was a major – and increasing – problem – throughout the county. “The drain covers are targeted by thieves as a way of making a paltry few pounds from the scrap value,” he said. “But the gaping hole left at the kerbside could be potentially lethal to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. “It’s totally crazy to put people in such danger for the sake of a few pounds,” he said. A recent spate of thefts, which started at the end of last year, has seen around 1100 stolen. The cost of just making them safe using plastic grates stands at about Pound Stirling 137,000. The cost of a full replacement can be about Pound Stirling 1,000 per cover. “This recent court case shows the determination of the police, ourselves and the courts to combat this crime,” said Mr Wafer. “But we need the help of the public too. If anyone sees anything suspicious, or people working at roadside gullies using vehicles that don’t have Durham County Council on them, we would urge them to call us please on our Highways Action Line on 0191 370 6000,” he said. Ends Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:16:23 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/9F8601710321AB79802574B40047EB21 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/8F6CBCD13A0D0D5B802574B3005323A0 An impressive display of military firepower will make a World War II show go with a bang soon. (September 7) The Northern World War 2 Association is staging a free event in the grounds of the Durham Light Infantry Museum, Aykley Heads, Durham City, on Sunday, September 7. A living history tented camp will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 4.30pm where visitors can find out more about uniforms, equipment and weapons on display. The firepower display will run from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and will include loud noises, bangs and ‘explosions’ which may not be suitable for young children or animals. This will be followed by the 51st Highland Pipe and Drum band which will take up the baton from 1.30pm to 2.00pm. Event organiser, Paul Hilditch, said: "The Northern World War 2 Association was set up in 2005 to promote World War 2 and civilian life in the 1940s. “We now have over 200 members forming British, US, Soviet, Resistance or German units and we all share a passionate interest in one of the most dramatic and important periods of our history. “From fantastically 'real' battles to the 'Big Band' sound of Glenn Miller, we re-create life during WW2 to a very high standard of authenticity and the uniforms, equipment, weapons and training are as correct as we can make them. “We believe it is important to remember and pay respect to all the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during WW2 - no matter what side they were on," he said. Entry to the outdoor display is free, with free parking at the Durham County Council-run dli and at County Hall. There is an admission charge to the DLI Museum. Ends Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:20:49 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/8F6CBCD13A0D0D5B802574B3005323A0 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/40A8E0DD6222A1CE802574B300488D36 An exciting reading of a popular children’s story is to help celebrate the culmination of a summer reading challenge. Over 100 children have taken part in the challenge at the Durham County Council’s Clayport Library. And to mark its conclusion, local performer Eileen Glenton is to re-tell George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl at Clayport Library on Saturday, September 13. The free event, which starts at 2.00pm, is aimed at children aged over six. There will also be a prize draw book token for those who have taken part in the challenge. Ends Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:49:23 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/40A8E0DD6222A1CE802574B300488D36 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/582F3EECFAED519F802574B300481924 Families can learn Russian or how to extend their fingernails in a new series of courses in County Durham. Durham County Council’s Clayport Library is hosting free classes in card craft, beaded jewellery, Russian and nail extension from next month. (September) The classes will run for 10 weeks if numbers allow and places must be booked at Clayport Library in Durham City on 0191 3864003. Family groups must have one child aged over six and under 16. Card craft will run on Mondays from 6.00pm to 8.00pm starting on September 15 with beaded jewellery classes on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm starting on September 17. Russian classes will run on Saturdays from 9.30am to 10.45am from September 20 with nail extension classes on Sundays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm from September 21. Ends Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:19:04 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/582F3EECFAED519F802574B300481924 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/B8C0F74737222E52802574B200323841 Schools in County Durham have confirmed their reputation for being among the most outward looking in the country by winning further recognition for their outstanding international work. A further 24 schools throughout the county will start the new term having won the International School Award, which is offered by the British Council through a Government programme to recognise the contribution they make in preparing their pupils as global citizens and developing international learning communities. It means that 113 of County Durham’s 292 schools now have accreditation through the award scheme – one of the highest proportions of schools in the country. The latest schools to win the award are : Belmont School Community Arts College which has links with Iraq. Bournmoor Primary School which has links in France and Martinique. Bowburn Infants. Brandon Infants, which has strong links with schools in The Gambia. Cestria Primary. Chester-le-Street Junior School. Crook Primary. Durham Trinity School, which is working with partners in Europe, Asia and Africa. Escomb Primary. Fencehouses Woodlea Primary. Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College. Framwellgate Moor Primary. Hesleden Primary, which has partners in Zambia and Kenya. Lumley Junior School. Ouston Infants. Red Rose Primary, Chester-le-Street. Rookhope Primary, which has links with France. Shotton Hall Junior School, Peterlee. St Patrick’s RC Primary, Dipton. St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester, which has links with Brazil. St Bede’s RC Primary, Sacriston and St Cuthbert’s RC Primary, Chester-le-Street. Wingate Infants Willington C of E Primary Coun Claire Vasey, Durham County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services said the International School Award was recognized as a kitemark of educational excellence. “ A school’s success cannot be measured only in terms of academic achievement,” she added. “ Those which provide the best teaching and learning environment are also able to show that domestic education agendas, including equality and diversity – are being adequately addressed. “ The International School Award is a measure of how successful a school is in this respect and I am proud of our schools’ reputation for embracing cultural difference and gaining a strong awareness of the wider world.” Brian Stobie, Durham County Council’s International Officer, said : "The British Council makes the award after receiving a portfolio of evidence showing the level of international work carried out by a school’s pupils and staff. “ Some of our schools have done wonderful things to help their pupils learn about life outside County Durham and to encourage them to develop both friendships and collaborative partnerships with pupils at special, primary and secondary schools in other parts of the world.” Television newsreader George Alagiah will present the award winners with their International School Award trophy at a special ceremony in London in October. ( Ends ) Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:25:53 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/B8C0F74737222E52802574B200323841 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/47ACF029672042E2802574B2004D3E37 Over-60s in County Durham are being urged not to miss out on a reduction in their Council Tax bill. The Government plans to cut the backdating period for Council Tax benefit from a year to three months in October, which could lead to people losing hundreds of pounds if they delay their application. Durham County Council’s Welfare Rights team and Age Concern Durham County are stepping up their campaign to get people aged 60 or over to take a check before the changes are made. The campaign features Mr and Mrs Jones, a fictional couple aged over 60, who qualify for Council Tax benefit even though they have no Pension Credit entitlement. Their award can be backdated for up to a year if they apply now, but they would lose an estimated Pound Stirling 371 on their backdated payment if they apply after the changes. Chris Graham, the County Council’s Welfare Rights team manager, said: “We wanted to create an example that people could identify with. The campaign has generated over 300 responses this month from people inquiring about their Council Tax benefit entitlement. “You could be missing out on a reduction on your Council Tax bill even if you have savings, an occupational or personal pension. To make sure you don’t miss out on the maximum backdated payment, you should contact your local district council before October to make an application,” he said. The campaign, now in its second year, is part of work by County Durham Partnership Against Poverty and aims to increase the number of over 60s in receipt of council tax benefit, reduce pensioner poverty and address areas of hidden deprivation in the county. For a free and confidential benefit check, contact Age Concern Durham County on 0191 3746367 or Durham County Council Welfare Rights on 0191 3708787. Ends Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:23:06 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/47ACF029672042E2802574B2004D3E37 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/888DCCCBF5A50A59802574B10052AEA4 Counterfeit vodka that smells like nail varnish could be on sale in County Durham. Durham County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning people to be suspicious if they are offered cheap bottles of the Spar own brand Imperial Vodka. Analysis of the fake bottles shows high levels of methanol which could pose a serious health risk if drunk in sufficient quantities. As Imperial Vodka is a Spar brand, it should only be sold in Spar premises. Any found in other premises should raise concerns. So far, 180 cases have been seized by police in other parts of the UK. Phillip Holman, the County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: “We are warning consumers and retailers to be on their guard and would urge people to be suspicious if they are offered cheap bottles of Imperial Vodka from sources they are not sure of. “We are working with our district colleagues to check products on sale in the area. “The counterfeit vodka is sold in 70cl bottles and the writing on the back of the label may be slightly blurred. “The glass bottle itself is made of Quinn glass and identified by the code QI:1445c with a smudged inkjet code reading what looks like 102234 04/08/02. “This vodka could pose a serious risk to health and retailers should be particularly suspicious if they are offered cheap supplies. “On opening the bottle, there may be a hint of an acetone or a nail varnish smell. “I would urge people to telephone us on 0191 3833589 if they think this vodka is being sold locally,” he said. Ends Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:32:35 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/888DCCCBF5A50A59802574B10052AEA4 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/7F48C2CA5D67681A802574AD003273E5 A group of County Durham dads and kids will be heading to the seaside this weekend to find out what life was like as a Victorian lighthouse keeper. The group, from St Helen Auckland, will also be battling it out in a sandcastle building contest and hunting for rock pool creatures when they visit Souter Lighthouse and Seaburn Beach on Saturday (Aug 23). The visit has been organised as part of a project aimed at getting dads, grandads and male carers more involved in children’s learning and development. It’s a joint initiative set up by Durham County Council, through its Sure Start County Durham programme, and the Fathers Plus project, run by charity Children North East. Studies have shown that children perform better at school and have better attendance and behaviour when their dads or other male carers give them support and encouragement. More than 50 dads and their children are involved in the project in St Helen Auckland. As well as enjoying fun learning activities with their children over the summer the dads will also attend a monthly dads’ group – one of the first of its kind in the country – at St Helen Auckland Community Primary School. The group will look at ways to help dads support their children’s learning both at home and at school. Carol Newsom, Strategic Extended Services Manager at Durham County Council’s Sure Start County Durham, said: “We’re delighted to see so many dads and male carers getting involved with this project and having fun with their children, as well as supporting their learning. “Research shows that children learn and develop much better when they have support from their dads at an early age. “Through this project we are helping to give dads and male carers the chance to fulfil the important role they play in their children’s lives.” Charlie Thompson, Dads’ Worker for the project, said: “The dads and kids summer activities have been going really well. All the dads and children have had a great time learning and having fun, quality time together.” (Ends) Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:38:03 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/7F48C2CA5D67681A802574AD003273E5 http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/105A790A042E649A802574AC003334B0 Young drivers are to have one more chance to get on the right road to safety. Durham County Council’s Young Drivers course is back - for two months only in September and October. So far, 250 newly qualified or young drivers have taken the free course operated by the County Council’s road safety officers and supported by Durham Constabulary, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, Durham Primary Care Trust, Darlington Borough Council, and the Highways Agency. The course tackles three main areas that lead to serious accidents – loss of control leading to leaving the road, overtaking errors resulting in head on crashes, and rear end shunts. “The scheme has been hugely successful since it started last November,” said Tony Flory, the County Council’s driver training services officer. “The main aim is to provide younger, less experienced drivers with a little more support at a time in their driving career when they are extremely vulnerable. “Topics are outlined in a short presentation then looked at in much greater depth on the road with some of the best driving instructors in the region,” he said. The course is free to anyone in County Durham aged between 17 and 25 with a full driving licence. They are normally held on Saturdays at County Hall and Durham City Football Club, but arrangements can be made for groups of six or more drivers wanting to train together. Drivers attending the course are encouraged to go on to advanced training. Anyone wanting to book a place should contact the County Council’s road safety section on 0191 3833768. Ends Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:40:04 GMT http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/pressrel.nsf/vWeb/105A790A042E649A802574AC003334B0