The community newspaper for Spennymoor and surrounding villages http://www.spennynews.com/news.php On the 19th July, Danielle Banks from Tudhoe went to Magaluf with a group of friends to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday. While out that evening, there was a power cut and everywhere was in complete darkness. Danielle got separated from the group and fell over a low wall and down a three metre embankment into a car park. Around two hours later she was found unconscious with severe head injuries by a local bar owner. Her parents immediately flew out to Spain and stayed at her bedside until she was well enough to return home. Danielle flew home last Tuesday under medical supervision and is making steady progress. The local community have rallied and raised money to help the family. Danielle's young friends organised a fund raising event and at Merrington Lane Working Men's Club which raised more than £2000. A coffee morning was held at Tudhoe Community Centre which was a huge success with a steady stream of people enjoying refreshments and spending most generously on the tombola, raffle and stalls etc. The organisers would like to pass on sincere thanks to all who donated prizes, the gardeners who donated veg, the ladies who baked cakes and all who helped to make the morning such a success. The total sum raised was £733. On Saturday 15th August around 50 of her friends, young and old left the Black Horse in Tudhoe in fancy dress and funky hats to walk to Durham Cathedral where they lit a candle for Danielle. As they left the rain came down, but it did not dampen their spirits and eventually the sun came out. "Everyone has been prepared to go that extra mile to help the family and their young friend. Danielle is a beautiful young lady and we hope she will make a full recovery. Her friends will always be there for her," said a family friend. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3852 Danielle Banks is now safely home with her family making a good recovery. Danielle's mother Lesley- Ann Adams said the family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received not just from friends and neighbours but from the whole community. She said she can't thank everyone enough for their generosity. However, the family do have some public 'thank yous' they wish to make: Their families; Special thanks to Danielle's godparents, Linda and Keith Harrison, who they "couldn't have got through this without"; Tudhoe Victory Club- the lads for their collection on the Sunday afternoon; Barbara Wells and neighbours for organising the coffee morning; The Black Horse Pub and their customers; Danielle's friends aka 'The Team' who organised the event at Merrington Lane Club; Spennymoor Town Council; Durham County Council Chairman Brian Myers for his donation; Jet2.com especially Captain Ensink and the Cabin Crew for their kindness; Thorn Lighting and Danielle's colleagues for their support; Ness furniture and Paul's colleagues; Claire from Phab hairdressing for making Danielle feel 'like a million dollars'. Lesley-Ann would also like to thank their generous friends and acquaintances for their gifts which has helped with costs incurred due to Danielle's accident. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3853 After a very successful year, Durham County Council's on-going Young Women's Sport and Active Recreation Project sees the launch of new running sessions this month. The new jogging and running sessions will take place for six weeks, from 25 August, and will be held each Tuesday (5.45pm to 6.45pm) starting at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. The sessions - run by qualified coaches - are suitable for young women who have never run before and there will also be an intermediate class at the same time. The previous course attracted many new members and nine runners went on to complete the 5k Durham Breast Cancer Campaign "Race for Life" in July raising over £500 for the cause. The Young Women's Sport and Active Recreation Project aims to increase participation in sport for young women aged between 16 and 25 years. It works to bring down potential barriers to involvement in physical activity, and introduce new and exciting sessions that are targeted at this age group. The project has now completed its first year of activities with several different sessions still currently available across the Sedgefield area. Those activities introduced include running, golf, street cheer, trampolining, rock climbing and indoor and outdoor cycling. As part of the initiative, a Young Mum's group has been formed in partnership with SureStart. The mums, as part of the larger group, have taken part in dancing, aqua aerobics, and outdoor cycling sessions. If you are interested in taking part, or finding out more information, call Marie Urwin, Young Women's Coordinator on (01388) 816166 Ext. 4512. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3854 Spennymoor Extended Services intend to bring the Summer Holiday break to a real party end with two special summer parties on Friday 4 September at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. The first party is for the under 11s - those 8-years and under must be accompanied by an adult - between 2.00pm to 3.00pm. The fun packed afternoon will include bouncy castle, dance mats, Wii games, disco and a special visit from DJ Party Jimmy. Tickets cost 50p. It's also 50p for admission to the over 11s party (7.00pm to 9.00pm) which will include a visit from a local artist and the opportunity to create a graffiti wall under instruction. Through the evening there will be Wii games, disco dance mats and refreshments. For more information call Spennymoor Leisure Centre on 01388 815827 or Wendy Minhinnett on 07825 341249. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3855 Spennymoor Town Mayor, Councillor Sarah L. Armstrong, and the members of Spennymoor Town Council, extend an invitation for townspeople to join with them in the annual Civic Service on Sunday 13th September at 3pm. The service will be held at St. David's Church in Tudhoe Village this year, and the address will be by Rev. Gary Norman. As is always the case, the Civic Service is inter-denominational, and is held with the help of the United churches of Spennymoor. Refreshments will be available after the service, in the church hall. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3856 The Residents Association has been campaigning and representing residents on many issues including: The Office Village - currently under construction at the entrance to York Hill road from the A167; Community Fire Station - work has just started on the York Hill Road/Green Lane Industrial Estate site Durham Gate - the redevelopment of the Black and Decker site extending access onto York Hill Road and improvements to the A167/York Hill Road Junction; Sedgefield Borough Homes ñ the housing stock transfer of council properties in the area to this new organisation; Mobile Phone Mast - the proposed new mast at St David's Close which has been granted planning permission by default. Without the help and support of committee members, representing the views of residents, many of these developments would have ploughed ahead without consideration for the impact on the community. There is still more to be done, and more that can be done to represent residents as many of these developments are not yet completed. The Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to contribute to your community. Volunteers are very much needed to support the Residents Association and elections will take place for committee members and officer roles i.e. Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. Residents are welcome to come along and show their support on Monday 1st September at 6.30pm in Tudhoe Community Centre. Tea or coffee and biscuits will be provided. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3857 On Sunday 23rd August Whitworth Church will be host to Afternoon Tea and Organ music between 1.00 and 4.30pm, in aid of the organ restoration fund. Admission is free. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3858 The next blood donor session taking place in the Town Hall is on Thursday 27th August 2009 between 2.45pm and 7.00pm. New and returning donors welcome. Further information can be found at www.blood.co.uk or by calling 0845 7 711 711 http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3859 A member of the Lifestyle Fitness Gym at Spennymoor Leisure Centre has won £500 after taking part in the Lifestyle Fitness Charity Challenge. Mr Les Lindsay who completed the challenge was presented with a cheque for £500 to spend as he likes, having won a prize draw for participants. The cheque was presented by Gordon Hall, Managing Director of Lifestyle Fitness and Jeanette Pickard, Chief Executive of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation. Hundreds of Lifestyle Fitness members across the UK, including those at Ferryhill, Shildon Sunnydale, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor Leisure Centres have been taking part in the challenge since 2008. Every two years Lifestyle Fitness commits to supporting a different charity. Members of Lifestyle Fitness in 2008/2009 have been urged to complete the challenge and raise funds for the Tony Blair Sports Foundation. For each member who completes the challenge, Lifestyle Fitness donates £5 to the charity and members across the UK have taken part in a variety of fund raising activities and so far have raised over £250,000 for a number of charitable causes. The next big push to raise funds for the Sports Foundation is with Lifestyle Fitness Team 100, who are taking part in the 2009 Great North Run. The team are seeking support and sponsorship. The Tony Blair Sports Foundation is a charity which aims to invest in local people to help them make the most of themselves through sport. By developing sports coaching and increasing opportunities for young people to participate, it is hoped that the foundation can improve the health and well being of local people. The Lifestyle Fitness Charity challenge will continue until 2010. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3860 Great Britain's Men's Water Polo team led by Scott Carpenter from Tudhoe and Sedgefield Water Polo Club played two friendly internationals at Lancaster and Manchester respectively in front of full houses recently. For the first time in 41 years Great Britain defeated Holland at Lancaster 12-10 and then drew at Manchester 8-8. Scott, aged 21, is the youngest player in Britain's starting line up and managed to inspire his team with his usual brand of dynamic and high tempo play which even the best teams in the world struggle to cope with. This has resulted in him being offered a lucrative professional contract to go to Australia in November to play for Victorian Tigers from Melbourne. Great Britain head to the European Championships in Switzerland in September with their highest ranking in European and World Polo for nearly 40 years. This will put them in good shape for the 2012 Olympics in London. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3861 Stan Pinkney and Eric Lincoln may have both just turned 80 but they certainly have no plans to retire from their long standing roles with Durham Voluntary Countryside Ranger Service (DVCRS). The firm friends are dedicated members of the army of over 300 volunteers who help to keep County Durham's countryside in tip top condition and between them have been installing gates, improving drainage, laying hedges and improving footpaths for 27 years. Stan, who is from Spennymoor and Eric who hails from Heighington, share a lifelong love of the outdoors, despite having careers which were predominantly buildingbound. (Stan is a retired forklift truck driver and Eric spent many years in electronics) Now every Wednesday they role up their sleeves and literally 'dig in' to maintain County Durham's rural beauty. For Eric it's the highlight of the week, "Oh yes, I really look forward to it, it's a happy day out there's so much camaraderie. We're always having so much fun." For Durham County Council Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Ferguson the work the pair does is priceless. "Without the support and dedication of volunteers like Stan and Eric we simply couldn't provide the level of service that we do. All our volunteers are such a vital part of the Countryside Service, it's impossible to imagine functioning without them. It's great for the volunteers to get recognition for the hard work they do, week in, week out - they deserve it. Stan and Eric really are an inspiration and I only hope I'm half as fit as they when I reach their age!" Portfolio Holder Cllr Bob Young says they are a fantastic example, "Stan and Eric are part of a volunteer army making an invaluable contribution to our countryside. The volunteers bring with them a wealth of experience and talent but no money could buy the enthusiasm and team spirit they show with such energy." So when do this intrepid duo think they'll call all the digging and hammering a day? "How long is a piece of string? says Eric. If you're interested in learning more about volunteering please contact Deborah Ferguson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on (0191) 383 5704 or email: rangers@durham.gov.uk http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3862 You would probably have to search for a long time to find a regiment of soldiers more highly thought of by the townspeople of Spennymoor than the men of the Gurkha Regiment. Even our own 'D' Rifles (formerly the Durham Light Infantry) highly regarded thought they very rightly are, would struggle to find the same universal appeal - charisma, even - as these brave fighting men from the Nepalese foothills of the Himalayas. The town took them to their collective hearts from their first appearance in our annual Remembrance Parade, and there, apparently they will remain - friends forever. So a visit from a friend is always a special occasion. Last year the town was given an insight into the life of a Gurkha soldier, and responded by funding a new classroom in their 'Friends Academy', where a town plaque, presented by Spennymoor Town Council now hangs on the wall. Their most recent visit had a fund raising purpose. The Gurkha Welfare Trust was established in the United Kingdom in 1969, to provide financial, medical and community aid for Gurkha ex-servicemen and their dependants, after their return to Nepal. Nepal is a landlocked country and the incredibly brave fighting men that we know as the Gurkhas, and own as friends are it's most notable 'export'. The men of the Gurkha Regiment have been fighting Britain's wars for close to 200 years, during which time they have served in most of the conflicts we have been involved in, winning 13 Victoria Crosses in the process. The Trust points out that "If there was a minute's silence for every Gurkha casualty from World War II alone, we would remain quiet for two whole weeks. But that silence would do nothing to help the living, the wounded, the disabled, ex-soldiers without military pensions for the service they so willingly gave. Together with those left destitute by ill health or natural disaster, and their dependants their numbers are counted in thousands." And this in a country where there is no public housing, no National Health Service, and no Unemployment Benefit. It is to help these people that the Gurkha Welfare rust exists, and when Cpl. Anil Rai and Cpl. Birendra Rai visited the town's Asda store on Thursday 13th August, accompanied by Spennymoor's long serving Parade Marshall, Arnold W. Sanderson, they came for the purpose of raising money on behalf of the Trust. Sir Ralph Turner, MC, served with the 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles in World War 1, and he said of them: "Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you". If you missed the Gurkha's on their recent visit, and would like to make a donation to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, no matter how small, you can do so very easily. Parade Marshall Sanderson is their accredited fund-raiser for the local area, and you can contact him by calling (01388) 816001. If you'd like to know more about the work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, log onto their website: www.gwt.org.uk where you will find lots of additional information. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3863 Raising thousands of pounds for charity was a dream come true in more ways than one, for a devoted Spennymoor couple. Matthew Hulbert, 31 and Kendra Blackett, 23, were winners of TFM Radio's 'Five Brides One Wedding' Competition. The couple beat more than 600 applicants and took part in a gruelling Bridal Boot Camp exercise, prior to being set the ultimate challenge - to raise as much money in one week for TFM Radio's 'Cash for Kids' charity. Competing against four other couples, Matthew, a Sergeant in the Royal Signals and Kendra, a personal trainer, kick started their fund raising with bag packing events in a number of supermarkets in the area, in addition to organising tombolas, raffles, a football tournament, a bonus ball competition and scoured the pubs and clubs across the region for support. Broadcast live on TFM Radio's breakfast show with all contestants present and accompanied in the studio by Nas Khan, managing director of Jennings Motor Group, the dedicated duo scooped first place after it was announced that they had raised a staggering £13,780. The grand total raised by all five couples exceeded £38,000. Dawn Carney, Manager of Cash for Kids said, "Everyone is so proud of all five couples' fund raising efforts to raise almost £40,000. The money will stay within the local area to help the neediest children. Thank http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3864 Twelve learners have recently been attending an Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) accredited course at Clay Café Spennymoor funded through Working N e i g h b o u r h o o d s F u n d i n g ( W N F ) Personal Skills Training. They have successfully a c h i e v e d t h e Introduction to BSL qualification and this has encouraged them and g i v e n t h e m t h e confidence to progress to the next level. The teacher of the course, Susan Graham said "The learners determination has really paid off and I am delighted that all twelve have achieved the qualification". http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3865 Spennymoor composer Duncan Brown is composing the music for the new sight specific theatre production THE LAST WILDERNESS by North East Theatre Company Changeling Productions. The production takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Harehope Quarry, Frosterley from 10-12 September which features over 60 actors and singers from the region. Combining theatre with music and new songs (performed on a variety of traditional and newlycreated site-specific instruments including musical stones), giant puppets and the natural beauty of Harehope Quarry and the North Pennines, The Last Wilderness will be performed by a 60 strong cast of professional actors and singers from the region, alongside amateur choirs and singers, children, young people's choirs, and local people. The Last Wilderness tells the story of Thomas Allman, a North Pennines hill farmer, faced with the biggest decision of his life. Should he sell his farm to the mysterious stranger who apparently offers him the answer to all his problems? Haunted by the failures and betrayals of the past and his hopes for the future Thomas finds himself journeying to The Last Wilderness, a place where he must face up to whom he is and what he is. The new play is the latest sitespecific work from North East theatre company Changeling Productions, who are renowned for creating unique work in unusual places throughout the UK and Europe. Previous projects have included performances on climbing walls (Elevation), swimming pools (Three Miles Away), housing estates (Transfusion) and Bishop Auckland Castle (The Painter and The Patriarch). Recently the company devised Songlines, a ballad that was created and sung by people in towns and villages from Barrow to Hartlepool. The Harehope Quarry Project, in County Durham, is an ecoproject that explores sustainable living, where once they quarried the unique and world famous Frosterley Marble. The Harehope Quarry Project has worked to restore areas of the quarry giving it a new function and providing facilities for visitors. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3866 The new look website launched on the first day of the 2009/10 season. The site includes match reports, fixtures and everything a supporter could need to know. Saturday 15th August was also a good day on the pitch as Spennymoor are through to the next round of the F.A.Cup after a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Ashington at The Brewery Field. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3867 Hundreds of rubber ducks will be adding a splash of colour to The Alnwick Garden on Sunday 23rd August. You are invited to purchase a duck ticket for £2 which gains you entry into The Alnwick Garden for a special evening event. The Garden will be open until 8pm. The bath time toys have been in training for weeks at The Granary in Amble for the second Great North East Duck Dash down the Garden's Grand Cascade organised by Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal. And this year, they will be turning out in four different colours - the traditional yellow, as well as red, green and blue - to make the charity races a colourful and exciting spectacle for all the family. Five hundred of each colour, with names such as David Peckham, Pearls a Winger, Mallard Ministration and Martin Luther Wing will be lining up to compete for the crown of Duck Dash Champion from 3.30pm on Sunday. Ducks are on sale around the North East for £2, which also gives free entry to The Alnwick Garden from 3pm. Last year's race was won, appropriately enough, by the Duckess of Northumberland! The overall winning duck ticket owner will waddle off with the top prize of a family day out to Kielder with added extras. To be in with a chance of winning, you can buy your duck at Simon Berry Optometrists, Durham, or Thompson's Opticians in Birtley and Stockton. You can also contact the Grace House office on (0191) 5166302 and purchase tickets over the phone or at hm@gracehouse.co.uk The Grace House Children's Hospice Appeal is raising funds to build, equip and run the only dedicated children's hospice in the North East that will have a catchment area from Berwick to Teesside. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3868 Following an inspection of the Children's play area on Croxdale Front Street, the City of Durham Safety Officer reported that none of the equipment complied with current safety standards. Therefore, Croxdale Residents Association in partnership with Croxdale and Hett Parish Council and supported by the City of Durham Council launched an appeal last summer to raise the £50,000 needed to bring the play area up to standard. To date over £15,000 has been raised by the residents. Their next fund raising event is a Play Day to held on the field to the rear of the Corner Shop on Saturday 29th August from 1.00 to 4.00pm. Attractions include Face painting, bottle raffle, cakes, tombolas, games and Handbags and Jewellery stalls. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3869 Thorn Lighting based in Green Lane, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award ran by the Cranfield School of Management. The Award is given annually to companies that have proven track record in manufacturing excellence and stand out when compared to organisations in the same sector. Part of the assessment process involves a visit from a team of Cranfield School of Management assessors. The team meets with the management and workforce on site to validate and make its assessment of the plant's competitive position and manufacturing performance. After almost 60 years at Merrington Lane, the company recently re-located to a new £28m custom built factory, which also houses a £1.3m training academy. The Awards event will take place at Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, London on Friday 18th September 2009. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3870 Young people in County Durham who are among those most likely to be hit by the rising youth unemployment rate are being encouraged to secure their own future by starting a business. With latest trends revealing unemployment has reached a 14-year high and almost 2.5 million of the population out of work, northern areas have seen a steep rise in unemployment. Young people have been hit hardest by the current decline with unemployment among the under-25s rising fastest and half of the jobs lost in the past year were those of youngsters. Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), Be Enterprising was created to inspire enterprise and bring about positive and measurable changes in the unemployment hotspots of County Durham. Among those supported by Be Enterprising are young people looking to launch their own business. Elliott Patterson, Be Enterprising programme manager, said: "We are committed to inspiring enterprise and supporting young people with their business ideas. Be Enterprising's aim is to make a difference in the communities in which we operate by empowering people and motivating them to start up their own businesses. Young people starting businesses today will create employment opportunities for the future." Two young women who have started their own business are Tracey McKenna and Claire Ronson, both aged 20. With the help of Be Enterprising Tracey and Claire have realised their dreams and opened their own hair and beauty salon, Phab Hair and Beauty Room, in Spennymoor, County Durham. Claire, who followed her mum's footsteps into hairdressing, started out as a Saturday girl in a local salon at 14 and, after finishing school, went to train in a Durham salon. Tracey, from Crook, completed her beauty qualification at Bishop Auckland College and, after gaining two years experience working in beauty salons, decided she was ready to go it alone. Claire, from Spennymoor, said: "Tracey and I have got such a good thing going here. We can refer clients to each other and provide a full hair and beauty service to our customers. It's a great partnership we've formed." Tracey added: "I'm planning on taking further beauty courses so I can develop my business and provide the best possible service I can for my clients. I'm also hoping in the future to take somebody on to train up and give them the same opportunities and experience that I had when I left college." Phab Beauty Room offers beauty services such as waxing, manicures and facials amongst other treatments. Phab Hair offers services that include colouring, cuts, styles and hair extensions. Along with support from Michael Smith, their business coach, Tracey and Claire received a grant from Be Enterprising to help with start-up costs. Be Enterprising is a government funded programme and is supported by additional investment from the European Regional Development Fund. Since it started in 2007 the programme has helped people in County Durham communities to start up over 1000 new businesses. Michael Smith said: "It's young entrepreneurs like Tracey and Claire who really benefit from the funding and guidance offered by Be Enterprising. It gives them the support they need to establish themselves and gain confidence to follow their dreams. It just shows, even with the economic downturn, if there is a belief that something will succeed and follow through, it will. Claire and Tracey certainly have had that drive and determination to see their business through." Anyone living in County Durham who would like support making their business idea a reality may be eligible for support from Be Enterprising. For more information call 0800 030 4134 or visit www.beenterprising. biz. http://www.spennynews.com/story.php?s=3871