Drivers treat Cockfield street 'like Brands Hatch'

FOOTBALLERS desperate to make kick-off time treat a narrow village road like Brands Hatch, parish councillors in Cockfield heard.
Members were discussing safety along Coronation Terrace, which leads to the vehicle entrance of Cockfield recreation area. The parish council had received a letter from resident Leanne Burton highlighting the speed of cars down Coronation Terrace and stating she had almost been “wiped out” on one occasion.
Cllr Carole West said when the Pauline Charlton Sports Pavilion was being built at the recreation area, she had raised the issue with police who had told her it was a matter for the county highways authority.
Cllr Christine Watters said: “Half the time, the footballers turn up at the last minute and think it’s Brands Hatch.”
Cllr Neville Singleton said it wasn’t just on days when football matches were taking place that speeding was a problem. He added: “During the ordinary daytime it’s been a problem as well. It’s a dangerous road.”
He said that while the parish council could not go ahead and put speed signs on Coronation Terrace, members were well within their rights to introduce a limit on how fast cars could go along the track once in the recreation area.
He suggested putting up a 10mph sign on the gate at the entrance to the rec road.
Other suggestions for slowing traffic on Coronation Terrace include the installation of speed bumps and a mirror so traffic could see oncoming vehicles more clearly.
Parish council chairwoman Cllr Brenda Singleton said: “I don’t know how they can go so fast down there. I go at about 5mph.”
Members agreed to contact Durham County Council’s highways department for advice on Coronation Terrace.
They also agreed to put up 10mph speed signs for the track from the entrance to the rec area to the sports pavilion.

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Fundraisers make a splash in the Tees

SUPERHEROES, a pirate, a monk, a couple of Santas and even Elvis plunged into the Tees at Barnard Castle this morning (Monday).
The Boxing Day dip was organised by the town's fundraising group The Clique.
Despite the sunshine, there was a chill wind and a strong current, but that didn't put the dippers off as they waded half way across the river, near the Silver Bridge.
It was the second time the Boxing Day dip had been organised by the Clique, and about twice as many took part compared to last year's first effort.
Dozens of people also turned out to support the dippers'  efforts from the river bank.
More pictures in this week's Mercury, which will be in the shops on Wednesday.

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Head's labour of love looks back on 200 years of Ingleton school

A TEESDALE head teacher has compiled a new book to coincide with her school's 200th anniversary.
Judith Pressley has spent the last couple of years speaking to former pupils about their time at Ingleton Primary School as well as collecting old photos for the book.
The original school was built in 1816 when the population of the village was fewer than 300.
It was part-fitted with pews and also used as a meeting place for the Primitive Methodists as well as for education.
It was enlarged in 1874 and again in 1904 when the playground was extended. A school garden was added in 1917 and in the 1920s, there were about 130 children on the register.
School meals were introduced in 1950, when 76 pupils paid a shilling a day for dinner.
In 1967, the current primary school was opened in Manor Road.
Mrs Pressley is one of only 11 head teachers at the school since 1873. She has worked at Ingleton for a quarter of a century and been head since 1998.
She said she had enjoyed putting the book together.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful meeting former pupils and getting their stories and memories.
“The book is an ideal way to celebrate 200 years. I thought it was a very special occasion as we are one of the oldest primary schools in the county.
“The book will also provide a lasting reminder of the year.”
Some of the earliest recollections in the book are from Ronnie Raper, who started at Ingleton school on September 4, 1929.
“As my mother was getting me ready for my first day at school she asked me ‘And what are you going to say to Mr Wade, the headmaster, when you get there?’
“I replied quite boldly ‘Good morning, sir.’
“Then off we all went, my sister and brother and the rest of the children from Hilton to walk down to school.
“I was very happy until we reached the school and as the door opened, I panicked, lost my boldness, turned around and headed back home.
“My sister Ethel was having none of that and came tearing after me and hauled me back.”
Mr Raper, now in his 90s, was invited back to open the school’s new extension in 2002 and his great grandchildren still go to Ingleton in 2016.
Another former pupil, Neil Dunn, recalls mischievous behaviour during his school days in the 1970s.
“I mostly remember running a lot and collecting rose hips and haws from the bottom hedge so we could make itching powder.
“I remember the smell from the surrounding fields where animals were kept and grass was cut for hay. We played Batman and Cops and Robbers with guns made from sticks.
“I just remember it was a wonderful time at Ingleton and didn't really want to leave.”
Nellie Thornton was a member of the kitchen staff in the 1970s, but according the book, “Auntie Nellie” was better known for something else.
“After she retired from working in the school kitchen, she took on the role of football team coach when she was well into her 70s,” writes Mrs Pressley.
“She took the team to many successes, particularly the Small Teesdale Schools trophy fought out at Woodland School with all the local primaries. Ingleton won this many times with Nellie in charge.”
Ingleton Church of England Primary School 200 years – history is available at the Teesdale Mercury shop, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, and from the school.
It costs £6 with all funds going to the school.

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Compost offer to gardeners across Teesdale

PEOPLE in Teesdale are being offered free compost when they sign up for garden waste collections in the new year.
The dale is unique in County Durham in that garden waste is collected by Teesdale Conservation Volunteers, better known as Rotters, on behalf of the county council.
This year they collected 2,200 tonnes of garden waste, some 400 tonnes more than they are contracted for, from about 2,400 households that signed up for the service.
Next year the group is hoping to attract more people to sign up by offering to fill green Rotters bags with free compost when they join up in January.
Martin Bacon, of Rotters, said: “It is important that as many people as possible join up. It isn’t just to provide the service, it allows Rotters to keep going.”
Those who sign up will get 17 collections at their homes between spring and autumn.
The free compost offer is available from Tuesday, January 3, to Saturday, January 7, and again from Monday, January 9, to Friday, January 13.

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Second chance for Barnard Castle residents to have their say on town council's plans to take over green spaces

A CONSULTATION event into the future of Barnard Castle’s green spaces is to be repeated early in the new year to give more people the chance to have their say.
Barnard Castle Town Council is considering an approach to the county council to take over responsibility for the upper and lower Demesnes, Scar Top, the grassed areas on Bridgegate, Amen Corner, the Galgate greens and various flower beds.
If councillors vote to go ahead, the move will add £7,180 to the council’s budget – most likely paid for through an increase in council tax bills.
The town council says that if the management of these areas is brought under local control, it would make it easier to organise events on areas such as Scar Top, where performance facilities were included as part of a major revamp of the area adjacent to the castle.
A hastily arranged day-long drop-in event to canvass residents’ views was held last week at the town council’s Woodleigh headquarters.
Given the short notice, another session will be held on Saturday, January 7, between 10am and 2pm.
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse, who was on hand to answer questions at last week’s event, said few had turned up, although some people had made their views known online. Among those who did attend the consultation were former town councillors Tom Deacon and John Watson.
Mr Deacon was “uneasy” about the cost to taxpayers of taking over the green spaces on top of the likely council tax increase from Durham County Council.
He also questioned whether the decision should be deferred until after the local elections in May, when the make-up of the town council is likely to be different as a number of current members have signalled their intention to stand down.
However, Mr Watson said it was “absolutely essential” for the town’s green areas to revert to local control for their “protection and maintenance”.
He said: “I took the trouble to attend the presentation delivered by the chief executive of Durham County Council and it is quite clear that green spaces that do fall within the remit of town and parish councils are destined to be relinquished by the county council.
“Barnard Castle’s green areas are irreplaceable spaces in the town, which has seen massive development in recent years.
“Unless we protect these spaces locally, they will come under threat, especially as we have not reached any agreement on the extension of the town boundaries.”
The consultation event on January 7 will again take place at the Woodleigh building on Scar Top.

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Get-together planned for former town footballers

CURRENT and former footballers are planning to dribble their way around Barnard Castle to round off the year with a mass pub crawl.
The brainchild of former goalkeeper and entertainer Mark Carter, the event on December 28 is a way of reuniting players who may not have seen each other for years.
He said: “It’s about the third one we’ve had. Last year we had about 20 or 25 come from all over Teesdale. You get lads turning up that you’ve not seen for years. We have a great laugh together.”
Last year the group took in the Cricketers’ Arms, Cricket Club, Coach and Horses, Three Horseshoes and ended up at 12 Bar Blues.
This year the footballers will be starting at the Three Horseshoes at 6pm and will travel around to end again at 12 Bar Blues, where landlord and former footballer Ian Swinburn has arranged for live music.
Mr Carter added: “This is an open invitation to all footballers, managers and coaches to meet up for one night of the year and have a bit of banter and a few drinks. New or old faces, everyone is welcome.”
For more information contact Mark Carter on 07824 773993

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A million reasons to smile as Barnard Castle charity hits major milestone

A TEESDALE charity will have a million reasons to smile this Christmas.
Barnard Castle-based A Smile For A Child raised its one millionth pound on Sunday after more than seven years supporting disabled and disadvantaged youngsters.
Owner, founder and fundraising tour de force Chris Read was overwhelmed with the charity’s achievements.
“I never thought we would get there,” he said. “It never really crossed my mind until a year ago when my wife, Nicole, and I were going through the accounts.
“We had three-quarters of a million pounds and I did start to wonder.”
Using the Twitter hashtag #Go4themillion, the dale charity has been working towards the £1million figure for the past three months. Bucket collections and events nationwide have edged the charity towards the milestone.
It was a weekend collection near Hull with youngster Kizzy Wade which brought the million home.
Mr Read, a former supermarket manager, set up A Smile for A Child in 2009 while on leave from Waitrose.
After he was made redundant, the family took the life-changing decision to throw their weight behind the charity. Seven years down the line, A Smile For A Child has helped children the length and breadth of Britain with more than 500 different groups and people benefiting  from the charity’s work.
“It’s seeing the kids’ faces when they get the equipment they need,” said Mr Read. “It’s the smile on their faces when they see what they’ve got – especially when the family think it will take years to save up.
“Every family we’ve helped has offered to collect for us at some point. We have helped 82 families, 37 groups and seven special schools this year.”
Using Mr Read’s living room in Coronation Street as its office headquarters, the charity has grown from a one-man-band to having a standing army of volunteers.
But Mr Read said none of it would have been possible without his family.
“It’s very much a family thing – without Nicole and the children we would not be able to do half the things we do,” he added.
The 51-year-old has never been one to shy away from a physical test for the cause.
He completed 50 challenges for his 50th birthday in 2015 – including a marathon along the Great Wall of China, a cycle from London to Paris and a desert run in North Africa. The epic feat raised more than £50,000 for A Smile For A Child.
However, Mr Read was keen to highlight the work of families and volunteers who made the £1million quest a success.
“These kids and families do a lot of active fundraising themselves – it’s fantastic,” he said. “It’s not about me – it’s about our supporters and the children. I’m just the one who organises it.”
Harnessing the power of social media has been a key string to the charity’s bow and its partnerships in the dale have also boosted its reach.
Neville Singleton, chairman of Teesdale Disability Access Forum, had nothing but praise for his fellow charity worker.  He added: “There are a lot of people who don’t realise how much work he really does.
“He will not give up at anything – when they’re handing out OBEs he should have one.
“The number of children I know personally who he has helped is just unbelievable.”
Mr Read added: “We have got a lovely relationship with the access forum.
“If they cannot help someone they will refer them to me and I will see if I can help them.  It’s links like that which help so much – if it’s a request from them I know it’s genuine and I can spend more time on fundraising.”
Contacts from his former career have also helped boost the charity’s coffers.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Waitrose and the people I have worked with over the years,” added Mr Read.
“I have had managers I’ve not spoken to for years who have set up collections in branches. It's just lovely – that’s the beauty of the internet.”
The Reads are moving out of Barney this week which will mean a few administrative changes at the charity.
Mr Read explained: “I will have my own little office in the spare room now.”
The £1million may be secure but there is plenty still to come for the charity.
A Lionel Messi signed football boot, donated by Nigel and Eleanor Allison at Picture This, has seen dozens of people bid hundreds of hours of volunteering time for the charity. A ‘Santa Dip’ at Saltburn on Tuesday, December 27, will also see hardy souls brave the icy North Sea at 10am.  Mr Read will be served a curry on the seafront by staff from Barnard Castle’s Spice Island. Visit www.asmile
forachild.org

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Barnard Castle firm backs A Smile for a Child

STAFF and customers at a dale builders merchants have raised more than £800 for charity.
A total of 1,700 tickets were sold for the annual festive raffle organised by S&A Fabrications in Barnard Castle.
This year’s chosen charity was A Smile For A Child, which helps disabled and disadvantaged children participate and progress in sport and is run by town resident Chris Read. Branch manager Steven McKie said: “We choose a different charity every year. Chris is local to the area and it is a very good cause so we chose him this year.”
With 150 prizes donated by suppliers  including a television and two tickets for an England match at Wembley, the lucky winners were drawn on Friday, December 16.
Mr McKie said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers, suppliers and everyone else who has contributed.” Winners will be contacted by S&A.

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One to remember – final carol service at world's oldest Methodist chapel

A WORLD renowned upper dale chapel hosted coffee and carols for the final time.
A bumper turnout at Newbiggin Methodist Chapel joined in a dozen carols with cups of tea.
Worshippers came from as far as Hexham to soak up the festive atmosphere with a mince pie and a brew.
Superintendent minister Revd Beverley Hollings led the service with Christmas messages, prayers and a light-hearted story about modern day consumerism.
She reserved a special thanks to those who served refreshments adding she would remember the day for a long time.
Services began at the chapel in 1760 and Methodism founder John Wesley twice preached from its pulpit in the 18th century. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind still in use worldwide but, sadly, it will not hold that accolade for much longer. A dwindling congregation and a sparse event roster have taken their toll, meaning the chapel will hold its final service on Wesley Day – Wednesday, May 24.
Joyce Wood, Brenda Hunter and Ann Bates have made the Christmas journey up the dale for the last 22 years.
“It’s definitely a special and significant place,” said Mrs Hunter.  “It’s a big family event – we all go to the Methodist Church in Barnard Castle.”
Church steward June Luckhurst, from Ingleton, made sure the kitchen ran smoothly for the fourth decade running.
She added: “I’d rate this one as first class – one of the best we have ever had.
“We usually have a singer – each service we try to have a little bit of entertainment in between the hymns and carols. Everyone chooses their own carol – my choice was ‘Cradled in a Manger, Meanly’.”
Her daughter, Susan, has been “roped in” for the past five years.
“It was nice to see so many faces that would not normally make it here,” she added.
Former villager Bev Ward revealed how the chapel had played a significant role in her life.  “I used to come to Sunday school here,” she said. 
“I got married here 25 years ago and both my children were Christened here – it’s all very sad. My mother was a key holder so she was involved in helping look after it.
“Harvest festivals were always big events – Harold Beadle used to show local slides and then there was a sale of produce.”
Holwick’s Cynthia MacKenzie was another whose life had been shaped by the chapel. She said: “My mother used to walk from Holwick with the dog – the dog used to join in with the hymns.
“I don’t know how she dared walk across in the dark.”
Events are still lined up for the chapel next year with a worship on Sunday, February, 19 led by lay preachers.
Folk outfit Cream Tees are also due to perform in April ahead of the chapel’s closing service.

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Fundraisers to brave the Tees for Boxing Day dip

INSTEAD of a bracing Boxing Day walk along the Tees to clear the head, revive the spirits and work off some of the Christmas excess, why not jump into the river?
That’s the invitation from a group of Barnard Castle fundraisers.
The Clique is holding its second annual Boxing Day dip in the Tees – and anyone brave – or foolhardy – enough is welcome to join in.
Organisers are hoping for better conditions this time round.
Clique member Geoff Thwaites said: “Last year was the first time we did it and the weather was horrendous.
“The rain meant the river was in flood so we did it in Percy Beck. There were about eight of us who took part.”
He added: “Hopefully it will be better this year. We are hoping to build the event up a bit to try to get it more established.
“People can get themselves sponsored and come down or they can take part in the dip in memory of some one. The dip is not in aid of any one charity – people can raise money for which ever charity they want.”
Anyone wishing to take the plunge this year should meet at the bandstand (past Percy Beck in Flatts Woods) down by the river for a 10.30am start.
For further information, contact Andrew Tobbel on 07411 530056.
The Clique was founded in 1975 at Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club. Originally a drinking club, its fundraising activities began with the collection of 2p pieces after a game of dominoes.
To date, more than £100,000 has been raised for local good causes and its 2016 presentation night when cheques were distributed was held at the Black Horse at the end of November.

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Little Alfie – the baby who couldn't wait for Santa!

A couple from Startforth are overjoyed after receiving an extra-special delivery just in time for Christmas.
Sarah Gregory and Chris Lacey had been expecting their first child on January 9 and had planned a relaxing Christmas break with plenty of time to prepare for their new arrival.
However, it seems Alfie Gregory Lacey just couldn’t wait for Santa.
Miss Gregory, who works
at GlaxoSmithKline, began her maternity leave on Monday, December 12, giving her and Mr Lacey four weeks to get everything sorted for their baby.
Never did they anticipate that the beginning of parenthood was only hours away.
Having felt unwell during the day with a few pains, Miss Gregory visited the doctors and then the pregnancy assessment ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital for further tests and advice.
She was told she had a water infection, that the pain was likely to be Braxton Hicks and that she definitely wasn’t going into labour. She returned home and was asked to revisit the hospital the next day for a scan.
But the pains continued and the 30-year-old mum-to-be settled on the sofa in the front room later that night.
She told Mr Lacey to get some sleep upstairs because she knew she was going to have an uncomfortable night.
Miss Gregory’s pain got worse and before she had time to do anything or even let Mr Lacey know upstairs, baby Alfie was on his way.
Weighing a healthy 6lb 2oz, Miss Gregory delivered him all on her own on the sofa at 3.11am on Tuesday, December 13 – three hours into her first day of maternity leave.
She said: “It was probably less than five minutes. I didn’t even have time to think about it. It just happened that quickly.”
Mr Lacey, who works at S&A builders merchant in the town, was woken by the sound of a crying baby.
The 36-year-old said: “At first I thought Sarah was watching something on TV. I never expected coming downstairs to a baby.”
After giving birth, Miss Gregory made a call to 999 and was holding their newborn son while speaking to the operator when Mr Lacey walked into the room.
Miss Gregory said: “I had managed to wrap him up in a blanket. His cord had been wrapped round him but he was crying so I knew he was okay. I was due to do my birthing plan the day after he was born so I had no idea what to expect. I had also made plans for that week to get things ready.”
Paramedics arrived within seven minutes of the call but Miss Gregory had done everything she needed to do apart from cut the cord which Mr Lacey had the honour of doing.
At about 4am, mother and baby were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital to be checked over.
Miss Gregory said: “We weren’t bothering about Christmas. We were just going to get each other little bits when we wanted something but now we have got Alfie.
“All of our Christmases and birthdays have come at once. We are both shocked and can’t believe he is here already. He is the best Christmas present ever.”
Sarah’s mum, Jackie Lowes, said: “Luckily everything went well. Sarah cracked on and did it all on her own. I’m so proud of her. Alfie is beautiful.”
Following a four-night stay in hospital, the family returned to their home in Startforth on Saturday. Mr Lacey said: “Plans have changed slightly for Christmas but we are looking forward to it.”
Miss Gregory added: “He’s fit and healthy and settling in really well. We’ll have to tell Santa there’s an extra little one now.”

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Festive fun at annual Santa run

RUDOLPH and the rest of the reindeer were left in their stables at Teesdale Athletics Club stage its third annual Santa run last weekend.
The festive fun run saw some 58 Santas jog through the grounds of The Bowes Museum and around the Barnard Castle School grounds.
The main event was preceded by an elf run, which attracted 29 U10s – and their parents – who enjoyed going once round the museum grounds.
This year’s event also coincided with the second day of The Bowes Museum's Christmas market.
Although not a race, first home in the Santa run was Jonathan Hann, ahead of Josh Mawer, who both run for Teesdale AC. The first female home was another Teesdale AC runner, Shona Haston.
Mr Hann said it was the first time he had entered the event.
“It was a good course and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Other runners had come from further afield.
Eddie Greenwood, who ran the elf run with his four-year-old daughter Poppy, was part of a group from Heighington.
“We only just heard about last night and thought we would do it. We came for the Christmas market and the run – it’s a fun day out.”
Donna Hawcroft, one of the race organisers from Teesdale AC, said that after last year’s snow and ice, she was relieved conditions were good for running.
“It’s gone really well and there was a good atmosphere.
“I think it’s nice to have it on the same day as the market. It makes it a bit more of a festive occasion.”
The event was run in support of Teesdale Lions Club, whose members acted as stewards around the course.

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Probe into flytipping at West Auckland beck

AN investigation is underway after dozens of bags of rubbish were found dumped in a West Auckland waterway.
The fly-tipping was discovered early last week in a stream opposite West Auckland Memorial Community Centre.
West Auckland Parish Council chairwoman Cllr Hazel Charlton said the problem of fly-tipping in the area was persistent.
She added: “It is unfortunate that this pleasant area, in fact along all the beck verges, accumulates litter because the public seem unable to use litter facilities which are provided. Keeping the beck free of rubbish and fly-tipping is unfortunately an ongoing concern.”
Durham County Council cleared the area last Friday after discovering the rubbish during a weekly estate inspection. Neighbourhood protection manager Ian Hoult said: “We discovered a large number of bags of waste which had been illegally dumped in and along a stream.
“We visited the stream on Friday morning and cleared the rubbish.
“We also found evidence which will assist our investigation into the dumping of the waste. We would encourage anyone with rubbish to put it in their bin or take it to one of our household waste recycling centres, free of charge. You can also arrange for us to collect your bulky waste for a small fee.”
For more information about how to get rid of
unwanted waste visit durham.gov.uk/recycling.

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