march 2014 - darlington together

Welcome to the March edition ofDarlington Together.

So far in 2014 we have sadly mournedthe passing of two prominentDarlington residents; Ron Lewis andCliff Hutchinson. Both men loved ourtown and in their own way did so muchto make it a better place, and I’m proudto have known both of them. Please visit page 19to find out more about them and theirachievements.

On a more positive note, we received greatnews about the Head of Steam at the start ofFebruary. The museum received £42,300 fromthe Heritage Lottery Fund for a project aboutNorth-Eastern railway workers during the FirstWorld War. This is wonderful news and will allowthe museum to conserve documents for futuregenerations. You can find out more on page 10.

Darlington celebrated its sporting champions atthe annual Sports Winners Scheme awards atthe end of January, where young people andadults were lauded for their contribution tosports in the area. It’s great to see so manypeople investing time and dedication to theircommunity, and putting Darlington on the map.

You can read all about who won onpages 30 and 31.

Speaking of dedication to thecommunity, why not try your hand at aquiz on pages 24 and 25 where you canfind out how healthy your communityspirit is? Yes, it’s a little tongue-in-cheek,but the message in it is clear, we all

need to play our part and take ownership ofwhere we live if we want Darlington to thrive.Even the little things like checking in on yourelderly neighbours occasionally and recyclingyour rubbish can make a difference.

Cllr Bill Dixon MBE(@BillDixonDton)Leader of the Council

Darlington Borough Council | 17

Welcome to thismonth’s magazine forDarlington Borough

MP’s surgeriesJenny Chapman: MP for Darlington. Walk-in surgery will be held Friday 14 Marchand Friday 28 March from 9:30 - 10:30am atthe Constituency Office, 40a ConiscliffeRoad, Darlington, DL3 7RG. E-mail: [email protected]: 01325 382345

Phil Wilson: MP for Sedgefield. Theoffice is open between Monday to Friday,9.30am - 5pm. Appointments can bearranged by calling 01325 321603 or e-mail [email protected]

MARCH

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17

18 | www.darlington.gov.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

STREET SCENEwww.darlington.gov.uk/streetsceneTel (01325) 388777

COUNCIL TAXwww.darlington.gov.uk/counciltaxTel (01325) 388373

HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORTwww.darlington.gov.uk/benefitsTel (01325) 388514

HOUSING AND REPAIRSwww.darlington.gov.uk/housingTel (01325) 388542

HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHwww.darlington.gov.ukTel (01325) 388799

www.darlington.gov.uk

01325 380651

[email protected]

CONTACT US

Track Across Time:Don’t forget that the TrackAcross Time exhibition runsuntil the end of this month(30 March) at Head ofSteam. The exhibitionbridges two events; theopening of North RoadLocomotive works in 1863and the start of World War Iin 1914. It is included in themuseum admission price.

Have your say about childcare inDarlington: Let us know what you thinkabout childcare provision in Darlington - yourviews will help us make sure there is enoughchildcare for parents and carers. Visitwww.darlington.gov.uk/childcareauditfor more information or [email protected]

European elections:The European Electionstake place on Thursday 22May. Make sure that you’reentitled to vote byregistering on the ElectoralRoll by midnight on Tuesday6 May. If you currently donot have a postal or proxyvote and would like one,you need to apply by 5pmon Wednesday 7 May. Find out more by visiting www.darlington.gov.uk/democracy

Phone number change:The telephone number for making apayment has changed to 0300 4562671. Calls to 0300 numbers cost nomore than calls to 01 & 02 numbersand are included in landline andmobile call packages (please checkwith your phone provider for details).This number is available 24 hours aday, 7 days a week. You can also makepayments online and in person. Visitwww.darlington.gov.uk/paymentsto find out more.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17


Councillor Ron Lewis, a retiredland surveyor passed away onThursday 9 January 2014 aged 77.

He had been a member of DarlingtonBorough Council since 1987 and hadrepresented Mowden Ward for almost27 years. During his time on theCouncil, Ron served on a number ofcommittees including the Place ScrutinyCommittee and the Human ResourcesCommittee, as well as representing theCouncil on the Combined FireAuthority. He was also Mayor of theBorough in 2003/2004.

Ron was the Vice Chairman of the Boardof Governors at the Federation ofMowden Schools and represented theCouncil on numerous external bodies.

Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of theConservative group said: “Ron was anenthusiastic and hardworking member ofthe group. He always participated fully incouncil meetings, he had a dry sense ofhumour and was the perfect gentleman. Hewill be sadly missed by us all and will be ahard act to follow.”

A by-election will be held in the nearfuture.

Councillor Ron Lewis

Alderman Cliff Hutchinson passed away onFriday 24 January 2014.

He retired as a Councillor in May 2007 after 44years’ service representing Cockerton Ward.Later in 2007 he was given the title of HonoraryAlderman to recognise his service to the Counciland the people of Darlington. He was Mayor ofthe Borough in 1974/1975.

In 1974, Darlington Council prepared for localgovernment reorganisation, with Cliff aschairman of the shadow authority. His guidanceand advice also proved invaluable when theCouncil became a unitary authority in 1997.

Cliff had a great interest in housing and wasChair of the Housing Committee for severalyears. During his time as chairman there was alarge programme of new build housing and hisname can be seen on plaques throughout thetown on buildings he officially opened.

Cliff also served on a number of Committeesand national and regional bodies, including theNational Housing and Town Planning Council. Hewas also a Justice of the Peace.

Alderman Cliff Hutchinson

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17


The Council’s refuse and recycling service ischanging.

From October 2014 the Council will be introducingan alternate weekly collection service. Further detailswill be published shortly and will be available on ourwebsite: www.darlington.gov.uk/awc.

Before this change you will need to make sure youhave a green recycling box for recycling glass now andin the future, in the same way you do now. Simplywash out your empty jar or bottle, remove anddiscard the lid in your household rubbish and putyour glass in your green recycling box. Then placeyour green box on the kerbside of your property themorning of your collection day.

Please make sure you have your green recycling boxto recycle your glass. If you haven’t got one, you willneed one before October. Contact CustomerServices to request one. E-mail customer services [email protected] or call 01325388777.

• We wash the towncentre streets fourmornings per weekwhich takes at leasttwo hours per day forapproximately 6months of the year!

• We use 1400 litres ofwater per dayremoving chewing gumfrom the town centre,that’s 5,600 litres perweek and 145,600litres per year!

It is the most difficult type of litter to deal with andcosts the Council approximately £20,000 per year. Ifpeople discarded their used gum in the bin wewouldn’t have to clean up after them and the moneycould be spent on essential services.

Tackling chewing gum

DID YOU KNOW?

The sticky issue of discarded chewing gumlittering our streets looks unsightly and ishazardous.

Recycle your glass

Recycling glass is great for the environmentand will leave more room in your wheeledbin for household rubbish.

Help keepyour Borough

beautiful

Be proud of where you live andhelp keep your Borough Beautiful.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17

As part of our Heart Town commitment and role in theTobacco Alliance, Public Health, Darlington and theSmoke Free Network North East are supportingSmokers across the Borough to give up cigarettes forgood on No Smoking Day, Wednesday 12 March 2014.

It is estimated that one in five adults smoke in Darlington andthat around two thirds of those smokers want to quit.

The annual No Smoking Day campaign is run by the BritishHeart Foundation (BHF) and encouraged one million smokersto make a quit attempt last year. This year’s No Smoking Dayhas a ‘V for Victory’ theme to help smokers on the road tovictory, providing information, support and encouragement tomake a successful quit attempt on the day.

Around 9000 children take up smoking every year in our regionand over 13,000 every year have to have hospital or GPtreatment as a result of breathing in second-hand smoke. Weneed to do more to help to reduce the number of youngsmokers and to protect our most vulnerable from otherpeople's smoke.

As part of this year’s No Smoking Day campaign all schoolchildren in Darlington were invited to design posters to raiseawareness and help reduce the number of young smokers.

Longfield Academy of Sport’s Head Teacher, Susan Johnson said:“The pupils loved getting involved – it was a great opportunity to talkabout the terrible harm smoking can cause. I hope it will help toremind pupils and young people to say no to tobacco and not accepta cigarette.”

Megan Bailey aged 13 said: “I loved making my poster. We learntabout what can happen if you smoke. It is a horrible habit andaffects lots of people, not just the person smoking. I wish everybodywould stop smoking cigarettes – it would stop lots of illness andupset.”


Let the challenge commence on No Smoking Day

For more information about the No Smoking Day campaign visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk. For more on the BHF visit www.bhf.org.uk. For local Stop Smoking Service information contact Darlington Borough Council’s Customer Services – Email: [email protected] – Telephone: 01325 380651.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17


Professionals and members of the publiccan now easily report issues aboutvulnerable adults and children with thelaunch of the MASH (Multi-AgencySafeguarding Hub)

The MASH is a partnership betweenDarlington Borough Council, DurhamConstabulary, health services and otheragencies. It is based at Darlington Police stationand launched on Friday 7 February.

The MASH will act as the first point of contactfor safeguarding concerns, when someone isworried about the safety or well-being of achild or adult. Agencies working together in thesame office will be able to share relevantinformation with one another, improvingdecision-making and ensuring a better servicefor children, adults and families.

“The MASH has been established to keep thepeople of Darlington safe. Sharing informationwill ensure that faster, more accountabledecisions can be made; decisions which mayultimately mean the difference between lifeand death.”

Councillor Bill Dixon, Leader ofDarlington Council with additionalresponsibilities for policing andcommunity safety

You can call the MASH between 8:30am-5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am-4:30pm on Fridays......................................................................................................................................................................................CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE: 01325 742020 / ccdref@darlington.gcsx.gov.uk.....................................................................................................................................................................................ADULTS: 01325 742030 / ssact@darlington.gcsx.gov.uk.....................................................................................................................................................................................Outside of these hours, please call The Emergency Duty Team on 08702 402994. .....................................................................................................................................................................................IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL 999..............................................................................................................................................You can find out more about the MASH on the Darlington Borough Council website: www.darlington.gov.uk/mash (or scan the QR code)

The MASH – keeping adults and children safe in Darlington

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:17

Darlington Borough Council and DistinctDarlington are holding a Town CentreConference to ask businesses and residents tohelp plan for the future of Darlington towncentre.

Darlington is a good place to do business, goshopping, relax and meet friends.Eighteen months ago we worked with you to developa vision; this is your chance to see what has come outof that and what more can be done. Find out moreabout what’s happening including:

• New Cinema• Plans for car parking• Proposed riverside park • New offices in the town centre• And how the Council and Distinct Darlington are

supporting businesses.

Town centres across the country are changingbecause people’s lifestyles are changing. We wantDarlington town centre to keep-up with change andwe need the help of local businesses and residents todo this.

Be part of the future ofDarlington town centre

You will be able to:• Hear about the changing nature of retail

and how this affects Darlington Town Centre

• Discuss what the town centre is used for andhow we can make sure it thrives in the future

• Together we need to plan for the future,including thinking about:

Planning policy

The markets

Night time economy

How businesses can tap into online shopping

Thursday 27th March from 5pm – 8pm At the Dolphin Centre, Central Hall

Register at: www. tcconference.eventbrite.co.ukFor more information visit: www.darlington.gov.uk/business

or www.distinctdarlington.co.uk


When and

Where?

Who can come and what exactly is going

on?

✔✔✔✔

It’s open to all Businessesand Residents in

Darlington.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18

..................................................................................................................................

Mainly a) You are the very meaning of Community Spirit! Mere mortals can only look at you in admiration...................................................................................................................................

Mainly b) Your Community Spirit is healthy, you’re a great exampleand should encourage your neighbours, family and friendsto get involved too.

..................................................................................................................................

Mainly c) You have some Community Spirit – if you’d like to do morecheck out the ideas on the right..................................................................................................................................

Mainly d) Bah humbug, your Community Spirit is out of shape! Get some inspiration from the ideas on the right..................................................................................................................................

RESULTS


Do you know the name of your next door neighbour?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) Yes, I’m round there every other day helpingwith the bins and picking up milk

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) Yes, I feed the cat when my neighbour goes away

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) Almost, I say hello as I pass and ask about the kids

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) No, I might have nodded at them once in the street

............................................................................................................................................................................

What’s the last thing you volunteered to do?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I volunteer every other night with a variety of organisations

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I volunteer once a week to help the community

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I volunteered to babysit for a friend the other day

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) I voluntarily got out of bed this morning

............................................................................................................................................................................

Do you shop locally?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I do all my shopping at Darlington’s markets and independent shops

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I try and buy as much as I can locally

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I occasionally get into Town to support local shops

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) Does the local big supermarket chain count?

............................................................................................................................................................................

What are your thoughts on litter around the Town?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I am a member of Keep Britain Tidy; I thinkthere is too much litter in certain areas so I organise litter picks and try to encourageothers not to drop litter

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I have been on a litter pick with work and I don’t drop litter

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I don’t drop litter but that’s the extent of my involvement

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) I don’t really look at the floor... I keep my garden pretty tidy!

............................................................................................................................................................................

How healthy is your Community S

1 2

5 6

If you answered:

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18


y Spirit? Take this quiz to find out what kind ofshape your community spirit is in:

How much do you recycle?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) My friends call me the recycling guru! I recyclealmost everything - I have a compost heap inthe garden and I love websites like freecycle

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I make sure I put my rubbish in the recycling bin and take my glass to the bottle bank

...........................................................................................................................................................................

c) I manage to separate paper and card from therest of my rubbish but I don’t have time to wash out empty yogurt pots

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) I watch Kirstie’s Homemade Homes on the telly – does that count?!

............................................................................................................................................................................

Do you make use of everything Darlington has to offer?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I am a member of the Dolphin Centre, the Library and visit every exhibition at the Head of Steam

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I visit either the library or the swimming poolabout once a month and I went to the Festival of Thrift

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I go to see the Panto at the Civic Theatre everyyear

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) I watched the Darlington version of ‘Come Dine With Me’

............................................................................................................................................................................

JOIN good friends and offer your company to a lonely person in your area www.goodfriends.org.uk

GET TO KNOW your neighbours – set up a coffee morning or offer to babysit once in a while

TRY freecycle.org.uk and ilovefreegle.org to recycle things you don’t use anymore

VOLUNTEER with eVolution www.darlingtonevolution.com

BECOME a Street Champion andorganise litter picks for your area: [email protected] or call 01325 347467 to get involved

SHOP LOCAL – try the markets fora start! Search Darlington markets andDarlington Sunday People’s market onFacebook for more info.

3 4T

AK

E A

CT

ION

How involved are you in your kids activities?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I am a school governor, I organise sports days and I put on a holiday club in the summer

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I help out with the Brownies and am on hand to help with homework

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I take my kids to activities in the holidays and I read to them before bed

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) Involved? I have Teenagers; I don’t see them

.........................................................................................................................................................................

How do you take care of yourself?

............................................................................................................................................................................

a) I always eat my 5 a day, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, rarely drink and I meditate every day

............................................................................................................................................................................

b) I eat a balanced diet and I get to the parkrun every once in a while

............................................................................................................................................................................

c) I am quite careful with my diet, I could probablydo with cutting down on certain items and I try and walk to work

............................................................................................................................................................................

d) I don’t know about 5 fruit and veg every day… I definitely eat at least 5 things every day!

............................................................................................................................................................................

7 8

BECOME a School Governor visitwww.darlington.gov.uk/schoolgovernors, contact theGovernor Development Team on 01325 388816 oremail [email protected].

GET MOVING join in the South Park parkrunfind more details at www.parkrun.org.uk or join theDolphin Centre, more information atwww.darlington.gov.uk/dolphin

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18

Help with heating bills andmaking your homewarmer and more energyefficient may be just aphone call away thanks toa new scheme – Warm UpNorth.

Darlington Council is working withBritish Gas, and eight other North East authorities, ondelivering the Warm Up North scheme which aims tohelp local residents make their houses warmer throughthe installation of energy efficiency improvements,leading to a reduction in heating bills. This may includea new central heating boiler, loft insulation, cavity wallor solid wall insulation.

Since the scheme launched, more than 250 North Eastresidents have benefitted from the installation ofenergy efficiency improvements in their homes, whichcovers private and rented homes, and social housing aswell as publicly owned buildings.


Energy help just a phone call away

Sam and Mavis Bates were amongst the first peoplein the region to have their inefficient heatingsystem replaced through Warm Up North.

Sam, a former oil company contractor, said:“Without the help of Warm Up North I don’t know whatwe would have done as we just wouldn’t have beenable to afford to have a new boiler fitted. The team wasfantastic, they were very easy to deal with and the localcontractors who completed the installation work havedone a marvellous job.

“Our new combi boiler is much more efficient than ourprevious back boiler and we’re already feeling thebenefits. When we turn the tap on we have instant hotwater while our home is warmer and much morecomfortable than it was previously.”

Stay up-to-date with Warm Up North by following@WarmUpNorth1 on Twitter and likefacebook.com/warmupnorth.

¹Calls to an 0800 number are free from a BT Landline, calls from other lines and mobiles may vary.

“Local residents are already benefitting from WarmUp North. Anything that can make the householdbudget stretch further is to be welcomed and thisscheme can do that as well as ensuring homes arewarmer and more energy efficient.

“In addition, the Scheme offers peace of mind topeople as it is linked with the Council and a nationalenergy provider. Residents can rest assured that theywill receive professional advice and service.”

Councillor Chris McEwan, The Council’sCabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration

Contact the team on free¹ phone 0800 2948073 or visit www.warmupnorth.com to findout if you may be eligible for assistance.

If eligible, a Warm Up North assessor will carryout a simple survey of your home andrecommend a tailored package of improvementsto help make the property more energyefficient.

Warm Up North will manage your applicationthrough to the installation of your new energyefficiency measures, helping you to look forwardto a warmer home and cheaper heating bills.

3

2

1

Getting involved withWarm Up North is aseasy as one two three…

For a limited period of time (subject to funding)we are providing free Green Deal assessments -a saving of £99. Get in touch to find out more.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18

Anyone living in England, over 16 years old and not in full-time education can apply to be an apprentice. If you wouldlike more information, please contact Chris Burney(Trainer/Assessor) on 01325 248021 [email protected].

You can also visitwww.darlington.gov.uk/apprenticeships (orscan the QR code)


Monday 3 to Friday 7 March is NationalApprenticeship week; a time tocelebrate apprenticeship talent andencourage apprenticeships as a greatway to gain nationally recognisedqualifications whilst being paid.

We are a major provider of Apprenticeshiptraining in Darlington, offering Level 2 andLevel 3 Apprenticeships in; BusinessAdministration, Childcare, Health and SocialCare, Site Joinery and Motor Vehicle.

Apprentices attend the Coleridge Centre orworkshops in Lingfield Way for one day aweek, and four days a week with theiremployer, gaining the skills and knowledge tocomplete the qualification.

For employers, Apprenticeships are a greatway to build a team, providing a cost effectiveway to recruit employees with relevant skillsand respected qualifications.

Celebrating great apprenticeships

Laura’sstoryLaura started as aFoundation Learningstudent in September2011 aged 16, havingleft school withinsufficient GCSEs tojoin an Apprenticeshipcourse.

As part of her course, she did work experience at theGardens Care Home two days a week. The manager atthe Gardens was so impressed, she offered Laura aplace as a Level 2 Apprentice.

Laura successfully completed her Level 2Apprenticeship, progressed to Level 3 and was soonoffered a permanent contract with the Gardens.

With the blessing of her manager, Laura began lookingfor opportunities with the NHS and secured atemporary health care role in the A & E department ofDarlington Memorial Hospital. Within around 12weeks, Laura was offered a permanent contract at thehospital and she will be embarking on a degree inNursing in the near future.

During Apprenticeship week we willbe running vocationally basedactivities which will be set up aroundteam or individual challenges:

MOTOR VEHICLE – removing andrefitting a tyre in the fastest time orcarrying out service checks on a vehicle.

SITE JOINERY – building a flat packitem of furniture in the quickest time orbuilding a bird table within a time frame,judged on best product design and finish

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE –painting and decorating rooms or tendingto gardens in a local care home.

Advanced apprentices and employers willbe invited to judge the activities and giveprizes.

DID YOU KNOW?In the academic year 2009/2010 only 690 Darlington

residents took up an apprenticeship.

By 2012/2013 this number had risen to 1,550 - up 255%!

in Darlington

Pose

d by

mod

els

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18

Did you know that Darlington’s population isthe fastest growing in the North East and hasincreased by 7.9% in the past 10 years? To makesure that everyone has somewhere to live andto keep businesses investing in the Borough,we are proposing around 6,000 new houses.Most will be built on private land but theCouncil can use its spare land to make surethat housing meets Darlington's needs.

Eight pieces of land have been suggested: Red Hall;Glebe Road North; Lime Avenue; the rear of TyneCrescent and Bamburgh Place; Upper Russell Street;Alexander Street/Blackett Road and Muscar HouseFarm.

By selling council-owned land we can have some sayover how the new homes are built and avoid buildinghouses in areas that are less suitable.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Cabinet Member forEconomy and Regeneration says: “Not enough housesare being built in Darlington. We want to make sure thatthere are enough homes for future generations and forbusinesses looking to invest in Darlington and grow theirworkforce here.”


Darlington needs tobuild for the future

To find out more about the proposals visit www.darlington.gov.uk

• When businesses move to Darlingtonthey create jobs, attracting new peopleto the town – these people needsomewhere to live

• We need to make surethat there are enoughhouses for futuregenerations

• People live in smallerhouseholds, for examplea lot of elderly peoplelive by themselves

Why do we need more houses?

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:18

A la memoiré, based in Clark’s Yard, is just oneof the start-up businesses that our businesssupport team has helped.

Sisters, Leanne Pearson and Claire Louise Claydecided to turn their hobby making stationery forfriends weddings into a business. They worked withthe team, based in the Town Hall, to turn theirdream into a reality and have set up a handmadegift store, specialising in bespoke weddingstationery.The business support team helped the sisters withfinancial and marketing advice to help get thebusiness off the ground.Leanne says: “I couldn’t put a price on the helpfrom the team at the Council. They didn’t just helpus access finance to get the business started; theygave us advice and support on all areas of running abusiness.“Darlington is a good place to set up a businessand it’s great to be able to showcase crafts made bylocal people.

“It’s been hard work but it’s so worth it.”If you’re looking to set up or your own business orgrow your existing business contact the businesssupport team on 01325 388682 or email:[email protected] can also find out more at:www.darlington.gov.uk/business


DARLINGTON is THE place in the region tostart up your business according to aGovernment-backed report. Research fromStartUp Britain on the number of businessesregistered with Companies House in 2013showed 1,406 had a Darlington postcode.

Success in Darlington can be credited to the strongworking relationship between the Council and theprivate sector.

"We offer a range of support from accessing funding topractical advice which means failure rates of new start-ups isway below the national average," said Shak Asghar of the

Council’s economic regeneration team.

A £100,000 grant from the High Street Innovation Fundhas backed retail start-ups in the town, and theregeneration team also works closely with Job CentrePlus and business support organisation Tedco to helpjobseekers set up their own businesses.

In addition to handling enquiries and giving businessadvice and support, the team also works closely withschools to encourage entrepreneurial skills and raiseaspirations amongst young people.The Team can becontacted on 01325 388121 or e-mail:[email protected]

Start-up success

Business is booming in Darlington

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:19


AcknowledgingDarlington’s sporting heroesDarlington’s sporting heroes celebratedin style at the annual Darlington SportsWinners Scheme awards, which tookplace on Wednesday 29 January atDarlington College.

The awards celebrate achievement and progressin the borough’s young athletes and recognisethe men and women who strive to help themreach their goals.

An audience of friends, family, businesses andcivic dignitaries attended the two-hourceremony.

Organising committee member Brian Dobinsoncelebrated the nation’s sporting achievementsand also paid tribute to former Mayor RonLewis who died recently.

He said: “Ron will always be remembered forhelping us secure the Mülheim Trophy for theperson most dedicated to sport, which marked our50th year of twinning with the German town.

“This scheme is so worthwhile and I am so gratefulto all our sponsors for helping to keep it going forthe town’s youth.”

“This is a really special event in Darlington’scalendar because it celebrates very specialpeople; the youngsters who commit themselvesto sport and the coaches and parents who havededicated their lives to helping them.”

Alasdair MacConachie, Chairman ofDarlington College and managing directorof Sherwoods.

Darlington Sports Winners scheme issponsored by; Sherwoods, DarlingtonBorough Council, Tees Valley Sport, MasterSkills Sporting Academy, RotaryInternational and Serco.

THE WINNERSYOUNG SPORTS WINNER U13 Presented byDarlington Borough Council Chief Executive Ada Burns.Longfield School student Courtney Burton, 12, took theaward for her success as a young gymnast. She joined SouthDurham Gymnastics team at the age of seven and has beenselected for the GB squad.

YOUNG SPORTS WINNER 13-19Presented by editor of The Northern Echo Peter Barron.Longfield School pupil Ben Marksby may only be 14 but heis already British boxing champion and a member of thewinning GB squad.

U13 TEAM/CLUB AWARDPresented by Councillor Andy Scott.Longfield School’s Year 7 football team proved so dominantin their season that several matches were cut short afterputting up to 11 goals past the opposition. They representedDarlington at county level, taking the County Cup anddominating the town league.

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:19


L-R, back row, Ben Marksby, Elizabeth Fenby, Courtney Burton and Andrew McBride, front, Sarah Murray, Jackson Sweeting and Steve Jackson

TEAM/CLUB AWARD 13-19Presented by Public Health principal Ken Ross.Hummersknott Academy cross-country team has showedmassive commitment to the sport in all weathers winningat local, regional and national levels.

U19 SERVICES TO SPORT AWARDPresented by Paul Beilby of Master Skills SportingAcademy.Nineteen-year-old coach Lewis Roberts received hisaccolade for his work with Spraire Lasses, encouragingthem to train hard and enjoy their football that has led to amarked increase in their performance.

SERVICES TO SPORT 19+Presented by Martin Jenkins of Tees Valley Sport.Diving head coach Steve Jackson won high praise forinspiring hundreds of young people to take up the sportover the past 25 years, passing on his expertise and passionand inspiring generations of young athletes.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDPresented by Vice President of Darlington RotaryClub Ken Wiper.Swimmer Elizabeth Fenby was recognised for battling tofind the cause of a mystery illness that struck during atraining session with her father Glen, who is head coach ofDarlington Swimming Club.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDPresented by Councillor Lee Vasey.Founder of Haughton Volleyball Club, Jackson Sweeting hasbecome a legend in the town for coaching work which hasseen young players represent their country over thedecades.

MÜLHEIM TROPHYPresented by Mayor Councillor Charles Johnson.PE co-ordinator for 20 years at Abbey School, Sarah Murray,received the accolade for supporting sport within theschools network and in the community and for playing a keyrole in providing opportunities outside the curriculum.

d

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:19

BANK TOP WARD Veronica Copeland (L) Tel: 358530; ChrisTaylor (L), Tel: 243298. Fri 21 Mar, King William StreetCommunity Centre 5pm-6pm. Wesley Court CommunityCentre, Rocket Street 6pm-6.30pm.

CENTRAL WARD Jan Taylor (L) Tel: 243298; Malcolm Wright(L) Tel: 484374. Wed 19 Mar, Gurney Pease School 6pm-7pm.Wed 2 Apr, Park Place Community Hall 6pm-7pm.

COCKERTON EAST WARD Paul Baldwin (L) Tel: 362690Sue Richmond (L) Tel: 351538. Bryan Thistlethwaite (L) Tel:485466. Thurs 13 Mar, Cockerton Library 6pm-7pm.

COCKERTON WEST WARD Jan Cossins (L) Tel: 241124David Regan (L) Tel: 495258. Wed 12 Mar, Windsor Court 10am-11am. Thurs 13 Mar, Cockerton Library 6pm – 7pm.

COLLEGE WARD Tony Richmond (C) Tel: 351538 IanGalletley (C) Tel: 07507904109. Wed 12 Mar, Abbey Junior School7pm-8pm.

EASTBOURNE WARD Bill Dixon (L) Tel: 486588 RoderickFrancis (L) Tel: 488173. Lee Vasey (L) Tel: 488513. Wed 19 Mar,Pilmoor Green Community Centre 5pm-6pm. Wed 26th Mar,Maidendale House 3pm-4pm.

FAVERDALE Richard Grundy (C) Tel: 266314. Wed 12 Mar,West Park Academy 6pm-7pm.

HARROWGATE HILL WARD Gill Cartwright (C) Tel:382276. Wed 2 Apr, Harrowgate CIU Ltd. Salters Lane North7.30pm – 8.30pm. Marjory Knowles (L) Tel: 265847 John Vasey(L) Tel: 488513. Thu 3 Apr, Classroom in the New Sports HallLongfield Academy 7pm-8pm.

HAUGHTON EAST WARD Chris McEwan (L) Tel: 283262Martin Landers (L) Tel: 07709804580. Wed 2 Apr, Red HallCommunity Centre, 6pm-7pm. Sat 5 Apr, Asda Foyer 10am-11.30am.

HAUGHTON NORTH WARD Tom Nutt (L) Tel: [email protected] Beverley Hutchinson (L) Tel:262015. Sat 5 Apr, Asda Foyer 10am-11.30am.

HAUGHTON WEST WARD Nick Wallis (L) Tel: 488797David Lyonette (L) Tel: 464693 Andy Scott (L) Tel: [email protected] Sat 5 Apr, Asda Foyer 10am-11.30am. Wed 9 Apr, Salvation Army, Thompson St. 6pm–7pm.

HEIGHINGTON AND CONISCLIFFE WARD Gerald Lee(C) Tel: 314622 Paul Crudass (C) Tel: 374537. Sat 5 Apr,Piercebridge Village Hall, 10am-11am.

HUMMERSKNOTT WARD Alan Coultas (C) Tel: 350453Charles Johnson (C) Tel: 463712. Mon 31 Mar, Carmel College6pm-7pm.

HURWORTH WARD Joe Kelley (LD) Tel: 266760. MartinSwainston (LD) Tel: 07535637060. Thurs 3 Apr, HurworthGrange Community Centre Library 6pm-7pm.

LASCELLES WARD Wendy Newall (L) Tel: 251574. HelenCrumbie (L) Tel: 462642. Sat 8 Mar, Cleveland Bridge Social Club12 noon – 1pm. Tue 18 Mar, St Johns Cof E Academy, 6pm-7pm.

LINGFIELD WARD Ian Haszeldine (L) Tel: 741508 LynneHaszeldine (L) Tel: 07950521511.Wed 12th Mar, EastbourneSports Complex, 6pm-6.30pm. Wed 26th Mar, Heathfield PrimarySchool, 6pm-6.30pm.

MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE WARD Doris Jones (C) Tel:332820 Steve York (C) Tel: 332025. Tues 25 Mar, Dinsdale Court6.15pm-7.15pm.

MOWDEN WARD Bill Stenson (C) Tel: 468249. Mon 7 Apr,Mowden Junior School 6.30pm-7.30pm.

NORTH ROAD WARD Anne-Marie Curry (LD) Tel:07531304050 [email protected] Fred Lawton(LD) Tel: 467413 Alan Macnab (LD) Tel: 482015 Wed 12 Mar,Morrisons North Road, Car Park Entrance, 6pm-7pm. Wed 2Apr, Northlands Methodist Church, Entrance Hall, 9.15am-10.15am.

NORTHGATE WARD Eleanor Lister, (L) Tel. 254091 DorothyLong, (L) Tel. 355755 Wed 2 Apr, Reid Street Primary School,6pm-7pm.

PARK EAST WARD Paul Harman (L) Tel: 483259 CyndiHughes (L) Tel: 480975 Joe Lyonette (L) Tel: 263480. Fri 14 Mar,St. Columbas Church Hall 6-7pm. Fri 21 Mar, The ColeridgeCentre 6-7pm.

PARK WEST WARD Bob Donoghue (C) Tel: 352582 HeatherScott (C) Tel: 468547. Fri 21 Mar, 76 Carmel Road South 5pm-6pm.

PIERREMONT WARD Bob Carson (L) Tel: 240627 StephenHarker (L) Tel: 380039 Linda Hughes (L) Tel: 07904772387. Wed5 Mar and Wed 2 Apr, Reid Street Primary School 6-7pm.

SADBERGE AND WHESSOE Brian Jones (C) Tel: 332820.Wed 26 Mar, Bishopton Village Hall, Supper Room, 6pm-7pm.

E-mailing councillors: If you wish to e-mail your councillor their e-mail address is: [email protected]

For example, if you wish to e-mail Bill Dixon, type in [email protected]

• The only exceptions are Andy Scott (Haughton West Ward), Anne-Marie Curry (North Road Ward) and Tom Nutt (HaughtonNorth); their e-mail addresses are shown with their ward surgery details.


Your local councillor is there to listen to you and find out about theissues that are affecting life in your ward. You can e-mail, telephone ormeet with your local councillor at regular ward surgeries.

DARLINGTONTOGETHER

Key: (L) Labour (C) Conservative (LD) Liberal Democrat

Upcoming Committee DatesGeneral Licensing Committee Tue 11 March 9.30am Committee Room 3

Planning Applications Committee Wed 12 March 1.30pm Committee Room 2

Council Thur 20 March 6.00pm Council Chamber

Audit Committee Fri 28 March 4.15pm Committee Room 2

Children and Young PeopleScrutiny Committee Mon 31 March 4.00pm Committee Room 1

Cabinet Tue 1 April 5.00pm Committee Room 2

Planning Application Committee Wed 2 April 1.30pm Committee Room 2

Place Scrutiny Committee Thur 3 April 9.30am Committee Room 3

Efficiency and Resources Scrutiny Committee Thur 10 April 9.30am Committee Room 2

dres0136_DT March 2014 14/02/2014 16:19

march 2014 - darlington together

Documents

darlington yourviews

council tax

atthe constituency office

allowthe museum

housing benefit

firstworld war

head of steam

start of world war iin