Friday 13th March 2015 Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 706 Page 1 Published at: First Floor, Town Council Offices, Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH. Telephone/Fax: 01388 775896 Duty journalist: 0790 999 2731 www.shildontowncrier.com email: [email protected]of our wonderful community T O W N C R I E R S h i l d o n & D i st r i c t At the heart Friday 13th March 2015 Issue 706 Fully archived online at www.shildontowncrier.com email us at: [email protected]Shildon couple celebrate 70 years of marriage THE COUNTRYMAN Dunwell Lane, BOLAM, Darlington, DL2 2UP PENSIONERS’ LUNCH CLUB Two meals for £7.95 served Tue - Fri 12-2 Tel: 01388 832 418 www.thecountrymanbolam.co.uk TWO MEALS FOR £11.95 Served Tuesday - Saturday lunch 12 - 2 and Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat evening 6pm - 7.30pm (main menu also available) EAT ALL YOU CAN BUFFET Served every Friday evening 6-8pm MOTHER’S DAY Sunday 15th March, Carvery from £6.95 sittings 12.00, 2.30, 4.00 TWO MEALS FOR £8.95 Every Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat night throughout March & April SUNDAY CARVERY Served 12 - 5pm from £5.95 EASTER SUNDAY 5th APRIL Carvery from £6.95 Open Bank Holiday Monday, 6th April, 12 - 3pm (two for £11.95 & main menu available) Cabinet to discuss fate of Shildon Sure Start Durham County Council’s Cabinet will discuss a new approach to providing childcare services for the under-fives, which they say is designed to improve the lives of some of the county’s most vulnerable children and their families. Proposals for the future of County Durham’s children’s centres will be decided on Wednesday 18th March and, if given the go ahead, plans could see the emphasis shift from spe- cialist buildings to commu- nity venues, in a drive to reach families which most need support. A consultation on propos- als has already taken place and all comments and sub- missions will be considered by Cabinet. Durham County Council say, “The recommendations are designed to ensure the under-fives, particularly in the most deprived areas of the county, are ready for school life. The paper outlines how, despite some successes, the current reliance on children’s centres has failed to deliver the improvements hoped for.” If plans are given the go-ahead services will be taken farther into com- munities, focussing on the places families already go. It is hoped this will be beneficial to parents who would no longer be expected to travel to spe- cialist venues. Some of the proposed com- munity venues for service delivery include Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon Library, Shildon Methodist Church, St John’s Church, Sunnydale Leisure Centre and the Civic Hall, although these venues will need to be risk assessed and meet the needs of families. The Council’s Children’s Centres are currently arranged in five localities. (Continued on page 3). The deputy mayor of Shildon, councillor Matthew Burdess, visited the home of Alex and Mabel Ellison on Tuesday 10th March, to celebrate their Platinum Anniversary. Alex was born in Garbutt Street and Mabel in Southland Gardens, and both attended the Council School. Alex said, “The first time I saw Mabel was in my grandmother’s house in Garbutt Street, and I said - I am going to marry that girl”. His wish came true when they wed at St. John’s Church 70 years ago, on 10th March 1945. Alex left school at 14 years- old and went down the mines at Dawdon, working at the same pit as his father. In 1935, when he was 18, he joined the Army, serving for over 10 years. It was whilst home on leave in 1944 that he started courting Mabel. He returned to mining after leaving the service, alto- gether spending 36 years in the coal industry, before spending 18 years at Eaton Axles in Newton Aycliffe until he retired. Mabel also left school at 14 and started work at the Leather Factory in St. Helen’s. When she was 18 she became an Aycliffe Angel, working at the munitions factory as a Chief Inspector of Arms until its closure in 1945, when she went back to the Leather Factory. After marriage, the couple lived in Iley Street, then John Street, before moving to their current home in As- sociation Street in 2001. The lovely couple have a son, David and two daughters Christine and Kathleen. They have five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. In earlier times they both loved walking and taking holidays, especially cruises. Mabel was 90 on 20th February and she still likes going to the film club every month at St. John’s Church. Alex will be 98 on 1st Sep- tember and their daughter, Christine, married her husband Clyde on Alex’s 95th birthday. The sprightly couple cel- ebrated their wonderful occasion with a party for family and friends at Elm Road Club. The Deputy Mayor of Shildon, Cllr Matthew Burdess, presented Mabel and Alex Ellison with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Transcript
Friday 13th March 2015Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 706 Page 1
The CountrymanDunwell Lane, BOLAM, Darlington, DL2 2UP
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Cabinet to discuss fate of Shildon Sure StartDurham County Council’s Cabinet will discuss a new approach to providing childcare services for the under-fives, which they say is designed to improve the lives of some of the county’s most vulnerable children and their families.Proposals for the future of County Durham’s children’s centres will be decided on Wednesday 18th March and, if given the go ahead, plans could see the emphasis shift from spe-cialist buildings to commu-nity venues, in a drive to reach families which most need support.A consultation on propos-als has already taken place and all comments and sub-missions will be considered by Cabinet.Durham County Council say, “The recommendations are designed to ensure the under-fives, particularly in the most deprived areas of the county, are ready for school life. The paper
outlines how, despite some successes, the current reliance on children’s centres has failed to deliver the improvements hoped for.”If plans are given the go-ahead services will be taken farther into com-munities, focussing on the places families already go. It is hoped this will be beneficial to parents who would no longer be expected to travel to spe-cialist venues.Some of the proposed com-munity venues for service delivery include Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon Library, Shildon Methodist Church, St John’s Church, Sunnydale Leisure Centre and the Civic Hall, although these venues will need to be risk assessed and meet the needs of families.The Council’s Children’s Centres are currently arranged in five localities.(Continued on page 3).
The deputy mayor of Shildon, councillor Matthew Burdess, visited the home of Alex and Mabel Ellison on Tuesday 10th March, to celebrate their Platinum Anniversary.Alex was born in Garbutt Street and Mabel in Southland Gardens, and both attended the Council School. Alex said, “The first time I saw Mabel was in my grandmother’s house in Garbutt Street, and
I said - I am going to marry that girl”. His wish came true when they wed at St. John’s Church 70 years ago, on 10th March 1945. Alex left school at 14 years-old and went down the mines at Dawdon, working at the same pit as his father. In 1935, when he was 18, he joined the Army, serving for over 10 years. It was whilst home on leave in 1944 that
he started courting Mabel.He returned to mining after leaving the service, alto-gether spending 36 years in the coal industry, before spending 18 years at Eaton Axles in Newton Aycliffe until he retired. Mabel also left school at 14 and started work at the Leather Factory in St. Helen’s. When she was 18 she became an Aycliffe Angel, working at the munitions factory as a Chief Inspector of Arms until its closure in 1945, when she went back to the Leather Factory. After marriage, the couple lived in Iley Street, then John Street, before moving to their current home in As-sociation Street in 2001. The lovely couple have a son, David and two daughters Christine and Kathleen. They have five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. In earlier times they both loved walking and taking holidays, especially cruises.Mabel was 90 on 20th February and she still likes going to the film club every month at St. John’s Church. Alex will be 98 on 1st Sep-tember and their daughter, Christine, married her husband Clyde on Alex’s 95th birthday.The sprightly couple cel-ebrated their wonderful occasion with a party for family and friends at Elm Road Club.
The Deputy Mayor of Shildon, Cllr Matthew Burdess, presented Mabel and Alex Ellison with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Friday 13th March 2015 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 706Page 2
Passed Away Birthdays Birthdays Anniversaries
ClassifiedsAll about local people...
Town Crier Shildon & District
Roger Simpson
Funeral to be held at Coundon Crematorium, Monday 16th, 9.30am. No flowers please but
donations to Marie Curie for their invaluable support
and care.
14.7.1926 - 8.3.2015
Roger passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed and
loved forever.
In Memoriam
I miss you Grandad,Lynne
25 years have passed,Loved and missed
Rita Jenny Baldwin
Daughter Sheila, Son-in-Law Geoff
xxx
(Smith)16.06.1925 - 13.3.1990
Remembered, missed & loved always,
till we meet again Gran
Rita Baldwin
Love always,Sarah & family
13th March
Happy Mother’s Day Mam1 in a million
Sheila Carrick
Love Sarah, Brian, Ethan, Kyle & Ella
Loved forever Forgotten never
Fred Simpson
Loving Wife Pat & Son Andrew
16.3.2012
Mother’s Day Memories
Another Rose added
Rita Jenny Baldwin
Love Sheila & Geoffxxx
On Mother’s Day
Thinking of you on your special day Mam & Nana
Obey Peacock
Loved always,Tina, Gary & Grandkids
On Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Birthdays
Jenna Roe
Lots of love,Mamxxx
Happy 30th BirthdayHave a fab night
30!
Happy Birthday Sis
Jenna Roe
Love Danielle, Andrew, Thomas, Catherine, Lisa
Marie - Davexxx
Oh no, Aunty Jenna is ‘30’
Jenna Roe
Love your Nephews & Nieces
xxx
Happy Birthday
Michael Stout
Love Sadiexx
15.3.1946
Happy St Patrick’s Day and Happy 60th Birthday
Nana Sadie
Nana Sadie
Love Travisxx
Happy 60th Birthday and St Patrick’s Day
Scottish Sadie
Love Michaelxx
60!
Fred Boddy
All my love,Joan
xx
Happy 80th Birthday
80!
Happy 80th Birthday
Fred Boddy
Love Kim, Daren, Richard, Rebecca, Arrun, Michael,
Susan & Louisexxx
Happy 30th to the best Wife in the world
Jenna Roe
Lots of love from your Husband Luke,
Sons Callum & Brodyxxx
15.3.15
Happy 60th Birthday
Sadie Devlan
Love from Christine & John
17.3.55
70th Wedding Anniversary
Alexander & Mabel Ellison
Loads of love fromChristine & Clyde,
David & Carol,Kathleen & Stephen
xx
10th March
Congratulations Mam & Dad on your Platinum
Anniversary
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Children’s Centres decision (Continued from pg 1)
This is to ensure that all areas have a proportion of Children’s Centres consist-ent with their levels of deprivation. No change is proposed to these arrange-ments.Within the 5 localities, Chil-dren’s Centres are grouped into 16 ‘clusters’, with each of the 16 clusters having a “Main” Children’s Centre. It is proposed to retain one Children’s Centre building in each cluster, (with the exception of the Coundon cluster) thereby reducing the number of centres from 43 to 15.The proposals would see the council retain these 15 specialist fixed venue Children’s Centres, with the remaining 28 centres either transferring to schools and nurseries or being used for alternative purposes. Within the ‘Newton Aycliffe Cluster’, Newton Aycliffe
Children’s Centre has been identified as the Centre which will be retained, meaning services at Shildon Children’s Centre on Byerley Road will be transferred to an alternative provider.Under the new proposals, Durham County Council expect to save around £1 million.Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, Durham County Council, said, “We are committed to providing high quality services to support families and their young children to be both healthy and ready for school, so that they can achieve their full potential. “We recognise that chil-dren’s centres play an im-portant part in this and we propose to change the way we work to target support to children and families who need it most.”
Also at the meeting of Shildon Town Council on Monday 9th March, it was agreed that Shildon Chamber of Trade be granted £50, to be used towards the cost of adver-tising on Bishop FM.At the start of the meeting, a minute’s silence was
held in memory of the Town Mayor’s wife, Mrs Pat Nicholson, who sadly passed away earlier that day.The Town Crier would like to extend its deepest sym-pathies to Cllr Nicholson and his family at this sad time.
Minute’s silence at Council meeting
Council says no to fireworks display
At a meeting of Shildon Town Council on Monday 9th March, councillors unanimously rejected proposals to support a local fireworks display for residents. An event proposal was put forward by the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership, in which it was recommended that Durham County Council’s event team would organise and support delivery of
the event, which would take place on land near Tindale retail park on 7th November.Shildon Town Council were asked to support the event, estimated to cost in the region of £35,000, with a donation of £3,000. However, Shildon Town Councillors voted to decline this request, stating that they felt the money could be spent more wisely.
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This fantastic photograph was brought to us by a resident of Shildon who found the picture among his late Grandmother’s possessions.The image shows children
from All Saint’s School celebrating Empire Day by donning colonial fancy dress.Empire Day took place on 24th May every year between 1904 and 1958,
All Saint’s School celebrates The British Empire
when children would cel-ebrate Britain and her colonies. Just for fun, do you recog-nise anyone in the photo-graph? Can you name the year it was taken?
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Friday 13th March 2015 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 706Page 4
Lotto rolls over once againThis week's Shildon Lotto numbers were drawn at the usual time and venue with the numbers out of the bag as follows: 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14. There was no winner of the jackpot, which rolls over to £650. This week participants should choose six numbers from 15. This week’s £25 consola-tion prize was won by E.
Hoy.Next week’s draw will take place at the weekly quiz night at the Shildon AFC Clubhouse. The quiz night is open to all and is followed by Play Your Cards Right with a jackpot of up to £200. Lottery tickets are avail-able from various outlets in the town and at Shildon's home matches.
Those with access to detached garages, es-pecially those located in blocks, are being encour-aged by police to carry out a review of their security measures following break-ins at Auckland Wynd and Holly Hill, overnight between Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th March.
These follow on from earlier offences in loca-tions such as Waterloo Terrace, Magnolia Way and Coronation Avenue since the beginning of March.If anyone has any infor-mation regarding these incidents, they are urged to contact Shildon Police on 101.
Sport for all the family is available this Easter in County Durham parks.The popular Parklife pro-gramme is moving outdoors with free activities for all ages ranging from rounders to tennis.Take part in the Go Play Easter scheme at the fol-lowing sites:Wednesday 8th April: Hackworth Park, Shildon (1pm to 4pm),Thursday 9th April: Glen-holme Park, Crook (1pm to 4pm),Friday 10th April: Bishop Town Recreation Park, Bishop Auckland (1pm to 4pm).During the winter Parklife took place at several indoor venues across Bishop Auckland, Crook
and Shildon.Marie Urwin, sport and physical activity devel-opment officer, Durham County Council said, “These sessions are all about having a go at range of sports that all the family can enjoy and we are de-lighted they are continu-ing. “Hundreds of people have taken part and we are looking forward to wel-coming new people on the road to fitness. “There is no need to book, just turn up on the day. We will soon be announc-ing the new spring and summer programme with a huge range of activities.”For more information visit w w w.du r ham.gov.u k/parklife.
Parklife Easter programme
Security concerns
Residents and staff at Holly Lodge Care Home on Madison Street got into the Easter spirit on Tuesday 10th March, when they
created artwork for an Easter display.Everyone who took part drew chicks and bunnies and made cards for the
residents’ grandchildren.“Everyone had great fun being creative and getting messy,” said a spokesper-son.
Getting into the Easter spirit
One of Holly Lodge’s happy residents having fun painting an Easter picture.
Bishop Auckland College students are keeping the successful Health Express project on the right track.They have teamed up with social housing providers livin to get out and about in Shildon to help resi-dents stay fit and healthy through a series of ac-tivities. These will include dance, mini-golf, head and shoulder massages and mini manicures.Health Express, launched in 2012, aims to increase knowledge and awareness of health issues in the local community as well as help people access health services and get support in better managing long term health conditions. The scheme is supported and managed by Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (BASH AAP).Andrew Walker, coordi-nator at BASH AAP said, “It is great to have these partners on board the Health Express and help make a positive contribu-tion to the health and well-being of local residents.”Natalie Davison, princi-pal and chief executive, Bishop Auckland College, said, “Research shows that people feel better and live
longer if they are more active and having fun at the same time. We provide training in many of the activities being promoted and I am delighted our students and staff are helping in this process.”The following regular Health Express events currently take place in Shildon;Health Walk – Mondays 10.30-11.30am from Shildon Library. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become health-ier. Plus you’ll explore some of the hidden treas-ures that lie between the tracks and paths around Shildon. Led by a qualified walk leader. Health Trainer drop in - Wednesdays 11am – 1pm at Jubilee Fields Community Centre and Fridays at 10am – 12noon at Shildon Library. Health Trainers are on hand to chat to anyone wanting to make small but sustainable changes to their lifestyle. Health Trainer IT drop in - Thursdays 1-4pm at Foundations on Church Street. Chat to Health Trainers and access a range of online resources to help you achieve your
health goals. If you don’t have a computer at home, IT support is available to help you navigate your way around.Buggy Walk - Fridays 9:15 to 10:15am from Shildon Library for parents, care givers or grandparents with children under five years of age. Use this social group activity to increase the amount of walking you do every week and maximise the health benefits. Par-ticipants are encouraged to bring their family and friends along.Laura Pearson, Senior Health Trainer said, “We would love to see anyone from Shildon who would like to attend our events or access our Health Trainer Services. This is a free service for people over 16 in Shildon. Whether you want to make new friends, manage your weight or become more active we are here to help and support you make positive changes”.For further information go along to a Health Trainer drop in or call Laura Pearson on 07525 593 507 email: [email protected]. Or join the group on Facebook: Shildon-healthtrainers.
Health Express on right track
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An event is being held at Old Shildon Club next month, in order to pay for a headstone for the grave of a 14 year-old girl who tragi-cally passed away last year.Lucy Smith was found dead at her home in Bishop Auckland on Saturday 29th November.A friend of the family is now hoping to raise enough
money to pay for a fitting headstone for the King James I School pupil.‘A Celebration of the life of Miss Lucy Smith’ will take place on Thursday 2nd April from 7pm, starring two of clubland’s top acts; Miss Samantha Mac and Drew Gerrard.Tickets cost £5 and are available on the door.
Event to raise funds for teen’s headstone
Damage was caused to the roof of a parked Kia motor vehicle last week, when a small male youth wearing a red hooded top ran across the roof while being watched by other males.The incident occurred in
Burnie Gardens between 9.30pm and 10pm on Friday 6th March. Anyone with information as to the identity of this male is asked to call 101 and request PC 2125 Pick-ering.
Damage to vehicle roof
Shildon NPT officers dis-covered a small amount of cannabis, together with equipment used for it’s cultivation, during a visit
to a premises in Main Street on Sunday 8th March. A local male was arrested, interviewed and dealt with by means of a caution.
Main Street cannabis grow
Shildon Chamber of Trade has announced plans to work alongside the town’s Locomotion museum with the hopes of boosting trade.Members of both organisa-tions have met to discuss the possibility of working together to direct railway enthusiasts toward the town centre. The idea stems from the museum’s
Great Goodbye event in 2014, during which business owners felt more should have been done to encour-age the 120,000 visitors to explore the rest of the town.Chris Bowman, chairman of the Chamber of Trade said, “The meeting went well and ideas were put forward from both sides.”
Businesses to forge links with museum
A fundraising page has been set-up to help a Shildon Mam who’s baby boy is in intensive care at Newcastle RVI.Lindsay Denham’s little boy Hunter was born on 27th January with gastro-schisis; a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. In layman’s terms, this means that Hunter was born with his intestines sticking out of his body, through a hole beside his belly button.The tot has already had two operations to re-con-nect his bowel - the latest
of which was on Friday 6th March - and faces a third in around six weeks’ time.Due to the RVI’s family rooms all being full, Lindsay, who doesn’t drive, travels to Newcas-tle every day to be with her son, while also caring for her two older children.A friend of Lindsay’s Louise Charlton, has set up a ‘gofundme’ page in order to help out the family. She said, “Hunter’s mummy Lindsay does not know I’ve created this fund, and will be terribly embarrassed, but she is going through
so much right now and the least I can do is try and see if we can cover a few bits of her expenses. There is a huge financial burden involved with trav-elling back and forth and staying at hospital to care for a poorly child. Every little bit helps.”So far the fund has raise £265, but Louise hopes to hit £1,000.If you would like to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/Babyhuntersmummy or follow the link on the Town Crier’s Facebook Page.
Fundraising page supports baby Hunter
Baby Hunter was born with gastroschisis; a birth defect meaning he was born with his intestines outside of his body.
A youth homelessness charity is appealing for vol-unteer hosts in the Shildon area, as demand for its services increases.Nightstop North East, part of Depaul UK, provides emergency accommodation for homeless youngsters. Hosts across the region work to provide a bed for the night for those left
Charity appeals for hosts for homeless youths
without a roof over their heads. Organisers are now appealing for new volunteer hosts to take in a young person for the night and offer them a warm bed and a listening ear. Project manager Kester Young said, “Unfortunately, the demand for our service usually tends to increase after Christmas, so we are
asking people to help those less fortunate than them-selves.”All volunteers are vetted and receive out-of-pocket expenses, full training and support.For more information, phone Nightstop North East on 0191 253 6161 / 07957165488 or email [email protected].
Friday 13th March 2015 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 706Page 6
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Shildon Neighbourhood Police Team are investi-gating the breaking of a shop window in Church Street on Saturday 7th March. It is believed that two male youths were involved and caused the damage by
kicking the window before making off towards the bus station. The incident occurred at around 8.50pm.Anyone with information concerning those respon-sible should contact PC 768 Brown on 101.
When Jack Coley left Korea 61 years ago it was with relief at the thought of returning home to Shildon, to the town that is his home and the people he loved.It came as a complete surprise therefore that having settled into civvy life in the building trade, raised a family and retired, that a medal would arrive at his door. The ‘Ambassador for Peace Medal’ issued by the South Korean government was de-livered to Jack last week. Wounded twice during the Korean war the medal came to Jack from the ‘Ministry of Patriots and Veteran affairs.’ The medal was part of the Korean government’s ongoing attempt to recog-nise the unique contribu-tion of each person who stood up for the freedom of their country.“This medal is a complete surprise to me” said Mr Coley, “I am touched to be remembered after all this time and have never forgot-ten lads from this town who never came back.”A committed member of Saint John’s Church, Jack’s acts of service didn’t end
with the war. Revd David commented, “Jack is someone who has always given himself completely to what needed to be done, his generosity and support
have enriched our church and town over years. He more than deserves this medal – well done Mr Coley another reason for Shildon to be proud!”
Jack Coley proudly wears his Ambassador for Peace Medal.
Veteran honoured with surprise medal
Shop window damaged
Thornhill Primary School is celebrating after being named number one in the County in relation to exam scores.The school achieved higher results than 246 others in County Durham in the 2014 Year 6 SATs, also placing 2nd in the entire North East out of 1,070 schools.Thornhill also received letters of congratulations from two MPs in relation to the 2014 KS2 results and Year 1 Phonics testing.Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for School Reform wrote, “I am writing to convey my warmest con-gratulations to you, your staff and your pupils for the very high standard of achievement in this year’s phonics check.
“To be in the top 5% of schools, with at least 95% of pupils achieving the expected standard in the check, is a tremendous achievement and points to a high standard of phonics teaching in your school.”Minister of State for Schools, Rt Hon David Laws MP stated, “It gives me great pleasure to congratu-late you on the excellent performance of your pupils in the 2014 national key stage 2 tests. Your results show that you are amongst the 100 top performing schools in terms of the progress your pupils make between key stage 1 and the end of key stage 2. Your school is exception-ally effective in educating its pupils.”
Thornhill is on top
Bag a bargain
A table top sale is to be held at Eldon Community Centre on Saturday 11th April, between 10am and 12 noon. There will be home-
made refreshments on sale. Sellers tables, costing £5, are available to pre-book by calling 01388 775960. (No food or new goods).
This week in History
17 March 1337
British Prime Minister Harold Wilson resigns, citing personal reasons.
Edward, the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy in England.
16 March 1976
The first Internet domain name is reg-istered (symbolics.com).
March 198515
The Church of England ordains its first female priests.
12 March 1994 13 March 2013
Pope Francis is elected, in the papal conclave, as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
The body of U.S. President John F. Kennedy is moved to a permanent burial place at Arlington National Cemetery.
March 196714
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Storage ContaInerS
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Friday 13th March 2015Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 706 Page 7
CHIROPODY
01325 320126
Mr P. Oliver
BSc(Hons) - M.Ch.S
for a Home Visit call
Heating & Plumbing
Gas Safe RegisteredCombi Boilers- Fires - CookersAll Gas Work Serviced & Repaired
Phone Paul on07967 679 998
FIRST CHOICE MAINTENANCE
Dear Editor,
First of all, thank you for such a great little publication in ‘The Crier’!! I've only recently moved to Shildon from Blackpool, at the beginning of January 2015, and don't know all that many people, neighbours, etc. But when I was shopping in Morrison’s, just off Church Street in the town recently, one of this town's residents showed me an aspect of this townsfolk that is long-forgotten and almost unheard of most of the time.
To cut a long story short, I was at one of the tills and having a few problems with my debit-card and seemed to be holding the queue up for a couple of extra minutes. I couldn’t help hearing all the sighs/exaggerated breaths/moans, etc. from those in the queue behind me, even though I had turned around twice and humbly apologised for my causing the delay.
Then this lady, (whom even afterwards wouldn't let me repay her somehow), leaned over and told me 'not to worry about it...', and to put my card away, as she would pay for it!
Now, we're not talking a few pence here, the items that I had at the till totalled £4.10p, and this UTTERLY FANTASTIC LADY insisted that I allow her to pay for my goods!
I spoke to her on the way out of the store to offer her repayment, which she just would not accept. It's not even as if she was in a hurry, she did this act of pure kindness, totally selflessly, and for no other reason, and I would really like to thank her for what she did, through The Crier, as this is the only way that I can think of doing so! Regards, Mr Darren Cronin,Address withheld on request.
LettersHave your say...
Dear Editor,
Health Express? More like Health Distress!
Launched in 2012 (according to the Town Crier, 20th February 2015), a successful health project will be showcased at the Civic Hall. What health project? What have Health Express achieved since its launch in 2012.
At the Civic Hall on 20th February, key speakers all spoke on “the importance of health and the excellent work that is happening in Shildon”. What excellent work has been going on in Shildon since 2012 that I have totally missed out on?
If, as reported, the councillors involved in this initiative have managed so well since its launch, where was Health Express based?
I ask this because I am hearing that Health Express have comman-deered The Rest House in Hackworth Park, and at a peppercorn rent. What will happen to the groups who currently use The Rest House? This is where Health Express turns to Distress!
What consideration has been given, not only to groups who use the Rest House, but also those who live opposite the Rest House?
I understood that the Rest House was given to the people of Shildon for their quiet contemplation. A beautiful building in a beautiful peaceful park with a magnificent view, i.e. the Rest House - its all in the name. Shildonians, are we going to allow the Rest House to be taken from us without any opposition? I hope not!
Name and address withheld on request.
Advertise in The CrierCall Jeff on
01388 7758960790 999 2731
Two Garages For sale
Waterloo Tce, shildon
First to see will buy
Tel: 07836 350 507
Trial date for alleged gun thiefA trial date has been set for a Shildon teen who is accused of stealing a haul of weapons from a house on Byerley Road on Sunday 8th February.Ryan Lee Metcalfe alleg-edly stole 15 high-powered air rifles, worth approxi-mately £10,000, as well as a number of ornamental and hunting knives, cross-bows and a paintball gun.The 18 year-old, of Freville
Street, appeared at a Pre-liminary Hearing at Durham Crown Court via video link from prison on 9th March, when he faced charges of burglary and criminal damage.A trial date has been set for the week beginning 22nd June.Metcalfe will be remanded in custody until 18th May when a plea hearing will take place.
Car collides with tree
The wreckage of the car suggests that the occupants had to be cut free by firefighters.Middridge Lane, between Shildon and Middridge, was closed for over two hours on Wednesday morning, 11th March, following a road traffic collision.Police crews, ambulances and fire fighters attended the scene after a blue Subaru car collided with a
tree at around 8am.Three occupants were taken to hospital as a pre-caution but luckily there were no serious injuries.Drivers attempting to travel through Middridge were forced to find an alternate route until the scene had been cleared.
Friday 13th March 2015 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 706Page 8
SportLocal leagues, competitions and events...
Shildon AFC league challenge set-back
Shildon AFC’s challenge for the league title took a set-back at home on Saturday 7th March, when they were surprisingly beaten 1- 0 by Consett.In blustery conditions Consett kicked with the wind and early on No 9 Jack Walker beat three Shildon defenders but fired wide.On 23 minutes a great shot from Matthew Slocombe produced an equally great one-handed save from Shildon’s keeper Kyle Hayes.For Shildon, Billy Greulich-Smith headed over and Ben Wood fired straight at the keeper.Before the break, on 38 minutes, Shildon’s Darren Richardson was carried off the field with a bad leg injury.Half Time: Shildon AFC 0 Consett 0.The best chance of the game so far fell to Con-sett’s Michael Mackay on 51 minutes when he was through, but somehow missed the goal.Minutes later Consett’s keeper Chris Elliott dropped the ball from a corner for Billy Greulich-Smith’s shot to be cleared off the line by a defender.Shildon were on top with Jamie Harwood firing over the bar from 6 yards and Bobby Moore only 5 yards out trying to place the ball instead off blasting it in.On 67 minutes Adam
Rundle crossed to Ben Wood whose header hit the post, and the rebound was put away by Paul Connor, but he was judged to be off side.With 6 minutes remaining Consett scored the only goal of the game when a right wing corner was palmed out by Shildon’s keeper Kyle Hayes to No 11 Joshua Gray, who cracked the ball into the right corner of the net.Final Score: Shildon AFC 0 Consett 1.Goalscorer: Gray 84.Subs: Chapman for Rich-ardson 38, Rundle for Ellison 65, Rae for Connor 70.Bookings: (Y) Wood.Man-of-the-Match: Ben Wood.Shildon gave the ball away far too easily throughout the game and were not at their best. The manager said it was a tired team performance. In the end things didn’t work out too badly on the day as all the other possible title contenders dropped points. The league is still wide open with possibly 6 teams still capable of winning the championship. Shildon still have 12 games to play. On Wednesday 11th March they were at home to Ashington and then on Saturday 14th March local rivals Bishop Auckland are at Dean Street.
Back row : Calvin Beaton, Millie Turley, Maddy Wood, Isabel Petty, Sophie Andelin, Ebonie Summerson, Millie Dunn, Ellie Bancroft, Grace Pateman-Patrick, Amelia Dent, Arran Fuller.Middle row: Joshua Ashton, Millie Foster, Millie Parsley, Joe Dunn, Emily Neal, Joel Turnbull.Front Row: Shakira Palmer, Frances Andelin, Katie Andelin, Halle May Race, Piper Younghusband, Charlotte Dent, Zoe Jackson.
The North of England NDP (National Development Plan) Regional Champi-onships took place last weekend, as Gymnastic clubs from the North competed for a place in the National Finals, which are held in Stoke-on-Trent in May. Athena Gymnastic Club, based in Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, this year sent a large squad of 24 of the club’s best gymnasts to compete against the best from clubs in Teesside, Durham and North and South Tyneside. The competition is split into NDP Grades 1 – 6 and Disability Acro Grades 2 – 3, as well as into Women’s Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Men’s Pair and Women’s Group (Trio).A spokesperson for the club said, “The commit-ment and training that goes into this competi-tion is intensive and for the gymnast starts a year before the competition, so a lot of hard work has
been put in by the Coach and Gymnasts alike.“Athena, in the last couple of years, have managed to get gymnasts to Stoke and a couple of years ago we had a gold medal-winning pair at the finals. This year we worked really hard with the squad and competed with the largest team of gymnasts we have ever put into this competition.”This year’s competition saw Athena come away with a personal best for the club of 2 Gold and 3 Silver medals, making it a very successful weekend.The first Gold for the club came on the Saturday as Joshua Ashton and Millie Parsley won the Grade 1 Pairs, and the second Gold came on the Sunday as Arran Fuller and Amelia Dent won the grade 5 Mixed Pairs with Athena’s Calvin Beaton and Millie Turley taking the Silver in a very close competition.Arran and Amelia went one better than last year when they finished runners-up
but were invited to Stoke where they did themselves and the club proud with a 5th place finish in the finals.The other Silver medals from the weekend went to Emily Neal / Millie Foster (Disability Acro Grade 2 Women’s Pair), and Shakira Palmer / Frances Andelin (Grade 3 Women’s Pair).The club was particularly elated with Shakira and Frances’ silver as they beat 18 other pairs to get their places (the biggest category of the day).The club’s coaches were really pleased with the medals that were won and very pleased with the gymnasts that took part over the weekend com-petition, as every one of them did the club proud. The club would like to thank Honest John for their help with sponsoring some of the gymnasts.If you are interested in joining Athena, contact Sam on 01388 605946.
Newton Aycliffe Junior FC Under 12s are looking for new players (boys and girls in year 6).The club trains every Saturday morning, between 11.30am and 12.30pm at Sunnydale Leisure Centre in Shildon on the brand new 3G pitch.A spokesperson said, “If you know of any players
wanting a fresh new chal-lenge in a team that want to play good football, as well as enjoying them-selves, then let us know.“We have a great coaching team and all have the level 1 FA coaching qualifications as well as full CRB checks.”For more information call Neil Turner on 07833 493 591.
