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CROSSWORD SOLUTION
www.wittonlewear.org.uk www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page 1Edition 93
Autumn/Winter 2019Page 20 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
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THE NEWSLETTER OF WITTON-LE-WEAR PARISH
COUNCILwww.wittonlewear.org.uk
AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION 2019ISSUE 93
INDEXPage 2: Useful & Trade Telephone Numbers, Mobile
Library & Mobile Post Offi cePage 3: Village Green Christmas
Lights & Support Your Village Page 4: News from the Pews Page
5: Christnas Concert & Carols & Church ServicesPage 6:
Parish Council MinutesPage 7: Parish Council Minutes continued Page
8: Parish Council Minutes continuedPage 9: Parish Council Minutes
continued & Parish CouncillorsPage 10: Victoria Inn Opening
Hours & MacMillan Thank You
Page 11: Victoria Inn Brunch With SantaPage 12: Carpet Bowls
& AllotmentsPage 13: Durham Wildlife Photography
CompetitionPage 14: Chritsmas Fayre & LightsPage 15: Heritage
Group, Monthly Coff ee Mornings & Second Defi brillatorPage 16:
Community Association Chairmans Report, Friendship Lunch &
Community Centre FuturePage 17: WI News & Elements of
NaturePage 18: CrosswordPage 19: Village Events & Community
Centre Events Page 20: Crossword Solution
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Happy Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year To all of our Readers
ACROSS: 1 murder. 4 scimitar. 9 silver. 10 infringe. 11 repeal.
12 Calliope. 13 con. 14 select. 17 ear-shot. 21 dahlia. 25 pig. 26
agar-agar. 27 kimono. 28 thespian. 29 audits. 30 diabetes. 31
anneal.
DOWN: 1 mistress. 2 roly-poly. 3 elegance. 5 cancan. 6 merely. 7
tendon. 8 reefer. 12 corsair. 15 tab. 16 nod. 18 taciturn. 19 fl
uorine. 20 carousel. 22 wasted. 23 Pamela. 24 magpie. 25
palace.
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www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page 2 www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page
19Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
DisclaimerThe Editor of this publication does not accept any
responsibility for any of the articles, excluding the Editor’s
letter, and the Parish Council accepts no responsibility for any of
the articles, excluding those generated by the Parish Council or
the Parish Councillors. The Editor and the Parish Council will not
accept liability or responsibility for third party content in this
publication.
Useful Telephone NumbersPolice – Non Emergency - 101
HOSPITALSNHS None Emergency - 111
Bishop Auckland Hospital01388 455000
University Hospital North Durham0191 3332333
Darlington Memorial Hospital01325 380100
DOCTORS SURGERIESNorth House Surgery, Hope Street, Crook
01388 762945 Repeat Prescriptions 01388762718Auckland Medical
Group, 51 Toft Hill
01388 834843Auckland Medical Group, St Helen Auckland
01388 604163Auckland Medical Group, Bishop Auckland
01388 602728PHARMACIES
Clemitsons, 25a Hope Street, Crook01388 764939
Boots Chemists, 8 North Terrace, Crook01388 762726
Well Pharmacy. 50 Hope Street. Crook01388 766718
Britton & Robson. 45 High Street Crook01388 746269
SCHOOLS
Witton Le Wear Primary School01388 488350CHURCHES
St Philip and St James Parish Church01388 768898
Methodist Chapel01388 205319
ORGANISATIONSCommunity Centre
Clarice Smith 01388 488200ELECTRICITY EMERGENCYNorthern
Powergrid 0800 668877
WATER EMERGENCYNorthumbrian WaterLeaks 0800 393084
Sewerage 0800 3287648GAS EMERGENCY
National Gas EmergencySmell Gas 0800 111999
TRADE DIRECTORY
ELECTRICIANJ G DAVIES
01388 528783 – 07802 898263Email: [email protected]
FUNERAL SERVICESGIBSON’S
01388 603665 – 01388 762582Email: [email protected]
COMPUTER REPAIRSENTWINE SOLUTIONS
01388 488193Email: [email protected]
GARDEN SERVICESEASTWOOD GARDENS
01388 417522 – 07736 396409Email:
OVEN CLEANINGDAVE PHELPS
01388 488764 – 07827 855674Email: dphelps123@b� nternet.com
CLEANING & RESTORATIONDURHAM & DALES
07725 113352Email: [email protected]
DCC MOBILE LIBRARYParks beside the Green
DATES & TIMES OF VISITS
Tuesday 10th December Tuesday 31st DecemberTuesday 21st
January
The December 31st and January visits are not finally agreed.
Between 14.55pm and 15.10pm
MOBILE POST OFFICE
Parks Outside the Parish Church
Every Thursday Between
1.45pm - 2.30pm
VILLAGE EVENTS
COMMUNITY CENTRE EVENTS:
Mondays: 7.30pm – 10.00pm CARPET BOWLS – Kate Atkins 488626
Tuesday: 7.00pm – 8.30pm YOGA – Mark Aspinall 710658
Wednesdays: 1.30pm – 3.00pm BADMINTON – Ursula Jones 488568
6.30pm – 8.30pm YOUTH CLUB
Thursdays: 5.00pm – 6.00pm RAINBOWS – Fiona Smith 07856
856714
6.00pm – 7.15pm BROWNIES – Mary Smith 488200
EVENT VENUE FEE DATE TIME INFORMATION CONTACTChristmas
Fair& Lights
Switch On
CommunityCentre
n/a SundayDecember
1st
2.00pmto
5.00pm
Christmas fair with a variety of stalls. Children singing
Christmas Carols including switch on of the Christmas lights and
Mrs Claus visiting.
MandyStonehouse
07905899831
Christmas Concert
MethodistChapel
£5.00 MondayDecember
2nd
7.30pmChristmas Concert &Christmas CarolsAdmission of £5
includes refreshments
MaryHenderson
01388488551
Coff eeMorning
CommunityCentre
n/a TuesdayDecember
3rd
10.30amto
12noon
Why not come along and join us for coff ee or tea with cakes. We
also have juice for children. A great chance to catch up with the
village and local news
AnneYuill
01388488376
BrunchWithSanta
VictoriaInn
SeeAdvert
SaturdayDecember
14th
12 noonto
2.00pm
Meet Santa, have a photo of the visit and enjoy Brunch.See
advert for more details.Booking Required
VictoriaInn
01388488058
FriendshipLunch
CommunityCentre
TuesdayDecember
17th
12noonChristmas Lunch with one or two surprises for those
lonely.Meet new people and make friends.
AnneYuill
01388488376
Coff eeMorning
CommunityCentre
n/a TuesdayJanuary
7th
10.30amto
12noon
Why not come along and join us for coff ee or tea with cakes. We
also have juice for children. A great chance to catch up with the
village and local news.
AnneYuill
01388488376
HeritageGroup
ParishChurch
n/aThursdayJanuary
9th7.00pm Find out how the Grants are
benefi tting our village.
AnneYuill
01388488376
CommunityCentre
CommunityCentre
n/aThursdayJanuary
23rd7.30pm
What is the future of our Community Centre, and what can we use
it for.
ManyStonehouse
07905899831
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NOVEMBER CROSSWORD Answers on back page
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www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page 3 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
ACROSS1 Backing horse and making a killing (6)
4 I’m trapped by racist waving a sword (8) 9 Pirate lives out by
river (6) 10 Violate home by border (8) 11 About to ring to cancel
(6) 12 Fresh local pie is a source of inspiration (8) 13 Criminal
swindle (3) 14 Opt for mixture of steel containing carbon (6) 17
It’s close enough to catch sound of gunfi re, as
Cockney says? (7) 21 Trouble experienced over plant (6) 25
Animal starts to play in garden (3) 26 Royal commander twice turned
to jelly (4-4) 27 Monk craftily conceals one old Japanese
garment (6) 28 Article on Spain confused actor (8) 29 Saudi
unusually takes time to make fi nancial
checks (6) 30 Beat side struggling with illness (8) 31 Make
tough woman a corporal fi nally (6)
DOWN 1 I’m upset by tension with lover (8) 2 Fatty pudding (4-4)
3 Angel represented in English church shows
refi nement (8) 5 Half of Canada is able to dance (6) 6 Yours
truly gets to bank – just (6) 7 Noted problem with new tissue (6) 8
Joint from freezer cooked without zeal initially (6) 12 Pirate from
Cairo’s drunk, right? (7) 15 Bill is not entirely suitable (3) 16
Upstanding professor has to show agreement (3) 18 Quiet diplomacy
involving one on vessel (8) 19 Element in fuel or explosive (8) 20
Have great fun with student in musical (8) 22 Was profl igate and
very drunk (6) 23 Woman harassed male in Pennsylvania (6) 24 Bird
of prey’s fi rst to appear in new image (6) 25 Mate has excellent,
luxurious house (6)
DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGEWE ARE LOOKING FOR A
PERSON
WHO WILL VOLUNTEER TO GIVE UP SOME TIMETO ASSIST THE EDITOR OF
OUR VILLAGE MAGAZINE
THE WITTON WORDThe Witton Word is published six times a year
Bi-monthly on the 25th
The role requires the person to prepare the articles, event
schedules, and adverts inpreparation for the printer to set out the
pages and print the magazine.
The Witton Word is then distributed by the editor to the
volunteer delivery persons.Contact the editor below if you are
interested
Telephone John Wheeler 01388 488677Email
[email protected]
VILLAGE GREEN CHRISTMAS LIGHTSUnfortunately we are not able to
have lights on the Village Green this year. This is huge
disappointment to the Parish Council but is because of an
infrastructure problem beyond the control of the Parish Council or
Durham County Council. We were only informed of this yesterday when
Cllr B. Henderson and I had a meeting with D.C.C. Street Lighting
Engineers. Northern Power Grid (who own the underground electricity
cable) are not allowed by law to extract this cable unless it is an
emergency. They are also having to delay street lighting projects
because all their resources are needed in Yorkshire as a result of
the heavy fl ooding The feeder pillar has been purchased and will
be installed on the pavement outside, or in the vicinity of, No.22
High Street. Inside the feeder pillar there is a plug and a meter.
This makes it accessible . The electric will be picked up through
the pavement, hence not disturbing the Village Green. This will be
done in the New Year. To take the cable back over the road to light
some of the trees is an obscene amount of money the Parish Council
could not justify spending. However in the course of a conversation
with Angelina Maddison of the Weardale AAP I was told there is a
possibility we could be eligible for funding to do this in the next
fi nancial year. Mrs Maddison has arranged to meet with the
engineers to discuss this matter. This would be at no extra cost to
the Parish Council unless we have to match fund a nominal amount.
The Parish Council are not happy about this at all, as it seems we
have not been kept informed at the diff erent stages of this
process. We have put a lot of time into this project, this year,
with no end result. With the help of a Small Grants Fund the Youth
Club are putting together a project using large plastic bowls and
battery operated lights to light the lower end of the Green where
the cable couldn’t go, (our fi rst choice when we were told we
could only light trees in the vicinity of the cable). These are
used in Staindrop every year and do look good. Derek, the youth
leader has arranged to make more of these to cover the west end of
the Green so we will have light!!!
The Parish Council will fund the extra cost. Cllr Cowan and Cllr
Todd will be out and about on 30th November to hang the banners.
Any spare time? Just contact either. Sure they’ll be pleased.
Many ThanksOlive Wilson, Chair Witton Le Wear Parish
Council.
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93 Autumn/Winter 2019
NEWS FROM THE PEWS - St Phillip & St James Parish Church
Page 4 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
WOMENS INSTITUTE NEWS
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Here we are thinking about December and all around us shops are
decorated, day by day more houses have their decorations up, and
all the while people keep saying it is only a couple more weeks
until Christmas week. Shock horror!
Harvest has been and gone, the church gifts to Woodhouse Close
Food Bank and the School Harvest donations to the Salvation Army in
Crook. We missed our church target at Harvest Festival but late
donations brought us even closer to target. So many thanks to those
of you who go on supporting these 2 Food Banks. It is sad therefore
to hear murmurings about the Church having put boxes in our pubs
and elsewhere for the food banks as if the church was collecting
food for themselves! We are not a food bank merely a conduit from
our village to the Woodhouse Close Food Bank where the need is
continually growing. Please disabuse these murmurings from people
who I suspect may never have really thought seriously about the
great need out there - not understanding the plight of more and
more families for what ever reason.
The organ which had been misbehaving in the lower registers was
looked at by a fi rm from Harrogate and put right with a full
service hopefully being done before Christmas. The new heating
system threw it out of kilter when it was installed but by now it
should be used to the church being warmer. The person who came out
to see to it also played it and said what a lovely instrument it
was, so we need to appreciate it more than we sometimes do!
The church gents cleared up the church steps and paths ready for
Remembrance Day although after the recent stormy weather, you can’t
really see how tidy it looked. A big thank you to them for their
hard work while the ladies cleaned inside and put the church ready
for the service on the Sunday. We are also incredibly blessed to
have the War Memorial in church and not have to brave the weather
outside.
The 100 Club draw was drawn at the Harvest Supper on 19th
October and the winners have all been notifi ed.1st 81, 2nd 36, 3rd
60
The 100 Club subs are now due if you have not paid them yet.
There are still spare numbers if you would like to join in.
On Friday 20th December we shall be Carol Singing round the
village, meeting at Church at 6.30pm. Why not come and join in this
run up to Christmas. Refreshments in Church after our eff orts.
The Church will be decorated on Saturday 21st December and all
help is appreciated. 10.30 onwards. Foliage is much
appreciated.
Christmas Services appear elsewhere in the Witton Word. A card
to each house in the village will also be delivered giving
information on the Christmas activities and services - we warmly
invite you to join in any of them.
Finally the Church Family wish you all a very Blessed and Joyous
Christmas. May 2020 be a year of peace on earth and in our
hearts.
October - Our members were reminded about the Powertex workshop
which is being held on 2nd November where they will be able to make
a gnome or an owl and about our monthly collection for the food
bank. We will also have a collection for the Womens’ Refuge in
December.
They were informed about the 2020 subscriptions which will be
collected in January
Our speaker was Denise Graham, who is the technical manager for
Tetley’s Tea, a role which covers food, health & building
safety. She explained the process of tea production “from bush to
cup” which was fascinating. Their factory at Eaglescliff e is the
biggest in the world and exports all over the world. They are proud
of their high tech and ethical factory , for example nothing goes
to landfi ll. She explained that tea cannot be picked by machine so
is still picked in the old way, mainly by women who are paid by
weight. She was kind enough to leave us some samples.
Next month is our AGM which will include a pie and peas
supper.
November - November was our Annual General Meeting so we did not
have a speaker this month.
We congratulated our member Mrs Walton for completing the
Dementia Walk, raising funds for the charity and coming in 33rd out
of 240 entrants.
Mrs Haworth reported on the Autumn Council meeting, the quiz and
our Powertex workshop which was so much enjoyed that we are
planning another for the New Year.
We have chosen the venue for our Xmas meal and are all looking
forward to it.
Mrs Marley, a WI Advisor, then took over the meeting for the
reading of the secretary’s, treasurer’s and president’s reports and
the election of our president for the forthcoming year. We have had
a varied and interesting year and our funds are very healthy. Mrs
Haworth was re-elected president.
Our meeting ended with a pie and peas supper, accompanied by a
glass or two of wine. Marilyn Gordon, secretary.
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CHURCH SERVICESSt Philip & St James Parish Church &
Methodist Chapel
Sunday December 1st Advent Sunday – Holy Communion in Church,
followed by Parish Lunch at 12noon. Sundays Cool for Kids during
the service.
Sunday December 8th Advent 2 – Cafe Church.
Sunday December 15th Advent 3 – Holy Communion in Church.
Sundays Cool for Kids during the service.
Wednesday December 18th – Said Holy Communion at 9.30am.
Sunday December 22nd – Morning Worship in Methodist Chapel.
Early Birds All Age Family Service at 9.15am in Church.
Sunday December 22nd Advent 4 – Carol Service of carols and
lessons, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Tuesday December 24th Christmas Eve – Early Bird Crib Service at
5pm.
Tuesday December 24th Christmas Eve –Midnight Service at
11.30pm.
Wednesday December 25th Christmas Day – Said Service at
10.30am.
Sunday December 29th Christmas 1 – Holy Communion in Church.
Readers TBC. Sundays Cool for Kids during the service.
Sunday January 5th Epiphany – Holy Communion in Church. Sundays
Cool for Kids during the service.
Sunday January 12th – Cafe Church.
Sunday January 19th – Holy Communion in Church. Sundays Cool for
Kids during the service.
Sunday January 26th – Morning Worship in Methodist Chapel. Early
Birds All Age Family Service at 9.15am in Church.
All Parish Church/Methodist Chapel Main Services start at
10.30am
unless otherwise stated
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93 Autumn/Winter 2019Page 16 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP LUNCH - TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER The next
Friendship Lunch will be held in the Community Centre at 12 midday
on Tuesday 17th December. This will be our fourth lunch this year
and there have been 20-30 residents attending each event.
The original idea was to invite people from our area who may be
on their own for all or part of the day, anyone who may feel
lonely, people new to the village or who may enjoy the company of
others for a few hours. We always welcome people who have not been
before to our lunches of homemade soups and lovely deserts. If you
would like to come along, please contact Anne (01388488376) and you
will be made very welcome. Some people do not like coming alone and
friends and family members are also welcome. There is a lovely
atmosphere and this will be our Christmas lunch with one or two
surprises in store.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN’S REPORTAll of sudden it’s winter
and Christmas is just around the corner, sometimes I wonder just
where the time goes.At the end of September we were thoroughly
entertained by the Beacon Band who travelled from South Shields,
singing, dancing, food and drink who could ask for more. Many
Thanks to all who helped make another successful evening at our
Centre.
On the weekend of 12th and 13th October we held an open weekend
in the Centre for anyone to come along and see what activities are
held there, committee members were available all weekend to discuss
the running of the centre, the yoga teacher off ered taster
sessions and the bowls group and sewing class also had
demonstrations , unfortunately the turnout was poor but those that
did come along enjoyed the displays and sampled our 50th birthday
cake.
The next event on our calendar is the Christmas fair, this will
be on Sunday 1st December from 2.00pm until 5.00pm with the
Children from the School singing Carols and the switching on of the
Christmas lights, there will be a variety of crafts stalls,
including usbourne books, wax melts, pebble art, Hand crafted
pottery and much more. Tea, Coff ee and homemade cakes will be
available also Santa and Mrs Claus will be there so pop in and say
hello.
We need raffl e and tombola prizes, also any bric a brac, items
can be taken to the centre on Tuesday 26th November between 5.30pm
and 8.30pm or on Sunday 1st December between 11.00am and 1.00pm
On Thursday 23rd January at 7.30pm we are inviting all residents
to an open meeting to discuss the future of the Community Centre, a
reminder will be sent to all homes.
DO WE WANT A COMMUNITY CENTRE IN OUR VILLAGE ? This is the
question the present committee are asking.
Members of the current committee who have served for a number of
years wish to retire so we need new people to join so we can
preserve our Community Centre for the future.
We are inviting all residents to come along to an open meeting
at the Centre on Thursday, 23rd January 2020 at 7.30pm to discuss
the future of YOUR Community Centre
A reminder will be sent to every house nearer the time, so look
out for it. We do encourage you to come along.
Mandy Stonehouse, Chairman, Community Association
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND CAROLS
Witton-le-wear Methodist Chapel
Monday 2nd DecemberAt: 7:30pm
Admission £5 (includes refreshments)
Come along and start your Christmas early!
A Merry and
Happy Christmas
and a
Prosperous New Year
to all of our customers
John & Olive
The Dun Cow Inn
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MONTHLY COFFEE MORNINGS
The monthly coff ee mornings continue to be popular and have
been raising money for the Community Association. Each month we
raise between £60 and £100 for the Centre. Why not come along and
join us for cakes, coff ee or tea, juice for children and a chance
to catch up on local
chat.
There will be a box for donations of tins, dried foods and other
items to be donated for the local
Food Bank at Woodhouse Close.
The next two coff ee mornings will be held:
Tuesday 3rd December Tuesday 7th January
10.30am - 12midday in the Community Centre
If transport is a problem, we can arrange for a car to come and
collect you and take you home again.
Please contact Anne Yuill, 01388 488376 or Edith Whalley 01388
488136.
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Autumn/Winter 2019 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019Page 15
WITTON - LE - WEAR PARISH COUNCILMinutes of the ordinary meeting
of Witton le Wear Parish Council held on Monday 9th September 2019
in the Community Centre, Witton le Wear commencing at 6.15pm
Present: Councillors O. Wilson (Chair), M. Henderson,
B.Henderson, K. Quigley, P. Cowan, E. ToddAlso Present: A. Dixon
(Parish Council Clerk), A. YuillApologies: E.Swift,Declaration of
interest: None
78/19 Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held 8th July2019 -
Minutes agreed as being accurate and correct.79/19 Matters arising
from the previous minutes -
1. Speeding traffi c - Clerk emailed Brian Buckley of Durham
County Council regarding the increase in traffi c through Witton le
Wear some of which is heavy goods vehicles caused by the closure of
Witton Park Bridge. He received an email from the Traffi c Assets
Senior Engineer who explained that traffi c calming measures cannot
always be provided due to limited funding and resources which have
to be directed to those locations with the greatest requirement.
Councillors felt that the reply was unprofessional, made
assumptions and was harsh in its tone. Councillors agreed to ask
the County Council to reinstate the SLOW road signs that have been
worn away on the village roads. It was resolved: Clerk to email the
Traffi c Assets Senior engineer asking that the SLOW signs be
reinstated.2. Parking on cemetery bank - Nothing further to report
currently.3. Gate on public footpath near Little Marshall Green
Farm - There have been no complaints about the stile that is
currently in place. It was resolved: Councillor Todd to speak to
Colin Longstaff about the gate.4. It’s Your Neighbourhood grant -
Councillor Cowan has been in contact with Durham County Council who
have informed him it is the right time to order the bulbs. The
estimated cost for the planting of the bulbs is £1000 which will
include the cost of hiring machinery. The Parish Council received a
grant from DCC of £500 which needed to be match funded. The
Brownies have off ered to help plant bulbs but more volunteers are
needed. It was resolved: Councillor Cowan to purchase the bulbs
from Durham County Council. An article is to be put in the Witton
Word requesting volunteers.5. Operation London Bridge - Councillors
agreed to purchase a book of condolence from Amazon to meet the
requirements of Operation London Bridge being the event of the
death of the Queen or Prince Philip. It was resolved: Clerk to
purchase a book of condolence.6. Lights for the Village Green - The
quote for the installation of the electricity supply for lights on
the village green has gone up to £3,295 plus VAT. The extra cost
being for the metered service connection to Northern Grid and the
traffi c management required during installation. VAT can be
reclaimed.7. Website - Anne Yuill said she might be able to provide
some historical photographs of Witton le Wear for the Parish
Council website.8. Sponsorship of plant tubs - Councillors agreed
to put off getting the signs for the plant tubs until early next
year. The defi brillator signs for the telephone box have been
installed.9. Problems reported to Durham County Council and
Environment Agency - Clerk updated Councillors about 3 problems
reported to the Parish Council by residents.
* Narrow bridge on road just off A68 - Still awaiting signage to
be installed. Problem originally reported November 2018.* Broken
gate to the footpath by the level-crossing - Gate has now been
repaired.* Debris on the upstream side of the old bridge -
Environment Agency replied to Clerks email stating that the root
ball washed up against the bridge abutment is not a cause for
concern due to a low risk of blockage and fl ood risk to properties
in the area. We have confi dence that this vegetation will be
washed downstream during the next high rainfall.
10. Witton Park Bridge - Chairman informed members the plans for
work to be carried out on Witton Park Bridge are to go to Cabinet
in February next year for consideration.11. Parking on the road
outside Low Barns Nature Reserve - Clerk received an email from Jim
Cokill from Durham Wildlife Trust regarding traffi c parked on Low
Lane outside the Nature Reserve. They have raised the issue with
Durham County Council and were informed that DCC do not consider
the parking on Low Lane a problem. The Trust cannot stop people
parking on the road if they do not want to use their car park. It
was resolved: Clerk to contact Durham County Council to raise this
problem of cars parked on Low Lane.
WITTON LE WEAR HERITAGE GROUPThe work of the Heritage Group is
continuing and our next meeting is on Thursday 9th January 2020 at
7pm in the Parish Church. What is happening with the £3700 grant we
received from Northern Heartlands? The answer is lots....
• A group has formed to work on a community banner and many of
the village groups have started producing panels for this piece of
creative art. We want as many people as possible to input into this
project so if you feel you would like to help, please get in
touch.• The Young People’s project will consist of workshops at the
village primary school focussing on the themes of ‘Sheep &Wool’
and their impacts past and present. The project will look at
everything from keeping livestock to the processing of animal
products such as fl eeces into wool and felt. The project already
has the involvement of professional and amateur experts in farming
and fashion, but we are potentially looking for more people to get
involved. If you have a professional or personal interest in
something connected with ‘Sheep & Wool’ and would like to share
your knowledge or skills then please get in contact for a chat.
Doug Hill - 488513 or 07422520216• Storyboards with village
information will be erected on the village green during 2020. Work
is underway to uncover some exciting stories. If you want to share
any exciting tales or help recording these stories please get in
touch. • Village Voices are planning how they can spend £500
creatively to support the choir.
The Heritage Group is open to any project or information
gathering on any topic relating to Witton le Wear and Wear Valley
Junction. If you want help researching something, please come along
to our meetings and together we can make things happen.
Anne Yuill (email: [email protected] or phone 01388488376)
A SECOND DEFIBRILLATOR IN THE VILLAGE
Witton le Wear Primary School has installed a new defi brillator
on the outside of the main reception building. This is for the use
of the school and the local community and is fi tted with
paediatric as well as adult masks. If you live near the school
please make yourself aware of its situation in case of an
emergency. All the school children have been trained in CPR and
know how to use this lifesaving piece of equipment.
Lynn Docherty who lives in St James Gardens and works at the
school has been the person who has led the fundraising of almost
£2000. Well done Lynn, the Head Teacher Mark Stephenson, the school
children, the teachers and the local residents that have supported
this venture.
Watch out for information on local training events where
instruction will be given on this vital piece of equipment.
-
www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page 7www.wittonlewear.org.uk Edition 93
Autumn/Winter 2019Page 14 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
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A Complete Service to Bishop Auckland, Crook, Shildon &
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60366541 Bridge Street, Howden-le-Wear, CrookTel: 01388
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1st WITTON LE WEAR
RAINBOWSRainbows is the fi rst level of the girl guides movement
for young girls between the ages of 5 and 7 years. At 7 years of
age the girls automatically
move up to Brownies.
Here at Witton Le Wear we meet every Thursday from 5pm – 6pm, at
the Community Centre for lots of fun,
games and creative activities.
Unlike larger Rainbows groups we have no waiting list, so if
your daughter would like to come along, join in the fun, and meet
some new
friends. It is only £3 per week.
Contact:Fiona Smith 07856 856714
80/19 Representation by Residents - Anne Yuill – Witton le Wear
Heritage Group Anne informed the Parish Council that the Heritage
Group is being awarded a grant of £3,700 from Northern Heartlands
Community Initiative Fund which is to be used for several creative
projects including:-
1. Village voices £500.2. £1500 for the provision of story
boards for the village. These will show historical information
about the village. This project will be run by Paul Parsons with
the help of residents.3. Creative arts project which may possibly
be a collage or map which represents the Parish but this is a blank
canvas at themoment.4. £1500 has been allocated to work with young
people and more information will be forthcoming as there are some
exciting ideas circulating.
All projects to be completed by March 2020.81/19 Financial
Statement and Report - Balance of Current Account, Deposit Account
and Cash £14,002.29 as at 31st August 2019. A Receipt and Payments
Account can be found on the Parish Council website. Councillors
agreed payment of invoice 265 – 270 as follows:
265 – Mr A. Dixon (ClerkSalarySeptember) £ 172. 40 266 – HMRC
PAYE £ 38.60267 – EliPress £ 133.20268 – SE Landscaping Ltd £
612.00269 – DerwentVinyls Ltd £ 36.00270 – Amazon – Book of
condolence £ 29. 99Total £1022.19
It was resolved: All fi nancial matters agreed as being
correct.82/19 Planning Matters - Please fi nd below relevant
planning application: -
DM/19/01832/FPA Mr Allan Binks 3 The Paddock, Wi� on-le-Wear
Bishop Auckland, DL14 0GA
The Parish Council neither agrees with or objects to this
planning application.83/19 Clerks Correspondence -
1. Black path between the rear entrance of the School and the
Church - A resident has emailed the Clerk concerned that this path
is in dire need of attention due to a build-up of leaves and
overhanging vegetation. It was resolved: Clerk to contact the PROW
Department of Durham County Council asking whether this path could
be strimmed.
84/19 Neighbourhood and Parish Plan - There is an open day at
the Community Centre to showcase the events that happen in the
Community Centre on the 12th and 13th October. The Community
Association are happy for the Parish Council to use this event to
get feedback from residents about Parish Plan issues. It was
resolved: Councillor Cowan to put an article in the Witton Word
about the next Parish Plan meeting.85/19 Members Reports -
Councillors have been asked by residents to report on the following
matters :-
1. Defi brillator for School -
CouncillorCowanaskedthatwecontactLynneDohertytofi
ndouthowthefundraising is going to purchase a defi brillator for
the School. Lynne is aware that the Parish Council have off ered to
make a contribution towards the requiredamount. It was resolved:
Chairman to contact Lynne to fi nd out whether any help with
funding is required.2. Dog Bin bags - Councillor B Henderson
requested that the Parish Council purchase more dog waste bags for
the dog waste bag dispenser. It was resolved: Clerk to purchase
more dog waste bags from Glasdon Uk.
86/19 Chairman’s Report - 1. Cars parked on either side of the
opening opposite the Dun Cow - Residents have complained about cars
parked on either side of this opening making access diffi cult.
Chairman has reported this problem to Durham County Council
requesting that no parking signs be installed.2. Resignation of
Trevor Parkinson as Councillor - Chairman informed Councillors that
Trevor Parkinson has resigned as a Parish Councillor. He felt that
he no longer had enough free time to carry his duties. It was
resolved: Councillor Quigley to take over the monthly defi
brillator checks.
87/19 Any other business - None88/19 Date and Time of the next
Meeting - The next Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council is on
Monday 11th November 2019 in the Community Centre, Witton le Wear
commencing at 6:15pm.
Christmas Fayre & Light Switch on With Santa’s Grotto
Witton-le-Wear Community CentreSunday, 1st December 2019
2pm until 5pm (light switch on 4-4.30)
Come along and join in the Christmas cheer and the carol singing
with the school children.
Santa and Mrs Claus will be visiting, there will Craft stalls
including pottery, pebble art, wax melts, Hand spun and felted
items also Usbourne books, raffl e, tombola and homemade
refreshments.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
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Mattress - Property
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Treatments Bespoke Services - 24/7 Urgent Response
07725 113352 [email protected].
uk www.dadscar.co.uk
www.wittonlewear.org.uk Page 13www.wittonlewear.org.uk Edition
93 Autumn/Winter 2019Page 8 Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
JG DAVIESELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
National InspectionCouncil for Electrical Contracting
APPROVED CONTRACTOR
Glenrosa, 17 East End, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland,
Co. Durham DL13 2UX
Tel & Fax: 01388 528783Email: [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION LAUNCHES WITH ATTENDANCE AT A
SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE EVENT
AWAITING THE WINNERSDurham Wildlife Trust has launched a
photography competition to celebrate the glories of Weardale with a
prize including the chance to feature in a new book and also the
opportunity to see one of Britain’s rarest wildlife events – a
black grouse lek.
Next year, the Trust will be working with its partners at the
Living Uplands Project to produce A Natural History of Weardale,
both online and in print. The book is designed to bring the area to
life for readers and needs a range of top-class photography to
achieve its goal.
Durham Wildlife Trust is asking its supporters, the residents
of, and visitors to, Weardale and anyone with an enthusiasm for
photography to submit their fi nest work into its Views of Weardale
competition.
The Trust is looking for the best photographic captures of
wildlife or landscapes from the Weardale area, with two age
categories under which to enter: 18 and under and over-18s.
The winning photographer in each category will be off ered the
opportunity to experience Weardale’s greatest wildlife spectacle,
the biggest black grouse lek in the dale when the male birds gather
at dawn in spring to engage in ornate dances to impress the
watching females.
Durham Wildlife Trust Director Jim Cokill said: “I’ve had the
privilege of visiting this lek and it is an opportunity that any
photographer interested in wildlife wouldn’t want to miss. It will
be an unforgettable experience.’’
In addition to the main prize, there will also be two ‘Highly
Commended’ prizes in each category and age group. Each winner and
each photograph rated ‘highly commended’ will receive a printed
canvas of their image.
The deadline for submitting an entry is 5pm on Friday 13th
March, 2020, and more details are available at
www.durhamwt.com/viewsofweardale
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Witton le Wear Parish Council
held on Monday 14th October 2019 in the Community Centre, Witton le
Wear commencing at 6.15pm
Present: Councillors O. Wilson (Chair), M. Henderson,
B.Henderson, K. Quigley, P. Cowan, E. Todd Also Present: A. Dixon
(Parish Council Clerk) Apologies: E.SwiftDeclarationofi nterest:
None
78/19 Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held 9th September2019 -
Minutes agreed as being accurate and correct.79/19 Matters arising
from the previous minutes -
1. Speeding traffi c - Community Speed watch signs have been put
back by Councillor Todd. Clerk informed Councillors he had received
an email from David Battensby, Traffi c Assets Senior Engineer at
Durham County Council stating that he was happy to add the recovery
of road markings i.e. SLOW signs to the maintenance programme.
Although this will be held over until the next fi nancial year as
this work is normally carried out during the Spring / Summer
months.2. Parking on cemetery bank - A vehicle that is parked on
Cemetery Bank is still causing problems. The Police have been
active in Frosterley putting notices on illegally parked cars. If
this problem persists contacting the Police may be an option. It
was resolved: Councillors agreed that the Clerk should write to the
owner of the vehicle asking him to park on the other side of the
road.3. Gate on public footpath near Little Marshall Green Farm -
The stile has still not yet been removed.4. It’s Your Neighbourhood
grant - Councillor Cowan has received a price of £130 per 1000
bulbs from Lanchester Garden Centre through Durham County Council.
He has also received further off ers from possible volunteers. It
may be possible to plant bulbs at the west end of the village and
the area around the railway platform. It is hoped to plant the
bulbs at the beginning of November.5. Lights for the Village Green
- Chairman has now received an invoice from Durham County Council
for the electrical connection on the village green to be able to
supply Christmas lights. The fi nal price was £4745.27. It was
resolved: Councillors agreed to go ahead with this project.6.
Website - Anne Yuill kindly provided the Clerk with historical
photographs of Witton le Wear for the website. All that is needed
now is up to date photographs. The Clerk asked whether the children
who attend the Youth Club could provide photographs. This could be
done as a photography competition on a seasonal basis.7. Problems
reported to Durham County Council and Environment Agency - Clerk
updated Councillors about 3 problems reported to the Parish Council
by residents.
* Narrow bridge on road just off A68 - Still awaiting signage to
be installed. Problem originally reported November 2018.* Black
path between the rear entrance of the School and the Church - Clerk
asked the public rights of way department at Durham County Council
to inspect this path, but it seems it had been cleared by residents
when they got there.* Cars parked on either side of the opening
opposite the Dun Cow - Chairman contacted Durham County Council and
asked that signage be installed as a matter of urgency as there are
a lot of elderly people live in that area. Signs have now been
installed.
8. Parking on the road outside Low Barns Nature Reserve - At
least 12 tyres have been dumped on council land opposite the
entrance to Low Barns Nature Reserve. Durham County Council have
asked for photographic evidence of cars parked on the road opposite
the Nature Reserve before they are able to do anything. It was
resolved: Councillor Todd to speak to the manager of the Nature
Reserve to see if they have reported the dumped tyres to Durham
County Council and to see if they have any photographic evidence of
cars parked on Low Road.9. Defi brillator for School - Councillor B
Henderson informed Councillors that the defi brillator has been
installed. It seems that no help with funding was required.
80/19 Representation by Residents - None.81/19 Financial
Statement and Report - Balance of Current Account, Deposit Account
and Cash £13,490.10 as at 30th September 2019. Councillors agreed
to transfer the money to pay for the electrical installation from
the Deposit Account into the Current Account. The Parish Council
can reclaim the VAT of £790.88 from this transaction but will not
receive it until April 2020. A Receipt and Payments Account can be
found on the Parish Council website. Councillors agreed payment of
invoice 271 – 274 as follows:
271 – Glasdon UK Ltd £ 37.87272 – Durham County Council
(Electricity Supply) £4745. 27273 – Mr A. Dixon (Clerk Salary
September) £ 230. 30274 – HMRC PAYE £ 47.20
Total £5060. 64
-
www.wittonlewear.org.ukPage 12 Page 9www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
WITTON LE WEAR ALLOTMENTSAs the year draws to a close, we almost
need a shout out for available canoes, as I’m sure like a lot of
your gardens, the allotments look more like a pond at the
moment!
The months where we do prep for next year are on hold, until it
dries up, as it’s causing more damage due to the wet! But we’re
heading for the festive period, the parsnips and sprouts building
nicely to add to the Christmas dinner!!
We potentially have some available plots next year, so if you
would like to join the allotment family let us know, contact
details are on the entrance to the allotments at the bottom of
Cemetery road.
We wish you all a fantastic Christmas and new year with friends
and family.
Best Wishes The Witton-le-Wear allotment association
WITTON-LE-WEAR CARPET BOWLS CLUBThe 2019/20 Co. Durham Carpet
Bowls Winter League started at the beginning of October. In
addition to Wolsingham Wanderers (which is a combined team of
Witton-le-Wear and Wolsingham Park) there are another seven clubs
competing. The remaining teams are from Tudhoe, Bowburn, Lansdowne,
Sedgefi eld, Hamsterley, Bishop Middleham and Hamsteels.
Of the fi ve matches played, so far, the team has managed to win
one game against Tudhoe. The fi rst game of the season against
Bowburn was a nail-biting aff air with the team being unlucky to
lose by two points. The recent match played against Sedgefi eld
resulted in a narrow defeat by three points. So near yet so
far!
Just a reminder especially to new readers a match consists of
two rinks of four players in each team thus there are two games.
Two points are awarded for a win in each game (one for a draw) with
an extra two points for the team with the best aggregate score.
This makes six points in total up for grabs.
Matches played so far are: Date Opponents Venue Result Points
Total Oct 9 Bowburn Home Lost 20 - 22 0 0 Oct 15 Hamsterley Away
Lost 13 - 25 0 0 Oct 23 Tudhoe Home Won 8 – 17 6 6 Nov 7 Lansdowne
Away Lost 7 - 43 0 6 Nov 13 Sedgefi eld Home Lost 19 - 22 2 8
Other matches to be played before the end of 2019 are: Dec 6
Bishop Middleham Away Dec 11 Bowburn Away Dec 18 Hamsterley
Home
All the home matches are played on Wednesday nights at
Wolsingham Park. Therefore, in eff ect Witton-le-Wear players are
at a slight disadvantage since we are always playing away on a
strange carpet.
Our club nights continue to be played in the Community Centre on
Mondays at 7.00pm. Though club membership is healthy, we do welcome
anyone wishing to try out this easy to learn indoor sport.
It was resolved: All fi nancial matters agreed as being
correct.82/19 Planning Matters - No relevant planning
applications.83/19 Clerks Correspondence -
1. Remembrance Sunday - Clerk reminded Councillors of the need
to order the wreath for Remembrance Sunday. It was resolved: Clerk
to order a wreath from the Royal British Legion and donate £25.2.
VAT Training session - Clerk informed Councillors that he attended
a VAT training event at Shotton Hall. Clerk notifi ed Councillors
that all invoices must be made out in the name of the Parish
Council in order that any VAT can be reclaimed.
84/19 Neighbourhood and Parish Plan - Councillor Cowan has
spoken to Durham County Council to ask what support they would give
and to see if there is any funding available. Their response was
useful in that he was told that there is currently no need for
Parish Councils to have Parish Plans anymore and they prefer
Neighbourhood Plans which is a detailed, planning focused,
community engaged plan. It was resolved: There is a meeting on
Wednesday 16th October to further discuss the preparation of a
Parish / Neighbourhood Plan.85/19 Members Reports - Councillors
have been asked by residents to report on the following matters
:-
1. Hanging Baskets - Councillor M Henderson to telephone
Thinford Nurseries to ask them to remove and store the hanging
baskets.2. Defi brillator - Councillor Quigley felt there are too
many books in the telephone box where the defi brillator is stored.
He was also concerned that the defi brillator was not working
properly and should be checked. It was resolved: Councillors agreed
that the books stored in the Telephone Box make it diffi cult to
access the defi brillator and should therefore be moved to the
Community Centre. Clerk to contact Paul Brolly at the North East
Ambulance Service and ask him to confi rm that the defi brillator
is working properly.3. Christmas Banners - Clerk reminded members
of the need to set a date to hang the Christmas Banners. It was
resolved: Councillor Todd off ered the use of his scissor lift to
hang the Christmas Banners.
86/19 Chairman’s Report - 1. Building work carried out at the
west end of the villageChairman has been made aware of work to
clear land at the west end of the village. This has been done
without planning permission. A planning enforcement offi cer from
Durham County Council attended the area and now no further work can
be carried out until planning permission is given.2. New Councillor
- Chairman has received two letters from residents who have
expressed interest in becoming a Parish Councillor. It was
resolved: Chairman to arrange a date with other Councillors to
interview these residents
87/19 Any other business - None88/19 Date and Time of the next
Meeting - The next Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council is on
Monday 13th January 2020 in the Community Centre, Witton le Wear
commencing at 6:15pm.
Name Telephone Number
HENDERSON. Brewis Tel: 01388 488551
HENDERSON. Mary Tel: 01388 488551
PARKINSON. Trevor Tel: 01388 488397
WILSON. Olive Tel: 01388 488294
QUIGLEY. Keith Tel: 01388 488914
TODD. Edward Tel: 01388 488688
COWAN. Philip Tel: 07884 452710
SWIFT. Elizabeth Tel: 01388 488671
DIXON. Alan (CLERK) Tel: 01388 609045
PARISH COUNCILLORS
The Parish Council
Wish All Residents
o f Witton Le Wear
An Enjoyable
Christmas
And a Prosperous
New Year
-
www.wittonlewear.org.ukPage 10 Page 11www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019Edition 93 Autumn/Winter 2019
BRUNCH WITH SANTA @ THE VICTORIA
Saturday 14th December 2019 12.00 to 2.00pm
Call and Book your place now
Make new friends as you enjoy your brunch.
Collect your ‘Letter to Santa’ and post it on the day in the
Magical Victoria Post Box
Countdown to Christmas and wait for Santa and his helpers to
arrive, then you will be invited to his grotto to receive a special
gift, (only if you have been good).
Make friends with The Grinch while you wait
Special MenuOrange or apple juice
MainMeatballs and Pasta
OrChicken nuggets, fries and beans
OrBeans and Sausage on toast
All served with toast, Jam and Peanut Butter.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Hot chocolate Fudge Cake or Waffl es
(all with Ice Cream)
Admission by Booking Only Places Limited
Children Under 12 years of age , £10.50 Includes a Special Photo
to remember your day
Adults £7.50 (does not include photo with Santa)
Cheryl Barker - Jan Doherty
The Tower Residents andTHE Victoria Inn
For Raising
£467.00You’re helping Macmillan be right there
for everyone living with Cancer
THE VICTORIA INN
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS
December 24th Christmas Eve – 4.00pm till lateDecember 25th
Christmas Day –10.00am till 3.00pm & 5.00pm till late
December 26th Boxing Day – 12.00noon till lateDecember 27th,
28th & 29th – Usual hours
December 30th CLOSED
December 31st New Years Eve – 4.00pm till lateJanuary 1st New
Years Day – 12.00noon till late
January 2nd & 3rd – Usual hoursClosed From JANUARY 4th TILL
JANUARY 16th 2020
