Friday 11th August 2017Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter Issue 841 Page 1Fully archived online at thechapter.org email us at: thechapter@talk21.com

Ferryhill Town Council-lor, David Farry did not breach the code of conduct after allegedly attacking the council’s Town Clerk on social media, Durham County Council has said.The county council wrote to Cllr Farry, who repre-sents the village and Dean Bank areas of Ferryhill, in June to inform him that the Monitoring Officer had received a complaint that he had breached town council’s code of conduct.The letter said: “The complainant alleges that you are being relentless in conducting attacks on the Town Clerk on social media, in particular on ‘Ferryhill Points of View’.“And that you have failed to abide by the council’s communication and social media policy.”Cllr Farry has now received a second letter from the local authority that states no further action will be taken.

In the letter, Durham County Council’s gov-ernance solicitor, Clare Burrows said: “The first set of posts are not disrespect-ful, bullying or intimida-tory towards the Clerk and do not bring the Council into disrepute. “There is no criticism of the Clerk in the posts made by Cllr Farry.“No further action is required in relation to this part of the complaint. No comments breach the code of conduct.”Cllr Farry said: “After the allegations, I was forced to take a step back from my duties while the investiga-tion was carried out, but I was always certain that I had not breached any part of the code of conduct.“I would like to draw a line in the sand and get back to trying to make things better for people in Fer-ryhill. “As far as I’m concerned it’s forgotten about.”

No further action against councillor

Published at:First Floor, Town Council Offices,

Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH.

Telephone/Fax: 01388 775896Duty journalist: 0790 999 2731

www.thechapter.orgemail: thechapter@talk21.com

Chapter & Chilton

of our wonderful communityAt the heart

Ferryhill

Friday 11th August 2017Issue 841

Enter CIC is holding a free large scale community performance later this month celebrating mining, with particular reference to the Dean and Chapter Colliery.

Enter CIC to celebrate mining heritage with free production

Ferryhill based profes-sional and community theatre company, Enter CIC has announced that it is holding a large scale community heritage per-

formance which is designed to celebrate the work of mining in the North East, with particular reference to the Dean and Chapter Colliery.

The community heritage museum performance, When Yesterday Was Young, is designed to pay homage to work of Sid Chaplin and Norman Cornish. The initiative, which runs from Tuesday 22nd August to Saturday 26th August, has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and as a result tickets for the event are free to the local community. There are three per-formances a day which take place at The Enter Centre on Chapel Terrace at 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm. A spokesperson said: “This is a very powerful work and if you haven’t seen Enter CIC’s work before, this is a perfect opportunity. “If you have any connection with the Dean and Chapter Colliery and mining is in your family then you need to see this initiative.“Tickets are free for this event and going quickly, so we advise calling the ticket line on 01740 656549 as soon as possible to secure your seats.”

FREE MEASUREMENT AND FITTING

3 x Vert ica ls for £115*5 x Vert ica ls for £184*Rollers, Wood Venetians,Romans, Pleated and....

PLANTATION SHUTTERSNOW AVAILABLE0800 0855 91707434 865918

*Offer on Selected 5’’ fabrics, max 2mtrs wide

Monbello Blinds &Interiors Ltd

Ferryhill Station WMCChildren’s Monthly DiscoWith Cleve’s Cross School’s very own DJ John

Saturday 12th August, 4pm - 7pm£1 Admission.

Tuck shop, hot dogs £1 each, large hot dogs £1.80

Any child under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Oliver’s Opticians

ALL NEW PATIENTSNHS & PRIVATE WELCOME

FREE2ND PAIR OF VARIFOCAL SUNSPEC LENSESIN CL U D IN G U V

OUR SERVICES* Eye Examinations* Fast, Efficient, Friendly Service* Complete Family Eye Care Service* Wide Range of Budget & Fashion Frames* Children’s Frames Free with NHS Voucher* Single Vision Lenses with Frames from

only £45* Prescription Sunglasses* Spectacle Repair Service* We dispense ANY optician prescription* You can also use your own frames

OLIVER’S 27 Darlington, Ferryhill, Co Durham, DL17 8JP | 01740 651 248JE DICKINSON 7 Front Street, Concord, Washington, NE37 2BN | 0191 416 2730

E Y E T E S T SFOR EVERYONEOVER SIXT Y

FREE

Friday 11th August 2017 Ferryhill & Chilton ChapterIssue 841Page 2

In Memoriam Birthdays

Wanted

ClassifiedsAll about local people ...

Bellwoods Windows and Doors

15 year guarantee on all UPVC frames and glassFind us on Facebook. Free quotations.

Tel: 01388 205 670 Email: info@bellwoodswindowsanddoors.co.uk

Chilton based

Louis Blatchford10.8.10

Loved and missed every day

All my love,Louise

Louis BlatchfordLoved and remembered

every day

Love, Nana Eileen

Margaret Maughan10th August 2008As each day dawns

we think of you,As each night falls we pray for you.

And throughout our livesNo matter where,

In our hearts you are always there.

Love always,Husband Keith Maughan,

Daughter Angela Maughan& Grandson Kelvin Damian.

xxx

Maureen Wall12th August 2012Loving Wife, Mam

& Nanna,Loved and missed

every day.

Love always,Keith & family

xxx

Louis Blatchford10th August

Seven years ago our hearts were broken, we miss you

more each day

Love, Mam Matthew & John

Julie MacnaughtonHappy 50th Birthday

Love from Mam, Lacey Lou & Frankie

50!

Elle-May Wall12.8.17

Sweet 16

Lots of love from Mam, Dad, Ben, Lauren, Charlie

& all the family(Congratulations on your

Apprenticeship too)

Have a fab day & lovely holiday

16!

Julie McNaughton14th August

Happy 50th Birthday

Lots of love, From John

50!

STABLEYARD2/3 Boxes with small amount of turnout. Ferryhill/Chilton/Sedgefield area. 07497 527284

T h e r e ’ s n o s u c h t h i n g as bad weather, Just the wrong clothing! http://peakandfell.co.uk

MOVING A THING? From £14. Call Phil. Phone 01325 321084 or 07790 509925

Services

PropertyF a m i l y h o u s e a v a i l a b l e in Ferryhil l for rent. Good neighbours. Call 07921214180.

Friendly advisors are available to provide free, confidential advice and guidance.

Have a stress free summer

Are you or someone you know struggling with budgeting, benefits or ex-periencing tenancy issues? Support is available to help you have a stress-free summer.Home Group runs weekly drop-ins at the locations

below.Friendly advisors are available to provide free, confidential advice and guidance to support you with budgeting, benefits or tenancy issues.If you are unable to attend a drop-in due to any disabil-

ities, then you can contact Home Group’s Gateway, where you will be referred to see if you are eligible for the floating support service, on 0191 332 4935. Two community groups work together in Sedge-field, page 6.

AM

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Chilton Foodbank*Fortnightly*10.00-12.00

St Aidan’s Church, ChiltonDL17 0EJ2nd & 4th Monday of every month

Ferryhill Foodbank*Weekly*10.30-12.00

St Luke’s Church, FerryhillDL17 8LT

Cornforth PartnershipFood Bank*Weekly*9.30-11.0068 High Street, West CornforthDL17 9HS

PM

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Shildon Alive*Weekly*1.30-3.30

19 Church Street, ShildonDL4 1DS

Spennymoor Town Hall*Weekly*1.30-3.30

High Street, SpennymoorDL16 6DG

Newton AycliffeFood Bank*Weekly*1.30-3.30

St Clare’s Church, Newton AycliffeDL5 5NT

For Sale

Wanted

New Double DivanDelivery arranged. £120.07789113343

Mobile Scooter WantedTelephone: 01388 720 339

Friday 11th August 2017Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter Issue 841 Page 3

To advertise in The Chapter and its sister papers, the Shildon Town Crier and Bishop Press:T: (01388) 775 896E: thechapter@talk21.com

Popular local drag queen, Tess Tickle will be joining fellow drag queen Emma Boyd and Gogglebox star, Betty Moffatt in the Great North Run in aid of Butterwich Hospice.

Ferryhill’s Tess Tickle to take on GNR for Butterwick Hospice

Ferryhill drag queen, Tess Tickle, will be joined by fellow drag queen, Emma Boyd and Gogglebox star Betty Moffatt - mother of Queen of the Jungle, Scarlett Moffatt as the trio swap high heels for running shoes to raise money for Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland.Tess, Emma and Betty will also be joined on the run by Bobby March and Aaron Pearson from Tess Tickle Productions. Bobby is a dancer and Aaron works backstage.Tess, who hails from Fer-ryhill, spent a day at the hospice recently after agreeing to appear at the charity’s Ladies’ Day.“I wanted to see at first hand the amazing care that’s provided and now I’m determined to give something back to help those who do so much

every day.“The only run I normally get is in my tights but I’ll be doing my best!”Betty said she had been challenged to take part by Tess, who is a long-time friend, and replied: “I will if you will.”Betty is taking training for seriously by running a minimum of 12 miles a week and said: “The But-terwick is such a fantastic, local cause – how could I say no? Although Scarlett won’t be home to run it, she’s been really support-ive.”

Scarlett said: “My mam’s always been really sup-portive of me so it’s my turn to be proud of her. As a family, we really appreci-ate the importance of the Butterwick Hospice so I’m behind her all the way.”Tess and her “Dragettes” are raising money with bucket collections at all of their shows across the North-East and have already collected nearly £1,500.The Great North Run half marathon will take place this year on Sunday 10th September.

CLASSIFIED FORM:

Post or hand this form into:3-4 First Floor Offices, Town Council Building, Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH. Please note: All prices include VAT at standard rate of 20%

OCCASION: (Please tick) Birthday Obituary Anniversary For Sale Birth To Let Congratulations Services Appreciations Other (state): Memoriam .....................Number of separate messages:..............Message(s): Please write in clear BLOCK CAPITALS and continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total number of words = ............Amount x 0.42p, (includes VAT): ..........................Photograph included? (£7.20) Yes No(if yes, please include a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your picture returning)

Total (inc. photo): ..........................................Name: ........................................................................................Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................

Chapter Ferryhill & Chilton

THE WORXHAIR - BEAUTY - TANNING

5 Cobblers Hall, Newton Aycliffe. (01325) 3088609 Main Street, Ferryhill. (01740) 652006

The Worx Hair Beauty Tanning Theworxhairbeautytanning Worxhairbeauty

SUMMER BEAUTY & NAIL TREATMENTSFull range of colours to choose from

GELISH FINGERS & GELISH TOES £28NAIL EXTENSIONS & EYELASH EXTENSIONS £34

SPRAY TAN (Sienna X) & EYELASH EXTENSIONS £25SPRAY TAN (Sienna X) & NAIL EXTENSIONS £34

SPRAY TAN & GELISH £25WAXING

HALF LEG, BIKINI & UNDERARM £28FULL LEG, BIKINI & UNDERARM £33

EYEPACKEYEBROW WAX, EYEBROW TINT & EYELASH TINT £20

BRAZILIAN WAXINGBASIC BIKINI £18

BRAZILIAN (Runway) £28HOLLYWOOD (All Off) £38

RUSSIAN 3D SEMI-PERMANENT LASHESLasts the full growth cycle of your natural lash

Full Set £35, In-fills £18 (every 2-3 weeks) Glue test required 48hrs before application

ELECTRICIANwww.armstrong-electrics.co.uk

◊ Fault Finding / Repairs◊Extra Lights and Sockets◊New Fuse Boards◊Rewires◊P.A.T Testing◊ Landlord Inspections◊ QualifiedElectrician◊ Fully Insured◊Reliable Service◊Satisfaction Guaranteed

I WILL ASSURE YOU OF A QUICK RESPONSE AND A REASONABLY

PRICED SERVICECall Gary on:

01740 474050

Doyoufinditdifficulttogetsomeone to come out

and do a small job?

For more information call 0800 876 6887 | www.wellbeingforlife.net

Wellbeing for lifeYour wellbeing is about your happiness, your health, how involved you are in your community, the opportunities that are available to

you and the overall quality of your life. The wellbeing for life service is here to help and support you to make the changes you want.

Be more physically activeChange what you eat or drink or stop smokingTry something newFind out how you can volunteer or help othersFind out how to get involved in your community

In your community you may want to:

Friday 11th August 2017 Ferryhill & Chilton ChapterIssue 841Page 4

Chance Drama, which is based in Mainsforth, is cur-rently recruiting children.A spokesperson said: “We are looking for youngsters from ages seven to sixteen years old to join our drama club. “Come along to one of our rehearsals at Mains-forth Community Centre, from 5.30pm until 7pm on

Thursday nights. “We are a fun and friendly society and anyone joining can become involved in our next production. “We are currently rehears-ing for our Christmas pantomime, which will be Cinderella.” For more information call Darcy on 07598 674718.

Chance Drama recruiting

Four County Durham swimming pools, including Newton Aycliffe and Woodhouse Close, are offering fun new water-based activities throughout the summer holidays.

Make a splash this summer with new fun family sessions

Swimming pools through-out County Durham have launched some splash-tastic new water-based activity sessions, designed to keep kids entertained throughout the summer holidays whatever the weather. Newly-introduced sessions see a giant inflatable obstacle course invade the county’s pools. Aimed at eight to 14-year-olds, they’re already proving a hit as youngsters battle the challenge and their own laughter to reach the end. For younger water lovers new aquafun sessions feature floats and water toys including floaters, sinkers and balls which en-tertain and help develop aquatics skills. Families can enjoy quality time together as part of adult and child sessions where they play and invent their own games in the water and meet Brock the badger, who’s been learning to love water at the same time.Brock and his friends are the central characters to the instructor lead sessions and they are helping children with their early years aquatics skills this summer.Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “Swimming is already the

largest participation sport in the county with many of our residents swimming at least once a month, and we are delighted that we now have the funding thanks to National Lottery players to help this number grow.“We hope that the pilot will re-invigorate swimming as an activity and encourage residents to embrace water-based activities at their local facility.”The roll out will continue over the next 12 months and, later in the year, further improvements will include transforming changing rooms, creating new reception areas and introducing water-based fitness classes including spinning and trampolining.The project has been made possible thanks to a £1.5 million invest-ment from Durham County Council alongside £540,972 funding from Sport England. The lottery-funded Swim Local Pilot was created following feedback around local swimming experi-ences, which was gathered at 16 focus groups and through a satisfaction survey. Customers’ views on swimming and the barriers they face in taking part in activity were used to shape leisure centre refurbishments, new pro-

grammes and sessions. As one of 12 Swim Local Pilots across the country, the project is aimed at increasing participation in the sport and deliver-ing better outcomes for physical activity across County Durham. Lisa O’Keefe, Sport Eng-land’s Director of Insight, said: “Sport England is proud to be providing funding and support to Durham County Council to help more people get active through swimming. “A lot of research has gone into the development of the Swim Local projects to make sure we’re giving the local community what they want and need. “We know swimming is one of the ways many people prefer to get active. “At Sport England we want everyone to enjoy the benefits that exercise brings, and hope people in County Durham take advantage of the exciting new swimming opportuni-ties in the area.”Four pools are included in the pilot project:• Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre;• Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre;• Peterlee Leisure Centre;• Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex.Find out the timetables for your chosen venue at www.durham.gov.uk/swimming.

DP Plumbing & Heating Services

Established companyGas safe registered 217844

Our boiler installs are done by time served engineers, all systems are Power flushed, not just flushed.Boiler installs starting from just £1,000Full Bathroom Suites Landlord CertificatesWe do the small jobs too! Free QuotesWe also work alongside a fully qualified Joiner

T: 01740 656715 M: 07931578017

Shildon Gardens & Allotments Guild

Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AG

Open Sundays only from 8.30am - 11.30am

AUGUST SUNDAYS

10% PRICE REDUCTION

ON ALL STOCK

Includes compost, peat & Charge

The entertainment in Fer-ryhill Library this week is Ventriloquist and Enter-tainer, Eileen & Joe, on Thursday 10th August from 2pm until 3pmThe following week’s en-tertainment will be Eileen

Glenton Storytelling on Thursday 17th August, again from 2pm to 3pm.The sessions are suitable for children aged from three years to eleven years or age and entry to the events is free of charge.

Children’s summer holiday fun

Andrew’s RoofingThe complete roofing serviceNew Roofs - Flat Roofs - Repairs

Slating & Tiling - Felting and Pointing

UPVC, Gutters, Fascias, Soffits & Flat Roofing Specialist

Free EstimatesTel 01388 605489

07986 217936

SILVERCABS

07549 634 441

Local DriverAnytime, AnywhereHospitals, Doctors,

Airports, Train Station, Holidays, Shopping

TAXIS

Friday 11th August 2017Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter Issue 841 Page 5

Cllr Liz Maddison, chair of Durham Crematorium Committee, presenting a cheque for £5,000 to Ashleigh Corker from stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands.

Crematorium recycling scheme raises thousands for charity

Two crematoria in County Durham have donated a total of £10,000 to local charities as a result of a share of surplus funds from a national recycling scheme. Sands, a stillbirth and neo-natal death charity, and cancer charity Coping with Cancer North East have each received cheques of £5,000 from Mountsett Crematorium and Durham Cremato-rium, respectively. Durham County Council, which runs Durham Cre-matorium in partnership with Spennymoor Town Council and Mountsett in conjunction with Gateshead Council, is a member of the Metal Recycling Scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Man-agement (ICCM), which recycles metals which are left after a cremation.Once written consent is given from each bereaved family, metals such as orthopaedic implants and materials used in the con-struction of the coffin are recycled by the ICCM with proceeds shared between its members to donate to a charity of their choice. Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services, said: “We’re massively indebted to the generous families that have kindly donated these recycled metals to charity.

“Their consent, given at this difficult time for them, does mean that good causes continue to benefit.”The recycled metals scheme, which has been run in partnership with a Dutch company called Orthometals since 2006, makes a huge difference to the communities it serves, all while making the least possible impact on the environment. Dr Judith Woodruff, CEO of Coping with Cancer NE, said: “Coping with Cancer NE is delighted to receive a donation of £5000 from the crematoria. “The charity exists to provide emotional support and practical help for the cancer community of the North East. “The money will be welcome to help us to provide complementary therapy in Durham Uni-versity Hospital Oncology Day Unit for patients and carers and acupuncture for ladies with breast

cancer in Newcastle to help them cope with the side effects of chemo-therapy.“In addition it will be used to provide more one to one counselling sessions for those who need that extra support to help them through difficult times.”Carolyn Bray, fundrais-ing and events manager at Sands, said: “We’d like to say how grateful we are for being chosen to benefit from this bril-liant scheme, and extend a heartfelt thank you to Durham County Council and the crematorium for such a generous donation. “This not insignificant amount allows us to make a very real, positive dif-ference to many thou-sands of people who have been devastated by the death of a baby and will help to continue to improve the bereavement care received by parents and families at such an awful time in their lives.”

New Roofs, Slating, Tiling, Felt Roofs etc.

For all your roofing needs

Contact Lee

L & L Roofing Services

Mobile: 07970 381075Home: 01740 653750

Domestics Direct AppliAnce repAirs

Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers,

Vacuum Cleaners, Dish Washers

free locAl cAll out

Call DarrenDaytime: 07949 905 581Evening: 01388 721 882

BOILER INSTALLATIONS,

SERVICE & REPAIRGas Safe Registered

Tel: 0782652795201388 720009

J. D GAS SERVICES

All plumbing & gas work carried out

Dear Editor,

In reading the 21st July edition of the Chapter (issue 839), Councillor John Lindsay states that dogs will be excluded from the fenced off area.

On the front page of the edition is a lovely picture of the dog activities that was enjoyed by all at the fair and will be featured in next year’s programme.

Surely not, as dogs have been excluded?

Bill PorterRamsay Drive (A dog walker)

BLINDS FACTORY SHOP

Phone the North East’s original master blind maker

Siesta Blinds on 01740 623333Siesta House, Whinfield Drive, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6AU

Ask about our next day fitting on vertical blinds

£££’s

HOME SELECTION SERVICE

FREEFREE

MEASURE & FITTING buy direct from the factory and save

www.siestablinds.com

Letters Have your say...

Due to the forthcoming Bank Holiday on Monday 28th August, all classified submissions must be left at Ferryhill or Chilton Library by no later than 12 noon on Saturday 26th August, or posted in time to reach us by Friday 25th August.

Submissions via email or tel-ephone will still be accepted until the usual deadline of 12 noon on Monday.Email thechapter@talk21.com or call 01388 775896.The Chapter office will be open as usual on Bank Holiday Monday.

Bank holiday classifieds deadline

Ukulele night at the Ash TreeA new Ukulele Night is starting in the Ash Tree pub in Spennymoor on Thursday 17th August from 7.30pm.

Tel: 01740 656773

TOMMER’S TACKLE

5 MARKET STREET, FERRYHILL

We now stock a large range of PET FOOD for dogs, cats etc, as well as wild bird seeds for

budgies, canaries etcCall in to see our

fantastic selection.Delivery service available.

Anyone wishing to join is requested to go along and all are welcome to attend.For more information, call Ted on 01388 812988.

Friday 11th August 2017 Ferryhill & Chilton ChapterIssue 841Page 6

Grass cutting and garden maintenance, with over 200

lawns cut locally with an average price of just £6.50

Patios, Drives and FencingFor a Free

No Obligation Estimate call John Paul Elsdon on

077030 10042

34, Gordon TerraceFerryhill DL17 8AU

GroundDezign

Out of hours call available Call Neil on:

M: 07882 233 219 Tel: 01740 656166

NC PLUMBING SERVICES

All plumbing requirements undertakenFrom a drip to a full bathroom refit.

Complete Bathroom specialist,Full tiling and wall cladding service,

Full Power Flush Service.Central heating problems repaired.

No job too small

S CRABTREEDigital Aerials Fitted

Digi Aerials, DABSky, Freesat

No Hidden Charges.No Extra For Cable Used.

I Will Beat Any Written Quote, Plus Network Your House

& Tune InFerryhill based

0797 997 1541

Ferryhill food bank, which distributes on Thursdays from St Luke’s Centre has issued a plea for items that are in short supply.A spokesperson said: “The food bank is really short of long life milk, tinned fruit, coffee and sugar as the

warehouse at Chester-le-Street is not getting much of these items in. “If anyone would like to donate any of these items they can be dropped off to the food bank at St Luke’s Centre between 9.30am-12noon on Thursdays or

Ferryhill Food Bank appeals for donations

left in the blue food bin on Friday morning at St Luke’s Centre.“Andrew Marshall Residen-tial Properties office in Dar-lington Road are also willing to accept any donations. “We are also very short of carrier bags.”

Ferryhill food bank as issued an appeal for members of the community to come forward with donations. The bank takes money as well as food and other consumer donations.

TERRY STEPHENSON & SONS- UNDERTAKERS -

PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST.

COMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICE ARRANGED & PERSONALLY DIRECTED BY TERRY.

Golden Charter Funeral Plans

Tel: 651350Mobile: 0777 4704739

1B DUNNING ROAD, FERRYHILL.

Established 1845

Tips and advice on tracing your family tree will be available at a beginners’ family history course.Run by Durham County Record Office, the popular sessions are led by an ar-chivist and also offer an introduction to the sources available at the record office.The course lasts for three weeks and runs on the fol-lowing dates:• Tuesday evenings, from

6pm to 8pm – 12th, 19th and 26th September

• Thursday mornings, from 10am to 12noon – 14th, 21st and 28th September

Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist, said: “Our family history courses offer the chance to get started on your family tree and find out about the fantastic resources avail-able on your doorstep.”The course costs £30 for all three sessions. Places must

be booked in advance by calling 03000 267 626.Meanwhile, another course will explain to amateur historians how they can use electoral registers and trade directories to trace their family tree at a talk this month.The session is part of Durham County Record Office’s Branching Out programme, where people can pick up tips and advice on unearthing information about their ancestors.This month’s talk takes place twice – on Tuesday, 13th June from 6pm to 8pm, and on Thursday, 15th June, from 10am to noon.Costing £10 per person, the sessions are aimed at people who have already begun tracing their family tree or who have attended one of the Record Office’s beginners’ courses.To book, or for more infor-mation, call 03000 267 626.

New family history courses

New group exercise time-tables have been launched at leisure centres across County Durham.There are over 250 weekly group exercise classes on offer, and with a recent £76,000 investment in cycle energy bikes at Woodhouse Close and three other leisure centres across the county, there has been no better time to get fit, stay active and feel great.Durham County Council leisure centres offer classes

for all ages and abilities. Gentle exercise options are available for beginners; or those looking for a more intense workout might want to try MetaPWR, a power circuit class that uses weights and other fitness equipment to work the muscles and boost the metabolism for a full body workout.Resident, Kaye Stephenson said: “It offers a variety of routines that are designed to test agility, strength and

New group exercise timetables launched at leisure centres

conditioning. I feel that I am able to push myself and get the same results without spending countless hours exercising. I think I am on the way to finally getting that summer body I’ve been longing for.”Visit www.durham.gov.uk/GX to download your local timetable. For more information about group exercise, swimming or gym activities, contact your local leisure centre or visit durham.gov.uk/leisure.

Need to check council decisions, boundaries and

rights of way, or obtain copies of baptisms or marriage in

church certificates?Want to trace your family

history or find out what life was like in your home town?

Then contact Durham County Council’s Archives Service on:

03000 267 619record.office@durham.gov.uk | www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk

Friday 11th August 2017Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter Issue 841 Page 7

From September 2017, working parents of three and four year olds will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.

Extra 15 hours free childcare for working parents

Parents of three and four year olds are being encour-aged to apply for an addi-tional 15 hours free child-care to help them remain in or take up employment.From September 2017, working parents of three and four year olds will be eligible for a total of 30 hours free childcare – rather than the current 15 hours which is available to all. Each parent – or the sole parent in a one parent family – must earn the equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage as a minimum for the first three months following application, and less than £100,000 per year. As of Tuesday, 1st August there had been 2,091 successful applications in County Durham and 1,535 codes from providers to be verified.Of those that have been checked, 1, 357 codes have been confirmed as eligible. 160 providers

have signed up to offer places so far.The Department for Edu-cation is expecting 4,010 children across the county to take up the offer this financial year. Parents can check their eligibility for the addi-tional 15 hours the term before their child is due to start their funded 15 hours place.The term children are able to start nursery depends upon when they are born:• Child born between April

1st and August 31st: Sep-tember term intake;

• Child born between September 1st and December 31st: January term intake;

• Child born between January 1st and March 31st: April term intake.

Parents can start to check their eligibility for the January intake from Sep-tember. Cllr Olywn Gunn, Cabinet member for children and young people said, “The opportunity for an extra

15 hours of free childcare is great news for working families across Durham and it is good to see so many parents have already applied for the scheme.“We hope that more families will check their eligibility so that all those who are able to benefit from this do so as soon as possible.”Eligibility is checked through the Childcare Choices website: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ Details of providers offering funded places can be found on Families In-formation Service website www.countydurhamfami-lies.info.Childcare providers on the Ofsted Early Years Register, which includes childminders, day nurs-eries, playgroups, pre-schools, nursery schools, schools with nursery classes and out-of-school providers, can offer the extended entitlement in a model of their choosing.

MEIKLES SOLICITORS8 North Street, Market Place, Ferryhill

Telephone : 01740 652811Email : ferryhillreception@

meikles-solicitors.co.ukFOR ALL LEGAL MATTERS

Accident and Injury Claims – EmploymentHouse Sales & Purchases – Wills and Probate

Child Care Cases – Matrimonial – CrimeEstablished over 75 years

July time has come around again

When Zena, Doreen and Ray

Visit local gardens around our town,

Judging Ferryhill in Bloom’s display.

Lawns are carefully cut and striped

Their edges looking neat,

Hedgerows squared off to perfection

Flower beds looking a treat.

With a multitude of colour showing,

Hanging baskets are overflowing,

Smelling of scented stocks at night,

Window boxes too are bright

Allotments too are displaying their bounty,

With giant leeks, onions and vegetables

displayed,

Greenhouses of tomatoes and cucumbers smell,

Alongside chilli peppers looking swell.

Pubs and shops have joined in too

Hoping a place on the shield to win,

Prestige to be gained by contestants all,

September results to be read out in the

Masons’ Hall

A buffet meal and a pint to share

Ensuring we all enter the competition again

next year.

Poetry CornerGardener’s DelightBy Gordon Harris, Ferryhill

This week in History

An earthquake hits Casigu-ran, Aurora, Philippines killing more than 270 people and wounding 261.

2 August 1968

Jesse Owens wins the 100 metre dash, defeat-ing Ralph Metcalfe, at the Berlin Olympics.

3 August 1936

First War of Scottish Inde-pendence: James Douglas leads a raid into Weardale and almost kills Edward III of England.

4 August 1327

Plaid Cymru is formed with the aim of disseminating knowledge of the Welsh language that is at the time in danger of dying out.

5 August 1925

Jamaica becomes inde-pendent from the United Kingdom.

6 August 1962

The last confirmed lynching of blacks in the Northern United States occurs in Marion, Indiana; two men, Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, are killed.

7 August 1930

Friday 11th August 2017 Ferryhill & Chilton ChapterIssue 841Page 8

SportLocal leagues, competitions and events...

Chapter Ferryhill & Chilton

Ferryhill Celtic’s new season - their first in the Durham And District Sunday League’s Premier League, will kick off with a trip to near neighbours, Newton Aycliffe The Huntsman at 10:30am on Sunday 13th August. The match will take place at Woodham Academy School.The game will quickly be followed by a midweek tie, also away from home

at Sherburn Village FC on Thursday 17th August. Kick off in that evening match will be 6:30pm.Meanwhile, local rivals, Ferryhill Dynamoes, who also secured promotion to the Premier League, will kick off their campaign at home on Sunday 13th against Sacriston Colliery Cricket Club FC at 10.30am.Dynamoes play their home matches at Ferryhill Station School.

Ferryhill clubs set for Premier League

Ian Larnach and the Coast to Coast cyclists celebrate completing this year’s gruelling ride and raising funds for the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group.

Coast to Coast cyclists raise funds for local cancer group

On the 21st – 23rd July our Ian Larnach Cancer Care Charities intrepid team of cyclists took on the 150 mile Coast to Coast cycle ride challenge from White-haven (rear wheels in the sea) in Cumbria to Seaham.the seven heroes; Chris Holt, Dave Allan, Andrew Hedley, Neil McGann, Craig Dominick, Ann Shaw and last but not least, Sandie Lewis left Whitehaven in the foulest of weather and rode through even worse to their first overnight stop at Penrith. The next day was even tougher with horrid weather and mountain-ous hills to climb to reach Stanhope in Weardale.After a hot bath, a good meal and a restful night they were off again on

their final leg to Seaham. Unfortunately the weather was again horrendous. Not to be put off, the team battled on and finished the challenge with smiles on their faces as they touched their front wheels into the North Sea. A great gathering of family friends and colleges were waiting at Seaham to give the team a rousing recep-tion along with a well-earned beer!The event was organised by keen cyclists, Chris Holt and Dave Allan, on behalf of Ian Larnach Cancer Care Charities, who will be donating the amount raised (which is £1,300 to date) to the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group (GACSG). GACSG is run by Alison White, who has lived with

cancer herself for 15 years.She does a remarkable job, setting up and running the support group. She now has around 60 members attending monthly get togethers and provides individual support by specialists, transport to meetings, days out and general daily support.The cyclists said: “Alison is a true hero and an in-spiration to all that know her. We are delighted to support her and GACSG.”Ian Larnach was born in Ferryhill Station. He is living with cancer himself and as a result decided to set up Ian Larnach Cancer Care Charities five years ago. To date ILCCC has raised close to £30,000 and donated all to local cancer care groups.

Do you have leaflets for your business?

The Chapter is delivered to around 8,000 homesLeaflets distributed from just 3p each. Call (01388) 775 896 to arrange distribution

FERRYHILL ROOFING

CONTRACTORS LTDFor all aspects of roofing

- New roofs - roof repairs - slating - felt roofs etc.

Contact Trevor Elsdon on

01388 420152, or0788 788 6558

High Quality Gates Garden Fences - Wall Railings

- Free Estimates &Advice on any project

- Experienced Tradesmen - Friendly Reliable Fast AdviceTel Stephen on: 07976554046

Email: info@valleywroughtiron.co.ukwww.valleywroughtiron.co.uk

Valley Wrought Iron

NEED A VAN?JOHN’S VANLIGHT REMOVALS

ANYTHING MOVED FROM £10 | LICENSED

WASTE CARRIER

01388 81828607914 032280

Ferryhill Celtic reunion organisedFerrhill Celtic Football Club is holding a reunion day for all ex-players, committee members and associates on Thursday 7th September.If anyone is interested in attending, they should meet at the Dean and Chapter public house for

refreshments, reminis-cences and a good catch up, starting at 4.30pm until whenever you want to go home.For any further informa-tion, contact either Keith Lloyd on 01740 656659 or 07759 247722 or Les Heavi-side on 01740 654649.

Find or register a sports club near you at www.countydurhamsport.com

03000 282 012