Spring 2008
EASINGTON VILLAGE PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Clerk: Bill Day, Seaton Holme, Hall Walks Tel: 0191 5279360 or e-mail billday@easvillpc.fsnet/
PARISH COUNCIL PRECEPT 2008-9
At its December Precept Meeting, the council set a precept of £103,258, an increase of 2.5% on this year, to cover inflation costs. However the coming year should see the replacement and enhancement of the play equipment on the green, new seating at the Village Inn Corner, along with other minor improvements.
SEATON HOLME.
Roof Repairs.
Details are now being finalised by the council's architects for repairs to the roof areas, following which lime washing of the south and west walls will be carried out.
Long Gallery
There is currently a display of paintings of churches in the area painted by local artists during last year's Heritage Open Days weekend. Following this on 21st April, it is hoped that there will be a display from the Children's Art Festival, being staged between Easington primary schools and Glendene. Watch out for details of this nearer the time.
John Dobson
John, who has been a stalwart of art and craft exhibitions here at Seaton Holme, has kindly donated seven of his renowned three-dimensional pictures to the council, which will be put on permanent display in a section of the Long Gallery. The council is very grateful for this kind gesture.
Rear Porch
The wallboard displays depicting local history and heritage, which used to adorn the Discovery Centre, have now been installed in the rear porch at the end of the Long Gallery, and will be open for viewing from April onwards. (It's a bit cold in there in winter!)
YOUR VIEWS ARE NEEDED!
At its February meeting the council decided to seek residents' views on what possible improvements to amenities could be made in the village, and in particular the recurring theme of complaints about anti-social behaviour. The council intends to broker some discussion with youth bodies as to how youth facilities might be provided. Please let us have your views.
.....AND FINALLY!
We say goodbye to Mrs Ada Robson, who has been our cleaner at Seaton Holme for many years, and wish her a long and happy retirement also Congratulations to Ada & Alan on their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM - Their report was considered at the meeting of Easington Village Parish Council. The village won a Bronze award with a 53% mark but there were criticisms and helpful tips. They said there were some attractive front gardens, good floral efforts by the pubs, praised the entrance to Essyn Court and commended Plants'R'Ross for their input in the village. They suggested more bright plantings at the entrance to the village to give greater floral impact and to find leaders in the community to help with greater involvement of the public. They praised Easington Community School for its ECO committee, an enthusiastic and responsible group of young people and suggested greater involvement with an anti-litter programme in the community.
LETS SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER TO MAKE THE VILLAGE A PRETTIER PLACE!
EASINGTON VILLAGE MILLENNIUM LUNCHEON CLUB (Reg. Charity No. 1092506)
Members enjoyed a free party before their break over Christmas and the New Year. If you know someone who lives alone and doesn't get out much please let Eileen know tel; 5272668, transport can be provided. Volunteers had an enjoyable night out in February with a meal at Shellies in the Phoenix thanks to the generosity of the club members.
EASINGTON VILLAGE WOMANS INSTITUTE
The WI meets the third Monday of each month in Seaton Holme at 7pm and we welcome new members or visitors. February 18 - Mary Du Mughn "Did we Really Wear That?" a collection of actual clothes from 1850. 25 February. OPEN MEETING - ALL WELCOME. Coffee evening with Catherine Hart - Hats, headpieces & hand-made jewellery, with this year's new season jewellery for sale.17 March - The Driving Standards Agency "Arrive Alive". talk on safe driving for the over 50s. 21 April - Dr. Tarquin and Paula Bolton "Gongs and Singing Bowls" a special workshop using gongs and bowls for relaxation. 21 May Annual General Meeting Address by WI advisor, entertainment by "Magic Mick". 16 June Birthday Party Entertainment by vocalist Robyn Martin. 21 July Dr. Michael Hughes "Durham Botanic Garden in Pictures".
PETERLEE & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB
The club, which is affiliated to NAFAS, meets each month on the second Wednesday of the month in Seaton Holme at 7pm and would welcome new members and visitors. Coming events are 12 March - Today I went Shopping with Christine Ogle, 9 April - Wood Glorious Wood with Pam Alexander, 14 May the Open Meeting at Shotton Hall, Peterlee - Flamboyant Beauty with Irene Parker (tickets from club members) the club outing in June and 9 July - A Night with the Stars.
THE WOMEN AGLOW FELLOWSHIP
The Women Aglow Fellowship for Peterlee & District is an interdenominational group who meet on the second Monday in the month at 7.30pm in Seaton Holme and all are welcome. The speakers in the next months are 10 March Linda Fenwick, 14 April Michelle Maciarelli, 12 May Joan Histon and 9 June Jennifer Nairns.
EASINGTON VILLAGE C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL
Easington Village Church of England Primary School got the best set of exam results in the region scoring 100 per cent across the board. The school top scored in English, maths and science but it is not the first time the school has hit the heights after also getting top marks in 2005.
EASINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
From September 2007 new starters at Easington Community Science College will be changing uniforms to be phased over a period. New starters will wear the red t-shirt for lessons and a white t-shirt for sports with the school's new logo and with a suitable school bag. The schools Eco Team established in November 2006 won a Bronze certificate in the 2007 Northumbria in Bloom competition who suggested greater involvement with an anti-litter programme in the community.
They have been working with Sport Development officers in various competitive festivals and are nurturing interest in sports. Last year their achievements were Area Netball Champions - Years 7, 9 and 10, Cross Country Area Champions Year 7 and local Girl's Rugby Festival winners Year 7/8. Individual successes were Area athletic winners L. Houghton, Z. Bartholomew, M. Smith and K. Marriott, C. Price year 7 is County cross country representative and Under 15 football trialists are C. Jennings, D. Johnson and L. Reeves.
ENVIRONMENTAL
DISTRICT OF EASINGTON COUNCIL
HUNDREDS of households have been warned by the District of Easington council that they face fines for putting too much rubbish out for collection. More than 460 households have been told that if they continue to leave extra bags beside their wheelie bins they face an £80 penalty under tough new measures introduced by to boost recycling and clean the streets.
The Council offers a free benefit check which ensures people receive the full amount they are entitled to. Companies are putting leaflets through residents' doors offering help with accessing benefits but charge a fee for the service. For information and advice on the free benefit check contact District of Easington Council on 527 0501, or go to www.easington.gov.uk/services/benefits to access the on-line calculator. A Saturday morning hotline is also available 10am until noon by calling 07733 315181. A benefits officer will be on hand to calculate eligibility and take the caller through an application form.
LOST DOGS http://www.easington.gov.uk/ Go to Community & Living then Animal Welfare.
From January the District of Easington began working with Coxhoe Dogs Home and charity Stray Aid NE to board and re-home strays found in the area. Council dog wardens will take any stray dogs they pick up to Coxhoe Dogs Home where owners can collect them. The animal's picture and details will also be put immediately onto the authority's website if after seven days a dog is not collected, it will then be sent to Stray Aid NE which will try to give the dog a health check, as well as vaccinate, neuter and micro-chip it, before trying to find it a new home. Last year, the council collected 488 stray dogs. The majority of the animals were returned to their owners or given to new homes. However, homes could not be found for 74 of the animals and they eventually had to be put down.
How do I report a lost, found or stray dog.
Contact Envirocall with details. Telephone: 0191 527 5040
email: environment@easington.gov.uk |
Address: District of Easington, Community Services Directorate, Environmental Health and Licensing Unit, Building 9, Council Offices, Seaside Lane, Easington, Co. Durham, SR8 3TN
Dogs needing a good home - Any stray dogs collected within the District will be taken to Coxhoe Dogs Home. This is a partnership of Blue Acres Kennels and Stray Aid. They will be working together to try and rehome these dogs. Dogs available for re-homing can be found by selecting these links.
http://www.blueacres.co.uk/rescue.html
or http://www.strayaid.co.uk/our-animals.html
MUSIC & THE ARTS
ROCK'N'ROLL - held in Easington Colliery Welfare Hall. For tickets or information on further events please tel; 01845 525293. March 15th 2008 - The Black Cadillacs A huge success recently at the Skegness Rock & Roll weekend £4. April 19 - The Firebirds This band needs no introduction, still the band everyone looks up to£6.50. May 17 - Little Tina & Flight 56 - Original big selling band of the Seventies. This little gal loves rockin' £6.50. May 31 - Pete Hutton & Beyonders New band to the Welfare, successful record contract, same label as Firebirds. £4.50. June 21 - Rock Back The Clock £4. July 19 - Red Alert Previously appeared at the London Palladium. From South Wales. Does Shakin' Stevens better than Shakin' Stevens £5.
A Creative Writing Class are presently working with prose but sometimes they have poetry, they meet in Easington Colliery Welfare Hall fortnightly on Thursday at 1pm the next one is 6 March, information is available from Mary Bell tel: 5867683.
HEALTHWORKS
Healthworks is situated at the old Water Co. offices, on Paradise Lane in Easington Colliery and throughout the year there will be a range of health and community events with advice available in various ways. Leaflets are available informing you of ongoing events or ask Fiona Maher, Healthworks co-ordinator on tel: 5274150.
Artworks is a pilot project offering over-16s in east Durham the chance to improve their drawing and painting skills with the help of professionals but sculpture, ceramics and stained glass making skills are also available to budding artists held every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm. Artworks has been organised and funded by District of Easington Council and County Durham Primary Care Trust the course is free with all materials provided. Age Concern County Durham has moved into the Healthworks, contact details for Pam Thirlaway and Linda Robinson is 5270224.
EASINGTON COLLIERY SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE
Built in 1935 the Welfare was the central facility in Easington Colliery supporting the welfare and social life of the former mining community. Paid for through subscriptions by the miners themselves, this majestic old building has been at the heart of this community ever since it was built. It was said to have one of the best-sprung dance floors in the north. Although in need of major refurbishment the management committee are striving to improve this facility so it can cater for the communities' needs, the first stage of redeveloping the building has been achieved with funding to renew the roof and provide double-glazing to six of the windows in the dance hall. At present the centre has a number of regular user groups and events and is hoping to expand upon the services that it provides. The development manager is Geoff Price on tel: 5270635 and they have launched our website www.thewelly.biz/ where you can see a list of events.
HELP GROUPS
- one of the loneliest places on earth
COMMUNICARE BUSES (Registered charity 701793 low cost; wheelchair friendly, picks you up, takes (and carries) you shopping escorted by experienced drivers. The Dial-a Ride service operates between 2pm - 4pm and 6.30pm - 8pm. Buckingham Bingo on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Return journeys within East Durham cost £2 and 50p for a one off lifetime membership of Dial-a-Ride - to book a seat phone Alice or Sharon on 5872883. CHECK
EAST DURHAM HOSPITAL LINK
Dial-a-Ride - A visiting link between Easington district and the University of Hartlepool Hospital operates between 8.30am and 8.30pm, costs 50p lifetime membership and £2 a return journey. Make appointments two days in advance to guarantee a place by calling Durham Travel Response Centre tel; 3835383.
ON THE EDGE OF CONVERSATION - ONE OF THE LONELIEST PLACES ON EARTH.
Durham Deafened Support promotes the relief, integration, rehabilitation, welfare and education of people who have become isolated because of hearing loss, helps them cope with their disability. Contact us at 4th Floor, Lee House, Peterlee tel; 0191 518 3358.
PEOPLE IN THE PARISH
EVELYN MARTIN - The family of the late Evelyn Martin received a letter of thanks from Dr Holland consultant rheumatologist for donations of £252 so generously give by friends and family for the Sunderland Royal Rheumatology Trust Fund in memory of Evelyn who died last year.
ALF HUNTINGTON His wife Doris would like to thank her family and many friends for their sympathy and kindness during her sad loss and for the donations made to St. Mary's Church in his memory. Alf was well known through the village and colliery and will be remembered for his kindness, his love of gardening, swimming and dancing.
HORNSBY - Members of two well-known Easington families the Hornsby's and the Broughs married 60 years ago in St. Mary's Church and have just celebrated their Diamond Wedding. Sarah and Ken have had a marvellous time with celebrations at home and Hardwick Hall culminating with a weekend in Harrogate. The couple have two sons and two daughters and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
BOBBY JOBSON - The sudden death of Bobby at 69, husband of the late Anne shocked residents of Easington and his funeral service was held at St. Mary's. A former employer of Air Products he generously donated balloons for the children at Easington Village Residents Association Fair for many years, tributes were given by former workmates. He leaves a son Tony and grandson Jack