QUIZ ANSWERS
PERKS FOR REACHING 50 OR OVER
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
Your secrets are safe with you as you can’t remember them either.
Your joints are more accurate meteorologists then the national weather
service.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the
room.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
Things you buy now will never wear out.
No one expects you to run anywhere.
There is noting left to learn the hard way.
You can eat supper at 5pm.
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
Your investment in health insurance is starting to pay off.
MAY’S CROSSWORD SOLUTION
DOWN
1
5
9
10 12 13 14 16 18 21 22 24 26 27 28 29 2
Iceni.
3
Wimbledon.
4
Towards.
5
Melissa.
6
Drier.
7
Component.
8,13 Across You Can Not Be
11 Established.
15 Steinbeck.
17 Ownership.
19 Gas-bags.
20 Trample.
23 NADAL.
25,10 Across Venus.
DID YOU KNOW:
In 1969, Pancho Gonzalez
and Charlie Pasarell played a
record 112 game singles match
on Wimbledon’s Centre Court,
lasting five hours 12 minutes.
Gonzalez, aged 41, won.
JG DAVIES
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
EMAIL CONTACT LIST
Do you always know what is going on in Witton le Wear,
Engineman’s Terrace and Railway Cottages? Would you like to
get an email with coming events? If so please send an email to
[email protected] and your email address will be
added to a group contact. From here messages can be sent out
regularly to you informing you of coming events or results of
events that have been held.
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Witton Word
THE NEWSLETTER OF WITTON-LE-WEAR PARISH COUNCIL
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
SPRING/SUMMER EDITION 2014
ISSUE 60
EDITOR’S LETTER
As I write this introduction I can see completely blue skies, and yes, it feels like summer is here.
I must tell you of an event in my garden that has lasted for four weeks. My wife was clearing some leaves
from the flower beds when she came across eleven small eggs, later to be fifteen, laid carefully on some leaves,
hidden behind the plants. My wife called me to have a look, and we decided to leave the area undisturbed. A
few minutes later we took another look, and now there was a pheasant sat on the eggs.
We both watched the pheasant over the weeks as she sat on the eggs, occasionally we would see her leave the
nest to find food. She was not afraid of us, allowing us to get close to the nest when she was there.
ACROSS
Dimwit.
Medics.
Oleum.
Williams.
Chiller.
Serious.
Nosed.
Soap-opera.
Overnight.
Natal.
Bananas.
Arrives.
Headlamp.
Hence.
Skills.
Expose.
1.
Emily Davison
2.
Rub-a-dub-dub
3.
Shah
4.
An Eagle
5.
An ill wind
6.
Hops
7.
As you like it
8.
Choir
9.
The Dickin Medal
10.
Sard
11.
American Fottball
12.
Helium
13.
Delilah
14.
Quasimodo
15.
Wind found arround
Perth
16.
Apple
17.
Spain
Page 16
National Inspection
Council for Electrical Contracting
When I went to the nest last Monday, the pheasant was not there, and the eggs were broken open with a
number of dead chicks laying there. Something had caused this, we can only assume it was the Magpies that
used to sit on the fence close to the nest as the dead chicks disappeared very shortly afterwards. The good news
is that after searching for the pheasant we found her in a field behind our garden, and she has one fluffy chick
with her. Later we spotted a male pheasant close to her, and they then left the field to go elsewhere.
This reminded me what a nice place Witton Le Wear is, and the pheasant must have recognised it as a safe
place to nest here, so close to housing.
In this edition we have details of events in the area arranged by the Wildlife Trust, based at Low Barns,
and don’t forget you can visit Low Barns to see all the wild life,
including the new births enjoying the tranquil environment right
INDEX
on our doorstep.
The Village Fair is to be held on Saturday the 21st of June, starting
at 2.00p.m. Come along and support the many stalls. The monies
raised will help to support the efforts to retain our Community
Centre. This annual event could not be held if it was not for
the huge effort put in to organising this event by those in the
organising team. A huge thank you to all of you.
APPROVED CONTRACTOR
On the 28th of June at 6.30p.m. the Methodists have Anita
Atkinson entertaining with a talk on Royal Memorabilia,
including Afternoon Tea, all for just £5.
Glenrosa, 17 East End,
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland,
Co. Durham DL13 2UX
The 21st of July at 7.00p.m. is Quiz night in the Community
Centre. This will get you thinking, and to re-invigorate you there
is a Fish and Chip Supper, all for only £7.50.
Tel & Fax: 01388 528783
Email: [email protected]
The Community Association continue to work towards securing
the future of the Community Centre, and Jack Collins report in
this edition updates you of progress.
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Page 1
Page 2: Useful & Trade Telephone Numbers
Community Centre Events
Page 3: Chairmans Report
Page 4: Chairmans Report continued
Village Events
Page 5: Parish Council Minutes
Page 6: Parish Council Minutes continued
Page 7: Billy Harrison Article
Page 8: News from the Pews
News from the Methodists
Page 9: Church Services
Page 10:Carpet Bowls
Page 11:Community Association
Monthly Coffee Mornings
Page 12:Village Fair
Crossword
Page 13:Resident Branches Out Article
Page 14:Witton 1914-1918 Project
Quiz
Page 15:WI News
Page 16:Crossword Solution
Quiz Answers
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
USEFUL
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Police – Non Emergency 101
HOSPITALS
NHS DIRECT - 0845 4647
Bishop Auckland Hospital
01388 455000
University Hospital North Durham
0191 3332333
Darlington University Hospital
01325 380100
Bishop Auckland Urgent Care
111
DOCTORS SURGERIES
North House Surgery
Hope Street, Crook - 01388 762945
Repeat Prescriptions
01388762718
Auckland Medical Group
51 Toft Hill - 01388 834843 &
St Helen Auckland - 01388 604163
Station View Medical Centre
Bishop Auckland - 0844 4778914
CHEMISTS
Clemitsons, 25a Hope Street, Crook
01388 764939
Boots Chemists, 8 North Terrace,
Crook - 01388 762726
Cooperative Pharmacy, 50 Hope St.,
Crook 01388 766718
SCHOOLS
Witton Le Wear Primary School
01388 488350
CHURCHES
St Philip and St James Parish Church
01388 602861
Methodist Chapel - 01388 603142
ORGANISATIONS
Community Centre
Clarice Smith 01388 488200
ELECTRICITY EMERGENCY
Northern Powergrid
0800 668877
WATER EMERGENCY
Northumbrian Water
Leaks - 0800 393084
Sewerage - 0800 3287648
GAS EMERGENCY
National Gas Emergency
Smell Gas - 0800 111999
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
TRADES DIRECTORY
TAXI
Castle Cars - 01388 488615
PLUMBERS
MG Plumbing - 01388 488616 / 07716 688959
ELECTRICIANS
J G Davies - 01388 528783
PAINTER & DECORATOR
S W Parkin - 01388 488802 /07840 602332
MOWER REPAIRS
T I Mowers - 01388 775249
REMOVALS
Parkinson - 01388 762222 / 07974 804910
FUNERAL SERVICES
Gibson’s - 01388 603665
TREE SERVICES
Fern Valley - 01388 763072 / 07883 509248
REGULAR EVENTS AT THE
COMMUNITY CENTRE:
Mondays:
2.00pm - 3.00pm Keep Fit - Joan Warriner 537606
7.30pm - 10.00pm Carpet Bowls - Kate Atkins 488626
Tuesday: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Yoga - Mark Aspinall 710658
WITTON-LE-WEAR WI NEWS - APRIL
Our monthly meeting was held on another very unspringlike evening – when will we see some sunshine?
Mrs Tock had attended the WI baton relay in Chester-le-Street and several members had been to the Wolsingham
stage.
The briefing notes on the resolution for Durham County Federation to be debated at the annual meeting were
discussed and it was agreed that our representative will vote for the resolution – the house feels that the WI
should take the lead in education about sexually transmitted diseases and promotion of testing in older age
groups.
Our members will run a cake stall at the village fayre on 21st June – lets hope summer has arrived by then. The
village is also making plans to mark the centenary of the First World War and it had been suggested that the
WI contribute to a village banner. Mrs Yuill to keep us informed.
Interest was expressed in another trip to Sunderland Dogs and plans are in hand to hold a summer BBQ. An
evening meal at the Joiners Arms in Hunwick is also planned in June.
Our speaker for the evening was Leah Hobson, an image consultant, who has two shops in Barnard Castle.
The Dress Agency – where she sells unwanted clothes on your behalf and splits the profits with you 50/50 –
and The Trouser Agency, which does the same with menswear. Leah helps people to wear the right styles and
colours according to their body shape, skin colour etc. She does a lot of work with young people – for example
advising young girls on what to wear at their school prom.
Our president was lucky to be advised on what colours she should be wearing and we all enjoyed Leah’s
interesting and humorous advice!! It’s amazing what has to be considered when choosing clothes, makeup
and hairstyles!!
Next month John Moreels’ topic is Nostalgic Views of the North.
Wednesdays:
1.30pm - 3.00pm Badminton - Eileen Kirkby 488568
7.30pm - 8.30pm Pilates - Stephen 07725 987753
Thursdays:
10.00am - 12.00noon Pre-School Group - Clarice Smith 488200
5.00pm - 6.00pm Rainbows - Christine Jackson 767643
6.00pm - 7.15pm Brownies - Mary Smith 488200
7.30pm - 9.00pm Youth Club - Lynne Docherty 488595
WITTON LE WEAR VILLAGE WEBSITE
wittonlewear.org.uk
Please continue to look at our village website to keep up to date
with events and what is going on in the area.
In the events section, you can see what is happening in the village.
There is a link which will allow you to complete a form and upload
your event onto the site. Please try it, or if you would prefer, send
your information to Anne Yuill and she will upload it for you.
Please send in your photographs to allow us to keep view of the
changing village.
Page 2
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
Sue Cooper
WI NEWS - MAY
Our monthly meeting was held on 7th May, Mrs Tock presiding. We sang Jerusalem to welcome a visitor from
Pennsylvania. Mrs Gordon reported that our Group Meeting will be held at Evenwood this year, on Monday
13th October. The speaker will be a lady demonstrating Tudor costumes.
We are looking forward to our meal at the Joiners’ Arms on 12th June and the BBQ on 19th July at Wayside.
Mrs Tock congratulated Mrs Longstaff on being co-opted to the Home Economics Committee. There have been
several suggestions for visits out over the summer months, including the races, open gardens and greyhound
racing.
Our Speaker was John Moreels, who gave an illustrated talk on Nostalgic Views of the North. Although he
retired in 2007 he kept the Photo Memories part of his business going, and it has now become a full time job.
This is mainly because when he bought the rather run down building belonging to a photographer’s business
and finally reached the attic to clear it out he found boxes and boxes of glass plates, negatives, lantern slides
and photographs, many dating back to the late 1800’s. There are over 150,000 negatives alone! He began the
mammoth task of sorting, scanning and preserving these images, with help from Beamish Museum and has
now received Lottery funding to continue. He showed us fascinating images of the North East and ordinary
people going about their everyday lives which really took us back in time. He often hears stories from his
audience when they recognise the places – and sometimes even the people- in the pictures.
Next month Maureen Martin’s topic is Women in Durham.
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Page 15
Marilyn Gordon. Secretary
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
WITTON 1914 – 1918 PROJECT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2013/2014
The Parish Council is supporting the Witton 1914 - 918 Group which is planning a series of events and
commemorations of The Great War over the next few years. A grant has been obtained from the Heritage
Lottery Fund to support its work.
Well, another mild winter has passed, albeit a wet one. How good it is to live up North, apart from the fact that life expectancy is allegedly less than in the rest of the Country (8 years according to official statistics). Especially in the more
deprived parts of this County. I am sure that Witton le Wear is the exception to these statistics. As part of a County wide
strategy, this Village will soon receive a defibrillator to prevent some premature deaths. This unit needs to be stored in a
prominent location with 24/7 access. We have some initial thoughts, but if anyone has a good suggestion, please let us know.
Watch out for the ‘Witton at War’ supplement to the Witton Word which will be produced and distributed
three times a year, namely July, November and March.
An evening Tea Dance will be held on Saturday 11th October in the Community Centre and the band ‘In the
Mood’ have been booked. More information will be found in the July edition of Witton Word.
Work is underway to make pew cushions for both our churches in the village and a community banner will be
started later in the year.
In March 2015, we plan to hold a Witton at War exhibition in the parish. Have
you any artefacts, family memorabilia, photographs, household items or stories
you would like to share with us. The success of this venture depends on local
support and we are asking for your help.
The Parish Council continues to work hard on your behalf to try and maintain the current level of services that we receive. We seem to be working harder just to maintain what we have got. Larger Villages than ours are losing their Pubs,
Churches and Community Centres, so we are lucky that we still have the facilities that we have. Their continuation
should receive all of our support. We have recently formed a Partnership with the Community Association to try and
secure the necessary funds to save our Community Centre, and we are also assisting St. Philips and St. James Parish
Church in one of their projects.
FINANCIAL MATTERS - The precept has increased marginally, in line with our policy of keeping increases to a minimum. The downside to this strategy is that we will never have sufficient surplus to be able to fund any major projects.
We prefer to rely on our fund raising abilities to try and achieve our aims. The Witton Word is now virtually cost free
due to negotiations and advertising, freeing up money for other expenditure. This is thanks, in no small way, to one our
Councillors who spent much time in negotiations.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT - We could all produce a wish list of what improvements we would like to see. We have
recently spent time with Mr Peter Emmerson of the Police Traffic Management office, and we toured the Village to see
if any improvements to traffic flow and safety were possible. To make any changes, there has to be a major problem, or
history of issues about a particular road feature. Reducing speed reduces risk, the trick is to get motorists to slow down.
The ideal solution is to engineer out unsafe features, but obtaining finance to do this is virtually impossible. “The argument is always put forward that undesirable features are in themselves traffic calming measures”.
YOUR PARISH NEEDS YOU!
If you want to get involved in any aspect of our commemorations, further
information can be obtained from Anne Yuill, 01388 488376 or email:
[email protected]
We are extremely grateful to all residents who park their vehicles in a sensible and considerate way, allowing roads to
remain open, in particular, for Emergency Vehicles, We never know when we may need one. Attempts are still continuing to convert grassed areas into additional car parking facilities.
We still hope to see passenger services resume on the railway.
WITTON WORD QUIZ
1. Which suffragette died after flinging herself under the king’s horse at the Derby?
2. In which nursery rhyme do a butcher, baker and candlestick maker appear?
3. What was the title of the monarch of Persia and Iran?
4. In golf what is the score of two under par known as?
5. According to the proverb what blows nobody any good?
6. Used in beer making what are dried in an oast house?
S. W. PARKIN
7. Which Shakespeare play was set in the Forest of Arden?
HIGH CLASS
8. What is the fibre obtained for coconuts called?
DECORATING
SERVICE
9. Which award is equivalent of the Victorian Cross for animals?
10. What is the term for an in habitant of Sardinia?
11. Which sport is played on a gridiron?
STEPHEN PARKIN
12. Which chemical element has the atomic number 2?
PAINTING & DECORATING
13. In the bible, who was the love of Samson?
7 ENGINEMAN’S TERRACE
14. What was the name of the hunchback of Notre Dame?
WEAR VALLEY JUNCTION
15. In Australia, what is the ‘Freemantle Doctor’?
CROOK, CO. DURHAM
16. Which fruit is used to make Calvados?
DL15 8BD
17. The Vuelta a Espana is a leading race in which country?
TEL: 01388 488802
MOBILE: 07840 602332
EMAIL: [email protected]
Answers on back page
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Page 14
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
EDUCATION, LEISURE and ENTERTAINMENT - The Primary School continues to flourish especially with pupils
from outside the Village. This is evident from the increasing numbers of cars on St. James Gardens and Castle View at
school open and closing times, and other School events.
The Community Centre and the two Churches have to be increasingly innovative to attract you to events so that you
can support them by parting with your money. Don’t forget your two Pubs, they also need your cash in order to survive.
It’s like having five children in your family who all need supporting. As the old, but true saying goes, Use it or Lose it.
PUBLIC SERVICES - We continue to receive the services of a Mobile Post Office, Mobile Library and Bus/Taxi (max
distance 5 miles), max cost £5, telephone 0191 383 5 383. Communications are by notice boards, our Website and by
the Witton Word. Thank you to all our advertisers, contributors and distributors. Our website receives over 300 “hits”
every month, and we welcome all enquiries and submissions. Photographs are always particularly welcome, especially
if you have any relating to the First World War. Don’t forget our AGM (12TH May 2014 ) and our monthly meetings ( 2nd
Monday of every month with the exception of August and December ). A big thank you goes to all of our litter pickers,
especially the dog fouling removers. An increasing amount of information, including advertisements, is available in the
Witton Word.
ENVIRONMENT - The Village is still one of the nicest unspoiled Villages in the County, and we aim to keep it that
way. The river bank is subsiding in various places, and the Lido is undergoing a transformation. The area around the
Level Crossing is in need of refurbishment, as indeed, is part of the Railway Platform. The latest threat to our environment is the application for a Pig Farm. The potential smell is pollution the same as black smoke or anything else and
would deter the use of the Railway Platform should it be resurrected. Still at number one in the unwanted list is dog fouling, which is annoying because it is totally avoidable, especially those who leave bagged mess lying or hanging about.
Please report any culprits. Thanks to all those volunteers who go around tidying up our Village and a special thanks to
those who pick up dog fouling.
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Page 3
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
ECONOMY and TOURISM - On paper, this Village has a lot going for it. Attractive features, two Churches, two Pubs,
a Community Centre, a riverside, a Lido, a Nature Reserve, a Railway Platform and pathway, a Cricket field, surrounded
by nice walks and situated just off a main trunk road. You would think that this Village would be able to attract visitors
pounds, especially with the “captive” audience of the Witton Castle caravan park. Shorewood Leisure, the owners of
the Caravan Park are continuing to develop it. The Castle itself is being refurbished and a leisure centre is still planned.
CRIME AND SAFETY - We are fortunate to enjoy a comparatively low crime rate, however we must remain vigilant
in order to maintain this. We are still looking for a Volunteer to attend the Police and Communities Together (PACT)
meetings which take place at Howden le Wear Community Centre at 6.30p.m. on evenings. Numbers for you to remember are : Emergencies 999 (112 mobiles), Non – Emergency 101 or 0345 6060 365. Don’t forget to report all crime as
all calls are logged and build a history and important evidence. We now have a new designated Police Officer, P.C.King.
HEALTHCARE - Major changes to the NHS are underway in the way services are commissioned and delivered. The
intention is to offer the same standard of service no matter where you live, or when your need arises, 24/7. Surgeries are
open longer, and at weekends. All sections of the NHS are under pressure and will continue to be until additional staff
are appointed and working practices changed. Surgeries are busier than ever, as are urgent care centres, and accident and
emergency departments, often with queing Ambulances outside. The 111 system for non-emergencies comes officially
into effect 01/04/14. Future proposals include the intention to treat patients as close as possible to their homes, and to
provide defibrillators, and First Responders for all communities.
Each surgery receives money to have a Patient Participation Group so that each patient can have a say in how surgeries are
run. The new watchdog for NHS services is Healthwatch. If you have any concerns, they can be contacted by contacting:
Telephone 01325 375960; Signposting info. 0808 8010384; Text line 07738 994067; Online email [email protected]
Website: www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk
Twitter: @hwcountydurham
Facebook: HealthwatchCounty Durham
Post: East Suite, 1st Floor, The Work Place, Heighington Lane,
Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe,
Co Durham DL5 6AH
VILLAGE DESIGN ISSUES - The Parish Council continue to monitor all Planning applications on a weekly basis
and comment on all applications with fairness and consistency. Anyone can visit the Durham County website and view
applications. Durham County post notices on lamp posts near the application address and give 21 days from posting for
comments. The Parish Council have the power to request that an application be heard by the Planning Committee, which
we have done in relation to the application for a Pig Farm.
I would like to place on record my thanks to: Lynne Rowland (Parish Clerk), Geoff Smith (Trainer and Advisor), Anne
Yuill (Website, History and WW1 Events), David Rider (Website), John Wheeler (Editor-Witton Word), Kevin Wilson
(Grass Cutting and Village Upkeep), Brian and Ursula Jones (Litter Pick Organisers), unknown Litter Pickers, all who
organise events in the Community Centre, Church and Chapel, and Village, and all Parish Councillors.
VILLAGE EVENTS
Organisation
Event
Venue
Anita Atkinson
- Royal
Collection
Methodist
Chapel
Summer Fair
Village Green
Quiz Night
Witton le Wear
Community
Centre
Witton le
Wear Village
Show
Witton le Wear
Village Show
Community
Committee
Centre
Musical
evening
Methodist
Chapel
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Village Show
Committee
Fee
Contact
Date
Time
Information
28/06/14
18.30
Anita Atkinson will be giving a talk on
her Royal Family memorabilia collection,
followed by an evening tea party.
21/06/14
14.00
The annual summer fair will take place
around the village green and in local
buildings.
12/07/14
A Fun Quiz Night followed by Fish and
Chip Supper
13/09/14
full day
The third annual Village Show will
take place in the Community Centre.
Applications wanted for a wide number
of classes of vegetables and flowers.
More information in the Witton Word.
19.00
A group of fourteen ladies called
‘Musicality’ are coming from Richmond
to sing for us. Harvest supper after the
entertainment in planned.
15/09/14
Page 4
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
WITTON LE WEAR RESIDENT BRANCHES OUT
Local plumber and village resident Mark Gilchrist of MG Plumbing services has set up a bathroom showroom
with his business partner Wayne Marley of WM plumbing on Finkle Street in Bishop Auckland. In the face of
economic diversity the pair have teamed up and are looking to show the passion and driving force to bring this
business to the forefront of the Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas.
Wayne Marley, Marks business partner was born in Bishop Auckland and has been a time served tradesman
for over 30 years. He has decided to take the next step and bring his expertise into the public domain and open
this new enterprise with Mark.
Their aim is to create modern bathroom facilities in Bishop Auckland at great prices. They also aim to help
those who find the conventional bathing difficult, due to ill health or mobility. They will create for them a
bespoke modern washing facility at affordable prices.
The other side of his business will be as a trade supplier to local plumbing and building businesses in the area,
and continuing with their plumbing business. Again bringing all of their joint expertise and reasonable price’s
to their fellow business entrepreneurs in this field.
The showroom is now open trading
Monday to Saturday on Finkle Street,
Bishop Auckland, on the right before you
enter the multi storey car park.
_______________________________________________
A Family Firm that Cares. Providing a Person Service for over 140 years.
WITTON LE WEAR
MOBILE
POST OFFICE
Caring For Local People
For 6 Generations
Established Over 145 Years
. Private Chapels of Rest
. Floral Tributes
. Catering Arranged
. Full Memorial Service
. Pre-Payment Plans Available
details on request)
. (written
24 Hour Service
Witton Le Wear Mobile Service
Parks Outside the Parish Church
OPENING HOURS
Every Thursday
1.45p.m. to 2.30p.m.
A Complete Service to Bishop Auckland,
Crook, Shildon & Surrounding Areas
The Post Office® mobile service
offers a full range of
Post Office products.
Craddock House, 25 Cockton Hill Road,
Bishop Auckland
Tel: 01388 603665
41 Bridge Street, Howden-le-Wear, Crook
Tel: 01388 762582
Please call 0845 611 2970
for more information.
Association Street, Shildon
Tel: 01388 772244
www.gibsonsfuneralservices.co.uk
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Page 13
Edition 60 - Summer 2014
WITTON - LE - WEAR PARISH COUNCIL
WITTON-LE-WEAR
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Saturday 12
th
July
Saturday 12th
July 2014
2014
Village Fair
SATURDAY 21st JUNE
7.00pm
7.00 p.m
Witton-le-Wear
Witton-Le-Wear Community
Community Centre
Centre
£7.50 per
per person
£7.50
person
includes Fish & Chip Supper
Includes Fish & Chip
TicketsSupper
available from
All the usual stalls, ice cream, children’s
roundabouts, trampolines, candy floss, bouncy
castle, teas, hot dogs, tombolas, raffles,
bric-a-brac, book stall, games, craft stalls
and much more to see.
Come along from 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Clarice - 488200 or
Tickets
available
from
Mandy 07905
899831
Clarice
-488200
Mandy-07905899831
Please
bring or
your
own drinks
and finally witness the now famous
Witton-le-Wear Barrel Race
Please bring your own drinks
ACROSS
1 Darling, principally I’m a comedian but I’m not very bright (6)
5 Editor in charge absorbed by manuscript for doctors (6)
9 Old mule spilled sulphuric acid (5)
10 See 25 Down
12 Scary story from German poet needing no introduction (7)
13 See 8 Down
14 Backward boy Edward pried (5)
16 Thus a popular time is needed for TV series (4-5)
1
2
18 Her voting changed in a short space of time (9)
21 Some frown at allegation of birth (5)
8
22 Crazy for fruit (7)
9
24 Reaches a turbulent river second (7)
26 Henry’s first pal made off with car part (8)
27 Bird starts to collect eggs from here (5)
12
28 Son wastes talents (6)
29 Former model’s show (6)
MAY CROSSWORD
Answers on back page
3
14
15
DOWN
2 Old tribe bringing diamonds to Northern Ireland (5)
3 Where racketeering goes on in the courts? (9)
18
4 Wot’s up? A road’s approaching (7)
5 Girl’s aimless wandering (7)
6 Tea towel perhaps is not so damp (5)
22
23
7 Con men opt out in part (9)
8,13 Across “Surely you jest?” famously addressed to
judge in court (3,6,2,7)
26
11Settled Sheila’s debt somehow (11)
15One US writer or another by stream (9)
17Now his rep gets busted for possession (9)
28
19They talk incessantly of balloons (7)
20MP later resolved to tread roughly (7)
23Boy, a new rising 3 Down champion (5)
25,10 Across Evening Star is going to set out aims for 3 Down champion (5)
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Edition 60 - Summer 2014
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Witton le Wear Parish Council held on Monday 10th March 2014 in the
Community Centre, Witton le Wear commencing at 6.15pm
Present: Councillors B. Henderson (Chair), B. Gilbert, M. Henderson, T Parkinson, J. Watson, J. Wheeler, O. Wilson
and A. Yuill. Also Present: L. Rowland (Parish Clerk), J Collins and G. F. Smith
026/14 Declaration of Interest - None
027/14 Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held 10th February 2014 - Members approved the minutes as a true record and
were signed by the Chairman.
028/14 Representation by Residents - J. Collins updated Members on the situation regarding the Community Centre
including the following items:
Joint working agreement between the Community Association and Parish Council. Members agreed
to discuss this matter further at a future Parish Council meeting
Members agreed for the Clerk to pay the invoice from Ainsworth Sparks Associates for their work
carried out Prefeasibility study of the Community Centre.
Members also agreed for the Parish Council to claim the necessary vat on the above project and to
repay the Community Association
Clerks hours working for the Community Association to be discussed at a future Parish Council
meeting
029/14 Financial Statement and report - Members approved for payment voucher numbers 48 to 51 in the sum of
£4,381.86 Bank balance at Yorkshire Bank Current Account as at 27th February 2014 £5204.34
030/14 Planning Matters - None received
031/14 PC Web Site - Councillor Yuill updated Members on the latest position of the Web site 314 hits for the month of
February. Members wish to record their thanks to David Rider for his work in updating and maintaining the Web Site.
032/14 Witton Word - Councillor Wheeler informed the Members that the closing date for any article for the next
edition of Witton Word would be Monday 17th March. Members agreed to not send the draft copy of the Witton Word
to all Councillors including Clerk prior to it being published.
033/14 Commemoration of Great War 1914 to 1918 - Councillor Yuill updated Members on the progress of this
project although they had been no meeting the ladies are doing craft work and a pew cushions for the Church and
Chapel. It is planned to have an exhibition in March 2015.
034/14Clerks/Correspondence - Clerk reported on the letter received from HMRC regarding finishing the old tax
year 2013/14 (for information only)
035/14 Members Reports - Councillor A. Yuill raised the following:
Telephone box – Members agreed to go ahead with the refurbishment
Defibrillator to be discussed in further detail at the next Parish Council meeting.
Councillor B. Gilbert raised the following:
Entrance road into Engiman’s Terrace – Clerk to write to DCC Highways to request a survey to be
carried out.
Councillor Wheeler raised the following:
Dog Fouling – Environment Department DCC
Dog Bin at Wear Terrace – awaiting response from DCC
Feed back from Witton Word includes Precept and
Broadband
1st WITTON-LE-WEAR
Letter from John Kirby requesting a Welcome Booklet
Fortnightly Litter picks (volunteer group have on loan
RAINBOWS
6 grabbers and 6 bag rings).
Rainbows is the first level of the girl guides
Councillor Wilson raised the following:movement for young girls between the ages of
Welcome packs – referred to the Tourism Task Group
5 and 7 years. At 7 years of age the girls autoWeardale Area Action Partnership Group
matically move up to Brownies.
036/14 Chairman’s report
Railway fencing - still no progress. May have to
Here at Witton-le-Wear we meet every Thursinvolve the Railway Inspectorate to move things on.
day from 5pm-6pm, at the Community Centre,
Planning - still no date for Committee hearing relating
for lots of fun, games and creative activities.
to Pig Farm application
Traffic Management - Chairman to meet the Police
Unlike larger Rainbows groups we have no
Traffic Management Officer 21/3/14
waiting list, so if your daughter would like
Plans are being developed to introduce de-fibrillators
to come along, join in the fun and meet some
and train First Responders
new friends (£2 per week) please contact:
The Lido has again suffered flooding issues
Some of the Church initiatives were discussed and the
Debbie Attle on 01388 763326 or
Chairman is to contact Rev. Tim Atkins
Christine Jackson on 01388 767643
037/14 Date and Time of the next Meeting - The next meeting of the
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Parish Council is Monday 14th April 2014 in the Community Centre, Witton le Wear commencing at 6.15pm
_________________________________________________
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Witton le Wear Parish Council held on Monday 14th April 2014 in the
Community Centre, Witton le Wear commencing at 6.15pm
Present: Councillors B. Henderson (Chair), B. Gilbert, M. Henderson, T Parkinson, J. Watson, J. Wheeler, O. Wilson
and A. Yuill. Also Present: J. Collins, S. Moorhead and P. Parkinson (residents), G. Smith and L. Rowland (Parish Clerk).
038/14 Declaration of Interest - None
039/14 Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held 10th March 2014 Members approved the minutes as a true record and
were signed by the Chairman.
040/14 Representation by Residents - None
041/14 Financial Statement and report - Members approved for payment voucher numbers 1 to 6 in the sum of £527.51
Bank balance at Yorkshire Bank Current Account as at 1st April 2014 £4740.48
042/14 Planning Matters
a) None received
b) Following the meeting Members discussed with Mr. Charles and residents the recent planning
application for the proposed pig farm
043/14 PC Web Site - Councillor Yuill updated members on the latest position of the website 497 hits for the month of
March
044/14 Witton Word - Councillor Wheeler updated Members that the March edition was delivered by March 25th. The
input for the May edition is due by May 19th, published May 23rd. Seeking more advertisers as two had dropped out.
045/14 Commemoration of Great War 1914 to 1918 - Councillor Yuill circulated a report of a meeting held on the 9th
April 2014 (a copy is attached to these minutes)
046/14Clerks/Correspondence - Clerk reported the following:
a) Received from DCC the Precept for 2014/2015 (5671.30) on the 1st April 2014.
b) Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2014
• Audit Return date 7th July 2014
• Display Public Notice from 26th May to 8th June 2014
• Records available for inspection from 9th June to 4th July 2014
• Accounts to be approved at Junes Parish Council meeting.
c) Members and the Clerk discussed the workload to enable the administration of the Council to
perform effectively and efficiently. Members agreed for the Clerk to work additional hours
during the months of April and May and to review the working hours of the Clerk at Junes
Parish Council meeting.
d) The leaflet that was enclosed with Witton Word was incorrect (ie 6.15pm Parish Council meeting
should read Annual Assembly)
e) The payment request had been completed online for the Heritage Lottery Funding for Witton le
Wear WW1 Project reference number (FW-13-10493)
047/14 Members Reports - Councillor B. Gilbert raised the following concern:
Entrance road into Engineman’s Terrace – Clerk awaiting response from DCC Highways
Councillor A. Yuill raised the following:
Requested that the refurbishment of the telephone box be completed soon, as this works was agreed in
January 2014.
Defibrillator (Chairman informed members that this was now in hand)
Overhanging bushes on to Public footpath
Old Map (Boundary of the Parish on display at the Community centre)
Updated members on the Church welcome leaflet (joint working with the Chapel and Parish Council)
Councillor Wheeler raised the following:
Dog Fouling – still awaiting an update Dog Bin at Wear Terrace – no progress
John Kirby had requested the details of the volunteer litter pick group (Ursula Jones)
Publication of the minutes
048/14 Chairman’s report
WAAP Angelina Maddison to attend June’s meeting
Contact names for our local Police Officer
Jean Richards (traffic)
Chairman to attend the next Pact meeting
Chairman to telephone DCC to remove 12 bags of rubbish collected by the volunteer litter pickers
049/14 Date and Time of the next Meeting - The next Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council is on Monday 12th May 2014
Following the Annual Assembly (which commence at 6.15pm) and the Annual general Meeting (which commences at
7pm) in the Community Centre, Witton le Wear.
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Edition 60 - Summer 2014
WITTON-LE-WEAR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
The Community Association held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 23rd April 2014. The Chairman’s
report was presented and it is published in full in this edition of the Witton Word.
The Chairman gave an update on the current situation regarding the future of the centre which is basically
the same as it has been for sometime. Most of the options produced by the architects require the freehold or
some form of freehold from Durham County Council before an option could be chosen. We have yet to put the
question to DCC but we feel we may know the answer. Our next committee meeting is Wednesday 21st May
when a decision will be taken.
Unfortunately, at the AGM one of our committee members decided not to stand for re-election and despite an
appeal by the Chairman no one could be persuaded to replace him.
In the meantime, however, the centre continues with its usual regular events and we are managing to keep the
place reasonably clean and tidy despite now not having a caretaker. If anyone would like to volunteer to offer
an hour or so to help with the cleaning please contact Clarice Smith on 488200.
The next major event is the Summer Fair on Saturday 21st June. We will be putting out a call for helpers before
and on the day. Following that it is proposed to hold a Quiz Night with a fish and chip supper on Saturday
12th July so keep an eye out for the posters publicising this event. Moving further into the year there will be
a World War One Tea Dance in the centre on Saturday11th October. This event is a combined effort with the
Parish Council as part of their WW1 commemorations. In November there will be the Autumn Fayre followed
by the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas Lights in December.
During September the centre will be host to the Village Show where there will be the usual magnificent display
of flowers, fruit, vegetables and cakes etc. all produced in Witton-le-Wear. It really is amazing where they all
come from!
As you can see we are determined to keep our Community Centre open otherwise where else would we be able
to hold these events which are all designed to promote community spirit!
Jack Collins, Chairman
DURHAM
COUNTY COUNCIL
MONTHLY
COFFEE MORNINGS
MOBILE LIBRARY
The next two coffee mornings will be held on:
Tuesday 3rd June and Tuesday 1st July
10.30am - 12 midday
in the Community Centre
The Mobile Library visits
Witton Le Wear every third week
on a Tuesday, from January 2014,
and will park next to THE GREEN.
Visit time is 2.55pm until 3.10pm.
Next Visits are: 3rd June,
24th June & 15th July
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Join us for cakes, coffee or tea, juice for children
and a chance to catch up on local news.
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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Edition 60 - Summer 2014
WITTON-LE-WEAR CARPET BOWLS CLUB
BILLY HARRISON - TEACHER AT WITTON LE WEAR SCHOOL
Yet another misereable season in the Wear Valley Winter League with respect to results. On the plus side the
weather throughout the winter has been very kind with no matches having to be postponed because of heavy
snow effecting travel arrangements.
A lady from Northamptonshire made contact recently to ask if I knew anything about her grandfather William
Harrison who was born on the 4th April 1887 in Crook. She understood he had been a school teacher at Witton
le Wear. She had an award presented to him and engraved for ‘Services rendered during the Great War - from
Witton le Wear W.H.F.’ He was not a soldier I had uncovered during my WWI research for ‘Witton Warriors’
book.
Results to date
Date
Opponents
Sept 25
Escomb
Oct 2
Wolsingham
Oct 8
Howden-le-Wear
Oct 23
Escomb
Oct 30
Wolsingham Nov 6
Howden-le-Wear
Nov 20
Escomb
Dec
3
Howden-le-Wear
Dec 11
Escomb Dec 17
Wolsingham
Jan
9
Wolsingham Jan 15
Howden-le-Wear
Jan 22
Escomb
Feb
4
Howden-le-Wear
Feb 12
Escomb
Feb 26
Wolsingham
Feb 28
Wolsingham
Mar 5
Howden-le-Wear
Venue
Home
Home Away
Away
Away
Home
Home
Away
Away Home Away
Home Home
Away
Away
Away
Home
Home
Result
Lost 15 - 18
Lost 19 - 33 Lost 1 - 26
Lost 15 - 17
Lost 8 - 41
Won 27 - 16 Lost 16 - 26
Lost 13 - 19
Won 31 - 19
Lost 17 - 27
Lost 15 - 25
Lost 19 - 23
Lost 16 - 17
Won 19 - 17
Lost 16 - 32
Lost 19 - 31
Lost 19 - 32
Won 29 - 13
Points Total
2
2
0
2
2
4
0
4
0
4
4
8
0
8
2
10
5
15
0
15 0
15
2
17
2
19
6
25
0
25
0
25
2
27
6
33
In the knock-out competition the team was drawn against Sedgefield. On 13th January the first leg was played
at home with the team losing 13 - 23. In the second leg played away on 27th January Sedgefield won 43 - 11
thus moving comprehensibly into the second round.
So far no summer league fixtures or friendlies have been arranged.
Club nights are extremely enjoyable so why not come and join the Bowls Club in the Community Centre on
Mondays at 7.30pm?
I was able to tell Glenys that the W.H.F was the Welcome Home Fund which provided money raised by the
residents of Witton le Wear and gave some to serviceman on their return from the war or to families where the
serviceman had died. Billy’s award went on a silver flower vase. Glenys shared the wedding announcement of
her grandparents Billy and Amelia Stokes who were married on Christmas Day 1913 in Crook and the notice
stated he was a school master at Witton le Wear. When war broke out, Billy like many other young men went
to serve his country and he served throughout the war and returned home. Whether he came back to teach
at Witton is as yet unknown but by the mid-1930s he was teaching in Crook where he stayed until he retired.
Glenys could not find out anything about his war record or with which battalion he served and her grandfather
had died in the 1970s. There were many William Harrisons on Ancestry.co.uk military site so he could not be
positively identified.
I visited Durham County Record Office and identified from the
Absentee Voters List of October 1918, that Billy’s home address
was at Milburn Street in Crook and that he served with the Royal
Army Medical Corp and worked as a stretcher bearer. She was
delighted by this news as I could also identify his army number
which opened the door to the correct William Harrison on
Ancestry.co.uk’s database.
One other interesting addition was that Glenys informed me that
she had an autograph book from 1909 belonging to Lizzie at
The Elms, Witton le Wear. I was able to identify that the book
belonged to Lizzie Teasdale who also became a teacher at Witton
le Wear prior to her marriage to Robert Craig. Their son was
John Teasdale Craig DFM who was killed on the 2nd June 1941
and is buried in Witton le Wear Cemetery. Lizzie and Billy were
obviously friends. It is a small world…….
TAXI
Castle Cars
24 hour service
Contracts
Parcel Service
Airport Runs
Call us now on
Witton-le-Wear
01388 488615
Anne Yuill
Witton Word
The next
is published on July
Parkinson’s
of Crook
25th.
Local Reliable Removals
Domestic & Commercial
Full & Part Load to Single Items
House Clearance Specialists
Do you want to advertise or
place some editorial?
Contact John Wheeler - email
[email protected]
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
Free Quotations
Tel: 01388 762222
Mob: 07974 804910
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Edition 60 - Summer 2014
www.wittonlewear.org.uk
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Edition 60 - Summer 2014
NEWS FROM THE PEWS - St Phillip & St James Parish Church
CHURCH SERVICES
June 15th sees our big fund raising event, the third Annual Open Gardens Afternoon. As usual there are 8
gardens for you to explore and we are indebted to the owners for allowing us to use their gardens. They will
be there to welcome you and answer your questions. The times this year are between 2-5pm and afternoon
teas will be available in church along with a plant stall and a photographic exhibition. Entry by programme
at a cost of £3.
Sunday 1st June
Parish Church
Sunday 8th June
Methodist Chapel
Sunday 15th June
Parish Church
There is also another ‘brain storming’ quiz, this year featuring trees and shrubs. The quiz sheet cost £1 and
you could win £10 if yours is the first drawn correctly answered sheet, all money raised by the quiz is added
to that raised on the day.
Any spare plants you have will be gratefully received for the plant stall.
As always we are dependent on people helping out in the kitchen and a rota is at the back of the church if you
can spare an hour or two, or phone Kate on 448 626. Offers of cakes etc. will be gratefully received.
Sunday 22nd June
Early Birds Service 9.15am
Methodist Chapel
Sunday 29th June
Joint Service at 11am
Escomb Church
The following week the church will be open for the Village Fair and we hope to have some activities going on
in church for all ages to enjoy. One of these will be an opportunity to complete a decorated name plate using
calligraphy. We hope to have a photographic quiz featuring unusual views of the church for you to identify.
As always there will be quiet places to sit and pray, or light a candle for someone you would like to remember
for whatever reason.
Sunday 6th July
Parish Church
Mary and Jonathan Hayton have once again offered to run a coffee day from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday July
9th at their home in Railway Cottages ‘up the junction’, in aid of the church. Please make a note in your diary
and enjoy good food and a drink in their wonderful garden. You could always be fit and energetic and use the
multi purpose path which runs from the level crossing up to the junction!
Sunday 13th July
Methodist Chapel
Sunday 20th July
Parish Church
At the present time 15 participants are enjoying the challenges of the Alpha Course and the format of a pooled
supper starting the proceedings. The video presentations are always thought provoking and the speaker Nicky
Gumbell has a wonderful way of getting the message across. Quite a few people who would have liked to
do the course and have been unable to, for a number of reasons will be able to take it up the next it runs as it
almost certainly will be. I’m sure those doing the course at the minute will be very happy to tell you about it.
Sunday 27th July
Early Birds Service 9.15am
Methodist Chapel
The course for ‘Admitting Children to Communion before Confirmation’ has begun with 6 young people
taking part. Hopefully this too will be an annual course for the Escomb Group of Parishes.
Services commence
at 10.30am
NEWS FROM THE METHODISTS
Easter has come and gone, and now, hopefully, summer is just round the corner.
THE METHODISTS
WANTED: MUSICIANS
Present
St Philip and St James Parish Church need
musicians willing to play for
ANITA ATKINSON
Miss Hollywood arrived on the 24th March 2014, and a really good night was had by all. We joined in to a
great sing-song of hits ranging from Elvis, Abba, Dolly Parton, Lisa Minnelli, and many more with Miss
Hollywood dressed up as many of them. Surprisingly, she was supported by some “dark horse” well known
Village residents, who I shall not name to protect the guilty. One of them even publically invited our guest to
return again, and soon.
Thank you to all who supported this event, and to those who didn’t, you missed a treat and a jolly good laugh.
The next event will be on Saturday the 28th of June, 2014 at 6.30p.m. when Anita Atkinson will be entertaining
us with a talk on Royal memorabilia and we will be having a late Afternoon Tea.
Early Bird All Age Worship
Royal Memorabilia
on the 4th Sunday of the month at 9.15 am.
Including
Afternoon Tea
Saturday 28th June
Commences 6.30p.m.
It is a 30 minute service with 3 hymns,
either Ancient or Modern according to the theme.
The last hymn is accompanied by instruments
hopefully complementing the musicians!
It is a fun and happy service to be involved in.
There would be other opportunities
to play music as well.
Contact Tim or Kate Atkins 01388 488 626
Methodist Chapel
Only £5.00
Admission to this event will be £5
Please try and support this event as Anita is very interesting.
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