Archive
Broompark Play area Officialy Opened (From Durham Times)
A CHILDREN’S play area in north Durham has been officially opened following a lengthy campaign by residents.
Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council recently completed the refurbishment of the £45,000 Broompark Play Area, on Broom Lane, near Durham City.
Parish council clerk Susan Carmedy said: “The same play site came up as a community concern and request for refurbishment in 2011 when several young people and residents sent a petition to the local MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.
“This was then looked at by Durham County Council’s outdoor sport and leisure department alongside the area action partnership, however further community consultation led to the play site next to Deerness Gymnastics Academy being refurbished.
“A lack of toddler play was again brought to the attention of the parish councillors and the county councillors for the area during the elections in 2013 and as the county council would not take this forward the parish council decided to take the lead.”
The proposed project went on to win £5,000 at the subsequent Village Vote event in November 2013.
Further funding was found from Durham County Councillors David Bell, Jean Chaplow and Anne Bonner, Mid Durham Area Action partnership and from Section 106 money secured from Gleeson Homes as part of their Ushaw Moor housing development at the former infant school site.
The play area is owned by Durham County Council, but the parish council has secured a 25 year lease.
It will be jointly managed by both authorities with the county cutting the grass and the parish maintaining the equipment.
Children from the St Joseph’s and Silver Trees Primary Schools were consulted on the choice of the final design.
Equipment caters for toddlers up to 11 years old and there are also four pieces of adult outdoor fitness equipment on the site.
Andy Coulthard, coordinator for Mid-Durham Area Action Partnership, said: “This project is real example what people power can achieve.
“Local children and their families have campaigned over many years for new play facilities in this part of the village.
“The refurbishment of the play area has been jointly funded and includes contributions from local county councillors and the AAP.
“We’re delighted to be able to support this project, in partnership with the local parish council.
“The new play area, which features new play and fitness equipment, is already proving popular with families.”
via Play area opened following public campaign (From Durham Times).
Community club celebrates 18th anniversary – 2-4 Club (From The Northern Echo)
A PARTY has been held to mark the 18th anniversary of a community club in north Durham.
A special tea and entertainment was laid on at St Joseph’s Catholic Club in Ushaw Moor this afternoon. (Tuesday, May 12)
It was held to mark the anniversary of the Tuesday 2-4 Club, which was launched in 1997.
At its height the club had around 90 regular attendees and still has around 60 members.
The event gave old friends the chance to have a reunion and catch up.
Lilian Sowerby, a member of the team, which organises the club, said: “It went absolutely brilliantly. We had a good turnout and it was absolutely marvellous.
“The lady who cut the cake, Monica Smith, is our oldest member and is 93 years old.”
Mrs Sowerby said new members are always welcome at the group, which runs every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, and costs £1 a week to cover tea, cakes and biscuits.
She added: “People get friendship out of the group and it gives them a social life. We play darts and dominoes and do a quiz and play bingo.
“We welcome new members of all denominations and people come from the surrounding areas to attend.”
via Community club celebrates 18th anniversary (From The Northern Echo).
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