Archive
Pupils Make Their Own Banner for Gala : Silver Tree Primary School – Ushaw Moor
The artwork combines modern images from Silver Tree Primary School in Ushaw Moor, County Durham, with pictures of the village’s past as a mining community – a miners’ lamp, a pick axe and a coal wagon.
Since 1871 scores of banners new and old – each one representing a colliery community – have been paraded through the streets of Durham as part of the city’s gala celebrations. This year’s event – on Saturday – will be no different.
In recent years, the number of banners has increased as schools and community groups have embarked on restoring them or making new ones.
Ushaw Moor’s pit closed in 1960 but there is still a fascination with the area’s mining past – a clue to why the gala remains one of the largest union organised gatherings in the country.
“We have been learning a lot about mining – it’s really interesting,” Millie told me, adding that she never misses the gala.
via Durham Miners’ Gala: Continuing success of the city’s celebration – BBC News.
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).
Cheerleading Classes at Deerness Gymnastics Academy
CHEERLEADING CLASSES AT DEERNESS GYMNASTICS ACADEMY IN USHAW MOOR…
Coached by an ex-team GB gymnast… age 5-14s… hurry places are filling fast! like the page and contact us for details http://www.facebook.com/CheerDurham
Ushaw College – ‘Hidden gem’ to become visitor attraction From The Northern Echo
A CENTURIES old former Catholic seminary largely hidden from the public for decades is set to become the region’s newest visitor attraction.
Ushaw College was founded near Ushaw Moor, County Durham, as a college for training would-be priests by Catholics fleeing revolutionary France in 1808.
It boasts stunning architecture including the 1870s-built St Cuthbert’s Chapel and a 500-acre estate, including walled gardens.
The 75,000-book library includes works from the Middle Ages, the archive of the English College at Lisbon from 1628 to 1971 and an extensive collection of works on and by Cardinal John Newman, a 19th century priest who beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
At its peak in the 1950s, there were 300 adult students and 150 children and its alumni include cardinals and bishops.
However, it closed in summer 2011 amid falling rolls and rising maintenance costs.
Talks are ongoing which could see part of the campus become a new Durham University college.
But although some small group tours have been undertaken in recent years, its treasures have mostly been kept away from public view.
Now Ushaw bosses want to open up much of the campus to visitors for concerts, exhibitions, open days, lectures and other events.
A year-long programme will be launched during the Heritage Open Days weekend, of September 13 to 14.
But the plans are dependent on finding enough volunteers.
Help is needed greeting visitors, leading tours, serving refreshments, stewarding venues, restoring the gardens and more.
Monsignor John Marsland, president of Ushaw College, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for people of all ages to come along and make a real difference, by helping to open up to the public one of the most important and largely unknown architectural and cultural gems in the region.
“We hope it will be a rewarding and life-enhancing experience for all.
“Please come along whatever your skills and join this wonderful project.”
Anyone interested is invited to join a college tour on Saturday, September 13, at 11am or attend an opening evening on Wednesday, September 17, from 4pm to 7pm. To register, email: info@ushaw.ac.uk or call 07421-035-240.
‘Hidden gem’ to become visitor attraction From The Northern Echo.
World’s a stage for Deerness eight – Sunderland Echo
All eight are British champions, as well as being European silver medallists, with the Ushaw Moor-based youngsters up against the world’s elite.
The competition performances will include intricate balances performed by pairs, trios and quartets, with multiple and twisting somersaults with partners being pitched and caught.
Abbi Greaves (13) and Chelsea Fisher (17) look to build on their success in the 12-18 years woman’s pair, while Millie Nesbitt (15) and Liam Sneath (17) are in the 12-18 mixed pair event.
In the 11-16 category, Michael Gill (16), Nathan Brady (16), Stuart Napier (15) and Finn Gavin (12) will compete in the men’s group.
Deerness’s head of gymnastics, Stuart Thompson, said: “Although they have all represented Great Britain before, there is a lot of competition throughout the world in what is a growing discipline of gymnastics.
“Even though they are all very talented gymnasts, they will have to perform at their very best in the competition to achieve their goals of a medal.
“In 2012, four gymnasts from Deerness Gymnastics Academy took the gold medal in the senior men’s group at the World Championships in Florida, so it would be great to build on this success on the world stage.”
It was a Good Friday for Acropolis – Live at Stirling Castle
Discounted entry to Beamish for Ushaw Moor Residents
The Northern Echo: Discounted entry to Beamish Discounted entry to Beamish
BEAMISH Museum is offering £5 entry for Ushaw Moor residents between February 15 and 23 and free transport to the outdoor museum on Saturday, February 22. For further details, visit The Hive, on Station Road, Ushaw Moor, between 10am and 4pm between now and Friday (February 14).
Acropolis rehearsals with Diversity Members at Deerness Gymnastics Academy – Ushaw Moor
FOUR North-East gymnasts will appear on stage alongside Diversity on the dance group’s new UK tour.
Acropolis, part of Deerness Gymnastics Academy, will join the Britain’s Got Talent winners’ Limitless tour, which starts at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday (December 3).
Today (Monday, December 2), the quartet, Millie Nesbitt, Liam Sneath, Tim Pritchard and Alex Houston, was in rehearsals with Diversity members at the academy, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham.
Festive fun at Ushaw Moor – Community garden
FREE Festive Family Fun is on offer the at the Community Garden, off Durham Road, Ushaw Moor, near Durham.
A Santa’s Grotto will appeal to younger visitors, with various Christmas craft workshops, including a Christmas card class, bauble decorating and wreath making.
All those attending can then help to decorate and light the site’s community Christmas tree.
There is also the tempting prospect of free hog roast, plus hot drinks and mince pies.
The event, on Saturday December 7, running from noon – 3pm, is organised by the Lottery-funded Ushaw Moor Action Group.
via Festive fun on offer at village’s community garden From The Northern Echo.
Ushaw Moor Community Site
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