|
Good Sports October 2011
Deaf Hill Primary School beat tough competition from across County Durham to be crowned winner during the County Durham Sports Partnership Awards. Full article here in the Peterlee Mail.
EU Social Funding Grants Program
ESF Community Grants will provide awards of up to £12,000 to groups undertaking activities including help with basic skills, work experience, training advice and guidance, job search assistance, confidence building, personal development and support to overcome barriers to training and employment. The fund is now open for applications from community groups in the North East. Anyone wishing to apply for a grant should apply directly to their local community foundation. Full details here (MS Word document)
Deaf Hill Banner Group 8th July 2011
Many thanks to everybody who turned out to support Wednesday's parade around the community and made it such a great success. The banners looked magnificent and the band was excellent. (Photos here in our Gallery section) £180 was collected to be split between Trimdon Concert Band and Deaf Hill Banner Group. Many thanks to all who contributed.
Queens Award
Trimdon Station Residents’ Association is one of just 130 winners of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is described as an MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their community for the benefit of others. Read the full story in the Hartlepool Mail.
Vehicle Crime in our area
On Saturday 4th June 2011 Police officers from Sedgefield Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted an operation in the area to raise awareness about vehicle security in the area.
Unattended vehicles in public car parks at Hardwick Hall Hotel Sedgefield, Castle Eden Walkway near Wynyard and the Travel Lodge, Stockton Road Sedgefield have been targeted in recent weeks.
High visibility patrols have been conducted in the vulnerable areas, warning signs erected and notices issued to vehicles and letters sent to registered keepers of vehicles left unattended with valuables on display. The police action is part of Operation Hawkeye set up to tackle an increase in reported vehicle crime in the area. Officers continue to urge members of the people to ensure that their vehicles are locked and secured when parked, making sure that all valuable property where possible is removed and report any suspicious incidents.
Garage Burglaries
Overnight 25/05/2011 three garage burglaries occurred in the Trimdon Grange area; on each occasion stand alone garages were targeted at the rear of South View. Motorcycles and quad bikes have been targeted and on this occasion 2 quad bikes were taken and one abandoned nearby. The second motorcycle targeted was secured to the floor of the garage and was left in situ, however the battery was removed from the bike. A third garage had an unsuccessful attempt made to force the door, can all garage owners take suitable steps to secure their property and upgrade security if necessary. Extra patrols are to be carried out in the areas concerned and local Neighbourhood Police can be contacted regarding any concerns of security of their premises.
Stan Turner
It is with great sadness we report that Dunstan (Stan) Turner passed away on Monday 9th May 2011. aged 72. He was the loving husband of Judith, father to Chris, Martyn and Helena and three grand-children Charlotte, Ethan and Libby.
Stan was born in Trimdon Station in 1938 and is well known for working with Judith in Trimdon Florists and for many years before that with North-East Waste Paper which he started in Wingate. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and family.
Trimdon Community College
On Saturday 23rd April damage has been caused to the demountable building at the rear of the Community College. Police are aware that this part of the building is to be demolished soon. Anyone who has any information in respect of this incident please contact the Beat Officer on the usual numbers. Please be aware that anyone who enters this area of the community college will be removed as this location is currently a hotspot for antisocial behaviour.
Allotment Burglaries
On the 09/04/2011 02.30hrs Police arrested a local male who was found on an allotment site having committed some burglaries. The allotment site at Hart View Trimdon Village had several sheds broken into and has been subject to similar crimes in the past. On 06/05/2011 the male was charged with these burglaries and he due is due at Newton Aycliffe Court on 18/05/2011. He is currently subject to an overnight curfew. Some of the stolen property was found in possession of the male and in time will be returned to respective owners.
‘True Champ’ Loses Fight With Cancer 25th March 2011
Alan Robinson, founder of Tootill Amateur Boxing Club in Trimdon Station, has died after a long fight with cancer. Full story here in the Hartlepool Mail.
On Wednesday 23rd March 2011 officers from Sedgefield Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a Magistrate Search warrant at an address in Dunelm Road Trimdon Village.
Over thirty plants cannabis plants have been seized from the house in Trimdon Village together with sophisticated cultivation equipment. The plants, in various stages of maturity, were found in an upstairs room in the property.
The occupant, a male in his 30s was arrested by officers at the scene and taken to Bishop Auckland Police station were he was later interviewed. He was released on Police Bail pending results of Forensic analysis .
The warrant to search the house was obtained after information was provided to Police by people in the local community.
Anyone with any further information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 and ask for Sgt Brian O’Connor or PC John Seymour the Trimdon Beat Officer or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Press Release 3rd March 2011 : Operation Leven
In the early hours of Saturday 26th February 2011 officers arrested 3 persons acting suspiciously in the area of Thurlow Road Sedgefield .
Targeted Police patrols had been implemented as part of Operation Leven which was an operation set up to tackle an increase in reported lead thefts in the Sedgefield, Fishburn and the Trimdon area.
Since November 2010 the area saw a steady increase in reported lead and metal thefts. St Edmunds Church and Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield were two of the locations targeted by the thieves on more than one occasion and high values of lead stolen. However, there were many other residential properties targeted where lead flashing had been removed .
During the course of police investigations one of the males arrested on Saturday Anthony Pat Orpen, aged 27 from Trimdon Village, was later interviewed at Bishop Auckland Police Office. He admitted responsibility for a large number of lead thefts in the Sedgefield Fishburn and Trimdon area
He was later charged and released on conditional bail, and is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates on Thursday 10th March 2011.
 100th Birthday
Ann Horrocks from Tobin Street in Trimdon Station celebrated her 100th birthday on 9th February. Full story here on 24Dash.com
Trimdon Grange Banner Association
We would like to thank everyone who helped and made our Charity Night on the 5th November 2010 a success and raised £531.85 for Trimdon Grange Banner Association project. A special thank you to Dave Lee Micheals, Trimdon Grange W.M.C steward, staff, members, individuals/organisations who donated raffle prizes and the community who came and supported our project once again. It was nice to see the whole community coming together for a special occasion and raising funds to “keep our mining heritage alive”.
Please do not forget “Durham Miners Gala” is Saturday 9th July 2011. TGBA has transport already booked if anyone would like to go with Trimdon Grange Banner, watch out for publicity nearer the time. Once again Thank You from Trimdon Grange Banner Association
Crime Prevention 7th Oct 2010
In recent weeks criminals have targeted detached sheds and garages in areas of St Albans Terrace, Trimdon Grange, and Hart View / West Grove, Trimdon Village . Property stolen includes various tools /pedal cycles/lawn mowers. Entry has been forced to most of the premises targeted, however on some occasions they have been left insecure.
In order to prevent any further members of our Community becoming victims of crime can we urge that all garage /shed owners ensure that they are locked and secure. Please remove any valuable items from insecure properties.
Anyone with any information about these or any other crime in the area, or require any further crime prevention advice, please contact PC John Seymour or Sergeant 919 Brian O'Connor on 0345 60 60 365 Ext 661 4670
Bike Thefts 2nd Sept 2010
Within the last two weeks approximately six pedal cycles have been stolen from within Trimdon Grange. The bikes range from children’s BMX bikes to adult mountain bikes. Three of the bikes have been recovered in and around neighbouring Trimdon Colliery which suggests they have been used as a mode of transport rather than for personal gain. Can all cycle owners please take relevant steps to keep them secure and out of site. Anyone with information in relation to who is responsible for the thefts please contact Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team.
 Original Deaf Hill Banner August 2010
It is the wish of Mr. & Mrs. Atherton that the original Deaf Hill Banner of 1892 be on permanent display at the Trimdon Station Community Centre formally the Deaf Hill Miners Welfare Hall.
This permanent display will allow anyone both young and old to call at the Centre to view the banner at anytime. We currently have two other Deaf Hill banners at the Centre which can also be viewed at anytime.
Drugs Warrant
On the morning of 31/07/2010 Trimdon Neighbourhood Police Team executed a Magistrates Search Warrant at an address in Elwick View Trimdon Village .
A local male was arrested for production of cannabis and a large quantity of cannabis and plants were seized. Associated growing equipment was also seized, the male arrested is currently on bail pending further enquiries. This warrant was only possible as a result of members of the community coming forward with information which the police were able to act on. Anyone with information in relation to the dealing or use of drugs please contact us directly or via crime stoppers.
Grand Summer Draw
The draw, which was organised by 15 year old Adam Luke, is considered as one of the most successful events in almost 900 years of the buildings history, raising the sum of £2260.
Deaf Hill Colliery First Ever Banner Is Coming Home.
On Thursday 5th August the very first banner dated 1892 will be on display at Trimdon Station Community Centre (Deaf Hill Miners Welfare Hall). The banner, which is in the ownership of Mr. E Atherton, will be on display at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The banner is believed to be unique as it shows the Good Samaritan on a white horse.
Deaf Hill Banner Group July 12th 2010
A heartfelt thanks to everybody who turned out to support and march with the Deaf Hill Lodge Banner and Trimdon Concert Brass Band on Wednesday night. It was an emotional evening and many thanks to everybody who respected the playing of "Gresford" in the Crescent. Thanks also to Michael Evans, Stephen Booth, Paul Connor, Kevin Flint and Jim Robinson for flying the flag at short notice and to the lady in the black car (sorry, I didn't get your name!) for helping with the traffic. The collection raised £158.86 to be shared between the Band and the Banner. Many thanks to all who contributed, participated or just enjoyed!
Trimdon Labour Club to close
The former working mens club will close on 22nd July 2010. Full story from the Northern Echo
Trimdon Grange Burglary 21st April 2010
Overnight on 19/04/2010 a high value burglary occurred at Trimdon Grange. A secure storage container was forced open and stock car parts and tools to the value of approximately £3000 were taken. The unit is to the rear of the MK Motors garage, and the parts taken were unique to a Mk 2 Ford Escort hence the value. Anyone with any information in relation to this crime please contact the Trimdon Village Beat Officer or Crimestoppers.
Operation Phoenix 2010 9th April 2010
Historically from the month of March calls received about the use of off road motorcycles in the Trimdon (in particular Galbraith Terrace) and Fishburn areas has increased.
Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team today has launched Operation PHOENIX 2010 in order to combat these types of incidents. Full details here.
Trimdon Village Drugs Warrant 7th April 2010
07/04/2010 at 09.30hrs Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police team executed a magistrate’s search warrant at Jasmine Crescent Trimdon Village . A quantity of cannabis was seized and the female occupant of the address was arrested and later issued with a caution for possessing a controlled drug. The warrant was obtained and executed as a result of local intelligence being obtained and actioned by Neighbourhood Officers. Anyone with any information in relation to drugs misuse or supply can contact the Village Beat Officer in person or remain anonymous
 Golden Wedding Anniversary 1st April 2010
Congratulations to Stan and Judith Turner from Deaf Hill who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 2nd April 2010.
 A Wedding Date 1st April 2010
Melanie Henderson lives with her fiance Trevor in Trimdon Station, and is due to be married on 17th July 2010. Nothing unusual about that, you may think.....read the full story. Tyne Tees news also featured the couple during the evening news on Thursday April 1st.
Return of Tony Blair to Trimdon Labour Club 30th March 2010
Ex Prime Minister Tony Blair returned to Trimdon Labour Club on Tuesday 30th March to campaign on behalf of Phil Wilson and the Labour Party in the forthcoming elections. Full text of his speech here on the Labour Party website, or text and video here.
£200,000 'sophisticated' cannabis farm discovered 16th March 2010
Drugs worth up to £200,000 were discovered on Monday 15th March by a builder sent to do work on a semi-detached property in Meadow Road, Trimdon. Police were called in and discovered 200 cannabis plants in various stages of growth. All the main rooms of the house had been used to grow the plants and police today described the farm as 'sophisticated'.
Det Con Mark Forster, heading the investigation, said:
"It was like other sophisticated farms that have been found in other parts of the county and it is obviously linked to organised crime. The house was rented out at the beginning of the year and the landlord has obviously been totally unaware of what has been going on. The builder was sent to do some work on the house yesterday and that was when the discovery was made."
"Forensic officers are at the house today and the drugs and equipment will later be sent away for analysis after their examination is concluded. We are appealing to anyone who has information about these premises and in particular about the tenant, who has disappeared from the premises."
Anyone who can help should call the police on 0345 6060 365.
Drugs seized in Trimdon Colliery 9th March 2010
Two men were arrested and cannabis plants with a street value of £18,000 were removed during a search of a property in St Paul's Road, Trimdon Colliery. The raid followed a stop-and-search patrol when two people were arrested and seven grams of cocaine valued at £350 were seized.
Off Licences checked for under-age sales 13th Feb 2010
Ten off licensed premises were tested in an undercover operation by Police and Trading Standards officers on the evening of Friday 12th February 2010. Details here.
May Crescent Burglary 26th Feb 2010
The Community House, May Crescent was burgled overnight Friday 20th – Saturday 21st February whereby laptop computers, money and a camera were stolen. The Community House is for the use of the community and local residents have worked hard over the years to provide an environment whereby the whole of the community can utilise the building and its equipment to their advantage. It is of great regret that now due to mindless vandals items of property will need to be replaced.
If anyone has any positive information in relation to the burglary, please contact PC 1925 GODBER or PC 1246 MELLENTHIN at Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365, alternatively you may call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
Several crimes were reported during the week of 14th-20th Feb in the Trimdon/Sedgefield area - details here.. Some of these crimes have occurred as the result of vehicles or premises being left insecure, Police are asking local residents to secure their property in the best way possible in order to prevent any similar crimes from occurring in the future.
Former TMS owner dies 4th Feb 2010
Robert Lewis, the well respected owner of Trimdon Motor Services until its sale in 1990, died peacefully at home in Jersey on 25th January.
Scrap Thefts 27th Jan 2010
Over the weekend of 22nd – 24th January several incidents involving thefts of scrap have occurred in the Trimdon area. Vehicle parts and plumbing equipment have been taken from gardens, in particular in the Trimdon Grange area. One witness describes a white flat back vehicle with the registration number obscured visiting premises in the Berry Road area of Trimdon Grange, unfortunately no other information is available. Can residents be aware of possible rogue scrap collectors, collectors who don’t hold a valid permit issued by Durham County Council will face prosecution. Collectors who take scrap from properties without the householder’s permission commit the offence of theft. Anyone with information regarding any recent scrap theft in Trimdon please contact Trimdon Beat Officer John Seymour.
 New Years Honours List 8th Jan 2010
Margaret (Peggy) Robinson, from Trimdon Village, is to receive an MBE for her services with the Childrens Society and to the local community. Apparently wanting very few to know of this honour, Margaret has declined to give newspaper interviews, which friends say is typical or her whole demeanor and self-effacing attitude. The ceremony will be held at St. James' palace in the near future.
Trimdon student for Cambridge January 2010
Eighteen year old Michael Dyson of Trimdon Village, has achieved the pinnacle of success in being accepted for a student graduate place at Cambridge University. He will initially study mathematics, which could ultimately lead him into other fields.
Michael has been accepted for a place at Christ's College, an achievement all the more commendable because the college only accepts twelve students at one time in the subject of mathematics. One of the oldest of Cambridge's colleges, Christ's was formally founded in 1505, although its origins go back into the early fifteenth century.
When not studying, the former pupil of Trimdon Junior School and Sedgefield Community College will be able to sample the delights of the college bar, unique in that it specialises in Belgian beers and malt whiskies; the annual cheese and wine tasting conventions and of course the obligatory punting on the river Cam.
Trimdon Treasures Charity Shop December 2009
The shop, at Trimdon Colliery, is to close with immediate effect. Opened early in the year to raise funds for the community, lack of volunteers is one reason offered for the closure. No information has yet been offered as to any funds already raised.
Who’s been nibbling at our church?
Mice? Rats? Read this short article from Mark Robberts to find out.....
Parish Boundaries 7th Dec 2009
Concern has been expressed at the lack of publicity and opportunity for debate regarding parish boundary changes which could go through unchallenged with little input from Trimdon people. Many locals would like to see all of Trimdon within one parish boundary, rather than the present arrangement which means part of Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill are operated by a separate parish council. An open letter submitted by a resident can be read here. Anyone wishing to add their views should do so by December 8th - email the Boundaries Committee directly on reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk, or full details can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
Operation Sibley 2 16th Oct 2009
On the morning of Friday the 16th of October 2009 the Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team executed a Magistrates search warrant under the misuse of drugs act at an address in Trimdon Grange as part of Operation Sibley.
During the search of the premises a quantity of cannabis was found, also found was some equipment which is believed to have been used in the possible production of cannabis plants. The male occupant of the address was arrested for possession of cannabis. Police Community Support Officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area to offer reassurance and will be posting leaflets outlining details of the operation and local officer contact details.
This operation was only possible as the result of community intelligence being received, local police are asking for anyone with further information in relation to the supply or use of drugs in the Trimdon area to contact them. Information will treated in confidence or if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Positive action will be taken with regards to any information received.
Contact: Pc 1636 John Seymour on 0345 60 60 365 at Sedgefield Police Office or by email.
Trimdon Station Community Action Group 24th Sept 2009
The latest update from Phil Wilson MP after his meeting with Police and other agencies. A follow-up residents meeting was held on Thursday 24th September to address the numerous complaints about escalating antisocial behaviour and other problems affecting the area.
Myrobella up For Sale 30th Sept 2009
Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s constituency house at Trimdon Colliery is on the market for £300,000. Full story on the Daily Mail website.
Neighbourhood Watch Meeting 12th Sept 2009
Deaf Hill residents have expressed various concerns after numerous incidents of antisocial behaviour, street fighting, burglaries and vandalism, amongst other things. A meeting scheduled for 7pm Thursday 10th September at Trimdon Station Community Centre, Station Road was very well attended and became heated at times. MP Phil Wilson attended the meeting, and his response can be viewed here.
The Hartlepool Mail also attended, there full report can be read here.
St Paul’s Church 9th Sept 2009
The Church Commissioners have prepared a draft scheme providing for the sale of the closed church to be converted to residential use.
You may obtain a copy of the draft scheme from the Commissioners (contact below) or inspect it at the Trimdon Community Centre Station Road East, Trimdon Station at the following times:- 10.00 – 12.00 Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6.30 to 9.00 Thursday Evening.
You may make representations for or against the draft scheme in writing to Patrick Earle, The Closed Churches Division, Church Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ, or by email to patrick.earle@c-of-e.org.uk to reach him not later than Friday 2 October 2009.
For details of this process see this webpage or phone Patrick Earle on 07825 854936
** The war memorial plaques which were taken from St Paul’s church have now been sited at the community centre if anyone would like to view them.
Conman jailed for offences 29th August 2009
Raymond McDonald, a 36-year-old married father-of-two from Laburnum Crescent, was given a three-year jail sentence for crimes against two vulnerable women, also callously leading two 13-year-old boys to believe they were going on foreign holidays which failed to materialise at the last minute. Full story from the Journal.
Also of interest to readers of this story: Northern Echo April 2007
 Trimdon Grange mugger captured 25th August 2009
Jak Daniel Parkinson, 19, from Main Road, was charged with robbery, after being captured by James Runciman and Ian Wilkinson, following the daylight mugging of pensioner Shirley Ellis. Full details from the Northern Echo or BBC Video
Burglaries 11th August 2009
Since 3rd August there have been four shed/garage burglaries in the Trimdon Village and Grange area. On each occasion pedal cycles or a motorbike has been taken. There has also been one failed attempt to enter a garage where an expensive motor bike is usually stored. Police have already had some information regarding the location of some of the stolen property which unfortunately proved negative; one motorbike was found not far from where it was taken burnt out. Police are appealing to the local community for any more information in relation to these crimes - please contact your Beat Officer, telephone 08456060365 or call Crimestoppers.
104th Birthday 11th August 2009
A Trimdon resident celebrated her 104th birthday at the weekend. Mabel Stoves, well known from Stoves Drapery and Hardware store, claimed the secret to her long life is exercise, faith and a glass of port a day. Full article in the Northern Echo.
 Pipped at the post. 29th July 2009
Trimdon playwright Mark Robberts by audience selection, was awarded second place for his comedy play, 'SPONGE CAKE AND BRANSTON' in the recent International Congleton Play Festival, with a mere four votes separating first from second place.
More than 200 entries were submitted from as far afield as the USA. Canada, Israel, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Australia, South Africa and Mexico. Mark - an established playwright, reveals that his play directed by Coronation Street director Pamela Mears is based almost entirely upon a number of snippets of conversations overheard in and around Middlesbrough bus station. Which only goes to prove that in Middlesbrough, 'There's nowt so funny as folk.'
 £3000 raised in player’s memory 23rd July 2009
More than £3,000 was raised at a charity football match held in memory of soccer-mad dad-of-two John Hogg who died aged just 40 last December after a year-long battle with cancer.
The carpet fitter's family and friends held a charity football match at Trimdon Grange Recreation Ground and followed it up with a night in the Trimdon Colliery Club in his memory. Full article from the Hartlepool Mail,
 Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group 12th July 2009
The Deaf Hill Banner was marched with pride at the 125th Miners Gala behind Trimdon Concert Brass and a great day out was had by all. Many thanks to all who came on the free bus and those who met us in Durham and supported us into and out of the show field. Special thanks to banner carriers Paul Connor, Kevin Flint and James Robinson; rope bearers Larraine, Mary, Betty and Denise; committee members Chris Chaytor, Jimmy Robinson and Neil Young and Phil Wilson MP and his partner Margaret who marched with us. All of us in the Group thank you for supporting us throughout the year and hope to see you at the 126th! Photo gallery
Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group 8th July 2009
would like to thank everybody who supported the parade of the banners on Wednesday evening behind Trimdon Concert Brass. The weather held this year, the turn out was excellent and a great evening was had by all. Many thanks to the good nature of the motorists (and bus drivers), all of the volunteers, the children who carried the community banner, traffic management officers Mick and Stephen and a big thanks to Larraine for the buffet.
Dog Fouling problems 26th June 2009
Residents of Malvern Terrace and surrounding areas have expressed concern at the increasing number of dog owners using the grassed area to exercise their pets. It has been suggested that a more suitable dog exercise area would be the open land between the recreation ground and Trimdon Colliery, which is away from houses but still within easy reach. Comments welcome on the guestbook
**As from 1st August 2009, virtually every public area, pathway, road or verge within Durham County Council boundaries will come under a new Dog Control Order, which will apply a fixed penalty of £80 to anyone failing to clean up after their pets.
 Spongecake and Branston 8th June 2009
Trimdon playwright Mark Robberts latest comedy: 'Spongecake and Branston' has been short-listed for the prestigious 2009 Congleton One Act Play Festival from an amazing 200+ entries; some submitted by playwrights from as far afield as the USA. Canada, Israel, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.
Mark, an established playwright, says that he owes the concept of his play (to be directed by Pamela Mier - Coronation Street director) to snippets of conversations over-heard in and around Middlesbrough bus station.
The winning selection will be decided on July 18th when those short-listed will be performed before a live audience.
Trimdon Charity Shop 26th May 2009
The Fun Day (May 25th) was a huge success. Well over 400 people attended and all thoroughly enjoyed it. £620 was raised on the day and £150 sponsorship was given from the tombola, totalling £770. Thank you to those who came on the day, and for those who helped.
 Community Big Litter Pick 20th April 2009
Photos from the Community Big Litter Pick held on the 4th April 2009, organised by David Smith in conjunction with the Joint Trimdon Partnership. The day was a great success and enjoyed by everyone, and it is hoped it will become an annual event
Major Fire at Old Chapel 18th April 2009
 The old Methodist chapel at Trimdon Colliery, has been badly damaged by fire, which started around 7.30pm Saturday evening. It is believed the fire was started deliberately, and Police are treating the incident as a criminal investigation.
CAFÉ EXPECTS SIELE OF APPROVAL
A County Durham entrepreneur’s latest venture will be a welcome Christmas present for the people of Trimdon.
Michelle Douglas Allison is due to open what will be the town’s only coffee shop on Monday, December 22.
Michelle, 30, is opening Café Siele in Commercial Street, Trimdon Station with help and support from Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Be Enterprising. The launch of the coffee shop, which Michelle is opening in tribute to her late grandmother, will mean that residents and employees of Trimdon will no longer have to travel out of their way to enjoy the café experience.
“When my grandmother, Elsie, was alive we couldn’t go anywhere without stopping by a coffee shop, she loved them. We’d go shopping together and often spend more time sitting in cafes than would in the shops,” explained Michelle. “She was my inspiration for starting up a coffee shop of my own.”
The opening of Café Siele- an anagram of Elsie- will seat around twelve people and will provide a takeaway service. Customers will be able to enjoy a range of different coffees, tea, hot chocolate and hot and cold meals and snacks- all of which will be made fresh on the premises.
Michelle grew up with Elsie’s home cooking and will be making sure her grandmother’s favourites, tiffin cake and apple and blackberry pie, are available in Café Siele.
Pensioner in Windsor Street house fire 23rd January 2009
The woman, believed to be in her 90s, is thought to have been unhurt following the blaze at her home. Full article from the Hartlepool Mail
Trimdon Concert Brass Band
The Band would like to thank everyone for their support during our recent Christmas street collections. The three collections raised a grand total of £769.63. Best Wishes to Everyone for 2009.
Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group
Result of the Christmas Draw - 20/12/08
1st prize - Signed, framed Sunderland shirt. Number 1517.
2nd prize - £50. Number 0205 3rd prize - £25. Number 0109
Other prizes and ticket numbers here.
Many thanks to all who have supported us in 2008 - David Chaytor
Post Office Robbery
The Station Road Post Office was targeted in an armed raid 23rd Dec - more detail from the Hartlepool Mail and Northern Echo
It is the second attack in the area recently - Wingate North Road office suffered an armed robbery on 8th December.
Snail Race - Trimdon Grange WMC 29th August 2009
A big big thank you to everyone one who attended and participated in the SNAIL RACE at Trimdon Grange WMC on Friday 29th August - organised by Geraldine Wilson of Trimdon Grange Community centre - we had a fantastic night and raised £746.00 for Breast Cancer
Banner March Wednesday July 9th 2008
Despite atrocious weather, Deaf Hill Banner Group paraded the new Lodge Banner and Community Banner round the the streets of Deaf Hill, Trimdon Station and Trimdon Colliery on Wednesday 9 July. £225 was collected towards funds to enable the banner to march in Durham. The Group would like to thank Trimdon Concert Brass, all who helped on the night and especially the people of Deaf Hill and Trimdon Station for their continuing support. David Chaytor, Chair, Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group
St Paul’s Church 21st June 2008
Following the recent closure of the church, the Diocesan Board of Finance has applied for planning permission to convert the building into two dwelling houses. Full details can be found on EDC’s website here for anyone interested in commenting or objecting.
School Bus Petition 1st September 2008
Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson will be at the Trimdon Station Community Centre on Monday 10am 1st September 2008 to accept the school bus petition from the organisers, Debra Harrison and colleagues .
Durham Race for Life 24th June 2008
Seven members of Trimdon Concert Brass are taking part in the Durham Race for Life on 6th July 2008 to raise money for Cancer Research UK and would really welcome your support.
Please take a moment to sponsor Lynsey, Lisa, Jenna, Laura, Sarah, Katie and Laura, and read why they are entering the race
Donations can be made online by credit or debit card at the following address: www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/trimdonconcertbrass or alternatively you can make a donation in the collecting bucket located at D & J Jordans, Trimdon Colliery.
** £460.81p raised - Thank you to all who donated, from Lynsey, Lisa, Jenna, Laura, Sarah, Katie and Laura.
Local Vandalism 18th June 2008
In recent weeks damage has been caused in the Foxcover wood, with fences damaged and a caravan being set on fire. If anyone has sold, or had stolen, a caravan with the registration plate S926 SWE, or can provide any other information, please contact either the local Police or use our contact form.
Christmas 2007 - Trimdon Band
Despite the wet, horrible weather the Band managed to raise £355.20 from our street collection on 2nd. We would like to pass on our sincere thanks to the kind folk of Trimdon Colliery and Trimdon Station.
Much better weather on the 9th, thanks to the generous people of Trimdon Grange we raised £219, and oOur collection at Trimdon Village on 16th raised £273.28.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year!
Lynsey Garraghan on behalf of the Band.
Spray used on dancing man Dec 7th 2007
by Tracy Walker , Hartlepool Mail )
CS spray was used on a drunk man when he resisted arrest after officers spotted him dancing in the street and holding a bottle of wine above his head.
Anthony Evans, 22, had to be sprayed after "tensing up" and "lashing out with his feet" to resist being arrested.
He was dancing in Wingate Road, Trimdon, with the bottle held above his head and liquid pouring out, Peterlee magistrates were told.
He was arrested after an officer thought he was supplying alcohol to a group of youths and Evans ignored requests for him to hand the bottle over. But Evans disputed the people with him were youths. Lynsey Armstrong, prosecuting, said the police officer on duty in Wingate Road, Trimdon, noticed a group near the bus shelter and Evans "dancing in the road with a bottle of wine in his right hand and holding it above his head with liquid spilling out of the bottle".
Ms Armstrong said Evans, of Laburnum Square, Trimdon Station, told the officer: "You think you're it because you have that red and white cross on your chest.
"I'll give you some advice – why don't you get back in your van and drive away." Ms Armstrong said Evans "tensed up" when he was informed he was under arrest and "lashed out with his legs" when placed in a caged police van. The officer issued a warning before spraying him.
Evans admitted being drunk and disorderly and resisting a police officer on November 24.
Neil Bennett, mitigating, said Evans was "affected by drink" but not in the company of under-age youths and disputed making any remarks.
Chairman of the magistrates' bench Roy Simpson, fined Evans £50 for being drunk and disorderly and £150 for resisting a police officer.
Teenager in court for firework attack Dec 4 2007
by Andrew Pain, Evening Gazette )
A TEENAGER was due to appear in court today charged with throwing a lit firework at a train conductor.
The conductor was standing on the platform at Thornaby Station at the rear of a train on the Darlington to Saltburn route at about 4.50pm on Monday, October 29, when the incident happened. The firework caused scorching to the conductor’s clothing and reddening to the leg.
After images appeared on the front page of the Evening Gazette and in other media outlets Daniel William Young, 18, contacted police requesting to hand himself in.
The teenager, of Newlands Road, Trimdon, County Durham, was subsequently arrested and was to appear before Teesside Magistrates today charged by the British Transport Police for common assault and throwing a firework in a public place.
Following the incident PC Graham Adams, of British Transport Police, said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack which has left him understandably shaken. Everyone has the right to be able to go to work without fear of being attacked or abused in this way.”
Gran's new look Oct 4th 2007
A WOMAN who hid behind her clothes in a bid to avoid the attention of bullies has faced her demons – on prime-time television.
Margaret will be surrounded by her family, which includes husband Tony, 53, daughter Claire, 31, son Anthony, 29, and grandchildren Oscar, 18 months, and Tristan, three, at her home in Trimdon Grange for the BBC 1 programme What Not to Wear when it goes out as the series finale at 8pm today. Full story from the Sunderland Echo. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Grans-new-look--and.3258206.jp
Wingate Nature Reserve (Deaf Hill) Aug 14th 2007
Nesting birds - moor hens on the ponds - have been killed by air gun pellets recently in the nature reserve. Hunting or killing wild animals of any type (including rabbits) is illegal in the reserve - if you see anything untoward please telephone Police on 0845 6060 365 or email rangers@durham.gov.uk
Local Elections Thursday 19th July 2007
Labour held onto the Sedgefield seat, but with a reduced majority, with the Liberal Democrats in second place, Conservatives in third and the British National Party in fourth. Phil Wilson got 12,528 votes to become the constituency's first new MP since Mr Blair was elected in 1983.
Hunt for school vandals April 20th 2007
The Hartlepool Mail
original article By CHRISTOPHER YOUNG
VANDALS have struck again at a primary school just months after causing hundreds of pounds of damage.
Police have appealed for help to track down youngsters who are targeting Deaf Hill Primary School, in Trimdon Station. During the Easter holidays, vandals broke into the site and ripped tiles from the roof of the school building. They also put a hole in fencing and broke wire mesh which covered the pond. Last autumn, hundreds of pounds of damage was caused at the school after a play house was destroyed, a bird box was broken and an outside tap was ripped off the wall. Headteacher Paul Lonsdale said: “We can’t afford to throw money away like this. “They have ripped some slate off the roof in a patch which has quite re-recently been re-roofed. They have then thrown the tiles at a wall and caused a lot of damage. “We have got to make people aware that they can contact the police and if they see something happening, they must report it.” PC Phil Stephenson, from Peterlee Police, urged locals to protect the school from the vandals. “Most of the damage tends to occur over school holiday periods but as the nights remain light for longer, it could be that youngsters will be hanging about getting up to no good,” he said. “I would encourage anyone who spots youngsters in the school grounds - whether they appear to be misbehaving or not - to contact the police. “We would also like to hear from anyone who thinks they know who is responsible for causing earlier damage.” Anyone with information should contact Peterlee Police on (0845) 6060365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.
Jobs blow as second firm hits problems December 15th 2006
original article The Northern Echo
A FACTORY only yards from Tony Blair's home in County Durham has gone into administration. Volante Public Transportation Interior Systems Limited, which employs 70 people in Trimdon, said a number of loss-making contracts had caused it to go under. It is the second business in Trimdon to hit financial difficulties in the past week. The Northern Echo reported last Friday how canal boat maker Steelcraft, based on the Trimdon Grange Industrial Estate, had gone into liquidation, threatening 30 jobs.
Last night, Graham Wood, regeneration manager of Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "This is another harsh blow for a small community, especially at this time of year."
The Newcastle office of professional services firm Deloitte has been appointed as administrator for Volante, which makes interior panels for buses and trains.
Administrators Ian Brown and Neil Matthews, of Deloitte, said they are aiming to find a buyer to take it on as a going concern. Mr Brown said: "We have already had a number of expressions of interest in taking over Volante as a going concern, and would expect that more will follow in the next few days.
"Volante is essentially a structural strong business with a range of established customers, and offers good prospects for potential new owners."
Volante, which continues to trade while a buyer is being sought, was forced into administration due to the "combined impact of a number of loss-making contracts".
Mr Blair opened the factory in 1997 and then returned for a visit in 1999 with his wife, Cherie, when the company had an artist in residence on the premises.
In February last year, Volante made about 30 redundancies after an order with a major customer came to an end.
Last week, Steelcraft closed its doors and was in consultation with local business support organisation, the Shildon and Sedgefield Development Agency, in an attempt to save the company.
At the time, Councillor Lucy Hovvels, Mayor of Sedgefield borough, said: "We are a small community and we rely on small local companies like this to help generate income back into the area.
"This is a real blow for this community."
Downturn in orders sends boat builder into liquidation December 8th 2006
original article The Northern Echo
ABOUT 30 jobs were under threat last night after it emerged that a Trimdon-based boat building business had run into financial difficulties.
The Northern Echo has learnt that canal boat maker South West Durham Steelcraft is in liquidation, after a prolonged shortage of work and lack of orders.
Steelcraft, which employs about 30 people at its base on Trimdon Grange Industrial Estate, remained closed yesterday. The company is understood to have been consulting local business support organisation the Shildon and Sedgefield Development Agency in an attempt to save the company.
Last night, Steelcraft's situation was said to be a "blow for the community," and workers at the site, in Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency, spoke of their fears at being out of work only weeks before Christmas.
One worker said the staff's hours had been reduced recently, but they did not know the extent of the situation. The worker, who asked not to be named, said: "This is bad news for us - things are obviously worse than we thought. We don't know what's going to happen - but my concern is that Christmas is not even three weeks away. "There's never a good time to be out of work, but this must be the worst."
The company was set up in 1989, and is well regarded in the industry.
It has built more than 500 boats, and has designed and built shells for some of the country's largest boat companies, including Simolda and Pennine Cruisers.
Councillor Lucy Hovvels, Mayor of the Sedgefield borough, which includes Trimdon, said it was bad news for the area.
She said: "We are a small community, and we rely on small local companies like this to help generate income back into the area. "This is a real blow for this community, and the factory employs a lot of local people. "We rely on local businesses like this one helping the economy.
"We are all hoping there can be some solution soon, especially with it being so near Christmas."
John Flynn, Steelcraft's founder and owner, last night said he did not want to comment on the situation.
Durham community group celebrates opening of new play space 26th July 2006
From 24Dash.com - News for the public sector and beyond:
A community group in a County Durham town was today celebrating after a new play space opened with help from a charity that funds regeneration projects in former coal mining areas.
A grant of £35,103 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has enabled the Skerne Play Park Association to pay for the first phase of the redevelopment of a playing field in Trimdon. The site has now been turned into a multi-use games area for the community.
The Skerne Play Park Association was formed by local parents who were concerned about the lack of a safe play space for children. The group is working with Trimdon Parish Council to develop the project, which has received support from the police, local schools and residents. The next phases will include the creation of a toddler and junior play area, a sensory garden and a seating area.
CRT trustee, Peter McNestry, said: "It is great to see a community working together to create a public space that residents of all ages will be able to enjoy, especially during this hot summer weather. "We congratulate the campaigners for their hard work and are delighted to be able to support their redevelopment plans."
The CRT supports community activists and voluntary groups working to improve facilities and opportunities for residents of coalfield areas.
If they can march why can't we? 29th June 2006
From the Northern Echo website by Mike Amos
ALMOST 125 years after 74 men and boys died in the Trimdon Grange Explosion, villagers have been warned against marching in their memory on Durham Big Meeting day.
Police say that they won't supervise the traditional early morning parade through the village - a mile from Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency home - nor any other local Big Meeting march unless road closure orders have been applied for.
Angry officials claim however, that when around 25 members of Real Fathers for Justice marched through the Trimdons on June 16, almost as many police officers - and the force helicopter - were deployed to supervise them. Employing a "road management" company would cost about £600.
"We've been told that it's illegal to march on the road and that we could lose our houses in the event of an accident and a compensation claim, but the march will go ahead no matter what they say," says one of the organisers.
"We lost 74 men at Trimdon Grange lodge in one shift, plenty more at other times, and now they're telling us that for a few minutes once a year we can't remember them in the way that we have for more than 100 years.
"We're only working lads trying to maintain the traditions of the Gala, but they're trying to put pressure on us by talking of losing our houses."
The explosion, immortalised in a song by Tommy Armstrong, occurred in the early hours of February 16, 1882. Almost every family in the village lost a close relative.
A heated meeting earlier this month between police, council officials and representatives of five former colliery communities in Sedgefield borough - Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Fishburn, Chilton and the Trimdons - was told that police had no powers to halt or re-direct traffic without a road closure order.
A Durham police spokesman said that banner parade organisers across the county had been invited to appear before their local safety advisory group - particularly since Heritage Lottery funds had become available to restore banners.
The spokesman added that, last year, marches were thought to have taken place without formal road closures. "Organisers would have been liable if there had been accidents, injury or even death. That remains true for any event where advice is not sought or followed."
The Real Fathers for Justice march was "a legitimate demonstration by a recognised pressure group" near the Prime Minister's home, say the police. "It was a one-off event, unlike the Miners' Gala which is a major annual public gathering."
Led by the Reg Vardy band playing Gresford - the miners' hymn - the Trimdon gathering will defiantly halt at 7.20am on Saturday, July 8, outside the Aged Miners' Homes before marching down the main street and then taking a coach to Durham.
"We've been told it will be illegal but it's definitely going ahead and that way we might get the police there after all," says the organiser, who has asked to remain anonymous.
"We've nothing against Fathers for Justice but it's crazy that they can come from all over Britain to march through Trimdon and we can't. The only way we won't march in memory of those lads is if they lock up every one of us."
Bank Top Stables - Owner left animals to rot 3rd March 2006
Bank Top Stables Update
Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today jailed Lee Howard, 39, of Douglas Street, Middlesbrough, for six months.He was charged after the RSPCA discovered animal remains at Bank Top Stables in Trimdon last May. Magistrates also banned him from keeping animals for life. 29-03-06
By SUN ONLINE REPORTER ( www.thesun.co.uk )
A MAN who callously abandoned more than 30 animals at stables was warned today he faces jail.
Lee Howard cruelly left the animals to starve to death because he could not cope with what “life was throwing at him“. Horses, dogs, chickens and rabbits were condemned to a death sentence when Howard left them locked up in without food or water in filthy stables. Out of more than 30 animals only three dogs survived - by eating the remains of the others. RSPCA officials discovered the horrific scene at Bank Top Stables in Trimdon, Co Durham following complaints from neighbours about the smell and the noise of barking dogs.
Upon entering the premises they found the rotting remains of 13 horses, four dogs, 11 hens and a black and white rabbit, which had been left unattended for at least two months. There were also skulls of horses and other bones lying around the stable’s courtyard.
The scene was so gruesome that RSPCA and police were overpowered by the smell coming from the stables and maggots could be heard crawling over the carcasses of the dead animals.
Howard, a finance company worker, had denied one count of causing unnecessary suffering to all the dead animals and three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a rottweiler and two border collies by abandoning them at the stables.
On the morning of the 39-year-old’s trial at Bishop Auckland Magistrates’ Court he changed his plea and admitted all the charges. Prosecutor Kevin Campbell, for the RSPCA, told JPs that the animals were each housed in different stable blocks. “As each door opened an absolute horrendous and gruesome picture there was an animal, usually a horse, in various stages of decomposition,” he said. “The horses were clearly dead and had been there for some time. One of the police officers heard dogs eating and devouring the horses. “The smell was overpowering.” Mr Campbell then played the court the video the RSPCA made at the time of the grisly discovery. Howard, of Douglas Street, Middlesbrough, kept his head bowed throughout the 10-minute film.
“The smell in here is just unbelievable,” said Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell in a commentary accompanying the video. “As you can tell the smell in here is incredible. The maggots are everywhere.” A female voice in the background added: “That’s disgusting.”
Jane Scott, defending, said Howard had been suffered from depression and financial difficulties following the death of his mother and was in a “downward spiral“. She added: “He simply could not cope with what life was throwing at him and he simply walked away.”
Magistrates also heard that Howard had avoided a jail sentence in January after admitting fraud. He was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he pleaded guilty to four charges of making a false instrument and 10 of false accounting. Howard, a self-employed loan company worker, made up the names of clients to pocket thousands of pounds from his bosses.
The scam emerged after he was questioned in connection with the gruesome discovery at the stables.
He was also told by a judge at Teesside Crown Court to complete 200 hours’ community service and pay £2,195 in compensation and £200 court costs after pocketing £6,098. Chair of the bench Beryl Swinbanks told Howard he was facing a possible jail sentence.
“We have heard what has been said by the prosecutor and defence solicitor today,” she told him. “We are going to adjourn for a pre-sentence report as we feel we need to know more information about you.”
The maximum sentence for animal cruelty is six months jail. Howard was remanded on unconditional bail until sentencing on March 29 at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court. Speaking shortly after the discovery in June last year, RSPCA Inspector Mark Gent said: “When I got there, I smelt a terrible smell and knew there was something wrong and phoned the local police who attended and we broke in and found quite a shocking sight.
“I have smelt it before, sadly, but you know that smell and I knew instinctively there was something wrong. “I have never seen anything on this scale before.”
Wind turbine protestors lose fight August 1st 2005
Northern Echo
CAMPAIGNERS in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency have lost their fight against a wind farm they say could blight their lives.
Energy firm EDF has won its appeal against Durham City Council's refusal of permission to erect four 76-metre turbines between Town Kelloe and Trimdon Colliery.
Councillors rejected the scheme despite the recommendation of planning officers to grant approval.
That decision delighted the members of Trimdon Action Group Against Wind Farms, who were worried about possible subsidence, light flicker, noise, vibrations and the possible effects on people's health.
Mr Blair's agent John Burton wrote signalling support for the objectors.
Council officials said the turbines would not have a "significant visual impact". Council leader Fraser Reynolds said: "We do recognise that many people did have concerns about noise and visual impact around this scheme. We will now try to make sure that residents are kept informed of the various stages involved in developing this site by EDF Energy.
"At the end of the day all local authorities in this region have signed up to the Regional Spatial Strategy and sustainable energy generation is part of our own LA 21 agenda. Any planning application for alternative energy will be judged on individual merits, as this particular plan was."
A spokesman for the North-East Assembly, which drew up the Regional Spatial Strategy, said although the site was not specifically earmarked for wind power, it was identified as an area of "least constraint" where small development may be appropriate.
EDF welcomed the decision, saying the wind farm could supply the annual requirements of up to 3,333 homes.
Air Crash Investigation & Archaeology June 2005
Research group ACIA is trying to trace any surviving relatives of Sgt George Marshall, of Trimdon, who was killed on 1st March 1943 whilst serving with the RAF. George is buried in Trimdon Grange Cemetery and his parents were James and Alice Marshall, of Trimdon Village.
The group is researching wartime aircraft accidents and George's aircraft is one of them, having crashed onto remote moorland near Bellingham, Northumberland. The remains of the aircraft are hopefully going to be excavated later this year and are to go on display at the North East Aircraft Museum in Sunderland. It is also hoped that a memorial will also be erected near the crash site. The main reason for tracing the relatives of Sgt Marshall is to invite them to the memorial unveiling should it come to fruition.
If you think you can provide any information, please get in touch.
Blair's short walk into history 7th May 2005
by Chris Lloyd Northern Echo
AS fields go, this is a famous one. It separates the Blairs' constituency home of Myrobella in Trimdon Colliery from the low community association hall in which they cast their vote.Labour Club, Trimdon : Photo from Associated Press
It's a puddly field, with water collecting in the dips of the football goalmouths.
For its big moment this year, the field had been cut. Clarts of matted grass clippings stuck to the shoes of the Blairs as, for the third time, their walk across the field was followed by live TV cameras and photographers from across Europe. In both May 1997 and June 2001, the council had allowed the grass in the famous field to grow. Buttercups and daisies gave it an attractive, pastoral feel.
This year, though, only a few dandelions survived the tyranny of the lawnmower. They kept yellow heads low until the blades had passed over and now they pushed upward.
In May 1997, on a blisteringly hot day, the three children did not reach Tony and Cherie's shoulders as they tripped breezily across the field as the nation joyfully turned to New Labour.
In June 2001, on a pleasantly warm day, it was a workmanlike walk. The boys, Euan and Nicholas, were big and confident, stepping out on their own. Only Kathryn clung shyly to her father's hand.
But then, in November 2003, what may yet be the defining moment of Mr Blair's premiership occured on this field.
Two giant Black Stallion Sikorsky helicopters landed in the goalmouth closest to Myrobella, bringing the Republican President George Bush to cement a friendship born in wartime.
And so, in May 2005, the walk across the field seems a little subdued.
"It's caad," notes an elderly woman of the weather change.
On the chilly wind drifts the clatter of a helicopter - "these are just toys, these helicopters", says a local who watched grown policemen blown over by the downblast of Mr Bush's choppers.
Cherie waves enthusiastically for the cameras, and brings Euan, now 21, and Nicholas, 19, into line for a tight picture. They are both voting for the first time. Kathryn, now 16, has stayed at home.
Tony - open-necked for the first time on polling day - just holds up a hand to acknowledge the photographers (their number is down, too, from 34 in 2001 to 22 yesterday).
"Rock on, Tony, man," shouts a voice from the small crowd.
And in these parts at least, Mr Blair is still extremely popular. "You shouldn't need to ask, we're all Labour round here," says an elderly lady, making her way on a stick and an arm to vote. She adds: "But some folks are funny - y'know, that Sedgefield lot." She waves her stick towards the more conservatively-inclined townlet down the road.
"I remember the big strike in 1926," says Nora Morgan, 86, who with her husband John, 84, a retired miner, has seen all the walkings and landings on the field these last eight years.
"I was seven years old and we ate in soup kitchens on Christmas Day. We can never let the Tories back in."
As the Blairs disappear behind the peeling green paint of the polling station, Evelyn Haupt arrives from Hanover, in Germany.
"I am a Tony fan," she says in the perfect English that she teaches to children back home. "I get butterflies in my stomach seeing him."
Pinned to her lapel are four handmade badges showing pictures of her meeting Mr Blair. She jiggles another handful in her pocket, and points to the one he signed at a Labour conference two years ago.
"I was amazed by his speech in front of Downing Street in 1997," she says. "I met him first when he was on holiday in France in 1997, and ever since I have met him once or twice a year.
"I like his politics - with the exception of Iraq, but that's over now. I like him because he's very intelligent, warm and honest."
Their votes cast, a dark green Jaguar sweeps the Blairs away. Tony is off to thank the party workers in Sedgefield; Cherie is off to the Catholic church in Trimdon village because it is Ascension Day.
Yesterday morning's polls suggested their votes would help Labour to a comfortable and historic third victory.
But for the field, anonymity rather than history beckons.
Mr Blair, who will step down as party leader before the next election. He will never walk this way as Prime Minister again
Blair Signs Up for Credit Union Dec 10th 2004
By Rod Minchin, PA
Prime Minister Tony Blair joined a credit union today as he began a series of engagements in his County Durham constituency.
Mr Blair, accompanied by his wife Cherie, started his day in Trimdon Village where he joined the local credit union.
As Mr Blair signed the official membership papers, he joked: “I can’t see what I’m signing, I haven’t got my specs on.”
His wife replied: “I’m a lawyer. You do not sign anything you haven’t read.”
The South West Durham Credit Union collects money each week from its members before giving out low interest loans to those that need it.
Later Mr Blair met children from St William’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Trimdon Village Infant School at a row of shops in the village, which the children have decorated for Christmas.
The Prime Minister was then officially launching the CBI-backed £6 million Aspire project that aims to plug the region’s skills gap.
He is also joining elderly constituents at a luncheon club Christmas dinner.
Ticking gift posted to Blair home 13th October 2004
The Daily Record
A TV company sparked a bomb alert when they posted a pedometer to Tony Blair.
Tyne Tees Television sent the Prime Minister and other MPs the gadget, used to measure how far you have walked, as part of a fitness programme. The devices were sent to their home addresses, including Blair's house, Myrobella, in Trimdon, County Durham.
As the unmarked parcel was put through the X-ray machine used to scan all Blair's post, staff were horrified to see an image of a battery and a ticking clock face. The bomb squad were called in from Catterick, Yorkshire, to deal with what staff thought could be a terrorist explosive device.
A police spokesman said: 'After taking a look using their specialist equipment, they found the device was nothing more than a pedometer.
'They had been sent to the Prime Minister and other north- east MPs by a senior executive at Tyne Tees Television in a well-meaning bid to promote ITV's Britain On The Move campaign.'
Tyne Tees bosses were told that while Blair appreciated the sentiments, the next time they decided to send such a gift to the Prime Minister it was advisable to inform the police first.
A spokeswoman for Newcastle-based Tyne Tees said: 'We were advised that in Westminster there was a lot of interest shown in the campaign, so we sent a pedometer to all of our local MPs.
'It was during the summer recess so they went to the constituency addresses. We did get a call from Durham police asking to confirm that we had sent it.'
Experts believe adding extra steps to your daily total has many health benefits.
Goodbye DIY stores, hello Jimmy Choo 3rd October 2004
David Smith, The Guardian, The Observer, Sunday October 3, 2004
Blairs' new London address is a world away from constituency home in Durham
They may be sorry to leave the simplicity of village life and the bracing country air, but when Tony and Cherie Blair quit their constituency home for Connaught Square, central London, they will not be in want of shopping opportunities or celebrity neighbours.
The closest business to Myrobella - the former pit deputy's home in Sedgefield, Durham, bought by the couple in 1983 - is Lamb's Funeral Services. Little remains of what used to be called the High Street in Trimdon Colliery, a village given its name by a coal mine which closed in 1966.
PTS Timber & Hardware Supplies has seen better days, and few people are taking up the offer of freshly made sandwiches on the plastic board outside D&J Jordan Off-Licence & Grocer. The Style Studio has a sticker in its front window which says 'Exclusive Salon' - a claim that would have more credence if the weather-beaten sign had lost fewer letters.
Shopper Dorothy Elward, 56, said: 'There is nowt here. If I want to get some shopping in, I have to catch the bus to Hartlepool - that is, when they are running.'
The nearest shop of reasonable size is in Trimdon Village. The Blairs took a tour of the store when it opened, Cherie posing for the cameras with a bunch of bananas in her basket.
Last week the Blairs splashed out £3.6 million on 29 Connaught Square, a five-storey Georgian town house near London's Marble Arch. Affluent neighbours include Paul Oakenfold, the DJ and composer of the Big Brother theme, while Madonna and Stella McCartney live close by.
Blair need only nip around the corner, past six art galleries, to find the Iraqi-owned Le Chef restaurant, where Delia Smith once cooked and Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi was a regular.
Its manager, Baghdad-born Haidar Alyassriy, said: 'Mr Allawi and all the present Iraqi government have come here since Saddam. We would like to invite Tony Blair from the first day he will be a neighbour. I respect what he did in Iraq. I am happy and I think 99 per cent of Iraqis in Britain feel the same.'
Should Carole Caplin fail to move in too, Cherie can choose from Ruth's Beauty Salon, Connaughts Hair & Beauty or, a short walk away, Daniel Galvin's. The pampering possibilities are endless, including aromatherapy, arasys inch loss, electrolysis, eyelash tinting, facials, thread vein removal and waxing.
If she gives up bargain-hunting on eBay, Cherie need only walk around the corner to Jimmy Choo Couture, where bespoke shoes can go for £900. Blair can toast the good times at Arturo, a new restaurant with more than a whiff of Granita about it. Amid the pristine white tablecloths and bare wood floor, the fare is distinctly more New Labour than Old.
General manager Paul Puglisi, from Sydney, said: 'If the Blairs come regularly, I'm sure we can always find room for them.'
Pro-hunt demonstration outside Blairs’ house 15th September 2004
Richard Dodd, a regional director of the Countryside Alliance;
Last week around 300 of us turned up outside Tony Blair's home in Trimdon Colliery, County Durham. We were shouting and blowing hunting horns ... Word came back that a few of us would be allowed in to speak to him and we had 20 minutes with him, talking about hunting over a cup of tea.
If we had written to him asking for a meeting we would have had no chance. Direct action clearly works and I think we will be doing more of it.
Original source : www.guardian.co.uk 15/09/2004
Rise of the countryside militants shows despair at failure of lobbying
By Jason Bennetto, Crime Correspondent, 16 September 2004
The violence and disruption that erupted both inside the House of Commons and on the surrounding streets yesterday reflects the growing militancy among small sections of the pro-hunting lobby.
It emerged last night that one of the five protesters who broke into the chamber of the House was Otis Ferry, the 21-year-old son of the musician Bryan Ferry. Mr Ferry, who has led the South Shropshire Hunt since May, has acquired a reputation as a high-profile, and at times radical, campaigner against the hunting ban. His mother, Lucy, Bryan Ferry's former wife, is also a supporter of the cause.
The former Etonian who abandoned his education to pursue his love of hunting, Mr Ferry has made no secret of the fact that he claims to be prepared to go to jail to defend the right to hunt. In an outspoken critique of the tactics used by the pro-hunting lobby, he has also said: "Its tactics have been too soft. We have to get the Government to notice us."
His own tactics have resulted in him getting increasingly noticed by the authorities. Mr Ferry was one of a delegation of five allowed to discuss the hunting issue with Tony Blair last week at his house in Trimdon, near Sedgefield, County Durham, after hundreds of protesters arrived at his doorstep.
Last year, Mr Ferry was arrested while attempting to place pro-hunting Countryside Alliance posters on the walls of the same building in Sedgefield in the early hours of the morning. He was released without charge.
Last night, one senior Countryside Alliance official who wished to remain anonymous, distanced the organisation from his actions and described how Mr Ferry represented a more radical wing of the pro-hunting movement.
"We're certain that Otis Ferry was one of the protesters arrested in the chamber," he said. "It wouldn't come as much surprise to anyone. We do not approve of what they did. They were clearly very well prepared and they had builders' gear and maybe even builders' passes."
The number of radical protesters breaking away from the mainstream Countryside Alliance has increased in the past three years, many forming splinter groups.
The most militant is the Real Countryside Alliance, or Real CA. The leader of the group, which has a small but growing number of supporters, is Edward Duke, a member of the Middleton Hunt in Yorkshire, who was, briefly, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance.
In an interview last year he warned: "When it comes to it, we will want to set fire to motorways and [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] offices. We can do naughty things."
Another more radical organisation is the Countryside Action Network (CAN), led by Janet George, a former press officer for the Countryside Alliance and the British Field Sports Society. She left the alliance six years ago after a clash with Mr Duke, who was the chief executive at the time. In the past, CAN has organised go-slow protests using tractors and farm vehicles on motorways across England and Wales.
The use of blockades reflects the growing crossover between countryside campaigners and those involved in the fuel protests in 2000.
Original source; http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=562191
'Plot' to kill Tony Blair thwarted 17th August 2004
This story is from The Sunday Sun / news.com.au network Source: The Courier-Mail
'Plot' to kill Tony Blair thwarted
By Ben English in London
17 August 2004
BRITISH anti-terror authorities have foiled a suspected al-Qaeda plot to assassinate Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Police swooped on two Lithuanian asylum seekers believed to be spying on Mr Blair's home in his constituency in England's north.
The men were caught with hi-tech surveillance equipment less than a kilometre from Mr Blair's countryside home.
Sources said the pair raised alarm bells because they displayed the characteristics of al-Qaeda spying behaviour.
Using a stolen car fitted with false number plates, they filmed roads and traffic surrounding their alleged target and were carrying a highly-detailed map of the country area of Trimdon in County Durham.
"To dismiss these as nothing more than a couple of wandering foreigners out to see the British countryside is stretching it a bit," a security source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper.
Intelligence officials are reportedly working on the theory that the men had been hired by intermediaries to keep higher-ranking members of the terror cell at arms length.
"This is classic al-Qaeda behaviour, a textbook example of one way the terrorists would gather information about a possible target," the security source said.
"Video equipment like that wasn't normally the kind of gear you'd expect a hard-up asylum seeker to be carrying about.."
After their arrest, the Lithuanians were deported. Police said they were satisfied no security issues were involved.
|
|
