TS23 Billingham bloggers

Hopes dashed over Billingham day centre

2013-01-12T10:10:05Z

PARENTS have failed in their bid to delay a decision to close a popular day centre for adults with learning disabilities in Billingham.

But Stockton Council officers reassured the closure of the Rievaulx Resource Centre would not happen overnight.

The transfer of services to either the Allensway Centre in Thornaby or community-based schemes would take place over 12-18 months, families were told at a meeting of Stockton Council's Cabinet.

And parents and carers were invited to be involved in working out the details of the transition.

]]> The Efficiency, Improvement and Transformation review of learning disability services will see one building-based day service in the borough - the Allensway Centre - providing services for people with complex needs.

Those with complex needs at Rievaulx will be supported in a move to Allensway. For those with non-complex needs, services will instead be provided in the community.

But the decision has rocked parents of children who attend the Rievaulx centre - many five days a week.

The concerned families say their vulnerable children will struggle to cope with the changes.

The Rievaulx Centre is a day service which provides support, training and employment for up to 60 adults with learning difficulties. But Stockton Council says the centre, based in an old school on Rievaulx Avenue, is "not fit for purpose" any more.

Billingham Councillor Barry Woodhouse gave an impassioned defence of the Rievaulx centre to the council's Cabinet. He said: "To say it is not fit for purpose does slightly worry me.

"Rievaulx is a perfectly adequate facility. These are the most vulnerable people in our society.

"We need to talk to the carers before we set off down this road."

Stockton Council spent two years reviewing all its services for people with learning disabilities to find ways to "improve and transform" them as well as achieve cost savings.

Sean McEneany, the authority's head of adult operational services, told the parents who attended the Cabinet meeting with their children, that the council was aware people with special needs would be "sensitive to the changes".

He gave reassurance that it was the council's intention to set up an ongoing working group and invite parents and carers to help work out the details of the changes to ensure a successful transition.

The Cabinet voted to press ahead with the changes and not delay the decision.

Outside the meeting parents spoke of their disappointment and anger.

Christine Woodhouse, whose 32-year-old son Craig has been at the Rievaulx centre for nearly 11 years, said she could take nothing positive from the council's reassurances

"This is exactly what we expected," she said. "They listen but they do not hear what we are saying."

Joyce Brand, whose son Philip also attends Rievaulx, added: "Twelve to 18 months is no reassurance. Our children don't want change."

Billingham branch of Darlington Building Society supports the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund

2012-10-08T12:38:42Z

Darlington Building Society's Billingham branch has made a donation to the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund, which helps children who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

The branch donated £250 from the Darlington Building Society Community Fund to the charity, which was set up by Ian Richardson in memory of his wife Joanne and six-year-old daughter Mya who died in a car crash in 2010.

Mr Richardson sustained serious injuries for which he is still undergoing treatment. The couple's daughter Ava, who was 12-weeks-old at the time of the crash, emerged unscathed.

He said: "It's extremely humbling to get recognition from Darlington Building Society.

"My Mum, Lynn, is a customer at the Billingham branch and all the staff there know the story of how the charity came about and it is touching to get this support from them."

Billingham branch manager, Laura Etheridge, was full of praise for the charity. She said: "The Jo and Mya Memorial Fund is a cause that directly links with our branch as Mrs Richardson is a loyal customer.

"After such a tragic experience, Mr Richardson is doing an inspiring job with the charity and a donation of £250 is the least we could do."

The Jo and Mya Fund was set up just 14 months ago, gaining charity status in August this year, but has managed to raise almost £60,000 through a variety of fundraising activities, such as mountain climbs, half marathons and the 2012 Great North Swim on Lake Windermere.

The charity advocates organ donation after Mya helped to prolong the lives of five children after her death.

The fund hopes to get into full swing in 2013, offering psychological support and days out to children amongst other services.

Mr Richardson added: "Losing a loved one as an adult is horrific enough, but trying to deal with it as a child can be even worse.

"I was amazed that there wasn't more support out there for children going through such a traumatic experience, and that's what inspired me to focus my energy into the charity. If we help just one child, then that is one less child who feels they are alone."

More information on the charity can be found at http://www.joandmya.co.uk

Darlington Building Society is dedicated to "Looking after local interests" and has been a community based and community focused organisation since it was formed over 150 years ago in 1856.

With 12 full branches and three community branches throughout County Durham, the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, Darlington Building Society is the region's only local building society

Court of Appeal rejects Bizzy B's objection to demolition of Billingham House

2012-05-14T12:15:30Z

From Stockton Borough Council - given Billingham House is a Gazette hot topic why have they failed to report this when the Hartlepool Mail & Stockton & Darlington Times did - must do better EG!!

Billingham House is set to go - that is the message from Stockton Council after the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge which has delayed its plans to demolish the derelict former ICI headquarters.

The owners of the building, Bizzy B Management, had allowed the building to become an eyesore over several years, yet had challenged the Council's move to clear the building in a series of legal moves.

However, Lord Justice Mummery, Lord Justice Hooper and Lord Justice Pitchford today dismissed two challenges. Bizzy B had appealed earlier court rulings in favour of the Council, claiming there should be a Judicial Review of Stockton Council's decision to demolish the structure because it had been irrational and was also a breach of their human rights to enjoy their property.

However, the court dismissed both arguments and awarded the Council initial costs with a further figure to be determined.

Stockton Council's contractors had moved in to begin demolition work in September last year after the High Court had previously ruled the Council was legally entitled to proceed with demolition. But after substantial preparatory works had been carried out, work was halted after Bizzy B was granted a hearing to reconsider their application for permission to appeal.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:

"I am delighted the court has dismissed Bizzy B's appeal and I'm particularly pleased for the residents in the area around Billingham House.

"We have fought for a long time on behalf of local residents to clear Billingham House from the landscape. They should never have had to endure the nightmare of having this derelict shell on their doorsteps for all these years.

"I very much hope this will be the beginning of the end for Billingham House and we expect our contractors to resume their work within the next few weeks.

"It is a long time since this was the proud Teesside headquarters to an internationally-renowned company and I look forward to the day when the site can be redeveloped to the benefit of the local community."

Trust needs volunteers in Billingham

2012-03-22T11:35:31Z

THE Cinnamon Trust is looking for volunteers on Teesside to help care for the area's pets.

The trust is a national charity formed to support the elderly and terminally ill and their pets.

Volunteers help to keep owners and pets together either by walking a dog for a housebound owner, fostering pets when the owners need hospital care and even cleaning out a bird cage. They currently have a shortage of volunteers in the Billingham area who are able to offer dog walking support to a lovely Jack Russell.

The trust is desperate for volunteers - even one hour a week will improve the dog's quality of life and give the owner peace of mind.

If anyone can help call Sally Collins on 01736 758707 or email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk or visit the website www.cinnamon.org.uk

Sing for Your Supper

2011-11-17T12:06:22Z

The fantastic Sarah Proctor appearing tonight at Billingham Golf Club 18.45 onwards . In BCT Aspire's first "Sing for your supper night".
Great food, drink and music, no charge and all food well priced
BCT Aspire & Billingham Golf Club

'Britain's Favourite Crooner' Swings into Billingham Forum

2011-11-09T10:00:07Z

Jason Isaacs, 'Britain's Favourite Crooner', is bringing his Swing Fever tour to Teesside.

For one-night-only, on the 15^th November, the swing singing sensation who has performed with Blue Lou, of The Blues Brothers fame and the legendary Tony Bennett, will be bringing the sounds of the Rat Pack to the newly refurbished Billingham Forum Theatre.

Jason was crowned 'Britain's Favourite Crooner' in 2010 after entering the competition through ITV's Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Jason, accompanied by the nationally acclaimed 13-piece Dave Connolly Big Band and the fabulous Fenner Sisters, will perform the classic numbers in his own unique style.

Jason began his music career playing the saxophone and has now gone from the streets of Newcastle to performing with some of the most renowned names in the music business.

The initial tour date at the Billingham Forum Theatre is a taster of what is to come when Jason kicks off his ambitious UK tour early next year.

Jason said; "I am delighted to bring the Swing Fever tour to Teesside and the newly refurbished Billingham Forum Theatre. I have a following from the area and it's great to be able to perform in their home town.

"I really enjoy putting on a show for a North East crowd. Billingham is the first instalment of the Swing Fever tour so the audience are really in for a treat. I'm looking forward to bringing the big band swing sound to the town."

To book tickets for Swing Fever featuring Jason Isaacs please call 01642 552663 or visit http://www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk/

Bonus Wish Tokens

2011-11-08T14:18:25Z

Bonus tokens in the Gazette this Wednesday (9/11/11)

Race Night Thanks

2011-10-17T14:00:07Z

]]> A big thank you from all the players and coaches at Billingham Town Juniors for the fantastic support we received on our race night. We all had a great time and hope you did too!
The funds raised have given a much needed bosst to our central fund.

Thank you to all who attended.

Billingham Town Juniors / Wish

2011-10-06T10:00:31Z

]]> Wish tokens are finally in the Gazette, if your not collecting for another group we would be grateful if you could save them for us. We have collection boxes at The Bedford Terrace gound, Sainsbury's Local , send them to John Swanson, 4 Martindale Way Redcar, TS10 4NL or save them up until January then let us know and we will collect them......Thank You!

Gazette Wish Campaign

2011-09-28T07:48:50Z

Billingham Town Juniors FC were the first to register for this years wish campaign

]]> BTJFC have registered a club for this years Gazette wish campaign.We would ask parents, Family and Friends to help us collect as many tokens as we can.This is a great way to raise funds for the club to help us with equipment for our teams.
Tokens can be handed into your team manager or secretary, posted into the collection box in the canteen at Bedford Tce. or sent to John Swanson (swansonjohns@msn.com)
We hope to raise £150...... that's about 15,000 tokens!!!

Charity Race Night

2011-09-19T11:30:18Z

Billingham Town Juniors are holding our Autumn fundraiser, the Race night to be held at The Swan on Friday October 7th.

]]> A GREAT social night and a GREAT night's entertainment.

As always we will have the Billingham Town Juniors touch to add to the night!!

Tickets £4 per person including Pie & Peas

We are also looking for 8 Race sponsors who will get there company advertised in the Race Program and promoted through the Race Night MC

Race Sponsorship is £20 per race, please let us know if you can secure sponsorship

For more details, to sponsor a race , runner or rider or to get your tickets please contact contact Lee on 07872610893

BILLINGHAM TOWN JUNIORS FC

Wish is back for 2011!

2011-09-14T07:27:18Z

Wish is back for 2011! We are once again giving not for the profit organisations in Teesside the chance to receive a share of an amazing £50,000. Plus if you register by midnight, this Friday, September 16 you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fundraising night at Sporting Lodge. Log on to www.gazettelive.co.uk/wish to register now. Terms & conditions apply.

Charity night at Low Grange Club

2011-08-02T10:07:01Z

A charity night, in memory of David Kirkbride, will be held on Friday, September 9 at Low Grange Club, Billingham.

The night starting from 7pm will include a live music, disco, raffle, tombola and blind cards, all in in aid of Butterwick Hospice, Stockton.

Tickets which are £5, are available from the Butterwick Hospice fundraising office on 01642 628930 or Woody on 07796 661997.

Race night at The Swan Hotel

2011-06-15T06:20:04Z

A RACE night, in aid of the Butterwick Hospice, will be held at The Swan Hotel, Billingham on Thursday, July 7, from 7.30pm-late.

First race at 8pm, tickets £3 per person.

To book tickets contact Mandy on 01642 628930 or Woody on 07796 661997.

3CW History In the Maiming - 7th Anniversary Show Results

2011-05-21T06:50:57Z

The show started off with a bell salute to the iconic 'Macho Man' Randy Savage who passed away earlier the same day. He is one of the greatest superstars of all time and he will be sadly missed, Rest In Peace.

History in the Maiming is steeped in history in 3CW as the biggest show on the 3CW calendar, and the 7th anniversary show was no exception.

The show started with the Three Count Mafia (3CM) taking to the ring with newest recruit Martin Kirby grabbing the microphone and berating the Billingham crowd. He stated that tonight was just the start for the Mafia, as they would not only take home the Young Lions Championship when Dragon Aisu defeated Mohmed Ameen, but he would beat El Ligero for the 3CW Triple Crown Championship giving the Mafia the lions share of the gold in 3CW. This brought out Mohmed Ameen, arm still in sling from the previous show which had seen 3CM destroy his left elbow, saying he was a fighting champ, and would defend his North East Title, anywhere, anytime. The Mafia then blindsided Ameen, mercilessly attacking his arm leaving him lying prone for Dragon Aisu.

Mohmed Ameen Def. Dragon Aisu via Pedigree
In a very gutsy performance, Ameen managed to pull the victory out the hat, despite the obvious pain he was in, with Aisu relentlessly singling his arm out for punishment. In a spirited fight back, Ameen managed to plant Aisu with the pedigree to get the pin fall, and retain his coveted North East Championship.

But the night didn't end there for Ameen..

Britain's Most Wanted, showed their ruthless streak, demanding they got their scheduled 3CW Tag Team Championship match moved to right there and then! This brought out Cameron Kraze and the match was on!

Britains Most Wanted (BMW) Def. Team Cameron Kraze (TKC) to win the 3CW Tag Team Championship via Stoppage
With TKC up against the odds, it may have come as no surprise to people to see BMW lift the straps here. A fired up Kraze started well before being beaten down by the Scottish duo, before managing to get the tag to Ameen, who again fought valiantly once in the ring. However, Ameen was caught in a fujiwara armbar and passed out, giving the win to the Scots. Post match, Kraze looked less than impressed with his partners efforts and walked out on his partner.

Kris Travis Def. Iain Robinson (with Simon G Money) via Double Underhook Deathstar PiledriverIn a very good contest, the popular Kris Travis picked up the win here. As usual, Robinson was accompanied by Simon G Money who did not do himself, nor Robinson any favours by rubbing the crowd up the wrong way! In an exciting and athletic bout, Travis hit his patented finisher on Robinson, giving him the 1-2-3.

Andy Swan Def. Lance Thunder via a victory roll
It was a battle of the brothers here, in what was Thunders last 3CW appearance for a while due to the face he is going off on tour to Afghanistan. The brothers pulled out some excellent wrestling, counters and reversals, showing just how well they knew each other. In a slight upset victory, Swan caught Thunder out with a swift victory roll and three seconds later it was over.

After the match, a heartfelt goodbye was said to Thunder, with rapturous applause from the 3CW fans. Out then came a returning Chris Whitton, former tag partner of both men, seemingly to add his goodbyes and well wishes to the party. Whitton however spoke of his annoyance at Swan, for shaking Thunders hand after the former 3CW Champion has put him on the shelf for 12 months. After some reasoning though, Whitton saw sense and promised Thunder he would take care of his younger brother, very good care infact, and blasted Andy with a vicious strike sending him down, but before Thunder could react, the Mafia attacked! Lynn, White and Evans proceeded to beat down the brothers alongside Whitton, who explained he had aligned himself with the 3CM and then put on a Mafia T Shirt to confirm his allegiance, and continued the beat down. Members of the 3CW Academy rushed to the ring to check on their friend Andy Swan and Lance, and challenged the Mafia to a match, 3 on 3.

3CM (Whitton, Lynn and White) With Dan Evans Def. Andy O'Sullivan, Chris Hawk and Lewis Chambers - Whitton Pinned O'Sullivan
The youngsters gave it all they had, with Chambers in particular producing some superb offense, but ultimately, the Mafia boys cheated their way to victory. Hawk got isolated and severely beat down, with Evans at ringside distracting the referee and also throwing some cheap shots in too on the Academy graduate. Eventually O'Sullivan came in and cleared house, downing White and called for the moonsault. Evans then jumped on the apron and distracted the ref, giving White enough time to move out the way. Whitton then low blowed the youngster and Evans slipped a steel pipe to Lynn who smacked O'Sullivan with it for good measure. In obvious pain, Andy went down and Whitton picked up the easy win for the Three Count Mafia, but it certainly wasn't the last time they would make their presence felt...

Martin Kirby Def. El Ligero to win the 3CW Triple Crown ChampionshipThese two men are no strangers to each other, competing in matches all over the country. This was Kirbys bid to become one of only two men in 3CW history to win all three major titles in 3CW (the first being Cameron Kraze). In an epic, drama filled match, El Ligero was seemingly up against it. Not only did he have the sneaky Kirby to deal with, but throughout the match the 3CM interjected on Kirbys behalf. Lynn, Evans and White stood at ringside for a lot of the match, and were later joined by Aisu who clobbered Ligero with the belt behind the referees back and Whitton who took out the official! With the man in black and white down, the Mafia members jumped in the ring and proceeded to give the Mexican Sensation a good hiding. The 3CW roster took offense to this, spilling from the back, and chaos ensued! Brawls took place all over the venue but when all was said and done, Ligero and Kirby were left in the ring alone, with the Mafia and the roster fighting into the locker room, and out came Cameron Kraze. He stood over the two men seemingly weighing up his options, before attacking Ligero! A groggy referee then counted as Kirby picked up the win and it became apparent that Kraze had turned his back on 3CW and joined the Three Count Mafia.

Stood smiling at his handiwork, the Mafia returned, ordering Stevie Aaron to get out, destroying his timekeeping table, and even attacking the sound man! The Mafia boys then pinned down El Ligero as Kirby screamed in his face that he told him he would win it, and he did it all by himself! He berated the now former champ, saying he would NEVER get a rematch as the Mafia stood tall leaving utter destruction and chaos behind them.

What does the future hold for 3CW now the Three Count Mafia have not only the gold, but some of 3CW's top stars? Time will tell, but once again, History in the Maiming lived up to its promise of being a show no one would forget in a hurry!