Wolviston to Wynyard - TS21 & 22

Art for the Park

2009-11-09T11:55:08Z

AN unusual sculpture made using innovative steelmaking techniques is to mark the entrance to one of the UK's fastest growing science parks.

Plexus, a six-metre structure created by inflating and stretching stainless steel, will welcome visitors and staff to the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield.

The park, which was showcased to politicians and business leaders at a House of Commons reception last week, represents the North-east economy's transition from one heavily dependent on traditional "dirty" industries to one led by blue sky technologies.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, who hosted the Westminster event, said NETPark represented the future.

"NETPark is just down the road from where the collieries used to be and it is these new industries and companies such as Kromek, PETEC and Roar Particles where the future lies," he said.

The artwork for the new sculpture was commissioned in 2007 by Commissions North, part of the Arts Council England North East, as one of a series of public art installations around County Durham including the famous In Our Image head sculpture, which is already in place at the Newton Aycliffe business park. Collectively they aim to raise the profile and prestige of the county and draw attention to some of its key sites.

Stewart Watkins, MD of County Durham Development Company (CDDC) which is developing and managing the Technology Park, said: "It is important we create an environment where dynamic cutting edge companies can flourish and that will attract more companies to locate here to grow this community even further."

Funding for the sculpture, which is being crafted by Full Blown Metals of Newcastle, was provided through County Durham Economic Partnership from a strategic arts fund, created using One North East investment.

Your School: Wolviston Primary School

2009-11-06T14:26:15Z

Wolviston Primary School has celebrated the opening of a new foundation stage and the young pupils are thrilled with their new facilities.

The new building was completed at the end of September with funding from Stockton Council and the school.

And facilities include nursery and reception rooms, outdoor soft play areas and purpose built toilets.

Previously the foundation stage operated from a mobile classroom.

Head teacher Maria Carlton said: "Parents are very pleased and staff and children love it.

"The facilities before were fine but now we can really provide a very good curriculum for the children in our care."

Indoors the children age three to five can have fun learning through play in a new exciting environment.

And outdoors they can also enrich their learning while having fun getting fresh air and exercise playing outside on scooters, and tricycles.

Outdoor learning is vital to their development.

Mrs Carlton said: "Outdoor learning is extremely important within our foundation stage where there are six areas of learning, outdoor provision compliments all of these areas of learning."

The school is now in the process of applying for planning permission for an outdoor area where children can have indoor learning outside.

It is exciting times for the small village school, on The Green, in Wolviston, which has only 126 children.

"Because we are a village school we are a family school and everybody knows everybody else.

"We are one big family as there are only 126 children in the school and our ethos is that we are a happy family in school and our foundation stage really supports that.

"It is the building bricks for the rest of the school and if the children get a good start in the foundation stage that means they will have sustained progress all the way through school."

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:44:20Z

VisitTeesvalley is offering you the chance to win tickets to the Living North Christmas Fair and this year's must see pantomime, Aladdin at the Darlington Civic.

The Living Christmas Fair takes place at Wynyard Hall from the 13th to 15th November and visitTeesvalley has ten pairs of tickets up for grabs.

Alternatively, if you're a fan of the pantomime season then visitTeesvalley is giving you the chance to win a family ticket to the enchanting adventure of Aladdin at the Darlington Civic Theatre, which is running from the 5th December to 17th January.

For more on how to enter either competition then visit www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.

Red House Pupil Set For Africa Visit After Winning UK Language Challenge Competition

2009-11-05T16:04:44Z

Congratulations to Sevina Lee of Red House School in Norton for winning the final of the Junior Language Challenge 2009 competition, held in London. As a competitor in this national competition, which aims to encourage primary school children to learn new languages, 10 year old Sevina, a Year 6 pupil, had the daunting task of learning Greek, Korean and Swahili!

A total of 2258 children entered the competition nationally, of which 223 came from the Tyne-Tees region. Only 35 of the most talented pupils made the grand final stage of the competition in London, which provided pupils with a tough test of linguistic skills. After an inspirational performance, despite very tough competition, Sevina was awarded overall competition winner.

As a reward for all her hard work and effort, Sevina won a large trophy and the trip of a lifetime. With members of her family, Sevina will travel to the African continent to take part in the final stage of this charitable initiative. In the presence of local officials, Sevina will perform the opening ceremony of a Eurotalk mobile school classroom, which will be dedicated to providing educational facilities for children of poor families.

Headmaster, Mr Alex Taylor, commented, "We are all immensely proud of Sevina's fantastic achievement. To take part in and ultimately win such a prestigious competition requires a lot of hard work, dedication and talent."

Putting down strong roots for growth

2009-11-03T15:12:48Z

A TEESSIDE software development business didn't have to travel far to find office space to accommodate its rapid growth.

Nicander, which was set up in September 2008, has just relocated into bigger premises at Wynyard Park, approximately 200 metres from its existing offices.

The company's new base is a 2,500sq ft unit at the Wynyard Park Business Village scheme on the 700-acre development, located between Hartlepool and Stockton.

Originally situated in Wellington House at Wynyard Park, the success of Nicander's business has seen it increase its workforce by around 50% since starting and it now employs nine staff.

Director Derek Lister said: "We liked Wynyard Park so much we decided to stay!"
Nicander recently announced clinching a multi-million pound contract to help keep traffic flowing in Sweden.

The firm will be involved in the development and maintenance of a traffic management system in Stockholm.

The five-year contract - with an option for a further two years - is worth at least £4m to the company.

Matt Johnson, development manager at Wynyard Park, added: "It's a great boost for Wynyard Park to have tenants that have made the impressive achievements that Nicander has already been able to announce and we wish them continued success in the future."

Park visitors helping to spread word

2009-11-03T15:09:19Z

A DRIVE by the owners of a Tees Valley business park to spread the word about its existing amenities and development opportunities resulted in more than 40 commercial agents accepting an invitation to look around.

The agents, who travelled to Wynyard Park from all over Yorkshire and the North-east, were given a guided tour of the business park's 700 acres in four wheel drive vehicles so that they could also access the site's remote natural woodland areas.

And Simon Barratt from Wynyard Park's letting agency Knight Frank, which jointly organised the event, said several agents quickly reported back about how impressed they were.

"They were really enthusiastic about Wynyard Park's support services in particular - the security, the catering, the nursery," he said.

Co-organiser Steve Forbes from Middlesbrough property consultancy Dodds Brown, said the property market was showing signs now of increased confidence which made it even more important that agents were aware of exactly what business parks had to offer and what deals were available.

"Their knowledge of the scheme is essential to us in reinforcing the key messages about Wynyard Park to the market place," he explained. "It puts Wynyard Park to the forefront of their minds when they are recommending suitable locations to their clients."

Agents were last invited to Wynyard Park in 2007 when the Evolution office scheme was unveiled. This month's visit was organised to reveal how well the site had been developed - and what is planned for the future.

The NHS Foundation Trust has also decided to build a new hospital at Wynyard Business Park. The £500m hospital will replace the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Thorpe Thewles History Group present an illustrated talk

2009-11-03T09:34:35Z

Thorpe Thewles History Group invites you to: "Not Just A Name Cast In Stone"

An illustrated talk presenting the methods and resources that can be used to research the histories of those men and women whose names are preserved for posterity on our nation's war memorials. The talk will cover not only how to research the family histories of those commemorated but also their burial locations, service service records, prewar employment, school histories & social lives.

Click here to view the Thorpe Thewles History Group poster in PDF format

Presented by Shirley Bond. To be held in Grindon Parish Hall, Thorpe Thewles. On Friday November 27 2009 at 7:00 for 7:30pm until approx 9pm.

Tickets available at £2-00 each from Carlton Post Office or any member of the History Group.

Alternatively contact Linda or Mark on Tel: (01740) 630014 to reserve one for collection on the evening. See our web site for further details: www.thorpe-thewles.org.uk

Police name bikers

2009-11-02T10:43:28Z

A YOUNG biker and his passenger killed in a crash over the weekend in Sedgefield have been named.

Craig Poulter, 29, of The Green, Bishop Middleham, and Jonathan Luke Whitfield, 30, of Heathdene Road, Fishburn both suffered fatal injuries in the crash on the B1278.

The green Yamaha Ninja motorbike they were riding collided with a stationary Ford Focus near Winterton Cottages at 3.55am on Saturday.

Nobody else was hurt in the accident and the road was closed for four hours.

Officers from Durham Police's Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for anyone with information to call 0191 375 2159.

Several hurt in crashes

2009-11-02T10:31:46Z

SERIOUS accidents on Teesside roads have prompted police to urge motorists to drive with extra caution.

Just after 8pm yesterday, fire crews cut an elderly woman and a teenager from cars after a Nissan Micra and Vauxhall Corsa crashed at the junction of White House Road and Wolviston Road, Billingham.

The teenage passenger in the Corsa was trapped with suspected neck and back injuries, said Davey Veitch, watch manager at Stockton Fire Station. The elderly woman in the Micra had to be freed by removing the roof and doors of the car. The Corsa and Micra drivers were released from hospital after treatment, but the Corsa passenger remained in hospital today.

On Friday, a woman suffered broken bones in a car crash in Hartlepool. The front seat passenger sustained a fractured sternum and ankle after the Vauxhall Vectra she was travelling in collided with a blue Ford Mondeo on Elwick Road, just after 4pm. She was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees where her condition was described as "comfortable". The driver of the Vectra suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Mondeo was uninjured.

And on Saturday night, a couple were taken to hospital after their Mazda MX5 car left the A66 and collided with a tree at the junction with Darlington Road, near Long Newton. The male driver was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering serious "but not life-threatening" injuries.

Fitness classes pack a punch

2009-10-31T11:23:45Z

MEN wanting to improve their fitness can head down to Stillington Community Centre to be put through their paces at a boxing-inspired exercise session.

Stockton Council's Box-Fit lessons use boxing moves to work the muscles and get the heart rate up. At only £1 a session the class offers men of all ages and abilities a great way to get fit and stay fit. Each session includes a 15-minute health check followed by a 45-minute fitness session. The Box-Fit classes run every Wednesday from 5.45-6.45pm. To book a place for the class contact Simon Wardle, Stockton Council's leisure and sports development officer on 01642 524963 or email simon.wardle@stockton.gov.uk

Wynyard Village Under-10s match report

2009-10-30T09:01:34Z

Wynyard Village FC Under-10s 'A' 3 v 0 Leven AFC

A DRY but blustery day meant it was hard to play a fluid passing game, however the kids did well to adapt to the conditions and in difficult conditions ensured another clean sheet to keep the run going.

Team changes were made to have a look at players in different positions. However, Leven proved a tough nut to crack and after 10 minutes changes were made to try to unlock a mean Leven defence, which previously had only let in three or four goals this season so far.

In fact prior to scoring Sam Naylor made a fantastic brave save to deny the Leven centre forward.

Ryan Kirby came on into centre midfield and provided a dangerous free kick from way outside the box, which was followed in by Russell Bradley to force in the opening goal for a 1-0 half time lead.

The second half saw Wynyard play a more settled style of play and shortly after the interval Russ got a deserved second. By this stage the midfield were more involved Connor, Jordan, Issac, Kieron and Issac all saw much more of the ball and started to use the ball wisely in difficult conditions.

A sweeping move through the midfield and finished with a low, hard drive by Issac Wharrier-Robison capped a fantastic second half.

Despite playing out of position, Cameron Kushnirenko played a blinder at the back and never put a foot wrong and is growing in to a cultured defensive midfield player.

Talk about history

2009-10-29T11:29:29Z

Long Newton History Group is looking forward to the return of Teesside University's Dr Tony Nicholson. His illustrated talk will be about the stories behind old, forgotten photographs retrieved from his attic. The meeting is in the Wilson Centre, Darlington Road, Long Newton on Wednesday, November 11 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome. Entry to non-members is £2.00, which includes refreshments.

Passion for fashion

2009-10-29T11:24:50Z

WOLVISTON Village WI is holding a fashion show by Kaye's Fashions on Monday, November 9 at 7pm. All clothes may be purchased on the evening. The entry fee is £1 which includes light refreshments.

Ashleigh's death: Man is charged

2009-10-28T10:18:09Z

A HOMELESS man was today charged with the manslaughter and kidnap of a teenage girl he is believed to have met on the internet.

Ashleigh Michelle Hall, pictured, from Darlington, went missing on Sunday night after telling her mum she was staying with friends.

The 17-year-old's body was discovered on Monday night in a field near Sedgefield, off the A689 and near to the Little Chef restaurant at the A177 services.

The grim find was made after a 32-year-old man, who is thought to have links to Stockton and Liverpool, was arrested by Cleveland Police following a minor motoring offence on the A177.

He was quizzed at Middlesbrough police station and Durham Police confirmed this morning that a man of no fixed abode had been charged over Ashleigh's death.

He is also charged with an offence of failing to notify a new address as required by sex offenders under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The man, who has not been named, was due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today.

Ashleigh, a childcare student at Darlington College, who lived in Warwick Square, was identified by her distraught family at Darlington Memorial Hospital last night.

And today, her devastated mother, Andrea Hall, paid tribute to her teenage daughter.

"No one can imagine the hurt and devastation that has hit our family," she said.

"Ashleigh was loving, honest, caring and well-liked. Everybody loved her. She was a person who brought light into the lives of others.

"Ashleigh was in her last year at college on a child care course and hoped for a career as a child minder or nursery nurse.

"All the kids liked her, in fact the whole community was fond of her and they have shown that love by rallying round to support us in our time of need."

Ashleigh was the oldest of four sisters leaving behind youngsters Olivia, aged six, Ellie, four and one-year-old Evie. Her mother has issued a stark warning to other mothers with young daughters.

"To have Ashleigh taken from us in such circumstances is beyond belief and I don't want other families to suffer what we are going through," Andrea said.

"Tell your kids to be careful on the internet. Don't meet someone without telling your family where you are going.

"Don't trust anybody and don't put your children on Facebook or other sites if they are under age.

"We have learned a terrible lesson. All we ask now is that people help the police in any way they can. We don't want any other child to be a victim."

The advice was echoed by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Harker, pictured. Speaking at the scene yesterday, he said: "My message in terms of meeting people from the internet is please do not do it unless you are absolutely certain it is safe.

"That is one thing I would like to highlight."

And Det Chief Insp Harker urged parents to monitor their children's use of the internet.

"Speak to them about it, speak to their friends, let them know the dangers of the internet."

The death has stunned all those who knew Ashleigh and her family.

Eamonn Farrar, chief executive of Darlington's Hurworth School, where the youngster completed her GCSEs last year, said: "I'm absolutely stunned.

"I heard it on the news and thought it couldn't be our Ashleigh, but then the news came through to my colleague. I just can't believe it.

"She was the nicest kid in the universe - you'd never meet a nicer kid."
Forensic experts have been busy combing the area where the body was found and this morning the small lane near to the scene remained sealed off by police.

An S-Reg Ford Mondeo has been seized and analysed by experts.

Detective Superintendent Andy Reddick, who is heading the investigation, said witnesses who saw this car prior to Ashleigh's body being discovered may hold crucial evidence.

He said: "A man was driving a dark blue Ford Mondeo, registration number S148 JNK and we are anxious to trace its movements from 7pm on Sunday evening until 5.40pm on Monday."

Anyone who thinks they can help the investigation is asked to call 0345 6060365 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Fancy dress party

2009-10-27T11:21:56Z

WYNYARD Woods Grange residential care home is having a fancy dress party for all residents and friends at their care home on Saturday at 6pm. There will be a buffet, games and a raffle to raise money for the residents' fund.