A member of the Leadgate Salvation Army, who also belongs to a motorcycle group known for donning Viking attire, has organised a charity fundraising event featuring a themed coffee morning and a fun day. Liz Bailey, an Adherent who cooks at the church and charity’s Nice Bites café, which serves up to 80 people a week, recently hosted an event at The Salvation Army with the Biking Vikings North East, a group of motorcycle riding, stilt walking, pipe and drum playing Vikings, who bring joy and happiness to the community while raising money for a good cause. Kind-hearted Liz, who also co-ordinat ..read more

By Chris Bruce The craft of sauce-making, but not just any sauce maker – Wiga Wagaa, a West African sauce artisan based at No. 1 Consett. Victor, a native of Nigeria, has called the North East home for the majority of his life. Educated in Newcastle with a background in Biochemistry, he traversed the realms of the Petrochemical Industry and Higher Education before establishing his sauce-making enterprise, initially at Tanfield and now thriving at No. 1 Industrial Estate. In today’s era of global culinary exploration, we’ve become well-acquainted with diverse cuisines, but one region less fami ..read more

Analysis: Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre and the UK’s Detention Policy Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), situated in County Durham, has been at the centre of a heated debate concerning the UK’s policies on detention, particularly regarding vulnerable women seeking asylum. Since its inception in December 2021, the facility has drawn significant scrutiny from human rights groups and the media. Protesters gather at Hassockfield, armed with signs and flares, to demand reforms in immigration detention policies. Their united stance highlights the community’s call for justice and ..read more

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication, Mrs. Brown, also known by his real name Brian Lewins of Leadgate, has remarkably raised over £17,000 in support of Alzheimer’s research and care. This commendable feat stands as a testament to the generosity and solidarity of the people of Consett, who have come together to support a cause that affects so many families across the UK and the globe. Brian Lewins, through his charitable activities, has not only raised an impressive sum but also heightened awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, fostering a stronger sense of community eng ..read more

A Coronation Street icon will leave the famous cobbles behind to tread the boards, joining the cast of a County Durham pantomime this year. Best known for his portrayal of Curly Watts in the popular ITV soap from 1983 to 2003, Kevin Kennedy will make his Empire Consett debut as His Royal Highness, King Curlington in Cinderella.  The spellbinding production, by writer and director Leah Bell, follows last year’s record-breaking pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which was enjoyed by more than 16,000 people at the Durham County Council venue.  No stranger to the stage, Kevin has worked ..read more

Planning an event, whether it’s a community festival, a charity fundraiser, or a personal celebration, can be a thrilling yet daunting task. If you’re gearing up to host your next big event in Consett, getting every detail right is key to ensuring that your guests have a memorable experience.  Here are some practical, straightforward tips to help you organise a successful event in this vibrant community. Start with a Clear Plan The first step in event planning is always to establish clear objectives. What are you hoping to achieve? Are you raising funds, celebrating an occasion, or simpl ..read more

By George Ledger A Seamstress or Tailor is a gratifying choice of Trade for anyone with a creative flair who enjoys hands-on work. These skilled individuals specialise in working with fabrics and textiles to modify and manipulate clothing, accessories, and other design items. Melanie of Fantasia Fancy Dress, Shotley Bridge puts all her skills to good work creating costumes for Pantomimes or Party goers. They have over 2000 costumes, mostly handmade by her, from Ancient Egyptian attire to characters from various films and TV shows. She’s passionate about her work and not only loves crafting co ..read more

Members of Consett Rotary visited Beamish Museum at Christmas time in 2022 to sing as part of Consett’s Red Dust Choir. They were joined at Beamish by two Dementia Friendly Choirs from other areas of County Durham. All three choirs were lead by Bethany Coyle, a professional musician. They enthused at how beneficial being part of a choir was to people living with dementia, so put the idea forward their Rotary Club. Consett Rotary members agreed to start a choir early in 2023 and with a Grant from Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership, a Dementia Friendly choir was launched in May 2023, led by ..read more

By George Ledger Hedgerows form an important part of the landscape of County Durham but there are not many people left who know how to look after them and ensure their survival. Burt Hunter, from Knitsley has a remarkable 40 +years experience as a hedgelayer. With a deep passion for natural history and a strong foundation in traditional country skills, he is highly sought after in dual roles—serving not only as a skilled hedgelayer but also as an instructor, dedicated to perpetuating and passing on the art of traditional hedgelaying. Rowley, Consett, Co. Durham, ENGLAND – 14th February 2024 ..read more

Northern Railway had a special offer in February, if you collected two tokens from a range of local newspapers. If you then downloaded a form from their website and attached the newspaper tokens, you could have a Northern one-day dayrover for £10 or a two-day (Saturday and Sunday dayrover) for £17.   So, where to go?  South is difficult because there is no Northern service between Darlington and York. I decided to go west, through the Lake District, to the end of what is termed the longest cul-de-sac in England and visit Barrow in Furness, and beyond that, the wild landsca ..read more