News

LONG-ESTABLISHED FISH SHOP CLOSING IN WOLSINGHAM
Situated in Angate Street and run by Ken Craven for the last 37 years, the fish and chip shop will close and be made into Ken’s adjoining home. He is retiring and at the age of 85, with a lifetime

Why SSAFA’s Work Matters More Than Ever
PCC Joy Allen explains, in her own words, why her connection to SSAFA Durham is deeply personal, shaped by her years as the wife of a serving soldier and her time living and working within the military community. Those experiences

Dads invited to enjoy a Gentleman’s Grazing Board at Auckland Palace this Father’s Day
Families looking to treat their dad this Father’s Day can enjoy a Gentleman’s Grazing Board in the historic surroundings of the Old Library at Auckland Palace. Taking place on Sunday 21 June, the special experience offers a savoury feast fit

Celebrate Jack Drum Arts 40th Birthday!
F IS FOR FORTY, FESTIVAL, FREE, FUN, AND OF COURSE, FABULOUS!Save the Date: Saturday 15th August 2026 heralds a landmark anniversary for Jack Drum Arts, and we’d love to celebrate 40 years of brilliant community creativity with you! 40FEST promises to be

Military music marks Wharton Park’s 10-year celebration
A fun-filled day of military music is lined-up at Wharton Park, celebrating ten years since its reopening following a significant revamp. Durham County Council is encouraging residents to join the 8th Battalion the Rifles, and their military band and bugles,

Local Crafter heading to BBC Gardeners’ World Live
A local crafter is preparing for an experience of a lifetime by showcasing and selling her innovative designs in Birmingham. Claire Nicholas, originally from Howden-le-Wear and a former pupil of Wolsingham School, is heading to the BBC’s Gardeners’ World Live

WOLSINGHAM MAN DEVISES GAMES FOR WEDDING HIRE
A MAN from Wolsingham who made a ‘Crazy Golf’ game for his son’s wedding has helped found a business on its success. Andrew Marshall, a Process Engineer by trade took waste materials from renovated offices, which were destined for landfill

New Italian-Inspired Café Bistro Opens in Stanhope
Visitors to the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope can now enjoy a fresh new dining experience following the opening of Cavaliere, a new Italian-inspired café from the owners of the popular Buon Appetito restaurant in Wolsingham. The new venture, which

Working Dogs and the Trail Hunting Ban: Have Your Say
The Moorland Association are seeking your views on this rural question as follows: Defra is consulting on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales. The consultation follows the Government’s commitment to introduce a ban and asks a wide

Move to music with Durham Brass Festival exercises
Music lovers can dance, walk and ride to the beat in a new feature for Durham Brass Festival. The region’s biggest brass celebration returns to County Durham from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 July, bringing seven days of exciting performances,

ART EXHIBITION IN WOLSINGHAM
Robert Omerod from Wolsingham with some of his exhibits. FOLLOWING on from the Fusion Art Group’s exhibition and sale in the St Anne’s Centre came the similar event held in St Thomas RC church hall in the town on Saturday.

A NEW BEAT IN HOWDEN!
Village Hall set to be the beating heart of a community By Shelley and Jackie There was a real buzz in Howden Village Hall on 30th May. The event gave user groups a chance to showcase their activities and, as

STANHOPE FIRE CADETS PROGRAMME TO CLOSE
THE highly popular and successful Fire Cadet Scheme in Stanhope is to end in a few weeks’ time with the young people and their parents very upset at the news. The scheme, introduced in 2017, provides fire service training for

9-year-old local girl Freya and family take Tourette Syndrome awareness campaign to Downing Street
Local school-girl Freya Hodkinson has knocked on the door of No. 10 Downing Street and hand-delivered a letter to the Prime Minister as part of her campaign to raise awareness of Tourette syndrome. The Crook-based family visited Parliament on Monday 1st June,

Dog owners warned their pet may secretly hate being hugged
Dog owners are being warned that hugging their pet may not be as comforting for the dog as it feels for the owner, with some dogs simply tolerating the interaction rather than enjoying it. Jo Hinds, COAPE-certified behaviourist and Dynamic

Lane Rental Scheme to be introduced in County Durham
A scheme designed to reduce congestion caused by roadworks has been recommended for approval. Next week, Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to note an application to government to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme in County Durham. Lane Rental

Council hails financial year as a success
A council is celebrating a successful financial year of investment, increased employment, reduced fly-tipping, and prevention of homelessness, as it continues to meet its priorities for the county. At the end of last year, Durham County Council set out its

Progress continues for new County Durham Plan
A public consultation will mark the first formal stage of a new planning framework for County Durham. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree proposals for the council to engage with residents, businesses and stakeholders on