News

WEARDALE WARBLERS SINGING THEIR WAY TO HAPPINESS
THE Weardale Warblers choir, based in Wolsingham, is continuing to grow and succeed and now into it’s ninth year. Founded in 2017 by Dawn Gregory and fellow members of Wolsingham WI, it was originally funded by the NHS Wellbeing for

Positive feedback for council following Corporate Peer Challenge
“A financially stable organisation, delivering high performing services and outcomes, with trusted relationships being built between officers and members” – that’s how Durham County Council has been described in an independent review. A Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) carried out by

Protect the North Pennines before 10th February
The North Pennines is a living, working landscape. Its beauty and wildlife exist because of the hard work, skill and investment of land managers over generations. A new plan is being written that will shape how this landscape is managed

Runners asked to go for glory and support the RNLI in the Great North Run
The RNLI is putting the call out to runners who would like to raise money for the RNLI as part of the Great North Run. All the money raised will go to the charity’s work of saving lives at sea

Consultation open on the next Management Plan for the North Pennines
Organisations, community groups and individuals are being asked for their views on theconsultation draft of a five-year plan to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of theNorth Pennines.Every five years the North Pennines National Landscape partnership produces amanagement plan, on


Council reviews financial position ahead of final budget
A North East council has updated its financial assumptions after completing an extensive consultation on savings to help balance its budget next year. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be given an update on the authority’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP)

Woman fined for using Blue Badge to avoid parking ticket
A woman has been fined after being caught using the Blue Badge of an elderly man she used to care for. Durham County Council took legal action against Carys Coates, of Hill View, Esh Winning, after a civil enforcement officer

£60,000 funding boost to support women across County Durham and Darlington
Picture Shows (L-R): PCC Joy Allen, Keagan Price (survivor) and Linda Kirk (Founder of Just for Women) Community organisations across County Durham and Darlington are set to share £60,000 in new funding to support women facing complex challenges, following investment

DARLINGTON MART
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock and their fortnightly sale of rearing calves on Monday 12th January 2026. Forward were 303 cattle, 845 sheep and 114 calves. 133 Cast Cows/OTM sold

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS CAR?
THE car in the photographs was stolen in the early hours of October 16th last year from Acomb, near Hexham and the owner is desperate to have it returned. The dash cam from this vehicle was found in Thornley Village,

It’s panto time again at St John’s Chapel – oh yes it is!
The annual pantomime will take place in the Upper Weardale Town Hall at St John’s Chapel next weekend. Organised and directed by Tina Raynor, as it has been for many years, The Phoenix Players this year will be telling the

Family pay tribute to accident victim
A man who died in a collision has been described by his family as “one of the last gentlemen in life”. Paul Smith was struck by a van on Sawmills Lane, in Brandon, on Friday evening (January 9). The 60-year-old

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
We are planning to run the tows tomorrow, Saturday 10th Jan, from 9:30/10am. There has been some fresh snow, perhaps 5 or 6cm on top of a frozen base so although the cover is thin it should be skiable. The

Men’s Pie Club adds £5,000 to the mix as plans rise for new clubs
There’s good news coming out of the Men’s Pie Club kitchen this month, with the organisation awarded £5,000 through the Lakes & Dales Co-op Member Choice Award, a timely boost that’s helping new clubs move from proposal to pie creation.


Funding brings new opportunities
Not-for-profit organisations and groups are invited to apply for funding to support community-led initiatives that meet local needs and bring improvements to welfare support. Each Local Network area within the county has received £10,000 to support projects and organisations
