News
CHRISTMAS COMES TO WEARDALE
Santa in Stanhope. Photo by Lee Crowther. ALL over the Dale, Christmas festivities have kickstarted Advent. From Fir Tree and Harperley and all the way up the Dale, events have been organised by hardworking volunteers to signal the beginning of
Darlington Mart
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their special ‘The Cattle are Lowing’ show and sale of store cattle in conjunction with their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock and their special Christmas show and sale of rearing calves
‘Beavis’ Bench’ a tribute to Rookhope man
A MAN from Rookhope who died suddenly in July this year has been commemorated with a bench outside of his old school. Paul ‘Beavis’ McCain, a father-of two, was only 42 years old when he died. His family and friends
Alston Moor Federation Celebrates Achievement at Annual Prize Evening
Alston Moor Federation proudly hosted its annual Prize Evening last week, bringing together pupils, families, staff and community members to celebrate the successes of the 2024–2025 academic year across Nenthead Primary School, Alston Primary School and Samuel King’s School. The
Stanhope church closure
The Parish Church of St Thomas in Stanhope will be undergoing major reordering work commencing Monday 12 January and lasting several months. The church will be CLOSED to all visitors from 29 DECEMBER while we prepare the church. Most services
Firefighters to hold Santa On Tour event
Santa is set to join firefighters on a magical fire engine tour of County Durham and Darlington this Christmas. Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are putting on their annual Santa On Tour event to
The Auckland Project launches 40% off Festive Ticket Packages for Black Friday
The Auckland Project has announced a 40% Black Friday discount on its popular Festive Ticket Package, giving visitors the chance to experience two of the region’s standout Christmas attractions for less. The package includes entry to Christmas at Auckland Palace,
Darlington Mart Christmas Show
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their annual Christmas show and sale of prime stock on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November 2025. Forward were 233 cattle and 1629 sheep. 74 Prime Bulls sold to 500ppk or £379933 Prime Steers sold
Free Festive Baking at Stanhope
Louise Watson will be running a Festive Baking session at St Thomas’s church Hall, Stanhope on Monday 1st December, 6-8.30pm. Participants will make a Cinnamon Star and some Mince Pies. The event is organised by Age UK Chapter 50 project
WOLSINGHAM RESIDENTS URGED TO CONSIDER FOREST PLANS
RESIDENTS in Wolsingham may want to consider the increase in traffic that may be caused if a controversial planning application is allowed in Hansterley Forest. Campaigners against the plans, which include building 70 high end wooden cabins, each with its
Eastgate Annual Christmas Tree Festival
Come and join us for our Annual Christmas Tree Festival — with over 30 beautifully decorated trees on display! 🎅 Enjoy the festive atmosphere☕ Have some refreshments🎁 Take part in our giant Christmas raffle💌 Write letters to Santa🕵️♀️ Join the
Michele Armstrong named Heritage Volunteering Group’s Volunteer Leader of the Year 2025
The Auckland Project is celebrating after Michele Armstrong, Head of Volunteering, was named Heritage Volunteering Group’s Volunteer Leader of the Year 2025, recognising her outstanding contribution to volunteering across the heritage sector in the North East and beyond. With more
Welcome to December and January at Wolsingham Methodist Church
THE outside of our Church was beautifully decorated with many hand-made poppies during November, many thanks to all who were involved. Sunday 7th December 3.30pm. Candles of Remembrance and labels hung on the Christmas tree. Saturday 13th December -Christmas Coffee
CLA comments on Chancellor’s Budget
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on the Chancellor’s budget announcement today. The CLA has been lobbying extensively against the UK Government’s inheritance tax reforms since they were first announced by Rachel Reeves in last year’s Autumn
Weardale Open Mic – Bringing Music Back to the Valley
A new community initiative is starting to take shape in Weardale with the aim of bringing musicians, performers and residents together through a series of relaxed Open Mic nights. Local resident, Andy Clarke from Wearhead, has created the Weardale Open
Remarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for Christmas
Bishop Auckland will be the only place in the UK where people can see an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene from Naples this festive season, comprising over 400 intricately crafted figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. The Auckland Project will
CLA comments on newly launched 3-year rural crime strategy
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) comments on a newly launched (today) Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2025 – 2028 which focuses on intelligence-led policing with advanced data analytics and crime mapping used to identify crime hotspots and track
CHRISTMAS MARKET AND LIGHTS SWITCH IN STANHOPE
IT’S that time of year again with Father Christmas very busy in the North Pole frantically preparing for his round the world trip. Meanwhile, in Stanhope, Santa’s little helpers have been working hard with the culmination of the year-long planning