We’ve reported and had reports of a number of overflowing bins in the area following the festive period. If you spot any overflowing public dog waste or litter bins please let us know so we can keep the area clean. We are on our look out for local problem areas and have already asked for the area near the Arnison Centre/Abbey Leisure Centre to be litter picked.
Arriva strike update
For information – Arriva have now issued an updated version of their emergency timetables on their website at the following link:
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/strike
Please note that there will be no Arriva services operating on Sunday 6 January.
Arriva Strike action 6th – 12th Jan (inclusive)
Arriva bus drivers in County Durham are going on strike over pay. here’s some articles on the issue:
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/arriva-claim-bus-drivers-poorly-15625321
We have held meetings with Arriva over the problems with services in our area, particularly in Newton Hall and will continue to push for action to address various issues causing problems with the service. We hope the strike can be called off so that residents are not adversely affected. Let us know how this affects you next week.
Happy New Year
We would like to wish everyone across our area and beyond a healthy and happy 2019.
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish all residents across our area and beyond a wonderful Christmas. Over the last few weeks we have been out and about at local festive events, and delivered nearly 6500 Christmas cards by hand with our Lib Dem parish councillor colleagues and local supporters and helpers. Don’t forget to leave out a mince pie and some carrots tonight and perhaps some Sherry…. Ho Ho Ho.
Luncheon Club Christmas Party at All Saints
I attended the luncheon club Christmas Party in Newton Hall at All Saints yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Three Cheers to Amanda and her assistants not just for putting on this event but for preparing the meals every week at the luncheon club without fail!
If you are interested in joining all the local residents who attend the luncheon club every Monday lunchtime, get in touch with Amanda.
She certainly make a mean Christmas pudding and the roasties were excellent!
Christmas Party a real community boost in Framwellgate Moor
A huge thank you to members of the Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me Women’s Institute for organising this years Christmas party for senior residents.
This year I managed to secure funding for the cost of the event from County Durham Housing Group, topped up with local funding from Mamie, Amanda and my budgets.
We also managed to attract more older residents and many who live on their own, including in County Durham Housing group homes to the event, which had around 60 participants.
As well as an excellent dinner, Durham City Youth Project young people helped out at the event and school children came along and sang Christmas carols.
The bingo was great, although I didn’t win, and it seemed to take a long time for anyone to shout House!
Thanks to everyone who was involved it was a great afternoon!
Merry Benchmas!! Pressure pays off as Arnison Centre gets benches
After a long battle and repeated chasing up, I’m delighted to be able to report that I have been successful in the battle to bring benches back to the Arnison Centre. Two lovely new ones have just been installed by the site owners.
I only wish it hadn’t taken them so long!
3 months free offer at Abbey Leisure Centre
awb://www.durham.gov.uk/article/19692/Leisure-centres-offer-an-early-Christmas-gift
If you sign up at the leisure centre in the next few weeks you will get 3 months free!
All Saint’s Christmas Fair success
Sunday’s Christmas Fair at All Saint’s in Newton Hall was a great success. Over 80 children came to see Santa Claus and all got a present. Cllr Simmons attended as Santa’s helper after assisting making preparations in the kitchen for the cafe.
I helped serve turkey stuffing sandwiches, hot beef baps, scones and soup, all prepared by Cllr Amanda Hopgood who was front of shop serving customers for 3 hours. We had a great time and raised lots of money.
It would not have been possible without all the volunteers including Jack Mason, Elaine Kent and Nicola Finlay in the kitchen who kept me right. Thanks also to Neil, Amanda’s husband for making some of the best leek and potato soup ever!
We raised £150 after costs towards the Church Hall.
It was great to see so many people come through the doors and despite the Christmas tree not arriving until Monday we still had a great Carol service and Christmas lights switch on from Santa Claus!
And big thanks to all the All Saint’s volunteers who helped not just on the day but help out throughout the whole year.
Amanda was back in the kitchen today preparing dinner for over 20 local senior citizen’s for the weekly luncheon club dinner – star performance!