?????page ?

Time to shine Fair cop Making a splashSearch is on to find this year’s superstars.see page 3

Police commendation for community-minded staff.see page 4

Dementia-friendly swimming pilot proving a success.see page 11

Durham County Council’s employee magazine

July/August 2016

welcome page 2

Cover: Makingasplashwithdementia-friendlyswimming-specialistinterventionsofficerDeborahBreen.Page 11.

Terry Collins,Chief

Execut ive

The outcome of the UK referendum vote will clearly have some impact on our organisation but it is too early to be specific on this. We are financially stable which is a positive, however, we will continue to assess future impacts and do everything we can to protect and attract Government funding to our area. The North East Combined Authority arrangements are progressing, although we will need to watch for any developments as the referendum result could affect the timetable. As you may know by now, Ian Thompson has been appointed as the new corporate director of regeneration and local services and Lorraine O’Donnell as the new director of transformation and partnerships. Both are really fantastic officers and I am delighted that we will continue to work together as part of the new Corporate Management Team.

Margaret Whellans has also been appointed as the interim corporate director of children’s services and will be joining us soon. We will shortly be appointing a permanent corporate director of resources and I will let you know who this is once the Chief Officer Appointment Panel has made its decision. We have attracted strong candidates for the corporate director positions for children and young people’s services and for adults and health. The interviews will be held before the end of July, with appointments made early September. We’re busy developing our transformation work and I am pleased to see that we are now consulting on the County Durham Plan. So there are lots going on as I am sure you’re aware of! I hope that you manage to have some time off during the summer and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you have a good break.

A new service to keep employees who work alone safe has been launched.

Care Connect has introduced the free monitoring system to support vulnerable lone workers across the authority.

Once registered with the scheme, an employee can dial up the service and set up a scheduled call to check they are safe when out on a visit, leaving details of where, when and who they are meeting.

If the person misses the ‘check call’ the system will try again

a further three times to reach them. If the calls are still not answered the system will alert Care Connect’s control room which will then take the relevant action, such as calling the police or sending a security company to search for the person.

If your work requires you to work alone you should speak to your manager to ensure a risk assessment is carried out and to see if you qualify to use the system.

For guidance on lone working and risk assessments visit the intranet.

Lone working scheme launched to protect vulnerable staff

Your magazine…your news Do you have a story you would like to see included in the next edition of Buzz?

Just let us know by contacting: buzz@durham.gov.uk, call 03000 268 067 or write to Buzz, Internal Communications, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham. DH1 5UF

A campaign to raise funds for a battlefield memorial to honour County Durham’s fallen heroes is underway.

One hundred years ago, young volunteers of the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry – known as the Durham Pals - answered the call to arms but paid the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of the Somme.

However, unlike other battalions that have individual memorials in the Somme, there is nothing for the Durham boys.

But on the anniversary of their sacrifice, a campaign to raise £20,016 for a lasting memorial has been launched, with the hope that £10,000 will come from public donations.

The battlefield tribute will be installed in time for Armistice Day commemorations in

November, which this year will mark the centenary of the end of the bloody battle which cost more than one million lives.

The campaign is part of Durham Remembers, a programme of events and exhibitions taking place during 2016 and beyond to honour the county’s long and proud military history.

There will also be a twin memorial erected in Durham.

To make a donation, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sommememorial

DLI memorial appeal

Do you know a person, a team or a project that’s simply out of this world? If so, then don’t just sit there thinking about it – shout it from the rooftops by nominating them in the Great Staff, Great Stuff Awards 2016.

Helping to make Durham a safer place to visit, city centre manager Carol Feenan was thrilled to win last year’s Employee of the Year award.

Carol said: “I love my job and always strive to do my best, but never expected to be nominated for an award.

“It gives you such a great feeling knowing just how much people appreciate the work you do.”

Chief executive Terry Collins added: “Our commitment to doing the best for our residents is really strong here in County Durham.

“The awards are a chance for us to recognise this fantastic work that so many people are doing. So I would urge you all to take a minute to think

about the projects you work on and the people you work with, and tell us about them.”

The award categories are:

• Excellent Service• Working Together• Innovation• Apprentice of the Year• Team of the Year• Employee of the Year

If you know someone who has done something exceptional this year, nominate them now on the intranet.

Alternatively visit:www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSGS2016.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 30 September. Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in December.

For more details call 03000 268 065 or email gsgs@durham.gov.uk

The search for this year’s superstars is on.

? ?

I t ’s t ime to shine

Warden nets award for angling project

newspage 3

Helping to get young people hooked on fishing and out of trouble has earned a neighbourhood warden a council award.

Lyndsey Cartwright has been presented with a Great Staff, Great Stuff certificate for her work on the police-led Somet Fishy project, much of which she does in her own time.

The initiative was launched with the help of Durham Agency Against Crime to educate and develop young people, especially those who are at risk of getting involved in petty crime or anti-social behaviour.

The 12-week programme includes hands-on fishing instructions and classroom-based lectures on issues such as anti-social behaviour, dishonesty and criminal damage.

Dave Riseley, neighbourhood protection enforcement manager, said: “Lyndsey goes above and beyond by volunteering her time on this project.

“This is typical of her unselfish approach and the way she contributes to the success of the Neighbourhood Warden Service.”

PC Kevin Woodcock, who set up Somet Fishy, said: “Lyndsey gave up her own time to help me set up and run the project. She is without doubt an outstanding ambassador for the council and the scheme.”

Sta

ffAw

ard

s

2016

Members of staff and projects recognised for their work this month include:

• Durham Riverside Safety Project• Ettersgill Landslip Stabilisation Project• Incident - A688 Evenwood Gate• MyWorkforce System and the Oracle

Business Intelligence Module project development team

• Allison Brook and Anne Harrison, Clayport Library

• Donna Whitfield, policy and executive support manager

• Jonathan Slee, overview and scrutiny officer

For further information on Great Staff, Great Stuff visit the intranet.

Employee of the Year 2015 - Carol Feenan 2015 winners

DaveRiseleyandLyndseyCartwright.

The way we involve local residents in decision making and scrutiny has received national recognition. The 2016 MJ Achievement Award for Excellence in

Governance and Scrutiny was presented to us for our innovative approach to engaging with the public.

The award recognised our Area Action Partnerships;

the scrutiny review of 20mph zones and the subsequent ‘Slow to 20’ road safety campaign; and the consultation on the devolution proposals for County Durham, as well as other recent successes.

Leader of the council Simon Henig said: “We are committed to making sure residents are at the heart of everything we do so we’re extremely proud that this has been recognised with such a prestigious award.

“The last few years have seen major change across the county and the wider region, which shows no sign of slowing down with the devolution agreement now firmly on the horizon.

“So now, more than ever, it’s vital that we not only make sure residents are kept fully informed but continue to make sure they have a major say on the future direction of their county.”

Helping Durham Police to take a high-risk sex offender off the streets has won praise for five employees.

Chief Constable Mike Barton presented a certificate of commendation to Allison Brook and Anne Harrison from Clayport Library, and Paul Woods, Chris Reed and Kayleigh Turner from ICT Services in recognition of their assistance with the case.

Allison and Anne were praised for their vigilance in noticing inappropriate use of the library’s computers and the trio from ICT services were commended for their help in supplying internet records - which together helped police identify and prosecute the offender.

Paul said: “We were very surprised to receive the commendation as we were just responding to a request from the police, but it’s good to know that our efforts were able to help in such a way.”

Award for engagement work

Commendation for community-minded staff

To give or not to give?

page 4news

New guidance to help employees manage requests for information has been published.

Many teams receive requests for personal information from the police, Department of Work and Pensions, private investigators and other organisations to help prevent or detect crime, or for legal reasons.

Any time we provide personal information, we have to follow the Data Protection Act.

The guidance and an easy-to-use flow chart that helps you do this can now be found on the intranet.

Further advice is available from the Information Management team on dataprotection@durham.gov.uk or 03000 268 034.

CllrsSimonHenigandEddieBell(centre)celebratewithstaffandcouncilmembers.

L-R:PaulWoods,AllisonBrook,KayleighTurner,AnneHarrison,ChiefConstableMikeBartonandChrisReed.

Teamdiscountsavailable.

16yrs+only.

Hundreds of cyclists will take to their bikes when a popular community ride returns this autumn.

Over the past decade, the Durham Big Ride has attracted 5,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities, for rides of three, ten and 25 miles.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, 4 September and will start and finish at County Hall, Durham.

Entry costs £20 for adults and £7 for under 16s. Family tickets are available, priced £50, and there are group discounts.

The Beast, a punishing 52-mile route for experienced cyclists, also roars back on Sunday, 18 September.

Starting at Sniperley Park and Ride, this route involves some of County Durham’s toughest road climbs. Entry costs £25.

Registrations are now open for both rides. To sign up, visit durhambigride.co.uk or call 03000 267 099.

We have two family tickets to give away for the Durham Big Ride and two individual tickets for The Beast.

To win, email the answer to the following question by Friday, 5 August to buzz@durham.gov.uk, stating your preferred ride in the subject box.

What three distances are covered in the Big Ride?

Big Ride is back

The Romans returnTake a trip back in time when the Romans return to County Durham this summer.

Re-enactment group Roma Antiqua will be demonstrating Roman times at Binchester Fort on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, and Monday 29 August.

There will be demonstrations of archery, sling staff and other weaponry as the group tells the tale of Roman Army life at the site just outside Bishop Auckland.

While you’re there explore the excavated remains, including the magnificent bath house with 1,700-year-old under-floor heating.

The events begin at 11am and continue throughout the day until 4.30pm. Cost: Adults £5, Concessions £4, children £3 (under 4s free).

Open: July/August 10am-5pm. September 11am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm.

Non-event day prices: A £3, Con £2, C £1.50, under 4s free.

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le isurepage 5

This is NO walk in the park

Sunday 2 October 2016Register at:www.durham.gov.uk/muddymayhemTelephone: 03000 262 899Hardwick Park Visitor Centre, Sedgefield, County Durham TS21 2DN

Join the conversation #MuddyMayhem Hardwick-Park

5km/£35

10km/£40

Go MILD or

go WILD

page 6health

Families are being encouraged to ‘Just Keep Moving’ with a summer of activities inspired by the new Disney Pixar film Finding Dory. The movie reunites everyone’s favourite forgetful Blue Tang fish Dory with her friends Nemo and Marlin. It’s full of energetic and active characters - so it’s a perfect partner for the Change4Life 10 minute Shake Up campaign.

Children need to do 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day - and doing 10-minute bursts is an easy way to help them achieve this. Being active also helps children to build social skills, boost self-confidence, improve bone and heart health, and maintain a healthy weight. Make this a non-stop summer of fun activity - go online and search Change4Life

Members of staff at Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex have struck gold for their efforts to address health issues in the workplace.

The Bishop Auckland centre complex has achieved the gold standard Better Health at Work Award for its work to improve the health and fitness of staff.

As part of the initiative, the team took part in eating and fitness challenges, as well as being offered health checks and advice on breast and testicular cancer.

A tasty new range of healthy food and snacks will soon be on offer at County Hall’s restaurant, with plans to roll out the choices to other sites over the coming months.

There will be more healthy affordable options to choose from, including Grab and Go Meal Deals – perfect for staff on the move.

Displays around the restaurant will also be updated to highlight the new choices.

And to introduce the new range there will be taster days taking place on Tuesday, 19 and Wednesday, 20 July.

Stuart Thompson, catering supervisor, said, “As well as introducing a new

range of snacks and food to our menu, we also want people to be more aware of the healthy options that are available at our different sites and will be offering more guidance to customers.”

Look out for more details coming soon on the intranet.

Summer shake-ups

Get set for summer

Golden successfor leisure centre

Healthy choices on the menu

Whether you’re camping in Colwyn Bay or jetting off to Jamaica, make the most of your summer by getting holiday health advice from your local pharmacy. Your local chemist can provide you with the latest information on travel vaccinations and malaria prevention. It can also help with putting together a basic first aid kit to deal with any minor health issues, such as stomach upsets, allergies, sunburn and insect bites. If you need a repeat prescription to take away with you, remember to

order it in plenty of time.Your local pharmacist can also help throughout the year with advice on healthy eating, keeping active, drinking alcohol safely, quitting smoking and much more. For more information visit www.nhs.uk

If you are travelling in Europe remember to take a European Health Insurance Card, available free at www.ehic.org.uk. It will still give you access to state-provided healthcare across most of Europe at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.

Natasha Grainger packed a punch for charity when she took part in a white collar boxing match.

The HR support officer stepped into the ring at Rainton Meadows Arena this month for a three-round bout in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Natasha, who trained intensively for eight weeks for thefight, has already raised just over £1,700 and is hoping to raise more.

She said: “The training was really tough but as I’d never boxed before I’ve really enjoyed learning the new techniques and can’t imagine not keeping this up now the event is over.

“Like me, most people have loved ones who’ve been affected by cancer and I know that Cancer Research UK is really helping in the fight against this terrible disease.

“So I’m hoping that people will sponsor me and help give cancer that knockout blow!”

You can donate up to Tuesday, 2 August - text NWCB77 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/Natasha-Grainger

A plucky PA has been pelted with paint in her bid to raise £1,300 for a good cause.

Catherine Howes, who works in Neighbourhood Services, joined hundreds of runners for St Cuthbert Hospice’s Colourama charity run in June.

Participants may have started the 5km route around Aykley Heads in Durham in pristine hospice t-shirts, but thanks to an

army of volunteer paint throwers, it was not long before they were sporting every colour of the rainbow.

The runners and walkers also had the option to take on obstacles, including a water slide, hay bales and cargo nets.

Catherine said: “It was

great fun and made special as I was raising funds in memory of my brother who passed away recently.

“He was cared for so well at the hospice, so thanks to everyone who donated money as it will go to helping local people affected by life-limiting illnesses.”

Information on support available for carers can now be found on our intranet.

The dedicated page holds details of organisations that can help, as well as council policies that can support you at work.

There are more than 300,000 unpaid carers in County Durham, although most of these do not see themselves as carers but as family or friends.

To find out more, visit the Support for Carers page.

Boxing bout deals cancer a knockout blow

Help ing carers

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Natasha training with Unity GymownerNickHands.

Atthefinishingline:CatherineHowe(right).

Colourful caper for charity

news page 8

All the world’s a stage

Top cyclists will be taking on a challenging town centre circuit when Velo 29 makes a return to Bishop Auckland next month. The free event takes place on Thursday, 18 August, with the youth race startingat 6.45pm and the senior race beginning at 8pm. Competitors will race around the 1km circuit at speeds of up to 60km per hour, completing laps in around 90 seconds. Before the races start, everyone is invited to take part in a Rio-themed family fun ride starting at 5.15pm.

All bicycle types are welcome, including scooters, balance bikes, traditional bikes and trailers – with goodie bags given to everyone that takes part. Register for the fun ride on the day, or in advance by calling 03000 266 555 or email ns.sportadmin@durham.gov.uk.

The idyllic gardens of Crook Hall will set the stage for a series of outdoor performances this summer.

The 13th Century medieval hall, in Durham City, will provide a spectacular backdrop to Shakespearean dramas and some much-loved tales.

The HandleBards will be putting their own unique bicycle-powered spin on Much Ado About Nothing on Sunday, 24 July and Richard III on Monday, 25 July.

The rib-tickling productions have been described by Sir Ian McKellan as ‘uproariously funny’ and promise to be fast-paced and irreverent.

You’ll also have the chance to meet the tiny people of Lilliput when a brand-new adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels lands on Sunday, 21 August. And you’ll be taken on a swashbuckling adventure to the magical world of Neverland when Crook Hall hosts Peter Pan on Sunday, 28 and Monday, 29 August.

Take a rug, a deckchair and a picnic for an unbeatable way to spend time with family and friends.

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

To win one of two family passes for Crook Hall and Gardens, email the answer to the question below, stating Crook Hall in the subject box, to buzz@durham.gov.uk by Friday, 5 August. What period does Crook Hall date from?

The county’s sporting stars will be honoured at a series of awards ceremonies.

The Sport and Physical Activity Awards recognise the achievements of local sports clubs, coaches, volunteers and schools.

Organised by the council and Leisureworks, they will include a series of local awards followed by a county-wide final.

Nominations can now be made for the following 13 categories: • Coach of the year• Young coach of the year• Sports club of the year• Junior Sports club of the

year• Sporting achievement of

the year• Young sporting

achievement of the year• Contribution to sport

• Physical activity achievement

• Contribution to physical activity

• Volunteer of the year• Young volunteer of the

year• Primary school

contribution to PE and school sport

• Secondary school contribution to PE and school sport

The closing date for nominations is Sunday, 31 July.

The local awards evenings will be held in September with the winners of each of these invited to the final county-wide event on Friday, 14 October.

Further information and to nominate, visit www.durham.gov.uk/sportawards

Nominate your sporting heroes

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Fun for all at Velo29

A city centre flower bed is part of the commemorations marking the centennial anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Pupils from Gilesgate Primary School joined members of the British Legion and our Clean and Green and Civic Pride

teams to plant the flowers.

The carpet bed at Gilesgate roundabout will welcome thousands of people to the city throughout the summer. It is just one of many displays to be found in Durham as part of its bid to be ‘Champion of Champions’ in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Northumbria in Bloom and national Britain in Bloom competitions. Last year, the city won gold and overall category winner in the regional competition and a gold medal in the national contest.

Judging for Northumbria in Bloom takes place on Wednesday, 20 July and on Tuesday, 2 August for Britain in Bloom.

Good to Know recycl ing roadshows Durham air quality action plan

Is your garden a hive of activity?

Flower bed commemorates battle anniversary green l iv ingpage 9

The Strategic Waste Management team is hitting the road this summer to spread the word on how to recycle more.

As part of the WRAP-funded Good to Know recycling campaign, the team will be at the following events:• Party in the Park, Consett, Sunday, 17 July, noon–6pm• Peterlee Show, Saturday, 3 September, 10am–4pm

For further information, contact the team on 03000 266 101.

If your garden is buzzing with industrious bumblebees then your help is needed.

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership is looking for local people to help with a project identifying which species of bees are making their homes in the area and help increase their population.

If you live in the North Pennines area and would like your garden surveyed, contact Mandy Oliver on 01388 528 801 or email mandy@northpenninesaonb.org.uk

Potential new ways to improve air quality in Durham City are to be explored. Following public consultation Durham County Council has established an action plan to improve air quality in Durham City. After considering all the feedback from last year’s consultation process the three new actions have now been added to the plan. These will see work carried out into the viability of

giving low polluting vehicles reduced rates for residential parking permits; and extending park and ride routes and/or creating additional park and ride sites. Options for additional highway infrastructure will also be explored, with a view to potentially removing traffic from the city centre.

For more information, visit www.durham.gov.uk/airquality or contact the Pollution Control team on 03000 261 016.

Shortlisting and judging takes place over the summer, with the winners announced at a ceremony in November.

For information on categories and to nominate, visit www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/envawards or call 03000 265 545.

It’s not too late to help celebrate people and projects that improve and enhance County Durham’s environment.

Nominations for the County Durham Environment Awards are open until Friday, 15 July.

page 10news

‘Cold water shock kills’ is the simple yet hard-hitting message of a new campaign aimed at teenagers.

As the summer holidays get under way and

youngsters head for the county’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs to enjoy themselves, many will be unaware of the dangers posed by the temperature of the water before they enter.

Yet cold water shock, the body’s short-term involuntary response to being suddenly immersed in cold water, can be fatal.

The Safe Durham Partnership, supported by the family of County Durham cold water shock victim Cameron Gosling, has launched the ‘Dying to be Cool’ campaign to raise awareness with schoolchildren of dangers posed by the temperature of the water.

Fourteen year old Cameron, a pupil at Parkside Academy in Willington, went to the

River Wear near Bishop Auckland with friends on a sunny day in July 2015.

Without acclimatising himself, he jumped into the water, got into difficulties and died.

His mother Fiona said: “Cameron’s friends had paddled in the water before swimming but he jumped straight in and his body went into shock as a result of the sudden change in temperature.

“Had he known of the dangers of cold water shock, we might not have lost a loving son and friend.

“We want to educate young people on this little known killer and fully support what Dying to be Cool is trying to achieve.”

For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/dyingtobecool

An innovative researchproject that looks athow and when we useelectricity is looking forpeople to take part. Northern Powergrid isasking people to play thefun, online GenGame. Once you’ve signed up,you’ll receive a free smartplug and will have the chance to win highstreet and music vouchers.

For more information, visit www.thegengame.com

‘Trust your gut if a deal doesn’t feel right’ – that’s the message during Scam Awareness Month.

Our consumer protection team is reminding people to be scam aware during the campaign, which will focus on telephone, online, mail and doorstep fraudsters across the four weeks.

The initiative also hopes to encourage more victims of scams to report the crime as it is estimated that only five per cent come forward.

Last month, comedian Patrick Monahan joined us to support the Think Jessica campaign, which encourages people to look out for family and friends who could fall victim to scams.

He said: “Please always be careful and always double check whenever giving out any information. Stay safe.”

To report scams call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For information on the Think Jessica campaign visit www.thinkjessica.com and for advice on avoiding scams contact the Citizens’ Advice Consumer helpline on 0345 404 0506.

July is Scams Awareness Month Plug in and play The GenGame

newspage 11

Deborah Breen, specialist interventions officer, tells us more.

What is Dementia Friendly Swimming?

It’s a three-year national project led by the Amateur Swimming Association which gives people living with dementia an opportunity to keep active and socialise with others in a similar situation.

We’re very proud to be leading the way as we were one of only two councils chosen last year to pilot the project in the first year. We’re now in the second year and as the scheme is rolled out there should be a network of 100 dementia-friendly pools across England by 2017.

What does the project involve?

Dementia describes a range of symptoms, which may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language. So the aim of this project is to make people with the condition feel welcome at our leisure centres and that they

enjoy a safe, enjoyable and stress-free visit.

We’re doing this by looking at how we can improve our buildings and pool environment, for example with better signage or floor markings.

We’ve also trained staff to be more aware of how the condition affects people and so be more dementia-friendly.

The sessions take place during public swimming times and staff are there to meet and greet those taking part and offer as much or as little help as they need. This could just be greeting them and showing them to the changing rooms, to more one-to-one support and helping them get in to the pool.

We initially launched the scheme at

Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre and now run sessions at Freeman’s Quay and Teesdale leisure centres.

How did you get involved?

I took up the newly- created post in January 2015 after working in health and fitness for local government in County Durham for the last 15 years.

I was really excited to get involved in the pilot as having family living with the condition I know first-hand how it affects their lives and the difficulties experienced by those who care for them.

I’ve learnt so much since

starting the job, not only through courses and networking, but mostly through public consultations which really helped us learn more about what people saw as barriers to being active and how even small changes can help.

And is it making a difference?

A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean someone has to stop taking part in an activity that they enjoy. These sessions give people living with the condition the opportunity to socialise and keep active, which is important to everyone’s health and wellbeing.

And the feedback we’re receiving from customers is really positive with many saying it’s proving a lifeline, and both those living with dementia and their families and carers saying it’s making a big difference to them.

For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk

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There are around 6,800 people living with dementia in County Durham and this is expected to double within the next 15 years.

An innovative swimming project is helping to improve the lives of those affected by the illness.

Close up Commissioning Service team

downt ime page 12

Until Sunday, 9 October

Take a step back in time and explore the ecstasy and agony of footwear throughout history at The Bowes Museum.

More than 200 pairs are on display, including those from iconic shoe designers such as Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo.

The museum is the only UK venue outside London to stage the V&A’s successful exhibition.

Tickets £10.25 (adults), under 16s free.

Visit www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk or call 01833 690 606.

Beamish Wild: Dawn Kirton, Reablement Service; 1916 No Turning Back: Kate Day, Library Service and Steve Martin, Employment Mentoring.winners

An inn fit for a king…

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Durham, The Kingslodge Inn has all the benefits of a city centre location but with a laid back, relaxed vibe.

Tucked beside a woodland nature reserve, the former coaching inn at Flass Vale is the perfect place for a pleasant stay or a catch-up with friends and family.

Sit back and enjoy delicious meals and daily specials that showcase local produce in the cosy dining area, which has quirky alcoves and characterful nooks and crannies.

On warmer days you can enjoy al fresco dining or a drink in the garden courtyard and suntrap of a terrace.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, The Kingslodge Inn boasts 23 recently refurbished en-suite bedrooms that promise a peaceful night’s sleep.

So, why not visit? Simply show your staff identity badge to receive ten per cent off food orders.

For more information, visit www.kingslodgeinn.co.uk or call 0191 370 9977.

To win dinner, bed and breakfast at The Kingslodge Inn, send the answer to the question below to buzz@durham.gov.uk, stating ‘Kingslodge Inn’ in the subject box, by Friday, 5 August.

How many bedrooms does The Kingslodge Inn have?

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Flying Scotsman and the Shildon Shed Bash

Saturday, 23 – Sunday, 31 July Train enthusiasts are in for a treat when the iconic Flying Scotsman takes centre stage at the Shildon Shed Bash.

Inspired by the famous ‘shed bashes’ of the ‘50s and ’60s, when avid trainspotters would visit a railway shed to see the locomotives in it, the event will see the Scotsman joined by other famous steam engines.

There’ll also be photography sessions, talks, trade stands and access to cabs.

The event is free. Tickets for steam rides cost £5 per person.

Visit www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/events/shildon-shed-bash