Friday 25th November 2011Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 538 Page 1

Published at:First Floor, Town Council Offices,

Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH.

Telephone/Fax: 01388 775896Duty journalist: 0790 999 2731

www.shildontowncrier.comemail: crier@talk21.comof our wonderful community

Town Crier

Shildon & District At the heart

Friday 25th November 2011 Issue 538

Fully archived online at www.shildontowncrier.com email us at: crier@talk21.com

Local entrepreneur Sir John Hall showed his support for the national appeal - Surviving Winter - by serving lunches to the elderly at the Shildon People’s Centre last week.The former Newcastle United chairman is champi-

oning the campaign, which calls for those who do not need their winter fuel allowance to donate it to help others.A grant of £2,210 was given to the Centre on Main Street, which will pay for extra luncheon clubs

on weekends throughout winter, which are mostly attended by single elderly and vulnerable people who cannot cook for themselves.Sir John said, “A lot of people like me don’t need their winter fuel allowance, and this is a good oppor-tunity to give it back to people who really need it.“I came here to see where the money was going. Old folks come here for meals and they care for each other, and there is a social aspect too.”One local man, who attends the centre regularly, said, “I would not have eaten anything substantial if it had not been for the meals provided and I would have been alone all day. I am very grateful for the company the lunch club provides me with.” More than 400 people died in County Durham & Darlington last winter from causes directly attributable to poor living conditions and the cold.To find out more about the Surviving Winter Campaign visit cdcf.org.uk/surviving-winter-appeal or follow @SurviveWinterNE.

Shildon AFC are holding an open night for their new youth training scheme at Shildon Civic Hall on Monday 12th December from 7pm.The event will give parents and children an opportu-nity to go along and find out more about the proposed Shildon AFC Development Centre and how it will work. The idea of the Develop-ment Centre is to coach youngsters footballing skills which will hopefully make them better players, and at the same time keep them fit. The coaching school will

be run by qualified coaches and will kick off from 7th January 2012 at the Scouts Field, Shildon. It is open to boys and girls aged between 5 and 18 years of any ability. A spokesperson for the De-velopment Centre said, “If your child would like to improve their footballing skills, why not come along to the Civic and meet the organisers, who will explain what is planned”.Shildon Supporters’ Club’s next meeting is on Sunday 27th November at 11.30am in the club-house.

Shildon AFC youth coaching meeting

Job opportunity at The CrierThe Crier is looking to hire a part-time employee in the near future. Applicants must have excellent literary skills and possess a strong understanding of word processing, desktop

publishing, photoshop and other media software. Please send your CV along with a covering letter to crier@talk21.com or write to The Town Crier, Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1LU.

Sir John Hall helps the elderly in Shildon

Sir John serves lunch to a customer at Shildon People’s Centre.

Home Care Workers £6.45 per hour & 25p mileage allowance

To provide care & support to people in their own homes.

Posts are available in Shildon, Bishop Auckland, West Auckland, Cockfield, Evenwood, Copley, Coundon,

Eldon, St Helens Auckland and surrounding villages.

All rotas include daytime, evenings & alternate weekends.

Experience desirable although full training will be provided.

Car owner / driver essential.

For further information please contact Debbie, Sally or Lee on 01740 658873

The above posts are subject to a CRB disclosure

Due to being a contracted provider of home care for Durham County Council our service has expanded and

we are happy to announce the above vacancies

PremierCommunity Care Ltd.‘Helping you at home, whatever your needs’

As one of the leading providers of Domiciliary Care in the County, we are looking to recruit for

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We have a range of Full Time and Part Time positions available with flexible

working patterns.Full training is provided.

For more information please contact Kelly Washington on Tel: 01388 458991info@premiercommunitycare.co.uk

Friday 25th November 2011 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 538Page 2

Passed Away In Memoriam Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays

ClassifiedsAll about local people...

Town Crier Shildon & District

Ian Edward Ellis

Beloved Husband of Janice, devoted Father to Matthew,

Andrew, twins Catherine & Daniel and his youngest Callum.

A much-loved Brother & Uncle to all his family.

November 17th at Darlington Memorial

Hospital - Aged 44 years

Ian passed away after a brief illness and will be sorely missed by all his

family and friends.

In Memoriam

James Morris (Jim)

As each day dawnsAnd starts anewAs each day ends

I think of youAnd in between

No matter whereIn my heart

You are always there

November 28th 2000

Sadly missed,Loving Wife Janet & family

Jim Cook

Sadly missedAlong life’s way

Quietly rememberedEvery day

Died 21st November 2010

Loving wife Mona, sons George & Jim and families

Gordon Bennett

We hold you closeWithin our hearts

And there you will remainTo walk with us

Throughout our livesUntil we meet again

1928 - 2006

Always remembered with love, Joan & family

Doreen & Jack StablerGone from our lives but

forever in our hearts

From your loving family

Birthdays

Daniel Parker

Happy 21st Birthday Daniel27.11.11

Lots of love, Gran, Granda & Uncle Colin

xxx

21!

Rudy Ridley

Love you lots & lots, Mammy &

Daddyxxx

29.11.11

1 TodayHappy Birthday son

Rudy RidleyHappy Birthday Rudy,

my special brother

Love & kisses, Blossomxxx

Rudy RidleyHappy Birthday Rudy

Lots & lots of love,Nanaxxx

Rudy RidleyHappy 1st Birthday

Lots of love, Gran, Grandad & Diane

xxx

Rudy RidleyHappy 1st Birthday

Love you loads, Auntie Julie, Uncle Anthony,

Hope & Williamxxx

Ryan Mensforth

Love Mam & Dadxxxx

25.11.95

Happy 16th Birthday

Ryan MensforthOur brother Ryan,

Happy 16th Birthday

Love Jack, Thomas, Ben & Laura

xxxxx

Ryan MensforthHappy 16th Birthday for a

special boyfriend, Ryan

Lots of love,Chelsea

xx

Also

Ben Mensforth2nd Birthday, 25.11.09

Same day as Ryan’sLove from all of us

xxxxx

Maisie Brown

Loads of love,Nanna & Granda,

Auntie Julianne & Beth

Born 27th November

Happy 8th Birthday to our princess

Blossom May Lloyd

Lots of love,Mammy & Daddy

xxx

Happy 1st Birthday princess

Ryan Paul Mensforth

All our love, Auntie Shirley & Uncle Peter

xx

25th November

Happy 16th Birthday Ryan

Ryan MensforthHappy 16th cousin

Love from Hannah

xx

Anniversaries

Harry & Margaret Whitehead

Congratulations Mam & Dad on your Diamond Wedding

Love Maureen & Charlie

Harry & Margaret Whitehead

Happy Anniversary Mam & Dad, hope you have many

more years together

Love Jeffrey & Liz

Harry & Margaret Whitehead

Congratulations Gran & Grandad

Lots of love,Lauren

Acknowledgements

Julie & AlanWould like to thank Ann

for her Choc House raffle, Shildon Supporters’ Club

and for the collection from the Shildon match. We

would also like to thank all students, staff & parents at Sunnydale School for everything they did for Child in Need Day for

Chelsea

ComerfordI would like to thank family,

friends, management, staff and work colleagues of Barclay Roofing for the cards, presents & money received on the occasion of my 65th Birthday and

retirement.Much appreciated,

Johnny (JC)

Friday 25th November 2011Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 538 Page 3

JK’s Plastics & RoofingAll types of Roofing, Slating,

Tiling, Flat Roofing, Dry Verge Systems

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Ruby MeadowsWould like to thank all

family & friends for making her birthday so memorable

on this, her 90th year

Daniel & Jade PlewsWould like to thank

everyone for the cards & gifts received for their

son, Alexander, at his Christening. Also a special thank you to Catherine for

the catering.

ClassifiedsAll about local people...

Acknowledgements

David Hallimond PlasteringNo job too small

Mobile: 07792733967Home: 01388 773164

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reMoviNg??? caN't wait for tHe couNcilriNg 01325 321678

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or 07790 509925

Services

Foundsize 9 child’s animal print coat

Left in Ashby & Atkinson’s Dentist. Contact The Crier.

House To Let in Shildon2 Bed warm, clean home.

Good area. Bond, ref required.07904 694199

Property

For SaleTwo Carpets

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Services

Shildon station brightened up

The fantastic pictures have brightened up Shildon Railway Station.The Friends of Shildon Station group has recently worked with other local teams to create artwork panels for our railway station. The Friends group adopted the Shildon Station earlier this year and has been busy working to improve its appearance for rail passengers.They have teamed up with the Shildon Youth Group and students from Sunnydale School to produce artwork that has now been installed at the station on Hackworth Road. The brightly coloured artwork has been fixed to railings on the platform and has already created a talking point for users of the station.Ken Hodgson, chairman of the group said, “The artwork will improve the station and it will make it look better. It’s a talking point. They did the artwork over the summer and it looks amazing. The work shows comedy images like smutty seaside postcards from the 50s and 60s.”Artwork by Sunnydale school children is to be installed in the New Year and pupils from Timothy Hackworth School have also got their hands dirty to brighten up the station – by planting bulbs and flowers in tubs all around the station.

Christmas FayreMiddridge Christmas Fayre will be taking place in the Village Hall on Saturday 26th November, between 10am and 12 noon.

Entrance costs 50p and inside there will be re-freshments, craft stalls, a chocolate tombola, pho-tographer and more.

Sunnydale Community College is offering a 2 week course aimed at giving an introduction to what the internet is, how you access it and what it has to offer. The course is aimed at complete beginners or people who are just getting started with using the internet or a computer.

The cost for the 2 week course is £10. The next start date for the course is Thursday 8th December at 1.30pm until

Introduction to the internet4pm. If you are interested telephone Susie Bird or Joanne Harwood on 01388 772526.

Town Crier

Shildon & District

CLASSIFIED FORM:

Post or hand this form into:3-4 First Floor Offices, Town Council Building, Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH.

OCCASION: (Please tick) Birthday Obituary Anniversary For Sale Birth To Let Congratulations Services Appreciations Other (state): Memoriam .....................

Number of separate messages:..............Message(s): Please write in clear BLOCK CAPITALS and continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary

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Total number of words = ............Photograph included? (£6) Yes No(if yes, please include a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your picture returning)

Amount (x35p): ..........................Total: ..........................................Name: ........................................................................................Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................Contact number: ........................................................................

Alan PearsonJoiner

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Both honest, reliable, local lads. Small jobs welcome.

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Friday 25th November 2011 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 538Page 4

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Poetry CornerChristmas

By Peter O’Sullivan, Shildon

The nights are getting darker,Winter’s closing in,

Not too long to Christmas nowAnd whatever it may bring.

Happiness and laughter,Goodwill to all mankind,

But tell me, who’ll rememberThe sick, the lame, the blind?

Search deep into your soulAnd tell me with all truth,

What does Christmas mean to you,Besides a sticky tooth?

Do you pray for world-wide peace,And goodwill everywhere?

Or are you selfish like the scroogeYou just don’t really care?

Have you a conscience I can stirTo make you see the grief?

Are you prepared to give happinessRegardless of how brief?

Remember children everywhereVictims of someone’s hate,

They don’t know who Jesus is,There’s no turkey on their plate!

There’s enough in this world for everyone,If the selfish ones would share.But that’s hoping for a miracle,And that departments bare.So it’s up to you and up to I,

To do whatever we can,To make this world a brighter place,

Without drudgery and sham.

So when you’re tucking into lunchWith your family on Christmas DayRemember those who are foraging

To keep hunger pangs at bay.Remember those who are all alone

No party hat to wearMake your New Year’s resolution

To understand and care.

Advent coffee morningsShildon Methodist Church is hosting a number of Advent Coffee Mornings every Thursday in December from 10am till 11am. Proceeds will go to a pharmacy in Kenya in the Uringu Circuit, which Shildon Methodist

Church is partnered with. Each week the morning will also support a different local charity and donated items are requested if you are able. On December 1st the morning will support

Timothy Hackworth School and Durham Foodbank, so please bring along your tinned food goods, nuts, sugar, UHT milk, fruit juice, Christmas crackers and children’s selection boxes. Everyone is welcome.

Schools and community groups last week banded together in an aim to raise as much cash as possible for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.St John’s Primary School on Jubilee Road held a non-uniform day, where a fantastic £398.68 was raised.Six girls from year six, led by eleven year-old Sophie Dodds (right), held a toy sale, while the school’s cook made and sold biscuits. They also had a ‘copper jar’ for Pudsey. Jubilee Fields Community Centre held a fundraising event for the appeal, and thanks to the generosity of Shildon people, a grand total of £165 was raised.A spokesperson for the Centre said, “The appeal is a fantastic way of pulling the community together to help this worthy cause. A huge thanks goes out to all who attended the event and also for supporting the Community Centre.At their recent panto production, Centre Stage

Community fundraises for Pudsey

Sophie Dodds, along with five of her friends, led the fundrais-ing at St John’s with a toy sale.

Theatre Group took collections during the intervals of their four performances and managed to raise £111.93. “The group wish to thank all who attended and have to this worth wile cause,” commented a spokesperson.Staff in the Shildon Morrison’s store raised a fantastic £603.18 towards the Children in Need appeal. Staff made donations for the privilege to wear spotted attire and other fancy dress on the day. They also purchased cakes from a colleague with all proceeds going towards the very worthy cause.A raffle was held instore for customers, with a lovely Christmas Hamper the first prize. The stall was manned voluntarily and collection buckets at checkouts were incredibly well supported by the public.Chris Stokoe, Checkout Supervisor at the store said, “We would like to thank all of our customers who supported our efforts to raise an amazing amount of £603.18 for a fantastic and worthwhile cause such as Children in Need. We look forward to serving our customers over the festive period and hope for your support in the future to raise funds for our charity of the year Save The Children.”

Jo-Anne’s Mobile Beauty & Beauty PartiesChristmas and New Year offersNail extensions & Spray tan £27Eyebrow wax & Eyelash ext. £15

Pedicure with heated boots & Manicure £22

For all prices & treatments visitwww.jo-annesbeauty.co.uk

Contact Jo-anne Murphy07890 219 494

Prof ess ion al Dog Walk ing

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Contact Les

Mobile - 07545769912

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Tenant wanted for initial 6 month contract. Reduced

rent for right tenant. Please call for details. Bond & Ref required.

Shildon Railway & InstituteSaturday 3rd December, 2011

Billy LortPlus Roger’s Disco - £3 at the door

Sat 17th - 50-50 DancingBingo Wednesday & Sunday Night

Friday 25th November 2011Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 538 Page 5

D-A TAXIS4 - 8 - 12 - 16 SEATERS

TEL: 01388 777262WE ARE OPEN ALL OVER CHRISTMAS

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DISAPPOINTMENT OVER THE HOLIDAYS

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Gas Safe RegisteredCombi BoilersFires - CookersAll Gas Work

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Phone Paul on07967 679 998

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Children in Distress raffleThe Children in Distress charity shop on Church Street has launched their Christmas raffle this week. Many prizes are up for grabs, with a food hamper and a lovely ornate mirror the top picks. Strips are just £1 each and entries will be drawn on 16th

December.The volunteers would also like to thank all Crier readers who supported the Shoe Box Appeal. A massive 154 boxes are making their way to Romania as The Crier hits the press – well done to everyone involved.

The sweet taste of successThe owners of a Shildon sweet shop are overjoyed after they learned their shop on Church Street has been honoured with two awards in the space of a fortnight.Glen and Lyn Neilson of Sweet Greetings in the town won a Retail North-East Award from Star Radio, recognising

good business practice and customer service. Then days later they were awarded the title of ‘Best Shop’ in the regional heat of the Northern Rail Best Hidden Gem award.Northern Rail asked people to vote for their favourite local shops, businesses, at-tractions and beauty spots from all across our region.

Sweet Greetings will now represent our region the national final of the Northern Rail competition.Mrs Neilson commented, “It is unbelievable. We are over the moon to win both competitions and we are very surprised. To win one would have been great, but to win both is just incredible.”

Support MovemberDuring the month of November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of men’s moustaches all over the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. Ian Wintrip from Shildon is taking part in this very worthy event and is being ably supported by Oasis Dental Care in the town. You can call into their Lime Tree House practice on St. John’s Road to make a donation and help Ian reach his £1,000 goal, or do so online at mobro.co/ianwintrip46. For further information check out uk.movember.com.

Ian Wintrip is growing his moustache to raise awareness of men’s health.

Shildon LibraryAs part of the town’s Christmas celebrations, Shildon Library will host a ‘Stories with the Fairy Queen’ event on Friday 2nd December for children up to the age of 6. The event is sponsored by the Town Council and is free to enter. It will run from 10am till 11am and the library’s computer systems are likely to be unavailable until 12 noon.

There will also be a coffee morning on Friday 9th December from 10am until 12 noon. All proceeds from the morning will go towards the Chelsea Rowley fund, a local girl who is battling a rare brain illness. There will be a tombola, cakes, cards and a selection of Christmas gifts for sale. The winner of the name the dog competition will also be announced on the morning.

Spiritualist ChurchAn evening of mediumship with Bill Lloyd will take place at Shildon Spiritual-ist Church on Wednesday

30th November from 7pm. Entry is £3 on the door. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Kirkby Stephen EastA meeting in the education room at the National

Railway Museum Collec-tions Building which will discuss Kirkby Stephen East – The Dream Becomes Reality with Mike Thompson. It will take place from 11.30am on Saturday 26th November and there will be a shuttle bus from the welcome building to the collec-tions building. The event is free and lunch can be purchased on site.

Older Person’s Christmas PartySunnydale Community College will host this year’s annual Older Person’s Christmas Party on Wednesday 14th

December from 1.45pm till 2.45pm. Afternoon tea will be served with seasonal entertainment and raffle prizes can be won. Places

are limited so please book early to avoid disappoint-ment. Call Sunnydale College on 01388 772526 to secure your place.

Shopwatch picks up paceThe Shopwatch scheme for retailers is picking up pace as we head into the busiest part of the festive shopping period. Over twenty local

retailers are now onboard with the scheme, which sees them equipped with radios with a direct line to police and other businesses.

If you are a business owner and would like to take part in the scheme, visit www.apexradio.com for further information.

Shildon TaxisChristmas

bookings now being taken for Christmas Day

Telephone:01388 778877

Friday 25th November 2011 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 538Page 6

MILNER’S CLEANING CONTRACTORS

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Baptism at St. John’s

The Reverend Rupert Kalus baptised a little baby boy this week, pictured above with his sister Isobel. Alexander John Plews was welcomed into the church as his proud parents looked on. His father Daniel, a roofer, and mother

Jade, a nurse, named Jill Fieldson, Craig Brwn, Adele & Graham Scott, Nicola Duffield, Louise Hopper and Mark McEvoy as Godparents to Alexander. Many family and friends enjoyed a reception afterwards at Elm Road Club.

Alexander with his parents and big sister.

Arson attack on Probation OfficeLocal man Dean Williams of Pasture Row in Eldon appeared at Durham Crown Court this week charged with arson. The 20 year old was sentenced to four years in a young offenders institute for the attack, which caused an estimated £70,000 of damage to Probation Offices on Kensington Terrace in Bishop Auckland.The court heard that on Guy Fawkes Night he filled a petrol can, scaled the exterior wall and broke into the rear of the premises and emptied the petrol all around the premises. He ignited the fuel with his lighter before fleeing on foot – so hastily that he badly injured his ankle, leaving him on crutches for some time afterwards.He was arrested after it became common knowledge of what had happened, and made full admissions in police interviews. He said

that he had been drinking up to 12 cans of lager throughout the course of the day and had attended a bonfire. Williams had told police that he had lost his driving license and “felt he had lost everything” after a local probation worker had him “grassed up.”In prosecution Mrs Jennifer Haigh said, “He personally blamed a man at the probation office for ‘grassing him up’ to police and said he had made his mind up to go there to burn it out.“He bought the can at a petrol station for £5 on the way and said his intention was to burn it out on the ground floor, where he knew that particular man worked, as he visits the office on a weekly basis. He said that he was not thinking straight and knew he did not have any real excuse for what happened.”Williams also has 12 other

convictions for 23 offences, and indeed was serving a 12 week suspended jail sentence at the time of his arson attack. This sentence was for burglary of an office in Newcastle.In mitigation David Lamb told the court that Williams had admitted arson, knowing the building was unoccupied at the time. He said that despite his record, Williams had never gone to jail.As Judge Guy Whitburn imposed the four year sentence he said, “You were extremely cross with Bishop Auckland Probation Service and laid your plans, putting petrol where it could do most damage. You thought what you did was proportionate because you had a grudge against the staff.“It caused £70,000 worth of damage and very con-siderable disruption to the Probation Service.”

Flower club meetingShildon and District Flower Club is holding their Christmas Open Meeting on Monday 28th November at the Civic Hall in Shildon. Doors open at

6.30pm and a Christmas Delights demonstration will start at 7.30pm. There will be stalls and raffle. Admission is £7 for non-members.

At a recent Shildon Community Safety meeting, held on Wednesday 16th November, a number of concerns were raised with regard to youths riding cycles on the footpaths in

the town, as well as riding cycles without lights during the hours of darkness.Three areas were identified as ‘hotspots’; Church Street, the Bus Station and Byerley Road.A police spokesperson

commented that riding cycles without lights during the hours of darkness is an offence and could lead to those caught being fined or taken to court. Officers in the town will be keeping an eye on the situation.

Concerns raised for cyclists

Due in courtZara Jane Hawkins, of Kimberley Street, Coundon Grange, faces three charges arising out of an

incident in Willington on 5th November. The 25 year-old is alleged to have used threatening words

and behaviour, resisted a police officer and of being in breach of an anti-social behaviour order.

Friday 25th November 2011Shildon & District Town Crier Issue 538 Page 7

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Win tickets to Santa Special!

Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon is currently preparing for a very special annual visit from Santa this December.Visitors to the Santa Specials event will be able to enjoy a train ride, magic show, craft activity, music and more – with a quality gift for every child. The Santa Specials will take place on 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December between 10am and 4pm (Last admission 3pm).Santa Specials tickets are priced at £8 for children,

£5.50 for adult, £25 for a Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) or £32 for a Family Ticket for 2 adults and 3 children. Admission to the event is by advance ticket only. For more in-formation or to book call 01388 771439.Locomotion, in partner-ship with the Town Crier, is offering the chance for you to win a family ticket (worth £25) for two adults and two children for Saturday 10th December. To win answer the following question:

What is the name of Santa’s famous red-nosed reindeer?Send your answer, name, address and contact details to: Santa Specials Town Crier Competition, Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 1PQ.Entries must include your answer, name, address and contact details. The closing date for the competition is midnight on Sunday 4th December. Terms and conditions apply.

The Crown Prosecutor requested an adjournment in the case of John Dean Lawton and despite an objection by the defence, magistrates at Newton Aycliffe granted the request. The 34 year-old of New Row, Eldon, will now return to the court on 30th November, having been

Police to make further enquiries

released on unconditional bail. The court heard that on 7th October a police search was carried out at the de-fendant’s address, where a small quantity of cannabis was found, along with ten wraps of amphetamine. Other items were seized including Lawton’s and his partner’s mobile phones.

Eldon toddlersThe group Eldon Toddlers runs every Friday during term time at Eldon Community Centre from

9.30am till 11am. Sessions cost just £1 per family. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Country and Western at the BRShildon BR Sports and Social Club will be proud hosts to the brilliant country and western artist Jacki Hudson on Wednesday 30th November. Doors open at 7pm and admission is free, however proceeds from the

evening will be donated to the Great North Air Ambulance so all donations are welcomed. There will also be a raffle and nibbles will be provided. Everyone is welcome to go along.

Showtime at EldonEldon Community Partner-ship is proud to present top singer and guitarist Mr. Will Marx appearing at Eldon Community Centre on

Saturday 26th November. The show starts at 7pm, Admission is free and the bar will be open until 11pm. Everyone is welcome.

Santa will visit Locomotion in December.

Christmas SocialThe Masonic Hall on Middleton Road in Shildon is hosting the annual Christmas Social on Saturday 3rd December.

The event will run from 10am till 12 noon and will have bottle stalls, a tombola, plant stalls, mince pies, tea and coffee

and Santa will also be appearing for the children. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

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Friday 25th November 2011 Shildon & District Town CrierIssue 538Page 8

SportLocal leagues, competitions and events...

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Annual cricket meetingShildon Railway Cricket Club holds its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 30th November at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. All current players and members are invited to attend, as well as any who may wish to join the club. The election of new officers to the committee is one of the items on the agenda and the club hopes that everyone will make a big effort to attend. “The 2012 season looks like being a major turning point in the history of local cricket as there are likely to be some serious

changes in the structure of the pyramid system commencing,” said a spokesman for the club. “It’s imperative therefore that we are best prepared for the changes that are inevitably coming and thereby ensure that our club doesn’t miss out or get left behind in any way,” he added.Club Treasurer John Brennan told The Crier “The club is acutely aware that senior teams need to improve on poor performances over the past two seasons and that investment in the

junior sides is vital for our future. We are extremely grateful to those in our community who give us such essential support via sponsorship, this helps enormously with transport costs which are well over £1,000 per season. We are competing in a league in which most teams employ the services of a profes-sional, which has knock on benefits by attracting other talented players to the club and improving the quality of coaching. This is something we must look at seriously for the coming seasons.”

Manager Doug Grant had a large squad to pick from as the Grey Horse returned to a league fixture after a disappointing defeat in the cup last weekend.With the emphasis on trying to get at the away team’s defence, Dougie opted to play with three up front.It wasn’t long before that selection appeared justified when, after quarter of an hour, the ball was fired in from the left. With the keeper only able to parry, Dougie himself was on hand to tap the ball in for a 1-0

lead.North Shields came back at the home side and it was soon 1-1. Neat build up play enabled a clever ball to be put round the back of the defence and, with the away forward first to react, the scores were level.The away team kicked on and were soon 2-1 up, this time a shot fired from the edge of the box beating keeper Ian Shepherd in the Shildon goal.A number of substitutions at halftime brought the Grey Horse back into the game

Grey Horse v North Shields Pineapple

and 10 minutes into the second half Neil Bannister hit home the equaliser. Ten minutes later man-of-the-match Darren Foster put the home side back in front, again another powerful shot from the edge of the box flew in past the keeper.There was just enough time left for Dougie Grant to get his second as he worked an opening for himself and fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards.A 4-2 win and 3 valuable points.

Shildon AFC were away in the league to Marske United in their most recent fixture, who prior to this match had only won one league game at home.They were good enough however to beat an under-performing Shildon side by 2 goals to 1.Shildon could have scored in the first minute when a short free kick from Craig Price found Steve Johnson wide of the right, with his shot just skimming the bar.The game was a scrappy affair, with neither team able to keep the ball. It was not really possible to play passing football as the grass was far too long.On 31 minutes the Railwaymen were ahead

when Craig Price sent a long ball to Steve Johnson, who unselfishly squared to Chris Hughes for an easy tap in.The Seasiders were level on 38 minutes when Craig Price gave the ball away to Karl Charlton, who blasted into the roof of the net.Just before half time Shildon thought they should have had a penalty, but the referee didn't agree and booked Craig Price for re-monstrating.On 65 minutes Marske went ahead when Karl Chalrton cleverly rounded three defenders on the left and crossed to Ben Thompson, who headed in past Keith Finch. Final Score: Marske United 2 Shildon 1.

Shildon defeated in ‘scrappy’ game

Shildon AFCUpComing FixtUreS

Saturday 26th NovemberHome v Newcastle Benfield

Wednesday 30th NovemberAway v Bedlington Terriers

Saturday 3rd DecemberHome v Stokesley Sports Club

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