Saturday 25th July 2015The Bishop Press Issue 163 Page 1

Published at:First Floor, Town Council Offices,

Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH.

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

www.bishoppress.comemail: bishoppress@yahoo.co.ukof our wonderful community

Bishop press The

At the heart

Saturday 25th July 2015Issue 163

Fully archived online at www.bishoppress.com email us at: bishoppress@yahoo.co.uk

GARNETTSBook one of our upcoming day breaksTravel with GARNETTS for miles of smiles

Sunday 2nd AugustChester zoo (ad not inC)

Adult: £15 Child £14

Monday 3rd Augustlake windemere

Adult: £12.50 Child £11.50

Tuesday 4th Augustflamingoland (ad not inC)

Adult: £12.50 Child £11.50

Wednesday 5th AugustYork

Adult: £12 Child £11

Wednesday 5th AugustBridlington

Adult: £13.50 Child £12.50

Thursday 6th Augustnew wet & wild (ad not inC)

Adult: £9 Child £8

Call us now on (01388) 604419www.garnettscoaches.com

Tuesday 4th Augusteden Camp (ad not inC)

Adult: £12.50 Child £11.50

Friday 7th AugustedinBurgh tour

Adult: £15 Child £14

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A community centre in Henknowle Estate has re-opened thanks to a dedi-cated group of volunteers.The Dorset Place Commu-nity Centre was officially re-opened on Tuesday 7th July, by the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Lee Brownson.The centre originally opened in 1976 when the

estate was built, however after council cut-backs it was forced to close its doors in 2010. Like many other community build-ings in County Durham, this centre was recently made the subject of an asset transfer. This meant Durham County Council handed back control of buildings or land to the

communities they serve.The group are called 'Friends of Dorset Place' and are a registered charity. They have a total of nine committee members including Chris-tine Dodds, who praised her friend, David Nevison for helping them with the application to gain charity status.Christine said, “It's been a hard journey to get where we are today and we want to thank everyone for their support. We are now particularly looking to raise funds to upgrade the windows to double glazing and finish off the internal decorating.”So far they have raised around £11,600 from various bodies.The community centre will be used for a variety of social events and will par-ticularly support elderly residents suffering from isolation and loneliness.Councillor Lee Brownson, who was born and raised on the estate, said “This is brilliant news, especially for the older generation who really enjoyed using this centre in the past. To see groups of volunteers doing something like this puts the heart back into the community.”

Biting back against loan sharks

Help has been at hand for victims of loan sharks during a week of action targeting an area of Bishop Auckland.The Illegal Money Lending Team’s national Bite Back! week – aimed at raising awareness around the dangers of predatory loan sharks - took place between 20th and 24th July.As part of the campaign, Durham County Council and its partners offered free training to organisations whose staff deliver front-line services to residents.It comes after recent reports of loan sharks operating in the Wood-house Close area of Bishop Auckland.The training focused on the threats posed by illegal money lenders, including how to spot the signs of potential victims and how they can access help.Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection,

Durham County Council, said, “Loan sharks are a real danger – they often appear friendly at first but they quickly trap their victims, leaving them with mounting debts as they can be known to charge sky-high interest rates.“As these debts cannot be legally enforced many lenders will use extreme methods to force their victims to repay them, such as threats, violence and intimidation.“It is vital that these dangers are highlighted and we are pleased to be working with the Illegal Money Lending Team and our partners to raise awareness and offer help to those who may be at risk or have already fallen victim to these unscrupulous traders.”For more information and advice about loan sharks call the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222.

Community Centre re-opens

Bishop Auckland Mayor, Cllr. Lee Brownson, cuts the ribbon at the re-opening of Dorset Place Community Centre, alongside the committee members who have fought for its survival.

Saturday 25th July 2015 The Bishop PressIssue 163Page 2

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BBC Look North pre-senter Colin Briggs visited Bishop Auckland’s St John’s School – A Catholic Academy recently, to give an exclusive talk about his work in journalism and presenting. A spokesperson for the school said, “Mr Briggs was alive with enthusiasm for

his career; he had a story for every question that the Year 10 students asked and was truly an inspiration to the young people who are looking to journalism as a possible future career.”Maya Gibson, one of the Year 10 students Colin talked to, said, “I think it was important for us to

hear about the journey he took through many differ-ent roles before settling on something that he is truly passionate about. “This was also an eye opening experience as Colin revealed how some famous faces have had to work hard to get where they are now”.

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Look North presenter inspires students

BBC Look North presenter Colin Briggs with Year 10 students at St John’s School.

Just after 1pm on the after-noon of 28th March, police had cause to stop a VW Bora on Millbank Terrace, Eldon Lane. On speaking to the driver, officers detected a strong smell of cannabis within the vehicle and the driver admitted that their suspi-cions were correct. A roadside saliva test was administered and Kyle James Watson was taken into custody. Further blood samples were taken and sent for analysis which proved that Watson was over the speci-

Cannabis driver receives year’s ban

fied limit. Appearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, the 22 year-old, of Church Street, Toronto, was not represented but pleaded guilty to the charge. Magistrates sentenced the defendant to a 12 month driving disqualification and imposed a fine of £250, plus costs of £85 and a victim support surcharge of £25.The self- employed cladder had recently been working in Holland and travels all over the country with his work, which will now be affected by his driving ban.

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Saturday 25th July 2015The Bishop Press Issue 163 Page 3

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Friendly, local, reliable serviceShiLdoN ToWN CouNCiLPart-time Assistant Cook 24 hrs per week

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We are looking to enhance the service we provide at the Shildon Civic Hall and now have a vacancy for an Assistant Cook.

The post holder will be contracted to 24 hours per week which includes evenings and most weekends with the opportunity of additional casual hours as and when required.Duties will include the preparation & cooking of meals to be served in the restaurant & function suite, stock control, general kitchen duties & the ordering of foodstuffs from suppliers. The post will involve working as part of a small team aiming to deliver a good quality end product to all customers.You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. Application forms are available from Shildon Town Council, Council Offices, Civic Hall Square, Shildon, Co. Durham DL4 1AH. Tel (01388) 772563. Email: council@shildon.gov.uk If you would like further information, please contact Mr. Paul Watson, Civic Hall Manager on 01388 772902.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 3rd August 2015

A responsive Town Council providing excellent and efficient local services.

Casual Bar & Waiter StaffShildon Civic hall

hourly Rate: £7.09 (Subject to Status)We are looking to employee new staff for bar & waiter positions in the near future on a casual non contract basis. Shifts would mainly be in the evenings & over the weekend. Anyone who would like to be considered can apply direct in person to the manager of Shildon Civic Hall.

Closing date for applications: Monday 3rd August 2015

Parks, cemeteries and country walks through-out County Durham have landed a string of pres-tigious national awards, and included in the list is Bishop Auckland town rec-reation ground.Fourteen open spaces owned by Durham County Council have been awarded Green Flag status for 2015. These include six parks and two countryside sites, while six cemeteries/crematoriums were also recognised – the highest number held by any local authority in the country.The awards, which are run by Keep Britain Tidy, reflect the high standards of maintenance needed to keep the sites looking good and excellence in manage-ment and good practice.Judges look at various criteria, including mainte-nance, conservation and community involvement, as well as how welcoming, healthy, safe and secure open spaces are.

Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services at Durham County Council, said, “We are delighted that so many of our parks, cemeteries and countryside sites have been awarded Green Flag status once again.“In particular, our six cemeteries and cremato-ria sites are flying the flag nationally, receiving the most Green Flags awarded to any local authority in the country.”Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbour-hoods and local partner-ships, added, “This is a fan-tastic result and we would like to acknowledge the involvement of local com-munities, working in part-nership with the council, in the upkeep of the sites through friends groups and volunteer activity.”

Green flag flies high in Bishop Park

A local charity shop chose a fun way to get shoppers to donate when it acted out a scene from a famous choco-late advert.Volunteers and staff at Bishop Auckland’s Scope store on Newgate Street presented their own version of the Milk Tray ad on Saturday 18th July, as part of the national charity’s Great Donate stock appeal.

Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Lee Brownson, with staff and volunteers at the Scope charity shop on Newgate Street during their appeal for stock. (Photo courtesy Chris Percival).

Volunteers at the Bishop Auckland shop hope that the local community will get behind the campaign and help them play their part in the annual drive to get one million donated items by the end of July.Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Lee Brownson said, “It was great to be involved in the summer appeal at the Bishop Auckland branch, the

Scope’s high hopes for stock donation in summer appeal

volunteers and staff looked great all dressed up and enjoyed themselves handing out goodies to the shoppers in the town. “Charity shops are always looking for help from the local community so why not have a good clear-out put all those unwanted items into a bag, donate them and help support a great cause.”

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Saturday 25th July 2015 The Bishop PressIssue 163Page 4

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Martin Gray (Manager Darlington FC), Lee Cattermole (Sunderland AFC captain), Lee Brownson (Mayor of Bishop Auckland), Martin Jesper (Chief Executive of Darlington Football Club), Jermain Defoe (Sunderland AFC).

The new 2015/16 football season kicked off in Bishop Auckland on Thursday 9th July, when premier league side Sunderland AFC visited Heritage Park to play a pre-season friendly against newly promoted Darlington 1883.The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Lee Brownson was in attendance and before kick off was pre-sented with a signed shirt from Sunderland players Jermain Defoe and captain Lee Cattermole, along with Darlington FC manager Martin Gray and DFC Chief Executive Martin Jesper.Cllr Brownson said, “I am extremely grateful to both

Sunderland AFC and Dar-lington FC for their kind generosity in donating the signed shirts which will go towards raising money for my chosen charity of the year - Help for Heroes.“It was an entertaining match with some cracking goals. I would like to wish both Darlington and Sun-derland all the very best for the upcoming season.”The match itself started very positivity for Darling-ton, scoring two early goals from Stephen Thompson and Adam Mitchell. but Italian international Giac-

cherini pulled a goal back.Sunderland boss, Dick Advocaat rang the changes at the interval and Danny Graham soon equalised after 53 minutes. Giaccherini then netted a superb curling effort into the corner from 20 yards to ensure the premier league side got off to a positive start to their pre-season campaign.The signed Sunderland shirt will be auctioned off as part of the Mayor's Comedy Night, which is due to take place on Friday 18th Sep-tember at Heritage Park.

The next meeting of Hen-knowle Residents’ Associa-tion will take place at 6pm

Residents’ meetingon Monday 27th July in the Manor Pub.All are welcome.

Bishop’s Sports BarKingsway - 01388 601439

Fri 24th July: ELviS TRiBuTE (FREE ENTRy)

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Sunderland players support Mayor’s charity campaign

What’s on at the Town Hall?

On Friday 24th July at 7.30pm, Hilarity Bites comedy club presents Andre Vincent, one of those rare entertainers who does it all: Comedian, actor, writer, director, presenter, singer, circus boy… a born show-off. Joining Andre is top up-and-coming Scouse funnyman Adam Rowe and host Tiernan Douieb. Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the door.An exhibition by Brian Sutherland presents his latest work, an adaptation of the notion of the Four Horsemen of the Apoca-lypse, combined with an in-terpretation of natural phe-nomena such as nebulae. (in the McGuinness Gallery: Monday 27th July - Saturday 12th September)Films being screened include Testament of Youth on Thursday 30th July at 7.30pm, based on Vera Brittain’s autobiographical memoirs during World War I. (Cert: 12A/129 mins/£5).American Sniper will be

screened on Thursday 6th August at 7.30pm, in which Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. (Cert: 15/132 mins/£5).Family Matinees are being screened on Thursdays at 2pm over the school holidays, including The Boxtrolls and Big Hero 6. Full details and dates are available on the website. bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.Looking ahead, August’s comedy club, Friday 21st August at 7.30pm, sees local favourite Andy Fury host two of the most established acts on the UK comedy circuit, Mike Milligan and Steve Day. Tickets are £8 in advance.Full details of all events are available on the website: bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.To book any of the events phone the Box Office on 03000269524.

Saturday 25th July 2015The Bishop Press Issue 163 Page 5

Residents of Bishopsgate Lodge Care Home in Hexham Street, Bishop Auckland, had two special visitors on Wednesday 22nd July, when Police dogs ‘extraordinaire’ Jet, age 5, and Ben, age 6, paid them a visit. PCSO Claire Kerr proudly presented the friendly animals to the residents,

who were all delighted to meet them, especially Nan Hesp, whose 95th birthday was the day after the visit.Officer Kerr explained the dogs visit any nursing home requesting a visit in Co. Durham and Darlington during the school holidays.At other times the dogs visit primary schools when

Claire gives the pupils a talk on ‘stranger danger’.She also attends fairs and Brownie – Beaver Groups on an evening, explaining personal safety. If you require more informa-tion, or would like to meet the canine friends, visit www.jetandben.org or call 101.

A man has appeared in court after allegedly kicking and swearing at a disabled man outside a supermarket in Bishop Auckland.The 23-year-old victim was sitting down with a friend at the South Church Road entrance to ASDA on Tuesday 7th July, when he was attacked. Shortly after 9pm three men got out of a black Audi A series car. One of them approached the victim and abused him verbally before repeatedly kicking him in the upper body and head. The trio then returned to the vehicle and drove off in the direc-tion of the town centre.Thirty-seven year-old John Keller, from Eldon Lane, was arrested following the attack and pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated assault by beating when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magis-trates Court on Saturday 18th July.Magistrates declined ju-risdiction and Keller will now appear at Durham

Man assaulted outside supermarket

Crown Court on Friday 31st July. He was remanded in custody until this date.Inspector Martin Peace said, “This was a totally unprovoked attack on an innocent young man who is not only deaf but has other physical disabilities that made him vulnerable. There were customers entering and leaving the store who may have seen the attack and we would like to speak to them."Similarly we would like to speak to the two men who accompanied the suspect. “Amazingly the victim suffered only bruising to his ribs but he has been left badly shaken by the attack and is struggling to come to terms with it.”Due to the language used by the assailant it is believed the assault was racially mo-tivated.Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is urged to contact PC Sarah Rooney or Inspector Peace at Bishop Auckland police office on 101.

Community stalwarts Jet & Ben visit care home residents

PCSO Claire Kerr and PCSO Andy Quinn took Jet and Ben to visit residents at Bishopsgate Lodge Care Home.

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People who would like to know more about arthritis can go along for a chat with a trained ‘arthritis champion’ volunteer at Bishop Auckland Hospital (Outpatients) on Tuesday 18th August, from 10am until 12 noon. There will be information

about arthritis, tips on coping day to day, and the service and support availa-ble. The free sessions take place every third Tuesday of the month.There is also a Wear Valley Arthritis Care Support Group, which takes place every 2nd Tuesday of the

Arthritis supportmonth at the Four Clocks Centre on Newgate Street, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.Entry is just £3 which includes coffee and a raffle.To find out more contact Jane on 0789 689 3209 or email jarick49@gmail.com.

Project DayBishop Auckland Methodist Church, on Cockton Hill Road, will be holding a Project Day on Tuesday 4th August, between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments will be served all day and there

will also be a cake stall, summer stall and raffle.All proceeds are in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and Riding for the Disabled at Escomb. All are welcome.

Four Clocks Club

Residents in the town who would like to socialise and make new friends have been invited to join the Four Clocks Club. The group meets every Friday between 1.30pm

and 3.30pm when there are cups of tea and coffee, bingo, cards, dominoes, quizzes, trips away and lots of laughs. For more infor-mation contact Pauline on 01388 609852.

The Secret Garden

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company is presenting open-air garden theatre at Auckland Castle next month, with their adapta-tion of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden.The show will be ‘staged’ on Saturday 8th August

from 6pm.Tickets cost £14 for adults and £10 for children, or £42 for a family of four. They are available from Auckland Castle on 01388 743750. Gates open at 5pm and show-goers are invited to take their own low-backed seats and picnic blankets.

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Saturday 25th July 2015 The Bishop PressIssue 163Page 6

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Traders promised a solution to car parking

Bishop Auckland traders have welcomed a compro-mise that would safeguard local people’s parking spaces in the wake of £60m tourist-led developments planned for the town’s historic castle.Business owners in the Fore Bondgate area had been worried that the Auckland Castle Trust’s ambitious proposals for the former palace of Eng-land’s only Prince Bishops, would see residents and local shoppers competing for parking spaces with the 120,000 extra visitors a year expected to flock to the market town.They had claimed footfall could be adversely hit if townspeople had to compete for parking spaces with tourists. But the Trust has pledged to allocate a dedicated area for resident and local shopper use if it is successful in its bid to take over the management of an expanded North Bondgate car park from Durham County Council.Liz Fisher, Director of

Operations at Auckland Castle Trust, said, “Some residents, business owners and regular shoppers have questioned the castle’s commitment to ensuring it works in partnership with the townspeople and listens to their concerns.“The opinions of the towns-people are of upmost im-portance to us, and it is as a result of the Trust meeting with the Fore Bondgate business owners and other interested parties and lis-tening to their worries that I can guarantee that if we take over the running of North Bondgate car park, then we will earmark an area for residents and local shoppers.”Durham County Councillor Sam Zair, who owns a café in Fore Bondgate added, “This town and its business community has suffered for years from a shortage of car parking and investment on the high street.“The extra spaces will be a shot in arm, but the worry has been that they would all go to visitors to

the castle and local people would miss out.“I am reassured by the Auckland Castle Trust’s pledge and this move should help bring people back into the town. It is the best chance we have had for years.”Currently the North Bondgate car park has room for 170 vehicles.Durham County Council is wanting to create an extra 230 spaces on the former bus depot next to North Bondgate as well as on land owned by North East based social enterprise, Gentoo, to help cater for the expected influx of visitors to Auckland Castle.At the same time, the council has entered into negotiations with the Auckland Castle Trust to take on the ongoing maintenance, manage-ment and operation of an expanded North Bondgate car park on a long-term lease, a decision on which is expected in the autumn following a three week public consultation in June.

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Cllr Sam Zair and Liz Fisher at North Bondgate car park with Fore Bondgate shopkeepers.

Bishop Auckland Town Council is encouraging resi-dents of the town to enter into the Town Show, to be held in the Town Hall as part of an overall event planned for Saturday 8th August.A spokesperson for the Council said, “The show in the Town Hall is a new

event for Bishop Auckland. We are looking for garden-ers and enthusiasts of all levels of experience who would like to show vegeta-bles and flowers.”For more information and entry forms, contact Bishop Auckland Town Council on 01388 609852.

Town Show appeal

Saturday 25th July 2015The Bishop Press Issue 163 Page 7

TownShow

Au cp ko lh asi ndB

Saturday 8th August 10am - 4pm

Bishop Auckland Market Place

“Join us in the Market Place fora free family fun day!”

TownShow

Au cp koh lasi ndB

Activities12 noon – 4.00pm - The Town Hall Head to the Town Hall to see Bishop Auckland's first annual Town Show, showcasing a horticultural and Bake show with exhibits from local residents of Bishop Auckland. Judge and RHA Gold Winner Gary Hillery will allocate 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. Entry is still open with 1st prize £50 Leek and 1st prize £15 chocolate cake up for grabs! Public access is from 12 noon onwards. Exhibitors will be auctioning their locally grown fresh flowers and vegetables at 3pm – all proceeds will go to the Mayor's Charity fund which is Help for Heroes.

10am Market PlaceThe Mayor of Bishop Auckland will officially open the show at 10am. Live performances will then continue over the course of the day.

10.15-10.45am Punch & Judy Show11.00am-11.30am Vintage Female Singing Group The Doo Wop Dollies11.45am-12.15pm Children's Entertainer Mr Twister Live Show12.30pm -1.00 pm Vintage Female Singing Group The Doo Wop Dollies1.15pm-1.45pm Children's Entertainer Mr Twister Live Show1.45pm-2.15pm Punch & Judy Show2.30-3.00pm Vintage Female Singing Group The Doo Wop Dollies

Ÿ Face PainterŸ Alex Tighe's History of

Bishop Auckland (in the Town Hall)Ÿ Bishop Auckland's regular

Saturday Market.Ÿ Peter Pan & Tinkerbell -

meet the pair who fought Captain Hook

Other attractions include:

For more information contactBishop Auckland Town Council01388 609852 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk

Woodhouse Art Class have put together a selection of work for display on the walls of the Bradbury Hall at Woodhouse Close Church Community Centre.This is the first time the artists have exhibited together since the group began in 2012. There are paintings for sale

and commissions will be taken for anyone wishing to buy. The exhibition is open to the public until Thursday 13th August, and the Centre is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday.The group is made up of people of varied abilities from all areas of the com-

Give bloodA blood donation session will be taking place at the Scout Centre on Kingsway, Bishop Auckland next month.Residents can save a life by giving blood between

2.05pm and 4pm, and again between 4.50pm and 7.05pm on Thursday 6th August.Make an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 or by visiting blood.co.uk.

munity, including stroke victims, residents of care homes and the elderly and isolated.Following a summer break, the group will continue to meet weekly. Anyone who would like to join can go along to their next meeting on Tuesday 8th September, between 6pm and 8pm.

Some of the members of Woodhouse Art Class; Mary Aspinall, Ken Tooby, Christine Bolton, Bill Annals and Jean Bowen.

Art group put on colourful display

A new programme of activities is offering a summer packed full of sports for the whole family, and residents in Bishop Auckland can make the most of the local park by getting involved in Parklife.The Parklife project takes place in Bishop Auckland Recreational Ground, with some sessions free and others as little as £1.Marie Urwin, sports and physical activity project officer for Parklife, said, “Parklife is about to begin its first full summer of fun sporting activities. “With a number of free sessions on offer we hope

that everyone can get involved.“Parklife is a great way for young people and families to spend time together, get active and meet new people while spending time outdoors. “We hope to see lots of new faces taking part.”Why not try golf; tennis; lads and dads football; youth games; Go Play; Go Skate, athletics or rugby?Family fun games sessions also take place every Friday at Bishop Bar-rington School between 5pm and 6pm.For a full list of events, visit the website at: www.durham.gov.uk/parklife.

Get involved in Parklife this summer

Saturday 25th July 2015 The Bishop PressIssue 163Page 8

SportLocal leagues, competitions and events...

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St Mary’s Juniors had a fantastic experience in Barcelona last week, with the Under 16 Angels playing four games against Spanish Academy sides.The girls were presented with the Barcelona Junior Female Cup.The Under 16 Kings flew to Spain the following day and played four games with an opening game against an Argentinian team, Villamaria, drawing 0-0, followed by a 4-0 win over Spanish team C F Sant Just. The third game saw the team pitted against another Argentinian team, losing 1-0. In the semi-finals they were up against the opposing group winners from Barce-lona, P B Anguera.The game ended 2-2 and with no extra time went straight to penalties, with

St Mary’s players Sam Parnaby, Gareth McMahon, Liam Robson and Regan Blakey scoring, but the Barcelona team scored all 5 to go through to the final. St Mary’s received a third place cup in a fantastic tournament. Back home, 55 teams entered St Mary’s annual club tournament and had a fantastic weekend. St Mary’s had winners in the Under 8, Under 11 and Under 13’s categories.St Marys also had finalists in the Under 7, Under 9, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 16 groups.The Under 8 Kings won after extra time against Cleveland Juniors 3-2 to win their cup final, after also winning the Crook AFC tournament the day before. The Under 8 Aces were so

close on both days too, drawing against the Kings.The Under 11 Kings won 1-0 in the final against Willing-ton in a very close group, while the Under 13s won 4-2 in their final against Norton & Stockton.The Under 13 Angels had a good day, also winning their first game and drawing, but then came up against an excellent Blyth Town team. The Under 17s team is starting training shortly, (with any players past or new who want to carry on playing) on a Sunday morning. Visit www.basmj.net or phone 07968 426 817 for more details .Any girl players who would like to go along and experi-ence girls’ teams football at ages 12 plus and 10 plus should also use the contacts above.

Bishop Auckland school boy Matthew Bradley who swims for Sedgefield 75 ASC competed at Newcas-tle Swim Team’s annual summer gala on 12th July.Matthew’s first swim was the 200 metres indi-vidual medley in which he excelled, taking the gold medal and achieving a personal best time of 2.07.91. This meant he qualified for the Skins Knockout com-petition later in the day.

Next up was the 50 metres backstroke with another gold medal and a personal best time of 27.84. After a short break Matthew competed in the skins competition, which involves rapid 50 metre swims with the last placed swimmer in each 50 metre swim being eliminated. Matthew stepped up to the mark and swam two rounds of 50 metre butterfly, two 50 metre breaststroke and in the

final a 50 metre free-style where he achieved a personal best time of 24.10 seconds and took the top prize of £30.In the afternoon session Matthew continued his weekend success by taking gold in the 50 metres freestyle in a time of 24.57 seconds and finished the day well in the 200 metres freestyle, taking his fourth gold and achieving a personal best time of 1.54.88.

Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club and Cockton Hill Bowling Club received £200 each from Cllr Sam Zair’s members initiative fund recently. The money will be used to update existing equip-ment.

Cllr Zair said, “It is es-sential that these two clubs always have the best equipment on offer so that the two sports can attract more members from every age bracket to their clubs, and also help to keep them-selves fit and healthy.”

Bishop Auckland Table Tennis club is celebrating after the club’s girls team qualified for the Junior British League at Grantham last weekend.The league will see the team compete against the top teams in the UK. Bishop Auckland started the day scoring a 5-1 victory over Uxbridge Burton. Next up were the surprise package Guernsey; after a tough battle it was a 3-3 draw. The girls then got back on form and beat Ipswich 6-0 and Draycott Derby 5-1. Guernsey had also beaten the other teams by the same score leading to a countback of sets, and the Bishop Girls had won more and lost less so went through as champions. Bishop Auckland table tennis club runs girls only coaching

sessions on Wednesdays from 6pm till 7.30pm, for any females wishing to try table tennis.The boy’s event saw two Bishop teams try and qualify. The A team with an average age of 12.5 did well to finish in 11th place. Unlike the girls, luck was not on their side, just missing out on qualifying with sets countback. Having beaten teams from Warrington, Blaenafon Wales, Cardiff, Hull and Ipswich they lost out to a strong teams from Dublin and Jersey. The B team sur-passed expectation picking up a win against Cardiff B and were unlucky not to get a draw against a strong St Neots Team. For more information on the club, contact Matt Porter on 07411 018 856.

On Wednesday 15th July, Bishop Auckland Golf Club men’s team played at home to Middlesbrough GC.The Bishops team gave a fantastic account of them-selves in an effort to hold on the TSU championship they won so well last year.Jamie Birkbeck, Peter Moralee, Graham Milne and Wayne Hewitt all won, with Wayne Melles gaining a half in his match. However it was Andrew Graham who

was three down at the turn who stole the show, winning his match with 6 of the final 7 holes. That made 11 out of 12 points in the scratch section. In the handicap section, wins for Paul King, Craig Wren, Carl Johnson, Adam Peart and Matt Tyrie picked up another 10 points out of the 12 on offer. This was Bishops’ biggest win of the season. Result Bishop Auckland GC 21 - 3 Middlesbrough GC.

Cllr donates cash

Girls’ TT champions

Best win of season

Win for Under 12sBishop Girls Under 12s were delighted to become winners of the Norton Tournament for the second year in a row recently. The girls were unbeaten all day, scoring 28 goals and only conceding 2.A spokesperson for the club said, “This was a

great end to the tourna-ment season, where we have won at Blackpool for a 3rd year, got beaten in the final of an Under 14s at Morpeth, were runners-up at Darlington Tournament and lost out in a semi-final on penalties in the Heaton Tournament!”

PB for Bishop swimmer

St Mary’s thrive in Barcelona Cup