The Sedgefield Mediaeval Fayre returns for another fun-filled day, made possible thanks to the support of Durham County Councillors Chris Lines and Ian Catchpole, along with many generous local businesses and organisations. New for 2026 is a full-size T-Rex, Princess A-Roar-A, joining the children’s ‘Dancing Dinosaur’ walking parade.

Pittington Brass Band will provide musical entertainment, and the ever-popular Tug of War takes place at 12:30pm (team names to Peter Hinde on the day). Full details of displays, demonstrations and activities will be available on posters and on the SCA Facebook page - Ceddesfeld Hall 'Home of SCA'.

Food will be available in the main hall:
• Breakfast bar (sausage & bacon butties, hot drinks) from 10am-12:15pm, thanks to Sedgefield Players
• Afternoon tea plates from 1:15pm-3:30pm, provided by SCA’s Pop In

Food in the main hall is cash only.

The Ceddesfeld Hall bar will be open from 11am, with last orders at 3:45pm (card and cash accepted).

Donations of tombola prizes (bottles or gifts) are very welcome and may be left at the Ceddesfeld Hall bar weekday evenings (from 7:30pm), in the foyer collection box, or collected by arrangement. Deadline: Wednesday 13th May.

Volunteer help is essential on the day, particularly for setting up and taking down gazebos, tables and the performance area (8am-9am and 4pm–5:30pm). Help from strong, fit volunteers would be greatly appreciated.

If possible, please leave your car at home or use the car parks on the outskirts of town, as parking near the centre will be very limited.

To help or donate, contact info@sedgefieldsca.org.uk, Tony & Sarah on 01740 622185 or 07847 052761, John on 01740 620042 or Maggie on 07970 761844.

With petrol prices continuing to rise, it’s a great moment to rethink how we make short local journeys. Using your bike for everyday errands is one of the easiest ways to save money, cut fuel use and make getting around feel simpler and more enjoyable. For trips of a couple of miles or less—going to the shops, collecting a parcel or visiting friends—cycling is often just as quick as driving once traffic and parking are taken into account.

A bike can easily be adapted to carry shopping or other items. One of the most useful upgrades is a sturdy rear rack, which allows you to attach panniers. These clip-on bags are secure, weather-resistant and keep weight low and balanced, making them more comfortable than carrying a heavy backpack. For lighter or bulkier items such as bread, flowers or takeaway containers, a front basket or crate is a simple solution.

Bungee cords or a cargo net can help keep heavier loads steady—just make sure nothing can move into the wheels or interfere with steering. Riding with extra weight does mean taking a little extra care. Keep tyres properly inflated, balance loads evenly, and avoid over-packing. If you’re new to carrying cargo, start small and build confidence gradually.

A good quality lock is essential while you shop, and the village has plenty of secure bike parking. If you’d like advice on getting started or adapting your bike, BAT is always happy to help. Choosing your bike for short trips saves petrol, reduces wear on your car and adds some fresh air and calm to everyday life—a small change with big benefits.

WWe are delighted to announce that as of May 2026, Sedgefield Allsorts will become a member of the Sedgefield Development Trust. Previously ‘WI Allsorts’, we are looking forward to this exciting new phase of being part of a wider local organisation and the opportunities that this will create.

Our aim is to provide a supportive and inclusive women’s community group offering conversation, friendship and fun in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. We meet once a month and members engage in wide-ranging activities from craft, guest speakers, singing to dancing and occasional trips out. The aim is to create a safe space where women can enjoy the company of others, spend time with friends and meet new people while trying new activities.

For more information please email allsorts@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk We would like to thank the Sedgefield Development Trust for their support and for making us feel so welcome.

Over three days, I completed a 62-mile coastal walk from Saltburn to Roker, finishing in under 62 hours while carrying a 15kg pack. The route was tough and unpredictable, with roadworks, flooding, and even a bomb-squad diversion — but it also delivered some breathtaking scenery.

This challenge was a charity fundraiser for If U Care Share Foundation, completed in memory of my dad.

The final stretch from Seaham, completed on what would have been my dad’s birthday, was made especially meaningful thanks to the support of friends, family, and local organisations who joined and encouraged me along the way.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared kind words, followed the journey, or walked alongside me — your support truly kept me going. It’s not too late to donate at www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/62miles62hours.

And if you’ve been looking for a sign to reach out or get involved in something positive, this might be it. Myles Mantripp

Two Sedgefield-based businesses are celebrating major achievements this year.

Storey’s Hair & Beauty has been named Best Hair Salon 2026 in County Durham, just over a year after opening. Owned by Rebecca Storey, the salon has quickly built a reputation for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and high-quality services. The award recognises the dedication of the whole team and the strong support they’ve received from the local community.



Meanwhile, Willowdene Care Home has been recognised as one of the Top 20 Care Homes in North East England by Carehome.co.uk. Based entirely on independent feedback from residents’ families and loved ones, the award reflects Willowdene’s outstanding rating and consistent praise for its compassionate, respectful care.

Home Manager Ruth Wilkinson Robson said the recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire team.

Over Easter, the Mayor of Sedgefield, Cllr Peter Hinde, judged the Easter colouring competition set up by Co-op Funeralcare Sedgefield. Sedgefield Primary submitted pictures from Nursery and Reception children, with Elliot winning, Sophie B in second place, and Ivy B in third.

Sedgefield Hardwick submitted pictures from Year 3, with Mya winning, Bodhi in second place, and Bailie in third.

All children who took part did an amazing job and the team at Co-op Funeralcare Sedgefield were very impressed with their work, as was the Mayor. Thank you to Sainsbury’s Sedgefield and Co-op Wynyard for supporting with prizes for the winners and a small token for all other children involved.

Two long term supporters of Hardwick Park have sadly passed away, Michael Rudd, a previous chair of the Friends of Hardwick and staunch supporter of the restoration we benefit from today, unfortunately died last month. Many may remember his weekly re-enactment of James Paine, landscape designer of Hardwick Park.

Recently we have also been told of the death of Richard Gater, longtime supporter of the Friends and Hardwick and volunteer ranger in the park. He too played a part in re-enacting the history of Hardwick Park.

Two major projects led by the Thorpe Thewles History Group (TTHG) are now drawing to a close. Readers may remember the story, featured in the January 2026 edition of Sedgefield News, of the antique diaries of David McLaren, discovered at a car boot sale.

The diaries, which vividly describe life in the years leading up to the Great War, have since been transcribed and turned into a full-length documentary supported by a National Lottery grant.

The documentary will be screened at Sedgefield Library at 2pm on Thursday 21 May 2026. Tickets are available from the library.

Meanwhile, TTHG are also completing work on the Thorpe/Carlton Cross project, first covered in the October 2025 edition. The cross fragments, found in the garden rockery of a former farmhouse, have been examined by experts from Durham and York Universities, who confirmed them to be early medieval, dating to the 10th century, and Anglo-Scandinavian in origin. More information can be found at thorpe-thewles.org.uk/the-carlton-thorpe-cross/.

At Sedgefield Community College (SCC), we celebrated World Book Day with a visit from author Malcolm Duffy. He delivered an engaging presentation about his journey as a writer, sharing insights into his experiences and inspirations. Students were captivated as he read a chapter from his novel ‘Me Mam. Me Dad. Me.’, leaving many eager to read more.

A selection of students were then invited to attend a writing workshop where they were encouraged to develop their own ideas and confidence as writers under his expert guidance. At lunchtime, Mr Duffy spent time in our library to sign books and chat with students, giving them the opportunity to engage with him in a less formal capacity and leave with their own signed copies – it has been wonderful to see the number of students engaging with his texts since!

The English team at SCC continue to create a wide range of opportunities to promote a love of literature within and beyond subject lessons. Just before the half term holiday, Year 7 and Year 8 students were given the exciting opportunity to experience a live performance of Macbeth in school. This was a fantastic way to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s work, seeing the play brought to life as it was intended! Students sat in awe as the actors performed with passion, breathing life into the text that they are studying in.