The Sedgefield Ball Game is believed to be around 800 years old, and once again it brought hundreds of residents into the village to take part in this much-loved tradition.
This year’s game was started by Sonny Blakey (pictured below with son, Paul). Congratulations to Matthew Temby (pictured above), who emerged victorious after a fiercely contested match. A big thank you to Stephen Curry for the photographs.
In the October edition of the News, we reported on the Thorpe Cross recently found in Carlton. As the project ends, there will be a celebratory presentation charting the discovery and research of this rare and important Anglo-Scandinavian cross shaft.
The presentation by Professor Sarah Semple and Roger Lang of the Department of Archaeology at Durham University will take place on Thursday 19 March 7pm for a 7:30pm start at Grindon Parish Hall, Durham Road, Thorpe Thewles TS21 3JN.
Tickets by telephone 01740 630014 or by email tthg@outlook.com or search for “Here be dragons” on eventbrite.co.uk.
The Fen Carr boardwalk at Hardwick
Park is currently closed due to its
poor condition, and the park is
applying for funding to replace it
and carry out biodiversity
improvements.
Plans include removing invasive
species, raising water levels,
creating ponds and improving water
flow.
To support the funding application,
the park needs to show strong
community backing.
You can help
by sharing your views on the
biodiversity plans and the
boardwalk replacement. Share your
views by completing the survey at
letstalkcountydurham.co.uk.
Earlier this month, a group of 27 students from Sedgefield Community College (SCC) had the fantastic opportunity to perform at Durham Cathedral. Our students were part of a larger choir of 150, made up of children from a number of local secondary schools.
The student singers were working alongside the world renowned Gabrieli Consort choir, soloists and period instrument orchestra. The opportunity to work with such talented professional musicians was a wonderful experience and is sure to have further strengthened our students’ passion for music.
In preparing for the event, our students developed their skills around ‘Teamwork’ and ‘Communication’ to work collaboratively with new musicians, engaging in rehearsal workshops both at SCC and Durham Johnston School. These workshops brought together students from Durham Johnston, Hurworth, Easington, Shotton Hall, Consett and SCC. Whether during the final performance or during the rehearsals, our students conducted themselves in an exemplary manner throughout.
Thank you to the Gabrieli Group for the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful project. Singing in a magnificent World Heritage Site is an experience that will live long in the memory of our students and also in that of the many parents and carers who supported by attending the performance.
Sedgefield Primary School were delighted to welcome the local MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, Alan Strickland, into school.
He was hugely impressed by pupils’ enthusiasm for reading and met with a dedicated reading panel, who shared how reading is prioritised across the school. Pupils also chatted about their favourite books and how much they enjoy reading.
Year 4 were especially excited to share their class text, The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. Many pupils read aloud with wonderful expression as they presented their favourite parts of the story.
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Pupils also explained how February becomes Readuary at Sedgefield Primary — a month-long celebration where children take part in a mini competition to boost their reading stamina. Each class works towards fun prizes as part of the challenge.During his visit, Alan Strickland held a mini Q&A session.
One school councillor, Jack (perhaps a future MP himself!), was delighted to discover that Alan’s nickname for the Houses of Parliament is “Hogwarts.”When pupils asked him about the best part of being a Member of Parliament, Alan explained that meeting people and visiting places — including schools and factories — are highlights of his role. He also spoke about an upcoming planned visit to a military base in Norway as an exciting part of his work.
We are thrilled that Alan Strickland was so keen to visit and help celebrate the many successes of our school community.
Year 5 pupils at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy have been busy putting their design and technology skills to the test this term as they embarked on an ambitious project: designing and constructing their very own bird boxes.
To kick-start the project, the children received a special call from carpenter Tim Harper, who shared professional 'tricks of the trade', his career journey and how precision and patience are key in woodworking. His guidance inspired pupils to approach their work like real carpenters, taking pride in accuracy and craftsmanship.
As part of their design brief, the children instilled a range of practical skills essential for working with wood. They practised mitre joints and butt joints, developing an understanding of how different joints are used for strength and stability. Pupils also learned how to ease wood by carefully sanding it down, ensuring smooth, safe edges and a professional finish.
Equipped with tenon saws, nails, hammers and hinges, Year 5 then confidently moved on to the innovate phase - construction of the bird boxes. Under supervision, they measured, cut, joined and assembled their pieces to create fully functioning bird boxes - each one unique and built with impressive attention to detail.
Once assembled, the children considered how the colour and finish of their boxes could reflect their purpose, selecting paints and tones that would help attract birds and blend into natural surroundings.
This hands-on project has been one in which our Year 5 pupils have excelled, giving them real-world experience in design, construction and problem-solving - their finished bird boxes are sure to become a welcome addition to gardens across Sedgefield!