Autumn Activity Trail in Ushaw Moor
By admin
An event is running this Autumn in Ushaw Moor as part of the Being Human Festival (the UK’s only national festival of the humanities) The Autumn Activity Trail.
To complete the trail, local families simply need an activity sheet (these can be downloaded from our website (Autumn Activity Trail), paper copies will be distributed through some local schools and they can also be collected from the garden on allocated Saturdays).
The September event has passed now, however it will be running again this month (with a drop-in craft workshop and craft packs available on Saturday the 23rd of October) and the 20th November when we will also be having a performance from a poet and storyteller. Everything is free.
In addition to these events, all autumn we are running a creative competition. The prize is £100 to spend at a local family-friendly business and to enter, all you need to do is create something (painting, sculpture, poem, photo, short story, etc. – anything goes!) which shows ‘what nature means to you’. More details can be found here: Creative Competition.
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/autumnactivitytrail/ and a Facebook event for the craft session: https://fb.me/e/16wJtRxj4
Universal Credit
By admin
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit is being rolled out to replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment & Support Allowance and Income Support. The full rollout of Universal Credit is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Between March 13th 2020 and January 14th 2021 there were 4.5 million Universal Credit claims. Over a third of Universal Credit claims have been made since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Find out more about Universal Credit using our Universal Credit guide. It covers who can apply, how to apply, how much money you can claim, a glossary to help with Universal Credit terminology and more.
Here’s the Universal Credit guide https://www.jobcentrenearme.com/universal-credit/
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
By admin
It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
On behalf of the Parish of Brandon & Byshottles Parish Council, the Chairman, Members and Staff at the Parish Council send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family on this deeply sad occasion.
As a mark of respect flags throughout the Parish are flying at half mast.
The Census is here – Sunday 21st March
By admin
What is the census?
The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The next census takes place on Sunday 21 March 2021.
Your answers to the census questions will help organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare.
When to complete your census
Every household should complete the census on Sunday 21 March 2021 or as soon as possible after. If you’ve responded before 21 March and things have changed, you can let us know by calling for free.
The census should take about 10 minutes for the household questions and 10 minutes per person.
Visit the website to find out more: https://census.gov.uk/
FREE mental health offer to school based teaching staff
By admin
Place2Be’s Mental Health
Teachers play a crucial role in helping to normalise difficult feelings and promoting positive ways to look after our mental
health, as well spotting the signs when a child might be struggling and need professional help. There has never been a more
important time for teachers to feel equipped and confident in their roles.
A Place2Be survey of 1,500 teachers across the UK found that only a third (34%) of teachers feel confident in being able to
recognise mental health and emotional wellbeing problems from the behaviour of their pupils, and more than a quarter (27%)
said that managing classroom behaviour feels stressful or causes them anxiety. Read more about the research at
place2be.org.uk/foundationlaunch
Place2Be is offering a new online training programme for schools on children’s mental health. Place2Be are
working with a number of funders to secure free access to the programme for 50,000 teachers across the UK. Teachers can
register at place2be.org.uk/foundation
We’d love your support to spread the word amongst your networks so we can reach and train as many teachers as possible.
Merry Christmas from Brandon & Byshottles Parish Council
By admin
The Parish Council office will be closed from today Friday 18th December 2020 until Monday 4th January 2021.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Members & the staff at the Parish Council.
Hoping you keep safe and well through the festive period.
Best wishes.
Avian influenza (bird flu)
By admin
New housing measures will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales on 14 December.
It will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.
Government Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging bird keepers to enforce new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and where necessary put up additional housing.
These housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November. The AIPZ means that all poultry and captive bird keepers need to take extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.
The restrictions will be applied across the whole of Great Britain.
A joint statement from Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said:
We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease and are now planning to introduce a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.
Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and using effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
The new housing measures will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.
The introduction of the these new measures follows a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in the UK.
In each case Defra has acted quickly to cull affected birds and to introduce movement restrictions to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 – please select option 7)
https://www.bhwt.org.uk/news/tip-for-keeping-your-hens-safe-under-a-housing-order/?fbclid=IwAR3EPfdGJ1hk3EG_JynANhcBvaxbTLuB8ttDkcQYXERXQNUzit9oQS6UbQM
Mobile Post Office Van at Langley Moor
By admin
The Mobile Post Office Van will park opposite the Tesco car park entrance and will visit as follows:
Tuesday weekly 2pm until 2.30pm
Friday weekly 9.45am until 10.15am
These are the times during lock down and will change in due course.
BONFIRE NIGHT
By admin
Show respect this Bonfire Night
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are joining forces with their local partners to help keep people safe this bonfire and fireworks season. With many organised events cancelled, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens. We are asking everyone to show RESPECT this Bonfire Night.
CDDFRS have joined up with Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary to ensure members of public are aware of the dangers of bonfires and fireworks. Whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery.
Remember that fireworks are explosives, they can cause serious injury and even death if they are not treated responsibly. A good start to a home display is to ensure all fireworks meet BS 7114 standards and are only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.
Please stay safe and follow the Firework Code:-
• Only buy fireworks over the counter from licensed and reputable retailers.
• Only adults should handle and light fireworks, (avoid drinking alcohol until after the fireworks are done).
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework carefully.
• Light them at arm’s length using a suitable taper.
• Always stand well back. 8 meters as a minimum.
• Never go back to a lit firework – if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket.
• Never throw fireworks.
Lee Aspery, Arson Reduction and Young People Manager at CDDFRS said: “This year we appreciate Bonfire night is likely to be different for everyone. With the majority of organised displays cancelled, we understand that some members of the public are likely to have a home display.
If you are planning to use fireworks at home, then please follow the firework code. If you have children and are planning on using sparklers, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Please keep your four-legged friends indoors and make them comfortable with curtains closed and music on low to reduce the effects of noise outside.
We would strongly advise against having your own bonfire. Home bonfires often cause nuisance for your neighbours but are also extremely dangerous. They can spread to buildings, fences, outhouses and cause injury to people.”
As the country are currently amidst a global pandemic it is important that people do not take risks, putting additional pressures on our emergency services. If people are to have home displays, they need to ensure they are following the Covid-19 guidance and restrictions in place for their area.
In County Durham, the local restrictions currently in place prevent different households mixing in homes, gardens and indoor public spaces. These rules may have changed by Bonfire Night, but it is important people check to see exactly what restrictions are in force if they are invited to a party in someone’s garden.
Joanne Waller, head of community protection at Durham County Council, said: “Fireworks are classed as explosive; therefore, it is incredibly important to buy, sell and use them responsibly.
“Never buy bargain fireworks from the internet as their source and safety is unknown and may put you and your family at risk. Instead, always buy from legitimate, licensed sellers and never let children handle fireworks. You should also be considerate of others and observe curfews and restrictions; and keep your pets safe and secure when fireworks are going off. We would strong advise residents to pay particular attention to the clearance distance for the fireworks.
“This year, the coronavirus pandemic means there are additional safety precautions to consider and so I urge you to check the restrictions in your area to avoid breaking the law.”
Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Darlington Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We know that there are some people out there who will try and exploit the current situation by selling illegal fireworks, usually at what seems to be a bargain price.
“The reality is that illegal fireworks are highly dangerous because no one knows what will happen once they are lit. They may explode immediately, possibly in the face of the person lighting them, and it is a risk that is just not worth taking. If you must buy fireworks do it from a reputable supplier and if a cheap deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“If you spot someone selling what you believe to be illegal fireworks; out of the back of a van, on facebook, twitter and other social media, then you should report it to trading standards via the council’s website or you could call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. If you don’t report it then we don’t know about it and we can’t do anything about it!”
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “If you do decide to set off your own fireworks this year, please remember it is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks. You must also not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
“Avoid drinking when in charge of fireworks, and in case of an emergency, keep buckets of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
“Make sure you store the fireworks safely in a closed box and only set them off one at a time. Please also remember to keep pets inside and ensure you do not set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight.”
Lee Aspery from CDDFRS added: “We would like to ask everyone to be good neighbours and show respect, following this important advice and remembering the Firework Code, we hope that everyone can enjoy a safe bonfire night this year and every year.”
Useful links:
• More fire safety information and advice in relation to bonfire night is available of CDDFRS website: www.ddfire.gov.uk
• Advice for businesses on the sale and storage of fireworks is available at www.durham.gov.uk/underagesales and www.durham.gov.uk/article/3944/Fireworks-and-the-law
• Suspect an illegal bonfire?
Report it here:
Durham:
Darlington: www.darlington.gov.uk/reportit
• The latest Covid-19 guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-east-of-england-local-restrictions
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- …
- 9
- Next Page »