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09/05/13 - Election of Town Council - Results of Poll
Attached are the results of the Election of Bishop Auckland Town Council.
Election 2013 - Results.pdf
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03/05/13 - Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Bishop Auckland Town Council is to hold its AGM meeting on Tuesday 14th May 2013 at 6:00pm in the Wesley Room at The Four Clocks Centre, Bishop Auckland.
This is the first meeting of the newly elected Council and the election of a new Mayor for the forthcoming year.
18/04/13 - Bishop is Blooming
Following the success of previous years, Bishop Auckland town Council would like to invite green fingered residents to enter the Council’s Bishop Auckland in Bloom Competition 2013.
The categories this year are: Business Premises, Licensed Premises, Front Garden, Back Garden, Yard and Allotment Garden with a 1st prize of £50, 2nd prize £30, 3rd prize £30 and £100 to the overall winner.
Judging is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 14th July with winners being officially announced during an evening ceremony at the Town Hall on Wednesday, 28th August 2013 at 7.30pm.
Bishop Auckland Town Council would like to say a big thank you to Deco Trophies and Engraving Ltd for once again, sponsoring this event. Their contribution is much appreciated.
To take part in this year’s competition, please complete the Entry Form available on the Bishop Auckland in Bloom page and submit it to Bishop Auckland Town Council by no later than Monday, 1st July.
26/03/13 - Youth Awards Competition Extended Closing Date
Application Forms for this years' Youth Awards Competition are still available from the Four Clocks Centre and can also be downloaded from the Youth Awards Event page.
Please note the extended closing date which is now Tuesday 16th April.
20/02/13 - Youth Awards Competition 2013
Bishop Auckland Town Council is to hold its sixth annual Youth Awards competition.
The Youth Awards Competition is open to:
(a) established youth groups working within Bishop Auckland Town Council area - Cockton Hill, Henknowle, Woodhouse Close and Bishop Auckland Town (which includes Toronto)
(b) new groups intending to establish themselves with a youth project in mind
(c) school groups, including P.T.A.s are eligible to apply as long as it is for an extra-curricular activity.
Organisations are invited to apply for a sum of money up to £1,500 to fund a project which will enhance the experience/skills/creativity/enjoyment of the young people involved and will create a lasting benefit.
For more information and to download an application form, please visit the Youth Awards Event page.
12/12/12 - Christmas Tree Switch On Ceremony & Holly and Ivy Service
The Town Council in partnership with Bishop Auckland Town Team, hosted its annual Christmas Tree Switch On Ceremony on Friday 30th November at 4.30pm.
A piper from Bishop Auckland & District Pipes & Drums led 3 of the Bishop Auckland’s Olympic Torch bearers, Kieran Maxwell , Lyndon Longhorn and Robert Elliss to the tree, through the Clock Tower entrance of the park gates, followed by children from St Andrews, Etherley Lane, Escomb and St Anne’s Primary Schools.
Following the lighting of the tree the congregation processed down the drive which was lit by live flame beacons and entered St Paul’s Chapel inside of Auckland Castle.
Councillor Charlie Kay the Mayor of Bishop Auckland welcomed everyone to the service.
The chapel had undergone a "Holly and Ivy" makeover following a 2 day installation of led lighting coupled with swags of Holly and Ivy and candle lit isles.
Soloist Caroline Stephens sung the 18th century carol ‘The Holly and The Ivy’ by Sir Henry Walford and the service received a blessing from the Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Justin Welby. The congregation then assembled in the Castle grounds to watch a sky lit fireworks display.
To read more about this event please visit our Christmas Festivities page, alternatively, you can view photos from the event in our Photo Gallery.
26/09/12 - Where were you when the Torch came through?
The photographic exhibition which was recently displayed in the Town Hall of the Olympic Torch Relay through Bishop Auckland has now closed.
However, if you missed the chance to purchase any of the photos you call in the Four Clocks Centre in Newgate Street where they can be ordered from the Town Clerk’s Office.
Standard size photos (7”x5”) are £1.00 each.
Presented by: Bishop Auckland Town Team
Supported by: Bishop Auckland Town Council
30/08/12 – Bishop is Blooming!
The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay took great pleasure in presenting certificates and trophies to the winners of the 4th Annual Bishop Auckland in Bloom Competition last night at the Town Hall, Bishop Auckland.
The competition judge, Mike Whatmore also gave a slideshow presentation of this year’s entries with the overall winner Dianne Chapman receiving a £100 cash prize.
The Town Council would like to thank Deco Trophies and Engraving from Tindale, who had kindly sponsored the event by way of donating all the trophies again this year.
For a full list of all of this years winners in each category, please visit the Bishop Auckland In Bloom page.
17/08/12 - A 'Wheely' classy car show!
Bishop Auckland Town Team have announced a Car Show to be held in Bishop Auckland Market place on Friday 24th August from 10am until 5pm.
Numerous dealers from the region will exhibit their latest new models of their brand new cars and promoting special offers to the public.
For more information about the event, visit the Town Team Events page.
The Town Team members extend a welcoming invitation to attend the show and enjoy the day and hopefully you will not be too ‘tyred’ at the end of it.
The Town Team is a joint venture between Bishop Auckland Town Council and members of the public from Bishop Auckland, who have united to make Bishop Auckland the jewel in the crown of Durham, by promoting events, exhibitions and festivals to attract people to our Town.
There aim is to make it a first choice destination for those who may not have come otherwise. The Town Team are also heavily involved in looking at the viability of returning Bishop Auckland to its former glory as a true Market Town, with a massive development plan for the Markets to include specialty markets, farmers markets and being event led which in turn will lead to increased footfall and become a regular visitor attraction for the region.
03/08/12 - The spectacular Auckland Castle plays host to the grand finale of Streets 2012
Eight of the very best street theatre and circle acts will ‘joust’ with each other to win your vote and walk away with the prestigious title of The Auckland Castle Fool.
This event is to be held at Auckland Castle on Monday 27th August 2012 from 7pm.
Marvel at their incredible skills, laugh at their foolery, be wowed by their death-defying stunts, and then cast your vote.
It’s not only the acts who stand to win a prize – one lucky voter will receive a set of bespoke festival T-shirts.
Once the winning fool has been crowned, the start of their reign will be heralded by a stunning fire dance and fireworks display. So pack a picnic and enjoy your very own feast of fools as we bring Streets 2012 to a sparkling close.
Tickets are £10.00 per Adult and £4.00 for children under 12 and are available from the gates from 6pm.
Alternatively, you can ring the Visitor Contact Centre on 03000 262626.
24/07/12 - Prince Charles visits Auckland Castle
The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay had the pleasure of being introduced to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales when he visited Auckland Castle on Monday 23rd July.
The Prince viewed the famous Zurbaran paintings, after which he then unveiled a plaque commemorating the start of a new era for the Castle. He was presented with a leather bound copy of Dr. Robert McManners’ book on the Zurbaran paintings, copies of which can be found in the Castle shop.
The Castle and its famous paintings were recently transferred from the Church Commissioners into the hands of Auckland Castle Trust, which now opens the door to good progress being made towards the future of the Castle as a centre for regeneration and Christian heritage, both for tourism in the region and also for the community.
When asked what he thought about the plans for development of the Castle, Prince Charles said: “The key (to the development) is the people, not just bricks and mortar. I’m so pleased that helping to provide opportunities for local people is also at the heart of the project”.
09/07/12 - Urban Games
Durham County Council is organising a free family sport and leisure activity afternoons celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games including:
Professional demo’s, scooter, bmx, skateboard sessions, Parkour, climbing wall, Streetball, dance and DJ workshops, sprint challenges, circus skills, On the Ball football skills sessions and more....
So come along to Bishop Auckland Town Recreation Ground on Friday, 10th August between 1.00pm and 4.00pm and join in these free sport and leisure activities afternoon.
No need to book – simply go along on the day.
09/07/12 - Summer of Football – ‘Join In’
Durham County Council is organising a summer of football in Bishop Auckland Town Recreation Ground and is inviting 11 – 17 years olds to come along and join in this free event.
The event is from 6.00pm – 8.00pm and further details can be obtained from Wayne Brown, (Sport Development Officer) on 07766133491.
09/07/12 - Bishop Auckland Tennis Club – Taster Sessions
To coincide with Wimbledon, Bishop Auckland Tennis Club are running 12 weeks of taster sessions for anyone 14 - 19 years starting Sunday 24th June from 11.00am till 12 noon, at a cost of only £1.
If any young people are interested there is no need to book, just come along to any of the Sunday sessions when rackets and balls will be provided. All abilities welcome.
For more information contact Keith Greenwell on 07759367094 (Club Coach) or Wayne Brown, (Sport Development Officer) on 07766133491.
07/06/12 - Auckland Hospital Radio 60 Hour Live Marathon
The Deputy Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Ann Golightly officiated at her first public engagement since being appointed to the role in May.
She attended a buffet reception on Friday, 6th July, in the Auckland Hospital Radio studios, as part of their annual marathon broadcast (60 hour live marathon broadcast) to celebrate 34 years of broadcasting and met with supporters, sponsors and volunteers and saw at first-hand the work they do.
Feel free to tune in online with live webcam streaming throughout the marathon.
07/06/12 - Brass 2012 – Durham International Festival presents
Le Snob ‘Glisssssendo Opus II’
Performing in Bishop Auckland Market Place, on Saturday 21st July
Two performances at 11am and 3pm
County Councillors D. Burn, T. Taylor and Sam Zair have given some of their Area Action Partnership (AAP) money to help promote this event in Bishop Auckland and is supported by Spennymoor AAP, Arts Council England and Durham County Council.
Returning to the festival after their successful appearances in 2010 and 2011, the floating French musicians bring smouldering surrealism and rock flavour to the streets.
A parade of seven hovering characters play brass arrangements of Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin and other rock bands’ classic tracks as they glide through the streets obeying the commands of their spellbinding ballerina leader.
Fantasy costumes and smoking head-dresses add to a dramatic, bewitching atmosphere and an out-of-this world experience! Brass International street bands and local brass bands will be on hand to keep the entertainment flowing.
Here is a video if you would like to see ‘Le Snob’ in action or view our Photo Gallery for images from the festival.
06/07/12 – Thousands Brave Rain to Enjoy the Town’s 5th Music and Arts Festival
Thousands of pop and opera fans braved the rain to enjoy a three day feast of entertainment at Bishop Auckland’s fifth Music and Arts Festival, which was presented by Bishop Auckland College, sponsored by Bishop Auckland Town Council and Star Radio and supported by St. John’s School and Bishop Barrington School.
Organisers of the popular annual event had to wait until Friday morning – just hours before it was due to open – before obtaining the go ahead from health and safety advisors following the torrential rain and flash floods which hit the region last Thursday night.
Despite this uncertainty – and further heavy showers on Saturday afternoon – more than 6,000 people came to see top name performers including X factor winner Joe McElderry and former Squeeze, Mike + The Mechanics and Roxy Music vocalist Paul Carrack.
Pop rock five piece band ‘The Silence’, who have recently toured Europe and recorded in the US, headlined on the opening night, Friday.
Paul Carrack appeared on Saturday as part of a full line up from 12noon to 10pm. His impressive list of credits includes hits 'The Living Years', 'Over My Shoulder' and 'Silent Running' and he has worked with artists including Elton John and Eric Clapton.
The Tyneside singer, Joe McElderry, who won ITV’s X Factor in 2009 and Pop Star to Opera Star last year, made a guest appearance at Bishop Auckland College’s Proms on the Sunday. The proms concert included performances by the Hurworth Concert Band, St. John’s School Orchestra. The Cobweb Orchestra together with violinist Min-Jin Kym, ended the event.
Kevin Burns, Head of Marketing at Bishop Auckland College said: “This is our fifth Music and Arts Festival and given the torrential downpours last Thursday night we had real concerns we would be forced to cancel just hours before the event was due to start”.
“However, a few heavy showers on Saturday afternoon the crowds still turned out in their thousands and the sun came out for the headline acts on each of the three nights. Joe McElderry, Paul Carrack, The Silence and all of the other performers put on a great show which the audience clearly enjoyed”.
Volunteers helped everybody get into the spirit of the festival and were handing out Union Jack hand flags in exchange for a small donation to the Mayors’ chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation.
The Mayor was overwhelmed with the public’s generosity as they helped raise £455 throughout the weekend and would like to pass on his thanks to the public and volunteers for their support.
To view photos from the event, visit our Photo Gallery.
29/06/12 – Bishop Auckland In Bloom Extended Closing Date
Bishop Auckland Town Council has extended the closing date for this years’ Bishop Auckland In Bloom Competition.
The new extended closing date for all entries is Monday 16th July 2012.
Entry forms are available from The Four Clocks Centre, the Town Hall Library and Woodhouse Close Library.
Other key dates to note is the judging of all entries on Sunday 22nd July 2012 and the presentation evening for the winners will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday 29th August 2012.
19/06/12 - Olympic Torch in Bishop Auckland
Thousands of visitors flocked to Bishop Auckland to see the Olympic Torch Relay pass through the Market Place, Newgate Street and Cockton Hill.
The weather stayed fine and there was a carnival atmosphere in the street.
Bishop Auckland Town Council in partnership with Bishop Auckland Town Team put on a programme of events to keep everyone entertained pending the arrival of the torch.
Artists performing were Bryn Haswell, a male vocalist, Roman Soldiers from Binchester’s Roman Fort, Mr. Twister, Magician and Balloon entertainer, a Face Painter, Durham Rams Sword and Morris Men, Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums, X-treme Dance Fuzion and Bishop Auckland Choir.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay and the M.P. Helen Goodman.
The Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums led children from Etherley Lane Primary School in a parade of nations. All the children carried different flags from around the world and paraded down North Bondgate into the market place where there were thousands waiting.
The Torch Bearers through Bishop Auckland were:
• Ian Richardson from Billingham
• Kieran Maxwell from Newton Aycliffe
• Lyndon Longhorn from Crook
• Robert Ellis from Spennymoor
• William Mounter from Guisborough
Bishop Auckland Town Council and Bishop Auckland Town Team would like to thank all performers, traders and visitors who helped to make the day a huge success which put Bishop Auckland on the map and hope that we can rely on everyone for their support in future ventures which are being planned.
Photos from the Olympic Torch Celebrations are available in our Photo Gallery.
05/06/12 - Commemorative Park Bench in Town Recreation Ground
The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay officially unveiled a park bench located in the Town Recreation Ground.
The bench was donated by Bishop Auckland Town Council to the community of Bishop Auckland in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Torch Relay through Bishop Auckland in June 2012.
To view photos from the unveiling, visit our Photo Gallery.
03/06/12 - Youth Awards Competition 2012
Bishop Auckland Town Council held its annual Youth Awards Presentation event in the Town Hall, Bishop Auckland when ten youth groups turned up to see if they were to be the lucky winners in the competition.
The evening started with music from The Stray Cats which was made up of 4 young men from St. John’s R.C.School Band.
The newly elected Mayor, Councillor Charlie Kay presented prizes to:
• The Green Dragon Martial Arts (£1,975)
• Bishop Auckland Tennis Club (£955)
• Lets Get Cooking – King James 1 Community Association (£1,400)
The remaining 7 groups were given £100 each for their efforts which the Town Council hoped would encourage them to enter next year’s competition.
To view photos from the presentation evening, visit our Photo Gallery.
01/06/2011 - Election of new Mayor
The retiring Mayor Councillor John Lethbridge handed over the chain of office to Councillor Charlie Kay who was elected Mayor of Bishop Auckland for the year 2012-2013.
Charlie Kay has chosen the British Heart Foundation as his chosen charity for the year.
01/06/2011 - Election of new Deputy Mayor
The retiring Deputy Mayor Councillor Charlie Kay handed over the chain of office to Councillor Ann Golightly who was elected the Deputy Mayor of Bishop Auckland for the year 2012-2013.
01/06/12 – Bishop Auckland In Bloom Competition
Bishop Auckland Town Council is pleased to announce this years’ Bishop Auckland In Bloom Competition.
Entry forms are now available from The Four Clocks Centre, the Town Hall Library and Woodhouse Close Library.
Please note these other important dates relating to the competition:
Closing date for entries - Tuesday 26th June 2012
Judging - Sunday 22nd July 2012
Presentation Evening in the Town Hall - Wednesday 29th August 2012 at 7:30pm.
This years’ judge is Mr. Mike Whatmore who is a Horticulture lecturer who started life as a golf green keeper and worked in orchid nurseries of Kew Gardens.
We would like to thank Deco Trophies and Engraving who has sponsored this years’ competition.
31/05/2012 - £2,075 raised for Butterwick Hospice
Mayor John Lethbridge took great pleasure in handing over a cheque for a whopping £2,075 raised throughout his year in office, to his chosen charity The Butterwick Children’s Hospice in Bishop Auckland.
Beryl Anderson, volunteer fund raiser on behalf of the Butterwick Children's Hospice was delighted with the outstanding efforts of the Mayor and gave her extended thanks to the citizens of Bishop Auckland, without whose generosity, this sum would not have been possible.
31/05/12 - Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and Olympic Torch Relay
The Town is now ready to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and to welcome the Olympic Torch.
17 pennants, sponsored by businesses in the Town now adorn flagpoles in Newgate Street along with bunting.
The Bishop Auckland Town Team has organized a programme of entertainment for everybody to enjoy on these special occasions. To view the programme you can download a copy below.
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and Olympic Torch Relay Programme.pdf
You will need Adobe Reader to view this file.
11/05/12 - Mayors Quiz Night - 3rd May 2012
The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor John Lethbridge held his last official function last week which was a Quiz Night at the Park Head Hotel and Restaurant when civic dignitaries, councillors, friends and family enjoyed an evening of entertainment by way of a quiz, raffle, buffet and music by The Gastric Band who donated their services for the night.
The evening was a great success with over £450.00 being raised for the Mayor’s chosen charity, the Butterwick Hospice.
The Mayor would like to thank everyone who supported the event and a special thanks goes to The Gastric Band for their wonderful music and enthusiasm.
To view some images from the event, feel free to visit our Photo Gallery.
07/03/12 - Music Festival 2012
The fifth annual Music Festival will be taking at Bishop Auckland College on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th June and the Proms on Sunday 1st July.
The Town Council together with Star Radio are sponsoring the event.
Headline acts for the weekend are still yet to be announced, but as a little taster of things to come, the line up for the Proms on Sunday will include the spectacular ‘Cobweb Orchestra’.
07/03/12 - Food Festival 2012
The 2012 Bishop Auckland Food Festival is returning to the region on Saturday 21st April.
Further details can be found on the Bishop Auckland Food Festival website.
27/02/11 - Bishop Auckland Parks and Environmental Support Team
Bishop Auckland Town Council employs a Supervisor with a team of up to 5 trainees from the Jobcentre to work in the Town Council’s Wards of Cockton Hill, Henknowle, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland Town and Toronto.
The scheme is run in partnership with Groundwork North East and Durham County Council to support existing parks and environmental services such as:
• Litter picking
• Planting
• Weeding
• General environmental improvements
• Small scale snow clearance and gritting
The work is delivered alternating between a 3 day and a 2 day per week split.
To view some examples of work carried out by the team, visit our Photo Gallery.
01/01/2012 - Let the Council make your day special
If you are a member of an organisation operating in the Town Council’s Wards and would like to arrange for the Mayor to open a fayre or make a presentation at a forthcoming event, then simply contact the Town Clerk at the Four Clocks Centre.
Also, do you know of anyone living in the Town Council’s Wards who may be celebrating a special wedding anniversary, either a golden wedding, diamond wedding or even a 65th wedding anniversary? Or perhaps you know of a person celebrating a 100th or more birthdays! If so, why not inform Bishop Auckland Town Council.
The Mayor of the Council will make a special visit to couples celebrating any of these anniversaries and will make a presentation on behalf of the Town Council.
If you would like to arrange for a visit from the Mayor, ring the Town Clerk on 01388 609852 with the details, alternatively you could e-mail the details to batc@btconnect.com
01/01/2012 - Thieves and vandals beware!!!
Five of the Town Council’s allotment sites are now signed up to Allotment Watch, which will see gardeners given ‘Smartwater’ to mark their valuables and extra vigilance encouraged, together with the provision of Allotment Watch signs.
John Raw, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Durham Police in Wear Valley said the scheme had proved successful during a trial at Tindale Crescent and Woodhouse Close Allotments.
The Town Council and the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership have funded the scheme which has been rolled out to include allotments at The Pollards, Edge Hill and South Church Lane, with more than 350 plots covered by the scheme.
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