Trimdon news snippets which have appeared recently on the Trimdon Times.
Other full page articles may be found in the Archives’ section.

2024

Olive HodgsonOlive Hodgson
Passed away on 26th February 2024, aged 99 years. Funeral Service to be held on Thursday 14th March, family and friends please meet for service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon Village at 12.30pm. Committal to follow at Durham Crematorium. All welcome to The Black Bull, Trimdon Village after the service to continue to share memories of Olive. Family flowers only, donations if desired to be shared between church and the residents' fund at Acorn Grange Care Home, West Comforth.
East Durham Funeral Service

Pat RickardPatrick Rickard
Passed away on 19th February 2024 aged 77 years. Beloved husband of Sylvia, much loved dad of Joanne, Trish and John, loving granda of Christopher, Zeki, Devran, Darcy, Ivy and Otis. Friends please meet on Wednesday 6th March at 12.30pm for Requiem Mass at St Williams RC Church, Trimdon Village, committal to follow at Durham Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in lieu if so desired to Macmillan. All are welcome afterwards at Trimdon Colliery Club
Cochrane's Funeral Directors

William Clifford (Billy)William Clifford (Billy)
Passed away on 16th February 2024, aged 81 years, funeral Service to be held on Friday 1st March. Family and friends please meet for service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon Village at 11.30am, committal to follow at Wear Valley Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations if desired: 'Alzheimer's Society' and 'Craigarran Care Home'
East Durham Funeral Service

In Loving Memory of Ronald Hodgson (Ronnie)
Passed away on 31st January 2024, aged 84 years. Funeral Service to be held on Wednesday 14th February, family and friends please meet for service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon Village at 2pm, committal to follow at Durham Crematorium. All welcome afterwards at The Black Bull, Trimdon Village.
East Durham Funeral Service

In Loving Memory of Norman Wilson
Norman passed away on 18th January, aged 86 years. Beloved husband of the late Lilian, father of Norman and the late Tony, grandad of Lindsay & husband Wayne, great grandad of Grace and Ivy, treasured father in law of Marie & Sharon. Would friends please meet for service in St Helen’s Church, Kelloe on Tuesday 6th February at 11am followed by cremation at Durham Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations are invited in lieu of Alzheimers Association. Friends and family are invited for refreshments afterwards in the Davy Lamp, Kelloe.
Alderson's Family Funerals

A message from a Trimdon resident: (26th Jan 2024)
"Does anyone else think this is unfair? Parish Councillor's applying for planning permission 5 years after it’s been built"
This concerns a development by Trimdon Foundry parish councillors in 2019 which apparently have just come to light with DCC planning department. Full details are on the link below.
https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S6QY2GGDFX200

On behalf of the family of MAVIS CRAGGS Trimdon Colliery
Mavis CraggsPeacefully on 12th January Mavis nee Evans aged 83 years. Beloved wife of the late Barry. mother of Stephen, Barry, Howard and Brian, dear nanna and great-nanna. Friends please meet on Wednesday 24th January at 11.30 for service at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Trimdon Village. Committal to follow at Durham Crematorium. Flowers welcome. All are welcome afterwards at Trimdon Colliery Club.
Cochrane's Funeral Directors

Message from Mrs. Vivienne Ford (January 2024)
I would like to thank everybody who helped me when l had a fall outside the Post Office on December 14th. Everyone was so kind, bringing me blankets, cushions and a hot water bottle until the Ambulance arrived. It was very much appreciated.
Vivienne Ford

2023

Barry CraggsOn behalf of the family of BARRY CRAGGS Trimdon Colliery
Peacefully on 3rd October Barry aged 85 years. Beloved husband of Mavis, father of Stephen, Barry, Howard and Brian, dear grandad and great-grandad. Friends please meet on Friday 27th October at 11am for service at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Trimdon Village. Interment to follow at Trimdon Grange Cemetery. Flowers welcome.

Trimdon family photosOld family Photos
Can anyone identify any of the people in these photos? Sent to me via the Love family, whose ancestors were from Trimdon
A query also from Jill Love, quote:
"Would anyone have heard of an accident at Trimdon in the pit? My sister in law is 81 and she is always going on about her grandad came home from the pit, the kitchen table was scrubbed so his leg could be cut off. My husband (NOBLE) is younger so he wouldn't know about this. They must have been visiting gran and grandad."
(Any info welcome, either via the Contact page or direct email to Jill Love.)
 
Cochrane's Funeral Directors
Open Day Friday 22nd September 2023 at Chapel House, Prospect Place, Trimdon Station TS29 6DE
Cochrane's hosted an open day, to mark 50 years in business and the opening of a new branch in Trimdon. Locals were invited along to meet the team, ask any questions, get to know the family business and take a look at their stunning selenite grey hybrid ceremonial fleet. An ideal opportunity to meet familiar and new faces from the local community. Tea, coffee, cake and also a charity raffle and tombola were on offer with all proceeds going towards Macmillan Cancer Support.
*October 2023 :
Management and staff at Cochranes would like to thank everyone that attended their Open Day / Macmillan coffee morning at Chapel House in Trimdon Station, we raised a fantastic £389.60. Thank you everyone.
 
On behalf of Jonathan Jackson;
There was a Memorial Service for the late Kathleen, nee Wetherell and her sister, Jenifer, held on Saturday 12th August at 1pm at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon Village if anyone wished to attend. Sadly Kathleen passed away on the 7th of May, 2023 and Jenifer on 2nd May, 2020
 
Alan Morgan, TrimdonAlan Morgan
Friends of Alan finally got a date for his funeral service; Friday 23rd of June, 1.30pm at Durham Crematorium.Thank you to everyone that helped and made it possible for him to be laid to rest.
 
BBC Radio Tees Update

It's five years since Gary Philipson highlighted antisocial behaviour problems in Trimdon. This is the relevant article, snipped from his programme broadcast on April 19th 2023.

 

2022

George Ford
George FordIt is with great sadness I'm asked by George's family to pass on the news that George died peacefully on Wednesday 14th December, after a long illness.
George was a personal friend and valued supporter of our website and Facebook page, providing a steady supply of quality photographs from around our area.
Our thoughts and condolences to his family, RIP
George's funeral was 11.30am 29th December at Easington Lane Independent Methodist Church followed by Sunderland Crematorium.
Obituary
 
Station Footpath/Steps Closed
Update 14th Dec 2022:
Anyone not signed the petition forms about the steps/pathway and wish to do so, give me a shout, (Ms Jean Lamb https://www.facebook.com/jean.lamb.923 ) should get them sent in to DCC this week, so grateful for all the signatures, thank you!

Update 30th Nov 2022:
Notice to Owners and Occupiers of Application for a Definitive Map Modification Order FORM B…
We displayed 3 of these in public areas near to the path/ steps, as ordered to by DCC, however they have been removed.
Update 6th Nov 2022: on behalf of Jean Lamb;
"Thanks to everyone that filled in user evidence forms for the steps/walkway, keep sending them in, also got petition forms, if anyone would like to sign, give me a shout or they’re dotted around the village, thanks again."
On behalf of Ms Jean Lamb:
After contacting DCC about the blocking of the steps at Trimdon Station and about the overgrown old railway pathways , we have Public Right Of Way User Evidence Forms. If anyone would like to help by filling in a form to prove they have used the steps and pathway over the past 20 years, or if anyone has any old documents/photos to support this, it would be helpful.

PM me if anyone can help, thanks
Ms Jean Lamb
 
Trimdon Station Post Office was closed between Tuesday 27th September and Tuesday 11th October 2022 for staff holiday. Reopened on Wednesday 12th October (9.00 - 12.30) but remember this branch is closed Thursday/Friday/Saturday every week.
 
Floral Tribute to Her Majesty
Trimdon Parish Council would like to express profound sadness on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and extend sincere condolences to King Charles III and members of the Royal Family. The Council will be laying a floral tribute to Her Majesty on the Village Green on Friday 9 September next to St Mary Magdelene Church.

A book of condolence will also be available in the church for people to record their condolences, should they wish to do so.
May Her Majesty Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory

Education Grants For Students

The Sedgefield Charities' Trustees make awards each year to help students from lower income families who are taking up full time education beyond A level or its equivalent. Students of any age may apply, applicants must live in Bishop Middleham, Bradbury, Cornforth, Fishburn, Mordon, Sedgefield or Trimdon. For further information and an application form please contact the Clerk, Anne Gladwin;
Telephone: 01740 620811 e-mail: sedgefieldcharities@gmail.com
The closing date for applications is the 30th September, 2022.

Field Fire 11th August 2022
Dramatic drone pictures show how terrifyingly close a wildfire came to Trimdon Colliery homes during this week’s scorching heatwave. Flames tore through cornfields next to residential properties behind Trimdon Colliery Club and a care home in Trimdon Station. Crews were called to tackle the blaze on the afternoon of Thursday 11th August. The alarm was raised as the fire threatened to spread to nearby gardens and allotments containing livestock.
Story and photos in the Northern Echo

Update from Trimdon Parish Council 30th July;
"Excellent attendance at last night's PACT meeting for the Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill area. Lots of debate. Some progress and some frustrations vented, but most importantly it was good to see the community sticking together and supporting the police. Two County Councillors in attendance also. It is important that people continue to report their concerns to the police and pass on any information or descriptions. The police have the names of all the young people who have been involved in most incidents of antisocial behaviour. From the information shared with myself, I can say that they come from across the four Trimdons.

I would also add that fear of crime is often worse than the actuality in terms of the amount within the Trimdons. Sometimes reading posts on FB can lead you to believe that you are living in a suburb of Beruit, when in reality the Trimdons continue to be a good place to live with people still heavily engaged in the community. There are, always have been, and always will be, disaffected young people and families who are hard to engage. Some will grow out of it and some, sadly never will. But the vast majority of young people and families are good, decent and in need of community support.

We are fortunate that the Trimdons are blessed with a wealth of community organisations and community spirited people. In truth the Trimdons are well served best by the people who call one of the four Trimdons - home."

Br Joseph Hobson OCR
Clerk to Trimdon Parish Council

**Update 30th July 2022 - no reply received from Trimdon Foundry Parish about this comment, either to this website or on our Facebook page **
After the PACT meeting at the Station Road community centre, a resident asked if their comment could be published online - they did not wish to be identified:
“ It was nice to see so many at the PACT meeting, all our local county councillors attended, a Trimdon Parish councillor and the clerk from Trimdon Parish Council, but very disappointing that none of Trimdon Foundry Parish Councillors were in attendance”
If any members of Trimdon Foundry parish council would like to comment it would be appreciated. There is no recent information on their own website, as no minutes or agendas have been published for some months.
Contact Form

Trimdon Station fire: Firefighters tackle blaze at abandoned care home (from BBC website 4th July)
Residents in the village were asked to keep away as firefighters brought the blaze under control
About 25 firefighters tackled the flames at Ashley House, in Trimdon Station, County Durham, on Sunday 3rd July 2022. Firefighters at the scene were worried about the roof collapsing and as a precaution officers from Durham Constabulary shut Thornley Road between the B1278 and Station Road West.
The cause is being investigated by police and the fire service but it is thought it was started deliberately.
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews worked for several hours to bring the fire under control, with the last fire appliance leaving just before 22:00."
The fire service is working with Durham Constabulary to investigate the cause and has asked anyone who has information to call FireStoppers anonymously on 0800 169 558.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-62038197

Antisocial Behaviour - Trimdon Parish Council update June 2022
"By way of an update, a number of people have come forward with names of the young people causing criminal damage and antisocial behaviour. I have forwarded 10 names of young people, seven boys and three girls to the police. They come from all four villages which make up the Trimdons. The police are working with Durham County Council and I have been informed that antisocial behaviour letters will be issued to some of these young people regarding their conduct. The police are continuing with their investigations and it is possible that prosecutions or cautions could follow. It is important that we continue to report incidents. At the recent PACT I was very surprised by the low number of reports of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour given the amount of posts on social media. As I have said before, if it isn't reported, it didn't happen. And thank you to those people who have come forward with names and in some cases addresses also."

Br Joseph Hobson OCR
Clerk to Trimdon Parish Council

Olive Roberts (nee Peel)  (Jan 2022)
Daughter's Jean and Christine would like to let Trimdon people know that a Service of Thanksgiving for Olive's life was held in Penwortham, Preston at 2pm 6th January. A Committal Service was held 1.30pm Friday 7th January at Durham Crematorium.
Local Methodist minister Susan Richardson presided, friends or relatives were welcome at either of these services.
Olive, formerly of Station Road, Trimdon passed away peacefully on the afternoon of 15th December, aged 96. Olive worked at Purvis's store in Trimdon Colliery for many years, but had been resident in Preston in recent years with daughter Jean living nearby.

2021

Trimdon Village hallTrimdon GrangeYoga Classes  (Oct 2021)
New classes at Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Village - see posters for details. Booking essential, please email Alison on sunfloweryogaforall@gmail.com

High-end mobile phone (10 Oct 2021)
found near Old Wingate farm (Deaf Hill quarry area) - if you are the owner please message with details which I will gladly pass on

Thomas Gill of TrimdonTrimdon Man Suffered Life Changing Injuries (Sept 2021)
Thomas Gill suffered life changing injuries after a woman hit him with her car, and says he feels like the one being punished. Details from Gazette article here.

Funeral details for Jim GriggJim Grigg
Jim sadly passed away 26th June 2021. He was a trustee, volunteer and Chair of Deaf Hill Regeneration Partnership for many years as well as a former parish councillor. He worked tirelessly for the community and Community Centre and will be sadly missed. His funeral was held Friday 9th July 2021
 
Community Centre  (May 2021)

Updates from the Station Road community centre here, including lack of support from the Foundry Parish Council

2020

Trimdon Sorting Office/Post Office
Royal Mail intend to close the Station Road sorting office, and possibly the Post Office itself. Full details and petition to prevent this happening here. A Radio Rees interview with Cllr Hovvels 17th November  about the closure below;

 
Lone Female Drivers (Dec 2020)
Attempts have been made to force lone drivers to stop in isolated areas:
After being made aware of several traffic incidents involving a dark coloured car and after consulting Durham Constabulary, could anyone experiencing any incidents please report them to Durham Police immediately.

Police advice is to lock your doors and DO NOT STOP , try and head towards a populated area /nearest police station. Alternatively head to the nearest supermarket because they have cameras and are well lit. It may also pay to stay off less travelled back roads/unlit roads where possible.
*Info from Sedgefield Voice FB page, courtesy of Tim Dredge:

Dennis Jordan
Dennis JordanThe Trimdon Colliery shop owner passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 9th 2020 after a brief illness. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family.  R.I.P.

Trimdon Grange Explosion (Oct 2020)
An alternative version of this song by Fraser Harper on Youtube. Fraser's Facebook page can be found here.

Lee NormanTrimdon Man Dies After Road Crash (Oct 8th 2020)
Lee James Norman was driving to work on Horse Close Lane, in Trimdon Colliery, when he was involved in a head on crash with a vehicle driving in the opposite direction. The funeral will be Wednesday 28th October at 1.30 pm St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Trimdon Village.
In lieu of flowers at the funeral the family are asking for donations to the Great North Air Ambulance, whose crew tried desperately to save Lee.

Trimdon Yoga classesYoga Classes (Oct 2020)
Click poster for details: beginner or expert,  to book or for any queries email: sunfloweryogaforall@gmail.com

George Davies Brand, Trimdon Village
PGeorge Brandrivate funeral service 1.30pm Tuesday 28th July at St. Mary Magdalene church, anyone wishing to pay their respects please gather outside the church grounds.

Ahead of his funeral on Wednesday, July 15, buses and coaches run by firms he used to drive for displayed the message “RIP Mick Evans 1956-2020”.Mick Evans, 1956-2020
Ahead of his funeral on Wednesday, July 15, buses and coaches run by firms he used to drive for displayed the message “RIP Mick Evans 1956-2020”.

Window Smashed
Police are investigating damage to a house window that happened just before 8.30am Saturday 27th June in Windsor Street. A glass bottle was thrown at the window which smashed it. A male wearing a grey hoody top was seen to run away towards the back of the Carpet shop. If you have any information please contact PC 530 Stewart in the Resolution Team, HQ quoting incident reference number DHM-27062020-0113 .

A message from Victoria,
Development Coordinator at Trimdon Village Hall, 2nd June 2020 ;

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all volunteers in the Trimdon area who have gone over and above volunteering during this pandemic.
Trimdon Village Hall and Trimdon Grange community centre have worked closely together delivering 350 Easter craft packs. 200 Frozen meals every week. 50 elderly activity packs and hot meals. 200 May holiday children’s outdoor nature packs and pack lunches. Foodbank delivery weekly to 20 plus families each week.
General support to anyone who has been in need of shopping and just a general chat.

Volunteers are certainly unsung heroes in and around our community.

CCTV wanted - hit and run damage to two carsCars Damaged
Trimdon Village: if anyone has CCTV between the school and the shops heading up Meadow Road past the village hall, the registration of a red Subaru between 8-8.15pm Tuesday 4th Feb would be greatly appreciated.

CCTV coverage
CCTV cameras have been suggested as necessary in some areas of Trimdon  - you can sign a petition here.

BBC Radio Tees
Anti social behavior etc. in the Trimdons: Gary Philipson's follow-up on 31st January included interviews with local people and our new MP Paul Howell.

Earlier article/interviews from November 2017 here.

Trimdon Village man 'Anty' Greathead passed away late Friday 31st January, aged 104.Funeral Arrangements
'Anty'Greathead, of Dunelm Road, passed away Friday 31st January, aged 104. His funeral took place 10.30am Thursday 13th February at Durham Crematorium.

BBC Radio Tees (Jan 2020)
It's been a couple of years since Gary Philipson did a series of programs highlighting the issues of anti social behavior, fly tipping etc in the Trimdons. He really would like to follow up on this. Is there anyone available to speak to Gary for BBC Tees about how things are now? Either email gary.philipson@bbc.co.uk or message him on Facebook. The aim is to to collate concerns and present them to the relevant authorities.

Dennis Jordan's shop (Trimdon Colliery) targeted in ram-raid overnight. Premiere at Sedgefield also attacked.Shop Ramraided
D&J Jordan's Grocery store in Trimdon Colliery badly damaged in a robbery approx. 3.30 am on 16th January

2019

St. Mary Magdalene is celebrating the end of Harvest Season.Harvest Family Service
St. Mary Magdalene celebrated the end of Harvest Season and held a family friendly service at 10.30am Sunday 6th October 2019 at St. Mary Magdalene church. The service was led by the children.

Missing catMissing Cat
Last sighted Saturday 27th April 2019. "Willow", long haired tabby, spayed and microchipped. Sycamore Crescent area.

Bluebell Meadow Primary School
The Race Night event on 22nd March was postponed out of respect for the funeral date of Neil Collins.

Thomas Ogden
The funeral of Thomas Ogden took place on Wednesday March 20th 2019 11am at St Mary Magdalene church Trimdon Village , followed by cremation at Durham crematorium.

Guardian of PowerLatest Novel
Ex-Trimdoner David Rose has published his second novel, Guardian of Power.

2018

Anthony (Anty) Greathead on 15th December 2018103 Years Old
'Anty' Greathead of Dunelm Road, Trimdon Village, reached his 103rd birthday on Sunday 16th December 2018

Crib delights at St Alban’sSt Alban's Crib
The illuminated Nativity scene at St Alban’s Church, Trimdon Grange.

Trimdon Christingle performanceChristingle Service
Praise for musical youngsters at Trimdon’s Bluebell Meadow Primary School after their performances at the annual Christingle service.

Jackie Hamilton
Jackie, who lived in Trimdon all of his life, died on Sunday 25th November at the age of 80. His parents, John George Hamilton and Gladys (nee Carr) had also lived in the village. Jackie leaves three daughters, Ashley, Trudy and Lisa and their families. Jackie had been unwell for some time and passed away peacefully.

SHO SHIN KAI KARATE lessons in TrimdonKarate
Lessons £2 Children, £2.40 Adults, 1st session free, at Trimdon Community College Monday & Wednesday 6.30 - 8.30pm

Traditional Pub Food
at The Royal, Trimdon Colliery. Senior Citizens and Children at reduced rates, Monday to Saturday 12.00 - 2.00pm and 4pm - 8.00pm. Dine In or Takeaway (Oct 2018)

Myeloma case history by David RoseMyeloma
Myeloma Awareness Week was from 21st-27th June this year, and the article here is from ex-Trimdoner David Rose. Includes a BBC Radio Tees interview.

100 Years Old
AAlice Appleton from Trimdon celebrated her 100th birthday on 15th June 2018lice Appleton from Trimdon celebrated her 100th birthday on 15th June 2018. 🙂

Charity Cycle Ride
On the 14th June 2018 Peter Brookes and 5 friends (Judith King, John Phillipson, Neil O’Connor, David Shipman and Andrew Gilmore) are going to cycle nonstop from Killhope on the County Durham border to Belleek in Northern Ireland.
Updated 17th June 2018 - they made it to Belleek in Northern Ireland on the border with the republic in 20 hours 17 mins cycling time! Article here.

Gordon ListerGordon Lister - Funeral Arrangements
Tuesday 8th May, leaving Langdale Oval at 2 pm for cremation at Durham at 2.30.
Reception afterwards at St Albans Church Hall, Trimdon Grange.

Trimdon Home Ransacked
A WOMAN has been left devastated after burglars broke into her home and stole thousands of pounds worth of high value, sentimental jewellery. Updated 16th March 2018 - man arrested.

Car Fire
Latest in a spate of car fires in the Trimdon area, this one 10.30pm on January 2nd 2018. Car was parked at the end of Deaf Hill Terrace in Trimdon Station. Police and Fire Brigade attended. Video here.

2017

Vehicle Thefts
A Range Rover and a VW van were stolen during a burglary in Trimdon Grange which was reported 9pm Sunday, December 31. A bicycle and jewellery were also stolen. Police said the Range Rover was found burnt out in the Peterlee area but the VW has not yet been recovered. (Northern Echo)

Lead ripped from historic church roofChurch Roof Damaged
Lead stolen from Sedgefield church roof, details here
Even more damage done later in second lead theft -
follow-on article added 24th December

Village Co-Op
Police are investigating after the front of the store was damaged in what appears to have been a ram-raid in the early hours of Boxing Day. Northern Echo

Local Crime
BBC Radio Tees news reports broadcast after concerned residents demanded action from Police and local authorities.
Hosted by Gary Philipson, original article broadcast 8th November 2017, updates on 13th November 2017, listen to them here.

Cat Deliberately Killed (16th Nov 2017)
A family pet was attacked and killed by occupants of a car which stopped and let dogs into the garden where Lilly the cat should have been safe. From our Facebook page.

Beyond The Call of Duty (22nd Oct 2017)
A former paramedic from Trimdon has been honoured for dedicating half a century to the region’s life-saving ambulance service. 74 yr old Bob Foster was at its Beyond the Call of Duty Awards ceremony at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall Hotel. Northern Echo.

Stolen from Sedgefield Cemetery  (Sept 2017)
Items have been stolen from the grave of recently buried father of two Mr Mark Gowland of Sedgefield, who died suddenly earlier this year. His widow Lynne Gowland wants the thieves to return the personal tributes back to their rightful place, and shame whoever is responsible into returning these items. One is a ‘dream catcher’ with the words “Special Dad” placed on it and was laid on his grave by his grieving daughter.
(From our Facebook page)

Trimdon Brass
Trimdon Concert Band competed at the North of England Brass Band Championships Fourth Section in March 2017 and did extremely well, putting Trimdon on the map, and have now qualified for the finals at Cheltenham. Lynsey Garraghan took away best cornet, well done to all band members and good luck for the Finals in September.

 

Articles from other years;

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