Trimdon news snippets which have appeared on the Trimdon Times front page between 2024 to 2017;
older sections (at bottom of page) go back as far as 2004.
All other full page articles may be found in the Archives’ section.
Local Deaths moved to a separate page here.
2024
Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 December 2024
Trimdon Foundry Parish Council
Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Saturday 7 December 2024, 4.00 – 6.00 p.m:- due to the dangerous weather conditions the Trimdon Foundry Christmas Lights Switch-on event was cancelled.
Trimdon Parish Council held its annual Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Event on Friday 6 December 2024, 6.00pm – 7.30pm with lights switched on at 6.30pm. Free children’s rides, Free refreshments for all, Everyone welcome!
Station Road Accident
Thursday 18th November a child was hit by a car in Station Road when leaving Deaf Hill school. The child was taken to hospital in an ambulance, she was assessed and fortunately wasn’t badly injured. The incident could have been far worse and everyone involved was extremely upset. The police are investigating the incident and have asked if parents could be reminded not to park on the yellow zig zag lines outside of school. The lines are quite faded but visible and the police are requesting that they are re-painted as a matter of urgency. The police will be doing regular checks to ensure cars are not parked illegally. Please could everyone park responsibly and as far away from the school entrance as possible to avoid another accident.
Apply for 2025 school places
Applications are now open for primary and secondary school places for the 2025/26 school year.
Parents and carers of children turning five between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026 must complete an online application stating which school they would like their child to attend. Parents whose child attends the nursery unit attached to their preferred school or has a sibling at the school still need to apply. They should also apply for a place in Year 3 if their child attends an infant school which operates separately to their preferred junior school.
Primary school applications close at midnight on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Secondary school applications are also open and close at midnight on Thursday 31 October.
Applications can be submitted online at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
You will also be able to access a useful guide to help with your application. Paper application forms are available upon request. Contact 03000 265 896.
Our Local MP
A reply from Alan Strickland's communication officer received 9th Sept 2024;
As with most MP's offices, we are still recruiting staff and getting fully set up. Our priority in the first few weeks has been to respond to the individuals who have emailed us. We've responded to over 1000 emails and helped nearly 400 people with complex cases that include education, benefits and housing support.
I understand your readers are concerned about the winter fuel allowance and the up-coming vote on the early day motion. If any of them would like to email Alan regarding this then please feel free to forward on his email address and he will respond personally.
alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk
It may be helpful to mention we are hosting an advice surgery in Trimdon on the 27th of September. In-person advice surgeries are a great opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with your local MP. "
Our local MP, Alan Strickland, voted along with 19 other North East MPs to scrap the winter fuel payment .
Regrettably following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, the above branch will be closed permanently after Wednesday 4, September 2024 at 12:30
Update 28th Aug 2024:
Cllr. Lucy Hovvels wrote on behalf of local residents to ask if the post office could consider a outreach service of two days a week to support residents. The response from Mark Gibson, P.O. External Affairs Manager indicated that;
"The Post Office provide 'outreach' post office services to 1,500 remote rural communities, which stipulates that 95% of the UK population needs to be within 3 miles of a Post Office. This includes those operated out of local buildings, such as village halls or community centres, and the fleet of 59 mobile post office vans serving over 520 communities. With Trimdon Grange being located 1 mile away from Trimdon Station and it being open 7 days a week, it is hoped that customers will be able to access postal services there."
Bluebell Meadow Primary School
2 year old spaces available from September - if your child was born before 31st August 2022 they will now be eligible for a space. Please get in touch for more information or click the link to be directed to our online application.
Sedgefield Charities: Education grants for students
The Sedgefield Charities' Trustees make small grants 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 ;
Post: 46 Whitehouse Drive, Sedgefield, TS21 3BU.
Telephone: 01740 620811
Email: sedgefieldcharities@gmail.com
The closing date for applications is the 30th September, 2024.
Alan Strickland
An update from our new MP, Alan Strickland
Deaf Hill Banner
The new Deaf Hill Banner, which was was funded by a number of grants, was unveiled on Friday 12th July at 8pm at Trimdon Colliery & Deaf Hill WMC. The banner will be blessed in Durham at the Big Meeting Day on Saturday 13th July - the 138th Durham Big Meeting.
On behalf of Jean Lamb:
Yay! A big thank you to Durham County Council for cutting back the walk way from the Station to the Grange, just how it should be, can be walked once more, cheers Gary Philipson for your support x
Comment from Jean Booth:
"Just had a look at the new heritage board on the foundry junction. A good idea , but feel it could have been a bit more informative. No mention of the community centre formally the miners welfare hall and served miners and their families for nearly 100 years. What about the Trimdon foundry of which part of the village takes its name . Then the T.M.S. Serving the area for many a year founded by local families. There are probably many other items of interest that if the public had been invited to contribute to could have been considered then condensed appropriately making this a more engaging project. The whole board is very unprofessional lacking significant information to showcase the full heritage of the village. Very disappointed."
2023
Old family PhotosCan anyone identify any of the people in these photos? Sent to me via the Love family, whose ancestors were from Trimdon
"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.)
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.
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 MorganIt'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
It 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's funeral was 11.30am 29th December at Easington Lane Independent Methodist Church followed by Sunderland Crematorium.
Obituary
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.
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
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
2021
Yoga 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
Trimdon 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.
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;
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:
Trimdon Grange Explosion (Oct 2020)
An alternative version of this song by Fraser Harper on Youtube. Fraser's Facebook page can be found here.
Trimdon 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.
Yoga Classes (Oct 2020)
Click poster for details: beginner or expert, to book or for any queries email: sunfloweryogaforall@gmail.com
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.
Cars 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.
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.
Shop Ramraided
D&J Jordan's Grocery store in Trimdon Colliery badly damaged in a robbery approx. 3.30 am on 16th January
2019
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 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.
Latest Novel
Ex-Trimdoner David Rose has published his second novel, Guardian of Power.
2018
103 Years Old
'Anty' Greathead of Dunelm Road, Trimdon Village, reached his 103rd birthday on Sunday 16th December 2018
St Alban's Crib
The illuminated Nativity scene at St Alban’s Church, Trimdon Grange.
Christingle Service
Praise for musical youngsters at Trimdon’s Bluebell Meadow Primary School after their performances at the annual Christingle service.
Karate
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
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
A
lice 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.
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)
Church 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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