Trimdon Treasures Charity Shop December 2009
The shop, at Trimdon Colliery, is to close with immediate effect. Opened early in the year to raise funds for the community, lack of volunteers is one reason offered for the closure. No information has yet been offered as to any funds already raised.

Parish Boundaries 7th Dec 2009
Concern has been expressed at the lack of publicity and opportunity for debate regarding parish boundary changes which could go through unchallenged with little input from Trimdon people. Many locals would like to see all of Trimdon within one parish boundary, rather than the present arrangement which means part of Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill are operated by a separate parish council. An open letter submitted by a resident can be read here. Anyone wishing to add their views should do so by December 8th – email the Boundaries Committee directly on reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk, or full details can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Operation Sibley 2 16th Oct 2009
On the morning of Friday the 16th of October 2009 the Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team executed a Magistrates search warrant under the misuse of drugs act at an address in Trimdon Grange as part of Operation Sibley.
During the search of the premises a quantity of cannabis was found, also found was some equipment which is believed to have been used in the possible production of cannabis plants. The male occupant of the address was arrested for possession of cannabis. Police Community Support Officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area to offer reassurance and will be posting leaflets outlining details of the operation and local officer contact details.
This operation was only possible as the result of community intelligence being received, local police are asking for anyone with further information in relation to the supply or use of drugs in the Trimdon area to contact them. Information will treated in confidence or if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Positive action will be taken with regards to any information received.
Contact: Pc 1636 John Seymour on 0345 60 60 365 at Sedgefield Police Office or by email.

Trimdon Station Community Action Group 24th Sept 2009
The latest update from Phil Wilson MP after his meeting with Police and other agencies. A follow-up residents meeting was held on Thursday 24th September to address the numerous complaints about escalating antisocial behaviour and other problems affecting the area.

Myrobella up For Sale 30th Sept 2009
Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s constituency house at Trimdon Colliery is on the market for £300,000.

Neighbourhood Watch Meeting 12th Sept 2009
Deaf Hill residents have expressed various concerns after numerous incidents of antisocial behaviour, street fighting, burglaries and vandalism, amongst other things. A meeting scheduled for 7pm Thursday 10th September at Trimdon Station Community Centre, Station Road was very well attended and became heated at times. MP Phil Wilson attended the meeting, and his response can be viewed in our Archives.

St Paul’s Church 9th Sept 2009
The Church Commissioners have prepared a draft scheme providing for the sale of the closed church to be converted to residential use. You may obtain a copy of the draft scheme from the Commissioners (contact below) or inspect it at the Trimdon Community Centre Station Road East, Trimdon Station at the following times:- 10.00 – 12.00 Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6.30 to 9.00 Thursday Evening.
You may make representations for or against the draft scheme in writing to Patrick Earle, The Closed Churches Division, Church Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ, or by email to patrick.earle@c-of-e.org.uk to reach him not later than Friday 2 October 2009.For details of this process phone Patrick Earle on 07825 854936
** The war memorial plaques which were taken from St Paul’s church have now been sited at the community centre if anyone would like to view them.

Conman jailed for offences 29th August 2009
Raymond McDonald, a 36-year-old married father-of-two from Laburnum Crescent, was given a three-year jail sentence for crimes against two vulnerable women, also callously leading two 13-year-old boys to believe they were going on foreign holidays which failed to materialise at the last minute. Full story from the Journal.
Also of interest to readers of this story: Northern Echo April 2007

Trimdon Grange mugger captured 25th August 2009
Jak Daniel Parkinson, 19, from Main Road, was charged with robbery, after being captured by James Runciman and Ian Wilkinson, following the daylight mugging of pensioner Shirley Ellis.

Burglaries 11th August 2009
Since 3rd August there have been four shed/garage burglaries in the Trimdon Village and Grange area. On each occasion pedal cycles or a motorbike has been taken. There has also been one failed attempt to enter a garage where an expensive motor bike is usually stored. Police have already had some information regarding the location of some of the stolen property which unfortunately proved negative; one motorbike was found not far from where it was taken burnt out. Police are appealing to the local community for any more information in relation to these crimes – please contact your Beat Officer, telephone 08456060365 or call Crimestoppers.

104th Birthday 11th August 2009
A Trimdon resident celebrated her 104th birthday at the weekend. Mabel Stoves, well known from Stoves Drapery and Hardware store, claimed the secret to her long life is exercise, faith and a glass of port a day.

Pipped at the post. 29th July 2009
Trimdon playwright Mark Robberts by audience selection, was awarded second place for his comedy play, ‘SPONGE CAKE AND BRANSTON’ in the recent International Congleton Play Festival, with a mere four votes separating first from second place. More than 200 entries were submitted from as far afield as the USA. Canada, Israel, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Australia, South Africa and Mexico. Mark – an established playwright, reveals that his play directed by Coronation Street director Pamela Mears is based almost entirely upon a number of snippets of conversations overheard in and around Middlesbrough bus station. Which only goes to prove that in Middlesbrough, ‘There’s nowt so funny as folk.’

£3000 raised in player’s memory 23rd July 2009
More than £3,000 was raised at a charity football match held in memory of soccer-mad dad-of-two John Hogg who died aged just 40 last December after a year-long battle with cancer. The carpet fitter’s family and friends held a charity football match at Trimdon Grange Recreation Ground and followed it up with a night in the Trimdon Colliery Club in his memory. Full article from the Hartlepool Mail

Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group 12th July 2009
The Deaf Hill Banner was marched with pride at the 125th Miners Gala behind Trimdon Concert Brass and a great day out was had by all. Many thanks to all who came on the free bus and those who met us in Durham and supported us into and out of the show field. Special thanks to banner carriers Paul Connor, Kevin Flint and James Robinson; rope bearers Larraine, Mary, Betty and Denise; committee members Chris Chaytor, Jimmy Robinson and Neil Young and Phil Wilson MP and his partner Margaret who marched with us. All of us in the Group thank you for supporting us throughout the year and hope to see you at the 126th!

Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group 8th July 2009
would like to thank everybody who supported the parade of the banners on Wednesday evening behind Trimdon Concert Brass. The weather held this year, the turn out was excellent and a great evening was had by all. Many thanks to the good nature of the motorists (and bus drivers), all of the volunteers, the children who carried the community banner, traffic management officers Mick and Stephen and a big thanks to Larraine for the buffet.

Dog Fouling problems 26th June 2009
Residents of Malvern Terrace and surrounding areas have expressed concern at the increasing number of dog owners using the grassed area to exercise their pets. It has been suggested that a more suitable dog exercise area would be the open land between the recreation ground and Trimdon Colliery, which is away from houses but still within easy reach. Comments welcome on the guestbook
**As from 1st August 2009, virtually every public area, pathway, road or verge within Durham County Council boundaries will come under a new Dog Control Order, which will apply a fixed penalty of £80 to anyone failing to clean up after their pets.

Trimdon Charity Shop 26th May 2009
The Fun Day (May 25th) was a huge success. Well over 400 people attended and all thoroughly enjoyed it. £620 was raised on the day and £150 sponsorship was given from the tombola, totalling £770. Thank you to those who came on the day, and for those who helped.

Community Big Litter Pick 20th April 2009
The Community Big Litter Pick held on the 4th April 2009, organised by David Smith in conjunction with the Joint Trimdon Partnership. The day was a great success and enjoyed by everyone, and it is hoped it will become an annual event

Major Fire at Old Chapel 18th April 2009
The old Methodist chapel at Trimdon Colliery, has been badly damaged by fire, which started around 7.30pm Saturday evening. It is believed the fire was started deliberately, and Police are treating the incident as a criminal investigation.

CAFÉ EXPECTS SIELE OF APPROVAL
A County Durham entrepreneur’s latest venture will be a welcome Christmas present for the people of Trimdon. Michelle Douglas Allison is due to open what will be the town’s only coffee shop on Monday, December 22.  Michelle, 30, is opening Café Siele in Commercial Street, Trimdon Station with help and support from Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Be Enterprising. The launch of the coffee shop, which Michelle is opening in tribute to her late grandmother, will mean that residents and employees of Trimdon will no longer have to travel out of their way to enjoy the café experience. “When my grandmother, Elsie, was alive we couldn’t go anywhere without stopping by a coffee shop, she loved them. We’d go shopping together and often spend more time sitting in cafes than would in the shops,” explained Michelle. “She was my inspiration for starting up a coffee shop of my own.” The opening of Café Siele- an anagram of Elsie- will seat around twelve people and will provide a takeaway service. Customers will be able to enjoy a range of different coffees, tea, hot chocolate and hot and cold meals and snacks- all of which will be made fresh on the premises.
Michelle grew up with Elsie’s home cooking and will be making sure her grandmother’s favourites, tiffin cake and apple and blackberry pie, are available in Café Siele.

Pensioner in Windsor Street house fire 23rd January 2009
The woman, believed to be in her 90s, is thought to have been unhurt following the blaze at her home.

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