Community Life

Thermal Camera Loan Scheme

As energy costs remain a concern for many households, Sedgefield Development Trust’s thermal camera loan scheme is returning for another winter, giving residents a simple way to identify where precious heat may be escaping from their homes.

Whether it's draughty doors, poorly insulated walls, gaps around windows or unexpected cold spots, thermal imaging can reveal problems that are often invisible to the naked eye. By highlighting areas of heat loss, the cameras can help homeowners make informed decisions about insulation, draughtproofing and other energy-saving improvements.

The Trust has three devices available to borrow: two smartphone-compatible thermal cameras (for Android and iOS) and a standalone HIKMICRO thermal imaging camera with built-in viewfinder.

All equipment is supplied free of charge with simple instructions and any necessary cables, making it easy for first-time users to get started.

The cameras are available on a oneweek loan basis, from Saturday to Saturday, and demand is often high during the colder months. Users are therefore asked to return equipment promptly so that others can benefit from the scheme.

The initiative has proved popular in previous years, helping local residents gain a better understanding of how their homes perform during winter and identify practical ways to improve comfort while reducing energy use. To book a thermal camera, complete this link to register .

Steve's Nature Diary

I recently made a trip to see a couple of rare birds that had taken shelter in the trees at Borough Hall on Hartlepool Headland. These trees can, in the right conditions, be a magnet for migrant birds, which use them as shelter after flying across the North Sea.

One was an autumn migrant from Siberia, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a small green warbler similar in size to a Goldcrest. The yellow "eyebrow" is distinctive, as is its Coal Tit-like call. Yellow-browed Warblers breed in Siberia and arrive in the UK every year during their south-westerly migration. It is a pretty little bird, but good views can be difficult to obtain, so patience is required while scanning the trees for movement before zooming in to identify it.

The other bird was a Brambling. Again, it was difficult to see, but unlike the Yellow-browed Warbler, this bird is not necessarily just passing through. Its appearance could be a sign that we may receive large numbers of winter visitors this year.

Similar in size and shape to the Chaffinch, the male Brambling has a black head in summer, an orange breast and a white belly. In flight, it shows a distinctive white rump. Sociable in winter, Bramblings may form flocks numbering many thousands and often mix with Chaffinches. Their numbers vary from year to year depending on food supplies.

They spend the summer nesting in the forests of northern Europe and Asia, although pairs occasionally nest farther south, including in northern Britain. At the end of the breeding season, they move south in huge flocks in search of seeds, particularly beech mast. If there is a shortage of beech mast in southern Scandinavia, or if snow cover is too deep for birds to feed, large numbers of Bramblings can move into the UK and central Europe for the winter.

They can occasionally be seen in gardens and may even visit bird tables. If you are visiting areas with beech trees and there is still beech mast on the ground (that hasn't already been eaten by squirrels), keep an eye out for them. Locally, they have been seen at Hardwick Park, while Lockwood Beck Reservoir is also a good place to look. Search for flocks feeding on the ground, often alongside Chaffinches, and when they take flight, look for the distinctive white rump that makes the Brambling easier to identify.

Ceddesfeld Hall: Home of Sedgefield Community Association
Ceddesfeld Hall: Home of Sedgefield Community Association

It has been an eventful summer at Ceddesfeld Hall, with a range of private party bookings keeping volunteers busy. SCA also supported a fundraising music night and a quiz night, while Back of Beyond Books hosted a sale and craft fair.

Local singing group Lirica performed its summer concert, and the third Sedgefield Sounds music evening, featuring Mamma Said and supported by other local singers, was a great success.

SCA is delighted to welcome up-and-coming young performers to its "homegrown" talent nights, continuing Ceddesfeld Hall's strong tradition of live music, whether for practice, group performances or individual acts. With support from Sedgefield Town Council, SCA also held its annual family fun afternoon for under-12s in August. The event was well attended, and thanks to the council's support, all activities were free.

Become a Member of SCA!
A great way to support the community at Ceddesfeld Hall is to join SCA as a member, either as an individual, a group or an organisation. Membership for 2027 is now open. Payment can be made in cash (using an envelope available behind the bar) or through the online membership system via https://membermojo.co.uk/sedgefieldsca. SCA is here to serve its members, who are entitled to reduced room hire rates and meeting charges. Membership fees for 2027 are:
Seniors (over 60): £9
Adults (18 and over): £10
Young people and full-time students: £5

Ceddesfeld Hall Bar – All Welcome The Ceddesfeld Hall bar is delighted to have retained its prestigious place in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for another year. Much appreciation goes to the dedicated and hardworking bar committee and volunteer team.

As we head towards November, the darker evenings and colder days are certainly upon us. Ceddesfeld Hall continues to offer a warm welcome to members, sections and groups, as well as visitors. The bar and lounge are open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Fridays. Everyone is welcome, and we'd love to see you there!

Dates for Your Diary
Friends of St Edmund's Quiz Night, 14 November, 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Remembrance Sunday, 8 November. Tea and coffee will be served in the main hall following the service at the Cenotaph.
County Durham Young Farmers Christmas Fayre, 22 November, 10am-2.30pm, Main Hall. Browse a variety of Christmas crafts, gifts and local produce.
Christmas Craft Fayre (part of the STC Snow Party & Parade), 28 November, 1pm-4pm, Main Hall. Refreshments available, with the community bar open until 7pm.
Christmas Wreath Workshop, 29 November, 10am-12.30pm, Main Hall. Create your own Christmas wreath with all materials provided. £45, including refreshments. To book, call 07523 398922.
Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, 18 December, 7pm, Bar & Lounge. Following the Churches Together Carols on the Green.
Sedgefield Smile Time Ukulele Band, 18 December, 7pm, Main Hall. Free performance of popular songs. Bar open.
SCA Christmas Eve Quiz, 24 December, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm). Free event. Teams of up to six. Bar open.

For more information on Ceddesfeld Hall events, regular activities, room hire and bar opening times, contact Wendy on 01740 620206, Pat on 01740 620607, John on 01740 620042, Sarah on 01740 622185. Visit us on Facebook or see the SCA website, www.sedgefieldsca.org.uk

U3A Update

Members enjoyed a varied and engaging programme during October, beginning with a fascinating monthly meeting on the physiology of the brain and how touch and pain are perceived.

We learned how specialised cells in the skin transmit signals through the nervous system to the brain and discovered how touch can help override pain signals, explaining why rubbing an injured area often brings relief. Despite a few interruptions, the talk provided plenty of food for thought and generated lively discussion.

Following the meeting, a smaller group than usual gathered for lunch at the Travellers Rest at Running Waters. Good food, pleasant company and stunning views from the conservatory made for an enjoyable opportunity to catch up after the summer break.

Our Health and Wellbeing Group had an unexpected change of plan when the scheduled speaker was forced to cancel at short notice.

Undeterred, members made the most of the morning, sharing experiences and discussing a range of health topics, the positives of growing older and ideas for the future direction of the group. The session proved both informative and supportive.

The Book Group reviewed The Place of Tides by James Rebanks, awarding it an impressive 8 out of 10. The book tells the story of the author's time living on a remote Norwegian island among people who collect eiderdown from nesting ducks.

Members particularly enjoyed the way the book explores a slower pace of life and the author's gradual appreciation of a simpler existence.

Meanwhile, the House and Gardens Group enjoyed a successful trip to Scampston Hall. Although the gardens were past their summer peak, they remained beautiful and well worth exploring.

A knowledgeable and entertaining guide brought the history of the Hall and its owners to life, making the visit both enjoyable and informative. The Craft Group has now started its festive programme, with members producing a collection of attractive, sparkling Christmas baubles during the first session. The next meeting will focus on decorating candles with a seasonal theme.

The Scribes Group has also resumed its activities. Now meeting once a month for longer sessions, members spend time working on their individual writing projects while sharing ideas and encouragement. Anyone interested in writing stories, poetry or thrillers is warmly invited to join.

Looking ahead, our next monthly meeting will take place on 6 November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Parish Hall.

Members will hear the continuation of the George Stephenson story, exploring how he and his son helped spread railway expertise throughout the world.

As always, members and visitors are welcome from 1.30pm for coffee, conversation and information about upcoming activities, visits and community projects. For further details about the U3A and its many interest groups, please visit our website sedgefield.u3asite.uk

Chris Balfour
Sedgefield Speaks

Richard Hall, now in his early eighties, has embraced a new chapter in life. Having moved to Sedgefield nearly a year ago, he has quickly fallen in love with the village's charm, history and sense of community.

Dhruba: Good afternoon Richard. What brought you to Sedgefield?
Richard: After many years elsewhere, I was looking for a peaceful place with character and community spirit. The moment I arrived, it simply felt like home.
Dhruba: What was your first impression of the village?
Richard: I was struck by its beauty, from the village green, the historic buildings and the friendly smiles from people passing by. There is a warmth here that is increasingly rare.
Dhruba: What do you enjoy most about living here?
Richard: The people, without question. Everyone has been welcoming and kind. Whether it's chatting with neighbours, visiting local shops, or attending community events, there's a genuine sense of belonging.
Dhruba: Has anything surprised you since moving here?
Richard: How active and vibrant the community is. There's always something happening. People care about one another and take pride in keeping Sedgefield beautiful.
Dhruba: What would you say to someone considering moving here?
Richard: Don't hesitate. Sedgefield offers the best of village life: beauty, history, friendship and peace.
Dhruba: Finally, how would you describe Sedgefield in three words?
Richard: Welcoming, beautiful, unforgettable. Although I am now largely confined to my home due to my eyesight, I can still feel the heartbeat of the village.

As I prepared to leave, Richard was assisted by his wife, Martha. I found myself deeply moved by his final words, which continued to resonate long after I departed: "Feeling the heartbeat of the village."
Dhrubajyoti Chatterjee

1st Sunday of the Month-8:30am to 12 noon.
Sedgefield Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month from 8:30 am to around 12:15–12:30 pm on the village green (in front of St Edmund’s Church) in the heart of Sedgefield.

Run by dedicated local volunteers from the Sedgefield Development Trust, the market features roughly 20 producers each month offering a range of locally sourced goods — from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, and baked goods to pies, pastries, spices, bread, beverages, and more.

It also includes a free community stall (perfect for local charities or groups) alongside a music tent and health bus to engage visitors. The market prides itself on being a true producers’ market, encouraging customers to talk with stallholders and learn about the origins of their food.

farmers@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.

Nestled at Skerne Wood within NETPark, the Woodland & Wildlife Project is a community conservation initiative. Volunteers work together to enhance biodiversity through activities like planting trees and creating “dead hedges” that provide habitats for insects, small mammals, and birds.

The project also hosts a variety of wildlife-focused events: botany and dawn-chorus walks, bat-watching evenings, Christmas tree recycling days, and annual bird censuses—tools that help guide habitat management and monitor species like chiffchaff, blackcap, bullfinch, and sedge warbler.

Over time, these efforts have created a green corridor and educational woodland space that supports local wildlife and connects community volunteers with nature.

This initiative helps local households identify heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Residents can borrow a thermal imaging camera to check for drafts, insulation gaps, and other issues that waste energy and increase heating costs.

By spotting problem areas, you can take simple steps to make your home warmer and reduce bills.

Friendly Fixers is a community project that helps residents repair and reuse everyday items instead of throwing them away. From small household repairs to fixing bikes, toys, and gadgets, volunteers offer practical skills and advice to save money, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet helpful people, and keep useful items out of landfill.

Fishburn Youth and Community Centre. First Saturday of the month, 10:30am-12:30pm

For more information email us at: repaircafe@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.
Follow us on Facebook for all things fixing Friendly Fixers—Repair Cafe!

This initiative encourages sustainable travel in and around Sedgefield by promoting cycling, walking, and other active transport options. The project supports residents with advice on safe routes, bike maintenance, and practical tips for reducing car use. It aims to improve health, cut emissions, and make local journeys easier and greener.

Want to get involved? Join community rides, learn maintenance skills, or share ideas to help make Sedgefield a more cycle-friendly place.

Please join us on Facebook or email cycling@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk

Would you like to join our group of local beekeepers?
If so, contact Lesley for more details on 07856 625007 or find out further details on our Facebook page – Bees at Hardwick.

Homework Help is on hold.

Get in touch at homework@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.