In the news this month...

Bishop’s Fen to bring back nature to the River Skerne

Discover Brightwater and Durham Wildlife Trust recently held an event to mark the official dedication of Bishop’s Fen, between Sedgefield and Bishop Middleham. At 218 hectares, it's part of the bigger Great North Fen project, which is bringing nature and biodiversity back to 850 hectares of land alongside the River Skerne, as it weaves its way through this part of County Durham.

The overall aim of the project is to return the landscape to how it was 300 years ago, before the river was made to run straighter and faster, draining the land around it and making it more profitable for agriculture, but taking away wildlife habitats and reducing biodiversity. Reinstating some twists, turns and carrs through the Great North Fen will not only help nature in the area, but it is also hoped that it will play a role in managing the flood risks for the East Coast Main Line and the A1(M), which run through the area.

Reverend Rick Simpson, the Archdeacon of Auckland, led the dedication of Bishop’s Fen, and cut a willow branch to officially ‘open’ it. You can find out more about the Great North Fen project at www.durhamwt.com/great-north-fen.

IN2 celebrates

Over October half term, IN2 Interests at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy celebrated being open for 10 years with a fabulous birthday party and a day full of inflatable fun!

IN2 was established in 2014 to offer much more than childcare, believing that this fun and vibrant facility would offer children a unique diverse learning experience, exploring hidden talents and allowing the children to form new friendships in breakfast club, afterschool and holiday club provision throughout the year.

Since opening our doors, IN2 has gone from strength to strength and, despite the difficult times through the COVID pandemic, we have continued to thrive and look forward to what the next ten years will bring for IN2!

The IN2 team would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support over the past ten years.

A round up from the Schools

Remembering with Respect at Winterton


Respect was the theme of the day, as Year 5 pupils represented Sedgefield Primary School at this year's Remembrance Service. Many VIPs attended this local community event, including local veterans, our local vicar, Mayor of Sedgefield and many more, alongside the Lord Lieutenant, who represents the crown.

Year 5 pupils from both local primaries at Sedgefield joined together to open the ceremony with a march alongside local veteran, Richard, who presented the stand. Pupils commented that they were honoured to be part of such an event and they have been interested in learning about the history of Winterton Hospital in the lead up to the service.

Our Year 5 class opened the event with a performance poem called, 'The Inquisitive Mind of a Child'. It reflected that war has no winners and comes at a huge sacrifice to humanity.

We were delighted and proud that an ex-pupil of Sedgefield Primary, Nancy, played 'The Last Post' in the lead up to the two minutes silence. The spirit of our school is community and this important event reflects that ethos to the core.

Andrea Flynn, The Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham informed Year 5 pupils that the Winterton Service is one of her favourite annual community events to attend, due to the community spirit and support from local schools. We are extremely honoured to be part of such a significant community event

Remembrance Day

Sedgefield's Remembrance Day Service this year was a poignant occasion, bringing together the local community to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.

The ceremony began with a parade featuring the Sedgefield Village Veterans Standard, which led a procession of residents, veterans, and pupils through the heart of the village. The crowd gathered at the cenotaph, where the atmosphere was filled with solemnity and respect. The service included contributions from Sedgefield Primary School, whose pupils delivered a heartfelt poem about the poppies, symbolising the remembrance of those who lost their lives in battle. This was followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem, performed by our children from Sedgefield Hardwick School.

A key moment of the ceremony was the laying of the wreath at the cenotaph in Winterton. The Reverend David Lucas, of St Edmund’s Church, offered a prayer reading, which set a reflective tone for the gathering.

As the ceremony progressed, the "Last Post" was played by a pupil from Sedgefield Community College. This act of remembrance was followed by a two-minute silence, observed by all in attendance, in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Further readings and tributes were shared, offering a tribute to the bravery and dedication of past service people. The ceremony concluded with the Lord's Prayer, bringing the community together in a moment of quiet reflection. This year's Remembrance Day service was a moving and respectful tribute to all those who served and sacrificed for our country.

It reminded us of the importance of remembrance and the strength of community spirit in Sedgefield.

Community facilities

When Sedgefield Community College became an academy in 2020, unlike many other schools, our name did not change. It was important for the school that the name remained as the importance of ‘community’ is crucial to our school values. One of the primary ways in which the school looks to take a key role within our local area is through the availability of the school’s sporting facilities that can be booked for community use.

All of these bookings take place through ‘The Hub’ and there is a wide range of facilities that are extensively used. In addition to grass football pitches, we have 3G and artificial football pitches. External tennis courts can also be hired. Internally, facilities include a large multi-use sports hall, dance studio and fitness suite.

At this time, we have 7 local football teams who play their home fixtures on the school site. As well as this, we have approximately 30 other local clubs and sporting organisations who are regularly based at SCC, including some such as Sedgefield Harriers and The Bulls wheelchair rugby team, who have been part of our wider community for many years.

Can SDUSG help you?

Do you run a group, meeting, club or organisation in the local area and have a shortage of funds for a particular event or equipment?

Sedgefield District Uniform Services Group raise funds for local causes and would like to invite requests for funding from groups or organisations in the local area.

Please use the QR code below to complete a form or get in touch directly with any member of the group. Find us on Facebook Sedgefield District Uniformed Services Group.

Farewell recital

Alexander Ord came to England from his home in Kelowna, British Columbia, joining the Music Faculty at East Durham College.

He was appointed organist of St. Giles, Durham City and, since 1999, has held the post of organist at St. Edmund's Sedgefield.

After 25 years’ service, Alex will be returning to his home in Canada on 9 December. His final service at St. Edmund's will be on 5 December for the Civic Carol Service.

On Saturday 7 December, he will give a solo Farewell Recital to raise funds for Dementia UK at St Edmund’s. Tickets at door £6 (children free). refreshments included. Proceeds towards Dementia UK and church funds.

How many people does it take to get a carpet to the Church Tower?

The challenge: How to get a 57kg roll of carpet (5 x 5.6m) up to the Ringing Room in the tower room when there was no way it could be carried up the spiral stone staircase. Fact: The ringing room is located at a height equivalent to more than three semi-detached houses stacked on top of each other.

The solution: Get the help of plasterers working in the church, the church congregation, bellringers and Bloomer friends along with ropes and pulleys so that the carpet could be pulled through the two trap doors to the room below the Ringing Room and then manhandled to its final location. A good hour of work was rewarded by Janet Tiplady's delicious lemon cake and coffee.

Janet Tiplady (Tower Captain) advises there are a couple more things to do before the open event to show it all off. If anyone is interested in learning how to ring, contact Janet on 01740 621855. Practices are Thursday evenings 7:30pm to 9pm, ringing for services on the second and fourth Sundays of the month 9:30am to 10am (which we would expect ringers to commit to) and weddings when required.

Christmas Trees!

What to do with your real Christmas tree once the festivities are over?

Sedgefield in Bloom group are again organising a collection of trees on Wednesday 8 January. It couldn't be easier. Simply get in touch with us on ChairSIB@gmail.com or call 07443 606907 and for a donation of £5 we will collect it from you and recycle (courtesy of AW Treecare).

All monies raised will go directly towards planting and projects in Sedgefield, helping us to keep Sedgefield Blooming.

St Edmund’s calendar & cards

The Friends of St. Edmund’s Church 2024 calendar is now available at From Loft to Loved along with a selection of locally themed Christmas cards.

Get in touch

Email your news articles and stories to the news team: news@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk

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