A mural dedicated to the heritage of Ferryhill has been officially unveiled by Ferryhill Mayor Councillor Carole Atkinson.

Ferryhill Town Council agreed to ask renowned local artist Paul Eddy to paint a mural representing Ferryhill’s heritage following a motion presented by Councillor Joe Makepeace in February 2021.  Paul was given a free reign for his artwork.

The mural, titled ‘Embracing our Past’, depicts Ferryhill’s mining history, sacrifices of the townsfolk in two World Wars and conflicts since and the town’s railway heritage.

Paul said he was ‘extremely proud and honoured to be asked by the Town Council to undertake the work’.  Assisted by Neve Lawson, an artist in her own right and boxer at Seconds Out Boxing Academy, which is run by Paul, the painting took over 300 man hours to complete.  The artists gave their time and skill for free, both regarding the opportunity to do so reward in itself.

It was initially expected that the mural would be complete within 6 months however it’s taken longer due to covid restrictions and Paul’s ongoing health issues.

Paul collapsed whist attending a check up at Durham University Hospital.  Medical staff told him afterwards that his heart had stopped for 18 minutes and had technically died for that period.  Paul quipped that ‘it’s often said that an artist’s work is worth more after he dies.  On that basis the mural must be worth a fortune!’

Town Mayor, Councillor Carole Atkinson said she ‘We are all delighted and grateful for the hard work Paul and Neve have put into creating the mural.  It perfectly celebrates Ferryhill’s heritage and will be displayed in the Town Hall for many years to come’.

Councillor Makepeace said he was ‘pleased that the Council supported his motion.  Paul and Neve have produced an excellent interpretation of the Town’s heritage for future generations’.

Anyone wishing to view the mural can do so during normal office hours.  Please contact the Town Hall before setting off to make sure the room is not being used.

Due to the resignation of Stephen Varty a vacancy has arisen in the office of Councillor for Ferryhill Town Council.  This notice of vacancy has been amended to take into account the additional Bank Holiday on 19 September 2022. Please see a link below.

Amended Notice of Vacancy – Ferryhill Town Council (Ferryhill and Dean Bank Ward)

A Special Commemoration Service for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held at 6pm on Sunday 18th September 2022 at St Luke’s Church. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Members and Officers of Ferryhill Town Council are deeply saddened by the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our Country’s longest serving Monarch, leading by example for 70 years through many challenges and triumphs. Her sense of duty and service should be an inspiration to us all.

I convey the deepest sympathies of the Council and Community of Ferryhill to His Majesty the King and all members of the Royal Family at this sad time.

Councillor Carole Atkinson

Ferryhill Town Mayor

As a mark of respect the Union Flag is being flown at half mast from the Town Hall from now until the day following the funeral, with the exception that they will move to full-mast from 11:00hrs to coincide with the reading of the national proclamation and the local reading later that day.

A book of Condolence is open, and will be available in the Town Hall, Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 3.30pm.  The book will close at 3.30pm on the day following the funeral.

Messages of condolence can also be left online at the official Royal website Royal.uk

Floral tributes can be laid on the lawn in the Town Hall Garden.  The Town Council asks that you remove all wrapping, plastic items etc, as the day following the funeral, flowers, will be collected for composting. This compost will be used at a future date to plant a tree which will become known as ‘The Queen’s Tree’. *

There will be a local proclamation, as yet we do not know the exact day. Please keep reviewing the Council’s website for further details.

*It should be noted that some flowers may be removed earlier than anticipated if they start to deteriorate, but they will still be kept for composting.`

Due to the resignation of Stephen Varty a vacancy has arisen in the office of Councillor for Ferryhill Town Council. Please see a link below.

 

Notice of Vacancy – Ferryhill Town Council (Ferryhill and Dean Bank Ward) dated 8 September 2022

Please follow the links below to view the Notice of Conclusion of Audit for 2021-22 and the AGAR 2021-22

Notice of Conclusion of Audit 2021-2022

Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2021-22

 

 

Durham Hospitals Radio have become the latest group to benefit through Ferryhill Town Council’s Members Initiative Fund.  Launched in April 2022, the Fund has now seen a total of £4,300 being donated to support ten local projects and initiatives.

In a cheque presentation held at Ferryhill Town Hall, Councillor Sue Jones presented a cheque for £250 to Eileen Thompson from Durham Hospitals Radio. Funds will be used to contribute towards upgrading technology across the radio station to ensure that radio services can continue to be provided uninterrupted across hospitals in the region, long into the future.

Councillor Jones said ‘I am delighted to be able to support Durham Hospitals Radio.  The organisation provides a fantastic service for patients at what can be a very difficult time.’

Funding is still available through the Members Initiative Fund, for more information please contact Karen Younghusband at Ferryhill Town Hall on telephone: 01740 652157 or Email: kyounghusband@ferryhill.gov.uk

The landlord of the Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brewery in Ferryhill, Mr Alan Hogg, is hosting a Brewery Tour to raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities.  The tour will be held at the Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brewery, Surtees Terrace, Chilton Lane, Ferryhill, Co Durham, DL17 0DH on Wednesday 14^th September 2022, commencing at 6.30pm.

Tickets for this event are limited and are available on a first come first served basis from Ferryhill Town Hall at a cost of £15 per person, which includes a pint and pie & peas, there will also be a quiz and a raffle on the night.

Come along and join the Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Carole Atkinson for what is hoped to be a very enjoyable evening.  All monies raised will be donated to the Mayor’s chosen charities, namely, Endeavour Woodcrafts & Ferryhill Ladder Centre.

St Luke’s Church are holding a Coffee Morning in St Luke’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Ferryhill on Saturday 17^th September 2022, 11am – 1pm. £2 entry fee.

There will be tea, coffee, cakes, a variety of stalls and a raffle.

All funds raised will be divided between St Luke’s Church and the Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Carole Atkinson’s charities, Endeavour Woodcrafts and Ferryhill LADDER Centre.

Please come along and support the Mayor of Ferryhill and St Luke’s Church.  Everyone welcome!