Latest news with #LyndseyFox
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lumiere 2025: Volunteers needed as festival returns to Durham City
Volunteer recruitment is now open for the return of Lumiere to Durham. Durham County Council has launched its call for volunteers to help bring Lumiere to life in 2025, as part of a series of events celebrating Volunteers' Week and the vital role volunteers play in supporting culture and community across the region. Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial, will take place from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15. Celebrating Volunteers Week at Locomotion in Shildon (Image: DCC) Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors and support the smooth running of the festival, with a minimum commitment of one four-hour shift during the event. Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: "Across the county, thousands of volunteers give up their time on a regular basis to help run cultural events and activities and work on projects which support the environment, as well as welcoming visitors to the county at our festivals and events. "We are using Volunteers' Week to say thank you for the hours of time and effort our volunteers have given. Celebrating Volunteers' Week with a walk (Image: DCC) "They help us run some fantastic cultural events that enhance community wellbeing, as well as attracting visitors to the county and supporting the economy." Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to June 8, has featured a programme of celebration events across County Durham, including walking and running events, a picnic, a buffet, and a gathering at Locomotion in Shildon. Lynne Heasman, a long-time Lumiere volunteer, described her experiences as deeply rewarding. Celebrating Volunteers' Week (Image: DCC) Ms Heasman said: "It's a privilege to be involved in such an exciting and popular arts event and volunteering gets you involved right into the heart of it. "I have even had my image projected onto the cathedral as part of an installation. "I have always felt proud to set out on a shift in our beautiful city with other volunteers, many of whom return for every Lumiere. "I've enjoyed assisting people to get the most out of the light installations and it's really satisfying to know I've contributed to someone's enjoyment. "I have met so many interesting people from artists to visitors to all those involved in running such an incredible event and enjoyed every question and conversation. "Being involved with Lumiere I feel valued and appreciated, especially by the Volunteer Durham team who take the utmost care of us and ensure that we enjoy the festival as much as the visitors – probably even more so. "Volunteering at Lumiere is a lot of fun, very rewarding and I can't think of a better way to experience the festival." The Lumiere Volunteer scheme is sponsored by MGL Group. Gillian Reader, director of MGL Group, said: "MGL Group is delighted to sponsor the Lumiere Volunteers scheme, which provides a meaningful and exciting way for anyone to be a part of this iconic event. "As a family business deeply rooted in Durham, MGL Group is proud to continue our support of Lumiere. "We believe in fostering a vibrant community, and sponsoring this event goes beyond celebrating art and culture. Read more: County Durham shops warned of £200 fines if found selling disposable vapes after ban Fresh off the block, market place chippy latest in Echo's top ten Demolition plans lodged for County Durham primary school's swimming pool "It supports our region's vitality and drives positive economic impact. "We're honoured to be part of something that brings joy to residents and visitors." Lumiere is created and produced by Artichoke, commissioned by Durham County Council, and supported by Arts Council England. For more information about how to apply to volunteer at Lumiere, as well as explore other volunteering opportunities in the county, visit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Improvements to key A167 junctions in Newton Aycliffe now complete
Three key junctions along the A167 in Newton Aycliffe have been improved and are now fully open. The upgrades at Rushyford Roundabout, Central Avenue, and Ricknall Lane aim to boost road capacity, to support the planned 1,435-home development at the Copelaw site. The work, partially delivered by Durham County Council, was funded with £7.135 million from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund. (Image: DCC) As a result, the site, located to the east of Newton Aycliffe, is more accessible for future development. The Copelaw site, surrounded by farmland, was allocated in the County Durham Plan in 2020. Developed in partnership with the Church Commissioners for England, it is set to include 92 extra care apartments, a local centre, and a primary school. (Image: DCC) The site will also feature pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as open spaces and landscaping. Councillor Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council's member for economy and partnership, said: "It's fantastic to see work finally completed on these improvements to the A167, and progress being made toward facilitating this major housing development. "Improved road capacity at these junctions will go a long way towards reducing congestion and improving safety, while also paving the way for improved connections to the Copelaw development and surrounding areas. (Image: DCC) "I want to thank all road users and residents for their patience while this work was being carried out." Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding for Homes England, added: "Funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund has enabled the council to make vital improvements to the A167 in Newton Aycliffe. (Image: DCC) Read more: Plans to build homes on site of former County Durham nursing home withdrawn North East water company to pay out £15.7 million for failures in sewage network Clubbers get Darlington venue 'bouncing' at floor-filling daytime disco "The completion of these works marks a significant moment for the Copelaw project and an excellent example of how we are helping local authority partners like Durham County Council to create new homes and thriving places people can be proud of." Details on the infrastructure works can be found at The full application is available on the council's planning portal. Planning permission for the site is currently pending determination.
