Three Bs brighten town eyesore in time for In Bloom judging

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A derelict Stanley eyesore has been transformed into a colourful centrepiece for the summer.

Stanley Town Council has transformed the derelict former Stanley Board School into one of the main attractions of  Northumbria in Bloom submission, thanks to artistic schoolchildren from the town.

The project saw youngsters from St Joseph’s Primary School, draw inspiration from previous year’s academic theme of “Birds, Bees and Butterflies” to design 29 new “windows” for the school, featuring brightly coloured animals, flowers and summer scenes.

“People in the town, quite understandably, are tired of the derelict building at the bottom of the Front Street, and when Northumbria in Bloom judges visited the town in 2019, our submission was marked down due to the state of the building.  So, we decided that we would address it in the summer and I approached the building’s owners with the plan to brighten the place up and they agreed to let us carry out the project. Sadly, we had to delay the project when COVID struck in 2020, but as soon as the schools were back, we set about using the youngsters’ imagination and artistic talents to create a project of turning this eyesore into something that brightens up the area.  We’re really pleased with how well the project has worked out.” said Dave Jarvis.

The colourful displays also seem to have found favour with In Bloom judges, who now commented on how much they improved the building, and the town main shopping street.

“So much effort goes into making the town a pleasant place to be, it’s nice to get so many positive comments,” added Dave. “The great thing is, we will keep the artwork once the building is finally earmarked for development, so it will go on to future displays elsewhere in the town.

“I’d like to thank all of the youngsters and staff at St Joseph’s who have helped drive this project forward and created such eye-catching, amazing work.”

The project was made possible thanks to support from Stanley Town Council and Durham County Council.

 

Focusing on the feelgood factor with flowers, flags, and events

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Stanley Town Council continuously has its focus firmly on the feel good factor, having signed-off a budget aimed at adding colour, lifting spirits, and enhancing the environment.

Among the projects bringing colour to the streets, is Blooming Good Fun, the yearly competition encouraging residents to show off their gardens, yards, window boxes, hanging baskets, tubs, open spaces, and businesses. The contest has been running for several years and is the prelude to the town’s entry into Northumbria in Bloom.

The Council will also issue messages of unity following the implementation of a The Council Flag policy that will see the Council flying a variety of flags to coincide with designated days and months as a sign of unity, support and respect.

Stanley Town Council will also add colour to the Civic Hall, embracing a variety of countries, cultures and events via their flag displays.

 

Happy 100th birthday Vera Soulsby

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Happy 100th birthday Vera Soulsby 🥳
Huge congratulations to Vera Soulsby, resident of South Moor, Stanley who today celebrated her 100th birthday on 18th February 2021.
Vera, who has was born in Maple Street, worked in the Colliery canteen in her younger years, before moving to the Disco Superstore in Annfield Plain, an allusion to its true name of the Annfield Plain Co-op and Discount Electricals.
As one of eight siblings, she remains close to her only surviving sister, who is just four years her junior and who also lives in South Moor. Unfortunately Vera’s husband Eddie passed away in 1994, but she still reminisces the rides out in their car and their nice holidays abroad. Vera has continued to live an active lifestyle, devoting her time to the Woman’s Institute prior to its closure.

Stanley Civic Hall – Diamond Anniversary

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Stanley Civic Hall has been at the heart of the town and community since her opening on 7th January 1961, accommodating many shows through the Alun Armstrong Theatre, cinema films, weddings, and celebrations, not to mention training courses, a base for community groups and conferences.

The year 2020 will be always known as a challenging year for all, however, the Civic Hall has remained at the heart of the town and community, just as was always intended, upon her opening in 1961. Following her closure to the public because of government COVID restrictions, she had continued to provide space for the operations of Stanley Town Council, whilst the Alnwick Suite and Lumley Room had housed an extended PACT House team.

In December 2021 we reopened and brought back the panto with a production of Beauty and the Beast, we also look forward to relaunching our community cinema programme, and to top it all off, a live events programme. Also not forgetting our private event partners, including MMA contests, Amateur Dramatics and of course our local education conferences.

Do you have any fond memories from across the years? Let us know!