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ARCHIVED NEWS
County Durham Bulk Oil Buying Scheme - local co-ordinators needed
DRCC is preparing to set up a Bulk Oil Buying Scheme that will be open to residents, community organisations, and small businesses from across the county. It is based on a tried and tested ... more
Get Into Care launches in County Durham
The Prince’s Trust and Durham Care Alliance are launching the first Get Into Care Programme in the Durham area. Starting on 26th March 2012, and running from Bishop Auckland College ... more
DRCC Christmas & New Year Office Closure
We are now closed for the festive break and will reopen for business at 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2012. Many thanks for your support in 2011. We look forward to ... more
East Durham LEADER Christmas & New Year Office Closure
The East Durham LEADER Office in Wheatley Hill is now closed for the festive break, and will reopen for business at 9am on Wednesday 4 January 2012. If you have an urgent enquiry ... more
Legal Clinics for Community Buildings
Tuesday 22 November 10am – 1pm at West Auckland Memorial Hall Thursday 24 November 1pm – 4pm at Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell Monday 28 November 4pm – 7pm at Trimdon Village ... more
BT Internet Rangers
Internet Rangers is all about encouraging and enabling young people to share their digitial skills with older generations safely and confidently. BT is looking for the most dedicated young ... more
Free training workshops for Community Buildings & Community Groups
The BOSS Project is investigating and addressing the need for 'back office services' amongst rural community groups across the north-east. During September, DRCC will be offering ... more
Change your lifestyle and improve your health.
A great opportunity is now available for people over 16, who either have a need to improve their health and wellbeing or are interested in learning more. County Durham and Darlington Primary Care ... more
BT Community Connections
If you know of a community group which helps, or wants to help, people access the internet and improve their ICT skills, they could be eligible to receive 12 months' free broadband from ... more
Participatory budgeting for Parish Councils - the Yorkshire experience
Participatory budgeting is a process which allows members of a community to participate in making spending decisions about local things that affect them. Parish Councils are local authorities ... more
County Durham Environment Awards 2011
County Durham Environment Partnership has launched the 2011 Environment Awards, rewarding great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit in County Durham. There are 11 award ... more
'It's Up 2 U' - thank you for your support
On Saturday 4th June, we competed alongside 37 other excellent projects in the Stanley Area Action Partnership (AAP) Participatory Budgeting event. This was a process that gave local people the ... more
Book-Keeping for Beginners - Free Training Course
Community Accounting in collaboration with Durham Rural Community Council is providing a free (light touch) outreach training course in Lanchester during May. The course ... more
HSE launches new online resources to support voluntary organisations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched new online resources designed to help voluntary organisations understand when they have duties under health and safety law and to avoid unnecessary ... more
Charity Commission publishes CIO guidance and constitutions
The Charity Commission has published the first part of its guidance for anyone interested in setting up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), together with two model constitutions for ... more
North East Voluntary & Community Sector Awards 2011
Nominations for the North East Voluntary & Community Sector Awards 2011 are now well underway. This annual event organised by VONNE, provides a great opportunity to ... more
DRCC helps Dales group to get connected
DRCC has recently donated three 'Skype' phones to Durham Dales Action for Carers (DDAC). The phones were no longer needed following an equipment update. Geoff ... more
Litter Free Durham's Big Spring Clean
Litter Free Durham, supported by Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, is organising a Big Spring Clean across both the county and borough. It will run from 19 March ... more
Census Day is 27 March 2011 - help tomorrow take shape
Census Day is fast approaching. On Sunday 27th March 2011, millions of people across the UK will be asked to complete their census questionnaire. The information gathered from ... more
EU seeks participants for wildlife photography trip to Poland
Are you, or do you know, a senior citizen with an interest in wildlife photograph? If so you or they may be interested in travelling to Poland to take part in a photographic workshop ... more
New report considers the Big Society in rural areas
The Big Society approach is already alive and well in many of our rural villages and market towns. But there’s a lot more that can be done to help, according to the Commission for Rural ... more
DRCC launches Village-Voice
Durham Rural Community Council has launched a brand new e-newsletter specifically designed for the management committee members and user groups of Village Halls and Community Centres across ... more
New website maps the impact of funding cuts n the Voluntary Sector
Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups who are facing cuts in their funding from the public sector, can now tell their story through a newly launched website. The site is a ... more
The Jubilee People's Millions
The Big Lottery Fund and ITV have launched the Jubilee People's Millions, to help mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. It is hoped that Jubilee People's Millions projects will inspire, ... more
Grants available from the Swimathon Foundation
The Swimathon Foundation is offering grants of between £300 and £2500 to swimming pools, community organisations, and charities that can demonstrate how funding will allow them to help ... more
It's Up 2 U - giving local people a say in Stanley
Background A new way of budgeting has been launched by the Stanley Area Action Partnership (SAAP). 'It’s Up 2 U' will give residents the chance to decide how ... more
North East Guide to Grants for Voluntary Organisations - new edition now on sale
Funding Information North East (FINE) has published the latest edition of its popular North East Guide to Grants for Voluntary Organisations. The 2011 - 2012 edition is the 11th in the series, ... more
Launch of 'somewhereto' - a new initiative for young people
Neil Burke of the Regional Youth Work Unit (RYWU) and Michele Deans have been appointed as the North East partners to deliver regional outreach for ‘somewhereto’. This is a key ... more
Reminder - deadline looming to claim a grant for replacing radio microphones in Community Centres and Village Halls
In 2009, the Government announced that the 800MHz band was to be cleared and sold in 2012. As a result many radio microphones and associated equipment used in village halls, theatres and ... more
PALS - Patient Advice & Liaison Service
PALS - the Patient Advice & Liaison Service is a new initiative launched by County Durham and Darlington NHS. It is designed to provide patients, relatives and carers with ... more
Online help available for rural Post Offices
An online directory of community Post Offices has recently been launched to aid people interested in setting up their own branch and to assist those that already exist. The directory ... more
Decentralisation and Localism Bill
The long awaited Decentralisation and Localism Bill was published on 13 December 2010. Planned measures include initiatives to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies, a power of general competence ... more
Community Buildings Survey - key findings reports
ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is the umbrella body for Durham Rural Community Council and 37 counterparts across rural England, that together form the Rural Community ... more
2011 Census - help tomorrow take shape
On 27 March 2011 all homes will be taking part in a census. The census is carried out every ten years to count people and households in England and Wales. It’s vital that you ... more
North East RCC's host major Rural Summit
Almost 120 participants drawn from local government, universities and the statutory, business, voluntary and community sectors, attended the North East Rural Summit at Slaley Hall on 23 November ... more
DRCC, OVN & LEADER offices closed due to adverse weather conditions
Due to the severe weather conditions, DRCC and One Voice Network's offices in Lanchester, together with the East Durham LEADER office in Wheatley Hill will remain closed on Friday ... more
Campaigners disappointed by planned changes to music licensing
Community sector campaigners have said they are 'disappointed' with the Government’s decision to end voluntary and community groups’ exemption from paying for music licenses, before a ... more
Implementing the 'Big Society' in rural areas
There has been much comment and speculation in recent months about 'the Big Society' which forms a key part of the new Coalition Government's policy agenda. Although more details are ... more
DRCC welcomes Helen Thistlethwaite to the team
We are delighted to welcome Helen Thistlethwaite who has joined us a part time Rural Development Officer focusing on developing opportunities for community buildings. Helen is already ... more
DRCC achieves quality recognition
We are delighted to announce that Durham Rural Community Council has been awarded the highest Level 3 Accreditation under the ACRE Good Practice Quality Standard, which is endorsed by the ... more
Charlotte's Great North recipe for success
Charlotte Bates, Development Officer for DRCC's popular Hands on Health programme, came up with her own recipe for success at the 2010 Bupa Great North Run. As Charlotte happily points ... more
FREE - the future of rural energy in Europe
Durham Rural Community Council is working in partnership with Community Action Northumberland, Tees Valley Rural Community Council, Calor, ACRE and National Energy Associates (NEA), to promote ... more
'The Rural Challenge'
'The Rural Challenge - achieving sustainable rural communities for the 21st century' is the title of a report from 'The Rural Coalition.' This is a newly established partnership ... more
Community News
The Autumn 2010 / Winter 2011 issue of Community News has recently been published, packed with news and information from across County Durham. Read about the new Calor FREE ... more
DRCC - The first 75 years!
Durham Rural Community Council is celebrating a very special milestone this year. It's 75 years since DRCC was established as 'The Community Service Council for Durham County'. Much has ... more
Teesdale Village Halls Consortium training events
Teesdale Village Halls Consrtium has organised a range of training events which will take place between September and November 2010. The courses cover essential topics for Village Hall ... more
Sedgefield is blooming!
Sedgefield village has made the shortlist for both the Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions. The village has an amazing selection of features that have been ... more
New affordable housing report published
Villages have a long history of resilience and self help. In tackling today’s challenges, many rural communities have identified affordable housing as part of the solution. Typically, just ... more
The State of the Countryside 2010
The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has recently published the 2010 ‘State of the Countryside’ report giving an up to date definitive picture of rural England. The report ... more
ACRE publishes further rural policy position papers
ACRE has recently produced three further Policy Position Papers covering Digital Inclusion , Social Inclusion , and Sustainable Communities , with support from the Cabinet ... more
DRCC enjoys renewed Investors in People success
Durham Rural Community Council is delighted to announce that it has once again been awarded 'Investors in People' status following a recent three yearly review. The assessor's ... more
County Durham LINk - district representatives required
LINk is short for Local Involvement Network. County Durham LINk is an independent network of local people and groups that aims to give communities in the county a stronger voice in how their ... more
Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) to be abolished
The Defra Secretary of State announced on 29 June 2010 that The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) is to be abolished. Whilst paying tribute to the work of CRC and the Rural ... more
The Big Debate
Almost eighty people attended our recent community buildings event, 'The Big Debate', at Kirk Merrington Village Hall. We were delighted to receive very positive feedback from delegates who ... more
Rural Business Survey results
In 2009 researchers at the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University conducted a survey of rural businesses in North East England. The survey aimed to identify changes in the ... more
CRC publishes the results of its Uplands Inquiry
The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has published the findings of its inquiry into the future of upland communities. The report notes that the English uplands are landscapes that ... more
Weardale Action Partnership (WAP) Small Grants Fund and Personal Progression Fund
Local groups operating in Weardale are now eligible for assistance through the Weardale Action Partnership (WAP) Small Grants Fund. The fund is offering small grants to voluntary and ... more
The People's Millions
Hurry, time is running out for local community groups to submit an application to the ‘The People’s Millions’ competition, supported by The Big Lottery Fund and ITV.. The ... more
Can you help to develop local community health services?
Are you interested in becoming involved with County Durham and Darlington Community Health Services ? They very much appreciate input from the local population, and are looking for ... more
Are you looking for free office furniture?
Are you a local community group or charity that is looking for good quality free office furniture? If so, DRCC may be able to help. We have been updating our equipment and now ... more
Opportunity to influence public policy
The Policy and Representation Partnership aims to increase the third sector's contribution to policy development in the North East. This three year, Big Lottery funded project will encourage ... more
75 years of service to County Durham's rural communities
Durham Rural Community Council has been providing help and support to rural communities across County Durham since 1935. To celebrate our 75th Anniversary Year, we ... more
2010 report published by the Government's Rural Advocate
Dr Stuart Burgess, the Government's Rural Advocate has published his Rural Advocate Report for 2010 This year’s report focuses on issues affecting children and young people living and ... more
DRCC welcomes two new Trustees
Durham Rural Community Council is delighted to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees. Julie Form, County Durham Director for Groundwork, and Jan Worters, former Chief Executive of ... more
Community Voices
Community Voices is a national project that aims to inspire, engage, and support grassroots communities to make a meaningful difference to their lives through digital media. The initiative is ... more
Rural Economies Recession Report
The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has recently published a Rural Economies Recession Intelligence Report. The document points to signs of improvement and renewed confidence, ... more
Funding for Rural Community Broadband in the North East
£300,000 has been made available through the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) to help support the development of Rural Community Broadband in the North East. The funding, which is ... more
Temporary DRCC office closures due to severe weather conditions
The severe weather conditions have made it increasingly difficult for our staff to reach DRCC & One Voice Network's offices in Lanchester and Wheatley Hill. For the safety of our ... more
Tender invitation
DRCC is inviting tenders from consultants who are interested in undertaking a feasibility study that will focus on Village Halls and Community Buildings in east Durham. The overall ... more
A Manifesto for Rural Communities
The Carnegie UK Trust has long championed the work of rural communities across the UK and Ireland. Their report, A Charter for Rural Communities was published in June 2007. Now, their ... more
ACRE Rural Policy Position Papers
ACRE has recently produced a set of 10 useful Policy Position Papers, with support from the Cabinet Office, Big Lottery Fund and Defra. Please click on the links below to download copies ... more
New model consititution for charities with an income under £5000
A new, simplified constitution for very small charities is being launched by the Charity Commission in partnership with umbrella bodies across the charity sector. The new constitution is ... more
Community Led Planning - invitation to tender
An opportunity has arisen for a Consultant who is interested in developing a framework for Community Led Planning in County Durham and Northumberland. Please click here to download ... more
AAP Forum Meetings
Area Action Partnerships (AAP's) have been launched by Durham County Council to provide a better way of listening to and working with local people. They were designed following extensive ... more
DRCC Annual Review 2008/2009
DRCC's Annual Review for 2008/2009 has recently been published. Please click here to download a copy in pdf file format. ... more
ACRE briefings on the Post Office Network & Rural Ageing
ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) has recently prepared two useful update briefing papers. Post Office Network The first covers developments within ... more
Invitation to Tender
DRCC is inviting tenders from consultants who are interested in undertaking a feasibility study that will focus on Village Halls and Community Buildings in Weardale, County Durham. The ... more
Switched On Communities
Are you a voluntary organisation supporting individuals within your local community with ICT, or is ICT part of the service that you offer within your local community? AbilityNet and Community ... more
Community News - Autumn / Winter 2009
The Autumn / Winter 2009 issue of Community News is now available. Please click here to download your copy. ... more
Flexible Families
'Flexible Families’ is a new type of support aimed at parents and carers of young children and parents-to-be. If you have young children and are interested in the flexibility of working ... more
Village SOS
Village SOS is a major new initiative from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and the BBC. It is searching for six UK villages with a great business idea, and six enterprising individuals to act as ... more
DRCC's Spring Meeting
DRCC's Spring Meeting was held on 21 May 2009 at Sedgefield Parish Hall. An enthusiastic audience of more than 50 people heard why 'Retirement is a job for a much younger person!' ... more
Community News - Spring/Summer 2009
The Spring 2009 issue of Community News is now available. Please click here to download your copy. ... more
East Durham LEADER
East Durham LEADER is now open for business. Click here for more information. ... more
History of DRCC
Durham Rural Community Council will be celebrating it's 75th birthday in 2010. Click here to read how DRCC was born during the depths of the 1930s depression. ... more
CALOR Village of the Year 2009
The search for County Durham's CALOR Village of the Year is now underway. Can your village follow in the footsteps of Tanfield Lea and Whorlton, both winners in 2008? Click here for ... more
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