Latest News
Town Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2010
The Annual General Meeting of Chilton Town will be held at Chilton Workingmen's Club, lounge, 7.00 p.m Thursday 20th May 2010. Please come along and have your say on whether the Council is meeting your expectations. If not say why. What would you like to see, Environmental improvements, more Christmas lights, extra leisure facilities?
Council Elect New Mayor For 2010/2011
The Council elected Margret Walton as the new Mayor for Chilton 11th May. Outgoing Mayor Len Potts presented Councillor Walton with her chain of Office. Councillor Walton thanked members for their support and congratulated Councillor Maureen Errington for being elected Deputy Mayor. Councillor Potts thank members for their support in his term of office. Councillor Potts as raised over £7000 for his Charities Help for Hero's, Chilton Scouts and the Go Ahead Disabled Club.
Mother's Day...
Don't forget it's Mother's Day 14th March!
Mayor's Civic Dinner 2010
The Mayor of Chilton Town Council, Len Potts is holding a civic dinner on Thursday 1st April 7.00 p.m. in the big hall Chilton Workingmen's Club. Tickets are £18.00 each which will include a 5 course meal with red and white wine. There will be live entertainment, bingo, raffle, tombola and auction. All monies raised will go to help the Mayor's charities which are Chilton Cubs and Help for Hero's both worthy causes. Tickets are available from the Town Council offices. Please support your town.
Inconsiderate Parking! 1st March 2010
There are still people parking their cars on the footpaths along Durham Road near the Methodist Church. Please refrain from parking on footpaths cars,vans and lorries must parked on the road! The local PCSO's will issue parking fines to drivers parking inconsiderately. You have been warned!!
John Healey, Housing Minister Visits the West Side of Chilton!
The first stage of Durham County Council's Neighbourhood Housing Renewal Program is nearly complete. The program will eventually see over 200 terraced properties demolished and 64 new homes being built. Oswald, Victoria, Westwood Terraces and Dale Street are now demolished. Hopefully stage 2 will continue later this year.
John Healey, Housing Minister visited Chilton to see the renewal program in action, accompanying the minister was Durham County's Director of Housing Glyn Hall, John Healey Housing Minister, County Councillor for Chilton Christine Potts and local MP Phil Wilson and the Leader of Durham County Council, Simon Henig.
David Kidney MP Minister for Energy visits Dalkia's Biomass Energy Centre
Work as officially started on Dalkia's Biomass Energy Centre on Chilton's Industrial Estate. The Energy Centre costing £38 million pounds should be constructed, commissioned and operational by March 2011. Phil Wilson MP (Sedgefield constituency) accompanied Mr Kidney and both were impressed with the scheme, which will not only provide Chilton people with 20% cheaper electricity but eventually a district heating system supplying hot water from the Biomass plant to homes throughout Chilton.
The Mayor of Chilton, Leonard Potts said this development will be a catalyst for Chilton's ongoing regeneration and will put Chilton on the forefront of renewable energy.
Happy New Year!
Members and officers of Chilton Town Council wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year for 2010.
Christmas Carol Service - St. Aidan's Church
A carol service will be held Thursday 17th December at St. Aidan's Church, Durham Road, Chilton. The service will start at 6.30 p.m. A Free buffet will available after the carol service in the church hall, all are welcome to attend.
The Mayor's Christmas Message
First of all I would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas. It has been quite a busy year for the Town Council and next year will be just as busy.
We had a very successful Gala Day, which was very well attended and thankfully, the weather played its part. The Pentland’s Play Area was installed and opened and is being well used. Due to the many hours put in by the Christmas Lights Committee, we have managed to keep upgrading the Christmas display in the Main Street, particularly our new LED Christmas Tree and thanks must also go to Dalkia, who helped with a kind donation.
As you may know Dalkia are about to build a new energy centre in Chilton which will be of great benefit to the whole community. Work on that project is about to start and an official Ground Breaking Ceremony will take place early in the New Year.
I’m sure you will agree that the floral displays in the Town this year have been exceptional and thanks to the efforts of all those involved Chilton was awarded a silver merit for best small town and a silver merit for the Miners Welfare Recreation Ground. Thanks to assistance from children at Chilton Primary and Chilton 1st Cubs there will be an array of colour in the spring with the bulbs that they planted . Everything that we do as a Council, can't be done without your ongoing support and the support of our County Councillor’s and I hope that this will long continue.
Finally can I thank you for the fantastic support you have given to my main Charity, which is 'Help for Heroes' A cause close to my heart as a former regular soldier.
Mayor, Len Potts
Chilton Skate Park
Chilton Skate Park proposal took a step nearer following over 100-signature petition to Durham County Council and a successful bid to the 4Together Area Action Partnership for a contribution to this scheme.
The Project has now been passed to the funding team for a second stage assessment. If the required funding for the skate park is successful, it will be a welcome addition to the facilities within the Charlie Wayman Football Grounds, located at West Chilton Terrace.
Extra funding will be persued from other funding sources to complete this exciting project.
The Town's Newsletter Is On Its Way!
The Town's latest newsletter (Christmas edition) will be delivered next week. Copies will be available from the Council Offices if required.
Environmental Improvements With Chilton Cubs
Chilton cubs gave a helping hand to the Mayor, Len Pott by planting daffodil bulbs as the Council continue's its environmental improvements in and around Chilton. The cubs gave up their Saturday morning to plant the bulbs!
Follow Us On Facebook!
You can now follow the Council on facebook and give us yours views on your community. The Council will post future events and tell you what's going on! www.facebook.com
Chilton Christmas Lights Switch On
Last Friday saw the official switch on of Chilton’s new L.E.D Christmas Tree.
Despite the cold weather people turned out in their droves as the Mayor, Councillor Len Potts and Gala Princess Winner, Nicole Macey Allen had the privilege of performing the official switch on. As the Mayor said “The Town would not have had an L.E.D Christmas Tree. All of this has been made possible by the hard work of the Christmas Lights Committee and a generous donation by Dalkia UK”.
The countdown began and as the tree was switched on many onlookers commented on how fantastic the tree looked and that it fitted perfectly with the surrounding lights.
Members of the Town Council wish to thank everyone involved with erecting the Christmas lights and Tree and to the Christmas Lights Committee and to everyone who made it possible by donating to the Tree Appeal. Special thanks to the band and members of St Aidan’s Church.
The Christmas Lights Committee are continuing with their fundraising efforts.
FREE Computer, Web Access and Training
Residents of Chilton can now have free access to computers, web use and training at Hutton House from the Wednesday 18th November between 9.30 - 10.30, this service will be available every week. Whether you are seeking new skills, job searching or would like access to the internet we can help. Places are limited so please enquire at the Council offices.
Chilton Remembrance Parade and Service
Please be advised that this year’s Remembrance Service will be held at St Aidan’s Church on Sunday 8th November commencing at 10.00am. Following the service there will be a parade starting at 10.45am down to the Memorial at Hutton House where a wreath will be laid. A road closure will be enforced along Durham Road from 10.30am until 11.15am. Free tea, coffee and soup will available after the parade at St. Aidan's church hall.
Chilton - Christmas Lights Switch On
Chilton Town Council wish to invite residents to join them on Friday 20th November at 6.30pm to watch the Town’s official Christmas Light Switch on of the Christmas Tree and lights around the Town square (please note the street lights will be on earlier and are not part of the official ceremony). This year the Gala Day Princess winner Nicole Macey Allen and the Mayor, Councillor Leonard Potts will be performing the official switch on. To get everyone into the festive spirit there will be a band which will be playing Christmas carols and members of St Aidan’s Church will be circulating with sweet mince pies and refreshments. For the children there will be some fun fair rides and of course Christmas would not be complete without a visit from ……Santa
Chilton Christmas Tree Appeal
Chilton Lights Committee was overwhelmed this week when the children from the local Parent and Toddler Group gave them a donation of £50 towards the Christmans Tree Appeal. The Committee members, Councillor’s Glenda Attwood, Margaret Walton and Maureen Errington would like to offer their sincerest thanks to the parents, carers and children of the Chilton Parent and Toddler Group for their generous donation. The appeal is ongoing and the Committee are organising future fundraising events.
Mayor's first Charity Night Success
Councillor Len Potts, first charity night was a huge success raising over £700.00 for his nominated charities. Councillor Potts wishes to thank all for attending and contributing to Help for Heroes, Disabled Club and the 1st Scouts Chilton.
Pentland's Play Area Open
The Mayor Len Potts, met with children from Chilton Primary School and opened the Pentland's Park. A large number of residents gathered to witness the occasion. Members of the old Sedgefield Borough Council who part funded the project through the "Local Improvement Program" were also present.
The Mayor gave thanks to Sedgefield Borough Council and the the Big lottery for funding this lovely park. 
The New Pentland's Park Opens Tomorrow 22nd September 2009!
The new play park at the Pentland's, Chilton will be fully open to the public from the 22nd September. The footpaths are complete and all the play equipment installed. The Council wish to thank Sedgefield Borough Council's local Improvement Program and The lottery for funding the new park. The Council wish to also thank Record RSS the suppliers/installation of the equipment and Steve Robinson Landscapes, for their work in delivering the final project.
Ex Chilton Resident Reaches 101!
The Deputy Mayor, Margret Walton today presented Mrs Graham a bouquet of flowers to celebrate reaching 101 years old. Mrs Graham was delighted to receive the flowers and thanked the people of Chilton for remembering her. Councillor Walton was informed that Mrs Graham who had lived in Chilton all her life moved into Ferrymount Nursing Home, Feryhill when she reached 99! Well Done.
Mayor's Charity Night 29th September 2009 at 7.00 p.m. - 11.00 p.m.
The Mayor, Len Potts is holding a Charity Night to raise funds for Help for Hero's. The night will be held at Chilton & Windlestone Workingmen's Club big hall and consist of a Pie & Pea supper and entertainment/dancing by the Bush Big Band. Tickets are available from the Council offices priced at £4.00 each.
Newsletter!
It's time to produce the latest newsletter for the town, the Council would like people to send articles to be included within the newsletter. If you have something you want to have included please call into the Council offices or alternately email, info@chiltondurham-tc.gov.uk
Northumbria in Bloom Competition 2009
The Town Council have won a Silver Certificate in the Best Small Town category in (Federation Breweries Trophy) the Northumbria in Bloom competition for it's floral displays in Chilton. The Council also gained a Silver Merit (Ken Sherwood Trophy) for the Miners Welfare Ground, West Chilton Terrace. The Council wish to thank everyone involved with the competition and specially the Chilton in Bloom Committee for their hard work. The Town Council wish to also thank Mr Andrew Jackson and Mr Jeff Talbot of Durham County Council, Steven and Peter king of Thinford Nurseries for their help and guidance with this years displays.
Local MP Phil Wilson visits the Town Council
Last week the local MP for Sedgefield, Phil Wilson called in to visit the Council and informed them of his initiatives that are ongoing within Chilton. Members of the Town Council were delighted that Phil had briefed them, and for Durham County Councillor's for Chilton , Christine Potts and Brian Avery for visiting too.
CHILTON GALA DAY 22 August 2009
The Annual Gala at Chilton organised by the Gala Committee and Chilton Town Council was once again a huge success. With the sun shining large crowds turned out to watch the Gala Princess and runners up lead the parade along with the Aycliffe and District Pipe Band onto the field where the fun commenced.
With a host of attractions there really was something for everyone to enjoy. The children thoroughly enjoyed the fun fair rides, inflatables, rodeo bull, paintball range, face painting and were entertained throughout the magic shows.
Our thanks go to Sure Start who funded the magician. Once again there was an array of acts in the arena much to the delight of those watching as many involved were local. Children from Chilton were involved in the displays be Aycliffe Rubies, Chilton Chungdokwan Taekwondo and Melanie Edmenson Dance School. A highlight of the day was the Tug of War competition which was won by Chilton Workingmen’s Club. The team are donating their winnings to charity. Well done to everyone who participated in the arena events.
For motor enthusiasts there were a number of classic/vintage vehicles to browse around. There were a number of stalls where people simply browsed or made purchases. Many of the stalls were for charity or local organisations.
Throughout the gala a football tournament was ongoing with eight teams participating. Redcar Town Juniors, the winning team were presented with a cup and shield they happily showed off their prize. The runner up team was Greatham Blues. Thanks to everyone involved including the referees for making the football tournament such as massive success. Special thanks to the St John Ambulance who once again were on hand if needed to administer first aid. Prior to Gala, the 1st Annual Flower and Vegetable Show was held with exhibitors benching the evening before. The show was then opened to the public on Saturday. There were 33 classes and the top three winners of each one were awarded cash prizes ranging from £10 to £3.
Overall winners were Gordon Hodgson who won the silver National Dahlia Society Award for his vase of giant semi cactus, and bronze for semi cactus. Jimmy Howard won the National Chrysanthemum Society’s silver award for a vase of intermediate Chrysanthemums and bronze went to Peter McNeillie for three stems of spray chrysanthemums. Thanks to everyone who entered. During the gala weekend there were two evening events, a family disco and a Country and Western themed evening. Many thanks to everyone who attended, performed and assisted with both events. Thanks to everyone who assisted and participated in the Gala in particular Chilton Primary School and Durham County Council for allowing us to use their facilities and to the staff at school who assisted. Special thanks go to Dave Allanson, Jimmy Houlihan, Tony Campbell, Paul Gray and Peter Davies who worked tirelessly throughout the entire the gala weekend to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Meetings will start again shortly to discuss the 2010 gala. If you have any suggestions please call in the Town Council or telephone 01388 721788.
New Play Park Update
The new Play Park at the "Pentland's" is progressing well and should be finished for the Celebration Day, Saturday 22nd August 2009. Please come along and enjoy a fun day out!
Social Events
The Town Council and Gala Day Committee would like to advise that over the gala weekend there will be two evening events.
FAMILY DISCO
A family disco and karaoke will be held on Friday 21st August 2009 at Chilton Primary School from 6pm – 9.30pm. Tickets are £1 per child and will include a carton of juice and packet of crisps. Catering and light refreshments will also be available.
COUNTRY & WESTERN EVENING
On Saturday 22nd August 2009 please come along to a Country & Western themed evening at Chilton Primary School from 7pm - midnight. Throughout the evening you will be entertained by solo artist Steve Ryder and band; StringRider. During the evening there will be line dancing, cowboy bingo, fancy dress competition and much more…
Test your stamina on the rodeo bull! An auction of items from the Flower and Vegetable show will also be held. All monies raised will go toward next year’s gala. Alcoholic bar and catering available.
Tickets are £2 per person.
Chilton Gala Day Princess Competition
Mayor, Councillor Len Potts. Left: Nicole Macy Allen (1st), Middle: Erin Chester (3rd), Right: Courtney Nelson (2nd)
On Saturday 25th July the Town Council held a Gala Day Princess competition at St Aidan’s Fayre. There were ten entrants and the two independent judges had the daunting task of picking a winner and also a 2nd and 3rd runner up. After much deliberating the judges awarded the following:
1st Nicole Macy Allen (age 8) £30, sash and tiara
2nd Courtney Nelson (age 10) £20 and tiara
3rd Erin Chester (age 6) £10 and tiara
The Mayor, Councillor Len Potts presented the winners with their prizes and all other entrants received a certificate of attendance.
On Saturday 22nd August the 3 winners will be leading the Gala Day parade along with the Aycliffe and District Pipe Band at 11am from the Town Square onto the school field where the fun will commence.
Members from the Gala Day Committee and Chilton Town Council would like to thank St Aidan’s Church for their assistance and Mrs Hall and Mrs Shepherd for kindly agreeing to judge the competition. Thanks to Gala Committee members Mr J. Houlihan and Councillor E. Bruce who arranged prizes.
Finally special thanks to all the entrants, everyone agreed that all the children looked beautiful.
New Play Park - "Pentlands"
Work is progressing well on the Pentlands Play Park with an estimated completion date of the 21st August 2009. We will keep you updated on the progress!
St. Aidan's Church Fete
Please come along to St. Aidans church fete this Saturday 25th July 2.00 p.m. As well as the fete there is a Chilton Princess competition being held. The winning young lady will receive a cash prize and lead the Gala Parade on the 22nd August.
Enjoy a Night Out with the Mayor of Chilton!
Councillor Leonard Potts will be holding a number of charity events in aid of Help For Hero's. Please come along and enjoy an evening out in support of this worthy cause. Please consult the calendar in our News and Events page for dates and times. Colour Bands of Support will be available to purchase from the Council Offices from next week priced at £2.00 each. All monies raised from sale of these bands go to "Help for Heroes" appeal.
Northumbria in Bloom
Chilton as entered into the Northumbria in Bloom competition and judges will be coming to Chilton on Thursday 16th July to view the Park, Cemetery and floral displays in the town. The Town Council have enhanced the flower displays by installing additional flowers beds on the roundabout at the top of Eden Terrace. Durham County Council have worked in partnership and have provided 2 Flower tier containers on the town square and 2 flower tubs outside of the library. Fingers crossed we win the competition in our category!
Work to Start on New Play Area for Chilton
Work starts the 20th July 2009 on the new play area for the Pentlands, Chilton. After nearly 17 months since the play area was proposed it's now become a reality, with funding from Durham County Council and monies from the Big Lottery via Chilton West Residents Association. Record RSS Play will install the new equipment over the next five weeks. New footpaths , toddlers area, seating and a 6 metre high 'Crows Nest' climbing frame are just a few of things to be installed. Lets hope the weather stays fine!
Miner's Gala Day Parade - Saturday 11th July 2009
The Miners Banner will be paraded this Saturday led by a band. The Parade will start 8.15 a.m. from the Catholic Club, Brooklyn Road, stop at Chilton & Windlestone Workingmen's Club were the Banner will be blessed. The parade will continue to the 2 War Memorials on Durham Road were wreaths will be placed and then carry on to the end of Eden Terrace. Buses will be waiting to take people to Durham. Please come along and support the Banner Committee.
Chilton's Christmas Light Appeal 3rd July 2009
The Christmas light committee are hard at work every Friday morning having a raffle in aid of the Christmas Light Appeal. Members of the committee are trying to raise £3000 to buy a pre lit tree and will reduce costs to the rate payers and save a tree every year! Please come along on Friday mornings outside of Hutton House, Durham Road, Chilton and buy a raffle ticket and help get that Christmas tree!!!
Chilton's Proposed Skate Park 2nd July 2009
Children from Chilton have petitioned West Chilton Residents and the Town Council to provide a skate park for Chilton. Presently the children are biking to Coxhoe to use its facility. The Town Council have gathered support from Durham County Councillor's Christine Potts and Brian Avery who are working to gather funds for the project. A consultation night was organised 19th April 2009 were a large number of parents and children came along to see the presentations of 3 Skate providers. Following on from the consultation evening further events are planned in an effort to secure the estimated £200,000 needed to provide a skate park and floodlighting. We will keep you informed as and when progress is made!
Sponsored Walk 27th June 2009
The Christmas Light Committee are holding a sponsored walk to raise £3000 towards an artificial Christmas Tree. Every year the Town Council buy and erect a real tree. A new artificial tree would long term save the environment and reduce the costs to the residents of Chilton.
Picture by kind permission of parents.
The committee would like to thank parents and children who took part in the walk and raised over £430.00 for the Christmas Tree appeal. Well Done!!!
New Flower Beds for the Summer
The Town Council in partnership with Durham County Council are establishing new flower and rose beds for this summer horticultural displays. Flower beds have been established on the roundabout at the end of Eden Terrace and the grass verge leading to the Cemetery. There is also a rose bed constructed too. To the south of the town Durham Road four more flower beds have been put in to compliment the front street's hanging basket display. The Chilton in Bloom Committee are delighted with the additional rose and flower beds.
1st Chilton Scout Group (Cub Scout Pack) Meet For The First Time
The inaugural meeting of the cub scout pack met on the 17th June 2009. The cubs will meet every Wednesday evening at 18.30 p.m. St. Aidan's Church Hall. It is almost 20 years ago since the last meeting of the scouts took place. The Town Council are pleased the cubs have returned to the town once more. The Council would like to thank Ian Johnson, Scouts District Commissioner for all his help in bringing back the 1st Chilton Scout Group. 12 children under took their investitures on the evening.
Demolishing As Started June 2009!
Last week saw work start on the demolishing of Dale Street, Chilton as part of Durham County Council 's Housing Renewal Program. Eventually 217 terraced houses will be demolished and 64 new homes built.
New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected 12th May 2009
The Town Council elected Leonard Potts as the new Mayor for 2009/2010. Councillor Margaret Walton was elected Deputy Mayor. Councillor Potts thanked members for electing him and Margaret both said it was an honour to serve and represent the people of Chilton. Members also thanked the ex Mayor Alan Bruce for his year of office and raising £6,000 for his nominated charities.
Dalkia (UK) Biomass Energy Centre Granted Planning Permission
Durham County Council planners have granted planning permission to Dalkia (UK) to build a biomass energy centre, the first of its type in the UK. The 37.5 million pound development is a welcome investment into Chilton. The eighteen month project will employ nearly 100 contract workers to construct the infrastructure and buildings. It will also provide a district heating system and cheaper electricity to domestic households in Chilton.
Christmas Light Switch On
Thursday 27th November 2008 saw the Mayor of Chilton, Alan Bruce and Laura Reay switch Chilton's Christmas lights on. A large crowd had gathered to watch the event, Ferryhill Bass Band provided the music while St. Aidan's, and the Methodist Church provided the choir, sweet mince pies and ginger wine! A special thank you to Laura for helping the Mayor light up Chilton for Christmas...
Proposed Biomass Energy Centre by DALKIA (UK)
Proposals from Dalkia are on display within the Town Council Offices for the next few weeks. The proposals if accepted by Sedgefield Borough Council's Planning Department will allow Dalkia to build the first Biomass Energy Centre in the North of England, eventually creating 20 jobs, the energy centre will produce over 17 mega watts of electricity enough to power 17,000 homes. Please come along and see the display. There will be another display within Chilton & Windlestone Workingmen's Club.
Chilton's War Memorial
Work has start on the War Memorial this week 6th October 2008. Contractors are working hard to ensure the Memorial is complete before the 9th November 2008. The Council will keep you updated on the progress and with photographs.
CHILTON GALA DAY
The Council have decided that the Gala Day will become an annual event. Next years Gala Day (August date to be confirmed) will incorporate a Vegetable and Flower Show with cash prizes. The Town Council are looking for volunteers to help develop the Gala Day into something special the community can look forward to. We need to build on the success of this years Gala Day (ignore the raining bit!). If you are interested please contact Paul Gray on 01388 721788 ext 21 for more information.