What will be happening?
With the funding secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund, the main contractor Casey appointed, the restoration works to the Denes have now started. This will mean some disruption as entrances and bridges are closed on a rolling programme which hopefully avoids the need to fully close an individual Dene. It is anticipated that all the physical works will be completed by the end of 2011 which includes, footbridges, entrances, lighting, new seats/bins/signage, planting. To give you an idea the schedule for the main items are:
- Footbridges: May to August
- Entrances: August to October
- Planting: October to November
- Pond construction Paddly Dene: June
The entrances are artistic arches that will be unique to each Dene and are being designed by fabrication company, Mayflower, with the involvement of artist Coralie Turpin.
The project is being managed by Darlington Borough Council and Groundwork North East.
Funday in the Sheddy Dene - Sat 9th July 1-4pm
For the past 4 years the Friends of the Denes have organised a successful funday. This year it’s in the Sheddy Dene . There will be something for everyone with rides and stalls, plus the aim is to have one of the entrances and a new footbridge in the Sheddy all complete so residents can get a feel of the improvements planned.
Other events
More events are being planned and will be advertised locally, through the press and on this website.
Introduction to Casey
P Casey (Land Reclamation) Ltd is a member of the Casey Group of Companies based in Rochdale but operating over most of the northern part of England including the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands.
We are specialists in park restoration schemes which include high quality hard and soft landscaping many to original designs. We have done 14 Heritage Lottery Funded park restorations over the last three years with four currently on site including the newly started Denes project.
It is our policy to put Customer Care at the forefront of our service delivery and we have a dedicated Freefone Customer Careline which is manned during office hours to deal with queries, concerns or complaints. That number is: 0800 032 8707. Our Customer Care Coordinator is empowered to allocate resources to resolve any issues which may arise.
Our Site Management and staff will be easily recognisable and approachable, wearing high visibility clothing. The site and office telephone number will also be identified on the Site Sign Boards so that any concerns or queries can be addressed
What do you remember about the Denes?
This year Groundwork North East and The Friends of the Denes secured £37,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to create a story booklet and a DVD of people’s memories of the Denes.
At the moment there is not much history recorded about the Denes, what they were used for and by whom. This project is inviting people to speak about their memories and experiences of the Denes and help shape the story booklet and DVD which will be used into the future for educational purposes in Schools and local libraries.
You can be involved in the project in many ways, you may want to tell your stories or work with the Friends to record other people’s stories. Other ways to volunteer include helping to edit the story booklet and DVD and attend monthly meetings.
Everyone has a unique story to tell. If you would like to share your memories of the Denes please contact Lisa Kwok at Groundwork on 01325 353791.
You can also look up The Friends of the Denes History Project on Facebook and can send your memories and photos to friendsofthedeneshistory@gmail.com