Shildon & District Town Crier

26/11/2025

Last chance to sign up for free training with industry professional Sarah Hartley, starting this Saturday! We're also excited to be joined by John Baron, Editor and co-founder of the West Leeds Dispatch, which has successfully grown its team of community reporters to almost 100. John and his colleague Jean Hollings will be taking part in a Q&A after the first session this Saturday.

📢 Calling all budding Community Reporters 📢

People like you are invaluable in helping us share the local news with the community.

We are running a free workshop for anyone who would like to learn some basic media and reporting skills, with a view of helping us grow our news team in a variety of different formats, including written, visual and audio mediums.

No previous experience is necessary and there is no pressure. The session is informal, aimed at beginners and will not only give you a taste of journalism, but an insight into the huge variety of ways you could get involved here at your local community newspaper.

If you are curious or have ever wanted to work with us and would like to get on board, please sign-up at the link below!

Please note that this is only open to adults 18+

🔗 https://swd.news/community-reporter-sign-up/

25/11/2025

Voting for our Photo of the Year 2025 competition, sponsored by Bondgate Gallery has begun!

See full post for instructions. Happy voting and good luck to those shortlisted!

24/11/2025

The Home Secretary’s decision to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners is already sending shockwaves through policing. But for smaller, historic forces like Durham Constabulary, the danger runs far deeper than governance reform. This could be the beginning of the end for local policing as we know it.

The Home Secretary’s decision to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners is already sending shockwaves through policing.

24/11/2025

Dr Sam Rushworth MP is encouraging residents across the to celebrate and support independent businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday.

23/11/2025

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has welcomed a new national report calling for a boost in the availability of a life-saving treatment to reduce opioid dependency.

23/11/2025

📷 PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📷

The Photo of the Week this week, and the final image of the year, is titled 'Whispers of the highland' and was captured by Finley Horner.

"This photograph captures a highland cow obstructed by dry vegetation in a moody natural setting." says Finley

"The cows shaggy, reddish-brown fur and sweeping horns stand out against the dimly lit background, creating a strong contrast between its warm tones and the darker, shadowed environment."

Many thanks to Finley, and to everyone for your submissions over the year.

Next week our shortlist will be decided with the help of our sponsors, Bondgate Gallery.

Voting will also begin for Photo of the Year 2025, so keep an eye out for that!

For a chance to see your own photos featured and to enter our Photo of the Year 2026 competition, submit your images here - https://swd.news/photo-submission/

Our Photo of the Year competition is sponsored by Bondgate Gallery.

22/11/2025

Families in the North East are invited to celebrate the festive season with a one-of-a-kind concert experience at Durham Cathedral.

21/11/2025

Ahead of its opening this weekend, first look images of the new Christmas installation at Raby Castle have been revealed.

21/11/2025

The Government’s announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners are to be abolished has caused confusion and real concern. People naturally want to know: What does this mean for our area? Who will stand up for us? Who will hold the police to account?

The Government’s announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners are to be abolished has caused confusion and real concern.

20/11/2025

A gentle glow will light up Bishop Auckland this December as families gather for The Little Light Lantern Walk — a heart warming community lantern walk taking place on Saturday 13 December 2025.

20/11/2025

New planning measures to help control the amount and location of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will come into place after major support following a consultation.

20/11/2025

Students in Years 7 and 8 at King James I Academy have been treated to a live music performance and Q&A session with Sunderland-born singer songwriter, Tom A Smith.