PRESS RELEASE
22 January 2021

Barnard Castle Town Council – Employment Tribunal Judgement
Barnard Castle Town Council accepts the findings from the Employment Tribunal case in relation to the unfair dismissal of its former Deputy Town Clerk, Mrs Jane Woodward. It has been a difficult time for all concerned, and the council offers its unreserved apologies to Mrs Woodward and the electorate of Barnard Castle. The council will now be looking to carry out a complete review of its policies and procedures in relation to all future staffing matters.

Notes for editors:
The Employment Tribunal (Case no. 2503858/2019) was held remotely by Cloud Video Platform on 2nd to 9th November 2020. Reserved Judgement issued 4 January 2021.

Sadly, with the current restrictions we are unable to go ahead with our normal arrangements for Remembrance Sunday. Despite this, Barnard Castle’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony will be made available through the parish church FaceBook page early on Sunday morning.  The wreaths that would normally be laid at the Laying of Wreaths ceremony at The Bowes Museum will be part of the ceremony and will at some point afterwards be placed at the Town war memorial

You do not have to have a FaceBook account to access a FaceBook page.

1. You can either:

a. click on the link below

https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Barnard-Castle-with-Whorlton-432786520147183  (or copy and paste)

Or

b. Type ‘St Marys Church Barnard Castle Facebook’ into a browser (such as Google) to find the page

Then
2. If you are new to Facebook you will be asked whether you want to ‘sign in or create an account’.
Ignore these options and click on the line under them that says ‘Not now’.
You will then be able to find and view the ceremony. (Those with Facebook accounts can leave comments)

What’s it been like for you in the last few weeks of social distancing or self isolation? I myself and several of my council colleagues have been isolating as per the advice from the Government. During this time I have been monitoring closely what has been going on in our community and I have been amazed, but not surprised at the way it has come together to support, not only the vulnerable, but others who have found themselves unable to do the usual things they have come to expect.  To those many volunteers and our local businesses that have been working so hard, I want to thank you personally, and from the town council.  These are unprecedented and challenging times and the people of Barnard Castle and the wider Teesdale area have been amazing.  You should all be proud of what you have done, and continue to do.

The town council is still working but priorities are a little different right now as I am sure you understand. We all hope to get back together in the not too distant future.  Stay safe and well

Cllr John Blissett

Town Mayor

Pre Appeal Press Release October 2019

BARNARD CASTLE TO COMMEMORATE MERCHANT NAVY DAY

To commemorate Merchant Navy Day, the Town Council will host a simple flag hoisting and wreath laying ceremony on Thursday 03 September 2020 which will commence at 11:00 a.m. in the Galgate Memorial Garden.

Unfortunately, due to the current situation we find ourselves in, the event is restricted to just raising the flag and wreath laying as marks of respect.  In preparation, the town council would still welcome any Merchant Navy veterans, Sea Cadets or serving personnel to attend. We would ask that if you are considering attending that social distancing guidelines are followed.

Due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic the Town Council are unable to offer any refreshments after the ceremony

Pre Appeal Press Release October 2018