Freda Tinkler (Pinkney)
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on 3rd January, aged 94. Will family and friends please meet for a service at St. Clare’s Church on Friday 6th February at 11.45am followed by Committal at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon. Donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Dementia Trust or Alzheimer’s Trust.

Thomas Sproates 1930-2026
Of Newton Aycliffe. Passed away peacefully following a stay in hospital on Saturday 17th January after 95 years of love, laughter and happiness. Much loved husband of the late Olive, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. Our hearts are broken, but Tom & Olive are now reunited. Family and friends are invited to meet at Wear Valley Crematorium on Friday 13th February at 1.30pm followed by a funeral tea at Woodham Golf Club. At Tom’s request, family flowers only and his preference is no dark colours need to be worn. Donations will be gratefully received for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. There will be a donation box at the Crematorium and at the Golf Club.

Janet Metcalfe (nee Walker)
Of Aycliffe Village, formerly of Ricknall Grange East Farm, Aycliffe and also Maidenhead, Berkshire, passed away peacefully in hospital on 21st December 2025, aged 70 years. Much loved by family and friends. Funeral to take place at St. Andrew’s Church, Aycliffe Village on Friday 6th February at 2.15pm followed by Committal at St. Andrew’s Church yard. No flowers please, apart from a button hole or buy flowers for home, donations to St Andrew’s Church.

Keith Burnside
Of Aycliffe Village, peacefully on 8th January 2026, aged 77 years. A much loved Brother and Uncle. Will family and friends please meet for a service in St. Andrews Church, Aycliffe Village on Friday 13th February at 1.30pm. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, for St. Andrews Church.

Peter James Poole
Of Newton Aycliffe, formerly of Shildon, on 20th January, aged 81 years, peacefully at home. Beloved Husband of Lesley; loving Dad of Lisa and Andrea; a dear Father-in-Law to Anth and Sean; dearly loved Grandad to Jack and Hollie and a good friend to many. A funeral service will be held at Wear Valley Crematorium on Friday 13th February at 2.30pm. Family flowers only please, any donations, in lieu of flowers, may be left at the crematorium for St. Clare’s Court Care Home Residents Fund, in memory of Peter.

Pauline Calder
Woodham Peacefully in St. Clare’s Court Care Home on 21st January, Pauline, aged 78 years. A much loved and loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother who will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral on Wednesday 18th February. Would friends kindly meet for service in Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon at 12.30pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, would be much appreciated, in aid of The Lewy Body Society and may be given via the MuchLoved page: https://paulinecalder.muchloved.com or a donation box will be available at the crematorium.

Michael Moat (Mick) 1947-2026
Mick passed away peacefully in Dumfries, aged 78, after a brave battle with leukaemia, surrounded by his Wife and Family. A devoted Husband to Anne; a loving Son and Son-in-Law; a dear Brother to Colin and the late Robin and a much loved Brother-in-Law and Uncle. He was cherished by generations of family, friends and former colleagues and will be deeply missed. A celebration of Mick’s life will be held in County Durham in due course. Those who would like to receive details about the gathering are invited to email: info@celebratingmick.co.uk

Joseph Dunne
Woodham Peacefully, at home on 13th January. Joseph Patrick, aged 87 years. Dearly loved Husband to the late June; cherished Dad to Richard and Alison and a much loved Grandad to Danielle and Mia. Sadly missed by all his family and friends. The Funeral took place on Thursday 5th February. Donations in memory of Joseph would be much appreciated in aid of The British Heart Foundation and will be accepted via the following link: josephpatrickdunne.muchloved.com – or Whitehouse Funeral Service. Requiescant In Pace.