Some important Council meetings this week, a prestigious award won, a campaign to support … and some amazing things to do with the family next weekend. Find more information on my blog at: bit.ly/CNB103 And don’t forget to join me on Political Aycliffe Radio, 6-7:30pm, Sunday 17 March, where the ‘Big Story’ will be Trade Unions: bit.ly/ARLIVE COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY NEWS • Special DCC Economy Scrutiny meeting, Monday 11 March (Industrial Strategy; Private Sector housing). • GATC Policy & Resources Committee, Wednesday 6 March (Councillors’ allowances; golf course machinery; footpath resurfacing). • Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway meeting, Thursday 7 March. • International Women’s Day with the Women’s Banner Group, Friday 8 March. • Blue plaque campaign launched to celebrate women’s part in making the North great. • County Durham Fire & Rescue Service won Fire & Rescue Service of the Year 2019 at the IPSE Public Sector Transformation Awards held in London on 6 March. • PCVC Ron Hogg is hosting a ‘Modern Slavery is closer than you think’ business event. • Victims of #modernslavery are often hidden in plain sight; if you believe someone is trapped in a situation or has been coerced or deceived, report it on 08000 121 700. • Good news for Aycliffe Business Park firms Crafter’s Companion, Mobile Rocket and Homes By Carlton. THINGS TO DO NEXT WEEK • Spring Equinox nature walk (all ages), Low Barns Nature Reserve, 10am Wednesday 20 March (no dogs), call 0191 584 3112. • Dinosaur World Live, Darlington Hippodrome, shows from 4:30pm Friday 22 March to 2:00pm Sunday 24 March, £14. • Easter Wonderland Family Fun Event, Durham Castle, 11am-4pm Saturday 23 March, FREE but book on 0191 334 2932. • Holi Festival (5-11s), Durham Oriental Museum, drop in noon-5pm Saturday 23 March, £4. • Plumes and Pom Poms of the DLI (5-11s), Palace Green Library, drop in 1-3pm 23-24 March, FREE.