FOR the first time in three years, teams will battle it out for the coveted It’s a Knockout crown as the popular event makes a welcome return to Barney in May.
Organised by the Clique, the Barnard Castle-based charity group that organises events for local good causes, 20 teams will take part in what will be the “biggest and best Knockout” to date.
David Harper, from the Clique, said: “We had a fantastic presentation night last year and were able to help out lots of deserving groups that make a difference in the dale, but we haven’t been able to get out and do our fundraising events and it’s been quite frustrating.
“So, we’re hoping everyone will come along, not only because it’ll be a great day out for the family, but because the money we raise helps local charities and groups.”
The last time the Clique was able to stage the popular fun day was in August 2019. However, this year teams representing local sports club, pubs and businesses will battle it out on Saturday, May 21.
Mr Harper added: “We have done June and July and we have found it is a gamble with the weather whatever the month. You usually get some great weather in May so we thought we’d bring it forward.
“Everybody is welcome. If you can’t make it during the day, come along for the night as we want to make it a big success.
“We’ve had two years of nothing, so this is an important one for us.”
During the afternoon, teams will tackle a variety of challenges.
There will also be a variety of food stalls and children will get to play all day for free on the bouncy castles.
In the evening, live music will be provided with four local bands taking to the stage on the Demesnes including up and coming Indy group The Waynes, the ever-popular Geriatrics and the Pacemaker as well as The Missing Chords, while Andrew Nicholson will be putting on a disco.
Mr Harper said: “Apart from having a great time, people will know the money we raise all goes back to the people of Teesdale, so please come along for what should be a great day and night out for the family.”
It’s a Knockout fun day returns on Saturday, May 21. Entry for adults is £3 and £2 for children.
![A COUNTY councillor is backing a campaign to get a pedestrian crossing in Staindrop. Frustrated parish councillors in the village summoned their county council representative Cllr George Richardson to their latest meeting to discuss several issues, including the call for a safe way to cross the A688. Earlier this year their request for a crossing was turned down by the county council’s highways officers. Parish council chairman Jonothan Raper described the reasons for the refusal as “spurious” and called on Cllr Richardson to support their campaign. He added: “One of the arguments they made was there is no clear line of desire when they studied the village – well this isn’t a clear line of desire because there isn’t a crossing, people cross whenever they can. “When the lollipop person was there, one of the things I noticed was people would walk all the way down to the lollipop person to cross the road to go to the shop or to go to the school.” He added a problem of parking at the primary school is exacerbated because people are too afraid to walk their children across the road. Cllr Richardson said he had supported previous attempts for a crossing point with the first being made about 15 years ago. He added: “We went fairly well down the road with that and they looked into it. The only recommended place was where the bus stop is and to get the visibility splays, people on the other side of the road would lose their parking. “That didn’t go down well so it just died a death.” Cllr Raper said he suspected the real reason for the officers’ refusal was the cost of installing a crossing. He added that much of the cost could be recovered from savings made on not having to employ a lollipop patrol. Cllr Raper said: “A lollipop person only provides a benefit of crossing for three hours of the day. You are getting 21 extra hours of crossing time [with a pedestrian crossing].” Cllr Richardson said he would raise the issue with the county council’s cabinet member for highways, Cllr John Shuttleworth.](https://teesdalemercury.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/georgeR-120x86.jpg)
