The Lanchester Partnership
Lanchester Partnership is a non-affiliated, non-profit-making organisation, consisting of over 200 volunteers dedicated to the welfare of Lanchester.
About Us
The Partnership was founded in the year 2000 on behalf of residents, to assist with the implementation of the local projects which preserve, promote and enhance the unique character of Lanchester: its fabric, heritage, traditions, services and environment. The intention now as then, is for members and others to work together in dedicated groups on projects/events delivered by and for the community.
Important aspects of our work include:
- Active care for the environment of Lanchester and its surroundings
- Engaging in a local dialogue to determine where our efforts are best directed so we can respond to need
- Engaging with existing members and recruiting new members
- Raising funding for the services and events
- Helping events to run smoothly and safely
- Providing insurance and banking for our projects and working groups
- Working with and gaining support of partners – both locally and beyond
- Sustaining long term projects such as the link bus and the community orchard
Given our community focus, we work especially closely with Lanchester Parish Council and Durham County Council Area Action Partnership. However – over the years – we have worked with an extensive range of partners.
On the pages of this site you will find more details about what the Partnership does, has already achieved and the services that are provided. If you need more information, there is a contact email. If you wish to become a member or donate to the Partnership, there is a new section about how to do this via our on-line shop.
Whatever your interest in us we hope there is something here to engage you.
Transport
The Village Link Bus has been in operation since 2001. We always need active supporters who can help with promotion and fundraising. In addition, the Transport Group has contributed to a variety of measures that have made the village safer from traffic. Historically – attempts to improve parking in the village and to reduce traffic speeds have met with some success. Recently we have promoted the restoration of a direct bus route to Gateshead and Newcastle.
Environment
Our priority is to promote active care for the environment at a time of unprecedented challenges to our common home. At a local level we aim to improve the local environment whilst conserving and improving the village and surrounding countryside in a sustainable way. Amongst other things we organise seminars, litter picking and extensive programme of tree planting.
Friends of Longovicium
The remains of the Roman fort and the linked vicus are priceless village assets. The group exists to promote knowledge and understanding of Longovicium, locally and much more widely. Over the years we have undertaken a range of geophysical surveys with increasing levels of detail and accuracy, and we have a very clear understanding of the layout and construction of both fort and vicus.
Village Vita
Social activity provides scope for residents of different ages and backgrounds to interact enjoyably. Fund raising is an important element of some of the events we organise. Covid restrictions curtailed many activities, but they are now springing to life again in imaginative ways. The organisers are very open to new ideas and need volunteers to help.
Young People
Young people are the future of our Lanchester Community – we want to involve them as much as we can. In the past, the Partnership undertook the organisation of the Youth Club following cuts to youth services in County Durham and we contributed to the development of Youth Friendly spaces in the village. We are always on the lookout for project and ideas that engage young people and help them to become active citizens with a love of volunteering.
Community Orchard
Lanchester Community Orchard was set up in 2011 on a plot of land at the top of Newbiggen Lane. A group of enthusiastic Lanchester residents then set about designing, plotting and planting the orchard with the aid of a locally provided grant from the County Durham Community Foundation. The community orchard is maintained and run entirely by the orchard members volunteering their time and skills.
Community Support
We amended our constitution to provide emergency support to the community at times of crisis. The Churches Together – Lanchester Partnership Covid response ensured that vulnerable residents and families received essential support. Welcoming Lanchester has undertaken a substantial project aimed at helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Monitoring Development
This group monitors and, where necessary, responds to all planning applications for development within the parish boundary. We have the support of individuals who have close and detailed knowledge of the locality and planning processes. The Lanchester Neighbourhood Plan 2019-34 (adopted May 2021) provides the local community with a powerful tool to guide the long-term development of Lanchester Parish.
Core Support
The Partnership is run entirely by volunteers. We are an umbrella organisation with Trustees who provide support for the work of our groups. Whilst we try to keep administration costs to a minimum, the Trustees retain some core funding to ensure that the wider organisation remains viable. We are extremely grateful to members who donate to our core fund. By visiting the Membership and Donations page you can find out more.
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