An event held in the North East on Friday (June 15) was a rallying cry for people engaged in community social action.

Organised by the Faith in our Community (FIC) Partnership Steering Group, which is backed by the Church of England Diocese of Durham, the event will run at the Hetton & Eppleton Community Hall, Office Place, Hetton-le-Hole, the launch of phase two of the project.

Key Note Speaker Professor Hilary Russell from Liverpool John Moores University addressed the group talking about recent research findings based on a background of the Government’s ‘Big Society’ initiative. She said: “The main purpose of the study was to act as a catalyst in bringing together current best practice in Christian care in local communities with the resources and knowledge base needed to multiply those good works across the country.”

Justin Welby, Bishop of Durham, today (April 10th) commented on the excellent news of Nissans announcement of further expansion plans to produce its new hatchback at its Sunderland plant expressing his delight and support for this important milestone in the regeneration of the North East economy.  

In his statement Bishop Justin said: "I was very pleased to learn of this great piece of news this morning, this is a very positive affirmation of the skills and abilities of the people and economy of the North East to compete on a world stage and to be truly World Class. 

Canon Sheila Bamber is leaving her position at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle to take on a new challenge - and it represents a homecoming as she returns to the Diocese of Durham. 

 Sheila has been appointed Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster, the only Minster to have such a post. It means she will oversee all the Minster’s activities.