Pub to serve comedy and 'cultural function space'
Now you can reach out and get support from the NHS Every Mind Matters website
Plans for a new ‘cultural function space’ and comedy venue at a historic city pub have been approved.
The Grade II-listed Dun Cow,neartheEmpireTheatre, wasoriginallybuiltasaginpalacein1901andisknownforits iconicexteriorandEdwardian features.
Inrecentyears,thepubhas benefited from major renovation works including clock tower repairs, stonework improvements, an internal revamp and works to make the building watertight once again.
Despite its closure due to Covid-19 restrictions, new plans have been revealed to expandthesite’sculturaloffer.
Thisincludeschangingthe useofthefirstfloorfromarestauranttoafunctionroomand 40-seat comedy venue – with access from a new ground floor entrance to the rear.
As part of the works, the upper level of existing external fire escape stairs will also be removed and internalised to create a route to the comedy club.
The changes, which were approved by Sunderland City Council’s planning department on Tuesday aim to boost footfall and complement the new auditorium for the city which is being built nearby.
Accordingtoplanningdocuments, the first-floor space at the Dun Cow would be used as a comedy venue on Friday andSaturdayeveningsandfor othereventsandfunctionson other days as required.
The space would also be used by writing and poetry
groups and other small scale arts and cultural events.
A design and access statement goes on to say: “This application proposes minimal external alterations in order to create a more fitting neighbour to the new auditorium opposite.
“The works to this northern elevation compliment the recently completed restoration works to the building, whilst improving the outlook onto this pedestrian access throughthiscorneroftheCultural Quarter.
“By utilising the existing staircase, the impact to the listed building fabric is minimal and the re-roofing of the existing flat roof area alongside the internalisation of the staircase creates a tidy and cohesive roofscape as viewed from the auditorium, whilst also offering opportunity to renew and upgrade the flat roof element of the building which was not possible duringtherecentexternalworks."
Applicant Leighton Management lodged the change of use bid with city planners in
December 2020.
A heritage statement, included with the application, said the proposal had given “great weight to the importance of the listed building in considering the alterations.”
It also outlined the “twin aims” of the development whichinclude“creatinganew small performance space on the first floor to encourage greater levels of use of the building[and]attractinggreater footfall from both the auditoriumandtheEmpirebefore and after performances.”
The heritage statement adds: “The proposal will enhance the townscape and conservation area by making improvements to the rear of the building and removing or reducing clutter to ensure the new use and access points to the building are successful in using and maintaining this building in the long term.”
More information can be found by visiting online-applications.sunderland.gov. uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 20/02426/FUL
A rookie police officer who helped saved the life of a distressed woman on one of her first days on duty has been praised for her actions.
The quick-thinking officer sprang into action after officers were called to the Roker Park area of Sunderland following a report that a vulnerable woman was in a state of distress.
The call came in shortly before 1am on February 4. Two response officers attended the scene and found the woman, who was severely autistic, stood perilously on the wrong side of the railings at a significant height.
Despite it only being her sixth shift on duty, a female Pc quickly took control of the situation and has been praised for showing compassion, empathy and enthusiasm when speaking to the distressed woman.
The force has said the officer’s patience and kindhearted approach ultimately paid dividends as the woman was successfully brought to safety and safeguarded.
Now, Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing has led the praise for the rookie Pc and said she should be exceptionally proud of her actions.
“This was a situation that would have been incredibly challenging for any police officer,” Ch Insp Wearing said.
“The woman was struggling to communicate verbally and was clearly in a state of distress.
“So for a new Pc - on just her sixth shift - to quickly take control of the situation and display such warmth and professionalism is an amazing achievement and an exceptional piece of policing.
“She should be really proud of her actions.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank her, as well as the officer who is tutoring her.
“I have no doubt that together they helped protect a vulnerable woman and prevent her from coming to serious harm.
“This Pc is just at the start of her policing journey.
"However, she has already made a significant positive impact.
"Her actions that day embodied the very best traditions of Northumbria Police.”
If you think you have what it takes to join Northumbria Police and help protect and support others, the force’s careers website has details of a wide range of volunteering and career opportunities.
For more details see https://careers.northumbria. police.uk/
THE EXPERIENCE of the coronavirus outbreak has been different for everyone but there’s no doubt it’s been a difficult time for many.
That’s why it is so important to take time to look after our mental health and wellbeing, reaching out if we need support.
Ten simple tips for looking after our mental wellbeing while at home are available on the NHS Every Mind Matters website.
With expert advice and practical tips everymindmatters.co.uk acknowledges: “Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.”
The site advises on such subjects as staying at home, job and money worries, worries about coronavirus, working from home, sleeping better, help for parents and guardians, bereavement and coping with loneliness.
The latter section offers seven simple tips titled explore ways to spend time together, be more social and check in regularly, share your feelings but do not compare, do more things you enjoy, stay busy by learning something new, volunteer to help others and join an online community. The valuable resource also provides information on managing stress, anxiety and low mood as well as looking after children’s mental health.
Everyone reacts differently so it is OK to feel worried or anxious.
For most of us, these feelings will pass.
Staying at home during lockdown may be difficult but you’re helping protect yourself and others by doing so.