Archive
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Owen set for shock move to Man Utd
MICHAEL OWEN is lined up for a medical at Manchester United today before completing one of the most sensational transfers of the summer. While much of the country has written off Owen after four years of under achievement at Newcastle United
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Large-scale coastal search for missing man
POLICE are tonight searching for a missing man who had been acting in a distressed manner on cliff tops. A member of the public spotted the man near Souter Point Lighthouse, near Sunderland, at 1.50pm. Coastguard teams, a lifeboat crew
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Bike rider nearly four times drink drive limit
A DRINK-DRIVER, who had the highest alcohol reading a longserving magistrate had seen in his career, could face jail. Shaune Glancey was nearly four times the legal limit while riding an off-road motorcycle along a Darlington road when he was
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Strawberry Fair…
Councillor Pauline Charlton is hosting a strawberry fair at her house in Esperley on Saturday 11th July. The event starts at 1-30pm and tickets cost £2, including strawberry’s and cream. There will be a cake stall, plant sale, and a raffle.
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Witness plea after puppy run over and killed
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a seven-month-old puppy was knocked over and killed in Bishop Auckland on Tuesday. The Golden Retriever, which was training to be a guide dog for the blind, escaped through an insecure gate and ran into
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Postal workers walk out over bullying claims
POSTAL workers left thousands of people with delayed mail when they walked out on strike amid claims of bullying, harassment and intimidation. The Middlesbrough delivery office workers were out on strike for around an hour this morning and only returned
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Time Team in the area
Several people have been in touch to say that Channel 4's Time Team are again in the area. It is probably fair and safe to report this now as it would appear that filming has just this evening finished. Previous shows have looked at Ulnaby
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Dog swept away in floods turns up feeling "ruff" but none the worse
A DOG that was swept away in Wednesday night’s flash floods turned up safe and well this morning. Neil Holcroft thought he had lost his three-year-old chocolate labrador Jess for good when she disappeared from the banks of the River Gaunless
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Public Enemies (15)
Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billy Crudup, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang Running time: 139 mins Rating: ★★★ A LOT is expected from director Michael Mann after such stylish movies as Heat, The Last Of The Mohicans
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Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (U)
Voices: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg, Queen Latifah Running time: 94 mins THE third animated Ice Age blockbuster features all the familiar characters and puts them in an unfamiliar setting. On a mission to rescue Sid
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Flight of fancy
We've all been on flights when safety briefings are being given by the air crew - but how many of us pay full attention? Well, in order to make passengers sit up and taken notice, Air New Zealand has come up with a novel solution. The
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Home victory
Sophie Stratford talks to Richard Melville Hall, better known as Moby, about his ninth studio album, Wait For Me. MOBY is a well established DJ, singer, songwriter and musician, and received worldwide success with his fifth album, Play, and from
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July 2, 2009
WHAT'S ON Tonight Clare Teal, a welcome return to the Arc, Stockton, 01642525199, and tomorrow, Jacqui Dankworth, Gala, Durham, 0191-332-4041. CD REVIEWS Mainstream Giants of Jazz (Robinwood RWP0026) It's probably enough just to mention that
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July 2, 2009
WHAT'S ON Northern Sinfonia, string quartets from Haydn and Janacek and Schubert's Octet, The Sage Gateshead, 8pm, Tuesday. Box office: 0191-443-4661. REVIEWS Tavener: Requiem (EMI Classics 2351342) John Tavener's Requiem, performed by the Royal
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Neon Kicks off with four-track EP
FOUR-PIECE Neon Kicks, based at Durham and Leeds, have won a national competition for student bands and will now have a fourtrack EP released on next month's cover of music magazine Artrocker. Natalie Graham, vocals, Rob Peck and John Williamson,
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Hot and sultry weekend at folk festival
IT'S been a hot and sultry weekend here at The Old Songs Folk Festival in upper New York State. Almost exactly 40 years ago, just 50 miles south of here, the infamous Woodstock Festival was just limbering up for a historical happening. Though Old
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Holly Williams: Here With Me (Humphead Records HUMP 052)
THE music/showbiz industry seems easier to get into if it already runs in the family. The daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus has already proved her worth with her alter ego Hannah Montana, Pam Tillis has emulated the success of dad, Mel, and Hank Williams
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School celebrates long-awaited new playing field
THE sun shone on pupils, parents, and staff during the long-awaited opening of a new school field in Crook. North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong officially launched the new facility at St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School today, followed by an afternoon
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BAND PREVIEW: The Stars From The Commitments
THE hardest-working soul band in history is bringing to Durham the same commitment and two of the original group members that wowed the world two decades ago. The Commitments was the Alan Parker film based on the Roddy Doyle novel featuring a
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BAND PREVIEW: Big Chris Barber Band
BRITISH jazz legend Chris Barber is celebrating 60 years of performing live in 2009. Barber is a jazz musician, jazz enthusiast and jazz record collector, but started learning music on the violin, learnt bass at the Guildhall School of Music,
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Turnbull signs for Chelsea
ROSS TURNBULL’S future became clear last night when the former Middlesbrough goalkeeper sealed a dream move to Chelsea. The 24-year-old, whose contract at the Riverside Stadium expired on June 30, completed negotiations and a medical at the
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Babies making a splash for charity
BABIES are taking the plunge to help raise £100,000 for a charity which funds research into the causes of miscarriage and stillbirth. The Splash-athon ’09 event is supported by Water Babies - an organisation which teaches young children to swim. Several
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BAND PREVIEW: Brass Monkey
BRASS Monkey, featuring folk giant Martin Carthy, bring a rare fusion of folk and brass to Durham. One of the most influential figures in British traditional music, he is probably best known from his time with folk-rockers Steeleye Span and with
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BAND PREVIEW: Black Dyke Band
ONE of the most famous brass bands in the world brings together Peter Gabriel, Stanley Holloway and BBC television’s Ground Force. The Black Dyke Band is one of the oldest and best known brass bands in the world. In 1816, Peter Wharton formed
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BRASS AND DURHAM MINERS’ GALA: Tradition mixed with foreign flavour
THE traditional and cutting edge elements of brass will be brought together in one of the great climactic events of Brass: Durham International Festival – the Durham Miners’ Gala. For the third year running, traditional brass bands from former
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Residents and agencies pledge to tackle trouble together
RESIDENTS, emergency services, and housing officials have pledged to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour in part of Crook. Every household on the Watergate Estate will receive a copy of the Watergate Estate Neighbourhood Agreement, which was
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BAND PREVIEW: aBrassive
A SIZZLING cast of contemporary pioneering spirits which bluró the borders of brass, aBrassive features five widely different acts under one banner – instruments, instrumentals and instrumentalists. Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet are
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ARTIST PREVIEW: Jimi Tenor and Kabu Kabu
JIMI TENOR is impossible to to classify as a performer. A multi-instrumentalist, who designs his instruments from scrap and models his own fashions on stage, Tenor mixes widely distinct genres, including techno, jazz rock and Afro-American music
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Victory for village speed limit campaigners
VILLAGERS have won their campaign for a 30mph speed limit through their village, after years of concerns over high speed traffic. In the past, cars could legally travel at 60mph through West Layton, near Richmond. But following a campaign by residents
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FILM PROJECT: Bill Morrison and Johann Johannsson
A UNIQUE collaboration between a contemporary classical composer and a film-maker will place the spotlight on the social heritage of County Durham – with the focus on the role of brass music. Organisers of Brass: Durham International Festival
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Boost for home library services
HOME library services in North Yorkshire are being given a boost. Three new volunteers are being appointed to recruit and support the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, who deliver books to people who can’t get to a library or carry books themselves
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Band says thanks with concert
A BRASS band from a former pit village will thank the community for a year of support with a free concert. Fishburn Band will perform at Fishburn Workingmen’s Club on Friday July 10, 8.30pm. There will also be a guest soloist, Fishburn Primary School
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Police raid yields drug haul
CANNABIS plants with a street value running into tens of thousands of pounds were seized during police raids. Officers arrested three people following the raid on a house in Jesmond Road, Darlington, on Wednesday. More than 100 plants
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BAND PREVIEW: Bella Tromba
BELLA TROMBA is a female trumpet quartet that will bring a touch of glamour as well as their own links to brass band music to Durham. Group member Vicky Curran, from Manchester, has brass in her family background. Her father and grandfather were
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BAND PREVIEW: Global Kryner
GLOBAL KRYNER is the band that created a Eurovision Song Contest storm in 2005 which caused their country to withdraw from the competition for a year. In 2005, after performing their song, Y Asi, first of all the 25 contestants in a Eurovision
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Teddy bears and children enjoy picnic
TOTS and toys were in for a big surprise as they enjoyed a tasty teddy bear treat. Pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School enjoyed a picnic tea with their favourite stuffed toys and a host of fun and games at an annual end of term celebration
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First stage in school's £32m revamp
STUDENTS are celebrating the first phase of their school’s £32million revamp. This week, pupils at Richmond School showed of their new, state-of-the-art sixth form centre to prospective students and their parents. The centre is part of the first £9.8million
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RESIDENT BANDS PREVIEW: Hypnotic, Bella Tromba, Oompah and Beat’n’Blow
BRASS: Durham International Festival is about much more than bands turning up, strutting their stuff and moving on to their next gig. The musicians coming to the region over the next few weeks are passionate about brass and whenever possible
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BAND PREVIEW: La Bottine Souriante
ATEN-PIECE Quebecois band with a name that means “the smiling boot” is coming to kick away the cobwebs. La Bottine Souriante are revered as huge stars in their native Quebec (that’s the one in Canada and not to be confused with the village
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Owen's Ferrari up for sale
A FERRARI which belonged to England footballer Michael Owen is up for sale for an eye-watering £150,000. With one careful owner and only 9,900 miles on the clock, the two-door 599 GTB Fiorano F1 in metallic Tour de France blue is up for sale at a dealership
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BAND PREVIEW: The Destroyers
IT wouldn’t be Brass: Durham International Festival without gipsy folk music – but this year’s Eastern Europe connection comes via the West Midlands. The Destroyers are an anarchic 15-piece outfit from Birmingham with musical influences from all
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More rail misery for cross country commuters
RAIL passengers across the region suffered more misery yesterday, when their hopes of early relief from overcrowded trains were dashed. The number of extra carriages promised to train companies running local services across the North-East and
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Face reconstructed after skull found in net
DETECTIVES have turned to the world of science in a new effort to identify a skull trawled from the North Sea. With the help of a forensic anthropologist, a facial reconstruction has been produced - and police hope that someone may recognise the man
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ARTIST PREVIEW: Femi Kuti
THERE is a proverb from the Yoruba people of Nigeria: “The cub of a tiger will grow up a tiger.” Femi Kuti has taken the Afrobeat sound begun by his father and introduced it with extra bite to a new generation. Femi Kuti is the Crown Prince
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Police appeal after skull found in sea
NORTH Yorkshire Police are trying to establish the identity of a man who’s skull was found off the North-East coast. Whitby police were contacted by fishermen on February 14, 2008, after they found the skull among their catch while trawling
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BAND PREVIEW: Mnozil Brass
AN Austrian ensemble formed by classical music students in a Vienna pub is back in Durham after rave reviews in 2007. Mnozil Brass will be performing their own mix of traditional Austrian brass music and pop almost two years to the day since
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Residents fighting incinerator plans in North Yorks threatened by council
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a waste incinerator say they have been threatened with court action by a council which claims they slander it. North Yorkshire County Council has identified seven possible sites for an incinerator. One of them is Dalton
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SETTING THE SCENE: Streets of Brass in Durham, Darlington and Bishop Auckland
THE streets of County Durham and Darlington will reverberate with the sounds of brass as Streets of Brass makes a triumphant return for the third Brass: Durham International Festival. The festival kicks off with this stunning free family event
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SETTING THE SCENE: An introduction to Brass: Durham International Festival 2009
BRASS: Durham International Festival is about to blast back into the region for a third year, following two hugely successful international festivals to date. When the Durham Brass Festival was relaunched in 2007 as Brass: Durham International
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Durham v Worcestershire (third day, tea)
LIAM Plunkett was again Durham’s enforcer as they closed in on a fourth successive championship win by reducing Worcestershire to 124 for eight before Kabir Ali led a pre-tea rally. When the visitors reached 157 for eight they were 156 ahead. As
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Sir Bobby to lock horns with Matthaus again
THE man who led Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 is to lock horns with Sir Bobby Robson once again. Former skipper Lothar Matthaus will captain his country as they take on England once again in the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match at St James' Park, Newcastle
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Swine flu: Government says we could have 100,000 cases per day by August
HEALTH Secretary Andy Burnham sought to play down his claim that the UK could have 100,000 new cases of swine flu every day as soon as next month. Mr Burnham made the startling claim during a Commons statement to MPs when he also announced changes to
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Yorkshire dialect champion dies
A WELL-KNOWN champion of the Yorkshire dialect has died at the age of 83. Dr Arnold Kellett, a former mayor of Knaresborough, was the president of the Yorkshire Dialect Society for ten years. Before he retired he was head of languages
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Radio DJ interviews music star
THE weather will not be the only thing that is summery at the weekend after a community radio station secured an interview with an original member of The Beach Boys. Radio Teesdales station manager Peter Dixon spoke to Al Jardine about his new album,
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Water warning as temperatures soar
AS temperatures go through the roof those seeking to cool down are being urged to take great care by rivers, lakes and reservoirs. The Yorkshire Ambulance Service made its plea amid fears that the number of people requiring emergency treatment
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Bookies' charity night
STAFF at a bookmaker’s have helped to raise over £700 for charity. A fund-raising evening, organised by members of staff at the Coral branch in Stanley, was held in the Empire pub, in Front Street, Stanley on Wednesday, June 10. Money was raised for
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Airman prepares for Ironman challenge
AN RAF air traffic controller is changing gear to take on one of the toughest sporting challenges in Britain. Sergeant Mal Rose, who is based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, is in training for the Tri-UK Ironman Challenge, in Bolton on August
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Eastbourne: a council reply
Here it is. I knew it was here somewhere. A reader wrote to the leader of Darlington council, Councillor John Williams, and shared with him his concerns about the future of Eastbourne school. This, hopefully without breaking too many confidences
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Cycle routes launched
A NEW series of weekly cycle rides are to be launched this weekend in a bid to encourage more families to take to twho wheels. Throughout the summer, instructors will lead rides around a number of picturesque routes in the Consett and Stanley area, each
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Affordable housing needed now, MPs warned
THE need for affordable housing in rural North Yorkshire is increasing as more and more local shops and pubs are forced to close, a group of housing officers have told MPs. Members of the North Yorkshire Rural Housing Enablers (RHE) network have lobbied
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Criminal cash to be used for community projects
CASH seized from criminal activity in North Yorkshire is to put back into the community through projects nominated by the public. Up to £4m of money seized from criminals will be put into a national Community Cashback fund, which will be used to support
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Michael Jackson overload
I'm suffering from "Michael Jackson Overload". I honestly can't figure out what all the fuss is about? "King of Pop"? Hmm, maybe in some people's opinions, but certainly not in mine. At least some of the online celebrity sites have now started to run
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Change at top of housing body
A HOUSING body has announced the appointment of a new chair and three new members of its board. Derwentside Homes, which manages 6,700 former council properties in County Durham, has appointed Karen Stoker as chair of its board. The 33-year-old chartered
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Traffic controls for York's July race meeting
SPECIAL traffic control measures have been announced for the next big race meeting in York. The Knavesmire course will host the 50th John Smith’s Cup meeting on July 10 and 11. Directional signage will be posted on major arterial routes
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Cheap entry offer to North York Moors historical sites
VISITORS to the North York Moors National Park can enjoy money off entry to Helmsley Castle plus Byland and Rievaulx Abbeys. The offer comes thanks to a joint scheme being run by the North York Moors National Park Authority and English Heritage. The
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Swine flu vaccine will be here by August
THE first batches of swine flu vaccine are expected to arrive in the UK by August. The Health Secretary Andy Burnham told the Commons that the Government could no longer contain the spread of the virus. By December around 60m doses of vaccine are expected
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Singing sessions planned
A SERIES of children’s singing workshops are to be held at Durham Cathedral. The Summer Singing workshops will be held between August 24 and 28. They will involve the Scratchett Young People’s Choir, which launched its first CD earlier this year, and
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Top cop to stand down
ONE of North Yorkshire’s most senior police officers has decided to step down. Assistant Chief Constable David Collins has retired after more than 30 years of service. He joined the North Yorkshiree force as a temporary ACC in 2003 and was appointed
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In the money - thanks to a 20p coin
A BARMAID is in the money after she found a rare 20p coin. Charlotte Hopper and her partner Tony Clarke searched through their loose change after hearing about the coins - which have no 2008 date printed on them - on the news. Up to 200,000 new 20p
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Demolition is an absolute disgrace
The debate about what to with Darlington's Eastbourne School continues. It is due for closure at the end of this term, to be replaced by a new academy. The 1930s school buildings will then be demolished, and pretty fast, too, as they will quickly
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Headline Game update
Bad news this morning on the Headline Game front. This morning's story was about a Belgian girl who had 56 stars tattooed on her face - and claimed that she'd fallen asleep in the tattoo parlour. It has now emerged that she'd made the whole story up
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Mixed results for several initiatives
THE council has launched a number of initiatives aimed at bringing it closer to the public, with mixed success. The authority’s cabinet, which under the previous setup met in County Hall, Durham City, has begun a tour of the county. Council leader
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School caterers are "good eggs"
SCHOOL caterers in North Yorkshire are good eggs - and that’s official. The animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming has praised the county council for its policy of using free-range eggs in school meals. North Yorkshire County
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Kings of comedy in North Yorkshire
BUSTER Keaton, George Formby and David Niven are among the star-studded line-up appearing at a North Yorkshire cinema's week-long comedy festival. Thirsk's Ritz cinema is to host the specially selected film classics from July 17-23. Supported by the
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Public should be able to hold MPs to account over expenses, says Mayor
MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Ray Mallon has called on town MP Sir Stuart Bell and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar to hold public meetings in their constituencies over the issue of Parliamentary expenses. Mr Mallon said: “I believe
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Fresh moves to save 2,000 Redcar steel jobs
Fresh moves are to be made to save almost 2,000 jobs at a steel plant, it was announced today. The Teesside Cast Products site is facing closure within months after a consortium of four companies pulled out of an agreement to buy most of its output for
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Quakers confirm ten new recruits
DARLINGTON manager Colin Todd paraded his first nine summer recruits this morning with more expected to follow. While none of the players have been able to officially sign contracts until the Quakers are clear of administration, Todd is satisfied
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County Durham Foundation
First job of the day is to meet Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of County Durham Foundation, a wonderful organisation which gives away millions of pounds a year to local good causes. We're hoping to set up a regular link between the foundation and The
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Festival fun
A FORMER east Durham pit village will be staging its 10th annual festival at the weekend. Shotton’s annual festival will start with a parade at 10.30am on Saturday from the Community Park on Marcia Avenue at 10.30am and follow the miners’ banner through
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Portraying boyhood hero
Steve Pratt discovers that ‘Robin Hood’ bank robber John Dillinger was the boyhood hero of Johnny Depp. THIRTIES bank robber John Dillinger felt like one of the family for Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who portrays him in the new movie Public Enemies
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Beware of pirates
Magnus Scheving has turned children’s TV superhero Sportacus into a stage show. He talks to Viv Hardwick about the massive success of LazyTown. ICELAND isn’t just the home of frozen banking assets, one Reykjavik-born man is spending millions around
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Breaking Bad
International fame beckons for Newcastle’s Bad Taste Cru break dancers. Viv Hardwick talks to original member Robby Graham. NEWCASTLE’S Bad Taste Cru (BTC) are attempting to win the national break-dancing championships for the second time in
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Fest of the best
Viv Hardwick talks to Hartlepool’s Dockfest organiser, Stephen Cashman, about the bigger plans for next year’s Tall Ships Race event. DOCKFEST, this weekend’s £145,000 of free entertainment based at Hartlepool’s Marina, is a test to see how the
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What a Platt!
IT must be said that David Platt hasn’t really got a lot going for him. As Coronation Street’s (ITV) latest resident nutter, young David hasn’t been blessed in either the looks or personality department – at least he’s scaled back on the fake
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Watching the years skip by
IT was meant to be a nice, relaxing week off. I’d play some tennis, a bit of golf, and spend some time with my mum who’s trying to get used to life without my dad. “We could go to the Lakes?” I suggested. “Or across to Whitby?”
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Top Ten To Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RENTAL 1 (-) New In Town 2 (1) Gran Torino 3 (9) Seven Pounds 4 (-) The Unborn 5 (-) Defiance 6 (3) Valkyrie 7 (-) Slumdog Millionaire 8 (4) Push 9 (-) The Wrestler 10 (10) He's Just Not That Into You Supplied
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Where Nobby Scandalous worked
Walkers with a head for heights will hope to avoid being blown off Ribblehead Viaduct when they get a chance the trek along the tracks later this month. IN the railways’ scheme of things, prosaic amid the incomparably mosaic, Ribblehead Viaduct is
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Birthday honours
IN his reply to me on the subject of the Queen’s Birthday Honours, AE Donkin (HAS, June 27), who felt I was disparaging those who have rendered stalwart service to their communities, really missed the point. These people can be honoured by their
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Volunteer sought
HERE at Grace House North-East Children’s Hospice Appeal we have been delighted with the wonderful support and huge increase in awareness around County Durham over the past year. However, as we now approach the next stage in our appeal, we are
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Parachute threads
IN Sharon Griffith’s column (Echo, June 24), Lisa Duncan asked if parachute silk was being used to make items of clothing in 1944. Yes, it was. Mrs Duncan is under the impression it was from new parachutes, which could have put lives at risk, but
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Michael Jackson
I REALISE I’m probably in the minority, given that he has sold an estimated 750 million records, but the over-the-top reaction to the death of Michael Jackson is sickening. While acknowledging his tragic private life, most obituaries have emphasised
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Bosses bonuses
NETWORK Rail directors are awarding themselves huge bonuses amounting to £300,000 each – even one retired director receives this bonus – based on “so-called” work performances. Rubbish. What about the responsibility of the train drivers, track
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The recession
WITH so many substandard homes, and so many people without a home to call their own, would anyone agree it would be of benefit to our whole nation to put money into a national housebuilding and renovation programme? This would boost employment
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Allotments
IN your story about a shortage of land for allotments in Thirsk (Echo, some editions, June 22) reporter Ian Noble quoted town councillor Freda Roberts as saying: “It’s unfortunate that people seem to think we are bound as a council to create allotments
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Maternity thanks
I WOULD like to publicly thank all the staff on the sixth-floor maternity ward 61 and the labour ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Due to a significant medical condition, I unusually became a long-term resident in antenatal ward 1 for 16 weeks
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Milburn's record
NOT only does Darlington MP Alan Milburn – right – have a poor record for his engagement and voting in Parliament (HAS, Page 10, June 26), he also has a poor attendance record at events in his constituency. His lateness and early leaving are notorious
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Government of U-turns
THIS is becoming a Government of Uturns. One U-turn on ID cards is followed by a U-turn on part-privatisation of the Post Office. And then, hardest of all, a U-turn on the East Coast Main Line. The route looks like it will be renationalised by the
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Another fine mess he’s got us into
WITH its latest, tortuous twist, the saga of how to hold the heads of the region’s powerful quangos to account is starting to resemble the row over the Iraq War inquiry. Okay, no one has died in the creation of a “select committee” and “grand
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Express Exit
The East Coast Main Line franchise, which is currently operated by National Express, could be taken back into public ownership. Stuart Arnold answers some key questions about what it all means for the passengers. HOW does the franchise work
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Big business
Gerry’s Big Decision (Channel 4, 9pm); The Best Job in the World (BBC1, 9pm) APPRENTICE winner Yasmina Siadatan may have just bagged a job with a six-figure salary, but for many of Britain’s businesspeople, the future is looking a lot less rosy
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Lady Springbank can land at Haydock for in-form Burke
LADY SPRINGBANK created a very favourable impression when bolting up at Doncaster last month and looks the one to side with in Haydock’s EBF Gretsch-Unitas Novice Fillies’ Stakes. Hailing from the in-form yard of Karl Burke, the daughter of star
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Flintoff firing blanks in Ashes warm-up
ANDREW FLINTOFF missed the opportunity to make amends for his latest brush with authority as England struggled to impose themselves in their only warm-up match before the Ashes. Making his first appearance since news broke that he had been disciplined
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Harmison aims at Aussies
STEVE HARMISON believes Australia are suffering from a crisis of confidence with the first Ashes Test in Cardiff only a week away. The England paceman bowled with much of his old fire in returning three for 67 from 22 overs for England Lions
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Late wickets put Yorkshire in control
FIVE wickets in the final hour of play put Yorkshire firmly back in control of their County Championship clash with Somerset at Taunton. And the visitors’ hopes of grabbing a first four-day win in more than a year were boosted by a first innings
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A maturing Mustard
PHIL MUSTARD underlined his growing maturity by earning Durham a lead of one run yesterday. If that was a bonus, it wasn’t so unexpected as the loss of half a day’s play that followed at Riverside. Worcestershire faced only one ball in their
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The personification of a glorious Ashes past
WHILE the messiness of Michael Vaughan’s retirement was hardly in keeping with the style and elegance of his batting, the timing of his departure could hardly have been more apt. Vaughan is the personification of a glorious Ashes past, but
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Wheater makes early return
DAVID Wheater has been at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground this week building up his fitness ahead of the start of pre-season training next Monday. Wheater is ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery to repair damaged knee cartilage
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Uncertainty reigns at St James’ Park
THE players are back in training, the opening pre-season fixture is now only nine days away, but still Newcastle United’s interminable wait for progress goes on. The daily updates have become like a mantra – consortia interested, due diligence
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Fergie says farewell
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been given a final farewell from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson – and immediately discovered the downside to fulfilling his childhood dream. With a world record £80m fee banked by United and Ronaldo ready for
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Robson goes out nursing back injury
LAURA ROBSON’S defence of her girls’ singles title came to an early end as the British starlet exited Wimbledon in frustrating fashion. Robson struggled to shake off a back problem in her third-round match against Holland’s Quirine Lemoine on
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Big-serving Karlovic is no match for Federer
ROGER FEDERER rewrote the history books as he tamed Ivo Karlovic’s monster serve at Wimbledon – and insists he’s back to his supreme best. The five-time champion reached his 21st consecutive grand slam semi-final with an almost pedestrian 6-3
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Campbell ready to snub Cats
MICHAEL Chopra completed a permanent move to Cardiff City yesterday, but he is unlikely to be replaced by Fraizer Campbell as the Manchester United striker will snub Sunderland for Hull City. And with Hibernian having pocketed £3m from the sale
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Princess Anne delights shoppers
A CROWD of shoppers gathered in a town to catch a glimpse of a royal visitor. Princess Anne arrived in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to meet volunteer staff at the Save the Children charity shop, in the High Street. She has been president of
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Cineworld profits on the fast track
BLOCKBUSTER movies including Slumdog Millionaire, X-Men and Transformers drove halfyear box office sales up by 17.9 per cent at Cineworld, the group said yesterday. The UK’s second biggest cinema chain reported back on a “healthy” first-half
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Northern Rock ‘will not be sold to supermarket’
NORTHERN Rock is not seeking a buyer despite reports yesterday that Tesco was the latest institution to enter the fray. It was claimed that the supermarket, which has branched out into financial services in recent years, was a potential bidder
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Murray a step closer to ending the 73-year wait
IF the sun continues to shine on Andy Murray as it has thus far for the rest of the week, Britain’s 73 years of hurt may yet come to an end at SW19 on Sunday. Normal service has been resumed at Wimbledon. The roof was redundant, the skies were
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Dry run for carbon reduction rules
COMPANIES in the region are to be offered the chance to take part in a simulation project to prepare them for the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC). CRC, which comes into force in April, will require organisations to monitor
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Market prices, Leyburn, Wednesday July 1,2009
Forward: 31 Cattle & 983 Prime Sheep comprising: 3 prime cattle, 26 cast cows & 2 cast bulls; 861 prime & light lambs, 26 prime hoggs & 96 cast sheep. Prime hfrs 151.0 ave 127.7. Cast cows 128.0 ave 94.9. Cast bulls 127.0 ave 114.9. Prime lambs:
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News in brief: North chosen for design service
THE region has been chosen to pilot a design service by one of Europe’s largest interiors companies. Habitat UK will offer in-home interior design consultations from its store in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. To launch the service, residents of
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No regrets about North-East move
A SOUTH Korean businessman who has adopted the North-East as his home is seeing his specialist worktop business expand after winning contracts to supply Heathrow Airport, London Underground and the NHS. Howard Noh runs Stocktonbased Staron UK
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Firm fined for failings over death of worker
A JUDGE has imposed fines of more than £200,000 after a North-East workman died following “serious” safety failings by his construction firm bosses. Father-of-three Michael Payne was killed in Greater Manchester in 2003 when he was hit on the head
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Union gets steel talks under way again
A UNION has revealed that it has made a “significant breakthrough” in getting Corus and a consortium that pulled out of a Teesside steel deal back around the negotiating table. In May, a four-strong international consortium, including Marcegaglia
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Market report
THE FTSE 100 Index entered the second half of the year with a more than two per cent rise yesterday as positive world manufacturing data helped boost hopes of economic recovery. UK, US and European figures all indicated that the manufacturing
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Record number enter awards
A RECORD number of North-East businesses have entered tourism awards as the sector enjoys increased visitor numbers. Nearly 150 businesses have entered this year’s North-East England Tourism Awards, with more than half entering for the first time
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Business park offers space for artists’ work
DEVELOPERS of a business park are hoping to discover the next Damien Hirst by offering a solution to the region’s shortage of artists’ working space. Lingfield Point, in Darlington, is offering space ranging from industrial space suitable for creating
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Challenge for dale lies in punching above its weight
Acid Test: ON the eve of the biggest council shake-up for a generation, Local Government Minister John Healey said: “The acid test will be whether these councils deliver their promises including better services, leadership and achieving more
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Ten years on, shrine to brewery unveiled
A SHRINE to a great North- East brewery has been unveiled, ten years after last orders were called. As many lament the closure of the Vaux brewery a decade ago today, Richie Morgan marked the occasion in a converted garage at his Sunderland
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Youngsters keep elderly relatives safe from crime
YOUNGSTERS are helping elderly relatives protect themselves against bogus callers as part of a region-wide crackdown on doorstep conmen. Thousands of “kids’ cards” bearing crime prevention advice are being given to year 6 pupils at North-East
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Woman died of altitude sickness
A WOMAN on an adventure of a lifetime collapsed and died after suffering from altitude sickness in Bolivia. Tracy Kennedy was on a trip across South America when she fell ill, Teesside Coroner’s Court heard. The heartbroken parents of the 37-
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Will action partnerships win over a sceptical public?
In the third of a monthly series analysing whether the new Durham County Council is delivering for the area, Mark Tallentire examines how the authority is keeping the public informed of its work. HANG around County Hall on any weekday and it
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Pulses will be racing at Croft car show
FAST cars, jelly, bikinis and dancing girls will get pulses racing at a car show. Croft Circuit, near Darlington, is hosting a Modified and Performance North-East show on Sunday, July 19. Visitors will be able to take a tour of the circuit in
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‘Region’s air travellers are victims of taxes’
AIR passengers who can no longer fly from the North-East to London are victims of skyhigh government taxes, MPs were told yesterday. Air passenger duty (APD) is forcing airlines to axe routes, while rail travel enjoys “unfair” subsidies, claimed
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‘Privatisation has clearly not worked’
National Express passengers in Darlington hope the service’s nationalisation may lead to a better service and cheaper fares. Catherine Houston reports. “IT’S about time something like this happened,” said retired tool maker Alex Gordon, 82,
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Inquiry called for over second failed franchise in two years
THE East Coast Main Line is to be run by the Government after National Express refused to fund the loss-making rail franchise beyond the next few months. With National Express stating funding for East Coast would run out later this year, a
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Escape drama as floods hit house
THUNDERSTORMS and flash floods wreaked havoc across the North-East last night. Homes throughout Teesdale were left without power after hundreds of lightning strikes disrupted electricity supplies. In Consett, County Durham, a builder
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Teenager beaten by gang of up to ten men
A TEENAGER was dragged from his car and beaten unconscious by a gang of up to ten men as he went to meet his girlfriend after her school prom. Sean Hodgson was so badly beaten in the unprovoked attack that his parents did not initially recognise
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Wind turbine plan is backed at last
PLANS to build three 125-metre high wind turbines at a beauty spot have been approved at the second time of asking. Broadview Energy has been given permission by Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee to build the windfarm on land between
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Hospital service plan is "a crisis"
A SENIOR councillor has described the suspension of children’s services at a hospital in the region, including the temporary closure of a unit for premature babies, as a crisis. Gareth Dadd, the chairman of North Yorkshire County Council’s
