Buildings, races and famous faces

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In this week’s Durham Scoop:

• Paula Radcliffe races to Durham

• County Durham’s most iconic buildings

• Klute closes down after 50 years of operation

• Torvill and Dean unveil blue plaque for ice rink founder

• Durham company partners with Elon Musk’s SpaceX

• Business news

• And much more!

Let’s get to it.

— Stephen

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EVENTS

🏃‍♀️ Paula Radcliffe races to Durham to promote City Run Festival

Olympian Paula Radcliffe MBE was in town last week to help generate buzz for this year’s Durham City Run Festival. Taking place on 18-20 July the run festival includes a variety of races, including the popular 5K and 10K routes that now start by the scenic riverside and finish at Durham Cathedral and Castle.

Paula’s brainchild, the Families on Track event, is also making a return, giving families the chance to team up for a 10K relay race in the heart of our historic city. With Paula's endorsement and the fresh courses, the 2024 festival is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet. Get your running shoes ready!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Kevin Creaghan | 📍 Durham Gala

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your brilliant photos of Durham to get in the Scoop!

WEATHER

Weather supplied by the Met Office

We flirt with milder temperatures though skies remain moody with just a brief glimpse of sunlight to brighten up the closing days.

• Monday, 29th: 14°C 🌡️ 8°C. Cloudy ☁️

• Tuesday, 30th: 18°C 🌡️ 8°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

• Wednesday, 1st: 15°C 🌡️ 8°C. Cloudy ☁️

• Thursday, 2nd: 14°C 🌡️ 7°C. Mist changing to overcast 🌫️ ➡️ ☁️

• Friday, 3rd: 14°C 🌡️ 7°C. Cloudy changing to sunny intervals ☁️ ➡️ 🌤️

CULTURE

A look at County Durham’s most iconic buildings

As he gets older, your humble writer is becoming more of an architecture nerd, and thankfully, County Durham is home to some of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the North East.

From the majestic Durham Cathedral to the formidable Raby Castle, our latest article showcases the local landmarks that are not only stunning to view but are also pivotal chapters of history.

We dive into each building's rich past, examining the architectural features that make them stand out and cover their roles in our cultural landscape today.

Whether you're a fellow architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the historical gems in your backyard, this piece will give you a new appreciation for our architectural heritage.

Read the full article here.

⛸️ Ice skating legends Torvill and Dean unveil blue plaque for Durham Ice Rink founder

Two legends of the ice were in Durham on Saturday for a special unveiling commemorating the history of the man who began the proud history of skating in the city.

The life’s work of ice rink pioneer John ‘Icy’ Smith who was the founder of Durham’s first ice rink was celebrated in Durham City Centre with the unveiling of a blue plaque.

Known as ‘Icy’ to his friends from his beginnings in an ice factory he set up in Barnard Castle, John’s third ice rink was in Durham along the River Wear. It opened in 1940 and closed in 1996.

THE DIGEST

🏟️ New 'Durham Arena' set to enhance Dalton Park area: Big plans are afoot near the A19 at Dalton Park as developers announce a new leisure complex dubbed 'Durham Arena'. This new development is set to feature a 15,000-seater arena and 30,000 car parking spaces alongside a roller skating rink, swimming pool, food court, bowling alley, a massive 20,000sqft gym, climbing walls and dance academy. (link)

🪩 Klute closes down after 50 years of operation: Famous Durham University student haunt and once voted “worst nightclub in Europe” Klute in Durham City has closed down after 50 years of operating, according to student magazine, Palatinate. (link)

👩‍🚀 Durham graduate becomes UK's newest astronaut: Dr Rosemary Coogan, a Durham University Physics and Astronomy alumna, has graduated from the European Space Agency's year-long basic training programme, joining the ranks of UK astronauts like Helen Sharman and Tim Peake. She will now engage in operational tasks at ESA, awaiting mission assignment. (link)

🐾 Buddy bids farewell to Durham Police: After years of sniffing out trouble and lending a helping paw, Buddy the police dog is hanging up his harness for a well-deserved retirement. Serving as both a general-purpose and firearms dog, Buddy’s nose has been pivotal in tracking down suspects and uncovering hidden weapons, contributing to numerous arrests and successful convictions. Last week was the beginning of a more relaxed chapter for Buddy as he retires to enjoy endless tummy rubs with his handler and lifelong friend, PC Robinson. Cheers to a restful retirement, Buddy!

READER POLL

Last week’s poll: Should Durham Scoop cover Sunderland news and events?

The results of last week’s poll were close but those who voted ‘no’ won out in the end.

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Yes. It would be interesting and relevant to me. (24)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 No. Keep it within the Co Durham boundaries. (28)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Unsure. (2)

Thanks to everyone who voted and thank you to whose who provided feedback at the end of each newsletter. It really helps.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Properties in Co Durham borders that recently came to market.

Duke Of Wellington Gardens, Wynyard

Situated within an exclusive gated community, 1 Duke of Wellington Gardens presents a meticulously crafted home where luxury meets comfort. Spanning approximately 5000 sq ft and situated on one of the largest plots in the area, this bespoke residence offers a blend of sophistication and functionality.

The ground floor includes a superb open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. The second floor includes a stunning master suite complemented by four ensuite bedrooms. Additional highlights include two spacious reception rooms, a cinema room, and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and bathrooms. With access to village amenities, scenic countryside walks and convenient road links, this property epitomises refined living in an idyllic setting.

Check the listing to see the price.

EVENTS

What’s happening this week

Comedy

😂 Consett Comedy Festival. Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th May: The comedy festival returns featuring a lineup of stellar comedians who've made waves across the UK and on TV. Including Phil Reid, Crissy Rock, Joe Pasquale and a host of local talent, it’s guaranteed to leave you in stitches. At Consett Rugby Club. Tickets.

🤣 The Comedy Store April. Sunday 5th, 7:30 pm: With over 35 years’ experience in the business and as the premiere name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent and remains the place to see stars of the future. At the Gala Durham. Tickets.

Music

🎸 Robert Plant presents Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian. Wednesday 1st 7 pm: Formed in 2019, Saving Grace are a blues-folk band fronted by Led Zeppelin singer, Robert Plant. At the Globe Theatre. Tickets

Fashion

👰 A Century of Wedding Gowns. Until 30th June: A display of 72 wedding dresses showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and evolving trends that have defined one of the most memorable days in countless lives. The exhibition includes original gowns and reproductions of dresses worn by royalty including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. At Ushaw Historic House. Entry included in day pass. More info.

Theatre

🎭 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 29th - 30th. Albee’s play examines the complexities of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George. Set in 1960s New England, the play delves into George and Martha’s ‘games’ and the fantasies that they hide themselves in. At The Assembly Rooms. Tickets

BUSINESS NEWS

🚀 Filtronic major partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX: NETPark-based Filtronic designs and makes products for the aerospace, defence, telecoms infrastructure and space markets and has signed a Strategic Partnership and commercial agreement with SpaceX, a market leader in the LEO (Low Earth Orbit) market. (link)

🇦🇪 Lighting manufacturer launches Dubai office: Durham-based, Artech Lighting has created several jobs in the Middle East to serve its growing clientele. The new base will act as a hub to support current opportunities and secure additional projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). (link)

📈 Bannatyne Group profits up 30 per cent: Darlington-based national health club and hotel operator has completed its recovery from the pandemic downturn. Owned by serial entrepreneur and former BBC Dragons’ Den investor, Duncan Bannatyne OBE, it has seen profit and revenues grow in the year ending December 31st 2023. (link)

☀️ Seaham’s solar pioneers set to brighten energy landscape: Seaham-based Power Roll is making waves in the renewable energy sector with its innovative, lightweight solar panels. These flexible panels, designed for easy deployment on any structure, aim to provide affordable energy solutions worldwide, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas. (link)

🔋 Durham battery firm targets £100m turnover: Peterlee-based Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), which specialises in customised rechargeable batteries, has released accounts for 2023 in which turnover rose from £14.1m to £17.9m. The company said the performance was in line with its five-year plan, which also includes creating 250 new jobs over the next five years. (link)

BUSINESS SNIPPETS

• Sedgefield-based cybersecurity firm expands overseas with new base in UAE (link)

• Global renewable energy producer Sonnedix has started work on its new solar PV plant in County Durham which, once complete, will become one of the largest in the UK and create 100 jobs (link)

• Kromek secures £2.3m order from US for nuclear security products (link)

• Former Visualsoft boss launches Relo microwaveable meals (link)

• OnPath Energy chooses Durham location of new HQ (link)

HOW DID WE DO?

THANKS!

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