Retail wishes and cultural riches

READER POLL RESULTS

51% of Durham Scoop readers surveyed want more retail options

We asked, and you voted.

Most Durham Scoop readers want more retail options in the region over additional leisure activities or cultural attractions.

According to the poll we ran last week, 51% of you are keen on new stores such as Lush and Primark, highlighting the need for increased shopping variety.

The idea for the survey was inspired by a Reddit discussion where residents shared their thoughts on what they would like to see more of in the county.

Following retail demand, 20% of respondents expressed interest in unique leisure activities such as an ice rink or ski slope.

"An ice rink should be a priority. We should never have lost ours. Losing it left a bitter taste, and the way it was sold off never seemed to be right," said a reader, reflecting a common sentiment.

Additionally, 14% favoured new cultural attractions, with suggestions like a museum featuring the Lindisfarne Gospels to enhance the city's cultural landscape.

Convenience and local amenities

A further 11% of respondents highlighted the need for more diverse local shops and eateries.

"The key thing is to have diversity. Durham City has become a monoculture where all new outlets seem to be cafes and restaurants," noted one reader.

Another mentioned the importance of green spaces and community gardens, saying, "More green spaces and land for community gardens where locals can grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers would benefit everyone."

Other suggestions

Several respondents provided additional feedback, with some focusing on inclusivity and support for local businesses.

"I would like to see the inauguration of a permanent exhibition that showcases products and services provided by businesses in our region. A place to not only display what is already here but somewhere to launch and celebrate new products."

Another reader mentioned, “Marks and Spencer food hall at Dragonville would be gratefully welcomed by everyone that I’ve spoken to.”

Overall, the survey results highlight a clear demand for more retail options, unique leisure activities, and cultural attractions. These insights reflect the community’s vision for a vibrant and self-sufficient Durham, enriched with varied shopping, engaging leisure activities, and significant cultural landmarks.

York as a blueprint

A respondent aptly summarised, "Take a tip from York—thousands of visitors every day. Make Durham more attractive."

Another added, “Small retail shops with character, like the Shambles in York, so little retailers have options. With a museum to highlight NE heritage, so looking backwards and forwards to add more interest to the city.

“At present, tourists only stop for a couple of hours to visit the Cathedral and castle then leave with their wallets!”

Survey respondents were Durham Scoop readers. A total of 106 people responded.

THE DIGEST

🎬 Durham in film: Explore Durham through the lens of your favourite films with Instagrammer Tom from ‘Stepping Through Film’. Commissioned by Durham Tourism, Tom highlights the county’s cinematic locations, from the iconic Durham Cathedral in Harry Potter to the dramatic landscapes of the Durham Dales in The Witcher. See how the charm of Beamish Museum provided sets for Downton Abbey and discover the local mining history depicted in Billy Elliot at Easington. These are the real-life Durham locations that brought the magic of the screen to life.  [link] [Instagram]

🧑‍🎨 Rare Rembrandt and Teniers works coming to Auckland Castle: Starting from 6th July, art lovers can marvel at 17th-century works by Rembrandt, David Teniers, and more, alongside Spanish, French, and Italian masterpieces. Set in the Bishop Trevor Gallery, the exhibition runs until 6th October, promising a captivating journey through seventeenth-century Europe. [link]

🎥 Brenda Blethyn spotted filming Vera at County Durham school: The actress was seen filming the final series of Vera at Barnard Castle School on Thursday. The iconic actress, clad in her famous trench coat and fishing hat, is shooting her last scenes across the North East. As fans prepare to bid farewell to the Sunday night drama, filming continues until early 2025, with Brenda wrapping up her role as the legendary detective. [link]

🏃 Steve Cram gives council chiefs training tips ahead of Durham City Run Festival: Last week, athletics legend Steve Cram and Durham County Council promoted the Durham City Run Festival, the three-day event from 18th - 20th July, featuring races and family activities. The council’s officers are participating in the event to highlight its role in encouraging healthy lifestyles in County Durham. [link]

🏉 County Durham Paralympian sends message to rivals as he's set to be named in squad: Wheelchair rugby star Jack Smith believes “everyone should be scared” of reigning champions Great Britain ahead of their Paralympic title defence. Smith, from Sedgefield, is in the country’s squad for Paris 2024 – three years on from making history in Tokyo by helping clinch ParalympicsGB’s first gold medal in the team sport. [link]

Extra sprinkles

• Joint operation cracks down on illegal evening parking in Durham City Centre [link]

• Have your say on the regulation of 'To Let' signs in Durham City [link]

• Ushaw Historic House extends its ‘Century of Wedding Gowns’ exhibition until late August [link]

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 BBC Sport Tyne & Wear | 📍 Durham fans in Cologne Stadium

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

WEATHER

Less sun and more rain showers this week. At least the plants will get watered.

• Monday, 1st: 18°C 🌡️ 10°C. Sunny changing to light rain 🌤️ ➡️ 🌧️

• Tuesday, 2nd: 18°C 🌡️ 10°C. Sunny changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

• Wednesday, 3rd: 19°C 🌡️ 10°C. Cloudy changing to light rain ☁️ ➡️ 🌧️

• Thursday, 4th: 18°C 🌡️ 10°C. Sunny 🌞 

• Friday, 5th: 19°C 🌡️ 11°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

HERITAGE

A visit to The Story to learn about the rich history of Durham

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting The Story, the new attraction that captures the essence of County Durham's rich history. Located in the restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald manor house, this venue beautifully blends Georgian elegance with modern amenities.

The Story opened with a bang on Friday, 14th June, featuring historical re-enactments, pop-up theatre performances, live music, and a teddy bears' picnic. It was a delight to be among the first to explore this exciting new venue.

The building houses five major collections, including ancient documents, archaeological finds, and the reunited Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection and Archive. These artefacts provide a fascinating glimpse into 900 years of County Durham's history.

Honouring heroism

A highlight of the exhibition is the Wakenshaw Gun, an anti-tank gun associated with WW2 Victoria Cross hero Private Adam Wakenshaw.

A Durham miner whose heroic actions during the battle of Mersa Matruh in Egypt in June 1942, despite being fatally injured, earned him the highest military honour.

The Story is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history of County Durham. This venue honours the past and also inspires appreciation for the present and future.

Whether you're a history buff or looking for a meaningful outing, The Story has something for everyone. Find out more.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Langley Close, Lanchester

Detached | Bed: 5 | Bath: 2

Langley Close is a picturesque period property located just outside the village of Lanchester, surrounded by unspoilt panoramic views. The property is set within gated grounds and extensive gardens leading to tranquil woodland, encompassing approximately 2.94 acres. An outbuilding requiring renovation presents further potential.

Check the listing to see the price.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Musical

👑 Six. Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th July, 5 pm and 8 pm. Six the musical tells the history of Henry VIII's wives in a way audiences haven't seen before. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. At the Sunderland Empire. Tickets.

🚫 We’re Not Going Back. Thursday 11th July, 8 pm. 2024 is the fortieth anniversary of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, a dispute that still resonates today. But the strike wasn’t just about pickets vs police – in this hard-hitting musical comedy there are no miners and no cops. Instead, we follow the fortunes of three sisters in a pit village, hit hard by the Government’s war against the miners and determined to set up a branch of ‘Women Against Pit Closures’. At Assembly Rooms. Tickets

Screening

🏋️ An Evening with Daley Thompson. 17th July, 7 pm. To celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 40th anniversary of Los Angeles 1984, Durham City Run and Durham County Council will host Daley Thompson, Britain's greatest all-round athlete. The event will feature a special screening of a new BBC documentary about Thompson, followed by a 'fireside chat' with him and Steve Cram, LA Silver medallist and Race Director of the Durham City Run. At Gala Durham. Tickets.

Family

🧚 Peter Pan & Wendy. Tuesday 16th - Saturday 27th July. Wendy, a 13-year-old tired of everything, embarks on an exciting adventure when she gets lost in a magical forest and meets Peter and Tinker Bell. Their journey is filled with pirates and the sinister Captain Hook, but Wendy soon realises the true value of home. At Gala Durham. Tickets.

Music

🎺 Durham Brass Festival. Friday 5th - Saturday 13th July. A soul and funk band championed by Craig Charles; a modernist folk act which opened for both Sam Fender at St James’ Park and Pete Doherty; and a Brazilian-born alt-pop artist whose music has appeared on Love Island. These are some of the latest additions to the line-up for Durham Brass Festival, as excitement builds for its return to the North East cultural scene this summer. Across Durham. More info.

Comedy

😂 Paul Smith - Pablo. Wednesday 10th July, 6:30 pm. Paul Smith is back and better than ever with his latest tour show, “Pablo”. Get ready to experience the jaw-aching, laugh-out-loud comedy that only Smith can deliver. The show features a mix of his trademark audience interaction and hilarious true stories from his everyday life. Age 16+. All Under 18’s Must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18+. At Rainton Arena. Tickets.

BUSINESS NEWS

🏰 Philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer on Bishop Auckland's remarkable regeneration: Writing for the Northern Echo, Ruffer highlights a transformative year for Bishop Auckland with visitor numbers doubling and substantial investments revitalising the town. Key developments include the near-complete Great Garden, the world's first Faith Museum, and exceptional galleries. He emphasises the need for more accommodation, including new hotels, to support the town's role as a visitor destination, with over £20 million invested this year and a combined investment exceeding half a billion pounds, aiming for over a million visitors by the end of the decade. [link]

🤝 Esh lands Northumberland Energy Park work: A £7.3m scheme that will complete work on the recently widened Ash Barge Dock, close to the Port of Blyth, has been awarded to the County Durham contractor. Northumberland Energy Park is an energy sector-focused operation that sits within the Energy Central growth cluster for companies operating in the offshore energy and subsea markets. [link]

🏷️ County Durham farm for sale with business park development potential: A 288-acre mixed farm in County Durham with unrestricted right of access into a nearby industrial estate is now for sale. Tursdale House Farm is a farm near Spennymoor and includes a farmhouse, an adjoining barn and a recently renovated cottage. [link]

READER FEEDBACK

HOW DID WE DO?