Durham Global Week 2024 announced

Plus welcoming the Lunar New Year, LEGO masterpiece returns, Leazes footbridge demolition, and much more!

Good morning, Durham! There are exactly 37 days until Spring. Not that I’m counting.

In today’s newsletter:

  • Welcoming the Lunar New Year in Durham

  • Henry VIII’s lost tapestry nears Durham home

  • Leazes footbridge demolition

  • LEGO masterpiece returns

  • And much more!

Let’s get to it.

— Stephen

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Welcoming the Lunar New Year in Durham 🐉

Lunar New Year celebrations brought the streets of Durham alive with colour, dancing and music on Saturday. This Lunar New Year sees the start of the year of the Dragon, which represents good luck, justice, prosperity and strength.

The lion dance procession made its way from Millennium Place through the city centre at 12.30 pm, entertaining visitors with a colourful display and a special appearance by the junior dragon dance team from West Rainton Primary School.

Durham University’s Dunelm House also hosted two shows where visitors enjoyed traditional music, songs, costumes, and dance performed by the Chinese Scholars and Students Association, the Han Fu Society and Durham Chinese School.

Chinese students paraded around Durham City in their national dress. Image source: Maureen Marshall / Facebook

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THE DIGEST

Leazes footbridge demolition on the horizon

Durham County Council announced on Facebook last week that Leazes Footbridge, a key pedestrian link across the A690 from Claypath to the city centre and riverside, has been marked for demolition. The council said a detailed examination of the bridge revealed unfixable structural defects.

The bridge offers some stunning views of Durham city including the Cathedral but there are currently no plans to replace it. MP for the City of Durham, Mary Kelly Foy, said on Facebook she is “shocked at the decision” and posted a link to an ‘e-petition’ set up by residents against the demolition plans.

Leazes Bridge. Image: Mary Kelly Foy / Facebook

Henry VIII’s lost tapestry nears Durham home with £1 Million milestone

The Auckland Project has hit a fundraising milestone, raising over £1 million to help purchase a 16th-century tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII. This moves the project closer to its £4 million goal to acquire the "Saint Paul Directing the Burning of the Heathen Books" tapestry, aiming for a home in the Faith Museum at Auckland Castle.

Rediscovered after 200 years, this tapestry has artistic, political and religious significance symbolising a rich historical narrative. The campaign continues with hopes high for additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Read more.

Durham's Big Jug pub set for £400k transformation

The Big Jug, a once rundown pub on Claypath in Durham City Centre, is set to undergo a transformative £400k facelift, courtesy of its new owners, Craig and Stacey Wright.

With building work commencing last week, the renovation aims for a mid-March reopening, just in time for Easter celebrations. This ambitious project promises an upgrade to the pub's offerings, including regular live music, an array of food and drink options, and revamped interiors. The new business will also help the local economy with the creation of ten new jobs. Read more.

WEATHER

Durham's weather is tossing us a mixed bag this week: sun peeks, cloud cloaks, and rain dances. Thermals might be overkill, but keep your layers handy and your umbrella at the ready. It's not quite the season for snowmen or sunbathing, but there's enough variety to keep your daily outfit guessing.

Monday, 12th Feb: Max Temp: 8°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 3°C | Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime 🌤️

Tuesday, 13th Feb: Max Temp: 8°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 6°C | Clear changing to cloudy by lunchtime ☁️

Wednesday, 14th Feb: Max Temp: 13°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 8°C | Light showers changing to overcast by late morning 🌦️

Thursday, 15th Feb: Max Temp: 10°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 6°C | Cloudy changing to light rain in the afternoon 🌧️

Friday, 16th Feb: Max Temp: 9°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 3°C | Light rain changing to overcast by late morning 🌧️☁️

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Portfolio North’s Sedgefield property of the week

Portfolio North's property of the week is a lovely 6-bed in Sedgefield, up for grabs for a cool £995k. Tucked away in a peaceful rural setting and conveniently close to Sedgefield's blossoming amenities, this unique home is a true find. The property stretches across nearly six acres of land, offering a vast space but also an air of sophistication and privacy with its private wrought iron gate and sweeping gravel driveway. Read more.

Durham Cathedral's LEGO masterpiece returns

The iconic LEGO model of Durham Cathedral is getting a new lease on life. After spending some time in storage, this detailed replica is being lovingly reconstructed by volunteers, aiming for a reveal later this month at the Durham Cathedral Museum.

In preparation for the relaunch, the Cathedral is looking for stories and memories from people who were part of the original build. If you placed an original brick or have special memories get in touch. Read more.

Image: Durham Cathedral

Get ready for Durham Global Week 2024 🌎

Mark your calendars for Durham Global Week, set to bring a splash of global culture to our city from 24th February to 3rd March. This week-long festivity, organised by Durham University, aims to highlight the university's rich cultural diversity and global impact.

With over 30 events planned, including workshops, cultural performances, and discussions led by the university's staff, students, and societies, there's something for everyone looking to celebrate and learn about global cultures right here in Durham. Read more.

Enjoy the Beatles by Candlelight at Durham Cathedral 🕯️

On Thursday 15th February, Durham Cathedral invites you to "Come Together" for a night where the timeless tunes of The Beatles will light up the space, not just by the music but by candlelight too!

With West End singers and a live band bringing over 40 of the Fab Four's hits to life, it's your "Ticket to Ride" into a nostalgic journey. From "Hey Jude" to "Let It Be", it's going to be a "Magical Mystery Tour" of melodies in the majestic setting of Durham Cathedral. Tickets are swinging from £25 to £40—grab yours before they say "Hello, Goodbye"! Find out more.

DURHAM BUSINESS NEWS

Peterlee's ABT ignites future innovation with ten new apprenticeships

In a move to nurture future talent, Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), a leader in global battery technology based in Peterlee, has recruited ten eager apprentices. With a diverse range of apprenticeships spanning administration, engineering, and marketing, these apprentices are filling roles to be at the forefront of tackling the skills gap in the dynamic battery technology industry.

ABT’s commitment to fostering young talent and ensuring a sustainable future workforce is exemplified through its hands-on training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the promise of permanent employment. Read more.

Durham's Magnitude Biosciences sets new growth horizons

County Durham based Magnitude Biosciences, a specialist company in biotechnology, is expanding its team to meet the demands of new global contracts.

Under the leadership of CEO Dr Fozia Saleem, who is recognised on the We Are Power ‘Future List’ for her transformative influence, the company is making waves in the science world by revolutionising how research is done. Read more.

Durham Uni's Space Sprint Internship Programme launches new horizons for businesses 🚀

In a fusion of academia and industry, Durham University is launching businesses into the stratosphere with its groundbreaking Space Sprint Internship Programme.

This innovative initiative, aimed at bolstering business success, offers organisations the chance to harness the brightest minds in space and STEM disciplines. With enticing incentives like 50% funding for a six-week summer internship, a streamlined application process, and access to a diverse talent pool, local and national businesses are invited to seize this stellar opportunity.

Apply before the 1st July 2024 deadline and launch your business's success story into the cosmos. Read more.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Monday 12th - Wednesday 14th

  • Fabio’s - DUCK Live Lounge - Mon 12th, 6 pm (tickets)

  • The White Room - Valentine’s Special - Weds 14th, 7:30 pm (tickets)

Thursday 15th

  • The Fire Station - Barbara Streisand Tribute Show - 6:30 pm (tickets)

  • Durham Cathedral - The Beatles By Candlelight - 7:30 pm (tickets)

Friday 16th

  • NE Volume - The Schizophonics - 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • Forum Music Studios - Rebecca Downes Band & Phil Caffrey - 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • Ushaw Historic House - Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works - 9 pm (tickets)

Saturday 17th

  • Forum Music Studios - Snide Remarks - 1 pm (tickets)

  • The Fire Station - Re-Take That - 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • Claypath Delicatessen - Philip Jonathan + Alastair Gordon - 8 pm (tickets)

  • Sunderland Minster - Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd - 8 pm (tickets)

  • The Flass Inn - Band Night with The Hybrids - 8 pm (tickets)

  • Durham Ox - And Then Some Live - 8:30 pm (tickets)

  • Bishops Sports Bar - Vynel Chimes - 9 pm (tickets)

Sunday 18th

  • Vesuvio - Planet Rock - 4 pm (tickets)

  • The Crook Hotel - STAN the BAND - 4:30 pm (tickets)

THANKS!

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