Archive

  • Peter reaches 1000th wicket milestone

    Peter Jackson became one of the few players in the North-East to take 1,000 wickets for the same club when he recently completed the feat with Darlington and District League side Raby Castle. He began with the club as a 14-year old and apart from three

  • Ready to celebrate the jubilee year

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of revels and celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee. To help readers celebrate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your

  • Strong sculpture is firm base for Swaledale show

    JOY Bently has created a warm, inviting and thoroughly enjoyable art exhibition at East Windy Hall, Reeth, the underlying strong foundation of which is her own sculptures. In bronze, resin bronze and terracotta, these are diverse and fascinating with

  • Be frank, be open

    RICHMONDSHIRE District Council is adopting a questionable approach to the row over the course for senior managers. Eleven of them recently attended an adventure training weekend at Aske Hall designed to improve their management skills. Whether or not

  • Pair avoid jail sentences after raid at factory

    A BURGLAR and a would-be thief avoided prison sentences yesterday. Teesside Crown Court was told that burglar, Mark Cooke, had been involved in a business premises break-in in which thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen. Rachel Headworth,

  • England athlete is guest at sports day

    PUPILS from 42 schools in Wear Valley are to give England athlete Alison Curbishley an early taste of the Commonwealth Games. The children from primary, special and secondary schools are preparing for a mini-version of the games which take place in Manchester

  • New headteacher meets pupils

    THE newly-appointed headteacher of Hurworth Primary School toured the building yesterday before he takes up his new post. Mark Allison, 41, headteacher of Crakehall Primary, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, looked round the school and met pupils. The father-of-two

  • In the market for European products

    THE Shildon Continental Market begins in the town today, with a Queen's jubilee theme, and continues over the weekend. Traders from around Europe will be making their fourth visit to Shildon as they create their own corner of the continent in County Durham

  • Guide to Queen's Jubilee celebrations around the area

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of revels and celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of jubilee events in your neighbourhood

  • Ready to celebrate the golden jubilee

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of revels and celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of jubilee events in your neighbourhood

  • Pupils get the party off to a flying start

    YOUNGSTERS got into the party spirit yesterday, when they took part in a series of events to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. The children from Bewley Infant School, Billingham, each released a red, white or blue balloon as a tribute to the Queen. Each

  • Talent show seeks N-E Pop Idols

    ROBBIE Williams and Britney Spears look-alikes launched a Pop Idol-style competition at Sunderland Empire Theatre yesterday. Sunderland's Number One is open to North-East youngsters aged eight to 16 and applicants can also attend voice and dance workshops

  • School garden earns council green award

    A PRIMARY school's dream community garden is winning awards before it has even officially opened. Youngsters at St John's Chapel Primary School are celebrating after being presented with a Durham County Council Environment award. The accolade will give

  • Pair avoid jail sentences after raid at factory

    A BURGLAR and a would-be thief avoided prison sentences yesterday. Teesside Crown Court was told that burglar, Mark Cooke, had been involved in a business premises break-in in which thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen. Rachel Headworth,

  • In the market for European products

    THE Shildon Continental Market begins in the town today, with a Queen's jubilee theme, and continues over the weekend. Traders from around Europe will be making their fourth visit to Shildon as they create their own corner of the continent in County Durham

  • 'Miss Slinky' to run slimming classes

    A NEWTON Aycliffe slimmer who lost two stones is to run her own class. In January last year, Avril McKenna joined a Slimming World class at the Pioneering Care Centre. She had felt unhappy about her weight for some time and, after several failed attempts

  • England athlete is guest at sports day

    PUPILS from 42 schools in Wear Valley are to give England athlete Alison Curbishley an early taste of the Commonwealth Games. The children from primary, special and secondary schools are preparing for a mini-version of the games which take place in Manchester

  • News in brief: Group seeking charity status

    WEARDALE Community Partnership is seeking charity status, so a meeting of trustees and residents will be held on Wednesday, June 19 in Eastgate Village Hall, 7pm, to discuss the plans. GIVE BLOOD: A blood donor session will be held in Teesdale Sports

  • Fosters Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League under-18s

    Greg Hallider was in magnificent form for Lanchester in their game with Kibblesworth. He crashed 144 not out leading his side to the formidable total of 219 without loss. He shared the first wicket stand with McPhail, who finished 56 not out. Kibblesworth

  • Ready to celebrate the jubilee year

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of revels and celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee. To help readers celebrate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your

  • Norton Ladies

    Norton Ladies went down by nine wickets when they played Tynemouth and Morpeth Ladies in the Northumberland and Durham Senior Cup. When they made first use of the wicket, Norton ended on 118 for eight and the best performance with the ball for the opponents

  • Bikers offer to repair rural road

    AN ORGANISATION that represents motorcyclists has offered to carry out voluntary work on a country lane near Stokesley said to have been damaged by traffic. North Yorkshire councillors were asked by their officers on Monday to agree to an order temporarily

  • Make the most of magic moments

    IT'S not easy having a boy wizard in the house. Max, aged five, has become lethal with his magic wand ever since the name Harry Potter became an essential ingredient in family life the world over. And Dad - as usual - bears the brunt of the responsibility

  • Text education for parents

    RU ready 4 it? Your child leaving home, that is. If so, it is time to flex your fingers and thumbs and introduce yourself to the joy of text - the ideal way to communicate with absent offspring. In our student days, of course, communication was very tricky

  • Johnson keeps rivals at bay to take clear win

    SHILDON'S Barry Johnson recorded his second win of the month by taking a comfortable victory on the UK Rally Challenge 3 at Knockhill in Fife last weekend. Driving his Barrier Subaru Impreza WRC and partnered by national champion co-driver John Bennie

  • Belford House demolished by East Rainton

    Roseberry Group North East Durham League East Rainton continue to lead division one following their ten-wicket defeat of Belford House who were back in the pavilion with 70 runs on the board. Ian Kitching claimed three wickets for ten runs, John Ball

  • Northern League AGM

    Shildon will propose the introduction of squad numbers at tomorrow's Northern League Annual General Meeting at Billingham, writes RAY SIMPSON. Squad numbers are now accepted in the Premiership and the Nationwide League, and only last week the Nationwide

  • George Mann Cup

    Eastgate Cross Keys made their debut in the competition, sponsored by Weardale Steel and organised at Wolsingham School, with a very close match against Wolsingham All Stars. The Cross Keys batted first and reached 97 when all out with Tony Newbon making

  • Environment award for markets

    TEESDALE and Wear Valley farmers' markets have received a commendation in the County Durham environment awards for 2001. The awards go to enterprises which have helped to promote sustainable development within the county. The judges felt the organisation

  • Buron's Bytes: Reviews

    2002: Fifa World Cup. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Available on all major home platforms. Prices start at £29.99 and run to £44.99. THE BEAUTY of playing video games is the way they can make your dreams come true. Take the World Cup, for instance. Although

  • Tow Law lose proud record

    Tow Law League Tow Law Football Club lost their unbeaten record when they went down to the visiting Hamilton Row Black Horse and slipped three points behind the leading Tow Law Rose and Crown. Tow Law Cattle Mart and Tow Law North Point both made odd

  • Slazenger Harrogate and District League

    Ripon and Birstwith are the latest sides to fail to halt the runaway success of Northallerton who have now clocked up 30 matches undefeated. Northalleton, unbowed since joining Division Six two seasons ago, took their latest scalps with an 8.5-0.5 away

  • Young Thirsk cricketers to play for Yorkshire

    TWO highly promising Thirsk junior cricketers have hit the boundaries of success. Rochelle Petty, 12, of St Mary's Walk, has been selected for the Yorkshire Ladies' under-13 team and Stuart Christon, 11,of Craigs Way, for the Yorkshire Schools' under-

  • Durham County Super League; Bishop Auckland Area League

    Newcomers Horden hit double figures for the third match in a row when they beat the visiting Bishop Auckland 10-4. Horden had two wins from Darren Jones, James Evans, John Bourne and Shaun Williams, one win each for Paul Hickman and Tommy Forster. Bishop

  • Contest to find best bobby

    Nominations are being sought for North Yorkshire's Community Police Officer of the Year. Anyone who works with community officers on a daily basis and who know the contribution they make to local areas is asked to put forward their nomination with an

  • Millionaire gambles on casinos being the next big thing

    DARLINGTON'S leisure and fitness entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne, is now planning to set up a chain of "people's casinos". The millionaire businessman has earmarked an unnamed site in the North-East and another in Scotland for his first gambling clubs.

  • Belle View on the up despite Hakin's loss

    Crook League Crook Belle Vue moved into third place in the First Division when they won at Crook Surtees, but Dave Hakin lost his first game of the season when he went down to home player, Howard Trotter. Alan Tomlinson took the only other point for the

  • The Bowes abolishes charges for children

    CHARGES for the under-16s have been waived at one of the region's top attractions in a bid to attract more families. Dr Anne Allen, audience development manager at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, said: "We think price is a determining factor for many

  • Man of energy and ideas takes top regional post

    THE man who helped bring the Angel of the North to Gateshead has been appointed the new chairman of Northern Arts and the North-East's voice on the London-based Arts Council. Paul Collard, a father-of-four from Barrasford, near Hexham, is head of programme

  • Auckland & District EBAC Youth League

    Spennymoor Legion Under-18s remain enthusiastic and optimistic for their second campaign in the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League despite finishing bottom of the league in their debut season. "We won one game and drew one, but the lads all enjoyed

  • Serendipity puts the village signpost right

    The signpost on The Green in Middleton Tyas had been missing one of its three finger posts for years - more than anyone could remember. When the undergrowth was cleared from a garden adjacent to The Green, the missing finger post re-surfaced, now rusty

  • Major hospitals shake-up to cope with ageing population

    PLANS for new hospitals and reorganised health facilities to cope with a growing elderly population in East Cleveland were unveiled this week. Langbaurgh NHS Primary Care Trust unveiled joint plans with Redcar and Cleveland Council for Guisborough, Redcar

  • Ancient bridge now in danger of collapse

    THE grade II-listed Creets Bridge on the Ripon to Kirkby Malzeard road is to undergo urgent work as it is in danger of collapsing. The saga of whether the bridge should be restored in its original form or re-built with a wider roadway has been continuing

  • Cleveland League

    Hinderwell are still out in front in division one after they sent Staithes crashing to 25 all out in as many overs. Paul Theaker returned the superb figures of five for 13 in 13 overs, six of them maidens and he received excellent support from Stuart

  • Guide to Golden Jubilee celebrations around the area

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your neighbourhood

  • Military vehicles put on display

    THE world famous White Helmets motorcycle display team will be on hand to entertain visitors to Catterick Garrison's Army open day. Last year's one-day family show was cancelled because of foot-and-mouth restrictions but organisers say this year's event

  • Sudden death for a sturdy friend

    IT is difficult to imagine the British landscape without any oak trees. The English oak, known widely as the king of trees or monarch of the woods, has been part of our countryside for thousands of years and such is its reputation that it was considered

  • News in brief: Cash drive continues

    THE search for cash to help regenerate the market town of Bedale is to continue. Hambleton district councillors have formally accepted a grant of £20,000 from English Heritage for the Bedale Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme. But they have so far

  • News in brief: Minders earn their reward

    CHILDMINDERS from around the region gathered at a training centre to receive awards. The Bridge Training Centre, in Columbia, Washington, hosted the ceremony organised by the Washington Bridge Project and Sunderland's Early Years Development and Childcare

  • New worry over child addicts as dug-crime soars

    THE scale of drug-fuelled crime in Cleveland was laid bare this week. As police revealed a soaring crime rate - mainly down to drugs - a report spotlights that the area has the youngest addicts on the country. Many youngsters aged 11 to 15 are also smoking

  • News in brief: Community centre opening

    Marton Community Centre, Middlesbrough's newest community facility, opens this weekend on Cypress Road. The open day takes place from 11am until 2pm tomorrow. There will be a number of stalls. DIABETES TALK: Endocrinologist Dr Vince Connolly and a team

  • Guide to Golden Jubilee celebrations around the area

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your neighbourhood

  • Rugger run raises £1,000 for disabled

    YOUNG rugby players at Aysgarth school took part in a sponsored run to raise £1,000 for the Bedale Riding for the Disabled group. The school's 1st XV rugby team ran from Aysgarth Village to the school in Newton-le-Willows, near Bedale. They also helped

  • Grassroots: Washington

    STITCHCRAFT TALK: Gillian Peel will give a talk about embroidery to the members of the Washington Embroiderers at 7pm next Friday, at St Bede's Church Hall, Hedworth Road. NEW LEAGUE: A new six-a-side Washington football lea-gue for the over-16s, which

  • Letters: When will it end?

    Sir, - In this village, Morton on Swale, during the last year we have been blessed with the almost continuous presence of traffic lights. It all started when the bridge over the Swale was being refurbished. Virtually rebuilding all the stonework on the

  • Guide to Golden Jubilee celebrations around the area

    Festivities across the North-East and North Yorkshire range from children's parties and line-dancing events to exhibitions of Royal memorabilia and fancy dress parades. Parties run from today right through to next weekend. Religious services include a

  • Young team looks forward to dream trip

    AN invitation to the world youth table tennis championships in Hungary has thrilled an up-and-coming Darlington team. The youngsters, aged between ten and 15, are due to fly out on June 11 with coach Keith Wilson. He said: "The Darlington Table Tennis

  • Guide to Golden Jubilee celebrations around the area

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your neighbourhood

  • Premier Sports Durham Coast League Under-15s

    Easington were just 12 all out when they visited Murton as Elliott Hughes claimed three for three, Colin Milne three for six and Tom Blades two for nil. Murton reached their low target without conceding a wicket. In contrast, Boldon CA posted 155 for

  • Park sets out policy for supporting Dales farmers

    THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority this week agreed a policy for supporting the long-term future of sustainable farming in its area. This follows the recent report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, which recognised the

  • A mill town worth its salt

    SALTAIRE is in the old West Riding, a former model village - though, of course, it was full scale - built by mill owner Sir Titus Salt so that his workers could get the hell out of Bradford. "Every other factory town in England is paradise compared to

  • Future at his fingertips

    TEENAGE pianist, Richard Simpson, hopes to study A-level music - and in the meantime he's getting in plenty of practice. Not only does he take extra lessons in classical music and in jazz, but the 16-year-old from Guisborough also entertains guests in

  • What's it all about, Humpty Dumpty?

    IT'S good to be back, even from the glorious Western Highlands where the Oban Times carried a letter headed "What a hoot". Two hundred years ago, it said, the English naturalist Gilbert White wrote that all Hampshire owls hooted in the key of B flat.

  • Mackintosh inspired

    HERE is something different to do and see over the jubilee bank holiday - view the Mackintosh chair, before it goes south. Northallerton furniture designer, Michael Mackintosh, has always admired the original 1904 Willow Tea Room chair, designed by Charles

  • Black grouse show dramatic comeback

    ONE of Britain's most endangered species is making a dramatic comeback in the North Pennines, thanks to careful land management. A five-year study has shown an increase in black grouse numbers on moorland where grazing was reduced. A three-fold increase

  • Merger would give farmers better deal

    DETAILED proposals to build a major dairy co-operative have been released by The Milk group and Zenith Milk. The plan would allow the merged businesses to invest in the supply chain and enter into significant processing. The proposals have been circulated

  • Women dress as men to protest about pay inequality

    NORTH-EAST council workers protesting over the pay packet gender gap made themselves heard yesterday. Throughout the region female workers dressed as men and stood outside local government buildings with bills for the difference between their average

  • Unicorn Centre all set for summer show

    THE Riding For The Disabled Unicorn Centre is holding its summer show at Stainton Way, Hemlington on Saturday, June 24. The show is unique in the area as it enables disabled and able-bodied riders to compete alongside each other in the same classes. There

  • Praise for men in black

    Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League THE League's impressive pool of referees have been praised after another highly successful season for the Spennymoor Sunday League. The League has enjoyed yet another fruitful year despite bad mid-season

  • Moorland drivers to be warned over sheep dangers

    A CAMPAIGN to halt sheep carnage on moorland roads is under way. Through special signs, drivers are being warned of the dangers of sheep and lambs on unfenced roads. But animals are also being killed in villages due to carelessness by motorists. In all

  • 'Blow away fog' surrounding deadweight pricing system

    THE fog surrounding the deadweight pricing system must be blown away. A transparent price structure must be introduced so farmers can see which companies are paying the best prices. Robert Forster, chief executive of the National Beef Association, made

  • Plawsworth v Bearpark

    Plawsworth lost by 98 runs visiting Bearpark whose total of 203 for seven included an undefeated 67 by Kelly who went in at number three. Parker (33) and Hazel (25) kept the scoreboard moving even though Mel Chivers took five for 60 in the Plawsworth

  • Voluntary sector to get guide directory

    A DIRECTORY of community and voluntary organisations in Sedgefield borough will be published for the first time this summer. It is intended that the guide, being produced by Community and Voluntary Organisations Sedgefield (Cavos), will be a valuable

  • News in brief: Pub tonic for Red Cross

    A barbecue fun day is being held in aid of the British Red Cross at the Comet pub, in Hurworth, near Darlington, on Monday. The event will take place in the pub car park from noon to 6pm, with stalls and children's entertainment, including a bouncy castle

  • Youngsters enjoy their crowning glory

    A SUDDEN downpour failed to dampen the spirits of primary schoolchildren who held their own special coronation to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor, went ahead with crowning their own King and Queen, Luke Norris

  • Children get personal circus treat

    PUPILS from Darlington's Beaumont Hill Special School were treated to a personal performance by Bobby Roberts' Circus. On a visit two years ago, the circus performed a free-of-charge performance for the Beaumont Hill pupils and their families and this

  • Taxi firm wins battle to increase charges in town

    A TAXI firm owner has won his fight to increase charges in Stockton. Fenwick Gair, who runs 15 taxis and employs five drivers, applied to increase fares to help boost the £3,500 earnings his drivers make every year. Stockton Borough Council's licensing

  • Backing proposals to build car dealerships

    A PARISH council is supporting proposals to build two car dealerships on the outskirts of a village. Sadberge Parish Council has backed plans, submitted to Darlington Borough Council, to create two car dealerships nearby. The South Cleveland Garages scheme

  • Blood donor call

    A blood donor session is being held in Hartlepool's Town Hall Theatre, in Raby Road, on Friday, June 14. The National Blood Service will be on hand from 10am to 7pm and new donors will be welcomed.

  • Customers want regional brands

    A LEADING supermarket director believes there is a large demand for regional brands among consumers. Dr Kevin Hawkins, Safeway director of communications, said almost half of all English consumers would prefer to eat meat labelled English. "There is also

  • Voluntary sector to get guide directory

    A DIRECTORY of community and voluntary organisations in Sedgefield borough will be published for the first time this summer. It is intended that the guide, being produced by Community and Voluntary Organisations Sedgefield (Cavos), will be a valuable

  • Bridge might stay open while repairs take place

    TRADERS in Barnard Castle were confident last night that a vital bridge will remain open while repair work is carried out. Structural engineers from Durham County Council are consulting traders in the town about repair work to the County Bridge over the

  • Pupils' show day

    More than 1,600 children will converge on the Great Yorkshire Showground on June 18, to take part in the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Prim-ary Schools' Countryside Day. Children, aged seven to 11, will try their hand at activities which include fly

  • Bishop Auckland Bridge Club

    Results for Thursday, May 23 - North/South: 1 M Clark/B Thompson 59.66%; 2 O Blenkinsopp/M Dexter 58.81%; 3 I Burns/M Wiles 50.85. East/West: 1 R McMahon/D Hughes 56.25%; 2 J Bainbridge/E Wilkinson 55.97%; 3 O and M Brown 54.55%

  • Region gets ready for big weekend

    THE region is preparing for a full weekend of revels and celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee. To help readers celebrate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your

  • Bowls: Durahm and District League

    Leeholme were stretched at Nevilles Cross before they won by 85 shots to 68, which gave them a two point success. However Crook Glenholme whitewashed their hosts at Coxhoe to take over the top spot. The rink scores at Nevilles Cross, with the home names

  • Catching dirty dog owners at dawn

    DARLINGTON'S uniformed wardens have launched a series of early morning operations to crack down on dog fouling in the town centre. The campaign was launched this week after wardens received complaints about dog fouling in the town centre and the Denes

  • One fat lady likes recipe from butcher

    KIRBY Malzeard butcher Tim Scothard's prize-winning meat specialities and pies are well known throughout the area. Now, after having one of his recipes snapped up by television cook, Clarissa Dickson Wright of Two Fat Ladies fame, for her new book, no

  • Thumbs up for graphical splendour

    Virtua Fighter 4. Platform: PS2. Publisher: SCEE. Price: £39.99. VIRTUA Fighter 4 represented the defining moment in the demise of Sega's Dreamcast console. Although the under-rated machine had been struggling, gamers held on to the notion that Sega would

  • End in sight for town's long-running roadworks

    LONG-RUNNING roadworks in Darlington Road, Northallerton, are to be completed this weekend. Motorists have suffered delays for three months due to a diversion. The northbound section of the A167 out of the town has been shut due to a scheme to widen the

  • Night of disaster at the 'furney'

    FOR 130 years it was there on its corner site, providing employment for hundreds of men and spreading the name of Darlington around the world. But last week, when Echo Memories turned up to have a look at it, it had gone. A new steel fence barricaded

  • Middlesbrough girls on top

    Middlesbrough AC THE newly-named club's young girl's athletes team emulated their seniors by getting their season off to a magnificent winning start. They managed a crushing victory in the National Youth Athlete fixture at Clairville where they notched

  • England win the World Cup - in Middlesbrough

    It's official, England have won the World Cup! Or, to be more precise, a school team named after England have won a school's football competition. Heathfield Primary School of Darlington won the Schools World Cup organised by North Riding County Football

  • Letters: Dictatorship

    Sir, - Councils are always putting out good news stories giving the impression that everything is hunky dory down at the Town Hall. Not so at Redcar and Cleveland Council. If members of the public had been at the last full council meeting they would have

  • Bedale, Harrogate Union and Northern Counties Ladies

    Bedale May Scramble This popular format of men's ladies and mixed teams proved a pleasant change from the normal club competitions and mixed teams were involved in the top three placings with excellent scoring. Scores: 56.6 Julian Beer, Ian and Gill Waddelow

  • Darlington and District League

    Witton-le-Wear remain bottom of Division A after losing for the fifth time in six outings. Cockerton had little trouble securing a 130 runs victory after posting 246 for the loss of four wickets in 40 overs. Shaun Farrow led the way with an unbeaten 110

  • West Park could be home to second NHS unit

    A £3.66M mental health unit for older people could be built on the West Park site in Darlington. It would be located alongside an already agreed £20m, 85-bed acute mental hospital, which will replace the Pierremont unit at the Memorial Hospital. The outline

  • Plea for orphaned puppies

    TEN new-born puppies at Great Ayton need a foster-mum after their mother died following a difficult birth. The tiny springer spaniels need a bitch to suckle, being at present fed every two hours with formula milk through syringe tubes. They were born

  • Retail park scheme 'too far' from town, planners warn

    PROPOSALS to create a major retail park on the outskirts of North Yorkshire's county town look set to be thrown out once again. Plans to demolish the Sundial Hotel, just outside Northallerton, to make way for the development will come under the microscope

  • Pony dates

    Braes of Derwent South PC. - Jun 16: Senior horse trials at Houghall College, Durham, open and novice classes. Sae schedule Mrs Sue Forster, Derwent Dene House, East Law, Ebchester, Co Durham. Bedale Hunt Supporters Club. - Jun 15: Barbecue at West Lowfield

  • Relief as county hints bridge could stay open during repairs

    NEWS that an historic bridge looks likely to stay open during repair work has pleased market town traders. The sixteenth century County Bridge in Barnard Castle has remained open to traffic and pedestrians since it was damaged by a low loader four weeks

  • All change for town centre bus stops

    TOWN centre bus stops in Darlington are due to be altered to make them more convenient for passengers and drivers. Services are being revised to ensure that those with common destinations use the same, or adjacent stops, wherever possible. The idea is

  • Mission accomplished for Morrisons

    THREE years ago Spectator commented on the stranglehold Morrisons exerted on the supermarket shopping habits of Darlington when it purchased the former North Eastern Co-op store in Neasham Road. Now it has sold the store on, not to another supermarket

  • Fives and Threes

    Darlington and District League Nine-a-side Knockout Quarter-Finals Sarahs v Grey Horse BT Dalesman v Grey Horse Haugh A Vic Soc B v Half Moon Grey Horse Haugh B v Busters A (to be played at Boot and Shoe) The Captains games will be played June 20 at Central

  • Looking Back

    FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - To those who have a superstitious dread of the unlucky number 13, a curiosity in the scoring-board figures at one period of Kent's first innings against Yorkshire at Bradford on Tuesday will be interesting. The total

  • Brighter Shade battles to fourth win of the season

    BRIGHTER Shade (Bluebell Partnership/Bilsdale) won for the fourth time this season when taking the men's open as the Yorkshire point to point season closed in front of a sparse crowd at the Old Raby Hunt Club meeting at Witton Castle. Highbeath (J Milburn

  • Apprentices are the answer to skilled trades shortage

    DURHAM City Council is launching its first apprentice scheme in over a decade to tackle a shortage of skilled building workers. The authority plans to take on four youngsters this September who will be trained over three years as plumbers and electricians

  • Tradition revived for historic walk

    BOTH residents and visitors are welcome to join a walk around the boundaries of a historic Dales market town - re-enacting a tradition revived for the Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend. Half a day has been set aside to cover the five-mile route, starting

  • Jasmine's work puts her in picture

    LITTLE Jasmine Smith's potential artistic talent has impressed judges almost as much as her eye for the environment. The six-year-old from Greenland Community Infants School at South Moor, Stanley, won a digital camera in the National Schools Environmental

  • Games teams fly the flag for Hurworth

    YOUNG riders at Hurworth Pony Club celebrated a double success this week. Teams from the club secured first and third place at the pony club games area trials in West Yorkshire. The top-three spots mean both groups will progress to the zone championships

  • Woodlands Open Angling

    Wednesday's Woodlands Open will be remembered for many years after Triple World Champion Alan Scotthorne remarkably took the honours with roach, writes JEFF HERBERT. The Shimano Mustad ace on Partridge Lake's peg 26 netted a couple of carp 1lb apiece

  • Rowing: Durham

    Third time lucky Durham head took place on March 2 amidst Durham Amateur Rowing Club's (Darc) further fears of cancellation due to rising water levels. Racing took place over a 1800m course, over four divisions on the River Wear at Durham. Darc achieved

  • Snapshot of urban life

    THE urban landscape of Northallerton was the focus of an exhibition of photographs by students. More than 20 students from Northallerton College displayed photos and mixed media at the town's library. The 16-year-olds explored issues such as pollution

  • First turf is cut in new school plan

    DELIGHTED youngsters broke into cheers when plans for their new school took another symbolic step forward. Pupils watched the first turf being cut on the site of a new Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School, near Ripon in North Yorkshire, which

  • Park opts to build its new northern HQ in Bainbridge

    THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will retain a presence in Bainbridge after members opted for a site in the Wensleydale village for its new northern base. The North Yorkshire county council depot, beyond the ambulance station, was chosen ahead

  • Letters: Let me escape

    Sir, - As an ardent walker who needs to recharge her batteries away from the traffic and noise of everyday life, the mere thought of off-road motorcyclists and drivers in national parks makes my blood boil. Is there no place we can get away from cars

  • Fear of speeding bikers may keep cars off rural roads

    TRAFFIC police in North Yorkshire have been urged to take a tougher line with motorcyclists who break speed limits by a considerable margin in parts of the county. They were told that while efforts were being made to attract visitors back to the Dales

  • Nursery education could prove a step too far

    KNOWING that this is a column of catholic tastes but Protestant upbringing, Ernie Reynolds in Wheatley Hill invites consideration of the term "left footer". In the North-East as possibly elsewhere, it is a reference to Roman Catholics - and so far as

  • Curry proves too hot for best in the land

    SAMANTHA Curry, of the Ripon Spa Croquet Club, defeated some of the country's top players to win the first ever women's open matchplay croquet championships. Hosted by the club at the Ripon Spa Hotel, the hotly-contested event was played over three days

  • Action group calls for Tees town protection

    A PRESSURE group's call for stronger protection of countryside along the River Tees could enhance Yarm and other Cleveland towns. That was the feeling at Yarm Town Council this week during discussion of a report on the Tees by the Council for the Protection

  • A queenly tale of additions and apostrophes

    IN all its serendipitous sashays down the broad sweep of Inconsequentiality Avenue, the column had never once imagined that it might be considering the more personal arrangements of Ms Anne Boleyn. Did she really, last week's column asked, have six fingers

  • Wellocks World

    SUCH is the stigma attached to bowlers who throw, if stocks were still available we would probably fasten "chuckers" into them and pelt them with cricket balls. After the furore over Muralitharan, now another poor little Sri Lankan is getting it in the

  • Falcons are fantastic

    Junior round-up Billingham Falcons were winners of the Paisley U14 tournament at the weekend defeating Sheffield Stormers after a penalty shoot-out. Following two periods of 15 minutes running time failed to produce a goal, went to five minutes of sudden

  • What do you get if you cross a lamb and a banana?

    Times are hard and time is tight. Last week we not only turned down a booze up in a brewery but money, good money, an' all. The booze up - a beer tasting, properly to identify it - was at Black Sheep in Masham. The money, enough not only to have paid

  • Lynn The Leap

    THOSE of us old enough to realise that Lynn Davies is a man have been surprised to see his name crop up twice recently. Lynn The Leap, a 1964 Olympic gold medallist, had held the British long jump record for so long that it was measured in feet and inches

  • Telling tales from the owl country

    FLY by night as usual, recent columns have been discussing owls and hooting and other matters of a wise and ponderous nature. With an invitation to "top that", therefore, Harry Watson in Darlington wonders: why did the owl howl? Because she hadn't the

  • Quoits: Spennymoor Friendly League

    Wheatley Hill Scouts and Wolviston King's Arms B both retained their unbeaten records and seem the teams that any other need to beat if they are to land the Championship. The Scouts triumphed against the visiting Trimdon Workingmens Club, whilst the King's

  • Road versus ruins: how Roman remains lost out to modernity

    IT WAS a desperate race against time and uncovered unique and some of the most important Roman buildings and artefacts in Britain. The site of what is now called Cataractonium, the once bustling Roman town, still has plenty of visitors - even if they

  • Off to a flyer - but is Fazal's century the quickest ever?

    Quick off the mark, Marske professional Fahim Fazal hit a 46 ball century on his home debut ten days ago. Is it, wonders Marske scorer David Beach, the fastest ever - in balls faced - in North-East club cricket? Marske were 62-2 in the NYSD League game

  • Norman disappointed

    Willington League Norman Bolam was the most disappointed player on Finals Night for he reached his first final after playing 50 years when with Colin Pratt he represented the Victoria Club in the Pairs Final against the reigning champions, Steve Hutchinson

  • Storming Norman of Kent

    Those commendably curious souls who wonder how these little stories come about - this one concerns the only county cricketer to nail Geoffrey Boycott for a pair - may like to know that it began because someone didn't wear a black tie to a funeral. The

  • Cup plans hit by the body surfing vicar

    The clergymen of Durham have been dealt a body blow in their annual assault on the Church Times cricket cup - the star batsman has broken his neck in three places, whilst body surfing. "It could have been worse, I could have been paralysed," says the

  • Mooney stars for Crathorne

    Langbaurgh League Crathorne remain joint top following their 74 runs victory against Swainby. Batting first Crathorne posted 121 all out of which Paul Mooney contributed 43 hitting one six and three boundaries. Glen Shinwell captured five wickets for

  • Fishburn A still on top

    Worthington Durham County CIU Summer League Fishburn A retained their top spot in the First Division when they only dropped one point to the visiting Shotton Palms. The home side took the first four frames through Brian Quest, John Griffin, Charlie Hirst

  • Simeon to carry Middleham hopes in big French race

    MIDDLEHAM'S big race hopes are riding high as Simeon has been supplemented for Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly. However, Kevin Darley has lost the ride on the Lammtarra colt as Frankie Dettori has been chosen by the owners, the Jumeirah Racing

  • Old Campaigner still fighting after all these years

    Brian Graham was a raggy arsed 11-year-old who copped for an 11,000 volt electric shock, spent six months in hospital, endured seemingly endless plastic surgery and for five years couldn't even raise his arms properly - not even to defend himself. Despite

  • It's all Red and White to former Animal Price

    Alan Price, the best known Jarrow Lad since the Venerable Bede, wishes it to be known that he is a lifelong Sunderland fan. Good intentions notwithstanding, he remains much misunderstood. A German fan was so convinced that the 1960s pop idol would be

  • A half-century to celebrate in true cricketing spirit

    As modest a man as ever hid light under bushel, Alan Peirson is marking 50 years as secretary of Kildale Cricket Club and of subscribing the game's true spirit. He is a dedicated groundsman, too, recently relinquished umpiring responsibilities and quite

  • New club brings traditional French pastime to Wensleydale

    THE French game of petanque is set to rival more traditional pastimes in Wensleydale as a new club gathers strength. The club, based at the golf complex at Akebar Park, near Leyburn, hopes to attract new members and raise awareness of the game at a demonstration