The Northern Echo : News, Sport, Business, Leisure from the North East and North Yorkshire

The North East | Archive | 2003 | May

Stories for 19 May 2003

Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,Hawes,Newton Aycliffe,No Sport

Focused Mr President closes in on filling gaps

The Northern Echo's golf correspondent David Waterhouse catches up with Bill Murray, new president of the EGU. more...

Porter 'shocked' to be shown door by Quakers

Released Darlington keeper Chris Porter last night spoke of his disappointment after he was told he had no future at the club. more...

Below par Yorkshire escape with a draw

Yorkshire hardly came out of their rain-hit Championship match with Northamptonshire smelling of roses but an improved bowling performance on the final day brought them a couple of bowling bonus points and in the end they were more than happy to leave Wantage Road with ten points from the draw. more...

Weather takes a heavy toll

Darlington Building Society NYSD League more...

Every golfer's dream fulfilled but no Old Course heroics

THEY say that to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing the Old Course at St Andrews you need a caddy. more...

Alarmed McGrath surprised by England call

Yorkshire captain Anthony McGrath was still bleary eyed from a middle-of-the-night fire alarm scare in the team hotel in Northampton on Saturday when he received a dramatic call into the England squad for Thursday's first Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's. more...

O'Donnell returns to form

FORMER North-East 5,000m track champion Simon O'Donnell bridged a four-year gap by winning yesterday's Pier to Pier race between South Shields and Sunderland. more...

Shank can oblige for golf star owners

RYDER CUP golf stars Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke have recently joined forces and ventured into racehorse ownership with Shank On Fourteen, an excitingly fast juvenile in training with Karl Burke at Middleham's Spigot Lodge stables. more...

Tykes still on the slide

Yorkshire's worrying slump in form continued at Grace Road yesterday when Leicestershire Foxes crushed them by 66 runs in the National League. more...

Dance makes moves

A THREE under par 69 from Durham county player Steven Dance ensured he qualified first for the Durham County Golf Championships at Bishop Auckland. more...

North-East Round-up

Four games in the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League failed to start, but the fixture between Newcastle and Chester-le-Street provided an exciting finale. more...

Sedgefield Report: Johnson signs off in style

HEAVY rain did not deter a huge crowd from turning out at Sedgefield on Saturday night where local trainer Howard Johnson signed off for the season by saddling the easiest winner of the evening, San Peire in the closing Butterwick Hospice Handicap Hurdle. more...

Consett,Stanley,Chester Le Street News

Grassroots: Derwentside

TREASURE HUNT: Michael Munro is organising a treasure hunt and barbecue from 2pm, on Saturday, from the Causey Arch picnic area. more...

Residents tackle ward problems

RESIDENTS are hoping to make their streets cleaner and safer after buying poop scoop bins. more...

Patient waiting time is cut

PATIENTS in Derwentside have seen a 60 per cent cut in the time they have to wait for a routine GP appointment over the past three years, according to health officials. more...

Darlington,Newton Aycliffe,Sedgefield,Barnard Castle News

Alternative ideas for farm land

A WALK which will look at alternative ways of making use of farm land is to be held in Sedgefield. more...

News in brief: Crash victims rescued

Four people were taken to hospital after a Rover 414 and a Vauxhall Montery collided on the A167 junction to Aycliffe Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe, at about 4.30pm yesterday. more...

Changes to cabinet are announced

CHANGES to the structure of Darlington Borough Council's cabinet have been announced. more...

Bridge club seeks members

A DARLINGTON bridge club is inviting new members to pitch their wits at the game - just weeks after it held an international bridge competition. more...

Sandy seeks company

A LURCHER crossbreed is in need of a new home. more...

Fundraisers splash out

FUNDRAISERS made a splash this weekend when they took part in a sponsored scuba dive. more...

Triathlon event tests athletes

TWENTY athletes from around Darlington took part in the annual mini-triathlon at Hummersknot school yesterday. more...

Young performers offer music fans a treat with Promenade

HUNDREDS of music fans enjoyed the best classical music in the region this weekend at the annual proms event. more...

Tributes paid to outgoing mayor

THE outgoing Mayor of Great Aycliffe has raised more than £2,500 for charity during his year in office. more...

Litter louts warned: You could face jail or huge fine

LITTER louts have been warned they face unprecedented scrutiny in Darlington after environment chiefs agreed to back a national campaign. more...

Durham,East Durham News

Club lays on flower power

A MUSUEM was adorned with colourful blooms as part of a club competition. more...

Pedalling out foster care message

CARERS and council staff have combined to embark on a promotional cycle ride. more...

Youngsters get insight into work of NHS

MORE than 100 teenagers gained an insight into the NHS at a careers event at County Hall, Durham. more...

Chairman's parting shot is boost for charity

AN outgoing council chairman has made a parting presentation of more than £24,000 to charity. more...

Liberal Democrats reveal cabinet line-up

DURHAM City Council's first Liberal Democrat administration has announced its cabinet. more...

Mum's musical tribute featured in concert

A CONCERT featuring music written by a mother in memory of her nine-year-old daughter is to take place in Durham. more...

East Cleveland News

Bands in the final for Main Stage festival

SIX bands from the North-East are in the running to be the wild card act to open the Main Stage at the Middlesbrough Music Live festival on Bank Holiday Monday. more...

Pier group welcomed in town

AN MP has welcomed a meeting of a national pier society after helping secure the future of a town's landmark. more...

Northallerton,Richmond,Hawes News

News in brief: Big weekend for Porsche owners

Castle Howard, near Malton, will again host a Porsche in the Park event from Saturday to Monday. more...

Magazine gives boost to cancer carers

A NETWORK of hospice home carers in Northallerton has received a £2,000 helping hand from a monthly magazine. more...

Campaign under way to halt bus service cutback

SO few passengers are using a village bus service that it is costing £21 to transport each traveller on a five-mile journey. more...

Retiring Mayor switches allegiance

The Mayor of Harrogate, whose year in office ended on Friday, has announced he has quit the Liberal Democrats and will sit on the borough council as an Independent. more...

Deputy coroner earns promotion to top post

A REPLACEMENT has finally been appointed to take over the duties of disgraced North Yorkshire coroner Jeremy Cave. more...

Bid to cut problem of false fire calls

FIRE officials in North Yorkshire are planning to tackle the growing problem of false calls to automatic fire alarms. more...

Sponsors plea from walkers

A PAIR of energetic fundraisers are planning a long-distance walk to help the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. more...

Prank puts officer in good frame of mind. . .

A YORKSHIRE regiment relived a little of its history to mark the retirement of the commanding officer. more...

Choir members choose new outfit

A COLLEGE choir has chosen a new, more up-to-date look, which will help make them stand out when they perform in Paris later this year. more...

Decision deferred over housing plan

PROPOSALS to build 47 homes on a former town centre industrial site have been deferred by Hambleton councillors pending further information. more...

Moped lease scheme to be launched

PEOPLE struggling to overcome the problem of getting to work or college will be given a helping hand in Ripon with the launch of the Wheels 2 Work scheme this summer. more...

Sunday stroll - in cemetery

A guided walk is to be held around York Cemetery, one of the city's biggest and most spectacular conservation areas. more...

Teesside News

Elderly at risk, warns fire chief

FIRE chiefs have issued a warning after an elderly man was rescued from his Middlesbrough home after a blaze broke out while he was cooking breakfast. more...

Construction of £1.5m road begins

WORK is to start on the construction of the Myton Way link road at Ingleby Barwick today. more...

Driver injured

A woman was taken to hospital after her car skidded and overturned on Saturday. more...

Garage owner seeking clarification over offer

A MAN will this week ask his bosses whether they are going to accept his offer of £350,000 to prevent the garage he runs being sold. more...

Talking in class is on the timetable

A PUPIL in Hartlepool will today become the two-millionth child to learn that he or she can talk in class, as part of a travelling roadshow. more...

Heart charity tonic for hospital

A HOSPITAL is to receive a grant to help it tackle a national skills shortage. more...

Top citizen's quest to help community

BEING confined to a wheelchair does not prevent Middlesbrough's Citizen of the Year playing an active role in her community. more...

Dancers staging own show

DANCERS who have lessons at Primrose Hill Community Centre in Stockton are staging a dance show which they have choreographed. more...

Youngsters get to grips with wrestling competition

CHILDREN from across the UK travelled to Stockton on Saturday to take part in the British Junior and Freestyle Wrestling Championships. more...

Students to display designs

TALENTED students are putting the final touches to their creations for a display next month. more...

News in brief: Hospice puts on the style

Teesside Hospice in Middlesbrough is marking its 21st anniversary with a fashion show luncheon at Marton Hotel and Country Club, Marton, Middlesbrough, tomorrow, and a charity ball in a month's time. more...

The North East Business

Salmon fishermen buyout costs £3.4m

A £3.4M buyout will cut the number of salmon caught off the North-East coast by drift nets. more...

£2.2bn water company sale welcomed by management

NORTHUMBRIAN Water bosses last night welcomed the sale of the company to a consortium of institutional investors by French owners Suez as a boon for the North-East. more...

The North East Entertainment

A police drama behaving badly

Blue Murder (ITV1); State Of Play (BBC1); Ascent Of The Red Planet (C4) more...

The North East Features

19/05/03

TONY MARTIN: JUDGING by recent comments regarding the Tony Martin case, it is a shame our out-of-touch judges do not have The Northern Echo delivered. more...

Burning Questions: An abbey and a cradle of kings

Q What is the origin of Selby Abbey and how did one of the Kings of England come to be born there? - C Chapman, Northallerton. more...

Why construction's not just a job for the boys

A former beauty therapist is one of the new generation of women in the construction industry. Women's Editor Christen Pears meets her. more...

Comment: A rocky road to peace

IT is clear that there is a campaign against the West being waged by international terrorists. more...

On the trail of the Romans

Built by the Romans to keep back the Scots. Hadrian's Wall has become a mecca for walkers. From this week, as Owen Unsworth reports, they will be able to tread its full 84 miles. more...

Weekend TV: A police drama behaving badly

Blue Murder (ITV1); State Of Play (BBC1); Ascent Of The Red Planet (C4) more...

The Monday Page: 'Celebrities in the jungle isn't reality TV - this is'

An idea from a local women inspired the makers of new reality show which follows the lives of a group of very different people, from a transexual clairvoyant to the worls's worst comedian, living in the North East. more...

The North East Leisure

An abbey and a cradle of kings

Q What is the origin of Selby Abbey and how did one of the Kings of England come to be born there? - C Chapman, Northallerton. more...

The North East News

Rabbit Alfie's owners chase off thief

A PET rabbit was quickly reunited with its owners after they disturbed a thief who tried to grab it from its hutch. more...

Gormley's plaster castaways marooned outside arts centre

AN army of artist Antony Gormley's plaster cast-offs has been consigned to the rubbish heap. more...

Dog rescued after four hours trapped in rocks

A JACK Russell terrier which became trapped beneath two finely balanced boulders was freed after a delicate rescue by firefighters. more...

Lee's skills help him to finals

DOZENS of young tradesmen have been competing for the chance to represent their country in an international competition. more...

Makeover for city centre loos

PUBLIC lavatories have been given a £20,000 makeover in time for the tourist season. more...

Taking steps to trace old pathway

A GEOPHYSICAL investigation is under way to find a lost medieval pathway. more...

Commonwealth links celebrated

THE glory days of the British Empire will be celebrated at a North-East visitor attraction at the weekend. more...

Rural life for schoolchildren

THOUSANDS of schoolchildren will enjoy a taste of rural life next month at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's annual Countryside Days. more...

Museum plans a party in park for families

A MILITARY museum is offering a picnic in the park for parents wondering how to entertain their families over the next public holiday. more...

Bird-brain bluetit's smoky home

ASH trees are a favourite nesting site for bluetits. more...

Susan's helicopter dream is granted

A BLIND woman is expecting the ride of her life when she takes the controls of a helicopter. more...

Yesteryear vehicles on show

Classic cars, motorbikes, military vehicles, buses and tractors travelled to Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for the annual Northern Vintage Transport Association Rally. more...

Grandson joy for city's MP as Jacob born

DURHAM City MP Gerry Steinberg has become a grandfather. more...

Healthier walks aid hospice's appeal for funding

CHARITY health walks across south Durham are the latest in a series of events leading up to the Great North Walk this summer. more...

University boat race cancelled because of weather

FREAK weather conditions on the River Tyne spelled the end for the Northumbrian Water University Boat Race yesterday. more...

Family's two-year hunt for pet over

A COUPLE who never lost hope of recovering their stolen dog were reunited with their trusty companion at the weekend - two years after it went missing. more...

Life on the front line

WAR reporter Kate Adie will be in her native North-East tomorrow to talk about her experiences as a foreign correspondent. more...

Body washed up

POLICE are trying to identify the body of a man washed up on Scarborough's North Beach at the weekend. more...

College celebrates move to new site

THE end of an era for a further education college is to be celebrated. more...

Patients helping fellow sufferers

PEOPLE with long-term medical conditions are getting advice and information about how to live with their illnesses - from fellow sufferers. more...

Woman's ordeal as husband dies in remote mountains

AN ELDERLY North-East woman stayed by her husband's body through the night after he died on a remote Scottish footpath. more...

Lotto winners

THE Great North Air Ambulance Lottery winners for May 7 are: £200, 10066; £100, 07777; £50, 10796; £50, 11159; £25, 07507; £25, 14567. more...

Pier group welcomed in town

AN MP has welcomed a meeting of a national pier society after helping secure the future of a town's landmark. more...

George's career change leads to award

A FORMER blacksmith has won an award after forging a new career as an artist. more...

Wheelchair wonder defends title

THE first wheelchair world pool champion defends his title this week. more...

Repairs delayed

THE £180,000 restoration of the 300-year-old stone bridge across the River Derwent between East and West Ayton, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is several weeks behind schedule. more...

Homeopathy talk to group

AN asthma support group is to hold meetings to help people understand the condition and the effect it has on sufferers. more...

Customs team seizes 157,000 cigarettes

CUSTOMS officers have recovered more than 157,000 illegally imported cigarettes in two days at Teesside International Airport. more...

Warning over move to curb fireworks sales

A CRACKDOWN on the sale of fireworks could lead to a dangerous black market trade in illegal imports, it has been claimed. more...

'No talks' on soccer stadium land deal

COUNCIL chiefs have moved to dismiss speculation linking them to a potential deal involving Darlington Football Club's Feethams ground. more...

The drink that saved us from hotel bomber

FOUR North-East businessmen who escaped a suicide bomb attack by minutes were reunited with their families yesterday. more...

Pub couple celebrate award

DRINKERS at a pub in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales have every reason to be full of good cheer. more...

Counting on world sailing triumph

ACCOUNTANT Ross Dixon is taking a break from the world of finance and preparing to embark on the trip of a lifetime. more...

Masonry fall

ENGINEERS last night declared a building safe after a 2ft square piece of masonry fell from it. more...

Rail chaos alert as services are cut

PASSENGERS were warned last night to expect a "summer of discontent" on the railways, as the new spring timetable heralded fare rises and service reductions. more...

Poetic trip on Elvis bus tour

IT has been more than 25 years since the King of Rock 'n' Roll died, but for many, Elvis Presley remains the greatest of them all. more...

Rescue centre appeals for old cartridges

A NORTH-EAST rescue centre that helps animals all across the country is asking people to donate their used computer printer cartridges. more...

Veteran newsmen are stars of region's press awards ceremony

TWO North-East veterans of the world of news were the stars of the show at the 22nd North-East Press Awards. more...

Getting in the mood for prison camp's wartime ball

A FORMER prisoner of war camp will recreate the 1940s with a military show and midsummer dance. more...

Proms to end with Spitfire and fireworks

A SECOND World War Spitfire and a fireworks show will provide the finale for a proms spectacular. more...

Mallon on hunt for 'inside job' thief

FORMER top detective Ray Mallon claimed last night that the audacious theft of his £40,000 mayoral chain of office was an "inside job". more...

Daughters salute their brave mum

A NORTH-EAST mother has taken her first tentative steps to recovery in her battle to beat a crippling disease. more...

Exhibition of design work

PROJECTS by North-East students including designs for a mobile oxygen supply and a spin drier for public places are to be put on display. more...

Robots special for half term

THE region's largest shopping centre will be declared a Robot zone as contraptions from a popular television programme descend on its malls. more...

Warnings after fire brigade's shock find

FIREFIGHTERS have urged householders to ensure their smoke alarms are correctly fitted after being alerted to a fire and finding an activated alarm in a cupboard. more...

Bands in the final for Main Stage festival

SIX bands from the North-East are in the running to be the wild card act to open the Main Stage at the Middlesbrough Music Live festival on Bank Holiday Monday. more...

Late-night bus service axed

A BUS service designed to carry revellers home has been cancelled after six months. more...

Youths hunted after teenager hurt in attack

POLICE are hunting a gang of youths who left a teenager with facial injuries following an unprovoked attack. more...

Blaze rips through house roof

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze in the loft of a town house in Bishop Auckland yesterday afternoon. more...

The North East, News

Campaign aims to boost region's basic skills

A drive to rid the North-East of its record as the worst region in the UK for basic skills such as reading and counting was launched. more...

The North East,Teesside News

Hospital battles recruitment problems

A hospital which is set to play a vital role in speeding up heart surgery in the region is battling to overcome recruitment problems. more...

Public warned not to touch suspect objects after rocket find

Bomb disposal experts have warned members of the public who find suspect objects not to touch them in case they explode. more...

Tyneside News