Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing August and September…
August
• The Government confirms the first Universal Technical College (UTC) for the North-East will be in Newton Aycliffe – the South Durham UTC, sponsored by the University of Sunderland, Hitachi Rail Europe and Gestamp Tallent.
• Ebac clinches a deal to sell freezers through national firm Argos.
• Newtonian and student journalist Zoe Skerrett starts a four-week internship programme with Aycliffe Today as part of her journalism degree studies at the University of Sunderland.
• Local businessman John Wade buys Aycliffe Village boozers The North Briton (pictured above) and Telegraph, but refuses to rule out bulldozing the troubled Brit.
• The last ever Great Aycliffe Show takes place after being an August Bank Holiday tradition for 29 years.
• South West Durham Training (SWDT) celebrates double delight after striking an Apprenticeship deal with Hitachi Rail Europe before it’s rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
September
• Aycliffe charity cyclist Anthony Cox completes a 24-hour, 300-mile challenge from London to Newcastle to raise £1,500 in memory of Mark Bulman, a Newtonian who passed away from cancer.
• Aycliffe FC are looking for their third new manager of the season already after Adrian Webster quits.
• Tekmar Energy is named Company of the Year award at Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark awards event. Aycliffe Today’s prestigious business magazine is named Best Newcomer.
• Aycliffe cricket team’s season ends with a draw against Wolviston as they finish the season fifth in the NYSD League second division.
• A £650,000 footpath to link Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, named the Locomotion Way, is officially opened.
• Award-winning restaurant The County celebrates a £50,000 makeover after seeing another record year in turnover.
• Great Aycliffe Town Council confirms the annual Fireworks Display will return in November.
