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Articles by Andy Potts
Tales of Kuschty Rye – a Cockfield home full of music, memories and mishaps
An unassuming cottage in Cockfield is the star of a new book, written by David Abrahams-Edley. The two-up, two-down has been transformed into a shrine to a shared love of music, complete with an impressive retro kitchen crammed with the sort of bits and pieces that inevitably prompt a nostalgic, “Eeeh, my mam had one of those!” It’s no surprise, then, to find a couple of vintage bikes tucked away in the garage.
Strong turnout for Barnard Castle’s gateway vision
The heritage bug hit Barnard Castle this week, with a big turnout to view plans for a proposed new gateway to the town’s medieval castle. As the Mercury reported last week, the old NatWest Bank could be reopened as an entrance and education centre, bringing a route from the castle right into the heart of the Market Place. And, from the moment the doors opened on Wednesday afternoon’s consultation session, there was a rush of people eager to find out more about the proposals.
From Barnard Castle to the White House
Her life story has been billed as ‘from the coal-house to the White House’, but Fiona Hill remains close to her County Durham roots. She told Andy Potts about work experience at the Mercury, and why she sees strength in the Teesdale community. From sitting next to Vladimir Putin at conferences in Russia to meetings with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Fiona Hill has forged an extraordinary international career.
What’s on this autumn: Everything you need to plan your next nights and days out
We’ve put together a list of events happening across the region to help you plan your next days and nights out over the autumn. From exhibitions and talks, gigs and shows to children’s events and stand-up comedy, we’ve got you covered. Are we missing something? Email us at editor@teesdalemercury.co.uk to be included! 1pm | Last Train Home Darlington Hippodrome Multi-venue all-day music festival bringing 40-plus bands and comedians to the Hippodrome, Hullabaloo and Forum Music Centre.
Couple left shaken after rock attack at home
A retired couple in Startforth fear their forever home is being targeted after rocks were thrown through their windows late on Saturday night. Jeff Garry, 67, and Jennifer Wood, 62, had just gone to bed when their home on the Castle Croft development was attacked. “We just heard a massive crash,” said Jennifer. “We thought it was something coming off the roof. “Then we came downstairs into the kitchen and saw the glass everywhere.
Wind farm plan ‘can never be acceptable’
A planned wind farm on Barningham Moor is akin to building a housing estate in Buckingham Palace gardens. That’s the view of Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines National Landscape team. In an interview with the Mercury, he explained why he feels there is no way plans for Hope Moor Wind Farm can be made acceptable. He highlighted the level of public opposition to the proposals – the most significant he’s seen in his 36-year career.
Trashion returns to TCR Hub
Trashion night is back at TCR Hub – and it promises to be an evening celebrating youth in Teesdale. The event has run every year since 2013. Back then, it was a simple fashion show that would upcycle and repurpose unwanted clothes and accessories. That’s still at the core, but as TCR youth manager Kelly Ewing explained, there’s much more to it today. “It’s a massive celebration of youth in Teesdale,” she said.
Geothermal could offer viable energy alternative to Hope Moor wind farm says MP
Could geothermal power be a realistic alternative to unpopular proposals for the Hope Moor Wind Farm? As grassroots opposition to Fred Olsen Renewables’ scheme for land on Barningham Moor grows, backed by big hitters such as England cricket star Ian Botham, Teesdale’s MP Sam Rushworth is urging more attention to alternative energy schemes. Mr Rushworth, who has been criticised by campaigners for not speaking out against the wind farm proposal, believes that simply saying “no” is not helpful.
Barnard Castle’s Inglenook Wine Bar toasts opening success
The glasses are more than half full following the successful launch of Barnard Castle’s new wine bar. The Inglenook Wine Bar and Merchants, on The Bank, opened in the run-up to Christmas and has surpassed expectations in its first months. “It’s been better than I expected,” admitted owner Morgan Derbyshire. “I’m one of those people who is more pessimistic than optimistic, but things have been really good.
Playlist: shoegaze to blues
Going back more than 30 years, My Bloody Valentine were on the bill at the first gig I ever attended (in the glamourous surroundings of Whitley Bay Ice Rink, no less). I’d mostly gone to hear the Mary Chain, but MBV’s wall of dense, swirling sound made a huge, positive impression. Blur, the odd man out on that Rollercoaster tour, also made a huge impression, but sadly not a positive one. Decades later, I still like a bit of shoegaze.
Council blame Whorlton Bridge for Toft Hill bypass axe
The long-awaited Toft Hill bypass will not be going ahead – and Durham County Council is blaming the ongoing repair of Whorlton Bridge for eating up funding. The council’s cabinet met on Wednesday and approved a proposal to withdraw the scheme from the Department for Transport Levelling Up Fund programme. That programme was intended to support three projects – the Toft Hill bypass, Whorlton Bridge and work on the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage route.
Playlist: Changing narratives
If you’ve been following these playlists from the start, you’ll know all about my enthusiasm for Amelia Coburn. Her See Saw, from the excellent 2024 album Between the Moon and the Milkman, featured in the first of these, and she continues to go from strength to strength. This Teesside teller of tales introduced us to a world of off-kilter folksy chatter back then, and last year’s most recent single, Something Wild, represents an evolution in sound and subject matter alike.
The shoe fits for Jamie as he steps up to take over Star Cobblers
A new era for a much-loved Barney business began at the weekend after Jamie Siddle formally took over Star Cobblers. Mr Siddle is already a familiar face in the workshop in Star Yard after agreeing to buy the business in the autumn. Since then he’s been working with previous owner Adrian Andrews, learning his trade and working on a smooth handover. “Our idea is to keep it exactly the same,” Mr Siddle said. “The same service, the same offer, the same quality.
Playlist: one old favourite, two new
That Clare - Get Away Anyone who rates Songs of Faith and Devotion as her all-time favourite album and picks out Cabaret as another major influence is alright in my book. Teesside’s That Clare produces elegantly dystopian electro pop with a strong political slant. Get Away, the lead single from Social Konstrukt, Clare’s new album, is a good introduction (although arguably not as good as the album’s disturbingly glitchy opening track, Eat The Rich – check it out on Bandcamp and buy your own copy!).
Cortina’s 50s throwback
Friday’s Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony promises a festival of glitz and glamour somewhat removed from the world of sport. But it wasn’t always like that. Cortina d’Ampezzo, this year’s co-host, held the 1956 edition. And, 70 years ago, things were very different. TV was in its infancy and this would be the first time any Olympic tournament would be televised.
Playlist: back on the beat
As a rule, when it comes to folk fusion I tend to prefer more fusion and less folk. Frankie Archer, one of Northumberland’s most distinctive contemporary voices, might agree. Her repertoire has its roots in familiar ballads. Typically ones about women subjected to the male gaze. Folk standards are recast in the manner of Barbara Ellen, traditionally a tale of a lovesick young swain now reinvented with Barbara a victim of unwanted, entitled attention.
Bob helps break the ice for rough sleepers
Bob the black Labrador is a very special dog. Sometimes seen on the streets of Barnard Castle, he’s the only therapy dog in Britain working directly with rough sleepers. The four-legged charity worker has been in harness with Cornerstone Supported Housing for more than a year, and staff at the Bishop Auckland-based charity describe him as “absolute gold dust.” “He’s like the hug that we can’t give ourselves,” said Nicky Morson, Bob’s owner and spokesman for the charity.
It’s panto time at The Witham
You can’t beat a traditional panto – and The Witham’s 2025 production offers a classic take on Snow White. And just in case anybody hadn’t got the memo, the action plunged straight into a crowd-pleasing round of “Oh, yes it is!”, getting the audience revved up from the start. That set the tone for a lively evening of wordplay and slapstick that kept the kids giggling away all night while still offering enough to keep mum and dad entertained.
Cosy cake shop and cafe lights up Barnard Castle
With its eye-catching Christmas display, Crème de la Crust is making a mark in Barnard Castle. The cake shop has been described as a boutique café, but owner Oksana Chorna takes a more down to earth view. “We’re not trying to be a fancy patisserie, we see ourselves as a nice, cosy, homely coffee and cake shop,” she said. “That’s the vibe we want, reasonable prices, not somewhere exclusive.” Crème de la Crust opened earlier this year, but Oksana is no stranger to the business.
GSK bosses reassure staff after redundancies
Bosses at Barnard Castle’s biggest employer have sought to reassure staff following recent redundancies. Over the past year, 200 roles at the GSK factory on Harmire Road became redundant following the sale of the pharmaceutical company’s antibiotics manufacturing section in 2021. Part of the affected section was based in Barnard Castle and operations wound down over the course of 2025.
Business booms in Barnard Castle
Business believes in Barney. There’s more good news for the town, with a new shop opening its doors and a new owner for a much-loved institution. That comes after Maxwell’s DIY confirmed last week that the popular hardware store was no longer up for sale and would continue to trade as normal. On Horse Market, vintage art and furniture salon Ruby & D opened on October 11, bringing a familiar name back to town.
Over £3,000 raised in memory of Staindrop's Darrel Chapman
Well-wishers have raised more than £3,000 for the Richardson Community Hospital in memory of a Staindrop man. Darrel Chapman’s family was so impressed with the care he received in his final days that they wanted to do something to support the valuable community asset. “The care we had there was just unbelievable,” said Mr Chapman’s wife, Madeleine. “It was so calm, and that really helped us at such a difficult time. “We really appreciated it, and we decided to raise some funds.
New chapter for Barnard Castle couple as Curiosity Shop closes
It’s the start of a new chapter on Horse Market as the Old Barnard Castle Curiosity Shop has closed its doors. The popular gift shop started life on The Bank in partnership with David Harper’s antique shop in 2021 before moving into the town centre a year later. For business owners Tim and Angela Baitson, opening a shop was something of a leap of faith – but they’ve greatly enjoyed the experience. “It started out with help from David Harper,” said Mr Baitson.
'It takes courage to overcome fear of cancer diagnosis
Don’t be scared, check yourself out. That’s the message from Jackie Braithwaite following her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The 58-year-old from Eppleby discovered a lump quite by chance in June, midway between her scheduled mammograms. After plucking up the courage to take it to her GP, she received a swift diagnosis and has already had surgery to remove a grade two invasive lobular cancer.
Kevin Dowson's colourful cards raise cash for charity
After 45 years as a chef, Kevin Dowson is hoping his artwork will prove a winning recipe to raise funds for cancer charities. Mr Dowson worked at The Bowes Museum until he was diagnosed with stage four cancer two years ago. His illness forced him to give up his job, but gave him an opportunity to revisit his lifelong passion for art. Now he’s selling greetings card based on his work at The Bowes Museum shop, with the proceeds going to Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Family vet business closes after 55 years
A family business closed its doors after 55 years serving Teesdale’s farms. Phillip Holden (Rural) started on March 1, 1970 as a veterinary medicine business on Galgate in Barnard Castle. But now, Phillip’s son Adam, has taken the difficult decision to close it down. “I’ve taken it as far as I can,” he admitted. “I’m getting older and I’m faced with a tough decision. I don’t have a successor. I have a family, but I always encouraged them to do what they would like.
Meet the business championing County Durham's charms
A Copley business is joining a new initiative to champion the region’s charms. Teesdale Cheesemakers, which runs a dairy farm, Cheesdale café and boutique glamping experience, is one of the first organisations to join the new Durham Champions scheme set up by Visit County Durham. The aim is to promote the county – and the dale in particular – to tourists, encouraging more people to visit and to stay longer. “It’s all about being advocates for the area,” said Allison Raper, co-owner of the business.
Plans for new Teesdale windfarm
Proposals for a new wind farm have been announced in Teesdale – but local voices may go unheard as the plan is debated. Hope Moor Wind Farm is planned for a plot of land up on Barningham Moor, close to Stang Forest. Developer Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is behind the project, is seeking to build up to 20 turbines with a tip height of up to 200m on an 1,100 hectare stretch of open moorland.
Going Back Brockens: monuments and rhetoric after the Miners Strike
Amid ongoing efforts to transform the County Durham town into a hub of art tourism, there are bold hopes for a new space for community creativity.
Marratide: a timely retrospective of a Wearside bard
2025 is the centenary year of Silksworth-born poet William Martin. Marking the occasion, Peter Armstrong and Jake Morris-Campbell have edited an anthology of his work, making a case that the poetry deserves a wider audience. Martin’s poetic world is a multi-layered place. Ancient pilgrim paths are overlaid with colliery wagonways; ritual can mean the incantation of childhood games or the grand procession of banners.
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A story of hope at Newcastle Cathedral
At first glance, it’s a classic image of motherhood, a contemporary take on the Madonna and child scenes that recur throughout Western art. Picked out in fabric and paint, a woman, eyes closed in contentment, embraces her baby. Yet at the heart of the picture, a void. The child, removed. It’s a powerful statement at the heart of “A Story of Hope”, an exhibition which opens in Newcastle Cathedral on 6 March.
Lizzie Lovejoy, poet, performer and picture-maker, Co. Durham
‘We are Northern. We are more than.’ It’s a sentiment that pulses through Lizzie Lovejoy’s work. As a poet, performer and picture maker, their creative life is steeped in the culture of the northeast of England. But it’s not just the tourist-approved ‘high art’ culture of Durham Cathedral and the Northumbrian saints, nor a nostalgic tour of industrial heritage. Lizzie’s work is firmly grounded in the here and now, exploring the lesser-known branch lines of our native region.
Boundaries Festival: Sunderland’s Platform For Experimental Music
Sunderland’s Boundaries Music Festival, now in its fourth year, brings an adventurous lineup of global experimental artists to intimate venues, creating a unique cultural experience in the city. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of a push. After years of travelling the world, visiting experimental music festivals, Graeme Hopper decided it was time to bring it all back home. That was the start of Sunderland’s Boundaries Music Festival.
Acting up
There’s something unexpectedly empowering about disturbing the peace. A quiet Tuesday lunchtime in Newcastle’s Grainger Market was jolted into life with shouts of “Who cares? I care!” Amid placards highlighting the crisis in social care, we joined a small group on the march. This was all part of the performance.
TROPHY FIND IN DURHAM BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF PAST SUCCESS
By Andy Potts Hockey fans in Durham are celebrating an unexpected haul of honours, three decades after the town lost its rink. Almost 30 years after the Durham Wasps left Wearside, a clutch of trophies won by the successful ‘Big Blue Machine’ in the late 1980s and early 1990s has been found. The silverware had spent years hidden in a garage and came to light during preparations for an exhibition into the history of Durham Ice Rink and the community that grew up around it.
Remembering the rink
If you were there, you’ll never forget it. For decades, Durham Ice Rink was at the heart of the city’s social life. From Friday night ice discos to crowds roaring on the Wasps every Sunday, not to mention a proud history of figure skating and speed skating, the riverside rink was the place to be. Almost 30 years after the ice was taken up, and a decade after the ramshackle corrugated iron shed was finally demolished, those memories burn as bright as ever.
Who is Andy Potts? Exploring the talented author, editor and journalist Original
Admirable authors like Andy have continued their passion for writing in the digital world and using their abilities to inspire the world. Andy is multifaceted, using his expertise in wordcraft, Journalism and Editing to provide people with the most relatable works. Andy Potts is a name known to many, particularly in the landscape of Journalism, Authorship and Editing. His thought-invoking perspectives and captivating storytelling skills have people caught up in a trance.
Andy Potts on Why the Swim (Still) Matters
Olympian and world champion Andy Potts talks about why the swim is still a huge part of any triathlon, and gives a five-day plan to rekindle your focus on the oft-neglected first leg. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Table of Contents Introduction Triathlon Swim Myths 5-Day Ironman Swim Training Plan Swimming was my life for the better part of two decades before I turned myself into a triathlete.
Putin’s got plenty of money to keep fighting
One of the main aims of Western sanctions against Russia is to reduce Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to pay for his war in Ukraine. Since the invasion, Russia has lost access to about half of its reserves of gold and foreign currency — while economic links between firms, in addition to supply chains, are undergoing a slow reconfiguration. The European energy market is also closed to the Kremlin.
Putin won’t run out of money for his war any time soon — The Bell — Eng
Economy Putin — 27 January 2023 Despite all these restrictions, Putin has sufficient money to pursue his war for at least three more years — if things remain as they are. Russia has plenty of reserves of gold and Chinese yuan. Even if it becomes necessary to cut spending, military expenditure (like social spending) is ring fenced.
Surge of desert surf parks stirs questions in dry California
Hours from the California coast, surfers are hoping one of the next spots where they can catch a wave is in the desert. At least four large surf lagoons are proposed for the region around Palm Springs, which is more commonly known for art festivals, mountain hikes and golf, and has no natural waves in sight. But some environmentalists and residents say it isn’t water-wise to build large resorts in one of the driest spots in California during one of its driest periods in recent memory.
Everything You Need to Know About the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside Course
Everything You Need to Know About the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside Course Olympian, 70.3 World Champion, and five-time Oceanside champion Andy Potts shares his expert race recon on the 70.3 Oceanside course. Join Triathlete Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Join Triathlete Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Join for free Already have an account?
Official statement on the continuation of the KHL season
KHL President Alexei Morozov speaks about the continuation of the season: On Feb. 4 the 24th Olympic Winter Games opened in Beijing. This is a long-awaited event for athletes and fans alike. For a couple of weeks, sport brings together people of all ages throughout the world. The KHL tried to do everything it could to ensure that our players – 120 people from 22 clubs – could represent their countries and take part in an event that is hugely significant for every athlete.
Rotenberg starts with victory. January 4 round-up
SKA made the headlines overnight with the announcement that Roman Rotenberg was taking over from Valery Bragin as head coach. Aged just 40, Rotenberg becomes the youngest full-time head coach in the KHL, just three years after completing his qualifications. Bragin remains part of the team and will continue to serve as an assistant. Kunlun Red Star 1 SKA St. Petersburg 5 (0-3, 1-0, 0-2) For his first game in charge, Rotenberg faced a Kunlun Red Star team rooted to the foot of the standings.
Christmas Greetings from the KHL
The KHL would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of our fans, players, coaches and staff who are celebrating this weekend. As the year draws to a close, we can reflect on another successful 12 months in which we’ve been able to move closer to normal than before. On the ice, we’ve seen Avangard lift the Gagarin Cup for the first time in the club’s history, with head coach Bob Hartley following Mike Keenan to become only the second Canadian to lead a team to our top prize.
Michkov sets record but Russia loses in Finland
Russia 0 Finland 3 (0-0, 0-2, 0-1) SKA’s teenage sensation Matvei Michkov became Russia’s youngest ever international as the season got started at the Karjala Cup in Helsinki. Aged just 16 years, 11 months and 2 days, the young forward broke the record set by Alexander Ovechkin in 2003 by more than a year. He also broke the all-time Soviet and Russian record of 17 years, 7 months and 8 days set by legendary goaltender Vladislav Tretiak in 1968.
Big day for Kravtsov, Grigorenko. November 5 round-up
Vitaly Kravtsov made a game-winning return to the KHL, Mikhail Grigorenko and Nikita Mikhailis both scored hat-tricks and Dan Sexton set a club record for Neftekhimik on a busy day of KHL action this Friday. Avangard enjoyed a good win at Salavat Yulaev, but Dynamo Moscow’s troubles continue with a home loss against Amur.
Tickets are on sale for the KHL World Games in Dubai
On Wednesday, Nov. 3, tickets go on sale for the Dubai Ice Show, which runs from Dec. 3-5 in the United Arab Emirates. From today, tickets for the game between Avangard and Ak Bars, plus two performances of Tatiana Navka’s ice dancing show ‘Sleeping Beauty’ can be purchased from https://ice-dubai.com/. Prices ranges from US$41-110. On Dec. 3, the Coca-Cola Arena will stage a KHL regular season game between current Gagarin Cup holder Avangard and three-time champion Ak Bars.
Build Your Race Strategy Around Your Strengths
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. In racing, there is what you want to have happen and what actually happens. These two possibilities are not mutually exclusive but often take a magical day to come together. Most of my races fall somewhere in between. Fortunately, I usually have a plan in mind for anything that can happen during a race to adversely affect my outcome.
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