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Wearside stories you might have missed this week

Michaela Wetherell A scrapbook page with Pauline Murray's name drawn in bold letters down the left side of the page. There are three photos of Pauline Murray on the page, one a black and white portrait on the left, another black and white photo of her on stage, singing into a microphone. Another shows her staring into the camera with four men standing behind her. Michaela Wetherell
Penetration singer Pauline Murray is one of the women featured in the Working Lass archive

Fears a local park is being "terrorised" by youths on bikes, delegates from a leading US space agency visit Durham, and an exhibition celebrates the achievements of working-class women in the north-east.

Here are five stories from Wearside you might have missed this week.

Archive celebrates 'ordinary, incredible' women

Zetland FM The late BBC Tees radio presenter, Julie Donaldson. She is wearing glasses, headphones and is talking into a large microphone. Zetland FM
Women in the archive include the late BBC Tees radio presenter Julie Donaldson

A "living archive" aims to preserve and celebrate the achievements of working-class women across the north-east of England.

The Working Lass project is the culmination of a six-month project by Sunderland-based Pink-collar Gallery to commemorate those women across the region who have shaped their community.

They include County Durham-born Penetration musician Pauline Murray, Heather Wood, who was heavily involved in the Women Against Pit Closures movement, and late BBC Tees radio presenter Julie Donaldson.

  • Find out where the idea for the archive began here

Florida space delegation visits North East

Space North East A delegation of space industry representatives standing in front of a Blue Moon lunar lander. The large craft is white with sections painted gold.Space North East
A delegation from Florida's space industry conference in Durham

A leading United States space agency has joined a conference in north-east England, in an effort to forge connections with local businesses.

Members of a delegation from Space Florida spoke at the North East Space Conference, in Durham, on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the event last week, John Bone, chair of Space North East England, said the conference would act as a catalyst for increased collaboration.

"It's a real sign of ambition for the North East," added Dr Atma Prakash, Teesside University's senior lecturer in aerospace engineering.

  • Read more about why the North East was chosen for the event here

Residents say park 'unsafe' as dead animals reported

Councillor and Conservative leader Antony Mullen, standing in front of the pond at Barnes Park. He is wearing a black T-shirt and glasses. His short brown hair is swept back.
Councillor Antony Mullen said a park warden might help to reduce vandalism

People no longer feel safe going to their local park, after reports of animals being killed and incidents of vandalism, a local councillor has said.

Residents have described seeing remains of rabbits and birds at Barnes Park in Sunderland in recent weeks, with one telling the BBC he had even considered wearing a body camera for his own security.

Sunderland Conservative leader Antony Mullen said the park was being "terrorised" by youths on bikes wearing balaclavas.

  • Read more about the attacks and vandalism here

Cause of major power cut under investigation

Getty Images Library image of an electricity pylon. The camera is pointed upwards from the base of the structure. It is made of metal and has wires strung across horizontally. Blue sky can be seen in the background.Getty Images
Northern Powergrid said it was too early to know whether high temperatures were the sole cause

An investigation is continuing into the cause of a power cut that left 55,000 customers temporarily without electricity.

Hartlepool, Peterlee, Billingham, Middlesbrough and Yarm were among the areas affected by a blackout, which started at approximately 21:20 BST on Friday 20 June.

Northern Powergrid said all but 27 households and businesses had their power restored by 03:00 BST the following Saturday - with the recent hot weather among the possible culprits.

  • Read more about what happened in the blackout here

Cash boost for 'proud' mining heritage memorial

LDRS Grey memorial stone in front of trees bearing faded lettering that reads: New Herrington Miners’ Memorial Garden 1874 to 1985.LDRS
The Miner's Memorial at Herrington Country Park is to be restored

Thousands of pounds are being set aside to improve a memorial garden which honours a city's coal mining heritage, and pays tribute to local miners who died during the course of their work.

The site, at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland, is located where a colliery once stood.

The pit opened in 1874, and by the time it closed in 1985, more than 100 workers had lost their lives.

  • Read more about the memorial restoration plans here

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