Long before U2 ever became synonymous with a pop group the symbols achieved lasting fame as a casualty of the Cold War.

U2 was the name given to America’s super spy plane, a machine designed to fly at heights that reputedly made it impossible to shoot down; a reputation the Russians shattered in May 1960.

The pilot was Gary Powers and those of a certain age will recall black and white TV news clips of him being paraded by his captors and later sentenced to 10 years in prison. As it turned out he served less than two years when both sides agreed a spy swap – an exchange that took place in February 1962.

What a lot of people won’t know, however, is that the man the Russians wanted back so badly was a geordie – Soviet KGB Colonel Rudolf Abel who was born plain Willie Fisher at number 140 Clara Street, Benwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Willie’s revolutionary parents had fled Russia in 1901 to settle in North East England and their fervour for a Tsar free country never diminished. In 1908 the family moved into a terraced house in Eskdale Terrace in Whitley Bay and Willie probably enrolled at the nearby John Street School.

He won a scholarship to the Whitley Bay and Monkseaton High School when it opened its doors in September 1914 and proved to be a very bright student, shining at science, maths, languages, art and music. All would prove invaluable in later life as one of Russia’s top spies.

On leaving school Willie started work as an apprentice draughtsman at Swan Hunter’s in Wallsend and went to night school at Rutherford College in Newcastle.

In 1921, four years after the Russian Revolution, the Fisher family upped sticks and went back to their homeland. Willie, the clever geordie lad who loved to paint watercolours and walk along the beach at Cullercoats, was about to start another remarkable journey.

Narrowly escaping Stalin’s purges, Willie was sent to spy in New York where he ran a network that included the notorious atom spies Julis Rosenberg (later executed) and Ted Hall.

In 1957 he was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison. But the USSR’s high regard for his talents was shown when they insisted on swapping him for Powers.

Willie died in 1971 and his absorbing story is told in The Kremlin’s Geordie Spy by Vin Arthey a former lecturer in arts and media at Teesside University. The book is published by Biteback at £9.99 and further information is available at www.bitebackpublishing.com

The British Library has launched a £9m campaign to acquire the St Cuthbert Gospel for the nation.

Created in the 7th century and intimately associated with one of Britain’s foremost saints, the Gospel is the earliest surviving intact European book and one of the world’s most significant books.

A manuscript copy of the Gospel of St John, the St Cuthbert Gospel was produced in the North of England in the late 7th century and was buried alongside St Cuthbert on Lindisfarne circa 698.

Later found in the saint’s coffin at Durham Cathedral in 1104 it has a beautifully-worked original red leather binding and is the only surviving high-status manuscript from this period in British history to retain its original appearance, both inside and out.

The fundraising campaign will see the book exhibited in the North East and London.

Agreement has been reached to share the display of the St Cuthbert Gospel on a 50:50 basis between the British Library and Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The agreement also allows for the possible display of the Gospel at other locations in the north-east in the future.

The St Cuthbert Gospel, the earliest surviving intact European book, complements the Lindisfarne Gospels book is planned for exhibition in Durham in 2013, on a three-month loan from the British Library.

The fundraising campaign to acquire the St Cuthbert Gospel for the nation has already received a huge boost thanks to a £4.5 million grant from the National Heritage Memorial Foundation (NHMF) – the largest single grant for a heritage acquisition in the British Library’s history. Other generous benefactors and charitable trusts have also pledged significant funding in recognition of the importance of the book to Britain. The Library needs to secure the full purchase price of £9 million by March 31 next year.

It is currently owned by the British Province of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuits.

The Very Reverend  Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, added: “This wonderful book links us directly to the Saxon Christianity of the North of England, and to the North’s best-loved saint, Cuthbert himself.  Durham Cathedral owes its very existence to him, and we prize not only his memory, but also the treasures associated with him here at the Cathedral such as his pectoral cross and portable altar.

“I wholeheartedly welcome and support the campaign to save this book for the nation, for it is a vital part of our cultural and spiritual heritage.  Like the Lindisfarne Gospel Book, the Cuthbert Gospel speaks powerfully about Northumbria’s golden age, whose spiritual vision, intellectual energy and artistic achievement continue to inspire us today.  We are in the British Library’s debt for having taken this initiative.  We must make sure it succeeds.”

The early life and political career of the founder of the Bowes Museum is examined in a new exhibition.

Using a range of archive materials held by the Record Office, and taken primarily from the Strathmore Estate collection, it looks at John Bowes’ time as an MP for South Durham and shows how campaign practices have and haven’t changed since 1832.

Victoria Oxberry, Durham County Record office project archivist, said: “John Bowes is an important figure in County Durham, not only because he built the Bowes Museum, but also because he served the area of South Durham in Parliament for 15 years.”

The exhibition is now on show at the Records Office, is free and runs throughout the summer. Booking is not required.

Opening times are Monday and Tuesday from 8.45am to 4.45pm and Wednesday from 8.45am to 8pm.

For more information contact Durham County Record Office on 0191 383 3253 or email record.office@durham.gov.uk

The crown commissioned by James V of Scotland – part of the Honours of Scotland, the other pieces are the Sword of State and the Sceptre – has been cleaned in preparation for the opening of the Scottish Parliament this week.

In early January 1540, with the coronation of his new queen, Marie de Guise, imminent, King James V ordered that the Crown of Scotland, in a damaged and broken condition, was to be re-modelled.

The task was given to an Edinburgh jeweller John Mosman who had less than six weeks to complete his work.  To the original crown (weighing a little over 1lb) Mosman added 41 ounces of Scottish gold, 44 gemstones and 68 pearls (the large pearls are oriental and the smaller ones are believed to be Scottish freshwater pearls).

On the top of the Crown, the dark blue enamelled gold orb is French workmanship and may have been bought by James in Paris when he visited France in 1537.  The gold cross above the orb is decorated in black enamel and bears the letters IR5 referring to King James V (Jacobus Rex V).  It is studded with 8 large pearls and a large amethyst on the front of the cross.

The re-modelled Crown, when completed, weighed 3lb 10oz.

It was first worn in public by the King on 22nd February at the coronation of Marie de Guise in Holyrood Abbey.

The first Scottish monarch to be crowned using the newly re-modelled Crown (with also for the first time the Sword of State and the Sceptre) was Mary, Queen of Scots (daughter of James V and Marie de Guise) in 1543 when she was 9-months old.  The coronation took place in the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle.

The last Scottish monarch to be crowned with the Crown of Scotland was Charles II on 1st January 1651 on the Moot Hill at Scone

The red velvet bonnet with ermine trim is modern made in 1993.  Earlier bonnets survive in the National Museums of Scotland’s collection and in Historic Scotland’s care.

In 1707 following the Act of Union, the Honours became effectively redundant royal regalia and they were locked away in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle and forgotten until re-discovered famously by Sir Walter Scott in 1818.

The history of weights and measures going back to Magna Carta is showcased in a new exhibition in County Durham.

The temporary exhibition is on display at the museum, St. Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey, Durham on weekends during October from 2pm to 4pm.

It features the regulation of weights and measures in Durham across the ages and examines the equipment and records of early inspectors in their bid to regulate the market place and combat fraudulent traders.

Joanne Waller, the county council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said:  “Our service has kept equipment, records, photographs and documents stretching back to the early 19th century and we are delighted to share these with the museum to allow them to be appreciated by all.”

Volunteer local historian Dennis Jones who compiled the exhibition said:  “I’ve wanted to put on an exhibition of this type for some time. The display traces the history of weights and measures from Magna Carta in 1215 and includes antique measures and documents detailing the prosecutions by officers in the county.”

The Durham Heritage Centre and Museum is owned by the Bow Trust, a registered charity founded in 1975 to preserve the historic church of St. Mary-le-Bow and to open it as a heritage centre and museum.

Durham’s mining tradition will be unfurled at Bowburn this weekend.

At least 40 banners from the Durham coalfield will be gathered for this year’s Heritage Open Days weekend event.

It includes some rarely-seen examples from both before and after nationalisation in 1947, as well as more recent replicas and community banners.

The exhibition takes place at the Bowburn Community Centre from  10am to 4pm and is expected to include the banners from the following lodges, mining communities and related organisations:- Blackhall, Boldon, Bowburn, Brandon, Browney, Byermoor, Craghead, Crookhall, Dawdon, Deaf Hill, Durham Aged Miners Homes Association, Durham Miners Support Groups, East Hetton, Eldon Drift, Esh Winning, Fenhall Drift, Greenside, Hamsterley, Hole in the Wall, Horden, Houghton, Houghton, Kibblesworth, Kimblesworth, Houghton, Lambton, Murton, New Herrington, NUM (NE Area), Randolph, Ravensworth, Sacriston, Seaham, Shotton, Silksworth, Spennymoor, Springwell, Trimdon, Trimdon Grange , Vane Tempest, Waterhouses, Wear Valley.

Banner enthusiasts and former miners will be present throughout the day to explain the significance of these magnificent treasures and to discuss with visitors the history of the Durham Miners’ Gala and of Durham’s mining communities.

Information about each banner and their collieries will be displayed. The event pormises to be an exhibition n ot to be missed.

There will also be a display of photographs by Durham Photographic Society and books & memorabilia for sale.

Refreshments will be available.

Young historians have been uncovering the secrets of the past during hands-on archaeology sessions at a County Durham museum.

Shelagh Connor, the museum’s visitor services officer, said: “It’s a great opportunity for children to try their hand and something different and pick up some tips from the experts.

“Each child had a dedicated area to excavate and had time out from their investigations to enjoy the rest of the museum’s attractions, whether taking a trip down the mine or looking for red squirrels.”

Archaeology days are aimed at children between four and 11-years-old and more are planned for Sunday, 25 July, and Sunday, 1 August.

Normal admission charges apply, with a £3 charge per plot. However, spaces are limited and should be booked in advance by calling 01388 537 505.

For more information about Killhope, which is run by Durham County Council, visit www.killhope.org.uk or email info@killhope.org.uk

Uncovering the past: Nine-year-old Leah Peart from St John’s Chapel, Weardale, at an archaeology day.

If any proof were needed that the past has pulling power, talk to members of the Consett and District Heritage Initiative.

The idea was to celebrate times gone by and to generate interest in the work of the group.

Displays were set up by Friends of Lanchester Fort, Leadgate History Group, Durham Vintage Collectors, Consett Library and Beamish Museum among others.

Among the most popular themes at the event were those linked to lead mining and Consett and district’s heritage and history.

“We were delighted by the interest shown which augers well for future activities being organised by the Heritage Initiative. There’s clearly massive and growing interest in the past,” said organiser Alan Swinburne.

He and his members are now organising a second event that will take lace at Beamish Heritage weekend on July 31 and August 1.

A new chapter is about to be written about the heroes of Fromelles.

The Time Machine has followed this story from the beginning when the bodies of  World War 1 soldiers were discovered in a mass grave at Fromelles in northern France in 2009.

Now an exhibition, organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which tells the story of the 250 men is to open at the Imperial War Museum London on July 1.

‘Remembering Fromelles: A New Cemetery for a New Century’ charts the construction of the Commission’s new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, the first to be built in 50 years.

It explains the poignant story of how 250 Australian and British soldiers came to be found, excavated and then reburied in a fitting and final resting place.

Using artefacts found at Fromelles, personal recollections of those who worked on the project and photographs from each stage of the recovery process, the exhibition charts the construction of the cemetery and sheds new light on a forgotten story of the First World War.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Fromelles Project Manager David Richardson said: “This has been an incredible project to work on over the past two years.  The building of a new Commission cemetery is something I never thought I would see, but as it nears completion, its tranquil beauty is, I believe, the finest honour we could have paid these men.”

Remembering Fromelles: A New Cemetery for a New Century also details the painstaking and complex work to identify the soldiers.  Many of the DNA testing techniques, which were used alongside historical and archaeological evidence, have set new standards in the field of forensic investigation.

The exhibition opens as the Fromelles project reaches its conclusion, with the dedication of the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery taking place on 19 July 2010.  Echoing the traditional design of cemeteries built after the Great War, this new cemetery will give the soldiers of Fromelles the dignity in death denied to them for nearly a century.

Helen Steed, a relative of one of those soldiers identified at Fromelles said:  ”I have been overwhelmed by the determination shown by so many people to recover my grandfather and his comrades, and have them properly buried in a new, purpose-built Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.”

The exhibition, which is free of charge to visit, runs until January 2011.  It is accompanied by a book of the same title which serves as a commemorative publication to these men and the sacrifice which they made.

The height of British naval power is remembered in a new exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

‘Fighting Ships’ – which runs until Saturday 28 August – explores how Britain’s warships during the reign of King George III were depicted in art and how that led to the emergence of a distinctive national style of maritime painting.

The exhibition has been arranged to coincide with Hartlepool’s hosting of The Tall Ships Races 2010 and its Georgian celebrations.

The display features items from Hartlepool’s permanent art collection, including works by John Wilson Carmichael and Frank Henry Mason, plus important maritime paintings on loan from other collections.

A particular highlight is ‘The Royal Visit To The Fleet’ – painted by Dominic Serres in 1774 and depicting King George III inspecting the Royal Navy – which forms part of the Royal Collection and has been graciously lent by Her Majesty The Queen.

Also featured are two items from the Tate Gallery – Thomas Whitcombe’s depiction of the 1797 Battle of Camperdown between the Dutch and the British and ‘The Battle of Trafalgar 1805’ by Clarkson Stanfield, and items are also on loan from Tyne and Wear Museums and Archives.

Adding to the flavour of the exhibition are several period weapons from Hartlepool’s own collection, including a Flintlock Sea Service Pistol, which was much used in the Napoleonic Wars from 1793 to 1815, and a Flintlock Blunderbuss from Georgian Times.

There is also a highly-detailed scale model of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, built and lent by retired Hartlepool shipworker George McKie.

Jean-Philippe Stienne, Collections Access Officer for Hartlepool Council’s Cultural Services section, said: “British naval power was at its peak during the reign of George III, including the exploits of Nelson during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and, of course, the victory at Trafalgar.

“Artistically, this period saw the emergence of a distinctly English style of marine painting which was quite different from the Dutch school which had dominated most of the 17th century.

“People wanted to share in the triumph of Britain’s glorious naval victories, and what better way than to commission a painting of one of the dramatic scenes.

“Many of the marine artists of the time had already spent years serving at sea in the Navy, so they were extremely well-placed to satisfy this national surge in patriotism.”

Admission to Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, is free and the gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am-5pm. During the Tall Ships celebrations it will be open 10am-7pm from Friday 6 to Monday 9 August. For more information call 01429 869706.

* Hartlepool expects to welcome up to a million visitors and about 70 Tall Ships for the finale of The Tall Ships Races 2010 from Saturday 7 August to Tuesday 10 August.

For more information about The Tall Ships Races 2010, log onto www.hartlepooltallships2010.com <http://www.hartlepooltallships2010.com/>  , call 01429 523636 or e-mail tallships@hartlepool.gov.uk