NEWS
Valhalla North ’ s Carl Howe threw his way to World final .
BUSINESS BRIEFS
EURO WINNER
Axe-thrower Carl now in World final
Newton Aycliffe axe-thrower Carl Howe has won a place in the International Axe Throwing Championships , to be held Toronto , Canada , this summer .
Carlo – who runs Valhalla North Axe Throwing on Aycliffe Business Park with his wife , Kat – took first place at the International Axe Throwing Federation ( IATF ) European Regional Tournament , beating 16 of Europe ’ s top throwers , to reach the world finals .
Carl and six other throwers from Valhalla North made the trip to London to compete in the tournament , which was based on four group stages , with the top two players from each group advancing on to a single elimination tournament to crown the overall champion .
Nine regional tournaments were held across the world to crown their respective champions , who all move on to the finals of the international final in Toronto in June .
Further spots in the finals will be up for grabs in a round one qualifiers tournament held at all venues , including Valhalla North , at the end of March .
To qualify for this , throwers must have taken a top four spot in a standard league or top eight in a premier rules league over the 2022-23 season .
“ We ’ re waiting to hear how many spots will
Carl Howe had no axe to grind when he won European title .
be available , but one thing is for certain , the competition will be tight !” said Kat .
Alongside regular customer sessions , Valhalla North runs 5 IATF leagues per week as well as numerous tournaments and charity events .
In August 2023 , Valhalla North will host the UK Open , which will be the first IATF sanctioned open in the UK .
“ We are looking forward to welcoming some of the best throwers from across the world , including the US and Canada , to what will be a fantastic event for the sport , the UK and local suppliers ,” added Kat .
More information about leagues at Valhalla North can be found on their website www . valhallanorth . co . uk or by emailing contact @ valhallanorth . co . uk .
You can also tune into weekly commentated league livestreams on their YouTube channel @ Valhallanorthaxethrowing .
GOVE VISITS AYCLIFFE UTC South Durham were delighted to host Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to see the college ’ s facilities on the business park and hear from students about how they are being successful in their professional and educational experiences .
“ The students who I spoke to this afternoon were true advocates and so passionate about their education at the UTC ,” said Mr Gove .
“ It is clear , that they are confidently preparing for their future careers and are willing to travel from across the region to access this opportunity .”
SCHOOL PLANS A former office building on Aycliffe Business Park could become a statefunded school after plans have been submitted .
The Digital Factory on Durham Way South was previously being used by ITEC and Bishop Auckland College as offices providing business training services .
However , recently submitted plans could see the building converted into a state-funded school for children with special educational needs and disabilities .
PROSPERITY FUND BOOST A plan outlining how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ( UKSPF ) will be invested in County Durham has been approved by government .
In July , Durham County Council submitted its UKSPF Investment Plan outlining how it will spend the £ 30 million it has been allocated by the Department for Levelling Up , Housing and Communities .
The plan sets out how the funding will be invested into the county over the next three years , following the themes of communities and place , supporting local businesses , and people and skills .
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS # 62 We ’ re already working on issue # 62 of Aycliffe Business , due out early April .
The booking deadline is Friday , March 17 .
To enquire , call 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 11