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In 1967, Billingham Forum was opened by HM the Queen. A sports and leisure complex, it contains a swimming pool, an ice rink, and a number of sports halls. The complex also houses the Forum Theatre. Notable personalities that have performed in the theatre include Arthur Lowe, David Jason, Penelope Keith, Timothy West, Carroll Baker, and Dame Anna Neagle. Roy Chubby Brown performed there for the first time in November 2006; his DVD for 2007 was recorded there as well.
As part of the proposals to regenerate Billingham, a 'Gateway' initiative proposed the construction of a new sports and leisure centre on John Whitehead Park to replace the Forum. This proved highly controversial, particularly as the Forum's would-be-replacement did not contain a theatre. The proposals were abandoned in November 2004, shortly after the Forum Theatre was granted Grade II listed building status.
Following a survey that reported 98% of participants in favour,[8] Stockton Borough Council now intend to submit a bid of £15 - 20 million[9] to refurbish the Forum Complex in partnership with The Billingham Partnership group.[8]
[edit] Notable residents
- Jamie Bell, actor famous for the role of Billy Elliot, and Griffin in the movie Jumper
- Diane Youdale, famous for the role of Jet in the TV Series Gladiators
- Duncan Bruce, one of the lead singers of Chumbawamba
- Kelly Stevenson, actress who played the role of Dee in children's Sci-Fi series The Tribe
- Andrew Davies, footballer, Middlesbrough F.C.; Southampton F.C. after loan
- Billy Dunlop, the first person to be found guilty of murder following changes to UK law for double jeopardy cases. Originally found not guilty of the murder of Julie Hogg, but convicted following a re-trial after he openly confessed to her murder whilst in prison for a separate offence
- Sean Gregan, footballer
- Eddie Jobson, musician
- Willie Maddren, former Middlesbrough F.C. footballer and manager
- Tommy Mooney, footballer
- Gary Pallister, footballer for Middlesbrough F.C., Manchester United and England. Now an occasional pundit for the BBC
- Paul Smith, the frontman of Indie group Maxïmo Park
- Leonard W. Kell, footballer for Chelsea FC, Norwich and others
- Leigh Knight,Famous DJ and radio presenter for mixiworld radio
- Thomas McLaughlan, Astronomer Royal
[edit] Trivia
- The chemical industry's creation of ammonia in the town also led to the formation of one of Billingham's two football teams, Billingham Synthonia, Synthonia being a portmanteau of Synthetic Ammonia, and of similar origins is Billingham Synthonia Cricket Club. Billingham also is the home of Billingham Town F.C.
- The town is served by Billingham railway station.
- Since 1964 the town has played host to the Billingham International Folklore Festival.
[edit] References
- , a b http://www.teesvalley-jsu.gov.uk/old/private/jsuwarddataweb2005.xls
- , This is Billingham
- , Cities of Science - North East - An Explosive History
- , Petition handed in over anhydrite mines (TS23 - Billingham)
- , Evening Gazette, [1]
- , BBC NEWS | England | Explosions rock chemical factory
- , BBC NEWS | England | Tees | Dozens injured in chemical leak
- , a b Billingham Forum - Stockton Borough Council
- , Billingham Forum FAQ's - Stockton Borough Council
[edit] External links
(Source: Wikipedia) |
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