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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
First stage of historic walled garden remodelling nearing completion at Raby Castle
21 Mar 2023
The first stage of a redesign of Raby’s historic Walled Garden is nearing completion, which will see the launch of a grass amphitheatre this summer - the first of its kind in the north of England. A very special element of the Estate’s ambitious development programme known as ‘The Rising’,...
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Industry
On track for continued customer growth as LNER leads the way
17 Mar 2023
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) continues to lead the way when it comes to passenger growth and usage, topping the table for franchised operators for the seventh consecutive quarter. Between October and December 2022, passenger journeys were at 96 per cent when compared with the same period for...
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Industry
1950s cinema and shops underway at Beamish Museum
17 Mar 2023
Work is beginning on a cinema, toy shop and electrical shop in Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s 1950s Town. The museum is recreating The Grand Cinema from Ryhope in Sunderland, where visitors will be able to enjoy a 1950s cinema experience. A toy shop named after the popular Romer...
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Industry
Share your views
8 Mar 2023
Visit County Durham Supplier Partner Rural Business Network and National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise have been commissioned by Durham County Council to find out the needs and opportunities for rural businesses across the county to help shape future investment plans. They are holding a...
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Industry
Delve into history at The Auckland Project
23 Feb 2023
The Auckland Project’s attractions reopen this week, offering visitors the opportunity to delve into the fascinating and often surprising history of Bishop Auckland. Visitors can look forward to a varied programme of events throughout the year, including exhibitions in the Mining Art Gallery...
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Industry
Back on Track - Railway line from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope to reopen this spring
10 Feb 2023
The railway line from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope will reopen this spring for the first time in three years, thanks to an extensive restoration programme carried out by The Auckland Project. The Auckland Project acquired the 16-mile stretch of railway in January 2020 and has since been working to...
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Industry
Beamish Museum appoints Chair and Trustees to Board
10 Feb 2023
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has announced the appointment of a Chair and trustees to its board. Chris Loughran has been appointed as Chair and will take up his role on 1st March, along with 10 new board members in the voluntary roles. The new trustees are David Alexander, Mauricio...
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Industry
National Occupancy Results
8 Feb 2023
England Occupancy Survey results for November 2022 have been published. When comparing November 2022 results with November 2021, room occupancy in November 2022 increased from 67% to 78% whilst bedspace occupancy increased from 47% to 54%. Evaluating trends across the 9 regions of England, all...
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Industry
N’ice’ start to the Year of the Coast activity at Dalton Park
7 Feb 2023
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination is set to support Visit County Durham’s Year of the Coast campaign with a free seaside themed Ice & Waves Trail event during February half term. Five stunning sculptures will be placed around the centre on Monday 20th February and there will be an...
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Industry
For the Love of Gin: Durham’s First Gin Distillery and School Opens This Month
2 Feb 2023
Gin lovers looking to catch a glimpse of how their favourite tipple is produced are in luck in 2023. Durham Distillers, producers of the award-winning Durham Gin, are opening their brand-new city centre distillery to visitors this Spring with bookings now available from Saturday 24th February....
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Industry
DLI Preparations Begin For Move To The Story
2 Feb 2023
Preparations are underway to carefully pack historic military memorabilia currently on display in Durham as part of plans to create a new home for Durham Light Infantry (DLI) collection. The DLI Gallery: Courage, Comrades and Community has been hosted at Durham University’s Palace Green Library...
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Industry
Exciting Jobs and Recruitment Fair at Beamish Museum
1 Feb 2023
From working with heritage transport to creating tasty traditional treats, become part of something special with exciting and unique new jobs at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. A variety of seasonal roles are being advertised at the award-winning museum, including in The 1900s Town and Pit...
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Industry
The Who to perform at Seat Unique Riverside in 2023
30 Jan 2023
Legendary rock band The Who will perform at Seat Unique Riverside on Wednesday 19th July for their UK Tour “The Who Hits Back!” Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and band will be performing music from throughout the band’snearly 60-year career, including sections devoted to classic albums Tommy...
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Industry
Single-use plastics
25 Jan 2023
A ban on a range of polluting single-use plastics will be introduced in England from October 2023. The ban will include single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. One solution to help businesses move away from single...
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Industry
Mental health at work
25 Jan 2023
As an employer, there are ways you can offer support to your staff through the cost of living crisis. Curated by Mind, The Mental Health at Work toolkit includes resources designed to help you and your employees with support through financial difficulties.
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