Durham glamping

Plus Durham Uni's new AI tool, Durham retail park opening, Finchale Abbey for sale and much more.

Good morning, Durham! January is almost over and we’re onto the final stretch before it’s spring.

In today’s newsletter:

  • Glamping in Durham guide

  • New AI tool developed by Durham Uni

  • Retail park opening date announced

  • Finchale Abbey is for sale

  • Grants for Co Durham businesses

  • And much more!

Let’s get to it.

— Stephen

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Glamping in Durham. A guide to luxury in the wild

Our latest guide is on glamping in Durham. Short for ‘glamorous camping’, glamping merges traditional camping with the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel.

From cosy, stylish pods at West Hall Glamping to the unique charm of Beamish Glamping's restored railway carriages, discover the perfect blend of rustic adventure and modern comfort.

Durham really is a great place to ‘glamp’ so prepare to relax under the stars and indulge in a touch of luxury with the county’s finest glamping experiences. Read more.

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THE DIGEST

Durham graduate exposes Post Office scandal

Durham University alumna, Rebecca Thomson, has been recognised for her critical role in uncovering the Post Office accounting scandal. Thomson, a St Mary’s College graduate, first reported on the faulty software in 2009 while at Computer Weekly magazine.

Her investigation shed light on the software errors leading to wrongful accusations of theft and fraud, affecting hundreds of lives. She gives an interview to Durham University on what happened. Read here.

Revolutionary AI tool developed by Durham University for chemotherapy care 🤖

Durham University's Computer Science Department has developed an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tool for chemo care. This AI model is designed to predict risks of kidney and liver dysfunction during chemotherapy, marking a milestone in cancer treatment.

The model has shown promising accuracy which highlights the university's status as a leader in cutting-edge technological research and its contribution to improving patient care in the UK. Read more.

WEATHER

The weather this week: A drizzly drama unfolds with a cast of cloudy days, making guest appearances. A little sunshine on Tuesday but mostly cloudy and overcast. Warm temps for January though!

Monday, 29th: Max Temp: 7°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 5°C | 🌧️ Heavy Rain

Tuesday, 30th: Max Temp: 7°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 1°C | ☀️ Sunny by Lunchtime

Wednesday, 31st: Max Temp: 10°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 4°C | 🌥️ Overcast

Thursday, 1st: Max Temp: 11°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 8°C | 🌥️ Cloudy

Friday, 2nd: Max Temp: 13°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 10°C | 🌥️ Overcast

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Opening date and shops confirmed for Bishop Aukland retail park 🛍️

An opening date for a new County Durham retail park has been confirmed as work at the site nears completion. Building works at the Bishop Auckland Retail Park development are expected to be completed next month, with a grand opening planned at the beginning of the summer.

The retailers confirmed so far are, Home Bargains, The Range, Pure Gym, Super Bowl UK, Reel Cinema, Popeyes, Capri Italian and Fattoush Lebanese

Finchale Abbey Estate on the market for £5.5m

The historic Finchale Abbey estate has been put up for sale with a price tag of £5.5 million. This sprawling property, encompassing 211 acres of grade three agricultural land, 81 residential pitches, glamping land and holiday apartments has been under the same family ownership for over seven decades. The Finchale Priory ruins dating back to 1169 are not included in the sale. Read more.

Kynren's early bird offer 🎟️

If you book your Kynren tickets before 31st January across all seat categories you’ll receive a 20% discount with a special 10% off for VIP seats.

Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we join young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular. Get your discount.

DURHAM BUSINESS NEWS

Durham plays key role in major travel trade events

Durham has been a focal point in the North East's tourism drive this week, hosting over 100 European and UK travel trade professionals from 26th - 30th January. These events, part of the Destination North East England initiative, aim to bolster overseas visits and showcase the region's attractions. Key activities include the Coach Tourism Association conference in Gateshead and VisitBritain's "Showcase Britain 2024," featuring educational visits and networking opportunities to enhance tourism and hospitality sectors in Durham and surrounding areas. Read more.

Grants boost for new businesses in County Durham

Durham County Council has launched an innovative Retail Start Up Grant, designed to support budding entrepreneurs in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors during their initial six months of trading. This initiative, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to ease the financial burdens associated with starting a business, covering expenses like rent, rates, and utilities.

Part of the council's Towns and Villages programme, interested parties can apply for this tailored funding, which varies based on individual business needs and circumstances. Read more.

Wave wins major £84m Ministry of Justice contract

Co Durham based water retailer, Wave, has secured a significant contract with the Ministry of Justice, estimated to bring in an impressive £84 million in revenue. Operating from Pity Me, Wave specialises in reducing water usage and lowering utility bills for various clients, including large industrial and commercial entities, as well as SMEs in both public and private sectors. Read more.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

  • Beamish advertises its seasonal vacancies (link)

  • NETPark set to become Investment Zone ‘Growth Site’ (link)

  • Durham Comedy Store announces February line-up (link)

  • Durham Careers Fair announced (link)

  • Rockliffe Hall makes the Telegraph’s UK family-friendly list (link)

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

  • The Fire Station - Chris Difford - Wednesday 31st, 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • The Forum Studios - Maria & James present, Chapters - Friday 2nd, 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • Darlington Hypodrom - The ELO Experience, Friday 2nd, 7:30 pm (tickets)

  • The Fire Station - SHE The Show - Saturday 3rd, 8 pm (tickets)

  • The Wheatsheaf - The Clashed - Saturday 3rd, 9 pm (more info)

  • Vesuvio - Taylor Steer - Sunday 4th, 4 pm (more info)

  • The Flass Inn - Mark Allen - Sunday 4th, 7 pm (more info)

THANKS!

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