Grand openings

GRAND OPENING

Raby Castle's 'Rising' development opens to delight visitors

Raby Castle's eagerly awaited 'Rising' Development opened its doors this past Saturday, 15th June, adding 24 acres of new attractions to the historic site.

Visitors were treated to a variety of new experiences, starting with The Vinery Café Restaurant. Diners soaked up stunning panoramic views of the castle from the High Vinery garden while enjoying a menu packed with seasonal and locally sourced flavours.

Shoppers explored the stylish new retail space, which features a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on beautifully reclaimed furniture from the estate. This addition promises a unique shopping experience that blends history with contemporary style.

The remodelled Walled Gardens also captivated visitors. Known for their tranquil beauty and picturesque views, the gardens continue to enchant both horticultural novices and enthusiasts alike.

The Grade II listed Coach House serves as an exhibition area, with the current exhibition telling the story of the castle and showcasing the sights, sounds, and landscapes of the Raby Estate, including the renowned High Force Waterfall.

The development also includes versatile event venues like The Riding School and The Dutch Barn. These spaces have been reimagined to host a variety of events, markets, exhibitions, and networking functions, all while retaining their individual charm.

Whether you are a history buff, a garden lover, or simply looking for a delightful day out, Raby Castle's new 'Rising' Development offers something for everyone. The next chapter of this iconic estate is ready to be explored.

THE DIGEST

🕰️ Bargain Hunt to film at County Durham antiques fair: The popular BBC show Bargain Hunt will film at the Wolsingham Antique and Salvage Fair in County Durham next month. Enthusiasts and participants attending the fair on 13 and 14 July will have the chance to appear on national television. The show's team initially contacted organisers Ken Besford and Alison Hewison in June last year, but filming was postponed due to scheduling issues. [link]

🤝 New Mayor appointed for Durham: Councillor Liz Brown, a long-serving member of the Durham community, has taken on the prestigious role of Mayor for the term 2024/25. With a background in civic service since 2017, including parish council involvement, she aims to use her position to support charitable causes close to her heart. [link]

🧑‍🌾 Farmers' market named one of UK's best: Barnard Castle Farmers' Market has been recognised as one of the UK's best by HelloFresh, following its recent win as the Farm Retail Association's Farmers' Market of the Year 2024. The market, held on the first Saturday of each month, features a variety of local produce including naturally grown vegetables, humanely raised meats, and handmade cheeses. [link]

🕊️ Durham Cathedral announces programme for Peace Doves installation: Durham Cathedral has unveiled a new programme of events and services to accompany the Peace Doves installation from 26 July to 4 September. Created by artist Peter Walker, the installation features 15,000 paper doves set to music by David Harper. The programme includes special services, family-friendly activities, late-night viewings, and unique dining experiences under the doves. [link]

🧑‍🚒 Fire and rescue service celebrates its 50th anniversary: The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating the 1974 merger of Darlington and Durham fire brigades. Past and present firefighters, including the first training intake, reunited to share memories. [link]

• Holiday park with over 100 chalets to be built near West Auckland [link]

• East Durham College rated outstanding by Ofsted [link]

• Housing development starts at historic Lambton Park [link]

• Legendary County Durham Everest climber honoured with blue plaque on his former home [link]

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Martyn Dunbar | 📍 Seaham

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your brilliant photos of Durham to get in the Scoop!

WEATHER

Temperatures gently climb the ladder this week but the skies will be mostly cloaked in clouds with just a cheeky wink of sun to round off the work week. Keep your brolly handy for those sudden showers.

• Monday, 17th: 18°C 🌡️ 10°C. Cloudy changing to heavy showers 🌥️ ➡️ 🌧️

• Tuesday, 18th: 17°C 🌡️ 8°C. Cloudy changing to light showers ☁️ ➡️ 🌦️

• Wednesday, 19th: 18°C 🌡️ 9°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

• Thursday, 20th: 20°C 🌡️ 11°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

• Friday, 21st: 21°C 🌡️ 12°C. Sunny intervals changing to cloudy 🌤️ ➡️ ☁️

GRAND OPENING

New £23 Million ‘The Story’ opens at Mount Oswald manor house

Durham's rich history is now more accessible than ever with the opening of The Story, a £23 million facility at Mount Oswald Manor House.

This weekend saw the grand unveiling of this state-of-the-art centre, which houses 900 years of County Durham's history, five important historical collections, and the County Registration office.

Led by County archivist Carolyn Ball and superintendent registrar Anne Robson, the facility blends the historic charm of the 19th-century manor with modern, eco-friendly design.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, enjoy historical artefacts, and even celebrate personal milestones like weddings in the elegant Georgian ceremony rooms.

The opening weekend featured activities for all ages, including historical re-enactments, live music, and family-friendly events. The Story is now open to the public, offering a unique journey through Durham's past and present.

Visit The Story’s website to see what’s on.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Properties in Co Durham borders that recently came to market.

Mount House, Castle Eden

Semi-detached | Bed: 4 | Bath: 1

This beautiful period property in Castle Eden offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle with easy access to the A19. Castle Eden is a picturesque village known for its scenic beauty and proximity to a nature reserve, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Check the listing to see the price.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Music

🔫 The Music of Bond. Sunday 20th June, 7:15 pm and 9:15 pm. Enjoy cinema’s most iconic songs performed by a luscious symphony orchestra with vocalists under impressive illuminations in this beautiful historical venue. Playing the music of legends including Shirley Bassey, Madonna, Adele, Sam Smith, Tina Turner and Paul McCartney. At Durham Cathedral. Tickets. 

🕺 Jive Talkin’. Sunday 21st, 7:30 pm. The only Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees - in 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin' performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb. At The Fire Station. Tickets.

Screening

🎶 Waitress: The Musical. Thursday 20th, 7 pm. Follow Jenna Hunterson (Sara Bareilles), a small-town waitress and pie-maker with a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers her a chance at escape, she navigates love, dreams, and newfound courage to take back control of her life. Based on the beloved film of the same name, the musical adaptation was created with original music and lyrics by singer Sara Bareilles. At Gala Durham. Tickets. 

Theatre

🎤 Whitney - Queen of the Night. Monday 17th, 7:30 pm. Direct from the West End, The London Palladium, and the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Whitney – Queen of the Night is a celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of all time: Whitney Houston. At Sunderland Empire. Tickets. 

👩‍🎓 Legally Blonde. Wednesday 19th - Saturday 22nd, 7:30 pm & 2:30 pm. DULOG presents the award-winning musical ‘Legally Blonde’ at the Assembly Rooms Theatre this summer! Based on the smash hit film, follow sorority girl Elle Woods as she enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend, and on the way tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. At Assembly Rooms. Tickets.

😎 Grease The Musical. Wednesday 26th - Saturday 29th, 7:30 pm. Funny, frank and featuring the hit songs “Greased Lightnin’,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “You’re The One That I Want,” and “Summer Nights,” Grease follows the journey of Danny and Sandy, alongside the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, as they navigate high school to the unforgettable rock n’ roll soundtrack that defined generations. At Gala Durham. Tickets.

Dance

💔 Romeo & Juliet. Wednesday 19th, 7:30 pm. Critics’ Circle Award-winning company, Ballet Cymru, present an extraordinary adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece Romeo and Juliet. At Gala Durham. Tickets.

Comedy

😂 Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit. Friday 21st, 8 pm. Previously, Rhod was dealing with some pretty pungent life citrus, and an idiot called John. Little did he know that things were about to turn even more sour. But Rhod's not bitter; he's bouncing back and feeling remarkably zesty. At Sunderland Empire. Tickets.

BUSINESS NEWS

🏏 Durham Cricket maintains revenue: The club has reported stable financial results for the year ending September 2023, maintaining a turnover of £8.02m despite increased costs, with operating profits slightly decreasing to £294,664. The club's financial stability was bolstered by a successful season that saw them win promotion to England's top division and a range of well-attended community events and concerts. [link]

🇺🇸 Durham company launches team in the US to expand its global footprint: Speciality chemicals manufacturer and distributor, Devine Chemicals has made significant hires in the US to strengthen its presence in North America and better serve its customers. The company has grown substantially over the past 10 years with an increase in turnover from £2 million to £11 million, of which 20% is from international business. [link]

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