Where to celebrate New Year in Durham

Good morning, Durham. Merry Christmas from the UK’s most festive city (according to 150 years of data). This is the last newsletter of 2023, so we’ll catch up again in the new year.

In today’s newsletter:

• Where to see in the New Year in Durham

• £1.1m raised in County Durham's fight against poverty

• STACK in Bishop Auckland gets January go-ahead

• What the North East devolution could mean for Durham

• And more

Let’s get to it.

— Stephen

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Celebrate New Year's Eve in Durham: Discover 8 top venues

As 2023 winds down, Durham lights up with a range of ways to celebrate the New Year depending on taste and budget.

Our recent article on where to spend New Year’s in Durham offers a curated list of venues and events to suit various tastes and preferences.

Remember, this is just a starting point and not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great way to begin your planning. The list includes;

1. Ramside Hall: Offering gourmet dinners, live music, and family events. Prices vary.

2. Radisson Blu: Enjoy an evening of luxury with a four-course meal and live entertainment for £80 per person.

3. South Causey Inn: A cosy setting with live music and unique dining experiences, including private pods starting at £30.

4. Park Head Hotel & Oak Room Restaurant: A candlelit dinner and champagne cocktail for £65 per person.

5. High Force Hotel: A serene two-night retreat with special meals starting from £530.

6. A Night Out in Durham City: Experience a classic pub crawl and diverse nightlife at your own pace.

7. Seaham Hall: A stylish New Year’s dinner ideal for families and couples, priced at standard menu rates.

8. Beamish Hall: A glamorous evening with entertainment and a five-course meal for £155 per person.

Of course, you can stay at home on New Year’s and that’s perfectly fine too!

Whatever you do, happy planning and all the best for the New Year!

The full article is here.

@DURHAMSCOOP

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THE DIGEST

£1.1m Raised in County Durham's fight against poverty

The County Durham Community Foundation's 'Poverty Hurts' appeal has impressively raised over £1.1 million this year, from thousands of donors and businesses in support of those affected by poverty in the region. The funds are aiding local groups, volunteers, and families in dire need.

Despite this success, CEO Michelle Cooper MBE highlights the growing poverty crisis, exacerbated by rising living costs. The foundation continues to urge donations, especially from those able to donate their Winter Fuel payments, to further alleviate poverty in County Durham this winter. Read more.

County Durham sends Christmas aid to Ukraine 🇺🇦

County Durham has dispatched crucial aid to Ukraine, symbolising the region's solidarity this Christmas. The heart-warming initiative, supported by local communities, Durham University students, and Ukrainian families under the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme, raised £5,210 for supplies to aid frontline hospitals in the war-torn nation.

Boxes of medical supplies, along with other essentials such as hand and foot warmers, were sent via a HGV with the help of Durham Elvet Rotary. Read more.

WEATHER

True to character, our weather keeps us guessing. A perfect blend of sunshine, sleet, rain and clouds.

Tuesday 

7 🌡️ -1 | ☀️ | 💨 WNW 8 mph

Wednesday 

11 🌡️ 5 | 🌨️ | 💨 SSE 17 mph

Thursday 

8 🌡️ 2 | ☁️ | 💨 WSW 19 mph

Friday 

6 🌡️ 1 |☁️ | 💨 SW 10 mph

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

STACK's big breakthrough: Bishop Auckland edition

January in Bishop Auckland isn't just about new resolutions; it's about demolition and rejuvenation. The much-awaited STACK venue, replacing the old butcher's and WHSmith on Newgate Street, is set to start its transformation journey.

With a plaza, an atrium, and a rooftop bar, it promises to be a fresh leisure hotspot with bars, street eats, and a dash of daily live entertainment. It’s good to see so much development going on in Bishop Auckland and we’re here for it. A new STACK is planned on Silver Street in Durham City also. Read more.

YuMe World: Durham's next big thing in fun 🕹️

2024 is set to be a game-changer for Durham with the arrival of YuMe World at the Riverwalk. Blending a high-tech arcade with virtual reality and topping it off with a dessert restaurant.

A hugely popular destination spot in Newcastle, YuMe World is set to do the same in Durham. What's on offer? Think claw machines, driving simulators, and VR adventures. Plus, a dessert restaurant to satisfy those post-gaming sugar cravings. No opening date has been provided as of yet so keep an eye on their socials for further details. Read more.

Important Christmas rubbish collection info for this week 🗑️

Durham County Council rubbish collections: If Tuesday is your normal collection day, it’ll be Wednesday 27th this week. If Wednesday is your normal collection day, it’ll be Thursday 28th next week. Same goes for Thursday (Friday 29th) and Friday (Saturday 30th). Normal collections resume from 2 January.

DURHAM BUSINESS NEWS

Exploring County Durham's economic landscape with Sara Slaven

In a recent interview with East Durham News & Business magazine, Managing Director of Durham Business, Sara Slaven, shares her insights on the evolving economic landscape of County Durham.

Delving into challenges, triumphs, and future strategies, Slaven discusses the impact of global events on local businesses, the innovative Durham Business Growth programme, and the county's bright prospects in various sectors. It’s an insightful in-depth look at what’s driving our region's economic success and well worth a read. Read the full interview here.

Durham's Filtronic secures major £4.5m defence contract

Filtronic, a prominent tech firm with strong roots in County Durham, has announced a major coup with a £4.5m defence contract from a new client. Set to kick off in January, the project will see Durham's tech expertise utilised in the production of advanced radio frequency modules.

This deal highlights Durham's growing reputation in high-tech industries, adding to Filtronic's series of recent successes in global satellite and defence technology. Despite global challenges, the firm's focus on key sectors like defence and aerospace underlines the region’s resilience and innovation in the tech landscape. Read more on Business Live.

What the North East devolution deal means for Durham

As we move into 2024, Durham stands on the brink of a transformative era with the election of a new mayor and the unfolding of the North East devolution deal. This historic agreement, involving a £4.2 billion investment over 30 years, is set to significantly reshape local governance, bringing decision-making closer to home and promising substantial changes in education, transportation, and housing.

In this article, we dissect this landmark agreement, exploring its potential to improve the quality of life in Durham and the responsibilities it entails for the region. It’s a pivotal moment in shaping a more prosperous, vibrant future for Durham. Read more.

 THANKS!

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