Highest civic honour awarded to Weardale volunteers
THE highest civic honour in County Durham has been bestowed to one of the founders of the
Weardale Museum and volunteers who have helped restore the area’s heritage railway line.
David Heatherington and the Weardale Railway Trust have been presented with Chairman’s
Medals by Durham County Council. As one of the founding members of the Weardale Museum, the
award recognises David’s longstanding voluntary service and his dedication to the museum since its
opening 40 years ago.
Between 1984 and 2019, David acted as the museum’s curator, helped plan for the expansion of
the museum into the adjoining chapel and attract new audiences, ensuring the long-term
sustainability of the centre. This included the creation of the flagship ‘Methodist Tapestries
Collection’ exhibition, which tells the stories of ‘The People Called Methodists’.
As well as researching and illustrating the stories, David tours the region to give presentations to
community groups and deliver exhibitions of completed tapestries. Away from the museum, David
has also founded the Weardale Tennis Club and Weardale Field Study Group and is a proactive
member of The Weardale Society, highlighting his passion for heritage, nature and community.
The Weardale Railway Trust is another recipient of the Chairman’s Medal as it celebrates 30 years
of operation. Its volunteers have helped to promote the heritage line and restore a 16-mile section
of the line between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope, for passenger and freight use.
As well as operating some of the trains, volunteer efforts have helped to bring mainline excursion
trains and rail tours to the line. Working alongside Weardale Railway Limited, the Trust has also
helped to introduce a new timetabled stop at Kingfisher Halt, close to the Weardale Way long
distance footpath, offering members of the public the opportunity to combine a trip on the railway
with a walk in the Weardale countryside.
The awards were presented by Joan Nicholson, the outgoing Chair of Durham County Council.
To find out more about the Chairman’s Medal, visit www.durham.gov.uk/chairmansmedal
