News
Travel Update – Summer 2026
By Jon Cager, Stanhope Travel IT’S been a little while since my last feature, but there has certainly been plenty happening around the world. With the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the continued conflict in Ukraine, many people
Layla’s Latest Exhibition
Internationally renowned artist, Layla Curtis, originally from Ireshopeburn is staging a new exhibition. Layla, a former pupil of Wearhead Primary School and also Wolsingham School where her Art teacher was Ken Charlton, sold one of her works of Art to
Weardale Community Energy Events
Did you know that renewable energy solutions like solar could be owned by you and your community? These solutions can help reduce your bills, lower carbon emissions and increase energy security across Weardale. Would you like to know more? Join
Stanhope Station to host free Inspiration Train experience and family fun weekend
Weardale Railway is set to welcome families, railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the region for a packed weekend of entertainment as the nationally touring Inspiration Train arrives in County Durham. The free-to-visit Inspiration Train will be stationed at Stanhope
Vicar’s Circular Weardale Cycle Route
By Rev Graeme Holdsworth The Benefice of Upper Weardale covers a geographical area of about 100 square miles and I have a 40 mile (65km) cycling route I enjoy, and as I ride, I pray for everyone in our area.
Coffee Morning in aid of Norman’s Flower Festival
A COFFEE Morning with stalls, tombola and raffle is to be held to raise funds for a grand Flower Festival to be staged in memory of Norman and Betty Deacon. The Festival will be held in Tow Law Parish church
FREEMASONS HELP CHURCH APPEAL
ST Thomas church, Stanhope, the 12th Century Anglican church situated in the Market Place, has received support from the town’s Masonic Lodge and Durham Freemason Charity. Stanhope Lodge of Freemasons, founded in 1911, has donated £100 to the church’s appeal
WESTGATE LADY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER TO STAGE FUNDRAISER
A LADY from Westgate who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April has organised a fundraising event for Breast Cancer Now. Elaine Anderson (48) is a wife and mother of two girls who found a lump in her breast after
MS CHARITY SHOP IS BACK!!
AFTER 18 long months, the MS shop in Stanhope has re-opened with a whole new refurbishment and lots of high-quality goods at very affordable prices. The official opening was a step back in time with all the old faces gathering
LONG-ESTABLISHED FISH SHOP CLOSING IN WOLSINGHAM
Situated in Angate Street and run by Ken Craven for the last 37 years, the fish and chip shop will close and be made into Ken’s adjoining home. He is retiring and at the age of 85, with a lifetime
Why SSAFA’s Work Matters More Than Ever
PCC Joy Allen explains, in her own words, why her connection to SSAFA Durham is deeply personal, shaped by her years as the wife of a serving soldier and her time living and working within the military community. Those experiences
Dads invited to enjoy a Gentleman’s Grazing Board at Auckland Palace this Father’s Day
Families looking to treat their dad this Father’s Day can enjoy a Gentleman’s Grazing Board in the historic surroundings of the Old Library at Auckland Palace. Taking place on Sunday 21 June, the special experience offers a savoury feast fit
Celebrate Jack Drum Arts 40th Birthday!
F IS FOR FORTY, FESTIVAL, FREE, FUN, AND OF COURSE, FABULOUS!Save the Date: Saturday 15th August 2026 heralds a landmark anniversary for Jack Drum Arts, and we’d love to celebrate 40 years of brilliant community creativity with you! 40FEST promises to be
Military music marks Wharton Park’s 10-year celebration
A fun-filled day of military music is lined-up at Wharton Park, celebrating ten years since its reopening following a significant revamp. Durham County Council is encouraging residents to join the 8th Battalion the Rifles, and their military band and bugles,
Local Crafter heading to BBC Gardeners’ World Live
A local crafter is preparing for an experience of a lifetime by showcasing and selling her innovative designs in Birmingham. Claire Nicholas, originally from Howden-le-Wear and a former pupil of Wolsingham School, is heading to the BBC’s Gardeners’ World Live
WOLSINGHAM MAN DEVISES GAMES FOR WEDDING HIRE
A MAN from Wolsingham who made a ‘Crazy Golf’ game for his son’s wedding has helped found a business on its success. Andrew Marshall, a Process Engineer by trade took waste materials from renovated offices, which were destined for landfill
New Italian-Inspired Café Bistro Opens in Stanhope
Visitors to the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope can now enjoy a fresh new dining experience following the opening of Cavaliere, a new Italian-inspired café from the owners of the popular Buon Appetito restaurant in Wolsingham. The new venture, which