REDISCOVER TEESDALE by lyndsayoxley

AUGUST 2013 ISSUE 1

RE DISCOVER TEESDALE T A S T E OF

M I C H E L I N S TA R C H E F

READY FOR

R E PA I R ? FULL BODY

MOT

AVA I L A B L E

JEREMIAH

D I X O N 250 YEARS DOWN THE LINE

H E R I TA G E T R A I L

TEESDALE TV

F O O D F E S T I VA L

...Past, Present & Future

WELCOME

LYNDSAY OXLEY

Hello!

Welcome to the first issue of REdiscover Teesdale. Read on to find out more about what Teesdale has to offer, listen in on what’s been going on over the past month in your area and find out where your next trip in the dales might take you. Whether a visitor or a local, Teesdale has something for everyone. If you’ve think you’ve seen it all, think again. It’s time for you to rediscover such a beautiful place. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did putting it together!

The REdiscover Teesdale team x

CONTENTS 4 Teesdale Talk The latest news in Teesdale

18 Picture Teesdale Picturesque sights

29 Teesdale Dining Where to eat

6 Stepping back in time The story of Jeremiah Dixon

20 Taste of Teesdale Celebrating the area’s finest produce

30 Star Chef Teesdale’s Michelin star chef

9 Follow the line Bowes Museum

22 In the mood for baking Local artisan baker’s success

32 Just around the corner Nearby attractions not to be missed

10 Spiritual Attraction Plans for new TV channel

25 Attraction Feature Castles in the Teesdale sky

34 Coming up Prepare for Teesdale next month

13 Famous Faces Teesdale’s celebrities

26 Relax & Unwind Where to stay

14 Wander through history Barnard Castle’s blue plaque trail

28 Full Body MOT A spa with a difference

Editor: Lyndsay Oxley

Cover image by Lyndsay Oxley

Visit us at www.rediscoverteesdale.co.uk Twitter: @rediscoverteesdale Email us at: info@rediscoverteesdale.co.uk AUGUST 2013

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“ EESDALE TALK”

“ ” ” “ ” “ “ ...Latest news in the dales

TEESDALE TOURISM BOOST

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After closing its doors back in 2011, local residents and visitors alike feared that they would never step foot in the Bowlees Visitor Centre again. However, with a little help from the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, the centre’s doors have been reopened and the spirit of the upper dales has been reignited. Bowlees Visitor Centre has been given a £250,000 makeover and now boasts interactive displays, electric bikes which can be hired, a gift shop and a café.

TEESDALE CHEESE BEST IN CLASS

Despite only making an appearance onto the cheese market last year, Teesdale’s Leaside Cheesemakers have received a national award for the quality of their Teesdale Blue. Mr and Mrs Dedman produce the cheese from their home farm in Hilton. They were shocked to see it become one of only seven cheeses in the country to be presented with a Prince of Wales Award for Outstanding Quality. Despite the award been given purely through selection by the judges, locals see it as the confirmation of what they have been thinking of the cheese since it went on sale at Barnard Castle’s monthly Farmers’ Market.

VETS, CAMERA, ACTION

The team of vets from Castle Veterinary Practice in Barnard Castle are set to star in a new BBC TV series. The practice deals with small animals, farm animals and horses all under the one roof. This is quite rare with veterinary practices and so this could have been the reason the Teesdale team were chosen to appear on TV. The 15 vets at Barnard Castle will be in shot of the camera for around three months in preparation for a fly-on-the-wall type documentary. The programme will be aired on our screens next year and filming is due to begin this month.

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” “ “ “ ” ” “ “ ” “ BOTTOMS UP

A new beer has been brewed with the help of a Barnard Castle locals to celebrate the town’s biggest annual theatrical performance. This is the second time that the town’s theatrical team, the Castle Players decided to have a beer named after their performance. This year’s production was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream which took place in the grounds of the Bowes Museum last month. It is hoped that the new beer, Bottoms Up, will be as big of a hit as last year’s beer. Owner of The Old Well Inn and one of the Castle Players, Peter Cockerill said: “Last year people couldn’t get enough of it. I bought three casks and had to take it off because it sold out so this year I’ve got five.” The beer will be on sale in many of the local pubs.

£1 CASTLE NOMINATED FOR HERITAGE AWARD

Castle ruins which cost a local architect a mere one pound have been nominated for an English Heritage award. Niall Hammond-Hardie bought the twelfth century ruins of Scargill Castle as a wedding present for his wife back in 1999. After spending more than ten years restoring the site and transforming what used to be a practice base for bombing during World War II, the ruins now stand in the form of luxury holiday lets. The project has been shortlisted in a competition, which is being supported by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The competition aims to recognise individuals who have prevented historic landmarks from disappearing. Votes can be made by visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/aboutangelawards.

TEESDALE’S FIRST PRO-WAR BOXER

It has emerged that Barnard Castle is the home of its first professional boxer since World War II. Owen Raine, who is 24 years old, only started boxing four years ago. He is now a qualified coach and runs his own private classes in Barnard Castle’s amateur boxing club. Mr Raine is currently training hard in preparation for his debut in front of around four thousand people. This will take place on 15th September at Darlington Mowden Park RFC. If things go his way, who knows, Barnard Castle could see their very own British boxing champion sooner than they think.

DO YOU KNOW SOMETHING WE DON’T? LET US KNOW! info@rediscoverteesdale.co.uk

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Stepping back

in time

Cockfield Fell where Jeremiah and his brother once played when they were young

Celebrations have been underway in Teesdale in recognition of a scientist and astronomer who helped to draw one of the most famous lines on Earth, the Mason-Dixon line, an astonishing 250 years ago

esidents of a local mining village have been celebrating the life of a fellow villager who helped to survey the most famous boundary on Earth after the Equator, the Mason-Dixon line, 250 years ago. Celebratory events have been held over the past few weeks to commemorate work and life of the Cockfield-born scientist, surveyor and astronomer, Jeremiah Dixon. Jeremiah Dixon, was born in Cockfield in 1733. He was recognised for his talented map-making skills after being appointed by the Royal Society to record the two transits of Venus in the 1760s which became notably the best transits ever recorded that year. Following this, in 1763, Jeremiah was appointed to join forces with Charles Mason, a Gloucestershire-born astronomer who was at the time working at the Royal Observatory in London, to define a boundary between two American states and settle a dispute between the landowners.

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“What they did was so incredible it’s like walking on the moon”

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The two British men set out to survey an accurate boundary between the free state of Pennsylvania in the North and the slave state of Maryland in the South. This line, which has become widely recognised as the Mason-Dixon Line, became the dividing line between the Northern and Southern US states during the American Civil War. Still to this day, the line 6 RE DISCOVER

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LYNDSAY OXLEY One of the replica milestones on display in Cockfield today

holds huge significance to the people of the American states. To coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of work on the Mason-Dixon line, a village fun day was held on Saturday 27th July in Cockfield. The day consisted of live bands, hog roasts and coach trips around the local area. The event was organised by a small committee of local residents who have been keen to raise awareness of such an incredible part of local history. As well as the entrance sign into the village of Cockfield which proclaims Cockfield to be the home of Jeremiah Dixon, the committee were able to push Dixon’s presence that little bit further. Two information plaques and two replica milestone markers were created and are now

on show in the village as a permanent tribute. The stone markers are of a very similar style to those that can still be found today on the Mason-Dixon line in America. John Dixon, who lives in Darlington, is a direct descendent of Jeremiah Dixon as his great, great, great, great, great nephew. He was one of 30 ancestors from across the world who was able to attend the celebration day. John Dixon said: “We wanted to create a lasting memory of him and it’s great to put my relative’s name back in the public domain. He also added: “I hope the marker and crown stones in Cockfield are a permanent reminder of what they achieved.” Among others at the village’s celebratory event, members of the Mason-Dixon Preservation Partnership were also there having coming all the way from the States especially for Jeremiah Dixon. The ultimate aim of this group is to maintain and preserve the stones that mark out the famous line. One of the members who travelled over to join in the celebrations was Linda Kaat. Linda Kaat said: “It’s an honour to be in Cockfield to mark the anniversary. What a special story this is. What they did was so incredible it’s like walking on the moon.” For more information about upcoming events visit www.jeremiah-dixon.co.uk

EXPLORE

Jeremiah Dixon guided walks across Cockfield Fell by local Historian John Hallimond The walks offer an insight in to the influence which Jeremiah Dixon and his family had on developments in coal extraction and transport. When? First Sunday of each month starting at the Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre, Butterknowle

DID YOU

Lord Baltimore’s family seat, incidentally emerged as being Kiplin Hall in North Yorkshire.

“...one of the most groundbreaking projects in Anglo-American history”

Jeremiah supported his brother George in surveying a proposal to build a canal to carry the coal from Cockfield Fell to the River Tees at Gainford, a project that was never built.

The term ‘Dixie-land’ is universally recognised and still used today to refer to the southern States of America, those south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

LYNDSAY OXLEY

Jeremiah Dixon

Cockfield Fell where Jeremiah Dixon played as a child

- C O C K F I E L D ’ S M O S T FA M O U S S O N 1 7 3 3

eremiah Dixon, a scientist, surveyor and astronomer was born in the mining village of Cockfield in 1733. He grew up with his older brother George and together they played on Cockfield fell where their father owned several small coal pits. Jeremiah was a talented map maker which was a skill that largely depended on the understanding and knowledge of astronomy. It was this talent which led to his appointment by the Royal Society to record the two transits of Venus across the face of the Sun back in 1761. In 1961, Jeremiah Dixon was appointed to join forces with Charles Mason, a Gloucestershire-born astronomer who was at the time working at the Royal Observatory in London. Together they first had to travel to Sumatra. However, their journey didn’t get off to a good start, having become becalmed in Portsmouth for seven weeks and then being attacked by a French warship once they did actually set sail Once their planned destination was revised, the two men set sail for Cape Town in South Africa. Luckily, on 6th June 1761, they arrived just in time to record some of the best ever observations of Venus crossing the face of the Sun. These observations made by the two British men, were the best in the world that year. The success of this expedition led to Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason mapping out the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland in America in 1763. This task came about after the

British men were approached by Thomas Penn, known as the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania and the world’s largest private landowner at the time and Lord Baltimore who is known to be the first Proprietor and Proprietary Governor of the Province of Maryland. Mason and Dixon were asked to pin point an accurate boundary between the two territories. The line was distinguished using the stars as a guide for where to place the English quarry stone markers. Each of the stone markers were engraved with the letter ‘P’ for Pennsylvania on the North side and ‘M’ for Maryland on the South side. The two men couldn’t have imagined what the stone would come to represent. Nevertheless, this challenge was a great success for the two men and together they completed one of the most groundbreaking projects in Anglo-American history. It took five years for the two men to mark the line and draw up the final map. This was with

- 1779

the help of over one hundred men who were employed to cut through forests and across mountains in order to place a stone marker at every mile. After Jeremiah’s work in America came to an end, he returned home to Cockfield where his life became such a huge contrast to what he had become used to. Jeremiah worked as a surveyor for the Raby Estates as well as surveying the likes of Auckland Castle Park and Lanchester Moor during which time he drew some of the most beautiful maps. Jeremiah passed away unmarried on 22nd January 1779 at the age of 46. He was buried in Staindrop, a neighbouring village to his home. Over 200 years on from Jeremiah’s death, some believe that the Cockfield-born scientist is now often mis-remembered or in some cases forgotten about. Contrary to this, many refuse to draw the line (unlike Jeremiah) on such a significant Teesdale figure.

LYNDSAY OXLEY The former Cockfield home of Jeremiah Dixon still stands

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MARK PLUMMER

LYNDSAY OXLEY

LYNDSAY OXLEY Jeremiah Dixon: Top left, top right and botton - Sign marking the 100th mile stone in America, a map showing the location of the Mason-Dixon line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, the entrance sign to Jeremiah’s former home village of Cockfield in Teesdale.

SLEEPING ON THE

Today on the Mason-Dixon line, lie properties which have been found to be cut straight through the middle by the historical divide. The Mary-Penn Bed & Breakfast which is located in Gettysburg is split in tw meaning that half of the guesthouse is in Pennsylvania and the other half is in Maryland. Bea Waybright, who runs the guesthouse said: “The information handed down to us states that the Mason-Dixon line came in the front door, stayed left of the bannister of the staircase and went out the back window. So, yes the shower is in Pennsylvania and the toilet in Maryland.” Some guests like this idea, others really don’t and often refuse to stay in a room which straddles the famous marking. The property is also home to two original stone markers which attract a lot of visitors.

About the museum...

Bowes Museum was purpose built in the style of a French château in the 19th century by husband and wife, John and Joséphine Bowes. John was a successful businessman and Joséphine was a talented amateur painter and actress. Together they created the plans for the museum which would house a world of art that would be on show to the public for many years to come. Joséphine laid the first foundation stone for the museum in 1869. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1874 after which John’s motivation for the project came to a stand still. Sadly not long after, John also passed away in 1885 meaning that neither of them ever saw the museum completed. Since opening to the public back in June 1892, the museum has showcased a diverse selection of art spread across three floors which was originally started by the Bowes. Together with the different exhibitions, its picturesque parkland grounds and not forgetting its café and gift shop, the Bowes Museum now makes a perfect family day out! DVDBRAMHALL

716 Mason Dixon Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 17325, United States www.mary-pennbb.com The famous silver swan (1773) on display at the museum 8 RE DISCOVER

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FOLLOW THE LINE T here is currently a public exhibition at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. This exhibition, ‘Jeremiah Dixon: Scientist, Surveyor and Stargazer’ is available to see until Sunday 6th October. Visitors will be able to see items such as the surveying equipment, historic maps, model ships and the actual telescope which Jeremiah used during the transits of Venus back in his days. This is the first time that Jeremiah Dixon has been celebrated in such depth and the first time that artefacts have been brought together. The exhibition enabled Charles Mason’s lost journal to be found as well as promoting the gathering of the Dixon family. Media and Public Relations Officer at the Bowes Museum, Sheila Dixon, said: “The exhi-

bition has been extremely well received by visitors, after it was officially opened by Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale, FRS, the 14th Astronomer Royal, in April. We’ve had interest from astronomers, historians, Dixon family descendants as well as general visitors.” Exhibition Researcher and local historian, Jonathan Peacock, has spent the past two years researching the life and work of the famous Cockfield resident in order to make the exhibition possible. He feels that such local information deserves to be brought to the public attention in order to make people aware of the history of their roots. Mr Peacock said: “It is a pity he is not so well known in his own back yard. There cannot have been five people in the north of England who

DRGILLYBEAN

had set eyes on native Americans and yet he had worked with them.” He added: “Most people knew of him, but the detail of their knowledge was usually very sparse, and they have enjoyed the extra information very much. Following on the Dickens celebration of last year, it has helped to generate pride and interest in our own area.” Why not take a visit yourself! Jeremiah Dixon: Scientist, Surveyor and Stargazer Sat 27 Apr 13 - Sun 06 Oct 13 The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8NP Tel: 01833 690606 AUGUST 2013

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GEOFF DIXON

SPIRITUAL ATTRACTION The unveiling of Barnard Castle’s spooky secrets is about to help boost t o u r i s m i n t h e m a r k e t t o w n w i t h t h e l a u n c h o f a T V c h a n n e l , Te e s d a l e T V

espite being unsuccessful in gaining ‘Portas status,’ the market town of Barnard Castle has stepped up the mark by proposing ideas for a new TV channel as a way of trying to attract more visitors to the Teesdale area. Back in April this year, retail expert Mary Portas laid out her plans to choose 12 UK towns and cities to each receive up to £100,000 in funding in order to boost their high streets. Barnard Castle was put forward as a nominee for this funding and supported by the Barnard Castle Guild who believed that the town deserved to win. The Barnard Castle Guild was formed back in 2008 following a grant from Barnard Castle Vision to encourage local businesses and retailers to promote the town. Initial plans for a winning bid included shop makeovers, customer loyalty cards and a shopping website for the town. However, Barnard Castle was unfortunately unsuccessful in acquiring the lump sum. Nevertheless, the town’s spirit has conjured together plans to fulfill some of the ideas that at first only depended on the success of the bid. Barnard Castle is set to launch its first TV channel which will be known as Teesdale TV. The man behind all of this is local amateur filmmaker, Geoff Dixon who has pursued the ideas surrounding the launch of a TV channel for the town. He believes that the town will not suffer due to its recent lack of funding and that it can

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excel itself with just the help of the locals. Geoff Dixon said: “Hundreds of towns applied for the grants and most towns have now spent their Portas money with very little effect.” He also added: “Barnard Castle has very few empty shops compared to any other town. In fact, Barnard Castle’s shops are not in the dire need that most towns are.”

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“I heard about one ghostly encounter in the area when the person ran out of their house and never returned to it”

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Work on the plans and launch of Teesdale TV are currently underway. Mr Dixon is currently working on what could be the channel’s pilot film. The film is going to be about the ghostly goings on that have been experienced and witnessed in the town. He is gathering stories from locals as a basis for the film. It is hoped that more tourism could be generated by bringing another interesting element of the popular town to light. “Barnard Castle is a fairly popular location for holiday tourists and day trippers. The public and the media are fascinated by such tales so this idea could just be the tipping point that makes more people decide to come here,” he said.

Barnard Castle Town Council are strongly behind the idea too. Michael King, the Town Clerk said: “Barnard Castle, in common with the whole of Teesdale, is a known tourism destination. Anything that is capable of reinforcing that and which can drive additional visitors by enriching their experience of the town is a positive benefit to the town, its businesses and its residents.” The idea for Teesdale TV’s spooky pilot film came about after Geoff was invited on a ghost tour of York. Being a different kind of night out to say the least, this sparked the idea for what was first just going to be a simple documentary. However, Mr Dixon soon saw the opportunity to use it to try and increase tourism. After all, there are over 30 other UK towns which offer such outings proving that macabre interest, so why not in Barnard Castle. The pilot film is set to be made up from a series of around 100 short films, each of which might be an average of around 90 seconds long. As it stands, the research for the project has been mostly completed and any scripts regarding historic knowledge, facts and figures have been written. So far, 30 of the short films have also been recorded and edited. There is at least 50 storytellers involved in the making of the series too which means that Barnard Castle certainly has a tale or two to tell. Mr Dixon said: “The most shocking ghostly encounter in the area which I have been told about by locals is one instance when the person

ran out of their house and never returned to it. In fact, they put it on the market the same day.” Teesdale TV isn’t Mr Dixon’s first attempt at skillful filmmaking within the town. As part of the Mary Portas town bid, towns were asked to submit a video which demonstrated why a town was so deserving of the funding. Mr Dixon put together a seven minute video which promoted Barnard Castle, representing the historic market town in a somewhat different manner. Despite the no-nonsense approach displayed by other competing towns, Barnard Castle’s video was certainly on a level of its own. He said: “Barnard Castle is a little different so we decided to do something different with our Mary Portas video.” The video footage included interviews with local residents and shopkeepers as well as with the comedian, John Bishop and TV antiques expert, David Harper who lives in Barnard Castle himself. The video also showed the pretend footage of an aeroplane crashing into the town’s nineteenth century French-style chateau, Bowes Museum. With Teesdale TV well underway there is little wonder that people are eager to hear what the future holds should this spooky piece be a success. Despite rumours that the online TV channel for the locals could feature a weekly news programme or behind the scenes films of some of the town’s venues and workplaces, Mr Dixon is just taking everything one step at a time. He said: “Teesdale TV is in effect me at this stage. The TV channel now depends on how well this first project is received by the public.”

TEESDALE

CAULDRON’S SNOUT - THE ‘SINGING LADY’ A Victorian farm girl who drowned herself in the waterfall when her love affair with a local leadminer came to an end. She has been seen sitting on a rock near to the waterfall where she mourns over the loss of her loved one.

STAINDROP SPECTRE A bloodstained rider has been seen galloping on a white horse across the fields before disappearing into the ground.

SEEN A GHOST? If you have any ghostly experiences in the town which you would like to share, get in touch with Mr Dixon by emailing him at geoff.dixon@mediahandling.co.uk or post your stories to Tappers UK ltd, Enterprise House, Harmire Industrial Park, DL12 8XT

HAMSTERLEY FOREST A phantom rider has been seen here. It is said that the spirit disappears upon entering the woods.

RABY CASTLE The spectre of Charles Nevill is seen in the Baron’s Hall, where in 1569 he plotted the rebellion known as the Rising of the North. The headless ghost of Henry Vane the Younger is said to haunt the library. First Lady Barnard is said to stalk the halls knitting with white-hot needles.

THE OLD WELL INN - BARNARD CASTLE In this 17th century pub, a cavalier has been sighted using the urinals.

JIM BRODIE AUGUST 2013

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FAMOUS There are lots of well known Teesdale celebrities both past and present. Here are a few...

LYNDSAY OXLEY

Mary Ann Cotton (1832-1873)

Richard III (1452-1485)

Hannah Hauxwell

Mary Ann Cotton, Britain’s first serial killer, lived for part of her life in the village of West Auckland on the outskirts of Teesdale. She gained her status as one of Victorian Britain’s wickedest women two decades before the likes of Jack the Ripper made himself known on the streets of Whitechapel in London. Mary Ann killed more than twenty individuals by poisoning them with arsenic. The unfortunate victims included four of her husbands, five of her own children and her own Mother. It was in her home in West Auckland where she took the life of her last victim and was arrested. She was then taken to Durham Prison for execution.

Richard III has significant links to the Teesdale area. As the son of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York who both grew up in Raby Castle in Staindrop, Richard was made Lord of Barnard Castle in 1474 at the age of 25. Also as former King of England, Richard was killed during battle in 1485 after which his position on the throne was taken over by Henry Tudor who became known as Henry VII.

Hannah Hauxwell is best known for her appearances on TV as the English farmer who lived alone without running water and electricity in the Dales. Hannah single-handedly managed a 70 acre farm in the Dales with just her cows for company. Hannah is now 87 years old and is residing more comfortably in a retirement home in the village of Cotherstone.

David Harper British TV antiques expert, David Harper currently lives in Barnard Castle in Teesdale. David’s antiques business is located in the market town too where visitors can pop in and have their unburied treasures valued. David is best known for his appearances on popular TV shows such as Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Antiques Roadtrip and more recently, Bargain Hunt.

Anne Fine The award-winning author Anne Fine who was born in Leicester in 1947, today resides in the market town of Barnard Castle. With over forty books to her name, Anne Fine is best known for writing children’s literature although she does write for adults too. Some of here best known novels include Flour Babies and Goggle-Eyes both of which she has been presented with prestigious awards for including the Carnegie Medal.

DO YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER FAMOUS TEESDALE FACES? LET US KNOW LYNDSAY OXLEY Mary Ann Cotton’s house in West Auckland today

info@rediscoverteesdale.co.uk

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DVDBRAMHALL

WANDER THROUGH

H I S TO RY

W h y n o t g e t l o s t i n t h e d e p t h o f B a r n a r d C a s t l e ’s h i s t o r y. . .

The trail begins at the top of the town in Galgate outside number 57. From 1760, this was the home of historian, William Hutchinson and his wife, Elizabeth. Mr Hutchinson built the house himself. Back then Galgate was much different to how it is now with much fewer buildings already in existence. To begin with, Mr Hutchinson had worked as a solicitor. However, business turned out to be poorer than he had at first anticipated and so he found himself as a writer and later excelled as a historian. The couple lived together in this property for 58 years. Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in 1814, followed by her husband who also died only five days later.

Walking on a little down Galgate, on the corner of King’s Street is the next plaque. This commemorates the life of a modern British naval historian and author, Cyril Northcote Parkinson. Mr Parkinson is the only person ever to have a blue plaque erected about them during their own lifetime. The plaque signifies the work he was recognised for including the sixty books which he wrote of which his bestseller was ‘Parkinson’s Law.’ He passed away in 1993.

Just around the corner, the next plaque is situated. The building, 49 Galgate used to be the home of surgeon, Edward Nixon. Mr Nixon served for the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular war as well as for an incredible 50 years for the Durham Militia. Mr Nixon’s skill in medical science was greatly appreciated throughout the town. He passed away in 1869, aged 82.

This plaque was put up in memory of a local tea and spirits merchant, Abraham Hilton. He became well known for his caring personality and the help he offered the poor in the town.

OFFICIAL BLUE PLAQUE TRAIL

Still on Galgate, it is surprising to learn that this plaque marks the boundary stone of the cattle market which was once held in this part of the town. Today, the town’s cattle market is held in a purpose built auction mart. This mart was put up following complaints about the state of the main streets after a cattle market.

The sixth plaque of the trail marks the former residence of an explorer and geologist. Sir Roderick Murchison was the first person to describe and investigate the Silurian system about life on Earth over 400 million years ago. He is best known for his classification of Palaeozoic rocks from this time. He was the only man ever to be President of both the Royal Geological and the Royal Geographical Societies.

The last plaque to be found on Galgate, recognises the work of a photographer. Elijah Yeoman helped to increase the fame of Teesdale’s scenery in the late Victorian times after moving to Barnard Castle in the 1870s. Some of Elijah’s work is still held in Bowes Museum today for the public to admire.

Moving on to Horsemarket, this plaque marks the mid-nineteenth century site of the Post Office in the town. Over the years, the location of the Post Office in the town has depended on the method of transport by which mail was delivered to the town initially. For instance, the Post Office was located in Bridgegate when the post was delivered by coach at Greta Bridge and brought by horses across the County Bridge. Similarly, when the mail was delivered by train to a station near Galgate, the Post Office moved towards the town centre.

This plaque marks the site of the old store house. A fire broke out in the stores in 1764. At the time, gunpowder was being stored close by and if the fire had reached this point it would have been made far worse. Luckily, officers were able to move the powder to a nearby church for safe storage. It was kept in the church under tight security until the stores were repaired. The old store house was also used as the site of the hospital for the Durham Militia for many years.

This was the building where the first edition of the Darlington and Stockton Times was published on 2nd October 1847. The founder and first editor of this newspaper was Mr George Brown. The newspapers offices moved to Darlington in 1848.

This building which is today known as The Witham, was erected in memory of Henry Witham in 1844. Mr Witham was well known for his work with the Mechanics Institute during which he helped to provide education for the working classes. He also did a substantial amount of work for the Relief of the Sick Poor. The Witham originally housed medical and educational facilities which Mr Witham himself had worked to provide for the local area. AUGUST 2013

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This building is said to have played host to the well known English writer Charles Dickens during his visit to the town in 1838. The King’s Head Hotel was where Dickens satyed whilst collecting information and ideas which were used in his novel, Nicholas Nickleby.

While visiting the town, Charles Dickens showed an interest in the town’s clock-maker, Thomas Humphreys. Dickens made Humphreys famous in his novels by using his name in Master Humphrey’s Clock. This plaque marks the site of the shop which Humphreys moved to about four years after Dickens’ visit to Barnard Castle.

The site of this plaque marks what is today known as the Butter Market or the Market Cross. Originally created as a Butter Market, this was where farmers’ wives would sell their dairy produce from. The name Market Cross is believed to have come about in the 1930s when a market cross once stood there and announcements were made from the steps which have since been removed.

This plaque was put up in memory of Richard III, a former Lord of Barnard Castle, having been Duke of Gloucester and the King of England. Richard III became Lord of the town at the age of 25 in 1474.

This is the site of another of the shops used by clock-maker Thomas Humphreys which attracted Charles Dickens during his visit to the town in 1838. Unfortunately it was demolished in 1933 during a road-widening scheme in the town. Humphreys family are said to have made clock and watches during the reigns of four monarchs.

THE POSS

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Today, Blagraves House, located on The Bank in the market town is a restaurant. However, over the years it has been used as a private house, an inn, a rope-works and a museum. The building is the oldest house in Barnard Castle and was named after its seventeenth century owners. The building is said to have played host to Oliver Cromwell in 1648.

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This house was the former residence of knight and Baron of the Court of the Exchequer, Sir John Hullock. Hullock was born in Barnard Castle in 1764. He was renowned for being kind to the locals and the poor of the town. After he passed away whilst a judge on the Oxford Circuit, his body was returned to the town for burial and a portrait of him was presented to the locals and still remains in the Bowes Museum today.

This plaque marks the site of the first Methodist Chapel to be built in the town. Its appearance has changed a lot over the years with various alterations and additional windows. The south side is the side which has maintained most of its original appearance as a chapel.

This building used to be the meeting house in the town. Visiting speakers like John Wesley, who was the founder of Methodism, preached here in 1763.

This final plaque marks a part of Barnard Castle’s industry. Low Mill Foundry stood here from 1869 until 1991. The company’s name is in reference to its former location on the riverside. After all, the town’s industry began on the riverside where water power was used to produce textiles.

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“A picture is worth a thousand words...”

ANDY BECK

MINXLJ 3 RE DISCOVER

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ANDY BECK

LYNDSAY OXLEY

PICTURE

TEESDALE AUGUST 2013

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Celebrating the

Taste Teesdale of FESTIVAL FOOD

Thousands of people visited Teesdale to sample and celebrate its local produce

ast month saw the first ever food festival to take place in Teesdale. Organised by Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market, The ‘Taste of Teesdale’ Festival was held in the picturesque grounds of Raby Castle on 21st July. The festival celebrated the vast array of local produce which the area has to offer. The event offered visitors a fun-filled day packed with lots to see and buy. There was around 55 local businesses and producers who played a part in the festival, showcasing some of Teesdale’s finest food,

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drink and crafts. Local businesses present on the day included The Moody Baker, Dotties Cupcakes, The Gingerbread Mam, Loopy Lisa’s Fudge and Spicy Monkey. The festival is thought to have attracted over 2000 visitors from far and wide. Everyone was given the opportunity to meet and buy from local producers, making their purchases that extra bit special. With something to do for all the family, including activities for children, demonstrations and refreshments, the festival proved to be a

huge success and a great day out for all. William Ramsbottom, who is Market Manager and Director of Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market said: “The food festival was a fantastic success with stallholders and customers alike singing high praise. This was the first year and we hope to repeat it next year.” There is no doubt that visitors to the festival have been left hungry for more. It is hoped that the event will be repeated on an annual basis and will hopefully become a highlight of Teesdale’s summer calendar every year.

A Te e s d a l e m a r k e t t o w n s h o w c a s e s i t s l o c a l l y p r o d u c e d d e l i g h t s e v e r y m o n t h

he Teesdale market town of Barnard Castle has now held its monthly farmers’ market for the tenth year running. The Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market usually showcases an average of 35 stalls over a 350 foot long space at any one market. Surprisingly, one or two of the early stall holders still maintain their attendance each month, having done so since day one. Each of the stalls at the market offer an overwhelming array of local goods. William Ramsbottom who organises Barnard Castle Farmers’ Markets said: “We offer one of the most diverse selections of produce in the North of England. It is our proud boast that “Every Barney Farmers’ Market is a Food Festival”.” He also added: “We have fish, lamb, different types of beef, pork and venison, vegetables, preserves, beer, honey, chocolate, fresh bread, spices, coffee, salad dressings, locally grown fresh cut flowers, plants, different cheeses and fudge. There are so many lovely products it would take too long to list them all.” The market is located on the cobbles in Barnard Castle town centre on the first Saturday of every month. Being located in the centre of the

North of England, this allows access to some of the very best produce available. Subsequently, there are stallholders who have joined the local producers at the market from all four of the surrounding counties. With a running success, the market appears to be a key part of the town.

“” “Every Barney Farmers’ Market is a Food Festival”

Mr Ramsbottom said: “It has now been accepted by the businesses in town that the market has a very positive affect on the town with some shops telling us that they consistently have the best trading day of the month when the Farmers’ market is on.” The visitors to the market love it hence their re-visits. However, as a location, the town is also loved by the stallholders. They have spoke of the benefits that the market gains due to the tourism which the town attracts throughout the year alongside the local, loyal customers.

Mr Ramsbottom said: “I have been repeatedly told by stallholders that Barney market is now their best Farmers’ Market of the month. Being located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, how could it possibly not be?” He added: “Another one of the main reasons for customers visiting us is that not only are they offered the finest selection of produce in the North of England but they are usually able to talk directly to the person responsible for raising, producing and growing the product. This enables them to find out about whatever they are purchasing. For instance they can find out where the fruit in the jam was picked or where the carrots were grown.” Such contact with the producer has become the essence of farmers’ markets. Customer feedback from within the town has revealed that this is a huge draw for people to attend the market repeatedly throughout the year. This together with a vast amount of local advertising helps to make Barnard Castle’s Farmers’ Market one of the most popular and best attended markets in the North of England. www.barnardcastlefarmersmarket.co.uk

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In the mood for

baking

A Te e s d a l e a r t i s a n b a k e r y g e t s r e a d y t o c e l e b r a t e i t s t h i r d b i r t h d a y

family-run Teesdale artisan bakery has proved that locals are really in the mood for home baked products as it prepares to celebrate following its third successful year of trading since opening back in 2010. The Moody Baker in Barnard Castle opened its doors to customers almost three years ago following an offer of investment from within the market town. Since then, it has offered locals and visitors an array of appetising delights. Dave Baker, a partner in the business said: “Our idea was to produce high quality, traditionally made baked goods from the finest organic, fair traded and locally sourced ingredients. That’s still our mission today.” The name of the business, ‘The Moody Baker’ was much easier to think up than it might at first seem. The original shop that was first set up in Alston, was brought about through the work of Liz Moody and Meryl Baker. Today, Meryl’s son, Dave along with his fiancée, Sarah, keep the Barnard Castle bakery flowing. Having already been quite well known in Barnard Castle due to attending the farmers’ market there for about a year before opening the bakery in the town, the reputation of the skilled baking family has since gone from strength to strength. Mr Baker said: “We are all about the personal touch at the Moody Baker. We try and get to know our customers and find out what they like. We have even been known to design products for specific customers!” He also added: “We hand make everything at

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the Moody Baker from the pastry upwards. We also design, test and assemble all our own recipes and products. We combine all of this with faultless customer service.” Dave Baker is in charge of the savoury output at the Barnard Castle premises. It is Dave’s job to ensure that all of the pies, pasties, nutroasts, tarts and quiches are second to none. The bread department is taken care of by his fiancée Sarah. Together they oversee all of the cakes and sweet products. Nevertheless, despite their separate roles within the business, they are both equally responsible for the smooth running of the much loved bakery. However, they do believe in giving all staff a share of the reins.

“” “We are only as good as our next pasty”

Mr Baker said: “We do like to think of everyone as a family who works for The Moody Baker. It’s very small and we are a close knit team who rely on each other to get jobs done.” He added: “We try to give key staff as much autonomy as we can in their roles. We also try and allow all staff some development time so that they can come up with new recipes and product ideas.” The bakery offers an array of unique culinary delights, both savoury and sweet. With products ranging from breads and ever more popular sourdoughs, to pies and pasties, some of which are strangely vegetarian all the way to the

cakes and brownies, there is something to cater for all palettes. Dietary requirements are also kept in mind throughout the baking process as some of the bakery’s products cater for people with wheat allergies and such like. The quality and success of the hard work put in at The Moody Baker has been acknowledged with various prestigious awards. Earlier this year, The Moody Baker won gold in the British Pie Awards in recognition of their unique All Day Breakfast pie with sausage, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms and tomato sauce. Prior to this, the bakery was also awarded gold in the Great Taste Awards 2012 in recognition of their savoury Chelsea bun which they are very proud of. Another nationally famous piece put together by the Moody Baker is the Wolf Pie, their take on a steak and ale pie made with the famous Wolf ale from the local Allendale brewery. The pie gained national success back in May when it received a silver award in the EBLEX Britain’s Best Steak Pie competition. Mr Baker said: “My personal favourite is the lemoncello and brandy snap cheesecakes which is a joint effort between myself and our new apprentice Scot!” It also seems that visitors to the bakery have decided upon their favourites too. Mr Baker said: “In terms of our breads, our wholemeal is probably still our best seller, although the sourdoughs are coming up fast.” He also added: “Our pies and pasties have proved equally as popular too. Our Guinness and black pudding sausage rolls are probably

The Moody Baker, 22 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8LZ Tel: 01833 638844

our most popular savoury, although our Teesdale Lamb Pie is now a local favourite.” Unsurprisingly, work at The Moody Baker doesn’t finish at the close of shop. In between conjuring up new and exciting recipes to offer customers unique and mouth-watering products, the team must also maintain relationships with external retailers and events. The Moody Baker can often be found with a stall at various local events such as farmers’ markets and food festivals. Evidently, the team do literally work around the clock to provide their services within the upper dales. However, remaining rather modest about the success of the business Mr Baker said: “We are only as good as our next pasty.” www.themoodybaker.co.uk

WHAM BAM MERINGUE Wham Bam Meringue is run by two single mothers in Teesdale who set out to reinvent the meringue. Every Wham Bam meringue is both gluten and fat free meaning that they can be enjoyed guiltfree, providing the perfect local, sweet treat. The meringues are handmade with local free range eggs and Fairtrade sugar. They can be purchased in a variety of flavours including coffee, almond and ginger. Wham Bam meringues can be purchased from various local retailers including The Orchard greengrocers and delicatessen in Barnard Castle. The meringues can also be sampled as a desserts in various local cafés. www.whambammeringue.co.uk

L O O P Y L I S A’ S F U D G E Loopy Lisa’s Fudge was set up back in May 2004. Lisa Lane started to make her award-winning fudge in much larger quantities after being asked by a local shopkeeper to make some of her fudge to be sold. Originally, the fudge was produced in Lisa’s former home kitchen at Loop Lane in Butterknowle. Of course, Loop Lane inspired the chosen name for the business with Loopy Lisa being a play on these words. In 2006, as the business grew, it was relocated to an industrial kitchen in Evenwood where it remains today. Despite starting out on her own, Lisa now has a team of helpers to aid the production process, including her Mother who also coowns the business with Lisa now too. The fudge is handmade to a unique recipe which has become much loved by many. This has been reflected with the various awards which Lisa has gained for her hard work. Lisa said: “The original Vanilla recipe comes from a Women’s Institute cookbook that was given to me by a lady called Heather Parkin after a conversation I had about trying to make fudge. It uses butter, evaporated milk, sugar and water. That recipe is the basis for all other recipes we make, though I have made the other ingredient quantities up through experimentation.” She added: “If I think a flavour will work, it usually does but that’s just through experience.”

Lisa offers a large assortment of homemade fudge, with over 50 different flavours to try, some being somewhat different. She said: “Newcastle Brown Ale Fudge is the one that you would think would be awful but it is actually really nice!” Loopy Lisa’s Fudge can be purchased at various local independent retailers. It can also be found at local farmers’ markets and food events. The mouthwatering pieces can also be found around the country including in the Central London department store, Fortnum and Mason. 1 Randolph Industrial Estate,  Evenwood Co. Durham DL14 9SJ www.loopylisasfudge.co.uk AUGUST 2013

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ATTRACTION FEATURE

Castles in the

Teesdale sky

aby Castle is one of the best preserved castles in the country. Dating back to the fourteenth century with a history going back almost one thousand years, it was built by John Nevill in the late 1300s. The Nevills, who inhabited the castle first, were one of the most powerful families of the North at the time. Following the unsuccessful ‘Rising of the North’ in 1569, this was when the castle changed hands for the first time. Raby Castle was held in royal custody until 1626 when Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased it. This significant change of hands marked the end of the

LYNDSAY OXLEY

Nevill ownership which had spanned nearly four hundred years. The Vanes were the next family to take charge of the castle. Today, Raby Castle is the private home of Lord Barnard. Lord Barnard is a direct descendent of the Nevills of Raby through his Grandmother. The Grade I listed building stands undefeated in the 250 acres of walled gardens which surround the castle. Red deer, the largest British wild land mammal, can be found grazing in the castle grounds. These deer have ancestry roots from the deer that were kept in this area in the Norman times. Today the castle is well known for the collec-

tions of art which it houses. The castle is home to pieces by the likes of Van Dyck and Giordano. A visit to the castle not only offers a taste of history but also a chance to take everything in in the castle’s tearooms. There is also a gift shop open to visitors and an adventure playground for the children to enjoy. The castle and grounds are open for the public to explore. Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH Tel: 01833 660202 www.rabycastle.com

MARK ABEL

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Relax & Unwind Take a rest in a luxurious Teesdale hotel...

The Jersey Farm Hotel

Darlington Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8TA Tel: 01833 638223

The Jersey Farm hotel is a unique and quirky hotel located on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. The hotel began as a family run farm. It has since grown and developed into a successfully and internationally recognised place to stay in the dales. The hotel offers guests a peaceful nights sleep as well as a beautiful backdrop to enjoy food and drinks in its own 10 acres of private farmland.

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SUMMONEDBYFELLS

The Morritt Arms Country House Hotel

Greta Bridge nr Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9SE Tel: 01833 627232

The Morritt Arms is a luxury hotel and spa located in the heart of Teesdale. The building which dates back to the seventeenth century, welcomes guests with its laid back and relaxed atmosphere. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a short getaway, the hotel guarantees a perfect retreat.

SUMMONEDBYFELLS

The Teesdale Hotel is an eighteenth century coaching inn which is located right in the middle of the North of England in the picturesque village of Middleton-in-Teesdale. Nestled between sights such as the Yorkshire Dales and the High Pennines, the hotel offers a perfect base for both visitors and locals. Whether it’s a bite to eat that is needed or a bed for the night, the Teesdale Hotel caters for all.

ANDREW BODEN

The Teesdale Hotel

For more ideas on where to stay visit our website www.rediscoverteesdale.co.uk

Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 0QG Tel: 01833 640264 AUGUST 2013

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FULL BODY MOT

“

Are your batteries in need of a recharge? Are you in need of a body overhaul to make sure you are running smoothly? Why not visit the Garage Spa for a full service

ince opening its doors in December at the end of last year, The Garage Spa at The Morritt Arms Country House Hotel is offering its visitors the full works. Hotel owner and Managing Director, Barbara-Anne Johnson has seen top results from the spa which she thought up the idea for. The new state of the art spa is located in the original garage which has been stood there for over 100 years now. Originally, it was used as an inn by travellers so that horses could rest after pulling the coaches. Following the invention of the car it was then used to service vehicles that were passing by. Now, more than a century later the garage is offering a whole new form of service to its visitors. As well as having an electric charging unit on site, the old stopping station has been transformed into a first class spa, one of the most distinct in the country. Barbara Johnson said: “We now offer a new kind of service and many of the treatments have garage themed names as well as our products.” The spa offers a wide variety of treatments, everything that you would expect from a country spa and more. Visitors can visit the different parts of the spa depending on their needs. Some of the most unique treatments on offer at The Garage include a log-fired sauna in a shepherds hut

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“As soon as you walk through the front door you feel your whole body relaxing”

”

and a salt relaxation room. If it’s the whole body that is in need of some TLC then a visit to the Body Shop is a must. Offering an array of relaxation methods and treatments, guests really can sit back and relax. Some guests enjoy a visit to the Mud Pit where they can cleanse their skin in mud from

the Austrian Alps and finish off with a refreshing blast in a tropical shower. If this isn’t quite what is required then, the Dry Float is also a popular choice. The Dry Float offers the beauty of dry floatation alongside treatments such as massages and wraps. What better way to relax than experiencing the feeling of floating into paradise whilst laid on a special bed filled with warm water. After refueling the body, many guests enjoy a trip to the Paint Shop or even the Blow Dry Bar to add those finishing touches. The Paint Shop offers services such as manicures, waxing treatments and make-up applications. To finish off the Blow Dry Bar is able to offer key treatments for the hair. What better way to end a day of pamper paradise. Barbara Johnson said: “The atmosphere in The Garage is totally relaxing. As soon as you walk through the front door you feel your whole body relaxing.” The products used during treatments at the Garage Spa are also what help to make it that extra bit unique. Products such as those used for skincare contain honey and have been formulated especially for the spa. Keeping it local, this honey comes from beekeepers in the area, making the experience ever more different. So, whatever services you require, just put the brakes on and visit the spa for a relaxing experience you won’t ever forget.

Teesdale

DINING

RABY HUNT INN SUMMERHOUSES

Read on to find out more about this fine restaurant. We spoke to the man behind it all and what it feels like to be awarded a star... DVDBRAMHALL

BLAGRAVES HOUSE

BARNARD CASTLE

lagraves House restaurant is located half way down The Bank in the market town of Barnard Castle. The Grade I listed building is the oldest house in the town and dates as far back as the 1400s. Back in its earliest days, it is thought that the house was given to Joan and Miles Forest by Richard III after Miles was supposed to have disposed of two young princes at the Tower of London. During the reign of Elizabeth I, the house was used as an inn. The building has also been used as a museum, a rope-works, a private house and is now a restaurant. The building gained its name from the Blagraves family who lived there in the seventeenth century. Playing host to many travellers and businessmen, one of Blagraves’ most famous visitors is Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell is said to have dined at the house during a visit to the town. Today, the restaurant’s menu offers a superb selection of fine dishes each of which are cooked to order.

ROSE & CROWN ROMALDKIRK

The Rose and Crown is situated in the picturesque village of Romaldkirk. The eighteenth century inn offers visitors a dining experience to suit themselves. If it is fine dining you are after then why not visit the restaurant and indulge in a four course candlelit dinner. If it needs to be less formal then the bar and brasserie offer a mouthwatering menu too. Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB Tel: 01833 650213

Blagraves House Restaurant, 30-32 The Bank, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8PN Tel: 01833 637668 Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm Last food orders 9.30pm www.blagraves.com AUGUST 2013

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Star Chef

A local family-run restaurant has had a real taste of success after being awarded with a Michelin star The Raby Hunt Inn, which is a fine-dining restaurant located in the village of Summerhouse is currently the North East’s only Michelin starred restaurant. The restaurant which has been run by Hamsterley-born head chef, James Close for the past four years was awarded the star last year. Since then, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength, offering what is now considered as refined dining. We caught up with James to find out what it feels like to be the region’s one and only… How long have you been a chef? I have been a chef for almost four years now. Prior to that I had not worked in a professional kitchen or even trained anywhere. Did you used to be a professional golfer? Yes, I used to be an assistant golf professional. I still play now but only in my spare time. When did you first decide you wanted to become a chef? I have had a life long passion for food and that started at an early age in life. As a youngster I was lucky enough to be taken all over the world with my parents and as such witnessed many food cultures and styles. I guess you could say it started there. Plus my mum is a great cook so I have been spoiled with that too! I’m not sure I set out to be a chef it’s just something that hap30 RE DISCOVER

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pened. I believe if you have a great passion for something and can match this with drive and determination then you can achieve anything. What did it feel like to be awarded a Michelin star for your restaurant? It was great to be awarded a Michelin star. Firstly, it made me think that all of our hard work was worthwhile.

How did you respond when you first heard the news that you had been awarded a star? The day we found out was quite a strange one. We were on the way back from London to find out our restaurant had been flooded. We were actually in the process of bucketing out the cellar and trying our best to save the restaurant when news came through that we had been awarded a Michelin star. When we heard the news we then started to drink champagne in our wellington boots and celebrated with fish and chips. How long had you been working as a chef at the Raby Hunt restaurant before you were awarded the star? I have now been at the Raby Hunt for four years and we got our star last year so I had been here around three years. What does it feel like to be the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the North East? It’s great to be the only Michelin star restaurant in the region but I wish there was more. There are some very passionate chefs and talented ones too who deserve the recognition. I guess what we have done here proves it can be done. Is the Raby Hunt restaurant family run? Yes the restaurant is family run. In the early days my mum used to help in the kitchen and

my father used to serve the customers on front of house. It has all changed now though as I have four chefs, three kitchen assistants and four front of house staff. Times have definitely moved on but my father still helps run the front of house. What makes the Raby Hunt restaurant different to other restaurants in the area? It’s hard for me to say what it is exactly that makes us different to any other restaurant. It is probably the fact that we all love what we do, from my sous chef, Ryan Bunker, to Craig, the restaurant manager. Each and everyone of us strive for perfection and I think that is what makes us different. We all want perfection. Where does your inspiration for the restaurant come from? Are you inspired by any famous chefs? I wouldn’t say I take inspiration from any individual chef but I do like simple, Scandinavian style food and simple ingredients. I think sometimes food can be confused and I would like to think my style is simple but effective. Do you use local produce? I believe in using the best ingredients to create the most flavoursome dish. I won’t compromise on using any ingredient just because it is local or perceived as correct. I source my ingredients far and wide.

“

”

“When we heard the news we then started to drink champagne in our wellington boots and celebrated with fish and chips” SAMPLE

HALIBUT Pan fried with caviar, frisee and sea jus £13.95 SEA BREAM Pan fried with potted brown shrimps and cauliflower £21.95

See website for current menu

SPRING LAMB Lamb rack with anchovy emulsion, spinach and mint £27.95 SUCKLING PIG Tamworth suckling pig loin, shoulder and belly with apple £26.95 RABY ESTATE DEER Poached and roasted with venison ragu, salt baked beetroot and celeriac £29.95 SELECTION OF DESSERTS VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Do you have a local signature dish? I don’t have any signature dishes. However, popular dishes over the last year have been the Raby Estate deer and Chocolate Bar. I like to change the tasting menu as much as possible. My favorite dishes on the menu at the moment are the razor clam and the smoked eel dish. What do you think the future holds for the Raby Hunt restaurant? Here at the restaurant we have very big plans for the future. We are always looking for ways to improve what we offer and are continuously pushing ourselves to the limit. Watch this space! The Raby Hunt Inn and Restaurant with Rooms  Summerhouse, Nr. Darlington, Co. Durham DL2 3UD Tel: 01325 374 237 www.rabyhuntrestaurant.co.uk AUGUST 2013

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Just around the corner...

COW GREEN WILD BROWN TROUT FISHERY Located at Langdon Beck, this fishery is surrounded by the picturesque moors. It is renowned for being one of the best fisheries in the country. JOHN MIDDLETON

CLIVE BROWN

KILLHOPE - THE NORTH OF ENGLAND LEAD MINING MUSEUM The award-winning Victorian mining museum gives visitors the chance to go back in time and experience a day in the life a Victorian miner. The fully restored nineteenth century lead mine gives people the chance to take a guided mine tour underground to explore Park Level Mine. This gives a true feel for what mining life really used to be like.

PAUL HUDSON

DAVID SUGDEN

TAN HILL INN The Tan Hill Inn which Is located in Swaledale, not too far from Teesdale, is world famous as the UK’s highest inn. The pub stands at 1732 feet above mean sea level. Visitors can enjoy food and drink at the pub and can even stay the night in the accommodation on site. Tan Hill, Reeth, Richmond,  Swaledale, North Yorkshire Dales, DL11 6ED

NORTH EAST OVAL MOTORSPORT

BIGCAGWELL

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Teesdale is home to Barford Raceway which plays host to regular hot rod, banger and stock car racing. The raceway which is located at Streatlam near Barnard Castle played host to the Formula Two Stockcar World Championships back in 2004.

HIGH FORCE WATERFALL Teesdale is home to England’s largest waterfall, High Force. The waterfall which is located near to Middleton-in-Teesdale, plunges over 21 metres and dates back over 300 million years.

JOHN AGER

BOWLEES PICNIC AREA This picnic area is a great backdrop for a family day out. There are four small waterfalls to admire and a riverside footpath to follow which leads to other beautiful sights such as Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave.

PHILLIP EVANS

HAMSTERLEY FOREST Hamsterley Forest showcases over 2000 hectares of mixed woodland. There is lots to see and do at the forest including walks, cycle hire and horse riding trails. There is also a forest play park which is open all year round for children.

CAMERA BAG

THE POSS

SEPTUAGENT

ROBIN VAN MOURIK

KIRKCARRION At first glance, Kirkcarrion appears to be just a small tree plantation located on a hilltop near to Middleton-in-Teesdale. However, the trees which are surrounded by a stone wall, were planted as a mark of respect for the ancient burial ground which once existed there. It is thought that the site dates as far back as the Bronze Age.

EGGLESTON HALL GARDENS SEPTUAGENT

Want to know more? Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre Woodleigh, Flatts Road, Barnard Castle, DL12 8AA 01833 690909 tourism@teesdale.gov.uk

The prestigious walled gardens of Eggleston Hall are home to some of the most unusual and rarest plant species as well as a variety of fruit trees. Located next to Eggleston Hall which was used as the set for the ITV television series, Ladette to Lady, it is a popular day out for many. There is also a gift shop and tearoom which are well worth a visit.

TEESDALE RECOMMENDS Bowlees, Low Force and Gibson’s Cave – “This is a wonderful place for families to spend the day.” High Force – “This is a great walk which is much enjoyed by our family visitors.” Flatts Woods, Barnard Castle – “This is a great walk, especially when all the bluebells are out.”

Middleton-in-Teesdale Tourist Information Centre 10 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0DG 01833 641001 tic@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk

Raby Castle – “The castle is very atmospheric with wonderful grounds and walled gardens, a smashing tearoom and the kids love the castle’s old kitchen.” Eggleston Hall Bistro, Shop & Gardens – “The hall is a lovely place to enjoy a snack or meal and purchase lots of quality gifts in the shop. The gardens have beautiful areas to walk around including the chapel garden where you can find unusual plants for sale.” The Bowes Museum – “The museum’s grounds are great for kids to run around especially in winter when it snows! It is a wonderful venue for food festivals and a popular place for Castle Players productions to be held.” RecommendedAUGUST by Hazel 2013 Coppack on behalfRE of DISCOVER Teesdale Marketing 33

Coming up

“

Don’t miss out on what Teesdale has to offer next month

”

“I think there must be something in the water here which makes the region more appealing. So of course I implore you to pay us a visit to find out more” AMERICAN AUTHOR & TRAVEL WRITER, BILL BRYSON

AUGUST 2013 5

1 Fossil Hunt and walk Cow Green Reservoir

Martin White Live The Old Well, Barnard Castle

Ramblers Walk Walks for Busy People

‘The Rabble Rousers’ Live Band

Bowes

Butterknowle

Teesdale Gun Club Mickleton

Barnard Castle Truck Show

Classic Vehicle Show

Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle

Raby Castle, Staindrop

25 Barnard Castle Truck Show Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle

26 Barnard Castle Truck Show Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle

The Moscow State Circus

Ramblers Walk Teesdale Way

Raby Castle, Staindrop

Barnard Castle

DONT MISS ISSUE 2

RE DISCOVER TEESDALE

...Past, Present & Future

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