Photographer Geoff Kitson had to be quick on his feet to capture a unique three-generational family picture when his grandson Tom was sworn in as a Durham City Freemen. Getting Tom, wife Sheila, son Leighton, daughter Alison, son-in-law Adam and brother Steve, as well as himself into the frame, posed few problems for a man […]
Courtesy of the Daily Telegraphy SIR PAUL NICHOLSON, who has died aged 86, was the last family chairman of the Sunderland-based Vaux brewery until its demise at the hands of City investors; a leading figure in north-eastern business and civic life, he was also Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham. Vaux (pronounced “vorks”) quenched the thirst of […]
Alan Ribchester, who was 79, lived all his life in Durham and was married to Gina. The couple have two sons, Richard and Robert, and four grandchildren. Until his retirement Alan headed a chartered accountancy practice now based on Belmont Business Park and employing four partners, one of them son Robert, along with a staff […]
Bob Elliott has joined the freemen’s celebrated “band of brothers” by reaching a 60-year membership milestone – adding to the already notable claims of two of his grandchildren. At the February Guild Day Garry Dunnill, chairman of the wardens, marked the occasion by presenting Bob with a special freemen’s plaque and paying tribute to the […]
YOUNG house-building carpenter Liam Thynne, singled out for his “exceptional skills,” has been declared overall winner of a pioneering annual awards scheme showcasing the achievements of modern-day craft apprentices. The project, launched 12 months ago by Durham City’s Freemen, and supported by New College, Durham, this year considered 25 new hopefuls in eight trade categories, […]
A retiree, whose family links with the Durham Markets Company reaches back over a century, has been given a special honour by the city’s freemen. A retiree, whose family links with the Durham Markets Company reaches back over a century, has been given a special honour by the city’s freemen. And, at the same swearing-in […]
Computer specialist and life-long ice hockey fan John Proud is the latest newcomer to the freemen’s ranks – joining dad Bryan, currently Warden of the Barbers’ Company. Ice Hockey Fans Stick Together To Hit Family Double The 45-year-old started watching Durham Wasps when he was six years old and went on to play the game, first […]
A ground breaking charity’s ambitions to transform a plot of overgrown woodland into a haven of peace and tranquillity has won the backing of Durham City’s freemen with a £1,000 grant. The LionMouth Rural Centre, will begin preparatory work within weeks on the £10,000 project adjacent to their Broadgate Farm complex near Esh Winning and […]
The immediate future of award winning tourism volunteers, who for more than a decade have played a key role in signposting Durham’s tourist attractions to hundreds of thousands of visitors, has been given a key financial boost by the city’s freemen. Latest Gift Keeps Tourism Volunteers On The Right Track Durham Pointers, recognised by their […]
The global financial crash of 2008 hit every discordant note for time-served organ builder Vincent Syson. Five years after starting his dream job with the world renowned Durham City instrument makers Harrison and Harrison and completing his apprenticeship he found himself out of work and jobs for men with his skills had dried up in […]