BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Alan Dotchin Blog - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Alan Dotchin Blog X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Alan Dotchin Blog REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260313T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260313T213000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260223T201720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260314T095631Z UID:35951-1773430200-1773437400@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Sinfonia of London: Elgar's Enigma Variations DESCRIPTION:Tears. Riddles. A musical portrait like no other.\nWho’s on stage\nHe’s back! Local star John Wilson returns with his own orchestra Sinfonia of London – a combination you’ll be hearing a lot more from in future as they’re now an Artistic Partner at The Glasshouse. Pianist Alexandre Kantorow\, described by The Guardian as a ‘fire-breathing virtuoso’ (presumably not literally)\, joins them. \nWhat they’re playing\nA substantial\, hearty meal of a programme. Richard Strauss’s Don Juan\, Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. \n\n\nWhat you’ll hear\n\nRichard Strauss Don Juan\nSergei Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3\nEdward Elgar Enigma Variations \n\n\n\nWho’s playing it\n\nJohn Wilson conductor\nAlexandre Kantorow piano\nSinfonia of London \n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in the music?\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElgar’s Enigma Variations is undoubtedly one of the most popular pieces of music out there\, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an amiable portrait of his friends\, each portrayed with the composer’s trademark charm\, wit\, invention and sentiment. There are mischievous dogs\, ocean-going steamers and summer walks\, and we defy you not to have a tear in your eye for ‘Nimrod’. \nhttps://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/sinfonia-of-london-enigma-variations/ \n \n  URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/sinfonia-of-london-elgars-enigma-variations/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/4._Alexandre_Kantorow_24-25_c_Sasha_Gusov.JPG-web-768x512-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260316T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260316T213000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20250904T002317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T093658Z UID:25118-1773689400-1773696600@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Michael Portillo – A Life of Two Halves DESCRIPTION:Michael Portillo—A Life of Two Halves \nSecretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny\, insightful\, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. \nThe son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and best loved broadcasters\, Michael Portillo’s life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher\, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party\, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history\, only to become one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters\, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O’Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world’s greatest railways. \nIn this unique stage show\, Michael will share his life story\, from his late father’s experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England\, where he and Michael’s mother met while looking after refugee children\, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain\, the USA\, India\, and beyond. \nWe’ll hear Michael’s funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He’ll tell us about his break into TV – including the time he became a single mum… And\, of course\, we’ll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. \nWhether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael’s many international adventures\, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard! \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/michael-portillo-a-life-of-two-halves/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MICHAEL-PORTILLO-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260317T194500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260317T221500 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260310T175404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T084007Z UID:36047-1773776700-1773785700@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:2001: A Space Odyssey (35mm) DESCRIPTION:Stanley Kubrick’s monumental achievement in sci-fi cinema returns to The Tyneside\, as astronaut David Bowman embarks on a mysterious lunar journey – assisted by all-seeing AI HAL 9000. \n\nTo begin his voyage into the future\, Kubrick visits our prehistoric ape-ancestry past\, then leaps millennia into colonised space\, and ultimately whisks astronaut Bowman into unchartered realms of space\, perhaps even into immortality… \nOnce seen on the big screen\, never forgotten\, Kubrick created a new dawn for cinema with this 1968 masterpiece. \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/2001-a-space-odyssey-35mm/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/23momi-review01-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260403 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260404 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260402T125459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T072718Z UID:36139-1775174400-1775260799@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Saltburn to Redcar DESCRIPTION:A day trip to Saltburn offers a refreshing escape to the North Yorkshire coast\, combining traditional seaside charm with scenic coastal walking. Arriving in Saltburn-by-the-Sea\, the Victorian character of the town is immediately noticeable\, from the historic pier stretching out into the North Sea to the cliff tramway that links the town to the promenade below. The beach itself is expansive\, with wide sands that seem to stretch endlessly\, making it an ideal starting point for a leisurely coastal walk. \nSetting off from Saltburn and walking towards Redcar\, the route follows the coastline\, offering uninterrupted sea views and the soothing sound of waves rolling onto the shore. The walk is relatively gentle\, with firm sand underfoot and the occasional rock pools appearing as the tide recedes. Along the way\, the scenery gradually changes as the peaceful atmosphere of Saltburn transitions towards the more industrial heritage of Redcar\, with distant structures appearing on the horizon. The walk provides plenty of opportunity to pause\, take photographs\, and enjoy the fresh sea air before eventually reaching Redcar Beach\, where the long promenade and open coastline provide a fitting end to a relaxing and enjoyable day by the sea. \nGoogle Maps \nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/yEQ4eyj2zCk2m7PA9 URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/saltburn-to-redcar/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Saltburn-by-the-Sea-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260403T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260403T213000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20251130T140307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T081947Z UID:34536-1775244600-1775251800@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:I\, Daniel Blake DESCRIPTION:Overview\nProduced by Northern Stage in association with Leeds Playhouse  \nOriginally produced by Northern Stage\, Birmingham Repertory Theatre\, ETT\, Oldham Coliseum and Tiny Dragon Productions\, in association with Cardboard Citizens\, followed by a national tour co-produced by Tiny Dragon Productions and ETT\, in association with Northern Stage  \nI\, Daniel Blake  \nAdapted by Dave Johns from the film directed by Ken Loach\, written by  \nPaul Laverty\, and produced by Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films.  \n\nDan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. Just on the mend after a heart attack.   \nKatie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids. A fresh start.   \nI\, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.3 million* people living in poverty in the UK\, this is not fiction. It is reality.   \nA touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film.   \nI\, Daniel Blake returns to Northern Stage after two sold out runs.   \n*Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2025 Poverty Report.   \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/i-daniel-blake/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IDB_Digital_Social5_1920x1080.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260407T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260407T193000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260328T233225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T223530Z UID:36128-1775584800-1775590200@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Climbing Everest with Bentley Beetham DESCRIPTION:Part of the Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ collection\n\nGreat North Museum: HancockNewcastle upon Tyne\, Tyne and Wear \nTuesday\, Apr 7 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm\n\n\n\nOverview\n \n\n\n\nJoin us as Stephen Livingstone brings the legendary 1924 Everest expedition to life through Bentley Beetham’s own words and photographs. \n\n\n\nKey Information \nSpeaker: Stephen Livingstone \nEvent length: Tuesday 7 April\, 6pm – 7:30pm \nMeet at: NHSN Council Room\, Level 2\, Great North Museum: Hancock \nEvent cost: £4 NHSN Members\, £5 Non-members \nAbout this Event \nIn 1924 a County Durham school teacher\, wildlife photographer and mountaineer called Bentley Beetham was selected to be part of a crack team tasked with being the first to climb the highest mountain in the world. When lead climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine mysteriously disappeared on the mountain the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition passed into legend. \nStephen Livingstone uses Beetham’s own words and photographs to tell the story of this remarkable expedition\, from India across the high Tibetan plateau to within striking distance of the summit of Everest. \nStephen Livingstone is an artist whose work principally deals with human impact upon landscapes and habitats. He recently curated Eternal Ascent\, a highly successful exhibition for Durham University’s Oriental Museum documenting the 1924 Mount Everest expedition in more than two hundred photographs selected from the university’s Bentley Beetham Collection. \nAccessibility \nThe NHSN Council Room is fully accessible via the lift at the back of the museum. \nPart of the Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ series. \nJoin us on Tuesday evenings for talks and events exploring the stories behind natural history. View more events in this series here: Tuesdays @ ‘The Hancock’ by NHSN Events | Eventbrite \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/climbing-everest-with-bentley-beetham/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/climbing-everest.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T194000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T223000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260328T204006Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T114212Z UID:36076-1775763600-1775773800@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Interstellar (35mm) DESCRIPTION:Matthew McConaughey journeys beyond the stars to find a new home for humanity in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending cerebral blockbuster\, setting off on a philosophical odyssey through love\, life\, and the universe on a breathtaking cinematic canvas. \n2067. An environmental crisis and a devastating crop-killing drought force humanity to look to the stars for a new home. Recruited by NASA for a top-secret mission beyond the stars\, Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) – loving father to Murph (Mackenzie Foy) and the more distant Tom (Timothée Chalamet) – heads up a critical interstellar expedition through a wormhole. \nArriving at the destination of three planets orbiting the black hole ‘Gargantua’\, Coop discovers that the clock is quickly ticking for the future of the human race\, as time dilation means that one hour spent on the new hope planet is 23 years back on Earth. \nA staggering achievement in science-fiction cinema\, Interstellar is an emotionally resonant\, cosmic father-daughter story (with the older Murph played by the remarkable Jessica Chastain)\, and a stunning showcase of the great Christopher Nolan at his most expansive and contemplative. \nInterstellar – A Deep Exploration of Time\, Love\, and Survival \n \nInterstellar: A Cinematic Journey Beyond the Stars URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/interstellar-35mm/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/interstellar-feat-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260412T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260412T170000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260405T103259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T095649Z UID:36181-1775991600-1776013200@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Sunderland to South Shields DESCRIPTION:Walking from Sunderland to South Shields offers a refreshing coastal journey that combines scenic sea views with an enjoyable sense of progression along the North East shoreline. The route can take you along cliff-top paths and promenades\, where the fresh sea air and the rhythmic sound of waves provide a calming backdrop. Depending on the exact path chosen\, walkers may pass beaches\, grassy headlands\, and quiet residential areas\, making the walk feel varied and engaging rather than repetitive. It is a satisfying distance for a day walk\, allowing plenty of time to stop\, take photographs\, or simply pause to appreciate the expansive views across the North Sea. \nAs you approach South Shields\, the landscape gradually shifts from open coastal stretches to more structured promenades and parkland areas. The sense of arrival is rewarding\, particularly if you end near the mouth of the River Tyne\, where maritime history and coastal scenery combine. The walk is suitable for those looking to combine light exercise with exploration\, and it can be adapted to suit different paces\, whether as a purposeful fitness walk or a leisurely outing. For anyone who enjoys coastal routes\, the journey between Sunderland and South Shields provides a pleasant opportunity to experience the character of the North East coastline while enjoying time outdoors. \nGoogle Maps \nhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/AXmHZEdgRpmFCbG6A \nExploring the North East Coast: A Walk from Sunderland to South Shields URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/sunderland-to-south-shields/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wearmouth_Bridge_Sunderland.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T193000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260410T180234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T084544Z UID:36328-1776362400-1776367800@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:The History\, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro DESCRIPTION:Overview\n \n\n\n\nThis talk will cover the history and construction of the Tyne and Wear Metro and some of the innovative techniques and equipment used. \n\n\n\n\nThe presentation will cover the concept of the Tyne and Wear Metro\, its history and construction\, which will also reference its extensions to Newcastle Airport\, Sunderland and more recently the doubling of the track between Pelaw and Jarrow. Consideration will also be given to some of the innovative techniques and equipment used over the years\, many of which are now standard items practices on the national and international networks. \nPhil Kirkland is a career railwayman with over 52 years continuous frontline service. He started his railway career with British Rail Newcastle in 1973\, and over the years has worked for numerous post-privatisation organisations both within Permanent Way Maintenance and Renewals where he would be seconded to the BR Metro construction team in 1979. After a wide-ranging career including work overseas\, Phil would return to take up the role of Head of Maintenance Delivery at Nexus (Tyne and Wear Metro) in 2007. His role at Nexus encompassed heading up all infrastructure inspection\, maintenance and rapid response\, covering Track\, Overhead Line\, Signalling\, Plant and Equipment\, E&M\, Civils and all other non-rail (bus) infrastructure. \nTo give some particular context\, Phil worked on Metro in two spells – during its original design and construction phases up to and after the handover from British Rail until 1984 before returning in 2007 to head up the infrastructure maintenance department. Here he has brought influence and strong leadership qualities to ensure the necessary changes and working practices were actioned in order that Nexus kept pace with the wider rail industry\, but importantly conducted its business in a safe\, professional\, assured and technically competent manner. His extremely high levels of personal availability all hours and commitment have been the hallmark of his time with Nexus\, often recorded in dispatches. \nPhil has also worked overseas in North America\, Australia\, New Zealand and Europe\, drawing on these experiences and always sharing his learning opportunities widely via the Permanent Way Institution\, where he became Vice President for over 20 years. In recent years Phil has been instrumental in supporting the concept and development of the Newcastle College Rail Academy\, which today is the envy of many. Through consistent support and guidance\, the Academy is now teaching appropriate curriculae in disciplines such as the inspection\, maintenance and renewal of Track\, Signals\, OLE and Railway Civils. In semi-retirement\, Phil is Director of his own business\, RATW Railway Consultancy Services Ltd.\, established in 2019. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee \n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts \n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nWelcome to our November NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/ \nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-history-engineering-and-maintenance-of-the-tyne-and-wear-metro-tickets-1962613433612 \nThe History of the Tyne and Wear Metro URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/the-history-engineering-and-maintenance-of-the-tyne-and-wear-metro/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/metro.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260418 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260420 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260404T184640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T083845Z UID:36145-1776470400-1776643199@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026 DESCRIPTION: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe popular Durham County Council-run festival will return to Bishop Auckland on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April\, for a weekend of sizzling street food\, delicious desserts and fun-filled family entertainment. Across the two days\, visitors can try produce from over 140 independent traders selling everything from burgers and savoury snacks\, cakes and sweet treats\, to jams\, pickles\, breads and a range of distillers\, juices\, coffee\, tea\, and ales. \nSaturday Celebrity Chef Line-Up \nPhil Vickery – A well‑known chef\, TV presenter and award‑winning cookery author\, Phil is a familiar face from ITV’s This Morning and has written 19 bestselling cookbooks. He’ll be delivering live cookery demonstrations.  \nShivi Ramoutar – Chef\, TV presenter and cookbook author celebrated for her vibrant Caribbean‑influenced cooking. Shivi appears regularly on Saturday Kitchen\, James Martin’s Saturday Mornings\, and This Morning.  \nAaron Mountford‑Myles – A Great British Bake Off finalist known for his impressive baking skills and appearance in the GBBO 2025 series. He’ll be showcasing his talents in live demonstrations. \nChris Bavin (Weekend Host) – TV chef\, presenter of BBC’s Eat Well for Less?\, and an experienced food broadcaster. Chris hosts the Cookery Theatre across the whole weekend \nSunday Celebrity Chef Line-Up \nJasmine Mitchell – The latest Great British Bake Off champion\, celebrated for her calm\, methodical baking style and multiple Star Baker wins.  \nBriony May Williams – Baker\, TV presenter and former Bake Off contestant\, also recognised for her presenting role on Escape to the Country. \nLumberjaxe – Brothers Brendon and Jaydon Manders\, known for their preservative‑free\, low‑salt seasoning and sauce brand. They rose to fame after securing investment on Dragons’ Den. \nA weekend of incredible celebrity chef demonstrations\, regional food & drink traders & local entertainers awaits.  \n\nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/bishop-auckland-food-festival-2026/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bishop-auckland-festival.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260423T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260423T191500 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260328T232221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T064550Z UID:36125-1776969000-1776971700@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Live Skies in the Planetarium - Hercules: Life Science Centre DESCRIPTION:Explore the night skies with the Life team in our amazing planetarium.\n\nEnjoy a tour of the night skies – just as they would look on the evening of your visit but without weather or light pollution spoiling the view. Our presenter will also share the history and mythology surrounding the patterns of stars and take a deeper look at this season’s chosen constellation: Hercules.  \nLife’s planetarium uses the most advanced technology available for ultra-rich\, high-resolution visuals and wonderful sound quality – for a totally immersive experience. And the comfiest seats around!  \nhttps://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/live-skies-in-the-planetarium/ \n  URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/live-skies-in-the-planetarium-hercules-life-science-centre/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/planetarium-adults.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260424T151500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260424T160000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260423T210056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T210056Z UID:36428-1777043700-1777046400@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Durham Castle - Guided Tours DESCRIPTION:Overview\n \n\n\n\nExperience over 1000 years of history on a Durham Castle Tour and discover how it functions today as the home of University College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIMPORTANT NOTICES: \n\nOn Friday 10th April we will be running our special Family Fun Tours for children and their families. To book your ticket\, please follow this link: Book your ticket\nDue to Durham Castle being a residential college of Durham University visits are allowed by guided tour only.\nWe are unable to run tours every day as the college and university host a variety of events in the building throughout the year. If your selected date in the current month shows as not available for booking\, it means tours are not running on that day.\n\n\n\n\n\nTake a tour around one Durham’s most significant historic buildings\, designated a World Heritage Site since 1986. \nOur knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the gatehouse and into the heart of the historic building\, where you will experience stories and tales from 950 years of living history. Find out about the early days of the Castle\, built in the 1070s as a Norman fortress by William the Conqueror\, and learn about the powerful Prince-Bishops of Durham\, whose seat of power was based for hundreds of years at Durham Castle. Discover how the building became the first college of Durham University and how today it is the home of University College students\, who live and learn in Durham Castle. \nPRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE DAY \n\nYou must check in and collect a lanyard from Palace Green Library (near the Castle entrance\, between the Castle and the Cathedral) prior to the tour start time.\nPlease arrive on time for your tour – unfortunately we won’t be able to accommodate arrivals outside of the chosen tour start time. The time you have booked is the start time of your tour.\nTours last approx. 45-50 minutes.\nThe tour takes place both outide and inside the building\, please be prepared in the event of bad weather.\nAll children must be accompanied by an adult.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nINFORMATION ON BOOKING YOUR TICKETS: \n\nTour times are released on this page one month at a time – if times for the next month are not available for viewing yet please check at a later date.\nWalk-in spaces may be available to purchase from reception – if your selected tour time is sold out ring us on 0191 334 2932 or email castle.tours@durham.ac.uk to enquire about availability.\nPlease consult our FAQs for more information – if you have any other question not covered on this page\, please call us at 0191 334 2932 or email us at castle.tours@duham.ac.uk.\n\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility \nThe historic nature and layout of the Castle means that the majority of the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The tour route involves many steps and staircases\, some of which are uneven. Accessibility within the Castle is limited due to access to areas via steps only. Any visitors with accessibility needs please contact 0191 334 2932 to discuss. For a full access statement to the venue\, please visit our FAQs at the bottom of this page. URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/durham-castle-guided-tours/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/surham-castle.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T120000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260410T144627Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T064615Z UID:36299-1777113000-1777118400@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Step into Sunderland’s ancient past DESCRIPTION:Overview\n \n\n\n\nA fascinating talk on local archaeology\, led by Gary Bankhead from the Department of Archaeology at Durham \n\n\n\n\nStep into Sunderland’s ancient past at a fascinating talk on local archaeology\, led by Gary Bankhead from the Department of Archaeology at Durham University. Following his sell-out talk last January at Hylton Castle\, Gary returns to share the latest exciting discoveries from the River Wear. These recent findings are transforming our understanding of the city’s history—offering new insights into its past while challenging long-held assumptions about Roman activity in the area. With Roker seafront recognised as a significant site of Roman interest\, this promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking event. \nPerfect for anyone with a passion for archaeology\, local history\, or the heritage of our region—don’t miss this opportunity to uncover Sunderland’s hidden story. \nVenue: The Roker Watch House\, Pier View\, Roker\, Sunderland SR6 0PRSaturday 25th April10:30amTickets: £2 (proceeds to Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade) Spaces are limited—be sure to secure your place! \nhttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/step-into-sunderlands-ancient-past-tickets-1985799290133 URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/step-into-sunderlands-ancient-past/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sunderland-ancient-past.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T141500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T155000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260328T214447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T064622Z UID:36083-1777126500-1777132200@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:A Fistful of Dollars DESCRIPTION:Clint Eastwood is the iconic Man With No Name in Sergio Leone’s seminal spaghetti Western\, as a gunslinger drifter plays off the warring Baxter and Rojo families against each other in the frontier town of San Miguel. \nSan Miguel is a one horse town that’s being pulled apart by two rival families. John Baxter\, the crooked town sheriff with a sideline in weapons smuggling\, seeks to establish his own version of law and order with support from his son\, Antonio and their gang of thugs. But the Rojo Cartel – headed up by a trio of volatile brothers: Miguel\, Ramón and Esteban – have their own ambitions for San Miguel and its strategic position on the Mexican border. \nEnter the Man with No Name: a laconic gunslinger for hire who drifts into town and\, after learning of of the Baxter-Rojo feud\, spots an opportunity. He plays the warring clans off against one another and turns their vendetta to his advantage – but the stranger’s duplicity riles both families\, and the vengeful Rojos decide to take drastic action in the battle for San Miguel. \nA Fistful of Dollars \n \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/a-fistful-of-dollars/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260426T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260426T153000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260328T223350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T141517Z UID:36098-1777195800-1777217400@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Tynemouth Station Book Fair DESCRIPTION:Related: Family activities Book Fair Heritage Books Market \n Tynemouth Station Tynemouth NE30 4RE \n\n\nTynemouth Station Book Fair started in 1993 and is a free\, lively and friendly event held on four Sundays a year\, on the West Concourse of Tynemouth Metro Station – a beautifully-restored Victorian station. \nAround 40-50 booksellers regularly take part\, offering an eclectic range of thousands of antiquarian\, second-hand and childrens books and other printed materials. \n2026 book fair dates: \n26th April 2026 \n28th June 2026 \n16th August 2026 \n4th October 2026 \n\n\nLocation\nTynemouth Station Tynemouth NE30 4RE \nhttps://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/event/tynemouth-station-book-fair/ \nRead More URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/tynemouth-station-book-fair/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2d283664-7729-4414-bc31-50b60958725f-TSBF03.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260504T170000 DTSTAMP:20260426T155008 CREATED:20260426T083202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T083202Z UID:36441-1777716000-1777914000@blog.alandotchin.com SUMMARY:Festival of Steam Festival of Steam DESCRIPTION:Celebrate steam power this May bank holiday weekend! \nSteam is ubiquitous with the railways but it is also used to power a range of engines. From a traditional carousel to traction engines in action\, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. \nWhat’s On\nCarousel rides\nEnjoy all the fun of the fair by taking a nostalgic ride on a traditional carousel\, great fun for all the family. \nSubject to availability \nEngines on display\nWitness the power of full-sized traction engines\, traditionally used to pull heavy loads and steam rollers in action. You can also enjoy the beauty and ingenuity of miniature steam engines\, including a display by Northern Miniature Road Locomotive Society.  \nFamily activities\nJoin author Caroline Hardie for drop in storytelling and activities through the weekend\, themed around ‘Little Loco’s Big Day’\, an uplifting tale of the first steam locomotive to run on the Stockton & Darlington Railway.  \nFilm screening | Monday 4 May at 15.00\n‘The First Five Miles’ starring Stephen Tompkinson as George Stephenson. The documentary-drama\, written and directed by award winning filmmaker Michael Smith from Witton Park\, has wowed audiences across the region since its premiere at the Tees Valley International Film Festival. \nThe screening will include a Q&A with the film’s writer and director Michael Smith. URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/festival-of-steam-festival-of-steam/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-13.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR