On Sunday 15th October 2023, Mayor of Bishop Auckland Sam Zair, hosted regional Mayors and friends on fundraising railway journey on the Weardale Railway.
He was joined by 48 guests onboard the scenic route which departed Bishop Auckland Train Station and meandered its way through the Wear Valley to Stanhope Station, where they were met on the platform by Chair of Stanhope Parish Council Joan Carrick, and Durham County Councillor Anita Savory, who both welcomed the party to Weardale.
Mayor Sam Zair said: “This event was not just about fundraising for my chosen charities but enabled us to showcase that Bishop Auckland is the gateway to the Durham Dales, the train ride on the Weardale Railway up to Stanhope showed the guests the stunning Weardale scenery, that coupled with the excellent selection of local produce made a wonderful afternoon.”
“I am very grateful for all who enabled the afternoon to happen, including Bishop Trains youth volunteers who provided magnificent meet and greet services at the station, Claire and Wayne from the Weardale Railway and their dedicated team for the smooth train ride, Simon from Weardale Cheese for the delicious cheese and even cheesier quiz, Stanhope Parish Council for welcoming us to their parish and the Town Council team for supporting on a Sunday. I am thrilled that the event was so successful raising £391 for my charities.”
Whilst onboard the Train Guests sampled the delicious local artisan Weardale Cheese, and took part in a fun quiz and learnt about the Weardale Railway. Guests were on board from other Councils across the region including Sunderland and South Tyneside.
The Mayor Sam Zair has chosen to fundraise for two charities close to his heart, Alzheimer’s UK and the Angel Trust, and the event raised £391 towards his fundraising total which will be presented to the charities at the Annual Council meeting in May 2024.
