Already away home for breakfast were the 120 early risers who had snapped up the tickets for a dawn encounter on the opening day. Nearly three hours later it was daylight but wintry, even with the Spring Equinox less than 24 hours away. Here I was, feet from the Sun – or at least a representation of it – and feeling the chill. Luke Jerram is an artist who transforms spaces with his giant representations of the planets. His Museum of the Moon has been seen at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre and at Durham Cathedral. Gaia, his Earth sculpture, has been to Hartlepool Town Hall and there’s one on display permanently at the Life Science Centre. They appeal to people’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder. Close-up of Luke Jerram's Helios. Credit Bec Hughes, House of HuesLuke Jerram having joined me, I ask if his personal leanings are predominantly towards art or science. “I think a bit of both. I did an art foundation and then an art degree and wanted to carry on making art. “I’ve been doing it for about 28 years now, making artworks. Some of them people don’t get or aren’t really interested in but every now and again something will take off. “I was initially known for putting out street pianos for people to play. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a piano in a train station. That was me.” How people respond to something depends on how it’s presented and who visits, he says. That’s certainly true of Helios, the latest in the series which also features Gaia, Museum of the Moon and Mars. “If you’re an astronomer you’ll appreciate it in one way whereas if you’re an artist you’ll appreciate it sculpturally. “It also acts as a venue. There’s a whole programme of events taking place. This morning there was the dawn chorus for early risers but we’ll have other things and I think a quartet is going to play sun-related music. “I quite like making art that does that, makes space for other people to be creative.” Helios was co-commissioned by the National Trust so has embarked on a tour of its various properties. Seaton Delaval Hall illuminated by Helios from withinIt made its first appearance earlier this year at Bath Assembly Rooms and the towering Central Hall of Seaton Delaval Hall is venue number two (although there’s a duplicate – yep, twin suns - showing until March 25 at the Old Royal Naval College in London). Having led me up to the gallery, Luke points out the sun spots and filaments (otherwise known as solar prominences) responsible for the Northern Lights that animated our skies last year. They appear on the surface as a blackish mark among the fiery swirls of orange and yellow. “We’re not allowed to look at the sun so it’s nice to give people an opportunity to see it up close and look at all the details,” says Luke. The Sun itself is “all liquid, churning and writhing – just a ball of plasma, I suppose. The Earth is about the size of one of these sunspots. “It gives a sense of the comparative insignificance and fragility of our little blue planet, and the Sun isn’t even a really big star, just average sized.” Down below us, greeting visitors to the hall along with interpretative material from the Life Science Centre, is a tennis ball-sized model of Earth to illustrate the vastly different dimensions – and about 200 metres away, in a field beyond the sunken ha-ha (cow barrier), a white post indicates where it should be positioned according to scale. The Sun with the relatively tiny Earth in the foreground. Credit Bec Hughes, House of HuesLuke says it was probably about eight months ago that he started work on Helios. “It’s about three years’ worth of photographs that were given to me by an astro-photographer who uses a special camera to film the Sun’s surface in probably one metre sections. Then instead of making an animation these are stacked vertically. “About 400,000 photographs were used. It is a bit bonkers. “We stitched them together to make a wide image and that was signed off by an astrophysicist as being scientifically accurate. “Then it was printed and stitched up. It’s like a balloon really, and when it’s done it goes into quite a small box.” Luke’s planet sculptures have been shown all over the world, as this one will be. Position of Earth relative to the Sun (Helios). Credit Bec Hughes, House of Hues“My Moon artwork has been presented 400 times in about 50 countries. Humanity has been staring at the Moon for something like 200,000 years but the Sun, too, has universal appeal and is almost venerated as a god in some religions. “Wherever we take this, it’ll be read in a slightly different way, whether it’s put in a science museum or outside in a park. Where it goes affects its interpretation to a certain degree.” One of the Moon sculptures came back from America with bullet holes in it, someone presumably having put its balloon-like qualities to the test. “This was America,” says Luke with a smile. “I think they were expecting it to explode dramatically like something out of a Hollywood film but actually the bullet would have just gone in one side and popped out the other.” Installing Helios in Seaton Delaval Hall’s Central Hall presented challenges. It’s a tight fit for its seven metre span with the sides almost pressing against the noses of the statues (those that still have noses) arranged around the walls. A solar close encounter at Seaton Delaval Hall. Credit Bec Hughes, House of HuesAnd then there were the protected bats that flit in and out. A more conspicuous alternative to Luke’s almost invisible anchoring support lines had to be found. Internally lit and with accompanying audio, an arrangement of birdsong, NASA recordings and other atmospheric bits and pieces by sound artists Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, Helios will work its magic in different ways. Visitors will find their preferred angle or vantage point and also the best time of day. While it’s with us, the National Trust is offering extended opening hours so people can catch it at dusk. Luke thinks Helios is probably the last in his planets series. “We made Mars and Earth and Moon, and the Sun is probably it. When you look at the Earth artwork, it’s very beautiful and quite emotional and people think of it in relation to climate change and things like that. “Mars, on the other hand, is just this barren landscape and doesn’t have quite the same level of emotional engagement somehow. If I make a sculpture of Venus or Neptune, I think people would just go, huh! “Somehow we have a different relationship to the Sun and the Moon.” Touchscreens from the Life Science Centre House of HuesSee Helios at Seaton Delaval Hall until April 6 – free with the usual admission price Extended opening until 8pm is offered on certain days – March 22 Meanwhile 10am to 11am has been designated Quiet Time on March 23 March 22 and astronomers from Kielder Observatory will be on site on April 2; musical ensemble Aurora Strings will perform twice on Wednesday March 26 and again on April 5; and there will be printmaking and poetry sessions Find details of all events, times and admission prices on the National Trust’s Seaton Delaval Hall website. And for more about Luke Jerram and all his creations, go to his official website. Luke Jerram with Helios at Seaton Delaval Hall. Credit Bec Hughes, House of HuesIt perhaps wasn\u2019t the best time to be viewing Luke Jerram\u2019s Sun sculpture, Helios, because the real thing was rising fast in the sky and shining brightly, bleaching contrast out of the landscape around Seaton Delaval Hall. Nearly three hours later it was daylight but wintry, even with the Spring Equinox less than 24 hours away. Here I was, feet from the Sun \u2013 or at least a representation of it \u2013 and feeling the chill. His Museum of the Moon has been seen at Newcastle\u2019s Life Science Centre and at Durham Cathedral. Gaia, his Earth sculpture, has been to Hartlepool Town Hall and there\u2019s one on display permanently at the Life Science Centre. They appeal to people\u2019s innate curiosity and sense of wonder. \u201CI think a bit of both. I did an art foundation and then an art degree and wanted to carry on making art. \u201CI\u2019ve been doing it for about 28 years now, making artworks. Some of them people don\u2019t get or aren\u2019t really interested in but every now and again something will take off. \u201CI was initially known for putting out street pianos for people to play. I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve ever seen a piano in a train station. That was me.\u201D How people respond to something depends on how it\u2019s presented and who visits, he says. That\u2019s certainly true of Helios, the latest in the series which also features Gaia, Museum of the Moon and Mars. \u201CIf you\u2019re an astronomer you\u2019ll appreciate it in one way whereas if you\u2019re an artist you\u2019ll appreciate it sculpturally. \u201CIt also acts as a venue. There\u2019s a whole programme of events taking place. This morning there was the dawn chorus for early risers but we\u2019ll have other things and I think a quartet is going to play sun-related music. \u201CI quite like making art that does that, makes space for other people to be creative.\u201D Seaton Delaval Hall illuminated by Helios from withinIt made its first appearance earlier this year at Bath Assembly Rooms and the towering Central Hall of Seaton Delaval Hall is venue number two (although there\u2019s a duplicate \u2013 yep, twin suns - showing until March 25 at the Old Royal Naval College in London). \u201CWe\u2019re not allowed to look at the sun so it\u2019s nice to give people an opportunity to see it up close and look at all the details,\u201D says Luke. The Sun itself is \u201Call liquid, churning and writhing \u2013 just a ball of plasma, I suppose. The Earth is about the size of one of these sunspots. \u201CIt gives a sense of the comparative insignificance and fragility of our little blue planet, and the Sun isn\u2019t even a really big star, just average sized.\u201D Down below us, greeting visitors to the hall along with interpretative material from the Life Science Centre, is a tennis ball-sized model of Earth to illustrate the vastly different dimensions \u2013 and about 200 metres away, in a field beyond the sunken ha-ha (cow barrier), a white post indicates where it should be positioned according to scale. \u201CIt\u2019s about three years\u2019 worth of photographs that were given to me by an astro-photographer who uses a special camera to film the Sun\u2019s surface in probably one metre sections. Then instead of making an animation these are stacked vertically. \u201CAbout 400,000 photographs were used. It is a bit bonkers. \u201CWe stitched them together to make a wide image and that was signed off by an astrophysicist as being scientifically accurate. \u201CThen it was printed and stitched up. It\u2019s like a balloon really, and when it\u2019s done it goes into quite a small box.\u201D Luke\u2019s planet sculptures have been shown all over the world, as this one will be. Position of Earth relative to the Sun (Helios). Credit Bec Hughes, House of Hues\u201CMy Moon artwork has been presented 400 times in about 50 countries. Humanity has been staring at the Moon for something like 200,000 years but the Sun, too, has universal appeal and is almost venerated as a god in some religions. \u201CWherever we take this, it\u2019ll be read in a slightly different way, whether it\u2019s put in a science museum or outside in a park. Where it goes affects its interpretation to a certain degree.\u201D \u201CThis was America,\u201D says Luke with a smile. \u201CI think they were expecting it to explode dramatically like something out of a Hollywood film but actually the bullet would have just gone in one side and popped out the other.\u201D Installing Helios in Seaton Delaval Hall\u2019s Central Hall presented challenges. It\u2019s a tight fit for its seven metre span with the sides almost pressing against the noses of the statues (those that still have noses) arranged around the walls. A solar close encounter at Seaton Delaval Hall. Credit Bec Hughes, House of HuesAnd then there were the protected bats that flit in and out. A more conspicuous alternative to Luke\u2019s almost invisible anchoring support lines had to be found. Visitors will find their preferred angle or vantage point and also the best time of day. While it\u2019s with us, the National Trust is offering extended opening hours so people can catch it at dusk. \u201CWe made Mars and Earth and Moon, and the Sun is probably it. When you look at the Earth artwork, it\u2019s very beautiful and quite emotional and people think of it in relation to climate change and things like that. \u201CMars, on the other hand, is just this barren landscape and doesn\u2019t have quite the same level of emotional engagement somehow. If I make a sculpture of Venus or Neptune, I think people would just go, huh! \u201CSomehow we have a different relationship to the Sun and the Moon.\u201D House of HuesSee Helios at Seaton Delaval Hall until April 6 \u2013 free with the usual admission price Extended opening until 8pm is offered on certain days \u2013 March 22 Find details of all events, times and admission prices on the National Trust\u2019s Seaton Delaval Hall website. And for more about Luke Jerram and all his creations, go to his official website Join us for a free event to explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the NHS in Northumberland and North Tyneside Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a special careers event on Thursday at the Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub (Avenue Road This event will highlight both clinical and non-clinical roles within healthcare this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about working in: and Organisational Development at Northumbria Healthcare said: "People are often surprised by the sheer variety of career options we offer The NHS provides incredibly rewarding and valued career pathways with strong support for development and progression I encourage anyone interested to come along and explore their future with us." Secondary schools in Northumberland and North Tyneside have also been invited to attend the event during the day. The event is aimed at GCSE students and A-Level students who may be starting to think about their career after education. Schools can register their interest for the event through the Eventbrite form. 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Quiet Hour) - local schools welcome (please register) 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Local schools welcome (please register) Register now: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Careers Showcase - Explore Your Next Steps! Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in your healthcare career Set in the atmospheric grounds of the National Trust property the inclusive classes welcomed participants of all ages and abilities The restorative sessions celebrated both physical wellbeing and the natural beauty of the North East landscape a 7-metre-wide sculpture named after the Ancient Greek god of the sun is the latest in Jerram’s celebrated series of celestial artworks – following Gaia On display at Seaton Delaval Hall since 19 March the installation invites visitors to reflect on the sun’s scale who has led group exercise sessions across the region for several years is passionate about making stretching accessible and enjoyable for everyone – regardless of age He is well known for his inclusive approach and for creating meaningful connections through movement Scott also runs regular wellness retreats along the North East coastline “Stretching helps us build healthier bodies and mindsets,” says Scott “I love that people from all walks of life feel comfortable coming to my classes Group movement should always feel inclusive.” “Being able to do the splits isn’t the end goal – it’s often about loosening that tight spot in your back or simply resetting your mindset for the week “We’re incredibly lucky to have inspiring spaces like this right on our doorstep I remember seeing Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon at Hexham Abbey last year – it was such a powerful experience So when I heard Helios was coming to Seaton Delaval Hall I knew I had to explore the idea of teaching a stretch class beneath it I was thrilled when they said yes!”“The team at Seaton Delaval Hall are so open to new ideas – they really understand the value of community and creativity It’s a brilliant place to visit (and the café’s great too!).” The Stretch Under the Sun sessions are part of Scott’s wider mission to make fitness more accessible and rooted in the people and landscapes of the North East Helios has been co-commissioned by the National Trust Old Royal Naval College and University College London Full details of the Helios tour can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/helios Follow Scott for updates on future events and wellness sessions:facebook.com/scottmillerfitnessinstagram.com/scottmillerfitness Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. His Helios, which has just premiered at Bath Assembly Rooms, is to make Seaton Delaval Hall the second stop on a UK tour. The work, seven metres across and named after a Greek god, the personification of the Sun, seems certain be a powerful attraction at the popular National Trust property from March 19 to April 6. Each centimetre of the enormous spherical sculpture, which is lit from inside, is said to represent 2,000 kilometres of the Sun’s surface. It fuses solar imagery, sunlight and a new composition by sound artist Duncan Speakman and musician Sarah Anderson which includes NASA recordings of the Sun. Jerram, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, explains that the work offers a chance to scrutinise the star that sustains life on Earth without suffering the harm that comes with doing so in real life. “We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the Sun, as it can damage our eyesight. “Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments. “The Northern Lights are one of the greatest wonders and displays of art in the natural world. I’ve incorporated the source of the solar flares which caused this phenomenon to be visible over the UK in May 2024. “I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public and I can’t wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.” Understandably, the National Trust wants to make the new artwork it has co-commissioned as accessible to as many people as possible at its own and partner locations. A programme of complementary events is being put together which will include some opportunities to see the sculpture with free admission. Further details are to be announced in due course by the team at Seaton Delaval Hall. Emma Thomas, general manager of the property, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Helios to Seaton Delaval Hall. Helios on display at Bath Assembly Rooms ©National Trust Images James Dobson“That Luke will tour his work here is a fitting tribute to the creative practitioners who have gone before under the hall’s longstanding involvement in and support of the arts “To host Helios is a fantastic launch of the hall’s creative programme for 2025.” Seaton Delaval Hall’s association with the arts is well documented incorporating the interests of past residents and the current North East Emerging Artist Award (latest proposals to be showcased in May with the 2024 finalists exhibiting in September) National Trust director of access and conservation said working with Luke Jerram seemed like a “natural fit” for the Trust Both were passionate about the climate crisis and keen to ensure that as many people as possible can access the arts and culture During the Helios exhibition, the hall will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with 4.15pm the last admission time. Find full admission details on the Seaton Delaval Hall website For full details of the tour locations of Luke Jerram’s latest creation – others have included Gaia and Mars – go to the National Trust’s Helios website. Luke Jerram installing Helios at Bath Assembly Rooms \u00A9National Trust Images, James DobsonArtist Luke Jerram, whose Museum of the Moon has wowed audiences at venues including Durham Cathedral and Hexham Abbey, is returning to the region in the spring with another spectacular creation. Each centimetre of the enormous spherical sculpture, which is lit from inside, is said to represent 2,000 kilometres of the Sun\u2019s surface. \u201CWe all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the Sun, as it can damage our eyesight. \u201CHelios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments. \u201CThe Northern Lights are one of the greatest wonders and displays of art in the natural world. I\u2019ve incorporated the source of the solar flares which caused this phenomenon to be visible over the UK in May 2024. \u201CI hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public and I can\u2019t wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.\u201D Emma Thomas, general manager of the property, said: \u201CWe\u2019re thrilled to welcome Helios to Seaton Delaval Hall. Helios on display at Bath Assembly Rooms \u00A9National Trust Images James Dobson\u201CThat Luke will tour his work here is a fitting tribute to the creative practitioners who have gone before under the hall\u2019s longstanding involvement in and support of the arts \u201CTo host Helios is a fantastic launch of the hall\u2019s creative programme for 2025.\u201D Seaton Delaval Hall\u2019s association with the arts is well documented said working with Luke Jerram seemed like a \u201Cnatural fit\u201D for the Trust During the Helios exhibition, the hall will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with 4.15pm the last admission time. Find full admission details on the Seaton Delaval Hall website For full details of the tour locations of Luke Jerram\u2019s latest creation \u2013 others have included Gaia and Mars \u2013 go to the National Trust\u2019s Helios website. The competition, a collaboration between the National Trust and independent curator Matthew Jarratt, is open to emerging and early career artists and creative practitioners from the region or studying here. It embraces all artforms including music/sound, theatre, film, fashion, literature and design as well as fine art. It’s both an opportunity for artists and a way of showing contemporary art in a grand historic setting. The eight shortlisted artists have been given bursaries to research and develop their ideas which will be displayed in the Georgian stables at Seaton Delaval Hall from May 14 until June 22. Clockwise from top left: Paulina Malowaniec, Suzanne Smith, Max Cooper Clark and Wilfred Sears During this time visitors will be able to join the judging process, voting for their favourite. Azeez Aromasodun, a graduate of Teesside University’s Masters in Fine Art and whose work is influenced by the culture of the Yoruba people of West Africa; Max Cooper-Clark, a Newcastle-based Royal College of Art graduate who connects art, architecture, ecology and mineral extraction in his work; Bethan Harris, a Newcastle University fine art graduate whose work explores memory and the natural world; David Kenny, a Stockton on Tees-based former architect who explores light and shadows in architectural forms; Paulina Malowaniec, of Gateshead, has an MA in Communication Design from Northumbria University and is interested in cultural heritage and using design and art as a tool for education; Clockwise from top left: Azeez Aromasodun David Kenny and Joanna ManousisJoanna Manousis a PhD student who is currently exploring mirror making in cast glass at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland; a final year student on the BA (Hons) Glass & Ceramics course at Sunderland University; a fine art student at Newcastle University three proposals will be selected and realised for exhibiting at Seaton Delaval Hall in 2026 are developed their proposals now for displaying at the property from September 16 to October 19 Seaton Delaval Hall has been closely associated with the arts throughout its long history In the 18th Century the Delaval family commissioned renowned artists Arthur Pond and William Bell the former to produce views of the hall and the latter to produce portraits of family members Read more: Shortlist revealed for Gordon Burn Prize Bell was also provided with a cottage and a stipend and as well as producing pictures gave art lessons to the children of Sir John Delaval The family also supported controversial novelist John Cleland famous as the author of the erotic Fanny Hill who lived at Seaton Delaval Hall from 1990 until his death in 2007 was a ballet lover and a governor of the Royal Ballet for 13 years it was announced that Luke Jerram’s latest sculptural creation is to be displayed at the property from March 19 to April 6 From May 14 until June 22, when the North East Emerging Artist Award contenders will be on display, Seaton Delaval Hall will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, during term times (seven days a week during Northumberland school holidays). There are eight shortlisted contenders for the fourth North East Emerging Artist Award, an annual attraction at National Trust property Seaton Delaval Hall. It\u2019s both an opportunity for artists and a way of showing contemporary art in a grand historic setting. Azeez Aromasodun, a graduate of Teesside University\u2019s Masters in Fine Art and whose work is influenced by the culture of the Yoruba people of West Africa; the winners of last year\u2019s competition Read more: Shortlist revealed for Gordon Burn Prize it was announced that Luke Jerram\u2019s latest sculptural creation From May 14 until June 22, when the North East Emerging Artist Award contenders will be on display Seaton Delaval Hall will be open from Wednesday to Sunday during term times (seven days a week during Northumberland school holidays) 02 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The Northumberland Line will launch its first passenger services from Sunday Teams have been working tirelessly in challenging conditions and tackling complex engineering challenges so that for the first time in more than 60 years the public can start using the line again before Christmas.  Scores of train drivers and conductors have carried out intensive training and hundreds of test journeys have been carried out along the 18-mile stretch of new and upgraded line connecting south east Northumberland to Newcastle city centre – to ensure services are safe To meet the commitment to run trains this year Ashington and Seaton Delaval Stations will open initially Newsham Station will open early in the New Year with the remaining three stations at Bedlington Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park scheduled to open next year.  "The Northumberland Line is a truly groundbreaking  project of national importance that has been talked about almost since the line was closed for passengers over 60 years ago "Despite the enormity of the job we have been determined to re-open the line for passengers - and that is what we have done “It has been a hugely difficult project to transform the line car parks and infrastructure into what we see today with countless and very significant engineering challenges “But it’s entirely down to the hard work and dedication of all the people and organisations working on this hugely ambitious and complex scheme that we’re now just days away from opening.  “I’m extremely grateful for the patience of local residents and to all the partners for getting the line open.”  said: “Our region has major ambitions for transport and I want to make the North East the greenest and best-connected network in the UK to help local people access opportunities I’m pleased that the Northumberland Line is set to open to passengers this December and look forward to seeing it up and running and travelling on it very soon.  “Working in partnership with key stakeholders this new link will be a huge boost for the area We can’t wait to see the first passengers board this new chapter in Northumberland’s rail history.”  Chair of South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (SENRUG) which has been campaigning for many years for return of the line said: "We are absolutely delighted to finally hear the date for commencement of service from Ashington & Seaton Delaval © Northumberland County Council 22 Nov 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The Northumberland Line remains firmly on track to open to passengers before Christmas 2024 – with the opening date set to be announced in the coming days.  Teams have been working round the clock in challenging conditions to ensure that for the first time in more than 60 years the public can start using the line again before Christmas.  The opening of the line is set to bring massive benefits not just in terms of travel as well as enhanced public transport connectivity across the wider region.  Stations are being opened as soon as they are completed with the very first to open being Ashington and Seaton Delaval.  Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park scheduled to open throughout 2025.  Northumberland Line Programme Delivery Director Neil Blagburn said: “We are fast approaching our most significant milestone yet on the Northumberland Line and thanks to the efforts from a whole host of people we remain on target to reopen the line to passenger services in December.   “This milestone has not come easily but we're almost there thanks to the determination of the people working tirelessly on the programme -  from the people on site who have tackled extremes of weather to the people who have pulled together all of the documentation that satisfies the many legal requirements to enable passenger services.  although it’s very close to completion it is our biggest and most complex sites and there have been a number of power engineering and regulatory challenges that have meant we couldn’t open alongside  Ashington and Seaton Delaval stations “However it will only be a matter of weeks before Newsham station opens and given the issues that we have experienced on this station that in itself will be a significant achievement.”  Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Managing Director for Rail said; "We are pleased that the first stations will be opening soon our teams and supply chain have been working hard to ensure they are ready for safe passenger travel I thank the neighbouring residents for their patience throughout the construction process This is a huge milestone we have almost reached on the project with many more to come.”  As soon as the entry into service date is confirmed it will be communicated as well as details around buying tickets.  you can streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone you can plan and buy tickets and view real-time information Save up to 60% on various routes when you buy tickets in advance we’re always looking at ways to improve what we do – for the customers that travel with us and the communities we serve We couldn't do that without our team of Northerneers All of our current timetables are now available to view online All aboard your new Northumberland Line service passenger trains will return between Ashington and Newcastle The Northumberland line launched on the 15th December 2024 pay no more than £3 for a single fare from Ashington to Newcastle at peak times With a journey time of just over 30 minutes visiting Northumberland has never been easier Find out more about the new Northumberland Line and buy your tickets in advance with Northern Buy train tickets today There are several train stations along the Northumberland Line which will once again connect south-east Northumberland with Newcastle Find out more about each station below – with more to come in 2025 Ashington station was first opened in 1872 and closed to passenger services in 1964 Now reopening as part of the Northumberland Line the station will be the first stop on the route and services the town of Ashington the rejuvenated station connects the small village of Seaton Delaval and acts as a gateway to Seaton Delaval Hall The station has a single platform and small car park Manors train station is the last stop on the Northumberland Line before it gets to Newcastle city centre the station is also adjacent to the Tyne & Wear Metro station for easy onward travel is one of the busiest stations in the North many of the city's famous attractions are nearby and the Tyne & Wear Metro station is also on-hand Taking the Northumberland Line to Newcastle for the day Discover all the best things to do in the city from must-visit cafés and restaurants to cultural hotspots The new Northumberland Line will open on Sunday 15th December 2024 The Northumberland Line will open with four stations in 2024: Ashington and Northumberland Park plan to open during 2025 There will be two passenger trains per hour in each direction throughout the day Monday-Saturday The Northumberland Line offers great value on single fares with a peak single from Ashington to Newcastle only £3 and off-peak single only £2.60. We also offer railcard discounts and integrated fares with the Tyne & Wear Metro. Find out more about ticketing on the Northumberland Line Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone 19 Jul 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news See the latest progress here. Sign up here for your daily business digest direct to your inbox Sign Up Discover our talented editorial team and the principles that drive them. A North East fitness coach is helping people connect body and mind in one of the region’s most striking settings. North Shields-based wellness advocate Scott Miller hosted two Stretch Under the Sun sessions beneath Luke Jerram’s Helios sculpture at Seaton Delaval Hall, in Northumberland.  Helios, a 7-metre-wide artwork inspired by the Greek sun god, has attracted visitors since March, encouraging them to reflect on the sun’s immense scale, vital role and life-giving power. Scott’s inclusive classes welcomed all ages and abilities, offering restorative movement in the grounds of the National Trust property.  He said: “Stretching helps us build healthier bodies and mindsets. “I love that people from all walks of life feel comfortable coming to my classes.  “Group movement should always feel inclusive. “Being able to do the splits isn’t the end goal – it’s often about loosening that tight spot in your back or simply resetting your mindset for the week.  Scott added that the sessions form part of his ongoing mission to make fitness more accessible, uplifting and rooted in the people and landscapes of the North East. He said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have inspiring spaces like this right on our doorstep.  “I remember seeing Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon at Hexham Abbey last year – it was such a powerful experience.  “So, when I heard Helios was coming to Seaton Delaval Hall, I knew I had to explore the idea of teaching a stretch class beneath it. “The team at Seaton Delaval Hall are so open to new ideas - they really understand the value of community and creativity.  Sign up to receive our daily bulletin, sent to your inbox, for free. It is expected that more than a million doses of injectable medicines will be made each year at the new hub Credit: ITV Tyne TeesWork is beginning on a multi-million pound medicines manufacturing hub aimed at providing drugs to the NHS across the North East From a site at Seaton Delaval in south east Northumberland, the unit will supply the region's hospital network The facility will make up injectable drugs - notably chemotherapy for cancer patients as well as intravenous antibiotics The project is a collaboration between North East health trusts and has secured almost £30m of funding from the NHS nationally most of our major hospitals have their own facilities for making up injectable drugs The NHS says they are coming under increasing pressure as more patients are diagnosed with diseases like cancer Ken Bremner is Chief Executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and chairs the partnership of North East health trusts known as the Provider Collaborative He explained: “Our existing aseptic units across the region will continue to play a vital role but this new facility now means we can achieve much better manufacturing efficiencies byworking on a much bigger scale." Mr Bremner continued: "It will allow us to greatly increase our capacity for medicines production create a sustainable model for the future and help us save time and money that we can reinvest in patient care." The aim is to concentrate the production of high volume chemotherapy and antibiotics at the Seaton Delaval site enabling the local hospital units to produce more complex treatments and those with a shorter shelf life Some injectable drugs for patients on hospital wards are made up by nursing staff North East Medicines Manufacturing Centre at a glance: Expected to produce more than 1m doses of injectable medicines each year Likely savings of £2.8m every year on production of chemotherapy drugs which are currently outsourced to private companies due to demand Those involved in the project say it will create 150 jobs with the first stage of recruitment beginning this autumn the managing director of the region's Provider Collaborative says the project will provide opportunities for school leavers and graduates He said: "We've got all sorts of different jobs here from very specialist pharmaceutical technicians - the people who'll be putting the medicines together in the production line in the unit - to warehouse operatives and drivers." Mr Brown continued: "We've got a whole range of jobs and a lot of them will be very suitable for local young people leaving school adding: "We're really looking forward to training up the next cadre of pharmacists and technicians." the NHS will be working with schools and colleges visiting jobs fairs and liaising with universities to spread the word about the opportunities The drugs hub is not the first initiative of its kind in Seaton Delaval It will sit alongside another NHS manufacturing unit on the same site which provides services across Northumberland and North Tyneside established a centre making PPE and other equipment The medicines hub will requires approval from the regulator before it can begin operating fully The aim of those behind the project is for manufacturing to start in spring 2026 Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.. 15 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news passenger trains are running once more along The Northumberland Line.  The first train rolled out of Newcastle Station shortly before 8am on Sunday arriving to cheering crowds in Ashington around 35 minutes later.  Six minutes later it was gone again – carrying the first residents and train enthusiasts towards Newcastle – and revolutionising public transport in the south east of the county.  The opening was the culmination of many years work – with teams working tirelessly in challenging conditions and tackling complex engineering challenges to reach this point.  Over recent months scores of train drivers and conductors carried out intensive training and hundreds of test journeys along the 18-mile stretch of new and upgraded line connecting south east Northumberland to Newcastle city centre – to ensure services are safe regular and reliable from day-one.   Ashington and Seaton Delaval Stations are open initially Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park scheduled to open next year.   Tickets are available from https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/     Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “It has taken the County Council years of planning and significant investment to allow us to get the line up and running as it is today.  “It is an exceptionally proud moment for me and the County Council - it has been a huge project for us but it has been worth it and I thank everyone in our team for getting us here.  “Today shows what can be achieved when people work together to produce something that is brilliant provides lasting social benefits for many and brings hugely significant economic benefits to the area.”  Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is a truly transformational project that will have countless positive benefits for the local area and it’s fantastic to know that £250 million of Government funding helped make this historic moment happen.  “I had the pleasure of meeting some of the people whose lives will change for the better thanks to this line and it once again demonstrates that investment in transport isn’t just about getting from A to B it’s a tool to unlock opportunity and growth in every corner of the country.”  and I want the North East to enjoy the greenest and best-connected transport network in the country.  “The opening of the Northumberland Line is great news for passengers in the region and will be truly transformative for those in South East Northumberland in particular.  “The line will increase local connections and link local people to more opportunities for jobs so we all benefit from this exciting new infrastructure.  Mind the Gap: Sign the Place North Viability Gap Campaign The manufacturing & innovation hub at Seaton Delaval will house the MMC The Northumberland-headquartered specialist has been picked to design and fit out an NHS medicines manufacturing centre in Seaton Delaval The appointment has been made by the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative and will be hosted by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Works to manufacture the offsite components of the build have begun in Merit’s Cramlington factory Merit’s appointment comes as plans to deliver the NHS facility have been given the green light by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care following a successful joint bid by NENC Provider Collective which will work alongside existing aseptic units across the region’s hospitals will produce chemotherapy treatments for patients and will serve the North East and North Cumbria The facility will also supply a range of injectable medicines as well as ‘pre-labelled’ medicines to help support local hospital teams as patients are discharged home The MMC will include the provision of Grade B and Grade C cleanrooms and quality control laboratories as well as admin and welfare facilities Merit’s contract announcement builds on experience gained on projects including Northumbria’s Centralised Sterilisation and decontamination centre throughout the height of COVID-19 restrictions while the firm is currently delivering the Trust’s new community hospital in Berwick Other p\health sector projects are being delivered by the firm in Oxfordshire Merit will utilise its FLEXI POD fit-out product-based approach to deliver this facility Leveraging an offsite approach through Merit’s FLEXI POD solution will allow for the MMC completion by September 2025 Around 87% of the build will be carried out off-site An EPC rating is expected to be achieved comfortably said: “I am looking forward to working closely with the NENC Provider Collaborative and seeing this project come to fruition over the next year “Our team will be applying our vast expertise in the design of sterile manufacturing facilities in order to bring this facility in operation quicker so that life-saving treatments can be manufactured earlier to serve patients across the North East and North Cumbria.” Read our comments policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The housebuilder has purchased two separate parcels of land previously occupied by Northgate Hospital and plans to start construction work on 141 homes shortly Plans for the former St George’s Hospital site in Northumberland were submitted in December and is phase one of a 875-house development on land secured by Homes England Register for free North East property intelligence Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Stay updated on the latest news and views in North East property views and opportunities in North East property By subscribing, you are agreeing to Place Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Northern will offer a range of affordable fares to customers on the new Northumberland Line ensuring they pay no more than £3 for a single journey along the entire route The train operator will be running services on the line when it reopens to passengers later this summer – for the first time since 1964 – as part of an ambitious project involving the Department for Transport Northumberland County Council and Northern with a journey along the entire route taking around 35 minutes Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park are under construction and due to open for customers next year Northern has introduced a simplified single-leg pricing structure to make sure customers can always find the cheapest option for their journey It means they can buy a single ticket for half the price of a return for the full line from Ashington to Newcastle An off-peak single for the same journey is £2.60 and a return is £5.20 Customers travelling from Ashington can get a single to Newsham for just £1.60 during the off-peak period They can reach Seaton Delaval for the same price or buy a £2.60 ticket to Newcastle customers can buy an off-peak single to Seaton Delaval for £1.20 or travel to Newcastle during that period for £2 customers in Seaton Delaval can get to Newsham for £1.20 which will be used as an interchange point until Northumberland Park opens can purchase an off-peak single to Newcastle for £1.20 travel to Seaton Delaval or Newsham for £2 said: “We’re proud to be offering affordable fares to people who will use our services to get to school “This is a transformational project that will connect communities across south east Northumberland providing thousands of people who are fed up of sitting in traffic with a fast and great value alternative “After speaking to people living along the route we’re delighted to hear that many are really excited for the line to open later this year.” the public body which runs Tyne and Wear Metro and Northumberland County Council to provide integrated fares for multi-modal journeys Customers will be able to seamlessly switch between Metro and Northern services by using the North East’s successful Pop ‘Pay As You Go’ payment system to purchase smart fares welcomed another milestone towards the re-opening of the line. He said: “Ensuring journey pricing is competitive and provides real value for money is crucial to the success of this scheme “Now we have the fare pricing confirmed it makes the opening of the Northumberland Line even more exciting “To see trains moving along the line that has been closed to passenger traffic for over 60 years is a hugely important step but for the region and the UK to have this kind of huge investment open up rail travel in the coming months for so many people for the first time in decades.” Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England Cookie Settings Powered by Onclusive PR Manager™ Passenger services between Newcastle and Ashington are now planned to start in December later than the previously announced start date of summer 2024 The delay has been blamed on ‘weather related impact to construction’ although Northumberland County Council says every partner in the project is working hard to allow the line to open earlier than the December date On 1 August a new road bridge across the railway opened at Newsham the site of one of the line’s six new stations The Council says this means signalling work can be completed and all new track along the route can be used with test runs starting for the first time in over 60 years On 31 July an underpass opened at Palmersville and this was due to be followed by the installation of a cycle bridge over the A189 connecting northern Blyth to Blyth Bebside station On 5 August Northern ran its first train along the length of the line following the upgrades While one of its Class 158s had previously reached Ashington on a test run this was via Morpeth and a reversal at Bedlington pending completion of the works at Newsham an anticipated final cost of £298.5 million has been confirmed for the scheme made up of contributions from the Department for Transport Northumberland County Council and Network Rail The Council’s analysis suggests that for every £1 invested in the line more than £1.50 is expected to be generated in wider benefits When services start only three stations will be open – Seaton Delaval Blyth Bebside and Bedlington) due to follow in 2025 Northern is to operate a half-hourly service between Newcastle and Ashington with an end-to-end journey time of around 35 minutes Subscribe to Key Modern Railways now to access the wealth of information on offer completely ad free Subscribe now Key Publishing Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with Company Number 2713662 The latest station on the Northumberland Line will open on Monday March 17 Newsham station will join Ashington and Seaton Delaval on the route into Newcastle that reopened in December More than 110,000 passenger journeys have been made in that time Journey times from Newsham to Newcastle will be 21 minutes said: “The amazing passenger numbers show that this very ambitious project has been needed for decades and that the real commitment from the County Council along with our partners has paid dividends for our residents “The opening of Newsham station will no doubt bring a further boost to passenger numbers and we look forward to residents and visitors using this station in the very near future.” Book your table today for RAIL’s National Rail Awards 2025 celebrating railway excellence from individuals and organisations Britain’s biggest and most respected rail awards ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements across the industry over the past year highlighting those which demonstrate innovation and deliver measurable performance improvements Those recognised range from senior management to frontline staff while the event also salutes engineering successes All form part of the NRA’s aim to promote the rail industry’s longer-term success and sustainability motivated and engaged workforce can thrive under first-class leaders RAIL is Britain's market leading modern railway magazine The 18-mile route is now carrying passenger trains for the first time since the mid-1960s Numbers 'show how much need there was' to reopen the line to passengers after 60 years subject to government approval in upcoming Spending Review 08 Jul 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news Here's how Northumberland’s first carbon neutral school could look.   The County Council is proposing to invest £40m in replacing the Astley Community High School and Whytrig Middle School buildings in Seaton Delaval to create a first-class learning environment fit for the future.   A pre-planning consultation event will take place on Tuesday 12 July where there will be an opportunity for members of the local community carers and pupils to review the design proposals and provide feedback before the planning application is submitted.   The design and project teams will be available on the evening to answer any questions and take feedback on the proposals for the new shared site which is situated off The Avenue and Astley Road.  It is proposed that the new school buildings will use innovative technologies to create the first carbon neutral school in Northumberland supporting the council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.  Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “These are really ambitious proposals for new school buildings that will transform education facilities for generations of young people in Seaton Delaval and the surrounding areas.   “The new on-site sporting and community facilities will also benefit the wider Seaton Valley community.    “Feedback from the local community is very important and we hope as many people as possible will find out more and share their views to help shape this exciting development.”  A new swimming pool for the schools and the local community  A floodlit 3G full size Rugby/Football pitch  Two Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) split between the two schools providing seven tennis courts in total  Three 5-a-side grass football pitches  Three 7-a-side grass football pitches  Two full size grass football pitches  SEN specific facilities to include pupils in mainstream education where appropriate  Off-site parking providing staff parking as well as the opportunity for parent drop off and pick up.  The event will be held at Astley Community High School NE25 0BP on Tuesday 12 July from 6pm until 8pm.   Anyone who cannot attend the event on 12 July, will be able to visit the website https://dppukltd.com/seatondelavalschools from 12-19 July to view the proposals and provide any comments 13 Dec 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news Take a virtual tour through what the new school could look like