Tommy joined Raby at just 16 years old, beginning his journey as a Level 2 Joinery Apprentice through Bishop Auckland College. Balancing classroom learning with practical experience, he spent one day each week at college developing his technical knowledge, while the remaining four days were spent working alongside the skilled craftspeople within our Buildings Team.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Tommy demonstrated enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the craft of joinery. Whether assisting with heritage restoration projects or learning the precision and care required for traditional estate maintenance, he embraced every challenge with maturity beyond his years.

We are incredibly pleased to share that Tommy has successfully passed his Level 2 apprenticeship and are even more delighted to announce that he has now been offered full‑time, permanent employment with The Raby Estate Buildings Team.

Michael Bennett, Buildings Manager and mentor to Tommy said:

“Since Tommy joined the team in January 2024 we have done some interesting and challenging projects, including High Force Hotel, multiple property renovations and The Rising project. He has been a great asset to not only the joinery side but the whole team. As Tommy’s manager, I’ve seen him grow into a great team player and gain confidence and skills. I was proud of him completing his level 2 joinery and becoming a permanent member of the growing maintenance team. Apprentices are an invaluable resource to Raby Estates as there is such a variety of skills and knowledge needed. Looking forward to seeing him develop within the team”.

This achievement marks the beginning of a promising career and reflects both Tommy’s determination and the value of hands‑on learning opportunities within the estate. His journey is a wonderful example of how apprenticeship pathways can lead to rewarding long‑term employment, and we are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations to Tommy, whose hard work has truly paid off, and we look forward to seeing his continued growth and success as part of the Raby team.

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A volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has finished in the top three in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar award.

87-year-old Jimmy Nicol was one of ten finalists in the prestigious national competition which seeks out champions working in tourism who provide fantastic experiences for visitors. The competition also showcases the variety and quality of England’s tourism offering, businesses and destinations.

Whilst Jimmy was awarded third place, Mick Hurst from Worcestershire’s Battle of Evesham historical events and re-enactments came out on top and Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers took second place.

Jimmy secured his place in the national shortlist after winning Durham Tourism Superstar in 2025, an annual event organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service.

He was nominated for the Durham award by a colleague at Raby Castle who highlighted his passion and energy as well as the role he takes on as an ambassador, not only for Raby but the whole of the North East.

Tim Dodgson, public engagement and learning officer at Raby Estates said: “Jimmy is one of the most caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside and it’s a fantastic achievement for him to come third in such an important national competition.

“His endearing character and enthusiasm for Raby and the region shines through in everything he does and we’re lucky to have him as part of the team.”

Jimmy joined Raby in 2018 as a volunteer, sharing the castle’s fascinating history and has also been involved with meeting and greeting visitors at several Raby events.

Jimmy said: “Being part of the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition has been a truly incredibly experience and I am immensely grateful to everyone that has taken the time to vote for me.

“Representing Raby and the region was a huge honour and finishing in the top three is something that I will be forever proud of.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the incredible people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge, and genuine passion for Raby Castle, as well as the wider county, leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Coming third in VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar competition is a wonderful recognition of his dedication and expertise. We were incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and celebrating the very best of what our county has to offer.”

10th February 2026

A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open.

87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten finalists shortlisted nationally in the Tourism Superstar award, which celebrates individuals working in tourism who go above and beyond to create outstanding visitor experiences while championing England’s diverse destinations.

Jimmy secured his place in the national finals after being crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025, an annual award organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service. He was nominated by a colleague at Raby Castle in recognition of his infectious enthusiasm, dedication and the ambassadorial role he plays not only for Raby, but for County Durham and the North East as a whole.

The national shortlist features finalists from destinations across England, including Norfolk, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, with Jimmy proudly flying the flag for County Durham alongside fellow North East finalist Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in night sky photography and has played a key role in showcasing Northumberland’s world-class dark skies to a global audience.

Jimmy joined Raby Castle as a volunteer in 2018, where he shares the castle’s fascinating history with visitors and supports major events across the estate, becoming a familiar and friendly face for thousands of visitors each year.

Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates, said: “Jimmy’s dedication to both Raby Castle and County Durham is evident in everything he does. It is the enthusiasm and commitment of people like Jimmy that has helped establish County Durham as the popular visitor destination it is today.

“I would encourage everyone across the county and the wider North East to show their support and vote for Jimmy in the national Tourism Superstar competition.”

Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham’s managing director said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge and genuine passion for Raby Castle and the wider county leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. We are incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and wish him the very best of luck.”

Jimmy Nicol said: “Winning the Durham Tourism Superstar award was a wonderful feeling, and to now be representing Raby Castle and County Durham at a national level is a huge honour. Raby is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the county and the region. To be nominated alongside such fantastic finalists is a real privilege.”

The winner of the national Tourism Superstar award is decided by public vote. Voting is open until the end of English Tourism Week (13–22 March 2026), with the overall winner announced later in the year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

VOTE HERE 

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To our enormous relief, the weather was better than anticipated. The forecast for days had been for solid rain, but Friday dawned dry, albeit cloudy and cold, with the cloud base just above the fell tops. As we ascended Rossett Gill towards Angle Tarn, wind speeds began to increase and by the time we reached the summit of Bowfell we were walking into the teeth of a gale. As we descended Bowfell, we managed to find a sheltered spot for lunch before moving onto Crinkle Crags.

Wind speeds increased even further during the afternoon, and by the time we reached the summit of Crinkle Crags we were practically clinging to the mountain. Fortunately, our descent to the valley took us down the lee side of the mountain which provided some relief from the strong winds. At around 4.15 pm we returned to the valley after completing 12 miles across challenging terrain and over 5,000 feet of ascent. It had been a tough day!

This year’s event raised £103,000 overall for ICR and I am pleased to confirm that Raby made one of the largest single team contributions of just over £11,000.

This year’s grand total means that this annual event has now raised over £2 million during the 37 years that it has been taking place, with over £1.2 million raised for the Institute of Cancer Research during that period.  This, of course, would not have been possible without your generous support.  All of us at Raby and at the ICR are enormously grateful to you. Many thanks once again for your support and your donation.

Duncan Peake, CEO

Just Giving Page

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