Wider Estate Archives - Raby Estates https://www.raby.co.uk/interest/wider-estate/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:59:04 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 Apprentice Spotlight: Owen Wharton https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/08/13/apprentice-spotlight-owen-wharton/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:01:00 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=17815 The post Apprentice Spotlight: Owen Wharton appeared first on Raby Estates.

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Raby Estates is delighted to celebrate the success of Owen Wharton, who has recently completed his Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship.

Owen began his journey with Raby Estates in June 2023 at the age of 17, joining the Buildings team as an apprentice where he was enrolled on to a Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship through Bishop Auckland College, Owen balanced his studies by attending college one day each week while spending the majority of his time gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside the skilled members of the Buildings team.

During his apprenticeship, Owen has played an important role in a wide range of painting and decorating projects across the estate. Working on site and learning directly from experienced colleagues has enabled him to develop his practical skills, build confidence and gain a strong understanding of the high standards required to maintain the diverse portfolio of buildings throughout Raby.

His dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to learning have been evident throughout his apprenticeship. By combining classroom-based learning and working on site, Owen has successfully developed the knowledge and expertise needed to achieve his qualification and establish himself within the team.

Now, having successfully passed his apprenticeship, Owen has reached an important milestone in his career. We are pleased to welcome him to the Buildings team as a permanent member of staff and look forward to seeing his continued development and contribution in the years ahead.

Michael Bennett, Maintenance Manager, said:

“Over the last three years, Owen has not put a foot wrong learning his trade with great enthusiasm. No job is too big or too small for Owen. Ian Hutchinson, Decorating Supervisor at Raby, has nothing but high praise for his attention to detail and work ethic. Owen has now signed his contract as a permanent member of staff, and I am confident he will continue his hard work and dedication.”

Congratulations, Owen, on this fantastic achievement. Everyone at Raby Estates wishes you every success in your future career.

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Raby Estates to Welcome Future Countryside 2026: A National Forum Shaping Rural Britain’s Future https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2025/12/09/raby-estates-to-welcome-future-countryside-2026-a-national-forum-shaping-rural-britains-future/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:22:53 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=14471 Future Countryside, now in its fourth year, has become the leading national forum for leaders, policymakers and rural communities to debate and shape the future of Britain’s countryside. Uniting a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, it drives a shared commitment to a sustainable, resilient countryside that is a cornerstone of national progress and belongs […]

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Future Countryside, now in its fourth year, has become the leading national forum for leaders, policymakers and rural communities to debate and shape the future of Britain’s countryside. Uniting a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, it drives a shared commitment to a sustainable, resilient countryside that is a cornerstone of national progress and belongs to everyone. Its flagship 2026 conference will take place at Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens, County Durham, in June next year.

Future Countryside 2026 will explore how the countryside can drive national priorities, from food security and environmental stewardship to health, wellbeing and social prescribing. It will also shine a spotlight on opportunities for young people and on building stronger connections between rural and urban communities, ensuring the countryside has a strong voice in shaping the national agenda while demonstrating its power to inspire unity, resilience and renewal.

Lord Barnard, who will host the event at Raby Castle, said:

“The Future Countryside Event is a forum for creative thought and debate on some of the most difficult issues facing our precious rural environment. It brings together some of the most influential rural leaders from diverse backgrounds and professional experience. I’m delighted that the event is coming to the north of England next year and that Raby will be hosting. Much has changed here in recent years, and I hope our own experiences will contribute to the conversation.”

Lord Herbert of South Downs, Chair of Future Countryside, added:

“Future Countryside 2026 will be a chance to put rural Britain at the heart of national political debate. The decisions taken in the coming years will shape the lives, livelihoods and landscapes of generations to come. Holding the event at Raby Castle symbolises both tradition and renewal, and we are proud to be convening voices from every part of the rural sector in such a historic setting.”

With its unique coalition of farming, conservation, business, community and political interests, Future Countryside has established itself as the leading forum for charting a resilient and sustainable rural future.

For more information, visit www.futurecountryside.org/future-countryside-2026.

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