Member Article

Auckland Castle Offers Free Visitor Shuttle Service

Volunteers are needed to help drive forward a new free to use ‘car to castle’ shuttle service for visitors keen to explore the region’s newest heritage attraction.

The scheme set to launch on April 1 will make it easier for those with mobility issues to visit Auckland Castle in County Durham.

But volunteer drivers are needed to help ensure the shuttle running from Bishop Auckland’s North Bondgate Car Park to the castle is a success.

The park and ride scheme will run every 15 minutes, and will use an Auckland Castle branded eight-seater Peugeot Boxer van to make the quarter of a mile journey from North Bondgate to the former palace home of England’s only Prince Bishops.

Its launch has been timed to coincide with the Auckland Castle Trust taking over the management of the North Bondgate Car Park from Durham County Council.

Louise Alderson, Auckland Castle Trust’s Visitor Experience Manager, said a minimum of 12 volunteers are needed to run the service, which will operate during normal castle opening hours between 10am-5pm.

“We are delighted to be launching this new, complimentary shuttle service linking the centre of Bishop Auckland to the castle.

“We look forward to welcoming even more people of all ages wanting to enjoy the fantastic visitor offering, including the Library Tearoom, within the 900 year old castle, as well as discover what the town has to offer.

“But we need volunteer drivers to ensure the service functions properly and our visitors’ receive a warm welcome to both Bishop Auckland and the castle.”

Louise said volunteers – who must be aged over 21 for insurance purposes and have a full driving licence - need to pledge at least half a day a week to the initiative.

But those interested would receive MIDAS (the minibus driver awareness scheme) training.

“The volunteer driver role will be ideal for those who enjoy new experiences, learning something new every day, meeting new people, sharing the skills they already have, and relish the opportunity to bring life to the castle and its collections as well as Bishop Auckland ,” Louise said.

“It could be an especially useful role for anyone who is unemployed, possibly providing a way back into work, giving them additional skills to add to their CV as well as helping build confidence.

“The minibus shuttle is an added value service that the Auckland Castle Trust isn’t charging for, but it won’t be sustainable without the help of volunteers.”

Michael Moreton, 63, from Bishop Auckland, has already signed-up to donate two half-days a week of his time as a driver.

Michael, who retired three years ago from his job working with people with learning disabilities and behavioural problems, said he felt it was important to be a part of the efforts to revitalise his hometown.

“It saddens me that this town isn’t up there where it should be in terms of attracting visitors. Bishop Auckland has so much history and so much of interest.

“I had been looking to get out of the house and to give my time to a good cause, and what better than playing my part in helping put Bishop Auckland back on the map?

“I love driving, I like talking, I’m a bit of a history buff, and I enjoy meeting new people. It’s the perfect combination.

“I am going to kick-off by doing a couple of half days and see where it leads. That’s what I would say to anyone thinking of volunteering – if you like driving, meeting people, and want to be a part of something that is going to be of positive benefit to the town, then do it.

“You never know what else it might lead on to.”

The shuttle service will run from a special stop within the North Bondgate Car Park to Auckland Castle’s visitor reception.

The car park has recently been improved and expanded as part of Durham County Council’s continued support for major development and conservation work set to get underway this year at the castle.

This has seen the introduction of new barriers and lighting and the number of car parking spaces rise from 175 to more than 300, benefiting residents and local businesses as well as visitors.

The number of tourists attracted to Bishop Auckland is expected to increase dramatically with a new welcome building with viewing tower, museum extension to house a ground-breaking Faith exhibition, and the preservation of the state rooms, already given to go-ahead by Durham County Council.

Also in the pipeline but awaiting planning approval, is a scheme to revive Auckland Castle’s historic walled garden.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a shuttle service driver is asked to contact Louise Alderson at the Auckland Castle Trust on 01388 743 723 or email: volunteers @aucklandcastle.org.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jane Hall .