February 2008

Bill Bryson Narrates Discover Teesdale Podcast

Best selling American author and travel writer Bill Bryson has been extolling the virtues of Teesdale on his latest visit to County Durham.

Dr Bryson, who was appointed Chancellor of Durham University following his favourable comments about the city in his book Notes from a Small Island, is singing the dale's praises via a trio of soon to be launched podcasts.

In his introduction to the podcasts, which highlight the wonderful attractions and glorious scenery to be discovered in the latest Teesdale Tours brochure, the author enthuses about the area and urges listeners to find out for themselves by browsing the itineraries.

"I think that there must be something in the water here which makes the region more appealing," he said. "So of course I implore you to pay us a visit to find out more."

The idea to invite Dr Bryson to record the podcasts was first mooted by Dr Anne Allen, Project Leader of Discover Teesdale, which produced the tours brochure under the banner of its parent organization, Teesdale Marketing, a not-for-profit company which promotes Teesdale around the globe with the aim of reaping economic and social benefits.

Jan Williams, an award winning North East England Blue Badge Guide and member of the Discover Teesdale Team, then liaised with the University of Durham, to get Dr Bryson on board.

"We were all very excited when we learned that he was prepared to be involved," said Jan, "And for him to record not one, but three introductions for us was absolutely wonderful."

Said Sue Berresford, Economic Development Officer with Teesdale District Council and a lead member of Teesdale Marketing's Discover Teesdale team, "It's a reflection of the quality and variety of the Teesdale visitor offer that Bill Bryson agreed to be involved."

The introductions were prepared by Sheila Dixon, Media and PR Officer at The Bowes Museum, and Katie Blundell, Marketing and Events Supervisor at Raby Castle and Estates. They were recorded by Peter Dixon, Station Manager of the dale's own community radio station, Radio Teesdale.

"Bill was absolutely charming to work with," said Peter, who is also a trustee of The Bowes Museum. "Although he had had a busy afternoon at a ceremony at the University he was extremely amiable and chatty and nothing was too much trouble. He was very interested in Teesdale and had obviously browsed the itineraries brochure."

Hazel Coppack, Chief Executive Officer of Teesdale Marketing, said: "For such a high profile figure as Bill Bryson to take part in these podcasts is a tremendous coup for everyone involved. I am sure potential visitors will enjoy listening to them and will be inspired to come along and see for themselves all that this beautiful dale has to offer."

The podcasts will be broadcast on Visit Teesdale (www.teesdalediscovery.com), Teesdale Marketing (www.teesdalemarketing.co.uk ), The Bowes Museum (www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk) and Raby Castle (www.rabycastle.com) websites.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
1. Teesdale Marketing Limited is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee, which was formed in 1998 to promote Teesdale and encourage economic prosperity and vitality. It is an objective-driven public/private partnership designed to bring clear economic and social benefits to Teesdale.

2. Teesdale Marketing's Enterprise Market Towns regeneration programme is funded by One NorthEast through the County Durham Economic Partnership, North Pennines Leader Plus, Raby Estates, The Bowes Museum, Teesdale District Council and Teesdale Marketing Ltd.

3. Local residents and businesses are welcome to join Teesdale Marketing for a one-off fee of £10. Full membership details are available from Hazel Coppack, TML Chief Executive Officer, tel: 01833 631870.