Visitors are always welcome on our campuses, and this is especially the case when it comes to local friends of the University such as MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell.
Professor Claire O’Malley, PVC Global, and Rachael Richards, Director of Public Affairs, were hosts on this visit to discuss the different ways that the University contributes to the regional community beyond our teaching and research.
Our involvement in the region’s schools, businesses and support groups is one of our priorities. Visits such as this present an opportunity not just to showcase what we are already doing, but also to identify new ways of working collaboratively to benefit our wider community.
Outstanding initiatives
The visit included a tour of the Oriental Museum by Head of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, Dr Craig Barclay. The museum proudly boasts an extensive outreach programme which welcomes school visits and runs impactful groups such as ‘Baby Dragons’ for under 5’s and ‘Creative Age’, a project for elderly visitors with dementia.
Ged Matthews, Senior Manager of Cultural Engagement, also spoke about his Street Museum project, which developed during lockdown in conjunction with the Blackhall Community Association and is planning for an exciting new phase in the coming months.
L-R: Rachael Richards, Professor Claire O'Malley, Paul Howell and Charlotte Clarke
An advocate for Durham
Speaking of the importance of this visit, Rachel Richards, Director of Public Affairs, explained:
We were delighted to welcome Paul to the University to show him first-hand some of the many projects we are involved in and ways in which they benefit many different groups across our region. Paul is a great advocate for Durham and enabling him to speak to colleagues and learn more about some of the work of the University will hopefully support his understanding of the University’s role regionally, nationally and internationally. We look forward to welcoming him back in the future.
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