Ushaw College visit will include musical bonus

Parts of Ushaw College, near Durham, not normally seen by the public will be open to the Friends and supporters of St Edmund’s Church, Sedgefield, on Tuesday, June 4^th.

The Friends Committee has arranged a visit and conducted tour of the college – which has been described as ‘a hidden gem of the North East’ - and will include another bonus - a short organ recital by Sedgefield’s own young organist, Jonathan Clegg, in the stunning surroundings of St Cuthbert’s Chapel.

Designed by Augustus Pugin and set in 500 acres of rolling farmland and beautiful gardens, Ushaw was a Roman Catholic seminary for over 200 years until it closed in 2011. It is now run by a charitable trust and houses some spectacular artefacts and architecture.

The cost of the visit will be £25 to include welcome refreshments, a buffet lunch, guided tour and entrance fee of £5.00 (the fee can be converted into an annual pass if requested in advance of the visit).

Party members plan to travel to Ushaw by shared transport. They will be greeted with tea and coffee before a guided tour around the college and there will also be opportunities to explore the chapels and gardens alone.

Reservations can be made by contacting Friends’ secretary Brian Mutch (01740 622302), secretary Alison Hodgson (01740 620912) or committee member Anne Eyley (01740 645854).

Update 4th June 2019:

'Wonderful' trip to Ushaw

The Friends of St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield, and their supporters had the most wonderful visit to Ushaw College today. What a fascinating place! As well as a guided tour of the buildings and an organ recital by our own Jonathan Clegg, we were also able to explore the gardens. I don't think I've ever seen so many different-coloured rhododendrons in one place. Full marks to the organising team. Pic by our treasurer, Nigel Clegg.