Anniversary Event Seeks to Recognise 40 Community Champions

Langley Castle Hotel and Restaurant, housed in the medieval home of knight Sir Thomas de Lucy, is channelling its history in its 40th anniversary year, as it starts a search for community champions.

Back in 1350, when the castle was first built, Sir Thomas himself was a loyal knight, soldier and supporter of King Edward III.  He was also a champion in the then Northumbrian community, becoming a peace-maker in negotiations with the Scots.

Now, to celebrate the 40 years of its latest period in history, Langley Castle is looking for nominations of modern-day community champions, who could play a part in its official anniversary celebrations, on May 6, 2026.

These community champions could be members of the public services, such as the fire, police, NHS and ambulance service, or serving or retired personnel in the armed forces.  They could be teachers who go above and beyond for their pupils.  They may be volunteers, individuals who assist, with community projects, tourism ambassadors, or sports coaches.  

They could be kind and considerate neighbours, people who champion Northumberland at every turn, organisers of community support groups, or those who inspire others through their actions. The possibilities are numerous.  They can also be of any age.

Langley Castle is inviting nominations or self-nominations, to try to find 40 individuals who can attend its official anniversary celebrations and play a part.  There, they will participate in a synchronised bell ring.  Each of the community champions involved will ring a bell in a chain sequence, with each ring signalling one year of Langley Castle’s history.  This will culminate in every individual in the line ringing their bells simultaneously, to mark the 40th anniversary occasion.

The community champions will then be invited to the official VIP canapés and fizz day-time reception, hosted by the Baron and Baroness of Langley, Dr Stuart and Dr Mariann Madnick.

The event will also feature Northumbrian entertainment and historic re-enactments and tours.

Langley Castle’s general manager, Mohamed Serag, says, “Langley Castle has long been associated with people who have cared deeply about Northumberland, from Thomas de Lucy, to a former High Sheriff of Northumberland, Cadwallader John Bates, and to our present-day owner, Dr Stuart Madnick, who led the campaign for a county day – Northumberland Day.  

“For our 40th anniversary as a hotel, we felt it fitting and appropriate to find 40 community champions who can help us demonstrate that community is at the heart of what makes our county such a wonderful place in which to live, and a very desirable destination to visit.  We look forward to discovering some of the unsung heroes in our community, who put others – and the enriching of life in the county – ahead of themselves.”

Nominations or self-nominations can be sent to Community Champions, Langley Castle, Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland, NE47 5LU.  Alternatively, email generalmanager@langleycastle.com  Nominations will close on April 10, 2025.            

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Editors notes

Langley Castle, built in 1350, is located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland and is one of the few authentic, fortified medieval castles in England. It has a rich history, with strong links to Jacobite rebellions, is located just a stone's throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and boasts features including battlements, seven-feet-thick walls, window seats set into the walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. It is one of the most exquisite wedding venues in the north and also offers a wide range of options when it comes to exclusive use, with the castle being available for weddings, family celebrations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, D&D-style events and a wide variety of corporate functions.