A NEW director has been appointed at a retreat house for the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle.

Vanessa Ward will be the new director of Shepherds Dene Retreat House in Riding Mill.

Vanessa, currently Head of Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, will take over from Philip Davies who has acted in an interim capacity since 2019, following the ordination of the Revd. Jane Easterby, the previous Director.

Vanessa has held significant roles at Durham Cathedral since her appointment in 2011 and has latterly been responsible for oversight of the Cathedral's retail, restaurant, and events offer.

Prior to working at Durham, Vanessa worked for Newcastle Diocese and had a career in buying.

Vanessa said: "I am thrilled to be taking up the post of Director of Shepherds Dene at this important and exciting point in its development.

"It will be a privilege and pleasure to work for Shepherds Dene which has a real sense of purpose in the way it delivers rest, refreshment and inspiration to those who visit.

"I look forward to working with the trustees, staff and volunteers to broaden its reach and to share the delights of this wonderful retreat house and its grounds with a wider audience."

The Revd. John McManners, Chair of Trustees at Shepherds Dene, said: "We are delighted with this appointment.

"Vanessa brings many personal qualities and much relevant experience to the post.

"The Trustees and staff are looking forward to working with her in the next chapter in the life of this much-loved retreat house."

The grand retreat house sits in more than 20 acres of gardens and woodland.

Originally built in 1906 as a family home, the estate was given to the Church of England in 1945 to be used as a retreat house.

Since then, the 18-bedroom house, which also has a two-bedroom coach house cottage in the grounds, has been extended and renovated on numerous occasions.

The house can be hired as a whole or in part, for smaller groups and individuals.