13 October 2006

Hadrian"s Wall brought to life through giant map show

Today, Tuesday 10 October, Iain Herbert, Acting CEO of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, officially opened Discovering Cumbria - a 'first of its kind' exhibition with an accompanying Cumbria Information Centre based at Rheged, near Penrith.  Developed as a joint venture between Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Rheged, Discovering Cumbria is dedicated to inspiring visitors and locals alike to explore Hadrian's Wall and its surrounding landscape, attractions and outdoor activities.

With a new organisation - Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd - now in place to manage and promote the Wall as a World Heritage Site, the opening of Discovering Cumbria is an opportunity to communicate to visitors just what the Wall is, to set it in its historical context and to guide visitors to all that the Wall and its surroundings have to offer. 

Iain Herbert commented: 'This new exhibition provides a great opportunity for visitors to understand the full extent of Hadrian's Wall within Cumbria, highlighting both its historical significance and the fantastic landscape surrounding it.  Our role is to unlock the potential for Hadrian's Wall while safeguarding its future as an internationally renowned World Heritage Site, and this is a great start.'

James Berresford, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, added: 'The NWDA is pleased to have been able to support this exciting new development. Hadrian's Wall has long been an under-utilised resource and the new exhibition and Information Centre are the first steps towards harnessing the benefits of the Wall, so that we can maximise its contribution to the economy of the North of England.'

The Discovering Cumbria exhibition is centred on a ground-breaking multi-media presentation projected on to a giant relief map of Cumbria.  It tells a story that combines history and geography, putting Hadrian's Wall into its historical context.  Starting in the Ice Age at the time of the glaciers, the map show takes viewers through the Stone Age settlements of Cumbria with its fascinating stone circles, the influence of the Celts, the arrival of the imperial Roman legions and the construction of Hadrian's Wall.  The 10-minute map show is free and has been designed with all age groups in mind.

Hadrian's Wall marked the north-western frontier of the Roman Empire, and long after the Roman legions departed it still fascinates and enthrals all who see it.  Today, the sight of the wall snaking over moor, crag and valley still gives a sense of both the power of Rome and the isolation that Roman soldiers would have felt as they guarded this most remote of the Empire's borders.

Having been inspired by the story of Hadrian's Wall and Cumbria's history, visitors can then delve deeper with the help of a series of information panels before moving back in to Rheged's new Cumbria Information Centre. As well as all the usual services you would expect to find in a traditional Tourist Information Centre, the Cumbria Information Centre and its knowledgeable staff offer a wealth of information about the Wall, important sites along it and many other historical sites throughout Cumbria.  Books, maps, leaflets, itineraries and internet access are available to help visitors get the most out of their visit.

Rheged's Exhibition Manager, Robin Ashcroft, commented: 'The Discovering Cumbria exhibition really is a very effective way of finding out about the Wall, before you actually go up to see it.  It allows you to understand so much about Hadrian's Wall.  But we can offer much more than just information about the Wall and our aim is to open up the wealth of history and heritage that can be found both in Cumbria and in Northern England.'

The Discovering Cumbria exhibition shows every day, three times an hour, and entry is free. The giant movie Vikings: Journey to New Worlds is the ideal accompaniment to a visit to Discovering Cumbria. For further information on all of Rheged's attractions plus film times, ticket prices and details on daytime and evening events, visit www.rheged.com.  Rheged is located just off the M6 (Junction 40) two minutes from Penrith.

ENDS 
For further information please contact:
Vineet Lal, Communications and Branding Director, Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, on
01434 609700 or 07977 250058

Notes to the Editor
• Members of the press are invited to attend a Press Call at Rheged on Tuesday 10 October at 2pm.  This is a chance to hear from and talk to Sarah Dunning, Rheged's Chief Executive, Iain Herbert, Acting CEO of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd and James Berresford, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, plus an exclusive opportunity to see the Hadrian's Wall Exhibition: Discovering Cumbria.  Please call Sam Bunting on 01768 86 00 18 to reserve your place.

• If you require an alternative date to interview Sarah or Iain please contact Sam Bunting on 01768 86 00 18 to discuss your requirements.

• If you require an alternative date to interview James Berresford, please contact Helen Batte on 01925 400235 or Helen.Batte@nwda.co.uk

Hadrian's Wall Heritage was set up by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and One NorthEast (ONE) in order to bring about a step change in the economic and social contribution the Wall makes to its communities.