Let’s face it, 2020 hasn’t been a bundle of fun for most of us but there have been some ‘silver linings’.

Let me put that in a bit more context… Coronavirus / COVID-19 has affected all of us in some way, shape or form and here at Newcastle Castle we have been closed to the public for as many days as we have been open. That has not just put a strain on things financially, like so many other businesses and for so many employees, but it has also put a mental strain on a team who are dedicated and simply want everyone out there to come and love their experience at Newcastle Castle. I’m not ashamed to say it has been the most challenging year of my career and mentally challenging considering the anxiety issues I experience.

Despite all that the team have made a concerted effort to develop, to attract ever needed funding to keep operations going into next year, and they have done a very good job at it. Our customers have shown fantastic support, not only in donating ticket fees to us for events that we have had to cancel or postpone but also through returning and visiting us when we were able to open, leaving great reviews, giving us vital feedback that will help us develop into the future.

Equally, I think we’ve all realised just how important time with our loved ones really is and I know I have spent a lot more time trying to make memories with my wife and 3-year old daughter. Whilst working from home and childcare don’t always mix well, if at all, they have given opportunity to create time (well, less spent commuting) to make rare moments and memories.

When I look back on all the heartache, stresses and strains that 2020 has brought people I take solace in the great moments that have been made with families, friends and work teams, using innovative solutions and technologies or just simply going old school and getting out and about into nature safely as and when we have been allowed.

As a hobby I love photography and this year I’ve made time for personal projects, like learning how to develop photographic film at home and my daughter has become increasingly interested and involved because of it, which fills me with pride.

In the world of business, I have been upset at the distresses brought upon so many businesses and employees by the pandemic but also inspired by the inventive ways that people have adapted their operations in their struggles to make sure that their, and their employee’s bread and butter survives. I have been enthused by people’s resilience and resolve. I have been very lucky to have such a great team on the journey with me. From the volunteers, to the staff, to the unsung heroes of the Board of Trustees who were pillars of support, knowledge and experience and often don’t get the thanks and credit they really deserve.

Equally, I have been inspired by how so many businesses have looked to work with and support other businesses, often so on a work-in-kind basis. You know, sort of working on the principle of “pay it forward!”.

A case in point would be Pentagon Computer Solutions who have supported us and continue to do so throughout this very difficult period. Headed up by Managing Director, Ray Burke, they have provided solid advice, committed work ethics, a dedicated team and on several occasions, Ray has been kind enough to provide his services ‘in-kind’ to help see us through this difficult year. He has paid some forward and we will too!

Pentagon Computer Solutions are contractors, but they are an embedded part of our team.

We consider them colleagues and friends. Their work has always come with great forethought about the impact on us, our operations, and our budgets, working around our day-to-day to minimise impact on us and generally just being nice supportive people who are dedicated to seeing what we offer to the public and to schools thrive in very difficult times.

You can’t buy these kinds of support, but we can thank people for it and that’s the point of this article:

• To all our fabulous customers – thank you so much for your support. We hope to see you over Christmas, but if not, we’ll see you in 2021!

• To the whole team of staff at Newcastle Castle, thank you for working so hard, under difficult conditions, we know our customers have thoroughly enjoyed their visits, and that’s down to you.

• To the Board of Trustees, thank you for your support and guidance, it is wholeheartedly appreciated.

• To Ray, Joe, Sarah… Pentagon Computer Solutions, we are very grateful for all your support. We know we will see you in the New Year and we look forward to it.

Ben Smith, Chief Executive Officer, The Heart of the City Partnership – Newcastle Castle.