Jonathan Raper, Teesdale Cheese
Jonathan is the co-owner of Teesdale Cheesemakers and Cheesedale, which hosts an award winning cheesemaking facility, cafe and glamping site. Jonathan's roles and responsibilities, being the owner of a small business, are vast. He is often found in the cafe regaling visitors with stories and handing out local knowledge, but behind the scenes he could be fixing fences, mucking out the pigs, discussing the finances and strategic direction of the business or checking in guests to ensure they have everything they need for their stay.
Jonathan was born in Bishop Auckland and has a passion for learning. As a result, he has a breadth of knowledge that means he can talk and relate to everyone who visits the café, shop and glamping pods. He is interested in people so despite a huge list of tasks on his itinerary, he always has time for a story, a chat or a joke.
He's warm, friendly, and funny, has a huge knowledge of the area, a passion for the county and the people in it. With his family background in both farming and mining, he typifies the warmth and down to earth sense of humour of the people of County Durham.
Jonathan is an ambassador for many local businesses and attractions and a credit to County Durham.