Pour tous les détails, voir la page consacrée à la participation de Robson au Powburn show : ICI
Q&A #1 : If someone was visiting Northumberland for the first time, what should be the one thing that they should eat, the one thing that they should drink and the one place that they should see ?
Robson : One thing to eat would be squabbit pie (squirrel and rabbit, delicious).
One thing to drink – any of the Steam Ales from Wylam Brewery.
One place to see - the hidden gem called College Valley.
Q&A #2 : Where in Northumberland have your caught the biggest fish ?
Robson : I caught a 22lb Atlantic Salmon in the beautiful River Coquet that resides in the stunning Coquetdale Valley.
Q&A #3 : We all know that Northumberland is a beautiful county steeped in history and traditions. What has been your biggest surprise since starting the series ?
Robson : The biggest surprise was the life-affirming sight of a huge pod of Dolphins putting on a spectacular display off the Northumberland Coast, a sight people would pay hundreds of pounds and travel thousands of miles to go and see in other parts of the world. Yet they are here on our very doorstep.
Q&A #4 : Where is the most romantic place to go in Northumberland for a couple to spend time together on holiday ?
Robson : If you are a couple who love the outdoors and seek solitude there is no better place than camping at one of the campsites in the area around Hadrian’s Wall.
Q&A #5 : Robson has spent a few nights under the stars on various TV series so the answer the Northumberland Microadventure community want to know is; Where's his best place for a night under the stars ?
Robson : It would have to be Kielder Forest, including a trip to Kielder Observatory, the best place in Europe to view our wondrous universe.
Q&A #6 : What was your biggest challenge during the filming of "More Tales From Northumberland ?
Robson : Trying to beat a 14-year-old at Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling at The Powburn Show - tune in this Monday to find out who won !
Q&A #7 : Is there one area or place in Northumberland that is deteriorating you would like to see preserved for the next generation ?
Robson : In this new series we follow the incredible restoration of Seaton Delaval Hall, an iconic architectural gem that resides near Blyth. It has been in desperate need of conserving but hopefully its future now looks bright.
Q&A #8 : Are you doing anything in Corbridge ?
Robson : Yes - in Episode 4 we tell the story of one of the greatest Roman finds in the world and that is the Corbridge Hoard, which was unearthed at Corbridge Roman Town. It includes one of the greatest examples of Roman Armour anywhere on the planet.
ROBSON GREEN: MORE TALES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND
August 2014 and I’m sitting on a London sofa with Robson Green.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve interviewed him.
We seem to have been meeting up for decades to discuss his various TV projects.
And it’s always a pleasure to talk to a canny lad who was born not far away from me.
Someone who has done much to put something back into the place he came from.
With a real heartfelt appreciation for his homeland and how it shaped him and his family.
Which brings us on to the new eight-part series of Tales From Northumberland.
Or rather now styled More Tales From Northumberland, returning to ITV at 8pm next Monday (Feb 16).
On that day last summer Robson was on a flying visit to the capital.
Having been out in a boat seeking dolphins off the Northumberland coast the day before.
And about to head back on a relentless schedule in time to meet the dawn skinny dippers of Druridge Bay the next morning.
As it happens, both items feature in the first episode of the latest series.
“When you do Tales From Northumberland, it’s a history and culture lesson for me,” he says.
“I’m a great believer in social history as opposed to something like the history of the royals.
“I’ve had enough of Henry VIII. Give me the Jarrow March, George Stephenson or Grace Darling.”
Robson was still reflecting on his meeting with white-beaked dolphins out in the North Sea just hours before.
“I didn’t know there were these incredible creatures there. They’re huge and they were leaping about the boat. It was amazing.
“Tomorrow at 3:30am I shall be going with the skinny dippers of Druridge Bay.
“And then I’m kayaking to Warkworth and then casting a line at Brinkburn Priory and talking about the monks. It’s fabulous.”
I’ve seen the first two programmes in this new series and they are a joy to watch.
Revealing yet more about one of England’s best kept secrets – the majestic and haunting county of Northumberland.
As Robson says at the start of each edition:
“I thought I’d seen and done it all. How wrong I was.”
The first programme also sees Robson travelling to Cragside, once the pioneering home of Victorian industrialist and inventor Lord Armstrong.
To help with a moment of history as hydro-electricity is again generated for the estate.
“Armstrong should be revered as Brunel and Stephenson because he was way ahead of his time,” he tells me.
Episode two finds Robson at the Powburn Show, trying his hand at Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
“That, again, tells us something about our heritage and history. It was a type of combat brought over by the Vikings.
“And also with the Vikings came our accents and sense of identity. Every Northumbrian probably has a trace of Viking in them.”
I won’t spoil the result of Robson’s wrestling matches.
Or his encounters with red squirrels, Chillingham cattle, College Valley Estate and much more.
In truth, Robson’s heart and home has always been in Northumberland.
“I never moved away from it. People always say I moved down south. I had a place in Surrey…but that’s not the case.
“I still commute down south for work and spend about 30 per cent of my time down here. It’s always been the same.
“But most of my work now is abroad – for my fishing series and series like Strike Back, which filmed in Budapest and Thailand.”
With series two of ITV’s Grantchester subsequently confirmed, we can look forward to more of Robson as Cambridge detective Geordie Keating.
But no prizes for guessing in which direction he will eventually return.
NEW TALES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND SERIES WITH ROBSON GREEN STARTS THIS MONTH
Robson Green is from one of the most sparsely-populated counties in England – Northumberland – a place he is still proud to call home.
"I’m not comfortable in cities, I never have been," he confides.
"I’m a country boy from the remote parts of Britain and I just love solitude – that’s different from isolation in my opinion."
Northumbrians have a sense of self-worth, identity, family and heritage and if you have all of those things it puts you at ease with who you are," he says.
In fact, the actor is so proud of his home that he’s presenting a show dedicated to uncovering the area’s secrets – Tales From Northumberland With Robson Green.
During the series, the actor visits Seahouses, the seaside port where he holidayed as a child, sleeps in a bothy (an ancient building where walkers can stay when they need respite from the Northumbrian weather) and voyages to the Farne Islands, inhabited by tens of thousands of birds and six rangers, who spend eight months a year there.
"It sounds crazy, but within two days of being there, I got it. I understood why they are so stressfree," says Green.
The actor met plenty of fascinating people along the way, including the youngest shepherdess in Britain, an ex-bricklayer who runs one of the greatest observatories in Europe and a GP who took Green diving with seals.
"All on my doorstep," he says, grinning. Green’s son Taylor, from his marriage to second wife Vanya Seager, whom he’s no longer with, is also a fan of the Northern county.
"Taylor’s been coming here since he was a child. I’ve got a beautiful picture of my footprints and his in the sand on one of the beaches," says Green, whose Northumbrian ancestors date back around 300 years. They include his grandfather William Golightly, whose surname is Green’s middle name. It’s also where his father, Robson, lived until his death in 2009, and where his mother and siblings still live.
Green describes his dad, a miner, as “a hardy man”, but his mother is also very strong.
"She doesn’t suffer fools gladly, " he says. " And she instinctively knows a good person from a bad one. When I was a child, she always said (about other children), ‘Don’t knock about with them, they’re only trouble.’ And she was right, half of them ended up in the nick."
Of her son’s shows, Mrs Green’s favourite is Extreme Fishing. " My mum and her friends have Extreme Fishing evenings. They all get together and watch it on a big TV. They don’t like the swearing though, so they watch an edited version."
The popular television programme featuring Robson Green and showcasing the beauty of Northumberland returns later this month.
More Tales From Northumberland will be broadcast on Mondays on ITV at 8pm, starting February 16.
The first series was shown in 2013 and drew audiences of almost four million per episode and research showed it provided a great boost to the county’s profile.
A survey carried out after the first series by Northumberland County Council found Northumberland was portrayed in a positive light and more than 91 per cent of people agreed that the county was a great place to visit.
As a result of the programme, 85 per cent of people surveyed said they had been encouraged to find out more about Northumberland and experience it for themselves.
"I would like to meet Harry Hotspur."
TV star Robson Green has spoken of his desire to make further episodes of a popular show which highlights the beauty and diversity of his native Northumberland, ahead of the second-series launch on Monday.
More Tales from Northumberland will air weekly on ITV at 8pm and the prime-time, eight-part documentary will chronicle the Hexham-born actor’s adventures around the county.
During the next instalment of the show, which comes on the back of the hugely-successful first series, the 50-year-old will explore areas of Northumberland which he has never been to before, and some he didn’t even know existed.
And while the programme has given Robson the chance to encounter plenty that the county has to offer, from swimming with dolphins to camping in the stunning College Valley, the Wire in the Blood star believes there are still more stories to tell.
Speaking at an exclusive event at Alnwick Playhouse on Monday, which gave an invited audience the chance to have a sneak-peak at the first two episodes of the second series, he said:
“We have only just scratched the surface of Northumberland, so I am sure there is scope to do more series. If we keep the same team, production values and stories, it will do a third. It could run and run, who knows.”
The first series drew audiences of almost four million per episode and research showed it provided a great boost to the county’s profile.
The Secret Kingdom is, perhaps, not quite so secret anymore, but Robson admits that he is delighted that his Tales have helped put Northumberland in the spotlight.
"The Robson Grenn's effect."
He said: “The first series was so successful, I was so pleased with the reaction it got nationally. If I can contribute in some way to helping Northumberland, that’ll be one of the proudest things I could be associated with.
“I am more than happy to call Northumberland home and there were all these things I knew that were out there that I wanted to tell the world about. I really wanted people to come along and see the best-kept secret in England for themselves.”
ROBSON GREEN GOES SKINNY DIPPING IN NEW TALES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND SERIES.
Robson Green tried some Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling at Powburn Show, as part of More Tales from Northumberland.
From coming face-to-face with one of the rarest creatures on earth to a sunrise skinny dip in the North Sea, actor Robson Green has spoken of his pride after filming a new series of a popular television show, which showcases the beauty of his native Northumberland.
The Hexham-born star returns to his home turf to present More Tales from Northumberland, which will air on Mondays on ITV at 8pm, beginning next week.
The prime-time documentary comes on the back of the hugely-successful first series in 2013 and sees him lead viewers through a unique part of Britain that remains close to his heart.
Having visited many of the county’s most famous landmarks on his last trip, this time he’s uncovering the hidden gems of one of the most beautiful parts of England.
Robson explores areas of Northumberland that he has never been to before – and some he didn’t even know existed – from its remote valleys and mystical ruins, to the hidden history of its castles and stately homes.
The series sees Robson take on exciting new challenges, from shipwreck-diving at the Farne Islands to digging for Roman relics at Hadrian’s Wall.
The 50-year-old attended a launch event at Alnwick Playhouse last night, which included an exclusive screening of the first two episodes to a specially-invited audience.
Speaking about his desire to film the second series, he said: “I knew there was lots more to explore and discover about an area I knew and loved well. There are so many wonderful experiences out there in Northumberland.
“One moment I’m up close and personal with a pod of dolphins and then I’m face-to-face with the Chillingham cattle, which are one of the rarest creatures on earth. They’re rarer than the snow leopard and the Chinese panda. They have incredibly sharp horns and can run up to 30mph. If you get too close, they will kill you.”
In the first episode of the second series, Robson discovers some of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets. First off, he heads out into the North Sea with local GP and marine biology lover Ben Burville in search of white-beaked dolphins.
Having reached their target area, it’s a long wait to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. When they finally make an appearance, Robson is thrilled, saying: “Ten to 15 dolphins have just surrounded the boat and are now putting on one of the best displays you’ll ever see.
“Wow, what a sight. They’re strong, powerful swimmers and love swimming in the waves at the bow of the boat. Nobody knows exactly why they do it, but it’s probably just because it’s fun.”
Next, Robson visits Cragside, once the pioneering home of Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong and the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity.
The final leg of Robson’s journey takes him to Druridge Bay as he joins a group of secret skinny-dippers for a very cold naked swim at sunrise.
After following the group into the chilly North Sea, Robson says: “There’s nothing better than starting your morning with a dip in the North Sea. I highly recommend it, everyone should do it once in their lifetime. Now, where’s my clothes?”
In the second episode, Robson tries his hand at Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling at Powburn Show, wild camps in the College Valley and visits the Otterburn military ranges.
Reflecting on his series highlights, he said: “I think it was the dolphins, because it was such a shock. They were huge and there were hundreds of them. I’ve travelled the world, to more than 100 countries, but to know that this sight is on my doorstop was a real shock and surprise.”
He does admit that there were some challenges during filming. He said: “When I tried my hand at Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, I took on a young teenager who put me to shame. I was not letting him win, he genuinely beat me. I got knocked out in the first round by a youngster. I was devastated!”
The first series drew audiences of almost four million per episode and research showed it provided a great boost to the county’s profile.
A survey carried out by Northumberland County Council after the first series found Northumberland was portrayed in a positive light and more than 91 per cent of people agreed that the county was a great place to visit.
As a result of the programme, 85 per cent of people surveyed said they had been encouraged to find out more about Northumberland and experience it for themselves.
Reflecting on this, Robson said: “The first series was so successful, I was so pleased with the reaction it got nationally.
“If I can contribute in some way to helping Northumberland, that’ll be one of the proudest things I could be associated with.
“There were all these things I knew that were out there that I wanted to tell the world about. I really wanted people to come along and see the best kept secret in England for themselves.”
Dure journée pour Robson !
Darren Whitfield, coach at the Rothbury club, said: “He was a very good sport and he seemed to enjoy it.
“I think it can only be good for the sport, we had a good crowd and he played them well.
“I think he just wanted to portray the traditional sport.
“He had never done it before. He had a brief coaching session beforehand, but it’s very hard to learn in half and hour.”
NBRC travelled to Amble on the Northumberland coast to take part in a low key ‘Regatta,’ also attended by Gosforth Community Rowing Club and Blyth Community Rowing Club.
The event was organised as more a social event which also hosted TV cameras filming for the ‘Tales of Northumberland’ series fronted by celebrity, Robson Green.
He had previously been involved in the construction of the Amble skiff which had been launched only a week before.
The idea was that we would all take part in a race, which in the event was a bit stage managed and focused in on Robson rowing in the Amble skiff.
Endless shots were taken from cameras in ribs and a drone helicopter buzzing overhead.
The whole day was very successful particularly on shore with Robson spending time with all the rowers with lots of chat, laughs and about a million photos and selfies.
COQUET SPIRIT TAKES TO THE WAVES
Robson Green talks to Amble Coastal Rowing Club leader Rob Angus for the second series of ITV’s ‘Tales from Northumberland’.
There has been boat building on the banks of the River Coquet since the dawn of time. Or perhaps to be more accurate, at the very least since the end of the eighteenth century, when boats were hand built on the Braid.
In keeping with this tradition, a community boat-building project is looking to inspire a new generation of builders and rowers.
And it has drawn the interest of TV star Robson Green, who lent a hand in the building and racing of the new Amble boat Coquet Spirit for his new primetime TV programme.
Amble Coastal rowing have recently been approached by the producers of the ITV series in connection with filming a section on the emerging St Ayles Skiff scene in Northumberland for the new series.
Club leader Rob Angus was delighted with the launch of the St Ayles skiff.
Building the St Ayles skiff began at Easter, and the hard work paid off as Amble Community Rowing Club launched the beautiful hand built boat at Lifeboat Day at the end of August. They had a cameraman down at the boatshed in July to film their turnover as test footage and they seem to like what they saw.
“We very much hope that Amble’s first community rowing skiff will give loads of local people that chance to get involved and that the club becomes a good ambassador for Amble,” said Rob.
“The producers of the programme asked if we could arrange a couple of different scenarios to get Robson involved in some way and one was to see if we could get a few skiffs to Amble Harbour to organise a race in which he could participate. Therefore I would like to ask for your assistance and invite you to take part. This can only be good for our sport and with viewing figures for the last series at 4 million will no doubt produce some great publicity and probably new members for all.
I have just received available dates from ITV today and they are looking Robson being available at 6th till the 12th September of which I would say that the Sunday 7th would be best for availability. High tide will be at 1.45 pm and it’s a big spring tide which will be good for the harbour from around 10.00 am right through the afternoon.”
“I think it will be a mix of setting up a race or two and some choreographed shots for the TV but it would also be a good chance for maybe a row in company out to Coquet Island and back weather dependant. If it’s poor, there is enough space inside the harbour for a race or two.”
Robson Green, joined the Coquet Spirit crew in their first race at the beginning of September. The race between skiffs from Amble, Blyth, North Berwick and Gosforth rowing clubs was filmed in the Friendliest Port for the second series of ITV’s “Tales from Northumberland”.
WRESTLING POWBURN SHOW
Robson Green tries his hand at Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling at Powburn Show.
Northumberland-born actor Robson Green paid a surprise visit to Powburn Show today and tried his hand at one of its traditional events, Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling.
The club, and its sport, is set to be highlighted by Robson Green in his new ITV series of Tales from Northumberland.
Crowds were delighted to see Robson, who was filming for his second series of ITV’s Tales From Northumberland. He was up against Harry Bertram from Knowesgate and lost 2-1.
He tweeted earlier today: ‘Nearly the end of a great 1st week of filming, just want to thank everyone who’s helped, you know who you are and we REALLY appreciate it :)’
Then later this afternoon, he was back on Twitter: ‘Surprise new entrant in the Cumberland & Westmoreland Wrestling at the Powburn Show today. Like the outfit ?’
He included a picture of himself lining up in the traditional wrestling costume.
TALES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND WITH ROBSON GREEN
Robson Green is set top return to TV screens showcasing his home county of Northumberland.
Tales from Northumberland with Robson Green, which was aired on prime time ITV last autumn, drew audiences of almost four million per episode.
The series saw Robson explore the county of his birth over eight half hour episodes which highlighted the beauty of Northumberland.
It has now been confirmed that production company Shiver is to create a second series.
Northumberland County Council welcomed the return of the show.
Research carried out after the first series by Northumberland County Council found the county portrayed in a positive light and over 91% of people agreed that it was a great place to visit.
Respondents felt Northumberland was portrayed in a positive light and over 91% agreed the county is a great place to visit.
As a result of the programme 85% of people surveyed said they have been encouraged to find out more about Northumberland, and experience it for themselves.
Robson Green is one of those who have created art.
Councillor Val Tyler, portfolio holder for community infrastructure and culture, is delighted the show will be returning to our screens.
She said: “The first series provided some unforgettable moments, such as Robson Green being pecked by terns, sleeping out in a bothy and experiencing some awe-inspiring sights like the starry skies at Kielder, the Farnes sunset and the amazing views from Hadrian’s wall.”
“From Blyth to the Scottish borders and out to the west, there is something for everyone in Northumberland. With the best of the county on show to millions this series provided a real showcase for Northumberland on a national stage. I would like to place a special thank you to Robson Green, who I thought was excellent in his role. We’re delighted it’s coming back for a second series.”
Robson Green said: “Making Tales From Northumberland was a labour of love and I can’t wait to start work on a second series. I’m looking forward to bringing more stories to viewers from a region that continues to enthral and inspire me.”
Myths, legends and key moments from British history that took place within the county (Flodden, the birth of Christianity, Earl Grey) worked really well in the first series. Shiver, the production company remains keen on finding similar ways to bring history to life in an exciting and interesting but authentic way.
Voir la séquence consacrée à cet événement dans le premier épisode de la série : ICI
Autres liens pour en savoir plus :
Robson Green rises to wrestling challenge !
Robson Green’s surprise visit to Powburn Show to take part in wrestling match
A surprise visit from the Geordie actor gave an extra boost to another successful Powburn Show last weekend.
Robson Green, who is currently filming the next series of his ITV show Tales from Northumberland, turned up at Saturday’s event to take part the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
The Northumberland-born celebrity took on two teenage boys from the Rothbury Wrestling Club - Harry Bertram, 13 and Joe Hale, 15 - while wearing the traditional costume, but was beaten in the ring.
Andrew Sawyer, property curator at Cragside commented:
“It is a very visual demonstration of the way hydro power works, an almost sculptural sight in the landscape. Lord Armstrong was an exceptional man with an ingenious mind and the prospect of bringing his vision for Cragside into the 21st century is a dream come true.
Hydroelectricity is the world’s most widely used form of renewable energy, so we are looking forward to sharing this very special part of its heritage.”
Water from Tumbleton lake, the lowest of the five lakes on the Cragside estate, will feed through the turbine and into the burn below. As water passes through the spiral blades it causes the screw to turn, thereby harnessing the energy of falling water. The energy is then converted into electricity using a generator.
The technology is well proven with over 100 installations in Europe and was chosen by the National Trust for its many advantageous features.
Sarah Pemberton, head of conservation at the National Trust explains:
“The hydro-turbine is a great example of the innovative methods the National Trust is employing in order to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainability. The Trust has committed to using 20 per cent less energy and to generate 50 per cent of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.
The Archimedes screw at Cragside is another step in this direction and will help one of our biggest properties in the region to generate its own electricity.
“The technology is easy to maintain due to the simple mechanics, and because it works at low speed, it’s possible for fish to pass through the turbine unharmed. The best thing about the screw is that it’s visible and we hope this will add to people’s understanding of why Cragside is so special. Visitors will be able to view the technology from the lake side.”
Patrick Begg, Rural Enterprises Director at the National Trust, said:
“To install a scheme that reflects the character of one of our places so directly is unique. It not only makes economic sense but adds so much depth to the story this special house has to tell.
“This project is another example of how we are progressing with our clean energy journey.”
An ambitious plan was launched last year by the National Trust, in conjunction with the 100 per cent renewable electricity supplier Good Energy, to provide clean energy to a further 43 of the charity’s historic properties.
Through its clean energy generation and with energy conservation work, the Trust hopes to save an estimated £4 million from its energy bill each year – which it can plough straight back into conservation work at the special places it looks after.
Energy users can support the Trust’s energy programme by making the switch and signing up to renewable electricity with the charity’s energy partner, Good Energy. The company will pay the Trust up to £40 per year for each new customer that signs up to its dual fuel tariff and mentions the National Trust.
HYDROPOWER COMES BACK TO CRAGSIDE
Robson Green switched on Cragside’s Archimedes screw.
Robson, fresh from filming his second series of Tales from Northumberland, which is currently being filmed at Wallington, Seaton Delaval Hall and Cragside, switched on a turbine system which will see hydro-electricity once again light up Cragside house, the former home of inventor Lord Armstrong.
Cragside House was the first house in the world to use hydroelectricity and with the introduction of this modern hydro system, a 17 metre long galvanised turbine weighing several tonnes, it will produce enough energy to light the bulbs in the house, and enable Cragside to re-tell the story for which it is famous.
Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, in 1878 when Lord Armstrong used water from the lakes on the estate to generate electricity through a turbine.
The Archimedes screw will produce about 12kw of electricity and over the course of a year Cragside expects the screw to provide about 10% of its electricity. This is the equivalent to lighting all the lights in the house for a year, but not enough to run all its computers, fridges and freezers etc. It will however, fulfil and continue Lord Armstrong’s dream of lighting his house by hydro-power.
L'hydroélectricité revient à Cragside :
Le 29 Juillet 2014, Robson Green met en marche la Vis d'Archimède, le nouvel hydro générateur de Cragside. Le dispositif permet de remonter l’eau à la surface grâce à une vis géante pour alimenter en électricité la propriété et le parc du National Trust.
Dans l’industrie actuelle, la vis est encore utilisée pour déplacer généralement des liquides en les hissant (pompage d'eau souterraine) ou des matières en poudre ou en grain (vis à grain).
TELEVISION FAVOURITE ROBSON GREEN TAKES THE PLUNGE TO PREPARE FOR NEW TV SHOW
Robson Green during his training with the Tyneside branch of BSAC.
Actor and presenter Robson Green is preparing for the second series of his Tales from Northumberland show
Television favourite Robson Green took the plunge as part of preparations for his latest on-screen adventures.
Robson joined members of the Tyneside branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club ahead of filming for the second series of the ITV hit Tales from Northumberland, which will air early next year.
As part of the latest series Robson will visit a number of shipwrecks off the Northumberland coast set to reveal hidden history, pinpointed by club experts.
Andy Hunt, chief examiner at the club, helped choose two sites which will feature in the series - Gun Rocks off the Farne Islands, thought to be hundreds of years old, and the site of the sinking of the SS Coryton in 1941.
Last month the star of London’s Burning and Extreme Fishing took the pool at Aqua North Diving Centre, in Coast Road, Newcastle.
Robson said: “Diving with Andy Hunt and the rest of the BSAC team has been a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
“The Farne Islands is a place of such beauty and yet tragedy too.
Robson Green on a previous dive with Steve Russell of Durham City Divers and Andy Hunt of Tyneside 114 BSAC.
“We want the series to bring history and the region’s heritage to life. When we looked at shipwrecks it quickly became apparent that it’s recreational divers from clubs such as Tyneside 114 BSAC that are making the discoveries and protecting the wreck sites.
“The first series proved very popular and we decided the theme for the second series should be ‘secret Northumberland’, things the viewer might not see every day. And that’s why we chose to look at some of the wrecks and the stories that surround them.”
Mr Hunt, a 42-year-old engineer, was also Robson’s dive buddy for the expeditions.
He said: “I’m delighted ITV and Robson Green have taken an interest in the wrecks that lie off the Northumberland coast. I’m keen to draw attention to the wrecks and the history we have here in the North East and in particular off the coast of Northumberland.
“Robson’s enthusiasm shines through and he really wants to show his audience a side of Northumberland, such as her many wreck sites, they wouldn’t normally get to see.
“In diving, exploring and researching and recording this site our club members have derived a great deal of enjoyment.”
Robson also learned how to use a full face mask in the safety of Ashington Swimming Pool.
The series is set to air on ITV early next year.
ACTOR ROBSON GREEN TURNS BACK THE CLOCK AT CRAGSIDE
Hydro power returns to light up Lord Armstrong's Northumberland home. A 19th Century Northumberland stately home, which was the first in the world to be lit using hydroelectricity, can once again harness the power of water.
Actor Robson Green at Cragside house where he turned on the 17-metre (56ft) Archimedes screw that has been installed that will use water to produce enough energy to light the 350 bulbs at the 150-year-old Cragside house in Northumberland.
Local actor Robson Green had another tale to tell from Northumberland as he turned the clock back at one of the county’s top heritage attractions.
Robson, fresh from his Tales from Northumberland TV series, switched on a system which will see hydro-electricity once again light up Cragside house, the former home of inventor Lord Armstrong.
In 1878, the industrialist and his friend Joseph Swan, creator of the incandescent light bulb, joined to make Cragside the first house in the world to be lit by hydro power.
Earlier this year the National Trust, which cares for Cragside, took delivery of an Archimedes screw to once again use water to generate power.
The 17-metre long galvanised screw, weighing several tonnes, will produce enough energy to power the lights in Cragside house.
The screw has been installed just below the dam at Tumbleton Lake, through which the Debdon Burn runs on its way to the River Coquet.
The weight of the water piped through the dam turns the blades of the screw, powering an adjacent generator which feeds into the estate’s electricity sub station. Visitors can watch the screw turn and see inside the generator housing through windows.
Curator Andrew Sawyer with actor Robson Green next to the 17-metre (56ft) Archimedes screw that has been installed that will use water to produce enough energy to light the 350 bulbs at the 150-year-old Cragside house in Northumberland.
“We wanted the Archimedes screw to be a visual feature in the landscape, with people being able to see water turned into light,” said Cragside property curator Andrew Sawyer. “Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity, and now we still are.
“Lord Armstrong had his turbine and the latest in light bulb technology, and now we have our turbine and the latest LED lights. We expect the system to be in place until the next development in turbines, perhaps in another 150 years’ time.”
The £500,000 Cragside project will generate around 10% of the estate’s power needs, saving about £10,000 a year.
Andrew said: “It is a very visual demonstration of the way hydro power works, an almost sculptural sight in the landscape.
“Lord Armstrong was an exceptional man with an ingenious mind and the prospect of bringing his vision for Cragside into the 21st Century is a dream come true. Hydro-electricity is the world’s most widely used form of renewable energy, so we are looking forward to sharing this very special part of its heritage.”
Sarah Pemberton, head of conservation at the National Trust, said: “The hydro-turbine is a great example of the innovative methods the National Trust is employing in order to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainability.
“The trust has committed to using 20% less energy and to generate 50% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020. The Archimedes screw at Cragside is another step in this direction and will help one of our biggest properties in the region to generate its own electricity.
“The technology is easy to maintain due to the simple mechanics, and because it works at low speed, it’s possible for fish to pass through the turbine unharmed. The best thing about the screw is that it’s visible and we hope this will add to people’s understanding of why Cragside is so special. Visitors will be able to view the technology from the lake side.”
An ambitious plan was launched last year by the National Trust, in conjunction with the 100% renewable electricity supplier Good Energy, to provide clean power to a further 43 of the charity’s historic properties.
Through its clean energy generation and with energy conservation work, the trust hopes to save an estimated £4m from its energy bill each year – which it can plough back into conservation work at its properties.