JORVIK Viking Centre opened to the public on the 14th April, 1984, attracting people from all over the world to discover what life was like over 1,000 years ago in York. Many famous faces have also experienced the reconstructed city of Jorvik, with the like of HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of York, York’s very own Dame Judi Dench, Tony Robinson, Liv Tyler and even Timmy Mallet visiting to name but a few. Based on an archaeological dig by York Archaeological Trust in the 1970s which lead to over 40,000 Viking-age artefacts being unearthed, JORVIK Viking Centre was a world first incorporating all the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York. It truly was a significant step that changed the face of museum interpretation. David Scott, Head of Marketing for York Archaeological Trust, comments “Now in its 31st year, JORVIK Viking Centre continues to educate and entertain families from all over the world on the Viking Age and as a not for profit organisation, income generated by our paying visitors helps to fund the Trust’s charitable activities to ensure the past is something that is enjoyed by all.” Meanwhile in Chester... Cheshire West and Chester Councillors are split on whether or not to do a deal on the derelict, listed building known locally as Dee House, with a developer for the next 150 years, until the year 2166. Dee House sits on top of the southern part of Chester's Roman Amphitheatre which dates back as far as the 70s AD, campaigners say that it is high time that it was delisted and demolished or moved, to finally reveal Britain's Biggest Roman Amphitheatre which lies beneath. Some campaigners would be happy however for Dee House to remain, IF it was turned in to a Jorvik style museum as opposed to the student flats or hotel which it is rumoured to become. CWAC Council are refusing to reveal who the proposed developer is, citing the deal as "commercially sensitive". The Chester Archaeological Society (CAS), who were instrumental in excavating the Northern part of Chester's Amphitheatre in the early 1900's, against the then city council's wishes, who wanted to build a ring road over the top of it, have stated that they would only be happy with a much shorter lease of around 25 years. CWAC's Conservative Party have 'called in' the decision by the Labour led council on the grounds that they have not taken the strong pubic objection to the proposal in to account. The case for the 'calling in' will be heard at the council's HQ building in the city on the evening of the 8th of September, where a scrutiny committee will decide whether or not to open a period of public consultation or proceed to sign the deal. Meanwhile in York... York Archaeological Trust have welcomed their 18 millionth visitor to Jorvik. Sources: Jorvik Visitors Centre Website. Chester Archaeological Society (CAS) report into CWAC proposal to lease Dee House.