Architectural and cultural heritage has become an increasingly media-friendly topic.

This is the second year that I have been involved with the National Heritage Weekend, on September 16 and 17, on behalf of the Quakers, or Religious Society of Friends in Darlington, and this year promises to be the best yet.

The participation of more than 2000 buildings of cultural and historic interest throughout Britain - opening to the public without charge - includes 15 sites in Darlington which have arranged their guided tours and access facilities thanks to the co-ordination of Darlington Borough Council and the Civic Trust.

One indication of the event's interest is the fact that, regrettably, a new addition to this years programme of two conducted tours on a single-decker vintage bus (as featured in the television series "Heartbeat"), provided by the Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society, has proved so popular that it is sold out already.

The Quaker heritage of Darlington, with its historic influence in the town and local political and civil life, in business and philanthropy, is well known, not least through being documented in the local history columns of The Northern Echo.

Quakers remain to this day, and welcome people to their meetings for worship every Sunday morning, as they have done since they paid £35 for the site at 6 Skinnergate in 1678.

We no longer wear the famous Quaker bonnets, and plain costume, but the emphasis on simplicity and honesty, and seeking "that of God in everyone", can hopefully be detected from the interior of the building, as well as in the tranquillity of the burial ground through which the likes of William Penn would have walked before travelling to what became Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, in the US.

Indeed, Darlington (according to one writer in Priestgate, in 1876) was the "English Philadelphia" rising in influence and Quaker heritage, through the industrial revolution.

The headstones in the burial ground to the rear of the meeting house illustrates the inter-marrying common in the society in the last century, as well as the simplicity behind our faith. Generally the stones denote the name of the Quaker and the dates of birth and death only.

But living simply did, and does not, mean being dull and boring.

Quakers strive to "let their lives speak" and to "live adventurously" in the spirit of God.

The 1,000 or so Quakers buried at the meeting house were often pioneering in thought and deed.

In walking over the grass and in reflection during the passing seasons since my wife and I have been wardens of the meeting house, I have felt a strong sense of history in this little oasis of peace in the heart of a busy town.

On Sunday, September 17, the meeting house and its beautiful burial ground will provide the background for guided tours through the building, focusing on the Quaker worship and history of the town.

Other rooms in the meeting house include a library and the room from where the Darlington Town Mission originated - now used on Sundays by children.

The principal purpose of our meeting house is worship which, in its combination of waiting silently in the spirit of God, unites us without creed, status or gender.

All worship in the Light of God within us all, and anyone when moved by this spirit can speak or minister to the others present.

People come and share this experience for a variety of reasons, Christian or not, religiously minded or just for some space, some peace and quiet in their stressful lives.

The Quaker Meeting House (Grade II* listed) was designed in 1839 by Joshua Sparkes. It includes a worship room featuring a gallery and a preserved partition wall which used to be lowered manually from the attic.

Our burial ground imitates the largely silent worship within the building, and is a place of peace and reflection, surrounded by headstones of those involved in Darlington's Quaker heritage of wool, linen, railways and banking, including the Pease and Backhouse families.

Many people combine various visits to participating properties either geographically for convenience, or historically with reference to a connecting individual, such as the architect, a business such as railways, or the factor of religion, such as the Quakers. As with many of the participating buildings, there will be refreshments available. And now for the other, equally interesting participating sites:

l The town's Covered Market and basement was built in 1863. It promises a fascinating tour around a place we visit frequently, perhaps without appreciating its history.

l The Arts Centre - The tour features the glass corridor, known as the hen run, and the west wing, with its unusually constructed staircase and reputed site of a suicide with tales of a current ghost.

l The Civic Theatre - See behind the scenes of this Edwardian building, which is one of the most successful provincial theatres in the country. Still referred to as a "Hemp House", because the flymen operate scenery in the traditional way.

l The Railway Centre and Museum - A must for all and, not least, for railway enthusiasts. Located on the original 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.The guided tours will give an insight into the past and present use of these historic buildings.

l Manor Farmhouse - a fine example of a 17th Century Grade II hearth passage house, retaining many original features and characteristics.

l Mowden Hall (The Old Hall) - A Grade II-listed country House built in 1881 by the architect Alfred Waterhouse. Notable features include wood and marble fireplaces, frescoed ceilings and stained glass windows.

l Polam Hall School - Built in 1794 yet retaining the splendour of its main hall and grand stone staircase.

l South Park Guided Tour conducted by George Flynn. Originally called "the People's Park". During the walk participants will examine most of the historic articles in this fascinating area of Darlington.

l St Cuthbert's Church - A Grade I-listed building begun in 1180 and known affectionately as "The Lady of the North". It has Norman foundations, a 14th Century belfry and font, and many other historic features. There is a new Visions of Christ exhibition, as well as the Angel with the Big Feet.

l Holy Trinity Church, in Woodland Road - An 1838 building of a fascinating architectural transition period, containing Ascetic Movement stained glass.

l St Edwin's Church, High Coniscliffe - A Grade II building from the 12th Century. The church features a 13th Century tower, and a 14th Century octagonal spire and porch housing a carved Saxon stone. It is the only English church bearing St Edwin's name!

l St Michael's Church, East Green, Heighington - A Grade I-listed building containing a Norman nave and tower, a Medieval aisle, a pre-Reformation pulpit and 19th Century additions. It epitomises the architectural development of the English parish church.

l The Town Hall - Built in the 1960. The Macebearer will provide visitors with a guided tour and a talk about the council chamber, where the mayor-making ceremonies are held. Also included are the mayor's parlour, housing the town's silver collection, the mayoral chains of office, the mace and Jubilee Book.

l Walworth Castle - A Grade AI castle built in 1189. The east and west wings were rebuilt in 1590 and the north wing in 1759. Special features include an Elizabethan porch, Tudor bay windows, Georgian plasterwork and a stained glass Venetian window. King James stayed in the castle, en-route to his coronation in London.

Some of the properties are open on particular days or at specific times only.

You need to pre-book your entrance to many of above properties, and any guided tours, by visiting or telephoning the Tourist Information Centre on (01325) 388666, fax (01325) 388667. Or e-mail tic