ABC Magazine: South Edition - Nov/Dec 2022

CHRISTMAS AT SPANISH CITY

There are not many better places to spend a cosy winter’s afternoon, or to dance the night away at a festive party than at the iconic Spanish City.

From the 30 foot Christmas tree and festive decor, to the unmissable Christmas events and meeting Santa Claus, every corner of Spanish City comes alive with festive cheer at this time of year.

The iconic Spanish City was returned to its former glory in 2018, to rekindle its love affair with the residents and visitors of Whitley Bay.

During the year, Spanish City hosts everything from Christmas markets and corporate exhibitions to birthday parties and spectacular weddings. Award-winning Trenchers Restaurant and Takeaway, finedining 1910 restaurant, Valerie’s Tearoom and The Champagne Bar take permanent homes inside the historic building. They have also built a name for our stunning afternoon teas, which can be enjoyed under the dome in The Gallery or with sea views in 1910.

Christmas is a particularly special time at Spanish City, with the venue hosting a variety of one off events and special menus. Festive Afternoon Teas are available right up until Christmas Eve and there are extra special Breakfasts and Lunch on select dates with Santa himself.

All the venues are open on Christmas Eve, and celebrations continue after the big day with a festive lunch with panto on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th of December. New Year’s Eve is a special night at the Spanish City, with family friendly dining, adult only dining and their fantastic New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner.

Saving the best until last, the Christmas Tribute Nights are back again for 2022. Here is a look at just a selection of the acts coming to Spanish City this Christmas.

CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE NIGHTS

Are you organising a special gettogether with family and friends, or treating the team for all their hard work? These Christmas Tribute Nights are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.

You’ll enjoy a three-course meal with the perfect backdrop of the stunning sea views. Later let your hair down and dance until 12:30am with the resident DJ.

Each Tribute night is £42.50 per person and are held in the St Mary’s Lighthouse Suite.

Thursday 1st December

Freddie Mercury

The ultimate Freddie Mercury tribute act performs songs from a huge repertoire from every decade of Queen’s musical legacy and his solo career.

Sunday 4th December

Michael Bublé

Is it really Christmas with Michael Bublé? Get in the festive spirit by singing along to all of Bublé’s Christmas hits.

Sunday 11th December

Elvis

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll comes to Whitley Bay for one night only, Join us for one night with the ultimate Elvis tribute.

Thursday 15th December

George Michael

The ultimate George Michael tribute act performing songs from his Wham! and his solo days.

Sunday 18th December

ABBA

Here we go again…Celebrate a night of dazzling entertainment with a fantastic ABBA tribute act that will bring back to life all of your favourite singalong hits.

Thursday 22nd December

Neil Diamond

The ultimate Rhinestone Cowboy tribute rides into Whitley Bay to play all his hits.

For more details on all of these events and more, visit www.spanishcity.co.uk

FOOTBALL CRAZY:

Are You Ready For The World Cup?

With the first ever midseason World Cup upon us, here are a few fun World Cup facts to get you in the mood for a winter festival of football.

• The World Cup is usually held in June and July, but the host this year is Qatar. The subtropical desert climate of Qatar always results in scorching summers, with temperatures averaging between 32-27 degrees, often peaking much higher than this. Hence, the authorities felt playing football during these months would be too dangerous. So, as part of their winning bid for hosting the World Cup, Qatar agreed to stage the tournament in November and December, where typical temperatures are a more comfortable 21-26 degrees.

• The first World Cup took place back in 1930. Jules Rimet, a French football administrator who was the third and longest serving President of FIFA, wanted to create an international competition between men's football teams. The first World Cup tournament consisted of thirteen invited teams and took place in Uruguay, who then won the competition.

• The World Cup has been played every four years since this inaugural tournament, except in 1942 and 1946, when it was suspended due to World War II. This is the 22nd tournament.

• Brazil has won the most World Cups, with five, while Italy and Germany are close behind, with four each.

• The oldest goalscorer in World Cup history is Roger Milla, who, at the ripe old age of 42, scored for Cameroon against Russia in 1994.

• The winning team is awarded the World Cup Trophy. Although the team enjoys celebrating and being photographed with the trophy after the final, they don't get to take it away with them. They are sent home with a replica.

The current Jules Rimet trophy has been presented to winning teams since 1970. It is made of 18-carat gold and weighs in at 13.5 pounds (just over 6Kg).

At the tournament's inception in 1930, FIFA decided that if any nation won three finals, they would be given the trophy to keep.

In 1970 Brazil achieved this feat when they defeated Italy in the final in Mexico, so the trophy was presented to the Brazilian Sports Confederation. The trophy was displayed on the third floor of the CBF offices in Rio. 13 years later, on the night of 19th of December, the security guard was overpowered by a group of thieves, and the trophy disappeared. It has never been found.

• Egyptian Goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary, is the oldest player to ever play in the World Cup at the age of 45, having played at the 2018 Russian World Cup.

•The highest scoring game in World

Cup history was in 1854 when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.

• The biggest margin of victory in a World Cup game came in 1982 when Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1.

• The fastest goal at the World Cup took only 11 seconds!

The scorer was Hakan Suker, who netted for Turkey against South Korea in 2002. England's Bryan Robson had previously held the record when he broke the deadlock against France in 1982 after only 27 seconds.

• While 32 teams have again qualified for this year's tournament, that number will jump to 48 in 2026, when the tournament will be spread across three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico.

• England have only ever hosted the tournament once, in 1966, which was also the only time they ever won the tournament, defeating Germany in a dramatic last-minute 4 – 2 win.

Will 2022 be the year England finally wins the tournament on foreign soil? Let's hope that after almost 60 years of hurt, football once again comes home!

THE BISCUIT FACTORY GIFT GUIDE

Shop local and independent this Christmas, and find original gifts at The Biscuit Factory in Ouseburn. With pieces starting under £30 you’ll find something for everyone among their collections. Take inspiration below, and visit the gallery to see their full collections!

FOR THE FOODIES:

1. Mouse cheese board in beech wood by Majid Lavasani, £30. Local furniture maker and wood-worker Majid Lavasani crafts beautiful, functional pieces for everyday use. His cheese boards are always sell outs, so grab one quickly!

2. Black porcelain and copper chilli flake bowl by Kirsty Adams, £30. For the avid cook; one of Gosforth-based ceramicist Kirsty Adams’ salt or chilli bowls is a thoughtful token that fits into their every day.

FOR THE JEWELLERY LOVERS:

3. Golden Seed Studs by Silverkupe £59. Silverkupe’s EmineThompson combines sterling silver with 24k gold plate to create organic-inspired jewellery right here in Newcastle!

4. Double Circle Sterling Silver necklace by Elin Horgan £50. Simple geometric jewellery makes a subtle statement for those who like to keep their look streamlined, like this silver necklace by contemporary jeweller Elin Horgan.

FOR THE EXPERIENCE-SEEKERS:

5. Botanical Embroidery Workshop with Lucy Freeman £65 per person. For those who like to try new experiences, why not book one of The Biscuit Factory’s creative workshops? A cohort of artists deliver sessions for small groups across a range of activities; from embroidery to oil painting, ceramics to wire sculpture. Better yet, spend some quality time creating together then enjoy an Afternoon Tea or Brunch for Two in The Factory Kitchen Cafe!

SPREAD THE COST OF CHRISTMAS:

6. Own Art Scheme. When buying original art and craft at The Biscuit Factory you can apply to spread the cost of your purchase with their Own Art scheme. Whether one statement gift, or several pieces together, when you spend £100 online or in the gallery you can use the interest-free finance scheme to pay over 10 instalments, starting the month after your purchase!

The Biscuit Factory16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN. Open Daily 10 - 5. www.thebiscuitfactory.com Tel: 0191 261 1103

CULTURAL TOURS OF THE NORTH EAST

Tyne Idols

To celebrate the enormous wealth of talent born in our region, Tyne Idols organise and host unforgettable experiences, promotions and tours throughout the North East.

Their hugely popular music and cultural tours take place aboard their classic double decker bus, and provide hours of local fact-finding fun. Most tours are hosted by Geordie legend Ray Laidlaw, the former drummer with the legendary folk-rock band Lindisfarne. Here is a small selection of the tours available….

THE DEFINITELY VERY LAST "HIM OFF THE VIZ" TOUR WITH SIMON DONALD

Wednesday, December 28, 2022. 15:00 18:00

Simon Donald and the Tyne Idols team would like to invite you on even yet another very special, one-off tour. This is now the squillionth tour he has done, so you know how it gans, but this tour will include a new venue visit, so you’ll have to be on it to find out where! Starts 3.00pm from Bewick Street, Newcastle to take advantage of the diminishing light. Tickets £25 per person.

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD TOUR

WITH RAY LAIDLAW

Wednesday, May 3, 2023. 19:00 22:00 Join the team for their famous music and film heritage tour departing Bewick Street, Newcastle (opposite Central Station) at 7.00pm and returning roughly three hours later — they’re usually a bit late returning because there’s so much to see and talk about!

The three hour tour of on-board chat and music, hosted by the legendary Mr Ray Laidlaw, includes two stop-offs at very popular watering holes, promising as always to be a fun-packed evening out! Departing from Bewick Street, Newcastle at 7.00pm. Tickets £20 per person.

NORTH TYNESIDE "COASTAL HEROES" TOUR WITH RAY LAIDLAW

Sunday, May 7, 2023. 15:00 18:00

The Coastal Heroes Tours celebrates local legends of TV, film and music. Hosted by the irresistible Mr Ray Laidlaw, the three hour tour will also include some very special guests, and there will be not one but two refreshment breaks throughout to whet your whistle in some carefully selected and interesting establishments. Leaving the Gibraltar Rock pub, Tynemouth at 3.00pm. Tickets £20 per person.

THE MOST CERTAINLY VERY LAST "HIM OFF THE VIZ" TOUR WITH SIMON DONALD

Thursday, May 11, 2023. 19:00 22:00

Simon Donald and the team would ONCE AGAIN like to invite you on yet another extremely special one-off tour. How many so-called “one-off” Viz tours has it been now? You can’t have too many!

Starts 7.00pm from Bewick Street, Newcastle for three (and-a-bit maybe) hours of hearty laughter and uproarious mirth. Tickets £25 per person.

For all ticket information please call Julie Clay on 07944 338026 or 0191 257 9427 or email Julie at julieclay23@gmail.com. For general enquiries please email info@tyneidols.com.

Tours celebrate the wealth of local North East talent with their fantastic range of tours

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS AT LINSKILL

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November ● Linskill Centre, North Shields, NE30 2AY

All are welcome to the Linskill Centre on the 26th and 27th November for a fantastic weekend, showcasing some fantastic local businesses and their products and services. This is the perfect opportunity to get stocked up for Christmas, whilst supporting local businesses and a very worthwhile cause. The event is also run as a fundraiser for the North East Homeless charity. Entry is £2 per adult (12 years and over) and there will be a Tombola and raffle to raise money for the charity. Opening Times are 10am - 3pm

Website: linskill.org

NORTH SHIELDS CHRISTMAS MARKET

Saturday 10th& Sunday 11th December ● Northumberland Place, North Shields, NE30 1QU

The North Shields Christmas Market returns to the town once again, and will be held in the newly redesigned and renovated Northumberland Square. The market will once again feature over 100 stalls, selling all manner of seasonal gifts and produce. There will be a wide range of food stalls, arts and crafts, novelty gifts and Christmas ideas on offer, as well as plenty of tasty fresh food and hot and cold drinks available, including the always popular German sausage and mulled wine. The festival will take place with a back-drop of live festive entertainment, including local choirs and schools. Wrap up warm as the whole festival is outdoors, although the Library and Beacon Centre will be open and are close by. The market is open 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday.

Facebook: North Shields Christmas Market

MAXIMISE YOUR INCOME

Switch your bank account (15 mins)

Did you know that banks will give you money simply for switching your account? At the time of writing this, you can get up to £200 for switching.

The Current Account Switching Service means you can switch hassle-free in just 7 working days, and all of you direct debits and payments will be automatically transferred over.

Martin Lewis at Money Saving Expert keeps an upto-date list of all the current switching offers. Head to www.moneysavingexpert.com.

Check your savings rate (10 mins)

This year is Age UK North Tyneside’s 50th birthday. However, with the current cost-of-living crisis, we understand that not everyone is in the mood to celebrate.

We want to make sure you’re getting all of the support available to you. Here are some ways you can maximise your income in just 50 minutes.

Check your benefit entitlement (10 mins)

You may be entitled to additional financial support. If you’re not claiming it, you’re throwing away free money!

Our free and confidential Information & Advice service can help you check what you’re entitled to and what you’re missing out on.

Call us today on 0191 280 8484 or head to www. ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside.

Get a smart meter (10 mins)

Smart meters can help you save money on your energy bills by showing you where you’re using unnecessary energy. Get in touch with your energy supplier to have one installed. There’s no extra charge, and most suppliers will allow you to request a smart meter online via your energy account.

Interest rates have been soaring lately. While this is bad news for anyone wanting to borrow money, it’s great news for savers.

If you’re lucky enough to have some savings tucked away, check your interest rate. If you’re earning anything less than 2%, it’s time to switch.

Once again, we’d recommend heading over to Money Saving Expert for a full list of the top savings accounts (www.moneysavingexpert.com).

Get a water saving kit (5 mins)

While water bills aren’t increasing at the same rate as energy bills, they can still eat up a sizeable portion of your income. Especially if you have a water meter.

Northumbrian Water offer free water saving kits that you can order to help cut down your usage and reduce your bill. Head to nwl.watersavingkit.com.

For additional help and support, our team are here for you Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 4.30pm. Call us on 0191 280 8484 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside.

Age UK North Tyneside have some straightforward advice to help you make your money go further.

BECOME A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER

As part of a series of articles designed to help you take better images, Anne Watson, a member of Whitley Bay Photographic Society, discusses light and colour.

photography /fəˈtɑːgrəfi/ noun

The Latin translation of Photography is ‘light writing’. Reach for a dictionary and you’ll see the modern interpretation as being ‘Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or by means of a light-sensitive photographic film’.

Photography is all about your camera or smartphone capturing light - and light and colour are inextricably linked together. A bright summers day gives the amateur

photographer greater light, shadow and colour options to play with whereas a dull day with poor light can be the time for moody atmospheric black and white photographs.

Photographers use light to direct the eye of the viewer to the chosen subject area as bright areas attract attention while our eyes and brain tend to ignore darker areas.

Another technique to help attract the viewer’s attention is the use of warm colours such as red, orange, yellow and magenta.

Hopefully we’ll have a few more sunny days before autumn arrives but the harsh midday sunlight in summer can bring challenges for amateur photographers as it creates very strong shadows.

Tips: To avoid your subject being lost in the shadows – try placing the sun behind you so your subject is evenly lit. If the sun is very strong then place your subject in any shade that’s handy as you don’t want to photograph them squinting. A creative use of the sun can be to place it behind your subject and to photograph it side on to capture both the subject and the shadows created.

And a final tip is to avoid standing too close to your subject, with the sun behind you, as you’ll want to avoid capturing your own shadow by mistake!

Experiment with how light affects your subjects at different times of the day and evening, and most of all ~ have fun with your camera knowing that you’re ‘writing with light’.

If you’re interested in joining Whitley Bay Photographic Society, please visit www.wbphoto.org.

AFFORDABLE LUXURY WITH THE CONCEPT CARE PLAN THIS CHRISTMAS

Tucked away on Front Street, in the heart of Tynemouth, you will find a rather different kind of opticians.

Eye wear at Concept Eye Clinic is chosen carefully serving the wonderfully eclectic palettes of the people who travel here for their eye examination or, who just pop in to browse the latest offerings. Frames here have their own narrative. Retro, luxury and often hallmarked by an unusual design feature and material. The Barton Perreira collection is in a class of it’s own...

It’s acetate is made from an organic, hypoallergenic plastic that is derived from wood pulp and cotton fibres to create durable, flexible, and sustainable frames that will endure a lifetime of wear. After a piece is sculpted, it undergoes a final 4 day polishing by hand to ensure a soft, seamless feel from front to temple.

Once a frame is shaped, Japanese artisans add Barton Perreira’s signature touches, from intricate, hand-engraved filigree to stunning accents and patterns achieved through innovative technologies. Each piece is meticulously inspected to meet highest quality standards before it is added the Concept collection.They call it a ‘natural instinct’. We like the people behind Barton Perreira. Anarchic curators and innovators of fashion who designed for and inspired Vera Wang, Prada, Miu Miu and Paul Smith and Oliver People.

It’s all about who you are.

Okay, so one can describe the acetate, hinge technology or hand made quality, but holding it in your hands and of course trying on a pair is a visceral experience. Sheer pleasure. Don’t take this as gospel. You’re very welcome to browse and see for yourself. Concept Eye Clinic is after all, the ‘art of the optometrist’ – where luxury and probably the best eye care in the region is attentively affordable. Barton Perreira commands it’s own lexicon. This luxury eyewear brand was born out of independence, intuition and freedom. At Concept we believe that access to the best eye care possible is not just a privilege but a human right. As the cost of living rises, there is no exorbitant premium here on health and wellbeing. Recognising that contact lens and spectacle wearers are increasingly discerning about value for money in the optical market, Concept offers an interest-free membership programme for continuous care. Each plan is bespoke to clinical need and designed to provide an integrative and affordable advanced luxury eye care and style package for all our patients.

ASK ABOUT OUR CARE PLAN

Join our interest free care plan to enjoy the benefits of premier eye care and beautiful eye wear and lenses as often as you like from only £7.99 a month.

CONCEPT EYE CLINIC

25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX

Tel: 0191 296 6124

Email: tynemouth@concepteyeclinic.com www.concepteyeclinic.com

FILM RELEASES

SHE SAID

Genres: Drama Age Rating: 15 Release date: 25th November

THE MENU

Genres: Comedy, Horror Age Rating: 18

Release date: 18th November

Young couple Margot and Tyler travel to a remote island to eat at Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant run by celebrity chef Slowik, who has prepared a lavish molecular gastronomy menu where food is treated as conceptual art, but his approach to cuisine has some shocking surprises for the wealthy guests. Starring Mark Mylod; Anya Taylor-Joy; Nicholas Hoult and Ralph Fiennes.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star as New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who together broke a story that helped launch the #Metoo move ment, shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood.

The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their planet.

STRANGE WORLD

Genres: Animation, Action Age Rating: PG

Release date: 23rd November

Journey to a place where nothing is as it appears! Walt Disney Animation Studios’ orig inal action-adventure ‘Strange World’ journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their lat est - and by far - most crucial mission. With voice acting from Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal and Lucy Liu.

VIOLENT NIGHT

Genres: Action, Comedy Age Rating: TBC Release date: 2nd December

A coal-dark holiday action-com edy that says you should always bet on red. When a team of merce naries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.

I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

Genres: Biography, Drama Age Rating: PG Release date: 26th December

The joyous, emotional and heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical super stardom.

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

Genres: Action, Fantasy Age Rating: TBC Release date: 16rd December

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar:

A MAN CALLED OTTO

Genres: Comedy, Drama Age Rating: 18 Release date: 6th January

Otto (Tom Hanks) is a grumpy isolated widower with staunch principles, strict routines and a short fuse, who gives everyone in his neighborhood a hard time as he watches over it like a hawk. Just as it seems like he’s finally given up on life, an unlikely and reluctant friendship develops with his new neighbors. Little by little, Otto undergoes a subtle transformation…but is he really capable of change?

FANCY A FESTIVE GETAWAY?

Local coach tourism expert Graham Wright of United Group Travel has worked in the industry as a driver for many years, the last few spent as a tour driver for a local North East coach holiday company, until the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on the industry, with many companies going out of business.

Over the years, on his numerous tours both abroad and in the UK, Graham built up a fantastic relationship with many of his passengers, and he is lucky to call many of them friends. They really appreciated Graham’s vast experience and knowledge of the places he visited, to the extent that a lot of passengers started asking who the driver would be before they actually booked a tour with the company. It was during a conversation with one of his friends that the question was asked about starting his own company and running his own holidays.

Graham has put all his years’ experience and knowledge to good use while planning his exclusive tours. All the tours are exceptional value for money, and he only selects the best-established quality hotels, that are generally either known to him, or he has previously used them before. The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on Graham’s knowledge, as well as any relevant previous customer feedback and suggestions to ensure they are always

enjoyed. The trips do not leave the hotel too early, or return too late, so as to allow everyone to make full use of the facilities. Guaranteed free time, as well as entertainment, are also key factors that he takes into account to try and make a tour as pleasurable an experience as possible.

It’s nice to have something to look forward to, so why not book a Christmas shopping trip, or go the whole hog and book a trip away for Christmas? The advert on the opposite page shows you what’s on offer, over the festive season and beyond!

Rest assured that you can book with confidence with United Travel. They have been granted a COVID-19 Industry Standard Certificate, which shows that government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Plus, if your tour is cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, you will receive a full refund.

Graham would like to thank all of his wonderful customers that continued to support him throughout 2021 and 2022 and he’s looking forward to welcoming you onboard!

United Group Travel Ltd

Tel: 01670 632460 / 07957 141654

www.unitedgrouptravel.com

E mail: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com

The Winnock, Loch Lomond

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa

CHEAT’S CHERRY TRIFLE

We guarantee everyone will have room for dessert when you delight them with this cheat’s cherry trifle. This sweet recipe utilises canned cherry pie filling and shop bought custard for quickness and ease, but your guests will never know! Serves 10

INGREDIENTS

• 5 sheets of leaf gelatine

• 2 x 410g cans of cherry pie filling

• 400g of Madeira cake or madeleines

• 6 tbsp cherry jam

• 3tbs amaretto liquor

• 800ml good-quality shop bought custard

• 400ml double cream

• 1 tsp corn flour

• 1 tbsp icing sugar

• 15g flaked almonds, toasted

• Edible glitter or gold sprinkle dust and gold edible balls to decorate

Method

1. To make the jelly layer, soften the gelatine in a small bowl of water. Tip the cherry pie filling into a saucepan with 100ml of water and gently cook on a low heat on the hob, being careful not to boil.

2. Add the softened gelatine sheets to the cherry pie filling and stir until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring to a 20cm trifle dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the mixture has set.

3. Cut the Madeira cake or madeleines in half, length ways.

Spread with the cherry jam and sandwich back together before cutting into large chunks. Arrange the chunks in a layer on top of the jelly and then drizzle over the amaretto. Gently pour over the custard and level over with a palette knife. Refrigerate for a further 30 minutes - 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, place the cream in a large bowl and sieve in the icing sugar and corn flour (this will help stabilize the cream if you are making this in advance). Whisk the cream mixture until soft peaks form, then spoon the cream on top of the custard and scatter over the flaked almonds, glitter, and gold balls. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe’s courtesy of Dobbies. For more festive food inspiration, and to browse Dobbies’ seasonal ranges visit www.dobbies.com.

Our Private Day Nurseries are located in North Shields Centre and at the top of Rake Lane (next to Vets 4 Pets). We have access to great outdoor spaces on a daily basis as well as educational outings for all children.

Healthy balanced meals and snacks are on offer as well as ensuring any dietary requirements. Our fees include your child’s personal Learning Journey file with photographs, all meals, snacks, outings, visitors into nurseries etc. We do not have any hidden charges.

If available, we offer full day, half day, hours to suit shift workers, term time only as well as all year round, 51 weeks of the year.

Little Learners was voted as one of the best places to work in the North East for 2 years running and we are an Ofsted Good Early Years Provider.

Lovaine Place, North Shields NE29 0BU ( 07914 376 434

Open 8.00 am - 5.30 pm (optional early booking of 7.30am)

We’re Here to Take Care of Your Winter Wellness

Have You Tried The Award Winning Experiences at City Retreat Salons??

Located across 3 salons in Jesmond, Newcastle and Gosforth, City Retreat offers a wide range of well-being and beauty treatments that will leave you feeling Relaxed, Refreshed and Totally Rejuvenated.

Our mission is to put your well-being first and to provide you with the most outstanding treatments across all of our beauty and spa services.

Choose from an array of spa treatments and spa packages, beauty therapy services and advanced technologies to ensure to look and feel your best this winter.

Or why not treat a loved one to a beautiful experience this Christmas with one of our City Retreat Gift Vouchers?

Winner of The Professional Beauty Awards - ‘Best British Beauty Salon 2022’

Expect an Experience, NOT just a Treatment

Call us now on 0191 2819222 to book any of our treatments or spa packages. Or you can book on line or purchase any of our packages and gift vouchers through our website www.city-retreat.com

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

THE ORIGINS OF THE ADVENT CALENDAR

BY KATE MCCARTHY

I loved the arrival of the Advent Calendar when I was growing up. Every year we had a cardboard one from Woolworths, printed with a Christmas scene, each little door opening to reveal a tiny picture such as a teddy, a reindeer or a bauble.

My brother and I would take it turns to be 'odds' or 'evens'. I always wanted to be 'evens' so I could open the Christmas Eve door which was always slightly larger and had a picture of the Nativity or Santa on the roof of a snow-covered house. When some of the kids at school started boasting about their 'chocolate' Advent Calendars we begged my dad for one and eventually he gave in. We were disappointed when we realised that once the chocolate was removed there was no picture, just an empty space where the chocolate had been. The 'open' chocolate Advent calendar had all the charm of a mouth with missing teeth. We never asked for another one.

The Advent calendar originates from Germany. It began with German Protestants marking the days of Advent either by burning a candle or marking a wall with chalk. This morphed into the practice of hanging a devotional image every day and ultimately to the creation of the first known wooden Advent calendar in 1851. The first printed calendars appeared just after 1900. Small doors were added in the 1920s. Often short bible verses were hidden behind the doors alongside the picture. During the World War ll cardboard rationing put a stop to advent calendars but when hostilities ceased Richard Sellmar of Stuttgart obtained a permit from the US officials to begin printing and selling them again. He designed a calendar based on a German winter town scene. By the 1950s, they were mass-produced and affordable and exported across the world.

Chocolate Advent Calendars might seem like the new kids on the block but they have been around longer than you might think. Fry and Son produced the first chocolate Advent calendar as early as 1958 and Cadbury popularised them in the Seventies. Lego got in

on the action in 1998 with a set that contained a Santa Claus minifigure and simple brick-made structures, which could be finally reassembled into a bigger model or scene. They've produced at least one every year since. My oldest teen begs me for their Harry Potter one every year.

Over the past decade Advent calendars have gone 'luxury’ and become a key marketing strategy for many companies. This started around 2010 when Selfridges department store launched a beauty-themed Advent calendar with the cosmetics giant L’Oréal. It was filled with product samples from fragrances to body creams. There is now a advent calendar catering for pretty much every taste, most of them marketed at adults rather than children. There are advent calendars for gin-lovers, tea-lovers, and nailpolish addicts; there is even one for pets, and they are not cheap! Some cost upwards of £150!

“

The first printed calendars appeared just after 1900. Small doors were added in the 1920s.

It's all a worlds away from Sellmar-Verlag, now run by Richard's grandchildren, which still produces traditional card Advent calendars to this day. The company’s most popular advent calendar is still Richard's original design, called Little Town.

A few years ago my husband (knowing my love of traditional Advent Calendars) bought me a wooden one which is reusable and is a beautiful Christmas decoration in its own right...in fact my teens actually argue over which one of them will inherit it when I die (that's the festive spirit guys!).

However you choose to mark the occasion...Happy Advent!

WINTER GARDENING

As temperatures drop, taking care of our gardens might not be at the forefront of our minds. However, Dobbies Garden Centre says that winter shouldn’t be a time of gardening shut down and, in fact, there are jobs to be done that will prep our outdoor spaces for the new year.

INDOORS

Pot up Amaryllis bulbs for flowering over the festive period, moving bowls of earlier planted fragrant Hyacinths or Narcissus Paper Whites to a brighter position to grow on for Christmas flower colour.

TUBS AND BASKETS

November is a great time to plant winter bedding. Pansies, Violas and winter flowering Heathers are all proven winners.

Plant with ruby red Skimmia, Hellebore (Christmas Rose), winter flowering Viburnum and trailing Ivy for a seasonal look.

Protect any prized outdoor plants and containers by lifting them off the ground with pot-feet to help prevent waterlogging during the winter months.

BEDS AND BORDERS

Tulip bulbs are best planted in November, so get them in now for a great display during May & June. Combine with drifts of winter

MAGICAL POINSETTIAS

Tips

hardy bedding plants for a colour ful spring display.

Cut back summer-flowering shrubs such as Buddleia and Lav atera by half to prevent wind rock and give evergreen hedges their final trim for a neat, crisp finish.

Plant new hedges, such as Beech, Hawthorn and Privet. It’s also the best time to fill gaps and rejuvenate a hedge with fresh plants.

GARDEN TIDY UP

Clean, oil and sharpen garden tools, and book the lawn mower in for its winter service.

Cover garden furniture with winter covers to protect from heavy rain.

Clear fallen leaves from the gar den pond to protect wildlife and from paths and patios to reduce slippery algae forming.

For the benefit of garden wildlife, leave some areas of the garden untouched as a winter sanctuary for insects and hibernat ing hedgehogs.

LAWN

Rake up fallen leaves to prevent them smothering and eventually killing off your grass. Mix into your compost heap, or store in a separate pen for rotting down into leaf-mould.

Scarify established lawns to re move dead thatch, which can stifle

growth in the winter months. Spike the surface with a fork or lawn aerator and apply lawn dressing to help improve drainage.

GARDEN BIRDS

One of the joys of winter is watch ing our colourful garden birds, so reliant on the food and fresh water we put out to sustain them through the winter months.

Position feeders as close to the house as possible, using a variety of seeds and nuts to attract a wide range of birds to your garden. Once they find you, they will be come daily visitors, sheltering from the worst of the weather in your trees, shrubs and hedges.

Put up nest boxes to entice them to stay in readiness for the new spring season.

For more gardening tips visit www.dobbies.com

In the UK, poinsettias have become as entwined with Christmas as holly and mistletoe. Yet poinsettias are actually sub-tropical plants, native to Central America and Mexico, requiring temperatures of between 10 and 21 degrees centigrade to survive.

The bright red ‘flowers’ are really bracts, surrounding the real flowers, which are tiny and insignificant. They are notoriously difficult to persuade to flower again but it is possible!

If you want to try this, fertilize the plant once a month then cut back the stems in February to promote new growth. In May repot it to a larger container.

From late September to 1st December cover the plant between 6pm and 8am as poinsettias need long periods of darkness in order to persuade the bracts to turn red. Around December 1st you should have a beautiful flowering poinsettia. But if this sounds too much like hard work...well, you can always buy another one!

GLORIOUS GINGERBREAD

Gingerbread

BY SARAH DAVEY

Gingerroot originally came to Europe via the Silk Road, which was an ancient trade route, and in the Middle Ages it was used for medicinal purposes and in the preserving of meats.

By the late Middle Ages, Europeans had begun to bake sweet gingerbread biscuits. These were shaped like animals, kings, and queens, and were sometimes gilded with gold leaf. They were a staple at Medieval fairs across Europe, particularly in England, France, Holland, and Germany. Queen Elizabeth I is even said to have had some made to resemble the dignitaries visiting her court.

So popular was gingerbread that the fairs became known as Gingerbread Fairs, and the gingerbread biscuits were named ‘fairings.’ As the fairs took place throughout the year the shapes of the gingerbread changed with the seasons: flowers in the spring and leaves in the autumn.

The gingerbread houses we know today originated in Germany during the 16th century. Bakers created elaborate buildings were decorated with foil and white icing in addition to gold leaf. The Brothers Grimm penned the story of Hansel and Gretel, who discover a house made entirely of sweet treats, deep in the forest, but it's unclear whether the popularity of gingerbread houses were a result

of the fairy tale, or whether the fairy tale borrowed from an already established tradition.

Quite why gingerbread became associated with Christmas is also unclear but is probably due to a number of factors. Christmas markets were big 'whole town' events, and gingerbread is easy to make, and keeps well, so it’s ideal for selling on a stall. It's likely that the combination of white icing and foil decoration was easily adaptable to create miniature snow-covered dwellings which provided pretty centrepieces for the festive dinner tables of middle-class households. The longevity and structural integrity of gingerbread also lends itself well to creating edible decorations for hanging on trees or giving as gifts. Historically diets of ordinary people were simple and bland because sugar was an expensive luxury. People could only afford to splash out on ingredients for cakes, biscuits, and sweets occasionally, and Christmas was the time when even less well-off people spent a little extra on fancy food and drink.

Whatever its history, gingerbread is now firmly entwined with the festive season, from sweet little gingerbread reindeer to gingerbread lattes, the sight, smell, and taste of gingerbread is synonymous with Christmas.

INGREDIENTS

75g unsalted butter

100g light brown soft sugar

100g golden syrup

225g plain flour, plus extra to dust

2tsp ground ginger

1tsp bicarbonate of soda

8cm gingerbread man cutter

Coloured icing pens

METHOD

1. In a small pan, heat the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, ginger and bicarbonate of soda. Make a well in the centre and pour in the butter mixture. Stir to combine. Using your hands, bring together to form a soft dough and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap and chill for 15min to firm up slightly.

3. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 3mm thick. Using a gingerbread man cutter, stamp out shapes, re-rolling trimmings as needed. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart. You should have about 20 biscuits. Chill for 30min.

4. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan) mark 5. Bake the biscuits for 10min, or until sandy to the touch. Leave to cool for 5min on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Decorate with icing pens.

is strongly associated with Christmas, but how did that happen?

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NORTHUMBERLAND LINE UPDATE

STATION GUIDES

Ashington

The line is still on track to be up and running by December 2023. It is a priority of both Northumberland County Council, and is supported by a number of key project partners, including the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail, Transport for the North (TfN), Nexus and Northern Trains Limited, North Tyneside Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council.

One of the project’s priorities is to enable people to travel quickly between Ashington and Newcastle, helping encourage them to switch from car to rail. With this in mind, the number of stations and their locations have been chosen to carefully balance passenger demand and journey times. However, the project does not prevent the future development of additional stations at other locations and extensions to the line.

The Northumberland Line aims to stimulate and support economic growth, regeneration and community development in Northumberland and the surrounding regions by providing new and improved transport links for local people and businesses.

The project will provide six new stations, at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park, with journeys between Ashington and Newcastle taking about 35 minutes and no need to change trains. Options for integrated ticketing between the train and metro services are also being explored.

The freight trains that currently use the railway will still be able to do so, helping support the economic aspirations of both Lynemouth Power Station and the Port of Blyth.

Ashington station will be the northernmost station on the Northumberland Line. The track layout at the station has been carefully designed so that the route can be extended further north in the future to locations such as Newbiggin and Wood horn, though any such extension would be part of a separate scheme. Ashington station will have a single platform on the west side of the line, located on part of the existing car park. The existing car park will be extended and will include Blue Badge spaces and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays. Pedestrian and vehicle access into the car park will be from Kenilworth Road and will be designed to maintain delivery access to Wansbeck Square shopping centre and access to the rear of Station Road properties. The station and car park will include tree planting, and wildlife friendly landscaping focused on the areas around the extended car park.

Bedlington

Bedlington station will be the first stop for trains leaving Ashington and will have two platforms, one for services to Ashington and one for services to Newcastle. In order to meet the predicted demand for passenger services, some additional parking will be needed at the station, including Blue Badge spaces and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays. The station and car park will include

The Northumberland Line will bring passenger trains back into service between Ashington and Newcastle.

tree planting and wildlife friendly landscaping. Some minor works are required to both the level crossings close to the station. In particu lar, the road will be re-prioritised at Bedlington South level crossing, creating a through route from Station Road to Palace Road/Street into St Johns Road. People will use this level crossing to interchange between the two station platforms. New boundary fencing will be installed to keep the station secure, and to provide screening for residential properties and businesses where necessary. No works are proposed to the signal box at the station, the project team are working with Network Rail regards the future of the station buildings.

Blyth Bebside

Blyth Bebside station will be the second stop for trains leaving Ash ington and will have two platforms, one for services to Ashington and one for services to Newcastle. It will have all the facilities described on page 13 of this booklet. The proposed station site is south of residential properties on Heather Lea, and is a former colliery tip that has already been partially reclaimed. The station location has moved further south since our previous consultation to lessen impacts on the highway network, namely the existing grade separated junction between the A189 and the A193. The current proposed location has better access from the main road and is further away from the high voltage overhead power lines. Pedestrian and vehicle access to the station will be along a widened and upgraded Errington Street from Front Street, where a new widened junction will be constructed. A station footbridge will provide access between the platforms. It will have stairs and lifts on both sides. A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A189 will also be provided.

Newsham

Newsham station will be the third stop for trains leaving Ashington and will have two platforms, one for services to Ashington and one for services to Newcastle. There will be a footbridge with lifts to allow passengers to transfer between platforms. The footbridge at this

station will be similar to the one provided at Blyth Bebside. A new road bridge over the railway will be provided resulting in the closure of the Newsham level crossing. This has the benefit of improvements to public safety, better traffic flows along the A1061 and a better and more robust signalling solution.

Seaton Delaval

Seaton Delaval station will be the fourth stop for trains leaving Ashington. It will have a single platform located to the south east of the existing railway line and the A192 bridge. A new road will be constructed from the A192 adjacent to the existing car park entrance of The Hastings Arms to provide access into the station. This road will be a primary pe destrian and cycle access route to the station, with new lighting installed to improve safety. The station will be connected with the existing public open space and footpath network in Whytrigg Close and Wheatridge.

Northumberland Park

Northumberland Park station will be the fifth stop for trains leaving Ashington. It will have a single platform, allowing passengers to interchange with existing Tyne and Wear Metro services from the adjacent Metro station. Access to the platform will be by stairs and lift from Algernon Drive, where a separate scheme promoted by North Tyneside Council is looking at highway improvements and additional cycle storage. Given the existing provision within the Northumber land Park multi-storey car park, no additional car or bike parking will be created at this station. The existing car parking nearby is anticipated to be sufficient for passenger demand.

For more information visit www.northumberlandline.uk

NORTH TYNESIDE SHIPBUILDER HONOURED

Susan Mary Auld (10 January 1915 – 9 March 2002) was born Susan Denham Christie into a family of naval engineers.

She was home-schooled until the age of 14 and later followed in her family’s footsteps by becoming the first woman to be awarded a degree in naval architecture from Durham University in 1936.

Her grandfather founded the company that would become Swan Hunter and she joined the design office of what was then Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson at the Neptune yard, Wallsend, at a time when very few women were employed in shipbuilding.

During the Second World War she was a member of the team that designed the battleship HMS Anson, launched in 1940, and the aircraft carrier HMS Albion. She also worked on the design of vessels used to land Allied troops at Normandy in June 1944

In 1942 she was referred to as ‘the only woman ship designer in the country’ in the pages of The Woman Engineer, the journal of the Women's Engineering Society.

On Trafalgar Day, Friday 21 October at 1.30pm, North Tyneside Council and heritage charity The Common Room unveiled a blue plaque to honour her life and achievements at 12 Northumberland Terrace in Tynemouth.

The plaque was unveiled by North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE and the Chair of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Pat Oliver, alongside representatives from HMS Calliope following an earlier engagement at the Trafalgar Day ‘Toast the Admiral’ event in Tynemouth.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “It’s very fitting that we can bring people together on Trafalgar Day to celebrate Susan’s life and achievements. Her ideas and designs brought about important advances in shipbuilding technology that helped turn the tide of the Second World War.

“At a time when it was considered bad luck for a woman to even set foot on a ship that was under construction, she helped to pave the way for other women to forge careers in both the shipbuilding

industry and the military.

“The blue plaque is a token of how much she means to us in North Tyneside and a reminder to future generations of an extraordinary woman whose work broke down barriers and inspired others to follow in her footsteps.”

The Common Room is a charity formed to lead the restoration of Neville Hall in Newcastle, whose vision is to use the region’s unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers. On behalf of Newcastle University, The Common Room is helping to place five blue plaques in the next year to honour women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) who have not yet had their astonishing local contributions recognised with a plaque.

Joshua Ansell, Programme Team, The Common Room, said: “Women like Susan Mary Auld have fought just to be able to stand as part of a group that was previously occupied wholly by men. They have had to prove themselves to be given permission just to be there. History often forgets them, because their name isn’t recorded as the head of a team, but they have often done far more than those leaders just to be included. We are proud to be part of the effort to celebrate and remember great women like this as they are given the recognition they have always deserved.”

A naval architect who blazed a trail for women in the shipbuilding industry has been honoured with a blue plaque at her family home in Tynemouth.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

by Jacqueline Emmerson of Emmersons Solicitors

I am on a mission at the moment to find those folks who are falling through the cracks in society.

Pre covid was bad enough but being isolated and unable to seek help is far worse now. As regular readers will know, I spend a lot of time assisting older clients who simply have no one to support or help them. You may not even know what help is available to you.

Such clients will typically have been only children who never married. Or who were divorced years ago and don’t have siblings or children. Some of my clients have long term mental health problems such as schizophrenia, they can function on a day to day basis but cannot manage all of their affairs.

I am also particularly concerned about older members of the gay community. Especially those who were in the forces and had to spend their working lives hiding the fact that they were gay. This may mean that they were unable to marry, they may have avoided the gay community who would ordinarily have provided some support. I have been trying to highlight the plight of this group of people to various organisations including SSAFA.

I have also noticed that in traditional religious families individuals have spent their lives hiding the fact that they are gay so as not to upset their parents or their religious community. Again they may remain unmarried and without children to help them as they get older.

Over the next few months Emmersons Solicitors will be holding free events to inform and offer help. In the meantime if you need help please don’t hesitate to contact me.

What Type of Help?

There are many things that we attend to on behalf of those who are struggling to manage their affairs. If we have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place then we can mange your money. In the first instance I would make sure that your home is insured. Many clients let this lapse without realising. I would check standing orders and direct debits to make sure that you are only paying out money when you need to do so. I regularly find that huge sums of money are being paid out to charities as one charity after another contacts the vulnerable to seek help. That is fine so long as you can afford to make such payments. And if you are paying to charities do you know how many you send money to and how much per month?

You may be struggling to cope with shopping, cleaning, washing and ironing etc. You may feel that you can’t afford help. But if your finances were under control this may free up money so that you could pay someone to assist you. You may be entitled to state benefits such as Attendance Allowance. This can be

worth circa £4,000 per year. Again, this money could be used to pay for someone to come in and support you even a couple of times a week. And it doesn’t have to be fifteen minutes here and there. There are many private agencies, who are often cheaper than social services, who can offer you a minimum of an hour per visit.

Did you know that there are agencies who will take you out for the day. Do you fancy a trip to the Northumberland Coast or Durham City. Do you want someone to take you to and from your cricket club, or to watch the football? Do you want someone to make meals for you? The choice is yours.

We can also help to sort out your home. Has it all become a bit too much. Have you started to hoard things so that your home is feeling too cluttered? We have a team that will come in and work with us and you to turn things around. We can arrange for a one off deep clean, the removal of items you no longer need or want and weekly cleaning.

We can also get all of your paperwork under control. This might include finding old savings policies that you have forgotten about. We found one recently for a client that was worth over £40,000! We can organise your bank accounts into one place and bring in a financial advisor to ensure that your money is in the correct place for you.

What If You Need to go Into a Care Home?

This can be a huge decision and there will be a lot to think about. I have looked after the homes of clients for years who have not wanted to sell. It is your decision as to when or if you sell a home that may have been the place of years of happy family memories. I have dealt with council tax and council tax rebates. Water rates, which should not be paid when a house is empty. Gas and electricity, care home fees and spending money. Normal house insurance is not enough when a house is empty for more than thirty days. We deal with specialist insurers in order to protect our clients’ property.

To sum up, we can step in and be you. We do all the work so that you don’t have to worry about everything all of the time. If you feel that you are floundering and want a chat about how we can help then you can either email me at je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk or ring the office on 0191 2846989 and leave your name and telephone number so that I can return your call.

And can I ask, have you noticed a lonely neighbour, have you popped round to see if they are coping? They might have been more in the swing of things before covid but if their day centre closed down or the club they were a member of stopped having meetings then they may have declined quite rapidly in the intervening period. Please look out for your neighbours and friends who live alone or who may be struggling to care for a relative.

Relationship in difficulties?

If your relationship has just ended we understand that you may feel lost or worried.

EMMERSONS SOLICITORS has helped thousands of people in your situation.

You will find us to be very approachable. We can offer you help with divorce, separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, pre-nuptial agreements and same sex partnerships.

Our well-trained staff can obtain the best settlement for you. Due to their experience, excellent negotiating skills and use of Round Table Meetings the vast majority of our clients never have to visit court.

Why not let us help you reach agreement, avoid court and move on with your life.

Contact us now on 0191 284 6989 to see how we can help you.

Offering

For

NEWCASTLE IN ALL ITS GLORY

New Book offers a stunning collection of images which capture the essence of the city.

Newcastle has been a major city in the North East of England since the Middle Ages. The stone castle, from which it derives its name, still stands and the city first became prosperous because of its coal trade, later developing as a centre for shipbuilding and other heavy engineering.

Newcastle has retained much of its 18th and 19th century fabric while developing itself as a modern city in recent decades. Heavy industry has declined but the city has regenerated many areas as well as building exciting new developments, attracting many to this thriving city.

For those who are proud to live in Newcastle, as well as those visiting, Newcastle in Photographs is a must. Look through these photographs and you will quickly see why this city in the North East has such enduring appeal.

Author Simon Mccabe is a photographer based in

the North East specialising in landscape, nature and wildlife.

This beautifully captured insight around Newcastle contains approximately 126 stunning images and is the perfect souvenir for tourists and gift for residents.

Newcastle in Photographs is available now from 15th November from www.amberley-books.com and all good bookshops. To buy this book online while supporting your local independent bookshop, visit: uk.bookshop.org/shop/abcmagazines

HELP REDUCE ENERGY COSTS WITH THERMOS ROOF

With most of us facing rising energy bills, why not reduce these costs and save money instantly with a Thermos Roof insulation system in your conservatory. Here they explain more.

Conservatories are a great space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden. They are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually shortlived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons: to increase its insulating performance and enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in winter, heat is sucked out of your room and into the conservatory as soon as you open the door. During the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof, we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use, into a space you can enjoy all year round as the temperature is comfortable and constant. You will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight;

therefore, no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this, the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is today.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste and less time to install, saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape, transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein the external weather conditions do not dictate its use; it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter

in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a five-year warranty. We guarantee that you will be amazed by both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

■ Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

www.thermosroof.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AT SEATON DELAVAL ARTS CENTRE

The Seaton Delaval Arts Centre is a modern facility for the enjoyment of the ‘Arts’ in the local environment. The 162 seater community theatre opened in 2007 after months of hard work and dedication, with the building being redeveloped from an old Salvation Army hall into a high standard multi use community space.

As a registered charity and not for profit organisation, the venue is ran entirely by volunteers providing a well maintained building not only for the arts, but for the whole community to enjoy.

The Centre has an ever growing theatre programme in place with a range of professional and amateur shows taking place including live music, comedy, pantomime, musicals and drama, allowing members of the community to see a real mix of shows and performances on their door step with great value for money. Our auditorium can hold up to 162 people with a permanent stage in place, professional lighting and sound rig and tiered seating.

Here is a glimpse of some of the upcoming events.

THE STRAITS UK – TRIBUTE TO THE DIRE STRAITS Saturday 19th November At 7:30pm

Founded in 2018, The Straits UK are made up of five musicians all with a passion for delivering quality music and performance every time. Residing in Newcastle, the idea to form a tribute

to Dire Straits originated with the front-man and drummer, who happen to be father and son. They have both been lifelong Dire Straits fans, meaning attention to detail is second to none. Performing all the hits from The Dire Straits back catalogue, with authenticity that has been likened to ‘listening to the real thing’ by many. Come with us to experience and relive the unmistakable guitar and keyboard sounds of the Alchemy, Wembley ’85, On Every Street tours and much more! In fact, close your eyes and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was Knopfler himself playing.

ALADDIN – 50TH ANNIVERSARY PANTOMIME! Presented by Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society Friday 2nd To Saturday 10th December 2022 | Evenings

At 7pm – Matinees At 1pm

An evil magician has discovered the secret to becoming Master of the Universe. All he needs is an enchanted oil lamp hidden away for many years in a lost cave but only the ‘chosen one’ is allowed to set foot inside. Meanwhile, Aladdin dreams of marrying the beautiful Princess Jasmine but a penniless laundry boy could never hope to have the love of a royal. Could he be the chosen one? Join us on a flying carpet adventure as we celebrate 50 years of Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society! Aladdin, Window Twankey, Wishee Washee and the gang are back in a hilarious show for the whole family, packed full of all of the usual show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines

and hilarious knockabout comedy with bags of audience participation and fun.

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS

Saturday 17th December At 7:30pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! So join us for an evening of festive hits and musical theatre classics. Following on from their hit concerts ‘From Hammerstien to Hamilton’ and ‘Twist and Shout’, locally based CS Productions are back for one night only with a new festive musical cabaret! Featuring fabulous vocals from talented musical theatre performers plus live accompaniment, this is not one to be missed. The perfect way to get into the festive spirit!

NE STREET BAND – THE SONGS OF BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Saturday 18th March 2023 At 7.30pm

The NE Street Band plays the songs of the legendary Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Based in the North East of England, they continue to get rave reviews from their live shows and are playing to increasingly growing audiences across the country. Expect a fun filled two hour show packed full of all things Bruce & E Street, covering

all the classic songs and fan favourites, including some from the Seeger sessions. A must see band for any Springsteen fan.

ACOUSTIC MCCARTNEY AND STING

Saturday 1st April 2023 At 7.30pm

Regarded as two of the finest songwriters of all time, this show features acoustic covers of all the best hits from Sir Paul McCartney and Sting performed by Edinburgh Festival Fringe award winner Gus Boyd. With one voice and one guitar, the first half will feature all of McCartney’s catalogue from The Beatles, Wings and his solo tunes including Yesterday, Here there and everywhere, Fool on the hill, The long and winding road, Drive my car, Let it be, Hey Jude and many more. In the second act we’ll visit all of the songs by local lad Sting including his solo songs and The Police. With a similar vocal timbre and range, Gus delivers with passion and power; songs such as Roxanne, Fields of Gold, Message in a Bottle, Every Breath You Take, Walking on the Moon and Englishman in New York.

All ticket and event information can be found by visiting www.seatondelavalartscentre.com

A GOOD READ

THE INK BLACK HEART

by Robert Galbraith

When frantic, dishevelled Edie Ledwell appears in the office begging to speak to her, private detective, Robin Ellacott doesn’t know quite what to make of the situation. The co-creator of a popular cartoon, The Ink Black Heart, Edie is being persecuted by a mysterious online figure who goes by the pseudonym of Anomie. Edie is desperate to uncover Anomie’s true identity.

Robin decides that the agency can’t help with thisand thinks nothing more of it until a few days later, when she reads the shocking news that Edie has been tasered and then murdered in Highgate Cemetery, the location of The Ink Black Heart.

Robin and her business partner Cormoran Strike become drawn into the quest to uncover Anomie’s true identity. But with a complex web of online aliases, business interests and family conflicts to navigate, Strike and Robin find themselves embroiled in a case that stretches their powers of deduction to the limitsand which threatens them in new and horrifying ways.

A gripping, fiendishly clever mystery.

ONE DAY IN DECEMBER

by Josie Silver

It’s the time of year for a feel-good romantic novel, one that can be enjoyed curled up under a blanket with a nutmeg-spiced hot chocolate.

Laurie is unlucky in love and stuck in a career rut. One day she is sitting on a bus when she spots a man reading at the bus stop. He looks up, their eyes meet and somewhere there is a spark. Laurie can’t stop thinking about him, wondering if they will ever meet. Her best friend and roommate Sarah is Laurie’s opposite. She introduces Jack, her new boyfriend to Laurie, anxious that they will hit it off except... her boyfriend is the man from the bus, the guy that Laurie has been dreaming about. No surprises here...classic romantic chick-lit so far.

Cue heartbreak and hiccups, and the quest not to hurt a friend while pursuing your own ‘happily ever after’. It’s not a typical love story. It’s told both from Laurie and Jack’s perspectives, with the reader privy to their thoughts and feelings. It has all the nostalgia (and a few of the cliches) of a Richard Curtis film, but the trio of central characters clearly care deeply about each other and this gives the story its heart.

ACT OF OBLIVION

by Robert Harris

1660. Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel William Goffe, cross the Atlantic. They are on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason.

In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives. He’ll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. A reward hangs over their heads - for their capture, dead or alive.

Act of Oblivion is an epic journey across continents, and a chase like no other. It is the thrilling new novel by Robert Harris.

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS

by Matt Haig

This enthralling tale tells the story of Father Christmas as a boy. It’s touching, funny and packed with memorable characters

Nikolas and his lumberjack father Joel are poor. Miika (a mouse) is his Nikolas’ only friend. In his whole life Nikolas has only received two Christmas presents: a sleigh and a turnip doll.

Then Anders the Hunter comes to recruit Joel to work on a mission for the King. If they can prove the existence of Elves they will be rewarded handsomely.

Keen to improve their circumstances, Joel heads off, leaving Nikolas to be looked after by his horrible Aunt Carlotta.

When Joel doesn’t return Nikolas begins to worry and eventually sets out with Miika on the long and treacherous journey to find his father.

Along the way there is Elf Village, a kidnapped elf, a naughty Truth Pixie that likes to watch people’s heads explode, and an unpleasant Troll named Sebastian. There is also of course, a flying reindeer. Haig does not disappoint with the ending, explaining how Nikolas finally finds his purpose, by becoming Father Christmas.

A Boy Called Christmas is the perfect festive story to read to children on the run-up to Christmas. As a bonus it is beautifully illustrated by Chris Mould. One you will return to each Christmas.

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