In&Around March 20 by IN & AROUND

Issue 178 - March 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE

Your favourite PRICELESS community magazine

Featured Articles legacy of 30 The Dr Seuss Film review: Sonic the Hedgehog

46 Places to go: Beverley

Kevan Jones MP remembers Lord Lawson of Beamish

LOCAL JOBS

COMPETITIONS LOCAL EVENTS In&Around is proudly sponsored by

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ISSUE 178 March 2020

READ ONLINE AT: www.inandaroundmag.co.uk

Welcome

to the March issue of IN&AROUND!

Can you believe that we’re now officially entering the spring? For some of you, it may feel as if the winter has been dragging on forever, so this could be exceedingly welcome news. Speaking of feeling blue, among this issue’s many features is our writer Gavin Lenaghan’s verdict on the much-anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog film. Does it run rings around the competition, or will it leave you feeling the wrong kind of blue? Zip over to page 36 to find out. Alternatively, flick to page 50 for our extensive ‘what’s on’ listings, with ideas of things to do around the region in March. That lingering winter bleakness will be gone in no time! Findley Roofing & Building is the proud sponsor of this month’s IN&AROUND. When you require the highest-quality roofing and building services anywhere in the North East of England or even beyond, there’s no need to look further than Findley’s. Give the professional and friendly team a call now, on 0191 417 3422, to request your competitive free quote – or visit www.findleyroofing.co.uk for more information.

Contents Home & Gardening

Family & Lifestyle

Downtime

Why Advertise? When it comes to growing your business, promotion is everything. At IN&AROUND Magazine, we offer a range of advertising packages that put your brand in front of thousands of potential customers. Our free magazine is delivered to over 20,000 homes and businesses across Chester-le-Street, Derwentside and Durham every month – and our readership continues to grow. With solutions to suit all budgets and requirements, from quarter pages to front page ads, we can help you make an impact. What’s more, with every order, we offer a complimentary design service to ensure that your messages are delivered in the most attractive and eye-catching manner possible. Whether you’re launching a new product, running a promotion or would like to find out more about how IN&AROUND can work for you, call us on 0191 388 2844.

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get in touch. THE TEAM

0191 388 2698 | hello@jakhq.com DIRECTOR Benjamin Kerry MEDIA SALES Val Atkinson DESIGNER Tony Yip ACCOUNTS Victoria Scott

COPYWRITERS Gavin Lenaghan Craig Lenaghan CONTRIBUTORS Alex Nelson Places to Go George Nairn Remember When

WE’RE SOCIAL, FIND US: IN&AROUND MAGAZINE

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COMPETITIONS Congratulations to last month’s competition winners, all winners have been notified Winners will be selected at random. The provider will only receive the details of winning entries in order to fulfil completion of the prize.

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Sure Energy Savings Here at Sure Energy Savings Ltd, we are a local, family-run business based in County Durham and strive to provide the best possible solutions to other local businesses. Our company aim is to help other businesses become more efficient and lower Carbon Emissions. An easy way of doing this is by replacing existing toxic fluorescent lighting with the highly efficient LED replacements. Not only will LED lighting reduce your Carbon Footprint significantly but it can also save your business up to 90% on unnecessary lighting costs too! With an incredible life span of 50,000 plus hours, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to think about replacing the bulbs for a very long time. LED lighting does not give off any UV Radiation or Mercury poisoning unlike Fluorescent lighting which creates a safer working environment. LED lighting is also represented on the Energy Technology List (ETL) which is a government managed list that is linked to an Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA). Businesses can claim back the cost

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of the LED installation against corporation or income tax in full through the ECA! We provide an alternative payment solution to businesses who would rather spread the cost of the installation over a period of time. We base the monthly payments on the savings you will incur by replacing your existing lighting system to LED, so that businesses arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adding to their monthly outgoings and, in fact, save money each month! For more information, please contact us on the information provided below. Tel: 08451 300245 Email: welcome@sure-energy.co.uk Website: www.sure-energysavings.co.uk

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Are your plants getting the right care? Taking care of plants can be tricky. You need to consider multiple variables, such as lighting and watering • Avoid annoying little flies by being careful not to tip tea and coffee into plant containers. The sugars left in the compost make it an ideal breeding ground for sciarid flies. • Use trough planters as natural screens. They reduce noise and are useful as barriers to separate walkways etc. • One of the most common causes of plant death is over-watering. • Your plants need water, light and warmth to survive. So when you’re off on vacation, don’t forget about your green friends. Make sure that someone else knows to keep the blinds open and the thermostat up. • Peat free compost is suitable for all your indoor plants.

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• Variegated plants (featuring leaves with white edges or white flecks) often need more light than their green cousins. Keep them nearer to a window so that they can get all the light that they need. • Plants acclimatise slowly to different surroundings by changing their leaf orientation and structure. If you can, try not to move them around, as they may not adapt as easily as you think. • You can still have plants where space is at a premium. Some of the latest designs use tall containers to show off the plants, whilst taking up as little floor space as possible. • Regularly prune your plants to stop them becoming ‘leggy’. Once they’ve lost the foliage on their lower branches, it’s very difficult to get it to return.

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Image credited to: insidermedia.com

Home & Gardening

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L-R: Karen Jones, Senior Project Manager at UMi, Mark Coatsworth, group commercial manager at Bignall Group and Sarah Slaven, Business Durham’s Managing Director

Investment scheme pours over £500,000 into three County Durham engineering businesses Three engineering companies in County Durham are making fresh breakthroughs thanks to an injection of more than £500,000 from County Durham Growth Fund. The investment body was set up in April 2019 to help spur growth in small and medium-sized businesses based locally. With their new investment, the three companies intend to buy new equipment, improve capacity and efficiency and enter new markets. Between them, the businesses have also created over 60 new jobs: 54 at Dyer Engineering, eight at Bignall Group and four at Design X-Press.

Where will the supplied money be spent? With its £35,000 share of the fund’s financial pie, the Shildon-based Bignall Group will help itself to modernise and update its current machine shop and purchase new milling machinery to expand the company’s capacity, as well as ease expansion into new markets.

What is the fund about?

Meanwhile, the large format print supplier Design X-Press, based in Consett, plans to spend its £50,000 takings on purchasing new print equipment. With this in place, the company will be able to improve its capacity, efficiency and range of services.

The three-year, £4.9m fund was established with financial support from the England European Regional Development Fund under the wing of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, which helps to fund County Durham SMEs’ growth aspirations.

Dyer Engineering, meanwhile, has received £475,000 from the fund. This money has been earmarked for the purchases of a fibre lasing profiling machine, robotic welding units and cranes. With this machinery, it will be easier for the firm to boost its manufacturing capabilities.

County Durham Growth Fund is overseen by Business Durham, itself Durham County Council’s economic development arm. UMi also plays a part in delivering the fund, with UMi advisors helping to assess companies’ eligibility and manage funding applications.

Sarah Slaven, Business Durham’s interim Managing Director, has commented: “It is inspiring to see the County Durham Growth Fund attracting businesses which can help bring investment not just into the county, but the region as a whole.” Karen Jones, senior project manager at UMi, has concurred: “The fund is really starting to make a difference now”.

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Your alternative online weekly payment store! Choose from a range of stylish furniture, white goods, electrical items and homeware.

Then purchase the products in an affordable way that works for you!

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The Smarterbuys Store Limited is a company registered in England and Wales under the number 07526461 and with the Charities Commission under number 1144676, whose registered office is Greengates House, Amos Drive, Greencroft Industrial Park, Co Durham, DH9 7YE. Smarterbuys store is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority reference number 713746. 14 | IN&AROUND

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For more information visit www.smarterbuys.org, call 0300 500 0975 or find us on Facebook @SmarterbuysStore www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 15

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Ethical lender wins top accolade at national credit awards this prize is going to make a huge difference to encouraging more to come to us, as well as increasing our brand identity in the industry.” The CICM is the largest recognised professional body in the world for the credit community.

A Durham-based charity that works with social housing providers to help tenants access loans for vital household goods is celebrating success in a national award win. Smarterbuys Stores won the 2020 Diversity and Inclusion award at the CICM Credit Awards, beating off stiff competition from institutions such as Aggregate Industries UK Ltd, DWF Law LLP, JLL, and Kingston University.

between an ethical community bank, and an established housing association), took the top prize in the category at the ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London last week, the first awards the not-forprofit charity had entered. Ms McCourt said: “I feel so proud of what we have achieved and of my team for getting the recognition like this at such a prestigious event.

Managing Director Vicky McCourt, who “We entered as we were so proud of helped establish Smarterbuys Stores being an ethical lender and caring as a charity in 2016 (in a partnership about our customers and staff, and

The British Credit Awards were launched eight years ago as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the most deserving individuals, teams and organisations in the international credit industry. The judges said of Smarterbuys Stores that it was, ‘a charity that ticks all the boxes in its support of diversity and inclusion’. Originally designed to give social housing tenants access to cheaper credit for white goods, TVs and furniture, last year Smarterbuys Stores extended its offering to work with all consumers on lower incomes, sparking a 50% increase in demand for its service.

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Lord Lawson of Beamish was the first peer of the realm to lead a banner into Durham for the Big Meeting Photo: Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (1958)

Lord Lawson of Beamish

the local Member of Parliament, I am strongly conscious of those who have gone before me over the centuries. I recently worked with local historian Dorothy Rand to publish a book about one of my most distinguished predecessors, Lord Lawson of Beamish. Jack Lawson was born in poverty in Whitehaven in 1881 and went down the pit at Boldon Colliery the day after his twelfth birthday. The tale of how he rose from these humble origins to become War Secretary, and then a Peer of the Realm is truly remarkable. As the son of a miner myself, I am proud to represent a former colliery area, and working on the book deepened my understanding of life in the pit villages across the decades. Jack was loved by local people, and was able to express their needs in a powerful way. He

18 | IN&AROUND

and his wife Bella sold all their furniture so that he could attend Ruskin College in Oxford, where so many Trade Unionists and workingclass representatives studied, and he put this education to good use in crafting speeches and writing a novel set in the Durham coalfields. Jack was a passionate advocate for the working-class communities of this area, and understood the daily struggles of life, especially during the dark days of the Depression. Yet he always maintained his humanity and even Viscount Lambton, his Conservative opponent in 1945, paid tribute to him as a “great gentleman”. Jack represented the area in Parliament for forty years and was the first working-class Lord Lieutenant of any county. The book was launched in Autumn last year, and the event was attended by many who had

memories of Jack, as well as some of his family. If you have any photographs or memories of Jack that you would like to share, then please feel free to email me at kevanjonesmp@parliament.uk Lord Lawson of Beamish, Champion of the Working Man by Dorothy Rand and Kevan Jones is available for £10 (£13 to include postage). Please phone 0191 3700433 or email dorothyrand288@ btinternet.com

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I have used IN AND AROUND magazine for a while now and can always rely on an instant customer response when it hits the street. Val is great at keeping me up to date Ensuring that copy is relevant and attractive. When visiting our customers it is good to see the magazine open at our page by the phone. Many thanks - JED Double Glazing Repairs

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Waving goodbye to winter (finally!) Although it may not feel like it instantly, when we reach the penultimate weekend of this month, we’ll officially be in spring – and we can’t wait! Naturally, when you spend most of your day outside and up high, even the slightest improvement in the weather can make a big difference. However, spring is also the time that you mustn’t wait to deal with any problems you’ve discovered with your roof over winter. In fact, spring is the ideal time to undertake a roof inspection – which you are recommended to do twice every year to ensure the longevity of your roofing system.

goodbye to one harmful weather system – and goes straight into the next. To make sure your roof is up to the task, get in touch with your local roofing experts and ask us about a FREE roof inspection for your property. Available for the rest of winter, all of spring – and beyond.

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Fun for the whole family! Come to Holmside Park for a full day out of family fun! Unlike other activity centres, we have NO TIME LIMITS! Stay as long as you like at no extra cost! Included in the price of admission are 20+ different indoor and outdoor activities across our family-run, fifty-acre facility that you’re free to use as much as you like, including Giant Inflatables, Soft Play, Roller Skating, Archery, Ziplines, Inflatable Football & much more! With activities designed specifically for toddlers & other activities that even adults can get involved with, like our 100m Inflatable Obstacle Course, Holmside Park is the perfect family day out in County Durham! Join us every day during the Easter Holidays where we will be hosting a variety of seasonal events, from Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunts to Easter Craft Making & Disco, at no extra charge! All special events are included in standard admission prices.

Prices start at just £5pp with free entry for under 1’s and 65 years+. Visit www.holmsidepark.co.uk and use code DURHAM to get 10% off your next visit! Term Time Opening Times: Monday - 10am-6pm Tuesday - 10am-6pm Wednesday - Closed Thursday - 10am-6pm Friday - Closed Saturday & Sunday - 9am-8pm School Holiday Opening Times: Monday - Friday - 10am -6pm Saturday & Sunday - 9am-8pm www.holmsidepark.co.uk | 0191 9172205 Like Us on Facebook to Keep up to Date with Upcoming Events

*Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts Offer can only be redeemed on online bookings*

26 | IN&AROUND

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Family & Lifestlye

This Month’s Recipe is by:

Seared North Sea Mackerel, pickled fennel, horseradish, dill and lemon Pickled Fennel

Horseradish Emulsion

Seared Mackerel

Ingredient

• 500ml - White Wine Vinegar • 500g - Caster Sugar • 2kg - Fennel

• 200ml - Horseradish Sauce

• 100g - Whole Mackerel • 5ml - Lemon Oil • 2g - Dill

Method • Slice fennel on a mandolin very thin about 2mm, place in a bowl or container • Place the white wine vinegar and sugar in a pan, bring to the boil and reduce • Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature • Place the fennel in the white wine and vinegar reduction and place in the fridge, this can stay in the reduction until needed • Vac pac in portions to allow to keep longer and save space

• 1lt - Rapeseed Oil • 100ml - Pasteurised Liquid Egg Yolk

Method • Take the egg yolk and place it in a blender/ thermo mix, add the horseradish and blend until smooth, add a little tepid water to allow to break down further • Turn the speed of the blender down and slowly add the rapeseed oil, this should start to emulsify into the egg mix, when it starts to get very thick like mayonnaise add a little more water to thin it down again, keep doing this until all the oil is used and the sauce is creamy and white • Place in a squeezy bottle or piping bag to make it easier to serve

28 | IN&AROUND

• 1x portion of Horseradish Emulsion • 1x portion of Pickeled Fennel

Method • Season mackerel fillet with salt only • In a hot non stick pan add a little veg oil, place the mackerel in flesh side down for 10 seconds • Turn over onto skin remembering to hold down with lifter to ensure the skin is flat and cooks crispy (cook the mackerel pink) • Take the drained fennel and add a little chopped dill • Have the bottle of horseradish emulsion and lemon oil to hand ready to serve

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Premier

Community Care Ltd.

ABOUT PREMIER COMMUNITY CARE:

Our Home Care Service, which has been successfully operating in County Durham since 1994 is currently seeking dedicated and compassionate mobile carers to join our teams in Durham and surrounding areas. REQUIREMENTS FOR Community • Possible guaranteed hours with Care Assistant in the community: set working patterns

• To work ﬂexibly to meet people’s needs

• A full driving license and access • No experience necessary, we to a vehicle will train you

• To communicate effectively and professionally

• A desire to make a difference in • Mileage paid for travel people’s lives • Pension scheme • A kind and caring approach RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CARE BENEFITS FOR CARE ASSISTANT in the community: ASSISTANTS in the community: • To provide good quality care to • Alternate weekends and set people in their own homes week days off / 28days annual leave pro-rata

At Premier, we: • Take pride in delivering high quality care • Promote independence • Support people to remain in their own homes / communities

IF YOU FEEL THIS IS THE JOB FOR YOU… PLEASE APPLY WITH YOUR CV AND A COVERING LETTER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

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Family & Lifestlye

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Celebrating Dr Seuss’s 116th birthday “Children’s reading and children’s thinking are the rock bottom base upon which this country will rise. Or not rise,” the acclaimed writer Dr Seuss, born in Massachusetts on 2 March 1904, explained in a newspaper editorial published in 1960. “In these days of tension and confusion ... books for children have a greater potential for good or evil than any other form of literature on earth.” The same sentiments could easily be written today, and attest to the endearing and inspirational messages Seuss also brought to the much-loved children’s books he wrote over a career spanning decades. His real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, but he took up the Dr Seuss moniker during his university years and kept it as his pen name for a wide range of literary classics. Literary masterworks and heart-warming mantras Perhaps his best-known work today is The Cat in the Hat, originally published in 1957. He originally created it in response to an invitation by William Spaulding, then director of publishing company Houghton Mifflin’s educational division, to write a more engrossing alternative to traditional primers meant to teach literacy to children. Geisel later called The Cat in the Hat his proudest achievement. He chose that from the staggeringly long list of his achievements. They include 1954’s Horton Hears a Who!, with its mantra that “a person’s a person, no matter how small”. That’s one of many heart30 | IN&AROUND

warming sayings from Seuss; in 1973’s Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?, he told readers: “You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you’re lucky you’re not.” How Seuss’s legacy continues to endure Seuss’s strong presence in popular culture has remained long after his death in California on 24 September 1991. Last September, a new Seuss book, Horse Museum, was released after Australian illustrator Andrew Joyner completed an unfinished manuscript by Seuss. In 2018, Benedict Cumberbatch voiced the Grinch in a computer-animated film adaptation of Seuss’s festivethemed 1957 work How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Of course, the same character has been played before by Jim Carrey - who, this year, was linked with the lead role in an upcoming biopic of Seuss himself. To tweak another well-known Seuss quote, there was no-one alive more Seuss-er than Seuss.

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Family & Lifestlye

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WRIGHTS’ VETS Opening on the 16th March, Wright’s Vets is a family-run, independent, veterinary practice in Birtley, aiming to provide first class care to pets and their families. We pride ourselves on providing affordable, quality, care while tailoring our treatments to your needs. We have a team consisting of two veterinary surgeons, three registered veterinary nurses and an excellent receptionist who will be more than willing to assist, examine, treat, cuddle and advise you on your cat, dog, rabbit, hamster, snake, parrot, tortoise or whatever other pet you wish to challenge them with. In addition, one of our vets holds the status of Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology and accepts referrals from other practices for all matter of skin and ear related problems. Our vision is for every pet, owner and staff member to be cared for and valued through exceptional communication and service, today and every day.

32 | IN&AROUND

We wish to bring back the family, community feel to veterinary care by creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, from the moment you step through the door until the moment you leave, with a healthy, happy pet.

Our mission is to help you help your pets live life to the full with gold standard veterinary care from all the staff. We would love for you to pop in and meet the team. We can be found just behind Durham Road by turning into Morrison’s and taking the immediate right turn.

SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE FIRST TEN CLIENTS TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!

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24/7 support at the press of a button

For further information: durham.gov.uk/careconnect 03000 262 195

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BISHOP AUCKLAND FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back next month with an even bigger helping of free family fun. Once again, the town’s historic Market Place and surrounding streets will be bustling with more than 150 stalls serving up the region’s finest produce. Exciting street food, tempting tipples and indulgent cakes and desserts are all on the menu, as well as a chance to meet the

producers and discover the stories behind the tasty treats on offer. An action-packed programme of workshops, meanwhile, will educate and inspire children and adults alike.

Find out more visit:

www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk alternatively go on our Facebook page

SAVE THE DATE - FOODIES JOIN US

18-19 APRIL 2020

OVER 150 FOOD + DRINK TRADERS COOKERY WORKSHOPS CELEB CHEF COOKERY STAGE FUN FOR KIDS + LIVE MUSIC + MUCH MORE Visit bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk bishfoodfest

MORE GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED! APPEARING

SAT 18TH

TV CHEF & AUTHOR

JOHN TORODE 34 | IN&AROUND

MASTERCHEF WINNER 2019

IRINI TZORTZOGLOU

A Durham County Council Event

APPEARING

SAT 18TH + SUN 19TH

SAT 18TH

GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF FINALIST 2019

ALICE FEVRONIA

TV CHEF

JOE HURD

TV BAKER

JANE BEEDLE

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FILM REVIEW:

Sonic Sonic SonicThe The TheHedgehog Hedgehog Hedgehog The bright blue anthropomorphic hedgehog who zipped into a generation’s living rooms as the star of the iconic 1990s videogame franchise Sonic the Hedgehog may have finally emulated his Nintendo counterpart Mario in making it to the big screen, but he was unfortunate enough to suffer a highprofile stumble en route to cinemas. It wasn’t quite his fleet feet that proved problematic, however, but instead his face, the perceived overly humanoid nature of which on the release of the original trailer last spring, led to a redesign that ultimately restored his resemblance to one much closer to his familiar consolegame self.

A surprisingly satisfactory face-off So, amid all of that – ahem – frenzied controversy, does silver-screen Sonic stand much chance of pleasing both evidently demanding long-term fans, and the youngsters who may be only just discovering his charms in their gaming adventures today? The answer is a perhaps slightly surprising “yes”. The fact that the second trailer featuring Sonic’s revised look attracted the highest like-to-dislike ratio seen on Google in three years should tell you something about the relieved reception given to the prickly critter’s hasty facelift by adult streaming users. It further helps that in the finished product, Sonic is graced with an upbeat and broadly likeable persona, courtesy of voice talent Ben Schwartz. However, while Sonic himself is rendered in pleasinglydetailed digital animation – with Schwartz also providing facial motion capture for the character – this is otherwise a live-action vehicle for the likes of James Marsden, as the Green Hills sheriff that Sonic befriends on Earth, and Jim

36 | IN&AROUND

Carrey, as mad scientist Dr Robotnik (or “Eggman”, as Sonic repeatedly and faithfully refers to him).

Light, escapist pleasure Not every aspect of Sonic the Hedgehog works. Director Jeff Fowler – in his feature directorial debut – and writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller have evidently gunned for an infantilised humour that will be more readily tolerated by the eight-year-olds of 2020 than those of 1991 watching today. It’s an approach that seems to bring out a sometimes stilted comic approach from Marsden, who nonetheless seems game in his role as “Donut Lord” Tom Wachowski. The backand-forth dynamic between Sonic, Tom and Dr. Robotnik also leaves relatively little to do for Tiki Sumpter in her role as Tom’s wife Maddie, at least until the denouement. Ultimately, though, it might be Carrey who almost steals the show, as he manages to wring a decent amount of comic viciousness out of his literally moustache-twirling, but slightly underexplored villain. Sure, Sonic the Hedgehog could’ve been somewhat hipper and edgier for the 30-somethings and 40-somethings bringing their little ones to the multiplex. But for all of the publicly inauspicious circumstances that surrounded it last spring, this fantasy adventure also provides just-aboutsufficient, albeit light frills over its nicely paced 99-minute running time.

Gavin Lenaghan Content Manager

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www.prismbeauty.co.uk

Where are YOU

on your ‘to do’ list?

We live in a fast-paced world where we feel the pressure to be constantly ‘available’. The days of the ‘9-5’ are long gone. With the advent of social media, mobile phones and email, we are constantly ‘connected’ – but this can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and more than a little swamped. As a result, many of us have become eternal “To Do listers”! I myself am a compulsive lister. Each Monday I map out my week and carefully organise my priorities into days. Everything from appointments to household tasks get added. It makes me feel in control and the pleasure I get from crossing things off, simple joy! There are even tools on our phones, apps and fancy diaries to help us, but there are still only 24 hours in a day and it is all too easy for us to drop to the bottom of our to do list. When was the last time you scheduled in some regular self care and actually got to tick it off? It’s time to take an honest assessment of your ‘battery’. Does it need to be recharged? Scheduling time for you needs to be a genuine priority if you are going to enjoy long term wellness.

Here are some simple ideas: Schedule Weekly – time with friends, a bit of quality self care such as a massage or manicure, time outdoors being active, a long bath, a film. Schedule Daily – regular breaks to get up and stretch, drink water, get some daylight, do some mindful breathing (in for 3, hold for 3, out for 5 – three times). If necessary set an alarm to remind you and you’ll feel your stress levels lower the more these become part of your routine. All too often we’ve become human “doings” rather than human “beings”. If this is striking a chord with you, we provide ‘Wellness’ sessions to show you some simple tips and techniques to help. These 45 minute workshops can be for individuals or groups and take place in your home, our salon - or even your workplace.

t: 07727 637621 w: www.prismbeauty.co.uk www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 37

Family & Lifestlye

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The emotional tale of a mother and daughter who fall on hard times is the latest in-house production at Gala theatre Since its first performance in 2016, the hardhitting production has played in theatres, prisons, hostels and even the House of Lords, exploring what a nowadays Cathy would look like and giving audiences a chance to see what has changed The play, by award-winning playwright Ali Taylor, was inspired by Ken Loach’s 1966 television drama, since the premiere of Ken Loach’s seminal film. The Scottish Mail on Sunday described it as “essential, Cathy Come Home, and follows Cathy and her gripping, soul-wrenching stuff.” teenage daughter Danielle, who are forced out of their flat by spiralling living costs. Tickets are now on sale for Cathy, which runs at the Gala Theatre in Durham City from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 May.

The powerful story looks at the consequences for the family when they struggle to find a suitable home. Reluctant to move away, Cathy seeks help from the local housing office, only to find herself falling through cracks in the system, with no one willing or able to stop her descent. Originally produced in 2016, to mark the 50th anniversary of Ken Loach’s seminal film, Cathy is a powerful and timely reflection on the lives of those at the sharp end of economic austerity and opened to great critical acclaim.

Cathy is the latest in a run of in-house productions at Gala, following past successes including classic comedy Educating Rita, light-hearted school-based play Teechers and clever barroom drama Two. Cast and crew appointments for the production are still to be announced but the whole play will be produced, designed and directed in County Durham, continuing the Gala’s reputation for nurturing and showcasing local talent. Visit www.galadurham.co.uk to find out more.

A Gala Theatre Production

By Ali Taylor

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May 7.30pm (+1.00pm on Wednesday and Saturday) £16 (£14 concessions), £12 Gala Members, First Night, Matinees, £5 Under 25s

Box Office: 03000 266 600 Book online: www.galadurham.co.uk Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA 38 | IN&AROUND

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Jenny Evans Local writer launching new self-help group in Langley Moor People facing personal challenges - whether at home, at work or in other aspects of their lives - in County Durham can now look forward to joining a new self-help group run by a local writer. Jenny Evans, who lives in the County Durham former mining village of Willington, has unveiled her new programme of Get More From Life evening sessions. These currently run fortnightly at Durham Health Food Shop and Cafe in Langley Moor, having started on Tuesday 18th February at 7pm. The write stuff: how the book-guided sessions will help Ms Evans runs Rainbows End Coaching with her business partner Elizabeth Scott, who also helped her to write Jenny and Elizabeth’s Emotional Wellbeing Handbook. This book will support the new workshops, which will include guest speakers and cost £8 a session. Ms Evans explains: “People increasingly face challenges in their lives, whether at work, at home or in their relationships. The idea of Get More From Life is to encourage people to explore different environments and relationships so as to get a new perspective on issues in their lives.” The sessions will include “simple, fun exercises” aimed at empowering participants, “giving them something to look forward to and maybe bringing new people into their lives.” She adds that the attendees will be able to learn more about personal wellbeing in a non-preachy way. She sums up: “The aim is to create an informal environment in which people can feel relaxed to share their experiences while enjoying the support of other like-minded individuals.” 40 | IN&AROUND

Fans of the Durham author Stan L Abbott will be particularly interested in the session on 3rd March, for which the writer of The Episode - a novel inspired by mental illness and techniques for overcoming it - is lined up as the guest speaker. What else does Rainbows End Coaching offer? The company - itself based in Stonebridge, just outside the city of Durham - offers a range of coaching and workshops aimed at easing mental struggles in childhood, education and the workplace. You can learn more about the options by visiting www.rainbowsendcoaching.com.

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HAPPY

Mother’s

DAY

Join us at the Italian Farmhouse West Rainton on

Sunday 22nd March For your Mother’s Day meal! Including a free glass of ﬁzz for mum!

ONLY FOR

9 9 . 9 1 £ person per

Italian Farmhouse West Rainton South Street West Rainton Houghton le Spring DH4 6PA

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 @ItalianFarm www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 41

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Downtime

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COMPETITION TIME We are offering a family ticket for any film at Vue Gateshead (valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). All you have to do to enter is answer the following question...

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Entrants can view Terms & Conditions at www.inandaroundmag.co.uk Vue guest admission policy terms and conditions apply, visit myvue.com/legal for details.

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STANLEY CIVIC HALL CIVIC HALL STANLEY, FRONT ST, STANLEY, DH9 0NA

TICKETS AVAILABLE TO BOOK ON WWW.CIVICHALLSTANLEY.CO.UK OVER THE PHONE - 01207 299110 OR FROM OUR BOX OFFICE

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Downtime

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2020 Volvo XC60 B5 review

say that we’re moving headlong towards an electric automotive future might be something of an understatement. After all, there have been noises from the British government lately to the effect that the sale of all petrol and diesel-engined cars – including hybrids and plug-in hybrids – could be banned as early as 2032. And that’s without reckoning with Volvo’s own boldness on the issue, including boss Hakan Samuelsson’s eye-catching declaration in October that the firm would become a fully electric one within the next 20 years. In that context, the Swedish marque introducing mild hybrid versions of the XC60 SUV in place of the previous standard non-electrified engine options might seem like a meagre step. Still, for as long as it remains possible to actually buy a new mild hybrid vehicle, it’s a step of which we approve. So, what’s different with this particular XC60? The new mild hybrid system is available on both petrol and diesel XC60s, including front and four-wheel-drive versions. It features a 48V starter motor/generator, in addition to a battery in the boot to regenerate power through braking that then supports the engine under acceleration.

44 | IN&AROUND

Whether you go for the petrol or diesel model, the engine capacity is 2.0 litres, and the gearbox an eight-speed automatic. The B5 name is used for this system on both the petrol and diesel XC60s, although confusingly, a lesser-powered diesel model using the same system is known as the B4. A smooth, quiet and fuss-free experience So, that’s the specifications out of the way; what is this XC60 actually like to drive? Well, the cabin certainly looks the part, exuding that premium-but-not-ostentatiously-so vibe Volvo is practically a byword for – the large portrait touchscreen being especially difficult to ignore, but also a little awkward to use while driving. As for that driving, well, the all-round experience is much like any other XC60, the handling dynamics being easy-going and the ride as smooth and quiet as the powerchain – in other words, very much so indeed. While no one should purchase this compact 4x4 with expectations of sporting credentials, the 6.5-second claimed 0-60 time is surprisingly brisk for any car of this size and weight – testament to the real difference a mild hybrid system like this can make to performance.

But that’s far from the only reason you should or would take an interest in the XC60 B5, as the mild hybrid system also supposedly helps to lower emissions and boost fuel economy. If the latter’s a priority for you, we’d definitely point you in the direction of the diesel model over the petrol version, which offers a sufficiently unimpressive fuel economy to largely negate the point of opting for the B5 in the first place. Still, if you do make the right choice of model of XC60 B5, you’ll find it a perfectly pleasant everyday SUV to own and drive, with agreeable running costs.

Specification: Engine: 4 cyls, 1969cc, turbo, petrol Power: 247bhp at 5400-5700rpm Torque: 258lb ft at 1800-4800rpm Gearbox: 8-spd automatic Kerb weight: 1841kg Top speed: 137mph 0-60mph 6.5sec Fuel economy: 31.3-36.2mpg CO2: 185g/km, 37%

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Classic car sales, servicing, spares and restoration

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If you need all round sales, spares and restoration garage in the North East of England feel free to call for friendly advice and information.

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Downtime

Places to go...

BEVERLEY

spent 24 hours in the County Town of East Yorkshire during January, whilst the choir of University College Durham, was making a recording in the historic Minster. The acoustics and the organ there are better than in the chapels of Durham Castle, and gave the choir’s 17 members a break during the Christmas vacation before resuming their studies. They stayed in the local youth hostel with an out-of-season private hire, whilst I stayed one night in the Premier Inn on Flemingate. I like Premier Inns, with a consistent standard of service across the brand, and dynamic pricing which reflects market demand and can offer many bargains.

which was forced to close in 2003, Beverley has not only its fine Minster, dating from 1220, but also a second large parish church in St. Mary’s on the north side of town. Close by is the one remaining “Bar” or gate into the town. For many years, many double deck buses in Beverley had domed roofs so they could get through the North Bar dating from 1409. Modern construction techniques and crashworthiness testing for buses eliminated that option, and none navigate the North Bar any more. The town is distinctive for having, like Hull, cream telephone boxes instead of the traditional red, as phone services are provided by Kingston Communications (KCOM).

I went by train from the north east via York, then on the regional train via Selby, Brough and Hull with a further change for the eight mile trip from Hull to Beverley, from where the trains continue to Scarborough. However, York/Scarborough is a slower route than travelling via Hull. A highlight of the trip is passing below the Humber Bridge but Beverley itself is a gem. Having survived WW2 virtually unscathed, despite it being a centre for industry, the town boasts still some 40 pubs, including one, the White Horse Inn, which is still lit by gaslight. Once the home of the Museum of Army Transport,

The choir sang the evening service for Epiphany for the citizens of Beverley, and later I had the experience of being the single patron of a cinema screen at the Parkway Cinema. In the morning I met the choir at rehearsals as a trustee of the University College Durham Trust which has commissioned the recording. The actual performances were recorded in the evening after the Minster had closed to the public. Beverley Beck is a man-made canal connecting to the River Hull. Having walked part of the canal, I took an East Yorkshire bus back to the town’s bus station. EY is the

46 | IN&AROUND

latest acquisition of the Go-Ahead Group, and managed alongside Go North East. Now a town of 29,100, the town was founded by Saint John of Beverley in 700 as a monastery and school, which means that Beverley Grammar School is the UK’s oldest state school. During the Harrying of the North by the victorious Normans, Beverley was spared destruction in respect of the saint, and the oldest pub – the Sun Inn - was established in the same year as St. Mary’s parish church, both dating from 1530, at which time the wealthy town was the tenth largest in England. Horse racing started about 1690 and the present racecourse starts the season on 15th April, just after Easter, with a second meeting on St. George’s Day, the 23rd. The railway arrived in 1846 and the centrally located and fully-covered station is a Grade II structure. The associated level crossings are less popular with the motoring fraternity, but ensured priority for the homeward train.

alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk

www.nationalrail.com

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COMPETITION CORNER WIN 2 TICKETS TO A NIGHT OF MEDIUMSHIP ON APRIL 4TH AT STANLEY CIVIC HALL

TEL: 01207 299110

wordsearch

Simply complete one of the puzzles on this page and fill in the entry form below.

sudoku 8

5 1

8 4

3 1

7 4

4 5

9 3

MEDIUM

Mother . Sunday . Family . Spring Flowers . Pisces . Aries . Warmth Breeze . Gifts . Love . Sister

Name:

Postcode:

Email:

Address:

2 7

5 4

easy

8 9

9 1

4 5

Competition end date 20th March 2020. The winner will receive a letter from Jak HQ within 14 days of the competition closing date. Send all entries to: Competition Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DY www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 47

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Downtime

CAMERON BANCROFT Born:

19 November 1992

Major teams: Australia, Durham, Western Australia, Perth Scorchers, Gloucestershire Role:

Right-hand bat, wicketkeeper

Squad Number: 4 Durham representative number: 161 Twitter: @cbancroft4 Instagram: @cbancroft4 The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman returns for a second season at Emirates Riverside after skippering the side in 2019 before earning an Ashes call-up. The 27-year-old proved a popular member of the dressing room as he captained Durham in the Specsavers County Championship and the Royal London One Day Cup. The right-hander topped the averages in both competitions averaging 45.4 in nine County Championship fixtures and 94.25 in the 50-over format. Durham had hoped to have the Western Australian leading the county all season, but his fine form earned him a place in the Australian Ashes squad. The opener took part in the first two tests of the series and helped the Aussies retain the urn.

WHAT’S ON AT CHESTER-LESTREET CRICKET CLUB! You should know by now that we’re not just a cricket club. Alongside being a public bar in the heart of community, we’re also known to throw a cracking event or two... or three, four, five! What’s coming up next?

Bancroft returns to Emirates Riverside to captain the side in all-three formats for the 2020 season Durham first-class highest score: 158 (vs Sussex, 2019) Durham List A highest score: 151* (vs Lancashire, 2019) Durham T20 highest score: N/A

CHESTER-LE-STREET CRICKET CLUB

St Patrick’s Weekend 13th-17th March

ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND: March 13th -17th We’ll show you the true meaning behind ‘luck of the Irish’ with themed decorations, live sport on the big screens, and 50p off every pint of Guiness and Caffreys - across the whole 5 days! TAPAS & QUIZ NIGHT: April 9th

Irish Themed Bar Irish Themed Bar

Looking for something great to kick-start your bank holiday weekend? Join us for delicious tapas, bevs’ and a good old quiz. Tickets are only £10 but you must secure yours quickly because they’re LIMITED!

Guinness and Caffrey’s 50p Off Guinness Caffrey’s 50p5 Off a Pint a Pintand Across the Entire Days! Across the Entire Days! Live Sport and 5 More Live Sport and More

For more information about either event, call us on 0191 388 3684.

Bar Open from 11am

48 | IN&AROUND

0191 388 3684

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DURHAM CRICKET

DISCOVER FAMILY FUN AT THE CRICKET JUNIOR SEASON TICKET £20 UNDER 5’S FREE

ADULT SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE – 7 GAMES FOR £70 GROUP DEALS AVAILABLE 10 + TICKETS 07702514091 DURHAM CRICKET.CO.UK | BOX OFFICE: 0191 387 1717

#FORTHENORTH

t20 fixtures 2020

Wednesday June 3 Leicestershire Foxes 6:30pm Wednesday June 10 Notts Outlaws 6:30pm Friday June 12 Birmingham Bears 6:30pm Friday June 19 Yorkshire Vikings 6:30pm

Sunday June 21 Derbyshire Falcons 2:30pm Friday June 26 Lancashire Lightning 6:30pm Sunday July 12 Northants Steelbacks 2:30pm Times subject to change

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Downtime

What’s on March John Williams Gala - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra : Sunderland Empire Whether you’ve visited Hogwarts, followed Indiana Jones to the Ark of the Covenant or recoiled in terror of the prehistoric creatures in Jurassic Park, chances are that a John Williams film score is part of your cinematic landscape. To book your tickets from £22.90 to see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform a night of classic Williams pieces on Friday 6th March, visit www.atgtickets.com.

Tyne Theatre Productions present: The Full Monty : Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle upon Tyne The Tyne Theatre Productions Company is set to stage the Broadway musical version of The Full Monty, itself adapted from the 1997 film of the same name, from Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th March. Tickets for the strip-tacular show, which features explicit content, start at £16 (£14 concessions), as detailed on www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk.

Jen Brister: Under Privilege Gala Theatre, Durham Comedian Jen Brister has made TV appearances on Live at the Apollo and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order but is now touring a new live show all about the tricky subject of privilege. Brister feels privileged, with her wife, kids, house and job, but why is the topic so controversial? Hear Jen’s thoughts for £12.50 on 27th March, with tickets available from www.galadurham.co.uk.

Roachford O2 Academy Newcastle You remember British singer-songwriter Andrew Roachford’s hits “Cuddly Toy” and “Family Man” back in the ‘80s, and the man himself is bringing them back to Newcastle on 28th March. He’s recently toured with Mike + The Mechanics but is now back in his solo element. To learn more and book your tickets at £28.90 each, visit www.academymusicgroup.com.

Other Worlds: The Art of Atomhawk Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne The Gateshead-based design studio Atomhawk is treating us to a fantastical reinterpretation of Tyneside riverside icons, such as the Tyne Bridge and Sage Gateshead, included in this free-entry exhibition starting on Saturday 7th March. For further details, see www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk. 50 | IN&AROUND

The Northumbrians: North-East England and it’s People : St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead Many aspects of the North East’s identity, including the region’s culture, stereotypes and accents, have their origins in hundreds of years of history. Local historian Dan Jackson will be explaining why at this talk on Tuesday 10th March promoting his acclaimed book of the same name. Tickets are £3 each, and you can learn more at www.gateshead.gov.uk.

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Come Celebrate with us... MARCH SUNDAY 22TH

Lunch

MOTHER’S DAY

Traditional plated Sunday Lunch served between 12:00 - 16:00pm

FAMILY CARVERY Homemade Vegetable Soup | Chicken Liver Pate with Tomato Bread Garlic Mushrooms on Croute | Homemade Quiche and Salad Roast Beef, Turkey and Pork | Chicken and Vegetable Pie Poached Salmon Princess | Vegetarian and Vegan Delight English Trifle | Apple Crumble and Custard Pancake Stack | Chocolate Slice

£12.50 per adult, £7.50 per child, Under 3's eat FREE

Served from 12:00noon – 3:00pm MARCH SATURDAY 28TH

Murder

AND THE

GrandDuchess

Russian Royal Family, 1920's, A Red Murder and Vodka . . . . WHO DUNIT?

3 COURSE MEAL Russian Salad topped with assorted Meats Chicken Kiev with Savoy Cabbag and Sauteed potatoes Napoleon Cake infused with Russian Vodka

£12.50 per person

7.00pm till death do us part

ROAST BEEF AL

ION TRADIT PORK

FISH &

1 Course - From £8.95 2 Courses - From £12.95 3 Courses - From £14.95

CHIPS

EN'S CHILDR MENU ET GOURM S BURGER

Pre-book you table today quoting "Free Wine" and get a complimentary glass of wine with every paying adult meal.

Stay the Night A limited number of bedrooms available at a special Calendar of Events price of £55.00 with Full English Breakfast.

APRIL SUNDAY 12TH

EASTER SUNDAY

CARVERY LUNCH

A traditional 3 course carvery lunch with:

• Children’s face painting • Easter Egg Hunt and • Giant Lego table Egg decorating competition. • Bouncy castle fun 3 COURSE CARVERY • Assorted Starter Selection • Seven Sumptuous Main Courses • Platters of Delicious Desserts

£12.50 per adult, £7.50 per child, Under 3's eat FREE Served from 12:00 noon – 3:00pm SPECIAL OFFER! Wedding packages from

£1,500

ENQUIRE TODAY

FOR THE FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2020 AND GET 10% OFF YOUR BOOKING (PLEASE QUOTE IN & AROUND) T: +44(0) 191 4189419 Holiday Inn Washington Email events@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk Emerson Road, Washington, NE37 1LB www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.inandaroundmag.co.uk | 51

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POP TOP LEISURE VEHICLES With the recent demand for leisure products in the UK and the need to have multi-purpose camper window vans that can be used as every day vehicles and for leisure trips, the PopTop Leisure Company presents a choice of new and used campervans for sale which are competitively priced to suit most peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pockets. All our campervans are available to view at out North East showroom based in Birtley, County Durham. As well as providing a range of converted campervans for sale, it is also possible to choose a van from stock which we can then convert for you based on our flexible range of conversion options. We also offer a roof fitting service at our workshop in Washington, Tyne and Wear. You can visit our workshop in Washington, to discuss the supply and fitting of elevating PopTops and to see vehicles in mid conversion. You can also discuss a conversion of your own with our very own motor caravan converters.

Birtley Showroom: Portobello Road, Birley, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH3 2SN Washington Showroom: Unit51 Hutton Close, Crowther Ind Estate, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 0AH I 0191 419111 Sale@nulite.com www.poptopcampervans.co.uk 52 | IN&AROUND