13 Issue 2

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‘A delicious spot’: Artists on the Greta The Blue Cheese Slices and the Teenage Camels finding your inspirational space

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welcome to Number

13

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Welcome to

Number 13 Welcome again!

We are very proud to give you our 2nd edition of No 13.

Although we experienced that tricky “second album� phenomenon, we got there in the end and we are very proud of the result. Once again the magazine is based around a house and its rooms and I hope you enjoy the contents.

In this edition Andrew Firth and Isabel Radford are both back, Andrew trying to justify why he needs to tour the vineyards and restaurants of France and Isabel giving us her opinions of the C B Inn. We also welcome some new contributors, especially Josh Bradley, who we hope will become a regular enlightening us on the life of a farmer.

Once again I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the magazine as both advertisers and writers. I would also like to single out Jill Simpson and thank her for her hard work in putting it all together with both enthusiasm and skill.

Welcome to No 13, and I hope to see you again in the summer!

Richard Duffus Chartered Surveyor MRICS

Issue 2

Number 13

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Viewforth, Marwood

An exceptional property situated in extensive grounds including mature gardens with woodland, lawned areas, fruit trees, and having the benefit of approximately two acres of productive pastureland, with two purpose built stables, a large store and a detached garage. The property is detached and has four bedrooms and would benefit from some refurbishment.

Viewforth is well situated in a rural position with panoramic

views over the Teesdale Valley but within two miles of the centre of Barnard Castle. Barnard Castle is a popular market town with a good range of local amenities including shops, restaurants, cafes, banks, schools, doctor’s surgery, community hospital, sports centre, library and The Bowes Museum. The property is well located for easy access to the A66 and A1.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ390,000

EPC Rating: E

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Low New Houses, Baldersdale

Low New Houses is a traditional dales farm stead enjoying extensive grounds and gardens. Having two ranges of outbuildings and an adjoining barn, the property has massive potential for development and scope for a multiple of uses. This charming property has retained many of its original features and benefits from extensive, flexible living accommodation including four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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The property enjoys panoramic views and is nestled in the bottom of the Baldersdale Valley which lies within ten miles of the market town of Barnard Castle, with its good range of local amenities.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ425,000

EPC Rating: F

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Langley House, Staindrop

Situated on the outskirts of Staindrop with good access to Darlington, Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland, a recently refurbished and extended stone built three bedroom bungalow with good sized well maintained grounds. The property has been improved to a high standard benefitting from new: UPVC double glazing, fitted kitchen with solid oak work tops, bathroom, master en-suite, central heating and sun room/breakfast room.

The property enjoys an open aspect to the front with a view over fields beyond. The garden surrounds the property on all four sides. To the front and side is a lawn and bordered garden with well stocked herbaceous borders and weeping pears which give privacy and colour during the summer.

The rear garden is private with lawn, newly planted fruit trees and patio areas.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ295,000

EPC Rating: E

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Church Hill, Winston

A fine period Grade II listed property and part of a former rectory. The property has been carefully restored, maintained and extended to provide excellent family accommodation within beautiful private grounds and situated on the edge of Winston.

The property’s spacious living accommodation includes three reception rooms, a living kitchen, 2 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms. Access to the property is via a private drive

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leading to a stone paved hard standing, providing generous parking. The private enclosed gardens are accessed through a gate and are to the rear of the premises, overlooking mature woodland. The gardens are predominantly lawn with mature borders, greenhouse, timber shed with power and water supply.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ445,000

EPC Rating: D

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Bail Hill House, Mickleton

Bail Hill House is a fine stone-built traditional farmhouse with an exceptional elevated location giving rise to panoramic views over the picturesque Teesdale valley.

The property is set within its own extensive grounds, totalling approx 2.66 acres including mature gardens, a garage and paddock. The property briefly comprises of three reception rooms including conservatory, kitchen/ diner, utility room, cloakroom and rear porch to the ground

floor and 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The annexe has a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.

Mickleton is a thriving Teesdale village with 2 public houses and an active village hall. The market town of Barnard Castle lies approximately 9 miles to the south east, providing a greater range of amenities.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ550,000

EPC Rating: E

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Sunnybank House, Romaldkirk

Sunnybank House is a fine 3/4 bedroom detached period property situated in the picturesque village of Romaldkirk, probably the most sought after village in the popular Teesdale valley. The property has open country views to the front and a private rear garden with annexe.

The property provides flexible living accommodation, including three reception rooms, three bedrooms plus two attic rooms. The summer house provides a self contained

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

annexe; a delightful building overlooking the private rear garden which consists of a sun room, kitchen area, bedroom area and shower room.

To the side of the property there is a garage with rear workshop area housing the central heating boiler.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ315,000

EPC Rating: F

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

2 Middle Blackdene, St Johns Chapel

A beautifully restored, historic property dating back to the 13th Century, with extensive, comfortable, living accommodation briefly comprising four bedrooms, four bathrooms and three generously proportioned reception rooms. The property is approached via a ford in the River Wear and provides a beautiful, secluded country retreat of immense character and quality.

To the rear of the property is a workshop with power and

light. To the front of the property is a range of barns with water and electricity which provide useful storage and (subject to planning regulations) has potential for future development. To the front is a walled patio, driveway, grass area and parking for several vehicles. To the side there are further grass areas with shrubs and trees and a formal rear garden with lawn and dry stone wall boundary.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ495,000

EPC Rating: E

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Bowes Cross Farmhouse, Boldron

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

RENTAL

A superb stone-built traditional farmhouse lovingly refurbished, retaining many original features and situated in open countryside. The property benefits from double glazing and central heating throughout and incorporates a modern kitchen, sitting room, dining room, breakfast room,

a large cellar, utility room, four double bedrooms with one en-suite and a spacious family bathroom.

There are extensive gardens to the front and rear along with ample parking.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ795.00 PCM

EPC Rating: C

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Rosedale, Richmond

Rosedale is a most impressive and imposing building situated within walking distance of the centre of Richmond, a historic Georgian Market Town. Richmond is a good holiday destination and is especially well located for access to The Yorkshire Dales with excellent commuting links from the A1.

Currently run as a successful bed and breakfast this Grade II listed corner town house has accommodation over three floors with 6 en-suite letting rooms plus private

accommodation and offers an enormous amount of flexibility.

Finished to the highest of standards by the current owners and complementing the original features. The business enjoys a high annual turnover with good gross profits. The owners are selling due to the fact that they taking early retirement to travel the world. Accounts are available on request.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ650,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

Oyster House, Caldwell

An exceptionally well appointed detached house in a much sought after village. Oyster House has 3 double bedrooms, a beautiful bathroom, 2 reception rooms, a modern fitted kitchen, integral garage and gardens front and rear. The property is finished to an extremely high standard with oak doors and central heating, and is alarmed on both floors.

The village of Caldwell is popular with a good pub and is excellently positioned for access across the region. The

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

nearby historic market town of Richmond, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales offers a good range of amenities, including national and local retailers, leisure centre, two secondary schools and several primary schools. The Station, a restored Victorian railway station, features a restaurant, cinema and gallery and is also home to a number of artisan food producers.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ295,000

EPC Rating: C

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

9 Stephenson Road, Brompton on Swale

A beautifully presented family home situated on a generously sized and superbly positioned plot within this sought after residential development in the village of Brompton on Swale. This executive style house has spacious, flexible living space, four double bedrooms, together with a private garden, double garage and extensive off road parking.

The village of Brompton On Swale offers a number of local amenities and is well positioned for access to the A1.

Offered Chain Free.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ268,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

3 Low Green, Aldbrough St John

A spacious 3 bedroom family home situated in this sought after village which has been designed so all rooms take advantage of the enjoyable views overlooking the village green. Recently decorated throughout, the house has extensive living accommodation, gardens and off road parking.

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Aldbrough St. John is a charming village of immense character situated approximately 6 miles north of the Georgian Market Town of Richmond which has a great range of local amenities and approximately 3 miles equidistant from both the A66 and A1 allowing easy access across the region.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ235,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

The Byre, Dalton

The Byre is a delightful Grade II Listed Barn Conversion forming part of an exclusive mews style development set around a communal courtyard and enjoying views over open countryside. Set in an idyllic location, this stone built home has charm, character and has 3/4 bedrooms, double garage and gardens.

Dalton Heights is located approximately 1/4 of a mile from the charming dales village of Dalton and is within easy

commuting distance of the A66 and A1 North and South from Scotch Corner. There is a convenient bus service directly from the road end into the market towns of Richmond and Barnard Castle. Also, together with the nearby village of Newsham, there is a thriving local community with a variety of planned activities and events including a useful Post Office service, operating out of the village hall.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ250,000

EPC Rating: E

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

33 Victoria Road, Richmond

A delightful and excellently appointed stone built double fronted detached house built in approximately 2002 and conveniently located for the centre of Richmond. The property has accommodation spread over 4 levels and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room/study, a spacious sitting room with access directly to the beautiful south facing award winning garden well stocked with mature plants.

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Richmond is a historical Georgian Market Town with an excellent range of local amenities including shops, banks, cafes and restaurants, well respected schools, both doctors and dental surgeries, library, fitness centre, independent cinema, theatre and golf course. The town is conveniently located for access to The Yorkshire Dales and for the A1.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ229,950

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Rose Villa, Scorton

A beautifully renovated and extended double fronted home in an exceptional sought after location combining period elegance with comfortable contemporary style living.

Having 6 bedrooms with extensive and flexible living space and enjoying views over the extensive gardens, grounds and a paddock measuring approximately 0.8 acres.

A double garage with sufficient off street parking for a number of cars.

Situated in a picturesque village with a thriving local community famous for its raised village green where it hosts cricket matches and an Annual Feast, with two pubs one traditional and one contemporary, a village shop and post office, a primary school, doctors surgery and village hall.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ650,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

The Lodge, Richmond

The Lodge is a detached stone built double fronted cottage in an exclusive development situated on the edge Richmond.

The property offers flexible open plan living space. Stone walled gardens , off road parking and 2 dedicated parking spaces. Private woodlands walks and fishing rights.

Approximately 5 minutes walking distance from the centre of the Georgian Market Town of Richmond which offers a good range of amenities, including national and local retailers,

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

leisure centre, two secondary schools and several primary schools. The Station, a restored Victorian railway station, which features a restaurant, cinema and gallery is also home to a number of artisan food producers. Good road links to the A1. Darlington lies approximately 12 miles away with its mainline railway station giving good access to London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ285,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Candle Cottage Aldbrough St. John

Candle Cottage is an exceptionally well appointed and attractive three bedroom house of superb quality located within an exclusive development situated in the popular village of Aldbrough St. John providing accommodation which is both stylish and cosy.

The property has many attractive features and includes two reception rooms, study, kitchen and integral garage to the ground floor. On the first floor there are three bedrooms

(one en-suite), separate dressing room and family bathroom. The property has gardens to the front and rear and allocated parking space.

Aldbrough St. John is a charming village of immense character situated approximately six miles north of the Georgian Market Town of Richmond.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ375,000

EPC Rating: D

ForFor further further information information onon this this property property oror toto arrange arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our our Barnard Richmond Castle office office onon (01748) (01833) 850638094 698

High Barnes, Wearhead

A large detached stone-built house with 3/4 bedrooms as well as a self contained annexe suitable for use as a holiday let. The property enjoys panoramic views over the Wear Valley and is laid out over three levels, with the entrance being on the middle level.

The house enjoys two reception rooms, three bedrooms, a family bathroom and spacious dining kitchen. Adjoining the main house and with a separate entrance door is the

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

annexe, with a sitting room, kitchen area and bedroom with en-suite. The house has spacious grounds, in total approx. 0.35 acres. There is a large private mature garden to the rear which is split over two levels and includes heated kennels with power and lighting. The front garden has planted borders and a gravel parking area.

Crook Office

| ÂŁ415,000

EPC Rating: D

For further For further information information on this on property this property or toor arrange to arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our Barnard our Crook Castle officeoffice on (01388) on (01833) 766 676 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Brownriggside, Westgate

Situated in upper Weardale, East of the North Pennines, in “An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” Brownriggside is a large four bedroom stone built property occupying an elevated South facing site with extensive panoramic views from all elevations.

The property has flexible living space with two reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, master en-suite, a utility room and workshop along with a detached stone built garage and

parking. To the front elevation there is a large lawn garden whilst to the West side and rear of the property there are sizeable stone flagged patio areas. Local amenities are available in the village of Westgate including local shop, Post Office and public house. Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Durham City provide a wider range of shopping, leisure and recreational facilities.

Crook Office

| £375,000

EPC Rating: D

For further For further information information on this on property this property or toor arrange to arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our Barnard our Crook Castle officeoffice on (01388) on (01833) 766 676 638094

East Cottage, Howlish Lane

East Cottage is a spacious four bedroom, semi detached, single storey cottage, situated in a rural location with panoramic views to the south over the Gurney Valley.

The property has extensive living accommodation and has been refurbished throughout to a very high standard. East Cottage further benefits from three reception rooms and a spacious modern kitchen with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine level.

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

The family bathroom is complemented by an additional shower room to the ground floor.

Externally there is a low maintenance south facing rear garden with a decking seating area, whilst to the front there is a lawn garden with a patio seating area. There is also parking for two cars at the front of the property.

Crook Office

| ÂŁ225,000

EPC Rating: F

For further For further information information on this on property this property or toor arrange to arrange a viewing a viewing please please contact contact our Barnard our Crook Castle officeoffice on (01388) on (01833) 766 676 638094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Bainbridge Memorial Chapel, Eastgate

Development Potential

A substantial, stone-built former memorial chapel situated in the popular Weardale village of Eastgate. The property retains many of its original features and a rural aspect with open fields to the East side.

To the front of the chapel is a well maintained forecourt with access down one side. To the rear of the chapel is a garden area enclosed by a stone wall. There is access to an under staircase store and a cellar void under the chapel.

Also in the garden is a stone built former outside toilet.

The property is offered for sale for a wide range of uses or conversion to residential subject to the required planning permission for change of use. A pre application letter from Durham County Council is available for prospective purchasers.

Crook Office

| ÂŁ130,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Crook office on (01388) 766 676

The Granary, Hunwick

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Development Potential

The Granary is a brick built detached farm building with permission to convert it to a 4 bedroom house with a garden to the front. The planning permission includes the demolition of the existing extension to the Granary allowing access to the building via a private driveway, leading to a new double garage. There are mains services available.

The Granary is situated on Hunwick Hall Farm. Hunwick is a pleasant semi-rural village with several shops, public houses and a primary school. The market town of Crook is situated approximately 2.7 miles North West of Hunwick and Bishop Auckland is situated approximately 4 miles South East, both offering a wider range of schools, shops, leisure and recreational facilities.

Crook Office

| ÂŁ129,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Crook office on (01388) 766 676

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Number 13 Issue 2

Number 13

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‘What’s inside this issue’

Contents 29 In the Spotlight We interview our saleroom’s very own trainee valuer and auctioneer, William McNab.

34 A Lot Less Ordinary Lisa Wilkinson provides an insight into one of the most exciting new retail experiences on The Bank.

39 A Delicious Spot Diana Collecott explores the writers and artists who put Teesdale on the map.

44 The Blue Cheese Slices and the Teenage Camels

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Our very own intrepid gastro experts go undercover to review The CB Inn, Arkengarthdale.

49 Discover Your Inspirational Space Caroline O’Neill explains her passion for photography and why her photos are taken strictly outside the studio.

54 Green With Envy Gill Wilkinson provides her tips on how to incorporate “the colour of 2013” in your home.

59 Josh’s Jottings Teesdale farmer Joshua Bradley introduces his mixed livestock farm.

64 Go Explore: Hamsterley Forest Jill Simpson enjoys a day out in Hamsterley Forest.

69 Rantings from the MD of Addisons

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Addisons’ handsome fox red Labrador, George, provides his own canine view of the world.

74 A Hobby Which Got Out of Hand Sue Manners of Thornton Hall describes how her famous gardens continue to evolve.

79 The Jewell in Teesdale’s Crown After their recent purchase of the Rose & Crown, we hear from Headlam Hall about their plans for the future.

84 Tuscany? The French Riviera? No! Teesdale Richard Duffus explores the benefits of purchasing a holiday home in Teesdale.

89 Blessed are the Cheese Makers

13 magazine is published by Addisons Chartered Surveyors: 13 Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8EQ Tel: 01833 638 094 Email: info@addisons-surveyors.co.uk

Mark Samuelson provides a quirky account of his venture into the world of cheese making.

Copyright © 2013 Addisons Chartered Surveyors.

Wine Expert Andrew Firth tries to justify a tour of France all in the name of research!

Addisons Chartered Surveyors is the trading name of Addisons Surveyors LLP Registration Number OC355620 ENGLAND

A round-up of interesting local events for the next few months.

94 Firthy’s Tours 96 Diary of Events

Issue 2

Number 13

welcome to the

Drawing Room

29

In the

Spotlight Interview with William McNab, Trainee Valuer and Auctioneer at Addisons Auctioneers.

William McNab.

How long have you worked for Addisons?

We understand you had your first auctioneering experience recently?

“I started working for Addisons about two and a half years ago. I had studied to be an arborist (a tree surgeon) but work was sporadic so I began to work part time as a porter in the saleroom. I really enjoyed the job, it required organisation and some long working hours but I was good at it! A full time job became available and I was subsequently promoted to head porter.”

“With the support of my colleagues I had my “debut” on the rostrum in December.”

What attracted you to become a valuer and auctioneer?

“As head porter I became more involved with clients and dealers. Every day is different here, you might imagine the world of antiques to be leisurely but it’s just the opposite: its really fast paced. You meet some real characters and see unusual and exciting objects on a daily basis. I really enjoyed this work and soon realised this was more than just a job, it was the career for me.”

Were you nervous?

“Yes! I was really nervous. It requires tonnes of concentration; you have to keep your eye not only on bidders in the room, but also internet bids, commission bids and any telephone bids. But it’s such a buzz. I still get apprehensive before I go up now but I think it’s a good thing, it keeps me on my toes! “ Do you have to do any other training?

“Yes, I’m beginning a Masters in Fine Art later this year. My colleague and mentor Richard Edwards (Senior Valuer and Auctioneer) has a vast amount of experience in this business, having worked for Sothebys in London and New York.

He has a wealth of knowledge and is an amazing person to learn from, so I’m really lucky to be able to work and train alongside Richard.”

Issue 2

Number 13

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welcome to the

Drawing Room

What is your proudest working moment so far?

“Without a doubt it was being on the rostrum when a Chinese table screen made £34,300. It was a porcelain fire screen painted by renowned Chinese ceramic artist Wang Bu. We had a hunch it was something special but as valuers, we have to be very careful not to overstate an object’s provenance unless we have sufficient proof. There are some expert Chinese Porcelain collectors out there and we were confident they would decide for themselves if it was the real deal.”

“There is a strong market for Chinese objects but I must admit we were all a little surprised at the bidding war that escalated for this one! We had several commission bids on the table before the sale began but as the bidding opened for this Lot the internet bids went crazy, you could hear a pin drop in the saleroom: everyone there was stunned at the pace and scale of the bidding. Eventually I dropped the gravel at £34,300. The winner was an internet bidder from the US. “ What’s your most memorable moment working at Addisons?

“There have been loads but the one that springs to mind; We are invited to house clearances to remove anything that might sell in the saleroom, before the rest of the contents are cleared. When I was still a porter I accompanied one of the valuers to a house clearance. The property was in very poor condition and untidy, there was stuff everywhere. After trawling through most of the contents there appeared to be nothing of value, we were on the verge of calling it a day when we started to move a pile of clothes from a corner of one of the bedrooms. It was then we noticed a Royal Doulton figure poking out of a sock.

As we investigated closer we discovered around 100 pieces of Royal Doulton as well as a Lalique figure, all of significant value, hidden underneath the pile of clothes and mostly wrapped in socks. I will never forget that one!”

Number 13 Issue 2

William McNab trainee Valuer and Auctioneer.

What’s coming up in the saleroom over the next few months?

At the moment we are preparing for a vintage fashion sale taking place on the 13th April, which will include the Anne Robson Collection.

The late Anne Robson had a lifelong interest in vintage fashion and, as a dealer and collector, amassed a huge collection of clothes and accessories from all eras.

The catalogue will mainly comprise of a cross section of pieces she acquired with huge enthusiasm over the years.

Encompassing eras from Victorian to the 1980’s, from leg o’mutton sleeves to puff ball skirts, the garments reflect the changing tastes and styles in day and evening clothes through the decades of the 20th century.

Louis Wain cartoon of a cat. Wain’s modernist cat sculpture (pictured opposite) sold for £3,000 at the recent Fine Art sale.

31

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Issue 2

Number 13

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34

welcome to the

Sitting Room

A Lot Less Ordinary Lisa Wilkinson provides an insight into one of the most exciting new retail experiences on The Bank.

Lisa Wilkinson from Oswell’s gives us an insight into her background and interests which have given birth to one of the most exciting new retail experiences on The Bank in Barnard Castle:

Cabbage leaf plates.

Number 13 Issue 2

My love affair with Barnard Castle started about 8 years ago when I was looking for premises for my first shop. Being from Darlington, I had a vague knowledge of the town from family outings in my youth, but, having lived in London for 15 years, it had slipped below my radar. After one drive through though I was struck by its charm, beautiful location and vibrant high street and, completely hooked, I opened the first Oswell’s a few months later. Why Oswell’s you may ask (both my married and maiden names are, coincidentally, Wilkinson). Oswell is my mother’s maiden name and also the name of her family’s hardware business in Ashington, and my many happy memories of time spent gazing in awe at the row upon row of tiny

draws filled with thousands of screws, nails, nuts and bolts, prompted me to resurrect the name and celebrate my retailing roots.

And so it was with mixed emotions that, 3 years down the line, and having been whisked off my feet by my husband-to-be Mark, who was in the RAF at the time, I closed my first shop and moved away to take up the itinerant life of a Forces wife. I pined for both my shop and Barnard Castle though whilst I was away, and, as soon as Mark left the RAF in 2012, my first thought was to move back and start a new venture – with a difference. This time around not only would I be in partnership with Mark and my sister Julie, but we would also have both an on-line and a high street presence.

And so, having been extremely fortunate to find a beautiful grade 2 listed premises on The Bank, the new Oswell’s was born…

I’m getting ahead of myself though…

The Oswell’s story, and my retail career, began back in 1989, when I upped sticks and moved to London to find some fun and adventure. I had no job to go to and decided to try retail as a stopgap whilst

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I decided what I really wanted to do. I happened across Liberty on Regent Street and it was love at first sight! Never before had I seen such a beautiful shop, full of such interesting products and displays. I decided right there and then that that was where I wanted to work, and a week later I started in the hosiery department. Five years on and I was still there, managing the bookshop and print room. Working at Liberty during that time, surrounded by beautiful things and creative people - in my department alone were a sculptor, a harpist, a fine artist and a singer - and learning old school retailing skills, shaped me forever.

I tell you this as, even now when buying for Oswell’s and discussing our whole ethos, I realise that my time at Liberty, followed by a stint with Borders Books and then working with my friend and

mentor Sue Walker at Harvey Nichols, had a massive influence on what we’re trying to do at Oswell’s. We are, all three of us, passionate about good design combined with functionality; it’s important to us that something should work, even if its only function is to look beautiful. There is also a definite natural theme running throughout our whole collection - whether it be in the form of a leaf shaped porcelain dish, dragonfly glassware, or natural materials, such as horn, mango wood and pure wool. My favourite product in our range would have to be the Eleanor Pritchard blankets. Hand woven in a small traditional mill in Wales, their beautiful designs, amazing quality, and colour palette all fit the Oswell’s brief perfectly. Customers also seem to particularly appreciate our tabletop selection. From mini animal jugs to glass pear fruit bowls, we try to have something for everyone.

Dog night light.

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Oswell’s 10 The Bank Barnard Castle DL12 8PQ Tel: 01833 630084 Email: info@oswells.co.uk www.oswells.co.uk

Natural history mug.

Customer service is the other great passion at Oswell’s. Whether on-line, or physically in the shop, we want every customer to experience great, friendly service as we believe that this, at the end of the day, is what will keep small independent businesses like ours going. Barnard Castle is lucky to have lots of really lovely independent shops, and very few empty high street premises, which all contribute toward making it such a great place to live, work and visit. While other high streets flounder and die, Barnard Castle seems to be bucking the trend, which is fantastic.

So the coming year for Oswell’s will be an exciting one. The business is off the ground, but the second year in retail can be like that difficult second book or second album, so we definitely won’t be taking our eye off the ball! We are though looking forward to growing and integrating ourselves further into The Barnard Castle community. And we will of course continue to try and find new beautiful, interesting, useful and quirky products, to keep the shop and website fresh and, most importantly, our customers happy.

For more information visit www.oswells.co.uk or call 01833 630084

Eleanor Pritchard blankets.

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Enjoy outstanding fresh food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The C B Inn lays tucked away in remote and beautiful Arkengarthdale, steeped in local history with open fires and antique pine furnishing both the bar and restaurant.

All of our 19 en-suite bedrooms have amazing views of Arkengarthdale, with mid-week and weekend special breaks available.

Arkengarthdale | Richmond | North Yorkshire | DL11 6EN For further information or a brochure please call: 01748 884 567 or visit our website at www.cbinn.co.uk

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‘A delicious spot’:

Artists on the Greta Diana Collecott explores the writers and artists who put Teesdale on the map.

Detail of John Sell Cotman, ‘Greta Bridge’, watercolour over graphite, 1807. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

Teesdale is lucky to be home to a diverse range of artists and writers, however as you read on you will discover this is nothing new. From Turner and Cotman to Walter Scott and Charles Dickens, artists and writers have been putting Teesdale on the map for centuries. Diana Collecott takes this timely opportunity to explore Cotman and Turner’s links to Teesdale, as the Bowes Museum launches its new exhibition, Rokeby, Poetry and Landscape (26 Jan to 28 April).

‘It really is a delicious spot and much should I like to have a house near’, the young John Sell Cotman wrote from Greta Bridge in August 1805. Cotman had trained as an artist in London and exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of 18. Soon afterwards, he visited Yorkshire with friends; they stayed at Rokeby, near

Barnard Castle, as guests of J. B. S. Morritt, the hospitable patron of romantic artists and writers. Cotman was so delighted with the place that, when his friends left, he remained at Greta Bridge, lodging at the old coaching inn beside the bridge and giving his address as: ‘Mr Cotman to be left at Post Office Greta Bridge, Yorkshire’. The former post office, where mail for the town was collected by postboys on ponies, can still be seen in the angle of the handsome stone building, and you can now stay at the Coach House.

Though he complained of being ‘plaguedly dull’ without the house party at Rokeby, Cotman was intoxicated by the scenery. He spent five weeks rambling up and down the Greta with his dog Tippo, sketching every day in the woods and taking a ‘scrambly walk’ below Eastwood Hall to paint the rock in the river known as the Scotchman’s Stone. Immersing himself in the landscape, he also bathed in the cool, deep pools that can still be found above the inn and below the Dairy Bridge near the meeting of the Greta and the Tees.

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John Sell Cotman, ‘Greta Bridge’, watercolour over graphite, 1807. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

Many of the sketches became studies for the brilliant series of watercolours Cotman would create in his studio over the coming years. These include several versions of his luminous masterworks, Shady Pool on the River Greta and Greta Bridge. The bridge itself testifies to the fact that, until recently, this district south of the Tees was in the North Riding of Yorkshire. A leading critic on Cotman has commented: ‘it was not Yorkshire in general which suddenly pushed him from good, conventional artistry into unforeseen brilliance and originality, but Greta’.

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Cotman was one of the first artists to be seduced by the quiet beauty of the area, followed by fine draughtsmen such as W. R. Robinson and William Callow. J. M. W. Turner visited Teesdale repeatedly, filling multiple sketchbooks. In the wet summer of 1816, he made quick sketches on the Greta, before pressing on up the dale and crossing Stainmore on horseback. ‘Bogged most completely Horse and Rider,’ Turner wrote, ‘and nine hours making eleven miles.’ Yet it was the sight of falls and rivers in spate that energised his paintings of High Force and The Junction of the Greta and the Tees at Rokeby. The contrast between Turner’s vision of the Greta at the Meeting of the Waters and the dreamlike serenity of the same river in Cotman’s paintings, shows the difference between two artists only seven years apart in years, but an era apart in sensibility.

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William Callow, ‘Greta and Tees’, watercolour over graphite. 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

Between Cotman’s summer on the Greta in 1805 and Turner’s visit in 1816, there had been a cultural shift in perceptions of the place. It was marked by the discovery of Rokeby Park by Walter Scott, who stayed there in 1809. He described it as ‘one of the most enviable places I have ever seen’, admiring its ‘romantic variety of glen, torrent and copse’. This scenery inspired his long poem Rokeby, which tells of family feuds in the aftermath of the Civil Wars, and is set in Barnard Castle, Rokeby, Mortham, Greta Woods and Brignall Banks - all celebrated by Scott in verse and song.

Rokeby was published to instant acclaim in 1813; as a consequence, Morritt joked he would ‘raise the rent of my inn at Greta-Bridge’, anticipating an ‘influx of cockney romancers, artists, illustrators, and sentimental tourists’. He was not wrong; in the wake of Scott’s work, which was soon reprinted with illustrations by none other than Turner, romantic Rokeby became a tourist attraction as well as a subject for artists and, eventually, photographers.

A bicentenary exhibition entitled Rokeby, Poetry and Landscape: Walter Scott and Turner in Teesdale is at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until the end of April. Richly researched by Michael Rudd and curated

by Emma House, it traces the history of Greta Bridge from a staging-post on the way to Scotland or the Lakes, to a tourist destination in itself.

The exhibits invite us to see the place afresh through artists’ eyes, and tempt us to follow their footsteps into the landscape.

The Museum is offering a programme of free walks and talks, while ARTworks in Teesdale is planning a Cotman weekend in February, followed by watercolour workshops with local artist Anne Mason.

For more information, please go to www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk and www.artworksinteesdale.org

W. R. Robinson, ‘View on the Greta’, etching from Guide to Richmond, 1833. Courtesy of The Bowes Museum.

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Your property Is our Business Whatever your property requirements, we at Addisons have the knowledge to help you on your way.

• Valuations for probate, tax or matrimonial • RICS home buyers surveys • Division of assets • Taxation planning • Property management Whatever the service, we pride ourselves on providing advice that you can trust.

Please contact your local office to make an appointment with one of our qualified surveyors to discuss your particular property requirements.

Teesdale - Barnard Castle Office 13 Galgate, Barnard Castle | Tel. 01833 638094

Wensleydale & Swaledale - Richmond Office 13 King Street, Richmond | Tel. 01748 850698

Weardale - Crook Office 5 South Street. Crook | Tel. 01388 766676

www.addisons-surveyors.co.uk

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

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The Blue Cheese Slices and the Teenage Camels Our very own intrepid gastro experts go undercover to review The CB Inn, Arkengarthdale.

As I stepped into the CB Inn on a freezing cold Tuesday night for dinner, I instantly picked up on a good vibe.

Drinkers at the bar were happily talking about their day, others eagerly examining the menu on the blackboard and some diners already tucking into their food. It’s easy to make snap judgements going somewhere new, and I’m no exception.

The first impression at the CB is that it feels like going home, welcoming without being overly familiar, and comforting without staff being presumptive.

As a gang of 7 covering teenagers, 20, 30 and 40-something age brackets between us, it was always going to be a mixed group to satisfy. We chose 4 different starters from the menu, and each picked a different main course so we could cover as much of the menu as possible! At the risk of giving you a long list of quotes from each diner, I will pick out some of the best.... The fishcakes as a starter had consistent feedback commending “good seasoning, with warm and spicy flavours” from Izzy.

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Tom, Elin and Josh all opted for the pigeon starter which achieved rave reviews including descriptive outbursts such as “a gorgeous garnish of ruby-like redcurrants,” and my favourite “the spinach wants to be here”.... nothing like a volunteer vegetable!

Outlandish narratives aside, the pigeon breast hit 10/10 across the board. Dicky opted for the prawn and crayfish cocktail, while I had the crab and avocado. Both were beautifully presented, seasoned perfectly and just the right amount on the plate.

We were definitely off to a great start (and I haven’t mentioned the generous helpings of warm home-made bread and butter!)

Rather than string together lots of reviews of different main courses into something resembling coherent paragraphs, I’m going for the bullet point approach until we get to pudding....

• Seafood linguini “slightly spicy flavours, but not too much” “really generous, lots of good quality and perfectly cooked fish” “heaven”

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“a welcome as warm as the roaring fires�

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• Sea Bass with Herby Gnocchi “stunning presentation, delicious with the roasted tomatoes and samphire,” “fish slightly overwhelmed by the other flavours” • Ballotine of Chicken “love the presentation, it’s like chip jenga!” “subtle flavours in the chicken” • Roast Duck “good sized portion, not too big” “duck breast melts in the mouth” “loving the combination of the sweet and sour flavours” • Lasagne “I feel comforted!” “rich flavours but a good tang of tomatoes and the olives cut through the richness” • Steak and Black Sheep Ale Casserole “awesome” “although the sauce tastes quite powerfully of ale, it’s well balanced” • Pork with apple and black pudding “Mmmmmm” “the meat cuts like butter, cooked to perfection” “love the sweet elements from the apple balancing with the meat” Not one dud dish amongst us, and always a sign of good food was a reluctance to share with our friends at the table! The pudding course was much more of the same with the sticky toffee pudding getting an immediate 10/10 from Tom. Josh loved the Eton Mess “rich, flavoursome, light and airy” were just some of the adjectives called into play, and Jill became almost as

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rapturous over the Apple Tatin “delightfully sweet, syrupy and sticky”. I loved the Pineapple and Lemon Parfait “light, fresh and full of flavours” while Elin’s Banana and Caramel Pannacotta with chocolate sauce served in its own pretty parfait pot was deemed to be “scrummy and not too sweet”. The chocolate sponge with berries scored lowest of all the puddings, “I think it needs custard or cream to pull it together”.

Izzy opted for the White Chocolate and Amaretto Crème Brulée and if the speed at which it was eaten was any indication of how good it was, I’d say it deserved 10/10 as well. Izzy’s verdict “fantastic!”

All our party rated The CB Inn as definitely worth a repeat visit - a welcome as warm as the roaring fires, a place for an intimate dinner for 2 or a raucous gathering across the ages. The food is excellent, and backed up with a great wine list supplied by the local Firth & Co Wines. Service was everything it should be and the bill not too frightening either....

During a shared cheeseboard, coffee with delicious homemade chocolates, conversation turned from cheese to band names and several strange stops in between. One of my final notes on the evening was the name for our group should we ever start a band.... coming soon to a village hall near you, “The Blue Cheese Slices and the Teenage Camels”.

The CB Inn Arkengarthdale, Richmond North Yorkshire, DL11 6EN Tel: 01748 884567 Email: info@cbinn.co.uk www.cbinn.co.uk Lunch is served daily from 12pm till 2pm.

Dinner is served every night from 6pm till 9pm

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Studio

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Discover your

inspirational

space Caroline O’neill explains her passion for photography and why her photos are taken strictly outside the studio.

Caroline O’Neill.

Caroline O’Neill’s enthusiasm and talent for photography has seen her bourgeoning photography business, Inspirational Spaces, move into dedicated premises on Castle Hill in Richmond. Here she talks passionately about why her photographs are “strictly” taken outside of the studio and how the loss of a close family member encouraged her to further her business.

Becoming an orphan at the age of 43, following the death of my beloved Mother, had a devastating effect on my life. The sort of effect that is perhaps best tackled by finding a distraction to fill the, now lonely, days. For me the timely vacation of 5 Castle Hill in Richmond by it’s previous tenants proved to be just the distraction I required.

Spontaneously - and perhaps a little rashly - I decided to take a lease and rent it out to further my photography business.

Six months later and here I am. A year since my mother’s passing last February I start

each day believing in myself in a way that she would herself tell me to. Everybody’s mother is special to them and mine was an amazing home maker who was always beautifully styled both in herself and in our home. Genuinely she was ahead of her time, she loved art and she loved photos.

Photos are all I have left of my parents now and how priceless they are. My ambition now is to create lasting photographs for my clients to fill inspirational spaces in their homes.

The black and white shot over the page was taken one Saturday morning on a regular trip into town. My mother and my sons, hand in hand going about their daily lives. Not posed, not predetermined, just captured as a moment in time and a very special memory.

Through my photography I have found the light at the end of the tunnel - the beautiful light of natural photographs. Competition awards are fine but they are not for me, my rewards are my client’s speechless mouths and happy tears.

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Studio Caroline O’Neill 5 Castle Hill, Richmond, North Yorkshire Tel: 01748 885112 Mob: 0780 313 6023 www.inspirationalspaces.com

So how did it all begin? From those early years with a Polaroid camera I was always fascinated with taking pictures. A few years ago I ‘fell’ into wedding photography with my husband. He had been a landscape photographer for years, before finally succumbing to a friend’s requests to cover their wedding day for them. Praise and referrals followed and soon it snowballed into a burgeoning business. One day, whilst stood shin deep in snow assisting him at a wedding the thought occurred to me, why am I assisting, I should be taking photos? I grabbed a spare camera from the bag and started shooting. It seems I have a natural talent for seeing a scene that would make a fabulous photograph. From that day on I have been firmly behind the camera.

Recently to complete the distraction and keep going I have started taking family and children portraits. As the middle child of five there is nothing more important to me than FAMILY. Now I pride myself in capturing equally fabulous pictures for couples and families.

I hear a lot from prospective clients how they hate photos of themselves.

Photography is very subjective and photographs of yourself even more so, but I am confident that I can take pictures of

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you that you will love. My photography is based strictly outside of the studio environment, in fact, it is, based strictly outside. Let me take you to your favourite location locally and get some photographs of you there with your partner, family or pets, which will become timeless pictures on your wall for the years to come.

So out of this distraction I feel a newer version of myself emerging and a great business ahead even in this fast paced digital age. There is nothing like touching, feeling and staring at a great photo and that is why I have 5 Castle Hill. A place where you can come and see examples of my work in the flesh! A photography showroom if you like. I have large (and small) wall hung photographs set in locally handmade frames, bespoke albums made in Britain, treasured keepsakes and stunning collections and other display ideas to share with you. I will discuss what it is you are after and where you are looking to display it in your home. With that in mind we can book a photo shoot to meet those requirements and hopefully exceed your expectations. I will then invite you back to the showroom to view the end results in our comfortable viewing area over a drink and a chat, before deciding which images you want and how big you want them!

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In summary, it has been a tough year but ultimately I think it will prove very rewarding. Call in and see me so that you can share in my enthusiasm and fill your home with at least one inspirational space.

“there is nothing more important than family�

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Let

us Let

yours

Let us take all the stress and worry out of letting your property.

From ‘tenant find’ to full management, and for all properties from residential to commercial and agricultural, we at Addisons have a solution to your letting needs.

For a comprehensive and personable letting service contact your local Addisons Office

To Let Teesdale - Barnard Castle Office 13 Galgate, Barnard Castle | Tel. 01833 638094

Wensleydale & Swaledale - Richmond Office 13 King Street, Richmond | Tel. 01748 850698

Weardale - Crook Office 5 South Street. Crook | Tel. 01388 766676

www.addisons-surveyors.co.uk

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

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Sitting Room

Green

with Envy Gill Wilkinson provides her tips on how to incorporate “the colour of 2013” in your home.

PANTONE ‘the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards for design industries’ announced in December that the colour of 2013 is Emerald, a bright lush green.

We’ve already seen the Duchess of Cambridge stepping out in this colour and if Kate’s wearing it, you can bet it will be making a swift appearance in fashion stores on the High Street before too long. With interiors’ trends following hot on the heels of fashion trends and pops of emerald green already beginning to emerge in 2013’s home accessories, let’s look at how we can incorporate this colour into our décor.

Green is one of nature’s colours and is therefore great at making us feel comfortable in our surroundings as well as connecting us with the outside world.

It is a restful colour that is easy on the eye; a happy colour that encourages communication and is especially welcome in the dining room and kitchen. Some

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maintain the term ‘green room’ originates from this. Using the colour green in interior design can, however, often be a bit of a challenge due to the sheer number of different hues of green available. To use it successfully in interior décor you need to either combine different hues of green or to combine it with other colours.

Green with blues and neutrals can be used to create a coastal /seaside look and using sage green with grey and pink can create an English Country cottage feel. In terms of Emerald green, it looks great paired with blues, particularly navy, as well as yellows and limey greens. Emerald green accents are a great way to add drama to an otherwise neutral palette. For a more subtle look use Emerald green in small accents throughout the room for example in scatter cushions rather than one large statement piece. When decorating with green don’t forget the real thing; live plants can greatly enhance a space and can be added to a room for little cost.

Most importantly never underestimate the influence of light. Colours change under different lights and it’s therefore imperative

“emerald green accents are a great way to add drama”

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you test any paint colours you want to use thoroughly in every possible daylight situation as well as under artificial lighting.

GMW Interiors is run by Gill Wilkinson and based near Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Gill offers a wide range of interior styling services aimed at homeowners, landlords, estate agents, public houses and small hotels. Ranging from minor alterations to a full property over hall, Gill can tailor her services to meet her clients’ needs.

A qualified interior designer, Gill has trained with House Doctor Ann Maurice of Channel 5 television, is a member of the Home Staging Network and a certified Home Staging and Property Styling Professional.

GMW Interiors’ Studio resides on Gallowfield trading estate, situated on the outskirts of Richmond. Here, customers can browse a wide ranging selection of fabrics, wall coverings, blinds, bespoke joinery as well as those finishing touches.

The Studio is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am - 4pm. If you would like to visit outside of these hours contact Gill to arrange an appointment.

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GMW Interiors Mowbray House, Olympic Way, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4FB Tel: 01748 518183 Mob: 07801 384682 Email: gill@gmwinteriors.co.uk www.gmwinteriors.co.uk

Advert

Advert

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Paddock

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Josh’s jottings Teesdale farmer Joshua Bradley introduces his farm.

After four years spent achieving my degree at Harper Adams University, Shropshire; and six months gallivanting around the southern hemisphere, I finally returned to the family farm for what my father would call some “real graft!”

Dairy bull calf.

The farm, at North Crane Row near Hamsterley is a mixed livestock farm with Masham and Teeswater ewes, a pedigree herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and finally, the main enterprise; a pedigree herd of Welsh pigs. Oh! Not forgetting Mother’s two (largely uncontrollable) pet goats.

In Quango language, our farm is situated within a Seriously Disadvantaged Area.

This means the soil is less suitable for the growing of arable crops such as wheat or barley and we use the grass land as grazing for the animals and to produce silage.

The pregnant ewes have just had their annual pregnancy scan, allowing us to

determine how many lambs each is expecting. This helps us to plan ahead and give those ewes carrying triplets or quads additional food, helping them to maintain their condition. It is also important for us to know how many lambs each ewe should be having when we begin lambing in the first week of April.

The cows are kept inside during the winter months but as the grass starts to grow in spring they go outside, usually around April, before they begin to calve in May. We have mainly pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows with a few Angus/Hereford cross cows and a striking Hereford Bull called Maverick. We also sell pedigree Aberdeen Angus Cattle for breeding. In our opinion these breeds are best suited to the area we farm in and the beef they provide is exemplary in flavour.

We also buy dairy bull calves from a neighbouring farm; we bring these on until they are large enough to sell for beef. Dairy bulls have a reputation for being feisty and unpredictable but, they are very entertaining. Against my better judgement I’ve allowed my girlfriend to

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name them. The latest bunch: Simon, Richard, Mark and Paul (named after the four feisty and unpredictable surveyors at Addisons in Barnard Castle!) all arrived together and they each have their own character. Unfortunately Mark is of an adventurous nature and very occasionally makes an escape, although he never wanders too far from his pals in the shed...

The pig side of the farm continues all year round. The pigs live inside as our land and climate is not suited to outdoor pigs.

However, they live in straw bedded pens all their lives as we are big believers in high standards of welfare. They are social and intelligent animals and we treat them with the utmost respect. We provide things for them to play with when they’re not snoozing and they are also very partial to some Radio 2!

The mother pigs (sows) give birth in batches and we have sows farrowing (giving birth) every fortnight. The piglets remain with their mothers for around 5 weeks. By this time they have grown very chunky and boisterous and their mothers have usually had quite enough of them! After 5 weeks they are moved into different pens from their mothers and continue to grow until they are large enough to go the local abattoir at Thompson Meat Ltd, Witton-le-Wear. I am proud to say our pigs will only make one journey in their lives and that is one of only six miles.

The meat the Welsh breed provides is leaner than other traditional breeds and full of flavour. Proof is in the tasting and our pork stocks luxury butchers, farm shops and restaurants across the North East and regularly finds its way onto cruise ships and into the corporate boxes at the big North East football grounds. So much better than prawn sandwiches!

One of the many perks of this job is the wildlife. We have planted trees, hedges and dug ponds over the years and this has greatly increased the numbers and variety of species we see on the farm. We have a growing number of grey partridge residing in our fields and throughout the summer months we are inundated with curlews and lapwings.

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Despite the early mornings and physically demanding work I have a very rewarding job. I am proud of the animals we produce and to play my small part in British agriculture. Now where has that bull calf wandered off to this time……?

For more information email: info@cranerow.co.uk

When they’re not snoozing they enjoy listening to some radio 2!

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Garden Path

Go Explore:

Hamsterley Forest Jill Simpson enjoys a day out in Hamsterley Forest.

Hamsterley Forest is a commercial forest run by the Forestry Commission, it boasts over 2000 hectares of woodland to discover. The forest lines a sheltered valley incorporating Bedburn, Euden and Spurlswood becks and provides an idyllic, family friendly retreat to explore. (c) Forestry Commission Picture Library.

Living in Teesdale provides easy access to the forest and all the activities it supports including walking, cycling, horse riding, orienteering and much more. It is a fantastic resource for local school children to explore on organised trips and the children’s adventure play park in the Bedburn area of the forest is a must visit for young families.

Notably, Hamsterley Forest is one of the top locations for mountain biking in the North East. Boasting 33 miles of way marked trails the forest can provide riders of all abilities with a range of trails from a thrilling downhill course to a

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leisurely cycle. The cycling routes can be downloaded from the cycling section of the forest website, www.forestry.gov.uk/ hamsterley. Or why not visit the website of the Hamsterley Trailblazers, a locally founded charity run by enthusiastic mountain bikers keen to promote their sport in the forest, www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk For those who prefer to have their feet firmly on the ground (!) and favour a moderately challenging walk, I would highly recommend the Orange trail. It is the longest of the Bedburn walks but enjoys a range of terrain and landscapes, and although there are a few inclines you are well rewarded with the wonderful views you enjoy at the top!

Bedburn car park provides a handy place to leave your vehicle, (ÂŁ3 toll per car) and is situated close to the bike hire facility where you can pick up a cycle to explore the forest trails. There is a large notice board to the edge of the car park illustrating the different walking routes to take, depending on your ability and how much time you have to spend.

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“Boasting 33 miles of way marked trails”

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(c) Forestry Commission Picture Library.

The Orange walk begins at the notice board in Bedburn car park and sets off alongside the banks of Bedburn Beck, before descending deeper into the forest.

The trees become denser and the path weaves a trail between their gnarly trunks, as you walk under a thick canopy of evergreen trees.

This particular walk meanders pleasantly between dense forest and more open woodland. Hamsterley forest is a bountiful habitat for small animals, insects and bats and is a fantastic place for nature trails.

On warm spring days look out for several species of butterfly, many varieties of insects and birds and if you are very lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the famously elusive adder. The forest is also home to squirrels - rumour has it some of the rarer, red variety also reside there though I have never been lucky enough to see one.

The Orange trail also passes a number of notable manmade highlights including the ruins of Metcalf’s House. Named after its inhabitants and once a former coaching inn, the exterior and internal walls of Metcalf’s house are now only a few feet high. Yet they still proudly divide what would have been the main rooms, allowing for a glimpse of what it would have been like to live there. On the homeward stretch, at the forest drive, look out for the “Green Man,” a beautiful timber sculpture showing the faces of the three ages of this legendary, mythical forest resident.

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(c) Forestry Commission Picture Library.

Dotted sporadically throughout the walk are places where you can sit and enjoy a picnic to break the journey and refuel the tank! Whilst the famous Hamsterley café, situated close to Bedburn car park, is a great place to reward your intrepid efforts with a hot chocolate and a slice of cake!

They also serve sandwiches, soups, hot and cold sandwiches and a range of drinks.

If you are looking to leave the forest why not head to The Cross Keys Pub and Restaurant for lunch or dinner. Located in the picturesque Hamsterley village, The Cross Keys has a full menu and with its warm, family friendly atmosphere it’s a great place to finish the day.

The Forest is open from 8am to 8pm (April to September) and 8am-5pm at all other times. For more information on the walks, cycle and horse riding trails, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest or email enquiries.hamsterley@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

(c) Forestry Commission Picture Library.

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Rantings from the MD of Addisons (Mad Dog)

George, Addisons’ handsome fox red Labrador, provides his own canine view of the world.

MD of Addisons , aka, George.

From the back of the Freelander I get to hear an awful lot! A lot of it is complete rubbish, the rantings of an intolerant and opinionated surveyor. But every now and then I do get to hear the odd pearl of wisdom; mostly from the radio or over the speaker phone, rarely from him up front. Here are a few of my topical conclusions made over the last few months as I bounce around behind the dog guard!

Horsegate! Personally I can’t see what you lot are making such a big fuss about, I’m sure it has been in my feed for years and look at what a fine specimen I’ve turned out to be. However even I understand that if you buy a beef product you should be given a product with beef in it! But what do you expect if you rely on the integrity of supermarkets and processors who have scoured the earth for the cheapest ingredients. Meat has become a commodity when we should all know that

it is far too important to be treated as such.

Him up front is a strong believer in local meat, not only because it is local but also because it has providence and is reared with care and integrity which sets it apart from the majority of meat production across the rest of the world. The animal welfare standards on local farms is, as he keeps going on, exemplary, and maybe in this instance he might know as his brother does farm beef and sheep in the area.

So with all this great local produce why have you let yourselves be conned into buying sub-standard products from some of the big supermarkets? Convenience, cost? As they say, if it’s too good to be true it probably is. Or is it because people just can’t be bothered! Food, its preparation and enjoyment has become a spectator sport; people dig into their microwaved ready meal and sit down to watch one of the many food programmes rather than experience the whole event for themselves. Virtual “Come dine with me”!

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Cross lanes organic cafe.

Despite the general apathy shown towards food and its production there are some real local heroes in the vicinity: First of all let’s look at what local farmer and No 13 contributor; Josh Bradley is doing. If you read his article in this issue you will see just how seriously he takes his choice of breeds and systems to produce meat that he is obviously so immensely proud to produce.

Go get’em Keebs!

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With regard to local processors let’s look at Debbie and Andrew Keeble who are presently launching a range of sausages. “Heck” is a new brand that has been specifically targeted at the growing number of sausage users, so in effect bringing new people not only to sausages but also to meat and British Pork.

Importantly they are putting measures in place that ensure that the farmer gets a fair deal. They believe there has never been a better time to produce a premium brand with real provenance. At the moment all is controlled by a few huge businesses so they are really going up against the school

yard bullies. Go get ‘em Keebs!

At the weekend we visited the Cross Lanes Organic Farm car park! Obviously him up front went in to the restaurant where he had an amazing pizza, but I was quite happy admiring the fantastic architecture of the building and the golden retriever in the car next door. The shop and restaurant focus on organic, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients and provides a great outlet and shopping experience.

You can see that despite the gloom and doom over the past few months there are people who are making a real difference and should be championed and supported, not just because they are local but because they are so good at what they do.

Well that’s it from me, he’s just pulling into a wood so I’ll get a chance to chase a few squirrels and who knows I might even have one for my tea. What do they taste like? A little like horse!

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“...there are some real local heroes in the vicinity�

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Garden

A hobby

which got out of hand!

Sue Manners of Thornton Hall describes how her famous gardens continue to evolve

Thornton Hall now a Grade 1 listed building was built around 1550 by Ralph Tailbois.

There were three distinct walled gardens laid out with Elizabethan raised borders and an avenue of lime trees marking the entrance to the Hall.

Thornton Hall.

Over the years the Hall has seen many changes but perhaps the most significant was the introduction of the much despised window tax by William 111 in 1696. Thornton Hall blocked up many of its windows at this time and we believe the walled gardens returned to being orchards.

When Mike and Sue Manners moved to Thornton Hall in 1989 there were no longer any orchards and the three walled gardens were just walled paddocks grazed by cattle and sheep.

In the summer of 1995, Sue decided that she would like to take the first paddock to make a garden and have an area for the

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children to play in that was free from cattle and sheep. With no gardening knowledge and a complete blank canvas Sue spent long hours removing the grass, a back breaking exercise considering she did it all by hand. The first borders were only two to three feet wide and filled with plants that Sue had either grown from seed herself which was cheap, fun and satisfying or from many of the local nurseries she frequently visited.

Trees and shrubs were bought predominately, in the beginning, from Eggleston Hall Gardens as Sue believed if they would grow up at Eggleston they would certainly grow on the lower land in Darlington. One small border a year was planted until in 1999 an ornamental pond complete with stream, rocks and waterfall was added which completely transformed the garden and brought it all together. With the seeds sown Sue was hooked and spent every spare minute she had developing the gardens into what you see today. “There was never any great master plan, the gardens just evolved and continue to year on year nothing stays the same.�

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In 2000 as Sue found that many of her plants in the first garden were either in the wrong place or had outgrown their allocated space, she began to develop a second garden. Plants were continually on the move and many were now divided to make more, so instead of planting single specimens or groups of 3 she was able to plant in groups of 7, 9 or even 11 and this gave an immediate impact. A large wildlife pond was added in 2002 and is home to two beautiful call ducks that are marvellous at controlling the slug population!

Each year saw borders extended and new and unusual plants added, there are now large collections of roses, clematis, delphiniums, peonies, hostas and heucheras to name but a few. A vegetable garden was added in 2009. Every inch of the endless curvaceous borders, snaking along the stone walls, is planted with colour, plant association, form and foliage in mind. It is very much a plantsman’s garden, with intimate secretive areas

with quirky and unusual benches, seats, statuary and sculptures. The garden is well appointed for all to stroll at their leisure and enjoy the garden’s flamboyant colour, imaginative plant combinations and vistas and to breathe in the wonderful fragrance that fills this magical garden.

2013 sees a repeat of the Le Blanc sculpture exhibition in the garden and a Flower Power Plant Fair on Sunday 26 May. St Edwin’s Church at High Coniscliffe which has strong links with the Hall are holding a Flower Festival beginning on Thursday 27 June, with the preview evening being completed with supper in the gardens at Thornton Hall that evening.

This charity weekend concludes with a Sunday lunch in the gardens on Sunday 30 June in aid of Teenage Cancer. For further information about any of these events please see the website www.thorntonhallgardens.co.uk

Striking sculptures punctuate the landscaped gardens.

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Sue’s gardening tips 1.

2.

3.

Be adventurous don’t just settle for the selection of plants at your local garden centre. Seek out nurseries offering a greater choice.

4.

Be ruthless with pruning. Stay in charge of your shrubs and trees. I do a lot of pruning in Spring while the leaves are down. If something outgrows the area I have allotted for it I prune it right back to the ground in the growing season usually April and let it start again.

5.

6.

7.

Regular dead heading will prolong the flowering season of herbaceous plants.

8.

9.

Be brave enough to remove plants that aren’t doing well and that struggle with your conditions. If a plant doesn’t work do not hesitate to throw it out.

10.

Trust your instinct and observe what works and what doesn’t. It’s too easy just to leave things as they are. YOU AND YOUR GARDEN SHOULD GROW TOGETHER

Pretty ponds and water features.

Be bold with block planting.

When designing a garden sketching ideas is fine but nature does not take to squared paper well - I didn’t draw any plans as I prefer to design planting by feel and let the garden evolve.

Don’t be a slave to what television shows tell you to do. Plant what you want where you want and don’t be afraid to experiment. Most plants can be moved at any time of year, as long as you look after them they should be ok.

Be generous with your planting. Big blocks of the same species make a stronger impact than scatterings of individual plants.

Visit as many gardens as you can. Other people’s gardens not only provide inspiration and ideas to take away and use in your own garden but they can also be a great way to find out what not to do.

Be aware of how a plant will look when it is past it’s flowering period and then choose some neighbouring plants that will hide any unattractive elements such as dying leaves.

THORNTON HALL GARDENS OPEN DAYS 2013 Sunday 26 May - 11am - 4pm (including entrance to Flower Power Plant Fair) Wednesday 5 June - 11am - 4pm Wednesday 12 June - 11am - 4pm Wednesday 19 June - 11am - 4pm Entrance Fee £5 per person Sunday 23 June 11am - 4pm Wednesday 26 June 11am - 4pm Wednesday 3 July 11am - 4pm

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Light lunches and Afternoon Teas available on all days.

Berry’s Farm Shop & Café Farm Shop and Deli Locally sourced, quality produce, home made ready meals Butchery – Specialising in grass fed rare breeds, sausages and burgers Café – Serving delicious breakfast, lunch and cakes Outdoors – Llamas, Kune Kune pigs, beautiful walks to Redmire Falls and along the river Ure

Open 7 Days a Week Berry’s Farm Shop and Café Event Easter Sunday Lunch and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 31st March Swinithwaite, Leyburn, DL8 4UH | 01969 663377 info@berrysfarmshop.com | www.berrysfarmshop.com

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Bedroom

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The jewell in Teesdale’s

crown

After their recent purchase of the Rose & Crown, we hear from Headlam Hall about their plans for the future.

A Teesdale family are quietly continuing to develop their business and provide muchvalued employment in County Durham through their success in the hospitality market. And all from a base in one of England’s prettiest villages.

The Rose & Crown.

Located in the rolling countryside of lower Teesdale, just nine miles west of Barnard Castle sits the picturesque hamlet of Headlam. This quiet corner of Teesdale is where you will find the superb 17th Century Headlam Hall, home of John Robinson, his wife Anne and family.

Headlam Hall, a Jacobean country manor which overlooks its own rolling farmland estate, stands in four acres of walled gardens with elegant lawns, ancient beech hedges, colourful herbaceous borders and flowing waters.

Built in the 17th century by Sir Thomas Birkbeck and home over the centuries to the Brockett family and then Lord and Lady Gainford, the Hall has been sensitively

converted by the Robinsons over the last thirty years into one of the region’s best hotels. In recent years the hotel has added a challenging nine hole golf course set over feature-packed pastureland and a stunning spa that has been built to the highest specification and design offering fantastic facilities and authentic spa therapies for locals and hotel guests alike.

A Growing Reputation As leading magazine “Discover Britain” recently commented, “After earning itself the title of North East Small Hotel of the Year in 2009, Headlam Hall has continued to build on its success”. Its team of chefs, led by Head Chef and local lad David Hunter, are dedicated to producing individual and tasty dishes using the best locally sourced produce including ingredients from the hall’s own gardens.

David and the team have received numerous awards, including an AA rosette and, more recently, Taste Durham highest quality assured and “local champion” awards.

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The bar at the Rose & Crown is famous for its roaring fire and welcoming atmosphere.

Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa .

Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa

Romaldkirk, another pretty Dales village, lies between Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale, and The Rose & Crown is a 12-bedroom country inn, one of only 200 “Inspectors’ Choice” hotels to be awarded with red stars by the AA. It’s a very popular short break destination for leisure breaks and lovers of “the great outdoors”, and its restaurant, bar and brasserie are popular with locals and visitors on days out to the Dales.

Headlam, near Gainford, County Durham DL2 3HA Tel: 01325 730238 Email: admin@headlamhall.co.uk www.headlamhall.co.uk

The Rose & Crown Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB Tel: 01833 650213 Email: hotel@rose-and-crown.co.uk www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

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Set within the superb grounds of Headlam Hall, Headlam Spa was designated as leading spa treatment provider Thalgo’s UK Spa of the Year for 2012. It is a place to relax, exercise and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water in a comfortable and friendly environment that truly reflects the beauty of the surrounding Teesdale countryside. And Headlam Hall also enjoys an excellent reputation both locally and nationally as a premier wedding venue for celebrations and receptions for up to 150 guests, and, in the corporate market, the hotel is an ideal venue for conferences, meetings and other events.

Pastures new in Upper Teesdale In the last few months, John Robinson and his family have taken a bold step for the development of their business, having bought one of the north of England’s best known country inns, The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk, from Chris and Alison Davy.

Having purchased The Rose & Crown, Thomas Robinson, Headlam’s Managing Director has announced that his wife Cheryl will join the Rose & Crown team as “the face of the family” working alongside the Rose & Crown’s existing team of dedicated staff. “One of the main reasons that we were attracted to The Rose & Crown”, says Thomas, “is the fact that it shares the same core values as our operation at Headlam – high quality accommodation, great locally sourced food, friendly service and a charming building”.

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Headlam Hall has enviable spa facilities.

Whilst the two businesses will be run separately, various joint initiatives will be announced over the coming months.

The first will see all guests staying at The Rose & Crown for three or more nights able to use the facilities of Headlam Spa, located just 15 miles down Teesdale, on a complimentary day pass, and it is hoped that initiatives like this will not only benefit the two hotels, but will attract valuable new business to this lovely part of Britain.

The spa reflects the beauty of the surrounding Teesdale countryside.

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Annexe

The French Riviera?

Tuscany? Barcelona?

No! Teesdale Richard Duffus explores the benefits of purchasing a holiday home in Teesdale.

Time to get away from it all, recharge the batteries and spend some quality time with the ones you love, or even seek some solitude. Gaze upon beautiful scenery, enjoy superb local cuisine, experience colourful local character and stay in your own holiday property!

waiting around at airports, expensive car hire; not to mention remembering to drive on the right side of the road! The facts are that after you’ve paid for all the extras, cheap flights just don’t exist anymore, and it takes at least 6 hours from door to door! Surely that time and money would be better spent at your final destination enjoying your well-earned break!

Where? The south of France! Tuscany!

One of the Costas!

There is just so much to do in this beautiful region. Teesdale’s scenery is some of the best in the country with magnificent walks and if you want to reach out to other areas: The Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District are both within an easy hour’s drive away. For those with an interest in history Teesdale and the surrounding area are well supplied with Castles, Historic Market Towns and many other historic buildings of immense character and national importance: Durham Cathedral and The Bowes Museum just to mention two. Or why not wander around the many antique shops on The Bank at Barnard Castle before stopping for tea in one of its various tea rooms and cafes?

No, Teesdale!

Let’s look at the facts and see how convenient, fun and just how much economic sense it would make to own your own holiday property in one of the country’s best kept secret holiday locations.

CONVENIENT For a start you can get to your holiday home in Teesdale so much quicker than anywhere on the continent. No more

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FUN

“Teesdale’s scenery is some of the best in the country”

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With golf courses, horse riding, fishing and even skiing (weather permitting) there are activities for everyone and, importantly in these economically difficult times, for every pocket. You can do as much or as little as you want to.

And what about the evenings? The area is richly serviced with a great number of charming country pubs and every type of eatery: from fine restaurants to more modest establishments catering for those with children. With many farm shops in the region there is the option of sourcing excellent local produce to enjoy at home.

Or why not cross over the hill to Swaledale and visit Richmond and the Station Cinema?

And the season? It’s all year round; Teesdale has true beauty no matter the weather. And remember, there is no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing!

ECONOMICAL SENSE Okay, convince me! Let us look at the facts and figures!

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For a start you can purchase a traditional two bedroom character and traditional stone-built cottage for less than £100,000.

As mentioned earlier the cost of getting there is confined to the cost of the fuel in driving there. Buy well and equip your holiday home properly and you can rent it out when you’re not using it and Addisons would be more than happy to help you with this. Work the figures out and you will see that the cost of “getting away” to the continent twice a year with the family will go a long way towards paying for the annual mortgage and running costs of the property. And at the end of the day you will have your own holiday home to share with family and friends!

A holiday home! In Teesdale! It’s seriously worth thinking about!

If you are interested then please contact our Barnard Castle office 01833 638094 to make an appointment to view some of our charming cottages.

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Blessed are the Cheese makers?

(Monty Python; ‘The Life of Brian’ 1979)

Mark Samuelson provides a quirky account of his venture into the world of cheese making

Mark Samuelson lives in London with his wife Claire, who is originally from Little Newsham.

Mark’s love of local cheeses has inspired him to develop and make his own range of cheeses, made using in his opinion, “the finest Co. Durham milk.” Here he tells of his passion for this age old art.

In 2005 whilst attending a three day Cheese making Course at Reeseheath Agricultural College in Nantwich, Cheshire I and my fellow novice students were each asked to explain our reasons for attending the Course and where we individually came from. Having bicycled the two miles on that, particularly wet, Monday morning from my nearby Nantwich accommodation I was utterly drenched and gave my main reason as being because, in my limited still-learning experience County Durham milk was amongst the best in the Country for my amateur small scale production of five single kilo cheese truckles every other

month (from fifty litres of Friesian Holstein milk from my wife’s Winston farm) and that I had come up from London where we currently live until our move to the Barnard Castle area.

The next respondent looked at me strangely; as did the other five who were clearly, so it later transpired, under the impression that I must be mad or keen or both as my answer and demeanour suggested that I had bicycled all the way from London via Barnard Castle! My fellow student (dry!) went on to tell of how, as a ‘techie button pusher’, he personally worked in the David Stow Creamery in Cornwall which was the biggest of its type in Northern Europe and made a staggering five tons of Cathedral City cheese per hour (gulp) from the 760,000 litres of milk which was delivered on a daily basis from all over South West England. I felt suitably chastened whilst we each marvelled at the sheer scale of our contrasting operations.

What had attracted us all however, to attend the Course was a shared desire to learn and consider the basics of the actual process and to appreciate how and why cheese-making is such a constant

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revelation to its practitioners. The learning never stops. A taste for the history and the sheer variety of cheeses is as endlessly fascinating as the maker’s constant desire to create a better product.

I mention the anecdote because I believe it illustrates the transparency and openness which we cheese-makers, be we small amateurs or professional cogs within a vast corporate conglomerate, all share an enthusiasm for the age–old methods and art of our craft. Cheese has been described as; ”milks leap towards immortality” and, yes, on each and every occasion when I produce cheeses from the finest Co Durham milk I’m always very conscious of and somewhat in awe of continuing the tradition, albeit in a differing way than my predecessors over the previous millennia.

The Cheese which I make, a Cheddar/ Parmesan style hard half kilo truckle, is largely determined by my equipment, storage and transportation factors. Were I to manufacture a soft runny cheese the humidity, temperature and maturing times would be far more critical than they are when making a, relatively simple rind

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coated block of what is, after all, time and temperature controlled solidified milk curds. I find, as relative newcomer with limited facilities, that there are fewer potentially hazardous biological complexities when making a hard cheese although that will not preclude me from trying my hand at differing recipes as and when I am eventually settled up here in Co. Durham and making in one place.

I read the other day that Swiss archaeologists (who else?) had discovered a number of 7,000 year old wickerwork racks in the Alps which they consider to have been used for draining curds from milk. Cheeses are, and have always been, the product of curds drained from milk through the addition of Rennet or some other such coagulant.

Homer mentions that the mythical Cyclops made cheeses in The Odyssey and some centuries later the Roman historian Pliny wrote that Zarathustra was only able to utter words and speak thus after having lived for over forty years on a diet of cheese. The Seventeenth Century French poet St. Amant referred to cheese as ‘this

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gentle jam of Bacchus’ no doubt well aware of how good well it tastes when accompanied by wine. Cheeses have their own heritage and distinctive styles; one only has to taste a Cotherstone, a Swaledale or a Teesdale Blue to appreciate the art and effort which has gone into making such a natural delicacy to be savoured by others.

Judging by the increasing amount of local artisan cheese stands selling their produce at the regular Barnard Castle Farmers markets (five of them when last I visited) the there is a healthy demand for the supply of such delicious local cheeses.

I would very much like to take a slice of the market (hard cheese other stallholders!) and join the growing band of local Teesdale food producers. One has only to look at the success and volume of local foodstuffs sold at Crosslanes, Mainsgill, Thorpe Peel House and other outlets to see that tourism (Teesdale’s biggest employer) provides a large number of visitors with what they want; locally produced specialities. Come 2014 I plan to be making and selling my cheeses to those with a desire for decent 6 six month aged half kilo truckles.

To this end I have been helped and encouraged enormously by the facility to manufacture many of my cheeses within the ‘Love Food’ kitchen, at Woodleigh, created and operated by Teesdale Marketing. Their initiative in providing suitable premises, within which we novices can experiment perfect our respective produce, is to be applauded. It gives us, and you should you have a culinary dream, the chance to try out our recipes and operate within a professional working environment despite still being amateurs.

It is this enthusiastic nurture of Teesdale natural produce which had me using their first class ‘foodie’ facilities over the summer and will, hopefully, allow me to find my feet as a fully fledged artisan cheese-maker.

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Cellar

Firthy’s Tours Wine Expert Andrew Firth justifies a tour of France all in the name of research!

Being a wine merchant is mostly as mundane and routine driven as most peoples’ jobs but, sometimes, there are a few perks! For example, a good lunch with some decent wines or trying some new and exciting wines, are both highlights.

If you manage to do both of these with a bit of sunshine in the vineyards of France, then it certainly beats most jobs.

For many years I have packed my bags and set off into France in the first week of February, a surprisingly sunny and dry time of the year in Eastern France. A few years ago I always went by Hovercraft; a quick blast across the Channel and drive straight off at the other side onto the motorway at Calais. Now I use the tunnel which is nearly as quick and a lot less noisy!

Normally leaving Yorkshire at about 6.30 on a Saturday morning, I can be driving on the Autoroute at about 2pm local time,

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then on towards Reims which normally takes about another two and a half hours from Calais. I do my Champagne visits on the way back, saving the best till last.

The target now is Dijon for dinner. Usually checking in at Hotel Mercure at about 7ish: a quick shower, change and unpack (well, put the wash bag in bathroom anyway!), then round the corner to a busy little bistro. I enjoy a small bierre pression whilst reading the menu, often selecting the middle price set menu, carefully choosing the food to match the bottle of red I have chosen from the wine list.

On Sunday morning I take a leisurely drive due south towards Avignon. Driving on smooth quiet roads on a Sunday in France is not like here! Then on to Beaune, Macon, Lyon and maybe making lunch in Valence at Bistro Pic, (great value and the cheap side of a 3 star Michelin restaurant!).

A small trundle south afterwards to the sleepy and dull little town of Orange, the main town for Chateauneuf du Pape, deep south of France in February, quiet and peaceful , lovely!

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Monday morning is the start of the hard work, a few visits in the morning followed by a very kind offer of lunch either at the domaine or maybe at a local bistro with my host, carrying a few prized bottles to have with lunch. Possibly another visit or two in the afternoon before heading north, towards Beaujolais. Arriving at the pre booked hotel again in time to unpack and then bierre pression and dinner in the hotel.

And on we go through the week, from Beaujolais to the beautiful town of Beaune, inspecting Burgundy`s new vintage, and on to Chablis by Thursday. Into the

Aube valley in the south of Champagne on Friday morning followed by another light lunch then up to Reims and one of the big names, a Veuve Clicquot perhaps, for a tour and a promise of dinner at the excellent Brasserie Flo in downtown Reims.

Saturday again and would you believe it!

It’s time to head to Calais, onto Eurotunnel for maybe 1pm and back into Folkestone and all the mayhem on the M20 then the M25. One can only just think of all the lovely times and great wines drunk as radio 5 and the football results drone on up the M11, A1 and eventually home to North Yorkshire. A bientot France!

Firth & Co Wine Merchants Limited Newton Bank, Newton Le Willows, North Yorkshire DL8 1TE Tel: 01677 451952 Email: andrew@firthandco.com Website: www.firthandco.com Registered No. 6926128

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Study

Diary of Events The Bowes Museum

Art Fund.

Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP 01833 690606 www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

27 April until 6 October 2013 This exhibition will mark the 250th anniversary of the Mason Dixon Line and will include items such as model ships, surveying equipment and historic maps.

MARCH Rokeby: Poetry & Landscape; Walter Scott & Turner in Teesdale

MAY

Until 28 April 2013 Stunning landscapes, inspired by an epic poem, form the basis of this major exhibition.

Tim Walker: Dreamscapes

Material Remains

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

Until 2 June 2013 This exclusive show has a special resonance with those involved with historic and vintage clothing. Material Remains, examines fabric matter in varying states of wear and decay.

A Wedding Affair Date 24 Mar Time 10.30 - 4.00 A luxury event, featuring over 50 of the North’s finest wedding suppliers. Email enquiries@theweddingaffair.co.uk for further information

APRIL Spring Market Date 14 Apr Time 10.00 - 4.00 Celebrate the great outdoors with us this Spring, with a wide range of stalls selling beautiful plants and inspirational accessories for your garden, delicious local food and crafts.

Portrait of Mademoiselle Claus

by Edouard Manet 24 April until 2 June 2013 Sold in 2011 for £28.5m, Manet’s important portrait was successfully saved for the nation by the Ashmolean Museum and the

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Jeremiah Dixon: Scientist, Surveyor and Stargazer

25 May until 1 September 2013 Leading fashion photographer Tim Walker, whose photographs have entranced readers of Vogue for over a decade, is widely acclaimed for his surreal & extravagant settings.

JUNE The Big Vintage Picnic Date 30 June Get dressed up for a delicious day out, with stalls selling a wide range of vintage clothes and home ware, artisan crafts, original art and fine local food. Bring a blanket, and enjoy your delicious treats in the landscaped grounds.

The Unfolding Sky - Turner in the North Date 14 June Time 7.00 Three dancers, accompanied by an original music score, in a vibrant reimagining of some of the most radical depictions of the North East’s countryside captured on canvas by artist J M W Turner.

JULY Annual Outdoor Theatre Production by The Castel Players Date 9 -13 July Watch this space!

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Raby Castle Events For more information on any of the events, including admission charges, please contact Raby Castle 01833 660202 www.rabycastle.com

MARCH Easter Egg Trail through the Gardens Sat 31st March - Mon 1st April, 11am - 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm)

MAY Orchid Show Sat 4th - Mon 6th May, 11am - 5.00pm The Annual Orchid Show at Raby Castle, now in its 13th year, will feature a spectacular display of beautiful Orchids including exotic hybrid species.

Teesdale Athletics Club 5k Fun Run & 10k Race Sun 26th May Annual event in Raby Park, for entries please visit www.teesdaleac.co.uk.

Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 18th August, 10am - 4pm The 17th Bi-Annual Vehicle Rally organised

by Mark Woodward Classic Events this year features a display classic bikes, tractors, commercials, auto jumble and trade stands.

Autumn Market Sunday 22nd September, 11am - 4pm Held in the stunning grounds of this historic Castle, the event will feature an array of stalls as well as entertainment.

Georgian Theatre Events For a full programme of events, more information, including ticket prices, or for telephone bookings please call the Box Office on 01748 825252

MARCH The Selfish Giant

JUNE

Saturday 9th march, 2pm For children age 3+ and their families.

Sea Legs Puppet Theatre

Classic Vehicle Show

Jane Eyre

Sun 16th June, 10am - 4pm The 16th Bi-Annual Vehicle Rally organised

by Mark Woodward Classic Events.

Flower Power Fairs: Specialist Plant Fair Sun 30th June, 11am - 4pm Raby Castle is delighted to be holding a specialist plant fair organised by flower Power Fairs.

Evening Outdoor Theatre – BABE THE SHEEP-PIG by Dick KingSmith, adapted by David Wood Friday 26th July, 6pm - 9pm (gates 5pm) Tickets should be booked in advance, prices to be confirmed.

Tickets are available to purchase on-line at www.rabycastle.com.

Raby Castle, Staindrop.

Thornton Hall.

Friday 15th-Saturday 16th March, 7.30pm Hull Truck Theatre brings to life the classic story of love, loss and redemption in an intriguing new adaptation of one of the great gothic novels.

The Tom McConville Band Saturday 30th March, 7.30pm The Tom McConville band is surely the most entertaining, exciting four-piece operating on the festival circuit today.

APRIL

Georgian Theatre.

Rodney Bewes as a Boy Growing Up Saturday 6th April, 7.30pm This beautiful one-man show will celebrate the work and life of Dylan Thomas and is a not to be missed performance.

Issue 2

Number 13

98

welcome to the

Study

Mind Walking

Coppelia

Friday 12th April, 7.30pm Mind Walking celebrates an extraordinary story, the enduring love of a mature couple and a family’s discovery of their cultural heritage.

Sunday 19th May, 7.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet’s enchanting production of this joyous and witty ballet is an ever-popular celebration of love.

Inspector Norse (The Girl with Two Screws Left Over.)

Friday 31st May, 7.30pm Spend a year in the sunshine of Southern Spain with a poet and his constant companion, a little silver donkey called Platero.

Friday 26th April, 7.30pm A self-assembly Swedish crime thriller from award-winning comedy duo LipService that will leave you in stitches!

Losing the Plot Saturday 27th April, 7.30pm A brand new comedy written and directed

by John Godber.

Platero. Travels with A Donkey

Thornton Hall Gardens

MAY

Thornton Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL2 2NB www.thorntonhallgardens.co.uk

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

MAY

Friday 3rd May, 7.30pm a celebration of the postal service; a homage, an elegy, a love letter if you like, to an institution on the brink of extinction.

Red Priest Sunday 5th May, 7.30pm This May Red Priest will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as you have never heard them before!

The Amazing Thing Saturday 11th May, 2pm A truly original story told with puppets, acting and live music. Fun, inspiration and delight for all the family. Suitability: 5+ and family

The Count of Monte Cristo Thursday 16th May, 7.30pm Based on the original novel by Alexandre Dumas Adapted for the stage by Polis Loizou

Timothy West with The Pavao String Quartet in Intimate Letters, Friday 17th May, 7.30pm The dramatic retelling of the passionate and illicit love affair that resulted in one of the finest string quartets of the 20th century.

Thornton Hall Garden Open Days 2013 Sunday 26 May - 11am - 4pm Entrance Fee £5 per person. Light lunches and Afternoon Teas available on all days. (including entrance to Flower Power Plant Fair)

JUNE Garden Open Days Entrance Fee £5 per person. Light lunches and Afternoon Teas available on all days.

Wednesday 5 June - 11am - 4pm Wednesday 12 June - 11am - 4pm Wednesday 19 June - 11am - 4pm Sunday 23 June 11am - 4pm Wednesday 26 June 11am - 4pm

JULY Garden Open Days Entrance Fee £5 per person. Light lunches and Afternoon Teas available on all days.

Wednesday 3 July 11am - 4pm

Useful Contacts Councils: Durham County Council County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL 0300 026 0000 Darlington Borough Council Town Hall Feethams, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5QT 01325 380651 North Yorkshire County Council County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AD 0845 8 72 73 74 Richmondshire District Council Swale House, Frenchgate, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4JE 01748 829100

Conversions: 1 metre = 3.28 feet 1 degree Celsius = 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit 1 kilogram = 2.204 pounds 1 hectare = 2.471 acres

Market Days: Barnard Castle - Wednesdays with the Farmers Market 1st Saturday of every month Richmond - Saturdays with the Farmers Market 3rd Saturday of every month Crook - Tuesdays and Saturdays

Doctors: Barnard Castle Doctors Surgery Victoria Road, Barnard Castle 01833 690408 North House Surgery Hope Street, Crook 01388 762945 The Friary Surgery Queen’s Road, Richmond 08444 996637

Libraries: Barnard Castle Teesdale House, King Street 0300 026 3409 Crook Elliott Street 01388 766 504 Richmond Queen’s Road 0845 034 9508

This information was understood to be correct at the time the publication went to press; please check with venues or event organisers for any changes to dates/times/charges etc.

Number 13 Issue 2

Viewing Friday 12th April from 9.30am - 7.00pm Also, sale day from 8.00am until start of sale The late Anne Robson had a lifelong interest in vintage fashion and, as a dealer and collector, amassed a huge collection of clothes and accessories from all eras, Victorian to the 1980’s, from leg o’mutton sleeves to puff ball skirts.

This sale primarily comprises a cross section of pieces she acquired with huge enthusiasm over the years reflecting the changing tastes and styles in day and evening clothes through the decades of the 20th century.

Follow us on

We provide valuations, with a view to sale, without charge.

To arrange a no obligation valuation call 01833 690545 or email enquiries@addisons-auctioneers.co.uk