Addisons 13 issue 3

“Tour De Dale” Meatballs Magnifico in Middleham At home with Richard Wells

Price £2.00 | Issue 3

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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

welcome to Number

13

3

Welcome to

Number 13 We hope you enjoy our latest edition!

Addisons are pleased to welcome you to the third edition of our very own lifestyle magazine. Based around a house and its rooms we have gathered together a great series of articles from new contributors along with our regulars.

Richard Wells invites us into the kitchen to enjoy his favourite dish, Julie Dent is in the dressing room talking about her boutique, Puzzle and our intrepid tasters review the White Swan in the dining room.

Again I would like to thank all our generous contributors and advertisers for all their support. I would particularly like to thank Jill Simpson and Gill Wilkinson for all their endeavours in making this edition the best yet!

Welcome to Number 13, and I hope to see you all soon.

Richard Duffus Chartered Surveyor MRICS

Number 13 Issue 3

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Town End Garage, Middleton in Teesdale

EPC Rating: D

A beautifully designed and extremely well executed 4 bedroom conversion, providing extensive, stylish and comfortable family accommodation. Three of the bedrooms (including a Master en-suite) and the house bathroom are situated on the ground floor. Whilst the first floor provides spacious and flexible open plan living accommodation, making the most of the light and airy space and the open views.

The property has an attractive balcony patio area, accessible via three separate sets of patio doors on the first floor. There is also the benefit of a large garage with workshop.

Middleton is a thriving town with many amenities including primary school, a doctors’ surgery, shops, cafes, bank, pubs and restaurant.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ295,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Beckside Cottage, Staindrop

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: E

A delightful, stone-built character property with generous single storey living accommodation and extensive grounds with parking and a garage. The property is thoughtfully laid out with well defined living space and bedroom areas. Briefly comprising kitchen, dual aspect dining room with patio doors to the terraced garden, dual aspect sitting room, bathroom, 3 bedrooms with master en-suite.

The grounds are beautifully maintained and provide an idylic backdrop to this exceptional property.

Staindrop is a popular village with many amenities including shops, cafĂŠs, post office, public house and a regular bus service to Darlington, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ335,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

20 The Orchards, Staindrop

EPC Rating: D

A most desirable detached bungalow situated on a corner plot and set within a popular residential location with views over open countryside. The property has been well maintained and provides generous living accommodation including a substantial L shaped sitting room with windows to three sides, 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

There are patio doors from the sitting room to the rear garden where there are lawn and patio areas and separate patio doors from the sitting room to the conservatory.

There is also the benefit of an integral garage and gas central heating.

Staindrop is a popular and desirable village conveniently located between Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland, with a good range of local amenities.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ329,950

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Byers Green, Mickleton

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: F

A superb 3 or 4 bedroom barn conversion situated in a prominent yet private location on the outskirts of Mickleton, a pretty village in the heart of Teesdale. Byers Green briefly comprises 2 reception rooms, a spacious country kitchen, study, 3 bedrooms, master en-suite and family bathroom.

The property further benefits from spacious and mature garden grounds accessible via both the sitting room and kitchen, a double garage, gravelled parking area and a

4.04 acre (or thereabouts) paddock of meadow quality, along with a large stone store.

The property has been completed in a sympathetic manner and to a very high standard, providing a comfortable family home with glorious views over the River Tees valley.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ559,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

The Granary, Ovington

EPC Rating: D

An exceptional 3 or 4 bedroom barn conversion situated in a courtyard setting. The property is beautifully designed around a central hallway and impressive galleried landing, with spacious accommodation arranged over two floors.

The bedrooms, master en-suite and family bathroom are situated on the ground floor whilst a spacious kitchen diner, dual aspect sitting room and study are situated on the first floor.

To the front of the property is a communal courtyard area whilst to the rear there is a charming lawned garden with borders and a garage with solar panels.

The Granary is beautifully presented and has many individual features including arrow windows and an impressive architectural double height conservatory with views over the private garden.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ395,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Newton Cottage, Boldron

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: D

A traditional stone-built village property which has been modernised and extended to an exceptional standard. The spacious and flexible living accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms, master en-suite, 2 reception rooms, study, snug, utility room and an impressive open plan family kitchen and living area. The house retains many charming original features yet provides comfortable and modern living accommodation.

To the front of Newton Cottage there is a forecourt garden, off street parking and a garage whilst to the rear there is

an extensive terraced garden with panoramic views over the Teesdale Valley. Beyond the garden is a paddock which extends to approx. 1/3 of an acre with road access.

The village of Boldron is a charming Teesdale village with a country pub and is located approximately two miles from Barnard Castle and conveniently located for access to the A66 and across the region.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ448,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Deerbolt House, Startforth

EPC Rating: D

A traditional stone-built property of immense character with a beautiful landscaped garden and superb views over the river Tees and the Castle.

A former public house, the property has extensive and spacious living accommodation including kitchen, breakfast room, 3 reception rooms, conservatory, 4 bedrooms including master en-suite, family bathroom and cellar. Deerbolt House benefits from off street parking and an exceptionally well maintained landscaped garden

consisting of a network of flower beds and paths.

There is an additional detached garage block with garage and workshops, with some potential for development subject to obtaining the usual planning consents.

Deerbolt House provides a beautiful and comfortable family home, only a 5 - 10 minute walk from the town centre of Barnard Castle.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ390,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Lartington Station, Lartington

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: F

A Grade II listed Victorian station masters house with much of the external architectural detail intact. The house has been altered slightly internally but is capable of restoration.

Externally the property has been left (more or less) unchanged and unspoilt. This is a worthy project for anyone who loves railways and wishes to live the dream of owning such a rare place to live.

As the premises are Grade II listed this has been instrumental in the degree of preservation. The accomodation very briefly

comprises 4 bedrooms and 3 reception rooms. Many original features remain including the principal waiting room and ladies’ waiting room, both situated to the side of the property.

There are spacious garden grounds including a small paddock, in all extending to approx 5 acres and incorporating sections of what was the Barnard Castle to Tebay railway line. A range of outbuildings include 2 stables, a further loose house and a beautiful stone-built goods shed suitable for a range of uses.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ595,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Old Harry’s Cottage, Whorlton

EPC Rating: F

A charming stone-built detached cottage of immense character, located in the popular village of Whorlton. The property briefly comprises dual aspect sitting room with exposed beams and wood burning stove, a study, kitchen, utility room, dual aspect master bedroom with a cast iron fireplace, a second bedroom and a bathroom. To the rear of the property is a garden running down to the stream.

Situated within the garden is a detached studio with the benefit of insulation and electricity. Although this building is presently used as a studio it is suitable for

a range of uses. The property further benefits from off street parking and oil central heating.

Whorlton is a very picturesque village situated on the banks of the River Tees, approximately 3.5 miles from Barnard Castle with its good range of local amenities.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ229,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

23 Woodside, Barnard Castle

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: C

A beautifully presented and fully modernised detached family home in a popular residential area of Barnard Castle, situated only a few minutes walk from the town centre.

The flexible and generous living accommodation is situated over three floors. Located on the ground floor are 2 reception rooms, a spacious kitchen diner, utility room and access to the L shaped garage and store. To the first floor there are two bedrooms, both en-suite and a study/bedroom 5. To the second floor there are 2 further

bedrooms and a shower room.

The property has a lawn and bordered garden to the front along with a driveway and access to the garage. To the rear of the property there is a private garden, including decking area and 2 outside stores. The rear garden is accessible from both the dining room and kitchen via French and patio doors.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ299,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Harehope Barn, Frosterley

EPC Rating: C

A 230 year old barn which has been beautifully converted to provide modern, open plan living accommodation with many bespoke and original features. Harehope Barn has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fitted kitchen and open plan living area with floor to ceiling windows which take advantage of the outstanding panoramic views over the Weardale Valley. All the ground floor windows are fitted with lockable agricultural style shutters.

Outside there is a gravel parking area, garden store, log store and an extensive private garden. Additional land is available by separate negotiation. The conversion has been completed to an exceptional standard to provide a beautiful, secluded country retreat with copious charm and quality. The conversion further benefits from mains electricity, private water supply and double glazing.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ330,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

The Old Byre, Eggleston

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: D

A charming and well-appointed byre conversion in a private location with superb views over the River Tees to Mickleton and Lunedale. The Old Byre very briefly comprises 2 bedrooms, master en-suite, spacious country kitchen, utility room and beautiful sitting room with patio doors overlooking the garden and open countryside beyond. There are spacious garden grounds, a paddock area and planning permission for a stable and tack room.

The property is accessed via a track through the paddock

area with newly planted hedges to a good sized parking/ circulation area.

The conversion has been completed to a very high standard and includes many bespoke and original features. The property benefits from a private water treatment unit, private spring water, LPG gas, and underfloor heating throughout.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ249,950

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Bildershaw Grange, Bildershaw

EPC Rating: F

An exceptional period farm house with extensive living accommodation and beautifully maintained grounds.

The property provides a superb family home with flexible living accommodation including 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms and a large living kitchen with patio doors to the side and rear.

The grounds to the front provide ample parking and are enclosed by mature hedging which provides privacy and protection from the road. Externally there are a

range of outbuildings and stores including a stable block with 5 stables, a large garage with workshop, a Dutch barn, extensive and well maintained garden grounds, an attractive courtyard and ample parking. To the rear of the property there are 3 grass pastures extending to approx 12 acres.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ495,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

22 Highcliffe Edge, Winston

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: D

A beautiful, detached stone-built family home situated in a popular and well established development in the village of Winston. The property enjoys flexible living accommodation, briefly comprising a generously proportioned sitting room, dining room, study, 5 bedrooms, master en-suite and a kitchen breakfast room with access to a beautifully maintained garden.

The property further benefits from ample off street parking, an integral double garage and landscaped

gardens to the front and rear with a summer house, patio area and pond.

Winston is a popular village extremely well located half way between Barnard Castle and Darlington, allowing good access across the region.

Barnard Castle Office

| ÂŁ359,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Barnard Castle office on (01833) 638 094

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Ivy Cottage, Caldwell

EPC Rating: E

Ivy Cottage is an exceptionally well presented detached property of immense charm and character situated on the edge of the village of Caldwell. The house is of traditional stone built construction under a pantile roof and briefly comprises 3 bedroom accommodation with 2 bathrooms, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, snug and cloakroom.

Internally the house is presented to the highest of standards with an exceptional designer kitchen and quality fitted bathrooms, and is centrally heated.

Externally the house has a detached double garage and well manicured gardens perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

The village of Caldwell is a vibrant and attractive community with a well respected pub/restaurant and is perfectly located for access to the A1 and the A66.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ450,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

43 Maison Dieu, Richmond

A fine example of a period town house situated in one of the most prestigious residential areas of this Georgian market town with spectacular views over Richmond and the River Swale. The property has been painstakingly renovated to provide a comfortable and charming family home, whilst retaining many original features. It has generous accommodation over three floors, including 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 reception rooms, with gardens front and rear. There is vehicle access from the rear, with a garage and off street parking.

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Richmond is a delightful town with a good range of local amenities, including shops (both independent and national) cafes, restaurants, banks, well respected schools, both primary and secondary, Doctors surgeries, independent cinema, a Georgian theatre and golf course.

The town is conveniently located for access to the A1 and A66 and is situated on the banks of the River Swale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ395,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Meadowcroft, Melsonby

EPC Rating: D

A beautiful detached stone built bungalow positioned in a cul de sac within a sought after residential area in the semi- rural village of Melsonby. An exceedingly well presented, recently re- decorated property, with 3 bedrooms, kitchen, sitting/dining room and conservatory.

To the front of the bungalow there is access to an integral garage and ample off road parking, with a garden laid to lawn, flower borders and gravel area. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn with a paved patio area, shed and

gated access to front at both sides.

Melsonby has a vibrant community with primary school and pub. The village is well located for commuting to the A1 North and Southbound together with the A66.

The historic Georgian market town of Richmond lies approximately 7 miles to the south. CHAIN FREE.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ249,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

Plews Cottage, Tunstall

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: D

A beautifully appointed and superbly designed home with traditional frontage but yet providing modern, stylish and flexible open plan living accommodation. Completely renovated and with extensive grounds, the property has 3/4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Plews Cottage is a property that would suit many lifestyles and provides comfortable and extensive accommodation.

Externally the property has extensive grounds including a private courtyard style garden, 2 acre paddock, a private orchard area planted with fruit trees, stable block and garage.

CHAIN FREE.

An option to purchase a further 3 acres is available by separate negotiation.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ385,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

The Old Stables, Neasham

EPC Rating: F

The Old Stables is a delightful property of immense character with extensive and flexible accommodation which could be organised in a variety of ways. Approached via a long tree lined avenue, the house is located within its own extensive grounds including stables and paddock, with a delightful riverside setting and enjoying fishing rights. The main property has extensive living accommodation with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms; there is a further adjoining annex with a further 1/2 bedrooms.

The property is situated in the picturesque village of Neasham next to the River Tees, on the borders of North Yorkshire and County Durham. The property forms part of an exclusive and intimate development and, while enjoying a tranquil and rural position, is only a few miles from Darlington with its good road and rail networks.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ389,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

Rectory Farm, Sadberge

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: E

Rectory Farm is a diverse and interesting property with a multitude of uses. The detached house comprises 5 bedrooms, sitting room, dining room and breakfast kitchen with lawned gardens to the front and side of the property.

There are 2 substantial general purpose buildings, 3 ranges of outbuildings with planning permission for 3 separate dwellings and an area of hardstanding set within approx. 5 acre site.

The property is conveniently located adjacent to A66 and is therefore well positioned for access to the road networks. Rectory Farm would be ideal for haulage/ transport use. It is set apart from any surrounding developments so the property can easily be made secure.

Richmond Office

| ÂŁ650,000

For further information on this property or to arrange a viewing please contact our Richmond office on (01748) 850 698

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

Garland House, Wearhead

EPC Rating: F

A well-presented 3 or 4 bedroom detached, stone-built, family home with generous flexible living accommodation, set in the quiet village location of Wearhead in Upper Weardale, an “Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” The spacious accommodation is arranged over three floors and has 2 large reception rooms. The property is tastefully decorated in keeping with the period of the property and further benefits from oil central heating and double glazing.

Garland House has a well maintained front garden with stone flagged parking area and a garage/workshop to the side elevation.

This property must be viewed to appreciate the accommodation.

Crook Office

| £230,000

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

Fernleigh, Frosterley

Addisons Chartered Surveyors

EPC Rating: D

A 3 bedroom mid terraced house, very briefly comprising 2 reception rooms, kitchen, large utility area, family bathroom, rear enclosed yard, rear garden, parking and a detached garage.

From the rear garden there is access to a paddock extending to approx. 0.79 Acres. The property also boasts an area of woodland extending to approx. 0.86 acres with a brick built pig shed. The woodland can be accessed via the paddock or the main road through Frosterley.

Frosterley is situated on the A689 and benefits from a wealth of amenities including a variety of local shops, services and a primary school. The village has good transport links to Crook, Bishop Auckland and Durham.

Crook Office

| ÂŁ229,950

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

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welcome to Number

Number 13 Issue 3

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‘What’s inside this issue’

Contents 28 And they’re off The Going’s Good for Number 13 and The Three Horse Shoes.

32 In the spotlight Interview with Lizzie Tate, Trainee Surveyor and Sales Negotiator at Addisons in Barnard Castle.

37 The final piece in the jigsaw Julie Dent tells Number 13 why she took a leap of faith to launch her boutique, Puzzle.

86

42 Josh’s jottings Teesdale farmer Josh Bradley reflects on the last six months at the family farm.

47 Meatballs Magnifico in Middleham It was a summer’s evening as we walked across Middleham Market Place, towards the White Swan.

52 Eat, Meet, Discover and explore If you want to explore Teesdale’s beautiful countryside Bowlees Visitor Centre is a great place to start!

57 Taste of Teesdale We find out a little bit more about Teesdale Trencherman and it’s new directors.

62 Key to avoiding decorating disasters Qualified interior designer and home stager, Gill Wilkinson helps take the drama out of decorating.

67 At home with...

92 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 Copyright © 2013 Addisons Chartered Surveyors.

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

Richard Wells, formerly BBC’s North of England correspondent, shares his favourite dish.

72 Garage gets grand design Number 13 speaks to Andrew and Jill Carnell about their charming garage conversion.

77 House of Claire Claire Bromley invites Number 13 into her Bohemian Grade II listed property in Barnard Castle.

82 Firthy’s Tours Prosecco, the rise in popularity of this simple fizzy wine from North Eastern Italy is really quite astounding.

86 Tour de dales Richard Duffus takes us on his favourite walk exploring Coverdale’s outstanding countryside.

92 Local heroes Andy Murray and England’s Test Match Team have nothing on our very own unsung sporting heroes.

96 Diary of events A list of useful contacts throughout the region.

Number 13 Issue 3

28

welcome to the

Library

And They’re Off! The Going’s Good for Number 13 and The Three Horse Shoes.

Staff and contributors to Addisons’ property based magazine, Number 13, gathered at The Three Horse Shoes in Barnard Castle on a sunny Wednesday evening in May, to celebrate the launch of the publication’s second issue.

Number 13 issue 2.

With two editions a year Chartered Surveyor and partner, Richard Duffus said, “the magazine promotes our properties but also the local area and local businesses that make this such a vibrant place to live. We are both grateful and fortunate to have gathered together a rich and diverse range of articles and adverts about local people and businesses.”

The event not only celebrated the magazine launch but also gave the guests a preview of Barnard Castle’s newest boutique hotel, bar and restaurant, The Three Horse Shoes. Simon Nixon, principal partner at Addisons said, “We

Number 13 Issue 3

were really grateful to Steve and Linda Green for their great hospitality and for allowing us to enjoy the fantastic surroundings of their new venue.”

Those contributors who attended the launch included Richmond based photographer Caroline O’Neill and interior designer Gill Wilkinson, Hamsterley farmer Joshua Bradley and Dr Diane Collecott who wrote about The Bowes Museum’s recent exhibition on the writers and artists who put Teesdale on the map!

Richard Duffus went on to say, “Addisons has strong roots in the region and we are keen to use our magazine to endorse the other local businesses that we should be really proud of. If each of our businesses grows a little as a result of Number 13 then that equates to a whole lot of growth for the area.”

If you would like to get hold of a copy of Issue 2 contact any of the Addisons offices or view it online following the links on Addisons homepage, www.addisons-surveyors.co.uk.

29

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Number 13 Issue 3

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Number 13 Issue 3

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32

welcome to the

Drawing Room

In the

Spotlight Interview with Lizzie Tate, Trainee Surveyor and Sales Negotiator at Addisons in Barnard Castle.

How long have you worked for Addisons?

Were you nervous when you first started work?

I left school this summer after sitting my A’ Levels and started work at the end of August.

Yes a little, it was a daunting prospect going into a full time job. Fortunately everyone at Addisons has been very welcoming. I work with some skilled and experienced colleagues and therefore get the support I need to train on the job.

You came as an apprentice deciding not to go to university, why?

I have always been interested in property. When I was offered a position at Addisons, I could see no advantage in delaying the start of my career and running up massive debts over three years at university.

What eventually do you want to do?

My ambition is to train and qualify as a surveyor and eventually do some property development of my own. I feel the best way to build up a successful property portfolio is to work within the industry for a company like Addisons.

Number 13 Issue 3

What training will you do?

I’m about to start training for letting qualifications, and once I successfully achieve this I hope to start training towards becoming a qualified Chartered Surveyor. There are two other trainee surveyors here at Barnard Castle: Paul Smith and Mark Fletcher, so I’m sure we can all support each other.

33

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Number 13 Issue 3

Kitchens & Furniture

Visit our showroom at: Unit 2 Morton Trade Park, Morton Park Way, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4WE T: 01325 366948 M: 07713 248534 www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk - designed with you in mind -

Kitchens Bedrooms Home studies Furniture

welcome to the

Dressing Room

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The

final piece in the Jigsaw

Julie Dent tells Number 13 why she took a leap of faith to launch her boutique, Puzzle.

Although the pace of town centre shop closures is slowing, 18 shops still close every day. One of the largest sectors suffering closure is apparently ladies clothing.

However in Leyburn it is good to see that Julie Dent is bucking that trend.

Julie Dent.

Being brought up on the family farm near West Burton, Julie has been a familiar figure in and around Wensleydale for years. For 14 of those years she ran her own successful ladies hair salon “Topiary”, but earlier this year she had a complete change in direction and opened up a small independent boutique called Puzzle in her old premises.

“I’ve always wanted to do this and after a career in hairdressing I was ready for a change. I’d hate to look back in the future wishing I’d done it, so I took the plunge!”

Julie has always had an eye for fashion and with her distinct style and taste she offers a wide selection of clothing sourced from independent outlets. She also stocks an extensive range of costume jewellery.

Although Puzzle is not the largest of premises, it makes the most of its internal space and window display area.

“I try and keep it different and fresh; for example I change my window display at least once a day and in so doing I find that people driving by look to see what I have on display that day. I also have a policy of only stocking one of each item, so for my customers there is an element of uniqueness about the clothes they buy.”

With a helpful approach and a loyalty card scheme, Julie is determined to provide good service and a great shopping experience for both women and men. With her dry sense of humour and easy manner she is finding that many men find buying presents for the women in their lives far less of an ordeal at Puzzle than high street stores.

Setting up such a business in Leyburn, a thriving small market town, is a leap of faith, but with her drive and determination to provide both service and a tasteful shopping experience Julie has every chance of succeeding.

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Dressing Room

And why the name “Puzzle”? Julie says “it’s because of the influence of the famous high street brand “Jigsaw”. Personally I think it’s because it’s so puzzling why she didn’t do this years ago!

One area of high street businesses apparently booming is coffee shops and Richmond has just seen the opening of Mocha by Dennis and Elizabeth Graves. The couple are new to the area originating from Lincolnshire, but have put their faith in a business located in this beautiful Georgian Market Town. The shop is bursting with everything chocolate with a huge range of exquisite treats that can be bought to eat straight away or boxed up as a gift. They stock bars, bags, boxes, lollies, handmade artisan chocolate gifts and try wherever possible to support the excellent chocolate makers that we have here in the UK.

Dennis and Elzabeth Graves.

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They also serve exceptional coffees and teas from Grumpy Mule and Tea Pigs respectively. The majority of the coffees are from identifiable farms, estates or cooperatives of smallholders and they also

have a range of beans and ground coffee for you to take away and try at home.

Despite the constant bad news regarding our town centres here are two examples of people determined to launch new businesses. So if you have a chance to visit these two shops then please do so.

Puzzle Boutique High Street, Leyburn, DL8 5AH Tel: 01969 625108 Website: www.puzzleboutique.com

Mocha 1 Trinity Church Square, Richmond, DL10 4HY

Website: www.mochachocolateshop.co.uk

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“I try and keep it different and fresh”

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Traditional Food Everyday Prices

Beautifully refurbished Pub and Fish & Chip Restaurant whilst still maintaining the traditional warmth and feel of the historic Inn.

• Patio and outside eating area overlooking stunning countryside views • Children’s play area and picnic benches • Newly resurfaced car park and excellent disabled access and facilities • Serving Award Winning Fish and Chips plus a variety of other dishes, Peroni on draught, cask ales, guest beers and a selection of wines.

- 9pm (8pm Sunday) Serving food: 11.30am Tuesdays Sorry we are CLOSED on

PUB • FISH & CHIP RESTAURANT Fox Hall Inn, East Layton, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7PW For more information call 01325 718 262 or visit www.foxhallinn.net

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welcome to the

Paddock

Josh’s jottings Teesdale farmer Josh Bradley reflects on the last six months at the family farm.

After a very cold and disappointing spring, the summer reluctantly began and what a surprisingly good summer it turned out to be.

There was plenty of sunshine interspersed with rain showers which is incidentally, perfect grass growing weather!

The cows all calved within a ten week period and have on the whole done really well. We had one set of twins, named Eric and Ernie. Eric is easily recognisable with his bright white face and brown patches on each eye! Eric and Ernie’s mum, a pedigree Aberdeen Angus cow, got a daily allowance of cow nuts to provide her with more energy to produce plenty of milk for the twins whilst also maintaining her own body’s condition.

It has been an average year for lambing; despite some other local farms experiencing cases of Schmallenberg we were very lucky and escaped unscathed.

The lambs have really thrived this year with plenty of grass to go at and as the old farmer saying goes they were, “living on sunshine.” We started to send our “fat lambs” (this year’s lambs which are up to weight - usually around 45kg) to the local abattoir in September.

The bull goes back out with the cows during the first week of August so that we can expect calving to begin in the second week of May. We sold our Aberdeen Angus bull to the neighbouring dairy farm to entertain some dairy heifers (young cows that have not yet had calves).

Despite our Hereford bull, Maverick, getting an ego boost from being the only bull on the farm he’s not quite as macho as he likes to think.

The tups were put back out with the breeding ewes on Bonfire Night so we can expect to start lambing on April Fools day.

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Maverick isn’t able to entertain all the cows so to bring in more blood lines we have used AI (Aritificial Insemination) for around half of our cows. The majority have been AI’d with Aberdeen Angus pedigree bulls.

Artificial Insemination is a relatively cheap way to import the genetics of top class cattle into your cow herd. It also allows you to experiment with crossing different breeds with the aim of producing cattle which grow well, have good confirmation (shape) and taste great.

The dry summer months are an ideal time to use a sub-soiler and grassland aerator to help reduce soil compaction and improve drainage; this should in turn improve grassland productivity. Whilst it isn’t a riveting job, I became very familiar with test match special which was a bit of a bonus! We should reap the rewards next spring and summer.

Whilst on the topic of grass, we took two cuts of silage this summer. I’m pleased to say it’s really good quality silage so the cows and sheep will have something tasty to eat throughout the winter. We

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Paddock

analyse our silage so we can formulate a diet for both the cows and sheep to ensure they get the nutrients they need and so they don’t get too fat!

The pig side of the farm is ticking along nicely and profitability has been boosted by the price of pork increasing. This is partly due to increased demand for sausages for people’s BBQs and also thanks to the price of wheat falling (wheat is the main ingredient in our various pig foods). These are both knock on effects of a good summer.

During the summer one of the cow sheds was transformed into a party venue once more. This time for one of my aunts to host a shed full of Londoners to celebrate her birthday. We dusted off the hog roaster and ‘ceilidh’d” the night away.

The wildlife has done very well this year. There are two large coveys of grey partridge in residence, the curlews have successfully raised a good number of chicks as have the Lapwings and the Plovers. In the spring I planted some game cover crops to encourage pheasants and partridge to move in. The cover crop has established itself really well and has also been very popular with bees and butterflies.

Despite the dreadful spring, this summer has been a good one. As long as the winter behaves itself 2013 won’t have been such a bad year after all.

Maverick the Hereford bull.

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Low ChantryFarm Boarding Kennels and Cattery Home of Champions Tweedshot Gundogs, Stan Tweedy: Black & Yellow Labradors, Also Cocker Spaniels At Stud.

• Established 1971 • Large Kennels With Outside Runs • Large Grass Free Exercise Area • Field Walks • Purpose-built Cattery With Outside Runs • Warm Air Heating • Viewing Welcome • Vaccination Essential Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 – 17:00 Sunday 8:30 – 12:00 Low Chantry Farm, Boarding Kennels & Cattery, Middleton Tyas, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 6RS Tel: 01325 377453

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

welcome to the

Dining Room

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Meatballs Magnifico in Middleham

It was a warm summer’s evening as we walked across the cobbles of Middleham Market Place, towards the White Swan.

Our group of eight, made up of a teen, a few twenty something’s and Richard, met eagerly outside The White Swan to enjoy a glass of Prosecco in the early evening sunshine.

Once a month the restaurant hosts themed evenings, which comprise of a set menu and include a bottle of wine per couple. This evening we were looking forward to “Spanish night!”

As 8 o’clock approached we entered the restaurant and were immediately met with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The décor isn’t as you’d expect from the outside. There is a rather continental feel to this restaurant with a smart yet comfortable interior and plenty of friendly staff. With such a relaxed atmosphere this is the sort of place you could happily lose a few hours over lunch or dinner.

The restaurant was busy; despite the evening’s obvious popularity the

room was spacious and didn’t feel at all cramped. A few sneaky glances towards the diner’s plates added to our excitement...it was Tapas!

The manager, Sean, welcomed us and showed us to our table. There were already bottles of red and white wine open on the table; a rich earthy Rioja and a refreshing white Albano were to complement the meal perfectly.

We began our Spanish foray with slices of moreish fresh bread and butter as the first course arrived.

Gazpacho y Patatas Bravas Alioli Chilled soup and chunky chips seasoned with paprika and drizzled with mayonnaise.

A generous bowl was presented to each diner and a plate of the richly seasoned chips was shared between two. Richard was the first to taste the soup and deemed it “very refreshing.” “I like that” exclaimed Harriet, “It’s surprising” said Izzie. Josh noted how the, “sharpness of

Number 13 Issue 3

“It’s tapas with an English twist!”

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Dining Room

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The flavours of each of the dishes worked perfectly with one another and the intensely smoky chorizo, incidentally Tom’s favourite dish, was complimented by the fresh calamari and tasty Spanish omelette.

After our plates were cleared we were all unsure we could eat anything else but before we could dwell on that any longer the dessert arrived….

Sorbet de Limon al Cava Lemon Sorbet (with a boozy kick!)

the spring onion cut through the sweet pepper in an explosion of sourness!”

(Blimey!) Tom thought it was well chilled and that the bold bursts of flavours made it “like a savoury fruit salad.”

I am a very recent soup convert and after a few determined spoonfuls I accepted defeat. It seems that despite the pleasing flavours, chilled soup is still just a culinary step too far.

The chunky chips were divine, perfectly cooked and seasoned, not one was left when our plates were cleared.

After a short interlude the main courses arrived en masse, presented to our table by several friendly and attentive waiters and waitresses:

Albondigas con salsa de tomate, Calamares, Tortilla de patatas, Jamon Serrano, Chorizo picante.

Spanish meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, fried squid, Spanish omelette, Serrano ham and chorizo.

Each plate was presented beautifully with generous portions of each of the dishes listed on the menu. Usually with tapas you share dishes between the table and we all agreed it was nice not to have to share, “It’s tapas with an English twist!”

Despite all the moreish tasting dishes few of us managed to finish what was on our plates. Everyone had their favourite dish but the biggest hit by far was the Spanish meatballs smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Josh even helped himself to the remainder of Harriet’s! The crunchy pine nuts were an unusual and welcome addition to the perfectly seasoned meaty morsels.

What a perfect end to the meal! A cake based dessert would have been too heavy to enjoy after such a rich main course, yet the sorbet was light and refreshing and delightfully boozy. So much so we decided a “mocktail” option would have been a good idea for the younger members and drivers within our party.

Tessa who is not usually a pudding person really enjoyed the refreshing finale to the meal. It was presented beautifully in a sugared glass and Tessa described it as, “a sophisticated cross between a dessert and a cocktail.” Mark noted how the acidity of the lemon acted as the perfect palate cleanser.

Once the sorbet was polished off we sat and chatted for a while longer and when we finally requested the bill we were pleasantly surprised. £40 for two people including a bottle of wine was excellent value. We all agreed enthusiastically that we’d be back again and I’m sure it wasn’t just the sorbet talking!

The White Swan Hotel and Restaurant, Middleham, North Yorkshire, DL8 4PE Tel: (01969) 622 093 Email: enquiries@whiteswanhotel.co.uk Website: www.whiteswanhotel.co.uk

Number 13 Issue 3

The Three Horseshoes

You will receive a warm welcome, good food and a friendly atmosphere at The Three Horse Shoes Hotel bar and restaurant situated in the historic market town of Barnard Castle.

The Three Horseshoes Hotel 7 Galgate, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL128EQ Tel: 01833 631777 | Email: info@three-horse-shoes.co.uk www.three-horse-shoes.co.uk

Forthcoming Auctions

Auction Calendar Dates

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7th December 2013 Winter Catalogue Sale 9th January 2014 Antiques & Interior 23rd January 2014 Antiques & Interiors 13th February 2014 Antiques & Interiors 27th February 2014 Antiques & Interiors 8th March 2014 Spring Catalogue Sale 20th March 2014 Antiques & Interiors 3rd April 2014 Antiques & Interiors 17th April 2014 Antiques & Interiors

A Steinway baby grand piano ÂŁ8,000

If you would like to be kept informed about the release of our latest sale catalogue please join our mailing list. You can sign up on our website at www.addisons-auctioneers.co.uk or contact 01833 690545.

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

To arrange a no obligation valuation call 01833 690545 or e-mail info@addisons-auctioneers.co.uk

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A two-stone diamond crossover ring ÂŁ2,100

Telephone 01833 690545

Email: info@addisons-auctioneers.co.uk

The Auction Rooms, Staindrop Road, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL12 8TD

Addisons Auctioneers and Valuers

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welcome to the

Garden Path

“Eat, Meet, Discover and Explore” If you want to explore Teesdale’s beautiful countryside Bowlees Visitor Centre is a great place to start!

With its panoramic views, evocative landscape and vast open spaces it is little wonder that Upper Teesdale is fast becoming one of the most alluring places in the British countryside.

Bowlees visitor centre.

Thousands of walkers make an annual pilgrimage to explore the hills and dales that lie in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and most visitors to the Dale take in the breath taking spectacles that are Low and High Force waterfalls as part of their trip.

And while the selfish part of us may want to keep it one of the country’s best kept secrets, recent coverage in an array of national publications is sure to attract more and more visitors all hoping to sample the area’s unspoilt delights.

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Thankfully when they do come, they will be able to find out everything they need to know about the area, its history, and its flora and fauna, at Bowlees Visitor Centre in the Upper Dale.

The centre opened in June and is being run by the North Pennines AONB Partnership. Since then it has provided information and respite to countless pairs of feet who have travelled to Upper Teesdale to discover why the area is just so special.

Before the AONB Partnership took over the centre it was in danger of closing forever after its previous custodians decided not to renew their lease. But realising the need for a visitor centre in Teesdale and in the wider North Pennines, the AONB Partnership set about working on an ambitious programme of work to refurbish the building - which is a former Methodist Chapel - and create a visitor centre that would act as a place from which people can eat, meet, discover and explore.

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The centre also has a small shop, an art gallery and exhibition space that displays work by local artists and Cafe1618 @Bowlees, which provides sustenance to many weary walkers. The lemon drizzle cake and the trademarked Teesdale Lead Miner’s pasty being particular favourites.

As well as providing information about the area, one of the AONB Partnership’s main aims is to get people hands-on with the landscape of the North Pennines and learn about the nature and wildlife within it.

Low Force.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the AONB Partnership, said: “We really felt that Teesdale and the rest of the North Pennines really needed a place where people could find out more about the are.”

“We are incredibly pleased to be able to breathe new life into Bowlees Visitor Centre and hope it will provide something for everyone from seasoned walkers who want to explore the glorious North Pennines, to children keen to get out and about into the great outdoors.”

Events With events scheduled for the rest of this year and a whole host of others being planned for next, it’s hoped more and more people will discover Bowlees Visitor Centre and the delights of Upper Teesdale.

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welcome to the

Garden Path

In November the centre held a Wild Autumn event where Addisons unveiled a partnership project and instead of helping to get homes for people, the chartered surveyors will be providing accommodation for our feathered friends (more details to follow in the next issue!).

On December 16 the centre will be getting all festive with a special Christmas Fare where you will be able to sample some of the best food on offer from local producers and take part in seasonal crafts activities - including wreath and decoration making.

Chris said: “The place has been bustling since June, we couldn’t have hoped for a better first year. But while our first year was good, we hope the next year will be even better. We’ve got lots of things planned and we hope that what we’re offering is valued by the local community as well as people visiting Teesdale and the North Pennines.”

Opening times Until Sun 27 Oct 2013 9am - 6pm 7 days a week Mon 28 Oct to Sun 3 Nov 2013 10am - 4pm every day Nov 2013 to 28 Feb 2014 10am - 4pm Fri, Sat and Sun @VisitBowlees facebook.com/VisitBowlees

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Bowlees Visitor Centre Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 0XF Tel: 01833 622145 (Centre) or 01388 528801 (AONB Partnership Staff Team) Website: www.visitbowlees.org.uk

Teesdale Trencherman, our small family-run business, is proud to supply some of the best quality local and international products direct to your door.

The business was originally founded in the 1980s by Mr Johnny Cooke-Hurle who quickly developed a reputation for supplying the finest local produce. We have recently taken over the reins and are committed to maintaining great personal customer service and top quality produce.

We are introducing some new and exciting tastes, including a number from local Teesdale producers that we know personally and can recommend highly.

In our desire to inspire we are constantly looking for new and interesting foods. If you have a favourite that you think will fit the bill then please let us know.

You can call us on 01833 630302 or find us at www.trencherman.co.uk

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Pantry

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Taste of Teesdale We find out a little bit more about Teesdale Trencherman and it’s new directors.

Emma Rowell and Rachel Goldsborough took over the reins of Trencherman in April 2013. It had travelled a long way since Johnny Cooke-Hurle started selling fine and rare foods in the early 1980s from his home in Startforth, but it seems not that far.

Rachel Goldsborough and Emma Rowell plan their Christmas hampers over a coffee.

Rachel remembers helping her mum Myra and dad Peter, as a little girl, to pack parcels to be dispatched to the early Trencherman customers. What began all those years ago for Rachel has become a passion and an occupation.

Teesdale Trencherman remains dedicated to its original aims of sourcing the finest, rarest and most luxurious products to bring to its loyal customer base. The company is renowned for its excellent and personal customer service.

The ladies continue to sell the old Trencherman favourites, such as stuffed quail, smoked duck breasts and game,

however they are continually introducing new and delicious products.

Most recently they have begun to list the weekly price of fresh Italian black and white truffle, which can be delivered to their customers to add opulence to any of their dishes.

It is important to Teesdale Trencherman that they champion produce from their locality, Teesdale is an area rich in artisan food producers and suppliers of game.

This food is paired with the best that other regions of the British Isles have to offer.

Alongside these products, delicious foods from around the world are available to compliment the home grown produce.

Teesdale Trencherman have begun to supply their specialist ranges directly from their own wine merchant, cheesemonger and chocolatier to ensure that the combined knowledge of these food and wine experts are brought directly to their customers ensuring absolute quality and reliability.

The Christmas season starts at the end of November for Teesdale Trencherman,

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Pantry

their Christmas brochure is filled with tasty traditional foods and exiting new products.

They offer a selection of luxurious hampers named, Romaldkirk, Mickleton and Cotherstone after three of the prettiest villages in Teesdale. The hampers range from ÂŁ59.95 - ÂŁ179.95 and are filled with a selection of tasty treats which will enrich any festive table. There are also a variety of smaller, speciality hampers designed to suite all tastes and budgets.

The team will be releasing regular brochures throughout 2014, these will be themed and will feature new and existing products. Look out for their Pie and a Pint brochure due in the early new year.

Teesdale Trencherman hope to introduce some of the most exquisite pies and a selection of the finest micro brewery bottled ales and beers of our region. These delicious products will be partnered with outstanding chutneys and pickles and are guaranteed to start your new year off with a warm and satisfying feeling.

Tel: 01833 630 302 Website: www.trencherman.co.uk @TTrencherman Trencherman-Fine-Foods A selection of what Trencherman has to offer.

The Cotherstone hamper.

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“Look out for their Pie and a Pint brochure”

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welcome to the

Sitting Room

Key to avoiding

decorating disasters Qualified interior designer and home stager, Gill Wilkinson helps take the drama out of decorating.

With the summer finally over and Christmas looming, many of you will be considering tackling those decorating jobs that have been put on hold whilst you’ve been enjoying the sunshine. Gill Wilkinson gives us her top tips for avoiding design disasters at home.

Have a clear plan When looking at re-decorating a particular room there are several elements to consider in order to create a balanced and harmonious space. This is a major stumbling block for some people as they often focus solely on one particular element; where to put the new sofa or what colour to paint the walls. By looking at the space as a whole and thinking about colour, lighting, furniture and its layout, window dressings and accessories and how they relate to one another (which is precisely why designers use mood boards) a chaotic space can be transformed into one that is organised and tranquil.

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Choose your furniture before you choose your paint colours It is much harder to match furniture to an already painted wall than the other way round. Work first with your sofa or sofas to help select your colour palette and always test several colours at home before starting. Remember that a room’s natural light changes at various stages of the day and this will affect the colour of your walls as will artificial light.

Don’t over-furnish your room It doesn’t take much for a room to turn from looking well planned and thought out to one that closely resembles a dumping ground of collected furniture and accessories. Your furniture needs to create a space that is both appealing as well as functional and there should be enough space in the room for movement and flow. Remember, furniture must also fit. Furniture that is too small will make your room seem unbalanced and awkward. Similarly a room where the furniture is too large will feel unbalanced

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and cramped. Before you move your furniture and certainly before you purchase new furniture, be sure to measure both the furniture as well as the room for height, width and depth as not doing so could end up being a very costly mistake.

Don’t over-clutter your room As with furniture, in terms of accessories, less is more. A sense of order, balance, flow and movement are essential to any well decorated space and when there is too much clutter there is too much distraction and order becomes disorder. Separate clutter into three categories:

1. The things that matter 2. The things that are important 3. Those things that you can do without.

By removing those items you can do without, a sense of order and balance will be restored.

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Sitting Room

Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting Lighting is key and one of the most important elements of design. Maximise the availability of natural light by hanging mirrors to allow light to be reflected around a room. When considering artificial light you should always have more than one light source illuminating a room; overhead lighting along with proportionally sized and well-placed lamps to add ambience. Your lighting should be bright enough to be functional but not so bright that it is jarring.

Mix things up Don’t be tempted to buy all your furniture and accessories from the same source or shop. Even though you may wish to recreate a particular look, the chances are your space will still not look the same.

Whilst everything needs to coordinate, you don’t want everything to match.

The most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. This simply cannot happen if everything looks the same.

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Have a focal point.

A focal point gives you direction and order. Find that one thing that you want people to take notice of when they enter a room. This should be something that is bold and makes a statement such as a bay window, a fireplace or a large piece of artwork. By working from here outwards, your room will look well thought out, organized and balanced.

And if all this sounds too much to deal with, you can always ask an expert!

Gill, a qualified Interior Designer and Home Stager, runs GMW Interiors based in Richmond.

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

Neeps & Tatties GREENGROCERS

Your Local Greengrocer TELEPHONE: 01748 825 397 34 Market Place, Richmond, DL10 4QG Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 4.30pm (Note Saturday opening hours will be less in winter)

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Kitchen

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At home with...

Richard Wells, formerly BBC’s North of England correspondent, shares his favourite dish.

Ollie brought them in the nick of time. He was starting agricultural college in Cumbria and our freezer was fresh out of rabbit.

Ollie is the shot; the paunching, skinning and cooking are left to me and in the years that I have turned my hand to cooking I think I have become quite adept at converting a now-lifeless furry thing into joints ready for cooking.

Richard Wells in the kitchen.

My first encounter with cooked rabbit was in the early 1950s at my grandparents’ cottage in a Pennine hamlet north-west of Sheffield. Grandfather Fred worked at the local reservoir and his shotgun was put to good use thinning out the rabbit and wood pigeon populations. In postwar Britain they were luxuries. A young lad born and brought up in London, on his annual excursion north, found a world so close to nature riveting.

No-one cooked hash like my grandmother. Rabbit often found its way into the pot simmering slowly over

an open Yorkshire range. The infusion of wood smoke was no doubt key to its success. Back then we put it down solely to granny’s Midas touch.

It wasn’t until many years later that I was reacquainted with such simple, unpretentious cooking...four thousand miles away. By then it was the 1990s and I was working as a news correspondent for the BBC. I covered the north of England for Radio 4 but every so often I was sent to report in India. That was where I met Chandra and Mrs Gharib.

They worked for the resident BBC correspondent Mark Tully and provided meals of distinction at a cost of mere pennies. Chandra’s dhal (in all its subtle varieties) was a favourite of mine; his roti moist and piping hot and if he wanted to impress he would cook roast leg of goat (a gamey lamb). What was on the table was wholly dependent on what was available in the Nizamuddin market where he shopped daily.

Chandra was an Untouchable, from the lowest caste in India. Shunned by almost

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Kitchen

all, he was living on the street outside the BBC office when he was taken in and given a job as a house boy. When the resident cook Mr Gharib died Chandra was promoted and Mrs Gharib remained to keep an eye on his development. Over the years some of the most influential men (mostly) and women in India turned up at the BBC office in the Indian capital and Chandra cooked for almost all of them. Despite their elevated status he never betrayed his simple style of cooking based on available ingredients.

Street food in India is inventive and varied; the pakoras, bhajis and samosas piled high on metal trays at every station platform on the slow railway ride from the Himalayan hill stations to Chandigarh still make my nostrils twitch. My curiosity to taste was always more acute than any fear of suffering a debilitating attack of “Delhi belly”.

I don’t think I was ever found out…even when a mouse jumped out of a sack of flour as the chef at a roadside eating house near Bharatpur reached into it

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to prepare my naan. Contrast that with lunching at a fancy restaurant in the hills above Islamabad in Pakistan which two years before had hosted a prestigious United Nations conference. One meal there gave me a bug of such unspeakable virility that it took weeks to expunge.

More recently the markets in the Loire, Vendee and Brittany have titillated my senses. The loving care in which stalls are arranged with home-grown or homeproduced wares never ceases to impress - stalls devoted entirely to bulbs of garlic for example. Whacky and wonderful in equal measure. My favourite French market has to be the one at La Rochelle which managed to combine the very best of turf and surf; and yes you can buy lapin, though it is usually farmed and alive!

So, to my favourite rabbit recipe. I would love to claim it as my own but Delia Smith got there first in her book the Complete Cookery Course (page 563 in my edition).

I have made modest adjustments.

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h s i l g n E Old e i P t i b b Ra

(Serves 4)

:

For the filling

2lbs jointed 1 rabbit approx chopped ns io on 2 medium in one piece n co ½lb streaky ba g apple 1 large cookin opped ch ¼lb prunes er cid y dr nt pi ½ e stock ¾ pint vegetabl ed ¼ nutmeg grat 1 bayleaf rnflower 1 tablespoon co r A knob of butte er to taste Salt and pepp

For the pastry flour 12oz self-raising et su ed dd 6oz shre Cold water er Salt and pepp

rnflour. en with the co and slowly thick tmeg then nu d ate gr d ad When complete c. et n bit, baco pour over the rab pper and the flour, salt, pe For the pastry… ding ad , er th mixed toge suet should be what Delia rm fo to t ien cold water suffic dough irly soft, elastic Smith calls a “fa ly”. Roll out an cle wl bo e that leaves th rously enough to gene the dough large ient to ffic su ve h and lea cover the pie dis y round. Place wa e th all ip cut an inch str press down d the dish rim, the strip aroun You will . lid y the pastr firmly, then add pastry to e th in ips sn of need a couple bakes in escape while it allow steam to inutes or m 220c) for 30 a hot oven (200n. ow until golden br d and th something re Wash down wi er than a rth fu no k loo fruity and I would doc. ue ng La from the bottle (or two)

in a ed rabbit joints Place the wash and ion on e th with large saucepan from the bacon, d rin e th e ov apple. Rem d to the h cubes and ad chop into 1 inc af, salt and yle ba e th with saucepan, along er, cid d the stock an pepper. Pour in scum y an e ov m re , er bring to a simm ve to ess and then lea during this proc ur. ho an t ou ab r cook slowly fo

Enjoy

remove the When cooked ion and rabbit, bacon, on a 2½ to fer ns tra , apple d pint pie dish an prunes. sprinkle in the ing ain m re e With th tter stock add the bu

Number 13 Issue 3

AN AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT Gourmet food in intimate surroundings THE BLUE LION EAST WITTON

We now offer a two or three course fixed price lunch alongside our normal menus.

The fixed price lunch is £15.50 for two courses and £18.50 for three courses and is served daily Monday-Saturday 12.00 to 2.15pm

"We always make sure we visit the Blue Lion at least once a month. The constantly changing menu and wine list make every visit a special occasion"

THE BLUE LION | EAST WITTON | Telephone 01969 624273 | www.thebluelion.co.uk

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welcome to the

GARAGE

Garage gets

grand design

Number 13 speaks to Andrew and Jill Carnell about their charming garage conversion.

Andrew and Jill Carnell bought the dilapidated Town End Garage from Addisons in 2002; it has been a 10 year labour of love to transform it into the 4 bedroom, beautiful family home they live in today.

When they first viewed the property the garage had already been empty for twenty years and was in need of some serious renovation, not that this deterred builder Andrew. It still resembled a working garage; a disused petrol pump stood on the forecourt and Jill recalls an old car being parked upstairs in what is now their kitchen.

So what made them think this could be their home? A question Andrew admits his dad asked them before he had seen it for himself.

Andrew and his dad ran Carnell Construction together and had plenty of building experience between them. Andrew recalls his dad asking him, “What on earth do you want to buy an old garage for?!” But as soon he saw the space for himself and

Number 13 Issue 3

what a blank canvas the property provided he was sold on the idea too.

Within a few hours of viewing the property Andrew’s dad had already sketched out a plan of the renovations at his kitchen table.

His plans utilised the vast space; designing a “topsy turvy” house to make the most of the spectacular views, the light and airy space and make a real feature of the front door and entrance hall. With these initial plans as a starting point Jill and Andrew could work with them to make this conversion their own.

As a professional builder Andrew was keen to do the work himself. Once planning permission for the works came through the deal was done and Town End Garage was theirs to transform.

After spending several weekends in a caravan on site, (something Jill does not remember fondly!) they decided to rent a property in Eggleston. Eggleston was close by and allowed them to spend their evenings and weekends working on the house. After 6 months or so, one of the ground floor rooms was habitable and with

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a cooker installed in the kitchen, they could move in. As the kitchen is on the first floor and the staircase was yet to be installed, Jill remembers them having to climb a ladder to reach the cooker when they first moved in.

Some of the quirkier features like the alcoves and arched doorway to the study evolved during the renovation, not that you’d know it, it looks as though every part of this renovation was planned to the final detail.

Their decision to create an open plan living space on the first floor is inspired. Despite the vast dimensions, the living space feels warm, cosy and you instinctively know it is the heart of this home. The colours Jill has chosen to decorate the house are warm and earthy and complement the natural materials used both in the build and to furnish the house.

Unfortunately the old beams of the ceiling could not be saved but Andrew ensured the new ones were sympathetic to the age of the property. The ceiling panelling looks as though it has been there for years but was installed during the renovation.

Andrew says he has made a point of using wood marked with knots and natural imperfections. The same applies to the wooden flooring, sourced from France via a dealer in London. The left over flooring was not wasted as Andrew used it to make bespoke shutters for the windows.

Jill and Andrew have reclaimed and sourced materials from a number of suppliers. The oak mantelpiece came from a reclamation yard whilst the cast iron radiators came from a house renovation Andrew was working on in Darlington. The wooden pillar in the kitchen used to be a lintel holding up part of the first floor ceiling. Jill remembers at the time she’d asked Andrew what on earth he was keeping it for but agrees it looks great in the kitchen.

It is the attention to detail in this renovation that really sets it apart. There is a consistency to the design and execution of the work and perhaps most importantly, (without getting too Kevin McCloud on you!) “a feeling.” It is hard to explain what response good design and craftsmanship in a house evokes, it just makes you warm to a

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welcome to the

GARAGE

place and I defy anyone not to have a good feeling about Town End Garage.

When asked if they would do anything differently, both agreed, they wouldn’t.

Oh... apart from installing a heat recovery unit upstairs to recycle the heat from the stove and then to pump it round the rest of the house. I’m sure Mr McCloud would be very impressed!

Although I tried to resist I had to ask if they watch Channel 4’s Grand Designs - “Of course, although some of the builds are absolutely rubbish!” says Mr Carnell.

Both he and Jill are itching to start their next project and have recently put Town End Garage on the market.

If you would like any sales information on Town End Garage, please contact Addisons Barnard Castle.

Addisons 13 Galgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8EQ Tel: 01833 638094 Email: info@addisons-surveyors.co.uk Website: www.addisons-surveyors.co.uk

Number 13 Issue 3

More than just numbers Yorkshire accountants... ...for Yorkshire people

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Looking for a pro-active accountant who’ll help you make more profit and pay less tax?

Starting out in business?

Whatever your needs, we can help. The Barker Partnership is a firm of Chartered Accountants based in North Yorkshire, with offices in Thirsk, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Leyburn and Harrogate, offering accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals. We provide friendly cost-effective, high value solutions to meet all of your financial needs.

We have many clients in the local rural business community and service businesses, small and large, across many sectors including; agriculture, the professions, the service sector, the construction industry, manufacturers and retailers.

For more information, please contact us; Andrew Taylor - Thirsk Email: info@barkerpartnership.co.uk Tel: 01845 522045

Charles Gill - Ripon Email: charles.gill@barkerpartnership.co.uk Tel: 01765 603501

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Fiona Wilkinson - Leyburn Email: fiona.wilkinson@barkerpartnership.co.uk Tel: 01969 623137

David Thomas - Harrogate Email: dt@barkerpartnership.co.uk Tel: 01423 525641

www.barkerpartnership.co.uk

welcome to the

Studio

77

“House of Claire” Claire Bromley invites Number 13 into her Bohemian Grade II listed property in Barnard Castle.

Claire Bromley is a creative force. She has built her internationally successful Claire knitwear design label and image consultancy business from her historic, Grade II Listed premises in the heart of Barnard Castle’s developing Artisan Quarter.

After spending four years in studio premises at Darlington Art Centre and The Bowes Museum, Claire realised she needed a property that could house the Claire concept and experience.

Recognising the property’s huge potential she subsequently purchased 29 The Bank thirty years ago. Since then she has transformed the property into a unique, stylish and elegant home and work premises.

The Bank is one of the oldest areas of Barnard Castle and has become a magnet for creative and entrepreneurial businesses, ranging from antique dealers

to restaurants and from specialist shops to bed & breakfasts.

Stepping into 29 The Bank is entering Claire’s world. All aspects of Claire’s life are influenced by her creativity and the building she both works in and calls her home is no different. The property’s interior is infused with Claire’s strong sense of style and design and provides the perfect gallery style setting to display her latest knitwear collections and house her image consultancy business.

The property has a sophisticated yet Bohemian feel and you can see how Claire maintains her creativity. Claire appreciates this is a two way process; whilst the property has been moulded by her influences, Claire also takes inspiration from its space and character.

The building’s interior and enchanting private garden have inspired collections and photo shoots and provide a fantastic in-house hospitality space for customer events.

Number 13 Issue 3

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welcome to the

Studio

Grade II Listed properties are often viewed as unyielding and inflexible, so it is a credit to Claire that 29 The Bank so successfully transcends the normal home practicalities to provide flexible living and work space as well as a stylish gallery, shop and studio.

The Claire label, hand made in Great Britain, has a loyal following particularly as Claire’s bespoke approach to her designing treats each customer (which has included celebrities and royalty) as an individual with their own needs and wants. By visiting the Claire shop and studio customers browse the collections whilst gaining an insight into their inspiration and buy “off the rail” gorgeously unique trend aware clothes and accessories that are hand picked and customised to complement your Claire Int. ltd designer knitwear collection and image consultancy experience.

However Claire says, “whilst so steeped in history and the legacy of the Claire label”, 29 The Bank is now too big for the

Number 13 Issue 3

very personalised bespoke service that she offers. An eclectic mix of exhibition equipment that has graced many shows over the years is also now for sale. Claire, combining her image consultancy and design skills has been progressively more and more focused on individuals demanding personal styling. As such Claire is downsizing her living/work space. Although this is with a huge hint of nostalgia; “I have been keen to help put Teesdale on the map. As I travel long distances I am constantly meeting people and encouraging them to visit Barnard Castle.” Claire says “people just pop in to the shop, it’s fun working out where we last met.” However it is now time to relocate the business so that Claire can, “with even more enthusiasm, focus on what I do best for my clients.”

Claire plans to move her shop to a smaller premises within Barnard Castle, whilst opening a second Claire shop elsewhere.

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One great reason to pop in: Claire is currently running the “Who, what, where, when and how to wear” events. These are perfect for those with limited time who want to discuss their styling and/or colours with an expert. Claire invites you to call into the shop at 29 The Bank, to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a one-to-one conversation.

You can also request a bespoke’ couture consultation’, should you want more exacting knowledge, to help you create your own intelligent dressing and begin a personal portfolio of your unique colours, body shape and style.

Available in £5 voucher denominations, “Colour and Styling” makes a great gift for yourself or loved one. You receive bullet points to action and an offer to return for more in depth updates, to review your look.

Claire Int. Ltd and Claire I.dentity 29 The Bank, Barnard Castle, DL12 8PL Tel: 01833 637 325 Email: claire@claireid.com Website: www.claireid.com

Number 13 Issue 3

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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welcome to the

Cellar

Firthy’s Tours Prosecco, The amazing rise in popularity of this simple fizzy wine from North Eastern Italy is really quite astounding.

The British have always enjoyed and supped a lot of sparkling wines, particularly the fine blended sparkling wines of the Champagne region in France.

The world demand for Champagne made some cuvees quite scarce and so the prices rose and rose. As the prices went to stratospheric levels the world economy fell off a cliff! The “city boys” were no longer supping magnums of Bolly or LP rose for lunch and neither was anyone else it seemed. What to be done?

The rise of Jamie Oliver, Carluccio and the likes introduced people to the light, stylish easy to drink Prosecco and the price was right so on it goes, with sales marching on endlessly.

What is Prosecco? It is both a region and a grape. The best areas are around Piave in the Veneto region close to Venice, the very best being, Conegliano Valdobbiadene these wines carry the coveted DOC (Denominazione di Origine

Number 13 Issue 3

Controllata) stamp of quality (meaning the wine has come from a designated region of Italy), the wines from outside of this DOC are known as IGT Colli Trevigiani.

“All well and good” I hear you say, what does that mean to me and how does it affect the price? Here is a guide to what to buy; Prosecco Spumante IGT will be the least expensive and good ones are light fruity off dry and priced about £8.99 (Firth & Co sell Prosecco Lunetta at £8.99) and we have this one in little 20cl bottles, called a Picolo at just £2.99.

Then you come to Prosecco Frizzante IGT, this can be quite inexpensive, it is made in a lower gas method, thus not a full sparkling wine and excise duty in this country is less. The style is very food friendly, with lovely soft bubbles it is really easy drinking. The best are from Valdobbiadene and the Domenico Bertiol Estate make the delicious Spago Rosso, which translates as red string.

This is also available from Firth & Co at £8.50.

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Number 13 Issue 3

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welcome to the

Cellar

The best is Prosecco Valdobbiadene from Domenico Bertiol and at ÂŁ10 a bottle still offers great value and even comes in a magnum size!

At the very top of the tree there is a wine made from the very best vineyards and from grapes that are late gathered, this is known as Prosecco Cartizze di Conegliano Valdobbiadene. It is a rich full wine that goes very well with Italian dishes.

Prosecco is a very interesting style of wine made in a less expensive way to Champagne by having its second fermentation in a steel tank rather than, as is the case with Champagne, in the bottle.

You may see pink versions around, this is not Prosecco it is a pink fizz from the Raboso red grape.

With lower alcohol, about 11.5% to Champagne’s 12% and a lighter, easier style (as well as being less expensive) Prosecco is gaining a strong hold on the British sparkling wine market.

Chin! Chin!

Number 13 Issue 3

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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welcome to the

WALK

“Tour de Dale” Richard Duffus takes us on his favourite walk exploring Coverdale’s outstanding countryside.

This walk is varied and circular, with a few route options on the way. It has panoramic views as well as woodland areas and river bank scenes.

There is a rich variety of flora and fauna to be seen with the option of a pub stop half way round! There are wonderful areas to stop and enjoy a picnic, or just enjoy the tranquillity of one the country’s most beautiful areas. There are some steep and slippery paths so proper footwear is advised.

The walk is around five miles long and can be completed fairly easily within two and a half hours, however longer if you wish to periodically stop in order to enjoy the sites, sounds and smells of this wonderful landscape. And if you want a well earned stop at The Cover Bridge Inn, then take as long as you want.

The start of the walk is adjacent to Pinker’s Pond, which is found approximately one mile from the centre of Middleham by taking the road towards Coverham. The pond is found to the right of the road just

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before the end of Middleham Moor. If you drive along this road in the morning you may well spot racehorses from the various Middleham training stables exercising on the moor.

Cross the road from the pond towards the gate and enter The Lowlands. In the spring you will spot lapwings and oyster catchers as they swirl around and call out warnings of danger.

Follow the track diagonally across The Lowlands towards the river. If you look out across the valley you will see Braithwaite Hall nestling amongst ancient Sycamores.

Half way down the hill you will start to hear the tumble of the River Cover and at the bottom you will see Hullo Bridge. This is an ancient pack horse bridge and has spanned the River Cover for centuries.

Stop on the bridge and spend a few quiet moments watching the river and if you are lucky you will spot dippers and wagtails, and if you are very lucky you might just glimpse a kingfisher.

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Looking out over Braithwaite Hall from Middleham Moor.

On leaving the bridge follow the sign towards East Witton and walk diagonally up the bank and turn left; you will have the fence on your right hand side. Go through the hand gate set in the wall and enter The Bracken Parks and then head off diagonally across the field to the other side where you will find a foot bridge crossing Red Beck Gill.

Before you cross the bridge turn around and you will have a great view of Penn Hill.

On crossing the bridge and the stile you will now be leaving The National Trust land of Braithwaite Hall behind. Head off across the field looking out for hares as you go. If you look to your right you will see Cockhill Low Wood, which has recently been partially felled and replanted, and is often frequented by buzzards. They can be seen wheeling and screeching high above the wood and occasionally come down as low as the footpath, they can sometimes be seen perching in the solitary trees found in the middle of these pastures. On a really clear day you can even hear the cackle of red grouse coming down from Witton Fell, which can be seen on the horizon to the south.

The Cover Bridge Inn.

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welcome to the

WALK

The Blue Lion at East Witton

Penhill.

At the end of the field head through the gateway set in the left hand corner and continue down the next field. If you look to your right you will see East Witton Lodge Farm, a traditional mixed farm and one of the tidiest farms in the area. Two thirds of the way down this field the footpath goes through the gate and continues eastwards.

You will have the hedge now on your right hand side. Continue along the track until you come across a small conifer plantation.

Cross the fence at the right hand side of the wood and follow the path to the end of the plantation enjoying the smell of the conifers and then you will emerge into West Field Lane.

This lane is bordered by two old hedgerows with hawthorn, elder, holly, blackthorn and hazel. Eventually the lane will turn right towards the road; here you will see a stile in the fence straight ahead, cross the stile and head across three small meadows towards East Witton. You will eventually meet a footpath running down the hill from East Witton towards the river. Turn left and follow this path through a red metal gate and continue down the next field keeping the hedge on your right hand side.

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At the bottom of the bank, go through the hand gate set in the dry stone wall and cross the little beck. Turn left and continue down the field crossing Cold Kelds Beck.

Follow the path down the next field towards the river. At the top of the bank cross the fence line and here the footpath splits. You can shorten the walk by turning left and heading diagonally down towards the river where you will find The Stepping Stones. A far better idea is to turn right and follow the path downstream towards the Cover Bridge Inn for some light refreshment and a glass of Theakston’s Best! If you take this option continue across a further five fields keeping above the riverbank and following the yellow way markers through gates and over stiles.

When you approach the bridge cross onto the road, be careful of the traffic and cross the bridge. Here you will find The Cover Bridge Inn which has a wonderful welcoming atmosphere, a great range of home cooked food and a fine selection of ales, including the afore mentioned Theakston’s Best.

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Braithwaite Hall.

On leaving the Inn follow the road towards Middleham and turn left into the field just after the bungalow positioned adjacent to the Inn. You will have a wall on your left and an electrified fence on your right so be very careful and if you have a dog with you keep it on a very short lead! When you come to the river turn right and follow the river upstream, again you will have the electric fence on your right hand side. Continue along this well worn path until you finally leave the electric fence behind and enter a piece of woodland where you will find a wooden bench dedicated in loving memory to Gladys Reardon. As you follow the river keep looking out for signs of the brown trout that swim these waters.

Eventually you will come to a wall with a hand gate, go through the gate into the field beyond. You will cross into another field where you will see the aforementioned stepping stones. If you are doing this walk at dusk you will see bats hunting amongst the trees and above the river. Eventually you will come across some steps cut into the bank and heading diagonally away from the river.

After some time more steps will take you back down to the river and you will cross a stile into a delightful field with a hanging wooded bank to your right and the wooded banks of the River Cover to your left. If you wanted to stop for a picnic, this would be the ideal place as it is a wonderful private location in the heart of the dales. At the end of the field head through another hand gate into some more woodland and follow the steps up the hill. Be careful along this path; although there are some handrails the path can be slippery as it weaves through the

Pinkers Pond.

trees. There will be a steep drop to your left, and every now and then you have to step cautiously over fallen trees.

At the end of the wood the path enters a field and half way along it turns up the bank away from the river. However if you want to you can continue along the field where beyond a screen of hawthorns you will find a huge deep pool in the river called Black Dub. This is a great place to spot trout rising as well as dippers and to dip weary toes into the river, just be careful as the river drops off in shelves to dangerous depths.

Retrace your steps back along the path and rejoin the path as it heads up the bank leaving the river behind but not for the last time. At the top of the hill veer left and follow the post and rail fence, keeping it to your left hand side, towards a coniferous shelter belt. You will have some magnificent mature trees, especially beech, on your left and a pasture extending out to your right.

At the end of the field there is a stile in the fence and the path cuts through a narrow piece of woodland before entering another pasture field. The path heads gently down towards an ancient hedge line. If you look

upwards you will be reunited with a view of Penhill, and if you look out over the river you will once again spot Braithwaite Hall.

The path leads down the bank back towards the river and eventually you come to a stile that brings you out once again onto The Lowlands, adjacent to Hullo Bridge. All you have to do now is follow the track up the hill back towards Pinker’s Pond.

If you would like to make a day of it you can combine the walk with a trip around The Forbidden Corner (01969 640638), or a Middleham Racing Tour (07857379880/07857379878). Or make it into a short break by booking a night’s Bed & Breakfast at Braithwaite Hall (01969 640287). For places to eat other than The Cover Bridge there is The White Swan in Middleham (01969 622093), or the award winning Blue Lion at East Witton (01969 624273).

Number 13 Issue 3

help need

with anything legal?

Why not come talk to us...

We offer complete professional attention to all legal mattersincluding: • • • • •

Lasting powers of attorney Wills and probate Trusts Family and matrimonial House sale and purchase

Home visits also available by appointment.

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Spennymoor 01388 814 336

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welcome to the

Dog House

Local heroes Andy Murray and England’s Test Match Team have nothing on our very own unsung sporting heroes.

What a summer! Riding around in the back of the Freelander I have been treated to an epic Ashes Series through the excellent coverage of “Test Match Special”!

MD of Addisons , aka, George.

Thankfully “Him up front” has been kept quiet, listening throughout summer as we drive around the Addisons triangle of Richmond, Barnard Castle and Crook.

And what a series it was: England have learnt finally how to win matches when there is such little difference between the two sides.

And it doesn’t stop with cricket; we now have a Wimbledon champion too and our second Tour of France winner in two years!

Tom Baker and Paul Smith.

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A great summer for Great British sporting heroes indeed, but what about our own unsung local sporting heroes?

Throughout our travels across the region we regularly come across people who, by donating their time and efforts, enable

others to enjoy these sports at grass-root level.

The first example is Tom Baker. Tom and his family have recently moved from London to Cotherstone near Barnard Castle, where Tom attends Teesdale school. As a promising young tennis player since the age of 8, Tom was horrified to find that although the School had six courts they were not being used as there were no markings and only one net! He therefore decided to organise an event to raise funds for the school, specifically for the tennis courts. Tom played a 12 hour marathon against various opponents, including Addisons’s very own John McEnroe (in both looks and temperament) in the form of Paul Smith; and managed to raise £450.

Our next champion is Charlie Mawer of Spennithorne Cricket Club. Charlie and his team are just one example of all those dedicated groups who help keep traditional village cricket teams going throughout the region. The time that they selflessly donate in preparing the pitch, coaching the younger members

93

and organising the team is helping to keep cricket alive in our rural areas. Within such a team the younger players learn about discipline, commitment, working as a team and how to manage both triumph and disaster. And before I start to sound too much like Rudyard Kipling I would just like to add that the benefits of having a thriving cricket club within a village go far beyond the experience it gives to the young players, it also helps bond the community together and gives something to chat about in The Cover Bridge Inn afterwards. That is something that “Him up front” does know about! And I think you’ll agree with me when I say that Spennithorne has probably one of the most picturesque pitches in the land.

So who knows! We might just be developing our very own Ashes and Wimbledon winners of the future here in Teesdale and Wensleydale. And if we do, it will be down to the hard work and enthusiasm of the likes of Tom and Charlie. Not to mention all those fine teas prepared by Mrs Mawer!

Charlie Mawer.

The Spennithorne Cricket Team.

Number 13 Issue 3

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welcome to the

Study

Diary of Events Addisons Monday 2nd December Lanuch of Addison’s third edition of Number 13 magazine.

Number Twenty 2, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington. www.addisons-surveyors.co.uk

Raby Castle For more information on any of the events, including admission charges, please contact Raby Castle.

Staindrop, Darlington, DL2 3AH 01833 660202 www.rabycastle.com

Christmas Shop & Tearooms The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

Monday 25th November - Sunday 22nd December, daily 10am - 5pm The Gift Shop in the grounds of Raby Castle will be transformed once again to an Aladdin’s cave of all things Christmas!

Admission is free to the shop and tearooms, please note the Castle, Park and Gardens will be closed.

Raby Castle, Staindrop.

Saturday 30th November - Sunday 22nd December, Weekdays 3pm - 5pm Weekends 10am - 5pm Ticketed Event - Santa will be returning to his woodland grotto for another year, delighting children and adults alike. Each child will receive a gift, and there’s plenty of time to browse our Christmas Shop and Tearooms too. £8.00 per child (must be accompanied by an adult) Visits to Santa must be pre-booked in advance at www.rabycastle.com or by calling 01833 660461 / 660202.

The Bowes Museum For more information on any of the events, including admission charges, please contact The Bowes Museum.

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

Please call the Tearooms on 01833 660541 for further information.

Henry Poole & Co. Founder of Savile Row. The Art of Bespoke Tailoring and Wool Cloth

Raby Estates Christmas Trees

Until 11 May 2014

Saturday 30th November - Sunday 22nd December, daily 10am - 5pm

An exhibition to celebrate the craft of bespoke tailoring by Savile Row family, Henry Poole & Co. The company is also famous for creating the short dinner jacket which became known as the tuxedo.

Fresh cut Christmas trees, grown on the Raby Estate will be on sale from our outdoor display area. Choose from different varieties including: Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and Noble Fir. We’ll also be stocking a range of Christmas tree stands and wreaths.

Please call Head Forester Geoff Turnbull on 07967 695017 for information on Christmas Trees.

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Santa’s Grotto

Laura Ashley: The Romantic Heroine Until 5 January 2014 To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Laura Ashley label, this exhibition is curated by the Fashion Museum, Bath, in partnership with The Bowes Museum & Laura Ashley Ltd.

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How to Hide a Lion

Mini Illustrators - workshop

Until 9 February 2014

26 Jan Time 10.30 - 12.00 or 1.30 - 3.00 Cost £4.00 per child

This exhibition brings Helen Stephens’ entertaining stories to life. Children can find out how she writes her books and explore some of her original artwork. The exhibition is interactive and includes costumes, craft activities and games.

Laura Ashley and Me

Learn about being an illustrator with Helen Stephens before having a go yourself!

Booking required on 01833 690606.

Suitable for children 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom there is no charge for this event.

Date 3 December2013 Time 2.30

Gallery Talk

Join this gallery talk to hear women’s stories of how they came to own some of the dresses on show in the current Laura Ashley exhibition.

23 January 2014 Time 2.30 - 3.00 27 February 2014 Time 2.30 - 3.00 27 March Time 2.30 - 3.00

Savile Row Tailors Henry Poole & Co. - Demonstration 6 December 2013 Time 1.00 - 4.00 7 March Time 1.00 - 4.00 Enjoy a demonstration by tailoring staff to complement the current exhibition Henry Poole & Co. Founder of Savile Row, The Art of Bespoke Tailoring and Wool Cloth.

Painting Workshop - Christmas Tryptych 9 December 2013 Time 10.00 - 4.00 £35.00 Adults, £30.00 Friends of The Bowes Museum Join artist Linda Birch to construct a simple triptych from stiff card, based on the 3-part devotional boxes, before decorating inside with the Christmas story.

Booking required on 01833 690606.

Christmas Market 21 & 22 December 2013 Time 10.00 - 4.00 Everything you need for a delicious, hand crafted Christmas. Enjoy hot food, take home local produce for your seasonal table, and buy truly unique gifts from more than 100 stalls. Live music from local bands and choirs, children’s activities and Santa’s grotto complete the magical atmosphere of this wonderful festive event in the grounds of The Bowes Museum.

Join one of the curators for an introduction to the current exhibition Henry Poole & Co. Founder of Savile Row, The Art of Bespoke Tailoring and Wool Cloth.

The Witham Hall The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY For more information on any of the events listed below and future events please contact The Witham.

01833 631107 www.thewitham.org.uk

Lighthouse Theatre presents Dickens and Dylan at Christmas Tuesday 10 December 2013 7.30 pm £6 / £4 concessions

Funny Way To Be Comedy Club presents: Jason Cook and Friends Saturday 14 December 2013 8.00pm £12* (*advance price)

The Young’uns at Christmas Sunday 22 December 8.00 pm £12 / £10 concessions The Witham welcomes folk trio Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes & David Eagle

The Royal Northern Sinfonia Wednesday 8 January 2014 8.00pm £12 / £10 concessions

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.

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 380 651 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 829 100

Conversions: 1 metre = 3.28 feet 1 degree C = 33.8 degrees F 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 690 408 North House Surgery Hope Street, Crook 01388 762 945 The Friary Surgery Queen’s Road, Richmond 08444 996 637

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

Number 13 Issue 3

Save your wedding date for 2014 now or book your photography session by calling Caroline on 0780 313 6023.

Studio: The Stables, Sedbury Hall, Richmond (by appointment only)

Email: caroline@ photographywithcaroline.com Tel: 0780 313 6023

www.photo graphywith

caroline.com