Luxe Nov Dec 2014

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ISSUE 31 NOV/DEC14

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ISSUE 31 NOV/DEC14

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WELCOME

contents 10>> Do This ISSUE 31 NOV/DEC14 So I’ve had phase one of Christmas - the October version. A bit of fizz (rude not to), much sparkle and a garden’s-worth of foliage.

Recall the Indian summer, spilling over into early October and then picture us tatting about with armfuls of Christmas in its different guises as we prepared our various features and photoshoots for you.

Thus, we proudly present an abundance of inspiration served up with the trademark luxe cheer.

We’ve jazzed up a pele tower, cooked some lobster, made some macarons and sampled some eye-wateringly festive liqueurs. This all in the name of cranking up the Crimbo cheer with ideas for gifts you can make and give if you’ve got some time on your hands and a creative bone in your body.

If you haven’t, don’t despair, we’ve got some good buy-me gift ideas too - handy pages for you to casually leave out with a ‘want this’ Post-it note attached. And we’ve enlisted the help of a Teen Luxe as well as our Little Luxe to ensure that you get it right when you’re shopping for the tricky people!

Or, if you want a run-away moment we’ve found some truly cool houses to escape to, if not for Christmas itself then the days surrounding.

Can’t say that it was a devil of a day drooling over those pages in the name of research.

So we wish you much winter cheer and hope you have the time to sit back with a small sherry (it’s very on-trend) and leaf through our luxey pages.

We’ll be with you again in 2015, looking forward to that.

Your festive cultural life

18>> Si says Hairy Dieter back on his bike

25>> Light up Candles we want to light

26>> House party Get to grips with perfect dishes

31>> Sip & give Made-for-sharing drinks to brew

36>> Stable mate Coach house dining is delicious

38>> Shimmery fashion Dr Richard Kirk is a modern-day hero. He’s the man who saves little lives as a transplant surgeon at the Freeman Hospital.

His luxe things in life include walks with Oscar the dog at Newton by the Sea, the annual CHUF fund-raising ball awash with celebrity supporters - and his Range Rover Evoque.

Glow for it party-style

50>> Good gifting Luxey ideas they’ll love

64>> Twinkling tower All white for the big day

68>> Full-on foliage Get to the garden for inspiration

74>> Luxe Local What’s going on in Corbridge?

80>> Cashmere socks Pop them on and feet up here

84>> Little Luxe Teeny tidings of comfort and joy

86>> Hi Charlie Dan Robinson takes the plunge

Kathryn Armstrong Editor kathryn@room501.co.uk Twitter @TheLuxeMagazine

87>> Golf The ultimate tee-off

88>> Drive away Want-for-Christmas motors with Bob

THE 501 TEAM What makes your days all merry & bright Christopher March managing director chris@room501.co.uk The sunshine! Everything is better when the sun shines

Cherylle Millard-Dawe runs Propology in Alnwick, selling everything from houses to a homebird lifestyle. She styled our ‘twinkling tower’ interiors shoot. Her luxe things in life: Nespresso coffee machine, her campervan for civilised country picnics and Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque.

92>> Luxe Looks Our must-read people-spotting social diary

98>> Parting Shot

Bryan Hoare sales and marketing director bryan@room501.co.uk Four-month-old Alfie, even at 3am EDITORIAL Kathryn Armstrong editor kathryn@room501.co.uk The thought of all my Christmases being white Katharine Capocci sub-editor Treaty glass of chilled Champagne Fiona McLain fashion assistant A good fresh coffee brew, not bright without it DESIGN David Stubbs davids@room501.co.uk Seeing my nieces open their presents on Christmas Day Sarah MacNeil sarah@room501.co.uk Seeing the children’s faces light up when Santa’s been Sophie Murphy sophie@room501.co.uk Christmas Eve out with the girls is always merry PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Beer!

Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk A bacon sandwich being made for me SALES Lisa Anderson lisa@room501.co.uk All my family round the table for a big Christmas dinner

For advertising call the sales team on 0191 426 6300.

Mick Holland is the man to sort your festive feasting - whether it’s a hearty hash or a lobster lunch. He gives us some great ideas for dishes to impress your guests.

His luxe things in life include: That first cup of tea in the morning, a good sharp knife, and a sunny day dog walk on Beadnell beach.

Debi Coldwell debi@room501.co.uk My husband does a ‘dance of the day’ every morning!

room501 Ltd, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT www.room501.co.uk room501 was formed from a partnership of directors who, combined, have many years of experience in contract publishing, print, marketing, sales and advertising and distribution. We are a passionate, dedicated company that strives to help you to meet your overall business needs and requirements. All contents copyright ©2014 room501 Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, November 2014.

luxe is published bi-monthly by room501 Ltd.

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LUXE LIFE

CHARLOTTE DRURY Charlotte Drury lives a life of handbags and shoes – poor thing. She is a bag and footwear buyer for North East company, Charles Clinkard. She’s in the right job, a lover of luxury who delights in finding indulgent accessories for discerning women across the UK LUXE PEOPLE >> I have an amazing family and group of friends. I am also lucky that I get to work with a great group of people every day. Charles Clinkard is still a very family-orientated company. Managing director Charles is always available for support on all aspects of the business. My role has developed from merchandising to buying and I’ve learned a lot from his vast experience.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Paris. It’s the perfect combination of sight-seeing, shopping and amazing food. I love the Parisian style and brands. One of the things on my bucket list is to attend fashion week in Paris.

A long holiday > Miami. My boyfriend and I have been the last two summers. I love the art deco buildings on South Beach, the shops and restaurants on Lincoln Road and the sun!

A treat > A spa break to switch off from everything.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Lobster spaghetti which I had on a buying trip in Milan.

Best wine > I am partial to a couple of glasses of Prosecco on a weekend.

Favourite restaurant > I work in Manchester quite a lot so after a long day buying I love to go to Cicchetti.

It serves small Italian dishes and has the most amazing dessert with melted chocolate and hazelnut sauce.

Perfect weekend > Shopping with my mum, catching up with the girls and spending time with my boyfriend.

Downtime means > I am addicted to Pinterest, Instagram and fashion blogs. It’s great for keeping up to date on the latest trends and brands.

Best telly > Prison Break and Breaking Bad but my guilty pleasure is Keeping up with the Kardashians.

Best book > Something light-hearted from Sophie Kinsella.

Best sounds > Anything from Emeli Sande to Kayne West.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > London as there’s the best of everything - designer, high street and vintage.

Favourite shop > For clothes, Whistles and Sandro.

Luxe retail treat > An afternoon in Selfridges with my mum - and an unlimited budget!

Best buy > Louis Vuitton Neverfull Shopper. Great for work, travel, shopping and I even use it as a beach bag.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable day out > This year Charles Clinkard celebrated its 90th anniversary and to mark this the company arranged a day out at York races for suppliers, head office staff and branch staff. Everyone in the office was trying to avoid buying the same pair of shoes! It was a fantastic day with lots to celebrate.

Perfect party > Mum and dad always have a party over Christmas. It’s great to catch up with family and friends.

Best dress > A Helmut Lang black dress.

Dinner date > My boyfriend. One of our favourite places is Café Lilli in Norton.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Apart from family, the world of fashion! It’s fun, creative, exciting and always changing.

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10% off your first online purchse. T&CS APLLY www.psyche.co.uk

NEW 2014/15 NEW COLLECTIONS COLLECTIONS 2014/15 Other brands include Hugo Boss, Pretty Green, Paul & Shark, and J. Lindeberg.

Other brands include Hugo Boss, Pretty Green, Paul & Shark, and J. Lindeberg.

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Wrist candy The kind of wrapping you really want this Christmas. London Road’s Bloomsbury bracelet collection in garnet, amethyst and topaz, £195 each. Available from Davidsons the Jewellers, Newcastle. www.davidsonsthejewellers.co.uk

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NOV/DEC14

First for girls.

AN OUTSTANDING CURRICULUM. A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. A RICH HERITAGE IN EDUCATION. Education is more than studying Mathematics and reading English, it also takes understanding and support to help a girl grow, discover and pursue her passions. Well connected and exclusively for girls, our heritage and expertise have helped girls to develop into independent and principled young women for over 130 years.

Newcastle High School for Girls

T: 0191 201 6511 E: j.howe@ncl.gdst.net newcastlehigh.gdst.net

DO THIS

stay in >> go out >> enjoy Festive and more, let’s get to grips with your cultural needs

STAR STRUCK

A rarely-seen photograph of Vivien Leigh and husband Laurence Olivier at a garden party forms the centrepiece of Starring Vivien Leigh, an exhibition capturing one of the most famous actors of the 20th century with images by Cecil Beaton, Angus McBean, Norman Parkinson, Laszlo Willinger and Madame Yevonde.

The photograph of Leigh and Olivier was taken by photojournalist Larry Burrows at the height of her fame in 1949 and shows the couple attending a theatrical garden party, addressing the crowd through a megaphone. The photograph had never been seen before it was given to the National Portrait Gallery by Burrows’ family in 2013.

Other images capture Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind, performing in A Streetcar Named Desire alongside Marlon Brando, and giving her first, un-credited film performance in Things Are Looking Up in 1934. www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing-art-gallery

UNTIL FEBRUARY

Julian Opie is an artist to make you sit up and think – and have a bit of a giggle. His style is minimalist line portraits and animated walking figures.

Little ones will love his peeing boy!

Bowes Museum is showing his works until February in a variety of media including paintings, prints, LEDs and video as well as more recent experiments in mosaic and sculpture. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

NOVEMBER

Music lovers will be out in force for the annual Northumberland Music Festival with a host of lunchtime and evening performances of opera, orchestral and traditional music. It supports Hospice Care North Northumberland. Ticket prices start from £35, which includes a welcome drink, two-course dinner and concert.

Doxford Hall Hotel, Eshott Hall Hotel and Guyzance Hall. www.northumberlandmusicfestival.com

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22 NOVEMBER

Get an early festive pressie from Joe McElderry who plays Mill Volvo Theatre, Newcastle with a Christmas-themed concert performing songs from his Classical Christmas Album. www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk

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NOVEMBER

The internationally-acclaimed stage sensation, Jersey Boys, is in Sunderland with the smash hit musical that tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 175 million records worldwide. www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

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Glam up for one of the glossiest nights on the region’s social calendar. Think ballgowns and bubbles – in support of the Toma fund for its annual fundraiser at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel. Toma supports children and their families whose lives have been affected by the diagnosis of childhood cancers. www.tomafund.org

NOVEMBER

See members of SAFC’s first team take to the catwalk in aid of the Foundation of Light. Guests will also enjoy an evening of fine dining, as well as the chance to take part in a host of fun, circus-themed games, in this glamorous charity night.

For more information or to book please call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com

14-30

Anthony Marshall’s paintings of urban, rural and coastal scenes headline Biscuit Factory’s winter exhibition. Drawing his inspiration from the observations of everyday life, his artistic touch is unusual and distinctive. Alongside Anthony a further 250 artists showcase their work with a great opportunity for visitors to purchase a real unique piece - everything from decorations, cards, jewellery and home-wares to paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles and bronze. www.thebiscuitfactory.com Martha Mitchell Coasters, £15

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NOVEMBER

A Great Gatsby Style evening of fizz, food and live music to raise money for WaterAid is taking place at Barluga, Newcastle. The Boys of Brass, a five-piece brass group, will deliver a spectacular show with vocals from Daymon Britton and Alex Scott. Fizz and canapés will be served with table tapas served throughout the evening.

1920s vintage glam and dancing shoes is the dress code. www.wateraid.org/uk

NOVEMBER

St Oswald’s Hospice will be transformed into a Fairytale Forest for its annual Christmas market. Stalls will include handmade arts and crafts, children’s toys, Christmas gifts for the whole family and local food and drink. There will be a Santa’s grotto for children, with a gift for each child, carol singers to entertain the crowds and mulled wine to keep the thirst at bay. In keeping with the theme, there will be some special furry guests on hand to bring the festive Fairytale Forest to life. www.facebook.com/stoswaldshospice

NOVEMBER

The Alternative Christmas Market has 50 stalls representing the best of the North East’s charitable, upcycled, recycled, ethical and locally-sourced goods.

From larger organisations like Oxfam and Traidcraft to smaller producers showcasing jewellery from Nepal, or upcycled furniture and knitwear, this is the place to buy original and ethical gifts this Christmas.

The market takes place at Holy Trinity Church, Jesmond - just at the corner of Jesmond Dene. Admission is free but there’s also a number of fairtrade food stalls and fairtrade cafe. www.htj.org.uk/the-alternative-christmasmarket.php

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NOVEMBER The North East’s biggest pop party, ‘Metro Radio Christmas Live’ will be headlined by Ed Sheeran with a line-up including Nicole Scherzinger. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

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From 15-29 November Grey’s Monument welcomes the International Christmas Market, and from 3-7 December you’ll find the Winter Christmas Market there, selling everything from alpaca hats to Christmas cakes, as well as incorporating the regular Farmers’ Market on Friday 5.

Alnwick Garden hosts a festive market every weekend from the end of November until Christmas. The market hosts a selection of handmade, artisan and traditional gifts and offers shoppers the chance to indulge in festive nibbles and live caroling.

29 NOVEMBER If you love art, designer makes and the chance to find a gift with a difference, the place to be is Loveartnortheast at St Nicholas’ Cathedral Christmas Arts Fair. The talented people who make up the Jesmond Dene Market (happening Sat 6 Dec at the Dene Visitor Centre), will be at the catherdral’s atmospheric festive showcase.

29-30 NOVEMBER

Gather gorgeous arty gifts at the Ouseburn Open Studios event where venues open their doors, offering a unique chance to glimpse into the working world of over 200 artists and designer-makers. There’s a huge variety of affordable and original work to buy, from paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, furniture, prints, and much more to suit everyone’s taste. With live music, delicious food and interactive workshops. www.ouseburnopenstudios.org

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER Discover the magic of Christmas aboard The Polar Express train ride at County Durham’s Weardale Railway this winter, inspired by the hit film. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pyjama-clad passengers will relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life as they are whisked away aboard The Polar Express on a magical round trip to the North Pole. www.ukpolarexpressride.com

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DECEMBER

Durham’s award-winning Christmas Festival runs for three days with a wide range of festive entertainment for all the family in and around the cathedral and the castle.

There’s a huge, heated Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green and in the Cathedral Cloisters, a Local Food Producers Market features more than 30 traders. www.thisisdurham.com

DECEMBER 1

Durham School is well-known for its high musical standards. Tonight the school makes its fourth appearance in Sage Hall One, marking the last major event of its 600th anniversary year. An exhilarating evening of music-making, in which every pupil takes part. www.sagegateshead.com

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DECEMBER

Helmsley is a lovely, Christmassy spot so it’s well worth a trip to the town’s Christmas Tree Festival in Helmsley’s historic All Saints Church, where 30 locally-sourced 6ft trees will be on display, decorated by different businesses and organisations from the town along the theme of “An Iconic Christmas”. The town also hosts a Festive Fun Day with a pop-up ice rink at The Black Swan on the town’s picturesque Market Place.

6&7 Durham Cathedral Carols for All services take place on both Saturday and Sunday.

A Children’s Lantern Procession takes place on Saturday, leaving the Market Place at 3.30pm and arriving at the cathedral for the St Nicholas Service at 4.10pm. Lanterns can be booked for children at a cost of £3 per lantern and battery-operated candle.

DECEMBER

Sunderland’s Santa Run will put hundreds of rosy-cheeked, red-faced Santas through their paces as Mowbray Park plays host to a double serving of festive challenges catering for all ages. For all lovers of sweet things out there, the Chocolate Santa Run may be just the delicious Christmas treat you’re looking for. www.sunderlandlive.co.uk

DECEMBER

The West End smash We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to ARC, Stockton for a trek through the swishy, swampy jungle as the explorers try to find a special bear, and Arthur’s Dream Boat will whisk away children and adults alike as Arthur travels the seas with his friends on an imaginary boat journey. On Saturday 6 December tiny tots can dress up in their festive best and bop along to the Groovy Christmas Party, held by Teesside-based baby disco organisers Groovy Babies. www.arconline.co.uk

DECEMBER

Get reindeer ready on a magical adventure at Whitworth Hall Reindeer Park in County Durham. Highly trained ‘Elf Guides’ are jetting in from the North Pole to take families on a magical adventure that includes meeting Santa and Mrs Claus, the Snow Queen and take a ride on a Santa Express train. You can even feed the reindeer. www.enchanted-christmas.com

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DECEMBER

Sage Gateshead’s 10th birthday bash sees Beverley Knight in concert. Hot-footing it from London’s West End (where she’s currently starring in the Tony Awardwinning musical Memphis) Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight gets the tenth birthday party started. Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday Party runs from 16 to 21 December and will also feature concerts from Royal Northern Sinfonia, Paul Smith from Maximo Park and Peter Brewis from Field Music, folk wunderkind Eliza Carthy will be in town along with two ceilidhs and Northern Lights ‘Winter Edition’ with Above & Beyond will transform Sage Gateshead into an all-night superclub. www.sagegateshead.com

DECEMBER

Sail away with your fave 80s band – we kid you not – be set adrift with The Christians and their 80s hits on a “North Sea Sounds” weekend mini cruise, Newcastle to Amsterdam.

The Christians play 12 December. Prices from £59 for concert, two nights on board plus a day in Amsterdam. www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/mini-cruisebreaks/themed-mini-cruises/music-cruise

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Warming crepes as you shop – a pop-up creperie is our kind of Christmas spirit. That’s how they do things at RE in Corbridge for the fabled Corbridge late-night shopping night. www.re-foundobjects.com

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

Enchanted Parks will once again transform Saltwell Park into a magical winter wonderland and you can be sure of a few surprises. With this year’s theme of The StarGazer of Saltwell, taking inspiration from the stars and planets, this year’s event will bring to life the tale of Estella, who lived inside Saltwell Towers and dreams of a life amongst the stars. www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival

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20&21 DECEMBER

Everything you need for a delicious, hand-crafted Christmas at Bowes Museum Christmas Market. Enjoy hot food, take home local produce for your seasonal table, and buy unique gifts from a selection of stalls. Live music from local bands and choirs, children’s activities and Santa’s grotto complete the magical atmosphere in the museum grounds. www.bowesemuseum.org.uk

DECEMBER

Stars from across the country will be returning to Newcastle in support of an annual concert to raise money for the North East Teenage Cancer Trust. The third ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ concert will take place at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle with celebrity performances alongside carols and readings to celebrate Christmas. The concert will again be produced by Ray Laidlaw who, as well as being one of the founding members of the North East band Lindisfarne, also produces the bi-annual Sunday for Sammy concert and a number of other productions.

Other companies wishing to get involved by way of sponsorship or buying VIP tickets can email jonathanwallis@georgefwhite.co. uk. Tickets, £13 are available through Newcastle City Hall. www.newcastlecityhall.org Call 0191 2778030.

22 DECEMBER

Love the sound of the festive classic The Snowman at Sage. Alan Fearon conducts Royal Northern Sinfonia with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Snowman. There are also family lunches with the characters available in the brasserie. A family concert ticket is available for £50. (4 tickets to include at least 1 adult and 1 child).

Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 to book – not available online.

DECEMBER Glass in The Garden is a collaboration between The Alnwick Garden and The National Glass Centre where visitors have made 1000 glass baubles as part of a unique project to create a glass installation within the garden. www.alnwickgarden.com

NOV/DEC14

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DECEMBER 14 2014

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NOV/DEC14

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT WITH JOHN DANCE

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DECEMBER

Ooze into the festivities with the Christmas classic The Nutcracker, performed by Russia’s famous Bolshoi Ballet screened live from London to ARC’s cinema, performed along to Tchaikovsky’s recognisable theme. www.arconline.co.uk

DECEMBER THE NEW NORMAL Ever since the credit crunch gripped economies and investment markets in 2008 and 2009 policy makers around the world have been conducting the biggest economic experiment in history. Whilst Quantitative Easing was not an entirely new concept, its use in major economies and on such an enormous scale was a first and how effective it would be, how long it needed to last and what the side effects would be were unknown.

Quantitative Easing (QE) is a measure to stimulate an economy when it is no longer functioning efficiently and involves buying specified financial assets, usually bonds, from markets and institutions using newly created money. This practice forces up the prices of the assets and lowers their yields, effectively lowering short-term interest rates and expanding the monetary base. As a consequence of the new money circulating around banks, investors and institutions are forced to take risks to achieve a return and eventually it finds its way in to the real economy giving it a boost.

The Bank of England and US Federal Reserve have bought over $5 trillion in assets between them since 2009.

It was initially thought that by creating false demand and also by weakening currencies that QE would be mega-inflationary, however that has not been the case; weak economic fundamentals have kept inflation very much in check and it appears that economies remain rather fragile. Over the last year central bankers and prominent economists have painted a picture of the future regarding interest rate cycles and warned us to expect shorter cycles with lower peak interest rates. This scenario has been described as ‘The New Normal’ and instead of expecting peak rates of 5% and more that we have seen previously, that we should now expect peaks of nearer 3% to 3.5%.

By setting interest rates at such historical lows suddenly even 0.25% movements in base rates are relatively large increases and will make big differences to corporate and personal outgoings and thus it is easy to buy in to this concept of lower peaks for at least the next couple of interest rate cycles.

Frequently this year we have looked at equity market valuations and using a traditional multiple of underlying earnings we scratch our head at how ‘pricey’ they are, especially with the multitude of issues they have had to cope with this year. Issues such as the tensions in Eastern Europe, developments in the Middle East, Scottish Referendum results and not to mention a poor economic picture in China and Europe.

Equities, and in fact all risk assets, are usually priced based upon requiring extra return for the additional units of risk you are taking by investing in them and if for example you traditionally used a multiple of 14x earnings as a fair valuation point you are effectively demanding an earnings yield of just over 7%. However if we believe that a ‘New Normal’ exists in interest rates and supposed risk-free rates then perhaps it makes sense that we should be reducing our demands as far as an earnings yield for equities is concerned to say 5.5%. That would equate to an earnings multiple of 18x, quite the leap, and certainly makes today’s global equity market valuations easier to understand, and easier to stomach too.

The point being that if a ‘New Normal’ really does exist as far as interest rate cycles are concerned, then we need to consider a ‘New Normal’ for so much more. Whether that be savings rates, bond yields, property prices or equity valuations it seems our perceptions and interpretations of what represents value may be about to change for quite some time.

John Dance is CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Vertem Asset Management.

Call 0191 341 0280 or email johnd@verterm.co.uk Visit www.vertem.co.uk

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Alnwick Castle is one of the properties that feature in the new coffee-table-friendly tome, Great Houses of England and Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd and Christopher Simon Sykes. It features stunning exterior and interior photography of 32 of the most impressive great houses – including Highclere – known as Downton – and Castle Howard and charts the evolution of these buildings, as well as the history of the families who live in each.

14 MARCH

The phenomenon that is Frozen might be lost on some people – but to others the thought of Sing-a-long-a Frozen is even better than Christmas. The unique, interactive screening of the Frozen rolls into Sunderland Empire 14 March 2015 as part of a national UK tour. Sit back for Frozen with lyrics on screen and dress up! www.singalonga.net/frozen

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DECEMBER

Rockliffe Hall welcomes 2015 at a glistening and glittering “A night at the Oscars” Black Tie Ball. Arrive down the red carpet and have your photos taken for the glossy magazines; will you make the front cover?

Get the party started with a champagne and canapés reception in the Rockliffe Lounge, before seating to enjoy a fourcourse New Year’s Eve banquet. Live entertainment is provided throughout the evening, including a band until the big countdown, where guests are joined by the resident piper for Auld Lang Syne.

The New Year celebrations will be followed by a disco and late night bacon rolls to keep the party going ‘til the early hours. www.rockliffehall.com

UNTIL JANUARY

British artist Gail Pickering’s new work at BALTIC is the multi-screen video installation Near Real Time 2014, which ricochets and reverberates across the gallery space, generating afterimages punctuated by blackouts and interruptions. The audience is guided by a single voice through which all the on-screen characters mouth a shared monologue. www.balticmill.com

SAIL AWAY

WIN tickets for fun with Arthur

Arthur’s Dream Boat is a lovely feel-good, happy tale for youngsters at ARC, Stockton Arts Centre, part of a jam-packed Christmas calendar this year.

It’s a magical show and the perfect Christmas treat for children, mixing playful theatre with breath-taking puppets and outstanding music. Everyone is invited to sing, shout and dance along with Arthur and his family on the imaginary dream boat! We have a family ticket for four to win to get you in the festive family spirit.

The show was adapted from the book by award-winning Polly Dunbar (as seen on CBeebies’ Tilly And Friends) and brought colourfully to life by Long Nose Puppets with enchanting music from Tom Gray, of the Mercury Award winning band Gomez.

Details of the performances, ticket prices and times can be found at www.arconline.co.uk For a chance to enter the prize draw send your details to us at: prizedrawluxe@gmail.com. Closing date December 1.

NOV/DEC14

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The best way to experience life at Red House is to come and visit the school.

Come along to our Open Morning or arrange an individual appointment at a convenient time for you.

Contact Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions for further information.

T: (01642) 553370 E: claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk

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NOV/DEC14

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BE TICKLED

Flamboyant feathers Feathers have always meant fashion finery. An exhibition explores the passion for the plume Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten and Jean Paul Gaultier are known for the theatre and flamboyance of their catwalk designs.

Nothing spells theatrical extravagance like a bold plume of feathers – and a dramatic and striking new exhibition at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle throws the spotlight on the use of feathers in fashion.

Birds of Paradise – Plumes and Feathers in Fashion opened at the museum’s award-winning Fashion & Textile Gallery in October; the only UK venue for the exhibition.

It is a tribute to the elegance of feathers used in the fashion industry past and present, featuring extravagant catwalk creations from British, Belgian, French and Italian designers including McQueen, Van Noten and Gaultier, as well as Thierry Mugler, Balenciaga, Prada and Gucci.

Thanks to their beauty, fragility and value, feathers and plumes had various connotations and were used throughout history in fashionable dress, both as an accessory and as part of the entire silhouette. The exhibition, organised by MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp, addresses aspects such as luxury, modernism, femininity, lightness, and also themes of lost innocence and dark romance.

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“Whereas in the past, feathers were generally appreciated for their value and refinement, contemporary designers now see them as an expression of freedom and spirituality,” said the museum’s Keeper of Textiles, Joanna Hashagen, who is curating the show with MoMu curators Karen Van Godtsenhoven and Wim Mertens.

The exhibition features the ancient profession of plumassier in cooperation with the Parisian Maison Lemarié, one of the last traditional feather studios. This fashion house has specialised in processing plumes, primarily for French haute couture, since 1880. Maison Lemarié is making samples of its beautiful feather work especially for this exhibition.

The fashion for feathers as accessories is also revealed with tantalising displays of fans, hats, including a number

by Stephen Jones, and sumptuous feather shoes from Roger Vivier.

“It will also demonstrate that thanks to design houses such as Alexander McQueen and Dries Van Noten feathers are firmly back on the fashion agenda and once again featuring strongly on the catwalk,” said Joanna.

Birds of Paradise – Plumes & Feathers in Fashion runs until 19 April 2015 www.bowesmuseum.org

NOV/DEC14

ADVERTORIAL

Sisters are Doing it for Themselves A recent study suggested that the number of households in which women are paid more than men has increased fivefold in the space of a generation. Where divorce occurs in such households, it has been suggested that the women are “aggrieved” at the level of financial settlement awarded to the lower paid husbands.

Whilst a number of men may feel this is simply a deserved case of role reversal, the complaint levelled by these women was that the Court failed to take into account the inequality in domestic roles between the spouses, and specifically that even when women work long hours with increased responsibility, the husbands’ participation in domestic chores has not proportionally increased, leaving the women effectively with two jobs instead of one.

Whilst the gender role, and indeed stereotype, argument could rumble on indefinitely, another interesting statistic reflecting this brave new world has emerged: family lawyers are reporting an upsurge in requests for prenuptial agreements from women.

Although the majority of instructions remain male driven, it seems the amount of instructions from women has increased fivefold in the last three years. In the age of

the entrepreneur, it seems that young women who have established their own business are keen to protect their future assets and business stability.

Much of this change in attitude has been attributed to the decision in the landmark Radmacher case, in which the Supreme Court enforced the terms of the parties’ prenuptial

I know some people think of pre-nuptial agreements as being unromantic, but for us it was meant to be a way of proving you are marrying only for love

agreement, thus protecting a German heiress’s fortune.

Ms Radmacher (the heiress in question) pointed out that in her home country of Germany, and in that of her former husband, France, such agreements “are entirely normal and routine” - whereas in this country, they have popularly been viewed as the realms of the wealthy and the famous.

The growing trend, however, demonstrates a more practical and forward-thinking attitude towards prenuptial agreements, with an acknowledgement that they can actively reduce dispute and can represent effective business planning to protect the growth, structure and success of a business should the marriage of the business owner break down.

A prenuptial agreement can set out the division of income, assets and pensions in the event of a divorce as well as ring-fencing money and assets received by one of the parties from their parents , for instance as a gift as part of inheritance planning.

Whilst the decision in the Radmacher case did not go so far as to declare prenuptial agreements unequivocally enforceable, it has firmly established the presumption that parties entering into such agreements ”will intend that effect be given to them”. The Court retains a discretion whether to uphold the terms of a pre-nuptial agreement, but this is entirely in keeping with the overall role and position of the Court within divorce and family proceedings.

On the basis that the cost of preparing and executing a formal prenuptial agreement, including both parties obtaining independent legal advice, is likely to be a mere fraction of the costs which would be incurred in fighting over the division of assets at the divorce stage, you have to ask yourself if you can afford not to consider a prenuptial agreement.

Joanne Major is the Principal at Major Family Law, the Divorce and Family Law Specialists, 12 West Road, Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Tel: 01661 824582 www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk. Twitter: @majorfamilylaw

New Taste, New Look

Morning Coffee Lunch Afternoon Tea À la Carte Private Dining Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, TS22 5NF | Tel: 01740 644 811 | www.wynyardhall.co.uk

NOV/DEC14

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Life is sweet, but with a bit less salt, for Hairy Dieter Si King, back on his beloved bike after a scary year when he nearly died from a brain aneurysm.

Time to slow the pace just a little bit, he tells Kathryn Armstrong

All revved up

GEAR CHANGE

GEAR CHANGE

Si King is his usual ebullient self as he recounts his recovery from a life-threatening brain aneurysm earlier this year, his ‘very big headache’.

“Of course I’ve been back on the bike, it was a wonderful moment: it was great, that freedom again,” he says of the day he was able to climb back into his leathers, rev up and ride away without a backward glance.

A moment that if not a milestone, was a stepping stone on his highway to health after an emergency almost as bad as they get.

“I was watching the rugby on a Saturday afternoon, I had a pain that felt like a rusty nail being banged through my head.”

He called a taxi, knowing something was very wrong, and got himself to Newcastle’s RVI. “If I hadn’t done that, I would have been dead, no question.

He was rushed into a side room, away from any possibility of invasive phone cameras, and as he says, “the blue lights went off.

“It was an emergency, I was stabilised overnight and Monday it was time to operate. You feel very vulnerable, yes, I thought I might die.”

Si, 47, who lives in Rowlands Gill, had suffered a brain aneurysm, a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. As blood passes through the weakened vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon. If it ruptures then it causes a brain haemorrhage.

“If it had gone pop then I would have been gone. I feel as though I have had another bite of the cherry,” he says “I was incredibly lucky to wake up in intensive care in a place I love and see Janey (Si’s wife) and my family there.

It hones down what is important.

“The RVI is my best friend. A great bunch of people and I am so grateful for the integrity and care I had – they were a fantastic team of professionals. We’re privileged to have the NHS, I needed it and it was there.”

It goes without saying that the health scare was a huge shock for Si’s family – he has three sons, Dylan, a musician, Alex, a tree surgeon, and James, still at school, not to mention his ‘brother’ Dave Myers, his hairy ‘other half’.

“I came round in intensive care and Janey and Dave were by the bed; he said ‘what have you done to us’. I asked him to go and get me a pork pie.

“He’s been an enormous support to me, he’s like my brother, a relationship that transcends friendship. He’s kept on working on his own to keep our profile going – now he’s off to star as Baron Hardup in panto in Reading – can’t wait to go and see that!”

The boys have become a publishing sensation with their best-selling Hairy Dieters cookbook – the latest, Good Eating, tops the book charts as we write.

Their well-documented weight loss has inspired millions and their commonsense approach to healthy living shows that the recipes work, Si is adamant that had he not been in such good shape then he might not have survived his aneurysm.

“If I hadn’t lost weight then I would have been in more trouble, I do believe that.

“The aneurysm was the cumulative effect of numerous factors. High blood pressure is genetic for example. Salt is another factor.

“I would say to people to get their blood pressure checked – it is a silent killer.

“But in terms of what we eat, the fact is that we love our food and it reflects our character and personality. We have a zest for food but sometimes the best investment people can make is in themselves so they can do their bit to be around to see their family grow.

“Our books are about cooking differently but they’re not ‘diet’ books. Same food, cooked with a difference. We cooked a ten-course tasting menu of our recipes – and guess what – no-one could tell the difference.

“The fact is, diet food is bland, it’s pants. Ours isn’t, which is why the book is number one!”

Which brings us on to the thorny issue of hospital food.

Might Si be the one to do a re-vamp of hospital food on the scale of Jamie and his school dinners?

“In hospitals people are trying to repair bodies and to do that a body needs good food. Food is getting shipped from one side of the country to the other – it’s nothing to do with local management, it’s about contracts, the system.

“Numbers take over and people’s wants or needs go by the by.

NOV/DEC14

In terms of what we eat, the fact is that we love our food and it reflects our character and personality. We have a zest for food but sometimes the best investment people can make is in themselves

“What’s to stop hospitals making big vats of mince and dumplings, home-made soup, shepherd’s pie? Simple stuff, good food to heal the body?”

So as he skips back to full health, the pork pies are off the menu for now. He can do better than that – the day’s lunch before we spoke consisted of an enviable round of devilled kidneys on sourdough toast. Very nice too.

He and Dave will be back on the road in spring as they head to the Baltic states for another food series.

He’s getting up to speed but recognises that something has to give.

“I certainly have a heightened appreciation of life but it’s not possible to live life as you did at 150mph.

Maybe 100mph.

“I don’t drink as much as I did and I’m in bed before midnight now.

“I have levels of fatigue that I can’t push through, that might take years to change. I can do it but I pay for it in terms of being knackered which is why it’s going to be March before we head off again.

“It’s had its advantages – being a ‘drive diva’ as the kids ferry me about for a change.”

Christmas will mean the family round the table at home then jetting off to Florence to see Si’s sister Jen who lives there.

She’s a retired child protection professional and Si and the family visit often; they’re looking forward to wandering the streets of the Italian city out of season.

Meanwhile at home Si’s got time for now to explore the burgeoning food scene in Newcastle, excited by the growing culture of artisan food, loving trips to his favourite craft beer haunt, Rehills in Jesmond, and planning a visit to Peace & Loaf soon. >>

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GEAR CHANGE He’ll fit in nicely with the bearded masses: “The beard looks like a badger’s arse at the moment. Still if you keep something long enough it comes back into fashion.”

HAIRY HELP >> Si King is supporting the Crisis Christmas Party initiative and launched the campaign in the region with a lunch in Newcastle. The campaign, with Jo Brand as its national face, encourages individuals and businesses to host fundraising Christmas parties. “Great to be able to support this,” says Si. “I’ve got some time on my hands and so if it helps and raises consciousness for the charity then I’m happy

to help, it’s just what you do if you can.“ Sign up for a party pack to host an event between 8 – 14 December. Each pack has recipes by famous chefs like the Hairy Bikers, Michel Roux Jnr and Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall. All of the money raised in the North East will support the Newcastle Skylight training centre where homeless people can get support, learn new skills, get advice about finding a home and finding paid-employment.

Sign up for a party pack at www.crisis.org.uk/christmasparty It includes games, invitations, fundraising ideas and Rick Stein’s ginger biscuit recipe!

L AM B D H A N S A K > > Cook Si’s calorie-friendly curry. 336 calories per portion “This is a proper curry and we’ve trimmed the calories while keeping it punchy and delicious. Although we love curry pastes, we’ve discovered that they’re higher in calories than powder.”

Ingredients >> (Serves 6) Prep: 20 minutes Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 large onions, thinly sliced 750g lean lamb leg meat, diced 20g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2 tbsp medium curry powder 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 tsp turmeric 2 bay leaves 150g red lentils Half butternut squash, cut into large chunks Juice of 1 lime Handful of chopped coriander leaves, to garnish Flaked sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

Of course I’ve been back on the bike, it was a wonderful moment: it was great, that freedom again

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Method >> Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or heavy-based saucepan. Add the onions and cook over a low heat until they have softened but not browned. This should take about 15 minutes. Turn up the heat slightly and add the lamb, ginger, garlic and chillies. Sprinkle all the spices over the meat and season with salt and pepper. Stir for a couple of minutes until the lamb is well coated with spices.

Add the bay leaves and the red lentils, then pour in 700ml water. Slowly bring to the boil, turn the heat down and leave to simmer for an hour. Add the butternut squash and cook for another half an hour, then remove the lid and leave the curry to simmer, uncovered, for another 15 minutes.

Check the seasoning, add the lime juice and sprinkle with chopped coriander before serving. Lovely served with some cauliflower rice.

FREEZE! This freezes well. The flavours of the ginger and garlic will intensify on freezing, but in a good way. Just be careful when defrosting and reheating not to stir too much, as cooked, frozen lamb has a tendency to shred. To avoid soggy butternut squash, prepare the dish up to the point that the butternut squash is added, then freeze and add the squash when reheating.

The Hairy Dieters Good Eating Book 3, published

by Orion Books

NOV/DEC14

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LUXE LIFE

CHELSEA HALFPENNY Actress Chelsea Halfpenny, 23, is best known for her role as Amy Wyatt in the ITV soap Emmerdale.

The niece of actress Jill Halfpenny, Chelsea is originally from Gateshead, but now lives in London.

She will be performing at this year’s Christmas at the Cathedral concert in support of the North East Teenage Cancer Trust at St Nicholas Cathedral LUXE PEOPLE >> Definitely my family - I’m really family-orientated and love nothing more than a family get-together. I also make a lot of time for friends and my boyfriend.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I recently went to Brighton and absolutely loved it. It’s a great place for music, food and the arts, especially in the summer. It’s buzzing. I also love Amsterdam and the quirkiness of it. I’d love a weekend in New York.

A long holiday > The only place I’ve been for longer than a week was to Florida, and that was great. I’ve not been anywhere too exotic, but I do like a nice relaxing beachy holiday. I’d love to go to Hawaii or Mexico.

A treat > Spa weekends. I recently went to one in Kent with my boyfriend. We had spa treatments, swam in the Roman Bath-style pool, and had a lovely dinner.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > My favourite food is Asian. I could eat Japanese or Thai every day of the week. On the other hand, nothing beats a good slice of tiger bread toast!

Best wine > I’m not a massive wine drinker. If I ever drink it, I usually have Grenache rose. I’m more of a G&T kind of gal!

Favourite restaurant > A Thai one in Leeds called Chaophraya.

It does the most amazing Thai food and the interior of the restaurant is beautiful. I also love Home Slice in London where they do huge pizzas with loads of delicious toppings.

Perfect weekend > A chilled Friday night, candles on, watch a film, have a few beers and some popcorn.

On Saturday go to a market somewhere (I love Camden market) and find lots of random bits and bobs. Then perhaps go out for some nice dinner somewhere in central London, then go and see a musical or a play then go for a few cocktails in a quirky bar. Sundays for me are all about slobbing on the sofa, so I’d probably have a lie-in, watch some rubbish TV and make a massive Sunday roast.

Downtime means > I love listening to music, reading, a nice relaxing bath with lots of candles! I love a cold beer as well!

Best TV > Favourite programme at the minute is Gogglebox - I think it’s genius! I like each and every one of the families.

I love a good crime drama as well like Broadchurch and Happy Valley; there were some amazing performances in those. I love Olivia Colman and Sarah Lancashire.

Best theatre > My favourite musical at the moment is The Book of Mormon. It’s hilarious. My favourite musical of all time is Wicked. I’ve seen it about six times. I recently went to see a play at the Soho Theatre called Wet House as a couple of my mates were in it and it was amazing.

Best book > Russell Brand’s books - I find him so fascinating. He’s had such a crazy life and is so intelligent.

Best sounds > At the minute I’m really into Haim, London Grammar and Hozier. I like putting Spotify on shuffle and finding new music.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > London is my favourite city to shop in purely for Oxford Street with the buzz and

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bustle. I do love shopping in Leeds as well.

Favourite shop > Little independent shops and stalls.

But in terms of big high street stores I like Urban Outfitters.

Luxe retail treat > I’m a sucker for a bag. I have way too many. I love winter jumpers too.

Best buy > My vintage black boots which I bought from a little stall in an East London market. They were a bargain and they’re so comfy and go with anything.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Most of my best nights out were on Call Lane in Leeds with my Emmerdale gang. We always had the best nights out - such a laugh! My favourite bar is Jake’s bar - they once played Never Forget by Take That at the end of the night and I cried my eyes out.

Perfect party > My perfect party would play Northern Soul/Motown all night long (perhaps mixed with a bit of Beyonce), some lovely nibbles (I’m a massive crisp lover!), and all my friends and family there.

Best dress/outfit > My favourite outfit at the minute is a little boho dress which I wear all the time. It’s floaty and thin material so it’s really comfortable. I usually combine it with a little black belt and my favourite Jeffrey Campbell boots.

Dinner date > My boyfriend (or if Russell Brand asked me out, definitely him!)

YOUR LUXE THINGS IN LIFE >> My family, friends, boyfriend, good food, good music, candles, popcorn and my car (I have a thing for cars!).

Christmas at the Cathedral, sponsored by Clarke Mairs LLP, December 17. Tickets: City Hall box office on 0191 277 8030 or www.newcastlecityhall.org

NOV/DEC14

>> Kate Spade candle, £45, www.amara.com

>> White Company Winter signature candle, £20, www.whitecompany.com

>> Winter medium Botanical candle, £25, www.whitecompany.com

Our aim is to relax, refresh, rejuvenate and renew your body and mind

>> Kelly Hoppen large Scent One candle, £175, www.kellyhoppen.com

>> Super-festive, Jo Malone frosted cherry and clove, £120, Fenwick

Give the perfect gift...

Christmas vouchers

>> Emma Bridgewater Live Well Look Well Tea & Oranges scented candle, £18, www.marksandspencer.com

LIGHT UP

Whatever your mood have a festive flicker

Full postal service available

>> Jaeger fig candle, £25, www.jaeger.com

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Now £125 (normally £160)

>> Orla Kiely Earl Grey scented candle, £24, Fenwick

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>> Neom Organics Jenny Packham candle with 18 carat gold, jasmine and French lavender, £295, www.neomorganics.com

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Sophie Allport eucalyp tus scented candle, £22, www.soph ieallport.co.uk

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thebeautycentre-belmont.co.uk 25

HOUSE PARTY HERO

eat

Festive feast fit for a king Chef Mick Holland has cooked for royal banquets and prime ministers across the globe so he’s undaunted by the most impressive guest list.

He cooks at Brunton House in Northumberland, where he created this house-party menu to both dazzle and comfort your own festive VIPs

Mick Holland’s view from the kitchen sink is an enviable one. Fields to the sea, a deer running across newly-harvested fields and prime cattle chewing contentedly in the distance. Kitchen chores and preparation are to be lingered over here.

Two miles away fishing boats will be landing and their lobster catch could well be finding its way to the Brunton House dinner table later.

It’s fair to say that Mick does justice to his surroundings. He is in-house chef at Brunton House and its cluster of holiday cottages, as well as working as a freelance chef across the region. So he might be called on to serve up a pre-wedding family supper for house guests renting Brunton or equally prove himself a life saver with the most satisfying of steaming steak and kidney pies for a group of guests returning famished from a hearty day’s walk.

Lucia and Mark Bridgeman own the house, just a brisk walk from the sea at Newton where Mark manages the family estate,

Fallodon. It’s from here that the kitchen garden and estate shoot provide the raw materials for Mick’s creativity.

Brunton House, with its stylish and contemporary ‘boutique’ interior, is available to let.

It is the perfect place for a family gathering and comes into its own at Christmas.

And whoever the guests, Mick is undaunted.

“I’ve cooked for Princess Anne on RAF flights before, prime ministers, the royal family and organised high-profile catering for large-scale banquets, in many ways it makes no difference who you are catering for, your standards remain.

Mick is passionate about his ingredients and as a chef is blessed by the abundance of ingredients literally on his doorstep at Brunton House.

“We have amazing ingredients from the estate here and I love that. I can have Dexter beef from the next farm hung for me just as I like it: I can have lobster off the boat and served for dinner the same night.

“On the farm there’s a shoot so we have access to game and there’s a kitchen garden

for the freshest, seasonal vegetables, fresh eggs – it is a chef’s dream.

“We had guests staying for a 50th wedding anniversary and I cooked them venison on the first evening, they liked it so much they asked for it every night!”

On cue Lucia arrives at the kitchen clutching a trug overflowing with the brightest, juicy tomatoes from the greenhouse, armfuls of kale and some just-picked courgettes.

Lucia is the brains behind the refurbishment of Brunton House. She has given it a contemporary twist with bold modern art, striking colours and touches of wit – a snug with colour-pop bookshelf wallpaper is a fun chill-out spot.

Rooms to the front of the house are bathed in light and look out towards the sea across fields where deer wander.

It is the perfect Christmas house – there’s a cosy gathering area at the bottom of the stairs with a fireplace and sofas where it’s great to get the party started with champagne and canapés before heading to the dining room for one of Mick’s suppers. Brunton House is booked out for Christmas and Mick’s guests are Swedish so he has been asked to cook goose for the main course and a traditional sweet rice pudding starter. His own Christmas lunch with his wife and young daughter will happen once the guests’ is over – he doubles up the cooking then slopes off to enjoy his own festive feast.

Brunton House sleeps 16 and is one of a number of properties on the estate which can be rented with Mick on hand to cook.

For full details see www.bruntoncottages.co.uk To contact Mike for private catering www.hollandandpaige.co.uk

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NOV/DEC14

HOUSE PARTY HERO

Christmas Eve Gathering LOBSTER THERMIDOR >> Ingredients: 2 cooked lobsters, halved lengthways and cleaned (ask your fishmonger to do this) 20g butter 100g sliced button mushrooms 4 banana shallots, peeled and chopped 180ml double cream 2 tbsp plain flour 1 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp salt Pinch cayenne pepper 180ml milk 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten 2 tbsp dry sherry 50g grated Parmesan cheese Method: Twist off the lobster legs and reserve. Remove the intestinal veins from the tails. Remove the meat from the tails and cut into bite-size pieces.

Rinse and dry the shells. Preheat the grill. Melt the butter over medium heat in a frying pan. Add the mushrooms and shallots or onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the lobster meat and set aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk the cream with the flour, mustard, salt and cayenne pepper. Add the milk and cook on medium heat, whisking constantly, for 8 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and bubbling. Slowly stir about 1/2 of sauce into the egg yolks, then return this mixture to the saucepan. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes, or until it thickens (do not boil). Stir in the lobster, mushroom mixture and dry sherry and heat through. Spoon the hot lobster mixture into the shells.

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and grill for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE >> Ingredients: 300g dark chocolate, broken into pieces, or dark chocolate drops 150g butter 5 eggs 50g caster sugar 3 tbsp cherry liqueur Cocoa powder, for dusting Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line the base of a 20cm diameter spring-form/loose-bottomed cake tin with a disc of baking parchment and grease the sides with butter. Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and allow to melt, then remove from the heat, add cherry liqueur and set aside. Place the eggs and sugar in a separate bowl and, using a hand-held electric beater or electric mixer, whisk for 7–10 minutes or until the mixture forms a light, pale mousse. Fold chocolate mixture into eggs until fully combined, then pour into prepared tin and bake for 20–22 minutes or until the cake is almost set. Allow to cool completely in the tin before removing, then dust with cocoa powder and cut into slices to serve.

RASPBERRY AND SLOE GIN SORBET >> Ingredients: 1 ripe banana 240g raspberries 3 tbsp sloe gin 3 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp raspberry jam 6 tbsp water 1 tbsp lemon juice Method: Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and chill thoroughly in refrigerator then churn in an ice cream maker until set.

Boxing Day Lazy Brunchy Affair DUCK LEG HASH >> Ingredients: Confit of duck leg hash with maple pancetta and poached duck egg 2 legs of confit duck or 300g any leftover leg meat from Christmas day 8 rashers of maple cured pancetta 500g diced potatoes, blanched 4 banana shallots peeled and diced 100g kale or savoy cabbage, roughly chopped 100g butter Method: Dice the meat into small chunks or pick the meat from the legs. Heat half of the butter and cook the onions until lightly brown then add the potatoes and saute. Put the rest of the butter in a pan and cook the kale until soft adding a drop of water. Bring pan of water to a rapid simmer adding the duck egg and poach for 3 mins and turn off the heat.

Add the meat to the potato and stir through until hot. Grill the pancetta until crispy. To serve, place a heap of hash on to the middle of a plate, then wilted kale and 2 rashers of pancetta, topped with the soft poached egg.

250ml milk 250ml double cream 10 dried lemon verbena leaves 50g sugar Method: Soak the gelatine in 3 tablespoons of water. Put milk, cream, sugar and dried lemon verbena leaves in a small pan and slowly bring to the simmer. Take off the heat, squeeze out the water from the gelatine and whisk into the cream mixture while hot.

Strain and put into 6 ramekins. Leave to set overnight. To serve, gently loosen and turn out on to a plate and serve with ready-bought (or made) Kirsch-marinated cherries.

LEMON VERBENA WITH MARINATED CHERRIES >> Ingredients: 3 gelatine leaves

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TRUFFLE TREAT

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

Mates round for the festivities? Tapas with a twist to nibble on while you take in the Boxing Day movie

So we get festive. This dish is definitely best consumed without a second thought to the calorie.

It is a platter of sheer savoury indulgence best enjoyed with a glass of your newest Christmas tipple.

Tunworth cheese has a long-lasting sweet, nutty flavour and a creamy texture. You could also use a camembert.

TRUFFLED CHRISTMAS TUNWORTH >> Ingredients 1 small Tunworth cheese 1 small tin of truffle peel Truffle oil 500g baby parsnips, honey roasted 100g cooked risotto (maybe leftovers) - any flavour 10 pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) 10 devils on horseback (dates wrapped in bacon) 6 pieces of good black pudding 1 sourdough loaf 10 stuffing balls 50g flour 4 eggs Oil for frying

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Method On the day before you plan to eat, take the cheese and split it down the middle horizontally. Fill as much truffle as you can, you can’t eat too much truffle. Fact!

Set aside in the fridge.

When you’re ready to eat, first cut some croutons from the sourdough – then the rest of the bread can be blended for breadcrumbs. Douse the croutons in truffle oil and a sprinkle of salt, cook at 180 degrees for 8 minutes or until crisp.

Make the risotto into neat bite-sized balls. Then set up your flour, eggs, breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Drop the balls of risotto into the flour. Shake off the excess, dip it in egg, shake off the excess, then coat in the bread crumbs and deep fry in hot oil until brown and crisp. Repeat that with the stuffing balls, parsnips and black pudding. Set aside. Right, now to cook the cheese, pigs and devils.

Put them all on the baking tray, leave the cheese in the box and cook until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is gooey. Just throw it all on a board with a couple of crudités and that’s it. Enjoy.

Dave is head chef and business partner at Peace&Loaf, 217 Jesmond Road, Newcastle, NE2 1LA. Tel: 0191 2815222. www.peaceandloaf.co.uk

We’re talking indulgence here, forget the calories!

NOV/DEC14

STARRY-EYED

Chef’s table WITH JAMES CLOSE

Reason to celebrate down at The Raby Hunt Fishy feast: A trip to The Boathouse, Amble saw James feast on razor clams and squid

We’re reeling, in a good way, from finding The Raby Hunt at number 26 in the Sunday Times Top 100 restaurants. Great accolade for us, we knew we were in the running but to sit at 26 was a real triumph for the team – not least our pot washer who won the kitchen sweepstake with his spot-on bet! I celebrated on the Sunday the paper came out with lunch at The Black Swan at Oldstead which is a favourite of mine and had a night at Yorebridge House, another great place. It’s been a few weeks of celebration for us after retaining our Michelin star.

The inspector said, “there’s a new wave of self-taught chefs in the country and we’re very fond of James Close at The Raby Hunt”. That will certainly have an impact for us. We’ve had a celebration at Cafe 21 in the private dining room for everyone and now it’s a case of back to work and answering the ringing phones – enjoying it while it lasts!

Bib Gourmand with Harriett Close

preservation called ‘clamping’ – a throwback to World War Two, when householders produced vegetables to cope with the effects of rationing. You basically put the veg back in soil – flavour is enhanced and you have a good supply in the winter months.

My latest eating adventures in the North East have included a trip to Amble where we were impressed by The Boathouse – nice to see a place serving the freshest fish by the sea. I enjoyed razor clams, squid and seabream cooked in the wood-fired oven.

I’ve discovered that I’m a spa babe. We stayed at Rockliffe Hall where I was splash happy for a few hours with mummy and daddy. We had nice food in the golf clubhouse – fishcakes and cheese soufflé. Yummy. I also liked watching the fishing boats at Amble and eating squid – my new teeth are very good at chewing!

COSMOPOLITAN WITH A RABY HUNT TWIST >>

A name check for Gareth Rayner at the Coach House at Middleton Lodge where we had a good Sunday lunch recently, it’s nice to see new places appearing in the area and to support them.

Winter’s setting in and in the kitchen we’re bringing out the pickles and preserves we’re been producing this year with the vegetable harvest. We make our own vinegars – such as blackberry vinegar – and team these with game dishes.

We also use a system of vegetable

We make our own vodka at Raby Hunt – we like to use a good vodka as a base, one that’s nice and creamy – Cold River from Maine is a favourite.

Citrus vodka is one to try – get the zest of two of each lemons, limes and oranges and add them to the vodka then leave for four days. Job done.

Likewise for a cranberry vodka – simmer 100g cranberries and 30g sugar for about an hour then pass through a sieve to create a super sweet and sour syrup to add to vodka.

Raby Cosmo: 2 shots vodka 1 shot syrup 1 shot triple sec Shake like hell, add a slither of orange zest – and sip.

Merry Christmas from the Raby Hunt

Partridge Sausage Roll We’re busy developing winter snacks – this is a recipe for a traditional favourite with a twist!

Ingredients One shallot, diced Two garlic cloves 200g sliced leek 20ml double cream 200g belly pork 40g diced bacon Meat from one partridge Salt and pepper Nutmeg Fresh parsley Ready-made puff pastry Egg wash

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Method Finely dice or coarsely mince the meats.

Not so they are mushy though. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Lightly sauté the leeks and add the double cream, heat but don’t boil. Remove from heat and season. Roll out a square of puff pastry, 2mm thick. Add a layer of creamed leeks then the meat mixture.

Turn the pastry over and seal the edges, wash with egg and score the top. Cook for 20 minutes, 200C.

INTRODUCING THE CINNAMON CLUB; A NEW LUXURY INDIAN CUISINE AND CHAMPAGNE BAR NOW OPEN IN TRIMDON, DURHAM Boasting a spacious 120 seat restaurant area, a light, airy conservatory as a private function room, we can cater for all your requirements.

Set in the picturesque countryside on the outskirts of Durham, we offer beautiful food and fashionable drinks, in a stunning location, perfect for a night of romance and indulgence.

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HUG-ME GRUB

Andrew Wilkinson, head chef at artisan, Newcastle is here to keep the chills away with a satisfyingly seasonal warmer

The leaves have well and truly fallen and the chilly North Sea breeze blows in, signalling a change for us here at artisan. Our menus are designed as a microcosm of the world around us and now it’s time for us to batten down the hatches and create rich, traditional dishes that are warm and comforting in the darker winter days. As you can probably tell, here at artisan we’re not just creating food to fill a belly, but we’re thinking long and hard about the purpose of it. Who doesn’t take comfort in a homemade stew on a cold night whilst wrapped up in a blanket in front of the TV? Or a slice of mum’s apple and blackberry crumble when feeling the winter blues? Behind each dish there is always narrative, a memory. Food is emotional and intrinsically seasonal, dependent upon what is available to us at that time to make us feel better.

This is what eating seasonally means. I can’t talk about eating seasonally without mentioning the importance of eating local. We’re often asked what the big deal is about it. Well, it goes without saying that the produce is fresher and therefore more flavoursome. As someone born and bred in region, I’m proud of what it produces; it makes absolute economic sense to support local growers; and finally, I personally enjoy the challenge! Go down to your local market and ask the people in the know what you should buy - and have some fun, create something to excite, emote, comfort and intrigue. On the last Wednesday of every month we put on a ‘Seasonal Showcase’ to celebrate an ingredient, a type of cooking or a time of year in a tasting menu. This recipe is a preview of what you’ll sample at our November ‘home-comforts showcase.’

Who doesn’t take comfort in a home-made stew on a cold night whilst wrapped up in a blanket in front of the TV?

Rosy cheeks

Slow-cooked beef cheeks with creamy mash and winter roots Ingredients (Serves 4) FOR THE BEEF: 4 beef cheeks 1 x bottle of red wine (something full bodied – a good Shiraz, nothing too expensive) 1 carrot 1 onion 1 stick of celery 1 bulb of garlic Approx 5 stalks of thyme Approx 5 stalks of parsley 1 bay leaf 5 peppercorns 100g plain flour Good glug of vegetable oil or tbsp of beef dripping 20g tomato puree (1 tbsp) 400ml beef stock 400ml chicken stock VEG: Baby carrots Baby parsnips Baby leeks Button onions 2 cloves of garlic A small handful of thyme Glug olive oil Cavolo Nero Black Cabbage

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FOR THE MASH: 500g Maris Piper potatoes 100ml double cream 100g unsalted butter Method Five days before: Get yourself a big mixing bowl, pop in the beef cheeks. Pour over the red wine – the whole bottle – don’t be shy. Roughly chop the carrot and celery.

Slice the whole garlic bulb in two. Add these to bowl with thyme, bay, parsley and peppercorns. Cover well and leave in your fridge to marinate for five whole days.

On the day of cooking: Pre-heat the oven to 120c. Get your bowl out of the fridge; drain the liquid away. Keep the veg mixture and liquid – you’ll need them later. Put the beef aside. Get yourself a heavy-based casserole dish (something that is good for a hob and oven) Pop on the hob at a medium heat. Put a good glug of vegetable oil in the dish (or, if you’re feeling fancy use a tablespoon of beef dripping instead.) Flour the beef cheeks lightly, add to your sizzling pan. Brown the meat off then place it on a plate and set aside. Now, add your veg mixture from before to the casserole dish and allow it to caramelise slowly, this will take 10 –15 minutes. Add 20g tomato puree to the pan, cook for 5 minutes. Add the chicken and beef stock, simmer and reduce (generally takes about 10 minutes). Place beef back in the casserole dish, put on the lid. Put in the oven and allow to cook

for 4 hours.

Remove from the oven and set aside.

Crank up the oven to 180c.

Veg: Scrub your root vegetables, don’t peel them.

Put all the winter veg into a mixing bowl with a good glug of olive oil. Squash your garlic and add to the bowl with some thyme, season. Give the bowl a good shake so everything is nicely covered. Put in roasting dish, place in the oven for 20 minutes.

Potatoes: Put your pan on to boil with a dash of salt.

Peel and cut your potatoes in chunks and put them in your pan, simmer gently. Once soft, drain and mash.

Add the cold butter, double cream and season to taste.

Put to one side and keep warm.

CABBAGE: Chop off the woody bottoms Put your pan on to boil with a dash of salt. Blanch the cabbage in water for two minutes.

Serve up and dig in!

NOV/DEC14

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

Luxe liqueurs make the most sociable of gifts, give these a try and taste as you go...

When the clocks go back, the darkening days send me scurrying for the warmth of the kitchen and bring on the urge to fill the larder with goodies for Christmas.

Now Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a cocktail or two and homemade liqueurs play the starring role, ensuring parties are always remembered (or not!)

SLOE GIN >> I make a variety of liqueurs using fruit from the garden: rhubarb schnapps, blackcurrant cassis, cherry brandy, and damson gin but my husband’s favourite to take out on a cold winter’s morning is always Sloe Gin. Last year’s crop was almost non-existent so this autumn I took great pleasure in spotting trees and hedges studded with shining black jewels nestled amongst the vicious thorns. Sloes are best picked after a frost to soften the skins, negating the need to prick each individual fruit with a needle! Simply pop 900g (2lbs) of sloes into a jar/wide-necked bottle and add 225g (8oz) of granulated sugar and fill up with 1.2 litres (2 pints) of gin. Shake to start dissolving the sugar and then place in a dark cupboard, shaking the bottle/jar every so often to ensure the sugar fully dissolves. After 8-12 weeks filter through a coffee filter/ clean muslin into a clean jar and then enjoy neat or made into:

GIN PALACE >> 30ml sloe gin 10ml vanilla liqueur Chilled champagne/prosecco/cava 3 blueberries Legend has it that sloe gin tastes better the year after it has been made but I cannot confirm this since we never have any left post-January. On our recent ‘Use it or lose it!’ floristry course our ears pricked up when Elaine told us about her mum’s recipe for Fruits of the Forest Whisky Liqueur. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t received the obligatory bottle of cheap whisky over Christmas, smiling gratefully as they hide the fact that whisky won’t pass their lips unless it has ‘Single’ inscribed on the label, but instead of donating it to the next raffle take a leaf out of Jean McArthur’s recipe book:

FRUITS OF FOREST WHISKY LIQUEUR >> 70cl bottle of whisky 1lb fruits of the forest (frozen if you want to make it now) 1lb caster sugar Add the caster sugar to the whisky in a large Kilner jar/empty bottle and shake until dissolved. Add the fruit, shake again and then seal and store in a cool, dark place for 8-10 weeks. Decant through muslin, into a clean bottle to sip leisurely over Christmas.

Vitamin C levels over Christmas can get depleted so a boost never goes amiss and what better way than via a cocktail made with cranberry vodka. This one can be made at the last minute since it only needs 24 hours to steep. Crush 100g of cranberries and add to 70cl of vodka along with a tablespoon of clear honey.

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Leave to infuse at room temperature for a day and then filter into a clean bottle.

It is delicious in:

A GINGER & CRANBERRY MULE >> (serves 2) Crushed ice 60ml cranberry vodka 60g frozen cranberries Fentiman’s Ginger Beer Fill 2 highball glasses with ice and frozen cranberries; add the cranberry vodka and then top up with ginger beer.

If you’re organised then double up the liqueur recipes to make enough to spare for handmade gifts. Corbridge Cookshop has an array of small glass bottles suitable for presents: recycled green glass, triangular ones; flip-top hip flasks and even square ones with numbers on the sides to ensure you can still count after drinking!

Upcoming courses @Widehaugh House >> Exotic Canapes Tuesday 25th November Join chef Andy Snell as he tantalises your tastebuds Time > 9.30am – 12.30pm. £35 >> Christmas Wreath Making Wednesday 26th November A full day workshop with Hannah Price.

Time > 10am – 4pm. £85 >> Chocolate Workshop Friday 5th December Depart with handmade truffles, recipes and the skills to make many more.

Time > 10am – 1pm. £65 >> Banish the Winter Blues Thursday 15th January 2015 Relish a day of preserving and baking in a warm farmhouse kitchen For full details of all our courses visit: www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

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FESTIVE SWEETIES

Masterclass WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

Macarons, macaroons, call them what you will, they are a piece of patisserie that’s having a moment. Admittedly a kitchen challenge but one with effort rewarded and a festive boxful makes a welcome gift. Play around with food colours and fillings

Luxe Macaroons

1 Grind the almonds and icing sugar in a blender.

195g Ground almonds 240g Icing sugar 70g Egg white (for dry almond mixture) 65g Egg white (for Italian meringue) 200g Granulated sugar 100ml Water A knifepoint of green food colouring

Pistachio Paste 50g Pistachio nuts, shelled 50g Marzipan 25g Egg whites Method: Blend the pistachio nuts to a fine crumb. Add the marzipan to the blender and process further. Drizzle in the egg white and process to form a paste.

Pistachio Cream

2 Pass through a fine sieve creating an almond flour.

3 Mix the 70g of egg white into the almond flour to form a stiff paste.

7 Fold a drop of food colouring into the Italian meringue mix.

9 Pipe to your desired size then leave for around 10 minutes at room temperature to form a shell before cooking at 135˚c/140˚c for approximately 10-15 minutes.

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265g Whipping cream 40g Pistachio paste Method: Combine in a bowl then whisk to a soft peak.

30 Brandied cherries

4 Pour the water onto the granulated sugar in a small saucepan, stir to dissolve then clean the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to eliminate sugar crystals around the edges.

5 Place over a high heat and boil until just below soft ball (118˚c), measuring with a sugar thermometer.

6 Whisk 65g of fresh egg whites to a soft peak, slowly add the hot soft ball sugar to make an Italian meringue. Continue whisking until cool.

8 Take 1/4 of the coloured Italian meringue and fold through the stiff paste to loosen it before gently folding in the remainder.

10 Remove from the oven and slide the macaroons, still on the baking paper on a wire rack to cool. Carefully remove from the baking paper and sandwich together with the pistachio cream and three brandied cherries.

NOV/DEC14

XXXXXXXX WE’VE GOT YOUR CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP! PARTIES, DINING & THE PERFECT GIFTS

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas & for those of you wanting to take the stress out of the season, The Biscuit Factory is here for you. The Biscuit Room, our 350 capacity venue hall is kitted out ready for your party, artisan, our award winning restaurant, is looking warm & cosy with a menu to match & our gallery has Newcastle’s best selection of gifts waiting for you…

WWW.THEBISCUITFACTORY.COM 1 24/09/2014 22:29

Xmas P&L 2014 Luxe Half Page Advert.pdf

NOV/DEC14

33

KITCHEN TALK

Meet the chef The people behind the region’s favourite restaurants share their kitchen secrets and culinary inspiration James Cooper

Daniel Durent

Head Chef THE CLEVELAND TONTINE

Head Chef BRASSERIE HUDSON QUAY

Food gift >> A goose would be my ultimate gift. A real luxury item and a perfect centrepiece for a traditional Christmas feast.

Recipe book >> Sweet Dreams by Gary Rhodes because every recipe works just as it says it will.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> Stollen. Can’t get enough of the stuff around Christmas. If you can get hold of the authentic German kind then all the better.

Top cheat >> I guess, ready prepped veg is a good time saver but really it’s all about getting organised well in advance so that you have more time to spend with family and friends on the big day.

Food gift >> A new knife – you can never have enough of them.

Recipe book >> The Square by Phil Howard – both the savoury and sweet volumes.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> Being able to eat as much as you can – there’s always loads of leftovers that need to end up somewhere eventually!

Top cheat >> Don’t do it all yourself, get friends and family involved from prepping sprouts to peeling spuds and even stuffing the turkey.

A food that inspires me >> It has to be fresh, spicy and interesting textures... Mostly Far Eastern foods.

Tel: 01609 882671 www.theclevelandtontine.co.uk

Tel: 01642 261 166 www.brasseriehudsonquay.com

A wine that inspires me >> A fresh 2007 Chablis Vieilles Vignes Reserve goes great with some of the spicy dishes I eat.

Andrew Wilkinson

Shayer Miah

Head Chef ARTISAN

Head Chef CINNAMON CLUB

Inspirational chef >> Comes in waves. My first chef is Alistair Little, a self-taught chef, but more recently it has to be Neil Perry.

Food gift >> Home-made crumbly shortbread or a boozy Christmas pudding, maybe some sloe gin.

Recipe book >> A couple of years ago I bought a battered copy of The Roux Brothers’ ‘On Patisserie’ from Oxfam it’s a total classic. Written way back in the 80s, the oven temperatures are a bit dodgy, but otherwise it’s a staple.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> It’s all about the festive flavours: cloves, cardamom, honey, orange, vanilla, rum, raisins, prunes. The stuff that makes you feel cosy.

Top cheat >> Cook your veg on Christmas Eve, wake up Christmas Day with a clean kitchen so that you can whack your turkey in and enjoy the day.

Tel: 0191 260 5411 www.artisannewcastle.com

Food gift >> Masala Dabba tin which contains spices from around the world.

Recipe book >> Prashad – Cooking with Indian Masters. If you like Indian restaurants and Indian cooking this is an absolute bible for you.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate warms the soul and this is the best season for it.

Cold nights and hot chocolate, perfect.

Top cheat >> Gently frying whole spices in oil prior to other ingredients gives an even amount of flavour to the overall dish.

This is the secret to my cooking; dry roasting and grinding fresh spices. If using a spice pasteit is done for you but you will realise the difference.

A n d re w D ra pe - SoH e

IN THE MIX Childhood food memory >> Well, my earliest childhood food memory has to be Findus crispy pancakes with fat home-made chips.

Last meal >> Most likely to be most people’s choice - a curry, my particular favourite is a garlic chilli chicken masala with a keema naan and garlic pilau.

Your last food and wine >> It would be teriyaki black cod with some tempura sweet potatoes, complemented with a bottle of champagne as it has the feel of celebration.

Favourite food and wine city >> It would have to be Giro Giro in Kyoto. It has such theatre during each course, yet is so relaxing.

Favourite ingredients >> Lemongrass, it just makes you smile when you use it.

Lemongrass is so versatile for sweet and savoury dishes.

Ba ked ha ke with a m as al a sa uce se rved with po rk pil au rice Tel: 0191 281 8161 www.sohe.co.uk

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Tel: 01429 9882082 www.cinnamon-club.com

Mike Wilkinson

Simon Bolsover

Executive Chef HILTON NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD

Executive Head Chef SEAHAM HALL - BYRON’S BAR & GRILL

Food gift >> Oxford Isis – a delicious cheese washed in Oxfordshire Honey Mead and a lovely jar of Fortnum and Masons Christmas spiced chutney with cranberries.

Recipe book >> “The Good Cook Terrines” given to me as an apprentice 30 years ago, I made them all and still use this for a tasty starter with melba toast.

These days, times have changed and I now use the internet, limitless inspiration.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> Norfolk bronze turkey with their succulent and subtle flavour are the best quality on the market…

Top cheat >> Preparation is the key to a great Christmas day lunch, I always prepare everything well in advance and timings on the day are the key to success.

Food gift >> I would like to receive a cheese and beer hamper - it has to be a strong sharp Cheddar which is complemented with an IPA. Recipe book >> The best meals are those that are shared with friends and family, especially at Christmas. It’s all about being social at the table and I think Jason Atherton’s Social Suppers cook book encompasses the best dishes.

Best thing about Christmas food-wise >> A Brussel sprout isn’t just for Christmas – I think they are best served roasted with pancetta and smoked garlic.

Top cheat >> Cranberry sauce with a twist!

Why not add semi-dried soured cherries and mulled wine to the traditional accompaniment.

Tel: 0191 490 9700 www.newcastlegateshead.hilton.com

Tel: 0191 516 1400 www.seaham-hall.com

NOV/DEC14

Celebrate this season in style.

Join us this Christmas at one of our Great Food Pubs across the North East or stylish Café Royal restaurant.

Proudly serving locally produced homemade food using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Our Christmas menu is available between 1st - 24th December.

With festive hospitality the way it should be, you can also savour a handsome selection of beers, handpicked ales, wines and spirits all served in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

To book the place to be this Christmas, pop into one of our venues for a menu or visit

www.sjf.co.uk

RIDLEY ARMS TWIN FARMS THE MANOR HOUSE FITZGERALD’S

• THE PAVILION • THE GREEN • CAFÉ ROYAL • HUGO’S AT THE COAST

SAFELY INTO PORT

Drink

WITH ROBIN WINTERSCHLADEN

Port is one of the great traditional drinks of Christmas.

Brilliant on its own, with the pudding or with cheese.

White port makes a delicious and refreshing aperitif.

THE ORIGIN OF PORT >> In the 17th Century two wine merchants, who were exploring Portugal’s Douro Valley, came across a monastery where the abbot added grape spirit to his wines. This process stopped the fermentation and preserved the wine’s natural sweetness. They decided to use this method of fortifying their wines so they would stand the long sea journey back to England.

The English fell in love with this wonderful rich, sweet wine, naming it port after the city of Oporto (Porto) from where it was and still is shipped.

Graham’s Port W & J Graham was a Glasgow-based textile firm founded by two Scottish brothers who in 1820 became port shippers. It soon became one of the most famous names in the port trade and has long been synonymous with the greatest vintage ports. Later in that century a young Scot called Andrew James Symington emigrated to Portugal to work for the Grahams before becoming a port shipper himself.

Graham’s LBV 2009 £13.99 LBV stands for Late Bottled Vintage. This wine is a blend of grapes from 5 of Graham’s best vineyards, which have been aged for 5 years in oak casks. The 2009 vintage was one of the lowest yielding vintages of the last 30 years, resulting in high-quality, rich and concentrated wines. A rich, full-bodied wine with ripe red fruit flavours and peppery tannins and a long, silky finish.

Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos 1999 Vintage Port £29 In great years when a vintage is declared, the wines from the Malvedos vineyard (quinta) form the main backbone of the vintage port. In the interim years it is released as a single quinta port. Still a vintage port from a single year it is handled in the same way as a classic vintage port. It is matured in seasoned oak barrels for 2 years then given further ageing in bottle. It is a rich, dark and powerful wine with a gorgeous bouquet of chocolate, mint and spice. Big and bold with concentrated flavours of rich cassis and plum, with a long lingering finish.

Graham’s 20 year old Aged Tawny Port £38 Graham’s Aged Tawny ports require great skill and years of experience from the winemaker. It is essential to strike the correct balance between the delicacy and elegance from prolonged ageing in seasoned oak casks and the rich fruit quality which gives these old tawnies their structure, freshness and longevity. They have a characteristic “nutty” quality and a delicious mature, honeyed fruit flavour which is mellowed by oak ageing.

Graham’s Fine White Port £10.99 White port is made from a selection of traditional Portuguese white grape varieties. The grapes are vinified with very little skin contact and usually given a short time in oak casks to enhance their refreshing fruit flavours. This port is medium sweet with a pale yellow colour, with fruit and floral hints on the nose and a long soft fruity finish. Served cold or over ice it makes an excellent aperitif. Try topped up with tonic, soda or lemonade and a slice of lemon, for a wonderfully refreshing long drink.

Robin Winterschladen is wine buyer for the Wine Shop at Fenwick, Newcastle

36

Stable mates

A cool coach house is putting equally stylish food on plates.

Kathryn Armstrong eats well

Middleton Lodge has been a joy of a place since quietly emerging on the region’s style map a few years ago.

A hop from the A1 at Scotch Corner in Middleton Tyas, it’s a venue with a difference, a private house with splendour but without stuffiness with a secret cellar that becomes a gourmet supperclub complete with dancefloor.

The Lodge was family home to James Allison, a man with the vision to know that his stable block outbuildings were crying out to have their beams stripped, their stone walls sandblasted and their woodwork gently massaged with the offerings of the Farrow&Ball paintchart.

Coach House opened its doors in early October and is lovely, a lure for any townie heading to North Yorkshire.

Low-key style oozes from every age-old wonky wall.

The Coach House Restaurant is a smart place – gravel drive to twinkly-lit courtyard and ‘come-inside’ candlelit windows.

The building, the old coach house, is high and mighty but warm and welcoming thanks to bare walls, lots of wood, soft lights and the burr of chat. The bar offers an exceptional array of cocktails and local beers which have a story to tell – and well-trained staff who are competent in doing so. At the table you learn that your bottle of water is sourced from a spring on the estate too, a case of food inches not miles. Dining from the kitchen of talented Gareth Rayner.

The menu is neat – half a dozen choices, a grill selection and grazing plates to share. It is well-priced (there is a daily market menu too) to encourage people to come back again, not judge it as a ‘special occasion’ place. We start with a bistro classic. Steak tartare, mustard mayonnaise, pickled mushrooms and egg yolk (£8.50). You need this to be right.

It is. Cold, salty, gamey with a perfectly tender texture from fine beef that even the rarest cooked meat can never achieve. The beef is from a supplier some 11 miles away we see from a simple, understated suppliers’ map on the menu.

My caramelised king scallop, crispy pork, celeriac & fresh apple (£10) arrives with three chunky scallops, gently seared and revealing the silvery soft flesh within. The pork is in little breaded balls, as tender as can be, the slithers of apple a crisp contrast. My main course is hake (£15).

It’s a chunky, meltingly soft piece of fish with splendid accompaniments that play well alongside. I love the sharp bite of the Romanesco cauli alongside adding a sharp bite with the clam chowder the dish is bathed in – compete

with cheeky delights of crispy deep fried mussels and salty samphire. A lovely dish of balance and cheer.

Husband opts for ox cheek, smoked mash, foraged mushrooms, truffle and baby onions, (£16.50). Glorious it is too. When chefs talk about seasonal this is it – meaty, soily-tasting mushrooms (in a good way) that you romantically hope are the result of some hearty foraging session in the grounds. The beef is rich, silky fall-part unctuous. Really intense flavour from good stock and a long, long cook. And the mash. Smoked mash is an of-the-moment thing and this pairing is swooningly good.

Liking it better still because it was accompanying it with a fine local beer was more than encouraged.

There’s a decent selection of wines by the glass too and the chirpiest of young sommeliers who you should give time to.

I’m going to talk puddings now. I was impressed by my kilner jar of ravishing white chocolate ganache, pistachio mouse (sic) and caramelised chocolate crumb (£6.50).

As mice go it was fabulous. A decadent nutty indulgence, lovely with an espresso on the side. My husband had what looked like a Wispa bar, intentionally - toffee chocolate bar, honeycomb ice cream and pistachio crumb (£7.50), what they call a signature dessert, a homage to sweet shop favourites.

A lovely place, we felt like we’d found a new hip friend who we’d want to hang out with a lot. middletonlodge.co.uk/coach-house-hotel

NOV/DEC14

LUXE LIFE

DR RICHARD KIRK Dr Richard Kirk is one of the most admired men in the North East – and farther afield – as a heart transplant surgeon at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and chair of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund Dr Kirk trained at Christ’s College, Cambridge and Guy’s Hospital, London. He is a Fellow of the UK Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health. He is on the European Specialist Register for both Paediatric Cardiology and Paediatrics.

He grew up in Yorkshire and Newcastle and became interested in transplant medicine working for the renowned Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub at Harefield Hospital. He returned to the North East in 2004 and took over responsibility for looking after the heart transplant children.

He says: “It is challenging and rewarding work and I have a fantastic team of surgeons, nurses and doctors at Freeman Hospital. I became involved in the Children’s Heart Unit Fund in 2007 - it’s humbling how many people are willing to give of their time and money to help the heart children.” www.crkirk.com www.chuf.co.uk LUXE PEOPLE >> Our four children, their spouses and grandchildren.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Lake District A long holiday > Travelling through North America.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Home-cooked rib of beef – rare, with all the trimmings.

NOV/DEC14

Best wine > Cape shiraz Favourite restaurant > Baltic’s SIX Perfect weekend > At home with my wife Denize and a crab stottie at The Ship, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, followed by a walk on the beach with the dog.

Downtime means > Walking the dog and some DIY. Best telly > Sport and a gentle Sunday evening period drama like Downton.

Best book > Anything by John Grisham Best sounds > Classic FM Luxe shop > I avoid shopping at all costs!

Best shopping city > Newcastle Favourite shop > Reid and Sons, Jewellers Luxe retail treat > Trying on clothes my wife bought for me.

Best buy > Our black lab, Oscar LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > The celebrity golf tournaments we have at Close House fundraising for CHUF, are fantastic - Ant and Dec, Alan Shearer and Graham Wylie are CHUF patrons and commit so much to the cause.

Perfect party > See above Favourite item of clothing > Should I say scrubs?

Dinner date > My wife Your luxe thing in life > Range Rover Evoque.

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Glittering glam

SHIMMER TIME

Forever Unique gold dress, £163.99, shoes, Dune £79, bag, Ted Baker, £88.99 Psyche

Party time means a licence to shine so go bling with a small b bauble, shine and dazzle

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NOV/DEC14

THE UK’S PREMIER RETAIL DESTINATION

SHIMMER TIME

Dani: Just Cavalli blue sparkle dress, £335 Tessuti, Metrocentre, bag £70 Untold, House of Fraser.

Shoes, Ted Baker, Psyche Ethan: Ted Baker shirt, £89, velvet jacket, £279, trousers, £95, House of Fraser

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NOV/DEC14

#THISISUGG

SHIMMER TIME

Dani: Navy brocade dress, £150, clutch, £60, cuff £18, Coast, Metrocentre

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NOV/DEC14

Some people visit York’s landmarks.

Others stay in them.

the

Hotel & Spa, York

York’s only 5 star hotel

Spa • Dining • Conferences & Meetings • Afternoon Tea • Weddings • Champagne Terrace Station Rise, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GD. Call 01904 380 038 or visit www.thegrandyork.co.uk Gift Vouchers Available.

P4266 York Grand Luxe 216x157mm.indd 1

NOV/DEC14

24/10/2014 13:49

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SHIMMER TIME

Dani: Need&Thread sequin dress, £250, LK Bennett heels, £225, Mulberry bag, £750, Fenwick Ethan: Hugo Boss jacket with lapel detail, £395, PRPS Goods jeans, £235, Hugo Boss shirt with pin, £105, Fenwick

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NOV/DEC14

LIVE TO SHOP WITH WENDY GIBSON

HOW NORTHERN LADIES LIKE TO ROCK Forget London Fashion Week, female fashion talent and chic was out in force for Ladies Who Rock, the biggie fund-raiser for The Prince’s Trust, enjoyed in the sparkling surroundings of the spanking new Biscuit Rooms.

Northern girls really know how to turn it on and love to sport the sassiest designs.

So there were Helmut Lang waistcoats with leather skinny JBrand leggings, Alice and Olivia flirty drop-hem dresses, Isabel Marant boho, sportswear, dressed up and down jeans, and furs and gilets aplenty.

Barbour and Jules B showcased their latest and greatest, with fabulous hair from Hooker&Young.

Barbour rocked the room, miles from its staid waxed jackets origins, and yet still true to its Heritage roots. There were jackets aplenty from Heritage, to tailored in plaids and tweeds that you could imagine Cara Delevingne working to perfection. I’m having a moment for Barbour boots, especially the Gixer and Hoxton in leather or distressed suede and quilting, which instantly make an outfit current.

Jules B showed some chic with stunning colours from Versace for impact-making party dresses. Alice and Olivia, so beloved of Blake Lively, showed one of the most desired collections. Check out the black dip-front little black dress, or the tulle skirted “red lips” dress.

And if you’ve failed to get your hands on the Burberry blanket poncho, a snip at just under nine hundred pounds, plus another two hundred for monogramming, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Jules B have an alternative – thanks to Vivienne Westwood. Her red plaid blanket poncho caused quite a stir, and at under £300 is a striking, and stylish alternative to the Burberry one. Should be in-store now, gift-buyers note!

Or if you fancy a more Peruvian Andes theme, there’s a beautiful knitted wool poncho in greys or caramels from the High range – designed by Clare Campbell, who studied at Northumbria.

Chelsea has come to Gosforth now – courtesy of those Have to Love girls, and their perseverance. They’ve secured the Northern presence of the brand new Millie Macintosh label, one for the younger set, but great fun nonetheless. Best sellers are the Chanel-style tweed shorts and jacket, and micro mini dresses.

The North East seems to have gone potty for Stella&Dot, a high-end, funky, jewellery label. Go along to one of the many parties showcasing the products. Check out beautiful scarves – designer look, at good prices, totes, in printed canvas and leather, or ikat prints. I like the stackable jewellery and lovely jewel-bright leather purses and phone holders, which will make for very desirable stocking fillers.

For the chaps reading this – I am your festive shopping fairy!

Tips: Lingerie – avoid. You rarely get it right. We don’t want red, and we don’t want to admit it’s too big or even worse, too small.

Candles – good – if Jo Malone, Diptyque or Neom.

Jewellery – good – especially Monica Vinader or Annoushka Dusty Diamonds.

Cashmere – good. Especially Pure, or gold star for Bella Freud “God is Ginsberg” iconic black jumper, with matching candle.

Bags – good. Especially Anya Hindmarch, or the new willow tote from Mulberry. Retro vintage-looking beaded clutches from Aspiga are very Downton.

Boat-pushing - a painted shearling jacket from Burberry!

Finally dressing the house for Christmas is something most of us love to do. And if you need inspiration then head no further than RE in Corbridge – now with a funky outpost at RE at the Baltic in Baltic Shop 2, until the New Year.

To further get you into the Christmas spirit they have a pop-up creperie arriving at the Corbridge site, to serve customers in the outside yard, during the fabled Corbridge late night shopping night on December 8. Not to be missed. Mine is with Grand Marnier please! And hopefully a steaming glass of Gluhwein on the side. Happy Christmas fashionistas. Stay glam, and see you in the New Year!

As well as being a shopping supremo, shoe-a-holic and general lover of all things luxe, Wendy Gibson is a broadcaster, presenter and event host in the North East

NOV/DEC14

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SHIMMER TIME

Dani: Alice Temperley sheer skirt dress, £425, Dune gold court, £79, Lulu Guinness clutch £275. below, Dani: Ted Baker jacket, £248.99, trousers, £148.99, Psyche Ethan: Atelier Scotch jacket, £368.99, Polo tie 373.99, Maison Scotch shirt, £123.99, Denham jeans, £93.99. Base shoes, £68.99, Psyche

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NOV/DEC14

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GLITZ & GLAM

TREND WATCH WITH CATHERINE NEWTON

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST PARTY PIECES The Perfect Party Outfit Christmas is the one time of year when something with a little sparkle will make the perfect addition to any party outfit. You will find a number of fashion houses within the French Salon have created pieces that are just right for the festive season. To get that perfect party look my key labels for this season are Alice by Temperley, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - I adore their Ocean metallic snake-jacquard dress - and Diane von Furstenberg.

VINTAGE COLLECTION The Forever Bag Whether it’s a dream gift to open on the big day itself or something elegant for all of those glamorous Christmas parties, our new and carefully curated collection of designer handbags is the place to find that special piece that you will treasure forever.

Throughout 2014 I have travelled extensively, with the fashion team, sourcing amazing ‘pre-owned’ luxury handbags from across the globe. Each piece has been carefully examined, restored and brought back to life with passion and attention to detail. Our experts have also performed detailed checks to ensure that every item in our boutique is an authentic designer piece.

Louis Vuitton vintage Speedy bag in Epi leather red, £995, blue, £795 Vintage 2.55 by Chanel, £3,500 The Chanel 2.55 handbag is the ultimate chic accessory. Originally designed by Coco Chanel in 1955, there have been several variations of this classic flap bag over the last 59 years. It is so romantic to think that a handbag can have a second life and be loved for the first time by a new owner.

Jewellery, Scarves and Accessories Within our Luxury Vintage Boutique in the French Salon you will also find a superb collection of designer vintage jewellery, belts and scarves. Coco Chanel began to offer jewellery to her customers in 1920. The theatrical designs offer a marked contrast to the simplistic approach to her clothing collections.

Chanel vintage: heart earrings, £495, Chanel vintage earrings, £650, Rue Cambon vintage bracelet, £995

Hermès vintage silk, £350 The Hermès scarf has been a firm favourite with the fashion A-list since the 1930s. Hermès designers spend years creating new screen prints and patterns using over 70,000 colours printed onto either silk or cashmere. Imagine unwrapping one of those on Christmas Day! To explore our new collection of luxury vintage accessories with the help of our in-house fashion stylist please call 0191 232 5100.

Dani: Forever Unique long lace dress, £549.99, Psyche Ethan: McQueen blazer £535, shirt £285, Jeans £175, fenwick

CREDITS: Photography: Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Models: Dani & Ethan www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Hair & Make-up: Victoria Forshaw www.pinspetalspowder.co.uk Styling: Fiona McLain Lights: Coco Luminaire www.cocoluminaire.co.uk STOCKISTS Fenwick, Newcastle www.fenwick.co.uk IntuMetrocentre www.intumetrocentre.co.uk Psyche, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk LOCATION: Seaham Hall Hotel www.seaham-hall.co.uk

Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick, Newcastle

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NOV/DEC14

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN BRACELETS

BRACELETS

53 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BH

01642 Yarm, 788088TS15 9BH 53 High Street, 01642 788088 www.whittakersjewellers.co.uk

53 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BH 01642 788088 www.whittakersjewellers.co.uk

www.whittakersjewellers.co.uk

F I N E

F O O T W E A R

www.charlesclinkard.co.uk

NOV/DEC14

90

RS

YEA

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SATIN, SLIPPERS & SOCKS

She loves...

Like your festivities furry or foxy? Imogen Nicholson goes on the wish-list quest RED Valentino at Harvey Nichols gold patent leather clutch, £330 www. harveynichols.com

>> Snuggly sheepskin earmuffs, £20 www.westmorlandsheepskins.co.uk

>> Boden velvet pom pom slippers, £29 www.boden.co.uk Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone cover, £29.99 www.julesb.co.uk

House of Holland lipstick sweater, £171.49 www.julesb.co.uk

>> Quilted box clutches, £155 each, Michael Kors at House of Fraser

>> Stella McCartney at Harvey Nichols Clara Whispering oyster silk satin nightdress, £160 www.harveynichols.com

>> We’re in love with this new Longchamp design. It’s new for this season and Alexa is the face of. £765 Fenwick

Manolo Blahnik Bricamina black laser-cut suede boot, £830, Harvey Nichols Leeds

>> Toast Arran knit socks, £32 www.toast.com

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NOV/DEC14

LUXE LIFE

KRISTINA BLAHNIK

Would you like to be in her shoes?

Is a Manolo on your festie wishlist?

We caught up with Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, the luxey shoe brand so beloved of the Sex and the City girls. Kristina worked as an architect for 18 years before joining the business owned by her mother and uncle Manolo. Harvey Nichols Leeds is their second stockist outside of London, where we caught up with Kristina.

LUXE PEOPLE >> Kind people.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Babington House, Somerset.

A long holiday > Travelling distant shores adventure is a luxury.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Anything Asian, although a recent trip to India reignited my love for good Indian food.

Best wine > Tignanello (red wine) Favourite restaurant/bar > Artesian at the Langham Hotel and Beaufort at the Savoy.

NOV/DEC14

Perfect weekend > Hopping on a plane to the sun.

Best TV > It’s a luxury not to watch it.

Best theatre > Regent’s Park Open Air theatre when it is not raining.

Best sounds > Laughter.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > London.

Favourite shop > Hedonism, the most amazing alcohol spirits shop I have ever been to – a retail design masterpiece.

Best buy > Carrot cake from the Hummingbird café.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Anything with close friends.

Perfect party > Halloween.

Best dress/favourite item of clothing > Backless dress.

Dinner date > Discovering something new and exciting – I love a pop-up!

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Time.

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BEES KNEES’ GIFTS

Gibson London blue herringbone tweed holdall, £258 www.psyche.co.uk

G-Shock stainless steel Chronograph watch, £980 www.harveynichols.com

Mince Pie martini set, £200 www.harveynichols.com

Norse Projects snowball tee, £45 www.conceptbycruise.com

Discerning guys will love these toys...

swoo l sc www arf, £29.9 .psyc 5 he.co .uk ony H aines lamb Anth

Bang & Olufsen Form 2i headphones, £129 www.gift-library.com

Masserano Paolo cashmere dressing gown in grey, £995 www.gift-library.com

Tambour Robot, BALTIC shop, Gateshead

chap-tastic

Beehive brand cable scarf, £55 www.thebeehivebrand.co.uk

Paul Smith Ipad case, £108 www.psyche.co.uk

Mason Shaker cocktail kit, £195 www.gift-library.com

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NOV/DEC14

Christmas Gifts... with love from Rockliffe Hall

Ditch the predictable stocking-fillers this year and treat your friends and family to a Rockliffe Hall experience. Whether it’s overnight stays, spa and golf days or dining in one of the restaurants, our wide range of gift vouchers offers something for even the most difficult person to buy for this Christmas.

All of our gift vouchers are presented in a luxurious black gift box, and throughout the festive season we offer complimentary gift wrapping on all Gift Voucher purchases.

Stuck for choice? Don’t forget our range of monetary vouchers available from £20 - £500 which can be redeemed across the entire resort.

To browse and buy online visit www.rockliffehall.com or visit Rockliffe Hall’s Spa Boutique for a range of gift sets, gift experience vouchers and a bit of spa indulgence. Call 01325 729999 to find out more.

Hurworth on Tees, Darlington, County Durham DL2 2DU. www.rockliffehall.com

Prestigious pre-owned watches now available MANHATTAN

BRACELETS

53 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BH 01642 788088 www.whittakersjewellers.co.uk NOV/DEC14

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ADVERTORIAL

>> Patek Philippe Nautilus.

Ref. 5980/1AR. £45,120

>> Patek Philippe Gentlemen’s Calatrava.

Ref. 5227J £23,790.

Timeless age

If you wear a Patek Philippe on your wrist or yearn to own one, here’s a definite date, and time, for your diary. Next year’s Philippe Patek Grand Exhibition promises to be an inspiring event

Since 1839, without interruption, Patek Philippe has been perpetuating the tradition of Genevan watchmaking. As the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, it enjoys total creative freedom to entirely design, produce and assemble what experts agree to be the finest timepieces in the world.

As part of their 175th anniversary celebrations, Patek Philippe is opening their doors for members of the public to experience the rich history of the brand and how they have influenced the evolution of watch making.

London will host the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition at The Saatchi Gallery, which will be transformed into a spectacular exhibit. Guests can discover the intricate world of Patek Philippe, the last privately, family owned Geneva Watch Company.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the Patek Philppe universe including the opportunity to explore 400 exceptional timepieces displayed throughout a dozen rooms, including live demonstrations and on-site watchmakers. The exhibition is designed to transport guests to the manufacturer’s headquarters in Geneva, The Patek Philippe Museum and iconic Genève Salon on Rue du Rhone. There is the chance to witness the current collection, key historical timepieces and original Patek watches dating back to 1839. For the first time UK visitors can share the company’s unveiling of commemorative pieces marking the end of their 175th anniversary celebrations.

The exhibition is designed to highlight the fascinating history of horology and Patek Philippe’s role in the development and craftsmanship of watches since the company’s creation in 1839. Jean Adrien Philippe, one half of the original duo creating Patek Philippe, was the first to create and patent a keyless winding mechanism in 1845. The independence of the

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company has enabled them to establish a philosophy of excellence according to its own quality criteria, producing timepieces that reflect this. Since passing into the hands of the Stern family in 1932 the company has seen four generations perpetuate the vision of the founders with traditional values still present in the company today. The company benefits from total creative freedom, overseeing all the manufacturing steps from initial design, component manufacture and right through to assembly.

The sentimental values in each piece, from the quality of its materials to the artistry in its creation, make Patek Philippe timepieces more than just a wristwatch.

In 1851, Patek Philippe was present for The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, held in The Crystal Palace. It was here that two special visitors acquired Patek Philippe timepieces - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, so the return of the company for the Grand Exhibition 2015 is of particular significance to the UK. Mark Hearn, the Managing Director for Patek Philippe UK, says: “We are very proud of hosting this magnificent event in London, a multicultural city and a hub for business and tourists who come to visit from all over the world. If we can inspire and help visitors to understand and appreciate watchmaking, we will have achieved our objective”.

The Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition will take place from May 27 to June 7 2015. It is open to the public, free of charge, from 9:00 to 19:00 weekdays and Saturdays, and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays, with guided tours available on a daily basis in multiple languages. For further information contact exhibition2015@pateklondon.com

>> Patek Philippe Ladie’s Calatrava.

Ref. 7200R. £19,690

Available from Berry’s Newcastle.

Tel: 0191 221 0152 www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

NOV/DEC14

LUXE LIFE

MATT ERDMANN

Plastic surgeon Matt Erdmann has been based in the region since 1998 when he joined the Spire Washington Hospital after securing his consultant post in the NHS at Shotley Bridge Hospital. He trained in South Africa and in NHS plastic surgery units in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. He is also Lead Consultant in Plastic Surgery at UHND Hospital in Durham LUXE PEOPLE >> My family. They are incredibly supportive of my long days at work, and help me to unwind at the end of each day. We spend a lot of time together in between study, sport and relaxation.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > The Lake District. I love the open spaces and dramatic scenery, as well as the opportunity to hike up mountains at any opportunity.

A long holiday > Australia. I spent six months on a fellowship training programme in the 90s in Adelaide, and loved the vastness of the country, the friendly people and the fabulous food, not to mention the great weather.

A treat > Paris. My wife and I both love this great city, a short hop away from Newcastle airport.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I am a bit of a foodie and enjoy all good food, but draw the line at adventurous critters such as chocolate covered grasshoppers.

Best wine > Shiraz, preferably South African or Australian.

Favourite restaurant > Bistro 21 in Durham.

This has always been reliably good and is our venue for a special treat.

Perfect weekend > Spending the weekend with good friends on a warm sunny day, and inflicting my BBQ skills upon them.

Downtime means > We love to spend our free time outdoors so like to go hiking in the surrounding countryside. My daughter and I both love to swim so grab any opportunity we can to do so.

Best telly > A good thriller or documentary.

Best book > I enjoy reading in general, and currently am working through a series of James Patterson novels.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Dusseldorf. It has plenty of exclusive shops, is great for clothes shopping, has fantastic patisserie and cake shops and is easy to walk around.

Favourite shop > Selfridges in London.

A great building and a huge range of just about everything you would ever need.

Luxe retail treat > A good coffee.

Best buy > My car. I drive an automatic to enable driving to be a pleasure between the various clinics and hospitals I attend on a weekly basis.

Luxe party > New Year’s Eve parties – preferably at my neighbours!

Best outfit > My suits bought at Peek and Kloppenburg in Dusseldorf, a fabulous clothing shop. They last for ages.

Dinner date > A rare evening out with my family.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> Satisfaction. ‘Work hard and play hard’ is my motto for gaining satisfaction in life.

My family life is obviously most important to me, but I also enjoy my work environment interacting with so many different staff members as well as patients, and learning of their life challenges.

NOV/DEC14

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FESTIVE TWIST

e f i l s t i a Pl

ere’s our H . r i a h t ou lam, gog r o f s big newlait perfection! e r a s d i a p Br to party e d i u g DIY With Christmas just round the corner it’s that time when we look back at the year that’s gone.

Admittedly a fantastic one for Hooker & Young. With international trips to The Netherlands, Germany, Paris, Spain and New York, 2014 really has been like a whirlwind.

Our art team has been super busy this year collaborating on fashion shows, shoots and events with the likes of Jules B, Love Niche and, of course, Loved Up & Luxe.

Back in May Michelle Rooney from our Wynyard salon won the ‘I want that hair’ award at the Hair Magazine Awards, an award voted for by readers, making it a fantastic consumer win. June saw the doors open to our fifth salon in Ponteland, offering the ultimate in both haircare and skin treatments. The lovely people of Ponteland have welcomed us with open arms and have helped us spread the word making the salon a huge success.

In September it was down to London for the British

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Hairdressing Business Awards where our Darlington salon won an award for business excellence.

At the end of November it will be the British Hairdressing Awards in London, a star-studded night of glitter, heels and hairspray held at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane where the very best of British Hairdressing gather.

Among the chosen few are our own Marcus King and Michelle Rooney from H&Y Wynyard and Toni Stephenson from H&Y Darlington - all finalists in the North Eastern Hairdresser Of The Year category.

Not bad going when there are only six finalists up for the award. The competition is fierce, but friendly, let’s hope one of them is victorious in bringing the trophy back home to Hooker & Young.

As if that weren’t enough, myself and Gary are once again nominated for the highly-acclaimed ‘British Hairdresser Of The Year’ an award previously won by John Frieda, Trevor Sorbie and Charles Worthington. To be one of only eight nominees in the whole of the UK is pretty amazing in itself

but let’s hope we win it and make the North East proud.

So fittingly, we bring you our gorgeous Christmas angel!

Braids are big and she is wearing a full head of undone braids pinned in to create a winter catwalk trend.

Longer hair lengths work better for this, however you can braid some false pony tails and pin them in to shorter hair to create the same look.

It works best with five braids so you get maximum coverage over the head. Start by creating five pony tails secured at the root with hair bands. Follow by braiding each one and securing again at the end with another hair band. Try doing different types of braids throughout to give a more varied interesting look.

A good tip is to keep the braids loose to add softness and width, giving you more hair to work with.

From all the team at Hooker & Young, have a wonderful Christmas full off festive fun and all things fabulous!

Michael Young and Gary Hooker run award-winning Hooker & Young, with six salons regionwide.

See www.hookerandyoung.co.uk for salon details.

NOV/DEC14

intu.co.uk/metrocentre

FLUFFY ROBE TIME

I’m guessing most readers don’t need a travelogue about the city of York. On our doorstep, you will have either a) wandered its streets on a school trip with a clipboard in hand, b) been dressed up to the nines for ladies’ day at the Ebor Festival, or c) done the shopping&cocktails/big birthday weekend thing.

Just a short train journey away, it’s an obvious go-to destination for North East weekenders.

The lure of good shopping, the newly-opened Star in the City restaurant and the chance to have a historic wander through the streets means York never loses its appeal.

The Grand Hotel, just over the road from York railway station has launched a break called I Love Sundays which works on every level. You book a Monday off work – always good. You get to enjoy the city and hotel when the weekend crowds have dissipated, and you pack in some restful, do-you-good treatments at the spa.

The hotel really lives up to its name. A beautiful building that was once the HQ of the North Eastern Railway when rail was the most glamorous way to travel. Inside its corridors are wide, its ceilings high and ornate. You can imagine clerks and notaries perched at their desks behind the thick wooden doors that now hold the key to more restful pastimes. The reception area and cocktail bar are lavish, befitting the hotel’s status as the city’s only five-star property. You know the Americans are going to love it! Marble pillars and wood panelling nod to the elegance of the building in its heyday. The stairways have beautiful half-tiled walls. Rooms have contemporary touches and are decorated in a surprisingly pared-down style which is refreshingly un-fussy.

Clean lines and sharp décor make the most of the architectural style of the building. Our room was the perfect temperature too and the high ceilings and airiness meant we never suffered hot hotel room syndrome. Molton Brown items in the bathroom are always good as is a table filled with magazines. An uncomplicated TV which worked on first flick. These are the things that tick my hotel room boxes.

We had a mooch around York on Sunday afternoon, impressed by the new-look Fenwick store with its Carluccio’s café re-vamp. Doing the same on Monday morning we were actually able to get a look at those shops in The Shambles that you never get near on weekends.

The Grand’s spa lives in the hotel’s vaults. I had a manicure seated by a solid secure door with a formidable safe-lock and handle – who knows what’s been hidden in there over the years and the stories it could tell? The Lazy Sunday package includes two half-hour treatments – the other was a masterful back and shoulder massage which left my other half wrung out but revived! I have to give a shout out to the manicurist. This was the most lasting manicure I’ve ever had. The polish (not a power gel) stayed chip-free for well over a week. Really impressive. The Spa and its surroundings are like a cocoon – a real hideaway with a nice pool, the only thing missing were loungers and magazines round the pool – there were only sit-up chairs – I expected a bit more loungey luxe down there. Pre-dinner we drank cocktails in the bar – enjoying the gin menu in particular.

Dinner is a nice affair, the restaurant charming and busy. Standout dish was a main of smoked beef pie. A hearty chunk of buttery-soft fillet which had been lightly smoked to give a gentle kick to the rich meat. Food of dreams this, one that might feature on my ‘last meal’ menu.

Next morning we indulged in robe-clad room breakfast, which is when you really think that this break is one worth its salt.

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Grand designs Lazy Sunday? Sounds like a plan.

Kathryn Armstrong visits The Grand, York

You get to enjoy the city and hotel when the weekend crowds have dissipated, and you pack in some restful, do-you-good spa treatments

FAC TS>> I Love Sundays • One night accommodation in a Classic Room • Continental breakfast • One 30-minute treatment each. Choose from back, neck and shoulder massage, scalp massage, full body exfoliation, express facial or a file and polish • Full use of spa facilities • Late checkout until 12 noon on Monday £99.50 per person (based on two adults per room) www.thegrandyork.co.uk

NOV/DEC14

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

ChristmasWishes GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTIFUL HAIR THIS CHRISTMAS... ...GIVE A HOOKER & YOUNG GIFT VOUCHER. Available to buy in all salons

Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

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ALL SMILES

MOUTH MATTERS WITH MIKE HEADS

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Beauty:update Beauty treats are one of the best reasons for Christmas for grown-ups. Grab a sackload of these...

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What substance is white, crystalline, very dangerous and billions of bags are sold each year? No, it is not a class A illegal drug, though it can have equally devastating effects – surprisingly, it is SUGAR! Most people are aware that excess sugar in their diet may cause obesity, diabetes and, less well known, premature ageing of the skin. An even greater problem caused by sugar excess, however, is the cost to our health due to tooth decay. In children aged five to nine, it is the most common reason for admittance to hospital – a frightening thought, but the worst thing is, it is totally preventable. In all aspects of their life, younger children are guided by their parents or guardians through their formative years and, to be blunt, it is their parents who allow them to have lots of sugary foods and drinks at meal times, make things worse by giving them sugary drinks and snacks in between meals and then, having allowed all of this to happen, they do not supervise their children’s teeth cleaning routine.

The reality may seem harsh, but it is the honest truth.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS TOOTH DECAY, IT COULD, INADVERTENTLY, BE YOUR FAULT. Dentists pick up the pieces and are left to deal with the pain and suffering that children experience caused by excessive consumption of what is obviously sugar and those hidden sugars in our food and drinks – this is particularly pertinent to the fast-approaching festive season with all those selection boxes and sugary treats and gifts.

WHAT CAN WE, AS PARENTS, DO TO TRY AND KEEP A CHILD PAIN AND FILLING-FREE : • Cut down the amount of sugary foods and drinks your child consumes • Cut down on your child eating between meals • If you or relatives would like to treat your child, allow sweets at the end of a meal or at one particular time each week, ensuring that they clean their teeth straight afterwards • Ensure your child uses sugar-free chewing gums • Ensure your child regularly uses the correct toothpaste containing the correct amount of fluoride for their age • Seek regular high-quality professional help for your child from as early as one year old so that they feel comfortable and happy with their dentist.

We all know that prevention is better than cure and dentists now have many different techniques to help prevent tooth decay in children and by giving advice on diet and oral hygiene, your dentist and hygienist can give your child a good foundation for their oral health for many years to come. The following procedures are pro-active examples of what your dentist can do to help: • Placing fluoride varnishes every six months • Fissure sealing adult teeth as they come into the mouth • Prescription-only high fluoride tooth pastes for those children who are at high risk of dental decay.

Sugar addiction can be just as bad for us as drug and alcohol addiction and it certainly should never be under-estimated as a risk factor in connection with both our dental and general health.

SET UP >> Gifts sets make good sense – you usually get more treats for your pennies. Decleor a case (literally) in point. Decléor Excellence De L’Age Vanity Case. This indulgent set features the Excellence De L’Age Cream, Aromessence Excellence and Baume Excellence and Phytopeel. Love the rich fragrances of these, £95. Stockist: www.decleor.co.uk Darphin’s gift sets include the Ideal Resource anti-ageing trio with silky smooth products, £52, and includes a day and night cream and serum. On sale at Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall. www.seahamhall.co.uk Origins’ ginger is one of our fave festive things, it just works best at this time of year – like a hot toddy for your body! This set includes ginger goodies crafted for good cheer with a saving or two to be had. £45. On counter.

DIP IN >> If you don’t do baths often, make them memorable when you do with the entire collection of Aromatherapy Associates’ bath oils in one set.

The gorgeous blends also work in the shower so you can zzzz to sleep-inducing Deep Relax or have a zesty wake-up to Revive Morning, £45. www.aromatherapyassociates.co.uk

MADDI LOVE >> Maddi Alexander, the homegrown fragrance empire born in Newcastle is going great guns – the I’m Staying In Tonight is a gift that says it all – whether or not you do so on your tod is up to you! £22. Mistletoe pillow spray is perfect for festive bedtimes. Products are in Fenwick, York and Woolly Blue, Jesmond. www.maddialexander.com

BE GOOD >> Aveda’s Christmas gifting gives back with pre-wrapped pressies in handmade Lokta paper from Nepal that supports communities who make it. Gifts we like best are the Gift of Renewal with calming body cleanser, moisturiser and Hand Relief, £55. Also, the Nepali Paper Holiday Compact with four Petal Essence eye colours, £20. On counter in Fenwick.

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Mike is Practice Principal at Cleveland Cosmetic and Dental Implant Clinic www.clevelandcosmetic.co.uk

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CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES

CLEVELAND COSMETIC & DENTAL IMPLANT CLINIC • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • Same Day Teeth • Smile Makeovers • Teeth Whitening • Facial Aesthetics • Direct access to our National FREE IONS T SULTA CON AILABLE AV

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Give the gift of Seaham Hall this Christmas.

To browse all of our gift experiences, please visit www.seaham-hall.com, visit our Christmas shop in the Serenity Spa from 27th October 2014 or simply scan the QR code below.

T: 0191 516 1400 E: hotel@seaham-hall.com

NOV/DEC14

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PARTY TIME

PEEPO >>

BEAUTY WATCH

A one-stop eye palette will see you through the year.

Clarins’ festive version includes wet and dry shadows to perk up your peeps for any occasion. £35. On counter.

WITH VICTORIA LEES

MK ARRIVES >> Michael Kors is a name to raise a smile – with a new Newcastle store set to open, MK are the initials to flash.

Nail colours are nice stocking fillers, £15, at House of Fraser stores, or signature fragrance the one to waft, from £39, Fenwick and department stores.

ALL THAT GLITTERS...

You’ve got your dress sorted, the shoes, the jewellery and your hair-do. So don’t let your make-up let you down. It’s the finishing touches that can make or break an outfit.

With party invites aplenty at this time of year, it’s time to ramp up the glitz and glamour and shine like a Christmas star.

Let’s start with hands and toes. A glimmering pedicure is the easiest way to add a twinkle to your toes - and you can really go over the top if you want to.

There are some beautiful colours, shimmers and sparkle polishes in shops, salons and spas ready to bling up your nails. Not a fan of all-over sparkle? One of the latest trends is to have a matte finish over your glitter to make it edgier.

And don’t worry about hands and feet matching - that’s quite old-fashioned. You can be a bit more daring with manicures and pedicures, even if you’re not so brave with your clothes. Go on, it is Christmas!

And so to you makeup. This is the time of year when it’s fine to really glam it up. However, go careful with the glitter (unless it’s fancy dress of course!). It looks cute on kids, but I’d generally advise against glitter on the faces of grown-ups. It looks really odd on photographs and can be really unflattering in fine lines. Instead, choose a more pearlescent highlighter for an illuminating radiance. There are lots on the High Street and it looks beautiful swept over the cheekbones as it catches the light.

If you really want to go all-out with the glamour and you have some important parties where you want to impress, consider a makeup consultation. It’s not as expensive as you might think and you take away lots of tricks of the trade and find out what really suits you. We get so many requests at this time of year and it’s a real treat to have someone else do your makeup before a party.

One final aspect of your party outfit is fragrance. When you’re buying your favourite perfume, look out for the matching body lotions - many with added ‘shimmer’ at this time of year. These are a great way of layering your fragrance for a longer-lasting scent. Go easy on the shimmer though - maybe even use your regular body oil or lotion and just use the shimmer to highlight areas such as collarbones and a swipe down the front of the legs, that way the scent won’t overpower and will look more flattering.

Have a gorgeous Christmas and a beautiful New Year!

RIGHT WHITE >> We’re in love with White Company everything and always have a quick spritz of the fragrances as we pass! Night and Day are two new fragrances for winter and they are unisex so it’s share time. In store in Newcastle’s Monument Mall and Fenwick stores, from £30.

SPELLBINDING >> The Magic Act eyeshadow and blush palette from bareMinerals will have the recipient all made up playing around with contours, highlights and blush. The on-the-go set contains six eyeshadows and four blushers. Priced at £35, from bareMinerals counters.

TOUCH OF CLASS >> Give the gift of glam with Bobbi Brown’s Deluxe Lip & Eye palette from the Gift Giving collection. One for the makeup maven, this gorgeous double-decker palette is the gift that keeps on giving, £59.

Try also Bobbi’s limited edition Shimmer nail polish from the Scotch on the Rocks collection in glittery Scotch shade, £11. Limited edition nail polish in Bordeaux, £11, is a rich red, perfect for dressy up.

LINE UP >> You might have to have a play with these before you get the right effect!

Set of five eye liners, bareMInerals, £29, on counter.

Victoria is based at The Spa, Rockliffe Hall.

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SAVE ME >>

WINTER CHILL

Charlotte Tilbury’s festive miracle in a pot is Charlotte’s Magic Cream, an instant-turnaround for the most tired, dehydrated and hung-over skin from the most on-trend beauty brand out there.

Demand for the cream reached fever pitch when Charlotte started using it in her YouTube videos where everyone can see the instant before-after effects. £70 at Harvey Nichols, Leeds.

SLALEY

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OH TOM! >> Tom Ford does it again, topping the festive wish-list. There’s a lush array of new bodycare products in the Jasmine Rouge collection with body crème, £42, and soap, £26. New edition fragrances – including retro patchouli – and very luxe and lovely lip and nail collections.

If you can’t decide which fragrance is for you, there’s a private collection set, £220, which includes the nation’s favourites – a nice club to belong to. At Fenwick, Newcastle.

Buy as a voucher for Christmas and valid for 6 months from date of purchase

POWER WORKOUTS >> If you’re heading off on a big trip or a to a significant party, give skin a pre-party boost with a facial that delivers: At Adora Belle in Yarm High Street, we were impressed by a new facial called Environ. When it comes to skincare buzz-words the vitamin facial ticks the box. This one, developed by a plastic surgeon treating melanoma patients, delivers the protective and restorative vitamin A and anti-oxidants deep into skin. The treatment itself uses a machine with soundwaves after a routine of preparation, mask and massage with therapist Natasha Storey who runs the salon. The sensation is a bit space-age – you close your eyes and the soundwaves create crazy colours as rollers are used to apply the penetrating products to skin. It’s an unusual but not unpleasant sensation and you feel as though your skin is tightening as it proceeds. Different instruments are used to apply movements to different parts of the face. The results are impressive. Immediately the skin looks lifted and squeaky clean. The lifting and smooth appearance lasts more than a few days. A course of treatments is recommended. £55 for 60min Active Vitamin Facial. 01642 645135 www.adorabelle.co.uk

To book call

0871 222 4688 shspa@devere-hotels.com www.devere-hotels.co.uk/slaleyhall

Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. Offer available to book until 31st December 2014 and can not be booked in conjunction with any other discount or promotion.

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A twinkling tower

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Crisp white candles, glistening glass jars and masses of twinkly lights create a contemporary cool Christmas in a distinctive Northumberland home

Santa won’t have to worry about sneaking down the chimney at the majestic Whittingham Tower – he’s got a landing pad on the roof to settle his sleigh.

A flagpole marks the spot and once he gets there, he’ll be able to stop awhile, partake of the sherry on offer and take in staggering starlight views across miles of countryside and to the sea beyond.

Well, that’s one version of festive events in a home with more than a little history, dating back to the 13th Century.

Another might be happening a storey down from Santa as friends and family gather with the rest of the sherry and champers cosied by the thick walls and dramatic fireplace inside. The tower is in the village of Whittingham, a picture postcard village situated on the edge of the Cheviots, 20 minutes from Alnwick and the coast. It is one of a number of pele towers that dot this part of Northumberland, built to keep the invading Border Reivers at bay.

It carries its history well and was saved from near collapse by its owners Stephen Armstrong and Judith Smith who have spent nine years renovating the tower and four living there with their young son Max. Now they’re ready for another projects and it’s up for sale.

The tower had been part of the Ravensworth family estate and kept as an almshouse for the poor. In true Grand Designs style, the renovation had its scary moments, not to mention wrangles with architects, planners and English Heritage; it is Grade 2 star listed.

But it was helped by the fact that Judith’s dad is a stonemason and worked tirelessly with Stephen to bring the tower back to life.

They took down an interior central chimney – which otherwise would have collapsed inwards, literally bringing the house down with it.

“We took it down, brick by brick - we counted 9,000 bricks,” says Stephen.

The renovation has created an impressive home, filled with warmth from a supremely effective wood-burner. Thick walls, about 2ft deep, keep the winds out and the house, over three floors, has a cosiness that belies its formidable exterior.

Stephen’s den is a games room in the former cellar – where he hides away with a snooker table and as many boy toys as he can get in there.

The main living room on the first floor has dramatic views of the countryside around. The house might be traditional but the simplicity of the design means it lent itself to a contemporary Christmas decorative theme. >>

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If you want someone to sort out your dream of owning a sea-view shack or relocating North to take up bee-keeping, Cherylle’s the girl

It would be easy to pile on the nostalgia and tradition with lashings of fir and gold but the light, bright space was brought to life with glistening white table settings, an abundance of shimmering glass and candlelight alongside touches of the crispest greenery from the garden.

Whittingham Tower’s contemporary Christmas theme was created by Cherylle Millard-Dawe, inset far right, and Callie Jordan with Karen Scrimshaw. inset left.

Cherylle runs a ‘boutique property and lifestyle consultancy’ in Alnwick called Propology. This means that she sells a small portfolio of distinctive properties but can also rock up and ‘create’ the lifestyle you’re looking for in a new or existing property.

So if you want someone to sort out your dream of owning a sea-view shack or relocating North to take up bee-keeping, she’s the girl.

Likewise, if you need your home re-styling for a big event, she and Callie – with a background in art – will do the legwork and make it turn out beautifully. This achieved in no small part with Karen who runs Marilyn&Melrose in Alnwick, a lifestyle store

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in itself – somewhere you can learn how to paint furniture, source unique vintage pieces, furniture and beyond, and generally spend a lot of time ‘oohing and aahing’ about the lovely home things she finds.

Keep to one colour or tone for a theme – such as silver, white and crystal for this room. The only ‘colour’ then comes from the greenery. * The tree will look great with beautifully-coordinated wrapped parcels beneath – this could be control freakery gone too far if you’ve got kids and selection boxes to contend with but it looks fab for a chi-chi drinks gathering where you want to look like you’ve got Christmas off to a fine, stylish and effortless art! Made all the more effortless with a glass of fizz and a posh canapé in hand.

More information: Propology www.thisispropology.co.uk Marilyn&Melrose, Narrowgate, Alnwick www.marilynandmelrose.co.uk Whittingham Tower is currently for sale with Propology for £495,000 www.thisispropology.co.uk

G E T T H E LO O K >> Create the Whittingham look for yourself – tips from Cherylle, Callie and Karen: • If you’ve got space, clear a room and make the festive table the glittering centrepiece, de-cluttering as you go.

• Raid the garden for: ivy – looks lush and lasts ages, and you can top it up over the festive period.

Rosemary brings a lovely fresh smell to the room. Pop it into wreaths for scent and add it to any foliage swag. Fir branches can be tied with twine to create a garland that looks special over the fireplace. Layer it up with berries, cones and flowers (don’t be scared of artificial ones for this!)

• You can’t have enough candles at Christmas. Real pillar candles are gorgeous – or Cherylle recommends frosted white battery-powered ones from www.smartcandle.com if you don’t want to have to think about tealights burning out.

• White crockery is the best base for anything. This set is Wedgwood from Marilyn&Melrose. It looks crisp with shiny silvery cutlery.

• Make simple white napkins look festive with a sprig of rosemary and fir tied with twine with a small glass button or bauble to decorate.

• Add a surprise – a bold, modern contemporary tree with LED lights brings something unexpected to the room

setting as it sits alongside the traditional fireplace, lifting it from predictable to fun and funky.

• Glass adds sparkle and a bit of luxury to the table. Cluster old and new pieces along the middle of the table for a look that’s opulent and glamorous. Vintage crystal vases sit alongside sleek, modern shapes making a look that’s less formal and more playful.

• Layer up the glass for maximum shimmer – different height tea-light holders cast flickering light on to scattered crystals and glass beads below.

• Find a corner and dress it – get rid of an old bookcase, cupboard or magazine rack for the festive season and make a feature of a new-found corner. Throw a fur rug over a box, pile up old suitcases and pop a lantern and some more of that greenery around.

NOV/DEC14

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Rookie florists have brought along pots that have never lived a life in the floral limelight

Festive foliage & bold berries Grab some greenery, an unloved pot and maybe even a small sherry, then follow florist Hannah Price’s guide to creating your own leafy Christmas masterpiece. Kathryn Armstrong digs deep

Hannah Price loves nothing more than some hedgerow foraging. Wild gardens and generous friends are the hunting ground for her flower design business based at Vallum in Northumberland.

When the seasons change she gets a thrill as the surroundings offer up something new to play with and when Christmas comes it’s time to create inspirational displays with the very plants, leaves and flowers you pass by every day without a second glance.

We meet up with Hannah at Widehaugh House, the tempting food-garden-plant nursery home and HQ of Luxe allotment guru Karen Phillips.

It’s a workshop day and rookie florists have

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been invited to bring along a pot, vase or container that has never lived a life in the floral limelight for whatever reason.

My own offerings include a rather boring cream ironstone bowl that’s lived through a few generations, an odd brushed steel vase that lives in the downstairs loo gathering dust – and lastly a nice but functionless wire basket that sits unfilled on a table.

Others have brought along quirky glass bottles and awkward-shaped pots and vases, urns, even a traditional beer glass.

“We’ve all done it – gone to TK Maxx or somewhere, bought a striking, huge vase then realised it will cost us £60 a time to fill it with flowers,” says Hannah.

“It is tricky to make flowers, leaves, branches or twigs look as though they >>

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‘fill’ the space in a vase but by using a lot of foliage at one time or branches, twigs or berries that are the right scale, you will get the effect you are looking for.”

Hannah visits and stays in Holland often and is inspired by the way flowers are used everywhere to great and unexpected effect – from police stations to public spaces.

We need also though to get into a state of being able to do ‘less is more’ when necessary. Case in point, one person has brought along two different large, clear rustic glass vases which have small necks.

They look big so you think they should be filled but Hannah turns that idea on its head placing a large single berry twig in each. It’s a minimal and striking solution which creates a bold look that is about as effortless as it gets! In my modern steel vase we use tall red branches that look like sticks to mirror the shape of the vase and echo its length. Reds and silvery green foliage tone with the vase and little silvery seed heads peep from the top of the vase.

Hannah is faced with a few deep glass bowls to create some centrepieces – by now though we’ve had our secateurs out and have been snipping at the shrubs in Karen’s garden – so we’re knee-deep in an abundance of leaves and shrubbery.

The deep bowl table centre Use a glass trifle dish, an old pot bowl or a more modern cocktail-shaped dish on a stem. You’ll need something called pot tape,

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ingenious stuff (from florist suppliers), oasis, lots of berries, twigs, foliage in a range of shades plus cones and flowers if you want.

Method: Put water in the bowl half-way up.

Make a grid over the top of the bowl with strips of pot tape. This is a structure for your foliage to slot into. You can use some water-soaked oasis underneath to make the arrangement more solid if you are adding candles to an arrangement.

From here you add your leaves and branches bit by bit. Use a lot of small amounts of foliage rather than one big stem as this adds depth and variety to your arrangement. If you want to add candles, make ‘legs’ for them by attaching three small sticks to the base of the candle and securing with pot tape, then press into the oasis.

Put lots of reindeer moss around the oasis to wedge it in then layer up the foliage and berries. “You’re covering the mechanics,” says Hannah. “Don’t do things in a uniform, matchy way, it should look a bit lopsided and messy for a ‘just out of the garden’ effect.

“Use florist’s wire round pine cones and make a little loop to secure then in the oasis. The key is not worrying about keeping it neat. Create different heights and structures and it is nice to see things that flop and have their own movement. Using groups of candles or fatter ones will work in an awkwardly shaped dish.”

The giant vase A tall vase will make a dramatic centrepiece or focal point. Avoid seeing ‘stalks in glass’ by wrapping a chunk of soft bark around the vase and securing in place with some twine or raffia. Then use the chicken wire for a grid effect on top to create a structure for layering up masses of ivy and foliage, leaving trails of greenery draping down the sides. You need lots of materials and plenty of patience but the effect is very dramatic!

Bulbs & urns If you have an urn or a mesh basket, make it watertight by lining it with cellophane – this can be disguised with moss if it shows through. Use some chicken wire and shape it to make a cover for the hole in

the top of the urn (it looks like a hairnet!).

That makes it easier to spread the foliage and make it drape widthways rather than just upwards.

Planting bulbs in a wire basket and covering it in moss will make for a great Christmas gift that will look lovely in spring – we planted narcissi bulbs in my wire basket.

Grab some of these Eucalyptus seed pods, scabious seed heads elderberries, rosehips, Chinese lanterns ilex, ivy, bark, moss, silvery lichen. www.widehaughhouse.co.uk www.wildflowerflorist.co.uk Vallum farm, East Wallhouses, Military Road, Newcastle, NE18 0LL. 07811 947139

NOV/DEC14

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There are two further large double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, a further double bedroom at the front and a beautiful family bathroom. Quality features include tiled flooring in the main living space and generous hallway, solid oak doors throughout the house, an oak and glazed staircase, intelligent and programmable lighting, and surround sound in the principal rooms and under floor heating to the ground floor.

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XXXXXXXXTIME SNUGGLE

TREND WATCH with Bryan Middleton Give the bedroom some seasonal rustic luxe and pretend you’re in your very own hideaway log cabin

The festive season gives most of us some time off without guilt, and a pretty good place to spend those spare hours is in bed.

Give in to the temptation to max out on wintery luxury with throws, twinkly lights and crisp white sheets that might be as near as you get to a fluffy sprinkling of snow.

The trend is for us all to go a bit ‘rustic boutique’ in the bedroom with those multi-layers of covers, bedspreads and bountiful cushions.

It works to make your room a retreat, especially if you go all out with candles and touchy-feely textures in different parts of the room. Try a touch of tartan for a festive feel.

Christmas is a nice time to go for it – especially if you’re having visitors to stay. We all know the real world of bedrooms has a trail of clothes piled in one corner and a mass of newspapers in the other – but live the dream a little bit and invest in lots of storage boxes. > Lie back and chill out with Jo Malone’s festive pine & eucalyptus candle, £40, Fenwick

> Deep: Biba fur throw, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

> Fur throws, cushions and accessories from a selection at Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com

> Matching bedroom set in woven plaid fabric includes cushions, runner, lampshade, £335, www.kathrynkingdesigns.co.uk > Wrap up in this pom-pom fringed throw, £69, www.marksandspencer.com

> Crisp: Instant festive. Tall springy snowberry branch, £21, www.nordichouse.co.uk

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> Snowflake stocking, £25, and all other accessories from a range at www.retreat-home.com

NOV/DEC14

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LUXE LOCAL

Corbridge You probably don’t need us to tell you that Corbridge is a deeply desirable place to live. A market town polished to perfection but with a funky heartbeat PROPERTIES >> Dreams-come-true properties. Honey-coloured cottages and rolling estates that are the stuff of dreams for both the doer-uppers or the just-move-in brigade. No mistake, this is a wealthy enclave but one where your millions go a long way.

The house-buying mix takes in discreet detached country homes, some full-on blingy new-builds as well as characterful cottages and Edwardian homes. You’re unlikely to pick up a bargain though. Location is everything and this is as good as it gets.

CONNECTED >> Rail links to Newcastle or Carlisle via Tyne Valley stop-offs are regular and reliable. The A69 is the main route to the west or east or take the A68 for a direct route to Darlington.

Airport easy to reach too. Seriously easy commuter belt stuff and house prices reflect this.

SHOPS >> You’ll find yourself blessed with shopping opportunity.

The belle of the ball is quirky RE, a unique shopping experience – roam around this retro emporium and realise how much you needed some rusty iron letters to make the garden complete. Acanthus is great for beautiful gifts

workshops on painting furniture.

Stobos - best greengrocer in the North East say some!

Expect to emerge with a recipe or two that the ladies on the till are making that night - the place for the freshest double yolk eggs around.

The Forum (Corbridge Bookshop) – you can spend hours here – especially now that they have just opened a second shop devoted to children’s books.

Vintage at the Tower is run by someone who used to be the buyer for Re so if you like vintage stuff this place is a godsend. They also stock local alpaca wool dyed in lovely colours for handknitting.

JD Hall’s The Butchers - great meat pies and award-wiwnning black pudding.

Katie Kerr is perfectly pitched for its location fashion brands, such as Sea Salt and Joules and the lovely Fly shoes. Balman Gallery is good for your well-curated art fix, welcoming on its preview days and especially so since its new café opened with richly gorgeous cakes on offer.

STROLL >> The river is your oyster. The Tyne is wide and free-flowing and there are lovely walks along its banks. Matt Baker and his Countryfile mates were there just weeks ago - head to

The house-buying mix takes in discreet detached country homes, some full-on blingy new-builds as well as characterful cottages and Edwardian homes. Location is everything and this is as good as it gets

and lovely cups, lots of Emma Bridgewater treats, linen napkins etc.

Corbridge Cookshop is the place to find everything, from lost/broken teapot lid to lightbulbs and preserve jars. An all-things hardware store as well, so any nut/screw/bolt/bulb or mousetrap need catered for.

Finale for grown-up shoes! Check out Leopardskin ‘Bumper’ boots for the snow.

Corbridge Garden Room in the Market Square is greenfngered gorgeous. Perfect gardening gifts: gloves, secateurs, small tools etc, but also everything that you’d find in a conservatory: cushions, pictures, vases, plant pots.

Delight & Wisdom Art Shop – this is where you’ll find lovely chalky paint by Annie Sloan and sign up for

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the Roman fort for that history fix and wander among impressive ruins and unlike Matt you won’t be forced to wear a soldier’s leather skirt. There are regular events held here with English Heritage.

EAT >> The Angel is a good stop-off in these parts. A stylish bistro/ restaurant hotel which pulls in locals and visitors thanks to the offer of great food and wine. It boasts a martini bar with an impressive line-up of cocktails.

Close by, The Rat at Anick is a welcoming country pub serving award-winning beer and food, a real settle-in-forSunday place. Oft recommended is its roast Northumbrian rib of beef for two.

NOV/DEC14

LUXE LOCAL

my local Karen Phillips is Luxe’s green garden guru and lives at Widehaugh House on the outskirts of Corbridge (her house - and thus her fab garden - are for sale, see below) Three great things about living here > 1. The people in the shops are really friendly; it’s the only place I’ve lived where the butcher knew my name within the year!

2. Crossing the bridge over the river to go to the shops, always a beautiful sight whatever the weather.

3. The increasing number of foreign tourists visiting - Northumberland is getting on the map!

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

Three places we take visitors > 1. Allenbanks - the suspension bridge is going to be repaired - think we may have aided its demise with the bouncing over the years!

2. Housesteads - to walk along Hadrian’s Wall and for husband Simon to convince yet another small child that ‘they are Roman cows’.

3. Re! to show that a really successful business can sell nationwide and still remain in Northumberland.

In the know secret > ‘Halls of Heddon’ nursery near Heddon-on-the-Wall for the two fields of dahlias in autumn - they send dahlias all over the world

Crossing the bridge over the river to go to the shops, always a beautiful sight whatever the weather

property: three to choose Mr McGregor You get a stunning country garden and veg patch with the five-bedroom Widehaugh House. It has a huge bright kitchen looking to the garden and open countryside and ticks all your ‘cosy’ boxes with beams, big fireplaces and history-laden stone flags.

£825,000 www. finestproperties.co.uk

Party palace Stroll-distance from the town centre, this modern four-storey house offers brilliant views for breakfast from a terrace with views to the former orchard garden where it is built. Add to this a sunken sun garden for your G&Ts, Jacuzzi, cinema room and gym. Everyone will want to be your friend.

£1.65m www.sandersonyoung

Grand designs Rolling Pastures is a house and more – a Victorian property overlooking the Tyne Valley, it has a separate cottage in the garden which could make a very desirable home office. Potential oozes from the brickwork, not least because there are also lots of outbuildings dotted about to play out your George Clarke Amazing Spaces dreams.

EVOLVING WORLD OF ESTATE AGENCY In the early part of 2014 a number of founding members of estate agents throughout the country began to work together in order to launch a new portal website, specifically targeted at those looking to buy and sell property. The public may not realise that in recent years the majority of estate agents have had increasing charges levied upon them through the main portals of Right Move and Zoopla. These charges have been allocated based upon the amount of offices an agency has and for some companies create an overhead which can be in excess of £100,000 per annum. The data is automatically fed from our own websites and uploaded to these main portals and the running costs of the portals are very low in comparison to their turnover. At a time when most estate agents have been losing money these significant main portals have been making excessive profits. Like all things in this world, a monopolistic or duopolistic environment is not healthy. It is therefore no surprise that throughout the year momentum has gathered amongst estate agents and now we have 4,000 member offices committed and are likely to reach the target of 5,000 member offices by the time the new website is launched in January 2015.

The most interesting ‘sting in the tail’ is that from January 2015 member firms of www.onthemarket.com will be required to cease marketing their properties through either Right Move or Zoopla. This will immediately lead to a fragmentation of the portal websites, who will no longer represent a dominant force of all agents and properties for sale or to let.

Competition has always been healthy and in life agents must compete against each other in the same way that portals must compete amongst themselves to ensure that the very best levels of service, marketing and awareness are being offered to the public.

This month sees version 5 of our own website www.sandersonyoung.co.uk being launched, with some very significant improvements and features and most importantly, retaining the excellent marketing and presentation that Sanderson Young and its brand are known for. Our investment in ensuring that we remain in the forefront of new media is extremely significant and it is through the exposure of our quality properties that we can ensure we are achieving the best price. Portal websites that support our own website will remain important to us, but it is through the retention of so many of our applicants and our VIP clients that we are able to generate so many viewings for our vendors and landlords. An active quality mailing list is absolutely essential and at the heart of all good estate agency. The recent onset of internet virtual agents may improve their ability to be seen on the worldwide web, but their weakness is in the lack of background, history and maturity which so many clients rely upon for their repeat and referred business.

There is no doubt that the sale or letting of any home is an extremely important decision making process and a virtual agent may be the right choice for buying and selling music or relatively low value items, but not necessarily the right match when selling something of extreme value and great personal worth.

The future of estate agency will continue to evolve and new media will form an extremely important part of that process. It will be built upon the extension of the existing good quality practices, with people who have a background and history of achieving and exceeding the expectations of their clients. www.onthemarket.com will shake the industry significantly in the early part of 2015 and clients will need to ensure that they are carrying out active searches of the main estate agent websites and the portals to ensure that they have full knowledge of what is available for sale or to let.

We look forward to the last quarter of 2014 which has proven to be extremely busy in October, with the promise of interest rates likely to remain low for many more months to come and good value for money being provided from the North East of England, where prices have remained sensible in comparison to the London and UK markets.

There is still plenty of time for people to buy a house before Christmas and our offices look forward to dealing with those enquiries personally, by phone or by the web, where we will endeavour to give the most effective, efficient and successful service.

£1.495m www.sandersonyoung.co.uk NOV/DEC14

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

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SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Bolbec Chase

Whalton Park, Gallowhill, Morpeth Reflecting the equestrian history of this magnificent former stable block, Bolbec Chase was purchased by the current owners in 2000 and has been extensively rebuilt to create this luxurious country house. Built in 1890 for a former racehorse owner, it is situated in private grounds of circa 9.5 acres including a stable block and two paddocks, and has five bedroom suites, seven reception rooms and a four bedroom lodge. EPC: C

Price Guide: Price on Application

Abbotswood Ponteland

This luxury detached country house is set in just under 7 acres of private grounds with equestrian facilities including stables, menage and paddocks.

Abbotswood, purchased by the current owners in 2003, has been completely redeveloped to provide a magnificent country residence, close by to the village of Ponteland. It has four bedroom suites and a separate, one bedroom timber lodge with games/playroom, ideal as a studio/office. EPC: D

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.495 Million

From Sanderson Young All confidential enquiries to 0191 223 3500 or email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

East Thornton Farm Hartburn, Morpeth

A south facing stone farmhouse set in 30 acres with top of the range equestrian facilities. Designed by The Stable Company in 2011, there are 8 loose boxes, a tack room/groom’s office, a feed room, a Monarch four horse walker, an agricultural barn, 3 turnout areas, several paddocks, an all weather menage and a large hay field. The farmhouse has planning permission to be extended and the triple garage has an apartment above.

£1.375 Million

Eastcliffe Mews Gosforth

This very fine, three storey home occupies a beautiful site set back from Moor Road North on the corner of The Grove. One of only three outstanding detached houses which were built on the former site of Eastcliffe School, it has six double bedrooms, west facing rear gardens and is very well located for convenient access to the park, the South Northumberland cricket club, the High Street, nearby schools and the Metro. EPC: C

Price Guide: £995,000

From Sanderson Young All confidential enquiries to 0191 223 3500 or email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

Fine & Country iPhone App Download the Fine & Country iPhone App today to browse some of the finest properties worldwide. Featuring our unique lifestyle video technology, stunning imagery and a ‘near you’ search facility.

Download it now at www.fineandcountry.com

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing ROSE COTTAGE, THE GREEN, HETT VILLAGE DURHAM Even the name Rose Cottage conjures up an image of a lovely village home with a charming garden, with a location on the edge of the green overlooking the duck pond at the heart of the community of Hett, near Durham. A classic it may be, but this Rose Cottage offers a less predictable interior and lifestyle that surpasses the image with stylish decor, hi-tech features and luxury fittings.

Recently refurbished and extended, it is a perfect combination of modern home and pastoral setting. A desirable range cooker set in an inglenook, with a timber beam, cream hand painted units with cream granite and contrasting timber worktops in the fabulous kitchen. The sun lounge is accessed from the kitchen creating a lovely light space with French doors leading into the enclosed rear landscaped garden. It has a sunken patio, a raised terrace lawn with a lovely decking area, a barbecue area and a summer house. The reception space comprises a superb dual aspect lounge, and a spacious living room with a log burning and gas stove. The property also benefits from an integral audio system which creates music throughout the house. It’s perhaps upstairs that the real contemporary touch is apparent especially in the designer family bathroom which has a free standing bath, separate shower, feature basin, mood lighting and under floor heating. All four bedrooms have built in wardrobes and the master also has a luxury en suite shower room. Hett is a short drive from Durham with all its city amenities and good schools, and equally the A1 (M) is within easy reach of the village.

Contact: 0191 384 2277

RAVENSWORTH TERRACE DURHAM CITY

£585,000

HOLLY COTTAGE, BRANCEPETH DURHAM

• The view that captures both Durham Cathedral and Castle is not only historic, it is a sight that many in the region hold dear as the perfect image of ‘home’.

• This splendid, six bedroom, double fronted townhouse at the high end of a terrace has been comprehensively yet sympathetically updated retaining its wealth of original features including a tiled mosaic entranceway, panelled doors, cornicing, high skirting boards and period fireplaces.

• Two elegant reception rooms are at the front of the property with a third at the rear. French doors lead outside from the modern kitchen to a sun terrace and the garden beyond.

• The basement floor which has independent access has been developed to provide coveted features only possible within a substantial property – a cellar, laundry room and large additional room are located at this level.

• A superb conversion of original farm buildings with land, Holly Cottage is more than just a lovely home; it also offers the chance for a complete lifestyle change.

• Developed from single storey stone buildings including a vast gin-gan, the three-bedroom cottage retains rustic features like exposed beams and brickwork that are complemented by stone floors, oak doors and skirtings, a log burner and a hand painted country-style kitchen with a range cooker.

• The master suite comprises a dual aspect bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a luxury, fully tiled en suite wet room.

• It has the facility for two stables, and a tack room which is situated within a neighbouring stable block. The well fenced paddock extends to 1.75 acres, and there is ample parking for several vehicles and turn around area for example, for a horsebox.

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£675,000 Contact: 0191 384 2277

Newcastle 0845 459 6000

Durham 0191 384 2277

Wynyard 01740 645 444

residing@fineandcountry.com

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk info@wynyardfineandcountry.co.uk residing@fineandcountry.com cumbria@fineandcountry.com

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

£550,000 Cumbria 0845 872 5453

Sales & Lettings North East creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

...300 offices worldwide CASTLEREAGH, WYNYARD VILLAGE A home of the highest quality, Castlereagh offers space and luxury in a stunning family property with unique features in exclusive Wynyard village.

With six bedrooms, four bathrooms and numerous reception rooms, it’s a superb home for a large family, for entertaining and for enjoying the finer things in life. Approached via a private block paved drive, the entrance lobby leads into a beautiful hallway, the eye is drawn to the far end where the split stairs lead up past stained glass and leaded windows, opening up to a spectacular, double height pitched timber ceiling. From here, there is a lovely outlook over the Wellington golf course. The lounge benefits from a bay window while the games room across the hall has French doors leading to the garden. There is a separate family room/TV lounge and the study. All the rooms are of a generous size but they are only a taster to the heart of this home, which is the outstanding dining kitchen and family space. Likely to be the place where most of the family spend the most time, it is a warm, comfortable area with double height ceiling and tiled floor where everyone can congregate around the open fire with stone hearth. All six bedrooms are on the first floor. The master suite provides stunning owners’ accommodation with a separate dressing room, dressing area and contemporary en-suite bathroom with twin basins, a sunken Jacuzzi bath and separate shower. The property stands in a good size plot with gardens at the front, side and rear bordered by fencing and mature trees, and a double detached garage.

Contact: 01740 645 444

THE WYND WYNYARD

£975,000

SAVILE CLOSE WYNYARD VILLAGE

• A five detached property on a superb plot, 67 The Wynd offers all the attributes of the perfect family home in prestigious Wynyard Village.

• Bespoke, fitted kitchen units, together with a peninsular island, kick board lighting and family scale appliances including a Stoves cooker fulfil many buyers’ ideas of a dream kitchen.

• The dual aspect master suite has an extensive range of fitted wardrobes and a luxury, full size en-suite bathroom with separate shower and his ‘n’ her’s basins in a vanity unit.

• The property is approached via a generous block paved drive with plenty of parking space and a double, integrated garage. Gardeners will appreciate the well-maintained side and rear gardens, which come with a greenhouse and a pond.

Contact: 01740 645 444 Lakes 01539 733 500

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

• Set within exclusive Kensington Mansions in the prestigious location of Wynyard Village.

• The five bedroom property has all the attributes of a modern home and the space of a substantial, detached property, enhanced by the more recent additional investment.

• The layout is perfect for entertaining as well as sociable family living. The kitchen is fitted with contemporary high gloss white units with black granite worktops with a breakfast bar.

• The master bedroom comes with not only a full size, luxury en-suite bathroom but also a separate dressing room and a Juliet balcony overlooking the garden.

• Located behind a secure gated entrance on a large plot, there is extensive frontage for parking, in addition to a detached double garage, to the rear is a larger fenced and walled garden which is lawned and secure, so ideal for pets and young children.

£449,950 Contact: 01740 645 444

£535,000

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

WINTER ESCAPES

Pack your cashmere socks...

We love a luxe getaway – here are some inspiring places to gather your pals, plan a party or just hide away in the dark winter days

CLOSE TO HOME >> Frenchgate is a honey-coloured heaven of a place in the market town of Richmond, North Yorkshire. River walks and tempting foodhalls on your doorstep. A castle to keep the kids quiet and the smartest interiors for swanning around in. Deserving of some new PJs for sure. From £1080 for a week, sleeps 10 www.gorgeouscottages.co.uk >> The Chimney at Bamburgh is the perfect base for blustery winter walks and big skies. It’s also outrageously glamorous and ‘want it’. The Chimney of its name is from a brickworks now converted to a collection of properties. The rooms make the most of the structure and features of the building – you just need to invite George Clarke along.

From £1120 for a short break, sleeps 8 www.coastalretreats.co.uk >> Eden is a show-stopper because of its bright, funky interior. A happy house with singing colours and even your own sheep in the hallway. Set in a secluded corner of a country estate near Skipton, Eden is a grand house with a retro design and contemporary minimalism. Show those teens how cool is done.

From £2600 a week, sleeps 11 www.gorgeouscottages.co.uk >> Skyline makes you want to burst into the Bond theme of not-quite-the-same-name. There’s a Steinway on which to accompany such a moment in this super-modern, so-chic pleasure palace near Windermere.

You really wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel Craig saunter down the marble staircase and gaze at the fell views from the wall of windows. The stuff of dreams, with or without Mr C. Four nights from £1,300, sleeps 11 www.uniquehomestays.com WORTH A DRIVE >> Montana – if the word makes you think of dramatic landscape and lots of cedar then this house ticks those boxes. Very definitely a grand design with lashings of wow-factor dreaminess. It’s got decking, a big wine fridge, starry skies and wildlife without having to move a muscle. If you do get your boots on, the Jurrasic coast at Lyme Regis is just two miles away – so you can have a French Lieutenant’s Woman moment too.

Four nights from £1,085, sleeps 10 www.uniquehomestays.com

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Frenchgate, Yorkshire

WINTER ESCAPES

Montana

Montana

A super-modern, so-chic pleasure palace near Windermere... gaze at the fell views from the wall of windows

Skyline

The Chimney, Bamburgh

Eden, Skipton

Frenchgate, Yorkshire

Skyline

Eden, Skipton

girls

XXXXXXXX

> A special gift for any girl this Christmas and not to mention a fashion must-have is a Links of London friendship bracelet with skulls. That perfect modern take on friendship bracelets we made as children. £130, www.linksoflondon.com

> A biker boot is an essential on a savvy teenage girl’s wish list and there’s no going wrong with the flat croc leather bootie from Zara with on-point track sole. £69.99, www.zara.com

> Larson and Jennings is fast becoming a fashion blogger favourite so ditch the dainty bracelet watch for a more masculine chain timepiece, £215. www.larsonandjennings.com

> Whistles, you’ve done it again. Cosy up this Christmas in the Whistles Kumiko faux fur coat which is available in an assortment of colours from soft lilac to deep navy. This faux fur is the kind of classic that keeps compliments rolling in. £275, www.whistles.com

I got you this...

Got a savvy teen you need to impress with a wow Christmas gift?

We enlisted the help of young blogger Raine Stephenson

> Keeping the Links of London theme in mind, the Venture leather bracelet is a distinctive addition to any day or evening wear and the recipient can keep as a sentimental gift for years. From £130, www.linksoflondon.com

> A luxey aftershave is a festive must. Armani Code is perfect, from £57.50, www.thefragranceshop.com

boys

> Trophy Copper Bull Bicycle Holder, £189 www.gift-library.com

> Christmas is the perfect excuse to stock up on fragrance. Either stick with old classics like sweet smelling Thierry Mugler’s Angel or mix things up with Balenciaga’s Rosabotanica eau de parfum. Both available from John Lewis, from £50.

> Adidas’ relaunch of its beloved Stan Smith trainers is just in time for Christmas this year. Sneaker heads will tell you to grab these quick as they’re currently running off the shelves. £67, www.size.co.uk

> Ditch that ratty plastic wallet for this elegant alternative. The Comme des Garcons raised spike wallet has been made with the most exceptional care and exclusive leather. The wallet is something different from the regular with its subtle spike details which give it that extra edge. £117, www.endclothing.co.uk

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NOV/DEC14

WISHLISTING

LUXE LOVES Being linked-in Michael Kors is a wishlist favourite for sure this Christmas. Bling up with these distinctive bracelets that are chunky and chic. ÂŁ89 each, Market Cross www.marketcrossjewellers.com

NOV/DEC14

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I GOT HIGH

WELCOME!

Looking for somewhere cool to hang out?

Get roped in for this...

with Nina Robinson

Last year was the year of the mermaid. Top of my Christmas list was a mermaid tail to wear in the bath and a Disney Aerial doll. This year is the year of the goldfish. If Santa managed to make me into a mermaid in 2013, I’m hopeful his magic will stretch to carrying a fish in a bowl of water safely in his sack on his journey from Lapland this Christmas Eve. I can’t wait to have my own shiny little fish to look after and love. We already have a dog at home but everyone in the family shares her. My fish will be just mine. I’ll pick its name and decorate its bowl and I’ll clean it out. I’ve told Santa I’ll do this so I know I can’t break that promise because he’s a man you don’t want to fall out with. In the meantime, I’ve been keeping busy to keep my mind off toys, presents and surprises. My latest discovery is the toe-tapping, whirling world of Dance City in Newcastle. I love a bit of a boogie and mum has promised for ages to take me to try one of the special workshops Dance City regularly holds on top of all of its regular classes and shows. Imagine my excitement when I found out about Hang, a workshop where kids get to do just that – hang upside down trying out trapeze, silks, cocoon and hoops. I went along to a session with my friend Chloe and with the help of the kind and clever tutors we were soon swinging, spinning and stretching and did a bit of a show for our families at the end. Even mums and dads have a chance to try out the trapeze at regular family hang sessions. Mum said if you end up looking anything like the strong and lean aerial tutors it’s definitely worth a dangle! www.dancecity.co.uk Love Little Luxe x

Gorgeous christmas gifts > Dolly Belles personalised Christmas stocking, a hand-painted and personalised stocking featuring an illustration of your choice. Choose from hundreds of combinations to create the perfect hairstyle, hair colour, skin colour and lipstick. A perfect keepsake that kids will look forward to hanging year after year. £26.50, sarahhurley.com

> Maileg mermaid rattle, £9.50, scandinavianshop.co.uk

> Sprout wreath jigsaw - keep big and little brains alike busy on dark nights with this challenging puzzle. Wentworth’s trademark whimsies extend to a Christmas pudding and turkey too. £27.95, wentworthpuzzles.co.uk

> Vilac little grocery store, £50, lovablyme.co.uk

> Robot alarm clock, £20, aspace.co.uk

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> Personalised Little Book Of Me, a fun journaling book for children to document all of their favourite Christmas things. We love the idea of completing one each year as a fun memory to look back on. Each book is personalised with the name of its lucky recipient on the front cover and comes with a set of crayons, £12.99, sarahhurley.com

> Rudolf reindeer soft toy, £35, skandihome.com

NOV/DEC14

HUG-ME

LUXE LOVES Softie snuggling A hottie is for life, not just for Christmas. Make it a luxey one to keep you cosy forever. Lovely fur hottie cover, £40. www.coxandcox.co.uk

Discover the best in Swedish childrenswear this Christmas Newborn - 12 years

Jumper

£30

Tank Top

£16

Dress

£18

Find us: 3rd floor, Fenwick, Northumberland Street, Newcastle Or shop online today at: polarnopyret.co.uk Luxe Ad for November Concept 4.indd NOV/DEC14

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10/24/2014 3:03:44 PM

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XXXXXXXX JETTING OFF

MY NEW BEST FRIEND with Dan Robinson Dan’s global jaunt takes him to Bali where he buddies up with Charlie

In my last article, I started to tell you about my three-week journey through South East Asia beginning with my journey to Singapore. At the end of the article, I was leaving Singapore, slightly worse for wear but happy to be on my way to a place I’d longed to visit for a number of years – Bali.

Great beaches, countless waves for surfing and natural sites to explore, colourful ceremonies, and gifted artists. Bali also has a special vibe, an essence, something authentic that inspired me from the moment I set foot on the island. At passport control the immigration officer looked up at me and with the most sincere, pearly white smile said: ‘‘I am so happy to welcome you to Bali.’’ Now I’ve spent numerous hours each year in the tedium of immigration lines all over the world and never before, have I actually enjoyed the experience. But the energy this time was palpable. To be welcomed this way into another person’s country was simply wonderful!

From the moment I set foot outside of the airport I knew that Bali was not going to be straight forward. Much like my time in Brazil and India, I expected chaos. Now a little more seasoned however, I also instinctively knew that in the chaos, I would find beauty.

I had decided to base myself in Seminyak on the south of the island. I figured that I could easily rent a car and branch out across the island from there. I’m not sure if it was because it was a national holiday both in Bali and in Australia, but this turned out to be a deeply flawed assumption.

Seminyak, despite glowing reports was if I’m honest, a little disappointing. The Lonely Planet guide (which I have only since read) introduces it as flash, brash, phony and filled with bony models. It is the centre of life for hordes of the island’s expats and a magnet for thousands of drunken Australian tourists. It was the furthest thing from what I had expected or wanted from Bali. I stayed at the W Hotel and Spa which, situated on the beach front, was exceptional. Seminyak, I am sad to say however, was a tedious blend of Western gloss and wafer-thin culture. It was fine as a base but I knew that the real Bali was out there somewhere.

I decided to rent a car to get around the island but no sooner had I left the tranquility of the hotel than I was thrust into chaos. Small streets are literally jampacked with families on mopeds. Yes, that’s right... families! The record was a family of seven on one moped. Father driving, two kids between his legs. Mother sitting backwards with a kid on her knee. Another jammed between parents and just for good measure, a little chap perched merrily on the handle bars. This seemed to be the norm!

A sort of organised chaos that somehow seemed to work, everyone had a smile on their face. I travelled most days and saw a lot but I think my top three things to see and do in Bali are these: THE TEMPLES My first foray took me north to visit one of Bali’s many temples. Religion is very much alive and well in Bali with around 20,000

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Contrasting views >> Charlie the dolphin, moped chaos from the car window and the sublime temple at Tanah Lot

It was a surreal experience as Charlie the dolphin allowed us to pet him whilst lying on his side looking at us with curiosity temples found across the Island. All of the temples are unique in architecture and the villagers make sure that they are well maintained and look beautiful. Tanah Lot temple is perhaps the most beautiful of all.

It is situated on a rock in the ocean, just offshore. The rock that the temple sits on has been eroded by the ocean over the centuries and is now undergoing a process of restoration. You have to fight your way through hundreds of tourists but once you get to the ocean, you will see the magnificent temple perched on a rock just a few metres offshore. There is a footpath to the raised cliff area just to the south from where the views of the temple, and the sunset behind it are breathtaking. There is something I love about sunsets, I always have. When I was flying, I always found them to be spiritual. Sitting among

hundreds of people from all over the world, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean and Tanah Lot, listening to the wind chimes, it is difficult not to believe in God. UBUD AND THE ELEPHANTS Ubud is one of Bali’s major cultural centres and is located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills. When you arrive, it’s hard not to think about the book and film Eat, Pray, Love (not that I’ve seen it or read it… honest!). It is a beautiful place surrounded by rice fields, small villages, arts and crafts communities, ancient temples and palaces. Whilst it was once a haven for backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, it is now a hot spot for the art world and glitterati in general. There’s all sorts to do there from the sacred monkey forest, street side vendors selling an amazing assortment of street food through to blissful spas to unwind. For dinner, I went to Naughty Nuri’s.

It was recommended to me by a local and is famous for its pork ribs and lethal martini’s.

I indulged in both. The next day, I paid the price. If you happen to be in Bali, I recommend that you do the same.

The following day it was the famous elephant safari. It was well worth it as you can get up close and personal with the elephants. They can be seen immersing themselves in the park lake and you get to

ride them, hand feed them and learn a lot about these incredible animals. Sitting on top of these beautiful creatures and strolling through the botanical gardens was a memory that I will carry with me forever. It was my second favourite animal encounter in Bali.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS On my last day I went to a dolphin sanctuary in the middle of the ocean. The dolphin trainer (how cool a job) and I jumped into the water and from the outset we were befriended. It was a surreal experience as Charlie the dolphin allowed us to pet him whilst lying on his side, looking up at me with an obvious curiosity and affection. People who have done it have always told me what a magical experience it is to swim with dolphins but I have to say, I was unprepared for the overwhelming feeling of happiness that this encounter would bring. Charlie did all of the amusing tricks you would imagine but when he laid on his back in my arms and allowed me to pick him up like a pet dog would, I was blown away. It was the perfect end to an incredible trip and all I can say is that if you ever do get the chance to spend some time in the water, don’t hesitate to. It was a feeling of happiness that I will never forget.

My next stop: Indonesia on my way to the Philippines.

NOV/DEC14

IN THE SWING

golf:kit

GOLF COACH

Putt your thoughts into some inspiring courses for the ‘to do’ list with the ultimate in golf jaunts

WITH JOHN HARRISON

LIVE THE DREAM >> Here’s a gift for the golfer you really, really love – or want to impress!

In a nutshell, it’s the chance to live life like a professional golfer – with a cool £250,000 price tag for the pleasure.

Anyone who loves golf has dreamed of playing on the European Tour or the PGA, but this is about as close as it gets.

The idea is that four people get together to create the ultimate four ball golf holiday, fly private Jet or first class travel to each location, play 49 stunning golf courses that include this year’s Open Championship Venue Royal Liverpool Golf Club and Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles. You’ll cover 26 countries in 100 days. Some of the courses on the tour involve travelling to South Africa, the Middle East, India, The Far East, Australia and the USA. You’ll play some of the best courses every created, and walk the fairways at places like 2015 Open Championship venue St Andrews, Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai, Royal Melbourne GC and Leopards Creek. When you’re not playing golf you’ll be staying in exquisite luxury hotels. The accommodation includes Grand Hotel Vienna, Atlantis the Palm Hotel Dubai, and the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain.

The price for the greatest golf adventure on earth starts at £62,500 per person based on four people, which includes first class flights, luxury private transfers, green fees and luxury accommodation.

There’s also a private jet option to every location for £250,000 per person – this option also earns the accolade of the most expensive golf holiday ever created!

For further details of this iconic trip see www.holidaysplease.co.uk

Now the clocks have changed and the golfing season is seemingly behind us we can reflect on the summer, analyse our game and decide which areas we would like to improve on for next season. The winter is the perfect time to do this as you may not be playing as much and therefore practising more. This is the strategy top players adopt, but beware as practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect but practice makes permanent! So I would like to share with you how I and my fellow professionals will practice: I categorise my practice into 3 types: 1. MAINTENANCE PRACTICE This tends to be repetition practice going over the same stuff that I may have worked on for many years. This practice doesn’t necessarily feel strange, as most of the moves I am working at will be very familiar. I would tend to use maintenance practice more during the playing season so as not to confuse myself with new moves while out playing on the golf course. It is very important I feel comfortable with my swing thoughts whilst I am actually playing. I have a menu of around 4 - 5 things, which I will use in my maintenance practice, and I skip back and forwards during my sessions always thinking of one of these.

2. CONSTRUCTIVE PRACTICE This type of practice is a little bit deeper in the sense of it could be new swing changes that I and my coach would like to implement. As these changes will feel very strange I wouldn’t dream of making them within the playing season as generally a new move with my swing would probably take 3 to 4 months to feel comfortable and become second nature. During the implementation of these swing changes my shots on the range will probably dip below the normal standard, but this doesn’t worry me as my main goal with constructive practice is to implement the change, so a lot of patience is required to really implement these swing changes successfully. This type of practice would always be my winter programme.

Gant golf towel, £18 www.amara.com

Polo shirt, £25.99 www.kitbag.com

NOV/DEC14

3. REAL PRACTICE This is practice where I would try to emulate what I would do on the course, so in my mind I would set up a real situation on the range imagining I am on the golf course and the shot really matters. Within this practice I’d be working at my visualisation, club selection and pre-shot routines and the execution of the shot, everything that I would do on the course. Within this practice I would expect a high level of quality and consistency with my shots, much more than within the constructive practice. I would also tend to use this practice towards the end of a session to test out the work I’d done up to that point and I would also use this type of practice before I go out to play during my warm up. Finally, remember every shot has a purpose, so even a bad shot on the range may have a purpose, if you are working at something in your swing or it is telling you something. Again, I repeat myself by saying patience is paramount towards any improvement.

Enjoy your winter practice.

Zip knit, £99 www.jaeger.co.uk

John Harrison, European Senior Tour player and Matfen Hall Head Professional, Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa www.matfenhall.com tel: 01661 886400

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ULTIMATE DRIVE

AT THE WHEEL Luxe’s motors man Bob Arora gets into a spin

Just the (golden) ticket The thrill of a Rolls Royce never diminishes and the Wraith takes luxe to a new level

Most of my family live in London and during my school holidays my brother and I would be sent on a Clipper coach to see our family. As you may imagine we would both have a great time seeing our family, but the highlight for me would be to see which cars my uncles had bought themselves. Apart from one uncle who had a Lotus the rest of them would drive Mercedes Benz.

One year, one of my uncles must have had a good year and he moved to Chigwell which has now become famous through Birds of a Feather and more recently by Towie. He also splashed out on a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost; imagine my excitement as we arrived at his amazing new house. The house was great with bling all over but when I spotted the Roller I nearly self-combusted with excitement. Getting into this car I still remember the plush leather upholstery and the most luxurious carpets I have ever seen in my life. In hindsight, the car was really quite ugly to look at but it was so quiet even at speed, and the ride can only be described as super smooth and refined.

Fast forward 30 years and I find myself in the new Rolls Royce Wraith. So if you’ve either sold a business or won the lottery,

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this new Rolls Royce is the car for you.

This car can only be described as the most important new car in the RR line-up after the original Phantom. The last time the Wraith name was used was back in 1938. The Wraith is the most powerful car in the range and it also looks stunning. Rolls have fitted a 6.6lt V12 twin turbo engine to this car and it really is a flying machine, it hits 60mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds. When you consider this car still weighs nearly two and a half tonnes it’s amazing. The Wraith has double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, along with self-levelling and roll cancelling air suspension and adaptive dampers. The chassis is retuned for flatter, more agile and responsive handling.

Wraith drivers will sit much lower down than both Phantom and Ghost drivers. All this helps give the car an amazing ride coupled with a super quiet cabin; it’s like sitting in your favourite chair at home. The leather is the softest in the business and the cabin is just breath-taking. The wood running through the cabin wouldn’t look out of place in a multimillion pound super yacht.

The car’s roof lining looks amazing - with subtle lights all over it looks like a starfilled sky. Rolls Royce has mixed technology with a traditional cabin. The sat nav screen is a 10.3” HD multimedia display, hidden

behind a sliding wood panel. The car’s iDrive controller is made from crystal glass and it’s a work of art in itself. They have also incorporated head up display and a RR connect iPhone app allows you to set the navigation before getting in the car. The car’s sat nav is programmed with Google maps so any corners, hills or motorway slip roads are approached in the right gear so the driver doesn’t have to worry about selecting the right gear. The 8-speed gearbox has no manual override and enthusiastic drivers may find this annoying.

For anyone interested in the car’s economy figures it managed to return 15mpg around town and 27mpg on the motorway. As with all Rolls Royce cars, an umbrella is hidden inside the door opening just in case you get caught in a shower. The car’s doors are very wide and closing the door is done by pressing a button, can you imagine someone having to stretch over and close the door?

The car is priced from £230,000 but most owners spend at least £50,000 on extras which, when you see the options list, is quite easily done. I haven’t been to the factory yet but after watching a recent programme about Rolls Royce it’s something I would love to do (hint, hint!) As the rear space is a bit cramped it’s definitely a

The Wraith is the most powerful car in the range and it also looks stunning

driver’s car rather than one you would expect to be chauffeured around in.

Rolls Royce have very little competition in this market - the nearest competitor that springs to mind is the Bentley Continental which is a great car in its own right, but the Wraith just takes it to the next level.

After driving this car over the weekend I really either need to work harder or put a few more lines on the Euro Millions.

Believe me, if my numbers came up I would be off to Edinburgh in a flash to order my car.

Car supplied by Rolls Royce Edinburgh

NOV/DEC14

SPACE-AGE STEER

Tech it to the max

Welcome to the future. The space-age Tesla S really is a rocket to drive

With most manufacturers jumping on the hybrid and electric bandwagon I really couldn’t wait to drive one of the real pioneers of this amazing technology. I was shocked to read the name Tesla comes from electrical engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla. The AC motor descends directly from Tesla’s original design in 1882 which is amazing in itself.

Imagine the scenario; you’re a rich computer geek who has amassed a fortune from a business called PayPal. Most people would be happy to sit back and retire with a massive fortune, but Mr Elon Musk went looking for great companies to invest in.

He stumbled across a fledgling company looking to make amazing electric cars.

Tesla initially designed an electric roadster which went on to sell over 2000 units in over 30 countries. The roadster looks quite a lot like a Lotus Elise and I have been reliably informed that it is a real pocket rocket to drive. With Mr Musk’s fame came more believers from the Silicon Valley, and the company quickly went on to design the Model S. I’ve driven most electric or hybrid cars so I couldn’t wait to drive the Model S. I am sure you will agree this car looks stunning; it’s competing against the BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and the Mercedes E Class.

At the moment, the Germans have the European market sewn up but this car has been a sales phenomenon. I am pleased Tesla have decided to sell this amazing piece of engineering in Europe and they are installing charging points just about everywhere from hotels to stand-alone charging stations.

The car is available in three power choices and they vary from 60, 85 and P85, these

numbers correspond to cars’ capacity in kilowatt hours. The P stands for performance and the car storms to 62mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds and it also has an extra 12 mile range over the rest of the range. This sport version adds an additional £5500 on top of the already quite steep asking price of £68,700.

The minute you get into the car you have an immense 442lb of torque. This is available instantly for drivers and it can only be described as supercar-like performance. In most cars you quickly run out of revs and you have to change gear, but these electric cars have seen less amounts of power and the surge never seems to run out. The car is also near silent and with all this power going to the back wheels, a damp road means fun!

Any Mercedes drivers will be used to the switchgear; Tesla have decided to use the company’s indicator stalks and cruise control systems. I think the reason they have decided to use these items is partly due to Mercedes having a stake in the company. As you enter the car you can’t but help notice the massive 17” touchscreen, it is a very easy system to use and I am sure other manufacturers will quickly follow this cutting-edge technology.

The car has built in Wi-Fi so you can navigate your way round the web when the car is standing still. The Google maps are also great and very user-friendly. The electric drive train has another massive advantage over its rivals, there is no transmission train along the cabin so three adults can sit very comfortably in the rear.

The car I drove also had the benefit of two rear seats in the boot; I didn’t even attempt to try and sit in them but I am sure they would be comfortable for young

passengers. Looking at the stylish shape of this car I was amazed they actually managed to fit them into the design. The car has a boot in the rear and one at the front where the engine would normally go.

So this car is really a practical car for families or busy executives alike. The car’s key is a funky looking pebble that needs to be on your person; when the key detects you the doors handles automatically pop out and once you get in the car it starts automatically. Tesla is claiming the car will be able to do 312 miles on a charge and the car should be able to travel 300 miles at 55mph. You can charge the car via an app at times when electric is cheap.

Another advantage for owners opting for the Supercharger models you will be able to charge this car at a Tesla station for absolutely nothing at all. The range is priced from £49,700 - £68,700 but beware with an extensive list of options it’s easy to make your car very expensive. Owners are also entitled to a £5k government grant.

The standard car’s battery warranty is either eight years or 125,000 miles but it’s unlimited mileage for the other cars.

Servicing is like any car with intervals at every year or 12,000 miles and our nearest garage is likely to be Manchester at the moment. I am convinced it’s going to be a real sales phenomenon; there is nothing to compare it to. If you’re looking to drive a technical masterpiece this is the car to own as it’s not only stunning to look at but it’s also amazing to drive. Recently, a driver in America noticed something wrong with the suspension; instead of recalling the cars they just sent out a software update and all cars were fixed by the time their owners woke up. Welcome to the future.

Car supplied by Tesla Manchester

If you’re looking to drive a technical masterpiece this really is the car to own as it’s not only a stunning car to look at but it’s also amazing to drive

NOV/DEC14

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WOW FACTOR

Bling-time for Lexus

Lexus is trying to shake off Alan Partridge with the help of will-i-am. Does the Lexus NX300h manage it?

I remember my first trip to New York like it was only last week. Staying just off Times Square, the place was a real experience.

Make-up shops open in the early hours and a 24-hour McDonald’s were all a revelation, especially as they were jam-packed even at daft o’clock.

One thing that interested me in the cars, there was an intriguing brand with an L on the front grille. The vast majority of American cars were downright ugly, but these Lexus cars looked very well designed and they were all over the place.

The Lexus brand in America is so popular it outsells its German competitors hands down, and they beat all other manufacturers in the all-important JD Powers survey year on year.

I am ashamed to say I have never actually owned a Lexus but I did try and buy an IS200 but I cancelled my order as the delivery date was delayed a few times, so in anger I got my deposit back.

In the UK Lexus hasn’t ever done as well as they have in the states and I put this down partly to the Alan Partridge effect; for anyone who hasn’t seen this, he is a fogey Lexus fan who just goes on and on about them. The cars are excellent to drive if not a touch boring, and the customer service from the garages are second to none but they still haven’t managed to beat the Germans’ stranglehold. Lexus have entered the mini SUV market late; it is dominated by the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and more recently by the Range Rover Evoque. Another latecomer to the market is Porsche with the Macan, although it has really set the benchmark as the car to beat.

At the car’s launch, Lexus enlisted the help of global pop star will.i.am to help entertain the crowds, but this is where it gets interesting; he has actually designed a bespoke NX for Lexus.

This car may not be to most Lexus drivers’ taste but I must admit to really liking his team’s efforts. The body kit and bling alloys make the car look like something Batman would drive if the weather was bad! This car will definitely appeal to anyone looking for something

different. Lexus have used their hybrid technology in this car, and it’s fitted with a 2.5lt petrol engine and an electric motor. Lexus have continued to use hybrid technology rather than using a diesel engine. The hybrid system is very reliable and the electric motor helps give the petrol engine extra power when needed. It’s also possible to drive the car on electric power alone and recharging the internal battery is done by driving economically or when braking. Buyers can either opt for a two or four-wheel drive car.

Next year Lexus is planning on introducing a 2.0lt engine to the range and this promises better fuel economy. The NX is available in five different specs and the car’s starting price is £29,495 and that rises to £42,995 for the top-of-the-range Premier, but all cars come jam-packed with specification.

The car I drove claims to return 54mpg but while I had it I managed to return 45mpg and its co2 figure of 121g is very respectable for a four-wheel drive car. The car’s combined BHP is 195 and it gets to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and its top speed is 112mph. The use of a CVT gearbox makes for an unpleasant and noisy driving experience; the constant whine becomes very irritating. Drivers with a very light right foot cannot avoid the constant drone. The boot has plenty of room; the hybrid technology doesn’t steal any space unlike electric cars with battery packs all over.

The dash is a much better effort from Lexus but the use of cheap looking plastics along with a vast array of buttons makes it feel very busy.

They really could still learn a thing or two from Mercedes with their fantastic new C Class interior. The car I drove had a fantastic wireless phone charging tray; I hope other manufacturers introduce this as it’s such a great idea. The sat nav and radio is controlled via a remote interface, it’s a glorified mouse and in practice it’s quite hard to use especially on the move.

This car is very competent indeed and its trump card is its benefit in kind figures for business users; this makes this car a very compelling choice indeed. Likely to become the best-selling car in the Lexus range.

Car supplied by Lexus Newcastle

At the car’s launch, Lexus enlisted the help of global pop star will.i.am to help entertain the crowds, and he has actually designed a bespoke NX for Lexus 90

NOV/DEC14

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Experience a magical

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The fu n also includes...

✴ Street entertain ment on Thursdays a nd Saturdays ✴ Sa nta Ru n, festive fu n ru n for all the fa mily ✴ Sa nta train, arou nd the city ✴ Festive films, all your favourites

PLUS

Pa rk free after 3 every Thu rsday, Friday a nd Satu rday.*

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*Selected car parks and street parking. Visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/parking for details.

Visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk for full information @sunderlandlive /sunderlandlive.events

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SOCIAL LIFE

In association with:

luxe:looks

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time!

Luxe, Fenwick & Cafe 21 Autumn Fashion Afternoon Tea

Ladies Who Rock for Prince’s Trust, The Biscuit Room, Newcastle Below > Elaine Jordan, Katie Joynson

Below > Nicola Hill, Melanie Hardie

Above > June Straker, Anne Straker

Above > Lydia Kite, Daisy Abraham, Deborah Abraham

Above > Karen Pringle, Lianne Woodford, Hayley Briddon, Carolyn Richfield, Jayne Dolder Below > Lucinda Fleming-Jones, Melanie Brown, Rosie McGlade, Keri Maundrell

Above > Jackie MacMonagle, Julie MacMonagle

Above > Juile Griffiths, Jude Leighton

Below > Nichola English

Below > Rebecca Maddison, Alison Morgan, Hayley Morgan

Below > Susan Sullivan, Karen Cook

Above > Sandra Chambers, Maureen Chambers Below > Chris Stoppard, Hayley Morgan, Jo Jo Maddison, Rob Smith, Sarah Anderson-Gray

Above > Lesley Welsh, Xanthe Campbell Below > Helen Imrie, Sue Flintoft

Above > Eileen Santolla, Wendy Gibson

Above > Ashleigh Humble

Above > Vivienne Moat, Pat Gillespie

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NOV/DEC14

SOCIAL LIFE

LOVED UP & Luxe got lively with a day of fashion, food and fabulous brides with our sister magazine Loved Up at Hilton NewcastleGateshead. Catwalk glam, cool clothes, cakes and cars were the order of the day!

With special thanks to: Helen Fayle-Russell, Laura Diamond, Liam Coulson and Maddie Maddison from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead; Denise Dobson-Cudmore from Dandy Events, who dressed the venue and co-ordinated the catwalk shows; Lisa Shaw and Kev Green from Heart FM; Katherine Aitken and Eddie McKay from Big Purple. Event sponsors: Helen Atkinson and Lisa McLeman from intu Metrocentre, Helen Fayle-Russell from Hilton, Newcastle Gateshead, Kim Miljus of Heart FM North East, Chris Marsh, GM of Horton Grange for the Win a Wedding worth £5000, Karen Moore, director KM Jewellery for the £1500 jewellery prize, Sharon Howey of NUFC for the NUFC mascot prize, the Hooker&Young styling team and Bobbi Brown John Lewis for models’ hair and make-up.

The only diamond that moves to the beat of your heart

NOV/DEC14

Left > Michaela Dale, intu Metrocentre Style Team; Lauraine Turnbull, KM Jewellery; Helen Fayle-Russell, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead; Chris Marsh, Horton Grange; Laura Diamond, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead; Robert Hope, Heart Angel

46-49 Eldon Garden Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RA Telephone: 0191 2320788 info@richardsintonjewellers.co.uk www.richardsintonjewellers.com

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SOCIAL LIFE

Coach House Restaurant Opening, Middleton Lodge nr Darlington Children North East Fund-Raising Lunch, Cafe 21, Newcastle

Below > Jane Miller, Stan Seaton, Anna Miller, Simon Whitten, Julie Whitten

Below > Faye Delaney, Kate Larkin

Above > Rebecca Tappin, Daisy Allison, James Allison Below > Viv Gardener, Fiona Cook, Prue Allison

Above > Liz McLoughlin, Emily Cannell, Fiona Walker Below > Hazel Jones-Lee, Carol Taylor

Above > John Snel, Dick Tappin Above > Karen Carter, Kirstie McKeown, Katy Leybourne

Above > Ali Douglas, Alison Richardson, Jill Leitch

Below > Pasq Rotondi, Janis Rotondi

Above > Meshi Taka, Angela Hardcastle

My Sisters Place Fund-Raising Ball, Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough

Above > Samantha Halpin, Greg Fullerton

NECCR Fund-Raising Dinner with Bill Bryson, Jesmond Dene House

Below > Steve Scott, Liz Scott Below > Heather Peacock, Katie Harland

Above > Alistair Wright, Jo Burke, Lisa Turnbull, Brian Marshall Above > Ben Sanson, Katie Greenwood

Below > Brian Collinson, Kath Collinson, John Baker, Gill Baker

Below > Chris Peacock, Bill Bryson, Matt Ridley

Above > Sir John Burn

Above > Tina Leeson, Richard Leeson

In association with:

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Above > Amy Turner, Anne Purvey, Anne-Marie Hughes, Kate Bulman, Michelle O’Rourke, Lisa Cane Above > Dame Margaret Barbour

Above > Andrew Cawlwell, Victoria Cawlwell

NOV/DEC14

Sachins Restaurant 30th Birthday Celebration, Newcastle Below > Clare Rankin, Fran Joynson, Peter Joynson, Rene Van Der Avoird

Below > Tom Phillips, Christina Knowles

The only diamond that moves to the beat of your heart Above > Geeta Ral, Bob Arora, Neeta Arora

Above > Steven Lee, Angela Lee, Josef Laskewski, Stephanie Laskewski

Below > John Gibson, Glen McCrory

Below > Les Miller, Jonathan Miles, Amanda Storey, Duncan Fisher

Above > Harinder Singh Arora, Man Mohan Singh Above > Jess Arneja, Sherry Arneja

20th Birthday Party, Aphrodite, Sunderland

Diamonds & Divas Ball, Hilton NewcastleGateshead Below > Julie Revell, Lisa Mcleman, Victoria Malloy, Jayne Swann, Judith Scanlan

Above > Maria Patterson, Harry Collinson, Kirsty Curry Above > Malcolm Hays, Donna Hays

Above > Louise Rothery, Victoria Lynch Below > Nina Berry, Helen Graham

Below > Carl Decruz, Andrea Roberts

Above > David Tierney, Ross Irvine Below > Andy McKenzie, Nathan Bullen, Mike Lawrence

Above > Adam Thompson, Geoff Thompson, James Heptinstall, Martin Smith Below > Barbara Herald, Abbie Stephenson, Lorraine Kane

Above > Hannah Jones, Roisin Hastie Above > Graham Froome, Paul Hughes

Above > Alison Gooch, James Foy Above > Victoria Liddle, Phil Jones

NOV/DEC14

46-49 Eldon Garden Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RA Telephone: 0191 2320788 info@richardsintonjewellers.co.uk www.richardsintonjewellers.com

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SOCIAL LIFE

Patrick Parsons 50th Anniversary Party, Fat Buddha, Newcastle Below > Tim Parsons, Helen Coates, Caroline Blades, Peter Stienlet

North East Ladies Day, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield Below > Jane Lamb, Claire Wilson, Joanna Grievson, Amy Houghton

Above > Pam Royle, Philippa Royle-Wood, Liz Holmes, Audrey Royle

Above > Mark Earnshaw, Hazel McGlen, Chris Ritchie, Gerald Hall Below > Jonathan Lunn, Andy Pye, John Joyce

Above > Simon Jones, Chris Davis, Grant Richardson, Iain Godfrey Above > Niki Boersma, Gill Fenwick

Above > Helen Simmons, Michelle Bond

Above > Nicola Morgan, Lisa Bullock

Teesside University Golf Day, Wynyard Golf Club Below > Alan Murray, Bill Clarke, Darren Richardson

Above > Elaine Bunn, Josef Bunn, Bryan Bunn

Above > Louis Fraser, Gavin Fraser, Chris Airey, Andy Clay

Above > Steven Armstrong, Debbie Armstrong, Lindsey Armstrong, Dave Armstrong, Liz Scott, Bill Scott

Above > Steven Armstrong, Mike Davies

Metro Radio 40th Birthday Party, Bonbar, Newcastle Below > Matthew Squire, Danielle Wood

Below > Sami Hanna, Jill Hanna, David Gunning, Ann Gunning

Above > Jan Fawcett, Dawn Knocks, Amy Nichols Above > Dawn Parlett, James Parlett

Above > Gary Coldwell, Debi Coldwell

Above > Susan Winter, Vicky Liddle, Helen Beck, Anna Russell In association with: If you would like your event featured on our Luxe:Looks pages please supply images on disk with full captions and your contact details to: luxe Magazine, room501 Ltd, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT

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NOV/DEC14

THE GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Latest do-gooding moments from people with big hearts OYSTER WIN >> Always a charity winner, this year’s annual Oyster Festival at Hardwick Hall raised more than £66,000 for Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland which cares for more than 650 patients and families each year.

The event, which is in its eleventh year, attracted over 1,000 guests from across the region and beyond.

John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, said: “The Oyster Festival keeps getting bigger and better with each year. We experienced a high demand for tickets throughout the summer and sold out a few weeks ago. It’s fantastic to see just how many people love the event.”

ART HEART

A rare piece of art was auctioned for £9,000 at a fundraising dinner that will see Teesside good causes benefit to the tune of £35,000. The donor paid £9,000 for the numbered first copy of Middlesbrough-born artist Mackenzie Thorpe’s forthcoming limited editio n book along with a small original painting and four prints.

Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation’s sell-out dinner saw 350 fundraisers enjoy a night hosted by ‘Voice of the Boro’ Alastair Brownlee and featuring the talents of local bands the Beer Pigs and Cattle and Cane. teessidecharity.org.u k

HOME HELP >> Ant & Dec and Alan Shearer cut the ribbon on a new home from home for families with children receiving lifesaving treatment at the Freeman Hospital’s Children’s Heart Unit, in Newcastle.

The £1.9 million project was the result of fundraising by The Sick Children’s Trust and the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) benefiting families with some of the UK’s most seriously ill children, travelling from around the United Kingdom.

As patrons of CHUF, Ant&Dec opened the Scott House with businessman Graham Wylie, whose family was

supported by the Children’s Heart Unit.

He said: “Without this accommodation, families could be separated from each other or have to cope with expensive travel and hotel costs while under extreme duress. Scott House gives families free, comfortable accommodation that will help relieve some of their financial, practical and emotional strains and allow them to concentrate on their sick child.

I am very grateful to everyone who has helped raise funds so far, thank you.”

CATWALK KICKS >> See your SAFC football favourite in catwalk action when Sunderland’s footballing aces take part in the annual Fashion Strikes fundraising event at the Stadium of Light, on November 24.

The event, which this year will have a vintage carnival theme offering ‘the greatest show in Sunderland’, is to raise money for life-changing projects run by Foundation of Light helping some of the North East’s most vulnerable children and adults.

Guests will enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment at the event, with a broad range of carnival games and activities taking place alongside fine dining, musical entertainment and the headline players’ fashion parade.

There will also be the chance to mingle with some of the club’s most famous faces with SAFC players hosting VIP tables at the event.

Tickets: 0191 551 5153 or email cherie. lauder@safc.com

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LAVISH LADIES >> The fashion fiesta that is Ladies Who Rock raised a staggering £30,000 for Prince’s Trust work in the region. The spectacular event at The Biscuit Rooms brought the charity’s unique style to life with catwalks, comedy, music and glittering fashion.

HATS OF F!

SISTERS DOING IT >> Middlesbrough domestic violence service My Sisters Place is celebrating after raising £9700 from the first ever charity ball. The “Another Brick in the Wall Ball” was the inaugural event for the award-winning charity with supporters from across the Tees Valley joining forces to boost the expansion fund for My Sisters Place, a domestic violence support charity. The charity is planning future events and looking for support.

Contact the service on 01642 241864.

Ladies from across the North East gathered for a Sunday afternoon High Tea event At Crathorne Hall hosted by Magic Radio’s Anna Foster in aid of Cash for Kids. The event raised over £700 for the charity. All the mone y raised stays in Teesside to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged child ren.

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PARTING SHOT

Feel the chills >> Here’s your first snow of the season, courtesy of freeze-fingered Kevin Gibson in Lapland. www.kgphotography.co.uk

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NOV/DEC14

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