Hartlepool Today - Issue 3

hartlepool

INSIDE fabulous competitions, local news, festive fashions & so much more...

Issue 3 - Nov/Dec 2015

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hartlepool

local, relevant and entertaining WELCOME Welcome to the third issue of Hartlepool Today and we’re sharing the festive fun in this November issue.

CONTENTS

Along with our usual mix of event listings and local news, there’s a chance for you to win a family weekend away, an overnight hotel stay, pamper packages and more.

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Get in the festive spirit at The Wintertide festival that will be in Hartlepool from the 27th -29th November - full details start on page 7.

Season’s greetings from all at Hartlepool Today

Stories from around the town

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WINTERTIDE FESTIVAL

Setting Hartlepool’s ancient Headland aglow

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THE 12 TRENDS OF CHRISTMAS

Find out what to wear in the coming months

15

NEW THIS NOËL

Discover fresh food and drink for the festive season

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COMPETITIONS

There’s also a mouthwatering guide to Christmas’ freshest food and drink, as well as some handy hints on how to dress to impress throughout the party season.

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HARTLEPOOL TODAY ISSUE 2 WINNERS An overnight stay for two at Holiday Inn Washington goes to Mr & Mrs Rodgers of Hartlepool An overnight stay for two at Seaton Lane Inn goes to Mrs E Fleetham of Hartlepool Issue 52 - Nov/Dec 2015 ISSN 1745-4654

To Advertise in The Hartlepool Today magazine or its sister publications The Darlington Today and Middlesbrough Today magazines please call Sue RineySmith on 01325 304360 or email sue.riney@btinternet.com for further details and rates.

Riney Publishing also specialise in producing High Quality magazines written by Award Winning Journalists for Hotel & Bridal Venues & Schools.

INSIDE fabulous competitions, local news, real life stories, festive fashions & so much more...

Full Service of Design, Print & Advertising sales is available.

NEWS

Up for grabs!

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WHAT’S ON

Things to see and do this winter

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith t: 01325 304360 e: sue.riney@btinternet.com Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate at the time of going to print, the publishers cannot accept responsibilities for errors, omissions, or changes in the details given.

Hartlepool Today | 3

Local News

J&B STAFF ARE IN THE PINK TO HELP OUT BUTTERWICK HOSPICE STAFF at one of the region’s biggest recycling firms were in the pink to show their support for a colleague whose baby daughter tragically died earlier this year.

Little Irla Harmony Egglestone was just under a month old when she lost her brave fight for life after being born with Down’s

Syndrome and a heart condition which medics were unable to treat.

my friends at J&B, and me and Emma are very grateful.

Irla lost her fight for life at the family home in Hartlepool, but after returning to his job at J&B Recycling after being granted compassionate leave, dad Glenn was delighted to hear his colleagues had rallied round to arrange an event to raise cash for the Butterwick Hospice.

“As soon as they said they were raising money, I immediately wanted to give it to the Butterwick Hospice because the help and support they gave us was absolutely brilliant.”

Glenn, 34, who works as a recycling operative, said: “It was a lovely gesture from

HARTLEPOOL BUSINESS FORUM AWARDS 2016

CHRISTMAS GIFTS GALORE

Jeff Stelling has been confirmed as guest of honour at the 2016 Hartlepool Business Forum annual awards night.

If you are struggling to find interesting and beautiful Christmas presents why not make tracks to Hartlepool Art Gallery for a host of high quality, affordable gifts.

The Hartlepool-born journalist is now one of the most familiar faces on TV thanks to his presenting role with Sky Sports, and never fails to miss an opportunity to promote his love for the town and its football team.

The ceremony will take place at the Borough Hall, on the Headland, on Thursday, May 12, and awards will be up for grabs in 11 categories.

MOVE TO MUSIC WITH ZUMBA GOLD! There’s a new opportunity for people in Hartlepool to get fitter by taking to the dance floor.

Zumba Gold sessions began at Summerhill County Park on Monday 16 November and will take place every Monday from 1.30-2.30pm until December 14.

Hartlepool Business Forum co-ordinator Andy Steel said: “We are delighted that Jeff has been able to fit us into his busy diary.”

Zumba Gold is a low-impact version of traditional Zumba, an aerobic fitness programme that features moves inspired by various styles of Latin American dance.

Around 300 guests are expected to be in attendance for the ceremony, which saw Deepdale Solutions land the main award this year.

The sessions are part of the Move to Music initiative run by Hartlepool Council’s Feel Good in Hartlepool team which aims to get more people active through the medium of dance.

Price £2. To book a place or for more information call Summerhill Country Park on 01429 284584 or email sport.recreation@hartlepool.gov.uk

4 | Hartlepool Today

The gallery, in Church Square, will be hosting Hartlepool Art Club’s 68th Annual Exhibition from Saturday 21st November, where a wide range of original artwork will be on sale. The exhibition programme is sponsored by Hartlepool-based Niramax Total Waste Solutions.

One of the largest art clubs in the North, Hartlepool Art Club was founded in 1947 and has over 100 members, ranging from enthusiastic beginners to experienced painters.

The exhibition will run until Saturday 16th January 2016. Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm. Entry is free. For more information call 01429 869706.

A HELPING HAND FOR HARTLEPOOL’S YOUNG MUSICIANS Bill Abbott, Managing Director of Hydrochem

HYDROCHEM TEAM GO BACK TO SCHOOL Staff from a water treatment specialist have been spending time back in the classroom over the summer to ensure heating systems meet the required safety standards.

Hydrochem sent teams of engineers into the new building at Holy Trinity Primary School, in Seaton Carew, to install a new water softener system and then carried out similar work on the existing water system at High Tunstall College of Science, in the West Park area of Hartlepool.

Gordon Galbraith, Sales Manager at the firm, said: “We have had teams of engineers working on both sites to install industrialsize water softeners over the summer.

Grants are on offer to young people in Hartlepool to help them with their musical studies.

The money is available from the Preston Simpson and Sterndale Young Musicians Trust - an educational charity administered

by Hartlepool Council.

The Trust makes financial awards of varying amounts to young musicians, both instrumental and vocal, to enable them to study music at any educational establishment providing courses in musical education.

Further information to see if you qualify and to download an application form go online www.hartlepool.gov.uk/youngmusicianstrust Alternatively, contact Christine Lowson at Hartlepool Council on 01429 523754 or e-mail christine.lowson@hartlepool.gov.uk

Hydrochem Managing Director Bill Abbott added: “We have clients based around the country, but it is always pleasing to work within the Hartlepool community on projects like these ones.

“We have an excellent relationship with the local authority and the schools, and will continue to monitor the systems in the months ahead to ensure everything remains within the recommended guidelines.”

DANIEL ROBINSON WINS TOP HONOUR

BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER! A special event aimed at bringing together communities across Hartlepool has been hailed a huge success.

The Diversity Day organised by the Hartlepool Asylum Seeker and Refugee Steering Group took place in St Joseph’s Church Hall in Hutton Avenue.

Special guests included Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger and Hartlepool MP Iain Wright.

A key feature of the day was the presentation of awards to organisations, companies and individuals providing vital support to asylum seekers and refugees residing in the town.

Award recipients were Lorna Hilton, Tony Metcalfe, Lorraine Wilson, Helen Laws, Iain Laws, Mary Diver, Peter Gowland, Sister Jo Grainger, Jon Wales, Anna Lewis, Andy Gray, Irene Cross, MKM and St Joseph’s Church.

The day also featured a presentation of tackling radicalisation and extremism, traditional dancing from China and Sri Lanka, live music, food of the world, children’s crafts and a children’s magic show.

Daniel Robinson, Chairman of Gus Robinson Developments Ltd

Daniel Robinson, Chairman of Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, has been crowned as one of the UK’s best businessmen at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Daniel, who took over the running of the company in 2011 following the tragic death of his father Gus, was named as the winner of the SME Company Director of the Year at the Institute of Directors ceremony in London.

The category was open to directors of smaller companies, and Daniel beat off competition from 13 other directors from around the UK to take the honour.

A spokesman for the Institute of Directors said: “The IoD holds these awards every year because we believe in the value of leadership.

“In big corporates, small businesses, the public sector, charities, the difference between success and failure is leadership.

“Directors who win these awards have been recognised as the best in their field by the organisation for business leaders, the IoD.” Hartlepool Today | 5

OUR EARLY YEARS MAKE SUCH A DIFFERENCE TO THE PERSON WE GROW UP TO BE At Red House School we keep the whole journey in mind. Our experience shows that a well-rounded education, filled with co-curricular activities, leads to so much more than academic success. Children discover the confidence to grasp the opportunities that life will present beyond the classroom.

Of course academic success matters and our record backs that up; we have been ranked the Number 1 CoEducational Independent School in England without a sixth form, for the last two years, in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Tables, but at Red House we believe that exam results are not the sole indicator of a child’s capabilities. That is why we create a positive and supportive environment where children are nurtured to achieve their full potential, not only academically, but in all aspects of

school life. Indeed, we know that academic improvement often stems from the self-belief found in sport, music, theatre or travel.

Our school ethos is built around giving children a complete education: physical, intellectual and emotional development gained from a wide range of experiences within a broad and balanced curriculum. Teachers are given the time to care for every child so that their individual talents emerge and develop. By retaining smaller classes, children feel more secure about contributing.

Red House School has a unique family atmosphere. We encourage parents to become involved in their child’s education, weaving a close-knit community among teachers, children and parents, so that the best results are achieved.

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

Tours are available throughout the year. Appointments can be made by contacting Mrs Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions on 01642 558119 or email claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk.

redhouseschool.co.uk

GROW AND LEARN WITH US...

Our school offers so much more than academic success.

We create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to achieve their full potential across a wide range of activities.

At Red House, children find confidence for life beyond the classroom.

COME ED T R & VISI SCHOOL E S HOU

E ILABL S AVA TO U R U G H O U T T H RO Y E A R THE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3-16 The Old Vicarage & 36 The Green | Norton | Stockton-on-Tees | TS20 1DX T: 01642 553370 | E: claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk

6 | Hartlepool Today

WINTERTIDE FESTIVAL IS SET TO SPARKLE A brand new winter festival of arts, music, film and community spirit will set Hartlepool’s ancient headland aglow from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November.

Magical illuminations, a lantern parade, live music, an outdoor festive market, cinema screenings and community choirs are just some of the fun in the Wintertide Festival from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November.

Complementing this will be amazing light-artworks around the festival area created by local artist Stuart Langley, whose work caused a stir at Durham’s Lumiere Festival.

The large-scale event – which will take place at key locations across the heart of the Headland and it’s hoped will become an annual attraction – is being organised by a partnership of key organisations in the area including the Hartlepool Carnival Committee, the Headland Local History Group, the Headland Parish Council, St Hilda’s church, St Helens and St Bega’s primary schools and the Heugh Gun Battery Museum. The event is being supported

by Hartlepool Council.

There will be a range of live music to enjoy, with a over 30 bands performing free plus four ticketed events including shows by folk musician Eliza Carthy and Teesside favourites Cattle & Cane.

Wintertide will build on the strengths of the many existing events and activities which the partners organise throughout the year.

The festivities will get off to a sparkling start on the Friday evening when over 100 children from local primary schools will form a cavalcade winding its way from the Heugh Gun Battery Museum through the grounds of St Hilda’s Church to the Town Square.

Each youngster will carry their own handmade lantern, created with help from local community artists BloomInArt. On all three evenings, there will be a chance to see the Headland as never before thanks to some striking illumination including dramatic projection which will throw light and life onto St Hilda’s Church, the Borough Hall and the nearby port, telling the story of the Headland.

Independent filmmakers from across the region will be in the frame in a film festival developed by local film company Daft As Rags. Other highlights will include two European film premieres plus an exciting featurelength movie called Addicted To Sheep.

Throughout the weekend anyone looking for a specialist gift is invited to explore the outdoor festive market in the Town Square, while on Sunday the Borough Hall will play host to a craft market offering a wide range of unusual items.

There’s plenty for youngsters too, including interactive workshops on Saturday to have a go at making soft toys, decorative glass jar lanterns or sparkling Christmas wreaths. The amazing Urban Kaos will also be on hand, inviting children and their families to learn fun dance routines in one of the ever-popular Groovy Babies sessions.

Add to this choirs, dance school displays and other performances plus

a grand finale featuring a rousing live music performance plus a stunning firework display and Wintertide has something for everyone.

The action will take place at numerous locations including Croft Gardens, the Heugh Gun Battery, the Heerema site, Mary Rowntree’s, St Hildas Church and the Headland Sports Hall.

Wintertide Festival Chairman Peter Jackson, who is also a Borough Councillor for the Headland & Harbour Ward, said: “The many organisations involved already have a proven track record in running very successful and well-received events on the Headland.

“Wintertide gives them the chance to pool their skills for the very first time to create a memorable and unusual event which will be bigger and better than anything done on the Headland before.

Hartlepool Today | 7

th November 2015 Friday 27th November 2015

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Saturday 27th November 2015 10am – 3.30pm

Wintertide Festival Craft Workshops Headland Sports Hall 10am – 11am Winter decoration workshop Wreath making, tree decorations and how to make Christmas animals.

Suitable for all ages, everything provided.

Only £3 per-person

10am – 12noon 6.30pm & 8pm 5.30pm – 6pm

Ghosts and Horrible Lantern Parade History guided walks Over 100from children from local primary Departing the Borough Hall and schoolsatwill a magical finishing theform Heugh Battery cavalcade, its way from Museum thiswinding walk cover stories ofthe Heughmonsters, Battery Museum through the pirates, knights and grounds6.30pm of St Hilda’s Church and into savages. walk is for families the 8pm Townwalk Square.

Each only. member of while is adults the parade will carry their own Tickets £25 per familylantern, created under handcrafted £10 adult. of local community theper guidance Book viaBloomInArt. Heugh Battery artists The children will Museum 01429 gather in-the Town 270746 Square ahead of the illuminations switch on.

6pm

8pm onwards 6.30pm & 8pm

Live music Ghosts and Horrible The Duke ofguided Cleveland History walks

8pm onwards

Live music

Martin Stephenson, The Broken Broadcast, Tim Loud Departing from the Borough Hall and (Tickets £10) finishing at the Heugh Battery www.destinationhartlepool.com Museum this walk cover stories of pirates, monsters, knights and Mary Rowntrees savages.

6.30pm walk is for families ‘Under Covers’: The Broken whilethe 8pm walk is adults only.Tea Party, The Jaydes, The Little Details Tickets FREE £25 per family £10 per adult.

The Duke of Cleveland

Songwriters Circle - Joe Solo, Sara Dennis & Gary Miller with Support from Tim Holehouse FREE

Fishermans Arms

Book via Heugh Battery Fishermans Museum -Arms 01429 270746

Switch-On of Christmas Tree and Illuminations

Martin Stephenson, The Broken Broadcast, Tim Loud (Tickets £10) www.destinationhartlepool.com

Groovy Babies Borough Hall Urban Kaos return with their famous Groovy Babies event where children and their families are invited to learn dance routines and move to music in a fun environment. £2 per person – under 5’s.

‘Under the Covers’: The Broken Tea Party, The Jaydes, The Little Details FREE

Theatrical dance and music from Oliver.

2.30pm – 3pm Seaton Academy of Dance From Broadway to West End.

The Circus.

3.30pm - 4pm Elwick Academy of Dance

(Details as per 10am-11am session above)

Book any workshop online at: www.bloominart.co.uk/events

The Town square will once again be filled with festive traders in their traditional wooden cabins as well as a table-top market, santa’s grotto and his reindeer. FREE www.destinationhartlepool.com www.destinationhartlepool.com

2pm – 2.30pm Michelle Brown Academy of Dance & Theatre

1pm – 2pm Winter decoration workshop

12noon – 6pm

www.destinationhartlepool.com

Join us for an afternoon of theatre, music and dance with tasters from upcoming pantomimes and pieces from young local performers.

(Details as per 10am-11am session above)

Festive Outdoor Market Town Square and Gardens

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Borough Hall – All FREE

3pm – 3.30pm Hartlepool 6th Form College

2.30pm – 3.30pm Winter decoration workshop

Songwriters Circle - Joe Solo, Sara Dennis & Gary Miller with Support from Tim Holehouse FREE

Pantos and Performance

11.30am – 12.30pm Winter decoration workshop

2pm – 4pm Create your own Christmas Elf Learn basic sewing techniques to creat your own Christmas character. For ages 7+, children to be accompanied.

Only £3 per person

Mary Rowntrees

As the Lantern Parade finishes the Town Square will be lit-up with the switch-on of the Christmas Tree and some dramatic illuminations and Light Art pieces by local artist Stuart Langley and production company Artistic Solutions.

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11am – 1pm Recycled Glass Jars Transform a simple glass jar into a beautiful tea-light holder or vase. For ages 7+, children to be accompanied.

Only £3 per person

2pm – 4pm

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Maleficent and the Sleeping Beauty.

2pm – 6pm

Wintertide Film Festival Croft Room, Borough Hall

Step into our very own cinema, 80 seats await you for our one-day celebration of standout independent films including a mix of short stories, local interest and a mesmerising feature length debut. FREE See Page 6 for full listings.

2pm – 10.30pm

Wintertide Live Music Programme Across the festival site mostly FREE

Rousing live music in venues across the festival site, mostly free.

See Page 7 for full listings.

“Above all, Wintertide is a celebration of community spirit and talent and we welcome everyone to what will be a very entertaining and unique few days.”

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, Vice-Chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Policy Committee, added: “The Council is delighted to support Wintertide and we wish it every success.

“The many organisations involved do excellent work on the Headland and it’s great to see them all working together on this innovative event which will, I’m sure, introduce many new visitors to the charm and heritage of the area.”

For further information and updates visit www.destinationhartlepool.com or Facebook at wintertidefestuk or follow on Twitter at wintertideuk. Alternatively, call Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre on 01429 869706.

8 | Hartlepool Today

27th November 2015 Sunday 27th November 2015

Music Festival Programme 27th, 28th & 29th November 2015 Brought to you by - Pindrop Events, The Studio and Red Dreams.

Over 3 Days Friday 27th Fisherman’s Arms : 8pm-11pm FREE

Songwriters Circle - Joe Solo, Sara Dennis & Gary Miller with Support from Tim Holehouse Under the Covers – The Broken Tea Party / The Jaydes / The Little Details

Film Club

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12noon – 6pm 10am – 4pm

Festive Outdoor Market Town SquareChildrens and Gardens Wintertide Film Club FREE Croft Room, Borough Hall 50p per person

The Town square will once again be filled with festive traders in their three We are delighted to be showing traditional wooden cabins well as feature films for kids of allas ages aincluding; table-topFrozen market, santa’s grotto (Sing along), Home and hisand reindeer.

Alone Elf. See Page 6 for full listings.

11am – 3pm

Indoor Craft Market

2pm – 7pm 12noon – 6pm

Wintertide Live Music Festive Outdoor Market Programme Town Square and Gardens Across the festival site, all FREE FREE

The Town once again be Rousing livesquare music will in venues across filled with festive traders in their the festival site, mostly free. traditional wooden cabins as well as See Page 7 for full listings. a table-top market, santa’s grotto and his reindeer.

Wintertide Live Music Programme

Across the festival site, all FREE Rousing live music in venues across the festival site, mostly free.

See Page 7 for full listings.

The Grand Finale

Town Square and Gardens FREE

The Borough Hall will be bustling with local craft traders filling the venue, the event will be enhanced with some extra special music and dance performance curated by Hartlepool Headland Local History Group.

We will close the festival with a BANG! The Town Square is set for some big surprises and some live music by Hartlepool’s finest: The White Negroes plus lots more.

6.00pm

The Grand Finale

Town Square and Gardens FREE We will close the festival with a BANG! The Town Square is set for some big surprises and some live music by Hartlepool’s finest: The White Negroes plus lots more.

Saturday 28th Mary Rowntrees 3.30pm - 6.30pm FREE

Dan Donnelly

Gilded Thieves

The Gem Andrews Band

Little Giants Duke of Cleveland 3.30pm - 7pm

Fisherman’s Arms 3.30pm - 7pm FREE

Tom Fletcher Alex Hart Skylark Song

Fishermans Arms 3pm - 5.30pm FREE

Secret of the Whipt Peg Powler

Plus James P Riggal

Elaine Palmer

3 at Sea Buffalo Skinnners

Outside Stage 12noon - 6.30pm FREE

Red Dreams Charity

Outside Stage : 2pm - 4.30pm FREE

PARA ALTA

The Pot House : 3pm - 5.30pm FREE

James Leonard Hewitson

Ramble Gamble

PLAZA

Sunday 29th

Kate Williams

Martin Stephenson- The Broken Broadcast, Tim Loud

Red Dreams Charity – The Samantha Durnan Band / The Cat Reas band

LIVE MUSIC

The Little Bird

Winspear & William

Saturday 28th

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Mums the Word

Cattle & Cane & Laura James St Hilda’s Church 7.30pm

Pek & Wanley

The White Negroes From 6.30pm

Eliza Carthy & Saul Rose Plus Blair Dunlop Borough Hall 8pm

Maddisons Thread

www.destinationhartlepool.com

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8 Venues

Duke of Cleveland : 7pm-10.30pm

LOST STATE OF DANCE

6.00pm

Borough Hall - FREE

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2pm – 7pm

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Paid Events

www.destinationhartlepool.com

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www.destinationhartlepool.com

Hartlepool Today | 9

SAFE AND SOUND, STORIES OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE TEES VALLEY Two hundred years ago there were no formal emergency services. Discover the stories behind the lives of those who have worked on the front line, keeping our communities Safe and Sound.

‘Safe and Sound’ is a collaborative project between four Tees Valley museums and aims to uncover stories hidden within our museums’ collections relating to emergency response and the people who keep our communities safe and sound.

The exhibition opens at the Museum of Hartlepool at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, on 30th January 2016 and runs until 8th May 2016. The museum is open daily and entry is free (please check website for opening times). The 10 | Hartlepool Today

exhibition will also feature at the Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum in July 2016, and the Dorman Museum in 2017.

One of the stories which will feature is the development of lifeboats. A lifeboat has been stationed at the Hartlepools since 1802, and in 1825 a station opened at Seaton Carew. Since then a number of people have manned the boats, none more famous than Henry Hood of Seaton Carew.

Hood’s most well known rescue was of the crew of the Atlas, which ran aground on the Longscar Rocks in 1883. The rough sea meant the lifeboat could not be taken close to the rocks, so Hood and a colleague climbed onto the reef to continue searching on foot. Upon spotting the vessel another crew-member fetched

a heaving line. Their brave actions could have cost them their lives, but with great difficulty the crew was saved. Hood and his colleagues were awarded with silver medals for bravery.

Hood also received the Albert Medal for Lifesaving, bestowed by Queen Victoria.

Another story mentioned which may still be in living memory for Hartlepool’s residents is the North of England Match Factory fire. The Company which produced thirty two million matches per week was destroyed in 1954. Fires were common at the factory as matches would rub together in the machines and cause sparks. The factory was so badly damaged it was later demolished.

Alongside Hood’s medals and North of England Match Factory matches,

other artefacts on display will include a 19th Century manual fire appliance, a collection of Victorian police truncheons and an Edwardian nurse’s uniform.

Cultural Officer at the Museum of Hartlepool, Anna Dodgson, said: “From the crews of the lifeboats, to the police on the railways, there are so many fascinating stories waiting to be heard and so many artefacts that can bring them to life.”

“The exhibition will go some way to celebrating the rich history of emergency response in the Tees Valley and acknowledge the people who have served our communities.”

The project has been funded by Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund.

Museum of Hartlepool at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and a fantastic place to visit for families, groups and schools - in fact everybody. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Talk to our guides - all in authentic period dress, marvel at Britain’s oldest warship afloat, HMS Trincomalee, find out about all our events and discover the fascinating Museum of Hartlepool. hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com

Hartlepool Today | 11

THE 12 TRENDS OF CHRISTMAS

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Forget leaping lords and milking maids, we’re giving you the gift of festive fashion with these 12 top tips…

Rudolph’s nose has nothing on me.

Red has long been a seasonal staple and Christmas 2015 is no exception. Opt to follow Santa’s lead by going bright and bold or stay merrily muted with a touch of burgundy – just make sure you glow!

An LBD is for life, not just for Christmas.

One thing that never goes out of style is a little black dress. Invest in a good one now and you’ll be wearing it for work dos, weddings, date nights and more, well into the New Year and even beyond.

Is it a top? Is it a trouser? No it’s a … jumpsuit?!

Once reserved for those jumping out of planes, this all in one outfit has become hot stuff on the high street. Think of it as a onesie you can wear outside and dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Get a-head of the game Both practical and pretty, hats can make a style statement as well as keeping you warm. Go for a design that compliments your coat or one that clashes to put you head and shoulders above the crowd.

Novelty Noel (and we don’t mean Edmonds).

What the bearded fella once did for house parties, snowmen and slogans are now doing for festive fashion. Whether you love them or loathe them you can’t escape the Christmas jumper, so why not just embrace the trend? It will give your workmates a laugh if nothing else.

50 Shades of you know what.

It’s cool, classic and goes with almost anything (not unlike a billionaire businessman). So, whether it’s gunmetal, slate or shimmering silver, add a glimpse of grey to your winter wardrobe and you’ll always have something to wear (cable ties optional).

Suits you sir.

Jeans and a shirt are all good and well, but this time of year things can get a little more formal. If you’re feeling particularly dapper then why not don a full three piece (suit, not sofa) or try adding a novelty tie to tone down your tailoring.

‘Jack-It’ Up Unless you’re spending Christmas in the Caribbean, chances are you’ll need a jacket. One proving particularly popular this season is luxurious leather – but feel free to opt for a similar alternative to save on costs (and those cows).

12 | Hartlepool Today

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Decorate more than just the tree.

After decking the halls be sure to give yourself a little seasonal sparkle. Swap crackers for cufflinks, baubles for bags and turn on the lights with glittering jewellery or a wow-them watch.

Go big on boots.

When it comes to festive footwear, more is most definitely more. Swap your loafers and strappy sandals for solid soles and knee highs and give court shoes and trainers the Christmas ‘boot’ (get it!).

Get ‘dressed in the dark’ (on purpose).

Like a seasonal sale offering three for two, you’ll get more bang for your buck when you mix and match your wardrobe. Pair clashing prints and fighting fabrics and you’ll no longer have to worry about what goes with what.

It’s all about the wrapping.

Like a present waiting to be unwrapped, looking good this Christmas depends just as much on what’s hiding underneath. It can be sexy and sheer or seasonal and fun but underwear should not be overlooked – after all it’s too cold to go commando.

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1 BHS - £25 2 Burton - Jacket £85 Jumper £25 Trousers £20 3 Evans - £45 4 Freedom at Topshop - £17.50

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5 House of Fraser - Dickins & Jones Snowman jumper - £65 6 New Look - Teen black faux fur collar biker jacket £24.99

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7 Next - Reindeer Hat £6 Santa Sleep Suit - part of set - £12 8 Primark - £6 9 Shoe Zone - £24.99 10 TK Maxx - £12.99 11 Tu at Sainsbury’s £5 12 Wallis £45 9

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Hartlepool Today | 13

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As we are a private dental practice you can be assured you will get bespoke dentures that are constructed not only for function but, just as importantly, are aesthetically pleasing. The teeth we use come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours allowing us to make your smile exactly the way YOU want it. Quality is paramount so you can expect a high standard of workmanship, using only the best materials which will produce a natural looking smile.

Whether you require a full smile re-design or simply to maintain excellent oral health City Dental can help. Our services include:      

Private Crowns, Bridges & Veneers Outstanding General Dentistry Teeth Whitening Dental Implants – including All-on-4® teeth in a day Dental Plans from £12.95 per month 0% Finance T&C Apply

All of our treatments are carried out with a professional and friendly service. We work with our patients in partnership to give you the smile you have always wanted.

Let City Dental, the private denture people, put the smile back on your face.

Not everyone understands that ill-fitting dentures can really affect the way in which you feel about yourself. Your teeth not only affect the way you look, but also the way you are as a person. Why not let the experts at City Dental put the smile back on your face. Private Dentures are more affordable than you think.

Private Partial Denture From £380

New Patients Welcome

LOVE YOUR

SMILE FREE

Private Full Denture From £575

Consultation

So let us enable you to chew, smile and laugh out loud with confidence.

The fact you wear dentures will be our little secret!

115a York Road | Hartlepool | TS26 9DL

57 Dovedale Road | Sunderland | SR6 8LP

www.city-dental.co.uk

www.city-dental.co.uk

01429 222 886

0191 548 4916

Smile Design  Crowns & Bridges  Implants  Teeth Whitening  Bespoke Dentures

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NEW THIS NOËL

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Every year we trawl the supermarkets, high street and online stores to find you the finest food and drink for your festive plate. This time we’re going one better and introducing you to products that are not only tasty, but brand spanking new….

Getting seasonal at the supermarket There are a whole host of seasonal surprises on supermarket shelves this year, including a number of new releases from our hero, Haribo.

These fruity favourites barely last five minutes in Hartlepool Today headquarters, which is why we’re recommending the sizeable Starmix and Tangfastics Duo tub (£5, 1), which is perfect for sharing – just don’t get between our editor and those fizzy cola bottles.

Lindt has also had us licking our lips these past few weeks, with Santa’s Sleigh (£8.99, 2) and Gold Reindeer and Treats (£5, 3), offering new ways to enjoy this mouthwatering chocolate.

For pure novelty value we adored the brand’s Mini Gold Reindeer (£5.99, 4), which comes with fluffy antlers on a headband – though we did get a few funny looks

wearing it around the office.

Most of the items mentioned above are available at all major supermarkets, but we feel that Aldi deserves an extra special mention.

The cost cutting retailer has added a number of seasonal items to its Specially Selected range, including a melt in the mouth Goats Cheese, Apricot and Parsnip Roast (£2.99, 5), which our vegetarians and carnivores loved in equal measure.

We’re also confident in saying that the brand’s Golden Topped Christmas Pudding (£9.99, 6) and All Butter Almond Mince Tarts (£1.99, 7) were the best we tried in these categories.

When it comes to deciding what drinks to serve this Christmas, there are a few tipples that tickled our fancy.

lemonade. Both are being stocked at all major supermarkets.

The retro design of Blue Nun Original Family Tradition (£5.25, exclusively at Asda, 9) also looked good standing on the sideboard.

If you’re looking for something nonalcoholic, then try Taylors’ new Christmas Blend coffee (£3.49, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, 10). We loved the full-bodied flavour and, knowing it comes from Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms, made us feel socially conscious too.

One more thing to mention in this section, is that even the youngest celebrants can enjoy a taste of Christmas this year. Our tiny tester thoroughly enjoyed the baby friendly Jingle Belly Christmas Dinner from Ella’s Kitchen (£1.39 at Asda, Sainsbury’s and Boots, 11) – at least that’s what we inferred from it not ending up on the floor.

This includes Highland Park’s 12 Year Old sweet single malt (£35.12, 8), which we enjoyed just as much neat, as mixed with Hartlepool Today | 15

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Happy holidays on the high street The marvellous M&S have outdone themselves once again with a spectacular array of festive produce, all of which will be available to buy, or order, in store.

Unfortunately at the time of our testing, many of the brand’s seasonal showpieces, including canapes, cheeses and cakes, were so fresh they were not yet available to try.

We did however manage to get our hands on some of the shelf-based selection, which gave a great indication of the superb taste and eye-catching quality being offered by every item in the range.

Our favourites included the Belgian White Chocolate and Coconut Snowcorn (£3, 1), the surprisingly fizzy Winter Berries and Prosecco Hand Cooked Crips (£2, 2) and the Marc De Champagne Jaffa Cakes (£4, 3) – sweets not biscuits – all of which would make a tasty treat for special guests.

This high street home of frozen favourites is offering a wide range of sweet and savoury products, ideal for cutting costs without sacrificing on taste.

We highly recommend the Luxury Salted Caramel Cheesecake (£4.99, 4) and Luxury Chocolate and Orange Choux Garland (£4.99, 5), both of which can be defrosted relatively quickly if company arrives unexpectedly.

The Christmas Tree Cheese and Garlic Bread Tear and Share (£2, 6) and unusual Wild Boar Cracker (£11.99, 7) would also make show stopping additions to a meal or buffet, without you having to spend hours slaving in the kitchen.

If you want to make things even easier though, why not grab some festive food on the go? Big name baker, Greggs, will

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be serving a selection of themed items throughout the Christmas period, including mixed spice and sweet mincemeat muffins (from 90p, 8), a Turkey, Bacon and Cranberry Roll (from £1.10, 9) and a Balanced Choice Festive Flatbread, with turkey breast, pork stuffing and bacon (from £2.75, 10).

If you’ve already blown your budget on presents and can’t quite stretch to the M&S price tag, then Iceland could well be the answer.

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Elsewhere on the high street, we managed to find some wonderful wines and alternative tipples from independent merchants and well-known retailer, Majestic.

Top picks for Christmas Day include Bacchus 2014 (£11.99) and the award-winning Three Graces 2009 (£26.99), as well as Curious Brew lager and Curious Apple cider (£1.75), all from leading English winemaker, Chapel Downs (see right).

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Winter wonderland on the web While we’re big fans of shopping local here at Hartlepool Today, we do have to acknowledge that there are some amazing festive finds on the World Wide Web. One of our favourites is the Raisthorpe Tipple Crackers (£19.50 for two or £45 for six, 1) from www.raisthorpemanor.com. Each cracker contains a traditional hat and joke, as well as a 5cl bottle of either vodka, gin or port, depending on the variety chosen – now that’s what I call getting more bang for your buck.

We also found a few tasty treats hiding on Ocado.com, including non-alcoholic Belvoir Spiced Ginger Punch (£3, 2), which we particularly enjoyed once warmed, Thomas J Fudge’s Limited Edition White Chocolate and Cranberry Flapjacks (£3.25, 3) and Festive Flavoured Gifting Jars from Snaffling Pig (£15.99, 4), offering pork scratchings in seasonal Sage and Onion Stuffing or Pigs in Blankets flavours.

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If you do prefer to order from a little closer to home, then why not try bills-shop.co.uk.

This is an online store for Durham-based restaurant, Bill’s, and offers an extensive array of jams, drinks, sweets and more.

We went mad for its signature chutney (£3.95, 5), Bramble Berry Infusion Tea (£5.95, 6) and deliciously decadent Red Velvet Cupcake Truffles (£11.95, 7) – though we didn’t have them all together, obviously.

If, after reading all of this, you still feel more like Scrooge then Santa, we do have one more product that is perfect for you…

The aptly-named Misfortune Cookies (£10, 8), available to buy at misfortune-cookies. co.uk, are based on the traditional biscuits, often served in Chinese restaurants. But, unlike their cheerier counterparts, these black-hearted alternatives hold humorously wicked sayings, guaranteed to have guests gasping in shock. A great idea if you’ve got the Grinch coming to dinner.

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Hartlepool Today | 17

Home Builders Federation Customer Survey

BISHOP CUTHBERT I OSPREY WAY I HARTLEPOOL I TS26 0ZF

Be quick... to visit us during November and we could buy your old home, so you can buy ours with Part Exchange*.

Bishop Cuthbert combines a great choice of stylish homes with an appealing location near Hart Village and Hartlepool.

3 bedroom semi-detached and detached homes from only £139,995

PART EXCHANGE* • A good offer for your existing home based on independent valuations • Stay in your existing home until your new house is ready • No estate agent fees • Stress free move

Call: 01429 274 977 Click: www.bellway.co.uk Visit: Monday 12pm - 5.30pm, Tuesday and Wednesday closed, Thursday 11am - 8pm. Friday - Sunday 11am - 5.30pm.

Pictures shown for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press. 9/10 of customers would recommend us; source NHBC, sample size 2094 purchase completion customers, 1st October - 30th September 2014.

*Bellway reserve the right to refuse a part exchange. For full terms & conditions visit www.bellway.co.uk/special-offers/partexchange. Available on selected plots only.

ADVERTORIAL

The Cherry on the cake Offering nearly 800 sq ft of living space, Bellway’s Cherry home is one of the most popular designs amongst buyers at Bishop Cuthbert.

“It’s not hard to see why,” said Bellway’s sales advisor, Julie Armstrong.

“The Cherry is a really lovely family home. The interior design has been very well thought through, the ground floor features a spacious living area measuring 11’ 1” x 13’ 6” which leads through a doorway into a large kitchen dining area measuring 15’ 6” x 11’ 3”.

There is plenty of cupboard space and worktop space for adventurous cooks and currently buyers will benefit from free kitchen appliances which includes an oven, hob, cooker hood, dishwasher, fridge freezer and washing machine.”

“The first floor offers three good size bedrooms and a separate

family bathroom. The master bedroom also includes ensuite facilities.

“Externally, we will provide turf to the rear garden and furthermore Bellway is providing free carpets and underlay,” said Julie.

In order to gauge the appeal of Bishop Cuthbert, visitors can view two Bellway show homes which have been beautifully designed, furnished and decorated to show the living standards that buyers can enjoy.

As well as the free carpets and appliances, Bellway is also offering buyers at Bishop Cuthbert the Help to Buy deal.

This enables a buyer to put

down a minimum 5 percent deposit and then take advantage of a 5-year interest free 20 percent Government loan.

The Help to Buy deal therefore reduces mortgage repayments during the first five years of ownership thereby making the home more affordable.

For buyers with a home to sell, Bellway will consider a part

exchange deal, or alternatively will help you sell your old home using their free of charge Express Mover deal, where Bellway will agree a price with you for your old home and appoint a sales agent on your behalf who is incentivised to achieve a swift and satisfactory sale.

For more information on Bishop Cuthbert visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the sales centre Tel 01429 274977.

Monday 12 Noon to 5.30pm, Tuesday & Wednesday Closed, Thursday 11am to 8pm, Friday 11am to 5.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 5.30pm.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

WIN A FABULOUS WEEKEND AWAY COURTESY OF PARK INN BY RADISSON DONCASTER WORTH £500!

Here’s your chance to win the perfect family weekend away courtesy of the contemporary Park Inn by Radisson Doncaster z(www. parkinn.co.uk/hotel-doncaster).

The jam-packed prize includes a two night stay in a luxury en-suite family room for two adults and two children, incorporating Wi-Fi access and breakfast, as well as dinner with a bottle of wine in the hotel’s Café Bar on one evening.

The hotel also has ample car parking facilities.

You will find lots to do during your stay, as we’re also giving you the chance to visit one of two top attractions in the region.

As part of their prize our winner can choose either a family ticket to the awardwinning Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with a magical walk-through experience brining you almost face to face with some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful animals, such as leopards, tigers, lions, polar bears and meerkats (www.yorkshirewildlifepark. com). Or a family tickets to watch local football team, Doncaster Rovers, in action at the Keepmoat Stadium (www. doncasterroversfc.co.uk) Your prize also includes a £50 Gift Card 20 | Hartlepool Today

for you & your family to indulge in some retail therapy at the fabulous Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping Centre which is home to a whole range of women’s, men’s, children’s & home-ware discount outlets with a free coffee or tea at the Thornton’s Chocolate Café for four people (www.lakeside-village.co.uk).

To win all you have to do is name three types of animal that reside at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Closing date for entries is 4 January 2016 See foot of page 21 for entry details

Terms and Conditions Prize & offer are for a family room up to 2 adults & 2 children under 12 years sharing. Prize dinner is 3 course & bottle house wine or soft drinks.

Thornton’s Chocolate Café drink is standard size, upgraded drinks available at supplement. Prize tickets for max 2 adults & 2 children up to 12 years.

Offer rooms not available to book online & include 2 course dinner for max 2 adults & 2 children. Prize and offer subject to availability, valid until 31/06/16, no cash alternatives and editor’s decision is final.

If you are not lucky enough to win, take advantage of this special offer of £69DBB per family room with a 2 course meal & bottle of wine. Call 01302 760 710 & quote ‘Today Magazine’.

N WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN W WIN A PAMPER PACKAGE WITH ® YUSHOI SNAPEA RICE STICKS Yushoi® Snapea rice sticks, the new delicious baked snacks that are made using green peas and are better for you, are working with Hartlepool Today to give TWO lucky readers the chance to win the perfect pamper package.

With a selection of deliciously scented washes, lotions and balms, along with some great tasting snacks this perfect prize package is ideal for a night along or a fun filled evening with friends.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: What are Yushoi® Snapea rice sticks made from: Potato, Green peas or Turnip?

Boasting less than 99 calories per 21g pack or serving, Yushoi are high in fibre and a good source of protein, nut and dairy free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans and have no artificial colours or flavours. Better still, with these snacks there is no compromising on texture or taste.

Subtly seasoned in a range of mouth-watering flavours including Lightly Salted, Soy & Balsamic Vinegar, Smoked Salt & Szechuan Pepper and Sweet Chilli & Lemon, Yushoi Snapea rice sticks are available from Morrisons, The Cooperative, WH Smiths, Whole Foods Market and Selfridges.

Closing date for entries 4 January 2016. See foot of this page for entry details.

NEW MARTHA HILL ESSENTIAL SKIN CARE Natural health & beauty specialists, Beauty Naturals, are offering 3 new Martha Essential Hill Skin Care sets, worth £34.80.

Martha Hill has created this exciting new collection of daily care essentials all beautifully fragranced with Pure Organic Rosewater and combining the finest natural, herbal ingredients.

The four product set contains 75mls each of Cream Cleanser, Gel Toner, Day Cream and Overnight Cream, providing all you need for your daily skin care routine and will help to reveal a fresh, brighter looking complexion with a naturally healthy glow.

For a free brochure of Beauty Naturals extensive range of natural health & beauty products free phone 0800 980 6665 or go online at beautynaturals.com T: @beautynaturals F: /beautynats To win answer this question: What fragrance is used in the Martha Hill collection?

Closing date for entries 4 January 2016. See foot of page for entry details

ELECTRIC JUKEBOX: MUSIC TO A DIFFERENT BEAT Taking on music streaming services, home entertainment systems and everything in between, Electric Jukebox is set to revolutionise the way we listen to music in the home and we have teamed up with Hartlepool Today to offer one lucky reader the chance to win one of their very own.

Electric Jukebox transforms your TV into the ultimate music machine, instantly. You can play music at the click of a button. You can find your favourite artist, album or track by simply speaking into the Electric Jukebox wireless microphone.

And what’s more there is no registration required, no credit card details to input, no monthly subscription to agree and no app downloads to undertake.

All you need to do is plug in the Electric Jukebox and play music… just like magic!

Electric Jukebox also features exclusive mixtapes from some of music’s best loved artists and celebrated curators including Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Fry and Alesha Dixon.

Electric Jukebox is about choosing and listening to music together again. Your favourite songs are at your fingertips and simply point the controller at the TV and press play. Curate playlists for the whole family to enjoy or access Electric Jukebox’s exclusive tracks and albums from some of the best artists in the world. Your TV takes on a new life as you soar through the different areas including singles, albums and specially created mix CDs too.

ENTER TO WIN

ANSWER THIS QUESTION FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

What UK boy band was Robbie Williams once part of?

Closing date for entries is 4 January 2016 See foot of page this page for entry details

Send your answers, along with your name, email, address and telephone number to: Hartlepool Today Magazine, 45 Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village, DL5 6LH

Hartlepool Today | 21

HOLIDAY INN WASHINGTON Between historic Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, the Holiday Inn Washington UK hotel is ideally located in Tyne and Wear, just off the A1M junction 64.

This long-established hotel is well known for its friendly staff and warm welcome. With plenty of free parking, the hotel has an established restaurant Traders, and a contemporary lounge and bar area, serving drinks and light snacks. There are 136 fully air conditioned bedrooms at this hotel in Washington, including family and accessible rooms.

Ideally placed for enjoying the many tourist attractions the area has to offer. So whether you fancy a day in Historic Durham, a trip to the coastal areas of South Shields, a day back in time visiting the award winning Beamish Museum, a day of retail therapy shopping at the famous MetroCentre or taking in the history and culture, not to mention the amazing restaurants, bars and shops that the city of Newcastle has to offer.

THE COMPETITION Win an overnight stay for 2 persons in a luxurious double bedroom, fully inclusive of bed, breakfast and dinner with a bottle of wine in Traders Restaurant.

Answer this question for a chance to win: What is the name of the hotel’s restaurant?

Closing date for competitions is 4 January 2016.

See foot of page 21 for entry details

Holiday Inn, Washington Emerson, Washington NE37 1LB 0191 4189400 reservations@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk 22 | Hartlepool Today

Music The Studio Hartlepool 01429 857193

Tygers of Pan Tang Sat 5 Dec Hailing from the northeast town of Whitley Bay, The Tygers were one of the original 80s New Wave of British heavy metal bands signed to Neat Records - now reformed and building on their awesome reputation as a live band.

Tickets: £8.80

Ultimate Bowie Sat 19 Dec Ed Blaney takes the spotlight and leads an eight piece band that takes you from David Bowie’s early years with hits such as Starman, through his remarkable career to songs like Let’s Dance, China Girl and many more.

Tickets from: £8.80

Borough Hall, Hartlepool 01429 266269

One and only Direction Thurs 3 Dec One and only direction – 1D Tribute Band.

Tickets available from www.1directiontribute.com

Maximo Park | Sat 12 Dec Maxïmo Park will be marking their 10th anniversary with a series of live shows. Celebrating ten years since the release of their debut ‘A Certain Trigger’, the band will play the album in its entirety, along with a special selection of single tracks and rarities.

Tickets available from www.ents24.com

Christmas Wintertide Festival Fri 27 - Sun 29 Nov A brand new winter festival of arts, music, film and community spirit will set Hartlepool’s ancient Headland aglow.

Light Switch On Weds 2 Dec This event runs from 4 – 7pm and is free to members of the public. The lights will be switched on at 6pm in Church Square

Going Christmas Crackers Sat 12 Dec Visit Hartlepool Maritime Experience from 4.30 – 7.30pm for some festive fun and entertainment which includes a Magician, furry animals, craft stalls and performances from Seaton Carew Dance Academy.

Tickets £4.50 or £18 family (2ad+2ch) under 2’s free

Christmas Tree Festival 2015 Mon 14 – Thurs 31 Dec St Hilda’s Church Visitor’s Centre The annual Christmas Tree Festival begins with the lighting up of the trees decorated by local groups and schools along with a community carol service followed by refreshments.

The festival will continue until New Year with St Hilda’s Church being open from 2:00pm until 4:00pm each day of the festival except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Refreshments will be available at the event. There will be a small collection taken throughout the festival.

Santa’s Grotto Sun 13 – Thurs 24 Dec Hartlepool Maritime Experience Santa will be in his Grotto throughout December at Hartlepool Maritime Experience.

Ticket £5, to include small gift.

To book call Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience on 01429 860077

Place in the Park 6 - 28th Dec Every Saturday and Sunday throughout December. Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool Ticket £4.00, includes a gift for every child.

Tel 01429 405573

Middleton Grange Shopping Centre Every Thurs to Sun in Dec The grotto will be open every Thursday to Sunday until December 21, when it will stay open daily until Christmas Eve. Visit between 10.30am and 4.30pm for only £3 a child - and the price includes a toy.

Attractions Cameron’s Brewery Visitor Centre Cameron’s Brewery Visitor Centre is on the site of the former Stranton pub. It offers a remarkable and educational insight into beer production but is also a fascinating story of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, social history and political manoeuvring. Interactive displays trace brewing through the ages and the rise of the present company from its origins in 1865 when John William Cameron first entered the Lion Brewery.

For more information call 01429 852000

Funky World Funky World is Hartlepool’s fun and friendly play centre for all ages and abilities. Packed with innovative equipment, Funky World is ideal for learning, play and birthday parties.

The centre includes a soft play area, sensory studios, Sony Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, large screen cinema and a bistro. Funky World is a not-forprofit social enterprise.

For more information call 01429 86070

Navigation Point Navigation Point, Hartlepool’s Largest building, is located on the northern tip of Hartlepool Marina and features exclusive restaurants, bistros, shops and luxury furnished apartments.

Here you can relax and unwind whilst watching the boats and yachts of the Marina. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with tastes from around the world to suit any palate and budget.

In fact it’s the main port of call for Hartlepool’s foodies.

Hartlepool Today | 23

home comforts‌ At Hill Care we understand that no two people are the same, which is why we offer a unique approach to care. Our fully qualified staff at Queens Meadow are dedicated to maintaining privacy, supporting independence and protecting the dignity of each and every resident.

Crea ng communi es and improving quality of life.

Queens Meadow Care Home Home Manager: Julie Armstrong 327 Stockton Road, Hartlepool, TS25 5DF Telephone: 01429 267 424 Email: queensmeadow@hillcare.net

www.hillcare.net

You’re in caring hands