Hartlepool Today - Issue 4 by rineypublishinglimited

hartlepool

Issue 4 - Feb/Mar 2016

rum o F m a h g n i l at Bil Planning your next family day out? Look no further than a unique and fun filled ice skating experience at North East’s premier ice arena, Billingham Forum.

Kids everywhere are acting out their favourite moments from the box office smash, Frozen! So, why not have your own Frozen adventure and create truly memorable moments at any time of the year? We have plenty of family friendly sessions throughout the week including Simply Skate, Family Freeze and our Penguin Club - which allows children as young as 18 months to experience ice skating!

EE KATESkateFhireR not included UNDER 3’S S

YEAR! L L A N E P O WE’RE Excludes Christmas

Day, Boxing Day &

New Year’s Day.

NGUINS & E P Y T I L I B STA VAILABLE A N E M W O SN 00 for 30 minutes. ity. £3.

Subject to availabil

View our timetabl e online

8 local, relevant and entertaining Welcome to a new year and a new issue of Hartlepool Today.

We’re starting 2016 with some interesting features plus details of a new exhibition on the 1914 Bombardment of The Hartlepools All designed to keep you entertained as you curl up for your winter hibernation. Along with our usual mix of local news, you’ll also find some competitions including 2 hotel overnight stays and tickets to see Madam Butterfly at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. If you are brave enough to venture out then our feature on warm and stylish fashion for children should come in handy. What’s on can be found on p 22. Happy reading everyone!

CONTENTS 6 BOMBARDMENT OF THE HARTLEPOOLS

A new, permanent exhibition

10 SNUG AS A BUG

Winter warmers for fashionable youngsters

17 TAKE TO THE SKIES FROM DURHAM TEES VALLEY

Holiday hotspots for the half term and beyond

20 THE ‘WIN-TER’ BLUES

Top prizes up for grabs

22 WHAT’S ON

WINNERS

Shows, sounds and more

HT 3 WINNERS A weekend away courtesy Raddison Park Inn goes to: K Smith An overnight stay for two at Holiday Inn Washington goes to: C McKeown Congratulations to the three lucky winners of a Martha Hill Skincare Set The two lucky winners of a Yushoi Pamper Package are: S Patterson & S Malherbe-Smith

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.

Competitions: Riney Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised, late entries or prizes not received. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers.

LOCAL NEWS Bill Abbott, Managing Director of Hydrochem

HIGH HOPES FOR HYDROCHEM

Rebecca Hodge (left, Steve Laughton, Projects Manager with ISG, and Klaudia Robinson on the construction site at the new Cleveland Fire Brigade HQ in Hartlepool.

Hydrochem, the longest-serving independent water treatment specialist in the North of England, has broken the £1m turnover barrier for the first time in its 29-year history.

HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE STUDENTS

Managing Director Bill Abbott was delighted with the firm’s financial results for yearend December 31, 2015.

Two students have been putting their skills to the test with some hands-on experience after setting their sights on a career in quantity surveying. Rebecca Hodge, 17, and 16-year-old Klaudia Robinson are both in the first year of Diplomas in Construction and the Built Environment at Hartlepool College of Further Education. Both teenagers hope to work as quantity surveyors when they complete their studies, and have spent time working on the

APPEAL TO FORMER STUDENTS An organisation that has helped thousands of people into higher education and ultimately changed lives is appealing for some of its former students to come forward to help celebrate its 20th anniversary. One Awards, which was previously known as TROCN and OCN North East region, is keen to hear from anyone holding an Access to Higher Education Certificate or Diploma, who went on to complete a university degree. The awarding body is based in Peterlee, County Durham and has been affiliated with all of the North East’s further education colleges over the last 20 years. Louise Morritt, One Awards’ Chief Executive, said: “If you have completed 4 | Hartlepool Today

construction of the new Cleveland Fire Brigade headquarters at Queens Meadow Business Park on the outskirts of Hartlepool to gain some vital experience. The site, which is being constructed by international building firm ISG, was started in March last year and is due for completion this July. Rebecca and Klaudia have spent time on the site doing various tasks centred around surveying, including take-off on drawings and document control.

Hydrochem boasts a string of bluechip clients across the UK including Bannatyne’s, Bourne Leisure - which includes Haven and Butlin’s - and uses the innovative Safe-Water programme which has been devised to carry out risk assessment of Legionella and other possible bacterial issues. Engineers also carry out checks on air quality using the new Safe Building programme in buildings such as schools, hospitals, hotels and offices where mould and spores are present causing health issues.

an Access to HE qualification in the last 20 years then there’s a good chance your qualification was validated by One Awards under our current name or one of our previous brands. “We are building up a set of student stories for our 20th year celebrations and would love to hear from people who went to university, to find out what they achieved afterwards, whether it led them down a new career path or business venture.” Plans are in place to produce a commemorative booklet of case studies to coincide with a 20th anniversary event taking place at the Sage, in Gateshead, in March this year. Louise added: “We want as many people as possible to join us in sharing their learning journeys as part of this celebration of achievement and life

changing route to new opportunities.” One Awards is keen to hear from anyone who has gone through this route and has a story to tell. Please email AVA20@oneawards.org.uk for further information.

Steve Bell, Chief Executive of Gus Robinson Developments Ltd

CELEBRATIONS FOR GUS ROBINSON DEVELOPMENTS LTD Gus Robinson Developments Ltd has been celebrating its 40th birthday with some early contract wins for 2016. Deals worth in excess of £13m have already been secured for 2016/17, and Managing Director Steve Bell says the firm is well positioned going into the final quarter of this financial current year. Now into its fifth decade, Gus Robinson Developments Ltd has been boosted by a streamlining of the business which has seen a strong focus on house building over the last two years.

RSBP SALTHOLME TAKE CARE ON THE DRIVE Look carefully as you come up the main drive to the car park. There is a Short-eared Owl currently hunting along either side of the drive, around the workshop, over the Discovery Zone and in front of the Wildlife

Mark Penny, Commercial Manager at J&B Recycling.

The introduction of a tax on carrier bags has had an instant impact on recycling rates with people now more conscious of reusing their old bags rather than having to pay for new ones. Ministers claimed the introduction of the 5p charge would stop shoppers from using as many bags and at the same time encouraging them to reuse old ones. Just over two months after the introduction of the charge and the

Watchpoint Hide. These are birds that breed on open uplands and move to marshes and coastal grasslands in winter, but the birds that winter here tend to have arrived from Scandinavia. Shorteared Owl populations fluctuate greatly in five year cycles along with their small mammal prey populations, and this winter is a good one. They hunt during the day, but

J&B RECYCLING REPORT INSTANT IMPACT IN CARRIER BAG CHARGES

team at J&B Recycling noticed a 50 per cent drop in the amount of carrier bags coming through their sorting plants. Mark Penny, Commercial Manager at J&B Recycling, said: “Prior to the introduction of the charge, we used to recover 25 tonnes of carrier bags each week which would be baled up and sent for recycling. We have noticed an immediate drop, and we are now dealing with between 10 and 12 tonnes per week”.

locate their prey by ear, before killing the unfortunate animal with a bite to the back of the neck. They are very charismatic birds, and it’s always a thrill when a passing Short-eared Owl turns its head to look you with its staring yellow eyes as it sweeps gracefully by. But please take care coming up the drive we don’t want to be pulling any cars out of a ditch.

Short-eared Owl by Lockhart Horsburgh

Hartlepool Today | 5

NEW MUSEUM GALLERY RECALLS THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE HARTLEPOOLS A new permanent exhibition on the Bombardment of the Hartlepools in the First World War opened in December 2015; on the 101st anniversary of the attack. The exhibition opened at the Museum of Hartlepool, at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience. The museum is open daily, from 11am to 4pm and entry is free. On the morning of 16th December 1914, the town made national and international headlines when German warships fired more than a thousand shells on the Hartlepools, killing 130 civilians and military personnel and wounding more than 500. The Heugh Gun Battery returned fire in what was the only battle fought on British soil during the First World War. One of the Battery’s soldiers, Theo Jones of the Durham Light Infantry, became the first British soldier killed by enemy action on home ground.

6 | Hartlepool Today

Girvan Terrace man with shell splinters ©HBC 2014

Highlights of the new exhibition include: • An audio-visual presentation narrated by North-East broadcaster and historian John Grundy. The presentation includes recently-discovered photographs and archival footage of the day’s events and its aftermath. • 130 ceramic poppies which formed part of the artwork, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ at the Tower of London, alongside a roll of honour naming the 130 people they represent who died in the Bombardment.

Bombardment Clock ©HBC 2014

• The return of the iconic ‘Bombardment Clock’, which stopped when it was pierced by a shell fragment, and James Clark’s oil painting, ‘The Bombardment of the Hartlepools’. Mark Simmons the Museum Manager said; “this is the best interpretation of the Bombardment and Hartlepool’s role in the wider war that the museum has ever had. Previously, First World War artefacts were among the other exhibits, so it’s nice that they now have their own dedicated space, telling the full story in a fresh, powerful and memorable way.”

AFTERNOON TEA, ANYONE? Head Chef Steve Smith of Michelin Star Bohemia Restaurant has shared his Hedgerow Jam and delicious fruit scone recipe created for the hotel’s Bohemian Afternoon Tea Collection. Head Chef Steve Smith @ Bohemia has held a Michelin Star for over 10 years from the age of just 24. Steve has enjoyed a spectacular year being named Catey Chef of the Year 2014, retaining Bohemia’s Michelin Star, being awarded 4AA Rosettes, as well as being listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, with special praise being given to Bohemia’s desserts which were listed ‘6th Best in the UK’.

Steve Smith’s Hedgerow Jam Ingredients 2kg Wild Fruits (Sloes, Bilberries, Blackberries, Elderberries, Rosehips) 2 Cooking Apples Water Sugar Method Remove any stalks and dry leaves from the fruits. Cut the apples into quarters. Put the fruits into a stainless steel pan and cover with water. Simmer until soft for about 30 minutes. Unlike other jams and preserves this needs to be sieved to remove seeds and pips. Force through a sieve and weigh the pulp. Transfer to a clean saucepan and add an equal weight of sugar. Bring to a boil stirring to dissolve sugar and cook over a high heat until jam reaches setting point (105°c). Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 20 minutes. Then ladle into, warm sterilised jars to within ¼ of the rim. Wipe off any sticky drops with a hot damp cloth. Place a wax paper disc onto the jam surface to seal. Cover the mouth of the jar with cellophane, fastened with an elastic band.

8 | Hartlepool Today

Steve Smith @ Bohemia Michelin Star Fruit Scones Ingredients (to make 10 scones) 300g Plain Flour 32g Caster Sugar 18g Baking Powder 44g Unsalted Butter 250ml Milk 140g Sultanas 1 Egg Method Mix flour, sugar, baking powder & butter until the butter has crumbled. Add sultanas and milk. Roll out on a floured surface, cut to the desired shape and size, eggs wash (1 egg and a splash of milk) & leave to prove for 15 minutes. Bake @ 180°c for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Store and use as required.

ADVERTORIAL

Last chance for first time buyers at Bishop Cuthbert If you’re still living at home or perhaps renting now is the time to make that move into home ownership. Many newspaper pundits started the New Year speculating a continued growth in the housing market with likely price increases throughout the year. One of the regions most established developments, Bellway’s Bishop Cuthbert has seen hundreds of people move into more modern and better built homes offering a host of benefits, now as the development draws to a close it is the last chance to move into a modern fuel efficient new home on an established and attractive development. “Over the years Bishop Cuthbert has been one of our most sought after developments, confirmed Bellway’s Sales Director, Rob Armstrong. “The development

caters for a range of family sizes, but of particular interest to first time buyers will be our Fir design. This is a two bedroom flat situated over a three garage complex and offers its own personal entrance and staircase leading to the first floor accommodation and makes an ideal choice for someone or a young couple wanting to get onto the housing ladder.”

area providing plenty of natural light.

Priced from £109,995 the Fir offers 496 sq. ft. of living space. The accommodation provides an entrance hallway which leads to a kitchen / living room, master bedroom, bathroom and second bedroom. The main living area is divided by a handy breakfast bar, the kitchen area provides an oven, hob and cooker hood and fridge freezer and the living room space provides a comfortable and spacious area in which to relax, two windows in the kitchen and living

“One of the principal benefits for first time buyers,” said Rob Armstrong is the Help to Buy scheme, though thousands of people across the country have accessed the housing market using the scheme we still have people coming to us unsure of how it works. My advice is come and talk to us. We can explain the benefits and run you through the costs, so that you will feel entirely comfortable with your decision. It’s surprising how many people don’t

The main bedroom has been well designed and incorporates a built in wardrobe leaving plenty of space for a large double bed and side cabinets. The bathroom has been finished with flooring and half tiling with modern white bathroom fitments. The garage below is a useful and secure additional storage space.

think they can afford to buy until we explain the benefits of Help to Buy and in some cases it is actually cheaper than renting.” Help to Buy was launched by the Government to assist more people in to their own homes and enables a person to buy a new home with a minimum 5 percent deposit and benefit from a 20 percent 5 year interest free loan, which means that only a 75 percent mortgage is required thereby reducing mortgage repayments during the first five years of ownership. For more information on Bishop Cuthbert, visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the sales centre, Tel 01429 274 977 Monday 12pm - 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11am - 5.30pm, Thursday 11am - 8pm, Friday - Sunday 11am - 5.30pm.

BISHOP CUTHBERT I OSPREY WAY I HARTLEPOOL I TS26 0ZF

Home Builders Federation Customer Survey

The way to

A NEW BEGINNING

With Help to Buy* you only need a 5% deposit to buy a 2 bedroom apartment.

THE FIR The Fir is a modern 2 bedroom apartment designed for modern living and includes carpets, fridge/freezer, slimline dishwasher and washing machine worth over £3,000.

FROM ONLY £109,995. BUY WITH JUST 5% DEPOSIT* • You pay a 5% deposit • Own 100% of your home • 20% interest free equity loan is provided by the Government • You only need to secure a 75% mortgage

Available to all new home buyers, not just first-time buyers.

Call: 01429 274 977 Click: www.bellway.co.uk Visit: Monday 12pm - 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11am - 5.30pm, Thursday 11am - 8pm, Friday - Sunday 11am - 5.30pm. Prices correct at time of going to press. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may include optional upgrades at additional cost. Specification on site may differ. Computer generated images are indicative only. *YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Available on new build homes up to £600,000 subject to the Government ‘Help to Buy’ terms and conditions and only available to customers where a primary mortgage is secured. Not available on second or additional homes, buy-to-let and let-to-buy properties. HomeBuy agent eligibility check required. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years and needs to be a minimum of 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of 20%. After five years, an annual fee of 1.75% of the outstanding equity loan is charged. This is increased annually by RPI plus 1%. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Available on selected plots only and not in conjunction with any other offer.

SNUG AS A BUG Fashionable fixes for keeping your child warm this winter They tear them, stain them and spill all manner of food on them – in fact you name it, kids will ruin their clothes just by being kids. When it comes to replacing their worn out wear it’s all about finding something that they love, but also ticks all your practicality boxes too. Here are our top tips to help youngsters stay snug and stylish all season long. Love those layers: With the British weather as changeable as ever, layers will ensure your child is appropriately dressed no matter how many seasons each day holds. Try pairing long sleeved t-shirts with jumpers, cardigans or even a gilet so they have the option to remove one layer if the temperature climbs or they venture indoors. Get your coat, you’ve played: It’s not always easy to get your child to cover up but, with so many amazing coats on the market, chances are they will find

one they love. From waterproofs with detachable hoods to fancy fur covered creations there’s a whole range of affordable options on offer – we’ll just keep our fingers crossed that you don’t have to chase them around to get them on. Don’t forget the fun: Winter clothing needs to be practical but there’s no reason it can’t be fun, too. Try to find items featuring their favourite characters or opt for bright colours which are more likely to stay on and less likely to get lost at the back of the cupboard. Start with the shoes: Strong footwear is the foundation to any great outfit and, when it comes to kids, we know it needs to be comfortable, and practical, too. This time of year its worthwhile investing in a good pair of snow boots or even wellies, just remember to check they have a good, strong sole and thick tread in case Jack Frost comes nipping at their toes.

Always accessorise: Scarves, hats and gloves are a must at this time of year. Many stores are now selling matching sets which enhance the look and keep costs down but, if you’d prefer, go for a mix and match or maybe even knit one of your own. It’s all in the jeans: Dark denim is a wardrobe staple for young people this winter. It’s durable, doesn’t show stains and does offer some protection against the elements –just be aware that if it gets extremely wet it can start to rub and will take a long time to dry, so best pack a change of clothes just in case. As an alternative try cords, cargo pants, leggings or extra thick tights.

10 | Hartlepool Today

8 12 2

Next - Textured grey jacket from £27, Khaki dinosaur t-shirt from £7

Next - Navy coated jacket from £26, Plane t-shirt from £6, Ochre chinos from £9

George at ASDA - Disney Frozen Padded Jacket, £14

Brantano - Feet Street Biker Big Flower Mid to High Boots, £22

Brantano - Clarks Stomp Roll I G Casual Trainers, £34

George at ASDA - Peppa Pig Snow Boots, £14

Primark - Spiderman rain boots, £8

George at ASDA - Despicable Me Minions Hat, Scarf and Gloves Set, £8

Marks & Spencer - Hat & Scarf £16 (3 part set), Sweater from £14, T-shirt from £9 (2 pack), Jeans from £12, Boots from £30.

Marks & Spencer - Outfit from £22, Boots from £42, Scarf £8

F&F (Tesco) LS Bear Rock Out Tee -£4

Primark - Vintage blue jean and braces set, 3-4yrs, £10

Next – Fire engine crew - £15

Matalan - Faux Fur Animal Print Sweat, £16

Matalan - Pink Faux Fur Hooded Khaki Parka £22, Faux Fur Animal Print Sweat £9, Black Jewel Skinny Jeans £10, Chain Detail Chelsea Boots £16

Picture courtesy of Primark UK, item prices vary

F&F (Tesco) - Borg Lined Check Shirt, £12

Hartlepool Today | 11

CITY DENTAL

EXCELLENCE IN SMILE DESIGN

At City Dental we’re different.

FREE

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Our modern approach to dentures means your new smile is constructed by Clinical Dental Technicians (CDT’s); a dental care professional who has trained as a dental technician and taken further professional training enabling them to perform the clinical side of denture construction. Being treated by a CDT means there is no to-ing and fro-ing eliminating the chance of miscommunication.

New Patients Welcome

We are also a full service dental surgery offering to cater for all your dental needs. Our services include:  0% Finance T&C’s Apply  Private Crowns, Bridges & Veneers  Outstanding General Dentistry

 Teeth Whitening  Dental Implants – including All-on-4®  Dentures

LOVE YOUR

SMILE

Spotlight on ‘All on 4’ Fixed Teeth in a Day. What is “teeth in a day”? As the name suggests “All on 4” is 4 implants placed into either jaw which supports a full arch of fixed teeth. Why “teeth in a day”? Convenience and immediate results on a tried and tested format: Step 1 – Work with our Clinical Dental Technician to get the smile you want. Step 2 – Attend the dental implant clinic and walk out with fixed teeth in a day. Step 3 – Enjoy life; wake up in the morning and brush your teeth like you used to. How long will my new teeth last? Latest studies show excellent 15 year + survival rate, the implants placed should last a lifetime if looked after. Why do so few places offer teeth in a day? Like everything, you need confidence and trust in the facility and the team delivering your treatment. You need a first class clinical and on site laboratory facility. The benefits of the treatment will be: Reduced surgery time, fewer implants, less expensive, no need for bone grafts and available to a wide variety of people 115a York Road | Hartlepool TS26 9DL

57 Dovedale Road | Sunderland SR6 8LP

39 Coach Lane | Newcastle NE13 7AS

www.city-dental.co.uk

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0191 548 4916

Crowns  Implants  Teeth Whitening  Dentures 

0191 236 5915

Preventative Dentistry  Outstanding General Dentistry

ADVERTORIAL

Dentures: from the Etruscans to Implants and Digital Dentistry. Colin Caster, Managing Director of City Dental, explains how their team uses cutting edge technology to produce state of the art dentures. Dentures or ‘false teeth’ are prostheses constructed to replace missing teeth. The first recorded dentures were produced by the Etruscans in Northern Italy and made from human or animal teeth circa 500BC. Human anatomy has evolved very little, thankfully however modern materials and techniques have. Modern dentures are produced in a dental laboratory under dentist prescription or by a Clinical Dental Technician; a dental team member qualified as a dental technician then further qualified to carry out the clinical aspects of denture construction. The process involves primary impressions to make special trays fitting the patient’s mouth accurately achieving a much more detailed secondary impression to produce a master model. Wax rims and bases are produced to allow the clinician to check several key points: fit, facial seal, the occlusion (how the patient bites together), facial aesthetics,

the position, size, shape and shade of the teeth to be used to give the most natural appearance.

be restored immediately in some cases or left to integrate for a short period and then restored.

Next a wax ‘try-in’ using the chosen teeth. At this stage the phonetics are checked to ensure the patient speaks normally with their new teeth, if adjustments are necessary alterations are made and a ‘re-try’ carried out.

There are a variety of restorations replacing one missing tooth to a full arch of teeth which are ‘fixed in place’ giving the patient the closest thing to having natural teeth. Implants can be used to stabilise dentures giving patients the best of both worlds where dentures are held firmly in place but can be removed for easy cleaning.

The dentures are finished once the patient is completely satisfied. The dentures are finished in the most modern advanced acrylics. Once fitted the patient attends a review programme to ensure they are completely at ease with their new teeth.

Modern implant technology allows patients who have previously lost some or all of their teeth to have them replaced using implants to support their new teeth. Anything from a single tooth to a full set of dentures can be replaced using implants for support. An x-ray or CT scan is taken to ensure there is sufficient available bone and indicate the position of nerves and other structures which need to be avoided when placing the implants. An implant surgeon carries out a surgical procedure to place the implants into the jaw bone. Implants can

Digital dentistry is used to plan accurate implant placement. Then in the dental laboratory a computer is used to scan the implants and a computer is used to design the frameworks (CADCAM). The framework is then milled from the material of choice Titanium or Zirconia with amazing accuracy, about 4 microns which provides a superb fit onto the implants. The frameworks are then used to either carry the denture teeth which are processed onto the framework or porcelain teeth are built up directly onto the Zirconia framework to complete the process.

To contact or book a free consultation at any of the City Dental practices visit www.city-dental.co.uk. Hartlepool Today | 13

We are your local helpful solicitors Do you need A preliminary discussion about a legal problem without paying a fee? A will or Lasting Power of Attorney? Help with administration of an estate or a Court of Protection application? Elderly client advice? Assistance with family and children problems? Are you Buying or selling a property? A business seeking affordable legal services? In dispute with your employer or an employer with staff problems? Have you had An accident and suffered personal injuries and are looking to claim on No win No fee basis? Unsatisfactory medical treatment?

We can help with all these and more. A first free interview at a time convenient for you. Home visits can be arranged.

Foster House, 99 Raby Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8DT | 01429 235 616 | Enquires@tmjlgal.co.uk | www.tmjlegal.co.uk

estate agents

We know you want from your estate agent – sale of your property at a reasonable price

New in the locality we are successfully achieving sales and offering competitive fees

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Contact Jenn, Branch Manager, on 01429230077 or 07837 549693 email hartlepool@abodelettingagency.co.uk 93 Raby Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8DT

ADVERTORIAL

Full value part exchange plus £3,000 when you buy a Larch Bellway is offering a full value part exchange deal to buyers of their Larch house type at Bishop Cuthbert in Hartlepool added to this Bellway is also topping up the deal with £3,000 January bonus not to mention carpets and appliances that are also included in the package.

and being a three storey home it provides an incredible amount of living flexibility.”

“This is a really good deal,” said sales advisor, Lesley Taylor. “People often struggle to sell their old homes, this way they know that they have a guaranteed buyer in Bellway and can remain in their old home until their new home is ready to move into.

Prices for the Larch start from £169,995 and buyers will currently benefit from a host of valuable extras that Bellway is including in the price. “Currently, we are offering buyers of the Larch free carpets and a superb modern kitchen which includes an oven , hob, cooker hood, dishwasher, fridge freezer and washing machine, externally, we will also provide turf to the rear garden.”

“The Larch is a fabulous three bedroom town house, it has been designed to create the maximum amount of useable space and on entering the property you get an overwhelming feeling of openness. The interior lay out has been precisely designed to cater for a 21st century life style, everything inside the property has its place

Lesley added: “Though we hope to retain a presence in Hartlepool, the development is coming to an end so this really is the last time to snap up a really good deal.”

The Larch provides 1,059 sq.ft of living space, the ground floor comprises an entrance hallway of which there is a kitchen and separate living room, the first floor

provides a family bathroom and two double bedrooms the second floor measuring 11’5” x 12’ 2” makes up the master bedroom which includes its own dressing area and ensuite. As well as the free carpets and appliances, Bellway is also offering buyers at Bishop Cuthbert the Help to Buy deal, where buyers only require a 5 percent deposit and can take advantage of a 5-year interest free 20 percent Government loan. The Help to Buy

deal enables a buyer to reduce their mortgage repayments during the first five years of ownership thereby making the home more affordable. For more information on Bishop Cuthbert, visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the sales centre, Tel 01429 274 977 Monday 12pm - 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11am - 5.30pm, Thursday 11am - 8pm, Friday - Sunday 11am - 5.30pm.

BISHOP CUTHBERT I OSPREY WAY I HARTLEPOOL I TS26 0ZF

Home Builders Federation Customer Survey

The way to

A NEW HOME

Hurry, last chance to buy at Bishop Cuthbert. PART EXCHANGE* PLUS A NEW YEAR BONUS OF £3,000 ON THE LARCH**!

THE LARCH A beautiful 3 bedroom home ideal for growing families. This fantastic home also includes carpets, oven/hob, fridge freezer, washing machine and a dishwasher worth over £4,000. Plus, if you reserve in January or February, not only will we offer full value for your home in part exchange* but we will also give you an additional £3,000 New Year bonus.**

FROM ONLY £169,995.

OUR EARLY YEARS MAKE SUCH A DIFFERENCE TO THE PERSON WE GROW UP TO BE every child so that their individual talents emerge and develop. By retaining smaller classes, children feel more secure about contributing.

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, 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

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. We also understand the daily demands faced by parents so at Red House School we try and alleviate these by providing a bus service, which is a safe and reliable way of getting children to school. We also understand the predicament which many parents face during the School Holidays, therefore we keep our doors open and provide a stimulating and exciting Holiday Club for children that attend the Nursery & Infant School and a Sports Camp for pupils attending the Prep & Senior School. Parents are happy in the knowledge that their child is in an environment that is familiar, with a variety of fun activities

taking place. We also provide excellent Wrap Around Care during term time from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm. This is very beneficial for children whose parents require an extended day. The Wrap Around Care is very flexible and can be booked on an ad hoc basis to suit parents needs. 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

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INDEPENDENT NURSERY & INFANT SCHOOL The Old Vicarage | Norton | Stockton-on-Tees | TS20 1EQ T: 01642 535353 | E: rosalind.g reen@redhouseschool.co.uk

16 | Hartlepool Today

TAKE TO THE SKIES FROM DURHAM TEES VALLEY Your guide to holiday hotspots for the half term and beyond It may not seem long since they went back to school but February does welcome the first of this year’s academic breaks - sorry parents!

Venture outside the urban sprawl and you will find more to explore, including the wonderful walks along the coast, as well as countless castles and dozens of distilleries.

If you’re already panicking about how to keep your youngsters entertained during this half term week - and the many holidays yet to follow - then a family getaway could be just what you need.

If you fancy something a little more remote, then Eastern Airways also offers visitors easy access to a number of other, arguably quieter Scottish destinations.

Start your journey at Durham Tees Valley Airport, located just six miles from Darlington on the A67, and in no time at all you could be seeing the sights in Sydney or swimming in a Scottish Loch. Don’t worry, teachers, we know you need a holiday too, and there are plenty of destinations on offer from this local airport to help make the most of your hard earned break. We put our head in the clouds, quite literally, to explore just some of them…

Soar in to Scotland: Eastern Airways operates at least three flights every day direct from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Aberdeen. This stunning Scottish city, dating back more than 8000 years, has much to offer in the way of pristine parks, spectacular shopping and amazing architecture, with plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

These include the Northern Highland regions of Wick and John O’Groats, boasting unspoilt beaches and spectacular scenery, as well as Stornoway in the Western Isles.

Nip to Norway: Spend the day in Norway’s second largest city, Bergen, feast your eyes on two of the country’s most spectacular fjords – Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord – and you’ll soon understand why the area was awarded World Heritage site status. Alternatively, why not take a stroll through the old town of Stavanger, surrounded by beaches, mountains and pleasing pockets of culture – just don’t blame us if it’s hard to tear yourself away. Both Bergen and Stavanger are easy to reach from Durham Tees Valley Airports with flights once again being offered by Eastern Airways.

Explore the exotic: It might not be the most obvious choice for a quick half term jaunt, but if you’re willing to push through the jet lag then a far flung vacation is still within reach. Hop on board one of KLM’s three daily flights from Durham Tees Valley to Amsterdam and within 80 relaxing minutes you’ll be at the gateway to the rest of the globe. From there you can continue your journey to more than 200 wonderful, worldwide destinations, including Sydney, Cape Town, Bangkok and Cairo. Why not live it up in the Big Apple for a week and explore landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge or the Statute of Liberty? Or spend the school holidays discovering the ancient temples and trendy shopping districts of Tokyo, Japan? For more information and to see a full list of destinations from Durham Tees Valley Airport please visit www.durhamteesvalleyairport.com, where you will also find additional links and booking options.

image: Eduardo Grund image: visitaberdeen.com

image: Julienne Schaer NYCGO.com

Hartlepool Today | 17

ADVERTORIAL

FAB FEB FAMILY FUN AT LIGHTWATER VALLEY

Wed 17 - Sun 21 Feb | 10.30am - 3.30pm £6 per person, pre-bookable online. Concessions: Under 1s, Season Ticket Holders and disable carers are free. Car parking is free. www.lightwatervalley.co.uk/fabfeb Enjoy a fab family day out with lots of indoor and outdoor activities, rides and fun. Don’t let rainy days be boring this half term. Various rides including Skyrider, Carousel, Eagles’ Claw, Eagles’ Creek Farm, Angry Birds (indoor and outdoor), will be open along with a variety of smaller rides for the youngsters including Ladybug, Noah’s Ark, Space Pirates, and others. Riggmoor Farm will also be joining us with their animals including Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Ducks, Chickens, Lambs, Pygmy

Goats, Calf, Mini Pony, Mini Donkey, Mini Pig and Alpacas, a great attraction for all the family. To get your children active and having fun there’ll be a selection of Bouncy Castles, Gladiator Joust, Pillow Fights, Soft Play, Giant Slide, Bouncy Ball Pool and Pirates Assault Course, so lots to keep the family entertained during the half term. Please note: the full theme park will not be open.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire. HG4 3HT. T: 01765 635321 E: leisure@lightwatervalley.co.uk W: www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

A CHANCE TO SEE THE PREMIERE OF MADAM BUTTERFLY AT BILLINGHAM FORUM

‘By far the best company to bring Russian ballet to a British audience’ Stage Talk Magazine

The highly acclaimed Russian State Opera returns with the perfect tragic opera Madam Butterfly – one of the most colourful & exotic operas Music by Giacomo Puccini Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Sung in Italian with English Subtitles

Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live Orchestra with over 30 musicians No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. This tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride inspired Puccini to write some of his most sublime and beautiful music. Set in Japan at the turn of the century, Madam Butterfly is among the most colourful and exotic of all operas, and from its theme of noble self-sacrifice spring melodies that grips your heart.

It tells the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride, whose selfsacrifice and defiance of her family leads to heartbreak and tragedy. The premiere of this exquisite production, with its beautiful set and costumes, intensifies the emotion in an already heart-breaking opera. This touching story of innocent love crushed amidst two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world. Opera performance of Madam Butterfly in Durham is: Sunday 28 Feb at Billingham Forum Theatre, for tickets call 01642 552 663 No experience is needed to enjoy these classics. Our sets and costume designs, as well as the informative programmes make the productions very accessible and most of all, enjoyable. For opera, English subtitles make it easy to follow the story as you listen to the performance sung in its original language.’

Hartlepool Today has teamed up with The Russian State Opera company to offer one reader a pair of tickets to see Madam Butterfly at Billingham Forum on Sunday 28 February. For your chance to win the tickets simply enter your name & address on a postcard and title it Madam Butterfly competition and send it to the address at the bottom of page 21 in this magazine. Closing date for entries 20th Feb 2016.

Hartlepool Today | 19

ADVERTORIAL

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

HOLIDAY INN WASHINGTON Holiday Inn Washington UK hotel is ideally located between historic Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, just off junction 64 of the A1. 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. It’s ideally placed for enjoying the many tourist attractions the area has to offer. 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 or an

afternoon of retail therapy at the famous intu Metrocentre, the hotel is ideally placed for enjoying the many tourist attractions the area has to offer. It’s also within easy reach of 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 people 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 14 March 2016. Valid for stays from Apr to end June, subject to availability. See foot of page 17 for entry details.

Holiday Inn, Washington, Emerson, Washington NE37 1LB | 0191 4189400 | reservations@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk 20 | Hartlepool Today

ADVERTORIAL

N WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN W Hartlepool Today Exclusive Reader Offer

WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT BEST WESTERN DERWENT MANOR HOTEL Here is your chance to win a great British winter stay. Be welcomed with either a sweet or savoury crumpet with lashings of tea, whilst relaxing in the comfortable surroundings of the Grouse and Claret Bar. Afterwards take a dip in the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or work those calories off in the gym. Then enjoy a relaxing three course table d’hôte dinner with a bottle of house wine at Guinevere’s Restaurant, before retiring to a comfy bed for a good night’s sleep and a hearty British breakfast the following day.

Offered in either a standard double or twin room, for two people for one night.

To win answer this question: What is the name of the restaurant at BEST WESTERN Derwent Manor Hotel? See foot of this page for entry details. Closing date for entries is 14 March 2016 Terms and conditions: Subject to availability at time of request. Valid for two people one night in standard accommodation. Valid from Apr until end June.

BEST WESTERN Derwent Manor Hotel in Allensford Nr Consett is set in 20 acres of Northumberland countryside, overlooking the Derwent Valley. This country house hotel is the perfect rural retreat. If you aren’t successful in winning the competition then why not take advantage of this fantastic offer for Hartlepool Today readers. Available Sunday - Thursday, only £89 per couple for one night in standard accommodation including soup on arrival and a three course table d’hôte dinner, waking up to a hearty British breakfast before departure. The same offer is available Fridays for £99 and Saturday for £109 per couple. Offer is subject to availability for dates Feb to end April. TO BOOK call reservations on 01207 592000 and quote DT15. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN A MOTOROLA FOCUS 85 The term ‘Connected Home’ has become synonymous with a lot of tech products, but Motorola has taken this one step further, creating a number of products that work to create a ‘Connected World’. Not only are these perfect for those who are hopping on and off planes for work or heading off on their holidays, but they’re equally as useful for everyday use, and capture moments that you would otherwise miss. We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win this fantastic prize, which retails at £89.99 Motorola’s innovative new Focus 85 HD Wi-Fi video monitoring camera helps you stay connected to your favourite people, pets and places from anywhere at any time - perfect if you’re popping to the

ENTER TO WIN

shops and want to check in on an elderly loved one or to make sure that everything is alright at home. This hi-tech new addition to the Motorola line up boasts a range of features to make sure you never miss any of the action. Answer this question to win: What is the retail price of the Motorola Focus 85? Closing date for entries is 14 March See foot of this page for entries details

To enter any of the Hartlepool Today competitions please ensure you clearly mark on your entry the name of the competition that you are entering together with the answer to the question if there is one with your name, address and contact telephone number to: Hartlepool Today Magazine competition, 45 Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham, DL5 6LH (Please note any competition entries without full contact details and contact telephone numbers will be voided and not entered into the competition)

Hartlepool Today | 21

Hartlepool Town Hall 01429 89 00 00 destinationhartlepool.com

Pongo’s Party | FEB 14 A brand new show with CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow Today is Pongo the Pig’s birthday and he’s been dropping hints to his friends all year, so is looking forward to a fantastic party... but the trouble is, nobody seems to remember! Come and help make Pongo’s Party a day to remember.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice MAR 3 - 26 Charlie Hubble is a little boy with a very big dream, he wants to be a world-class magician. So, he saves up his pocket money to buy The Big Book of Magic for Trainee Magicians. Then he sets off to Mr Zacoor’s Toy Shop to buy his spellbook. But Mr Zacoor is no ordinary shopkeeper, he’s a real life Sorcerer! And he has a very special job for Charlie. Little people aged 3 – 7 will love this funny, heartwarming tale but big people will have lots of fun, too. Call the box office for ticket info

Pongo’s Party is a family show particularly suitable for 3 – 7 year olds. Tickets from £3.50 (Justin & Nicole aren’t here in person)

Gatecrash | FEB 23 - 26 With his parents on holiday Sam’s having a house party. Nothing big, just a few close friends…at least that was the plan until you knocked on the door. Zest Theatre’s groundbreaking, immersive production puts you right in the centre of the action and gives you control of the conversations you listen to through Silent Disco technology. Put on your wireless headphones, step through Sam’s front door and experience the night unfold all around you as you Gatecrash the party…literally! Tickets from £5.00 (Age 14+)

Hot Potato Comedy Club FEB 27 Starring: Matt Reed (MC), PLUS Andy Robinson, Larry Dean & Amy Gledhill. The last time the mighty fine Matt Reed was in Hartlepool, we had a surprise heart-warming onstage marriage proposal. (And thankfully the happy couple said ‘yes.’). No surprises that tonight’s line-up is as great as ever though, with Matt hosting a fantastic Saturday night starring Andy Robinson, Larry Dean & Amy Gledhill. Great jokes, gut-busting patter, and the occasional flash of genius on the guitar have made Andy Robinson a favourite headliner at all the best comedy clubs you’d care to mention. Tickets from £7.00 (Age: 16+)

22 | Hartlepool Today

Music The Studio Hartlepool 01429 85 71 93

AC/DC UK | FEB 20 We just want to make the walls cave in, and the ceiling collapse!’, remarked the legendary Bon Scott. An ethos that AC/DC themselves have followed throughout their entire career, and an ethos shared by AC/DC UK! Covering songs from both eras of AC/DC faithfully, the band features both Bon Scott, and Brian Johnson performances.

Half Term Attractions daysoutwithkids.co.uk

Water fun Mill House Leisure Centre Hartlepool Offering a range of activities and facilities which include swimming pools and a diving area with 1m and 3m spring board and 5m platform.

Educational & Historical Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience All children love pirates and this maritime visitor attraction is the perfect place to take them. Travel back to the days of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. With our many attractions, costumed guides and weaponry displays, any kids (of whatever age) will enjoy this day out.

HMS Trincomalee 1817 The classic British frigate, HMS Trincomalee, built in Bombay for the Admiralty in 1817, is the oldest ship afloat in the UK and the last of the commissioned frigates of the Nelson era. Berthed at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience it is now fully restored.

Tickets £7.70

Play Centres...

House of X | FEB 26

Mister Twisters – Hartlepool

House Of X are a band with a great British Pedigree and respect amongst the hard rock community, having earned their stripes playing in some of the highest profile bands within this genre over the last 30 years and beyond.

13,000 sq ft indoor play centre with a Pirate themed climbing frame. Suitable for 2-5 year olds, 5-12 year olds and a separate gated toddler/infant area for the more delicate of our visitors. Bouncy castle, football court, Xbox games, 5* cafeteria and parking for 70+ cars.

Tickets £8.80

The Clashed | MAR 25 A tribute to Joe Strummer and the boys. Tickets £5.50

Hyde & Beast | MAR 27 Two drummers from the North East - Dave Hyde (Hyde) from Futureheads and Neil Bassett (Beast) from Golden Virgins. Live, Hyde & Beast become a six strong line up with familiar faces from the North East music scene joining them for their excursions, often including fellow Futureheads’ member and Hyde’s own brother, Barry Hyde. Tickets £5.50

Wacky Warehouse Merry Go Round - Hartlepool Indoor adventure play with loads of slides and other features, plus a dedicated toddler zone - Part of a family friendly restaurant with kids’ menu.

Friday 22nd April 2016 Friday 22nd April 2016

SHakEdOwN

BrENdaN HEaly

HEaTHEr SMall

An evening of first class entertainment with highlights including performances from SHakEdOwN

HEATHER SMALL HEaTHEr SMall

BrENdaN HEaly

An evening of first class entertainment with highlights including performances from

The voice of M People

HEATHER SMALL

(‘One Night In Heaven’ ‘Moving On Up’ ‘Search For The Hero’)

The voice of M People SHAkEdown

(‘One Night In Heaven’ ‘Moving On Up’ ‘Search For The Hero’)

Fabulous 5 piece party band SHAkEdown

MuSiciAnS unLiMiTEd Fabulous 5 piece party band

North East’s best big band MuSiciAnS unLiMiTEd North East’s best big HEALY band compére BREndAn

Fashioncompére show by Woven Menswear – Durham BREndAn HEALY Dress Code Black Tie Fashion show by Woven Menswear – Durham

Selection of cocktails and- Black canapés Dress Code Tiefrom 7.00pm Four course gourmet Lobster and Turf by the award winning chefs SelectionSurf of cocktails andmenu canapéscreated from 7.00pm Four course gourmetfrom Lobster Turf Steakhouse menu created& byGrill the award winning chefs theSurf Riband Room from the Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill Taittinger Champagne Bar • Complimentary wine, lager & beer all night Taittinger Champagne Bar • Complimentary wine, lager & beer all night

Carriages 1.00am Carriages 1.00am £140.00 + VAT per person. bookyour yourplace place please contact £140.00 + VAT per person. To To book please contact the events team onon 01740 emailevents@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk the events team 01740620253 620253 or or email

HARDWICK HALL HOTEL, SEDGEFIELD, DURHAM TS21 2EH • Tel: 620253 HARDWICK HALL HOTEL, SEDGEFIELD, CO. CO. DURHAM TS21 2EH • Tel: 0174001740 620253