middlesbrough
Issue 25 October 2019
coming soon SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER 7.30PM
SWAN LAKE
WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2.30PM & 7.30PM
TUE 8 – FRI 11 OCTOBER 7.15PM
SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 1.30PM & 4PM
THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 7.30PM
SAT 12 OCTOBER 7.30PM
No Man's Land
By Harold Pinter
TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 7.30PM
WED 16 – SAT 19 OCTOBER 7.30PM Middlesbrough Little Theatre Ltd presents
LITTLE WOMEN
WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 7.30PM
BOX OFFICE 01642 81 51 81
or book online at middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk 2 | Middlesbrough Today
#BrilliantlyBoro
middlesbrough
local, relevant and entertaining Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday it was the start of summer and now we find ourselves heading into autumn, with darker nights, cosy coats and leaves crunching underfoot. If you’re not quite ready to let go of the sunny weather then we may have something to tempt you to book a week away, with a travel feature detailing exactly why Croatia’s popular cities of Split and Hvar need to be added to your list of places to visit. We also have all the latest local news, and competition wise there’s theatre tickets available, tickets to win to a wine tasting event and an overnight stay at The Coqetvale Hotel in Rothbury. So, while we may be coming to the end of the warmer months, there’s still lots to look forward to in the region and you can find it all here in this month’s issue of Middlesbrough Today.
CONTENTS 4-5
LOCAL NEWS Keep up to date with all the latest news in the area
8-9 MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE What’s on during October & November
10-11 HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES The hit comedy sketch show
17
THE MAKING OF YOU Find out more about the Military Preparation Colleges
18
18 BON COEUR FINE WINES Head to North Yorkshire to visit one of the UK’s leading wine merchants
21 THE SAMLING HOTEL It’s a great time to book a luxury break in the Lake District
22-23 LET’S SPLIT IT
Sue
The Croatian cities of Split and Hvar have so much to offer
Win a pair of tickets to see “SING-A-LONG-A THE
GREATEST SHOWMAN”
9
Sunday 3rd November 5.00pm
Singalonga Productions, producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga GREASE brings you their newest show – The Greatest Showman! Experience the Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – Our live host will teach you dance moves, practice your cheers, your boos and even a few wolf whistles, with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. Join in with the fun and sing and dance along to the lyrics on screen, YOU the audience will rewrite the stars! The first rule of Sing-a-long-a is THERE ARE NO RULES! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live show.
Answer the following question to win a pair of tickets. How much is a full price ticket to see Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman at The Forum Theatre Billingham? Box office tel 01642 552663 - www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
22 PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith t: 01325 304360 e: sue@rineypublishing.co.uk
EDITORIAL Bronia McGregor and Bernice Saltzer, Sorted PR t: 0191 265 6111 e: bernice@sortedpr.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.
Closing date for entries is 18th October 2019 - See page 19 for entry details or email your answer with full name & address to: sue@rineypublishing.co.uk 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.
Middlesbrough Today | 3
LOCALNEWS
Newfield Crescent 1 - Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston (C), flanked by Trimdon ward councillors Dennis McCabe (L) and Carolyn Dodds (R), with members of the local community at land on Newfield Crescent which will be given Village Green Status.
PLANS FOR PROTECTION ORDER ON LOCAL BEAUTY SPOT A MIDDLESBROUGH beauty spot will receive certified village green status under a proposal made by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston. The green parcel of land bordered by Newfield Crescent and Blue Bell Beck in the Trimdon ward will be subject to an application for the protection order. Previously Trimdon residents staged a hugely positive campaign about the benefits of the land after it was put forward for consultation for potential development. At the end of the consultation period the site was removed from the then draft Local Plan proposals. However, it is now being proposed that further protection is given to the land by making an application for village green status. The move is being made by Mr Preston and has the backing of ward councillors Dennis McCabe and Carolyn Dodds.
Registration of land as a village green gives legal protection against future development. As Middlesbrough Council owns the land it is free to make the designation itself. Mr Preston said: “The green spot at Newfield Crescent is absolutely beautiful and a place that definitely needs any protection we can give it. “There’s no doubt it meets the criteria and the community has made itself loud and clear about how much it means to them in a really positive way. “That’s something I can feel when I’m there and once we’ve got this order, we can potentially look at other parts of the town which are equally as important to people.” Trimdon Ward councillors Dennis McCabe and Carolyn Dodds are backing the Village Green application. Cllr McCabe said: “It’s a fantastic idea and about time because people use it and it’s a valuable
asset to the area for the youths and the elderly and it’s the heart and lungs of the Blue Bell Beck.” Cllr Dodds added: “I have lived in Newfield Crescent for 53 years looking at this wonderful open space. Residents can walk the full length of the area from Mandale Road up to Hemlington Lake. Fabulous for walking, running and cycling, a great place to relax, relieve stress, all good for mental health. “We have foxes, deer and a great variety of butterflies and wildflowers, which would be preserved. We have a jewel in the crown right in the centre of our town. To be granted village green status would be the icing on the cake with no more worries about building on our precious land.”
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL APPRENTICES SET THE STANDARD CAREER-MINDED young people in Middlesbrough have praised an apprenticeship scheme which has allowed them to go ahead on their chosen path. Middlesbrough Council’s Community Learning Service has seen its first cohort achieve the new Apprenticeship Standards designed to meet the needs of employers and comprise the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to prove they can carry out all aspects of their job role. The group have been praised by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston who offered “massive congratulations” to all. As well as producing a showcase portfolio of their work and managing a work-based project, the successful apprentices underwent
a rigorous ‘End Point Assessment’ which involved delivering a presentation, passing a competence-based interview and in some cases being observed carrying out their job role by an examiner. The apprentices passed their assessments with flying colours, all achieving Distinction Grades in many of their assignments and the majority achieving Distinctions right across the board. To register an interest in applying for an apprenticeship with Middlesbrough Council or to engage an apprentice in your company, please email Carole Thorpe, Apprenticeships Co-Ordinator, on carole. thorpe@maes.ac.uk or telephone 01642 811400 and ask to speak to a member of the Apprenticeship team.
MIDDLESBROUGH HOMEOWNER SCOOPS INTERIOR DESIGN PRIZE Nicola Ash from Middlesbrough is celebrating after being named a winner in Anglian Home Improvements’ search for the nation’s best amateur interior designers, ‘Styled By Me’. Nicola has scooped a £500 prize after being selected as the ‘Styled By Me’ winner in Anglian’s North division, by guest judge and much-loved interior stylist Sophie Robinson. Sophie has previously featured on BBC One’s DIY SOS, BBC Two’s Great Interior Design Challenge, ITV’s 4 | Middlesbrough Today
60 Minute Makeover, and Channel 5’s Cowboy Builders. Commenting on her win, Nicola said: “I was thrilled when I found out I had been picked as the winner in the North division for Anglian’s Styled By Me competition. When we moved into our home in 2016 it was a blank canvas, which has allowed me to express my interior design and styling skills with bold patterns, colours and textures. I am so passionate about interiors and hope to pursue this professionally in the future.
Apprentices 1 - Pictured L-R are Demi-Leigh Thompson, Namrah Zabeir, Eliza Hilton, Rachel McGravey, Beth Taylor, Mayor Andy Preston, Ruth Hill (Tutor), Arooj Amjad, Stephen Allan, Maria Ferguson (Tutor), Lewis Johns.
REALLY WILD EXHIBITION OPENS AT DORMAN MUSEUM A Really Wild exhibition has opened at Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum. The exhibition is described as a vibrant, interactive journey into the habitats and wildlife of the African continent with much to discover. Visitors can set up camp in the Safari tent and from there head out to explore wild habitats from the savanna to the deep jungle and meet the animals that live there.
From beetles to buffalo, and lions to giraffes, Safari will take you on an unforgettable journey of animal discovery. The Safari exhibition is open now and will remain in place until Sunday, December 15. Tickets cost £3 adults, £2 children/concessions, or £8 for a family.
LIGHTING THE WAY TO A GREENER FUTURE THE latest phase of the move towards greener street lighting across Middlesbrough is under away. Over the coming year, nearly 6,500 existing lighting units will be upgraded to energyefficient LEDs The £2.495 million programme follows a first phase which saw more than 13,000 units replaced between 2015 and 2017. The work – carried out by Middlesbrough Council’s street lighting delivery partner Galliford Try – will result in annual electricity bill savings of more than £300,000, and an annual carbon emission reduction of 925 tonnes. The LED fittings also help to reduce light pollution, as they are more direct and illuminate only their intended carriageways and footpaths.
The new lighting is not anticipated to have any detrimental impacts upon the levels of lighting provided. However, the progress will be monitored carefully, and any issues alleviated as identified. Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Regeneration said: “Energy-efficient LED lighting is the future, and this latest phase will complete the transition across Middlesbrough.
A street lit with traditional sodium lighting
“It shows the Council is being forward thinking and working to reduce our carbon footprint where possible, while also saving a significant amount of money every year on our energy bills. “Not only are we being responsible with public funds, but there’s a real benefit for local wildlife.”
The same scene with LED lighting
SECOND DATE ADDED
FOR JIMMY CARR
COMEDIAN Jimmy Carr’s returning to Middlesbrough Town Hall next year but tickets are selling fast. The renowned stand-up plays the historic venue on Sunday, May 3 - with a second date added on Thursday, September 17 due to popular demand. Audiences are in for a treat as the comic delivers hilarious one liners in his new stand-up show Terribly Funny. Jimmy’s brand-new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes - they are not the terrible things. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket. Tickets for Jimmy Carr at Middlesbrough Town Hall go on sale from 10am on Friday, August 2 priced at £29.50 (plus booking fee). Age 16+ only. To book visit https://www. middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk/shows/ jimmy-carr-terribly-funny/ or call the Box Office on 01642 729 729
Jimmy Carr brings his Terribly Funny stand-up show to Middlesbrough Town Hall
Middlesbrough Today | 5
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JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR NEW SEASON. TO VIEW MORE FANTASTIC SHOWS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE NOW
WWW.FORUMTHEATREBILLINGHAM.CO.UK
BOX OFFICE: 01642 552 663 1st December – 5th January RIVERSIDE LEISURE PROMOTIONS LTD PRESENTS
BEN-RYAN DAVIES
LIAM MELLOR
(HOLLYOAKS & WATERLOO ROAD)
AS MUDDLES
AS PRINCE BENJAMIN
THE HARPER BROTHERS ODD & JOB (THE HENCHMEN)
JAMES CHAPEL
AS DAME DOTTY DOUGHNUT
KATY ALLEN
AS QUEEN LUCERTIA
60’s Invasion 28th September 2019 A stunning must see show, featuring a sensational line-up of musicians, taking you on a magical roller-coaster ride to the most exciting musical time in history, with endless hits from the 60’s and early 70’s. DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TITCH, supported by The Tornados and The Casuals.
GEMMA GIBBIONS
Ballroom Boys
AS SNOW WHITE
6th October 2019
T H E M A G N I FI C E N T S E V E N
An evening of Dance, Song and Banter. BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s favourite male professionals, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone are joined together for the very first time in their brand new production – The Ballroom Boys – A show they say is going to be ‘a lot of fun’.
FEATURING DANCERS FROM MIRAGE PRODUCTIONS & MEMBERS OF THE FORUM THEATRE SCHOOL
SUN 1st DEC - SUN 5th JAN Box office: 01642 552 663 www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
Nutcracker 23rd November 2019 The Russian State Ballet and Opera House presents The Nutcracker – A lavish Ballet of festive season, featuring a live orchestra with over 30 musicians. This ballet continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of all generations across the world. It is a truly captivating piece of theatre.
Joseph 12 – 16th November 2019 Bill Kenwright’s ‘Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, with unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob & Sons, and many more.
The Mousetrap 3rd February – 8th February 2020 Discover why Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept people guessing for so long, becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre. Experience shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.
THIS IS JUST A TASTE OF WHAT IS TO COME - PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE
Middlesbrough Today | 7
AMAZING AUTUMN SEASON AT
MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE Middlesbrough Theatre has lined up an amazing Autumn Season that has something for everyone…from Stick Man live to The Snow Queen, The Meatloaf Story to The Drifters and Plays by local playwrights including Dirty Dusting by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood! Oh, and this year’s Family Pantomime Sleeping Beauty starring Anne Hegerty from ITV The Chase and Phillip Green from Britain’s Got Talent. Steve Steinman makes a welcome return on Saturday 28th September with Anything for Love the Meatloaf Story. This brand-new production features special guest star Lorraine Crosby, the female lead vocalist on Meat Loaf’s Grammy Award-winning song and No 1 hit the world over “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”. 8 | Middlesbrough Today
With incredible stage set, live band and production - combined with Steve’s well-known sense of humour and stage presence - it can only be described as ‘awesome’.
Anything For Love – Bat Out Of Hell – Paradise By The Dashboard Light – Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Dead Ringer For Love and many, many more.
The show will feature Meat Loaf’s greatest hits of all time including
Other Musical highlights this Autumn include The Drifters on Thursday
3rd October, Big Girls Don’t Cry the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November, The Sounds of the Supremes with Karen Ragland on Sunday 24th November and We Three Kings of Rock ‘n’ Roll on Friday 10th January.
Looking for a ballet? You’re in luck, The Russian National Ballet return on Friday 4th October with Swan Lake the most famous of all the ballets. One of Tchaikovsky’s best works, it features some of ballet’s most memorable music and breath-taking dance. Full of mystery and romance Swan Lake has captured the imagination of generations and will leave memories you will cherish long after the final curtain falls.
How about some family entertainment? Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s STICK MAN is back on Sunday 20th October!
This award-winning production, from the team behind Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, Tabby McTat and Zog features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?
For full listings visit www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01642 81 51 81 and ask to join the mailing list and they will pop a brochure in the post for you! Middlesbrough Today | 9
The hit comedy sketch show
’HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES’ Starring SUZANNE SHAW With JULIE COOMBE and JOSEPHINE PARTRIDGE Written by Julie Coombe and John MacIsaac Directed by John MacIsaac
www.hormonalhousewives.com
“Slick, fun, cheeky, rude - I laughed my head off!” “’Hormonal Housewives’ hits the proverbial spot for the hordes of females who are hell bent on having a laugh at both their own expense and that of the male species.” (The Stage)
‘Hormonal Housewives’ is a witty, topical three hander comedy sketch show co-written by Scottish comedian and playwright Julie Coombe and her husband, playwright/director John MacIsaac, that will tour in the autumn following its smash hit UK spring tour. Hormonal Housewives performed at a mammoth 64 venues across the UK during April, May and June and smashed it out of the park, delighting packed houses everywhere. The mostly female audiences laughed at the cast, with the cast, at themselves and with everyone else as the show blasted its way through a catalogue 10 | Middlesbrough Today
of popular women’s bits: weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, housework, homework, electrolysis, men, sex, working out, internet dating, chocolate and gin… Hormonal Housewives is at Middlesbrough Theatre for one night only on Tuesday 22nd October and it surely needs to be a girly date night to pop in the diary! Phone the Box Office now on 01642 81 51 81 or book online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk.
HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Q&A with JULIE COOMBE: Co-writer and cast member
1. What inspired you and John to write ‘Hormonal Housewives’? JULIE COOMBE: I was inspired more than a little by West End theatre producer Michael Harrison (Annie, Bodyguard, Fiddler on the Roof) who said ‘you have to write a show’ and when I said what about he said ‘anything as long as it’s funny’ and I said well my life’s funny and he said ‘well do that then’! Hormonal Housewives is about so many situations John (MacIsaac) and I have found ourselves in over the years such as our kids growing up and the different worlds they seem to inhabit on a daily basis where you practically have to learn a new language to communicate with them! I had done Vagina Monologues and I wanted to do something about people being thrown into situations that they might not be comfortable in, roles they play, and about women being each other’s therapists.
2. Tell us about your character JULIE COOMBE: My character is like me in that she’s happily married and incredibly comfortable in that relationship which allows her to poke fun at it as well. The character is a sort of heightened version of me.
3. Do you have a favourite scene? JULIE COOMBE: I’d defy anyone not to love the gym scene! It’s wild and abandoned and daft. Good old-fashioned slapstick and me in a fabulous pink velour track suit.
3. What are the key issues addressed in the show? JULIE COOMBE: Body issues is one: my character is always talking about losing half a stone while the other two talk about losing weight even though they don’t need to – and we all know someone like that!
HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Q&A with SUZANNE SHAW SUZANNE SHAW is a singer, actress, TV presenter and former popstar; her career has taken her from chart topping band Hear’Say to the West End as Roxie in Chicago to winning the third series of the ITV skating show Dancing On Ice. Suzanne’s many West End credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Rocky Horror Show, Vagina Monologues, Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White. Suzanne is also a regular TV presenter and panelist. “I’m really looking forward to the tour of Hormonal Housewives,” says Suzanne.
2. Is your character anything like you? 1. What appealed to you about the script of ‘Hormonal Housewives’ when you first read it? SUZANNE SHAW: It’s incredibly funny and I absolutely love the slapstick elements. This really is my kind of comedy! I also like the fact that it touches on real life scenarios and the audiences will no doubt wince at the parts they relate to and have a good laugh while they’re at it!
SUZANNE SHAW: Yes! And I will be injecting some of my very own stories and anecdotes into the script. Also, a little like me, my character goes love having a glass of prosecco in her hand!
3. What was the last show you toured and how different was it from this one? SUZANNE SHAW: The last show wasn’t too dissimilar from this one actually, although we’re not singing in HH. It was Shout! The Mod
Musical which is about five girls going through life in the 1960s and 70s telling their stories through the music of that era – think Lulu, Petula, Sandie, Dusty, Cilla – it was great fun and I loved doing it.
4. And tell us five things you couldn’t live without on the road – ie what’s in your bag that you daren’t leave behind! SUZANNE SHAW: Make-up and hair products, a hell of a lot of clothes and a bottle of prosecco! Oh no - I really am my character!
Middlesbrough Today | 11
A Great Place to Visit Enjoy Christmas at Thorpe Farm!
The Courtyard Resta
Lots to See,
Lots to
• Book now for our Festive Menu
• Stunning, new restaura
• Christmas Hampers available to order
• Home cooked food dai
• Wetheriggs Santa’s Grotto
• New food menu
• Christmas Gifts
• Newly refurbished gifts
• Festive fun for all the family • Caravan park open 365 days of the year
• Relaxing lounge area w • Outdoor eating area • Wi-fi available
Thorpe Farm Centre t: 01833 627242
•
•
Greta Bridge • North Yorkshire www.thorpefarm.co.uk
•
DL12 9TY
www.thorpefarm.co.uk or All theFun Family for All the Family www.thorpefarm.co.uk
Fun and Freedom for All the Family aurant and Giftshop Fun and Freedom for All the Family
Lots to Visit! o Do,
• Fun for all the family ant and shop • New adventure playground ily • Animal Paddocks
• Reclamation Barn shop coming soon • On site woodland walks with tv
Lots to Visit! • Fun for all the family • New adventure playground • Animal Paddocks • Reclamation Barn • On site woodland walks
estive Meal for up to Four! Win a Festive Meal for up to Four!
please tell us what Wetheriggs To enter please tell us what Wetheriggs e hosting this Christmas? will be hosting this Christmas?
Page 26 for details on how to enter. See Page 19 26 for details on how to enter. date for entries is 30th October 2019 Closing date for entries is 30th October 2019
DARLI N GTO N , M I D D LES B ROUG H , S E DG E FI E LD, W Y N YARD
S O L I D LY B U I LT W I T H Q UA L I T Y M AT E R I A L S . High specification. Added strength and character.
DISC OV E R ST O RY HO M E S .
B E AUTI FU L H O M ES THROUGHOUT T H E N O R T H E A S T. Of course, every housebuilder says they build great homes. But they’re not building beautiful Story homes. With attractive exteriors and a high specification that includes bi-fold doors, integrated appliances, turfed gardens and much more as standard throughout. And they are built in exceptional and exclusive locations.
HOMES DESIGNED FO R L I F E .
With all this, you’ll wonder why you’re not living in a new Story home. Yet. Get in touch today to discover our range of bespoke incentives.
Unique modern features. Effortlessly flowing spaces.
2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes from £146,995 | Call our Sales Executives on 01740 768490 STORYHOMES.CO.UK
14 | Middlesbrough Today
Luxury living across Teesside with Story Homes Due to ongoing demand, Story Homes now has just a few plots remaining on a number of its high quality developments across Teesside. Building in the most desirable locations across the region, the housebuilder currently has developments in Sedgefield, Wynyard, Middleton St George, Acklam in Middlesbrough and Blackwell in Darlington. At St Edmund’s Manor in sought-after Sedgefield, more than 80 per cent of the high quality homes have now been sold, with some exclusive offers available for a limited time on the remaining properties. There is a home to suit everyone on this development, from three-bedroom semi-detached – perfect for a firsttime buyer – to grand five-bedroom detached homes. This is also the only
Story Homes development in the North East to feature three-bedroom dormer bungalows. One of the last homes available is the Mayfair – the only remaining fivebedroom property at St Edmund’s Manor. Offering 1,905 sq ft of open plan living space, traditional exterior, AEG integrated appliances, bi-fold doors to turfed garden, useful utility room and separate study, this beautiful home is ready to move in to now.
cooler and wardrobes to the three largest bedrooms. Meanwhile, the Warwick is the last of this house type that will be available at Brookfield Woods, and includes a high-end silestone kitchen worktop, carpets, Bluetooth mirror, and ceramic floor tiles to bathroom and en-suite.
Over at Brookfield Woods in Acklam, the two show homes – the Warwick and the Gosforth – are now for sale. The four-bedroom show homes will be sold as seen, fully furnished with all of their high quality fixtures and fittings. They have been professionally designed to the highest specification.
Lyndsey Walton, Sales Manager at Story Homes, said: “Due to popular demand we are coming to the end of a few of our Teesside sites, so now is the time to secure your Story home if you are interested in these developments. We would encourage anyone looking for a new home with character, spacious interiors, and a superior finish to visit one of our developments and explore our show homes for themselves.”
The Gosforth comes with upgrades including brushed steel sockets, wine
Visit storyhomes.co.uk for more information.
Middlesbrough Today | 15
Agricultural Centre
YEAR 11 OPEN EVENING EVENT Wednesday 9th October, 5pm-6.30pm Come and see Houghall’s stunning £30m campus
40x40m Indoor Equine Arena
Full Time Courses: Agriculture Floristry Animal Care Horse Care Land & Wildlife Tree Surgery Management Kennels
Part Time Adult Courses: Dog Grooming Floristry Horticulture
Small Animal Care Centre
GET SET
Where Careers Grow East Durham College | Peterlee Campus | Houghall Campus | The Technical Academy
THE MAKING OF YOU As school leavers weigh up their options for the next stage in their lives and careers, two colleges are offering free courses, which could be The Making of You. For most of us, January is the month of new starts – for making plans and embracing new projects. But for anyone of school leaving age, autumn is when big decisions are made. Results envelopes have been opened and their contents digested and, inevitably many will know which sixth form college or university they are headed to next. Many – but by no means all. Because, for every young person who has a plan, there is another who hasn’t. Who maybe didn’t do too well in their GCSEs, doesn’t know what career they want to follow or perhaps just doesn’t have the confidence or information to make a constructive decision.
Funded by the Department for Education, they have been awarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and now they have launched a campaign; The Making of You, to raise awareness of the vast range of careers to which their training is geared. “Since its formation in 1999, MPCs have prepared more than 3000 young people for a military career,” said founder Huw Lewis MBE, “but we have also helped at least a further 12,000 into other areas of employment and training. “Our aim is to ensure that our learners – whether they want to join the British Armed Forces or not – the core skills to support their ambitions. “We help them get into good physical shape and teach them about healthy eating, we
help them achieve qualifications in English and Mathematics and train them in problem solving, leadership and communication. “And not only does that vastly boost their employability but it boosts their confidence and self -worth. “Basically, whether they decide to go for military or civilian life – we will get them ready.” The colleges at Norton Road, Stockton and at the Eden Armoury, St Andrew’s Road, Bishop Auckland, are among five in the North East, with others at South Shields and Newcastle. To find out more about the Military Preparation Colleges, prospective learners and parents and guardians can visit www.mpct.co.uk or call 0330 111 3939.
But there are two colleges in Teesside and County Durham – of 28 across the UK - that can help, by providing free courses to help 16 to 19-year-olds, of all abilities and from all backgrounds, reach their potential. Military Preparation Colleges offer a range of academic, functional and health and fitness courses along with training in physical fitness, public speaking and communication. And they are unique in that all their instructors are ex-British Armed Forces personnel, who use their military backgrounds to help learners set and reach the targets that will progress them to their chosen careers. Middlesbrough Today | 17
IT’S A CORKER While fine wine is often associated with the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany and Veneto, one of the UK’s leading wine merchants is a lot closer to home. North Yorkshire may not be the first place you think of when it comes to finding the perfect bottle, but Bon Coeur Fine Wine, just a short drive from the village of Melsonby, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. With everything from everyday drinking wines to Champagne, port and Burgundy and Bordeaux En Primeur – wine purchased when it’s still in the barrel – the company supplies wine to private households, corporate settings, events and many of the top restaurants, hotels and pubs across the UK. If you’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for, then the award-winning showroom, Cellar 21, is the place to start, with an extensive collection of wines and spirits to sample and expert advice to help you make the right decision. 18 | Middlesbrough Today
Or, if you’ve always had your eye on a wine cellar, then Bon Coeur can advise on how to build and manage your own, with bespoke plans available for anyone looking to add to an existing collection, or invest for the future. And with the ability to buy directly from the producers themselves, the business has built up a stellar reputation for providing quality wine at great prices, importing bottles from all over the world. So whether you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone or for a wine that will impress at a special occasion, there’s something for everyone. “You don’t have to be an expert to make the most of a great quality wine,” said founder, James Goodhart. “While some people like to find out more about the grape and the region, for many wine lovers it’s no more complex than finding a wine that they really like and that they would drink again.
“Buying wine should be an experience and whether someone is building their own collection or just looking for something to help them relax after a long day at work, we have plenty to choose from.” For more information, visit www.bcfw.co.uk.
COMPETITION Win two tickets to one of Bon Coeur Fine Wine’s tasting events which run throughout the year. The evening includes a welcome drink, supper and up to six wines to try. Dates are subject to availability. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answering the following question: What anniversary is Bon Coeur Fine Wine celebrating this year? Deadline for entries is 31st October. Please see entry banner on the page opposite for details of how to enter.
ADVERTORIAL
WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE COQUETVALE Located in the nineteenth century country town of Rothbury, on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, The Coquetvale Hotel is perfect for a relaxing break in beautiful countryside or the ideal base for walking, cycling or many outdoor pursuits. The stunning Cragside House and grounds are a 5 minute drive away as are the breath-taking Simonside Hills. A little further afield Alnwick Castle and Gardens as well as the stunning coastline with Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island being landmarks. The Coquetvale Hotel offers the finest Northumberland welcome, offering 14 well-appointed ensuite bedrooms. Boasting a combination of double, twin, family and 2 stunning very recently refurbished superior suites. The hotel recognises that many of the visitors to this spectacular area are those of the 4-legged variety and therefore is very dog friendly. The grand restaurant offers a mix of traditional and modern, with its high ceilings, featuring ornate rose and cornice, decorated in subtle grey and silver – with stunning double
aspect picturesque windows and views towards the Northumberland National Park and Coquet Valley. An experience team of Chefs offer tempting dishes, with many seasonal and daily specials, there truly is something for everyone. Not to mention the award winning breakfast, which boasts locally sourced ingredients. Afternoons teas served daily, and Sunday lunch from midday. The bar offers a diverse selection of wines, guest ales both on tap and bottle, premium spirits and fine wines. The bar is also accessible to our relaxing decked terrace with comfortable seating and panoramic views of Rothbury – weather permitting. Taking new ownership late 2016, the family with a wealth of hotel experience and are focussed on delivery a truly special guest experience, in terms of both service and product so with that in mind are already well underway with a discreet refurbishment programme of all areas, with bedrooms being at the forefront. The Coquetvale, Station Road, Rothbury, NE65 7QH, Northumberland
ENTER TO WIN
To enter any of the Middlesbrough 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: Middlesbrough 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)
Newly refurbish Superior king-size suite
READER OFFER Why not take advantage of our special reader offer of a 2 course dinner for 2 people with a glass of wine each, overnight stay and a full Northumbrian breakfast the next morning for only £99.00 per couple. Upgrade to the Ingram or Cheviot suites for a supplement of £20.00 Call for more details on 01669 622900 or email stay@coquetvale.co.uk Visit our website www.coquetvale.co.uk
READER COMPETITION
Win an overnight stay for 2 persons, in double or twin room fully inclusive of Northumbrian breakfast and 3 course evening meal. Subject to availability.
How many well appointed bedrooms does the Coquetvale Hotel have? Closing date for entries is 31st October 2019. For details of how to enter see the entry banner at the bottom of this page.
WINNERS OF THE LAST MIDDLESBROUGH TODAY ISSUE 24 A pair of tickets to see Ultimate Bowie at the Forum Theatre Billingham: B Millington A pair of tickets to see Lulu at the Durham Gala Theatre: V Greaves
An overnight stay at the Coquetvale Hotel Rothbury: Miss J Smith A Twilight Spa package at Ramside Hall Hotel: D Chisholm.
Middlesbrough Today | 19
THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET AND OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS
The Nutcracker A lavish Ballet of festive season Music by Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky Featuring live Orchestra with over 30 musicians
theatre, a wonderful introduction to ballet whilst retaining its appeal for anyone who is familiar with it. For more information, please go to www.russian-state-ballet.co.uk
‘For many people, The Nutcracker is the true curtain-raiser to Christmas, bringing a special magic to the advent season. This production holds nothing back in any department, and the audience was rewarded with a show of great power and presence.’ – Jim Gillespie, Review Hub. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to your local theatre for a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker. Traditionally, Russian State Ballet and Opera House returns for their annual UK 20 | Middlesbrough Today
tour with a vibrant and enchanting full touring ballet production. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together by this renowned Russian company. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
To win a pair of tickets to see The Nutcracker at The Forum Theatre Billingham On Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm please answer the following question.
The Nutcracker is an eternal seasonal favourite, directed and choreographed by the former award winning Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky.
Forum Theatre Billingham?
This ballet continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of all generations across the world. It is a truly captivating piece of
How much is a standard ticket to see The Nutcracker at the www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk Closing date for entries is 31st October – please see page 19 for details of how to enter
LIVING IT UP AT THE SAMLING… It’s one of the Lake District’s most luxurious hotels – and Bernice Saltzer fulfils a long-held dream by spending a night there… Depending on which Scandinavian language you choose to believe, Samling means “gathering” or “collection.” Regardless of what word you choose, if you do decide to “gather” at this unspeakably luxurious hotel then there’s no doubt you’ll “collect” a memory you’ll treasure for ever. The Samling, nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, is reached by a “blink and you’ll miss it” entrance. A simple sign welcomes you up the driveway and it’s not surprising, given this level of discretion, that it is has a huge celebrity following. Rumour has it that this is where Tom Cruise proposed to Nicole Kidman, and while their conscious coupling may not have had a fairytale ending, this is certainly the perfect setting for romance. Our accommodation was one of the stunning cottages, split across two floors with a lovely sitting room and a bedroom which once again gave us views of the lake. I suspect that the clever designers have kept the décor across the hotel in cool colours so as not to detract from what is undoubtedly the star attraction – the unbelievable surroundings.
The hotel was taken over a few years ago by a businessman and his wife who visited there frequently and snapped it up when it was put up for sale. They have invested heavily and boy does it show. It is elegance personified, decorated in stylish but muted colours with a dining room which is virtually surrounded by windows so you can admire the breathtaking view.
No luxury visit anywhere is complete without a little – or rather a lot – of delicious food, provided courtesy of Head Chef, Robby Jenks. His attention to detail and commitment to local produce is very much evident here, with a beautiful tasting menu which showcases his skill in the kitchen. What also makes The Samling stand out is the impeccable service from the front of house staff – friendly, attentive, entertaining
and just generally at the top of their game. I’d go back again just to see them, which is the highest compliment a guest could pay. If you can drag yourself away from the hotel it’s a short drive to Windermere or just a 15 minute walk into Ambleside, which is a really pleasant way to spend an afternoon. But really when you’re at The Samling you don’t want to go anywhere else – it’s an experience just to be savoured. After a great night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we set off on our way, enjoying the final touch of a gift bag with homemade flapjacks and bottles of water for the journey. This is hospitality at the highest level – and I for one can’t wait to return.
For further information visit www.thesamlinghotel.co.uk
Middlesbrough Today | 21
LET’S SPLIT IT From Roman ruins to party islands, there’s something for everyone in the cities of Split and Hvar, as Bronia McGregor found out this summer. Sun, sea and cocktails, what more could a girl want? This was certainly the attitude I adopted when I went to Croatia for a week, but I soon discovered that the Mediterranean holiday spot offers so much more. After falling in love with photos of the Old Town online, Split was first on my list of the Croatian cities to visit and the real thing certainly didn’t disappoint. By booking an apartment through Airbnb, we ended up staying in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, meaning that we were right in the centre of the Old Town and in a perfect location to explore. The layout can be quite confusing and it’s easy to lose your bearings, so Google Maps (or the old fashioned kind) is a must, but even with the help of the internet we spent a good portion of the first day just wandering the streets to admire how pretty the buildings are. 22 | Middlesbrough Today
Everywhere you turn looks like it came straight out of a painting, with a combination of stunning architecture, charming gift and food shops, a bustling market and just a short walk to admire the gorgeous views at the harbour. You don’t have to go far to find restaurants and bars around every corner, with very reasonable prices, offering plenty of seafood and live music to sit back and enjoy. And, after being enticed by the beautiful pictures of Croatia’s parks, we decided to book an excursion to Krka National Park which is about a two-hour drive from Split. I will admit I was slightly dubious about being stuck on a bus trip with 40 other visitors, but my doubts were soon quashed when we arrived and were given free rein for the day.
Walking around the park takes roughly 45 minutes, so there’s plenty of time to kick back and explore the various exhibits, take a dip by the waterfalls (and get that perfect picture for Instagram) and work on your tan. When it came to the end of our few days in Split, we then travelled to Hvar by ferry, which runs frequently throughout the day and costs about £15 for the hour-long journey. While I hadn’t heard of Hvar before this trip, it’s clearly a popular tourist destination, and the harbour was filled with superyachts each day – unfortunately not where we were staying while we were there. Hvar is famous for its party island, Carpe Diem Beach, which is a short boat ride away and definitely lives up to its reputation, with full moon club nights throughout the summer, DJs playing all night and a real nightclub atmosphere. And although a boat taxi might not seem like the best mode of transport home after a few too many drinks, it certainly keeps things interesting. Another thing Hvar is known for is its beach clubs, which, while may not be cheap, provide sunbeds, food and drinks, music and
a private part of the water to enjoy, with a special mention to Hula Hula Beach Club for its stunning view of the sunset from the bar. But you don’t have to spend money to make the most of the sun and sea, with lots of pebble beaches just a short walk from the main town. In fact, the rule in Croatia seems to be that anywhere you can get to the water is a good enough place to swim, so don’t be surprised to walk along the harbour and see people making the most of makeshift sun
loungers on any rock big enough to lie down on. And if you would rather make the most of a more traditional beach, then there are plenty of little boats along the harbour which will ferry you to one of the Pakleni islands, for restaurants, bars and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. So whether your dream holiday involves exploring, soaking up the sun, partying the night away, or a combination of all three, Croatia has it all.
Middlesbrough Today | 23
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Wilkinsons Plant Centre, East Brocks Farm, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 0QH Find us on the A67 midway between Yarm & Teesside Airport