middlesbrough
Issue 13 - May/June 2017
Middlesbrough Today | 1
16 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1LN & branches throughout the UK www.charlesclinkard.co.uk
Click & Collect Mobile
2 | Middlesbrough Today
Online
middlesbrough
local, relevant and entertaining YOU may not know it when you look out of the window – as I write this the sky is grey and storm clouds are gathering – but summer is almost upon us. And, as always, there is plenty to look forward to in and around Middlesbrough over the next few weeks, come rain or shine. For a start, Father’s Day is almost upon us and, so you don’t have to give him socks or whisky again this year, we have scoured the shops for gifts that are as unique and special as he is. We’re also gearing up for the festival season and not only have we brought you some great fashion ideas, but we caught up with boys from Busted who are heading to the region to take part in this summer’s South Tyneside Festival. We are always amazed at the sheer scope of events and activities on offer in our region – and this month is no exception. Take Kapow, for instance. The brainchild of the newly launched Stockton BID it promises to be a haven for sci-fi fans, with stalls selling a vast range of collectables and fun in store for all the family. There’s also a chance to win an overnight stay at The Coquetvale Hotel situated on the edge of the Northumberland National park so sit back and enjoy this issue of Middlesbrough Today.
8
CONTENTS 4 ALL THE LATEST NEWS
Read about what’s happening in and around Middlesbrough.
8 MIDDLESBROUGHS SNOW CENTRE An exciting new development for Middlesbrough
9 KAPOW COMES TO STOCKTON
Join us as we enter a fantasy world of dragons, wizards and daleks
15 PERFECT FATHER’S DAY PRESENTS
Great gift ideas for the first – and best – man in your life
16 BUSTED
We catch up with the boys from the band – and you could win tickets to see them
9 16
20 A MINI BREAK WITH A UKRANIAN FLAVOUR
Bernice Saltzer touches down in Kiev
Win a pair of tickets to see Bye Bye Baby The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Bye Bye Baby takes you back in time on a musical journey through the career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, whose songs graced such films as The Deer Hunter, Dirty Dancing and Grease. From their early beginning in the 1950s, when Frankie first joined the group, this show celebrates the greatest hits such as ‘Beggin’; ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’; ‘Walk Like A Man’; ‘Lets Hang On’; ‘Who Loves You’; ‘December ’63 (Oh What A Night)’; ‘Bye Bye Baby’; ‘Can’t Take my Eyes off You’; ‘Fallen Angel ‘and ‘Grease’ through to a superb grand finale medley of more of the group’s greatest hits makes for a memorable and unforgettable night of nostalgia. “Fantastic Show” - Rave Review, South Africa | “Superb” - The Reviews Hub “The bar is constantly being raised by Bye Bye Baby” - The Stage Answer the following question to win a pair of tickets to see Bye Bye Baby on Saturday 17th June at 7.30pm What is the website address of The Forum Theatre Billingham?
PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith t: 01325 304360 e: sue.riney@btinternet.com
EDITORIAL Bernice Saltzer, Emma Walker, Zoe Burn and Shannon Hodge, 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.
Box office tel 01642 552663 - www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk Closing date for entries is Monday 12th June. To enter send your name, address & telephone number on a postcard to: Forum Theatre competition Middlesbrough Today Magazine 45 Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham DL5 6LH or email your entry to: sue.riney@btinternet.com 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 BIG NAME BACKERS LINE UP FOR ALI’S RIVERSIDE RUN THE big names backing one of the region’s most popular events are unveiled this week. The Ali Brownlee Riverside Run 5k road race and 2k Fun Run take place on Sunday, July 2 – but neither event could happen without their headline sponsors. Once again the Cleveland Centre return as headline sponsors, firmly established as one of the Riverside Run’s key supporters and with their sponsorship now extending to September’s 3k Fun Run alongside the ever-popular Tees Pride 10k. Social housing providers Thirteen Group return as shirt sponsors for the Run Middlesbrough programme, marking nearly a decade of involvement They’re joined by newcomers and local company Bespoke Financial who are sponsoring this year’s 2k event at the Riverside Run. The Ali Brownlee Riverside Run was renamed last year in honour of the local broadcasting legend who died last February after a short battle with cancer. The event is staged by Middlesbrough Council and leisure services partner Everyone Active and features a popular 5k route taking in some
of the town’s iconic landmarks including Temenos and the Transporter Bridge before a memorable finish beside the hallowed turf inside the Riverside Stadium.
L-R Darren Roulston, James Briggs and Nathan Steel all from Bespoke Financial, Chris Smith, Thirteen Group, Cleveland Croc, Graeme Skillen and Matt Emmerson from the Cleveland Centre and race organiser Jimmy Wattis.
Race Director Jimmy Wattis said: “We’re looking forward to another record-breaking Riverside Run, and the entries are already starting to pour in.
we’re delighted to be supporting this year’s 5k, which really brings people in the town and wider community together and promotes health and wellbeing.”
“There’s still plenty of time to get in shape, so I’d urge as many people as possible to snap up the remaining places.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The Ali Brownlee Riverside Run is already one of the highlights of the region’s running calendar, and those running and walking the course know they can expect a truly great experience.
Darren Roulston, Senior Protection Advisor at Bepsoke Financial, said: “We are delighted and extremely honoured to be asked to be a part of the Ali Brownlee 2K Fun Run.
“Thirteen Group and the Cleveland Centre have play a key role in the event’s success, and I’m delighted to welcome Bespoke Financial to the RunMiddlesbrough family.”
“Our sponsors play a key part in ensuring we can lay on a truly memorable day for all those taking part.
“He was a local legend and this being such a great event for the local community, we are proud to be able to sponsor this event.” Chris Smith, executive director of service delivery and development at Thirteen, said: “As the largest housing provider in the Tees Valley,
To register for either the 5k or 2k please visit www.runmiddlesbrough.com Entries are also being taken for the 2017 Taylor Wimpey Tees Pride 10k and 3k Fun Run which takes place on Sunday, September 3.
THE LONG WALK THAT CAN CHANGE LIVES FOREVER A TEAM is training hard for a long walk that has the potential to change young lives forever. The intrepid hikers are limbering up for the 187mile Coast to Coast challenge on the tracks and fells of the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The walk - led by Brian Foulger of Middlesbrough Council’s Family Placement Team - is a joint initiative by Tees Valley Fostering to raise awareness of the need to recruit new foster carers across the five boroughs that make up the Tees Valley. Their 11-day odyssey will see them cross some of the UK’s most scenic terrain, reaching Robin Hood’s Bay on Monday, July 3. The six-strong team set off on their marathon journey from St Bees in Cumbria on Friday, June 23 and are hoping to be joined along the way by supporters and keen ramblers. As part of team Middlesbrough a group of nine people from Children’s Services will join the trek between Ennerdale and Patterdale over the weekend of June 24. And on Saturday, July 1 the team will host a sponsored walk from Clay Bank to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, with foster carers, children, elected members and staff from across the Tees Valley helping to raise funds for various charities and generate publicity.
4 | Middlesbrough Today
Brian said: “We wanted to do something special to raise the profile of Tees Valley Fostering, so what better that one of the very best walks anywhere in the world? “It’s no mean undertaking, so we’ve been out training since last October to make sure we can complete the full distance. “As part of the walk we are organising a sponsored walk for foster carers, their children and anyone else who is willing to join us either to help publicise the event or to raise money. “We all believe passionately in fostering and its ability to transform young lives forever, and give young people the security and family support they need in life. “The Coast to Coast walk is our way of spreading the word about the difference fostering can make for all involved, and I hope it will encourage more people to come forward and find out more.” Throughout the walk the team will be wearing specially made white shirts bearing the logos of their sponsors Everyone Active, Tesco (Coulby Newham) and Askham Bryant College and Persimmon Homes. To find out more about the Coast to Coast walk in aid of Tees Valley Fostering, contact Brian at brian_foulger@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 201970.
Coast to Coast walk leader Brian Foulger with Children with Disabilities Assistant Team Manager Maria Bache and friend and former Middlesbrough social worker Aiden Blades on Helvellyn in the Lake District
England footballers thank Hartlepool College of FE after international cup victory HARTLEPOOL College of Further Education is celebrating triple sporting success. Two of its footballers were instrumental in leading England to victory in the Centenary Shield against the Home Nations. One captaining the team while the other scored the winning goal. The College’s Head of Football Ian Clark was awarded his UEFA A Licence this month while hot shot golfer Cameron Wallace was named AoC National Golf Champion. Shahban Mohammed, 17, who is studying engineering at Hartlepool College of Further Education and Connor Short, 17, who is studying a BTEC in Sport both represented England Under-18s at the competition which is organised by the Schools Association Football International Board. Both Shahban and Connor play for the College football team in Division One of the English Colleges Football Association North East League as well as playing for Stockton Town and Marske United respectively.
In order to win the tournament, England had to beat Wales by 5 goals in their 5-2 match after a heartbreaking defeat to Northern Ireland previously. Shahban, who was Captain of Shahban and Connor, winners of the Centenary Shield the winning England squad, said: “I’ve been playing football congratulations from all of the staff at the since I was ten years old and I’ve always wanted college and students too. to be a footballer. Shahban, said: “The facilities the College has such as the ice-baths, free massages and gym membership along with Ian’s coaching and mentoring really worked hard to develop me and my skills, his encouragement has definitely made me into a better player.” Connor, who scored the goal against Wales that won England the tournament overall on goal difference, said: “Ian has helped me to develop new skills and techniques as a player. By being at the college it’s opened up opportunities as well. Shahban, added: “Winning the Centenary Shield was an amazing feeling and we’ve been getting
“None of it would have been possible without the help of the College and Indefinitely encourage any young people looking to do sport alongside a career to sign up. I do an engineering course but because of my involvement with the football team I’m given free access to all of the facilities and amenities available and it really does help.” To find out more about what opportunities Hartlepool College of Further Education has to offer, head to its website at www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk
Award winning estate agent: ‘the housing market in Middlesbrough could soon be strongest it’s ever been.’ David said: “The pipeline is the strongest it has ever been which tells us that the market is continuing to grow quite strongly and houses are being sold. “The market in Teesside is improving a lot at the moment. This is mainly because of the change in availability of mortgages”.
Harvey Abrook, David Abrook, Julie Hulme (red top), Louise Bell (blue top), Roberta Robson (purple scarf)
A NURSE has delivered a key speech to experts in palliative prescribing at a conference in London cementing a North hospice’s reputation in cutting-edge care. AWARD-WINNING estate agency Harvey Brooks believes the housing market in Middlesbrough has the potential to be the strongest it’s ever been. David Abrook and Harvey Abrook, father and son directors of Harvey Brooks estate agency believe that now is the time to buy and sell in Middlesbrough.
Harvey Brooks was recently crowned the Gold Winner for Middlesbrough at this year’s British Property Awards. Earning the opportunity to represent the town at the regional finals later this year. Harvey said: “It’s good to be recognised for the hard work and determination we all show every day. “We believe we won because of the consistent service we give to our customers. We’re a team who are tight knit we regularly operate outside of business hours if that’s what our customers require.
Harvey Brooks started life in 2008 when David and Harvey took on a small office and rebranded.
“It couldn’t have been a worse time to start up in the industry really, with the state of the housing market at the time and the recession taking hold of the country. Since then prices have been slowly creeping back alongside the retail price index.” Harvey said:
David said: “In our time we’ve really stuck to our traditional roots as a bespoke agent that offers a personalised service to each and every customer. For more information, head to www.harveybrooks.com or call 01642 506 800.
Middlesbrough Today | 5
The next level for Cibes UK INTERNATIONAL lift specialist Cibes UK is taking its operations to the next level making a series of key appointments and setting its national targets for 2017. Dean Burrows, the former Director of the Cibes UK acquired business Platform Lift Solutions, has been announced as Managing Director of the UK group. Whilst Jason King, formally Access 4 All has been announced as Operations Director and Gary Sullivan Sales and Marketing Director. The group is working towards a turnover of £6m by the end of year, on top of recruiting a further six full-time employees, bringing the total workforce to 26, excluding external contractors.
distributors and latterly through its wholly owned subsidiary Axess 4 All. Now is the time for us to move forward, show our combined capabilities and work towards becoming the go-to name in the UK market.” The firm works predominantly in the construction sector and specialises in its use of hi-tech Swedish engineering and fast delivery of projects. The company is also currently implementing a customer care division to handle maintenance and customer service.
Dean said: “This is an ambitious target, but one we’ve strategically planned for and actively working towards.
Dean added: “We have some high profile projects in store for 2017 and are really excited to implement some new processes in the coming months.
“In the first quarter of this year we are focussing our efforts on bringing the two companies, Platform Lift Solutions and Access 4 All, together to regulate our internal processes and ensure there is synergy between both offices whilst moving forward.
“Change for us is a good thing, whilst we’re keeping in place and streamlining the tried and tested processes that have served us over a collective 20 years in business, we’re also introducing new practices to help us move forward.
Cibes have actually been here in the UK for nearly 20 years as a lift manufacturer supplying its products through a handful of smaller
“Customer service is something that is extremely important to us and although we continually receive good feedback from customers,
it’s important that we are progressing and improving which is where the customer care division comes into play.” To learn more about Cibes UK visit its website here: http://www.uk.cibeslift.com
PUBLIC’S MEMORIES OF TOWN HALL GO ON DISPLAY
NUNTHORPE AND MARTON KNITTERS SET 10K TARGET
FROM throwing knickers at 90s Britpop bands to laughing at Ken Dodd until the sun came up or becoming a “teenage vigilante”, Middlesbrough Town Hall has seen the lot!
TEN thousand is the target for the nifty knitters of Nunthorpe and Marton.
A number of memories collected so far from the public through the My Town Hall campaign have been placed on hoardings outside the venue as major restoration works continue on the inside to return the building to its full 19th Century glory. Works on the Grade II* Listed building have been made possible via £3.7m funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £4m from Middlesbrough Council. The ongoing My Town Hall campaign is aiming to bring together a collective story of the Town Hall through individual memories and more are still being sought. Other memories shared so far include buying cheap knickers to throw at 90s band Space (they had a song called The Ballad of Tom Jones), David Bowie chatting to fans, one Teessider playing an elf in the Crypt at Christmas and family trees showing relatives who both lived and worked at the Town Hall in its early days. Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We want to say thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the My Town Hall campaign.
6 | Middlesbrough Today
“We know the Town Hall has played a huge part in so many people’s lives and we believe will become an event more integral part of local life following its restoration.” The Town Hall scheme will enable much wider access to visitors and provide them with a greater understanding of the history of the building, creating a unique heritage attraction. It will see parts of the building, currently inaccessible to the public, being opened up, including the Victorian courtroom, cells and fire station which will be made into heritage attractions in their own right. The plans also include the restoration of the carriage driveway with original glass roof which will become the main box office and circulation area, an external lighting scheme, the development of new café and bar facilities, and a new community space. If you want to share your story from the Town Hall’s past or get involved in future events visit mytownhall.co.uk.
That’s the aim of their 2017 poppy knitting and crochet campaign – and their fleetfingered fundraising has been given a boost by Boyes of Coulby Newham. The popular department store is ensuring they have enough wool for their recordbreaking attempt which will see the hand-made poppies on display at the War Memorial and other parts of Nunthorpe. Middlesbrough’s new Fork in the Road is hosting World Public Knitting Day from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, June 10, with the Nunthorpe and Marton Knitters on hand to launch their own 2017 poppy knitting campaign. Boyes Coulby Newham will also feature its very own ‘Pop-up Knitting Corner’on June 10. Event organiser Brenda Thompson said: “Due to the generosity of Boyes,Nunthorpe Parish Council and NE Homes there will be enough wool to meet this target. “We’re calling on people of all ages and abilities are urged to come along and take part - every poppy counts!”
HAIR RAISING SAVINGS AT LIGHTWATER VALLEY THEME PARK
With over 40 rides and attractions to suit all the family a day out at Lightwater Valley is fun-packed and great value for money; even our parking is free!
Entry to theme park for just £17pp with this voucher or book online and use code MTMAY17 Max 6 people per voucher. Offer expires 09.07.17. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer or concessionary rate. Photocopies not accepted. Saving based on over 1.3m pay-on-the-day price of £30. Voucher code: MTMAY17
✁
lightwatervalley.co.uk Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3HT. Tel: 01765 635321 Middlesbrough Today | 7
new jobs MILLIONS of new visitors and hundreds of nt is set to – Middlesbrough’s snow centre developme into a reality. help transform the town’s city ambitions
The £30m Middlehaven development – the work of private Teesside company Cool Runnings (NE) Ltd recently received unanimous backing from Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee allowing it to take a major step forward. Rachael Howson, of Cool Runnings (NE) Ltd, said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been approved and would like to thank everyone who has worked on the proposals so far. We are extremely excited to be moving into the next stage of the development process and we are aiming for an opening date of September 2019.” It is estimated that when up and running the snow centre could attract 2.25m visitors a year and will create 350 jobs. Middlesbrough Council has recently unveiled its own plans to invest £74m in order to attract up to £700m of private sector investment and create thousands of new jobs and new homes with the ultimate aim of cementing Middlesbrough’s place as the city centre of a prosperous Tees Valley region. The snow centre’s place within Middlesbrough’s wider regeneration has been welcomed across the town with Cool Runnings themselves pointing to “massive spin-off benefits”. Speaking to Love middlesbrough, Middlesbrough College Principal Zoe Lewis said: “Middlesbrough College is very excited about this development and the huge possibilities it affords Middlehaven and the wider Tees Valley. We have worked closely with the 8 | Middlesbrough Today
developers to maximise the benefits of the site and the co-location next to the College and its 15,000 students and 1000 staff. I know our students are extremely excited for it to open and I have no doubt it will attract visitors from far and wide and bring in further investment into what is fast becoming a leading education and leisure destination.” Damon Roberts, General Manager of Middlesbrough’s Jurys Inn, said: “I think it’s very positive for the town. It should bring much needed leisure business, bringing people in from outside the region. We would expect some of those would want to stay overnight. It also helps Middlehaven and keeps that moving forward.” Carli-Jayne McNaught, owner of the Olde Young Tea House on Grange Road and Hit The Bar on Bridge Street East, said: “There’s nothing like that around so for our area to get it is great and it’s the perfect place to put it. I want to see that area on the up because it’s really nice up there. I think it will absolutely boom in the next few years, that’s why we wanted to be there with Hit The Bar – there’s loads of scope over that side of town.” Stephen Brown, Senior Partner at Middlesbrough-based commercial property consultants Dodds Brown, said: “The approval of the snow dome is fantastic news and will prove to be not only a catalyst for development within the Middlehaven project but also in the wider area. It clearly demonstrates the ambition of Middlesbrough Council and their determination to bring investment to the area. I cannot wait to give it a go!”
Soon after the planning application was approved it was announced that Ice Factor Group who run two successful snow centres in Scotland, were in talks to become the operators of the Middlehaven facility. Jamie Smith, the mountaineer and entrepreneur who opened Ice Factor Kinlochleven in 2003 and acquired Snow Factor Braehead in 2011, believes his team’s successful bid to operate for the first time outside Scotland underlines the strength of his business model. He said: “As a near identical set-up to our Scottish operations, it’s a development that will benefit from all of the finely tuned and proven business processes that we’ve put in place over six years of trading at Snow Factor Braehead. “A decade ago, skiing and snowboarding indoors on real snow was possibly perceived by many as a gimmick. Today I believe Snow Factor Braehead is increasingly recognised as a significant Scottish snowsports destination and player in our strong adventure tourism sector. “Year round, we are giving tens of thousands of people the opportunity to enjoy the thrill and fun of snowsports and we now look forward to delivering similar success in England.”
KAPOW GETS READY TO HIT STOCKTON Dragons. Wizards. Daleks. Get ready to be invaded as one of the most exciting sci fi events on the calendar is set to beam down in Stockton.
Business Improvement District which is helping run the event this time round.
animatronic dragon who will be accompanied by a familiar Game of Thrones character.
“We’ve got an amazing programme lined up for the event,” said Karen Hindhaugh, manager of Stockton BID.
The 3.5m creature will be doing a number of performances during the day and will interact with the audience.
On Saturday 10 June the town is preparing to once again host Kapow – an event which brings together a whole host of specialist traders who will be selling toys, memorabilia and collectables from every conceivable area of the sci fi world.
“And we really believe this is going to be a very special day that nobody will want to miss.”
The hope is that there will also be an appearance by a TV celebrity who has appeared in one of the UK best loved series, which will be confirmed in the near future.
But the event is about far more than buying and selling and adding to a collection – it’s the opportunity for families and people of all ages to come down and have a memorable day full of fun. The event is being staged in a marquee and in and around the High Street, right in the heart of the
Among the many activities during the day will be a wand making workshops for youngsters, a “hotter than Potter” magic show featuring Professor Duffus, a birds of prey display and the appearance of some extremely well known sci fi “baddies” We’re not saying who but let’s just hope they don’t exterminate anyone…
But regardless, Kapow promises to be a day absolutely full of punch!
KAPOW is free to attend and runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 10 June.
One of the highlights of the day will also be the appearance of a huge Middlesbrough Today | 9
Our family adventure at Tees Barrage
“Sunny skies, perfect picnic spots and awesome adventure…Tees Barrage has it all!” We woke last Sunday to bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds and decided to spend the day exploring Tees Barrage with our two children, Max, 4 and Grace, 2. We enjoyed a lovely scenic walk along the river before topping a brilliant day off with an Air Trail adventure! We were amazed at how popular it was. The Tees Barrage is a thriving hub of families, cyclists, dog walkers, watersports enthusiasts and those who simply love the outdoors, all out to explore and enjoy the sunshine in a beautiful green space right in the heart of Teesside. We parked at Tees Barrage and crossed the river at the Barrage and headed left towards the Newport Bridge passing lots of families seal spotting and enjoying picnics along the riverbanks. The children both scooted along the lovely and smooth, tree lined cycle path 10 | Middlesbrough Today
adjacent to the river, stopping every so often to look at the views and to pick a flower or two. There is an abundance of wildlife along the route and plenty of places to stop off and explore, including the Maze Park Nature Reserve which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river and across Teesside. After crossing Newport Bridge, we headed back through Portrack Marsh towards the Barrage, before arriving at the white water course to watch some kayakers tackling the white water rapids. We then crossed the wooden bridges over the course and Air Trail was now directly in sight. The kids were beyond excited at this point! Max and Grace were excited to try the mini course; they got harnessed up and were ready to start exploring! They loved balancing along the wobbly wooden beams and rope bridges and after about 20 minutes there was only one thing on their minds… ice cream! They both picked an ice cream from Air Trail’s kiosk and we all sat on a picnic bench directly under Air Trail and looked up and watched everyone enjoying the high ropes course and whizzing along the zip lines. Max,
feeling brave after his first try on Air Tykes, said, “When I’m 5… I want to go on big Air Trail!” We had such a fun and very affordable afternoon and will definitely be back, maybe to try the infinity loop which includes walking along the cool looking Infinity Bridge, which I’m sure the kids will love!
Tees Barrage offers a number of exciting watersports activities including white water rafting, stand up paddleboarding and power boat trips along the River Tees. Activities require no experience and all equipment is provided on the day. For more information please visit www. tbiwwc.com Air Trail is a high ropes course at Tees Barrage and is the UK’s biggest! Tickets cost £8.00 when booked online, with family tickets available and a mini course suitable for kids aged 2+. To book your adventure and to read the FAQ’s please visit www. airtrail.co.uk
THE
ULTIMATE FAMILY ADVENTURE
Tees Barrage
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AGED 2+ BOOK ONLINE and save 15%
£8.00 airtrail.co.uk Middlesbrough Today | 11
FESTIVAL FASHION
1
by Shannon Hodge
Get ready to welcome colour clashing brights, metallics and even mermaid mom jeans into your world this summer with our round-up of best festival fashion buys.
2
Whether you’re staying in the UK for Leeds, V Fest and Glastonbury or flying to sunnier climes for Benicassim and Tomorrowland, Middlesbrough high street has your festival wardrobe sussed – come rain or shine. 3
4
5
6
7 8
12 | Middlesbrough Today
9
10
11
12
13
1 Primark, Ruffle Jacket £18 2 Topshop, MOTO Mermaid Mom Jeans £65 3 New Look, Pink Metallic Hooded Anorak £44.99 4 New Look, Blue Pineapple Print Front Knot Crop Top £7.99 5 Next, Leaf Print Tee £28, Sunglasses £14 6 New Look, Multi Coloured Statement Choker £12.99 7 River Island Men, Washed Oversized Denim Jacket £50 8 Primark, Pink Floyd Lace Trim Tank Top £6 9 River Island Men, Black Palm Print Shirt £25 10 Next, Striped Playsuit £28 11 House of Fraser, Metallic Rose Gold Mini Backpack £35 12 Primark, Sunglasses £3 13 Primark, Mens Black Cut Off Shorts £10 14 JD Sports, Vans Old Skool £52 15 New Look, White Leaf Embellished Trainers £22.99
14
15
Middlesbrough Today | 13
‘Mad Hatters unveil Rockliffe Hall’s Mischmasch plans’. Left to right - Eamonn Elliott, Chief Executive; Warwick Brindle, Chairman; Davy Cuthbertson, Estates Director.
ROCKLIFFE HALL REVEALS MISCHMASCH PLANS “A WONDERLAND OF CURIOSITIES” Rockliffe Hall can now reveal more details about the latest investment at the luxury five star resort. Earlier this year the award-winning hotel in Hurworth, near Darlington, County Durham, announced plans to develop one and a half acres of land adjacent to the Old Hall into a multi-functional parkland for guests. Work is now well underway on the £750,000 development, which will be called Mischmasch – inspired by a periodical written and illustrated by Lewis Carroll for his family. It’s due to open at the end of Summer 2017. Lewis Carroll, the author of the muchloved Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, spent some of his childhood in nearby Croft, while his father was Rector of Croft Church and Archdeacon of Richmond from 1843 to 1868. Historians think Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire cat and his famous smile were inspired by a carving in Croft Church. Mischmasch will have a strong Lewis Carroll theme, introducing a wide range of activities for younger visitors to Rockliffe
Hall in its “Wonderland of Curiosities” These will include an Alice in Wonderland Nature Trail and Sculptures (some of which will be well hidden for children to find), a large Eco Adventure Playground including climbing frames and slides, Interactive Water Fountains and a Maze. A main feature of Mischmasch will be six Arctic Pods, nestled in the woodland, featuring different indoor experiences including interactive and electronic games and the start of a journey to “Find the Cheshire Cat”. The new development will also feature a stunning glasshouse, which will become the venue for pop-up events, dining, corporate events, children’s tea parties and an additional location for weddings. Adjacent to this will be a walled kitchen garden where chefs from Rockliffe’s three acclaimed restaurants will grow their own produce to use in their dishes. For the fitness fanatics, there will be two artificial tennis courts. A wildflower nature trail will meander around the outskirts of the new development where visitors can stroll, play and enjoy nature. Warwick Brindle, Chairman of Rockliffe Hall Limited said: “This is a significant investment for Rockliffe Hall as we continue to strive to maintain our position as the premier hotel, spa and
14 | Middlesbrough Today
golf resort in the UK. We already offer so much for our guests but want to further enhance what’s available to our younger ones while also opening up opportunities to hold functions and events in a new setting. Mischmasch will offer children and parents a unique interactive experience whilst improving the facilities for all our guests whether enjoying a game of tennis, indoor activities in the pods, and events in the magnificent glasshouse. “In addition, Rockliffe Hall is set in the most beautiful grounds and we want to take advantage of this by offering our guests more of an outdoor experience, alongside fishing the Tees, handling Birds of Prey, or outdoor concerts. There will be something for everyone when Mischmasch opens later this year.”
www.rockliffehall.com 01325 729999. 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
ARCTIC CABIN ACTIVITY PODS INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE MAZE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
GLASSHOUSE KITCHEN GARDEN TENNIS COURTS WILDFLOWER NATURE TRAIL
SAY THANKS THIS FATHER’S DAY
1
2
by Shannon Hodge
Father’s Day is on the horizon, which means sons and daughters across the country are on the hunt for the coolest gift for their main man – and one that doesn’t include a six pack of socks and a Toblerone.
3
We’re sure he’d appreciate any present you get for him this Father’s Day, but while a heartfelt card and a hug are nice, so are pork scratchings, booze, scented candles - also known as ‘mandles’ - and nifty gadgets. So without further ado, here’s our round-up of gifts to appeal to every type of dad - from your BBQ-mad dads and your adventure dads to your ‘cosy clothes and a whisky chaser’ kind of dad. 4
5
6
8
7
9 10 11 1 anCnoc 24 Year Old Highland Single Malt
Scotch Whisky, £110, www.ancnoc.com
2 Dartington Crystal, Brew Craft Collection
£17 per glass www.dartington.co.uk
3 Sainsbury’s, Wells Bombardier Burning Gold
500ml £1.85
4 LookFantastic, Anthony Head To Toe Survival 12
Kit £30 www.lookfantastic.com
5 Amazon, Ultra-Distance Cycling - An expert
guide to endurance cycling by Simon Jobson and Dominic Irvine £18.99
6 Yankee Candle Barbershop, Barbershop £13.99
13
7 Boots, Braun Series 3 3040s Wet & Dry
Electric Shaver £99.99
8 The Snaffling Pig, Ham and Colman’s
Mustard 1.5ltr jar £16.99 www.snafflingpig.co.uk
9 SuitDirect, Racing Green Navy Checked
Dressing Gown £25 www.suitdirect.co.uk
10 Zippo, Classic Satin Chrome Dad Lighter £24 15
www.zippo.co.uk 11 Walkers Shortbread, I Love Dad Tin £5 www.walkersshortbread.com 12 Argos, Polaroid iE090 Blue £59.99
14
13 Tesco, Cîroc Blue Dot £38.50 14 Dartington Crystal, Brew Craft Stout and
Strong Glass £17 www.dartington.co.uk
15 High Street TV, Kool Grill Portable BBQ
£99.99 available at www.highstreettv.com
Middlesbrough Today | 15
This summer boyband Busted will take to the stage as they headline one of four outdoor concerts held as part of the South Tyneside Festival. Zoë Burn caught up with the band’s Charlie Simpson to find out why he loves playing festivals…
FESTIVAL FEVER… HE was long regarded as the man who broke Busted after he quit the band 13 years ago over ‘creative differences’. But 18 months since Charlie Simpson’s shock announcement that he was returning to the band that made him a household name, it’s almost as if he’d never been away. Last summer Busted hit the road for a three-month tour before releasing their comeback album, Night Driver, and this year the energetic three-piece are set for more of the same. Simpson and band-mates Matt Willis and James Bourne will be working the festival circuit, and this will bring them to South Shields on 16 July as they headline the second of this year’s South Tyneside Festival Sunday Concerts. “We are doing a lot of festivals this year. We’re doing Glastonbury, V Festival, then a few others like the South Tyneside Festival so it’s a mixed bunch,” Simpson explained. “We are also about to go to LA to do our first big show in America so we’re all really excited about that. When that’s done, we will start to write some new material.” It sounds like a busy few months for the Busted boys, but Simpson says it has been planned to perfection to enable them to enjoy the music and the experience. 16 | Middlesbrough Today
“It’s nice to be able to break things up a bit. We recently had a three month stint on the road and that’s a long time. It’s really nice that we can balance it all out this year, I’m looking forward to it.” Last year’s tour was all about Busted, but this year the boys are looking forward to joining other bands and artists as they work the festival circuit, meeting new people and hopefully winning new fans along the way. “It’s a very different experience. Playing outdoors has always been one of my favourite things. I love everything about it, you get sort of a carnival vibe and there’s just something extra special about it. “Obviously, there is nothing quite like playing to your ‘home crowd’ in your own show but in a festival it’s a great chance to put your music across to a new audience, to people who may not have heard you before and it’s an opportunity to showcase yourself to a new crowd.” With the band’s newer material very different to the sound that made them famous back in the early noughties, what can audiences expect at the South Shields performance? “I think they can expect a bit of everything, a mix of all our different songs. Obviously we’ll be doing a bit of old stuff and some new stuff, so there’ll be something in there for everyone.
“Hopefully we’ll get a good crowd. We have always found the northern audiences tend to be among our best. The further north you go, the crowds always get better. Northerners tend to be much more up for it. “This is the kind of show where everyone can just have fun and a good time, where we can get a good singalong going. “I think a lot of songs on the new album really lend themselves well to a festival vibe. Concerts like this have a different sort of energy, and it’s something we love as a band.” *Busted will perform at Bents Park, South Shields on Sunday 16 July 2017. Admission is free but will be strictly on a first come first served basis. For further details visit: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk
COMPETITION Win two Priority Access Tickets to see Busted at Bents Park on 16 July. These tickets will guarantee access to the park and earlier admission at 12pm. Simply answer the following question:
What is the title of Busted’s 2016 comeback album?
ADVERTORIAL
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 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 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 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 experienced 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. 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. Recently under new ownership, the family, with a wealth of hotel experience, are focussed on delivering a truly special guest experience in terms of both service and product, so with that in mind have already commenced a gradual and discreet refurbishment programme of all areas.
The Coquetvale, Station Road, Rothbury, NE65 7QH, Northumberland
READER OFFER Middlesbrough Today special readership offer, why not take advantage of the May, June and July, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer at £109.00 per couple (with dinner allowance of £20.00pp) 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.
How many well appointed bedrooms does The Coquetvale have? To enter this competition send your answer on a postcard to: Middlesbrough Today Coquetvale Competition, 45 Atkinson Gardens Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham DL5 6LH Closing date for entries is 30th June 2017.
18 | Middlesbrough Today
N
EXHIBITIONS SET FOR SUMMER AT THE MUSEUM The Bowes Museum, set in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle, has teamed up with national children’s arts charity, House of Fairy Tales, to present two exhibitions this summer as part of an extensive programme to celebrate its 125th anniversary year. Follow the trail of tulips through the museum with Tiptoe Through the Turkish Tulips - an exquisite and enlightening trail brought to you through the eyes of more than 30 contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Gavin Turk and Sir Peter Blake. In an interactive experience which challenges visitors to see things in new ways, the familiar becomes the unfamiliar as the tulip’s role in history is played, giving an incredible insight into our relationship with Europe and the Middle East. It is a story about migration but also a romantic tale set in 17th‑century Europe, chronicling the tulip’s journey and covering
everything from beauty and extravagance to obsession and inequality. The Clockwork Garden will take guests on a journey to the future with this bewitching show, which promises a magical experience for the young and young at heart. Flying in from somewhere far out in the black of space, a strange mechanical seed has landed in the temporary exhibition gallery to fill it with this inspiring, interactive exhibition. The seed needs to learn the secrets that make our human gardens so full of life, joy and beauty, so it can take them back to its own planet. But will the ominous Orange Moon and its shadowy Mechanized Grizzlies find the seed before it’s ready to return? The Clockwork Garden exhibition, specially created by national children’s arts charity The House of Fairy Tales, is an immersive and interactive installation full of strange metallic fronds, glimmering animations and whirring sounds. Inside,
guests can invent garden stories in the puppet theatre, dream in the clouds, make the garden bloom with colourful paper flowers, create mechanical artwork, puzzle out the magic of seeds and discover art from some brilliant contemporary artists. Both exhibitions open on 29 July, while on 30 and 31 July House of Fairy Tales will be visiting the Museum for an opening event engaging families with enticing tasks and games relating to the exhibitions. Tickets for these events will be available online nearer the date. Find out more about all celebratory events www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 01833 690 606
CELEBRATE
IN STYLE
10 June, 10.00-6.00, £2.50 per adult, Children Go Free
Join us 125 years on to celebrate the Museum opening its doors to the public. • Bands • Food • Drink • Family Activities • Bouncy Castle • Face Painting
• Punch & Judy Show • Picnic with the Bowes • Treasure Hunt • & Much More!
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Middlesbrough Today | 19
LIVING IT UP IN KIEV…
Bernice Saltzer spends a weekend in an unlikely destination – and discovers a unique city… It would be fair to say that we probably know very little about the Ukraine or about Kiev, its capital.
it was lamentable and I envisaged a place grey, dull and not very appealing.
It’s NOT where Chicken Kiev was invented (that was in France apparently) but the country was the scene of one of the worst nuclear disasters in history at Chernobyl in 1986 and it’s also the place where this year’s Eurovision Song Contest was held.
Which just goes to show how wrong you can be. Kiev is a vibrant, exciting city with much to recommend, the perfect destination for a break in a place yet unspoilt by masses of tourists, with a fascinating and intriguing history.
I realised on my way to visit the country that my knowledge about 20 | Middlesbrough Today
Our base for the weekend was the breathtaking 11 Mirrors hotel, owned by former world champion boxer,
Wladimir Klitschko. No expense has been spared in creating a stylish, sophisticated hotel which has first class service and is perfectly placed to access all areas of the city. Our mission was to investigate Kiev’s burgeoning food scene and there are a number of restaurants who are now building an international reputation. Heading up this foodie revolution is Yuri Priemski with Odessa, where he combines some of the artistry of Heston Blumenthal with classic Ukranian ingredients.
Look out for dishes with wild mushrooms, beetroot and buckwheat and be prepared to wash every course down with a shot of Vodka. What also came as a complete surprise is the stunning architecture, with the Russian influence obvious at every turn. Huge ornate church domes covered in gilt litter the horizon, making every stroll an exciting adventure. The value for money is astonishing. We went to see the Ukranian Royal
Ballet – at just £8 a ticket. Dining out is extremely cheap, not surprising as the take home wage in Kiev is incredibly low, with doctors earning as little as £200 a month. Take home with you caviar, vodka, wooden souvenirs – and still have plenty of change left over. Which is good news because this is a city I intend to return to as soon as possible.
FACT FILE You can fly to Kiev directly from Luton or go from the North East via Amsterdam with KLM. For further information about the hotel visit www.11mirrors-hotel.com. Odessa Restaurant www.odessarest.com.ua
Middlesbrough Today | 21
BETA FOSTER CARE Our agency aims to provide the best services possible for children and young people who need to be Looked After within the Tees Valley area. We are on Tier 1 of the Independent Foster Care Provision Contract and work closely with these Local Authorities. We are especially looking for Foster Carers in Middlesbrough and Stockton as well as the rest of Cleveland and Darlington. We believe strongly in treating our carers as professionals and keeping them involved in the decisions we make about the agency. We regard our carers as our greatest asset.
life experiences. We work closely with our Consultant
We are happy to consider experienced carers, including those with children and young people in placement, who are entitled to transfer with you. We are particularly looking for people who are able to look after older children (9+) who
Our founding principles of best practice, best value and keeping children’s needs firmly at the centre, are instrumental in providing services of the highest quality. Our aim is to be ethical and not ruled by profit.
means of helping these young people to overcome these experiences.
Have you thought about becoming a foster carer? Children and young people in foster care are often at a turning point in their lives. Whether it is for a few weeks, a period of months or a number of years, foster families can make a lasting difference through the care and support they provide.
Would you like to help children and young people? • Could you offer support & guidance to someone who may find it difficult to accept? • Do you have a room in your home for someone that needs you? • Could you offer a new start to a young person? • And you would be paid to do it!
Contact Beta Foster Care for further information
22 | Middlesbrough Today
01325 328 333
info@betacareservices.com www.betacareservices.com
Middlesbrough Today | 23
The very best plants, Wilkinsons The very best plants, Wilkinsons The very The best very plants, best plant Wilkinsons at the very best prices Plant Centre
at the very best prices Plant Centre at the very at the best very prices best pric Plant Centre Plant Centre Opening Times Mon Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm www.wilkinsonsplantcentre.co.uk Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm
Opening Times Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm www.wilkinsonsplantcentre.co.uk Opening Times Mon Opening - Sat 8.30am Times Mon - 4.30pm - Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm www.wilkinsonsplantcentre.co.uk www.wilkinsonsplantcentre.co.uk Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm Sunday 10.30am Sunday - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm
Visit our Visit our Plant VisitCentre, our Visit our Plant Centre, to see inspirational Plant Centre, Plant Centre, to see inspirational show and to see gardens inspirational to see inspirational show gardens and the largest selection show gardens show and gardens and the largest selection of plants in the the largest selection the largest selection of plants in North East of plants in the theof plants in the North East North East North East
Wilkinsons Plant Centre, East Brocks Farm, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 0QH Wilkinsons Centre, East Farm, Eaglescliffe, on Tees, TS16 0QH Find us on the A67Brocks midway between Yarm &Stockton Teesside Airport Wilkinsons Plant Plant Wilkinsons Centre, East Plant Brocks Centre, Farm, East Eaglescliffe, Brocks Farm, Stockton Eaglescliffe, on Tees, Stockton TS16 on 0QH Tees, TS16 Find us on the A67 midway between Yarm & Teesside Airport Find us on the Find A67 midway us on the between A67 midway Yarm between & Teesside Yarm Airport & Teesside Airport Call us today Tel 01642 790409 or 01325 369777 Call us today Tel 01642 790409 or 01325 369777 Call us today TelCall 01642 us today 790409 Telor01642 01325790409 369777or 01325 369777
Prepare your garden this Spring Prepare your garden this Spring Prepare your garden The North East's, premier, local independent gardenthis centre Sprin
at at The North East's, premier, local independent garden centre at The NorthatEast's, The North premier, East's, localpremier, independent local independent garden centregarden We stock a wide range of YOUNG AT GARDENING quality plantsa and atof very We stock widepots, range HEART CLUB CLUB We stock a wide We range stock of a wide range of YOUNG AT GARDENING YOUNG AT YOUNG AT GARDENING GARDENING qualitycompetitive plants and prices. pots, at very HEART CLUB CLUB quality plants and quality pots, plants at veryand pots, at pervery month For over 60’s on HEART CLUB HEART CLUB CLUB CLUB In fact we sell everything competitive prices. you 2 FREE DRINKS (tea or Tuesdays, receive competitive prices. competitive prices. per month For over 60’sgarden on could possibly to prepare coffee) & month 10% OFF all 10% In fact we sellneed everything you OFF in the per month For over 60’s on For over 60’s on (tea or per 2 FREE DRINKS In fact we sell everything In fact weyou sell everything you Tuesdays, receive plants, bulbs and seeds centre excluding the Tuesdays, receive (tea or (tea or 2 FREE DRINKS 2 FREE DRINKS Tuesdays, receive yourpossibly garden need for thetoSpring. could prepare coffee) & 10% OFF all 10% OFFand in the garden (see café inall store could possibly need could topossibly prepareneed plants, to prepare coffee) & website 10% OFF allcoffee) & OFF 10% 10% inOFF the garden 10% OFF in the garden and seeds centre excluding the for bulbs more details) your garden for the Spring. offers plants, bulbs and seeds plants, bulbs and seeds centre excluding thecentre excluding the (see website your garden for the yourSpring. garden for the Spring. café and in store (see website (see website for more details) for more details)
café and in store
offers for more details) offers
Visit our cafe Cafe serving hot and cold food Visit cafe Visit our our cafe Visit our cafe
café and in store offers
andserving freshly-ground coffee. Cafe hot and cold food Cafe serving hot and Cafe cold serving foodhot and cold food The perfect place tocoffee. unwind. and freshly-ground and freshly-groundand coffee. freshly-ground coffee. The perfect place to unwind. The perfect placeThe to unwind. perfect place to unwind. Garden & Landscape Centre
Garden & Stokesley Road, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, TS8 9DY Garden & Landscape Landscape Garden &Centre Centre Landscape
Centre
Find us on B1365Hemlington, between Stokesley & Coulby Newham Stokesley Road, Middlesbrough, TS8 9DY Stokesley Road, Hemlington, StokesleyMiddlesbrough, Road, Hemlington, TS8 9DY Middlesbrough, TS8 9DY
Telephone 01642 590650 Telephone 590650 Telephone 01642 01642 Telephone 590650 01642 590650
Find us on B1365 between Stokesley & Coulby Newham Find us on B1365 between FindStokesley us on B1365 & Coulby between Newham Stokesley & Coulby Newham
www.cherryhillgardencentre.co.uk www.cherryhillgardencentre.co.uk www.cherryhillgardencentre.co.uk www.cherryhillgardencentre.co.uk
centre