collection magazine

Property

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE FROM SANDERSON YOUNG

collectionAutumn / Winter Collection 2012 | Sanderson Young Property Consultants | 4.95

Buy & Rent fabulous

Exclusive Villa RentalsIndulge in sheer luxury around the world

Bistro No.95 - GosforthRe-opens its doors with a brand new menu

Grand DesignsInterior design inspiration from the regions best

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CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TELEPHONE 01661 85 22 55 WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK

When travelling to Close House using a SAT NAV please use NE41 8BL

Staying at Close HouseEach of our 31 bedrooms have been designed with fine furnishings and fabrics to ensure you enjoy the ultimate experience in comfort and luxury. Unwind in a bathroom which has been beautifully crafted with marble and sandstone tiles, snuggle into fluffy towels and bathrobes, before slipping between Egyptian cotton sheets beneath a sumptuous feather duvet.

Dining at Close HouseArgent DOr is a dining experience located in the main hotel at Close House. Enjoy sumptuous French cuisine with a British twist in the beautiful restaurant. The elegant furnishings and the stunning decoration combine with a modern influence to create an open, spacious restaurant.

No. 19 is a place where comforting food is served in a contemporary environment; where you can enjoy some of our regions finest produce. Whether youre grabbing a quick bite after a round of golf or enjoying dinner you can relax in stunning surroundings.

GolfClose House has two stunning 18 hole golf courses, the Filly and the Championship Colt Course which offer a great challenge to golfers of every ability.

The Championship Colt Course was opened in 2011 by Lee Westwood, the Attached Tour Professional. Less than a year after opening, the Colt Course has already been awarded a top 100 golf course status in England.

Close House is an elegant and beautiful 18th century mansion set in stunning Northumberland countryside. Located just 15 minutes from Newcastle city centre, this is an exceptional place to escape to for business and pleasure.

A very warm welcome, fine food, elegant interiors, luxurious accommodation and a Championship golf course will make your experience unforgettable.

perfect destination...The


WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK

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hilst the housing market remains broadly in a plateau, the year 2012 has been an exceptional one for British pride, joy and success. The Jubilee earlier in the year was

an amazing worldwide example of how this countrycelebrates its monarchy and admires its tradition and,even through the adverse weather, the celebrationswere a tremendous success.The stunning Olympic Games in the summer of 2012brought further pride and our athletes excelled in a diverse range of activities, raising inspiration for thewhole country. Many congratulations to Team GB, theorganisers and the volunteers who displayed the truecharacteristics of our country so well. Dictating this,the morning after Europe won the Ryder Cup, onefeels a further sense of pride that our union has beenrecognised for its ability to come back from adversityand win such an exciting golfing event. I am sure weall hope that the same outcome can take place for thecurrent financial problems experienced in Europe, sothat our economies can come back stronger.Pride in what we do and how we do it is a great characteristic to employ and one which we must focusupon if we are to bring or keep our individual businesses in profit.Our main focus at Sanderson Young is to highlightquality business rather than quantity business. A recent study of my companys performance againstother estate agents within the region highlighted thefact that, in the majority, agents had 50 per cent, oreven double, the stock levels that my local branchwould enjoy, yet my company had more houses underoer and sold as a percentage of that stock. I have always said that I am much more interested in seeing a Sanderson Young board with sold on it, than aSanderson Young board with for sale on it. The sameparallel exists with many businesses; turnover is vanityand profit is sanity.The ability to be positive is our second focus. It is vitally important that we remain positive with ourclients and that we discuss options available to them

in order to resolve their housing problems. Pricing isundoubtedly the key issue, but not the only one, todiscuss with our clients. The strength of our marketing and our brand highlightthe features and benefits of a property and the exposure that the house enjoys over a strong regional,national and international marketplace, which is vital. The strength of the Sanderson Young website hasbeen developed even further over the last 12 months,moving on from the initial App which can be downloaded onto iphones, into the mobile web; aquick easy and eective search engine which will bewell suited to the future mobile technology and 4Gbroadband speeds which will roll out throughoutBritain in the near future. 4G networks will give download speeds approximately 10 times the currentspeed of the current 3G network. This will lead to a fargreater number of users on mobile devices and here atSanderson Young we are already prepared for this, another sign of an agent being positive.Finally, I have seen many examples in the region ofcompanies who are proactive and who are winningnew business through their actions. My many congratulations go to Close House Hotel and GolfClub, where, over the late summer, not only did weenjoy fantastic golf on its stunning course, but we hada highly successful weekend of outdoor concerts both Mamma Mia and Katherine Jenkins, which the organisers say will become part of a regular list ofevents in the North East and from which I am sure thehotel will continue to prosper.The expansion of Newcastles airport and the development of the new Emirates route, with a largerplane carrying more passengers and greater cargo, is afurther success story within the North East.In the last year we have watched with pride as Nissan,in Sunderland, has reinvested in this region, turningjob cuts into new jobs and a great new investmentwhich looks set to continue in future years with theproduction of the Lithium-Ion batteries. This is one ofour regions most impressive success stories.

None of us really expect prices to move very far overthe next 6-12 months and demand will be patchy, but, looking beyond this time, most economists see an ever brighter light at the end of the tunnel and a tremendous landscape of opportunity for significant growth.In many cases our residential lettings market hasshown real signs of being undersupplied with newstock. There is an obvious shortage of new buildhouses becoming available within the region and analysts have been telling us for some time that thecountrys housing stock will be significantly below required demand within two to three years. It makessense if we are living longer that we will have a greaterneed for housing.In 2013 Sanderson Young is working with CussinsHomes in Alnwick to support the launch of their mostinspiring new homes development, to be called TheLimes at Swansfield Park. From this elevated site, overlooking the historic centre of Alnwick, CussinsHomes will create a magnificent contrast of localsmaller and luxury family homes and it is sites like thisthat I hope will inspire great success for our clients.2013 will continue to challenge all businesses, yetthose who have pride in what they do, are proactivewith policies and positive with their thoughts, will welcome the challenges ahead and, like our greatsportsmen, will undoubtedly reap the reward of hardwork in the future by taking action now.

At Sanderson Young we look forward to helpingyou move home, whether you are buying or renting. My enthusiastic team will give you professional guidance and advice on how toachieve success. I very much look forward to hearing from any clients so that we can be part ofyour winning team in 2012/2013.

DUNCAN G YOUNG Dip.Est.Man.FNAEAManaging DirectorSANDERSON YOUNG

WA very warm welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2012 Sanderson Young bi-annual magazine

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We are informed constantly by marketing professionals of the power of branding, and we onlyhave to look at multinationals logos -now instantlyrecognisable - to believe this to be true. However it isthe association of that brand, and what it evokes inconsumers minds that is important, not simply recognising colours or text. At Sanderson Young, after 12 years at the forefront ofestate agency, we truly are brand aware. Our logo hasnot changed, neither has the focus on quality something our brand truly stands for. We have worked extremely hard to develop and maintain thestrength of our image, which has gone from strengthto strength. We have further developed our brand with the focuson technological development, and have investedheavily in digital media and our online presence. We

have now launched our mobile website; aware thatmobile web usage will astonishingly overtake that ofdesktop browsing by 2014. Online media has also enabled us to understand the precise impact of ourbrand, which is now truly international, with substantial hits each week from mainland Europe,United Arab Emirates and the USA. Our London clients also make up 20% of our monthly hit rate, demonstrating the reputation our brand has nationwide.Marketing your home through Sanderson Young will give you an association with a truly global andhigh quality brand, and an agent you can trust and rely upon. Janet Hopkinson, Operations Director, Sanderson Young tel 0191 2233500 [email protected]

companynews&updatesnewstheStrengthofabrand

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The Government has recently announced a set ofmeasures to boost house building, with the coalitionrecognising that not enough has been done to assistthe construction sector hit hard during the recession.In a move to encourage development and boost theeconomy, proposals include the relaxation of rules regarding the need for planning permission, additionalfunding for aordable housing and assistance to firsttime buyers through the First Buy scheme. Recognition of the need to assist the house buildingsector is positive news for the industry, as developersneed the backing of planning authorities to encouragegrowth. Recent land sales handled by SandersonYoung have received an excellent response and it isclear that schemes can be delivered successfully if developers work together with local authorities and

also with potential purchasers. Competition is high forquality sites and growth both in the housing sectorand the economy will come from an increase in housing. This is supported by changes to the NationalPlanning Policy Framework; designed to simplify theplanning process and support sustainable development. We hope that these changes will create an increased collaboration and consultationwith local communities, allowing developers to winsupport for schemes. We are fortunate to be acting on a number of significant land disposals across the region and advising developers across the region, with many exciting updates in the near future. NJ Osborne BSc MRICS at the rare! oce on 01912233500 or [email protected]

buildingthefuture

Do you want your business to be associated with probably the bestestate agent in the North East? If so you need to be on the:

Sanderson Young Website Service DirectoryContact Sue Tomlin: tel: 0191 213 2533 | email: [email protected]

7,500 website visits a week

10,000VIPs looking for luxury houses

4,500 registered London buyers


43 | rare! Office69 | Regional Lettings

81 | Gosforth Office97 | Ponteland Office

107 | Alnwick Office117 | New Homes

property

ISSN No: 1740-3375

Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents ofthis magazine, the publisher accepts no responsibilityfor the effects arising thereof.

All material is copyright.

Reproduction of any part of the magazine is forbiddenexcept by written permission of the publisher.

Managing DirectorDuncan Young

Operations DirectorJanet Hopkinson

SalesSue TomlinSanderson Young Media0191 213 2533

DesignMark Denny

ProductionDamian Wood

EditorialBob AroraAlastair GilmourNeil GordonLiz HandsAmy HopkinsonBrian NichollsJane Pikett

PhotographyAdam LawrensonKevin GibsonDavid GrebbyNicky Rogerson

PrintPotts Print (UK)www.potts.co.uk

Cover Property: Ghyllheugh P12

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contents www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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This is a Carbon Balanced Publication. The full carbon impact of this document has been oset by the conservation of endangered tropical rainforest in association with the World Land Trust.


rare! Office0191 223 3500 0191 213 0033 0191 223 351001661 823 951 01665 600 170 0870 112 7099

Gosforth Regional Office Regional LettingsPonteland Office Alnwick Office Mayfair Office

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12 | Ahead of its timeFor Sale - magnificent Ghyllheugh Estate

14 | Caf culture meets bistro bustleNew kitchen breeds a mouth watering new menu

16 | In full flightDean Richards ambitions for Falcons great heights

20 | Far-flung Far EastLuxury winter sun & winter sports retreats

24 | Circle of lifeChildrens stories of life by writer and illustrator Kim Lewis

26 | Vintage affairNorth Easts exclusive vintage fashion fair

30 | PlayA hotbed of innovative, intriguing theatre

36 | A sense of dangerRisky outdoor family entertainment

38 | Forward planningPractical saving suggestions from Brewin Dolphin

40 | Getting the job doneSean Bullick, Chief Executive of NE1, on improving Newcastle

70 | Onwards & upwardsGail McLeans overview of the current residential rental market

118 | In with the newA portfolio of new homes ventures around the region

122 | Riding to the rescueBuilder Jo Dixon talks about a new energy efficient building process

124 | InteriorsGrand Designs gallery, Fiona Barratts visions & Sam Gillans trends

132 | The new rangeHis and hers head turners, the new Range Rover & the Evoque

134 | Bright side here we comeNewcastles 92 million regeneration highlights

136 | Tasting notesThe art and science of wine from the regions leading wine merchants

138 | Tribute treeThe unveiling of a very special artwork at St Oswalds

features

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk contents


aheaeae dadaaking four years to finish, it was ahead of its time and this beautiful Northumbrian estate is now being oered for sale as a whole with nearly 62 acres of grass pasture, 44 acres

of woodland, 20 acres of gardens and grounds, andfishing rights. Ghyllheugh, the principal house on the estate, is animportant country home, built in a substantial Victorian fashion and in a baronial style with a long impressive gated entrance and driveway; only at thelast minute does one see Ghyllheugh as the drivesweeps around and into the courtyard. Once inside the internal accommodation is magnificent with impressive reception rooms including a formal diningroom, stunning drawing room, an oak framed gardenroom and atmospheric snug. In keeping with modern

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day trends the integrated hand made kitchen with dining area is open plan, ideal for family dining and informal entertaining, and the cellars provide a utilityroom, wine cellar and gymnasium complete withsound system and mirrored wall. The bedroom accommodation is equally as impressive with eightbedrooms, three with en suite facilities, and there are afurther two bathrooms.As well as the principal house the estate includes several additional buildings including two bedroom detached Garden Cottage, subject to a protected tenancy, an annexe which has been converted into independent one bedroom accommodation alongwith first floor oces, and Ghyllfoot, a four bedroomdetached house set into the dene with its own private

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ELEGANT NEWLYREFURBISHED SHOWROOM

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SUPP L I E R S O F UN IQUE AND S TY L I SH F I T T ING S

63-65 HIGH STREET | GOSFORTH | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE | NE3 4AATEL: 0191 285 3671 | WWW.SARAHBOWENLIGHTING.CO.UK

gardens and drive, a stone built stable block andgaraging with tack room, loose boxes and workshop.Also available in the estate is a PPS7 designed contemporary Lake House which is in its conceptualstages and provides a ground breaking house.The Ghyllheugh Estate is a beautiful country residencein a superb, secluded setting just o the A697, yet onlyapproximately 9 miles north of the market town ofMorpeth and immediately accessible to Newcastle andits International Airport. It is situated within an area ofoutstanding natural beauty and the whole estate isavailable for sale through the joint selling agentsSanderson Young and Strutt & Parker.Further details available from rare! at SandersonYoung on 0191 223 3500. Price Upon Application

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af 95 has been up and running for nearly two years. The caf is beautifully housed in this much admired and refurbished building which opens its doors at 8am to those in

search of a delightful egg and bacon treat or those inneed of an early morning caeine fix. The caf by day serves an eclectic mix of breakfast appetisers, with smoked salmon, cooked hams and a

variety of bespoke dishes to support the traditionalpoached eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce.The vibrant coee shop atmosphere continuesthroughout the late morning and lunchtime when itreaches its peak for those looking for something a littledierent than the norm.Seasonal and fresh produce changes the menu regularly throughout the year and the coee shop is

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The flagship regional oce of Sanderson Young is prominently located at 95 High Street in Gosforth

opposite The County and in the centre of the much improved retail area

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a greater variety of international dishes

chefs, where we can produce an even greater varietyof international dishes and a new firm favourite ofchargrilled burgers and steaks. Our supplier The Meat Merchant of Jesmond is justifiably proud of their meats and we will be adding to these over many exciting weeks to come, with traditional as well as contemporary sauces, potatoes, fries and salads, which I know will become a signature of the building. The candlelit tables transform the building from5.30pm onwards with those keen for a bargain able to purchase three tapas dishes for only 9.95 before 6.30pm. The truly worldwide mix of dishes brings in flavouredfoods from South America, Asia, as well as India andEurope to give a true mix of inspirational choice.The wine list has also been readjusted to create aordable wines available by the glass or bottle, with soft background music and black and white images of Laurel & Hardy on the plasma screen TV,adding to the already pleasant mix of colours, a vibrant fish tank and an active high street admiredfrom every table.

Bistro No.95 SY

already well supported by a number of Newcastlesbusiness people, shakers and movers, celebrity, mediaand sporting types. The ambience along with the food is always reliable and exciting. Those in search of more caeine can often be seen returning in mid-afternoon when this vibrant cornerbuilding calms for the first time during the day andgives time to read a book, catch up with emails on itsin house wifi and enjoy a relaxing cappuccino.The onset of the school bell brings a number of earlyhomework and late parent pick up children who arekilling time until their drive home. Rod Davies opens the doors for the second time tocreate a candlelit, informal yet cosy and very welcome,international tapas bar.Tropical rainstorms and local streets turning into rivershad caused the professionally fitted basement kitchento flood on two occasions. The only answer was to create a new ground floor kitchen which after 4months of refitting has finally opened. Rod explainedI am delighted that I now have a place which will nolonger be exposed to the extremes of the weather wehave suered and also a kitchen supported by three

The bistro buzz and the option to drink a couple ofglasses of wine with small dishes of food has alreadyproven very popular and there is no doubt that Rodand his team will do their very best to ensure this corner of the High Street provides a very welcome, vibrant and friendly destination for families, couplesand singles looking for a pleasant night out.

and a new favourite of chargrilled burgers and steaks.

Bookings are taken for evening service by telephone:

Open Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm to 10.00pm - Last orders 9:00pm0191 284 5533

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Newcastle Falcons coach Dean Richards has all the credentials and the attitude

attitude to lead the club back to great

heights, as Alastair Gilmour discovers

erhaps his early career in the police force never allowed Dean Richards to play the bad guy as well as the goodie. It was a good grounding, though.

The Newcastle Falcons coach is politeness itself, hes elegantly mannered, he thinks before he speaks and certainly enjoys lifes finer attractions. He is quietlyspoken, appears unflustered, is cultured and diplomatic. Bombproof would describe him fairly.Thats Good Cop, but when does Bad Cop surface?

PDoes he have dressing room hairdrier momentswhen everyone around him gets a verbal blasting?Probably, but the impression is that the Richards man-management style is closer to confidence-building and total support rather than tyrannical. He talks of the boys in his charge and though some of them look disarmingly youthful, its obvious hetreats them on an equal footing, coaxing and coachingthe best from them in character and athletic ability.Rugby is a game of character and Richards role is todevelop that on an individual, team and club basis and he is undoubtedly the man for the Falcons job,chosen by owner Semore Kurdi to stabilise the club> Profile - Dean Richards

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after its fall from Premiership high society to theChampionships scramble for promotion.Richards also talks about getting the Kingston Parkoutfit back into English rugbys elite in whatever timeit takes but really his eye is on the one-season clock,as it is for every Falcons supporter. Typically, he hascommitted his and his familys foreseeable futureto Newcastle and the North East.I knew a little bit about the North East before I camehere, he says. Id done my research. I fell in love withthe area and I share Semore Kurdis vision.The one thing that everybody told me though wasthat you only have to get out of Newcastle a little bitand the countryside and scenery are absolutely beautiful. Also, people in the North East are fantasticand helpful and very caring.My familys here, it took a little bit of convincing because if youre settled in a place and the kids havegone to school there it always takes a bit of time to adjust, but theyre all adjusting.Richards youngsters are at the age one 19, two 14and one 12 where relaxing a grip on best friends andhome security take quite a bit of persuasion. Theymust have seen something in the region that clinchedthe family decision.It can be quite dicult for them, but the place has so much to oer. he says. Theyre the type of kids who enjoy the outdoor life and theres plenty of that here.Richards enjoys the great outdoors himself with fishing, shooting and skiing essential to his relaxation,although a whirlwind summer and early rugby seasonhave left him precious little time to pursue any ofthem. Then there are those finer points a drop ofgood wine and some nice food.

Ive heard good reports on salmon fishing on the Tyneand the Coquet, he says. I also ski not very well and its quite frightening for people to see me comingdown at them. I love food and wine and on the right day and theright occasion, fish and chips is the right food, provided its good, of course. Im a big fan of the Dukeof Wellington at Newton, near Hexham the food isvery good there and its a beautiful location. That viewat the back from the restaurant is fantastic. London is supposedly where all the best restaurantsare, then you come to Newcastle and find it has everything that Londons got.Before his Newcastle Falcons appointment at the backend of last season, Dean Richards had served a three-year ban from rugby for his leading role in whathas been termed Bloodgate getting a player at Harlequins to bite on a blood capsule to feign injury.Several other people lost their jobs but the DeanRichards who has emerged from that episode is humbler, stronger and even more determined todemonstrate that his qualities as one of the games top coaches have, if anything, been enriched by hisforced absence.I wasnt proud of myself, but you moveon, he has said.I thought about getting away fromthe game altogether, but that didnt last very long.He has no qualms about starting rugby life again inthe Championship, a familiar state of aairs, given thathe took over at Harlequins in 2005 after they too hadbeen relegated. He led them back into the top flight atthe first time of asking and moulded them into one ofEuropes most feared sides.The ultimate thing is to get promoted, he says of theFalcons 2012-13 season. Everything is geared towardsthat. Its not just Semores and the clubs position, its

what the players want as well. The boys are quite resilient, which is good.Richards responds readily to questions about his timecoaching FC Grenoble in France in 2004 a decisionthat with hindsight wasnt maybe the right one, butone that was influenced by his admiration for thecountry and its people. He also played for a seasonwith Roanne in the 1990s.I love France, he says. I love the carefree approach tolife they have and that their reasons for working are to help them live a comfortable and happy life which includes drinking wine, eating the best cheeses,lovely food, lovely coee, socialising in the squaresand in the bars. Work is way down in their priorities work is there for one reason, to earn enough for themto live the lifestyle they want to live. I dont think theysave for a rainy day, either they live for today.Dean Richards isnt so cavalier as to simply live fortoday and hope tomorrow takes care of itself. He hasthe weight of the North Easts rugby fans on his shoulders for a start. Plus there are wider implications everybody knows that the region responds positively in every department when its sport is on topof its game. Newcastle Falcons players understand thattoo, and have responded in appropriate fashion. Theyrealise that had they not, Bad Cop would be waiting somewhere behind that dressing room door.

The ultimate thing is to get promoted, he says

of the Falcons 2012-13 season. Everything is geared towards that.

PROFILE SY

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SY BLACKTHORN TIMBER WINDOWS

nce, uPVC seemed to be the only choice for double glazing units. Even owners of period properties, who felt un-plasticised-polyvinyl-chloride was out of keeping with

the historic character of their homes, believed uPVCwas more durable and easier to maintain than wood.But that was then, this is now. All our timber windows and doors come with a 30year warranty and have a life expectancy of at least 60years, says Duncan Forster of Northumberland basedBlackthorn Timber Windows. So we believe our products are much more durable and far better valuethan uPVC alternatives.Duncan certainly knows both sides of the debate. Aftera spell working with uPVC double glazing he spent 6years running a large specialist timber window anddoor manufacturer in Northumberland. Three yearsago he went into business for himself.I set up Blackthorn to oer traditional timber windows and doors with the benefits of modern double glazing and coatings combined with the specialist joinery skills and personal service needed tofit them properly, Duncan continues. Our turnoverhas doubled each year and we now cover an area fromYork to the Scottish Borders.With uPVC still dominant in double glazing what is thesecret of Blackthorns rapid success?Modern materials can look OK in modern propertiesbut equally they can be completely wrong in olderhouses. Timber however is more versatile so our windows and doors can be made to work perfectlywith the existing architecture, Duncan explains. One

of the keys to this is the choice of colour which canmake the windows blend harmoniously with the building and its surroundings, he continues. We try toretain the existing look as much as we can and one ofthe things that our customers really appreciate is thattheir neighbours often cant tell that their windowshave been changed! Apart from better aesthetics, Duncan goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure his soft and hardwoodproducts outperform other materials in terms of practicality.All our frames are pressure treated, weather sealedand painted before the glass is fitted to ensure maximum long-term durability, he adds. The spray-painted coating is equivalent to applying eightcoats of paint by hand and it is formulated to last along time.Our paintwork is guaranteed not to flake or crack for10 years and when it comes to the end of this timethey dont have to be stripped back to the wood for repainting, says Duncan. A light rub down and onetopcoat is enough to make everything look as good as new.A better fit, better durability and easier maintenanceare not the only advantages Blackthorn windows haveover their rivals. Duncans time served joiners can incorporate a number of extra details that can add toeach homes individuality.We can take period stained glass from existing windows and fit it between the new panes to preservethe cherished features of the original windows, saysDuncan. We can also install special reflective glass to

Neil Gordon talks to Duncan Forster, MD of Blackthorn Timber Windows,

Oincrease privacy in rooms that may be overlooked,noise-reducing glass for properties on busy roads andeven fit Venetian blinds inside glazing units that willnever get dusty. We install single glazed windows forhomes requiring listed building consent, arches forbarn conversions and large glazed screens to allow thelight and the view to flood into a room.Besides cutting heating bills (Blackthorns windowstypically reduce heat loss by 70%), choosing naturaltimber fitted by expert craftsmen can also add thousands of pounds to the value of a house butdont take my word for it, lets ask an expert:When it comes to home improvements and housesales, spending money on quality is crucial to achieving the best sale price, says Duncan Young ofSanderson Young property agents. To give a recentexample, the seller of a 1950's house in Gosforth fittedbrown uPVC windows but six months later the buyerinsisted the timber frames were restored or the pricereduced! Therefore my advice to anyone consideringimproving their home with double glazing is to lookseriously at the cost implications of NOT installingproper timber windows and doors from Blackthorn.For more information and to arrange a no obligation quote, contact Blackthorn Windows viatheir website www.blackthorntimber.com

about the advantages of choosing natural timber for double glazed windows and doors...

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Above

Beyond

Results. Delivered. Practical legal solutions for all your commercial and personal needs.

www.hay-kilner.co.uk0191 232 8345


utumn/Winter may not be seen traditionally as the usual season to get that swimsuit, sun hat and super-cool shades ready, but the fashion elite have long been jet-setting to

foreign climes for an oh-so-stylish winter break. Andwho says it has to be a privilege reserved for thecelebrity jet-set? With the Euro under threat, and economies on thecontinent struggling to sustain the rather more

modest and conventional holiday ideals, long-hauldestinations have risen to the forefront as a cost eective option and one must admit, they sound SOmuch more appealing. There no longer seems to besuch a distance between the total price of a short-hauland long-haul holiday, and South East Asia particularlyhas benefited from this trend.Thailand has become slightly more mainstream in recent years, but there are still lesser-known locationsin which to enjoy a relaxed and very authentic experience in classic five-star paradise. And, is Hua Hinthe pick of the bunch! With its roots dating back to the roaring 20s, reserved as a rainy season retreat for

the Thai nobility due to the construction of a direct rail line from Bangkok, the stage was set for this beautiful fishing village to become a favourite withThais and tourists alike. The village even gained a royalnod with King Rama VI commissioning a palace here in 1926.The first golf course was constructed in 1924, and thepopular holiday sport still plays a large role in HuaHins tourism to date, with an outstanding 9 courses inthe locality. The crme de la crme is undoubtedlyBlack Mountain, with immaculate greens and breathtaking views. The Clubhouse serves an excellentarray of Western and Thai food, and the open airrestaurant is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon in the cool shade with a glass of wine andcourse view. What could be more lavish than a roundor two with the most fantastic scenery imaginable,lush mountainous terrain in the distance and the scentof coconut palm trees?If you're a fan of Thai food and lets face it, who isnt - just pound the streets of Hua Hin. Street food is abundant and very tasty, and the shoreline is

A> Holiday Introductions - Winter Sun

fffaafaffaf rreastffaafaffaf rr-r-r flungA unique ambience in Heavenly Hua Hin

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HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS SY

or those winter sports enthusiasts, where best to take a ski break than in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The resort of Villars has a long pedigree

as a world class ski resort, and with Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions oering a simply stunning retreat in the heightof alpine luxury, what better time to make thattrip extra special?Chalet le Renne dOr, lovingly translated as TheGolden Reindeer, is aptly named in order toenjoy a pre or post Christmas break full of festive delights. But this special chalet is notquite the cutesy, traditional image such aname suggests there is nothing on theagenda but contemporary cool. Bang and Olufsen full audio entertainmentsystem, outdoor spa, fully fitted bar, billiardroom and wine cellar the list goes on. Thearchitecture of this magnificent ski lodge isstunningly minimalist, with the heart of thehouse being a vast, dual height living arealeading on to a south facing balcony with a spectacular panorama extending from LakeGeneva to Mont Blanc.Sleeping up to 12 guests, via six luxuriouslyappointed en-suite bedrooms, this is the perfect place to host 2-3 families for an exceptional holiday, and with the option of aprivate chef and housekeeping, you can concentrate solely on enjoying the slopes, andof course the 0aprs-ski!For a truly magical festive break, leaving memories to last a lifetime, Chalet le RennedOr oers much more than just a base, andhaving experienced such a golden year thisSummer, why not continue to celebrate instyle at the Golden Reindeer?

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dotted with some excellent eateries with views of thesea. If you visit those serving locals rather than Western tourists, you're almost guaranteed to have hita gold mine.Sanderson Young are therefore thoroughly excited tointroduce two stunning new villas located in a luxuryresidential resort in this fabulous destination. The Address is a stunning, private compound and thegrounds feature a private pool, beautiful terrace andopulent living spaces. Sleeping up to 6 guests, andwith two neighbouring villas available, these properties oer an excellent opportunity for groupand family travel, therefore further cutting costs andincreasing the experience.Standards of accommodation and unique destinationsare at the heart of the Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions ethos, and these villas are a perfect representation of this. All of the properties within ourportfolio are carefully chosen both for the quality oftheir accommodation and for their location, whichmeans you can simply relax which is surely what aholiday is all about?

Another fashionable trend en e moment is to embarkon a twin-destination holiday so why not match arelaxing beach holiday in Hua Hin with a weekendstopover in Bangkok, oering the discerning travellerthat heady mix of city buzz and absolute luxury. Thailand really does have it all: beach, adventure, culture, not to mention great food, and after a fewdays of excitement in this wonderful and vibrant city,you will be ready to swap the city high life for theserenity of the South. Just a three hour transfer fromBangkok, Hua Hin is easily accessible via train and taxi. You can also choose to fly to Hua Hin; the flighttakes about 35 mins, and the route is serviced by Thai Regional Airlines. Although it takes some time to reach your destination,with Emirates operating flights from Newcastle viaDubai there is very little hassle involved, and with thecomfort of knowing your destination has been hand-picked by Sanderson Young in order to providethe highest standard of accommodation, you can relaxin the knowledge that your holiday will be more thanyou had hoped for.

> Holiday Introductions - Winter Sports

Standards of accommodation and

unique destinations are at the

heart of the Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions ethos

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holidayintrST STEPHANO, CORFu

North east Corfu is one of the loveliest areas this beautiful island has to oer and Aleka is a charmingproperty built in the style of the traditional Corfiot country cottage, though with a lot more space and to a higher specification than the termmight suggest. The villa is on a hillside overlooking St Stephano Bay and has open-plan living spaces and beautiful pool and terraces.

SLEEPS 4750 TO 1,750 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

VillaAleka -Corfu

RIVIERA OF FLOWERS, ITALY

The Italian Riviera is much dreamed of and never forgotten; a paradise of sun, sea and mountainsrenowned as one of the loveliest spots in the world. Villa Crystal is built into the landscape andblessed with panoramic views from mountain ranges to the bay of Bordighera, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday in a modern, spacious property with beautiful gardens, terraces, a pool and hot tub.

SLEEPS 10-121,800 - 3,600 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

VillaCrystal -Italy

LAS BRISAS, PuERTO BANuS, SPAIN

Malaga is the gateway to one of Spains lovelieststretches of coastline and Villa Natasha, which is just minutes from the fashionable port of PuertoBanus, is the epitome of open-plan, contemporary luxury. With five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two living rooms, a cinema room and views over Las Brisas Golf and La Concha Mountain, the villa also has separate sta quarters, a pool, sauna and bodega.

SLEEPS 10-1212,000 EuRO PER WEEk

VillaNatasha -Spain

jet-awaySY HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS

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Time to getaway in luxurious style with Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions

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roductionsST STEPHANO, CORFu

Situated in beautiful north east Corfu, not far from the Rothschild family castle and overlooking St Stepahnos beautiful horseshoe bay, Villa Damianos is a magnificent three-storey villa with spacious living spaces and beautiful grounds. Its views extend to Albania and the grounds feature terraces and a pool. Close to the bay and within easy reach of local boat hire, Damianos is a perfect holiday setting.

SLEEPS 81,400 TO 3,500 PER WEEk, DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

VillaDamianos -Corfu

ST TROPEz, FRANCE

La Chenoiserie is fully staed and the last word in luxury, oering spacious accommodation in the main property and garden cottage and set in a gated community within an acre of beautiful grounds with a pool, terraces and views over St Tropezbay. The villa is within walking distance of a fabulousbeach, restaurants and bars and the famed BeauvallonBeach Club, and within easy reach of golf and tennis facilities.

SLEEPS 8-127,000 -10,000 PER WEEk

LaChenoiserie -France

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

Chalet Cerisier lies in a superb spot on the edge of the woods in Les Boise with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. This luxurious four-storey chalet is built in traditional Alpine style and has high ceilings and large windows, making the most of itsunique setting. It is secluded but also close to ski lifts, summer trails and the many amenities of Chamonix town.

SLEEPS 10-12PRICE ON APPLICATION

ChaletCerisier -France

HOLIDAY INTRODUCTIONS SY

for2012/2013bookings:For further information please contact: T: +44 (0)191 2233500 | F: +44 (0)191 [email protected] | www.sandersonyoung.co.ukThe Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1LX

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im Lewis is the voice of my childrens early years. The teenagers, chronically unimpressed by almost everything their mother does, express something close to

interest when I mention I am to interview her. The five-year-old, with whom I am now reading Kimsbooks a decade after the older children, is wide-eyed.Is that really her dog, then? he asks of Floss thesheepdog, one of Kims most well-known characters.

Floss was of course a real sheepdog, the best we everhad, says Kim. She came up here on the train. A friendhad spotted her on a council estate and knew shewould be good.Floss stars in a number of Kims stories of life on a1,000-acre sheep farm in the North Tyne valley. Asdoes James the shepherd boy, written in the image ofher own son, for whom she began writing when hewas three.I dont know anyone with children who doesnt loveKims stories and illustrations of life on the farm,though those days, sadly, are now gone. Kims two children, Sara and James, have flown and her husband,

> Profile - kim Lewis

k

Jane Pikett meets writer and illustrator Kim Lewis,

SY PROFILE

cciiciccic rrccrcrrcr llclcclc eeoflifeloved for her childrens stories of life on a Northumberland farm


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Flea, who farmed the sheep, died five years ago ofmotor neurone disease. It was a shattering event thatheralded a crippling creative block. I thought I wouldnever write again, she says. But now, Kim has found a new world where her drawings and print work illustrate the words of others.Her collaborations with writers take her, she says, toplaces I might not otherwise go. This work fills something of the gap left by the farm.She works in a neat studio at The Hearth Arts Centre inHorsley, a restored manse in rural Northumberlandwhere you can see and buy her work. Her artists statement says that she hopes to express the secretkingdom of thought and feeling which happens between words and imagesto capture the traceswords leave in your mind, which is a beautiful way ofdescribing her minutely detailed work.Kim and the poet Linda France collaborated on BorderSong, which celebrates a love of the land, of spirit, andlove. In Through the Garden Gate, Kims delicate drawings respond to Moorbank, Newcastle University's Botanic Garden, where Linda France wasPoet in Residence, while in Flying, a series of wood

express personality, mood, feelings more so than theface. I get lost in drawing and I love the fact that youcan go so deeply into something.Does she get stuck for ideas? Never, but I do get stuckfor time, she says, which is no surprise when you consider that a book used to take her a year. No doubther current work will become as well-known as herbooks, though for now it is they which have broughther international acclaim and given people all over theworld a glimpse of the natural rhythms of the NorthTyne - the passing of the seasons, the circle of life onthe farm.Kim, who grew up in Montreal, Canada, and came tothe UK as an art student - which is how she ran intoFlea - has recently discovered that her mothers familygoes back to 1640s Newcastle. Perhaps that is why shehas always felt this is her spiritual home and, when herson James was little and a friend suggested she writeand illustrate a book for him chronicling the shepherding year, her pen, pencil, crayon and pastel sovividly illustrated this wild part of northern England.Now, she is reading those same stories for her grandson, Harry, named by her daughter Sara for another of her much-loved characters. And so the circle of life turnsFor information about Kim Lewiss work, go towww.kimlewisart.co.uk and www.kimlewisbooks.co.uk

engravings, drawings and etchings illustrate Lindaspoems on the theme of birds.In Hay Meadows, Kim and garden writer Susie Whitedescribe a year in the life of a hay meadow, and inSanctuary, Kims botanical linocuts celebrate ChestersWalled Garden in Northumberland with text by Susie,the gardens creator.And now a new chapter has arrived for Kim throughher work as artist in residence with theatre companyDemi-Paradise Productions in Lancaster. Her drawingsare inspired by their work on a production of MuchAdo About Nothing and Kim gathered text and imageinspiration for ideas about expressive hand gesturesby following the actors, crew and design team duringrehearsals. She is, then, building a body of work which is far removed in subject matter from life on the farm,though the process remains the same. Her exquisitelydetailed drawings, she says, whether they are ofsheepdogs, plants or actors hands, are a way of having a really good look at things. The drawings with Demi-Paradise Productions focused on hands and body language. Hands, I find,

PROFILE SY

I get lost in drawing and I love the fact that you

can go so deeply into something.

kimlewiswww.kim

lewisart.co.ukwww.kimlewisbooks.co.uk


hat do you get if you pair a renowned textiles artist with an international fashion designer? The North East's most exclusive vintage fashion fair of course. Liz Hands

speaks to two friends who are aiming to bring authentic vintage style to the region. "Denoting something from the past of high quality, especially something representing the best of its kind." - That's how the Oxford English Dictionary defines "vintage".And that's exactlythe stance Mandy Pattullo andJayne Turner take when it comes to deciding which

clothes can be included in the Newcastle Vintage Fashion Fair, and which just dont make the grade. Imagine, if you will, they play the role of hi-end fashion bouncers. With pretty exacting standards, ittakes a lot to get on their guest list. Dealers have tobe true VIPs of the vintage world to sell at the eventstaged in the sumptuous surroundings of the RoyalStation Hotel. That means they have to be selling clothing or accessories that are most definitely vintage and notjust retro (dont worry, well explain the dierenceshortly). And, vitally, the items should not be

W

Liz Hands speaks to the two friends

who are aiming to bring authentic vintage style to the region.

What do you get if you pair up a renowned textiles artist with an

international fashion designer. Well, the North East's

most exclusive vintage fashion fair of course.

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FASHION SY

the more discerning customer who wants

Were appealing to

something that bit dierent

customised as altering them can kill their value. So,not only should they be in good condition, but theyshould also be ageing beautifully and gracefully without any artificial additions. To put it another way, ifa perfect piece of vintage clothing were a person, thenit would be someone like Helen Mirren (yes, shes inher seventh decade, but shes still current), rather than,say, plastic surgery devotee Janice Dickinson whofreely admits to an array of alterations which have leftlittle of her original self. As Mandy explains: Were not looking at crafting orcustomising and its not about t-shirts and denim. A lot of fairs tend to be aimed squarely at the student market and are more retro than vintage, where youpick up the likes of Human League t-shirts from the 80s.We confine our dealers to those selling high-qualitypieces from the beginning of the century up to the70s. Were appealing to the more discerning customer who wants something that bit dierent.They come to us to find that gorgeous little Chaneltweed jacket.Mandy, 55, and 31-year-old Jayne, certainly know athing or two about how to spot a quality garment.The pair met ten years ago when Mandy was in chargeof the textiles course at Newcastle College and Jaynewent there to teach.Nowadays Jayne has equally lofty credentials in her career as a fashion designer. You may not know it, but

you could have worn one of the garments she createdat the former Consett blacksmiths in County Durhamwhere she has her studio. Her love aair with vintage became something of anobsession after Jayne embarked on a work placementwith Jessica Ogden, the designer credited with beingthe pioneer of salvage fashion.Now, Jayne uses distressed fabrics and collected trims,linen and lace in her creations and has sold intricatework to the likes of Topshop, Donna Karan, CalvinKlein, Abercrombie and Fitch, Coast and Monsoon.Some put Jaynes designs into production just as theyare and some use them to inspire what will eventuallyhit the catwalks and the High Street.Mandys focus is somewhat dierent. She works from a studio in a converted manse in Horsley, Northumberland, where she refashions old textilesinto garments and framed pieces of art.But while what they do with textiles may be dierent,their shared passion for using vintage materials firstsealed Mandy and Jaynes friendship.Jayne sums it up neatly and self-deprecatingly when she says they came together through their loveof old things.

Weve always gone to vintage fairs together, sheadds. We used to go to Manchester and Leeds and, instead of going to Harvey Nicks, wed take our chequebooks and flasks of tea with us and o wed go to buyold rags as our husbands would say. Finally, fed up with travelling, the two revived theNewcastle Vintage Fashion Fair in 2011, inviting all thedealers they loved to come to the North East. Its now a bi-annual aair which has tapped into theenduring vintage trend. While wearing vintage wasonce seen as the preserve of the bohemian art crowd,it has now very firmly hit the mainstream. Coming to the forefront of fashion consciousnesswhen actress Julia Roberts wore that iconic black-and-white vintage Valentino gown to the 2001Oscars, vintage is now worn by everyone from supermodel Kate Moss to teenagers who team a vintage Chanel jacket with their jeans and businesswomen who look for a one-o dress for their work do. And the Newcastle Vintage Fashion Fair has even converted people who werent previously into vintage.My sister-in-law used to shop solely on the HighStreet and she bought a gorgeous sequin dress for >>

Photos: Kissing Cows

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SY FASHION

lways check the fit and try it on. Dont look at the size because vintage sizes are very dierent to picking up a size 10 on the High Street.

Look at how clean the garment is and think abouthow you can clean it if its not perfect. Check thearmpits for sweat stains, because you probablywont get those out.Make sure everything that should go with an item,like the belt, is still with it and check that the liningand stitching are in good condition. Men should look out for quality tweed. Forwomen, search for old cashmere. Its much softerand better quality than new, and buy tailored jackets you can wear with everything.For the home, buy linen to make into cushion covers and quilts to turn into throws.If youre buying evening wear, look for labels likeBruce Oldfield and Jean Muir and, the Holy Grail of vintage finds would be an Ossie Clark piecefrom the 70s. Costume jewellery makes a great stocking filler.You can pick up a truly unique costume piece forbetween 2.50 and 15.Set yourself a budget before you go because itseasy to get carried away.And, finally, haggle. Dont be shy. Use any defectsyou see to get the price down.

who live a vintage lifestyle and dress

We get people

head to toe in vintage

Photos: Jayne Turner

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TIPS FOR BuYING VINTAGEJAYNES &

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plplpalalyaya

The North East is a hotbed of innovative, intriguing theatre

Jane Pikett meets two of its most imaginative exponents

iv Lorent possesses an almost ethereal, graceful beauty; a wide-eyed, childish face with a halo of blond hair, she is a Disney heroine made flesh. Yet she dislikes herself

as a dancer and never casts herself in balletLORENTproductions, preferring to watch every performancefrom the stalls where, she says, she can feel the audience response.

But she has a dancers poise and grace and, even sitting on a squidgy sofa nursing coee, phone, diaryand pen, it is not only her movements (the sweep ofan elegant arm, the crossing of a leg) which flow, butalso the music of her speech.Liv, Belgian-born and North East-bred for the last 20 of her 40 years, is the creative force of balletLORENT; a company where the beauty of individuality is prized, where expression is limitless,unconfined by convention.We are not a robot dance company, she says. All our dancers are dierent shapes, sizes and types.

> balletLORENT, Newcastle

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We celebrate individuality. Lorents work is always unusual, sometimes eccentric, invariably interesting,intriguing and emotionally charged. Her passion forher work is tangible and rooted in the fantasy of potential: That moment when you receive an amazingpiece of music in your inbox or open a parcel of costumes, she says.Lorent is a lover of the magical, the serendipitous, theintriguing. When we meet, the company is developinga new show, Rapunzel; a new representation of theclassic fairy tale adapted by the Poet Laureate CarolAnn Duy and co-produced by Northern Stage. This isa Sadler's Wells commission, which means it is a verybig deal indeed. Artistic director Liv is inspired by the dark themes ofthe story. We take the story and expand the themes,including those of love and yearning for children; thepain of childlessness and the lost child. The challengeis in making a production that children [over seven]can enjoy while adults love it on another level. It isdark and beautiful.The fantasy and beauty of dance theatre inspiresLorent, who asserts that every single movement, nomatter how minute, must have meaning and beauty.

I t is not unusual to feel enriched, excited, even inspired by theatre. But proud of yourself for going? Maybe when youre on your first school trip to see Shakespeare, butnot as a seasoned theatre-loving adult, surely?Well, the first time I saw Theatre Sans Frontiers, I didfeel quite pleased with myself. Not because it was challenging or dicult, but because it was performedentirely in Spanish.The Spanish dramatist Lorca is familiar in translation,but as a conversational Spanish speaker (una cervazapor favor) I hadnt considered seeing his work in itsoriginal tongue until I was persuaded by a fan of Theatre Sans Frontieres, which produces and performsplays in other languages, mainly French and Spanish. The result was one of the most enriching evenings inthe theatre I have experienced; an opportunity toenjoy the lyricism of language without the literal understanding of every word getting in the way. Thisperformance of Amor en el Jardin (Love in the Garden)at Northern Stage was among my most memorable,for the best reasons, in any theatre.Co-artistic director of Hexham-based Theatre SansFrontieres, Sarah Kemp, is instantly recognisable fromthat performance. She is delighted that I enjoyed it,but in the 21 years since she and three co-foundersbegan TSF, shes never been surprised that there are audiences. With a background in educational drama, I always >>

> Theatre Sans Frontieres, HexhamInnovative her work may be, but there is no place inher productions, she says, for intellectual exclusivity -I dont want people to pay for the privilege of beingmade to feel stupid and the company is constantly developing new audiences. And if it workshere in the North East, you know you can take it ontour, she says.She trained as a dancer, but terrible stage fright and a dislike of her own style put her o performance.I wanted to make dance, but with other people. Itsno hardship for me not to be on stage, she says,adding that her inspiration comes from the potential when people come together. Our collaborators on this performance are so amazing itfeels almost unreal.These world-class collaborators include Carol AnnDuy, Murray Gold (music), Phil Eddolls (set design),Michele Clapton (costume); Malcolm Rippeth (lightingdesign) and Lesley Sharp (narration). Considering the quality of the people involved, it is incredible that the opportunities to see this production will be limited to a handful. It costs so much to stage, so yes, this is limited-editiontheatre, says Liv. You know, people give their life todance and they end up with a cardboard box of photos and home movies and nothing else but memories. I love nothing more than sitting in an audience and feeling their energy, and hearing from people about their memories of performancesthat have touched them. That is the magic of our work.Rapunzel by balletLORENT opens at Durham Gala Theatre in October 2012 and tours in the early part of2013. balletLORENT is seeking rehearsal and storagespace and business sponsorship. For details, go towww.balletlorent.com

CULTURE SY

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>> felt there was a need for quality theatre in other languages, she says. For our first performance, weplayed it safe with Moliere. Since then our aim has always been to be accessible.TSF began life in Sarahs back room and then moved

into a small oce at Queens Hall, Hexham, given forfree. We had a desk and a shared phone, says Sarah.We were incredibly grateful.Still based at Queens Hall, this small company is internationally known and has recently returned froma stint in Melbourne. It collaborates with internationalartists to create theatre of puppetry, mime, shadow

play, clowning, music and video. Since 1991, TSF hasproduced more than 40 shows in English, French, German and Spanish and toured to theatres, arts centres, schools and colleges and in recent years tofestivals in Tunisia, Egypt and China.In its upcoming production, TSF explores 500 years ofwine trade between the Canary Islands and the UK.Full of songs, music and outrageous characters, CanaryGold is an adventure of history and theatre. We writecollaboratively, says Sarah, and this began with fourof us getting together and improvising elements ofthe story of the trade in Canary wine from the 1600s tothe present day. We ended up with a play set in a winetasting in Canary Wharf. Its a fascinating process during which we end up withmasses of material. You have to find ways of making associations without making them contrived. We drawparallels between now and then and portray historicevents with contemporary relevance.The play is performed in English, Spanish and French; a multi-lingual performance of which Sarah never tires.The more you do, the more you discover you can doand the more opportunities come, she says. Language allows the discovery of cultures and humanity. It makes the world a richer place. CanaryGold opens at Queen's Hall, Hexham on January 30,2013 then tours UK venues until mid-February. Formore info, go to www.tsf.org.uk

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hancel Repair Liability is a law which dates back to medieval times and came about when every parish had its own rector and he had rights which included levying

taxes and income from the land in the parish but was also responsible for the repair of the churchchancel, which essentially was funded from suchtaxes and income. Although this law has been rarely used, when it isused, it could mean potentially huge bills for homeowners. This was brought to the attention ofthe public when Andrew and Gail Wallbank receiveda demand for almost 1,000,000 to fund repairs oftheir parishs medieval church. They commenced alegal battle and ultimately the Law Lords found in

favour of the parish council, leaving the Wallbankswith a 350,000 bill after legal costs. [1]This will all change from 13th October 2013 whennew laws will come into force. New owners of landwill only be bound by chancel repair if the latter is entered on the Registered Title kept at the Land Registry. It will put the onus on to the Parish ChurchCouncils to identify the land owners and registertheir interest before this date. We can help clients by carrying out a Chancel RepairSearch at the start of the buying process whichwould reveal whether there was any potential liability. If a potential liability is revealed in thesearch we can arrange Chancel Indemnity Insuranceto protect the Purchaser against any risk of potentialfuture liability.Enquiries can be made to the Land Registry beforethe 13th October 2013 for free and they will perform

a search. If your property is identified as being aected by this law then Chancel Liability Insuranceis available which will insure the property against anyfuture liability.Mincosis proud to have an extremely experiencedResidential Conveyancing team with extensive experience in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing. We recognise that each of our clientshave dierent needs and concerns and we endeavour to keep each one informed and up to datethroughout the progression of the transaction in aclear and concise way.Providing an exceptional personal service to clients isof paramount importance to the team. In some cases,we are acting for the second or third generation of afamily who have been with us as clients for many,many years.[1] 350,000 blow for church BBC News 26 June 2003

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For further information on any of the above services, please contact: Una Coulson, tel0191 212 7740 or email [email protected]

New plans to change the Chancel Repair Liability

at Mincos Solicitors

> What is Chancel Repair Liability?

-ChancelRepairLiability

ancient law aectingchangeruralcommunities duefor reviewed by Una Coulson, Head of Residential Property

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deal with an arm smashed by a swan? If we never ridea horse, climb a hill, go out to sea in a heavy swell, ordangle on that zipwire, surely well be depriving ourselves and our children of some of the best moments that life has to oer. And, if we decide thatthe likes of white-water rafting isnt for us, then wehave the option of not doing it again.The danger is sometimes part of the excitement, saysMartin Hammill, brewery manager at Hadrian BorderBrewery in Newcastle, and a former trawlerman. Hisadventure playground is the stretch of harbours between Craster and Holy Island.

mountain biking and paintballing in between. Ratherthan using our leisure hours to play on an Xbox orwatching repeats of repeats on television, there aremany of us who would much rather spend the weekend camping in a wigwam and engage in awhole host of healthy outdoor pursuits. All have one thing in common, though theres a sense of danger involved.However, there isnt an activity anywhere that is freefrom danger, from lighting a campfire on a lakeshore to bodyboarding in the North Sea, and atthe heart of parenting should be the desire to openchildrens eyes to new experiences and to widen their horizons. Weve all heard the well-meaning warnings about impending disaster: That could take someones eyeout. What, a firelighter? A swan can break a mans armwith its wing. Has any A&E department ever had to

SY OUTDOOR PURSUITS

voice calls out from a tree 40 feet above ground level. Through the branches, a pair of hands yank on a pulley. The voices helmeted owner appears on a small

platform and takes up the slack of a rope.A teenager zips along it, whoops with delight and jerksto a halt, bouncing up and down like a human yoyo. This is the High Ropes section of Beamish Wild, anopen-air adventure playground at Beamish Hall Hotelin County Durham, where children act out grown-upfantasies and adults cant help being big kids. Its adventure and its excitement and enthusiasticscreams can be heard all over the wooded estate. We even resist the temptation to shout Geronimo maybe kids dont do that now; itll be more like Yoshior Donkey Kong but secretly we ache to join in.The North East oers a full alphabet of outdoor activities from archery to windsurfing, with canoeing,

A

The great outdoors beats television as family entertainment hands down

and risks are part of the enjoyment, as Alastair Gilmour discovers

dang

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> Outdoor Pursuits

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I got my two lads into fishing because they grew upwith me doing it for a job, he says. I also enjoyed fishing with a rod and line for a hobby and took themcamping in the holidays. I got them a rod each.Wenow really enjoy sea fishing together and game fishingfor trout and salmon.And, it doesnt matter if you dont catch anything onthe odd occasion, but its great when you do.Back on dry land, Beamish Wild reeks of woodland andanticipation. Whether youre five or 50 you can imagine turning savage, hunting intruders from other forest villages, or simply appreciating being letloose to swing, scramble and shoot arrows to yourhearts content.There are camps and clearings and swamps to crosson stepping stones and imaginative use of planks. Further on theres some sort of game going on between a green helmet group and one in orange. It involves more ropes and swings, but its family funwith unity and togetherness making the game spin faster.It goes without saying that recreation five miles o theNorthumberland coast is a dierent kettle of fish fromthat of a verdant country estate. Physical risks shouldbe evaluated and minimised with all safety precautions taken, but it would be particularly sad ifeven the tiniest bit of danger were eliminated fromour childrens lives. Its only by getting out and doingthings that they can begin to engage with one another and the world at large around them.Martin Hammill oers his advice for fishing trips. Youneed to tell the skipper what your experience is and importantly what your expectations are. If you haveyoungsters or those who are in any way disabled, ask ifthe boat or trip will be suitable many of them aregeared up specifically for family groups.

Always go with a licensed or registered charterboat.They have to have insurance which makes theirboats, equipment and operator competence subjectto stringent safety checks. This gives them a Code ofPractice certificate and dictates how far out to sea aboat can safely operate Ive often been out on boatswhere youre nearer Germany than home.Martin fished from Craster recently on an angling boatrun by local fisherman Dougie Hogg and his sons. Thissport lends itself to everyone, from hardcore wreckfishermen to youngsters just going for a few mackerel.Dougie the skipper is very knowledgeable as he hasfished these waters all his life for crab and lobster, saysMartin. With the likes of him knowing all the hardground, wrecks and reefs, sporting anglers can in-crease their chances of good-sized fish.Picking our way along the forest trail at Beamish Wild(where some ancient-looking trees are definitelystraight out of a Grimms fairytale), we come acrossseveral species of eagle sitting on perches jinglingtheir secure leads. A snowy owls head swivels uncannily while it lets out a blood-curdling soundhalfway between a whistle and a screech lets call it awheech. A pair of bald eagles perch majestically onpoles, the proud and haughty birds are magnificent reminders of why they symbolise the United States of America.Being close to nature in the raw on a fishing boat inthe North Sea is exhilarating and steadying oneself toplunge 40 feet from a branch can be nerve-wracking,but as enthusiasts such as Martin Hammill will confirm,hazards are part of the excitement of outdoor pursuits.Listen. Did anybody else hear Geronimo?

Beamish Wild: www.beamishwild.co.uk

Sea fishing from Craster: 01665 576514

Allenheads Lodge Outdoor Centre: 01434 685374

Saddle Skedaddle: www.skedaddle.co.uk

Coquet Shorebase Trust: www.coquetshorebase.org.uk

Tynemouth Surf Co: www.tynemouthsurf.co.uk

kielder Water Ski Club: 01434 245161

Premier Leisure Pursuit Centre: 01434 673100

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club: www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk

Go Fishing with Northumbrian Water:www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing

FOR OuTDOOR FuN10

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dplan aheaTrying to gain a step on the pension ladder when yourfinances are squeezed in the current climate can betough. However, with the state pension age increasingto 68 by 2044, starting to save into a personal pensionwhen you are young, could make a real dierence inwhen you can aord to retire.

TRAVELHow many of us drive or take the bus to work? Perhaps your distance to work could be a manageablewalk or cycle, rather than a cramped commuter ride tothe oce. Not only would the fresh air and exercise dous a world of good, the savings made can also be putto better use. Currently a single bus journey in Newcastle is around 1.40. By walking or cycling toand from work you could save 14 a week. This could result in an annual saving of around 650.

COFFEE TIMEThat posh coee on the way to work costs us around2.50 a day. By limiting this treat to a Friday and fillingyour vacuum mug at home Monday to Thursday, savvyworkers could save 10 a week, around 480 in theworking year.

LUNCH TIMEThe sandwich shop around the corner from the oceis a popular destination for lunch but swapping this for home made lunches will help with the pennies(and also the lbs). By bringing lunch from home youare more aware of what you are eating and if an average lunch is around 3.50, this will save 17.50 perweek. This is a saving of 840 over the working year.

SMOKINGThousands of people give up smoking each year witha view to bettering their health. Why not also thinkabout improving your finances at the same time?

Someone smoking 20 cigarettes a day, at a cost of 6,could save in excess of 2,000 in a year.

EXERCISEHow many of us join a gym in January with the aim ofbecoming more fit and losing the pounds. More often than not the pounds that are lost are from your bank account as gym attendance wanes. On agym membership of 60 per month, this could save us around 720 per annum. Make more use of your beautiful city, walk, run or cycle through ourstreets and parks and its free.

Gareth Davies, financial planning expert at Brewin Dolphin in newcastle,

oers up some practical savings

that can be put away into a pension pot for your elder years.

SY Brewin Dolphin

Why it pays to dSOCIALISINGBy no means should we be sitting at home countingthe pennies we have saved, but become a money wiseconsumer. We live in a big city which oers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment. Signup for the money saving sites to see the great deals on oer, or go out earlier and take advantage of pre-theatre deals. The average cost of a three coursemeal out is around 20. If you dine out once a week,take advantage of one of the many two-for-one oersand split the cost between you, thats a saving of 520in a year.

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Any tax allowances or thresholds mentioned are based on personal circumstancesand current legislation which is subject to changeNo investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment's suitability then you should contact us.The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin Ltd. No Director, representative or employee of Brewin DolphinLtd accepts liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents.

GARETH DAVIES IS A FINANCIAL PLANNING EXPERT AT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM BREWIN DOLPHIN.

GARETH DAVIES CAN BE CONTACTED ON 0191 230 7290 OR BY EMAIL:[email protected] or visit brewin.co.uk/newcastle


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DiscoverAn Exciting World of Learning

at Chapman House

Registered Charity No. 306983

Junior School Open Morning Thursday 22 November 2012 at 9.30amNewly refurbished to an exceptional standard, our Junior School is set in five acres of beautiful grounds: it is the perfect space in which to teach our outstanding creative and innovative curriculum.

To find out more please contact our Admissions Manager on: 0191 201 6511 [email protected] www.newcastlehigh.gdst.netChapman House, Sandyford Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TA

ANTE DEUM ASTO

hese are exciting times at the regions leading girls school as Central Newcastle High has just unveiled its newly refurbished single-site Junior School at Chapman House

in Sandyford Park. Central Highs increasing popularity has meant itsyounger pupils have finally outgrown their previouslocation in Gosforths West Avenue and moved into impressive redesigned and enhanced facilities just afew minutes walk from Centrals senior school in Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond.The Junior School at Chapman House is set in fiveacres of private grounds and at its heart is a 19th Century villa designed by noted Newcastle architectJohn Dobson. This historic Grade II listed mansion iscomplemented by a beautiful chapel-turned-school-hall and innovative new teaching areas designed to give girls, aged 3 to 11, the very bestlearning environment. The refurbished buildings are breathtaking and entirely in keeping with the innovative creative

curriculum oered at the school. The Junior classrooms are bright and spacious whilst the Nurseryand Reception classrooms open out into the groundsto facilitate outdoor learning. We have always been at the forefront of girls education in the North East and I am delighted to welcome the next generation to Chapman House, saysHead of Junior School Angela Charlton. This is one ofthe most important developments in the schools history and the girls are already benefitting from this truly unique learning environment which encourages each girl to explore, discover and achieveher full potential.For more information on Central Newcastle Highsnursery, junior and senior schools, call 0191 2016511 or visit the website:

T

www.newcastlehigh.gdst.net

home4centralhighjuniorsnewCENTRAL HIGH SY


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SY PROFILE

f I ran my own business, I would get pretty cynical about the endless succession of regeneration agencies and development organisations that promise much yet deliver

little. However there is something very dierent aboutNE1 and I notice it the moment I park my car.The Dean Street car park, which is opposite NE1s oces in Milburn House, is displaying a banner announcing that parking is free after 5pm. I am so startled I have to read the banner twice because it hasbeen a long time since Ive seen anything oering anyhelp for the motorist.

It is all part of our Alive After Five campaign, explainsSean Bullick, who is NE1s Chief Executive. We noticedthat there was a period between oces and shopsclosing at 5pm and the city centres nightlife beginning around 8pm when Newcastle seemed togrind to a halt. We decided to make a concerted eortto plug this gap by persuading retailers to stay openlonger, organising better public transport and cuttingcar park fees.Of course, late night shopping and other incentives topersuade people to stay in urban centres longer arenothing new but what is dierent about Newcastles

I

Neil Gordon talks to Sean Bullick, Chief Executive of NE1, Newcastles

Business Improvement District Company, about the improvements his team have brought

to Newcastle city centre ...

jobdddbdbbdbbdb oooododdod nnonoono eeegetting the>

Sean

Bul

lick


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PROFILE SY

Alive After Five is that it happens every day and all yearround, not just once a week or at Christmas.It has been a great success, says Sean. The schemehas attracted nearly two million extra visits and generated over 100 million in extra income for citycentre businesses but we have also seen other benefits. For example, lots of oces are noticing thattheir sta arent rushing out at lunchtime to run errands because they can now shop on their wayhome. The result is a more relaxed and more productive working environment.Alive After Five is just one of the innovative projectsNE1 has brought to Newcastle city centre. Others include the Pocket Parks, which transform rundowncorners of the city centre into attractive places to sitand have a sandwich or take a break from a busy day.Another is the Newcastle City Marina which built a 130metre floating pontoon, with fully serviced moorings,for visiting vessels right beside the Tyne Bridge.We are very proud of the City Marina because this isexactly the sort of thing we were established to do,says Sean. Our remit is to take projects that havestalled or that cant get o the ground and make themhappen as quickly and eciently as possible.This is no idle boast. NE1 managed to get the City Marina open for business in just six months, a phenomenally short time for any major project, but asSean says this is exactly what Business ImprovementDevelopment companies like NE1 are designed to do.If you are unfamiliar with BIDs perhaps I should explain. They are not national government organisations like the old Regional DevelopmentAgencies such as the recently dissolved One NorthEast. Nor are they local government schemes like thevery-much-active Newcastle and Gateshead Initiative.They are not voluntary organisations for business like aChamber of Commerce or professional bodies like theLaw Society.

BIDs are all of these things and none of these things.They are independent companies set up by local businesses with the specific aim of improving businessconditions in their particular area. They are small butfocused, typically covering just one or two post codeareas, and paid for by a levy on the business rates. Tostart a BID the majority of eligible businesses mustvote in favour of the idea and once established, theyare run as private companies with a board of directorsand an executive sta.Of course we work very closely with local and nationalgovernment agencies to source funding and othersupport but BIDs are becoming an increasingly popular way for business to co-operate with eachother at a more immediate level, says Sean. He goes on to explain that NE1 has a threefold strategy. Alongside their Operations programme,which implements the high profile projects mentioned above, there is the Leadership functionand the Events function.Besides Alive After Five and so on, the work of our Operations programme is perhaps best illustrated byour Street Rangers and our Clean Team, says Sean.These dedicated people react and resolve specificproblems and whether its cleaning up litter or helpingvisitors with their queries, they bring a level of enthusiasm and professionalism to their roles which issecond to none.These front line sta are made up of a core team ofpaid employees supplemented by volunteers and typically NE1 have financed them though suchschemes as the governments Future Job Fund so pressure on levy payers is reduced. Indirectly, thismeans NE1 has cash to invest in new technology developed by local businesses such as the bike rentallocks patented by Newcastle company Scratch Bikes.This type of proactive support for new business bringsus very neatly to NE1s second role.

Our Leadership function involves looking at long termsolutions for city centre problems, says Sean. TakeCentral Station, there have been lots of proposals toimprove this important gateway into the city and NE1 is perfectly positioned to bring together the organisations that can make these desperately neededimprovements happen. On a smaller scale, though noless important, we support such things as rolling outfree Wi-Fi for Newcastle and the Newgate Centre thathelps young people find jobs, training and support forstarting their own business.My hour with Sean is nearly up and we still need totalk about NE1s third function which brings such spectacular sporting and cultural events such as Zapcat power boat racing, New Years Eve fireworks,World Cities Week and Newcastle Fashion Week to the city.Hosting sporting, cultural and arts events are crucialto re-establishing peoples habit of going into the citycentre, says Sean. Happily our events have been sucha success, and generated such enormous amounts ofnew business, we are planning an expanded programme for 2013 including a new landmark occasion. Sensing a scoop I ask Sean for more details.Unfortunately I cant say too much at the moment butits bound to be something special so do watch thisspace, he says and I suppose that is a good place tostop. However if you want to know more about whatSean and his team plan for Newcastle city centre, lookout for the free listings magazine, NE1, or go to thewebsite www.newcastlene1ltd.com.

Hosting sporting, cultural and arts events

are crucial to re-establishing peoples habit of going into the city centre


17 Wellington Street, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE8 2AJ Tel 0191 477 6680 Email [email protected] Web www.bridgewater-interiors.co.uk

Handmade Kitchens & Furniture

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rare! OFFICERare! is renowned as a leading estate agency for thesale of luxury and beautiful homes.

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x114987_SYM_Rare_p1_cg_x114987_SYM_Rare_p1_cg.qxd 02/10/2012 15:40 Page 1

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The quality of the build and craftsmanship is superb and the property has an NHBC Guarantee andWarranty. The detail is highly impressive with handmade oak skirtings, beautiful double glazedwood framed windows and state of the art electrical circuits supporting intelligent wiring, moodlighting, surveillance equipment and a professional lift. This property is very cleverly engineered,beautifully designed, and sophisticated in style.

Runnymede MansionRunnymede Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland

Runnymede Mansion provides the North East with one of its very finest, newly built luxury houses.Occupying a magnificent site of 3.111 acres, this stunning house, constructed over five years andonly completed in 2012, provides just under 21,000 sq ft of accommodation. The house has sevenbedrooms and flexibility for two of the rooms to be independent accommodation for relatives. TheHerrington Gate kitchen is an amazing feature, the bathrooms are individually styled and the leisuresuite and entertainment areas are very impressive.

Stunning entrance hall with magnificent chandelier | Cloakrooms | Drawing room | Familyroom | Dining room | Fabulous Herrington Gate kitchen with

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