wardrobe consumer beautyclients.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/ne_monthly/pdfs/ne032004.pdf · 2 march...

The Northern Echo

The lifestyle magazinefor the North-East

MARCH 2004

BEAUTYConfessions of ahealth spa virgin

CONSUMERPick of thecamera phones

ME AND MYWARDROBEBill Gillow

WINA luxury pamperday for you andyour mum

INTERIORS GARDENING GADGETS MOTORING FASHION

2 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

SHARON GRIFFITHSMy campaign to ban artificial pongsINTERIORSIt’s all done bymirrorsSIX OF THE BESTPick of the cameraphonesSHOPPINGAll packed up andready to goGARDENINGHow to make cutflowers look greatDIYGenerating a buzzARTTry before you buyat the galleryME AND MYWARDROBEBill Gillow

BEAUTYConfessions of ahealth spa virginMOTORINGGet a load of thenew MercedesSLIMMINGBurn an extra 1,000calories a dayGADGET MANWindows packageaimed at your carBEAUTYTooth whitening tomake you smileNE CONNECTIONSA taste of the Lake DistrictCOFFEE TIMECrossword and puzzles, PLUS win aday of pampering foryou and your mum atthe Academy Spa

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CHAMELEONMIRRORS

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contentsTelephone Bishop Auckland 01388 458088

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3March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

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sharon griffiths

�I will call mynew campaign

the SeriousCampaign for

Entirely NaturalTantalising

Smells

IT’S time to leave the dark ages behind andswitch onto some bright ideas to light youhome. Interiors experts say proper moodlighting will be one of the big trends thisyear. The finer details make all thedifference an B&Q’s new chrome range willbring your lighting up to date at anaffordable price. The Domus 8 light pendantis £59, the funky splodge-shaped switches,perfect for a children’s room, are £15.98.

SWITCHING ON

GEORGE Foreman fans will now be ableto bring a touch of continental cookingto their kitchens with the launch of thenew Café George. Designed with anextra long surface to handle a widevariety of breads, meats or vegetables,the new addition to the George familylooks like a real knockout. There’senough space to cook six burgers orchick breasts, and the double, non-stickcoated grill cooks both sides of the foodat the same time. Patented groovesallow the leftover grease to run off intoa separate tray, ensuring a tastier andhealthier meal.

BY GEORGE

T IME, I think, for a new campaignAfter the Campaign for Real Aleand Real Fires and even one, Ithink, for real puddings, it’s timefor the Campaign for Real Smells.

Scents and smells are so evocative, sosensuous, so appealing. Whether it’sexpensive perfume, the heady scent of arose, the comforting smell of newly bakedbread or the gorgeousness of a newly-bathedbaby, they have an immediate and happyeffect. They seem to wake all our senses,make us feel more alive.

Trouble is, that bad smells can be just asimmediate…

Historians always tell us that if wetravelled back in time, the first thing wewould notice would be the smell – unwashedbodies, open sewers, rotting meat – youknow the kind of thing. But I’m not surewe’re that much better. We have some prettyhorrible modern smells of our own. And thetrouble is, that most of them are pretendingto be nice.

There is nothing so welcoming, sopleasing, as to go into a sweet smellinghouse. It is reassuring and welcoming,redolent of wholesomeness and order. Butonly if it smells truly sweet, not disgustinglysickly. Supermarkets are full of things tomake your house smell nicer. Trust me –they don’t work. All those room freshenersand scents smell much, much worse than thesmells they’re trying to mask. Even my sons’trainers smell better than most of them.They are sickly and cloying. And still not aseffective for clearing smells as just opening awindow and letting in some fresh air.

We think of smells from traffic andindustry as pollutants, but there are others.You can’t walk down a street in any touristtown without being assailed by horriblypungent artificial smells – cheap pot pourri,nasty candles, pretend aromatherapy. Horridsmells that get you right at the back of thethroat, then make your eyes water.

And if you’ve ever walked past a pick-and-mix sweet counter, especially one aimed atchildren, the smell’s enough to bring on anasthma attack. So strong and sickly, you canpractically see the E numbers hovering likean angry cloud, waiting to attack you.

Everywhere we go, we are assaulted bynasty smells, a 21st century form ofpollution. And if all that weren’t enough,

there is now a new and dreadful idea...smells by email.

Yes really. The idea is that you would havea little cartridge attached to your computerwith a batch of basic smells that could mixand match to about a hundred more.Someone would send you an email thatwould trigger off the appropriate smell.

Let’s hope you don’t subscribe to PigBreeders’ Monthly online...

My head aches and my eyes water at themere though of smelly spam. Because youjust know that they will be nasty, nose-tickling sorts of smell.

And there are so many delicious smells inthe world… subtle, mysterious, tantalising.

Most men have never got over Our’Enery’s injunction to “splash it all over”.Arrgghhh! They do that with cheapaftershave and wonder why there’s a tenyard exclusion zone around them at anyparty. Something subtle and expensive andused sparingly, will cost no more – and havewomen coming right up close to work outwhat it is.

Sometimes going to a party is like anassault course – as perfumes fight with thesmell from hairsprays, make-up, lotions andpotions. And that’s before you start on thegarlic bread. And as for houses... my newcampaign will throw away all those sprays,plug-ins, squirty things and will haveinstead fresh air, fresh flowers, beeswaxpolish and bowls of pot pourri (proper stuff).Washing will smell of sunshine and ironsrather than a bit of tissue in the tumbledrier. Kitchens, of course, will smell of freshcoffee and – occasionally, at least – of propercooking.

Even washing-up liquids _ which for yearssmelt of nothing more exotic than maybelemon – now outdo each other with weirdand wonderful scents. Throughout history,for thousands of years, people have keptperfumes and oils for special occasions,because they knew their powers. Usedsparingly, they are wonderful, erotic, life-enhancing, so let us forget the cheap, nastyand ubiquitous and instead keep our smellssubtle and special.

I think I will call my new campaign theSerious Campaign for Entirely NaturalTantalising Smells. SCENTS for short.

An idea, I hope, very much to be sniffedat...


IN ASSOCIATION WITH interiors

All done bymirrors

YOU know how sometimes youmeet a person and it’s as if you’vealways known them? As soon asSue Hunt flings open the door ofher 1940s detached bungalow, we

just sort of talk. Not chat. Talk. It’s ages be-fore we remind each other of the reason I’mhere and she ushers me in to have a moochabout.

In the hall, I examine the ancient Singersewing machine, the military family pic-tures, the red jacket of a Coldstream Guard,the ceiling beams added to give characterto the area.

The sitting room exudes the atmosphereand tranquillity of a bygone age. The tele-vision hides inside a solid oak cabinet withmarble top (Sue has a weakness for marble)and a second old sewing machine in a cur-tained recess covers the music centre.

The focal point of the room is the largebrick fireplace with stout railway sleeperacting as mantelpiece and a wood burningstove for cosy winter nights. Sue goes offto put on the coffee, I make notes: Frenchbedside unit with marble top makes im-promptu table, wonderful old washstandwith marble top, complete with originaltiles – holds oil lamp, original wooden floor,old sofas, rugs; it’s all of a piece, nothing

jars. And what is most striking is the freshairy feeling in the room. Sue tells me it’sall done by mirrors. It’s ingenious, you don’treally notice the mirrors; you just see thatbeautiful areas of the garden are reflectedin the room.

Step into the kitchen and you’re in a1940s film setting. That’s not to say there’sanything stagey about it. There are no‘dummy’ items. Everything is authenticand in use, if not always as originallyintended.

Mirrors are again used to full effect. Atone end there’s a solid farmhouse table andchairs, an old pine press in use for food stor-age, and an original Belgian clock. An an-cient mangle with top pulled down makesa work surface, and a galvanised boiler withcopper lid earns its keep as storage for thewine. The shelving units are treasuretroves of memorabilia, including egg cod-dlers and various gadgets dating back toVictorian times.

Sue is one of those lively fun characterswith a natural flair for creating a special at-mosphere. Someone wants, say, a themeparty or to decorate a house or some cos-tumes whipping up, and she’s there, or-ganising everything. I know, I’ve seen thepictures. Must make for lively times at theParkmore Hotel, Eaglescliffe, where sheworks as personnel manager.

When her ‘gentle giant’ engineer hus-band Gary, confessed he’d always had ahankering for a ‘Wild West’ theme in thebedroom, Sue got to work. She begins a pro-ject by creating an image in her mind andthen stomps off in search of furniture, arte-facts, whatever it takes.

“I love nothing better than rummaginground junk shops, antique galleries, car

� I love nothing

better than

rummaging around junk

shops, antique

galleries, car boot sales

JO STEVENS meets a woman with a surfeit of energy,which she often throws into decorating her veryindividual home

Heart of the home: Sue and Gary Hunt in the kitchen

CHAMELEONMIRRORS


boot sales, you name it. I see an item of furniture and if it’sbasically good wood and will fit in, I’ll take it home and some-times change its look completely.’

Anyway, back to the Wild West bedroom. The huge brassbedstead situated in what was the extension (formerly anold potting shed) is resplendent with original old patchworkquilt and genuine railway carriage lamps serving for read-ing purposes. There’s a gramophone with loudspeaker, anAmerican clock of the kind seen in cowboy saloons, a man-ual typewriter, stout original wardrobes, a handmade lacetablecloth, and a clever idea to create space, an Edwardianfolding screen instead of a door to the ensuite shower room.

Bedroom two belongs to daughter Laura, aged 22, a care

worker at North Tees Hospital, and such is her confidencein her mother’s taste that when she asked for a Japanesetheme in her bedroom, she was happy to leave the rest tomum. Japanese original water colours adorn the walls andblue is the dominant colour of the room. Findings from junkshops include a free-standing swivel mirror (£5) and a wallmirror, now with black painted frame.

Sue considers radiators necessary but unlovely and is in-clined to sling a throw over them, picked up for pennies hereand there. The wooden unit cost a couple of pounds from acharity shop, a 1940s lamp little more, and the floor cover-ing is a timeless lino.

Outside the bathroom hangs an old wartime gas mask.

The bathroom itself has a period feel with its original bathand Victorian wall tiles. You could spend the afternoon ex-amining all the old health remedies around the room.

We take a quick peek into the loft bedroom where 27-year-old son Ben, operations manager of the Parkmore Hotelsometimes kips down overnight.

Before I leave, I ask Sue where all the energy comes from.She laughs.

“Gary’s the one with all the energy. He actually works toput all my ideas into reality. He’s the one sawing and chop-ping and sanding. So you make sure my Gary gets any credit that’s going.”

Continued on page 7

Memorabilia in the Wild West master bedroom. Below: a colourful stained glass window and the hallway full of items Sue has collected over the years


EXPERTS predict that camera phones willbe outselling regular handsets within thenext 12-18 months and it’s easy to see whywhen you look at some of the fantasticextra features these phones are built with.Full colour screens, the ability to play top-quality Java games, and polyphonicringtones are all standard features now, sothe manufacturers are having to makesleeker phones that really pack a punch toset them apart from the crowd.

BEST SELLERNokia 7250i, from freeIt is easy to see, even at firstglance, why this is one of thebest selling units in the UK, butit is much more than a prettyface. The ability to take apicture and send it on to afriend has been made almostfoolproof in this phone so itscores highly for simplicity.

RAISE THE ROOFRINGTONES

Sony Ericsson T610,from free

Packed to the rafters withfeatures, and despite its

pocket-sized dimensionsincludes features such as Bluetoothconnectivity and a picture editor. Thepolyphonic ringtones on this one stand outfrom the crowd because instead of featuringthe usual 16 channels, it uses 32, giving youmore sounds and more mixes.

CLAMSHELL CAMPanasonic X70, from freeEven though this phone comescomplete with a photo-light tohelp you see what you are takinga picture of, it still only weighs inat 95 grams. The active flip-screen, voice-recognition andBluetooth features make this a goodall-rounder.

ZOOM INSamsung E700,from £49.95With a unique self-portait viewer, multi-shot function and, bestof all, a zoom lens, this camera phone givesyou some new options to help you become abetter snapper.

VIDEO VIEWERNokia 6600, from £99.95This long awaited phone fromNokia not only includes adigital zoom for the integratedcamera but a built-in videorecorder with audio to really getthe message home. This cameraalready boasts a 6mb memory but if you are

video and picture crazy, this can beupgraded.

TURN HEADS LG7100, from free

An integrated flash inside thiscamera phone already sets it apart

from most others – but the factthat you can twist the screen to

take pictures from almostany angle makes LG’s

debut in the UKmarket longoverdue.

All products available from

www.phones4u.co.uk or call 0500 002010

� Gary’s the one with

all the energy. He’s

the one sawing and

chopping and sanding...

OF THE

BEST6CAMERA PHONES

Daughter Laura’s bedroom has a Japanese theme, with original watercolours on the walls. The bathroom, top, has Victorianwall tiles and is full of pill and potion boxes and old health remedies Pictures: SARAH NICHOLSON


shopping

B LANCHE Barrigan may neverhave been to Antarctica butshe knows all about penguins.There’s a cruise you can go onwhere you go out onto the ice

and actually meet them. They don’t payyou much heed – not being used tohumans, they don’t see you as a threat –and it’s a fantastic experience, being rightup close to these amazing creatures. Butthere’s one downside – you get absolutelycovered in pink gunk, which is actuallypenguin poo.

Blanche, 59, discovered this from anelderly couple who came into her shop. Oneminute she was selling them luggage, thenext they were chatting to her excitedlyabout their forthcoming holiday. It issomething that happens often – after all,she is in the retail business and partof that means building up arapport with customers. ForBlanche, who has three grown-up children and four grandchil-dren, this is more a pleasurethan a chore.

“This is why it’s such alovely trade to be in. In thespring, you get peoplebuying handbags forweddings and you cansee all their niceoutfits and then theycome and show youtheir weddingphotographs,” she says.

“Then customers who’ve bought theirluggage here send you postcards and comeand tell you what their holiday was like.”

A born saleswoman, Blanche used toman the luggage section at Mister Minit, inQueen Street, Darlington, until the firmdecided to phase out its retail arm. On theverge of retirement, she considered givingup the career she loved, but then she sawan empty shop for sale on Tubwell Row.

“I happened to say to my son ‘There’s ashop going’ and he said ‘Why don’t you goand have a look?’ I’d never been in businessbefore and my confidence wasn’t there, buthe said ‘If it falls flat on its face, it doesn’tmatter because you were going to retireanyway. If you don’t do anything, you willalways wonder what would have happenedevery time you go past it’.”

Blanche took her son’s advice and isnow into her fifth year of

running Trippas. Sticking withwhat she knew, she initially

stocked up on the luggageshe had always sold and afew handbags for peopleher own age, but soon the

handbag side of thebusiness took off.

“We seemed tohit a time whenhandbags werebecoming veryfashionable again.Before that, youngwomen weren’t

It’s in the bag

TETLEYS

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really carrying handbags, they werecarrying clubbers’ purses. There are someabsolutely stunning designs now,” saysBlanche.

Following the closure of Dressers in 2001,she linked up with some of its suppliers,many of whom would only deal with oneretail outlet per town. She has alsobenefited from co-operation with Binns,which sometimes sends customers her way.The advantages to coming to her shop, shesays, are its competitive prices andpersonal service.

“We try to do things a little bit morecheaply than the big boys but also we canorder things for people. We try to cover awide range of prices – in handbags, we doeverything from £4.99 to £149, and we try tokeep a middle price range for luggage. Wecarry a nice quality you will have foryonks. We don’t do anything that Iwouldn’t buy but if it’s cheap and well-made, I’ll have it,” Blanche says with aglint in her eye.

As well as a plethora of handbags,rucksacks and cases, Trippas sells travelaccessories – the range includes padlocks,

adaptors, waist wallets, travel trolleys andwonder towels. If travelling traditionally ismore your style, they can even get you atrunk.

The shop is also great for children’sluggage. Among the new season’s stockthat Blanche is most enthusiastic about isTula’s colourful Roosac range, in whicheach item comes with a small kangaroo.

Her enthusiasm as she flicks throughmagazines showing the latest must-havehandbags is evident, and she clearly lovesher job, never ceasing to be surprised bythe extent of people’s travels. “You wouldbe absolutely amazed that in this littletown of Darlington, you get people goingall over the world,” she says.

But there’s one downfall to running thebusiness, the irony of which is not lost onher. “To be honest, since I opened this ourholidays have been limited to a week awayhere or there and we tend to go within easyflying distance from Teesside,” she says.“It’s very ironic, but I can’t complain.”

�� Trippas, Tubwell Row, Darlington (01325)243 988

HANDCRAFTED at Hepple’sNorth-East workshop, thisHeaton chair combinestraditional materials and crafts-manship with fresh modernshapes and styling. The Heatonis constructed on a kiln-driedbeech frame and features awebbed base and hand-tiedsprings. The design combinessimple lines with touches ofwood, upholstered in a choice ofcontemporary natural-tonedfabrics, including suede, leather,wool and linen. The seatcushions are filled with 25 percent duck down and 75 per centleather. The chair costs £1,395plus nine metres of fabric, andthere is also a sofa, which can

be produced in any size, whichcosts from £1,987 plus fabric.For more details call Hepple on(01434) 602260. Hepple’s rangecan be found at the ChelseaHarbour Design Centre and atthe company’s outlet in Hexham,Northumberland.

SITTING PRETTY

LIE BACK AND THINK...

SARAH FOSTER talks to BlancheBarrigan, the woman who doesn’tmind being known as Darlingtonnumber one ‘bag lady’

Blanche in Trippas, with above, Tula leather bag, £105; Pure suede bag, £69.99, andbelow left, children’s fun backpack, £3.99 Pictures: CHRIS BOOTH

ODD is a new mailorder catalogue with anoriginal range of itemsfor the home. There arekitchen chairs, sofas,ottomans, lamps andbags, all upholstered ina range of fabrics whichevokes old worldEnglish charm. The OldRocker recreates thebest of the elegantgarden furniture of theEdwardian era and, likeobjects from that era, itis built to last. A choiceof canvas colours isavailable – canvaswhite, Cornish blue,garden green and

sailor’s trousers red –and an overall cover,internal walls and springgaiters are optionalextras.

The hand-paintedframe from which theupholstered sofa hangs

is made of steel andcast iron and is simpleto assemble. Water androt resistant, it costsfrom £2,599. Odd(01993) 830674 [email protected].


gardeningIN ASSOCIATION WITH

FLOWER arranging used to beconfined to aged aunts anddisplays of blooms were usuallythe sort found in stuffy, formalhotel lobbies, while flowers for

the home were a treat reserved for specialoccasions.

Nowadays though, the old conventionshave been swept aside. No successfulinterior is complete without a vase ofclassic white lilies, bamboo in a chic glassor steel container (last year’s favourite) oreven one exotic, luscious bloom poppedunpretentiously into an empty milkbottle.

Our growing passion for cut flowers isreflected in the enormous rise in theamount of blooms bought over recentyears. Most of us buy them on a weeklybasis – and enjoy indulging in a selectionof blooms and from around the world –courtesy of hothouses and air transport.

More than that, we often choose theircolour or effect to contrast or blend withour interior styles – even if we are notaware of it. The flower industry is nowadvised by the same people who guidefashion and interior design companies ontrend, texture and colour. So it’s noaccident that as soon as lilacbecomes the latest interiorcolour, several new varietiesof rose become available inthe same shade. And justas every furniture storedisplays a brown leathersofa in its window – alongcomes a new chocolate-coloured gerbera orcarnation.

None of this is any surprise tointernationally famous floristJane Packer, whose latest book,World Flowers, presents her owninspiring and fresh approach toflower arranging.

Packer, whose clients rangefrom Madonna and Gordon

Ramsay to Ozzy Osbourne and NatalieImbruglia, says: ‘‘Flowers do followfashions these days, just like everythingelse, and the varieties and coloursavailable from all over the world justseem to keep growing, which is whatmakes it so interesting and exciting.People will even buy flowers to co-ordinate with the food they are serving –traditional, French, Italian, or Japanese.You name the cuisine and there’s a flowerto match.’’

Packer, 42, who is renowned for herinnovative, contemporary designs – shecreated the wedding flowers for theDuchess of York – refreshingly doesn’tequate extravagance with successfularrangements.

‘‘I don’t think any setting is completeuntil it has some flowers – it makes aroom look cared for. Happily, they are nowrecognised as an essential accessory.

‘‘But that doesn’t mean you have to buya huge, expensive arrangement – at thistime of year even just a small bunch ofdaffodils, tulips or narcissi or a singleamaryllis bloom will immediatelybrighten a setting and give colour,fragrance and beauty.’’

Naturally, she believes this year’sfloral trends will echo the

interior trend. So bloomsshould reflect either thevintage look or the zingypalette of the retro style ofthe 50s to the 80s – withbright oranges, browns and

snappy pinks.Her favourite choice for

conjuring the retro look isdahlias. ‘‘They come in thosevibrant pinks and oranges thatalmost look like bri-nylon or plastic.Mother-in-law’s tongue (sansevieria)has a very 70s feel. Use sleek,modern vases either in a group or inone large arrangement.

‘‘For the vintage look choose

English flowers which are perfect. Thinkof blowsy tea roses in a faded, antiquepink. Alternatively, simple stocks, sweetpeas, and white peonies look lovely in anarrangement, as do hydrangeas indelicate shades.’’

Ironically, those traditional Englishblooms are what first captivated Packermore than 20 years ago when, as a 15-year-old schoolgirl, she got a weekend job in asmall flower shop. It was the start of whatshe calls her ‘‘obsession’’ with flowers.

She recalls: ‘‘I spent my first day’s payon a bunch of narcissi. I arranged them ina brown pottery jug with a band of orangeand yellow marbled glaze that picked upthe tones of flowers. Without realising it,I had colour co-ordinated container andflowers and ever since then I’ve developedthat.’’

When she opened her first shop inLondon in 1982, Packer banned carnationsand chrysanthemums with rigid stemsand funereal connotations and insteadopted for country-style flowers. “I wantedto bring nature into the city and celebratethose lovely flowers, Sweet Williams,lavender and pinks and even weeds fromthe hedgerows. I still love those but it just

shows how everything comes back intostyle eventually as carnations andchrysanthemums are back in favour withme as much as anyone else!’’

Her hot tip for this year is SouthAfrican flowers, as the country is anincreasingly fashionable destination forholidaymakers. To echo that trend, keepan eye out for the almost prehistoric-looking, bold Protea, which comes inpink, white or orange.

For romantic occasions, Packer hascreated the most lavish arrangements...and the most simple.

‘‘For one client, I literally filled the bathwith rose heads, and around the rim weretiny tea lights. On the floor we scatteredpetals and at the centre we made theoutline of a heart. A trail of petals led hispartner to the room.

‘‘But it can be just as effective to givesomeone a little bunch of violets orsnowdrops. It sounds obvious, but theflowers should appeal to the woman’staste.”�� Jane Packer runs her own flowerschool, and has a collection of homeaccessories available from Debenhams.wwwwww..jjaanneeppaacckkeerr..ccoomm

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Packer’spetalsFlowers and

foliage are theperfect way toinject colour andwarmth back intorooms. GABRIELLEFAGAN finds outfrom celebrityflorist Jane Packerhow to make yourbought and cutflowers lookbloomingmarvellous

Flower power: a polkadot shoe tidy used asa container; flowerheads on a cakestand; proteas – thisyear’s fashionableflower. Below: chillipeppers topped witha dome of flowers

DAFFODIL (Narcissus)

LARGE group of hardy bulbs which flowerin early to mid Spring. There are manyspecies of wild types and innumerablenamed varieties. Most of the wild onesare native to Southern Europe, althoughthe common ‘Lent Lily’ (Narcissus pseudo-narcissus) grows wild in Great Britain. Asa result of intensive cross breeding theold lines of demarcation between the 11types of daffodil no longer exist.

The name narcissus is taken from acharacter in Greek mythology, a vainyouth who was said to have changed intoa flower. Daffodil is a corruption of the

french Fleur d’Asphodele.September is the best time to plant the

bulbs, although they will still grow even ifplanted right up until December. Theythrive in ordinary, time-tilled garden soil,but prefer a well-drained location. Leafmould and sand should be added beforeplanting in clay soil. The depth dependson the size of the bulb, but three inches isthe norm.

They can be left to naturalise, but arebest thinned out every five years or so inorder to prevent overcrowding.

Brigid PressRead Brigid every Saturday in The Northern Echo

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Generating a buzz

d.i.y IN ASSOCIATION WITH

A FTER last week’s look at hanginga new front door, why not add anew doorbell? Aside from thepractical benefits, a gentle,

friendly or quirky chime can also makeyour home more welcoming.

There’s something on the market to suitall preferences and budgets. Budget optionsinclude buzzers and bells, whereas thosewanting to splash out could go fortraditional tubular chimes.

For homeowners who get a buzz fromsomething a little different, microchipscould be the answer, and offer a variety oftunes to announce callers’ presence at yourdoor. Both battery and mains-operatedsystems are available. The latter involvesconnecting a bell transformer permanentlyto the mains supply, so basic electricalskills are required.

Such kits are more expensive but tend tobe more compact as they don’t have abattery compartment. Other selling pointsare the illuminated bell push which is veryhandy during these long nights, and thefact that they aren’t subject to fadingbatteries – although, of course, they can beaffected by power cuts.

Battery-operated models are the cheapestto buy and the easiest to install as theyrequire only minimal DIY skills and justinvolve drilling a few holes and driving insome screws. Batteries can last for up totwo years, depending on how often they areused.

To install a battery-operated doorbell,first choose the best position for the bellpush. Bear in mind it needs to be easy tofind, but kept sheltered from rain andexcess heat. Mounting it on the door frameis the simplest idea because this way youcan screw the baseplate straight onto thewoodwork and just use a twist drill to makethe hole for the wire.

Secondly, consider the sounder itself andfigure out where it will be heard mosteasily. Many people decide on the hall, butit can be anywhere providing you avoid along circuit.

For those whose guests often arriveround the back of the house, one solution ishaving two separate bell pushes andsounders. Another idea is to fit just onesounder that has a different tone for each

bell so you know which one has been rung.Because it is so thin, the cable used to

connect the bell push to the sounder goeslargely unnoticed if run round door frames,along skirting boards, picture rails, ceilingcoving and so on. Work out the best routebefore you begin.

Once everything is planned out, it’s timeto get to grips with actually installing thekit. Start by drilling a hole through thedoor frame or wall where you have decidedthe bell push will go. A 6mm diameter willbe enough for most, but flush-fitting typemodels with a barrel-type switch projectingfrom the back, will need something bigger.

Next, from indoors, pass a length of bellwire through the hole and separate thecores for approximately 25mm, then stripoff 10mm of insulation from each one.

Remove the cover of the bell push andconnect one core to each terminal on itsbaseplate, drawing the wire back throughthe hole until it fits flat against the surfaceonto which it is being mounted. Use abradawl to make pilot holes for the screwsand screw the baseplate in place. Now fixthe sounder baseplate into position and runthe bell wire from the bell push towards it,clipping the wire every 150mm to keep itlying flat.

Once the sounder has been reached,insert the wire through the entry hole,separate the cores and strip the insulationas before, then connect the cores to thesounder terminals. The batteries can befitted at this stage and the unit testedbefore finally fitting the sounder cover.

A QUICK FIXQ How can I stop cold air coming upstairs tothe living space of my first floor flat from theground floor entrance hall?A Fit a letterbox brush and other draught proofingto the entrance door.

Q My bathroom tiles are looking nasty. Howcan I spruce them up?A Give them and the grouting a thorough cleanwith special detergent available from DIY stores.Try tile transfers to brighten things up and givethe bathroom a new look.

by SUZANNA BAIN

RINGING YOUR BELLDrill a hole (6mm diameter willbe enough for most doorbells)in the door frame or wall

From indoors, pass a length ofbell wire through the hole andseparate the cores for 25mm,then strip off 10mm of insulationfrom each one

Connect one core to eachterminal on the bell pushbaseplate. Screw thebaseplate in place

Fix the sounder baseplatein position and run the bellwire from the bell pushtowards it, clipping the wireevery 150mm to keep it flat

Connect the bell wire to thesounder terminals. Fit thebatteries and test the unitbefore fitting the sounder cover

1 2

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In the

IT’S the 21st century way of buying art. Notsure what you like, what you want or whatwill look good on your walls? Then the staffof Wensleydale Galleries will help you along.What’s more, they will bring a selection of

pictures to your home and help you make yourselection.

Graham Durrant, a picture framer for more than30 years, has built up one of the country’s largestframing businesses, based at Leeming Bar, nearBedale. Throughout his career he has alsoestablished a number of small galleries featuringthe work of local artists, selling pictures as well asframing them. But some years ago, at his premiseson Leyburn Business Park, he joined forces withWashington Green, a national publisher of fine art,specialising in limited editions in what they call a“partnership gallery”. “It’s worked very well,” hesays “We can offer a much wider range of pictures.”

At the end of last year, Graham opened anotherWensleydale Gallery in South Parade,Northallerton, doing much of the renovationwork himself. “It just seemed to be theideal place to be andalready we’ve build upa great number ofregular customers,” hesays.

The gallery openedwith an exhibition by RolfHarris – whose work came as apleasant surprise to many – and thenwith an exhibition by Richmond artistMackenzie Thorpe, which is just comingto an end.

While Graham is busy at the Leeming Barfactory, day to day running of the gallery is byKate Hallett.

“We just want to make the gallery welcoming,”she says. “We like people to come in and see what’son the walls, see what they like. It’s all veryfriendly and we don’t want to be intimidating.We’re a different sort of art gallery.”

Pictures in the gallery range in price from £99 upto £2,500. Anything more than £150, you can buy oninterest free credit.

“There are three main reasons that people buypictures, “ says Kate, “when they’re moving house;when they’re redecorating, wanting a fresh look fortheir home; or as an investment, often whenthey’ve had an inheritance – because it’s a verynice way of remembering someone.”

Although art is a fairly reliable investment –Mackenzie Thorpe pictures, for instance, haverocketed in price – Kate advises caution. “The onlything to do is choose something you like,something you will enjoy living with. Anythingelse is a bonus.”

Pictures on the walls include some impressiveRolf Harris work, and then go the complete range

from seascapes andlandscapes, through

AlexanderMiller’stouchingportraits of

old men anddogs, through

jokey modern, nudesand wildlife.It’s Kate who does most of

the home consultations. “I tryand get an idea of people’s taste,

then I just load the boot withpictures and try them all out on their

walls. If needs be, I’ll go back again

shopping

picture

The best wayto discover ifyou like awork of art isto try beforeyou buy.SHARONGRIFFITHSreports onthe gallerythat is happybring theirpictures toyour home

Kate Hallett surrounded by artworks in the


with another lot. We want to be sure. And we’re notlimited to just what’s in the gallery, we can get justabout anything that’s in the Washington Greencollection.”

Although most of the works in the gallery arelimited edition prints, there are sculptures, glassand Kate can also arrange for some originalpaintings too.

They have all sorts of customers from all sorts ofbackgrounds, from all over the country too, fromEdinburgh down to Plymouth. “In the LeyburnGallery, of course, we would have a lot of tourists orsecond home owners, but we also get peopletravelling long distances especially to visit us.

“Whoever people are and whatever they want, wewant to make choosing a picture easy andenjoyable. “

WENSLEYDALE GALLERIESUnit 1, Herriot Court, Leyburn Business Park (01969)623488. Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5.30pm.www.leyburn@wensleydale/gallery.fsnet.co.uk12 South Parade, Northallerton (01609) 773100.Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-6pm; Sun [email protected]�� Special events and exhibitions, plus magazine.�� Home consultations�� Interest free credit�� Complete bespoke framing service.

gallery. top left: one of the limited edition prints by Rolf Harris, of an aborigine friend

The gallery offers a huge variety of limitededition prints and sculptures for sale. Below left: Sky, a limited edition glass bowl byartist Lawrence Coulson, £350

� It’s all very friendly

and we don’t want

to be intimidating.

We’re a different sort

of art gallery

Country House Hotel & Restaurant

This superb Jacobean country mansion offers the very best of accommodation, cuisine and service. There are 35 individual bedrooms, a restaurant open 7 days a week and extensive conference, banqueting and leisure facilities. A family run business offering that personal touch. Recently attained English Tourism Council Silver Award

The Restaurant: Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, Head Chef Austen Shaw and his team offer the best of English and Continental cuisine using the finest local ingredients. The restaurant has a warm and relaxing atmosphere with friendly and professional service. Mid- week lunch £9.50 for 2 courses, Sunday lunch £16 for 3 courses and dinner from £22 for 3 courses.

Headlam Hall Golf Course This superb 9 hole course is due to open June 2004 and we will be offering an exclusive number of memberships. Constructed to USGA spec on beautiful mature pastureland complete with covered driving range.

Headlam Hall , Headlam, Darlington, DL2 3HA Tel: (01325) 730238 www.headlamhall.co.uk

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me and my wardrobe

Bill Gillow runs Geoffrey Gillow onDarlington’s Grange Road. Thebusiness was set up by his father,Geoffrey, as a menswear store andnow includes a womenswear section

How would you describe your look?I would say I’m smart casual. I’m alwayssmartly dressed but I’m not cutting edge andnever over-dressed.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?A plain black suit by Sand which I can wearfor most occasions because it’s so versatile.It can be formal – I’ve worn it for balls andfunctions – and casually. I’ve even worn itwith a T-shirt.

What’s the most you’ve ever spent onan item of clothing?It’s more a case of the most expensive thing Ididn’t buy. I was in a shop on Amsterdam’sequivalent of Bond Street when I spotted anArmani jacket in silk, wool and cashmere. Itried it on and it fitted but perfectly but it wasa lot of money and I wanted a secondopinion. I went to get my wife who was overthe road having a cup of coffee but in the fiveminutes I was away, it had been sold. I’veregretted it ever since.

Which celebrity’s style do you admiremost and why?I think it would have to be George Clooneybecause he does smart casual so well. Helooks good in a suit and T-shirt. It’s the wayhe wears it. That’s something I admire about

Italian men as well. They can put anything onand look a million dollars. It’s all aboutconfidence, but a lot of English men don’thave that.

What’s your worst buy?I’d like to think I’m pretty shrewd and Ihaven’t made many mistakes over the years.I’ve had some horrors with shoes but neverany glaring errors that I’ve regretted. I thinkmen are generally more careful about whatthey buy than women.

What are your favourite shops?Apart from my own, I really want to sing thepraises of Grange Road. The last week I’vebeen to London and Dusseldorf, two ofEurope’s major fashion cities but I haven’tseen anything nicer than in Grange Road.Other than that, I like Carter’s Country Wearin Helmsley, Liberty in London and PaulSmith.

Geoffrey Gillow Exclusive Menswear, 45 Grange Road, Darlington, (01325)469369.

Geoffrey Gillow 45-49 Grange Road, Darlington

Tel/Fax 01325 469369

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Clockwise from above: Sand linen suit£395, Sand T-shirt £39; Benvenuto linenjacket £195, Eterna Swiss cotton shirt£49; Profuomo silk tie £29, Cheaneyleather boots £125; Sand black suit£395, Sand shirt £69, Profuomo silk tie£29; Gant windcheater £99, Gant checkshirt £69, Gant jeans £79

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beauty

Confessions of ahealth spa virgin

T HEY don’t get many menaround these parts. At least,not many native men. Thosefrom the south who areblessed with a y chromosome

seem to have no worries about it, buttheir Northern cousins have so farproved very reluctant.

For her part, Deborah Briers-Dankshas no explanation, or at least if shehas, as a South African enjoying North-East hospitality she’s too polite to sayso. But it seems to me the answer liessomewhere in that macho culture/fearof appearing feminine nonsense whichis used to cover a multitude of sins,from beating the wife to rampant nasalhair.

Whatever it is, they don’t know whatthey’re missing. Spending a day beingpampered – at least at the hands ofsomeone as experienced and skilled asDeborah – isn’t half bad, even thoughit’s not quite as much fun as you canhave with your clothes off.

But, enlightened though I like tothink I am, I confess to feeling a littlenervous when I arrived at GisboroughHall’s spa, The Revival Zone. Amassage sounds great in theory, butwhen you’re a health spa virgin andyou’ve got a towelling robe in one handand your macho credentials in theother, it suddenly becomes lessappealing and more daunting.

But I needn’t have worried. From themoment Deborah told me to undress, Ientered a zone of complete relaxationand tranquillity. On the basis that ifyou’re going to do it, you might as wellget into the spirit of it, it seemed onlyfair to lie back and let her get on withit. Modesty preserved at all times, ofcourse.

She started with a back and scalpmassage. Not for Deborah thedislocating limbs technique so belovedof James Bond, instead this was awonderfully soothing and soporifickneading of muscles and joints. I havealways had an aversion to peopletouching my head, in case theydislodge the remaining hairs, but by

the time Deborah got there I was toochilled out to care, and abandoned myfollicles to her mercy.

She did, however, report that myshoulders were quite free of knots. Thismay sound like a good thing, but all itdoes is belie my efforts to persuade myboss that the stress of my job is takinga terrible toll on my body.

When my limbs had been gentlycoaxed into the consistency ofblancmange, it was time for a saunabefore lunch. A sauna before lunch – Ilike the sound of that. Maybe theseScandinavians are onto something.

After lunch, it was time for my facial.I have no idea what Deborah wasrubbing into my skin, but it sure feltgood. Various ointments and gels later,complete with gentle massage, my facewas left feeling unexpectedly perky,albeit in a wet kind of way. When I sayit felt a little oily, it doesn’t sound likethe sort of thing you would want to payfor, but this was clean oil, the sort youdon’t want to wash off. I didn’t evenobject when she plucked hairs from thepoint of my nose (this does not countas nasal hair, by the way).

Finally, I had my nails done. Even asa new convert to health spas, I blanchat this part. However you say it, it doessound very girly. After a quick pressing

of my cuticles, which is far less painfulthan it sounds, Deborah buffed andpolished my nails, coating them in aclear varnish that I was still showingoff days later. She said I had lovelynails, something I was also showing offabout days later, so they didn’t feelmuch different afterwards, althoughthey did look nice and shiny. Did Imention that?

By this time, I was well and truly intothe idea of being scrubbed andpolished, so it was something of ashock to be turfed out into the grimy,dirty world. The temptation was to runback inside – surely there was somepart of my body in need of urgentattention? – but sadly the robe had togo. If only these macho men knew whatthey were missing.

Diary of a hair andmake-up artist

ALLISON McKAY

THIS month hasbeen a mixtureof work, from

creating a naturalvibrant and healthylook (on a naturallyvibrant model) for aphotographic imageto promote DanoneYoghurt, to creating 30 images on howWD40 can be of use around the home.The very useful Handy Andy Kane wasour model for this shoot and I have tosay he was a real pleasure to work withas well as having a lovely complexion.Apparently, 100 uses have been foundfor WD40. The mind boggles…

I have also been working on a coupleof events as a production co-ordinator,one a fashion show, the other acomplementary health fair at theJames Cook Hospital to raise funds fornew equipment for the hospital radiostation, Southside.

I had many interesting finds thatday, one being Virgin Vie products, andhave since become a big fan of theircreamy, shimmery eyeshadows inpastel colours – so this season!. Easy toapply, they can also be worn under apowder eyeshadow. A favourite shadeis Safari Sheen, £7.50. The powdereyeshadows are extremely fine and assoft as cashmere, so they blend verywell and do not crease. There’s a goodrange of colours for £6.50. I am alwayson the look-out for good foundationsand The Perfect Balance Foundation,£14, glides over the skin to give aflawless complexion with a demi mattfinish.

What was more apparent at thehealth and holistic fair was that isstressed the importance of a healthyglow coming from within. Two things Icame away with to try were a bottle ofTahiti Noni Juice, and a tub ofcollagen tablets. Sadly, my bag was toosmall for the aromatherapist andreflexologist and the many otherwonder products and specialists there.

The Tahiti Noni Juice claims to helpin a wide variety of conditions, as wellas slowing ageing and increasing bodyenergy. Its prime ingredient comesfrom the pineapple plant and has beenused in French Polynesia for morethan 2,000 years.

The collagen tablets claim not onlyto help retain the youthfulness andplumpness of skin, but testamentsclaim they can dramatically help inarthritic and joint pain. Although Idon’t particularly suffer from arthritisor a lack of energy, after just one weekof trying these products I do have anincreased feeling of well-being.� Virgin Vie: Nod Mason (01740) 630478; Tahiti Noni Juice: Ian Stanley(01723) 584 742; Collagen Tablets:Wendy Tucker (07810) 010 479

TOP TIP: When applying a foundationuse a medium-sized flat brush andpaint the foundation onto the skin.That way, you can get into all thenooks and crannies without messingup your fingers, also saving onwastage.

�� A back massageat The RevivalZone atGisborough Hallcosts £17.50; afacial is £35 andmanicures startfrom £18. To book,or for othertreatments andprices, call (01287)611510

Deborah Briers-Danks letting herhands do the talkingon a male guest inthe Revival Zone

NICKMORRISONstepsgingerlyinto thebeautyzone, andleaves itbuffed,manicuredand a totalconvert

� From the moment

Deborah told me to

undress, I entered a zone

of complete relaxation and

tranquillity... it seemed

only fair to lie back and let

her get on with it

� 100 uses have been

found for WD40. The

mind boggles…

With the Easy-Pack intelligent loading system†, the E-Class Estatemakes the best use of its 1910 litre load space. There are extra storagesolutions behind the rear seats, in the boot and even under the floor.If only finding spaces could be this easy when you’re trying to park.Car shown is the E200K Avantgarde Estate at £29,980. For moredetails, or to book a test drive, call us today.

The E-Class Estate from £27,380.Space everywhere,except in your wallet.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES (MPG/LITRES PER 100KM) FOR E-CLASS ESTATE RANGE: URBAN 17.7-29.4/9.6-16.0, EXTRA URBAN 34.0-53.3/5.3-8.3,COMBINED 25.5-40.9/6.9-11.1. CO2 EMISSIONS 183-266 G/KM. † AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION FROM £60. ON THE ROAD PRICE OF MODEL SHOWN INC. DELIVERY, NUMBER PLATES, FIRSTREGISTRATION FEE AND A FULL TANK OF FUEL.

Rycroft StocktonConcorde Way, Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3RB

Tel: 01642 677 877 Fax: 01642 675 800www.rycroft.co.uk


motoring

Get a load of this!Mercedes E270 CDi Estate

THE chainsaw cuts through thewood like a hot knife throughbutter and log after log flies intothe trailer. Very quickly, the unit is

piled high with winter fuel for the openfire. The only problem is, will it fit in thecar?

Now, had it been the old E ClassMercedes, I would have thought noproblem. The car looked gargantuan andwas certainly one of the biggest estateson the road. If I remember correctly, theboast from the marketing people was thatyou could slide a double wardrobe intothe back. But this is the latest model, amuch leaner and meaner looking vehicle,shorter and shapelier, more stylish, butwould it be so accommodating?

As the wood is stacked in the back, theload area is certainly a good shape withno intrusion from suspension turrets toget in the way. As the trailer empties, theboot fills and before long the whole loadis transferred into the back. The new EClass Estate may look smaller, but itisn’t. Incredibly, it is larger still; 11mmlonger, 10mm wider and the cavernousboot will hold an extra 50 litres, 650 intotal, with the back seats still in place.When the load bay is empty, there is theoption of pop-up rear facing seats whichmeans the Merc can also carry seven incomplete comfort.

That much wood could have upset thecar’s handling, of course. But the E Classshrugs off the extra weight thanks toautomatic self-levelling pneumaticsuspension. A button on the centreconsole can also alter the ride fromsuper-comfy softness to mega-taut sportshandling, an excellent feature. You canalso raise the ride height for venturingthrough floods or mild forays off theroad.

Given that the Estate is designed to bea load carrier, whether that is logs orpeople, it is amazingly rewarding todrive.

The E Class chassis has alwaysperformed better than it ought to. Iremember driving the full range of fire-breathing AMG Mercedes and wasshocked to discover that the best by farwas the E55 AMG. The E just feels right;beautifully balanced, taut and together.The Estate drives like a sports car andbeing behind the wheel is pureenjoyment.

The engine, on this occasion a 177bhp,

five cylinder 2.7 litre turbo diesel, adds tothe experience. It’s hard to believe that adiesel can sound, feel and perform sowell. Five cylinders gives it a wonderfuloff-beat note. It pulls like a pit pony fromway down the rev range and offers real-life performance, making the E a superbcross country drive.

In the safety stakes, few cars even comeclose. Under the sleek new body lies anarray of electronic gizmos to keep the carunder control and stop it skidding. Thebrakes are the first on the market to be“fly-by-wire”, using aircraft technologyto dispense with old-fashioned cables.The result is much shorter brakingdistances, particularly in the wet. Thelights, too, are 21st century and actuallyshine around the corners – don’t ask mehow – just enjoy the night vision theyprovide.

The interior blends ultra modern withtraditional Mercedes and is stylish,spacious, comfortable and practical.

All this comes at a price, of course, butthe E270CDI Estate appears to weigh inat an affordable £32,045, a reasonableprice tag for the class of car – until yourealise that a lot of the features aren’tstandard and the final bill in thisspecification is £41,460.

That said, there is nothing to fault inMercedes’ biggest estate, and in a marketplace full of worthy competitors, itshould help potential buyers see thewood from the trees.

Ian Lamming

Mercedes’ new estate: a blend of ultra-modern with traditional

A load carrier... of people and logs

� Under the sleek new

body lies an array of

electronic gizmos to keep

the car under control and

stop it skidding


slimming

Burn an extra

GET UP AND GO79 calories: Put on your favourite CD anddance around the room for 15 minutes.140 calories: Walk up the stairs as many timesas possible each day. Just 15 minutes will reaprewards.246 calories: At work, deliver messages tocolleagues in person rather than emailing. Youcould tot up a couple of miles walking a day!315 calories: Partner up with a friend and goto a 45-minute aerobic class after work or atlunchtime.240 calories: Sortthrough yourclothesfor anhour –and give away anyyou haven’t wornfor a year.Total: 1,021calories.

HOUSEWORK246 calories:Spring clean yourkitchen and don’tspare the elbowgrease. After anhour your body willhave benefited asmuch as the floor.167 calories: Give

your grubby windows a half-hour cleaningoverhaul.422 calories: Spend an hour rearranging yourbedroom furniture. According to the principles offeng shui it will boost your energy levels as well.360 calories: Spend an hour washing, waxingand vacuuming every inch of your car, from thehubcaps to the roofWant to burn 60 calories: Half an hourwashing up will do the trick.Total: 1,195 calories.

SPEND AN HOUR...300 calories: Massage out the knots in yourpartner’s back and shoulders.110 calories: Turn off the computer and hand-write a letter to an old friend.240 calories: Sort out the clutter in the garageand decide what goes to charity.360 calories: Do a bit of decorating – give yourspare room a lick of fresh paint.Total: 1,010 calories.

LIFE COACH

SPRING: NEW BEGINNINGSIT’S time for declutteringyour life. Tossing out stuffyou’ve had for years thatyou know you’ll never usebut seem to hang ontoanyway. Why is that? Itgets in the way. We keepsaying we’ll get rid of it butnever seem to do it. Thesecret to real spring-cleaning is to start withyour mind. What rubbish do you carryaround in your head every day? Negativethinking is destructive – as we think, we are,so beware! What negative beliefs do youhold about yourself and the world aroundyou? Take some time, write them down andask yourself honestly, are you really doingyourself any favours hanging onto theseattitudes? A master of positive thinking,Norman Vincent Peal, said: “Change yourthoughts and you change your world.” Sodeclutter your mind, then you’ll declutteryour home. If you need any help with this,you know where to reach me. Alternativelyhire a skip!� Juliette is available atwww.sunflowercoaching.com or on 07740416891

1,000calories a day

Life’s full of calorie-burning opportunities. Here are five easy plans to zap 1,000....

FAMILY TIME123 calories: Walk the dogaround the block for 30minutes.140 calories: Play anenergetic game of catch orfrisbee with the kids for 30minutes.360 calories: Hit the ice rinkwith your family and do aTorvill and Dean for 40minutes. Don’t expect toimpress the kids...60 calories: Paddle arounda lake at a leisurely pace forten minutes.156 calories: Spend anhour cooking up one of yourfamous Sunday roasts withall the trimmings (low calorie,low fat versions, of course).240 calories: Hit thesupermarket for your weeklyfamily shop – it should takeabout an hour. Rememberto write your shopping listbefore you go – that wayyou’ll only come home withwhat you need, not lots oftempting extras.Total: 1,079 calories.

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS70 calories: Start your day with tenminutes of t’ai chi. Not only will it helpto tone you up, but it will also de-stressyou and help you to focus on the dayahead.180 calories: Spend 30 minutestidying up your garden, mowing thelawn and pulling up the weeds.120 calories: Spend ten minutesskipping in your garden.188 calories: Go for a leisurely 15-minute after dinner bicycle ride.30 calories: Play ten minutes ofcroquet out in the back garden.422 calories: Take a hike into thecountry for a picnic. Allow yourself anhour for the round trip.Total: 1,010 calories.

More tips fromthe Ultimate DietBook (SlimmingMagazine/Haynes, £16.99),a fantasticcompilation ofadvice and reallife slimmers’tales

The George Hotel The George Hotel at Piercebridge

Tel: 01325 374576

The Mad March Hare Ball S ATURDAY , M ARCH 13

Top Comics Rudi West & Lynnie Larkin An Evening of Fun and Madness

Fancy Dress - Disco • Hot & Cold Buffet Tickets only £25 per person or £110 per couple with overnight accommodation

‘Mama Mia’ S ATURDAY , M ARCH 27

‘Best Abba Tribute Band’ in the world 70’s Night

Hot & Cold Buffet Fancy Dress (optional)

£25 per person or £110 per couple with overnight accommodation

Wedding Exhibition

SUNDAY, APRIL 4 11am - 4pm


� Don’t missBurton’s Bytes– gamereviews in TheNorthern Echoevery Friday

The versionof Windowsaimed atcontrollingyour car

CONSIDER this: the little blackbox that makes your car startevery morning and tunes theradio to the correct channel as

you drive packs more computing powerthan NASA used to put a man on themoon. That’s progress.

Until recently, though, cars have reliedon pretty old-fashioned technology.Electronic ignition didn’t becomestandard until the early nineties, electricwindows and anti-lock brakes a few yearslater.

It’s the same deal with in-carentertainment. Nowadays most motorscome with a CD player but a few yearsago they were an expensive luxury.

Advances in multiplex wiring thatreplaces the traditional harness with anelectronic nervous system running thelength of the chassis have made theaddition of electronics relativelystraightforward.

So what’s the next step?Unsurprisingly, car manufacturers are

now queuing up to offer today’s buyersmore gadgets and goodies than everbefore. And even less of a surprise is thatMicrosoft is bidding to be at the centre ofmoves to make our cars moreentertaining.

The company is serious, too. It alreadyhas a version of Windows – WindowsAutomotive – designed for fitting intocars and won’t be happy until a copy isfitted in every motor churned out byevery manufacturer. That’s a pretty loftyambition.

But why would anyone want a versionof Windows controlling their car? Afterall, if you get a blue screen on your PC,you press re-boot and all is well. If yourcar does the same thing at 70mph on abusy motorway it would bring a wholenew meaning to the PC term “crash”.

That’s a cheap jibe but one Microsoft isworking hard to overcome.

Windows Automotive is an embeddedsystem that means it is tried and testedover thousands of hours not to crash. Infact, it has already been used on a carsold in the UK.

French manufacturer Citroenexperimented with an early version a fewyears ago. Although only a few such carswere sold, drivers who bought themappreciated the way they could link theircar with a PDA and download e-mails etc.Heck, passengers could even surf the netto while away the hours of a tediouscommute.

Things have moved on since then.The latest Windows for cars features

full-blown speech recognition that allowsthe driver to take full command of his carjust by speaking to it. Even spookier, thesoftware is designed to recognise whenyou are spending too much time fiddlingwhen you should be driving. Shades ofKIT, the super-intelligent PontiacFirebird driven by Michael Knight inKnightrider.

For the future Microsoft is working ona plan to connect a car’s black box to theInternet.

In theory, such a vehicle would monitorcritical systems, identify when a servicewas needed, connect to the net, locate agarage, book an appointment and sendyou an e-mail to let you know when toshow up. Heck, even KIT didn’t knowwhen he needed an oil change.

But not everyone thinks this kind ofthing is a good idea.

In America the authorities are taking atough line on in-car gadgets that mayprove distracting. Even driver aids suchas satellite navigation are coming in forcriticism.

If Microsoft can find a way of keepingus entertained while making certain weremain alert to the dangers of driving itwill have the car of the future cracked.Until then, I think I’ll stick with myhumble in-car CD player.

gadget man

� Microsoft is bidding

to be at the centre

of moves to make our

cars more entertaining

Quality Local Bus Services in North Yorkshire, Teesside & Durham

0870 608 2 608 All Calls at National Rate. Open daily 7am to 9pm

DIRECTBEDS & PINE

FACTORY

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

SAVE POUNDS - BUY DIRECT FROM

THE FACTORY Quality Pine Beds,

Furniture & Mattresses Unit 5, First Avenue, Drum Ind. Est. Chester-le-Street, Tel: 0191 4109994 Branches also at Washington, Tel: 0191 4175277

Low Fell, Gateshead, Tel: 0191 4871414 Chester-le-Street Store - Open: Mon-Thurs 9-5; Fri 9-4 Sat 10-4; Closed Sunday Washington Store - Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30; Sat 10-4.30 Sun 11-4

Power Equipment Specialists Southend Works, Byers Green

Spennymoor Co. Durham DL16 7NL

01388 662266

POWER TOOLS

Saws to Cut Timber, Steel and Concrete,

Hedgecutters Strimmers and Brushcutters,

Blowers, Power Washers, Vacs and Chipper Shredders

If you want to spice up your card making then visit a Scrapbook Shop

We stock a huge range of patterned papers, punches, die cut equipment, Sizzix and Quickutz, rubber stamps

by Hero Arts, the Woodware Collection, peel offs by Francoise Read, Shapeboss by Fiskars

Come and try the tools or join a class for further instructions

Classes run on alternate Saturdays starting again 6th March

INTRODUCTION TO SCRAPBOOKING CLASS INTRODUCTION TO RUBBER STAMPING

TIPS & TECHNIQUES CLASS 10% Off your shopping on the day

you attend a class Contact Scrapbook Shop for details and to book

6 Beech Road Framwellgate Moor

(just past the Fire Station, next to Blockbuster Video)

Tel. 0191 3757515 www.scrapbookshop.co.uk

Old Mill Furniture

Old Mill Furniture, Balk, Thirsk. YO7 2AH

Tel: 01845 597227 www.theoldmill.co.uk

We are 3 miles SE of Thirsk, towards Kilburn .

Every piece we make is hand built from start to

finish by an individual craftsman, from selecting the

wood right through to final finishing, no two pieces

are ever exactly the same. We have a wide range

of woods and styles to choose from or we can

make that special piece you have not been able to

find elsewhere. Why not visit or contact us.

Is choosing a new bed keeping you awake?

Why not visit our new Showroom NOW OPEN in Consett?

CALL TODAY for the bed of your dreams

CHESTER-LE-STREET OPEN 7 DAYS For every type of bed you need:

Children’s Beds, Pine Beds, Metal Beds to top of the range Pocket Sprung Divans

Only the finest

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andPine Furniture

at

TRADE PRICES

Exclusive to J&A’s - have your favourite football name engraved on to a pine headboard

J&A’s Beds & Furniture Unit 3B, Drum Industrial Estate, Birtley, Chester-le-Street (0191) 4111415

13 Medomsley Road, Consett (01207) 588008

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY C.O.D. AVAILABLE


Having myteeth

whitenedwith Robbie

Williams

beauty

HE was there every step of theway, keeping me company,singing, dancing and occasion-ally, bad boy, swearing. And itcertainly took my mind off

things…I had gone to the Smile Spa in the designer

megastore Psyche in Middlesbrough to havemy teeth whitened, and to take my focus offwhat is a jaw-aching rather than painfulprocedure, dentist’s nurse Claire offered mea menu of DVDs. There was Only Fools,Friends, Ally McBeal, and others, but Iopted for Robbie crooning at the AlbertHall. The DVD goggles were put on, the ear-pieces plugged in, and the hour it took tocomplete the procedure drifted by on a waveof old swing melodies.

The whitening procedure is known asBriteSmile, a light-activated process usingstate-of-the-art technology. It has beenbrought to Middlesbrough by Simon An-drews, who has more than 20 years experi-ence as a dental practitioner, and his wifeSusan, who hails from Hartlepool and isalso a dentist.

“We were on Fifth Avenue in New Yorktwo years ago when we looked into a salon.There were six chairs in a row, just like atthe hairdressers except that they were allhaving their teeth whitened,” says Simon.“We thought it was a brilliant concept.”

When the couple returned home they re-searched the process thoroughly and dis-covered it had been a huge success story.The primary ingredient in the whiteninggel is hydrogen peroxide which has beensafely used in teeth whitening for more than100 years, and safety studies in the Statesfound conclusively that the treatment re-sulted in no structural change in teeth, noadverse impact on fillings, and no soften-ing in tooth enamel.

Virtually everyone wanting to brightentheir teeth can benefit from the BriteSmileprocedure, including those with severe food,coffee, tobacco or tetracycline (antibiotic)stains. It has also been successful at re-moving stains from caps, veneers or bond-ed teeth.

Since the Smile Spa opened in Middles-brough, only the second in-store spa in thecountry, they’ve done more than 200 proce-

dures and had no problems. The satisfactionsurveys Simon and Susan hand out toclients after treatment have had no negativecomments.

“We’re treating everyone from famousfootballers to the electrician down the road.One of the most satisfying results has beenthe number of partners and friends ofclients who have booked in because they’vebeen so impressed with the results,” saysSimon, a huge fan of the BriteSmile treat-ment. “Laser causes greater sensitivity anddoesn’t give as good results. In my opinion,the second best results come from the athome procedure and laser comes a poorthird.”

First my teeth are graded against abrightness chart. Then a mouth guard andtongue protector and some padding areplaced around the teeth and gums. Thismakes you feel a bit claustrophic and hasthe added downside of making you look alittle like Hannibal Lecter, but as soon asthe DVD goggles are on, you can forget whatyou look like while Simon paints on gumprotector and then combines a whiteninggel with the breakthrough new “blue light”.After 20 minutes, more gel is added and theprocedure is repeated twice more. It is pret-ty painless, though the jaw does begin toache somewhat on the third run.

Once the hour is up, the goggles are(sadly) removed, the gum protection andother contraptions are removed, and you geta welcome mouthwash to rinse away thefoul taste left behind. A quick grin into themirror reveals that my teeth are noticeablywhiter and when Simon measures themagainst the chart, they are seven shadesbrighter than they were 60 minutes ago. I’mimpressed.

Simon warns me to stick to a white dietand stay away from coloured foods like redwine for 24 hours. My teeth do ache for a dayafter the treatment but a painkiller works atreat.

A couple of days later I’m still grinninginanely at family and friends. A couple ofthem have mentioned my teeth, others justwonder why I’m grinning inanely. I love mynew white teeth and would like to thankSimon for making my day. And Robbie, ofcourse, just for being there…

The whitestuff: Simon

Andrewsstarts theBriteSmiletreatment

� The Smile Spa, The Psyche Building, 175-183 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 4AG.(01642) 707272. Email: [email protected]. Web site: www.thesmilespa.co.uk

JENNYNEEDHAMtries a newform oftoothwhiteningservice in anew style ofdentist’ssurgery...and comesout smiling

In Spa whitening: £475 (it costs £225 more in London) At home whitening: from £249. Other cosmetic treatments available: tooth-coloured fillings, veneers,ceramic crowns, bridge work, porcelain inlays, aesthetic polishing forstain removal and a full range of gum and fresh breath treatment.

BLACK &DECKER

THINFORDROUNDABOUT

McDonald’s


PLACES WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE NORTH-EAST

connections

G ETTING all dressed up in theLake District feels odd. As aseasoned backpacker whoseevenings in Cumbria tend toconsist of pasta from a Youth

Hostel plate and wondering if the boots willbe dry by morning, it’s a little strange to stepout minus the woolly socks.

But while hiking, biking and boats are thetraditional attractions of England’s mostnorth-westerly county, Cumbria is alsorapidly becoming a foodie’s paradise.

Of course, the Lake District’s ability toprovide cheap, filling fare is legendary – foryears, countless fell walkers have refuelledwith a hefty bowl of goulash at the Dog andGun in Keswick. And gourmet dining has notbeen completely alien to the area since TVchef John Tovey opened the Miller Howerestaurant on Windermere’s shore in the early1970s.

Boosted no doubt by the media’s obsessionwith food as the new sex, there’s been anexplosion of food experiences in the area, anda low-season weekend break is an ideal way tosample what’s on offer.

Getting to the Lakes from the North-East isa doddle – hit the A66 or the A69 straight fromwork on Friday night and you can be gazingon Skiddaw or Scafell by dinner time.

Those who prefer a more leisurely start tothe weekend could do worse than stop over atTemple Sowerby House Hotel, right by theA66, about four miles this side of Penrith.

Owners Paul and Julie Evans are naturalhosts; an overnight stay feels more likevisiting friends… well, for anyone whosefriends happen to own an 18th centurymansion.

The twin lounges are a haven of invitingsofas, log fires and back copies of CountryLife. But the real treat is the fabulous a lacarte dinner menu, changed monthly by headchef Ashley Whittaker and featuring seasonalingredients, including fruit, vegetables andherbs from the hotel’s walled garden. It’straditional and filling and you could cut thepoached fillet of beef with a spoon.

At the other end of the Lake District – andthe other end of the dining experience – is thedelightfully pretentious L’Enclume atCartmel village, south of Windermere. Chef-proprietor Simon Rogan definitely has his eyeon a Michelin rating and, if they’re given foroff-the-wall wittiness, he’s a dead cert.Promotional bumph promises an “innovativedining experience” but “weird” might be amore appropriate description.

The Taste and Texture menu – there’s achoice of eight, 12 or 18 courses – has to besampled to be believed, if the budget can runto between £50 and £95 for a meal which, quitefrankly, could see anyone with a robustappetite calling for a bag of chips on the wayhome.

The quality of the fare is indisputable; it’sthe amount that leaves you reeling – tiny shotglasses of pea puree, two French fries with adoddle of posh ketchup, a teaspoonful of,

admittedly delicious, duck confit and tinyslices of local lamb with “curry leafemulsion”.

The finale is the most fantastic, butminiscule, hot chocolate mousse witheucalyptus foam – whatever that is – and,believe it or not, smoked paprika ice cream.Waitresses armed with plastic syringes full ofhot chocolate sauce administer the finaltongue-in-cheek touch when they inject eachpud at the table. L’Enclume may not be theplace to head if you’ve just returned,ravenous, from the fells. But if you’redesperate to impress, and you want to provethat designer dining is not confined to thecities, book a table. The fact the place was fullon a freezing Saturday night in mid-Januarywould seem to suggest Mr Rogan is doingsomething right.

The Miller Howe is a must for anyone intenton a real food fest. Founded in 1971, it nowbelongs to former international newspapereditor Charles Garside, although John Toveycontinues at the hotel as a consultant. Theservice and menu are first class, as is thestunning view from the dining room acrosslake Windermere to Langdale Pikes. Sundaylunch is surprisingly reasonable – £20 plusVAT – but there’s a waiting list for tables, sobook weeks in advance if you can.

Again, fine wines abound, but anyonepreferring beer would be well advised to headnorth again and call at the Queen’s Head Innin the village of Tirril, near Penrith. The early18th century hostelry boasts its own microbrewery, producing six beers, four of whichare on tap at any one time. The atmosphere inthe beamed bar is hard to beat, boosted by oneof the largest log fires you’re ever likely tosee. There’s a good choice of hefty meals, too,including a melt-in-the-mouth beef and alepie.

Cumbria also excels when it comes tomoveable feasts, ideal if the lure of the hillsproves so strong that you need to pack upyour lunch. Those craving a change fromcheese and pickle in their sandwiches couldseek out some of the smoked meats fromPeter Gott’s Sillfield Farm, near Kendal.

Peter’s wild boar and Tamworth,Saddleback and Middle White rare breed pigsproduce joints, chops, bacon and sausageswhich have impressed the likes of TV chefsJamie Oliver, Rick Stein (who featured him onhis BBC2 Food Heroes series) and ClarissaDickson-Wright, who claimed his wild boarprosciutto was one of the “20 things you musteat before you die”.

Grasmere Gingerbread is another localdelicacy which deserves room in the rucksack.Baked daily in a tiny shop – which served asthe village school between 1630 and 1854 – for150 years, its production is surrounded bysecrecy.

Get Gerald Wilson, the current owner’sfather, talking about the business and you’lllearn that the “Sarah Nelson” recipe –reputed to be worth £1m – is sealed in a bankvault and known only to his daughter, son-in-

Fill your boots, butnot with buttiesThe Lake District has long been known for hikers’ hearty fare, but thedawn of the 21st century has seen an explosion of foodie experiencesin the area. JILL NEILL tucks in

FACTFILETemple Sowerby House Hotel, tel 01768361578, www.temple-sowerby.comL’Enclume, tel 015395 36362,www.lenclume.co.ukMiller Howe, tel 015394 42536,www.millerhowe.comQueen’s Head Inn, tel 01768 863219,www.queensheadinn.co.ukSillfield Farm, www.sillfield.co.ukGrasmere Gingerbread, tel 015394 35428,www,grasmeregingerbread.co.ukLittle Salkeld Watermill,www.organicmill.co.ukCumbria and Lake District Food and DrinkFestival, www.cumbriafoodfestival.netGourmet tours of Cumbria, hosted by foodexpert Annette Gibbons, tel 01900881356, www.cumbriaonaplate.co.uk

Clockwise from above: Little SalkeldWatermill; Temple Sowerby HouseHotel; the Queen’s Head Inn

law and himself. He’s even reluctant to letvisitors know how many slabs ofgingerbread are baked every week, or howmuch the business is now worth. It’s allvery hush-hush.

Mr Wilson is proud of the fact thebusiness, which this year marks its 150thanniversary, has belonged to just fourowners since Sarah Nelson began bakingthe treat. The shop was the Les Routiers2002 North-West food shop of the year.

Another 2002 Les Routiers winner wasLittle Salkeld Watermill, near Penrith,

which scooped the café of the year title.Run by the delightfully enthusiastic DaveHarris-Jones and his wife, the 18th centurymill is one of the only water-powered cornmills in the country. A tour provesfascinating and the flours produced – andsold in the gift shop – entice even the mostkitchen-shy to have a go at making bread.

Of course, a weekend allows only a tasterof the food on offer in Cumbria. To find outmore, visit the Cumbria and Lake DistrictFood and Drink Festival, running from May1 to 9.


puzzles competitioncorner

WIN a day of pampering for you and your mum

SITUATED in the beautiful North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate, themulti-award winning Academy Spa

was created to provide the finest spa facilities in superb surroundings backed byskilled and dedicated staff. It has an outstanding reputation for excellence andits qualified therapists ensure that each andevery client has a wonderful experiencewhatever their requirements. Slate floors,natural timbers, Zen pictures, aromatherapyoils and gentle new age music all combineto create an inspiring and peaceful sanctuary which is home to an extensivehealth and beauty suite.

The Academy Spa has teamed up withThe Northern Echo to offer one reader andtheir mum a day of pampering to celebrateMother’s Day. The Academy Spa Pure Indul-gence Day (worth £195) includes:

Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap – a traditional Balinese bodypolish with coconut, mungbean, spices andlavender;

Elemis Well-being Massage – a luxuriousmassage, incorporating a full body brushbefore gently warmed pure massage oilsare smoothed over the face and body;

Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial – anew advanced facial using natural Japanesesilk protein or sulphur compresses andplant extracts to create relaxing and cleansing treatments for different skintypes;

Elemis Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy, alifting massage to help refine, oxygenateand increase cellular renewal;

Jessica Manicure and Jessica Pedicure –luxury hand and foot treatments using aromatherapy based products.

Winners will also have full access to thesuperb facilities of The Academy health andleisure club, including sauna, steam roomand sunbeds, swimming pool, gym and tennis courts.

To enter the competition, simply tell uswhere the Academy Spa is situated. Sendyour answer, along with your name, addressand phone number to Academy Spa Competition, NE, The Northern Echo,Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 by the end ofthe month.� The Academy Spa, Oakdale Place, Harrogate, HG1 2LA. Tel: (01423) 524060.Website: www.academyspa.com?IMPOSSIPUZZLE

A blue cap and a white cap coststwice as much as a red cap and agreen cap, but only a pound morethan a blue cap and a red cap. If

a white cap and a green capcomes to £7.49, how much

would it cost to buy one cap ofeach colour?

SOLUTION

£19.47 for four caps.

WORD

A: Evade the truth

wiseThe word may soundfamiliar, but do you

know what it means?

PREVARICATE

A Evade the truth

B Forestall

C Anticipate

ANSWER

ANSWERSCelebrity wordmatch:Straw, sports, rubber,cheese, serial, star, fiddle, clever, runner, light,barrow, ground and the celebrity is Robert DeNiro.Clebrity stare:Jenny Bond

Find a word that can follow the word on the left and precede the word on the right. When you have filled in allthe answers, the name of a celebrity can be read from topto bottom in one of the lines.

?Name thestar picturedon theleft

NE Motors

Do you have furniture that you no longer want?

FRADE FRADE A registered charity

Needs all re-usable unwanted goods for distribution to people in need The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees

Tel. 01642 608791 Project supported by the

community

Paylors Memorials

Supplies of Quality Materials & Designs

Free Estimates / Insurance / Advice

A Second Generation Family Business

(01429) 890010 / 869026

(m) 07949 088241 Unit 27a Park View,

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and include return flights from Teesside or Newcastle and airport taxes.

Czech Travel Ltd: 01376 560592 ATOL 3659

Peaceful cotta ges in secluded 1,000 acre estate, wildlife haven

Tel. Turriff, Aberdeenshire (01888) 562918 www.forglen.co.uk

Wateredge Inn on Lake Windermere

Delightfully situated on the shores of Windermere with superb country inn-style dining. Pretty bedrooms, many with lake-views. Ideally situated for enjoying Ambleside, lake, steamers and nearby Fells.

Special Mid Week Rates Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EP Tel. (015394) 32332 www.wateredgeinn.co.uk

Cresswell Towers Great British Holiday Parks Near Morpeth,

Northumberland Just get up and go,

weekends, weeks or longer periods. No need to book. Just

come & go.

All the park facilities on your doorstep. Prices to suit most budgets.

Tel: (01670) 860411 Life’s too short! Enjoy more of the good life.

Meynells Ltd Stockists of all makes of sewing

machines and everything you need for your hobby

WE GUARANTEE YOU EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

2 Southfield Road, Middlesbrough Tel: (01642) 247863

House Clearances Top Prices Paid. A prompt, professional and polite service (01325) 469757 (07812) 943730 [email protected]

Daily Living Aids for the Disabled

& Elderly INDEPENDENCE R E S T O R E D Our Showroom is set out as a replica home with great ideas on how to make daily tasks easier. Scooters, Wheelchairs, Walking Aids, Bathing, Toileting, Household, Kitchen and Dining

Unit 18, Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street

Tel: 0191 4922301

For You

Idyllic

Overlooking village duck pond, suitable

2/3 people, equipped to very high standards.

Situated in small village, 6 miles from

Bridlington and Scarborough.

IDEAL FOR SHOPPING

IN YORK (21 miles)

Extremely cosy and comfortable. Lovely area for

walking and birdwatching.

C OUNTRY C OTTAGE

Telephone 01377 267939 07966 428536

NE Leisure

Ambleside

Gables Hotel Located in the heart of village . Pets / children welcome. Private car park.

Telephone Now for Spring Offers Telephone:

01539 433272

Florida Florida Villa Villa

To Rent To Rent 6 miles from Disney, 4 beds, ex location south facing pool

from

£385 £385 per week Telephone:

01670 731922 01670 731922

YORK

Jorvik Hotel

Restaurant, bar, parking, col TV, tea / coffee facs.

All rooms en-suite, 4 posters available, city

centre location. M idweek DB&B

Stay 2 nights

GET 1 FREE Transport from Station

available Tel. (01904) 653511

J UNE ’ S H AT H IRE

• Beautiful Hats for all occasions and Wedding Outfits • Exclusive Evening Wear at reasonable prices • Silk Wedding Flowers made to order • Ladies let us try and sell your fashionable wedding outfit for

you at 50% commission

Telephone J UNE (Personal Service) 6 Borough Road, Darlington (opp Civic Theatre side entrance)

Tel. (01325) 355128

Fashions & Accessories


Romantic Breaks Celebrating a special occasion? Or just want to spoil yourself?

Why not enjoy a choice of a 3 course evening meal with a

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accommodation in one of our double en-suite rooms and then wake up to a full English breakfast

A LL F OR O NLY £59 .95 P ER C OUPLE

Fox & Hounds Slapeworth, Guisborough. Tel. 01287 632 964

Situated on the B1242 Hull to Hornsea Coast Road

Relax and enjoy the beautiful East Yorkshire Coastline in a Holiday

Home of your very own at

ALDBROUGH CARAVAN PARK

Phone today for your free information pack (24 hour answer service)

01964 529 292

60 acres of stunning Parkland with outstanding cliff top views boasting a

Luxury New Development including your own block paved

parking bay. New and pre-owned holiday homes are available for

viewing ANYTIME with prices to suit most budgets and finance available

subject to status

A SPECIAL PRE-SEASON PACKAGE

• Choice of luxury pitch • 2004 Site Fees

• All connections and TV arial • Fridge (fridge / freezer in some

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Our park facilities include: bar with cabaret and resident DJ, sun patio

with BBQ, shop, cafe, amusements, children’s adventure play area,

launderette and much, much more

In close proximity to the to the historic market town of Beverley,

traditional seaside resort Hornsea and the port of Hull

Take advantage of pre-season package for guaranteed move in

1st March

S ALTBURN - BY - THE -S EA S ALTBURN - BY - THE -S EA G OLF C LUB L TD Est 1894 G OLF C LUB L TD

Visiting parties welcome every day except Thursdays & Saturdays

Superb Clubhouse and well-maintained Course 2 for 1 & Bunkered Vouchers accepted

Limited Membership Available

SUMMER PACKAGE : £32 midweek; £37 weekend includes coffee, biscuits, soup and sandwiches,

2-course meal - UNLIMITED GOLF

Tel. 01287 622812 Tel. 01287 622812 Hob Hill, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland

www.saltburngolf.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]

Asquith Court

Nurseries Providing Excellence in Early Years

Learning and Childcare

Relaxed, friendly environment

Regular outings and activities to stimulate young minds

Nutritious, freshly prepared meals

Constantly updated selection of toys, games and equipment

Attractively presented and secure nursery buildings with outdoor play areas and gardens

Open throughout the year - Monday to Friday from 8am - 6pm

c/o David Lloyd Leisure Tees Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees

Telephone 01642 670676

Make yourself at home with B&N at Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland we have 1 and 2 bedroom flats and 2 bedroom family houses available, and at St. Mark’s Court, Coundon Grange we have 2 Bedroom Houses. These properties have central heating, double glazing , gardens and a 24 hour repair service. No bond required. Rents start from £53.50 per week

Call 01642 231414 www.bnha.co.uk

Robert D. Webster Tractor & Machinery

Sales

Lists available all year round

Telephone:

(01262) 420226

Let the light Let the light shine with shine with Homefair Homefair

Blinds Blinds • Vertical • Roller • Venetian

All made to measure

www.homefair-blinds-uk.com

Freephone 08000 729474

Bow Street Centre, Guisborough Business Units To Let Start up your own business with our easy terms. Good access and parking.

(01642) 710742 (01287) 610600

Auctioneers of Distinction The Gallery Saleroom

Northumberland Street Darlington DL3 7HJ Tel Fax

(01325) 462559 (01325) 284587

East Parade Harrogate

North Yorks HG1 5LQ

Telephone: 01423 502253 INSURANCE SERVICES FUNERAL PLANS FINANCIAL ADVICE

BLINDS UK

(01325) 320666

All blinds & samples brought to your home

2 Vertical Blinds £ 60 3 Vertical Blinds £ 89 4 Vertical Bllinds £ 111 5 Vertical Blinds £ 129

For a FREE No Obligation Estimate Visit our website www.blinds.uk.com

Also fabulous range of Wood Venetians and Roller Blinds

Any size - FREE Measure - FREE Fiting (Lovely choice of fabrics)

BTL WOODSHED BTL WOODSHED BTL WOODSHED Garden Sheds • Pet Houses, Timber Decking • Log Wood

Chipping

01388 608452 07711 436043

Casselville Farm, Toronto Bishop Aucklnad

NE Homes & Gardens

Beauty is within the eye of the Beholder

B eauty is within the eye of the Beholder

Quality and Value from

E XPRESS B LINDS Vertical • Roller • Venetian

Pleated • Solar Film

0800 0745724 www.expressblinds.co.uk

INTO INTO Painting & Decorating

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS

Quality work Sensible prices

TIME SERVED LOCAL TRADESMEN

Free Estimates Call 01748 811583 Call 01748 811583

07714 015077 07714 015077

PAVING PAVING from £1 18x18 £1 Also 2x2 and 3x2 paving

Bricks Bricks from £34 a pack £34

Old York £8.40 sq.yd Old York £8.40

All plus VAT

Telephone Eldon Hope Eldon Hope 01388 775261 01388 775261

U nit 2G, D rum I nd E state , C hester-le- S treet

( opp B atleys )

tel ephone: (0191) 4920073

Open Mon-Fri 10-5 pm Sat 10-4 pm

Lots of new and exciting tile ranges now

in stock

10% DISCOUNT ON PRODUCTION OF

THIS COUPON

�

� W D ESTWOO T I M B E R

& FENCING

Tel: (01325) 378202 www.westwoodtimber.co.uk

• Custom-made sheds, play huts and summerhouses • Private and domestic fencing supplied and fixed • Panels, trellis, posts and rails • Hardwood railway sleepers in stock • Large selection of profile posts • We also supply hardwood logs

We are situated just past the Croft Motor Racing Circuit, down West Lane, at Dalton on Tees

MULTI TRADE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & RENOVATION Decorating, tiling, flooring, plumbing, electrical, fencing and brickwork

ALL WORK GUARANTEED Registered Company

Tel. 01740 653717 Paul Mob: 07752 895750 Paul Tel. 01388 812563 Dave Mob: 07751 445696 Dave

CHESTER ST.

RAILWAY ST.MORRISONSSUPERMARKET

KINGJAMES 1

SCHOOLNEW

GAT

E ST

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PEEL ST.WE ARE

HERE

ASDASUPERSTORE

wardrobe consumer beautyclients.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/ne_monthly/pdfs/ne032004.pdf · 2 march...

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