Category: Lifestyle

TV’s ‘First Dates’ Host Invites Lonely Valentines Aboard The Love Train

By on 5th February 2016in Lifestyle

Stuck for what to do on Valentine’s day? The Virgin Trains love carriage is set to be a one-of-a-kind speed dating experience…

Virgin Trains is offering passengers a romantic train journey from London King’s Cross to York on the 14th February. This one off event will be hosted by service expert and TV celebrity Fred Sirieix, the charming French General Manager of Galvin at Windows and founder of The Art of Service. Get your love life back on track by booking yourself a ‘single ticket’ and make it a Valentine’s to remember.

This unique experience at 125mph will set your heart racing. Playing cupid, Fred has designed a world-class experience using his service expertise, and will guide passengers on their journey of love up the east coast. Fred is known for his charisma and hospitality, and is the perfect host to get singletons in the mood for love.

As one of the UK’s top rated Maître D’s with plenty of dating experience, Fred will help the lucky singletons find their perfect match on the love carriage. Virgin Trains on-board staff will be given a masterclass in the art of service by Fred to ensure the evening goes off with a bang.

This revolutionary dating experience will see 24 singletons switching seats throughout the journey, meeting potential suiters. The carriages will be decked out with red roses, romantic music and prosecco to set the mood. Sit back, relax and get on board for a chance at finding love.

Tickets will sell out fast, so visit www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/lovecarriage to ensure your love life doesn’t go off the rails. The singles only carriage will leave King’s Cross at 2.52pm, and returns at 7.52pm.

Fred Sirieix commented: “Valentine’s Day should be celebrated by all, and I am over the moon that Virgin Trains has brought me on-board to host the festivities and officiate as the on-board matchmaker. Both happiness and love are within each of us. The thing is we need to go and get it, and we have laid it on especially for you with top service and hospitality in a first class carriage this Valentine’s Day. It’s here for the taking, so come and join us!”

David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains on the east coast route said: “Here at Virgin Trains, we want all our amazing customers to enjoy Valentine’s Day, including our single passengers. The love carriage is the perfect place to meet new people, and who knows, romance could be one train-ride away.”

High speed dating guests are invited to enjoy the excitement of the ‘Love Carriage’ upon one of Virgin’s newly revamped trains. Virgin Trains recently announced a £42m investment for its East Coast route, including money for refurbishing the interior and exterior of the trains, as well as an engine overhaul for the fleet ahead of the arrival of Hitachi Super Express Trains in 2018.

Ramside Spa: Could You Propose To Your Man?

By on 3rd February 2016in Lifestyle

A leading North East spa is helping women take advantage of a leap year tradition in hope of making their love last forever…

February 29th is the day when women can turn the tables and propose to their partners, and comes round just once every four years.

And to ensure that the answer is “I do”, the Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham, is suggesting that would-be brides make their visit extra special by taking advantage of its private infinity pool, which can be added to the venue’s range of spa packages.

“The new infinity pool is a great way to spend some quality time together,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director at the Spa at Ramside.

“Private use of the facility can be added on to any of our packages. It’s the perfect setting for a surprise proposal, and couples can celebrate their engagement with a bottle of bubbly too.”

Along with their signature spa days and packages, the Spa at Ramside also offers a range of men’s treatments, which will help women to “soften up” their man before they pop the question.

Among the treatments available are the Men’s Reviver, which includes a double cleanse exfoliation, a face, neck and shoulder massage, a lifting and smoothing cooling mask, and a scalp massage.

Other packages include a Stress Buster package, which offers a back massage, and a facial and scalp massage, the Golfer’s Tonic package, which includes a foot soak and exfoliation, a foot and leg massage, a back exfoliation and a back massage with hot stones, the Made for Men package and the Heaven on Earth package.

For the woman who wants to go all out, there is The Man Up and Spa package, which includes a two course spa lunch in the venue’s Fusion restaurant, and a choice of a 60 minute, 90 minute or two hour men’s treatment.

It also offers full use of the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include a hydrotherapy pool, five heat experiences, an outdoor vitality pool, and a 25m swimming pool.

The Spa at Ramside also offers a range of packages which are suitable for couples.

Prices for the men’s spa treatments start from £65. For full details of the packages and treatments available, visit www.ramsidespa.co.uk or contact the spa on 0191 375 3088.

Couple Recreate Wedding For 40th Anniversary

By on 2nd February 2016in Lifestyle

A North East couple have marked their 40th wedding anniversary at the same ‘plaice’ they celebrated tying the knot…

Alan and Anne Hodgson, who run Hartlepool-based seafood supplier Hodgson Fish, held their wedding reception at the Best Western Plus Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield in 1975.

And they recently returned to the four star venue to mark their ruby anniversary – and were even attended to by the same member of staff.

Hardwick Hall Hotel’s current Restaurant Manager, Jeronimo Martin (known as Martin), was among the team who catered for Alan and Anne’s original wedding, and was delighted to see the duo return.

“I have worked at Hardwick Hall Hotel for 44 years,” he said, “and I always love to see familiar faces coming back time after time. I remember Alan and Anne’s wedding quite clearly, and it was fantastic to be a part of their anniversary celebrations too.”

Alan and Anne, who met as teenagers, were married at St Luke’s Church in Hartlepool before travelling to nearby Hardwick Hall Hotel to celebrate with around 40 guests.

The hotel, part of leading leisure organisation Ramside Estates, was one of Hodgson Fish’s first wholesale customers, so the couple fittingly opted for a shellfish buffet as part of their wedding breakfast.

Fish was also on the menu for the couple’s recent anniversary return, where they were once again joined by close family and friends.

“It was just like old times, being back at Hardwick Hall” said Anne. “While we have worked closely with the venue as fish suppliers for around 50 years, being able to return for such an amazing occasion was an extra special treat, and brought back a lot of great memories.

“I can clearly remember posing for pictures on the lawn on our wedding day, and it was fantastic to be able to recreate that 40 years on.

“I was also amazed to see that our original waiter Martin was still working there, but being able to catch up with him was really the icing on the cake.”

The award-winning Best Western Plus Hardwick Hall Hotel specialises in weddings and private celebrations, with a variety of suites available to cater for anywhere up to 1500 guests.

More information about the venue, including its wide range of packages, can be found by visiting www.hardwickhall.co.uk or calling 01740 620253.

Rebel Florist Offers Tips For The Perfect Valentine’s Day

By on 1st February 2016in Lifestyle

A North East florist is helping out northern Romeos with a guide to buying Valentine’s blooms, which are an alternative to roses…

14th February is one of the busiest days of the year for florists, as shoppers splash out on bunches of traditional (and sometimes very expensive) red roses for their loved ones.

However, Susie Griffiths of the Rebel Flower Company at The Village, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, has devised a number of romantic ways of ‘saying it with flowers’ on Valentine’s Day which offer a contemporary take on the traditional bouquet of roses.

Susie said: “Red roses may have become a firm favourite, but in fact there are many flowers and plants associated with love, whose links with romance go back even further.

“For example, orchids have been linked with love for centuries. Potions made from orchids, once drunk, were said to result in hopeless infatuation and Cymbidium orchids, in particular have an alluring honey fragrance, mythically believed to aid fertility.”

Having managed florists in England and Ireland, Susie started her own floristry business at intu Metrocentre at a stall outside House of Fraser. She was so successful that she was able to move into her very own store in the centre’s Village for independent retailers.

With a wealth of experience and the ambition to help those stuck for inspiration, Susie has come up with five tips for romantics against roses:

  1. Go for fragrance. Pick a bloom that not only looks beautiful, but smells beautiful. Every time your Valentine smells the bouquet, they’ll think of you.
  2. You don’t have to go for the biggest bouquet. Choose three or five flowers (an odd number is always best), and add a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary for fragrance. Tie them with an elastic band and cover the band with a length of ribbon.
  3. As an alternative to a bouquet, try a corsage. It’s a lovely, old-fashioned way to present flowers to your date, and it should be a small spray, consisting of a single flower with maybe some fern or gypsophila that would be attached to clothing or a handbag.
  4. If you’re keen to stick with red, the colour of passion, then opt for a single exotic bloom. Perhaps an amaryllis? Consider a simple bunch of red tulips or spring blooms, tied raffia, and a label asking ‘will you be my Valentine?’
  5. If roses are a must, consider a soft pink, yellow or cream. They’re possibly even more beautiful than the blood red ones, and did you know that pink roses are actually symbolic of elegance and romance, whereas a yellow flower signifies friendship?

“I think the thing to remember is that you can always be creative,” said Susie. “There is so much variety out there, and if you make your blooms stand out then you’ll definitely make the right impression with your Valentine.”

For more information, visit www.rebelflowercompany.co.uk.

Chance To ‘Score’ At Stadium Of Light This Valentine’s Day

By on 30th January 2016in Lifestyle

Couples from across the North East can score a Valentine’s Day to remember thanks to a special event at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light…

On Sunday February 14th, the landmark venue will be hosting a candlelit dinner in its Riverview Brasserie to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

Couples attending the event, organised by 1879 Events Management, will be treated to champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a decadent three course meal.

This includes a choice of starters, main courses and desserts, ranging from salmon and king prawn salad to roasted rack of lamb and a selection of farmhouse cheeses.

A number of vegetarian dishes will also be available, including walnut crusted goats’ cheese, tomato and caramelised onion tart and rich chocolate truffle.

To help make the evening extra special, each table will receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a small gift to take away.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, but it can also be one of the most expensive.

“This year we wanted to offer couples value for money, as well as the chance to enjoy an amazing evening out, and fine food prepared for their pleasure by our expert chefs.”

Valentine’s Day at the Stadium of Light is priced at £55 per couple, with sittings running from 7pm.

A 10 per cent discount is also available for Sunderland AFC season card holders who book before January 31st.

For more information, or to book, call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com.

First Turkish Restaurant Opens In Alnwick

By on 28th January 2016in Lifestyle

A former Alnwick Indian restaurant is getting a new lease of life, after being transformed into the town’s first Turkish eatery…

 

Mezze opened its doors on January 20th, at the former site of Veranda, Clayport Street, and offers diners a selection of classic BBQ grills and other popular Turkish dishes.

“Mezze offers something completely different to the other restaurants in Alnwick,” said Dilman Abdullah, who is the restaurant owner and has previously run The Med, Westgate Road, Newcastle.

“A lot of work has gone into revamping the venue and putting together a great menu, so we’re really excited to see it all coming together.

“We hope people will come a long and help us to celebrate the opening.”

Guests at the restaurant will be able to choose from a wide range of cold starters, such as peppers, potatoes and aubergine fried in olive oil and served with tomato and garlic sauce, crushed bulgar wheat with chopped onions, celery, peppers, tomato and walnuts dressed in olive oil and vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine kernals, onions, sultanas and a blend of herbs.

There will also be a number of hot starters served at the restaurants, including deep fried filo pastry filled with feta cheese, and fill and diced lamb’s liver lightly coated in flour and paprika, fried and served with onions.

The menu also offers diners a whole host of main courses, including traditional Turkish BBQ dishes such as Shish Kebab, lamb cutlets marinated with herbs and chargrilled, mixed grill and chargrilled chicken wings.

All of the menu’s BBQ dishes are served with rice, salad and chilli.

There is also a selection of other main courses including moussaka, Kleftiko – a slow cooked lamb shank served with rice – chargrilled chicken breast filled with cheddar, onion and peppers served in a creamy sauce, and tender lamb shoulder served with special sauce and rice.

Prices start from £2.95 for a starter and from £7.95 for a main course.

Free Half-Term Mosaic Workshop Is Perfect For Families

By on 27th January 2016in Lifestyle

The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is holding a free workshop to create collage mosaics during half term…

 

The family-friendly session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday 20th February at Barnard Castle Methodist Church. The workshop is part of the Partnership’s Crafts and Skills in the Community programme, which aims to encourage the revival and use of traditional and modern crafts.

The activity is suitable for all abilities, and will give participants the opportunity to explore an array of textures and colours. Participants will work towards producing a nature inspired piece of artwork which could be used as a stepping stone or decoration in the garden. A simple nature motif will be chosen and then decorated with a selection of materials.

This workshop has been designed to guide total beginners through each stage of the process, so no previous experience is required. The workshop will be led by local artist, designer and tutor Anna Harding, who teaches art and crafts, leads community projects, and produces creative work in an extensive range of formats.

Anna said: “This workshop is a fusion between collage and mosaic, which uses a greater variety of textures, colours and materials than a standard mosaic. This in turn makes it particularly appealing for children to explore.”

This workshop is free of charge, but places are limited so booking is essential. It is suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards, however younger children are welcome at parent/guardian discretion. All children must be closely supervised at all times.

Please note this activity will involve the use of small objects, so it is not recommended for children under the age of 3. Protective clothing will be provided, but wearing old clothing is also recommended.

To book a place, contact Alex Sijpesteijn on 03000 260842 or email alex.sijpesteijn@durham.gov.uk.

Local Landscape Partnership Offers Free Historical Hedgelaying Course

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Outdoor enthusiasts can secure a place on a free hedgelaying course this February, thanks to a Local Landscape Partnership…

 

The Introduction to Hedgelaying course is being run as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership Field Boundary Programme, which is aimed at anyone keen to gain a greater appreciation of ancient rural crafts and practical conservation, and will take place at Deepdale Wood Nature Reserve, Barnard Castle on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February 2016.

The two day course will go through the history and value of hedgerows, while explaining how to use and maintain traditional hand tools such as axes, saws and billhooks to manage the hedgerow. Participants will also get plenty of practice of hedgelaying in the local style.

Rebecca Beeston, a landscape officer at Durham County Council, said: “Hedgerows are an important landscape feature and wildlife habitat in County Durham. However, they are often at risk from neglect, damage or destruction.

“We hope by offering free introductory classes we can enthuse a whole new group of people who will help carry on these traditions.”

The course is being sponsored by the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership – which is supported by Durham County Council – and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book a place on the course, email landscape@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 267 143. Anyone living in the Heart of Teesdale area will be given priority for places.

Wedding Wonder Show Returns To Sunderland This February

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Bride and grooms-to-be can shine a light on their wedding plans at a special event taking place next week…

Sunderland’s largest wedding fair, The Wedding Wonder Show, returns to the Stadium of Light from noon until 3pm on Sunday February 7th.

Guests at the event, which has a Valentine’s Day theme, will have the chance to meet more than 100 exhibitors from across the North East, including top suppliers offering everything from flowers to photography.

There will also be a designer fashion show featuring glamorous gowns, grooms wear and flower girl ideas, as well as a dedicated bridesmaid zone to ensure all members of the wedding party can look their best.

Live entertainment will be running throughout the afternoon, with representatives from 1879 Events Management also on hand to discuss wedding day options at the Stadium of Light and its sister site National Glass Centre.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “The Stadium of Light has become an increasingly popular setting for weddings of all styles and sizes, and 1879 Events Management are delighted to cater for happy couples both here, and at National Glass Centre, as well as at external venues across the North East.

“The Wedding Wonder Show is an ideal opportunity for us to share our expertise with brides and grooms-to-be, as well as offering them a chance to meet key suppliers and plan key aspects of their big day.”

Entry to the Wedding Wonder Show, in association with Belle Bridal, are priced at £2 per person, £1 concessions or £6 for a family of four.

A limited number of VIP goodie bags will also be available, and these can be reserved in advance at www.weddingwondershow.co.uk.

For more information, and full details of the wedding packages available at the Stadium of Light, visit www.safc.com or call 0871 911 1555.

Sunderland Celebrity Hairdresser Joins Northern Youth Fashion Show

By on 25th January 2016in Lifestyle

An award-winning North East hairdresser is set to head up the back stage team at a fashion show with one of the industry’s leading ladies…

Celebrity hair stylist Neville Ramsay, from Sunderland, will be styling the models at the Northern Youth Fashion Show, which will be attended by Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast.

The show, which will take place on January 29th at the University of York’s Central Hall, will showcase the work of some of the best student designers in the North.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a show like this,” said Neville Ramsay, who is also an ambassador for hair brand Milkshake.

“The North often gets overlooked, when really it’s home to some amazing talent. This fashion show will really help to put the North on the map, and show that the future talent of the fashion industry isn’t limited to London.

“We couldn’t be happier to be part of the styling team at such a big event, and we can’t wait to see some of the designers’ work.”

During the event, Anna Wintour will deliver a talk about her career before a Q & A session, led by Katharina Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian News & Media.

There will also be a number of live performances from North Yorkshire folk singer Billie Marten, Friendly Fires and Metronomy, who will be collaborating for the first time especially for the show.

Proceeds from the event will be split between Refugee Action York, which helps to integrate refugees into the local area, and the Xavier Project, which delivers mentoring schemes, offers job opportunities, and runs schools for refugees across the world.

“We’re delighted to have Neville and Milkshake on board to help us with the show,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the organisers of the Northern Youth Fashion Show.

“As well as giving northern talent a platform to showcase their work, we’re working to help some really good causes, so it’s been great to see so many businesses getting involved with the event.”

The event, which is being sponsored by a number of well-known organisations including train company Grand Central, makeup brand Bobbi Brown, and Yorkshire Living Magazine, starts at 5.45pm with a champagne reception.

Tickets to the event now sold out.

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