Category: What’s New?

Harry Potter inspires new attraction

By on 7th February 2019in What's New?

An award-winning holiday site is set to attract visitors from around the globe with its latest addition – a cottage inspired by a favourite character from children’s fiction.

North Shire at Liverton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers guests the opportunity to stay in everything from original gypsy bow top caravans to a story book cottage, complete with a walk-through wardrobe into a hidden bedroom.

The site, which also has camping facilities, previously created a Hobbit House which has attracted fans from across the world who wanted to stay in the faithful tribute to the Lord of the Rings novels.

And from this spring guests will have yet another reason to visit North Shire when the groundkeeper’s cottage is unveiled, inspired by Hagrid’s Hut from the Harry Potter books.

Along with the groundkeeper’s cottage, North Shire is also creating an Enchanted Barn, which will be used as a venue for weddings, conferences and special events.

The new development amounts to a £500,000 investment in the Golden Hill Farm attraction, with the groundkeeper’s cottage open in March and the Enchanted Barn the following month.

Funding for the latest additions to the visitor attraction was provided by SME funder, Reward Finance Group, along with support from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Carol Cavendish, who owns North Shire and is the creator of the latest attractions, said there has already been a huge amount of interest.

“We’re known for offering something very different with a real touch of magic and I believe that’s exactly what visitors will see when they visit,” she said.

“It’s just the start of the exciting plans we have for developing North Shire and I think both the groundkeeper’s cottage and the Enchanted Barn will prove really popular.

“Our thanks go to both Reward Finance Group and RDPE for appreciating the concept, recognising its potential and financially supporting the vision.”

For further information or bookings visit www.northshire.co.uk

Newcastle bar launches ‘fake wake’ package

By on 7th February 2019in What's New?
Union Rooms

People who will miss out on a celebration of their life can now find out exactly what their friends and family think of them, thanks to the launch of a ‘fake wake’ package at a North East bar.

Paying tributes to a deceased person plays a part in most funeral ceremonies, but the ‘guest of honour’ never really gets to hear their loved ones express their feelings – until now.

And that’s why Newcastle’s The Union Rooms is offering its newly refurbished events spaces and private meeting rooms for anyone who wants to celebrate their ‘passing’ – before they actually pass.

Stuart Young, of Cyclone Leisure, which owns The Union Rooms, at Westgate Road, believes that the bespoke package – which include refreshments and the option for entertainment – is a first for the region.

“We are hoping that this might appeal to a whole range of people,” said Stuart.

“It may be someone who just wants to celebrate their life with family and friends or, sadly, someone with a life limiting condition who may want to get their loved ones together.

“The fact that The Union Rooms is a historic building with such a special feel will give an added dimension and a sense of occasion to the gathering – or any others that people want to have here.”

The Union Rooms relaunched in late November after a complete transformation which includes upper level rooms suitable for private rooms, a restaurant and a stylish library.

As well as the fake wakes – which were inspired by a recent episode of television series Delicious – the venue is planning to host meetings, events and celebrations.

“We absolutely believe we’ve found a gap in the market and are looking forward to hearing from anyone who would like to talk to us about organising one of these events.”

For further information contact The Union Rooms on 0191 261 2226.

Roofing company plan to win over the 52% of the British public who don’t trust roofers

By on 28th January 2019in Local Biz, What's New?
Findley

According to a recent survey, roofers and builders wound up bottom of the pile when Britons were asked which group of traders they trusted the most. With electricians top of the list gaining 80% of people’s support, roofers only managed to pull in just over half of that figure, with a staggeringly poor 48%.

Above them sat the likes of carpenters, plumbers, and heating engineers, with an impressive 70-75% of public faith. It makes us ask the question: ‘why are people so sceptical of roofers and builders?’

One company in particular are striving to change this reputation single-handedly. Starting with the North East of England, Findley Roofing and Building will not stop until they have changed the ideologies of people nationwide. They have big plans that they have already begun putting into motion, hoping to further enhance the image of their reputable company.

They’ve recently scrapped one job role and replaced it with a much more effective one. There will be no more quantity surveyors, and instead three contracts managers who will not only take over the previous job description, but they’ll also manage the whole project throughout, ensuring better communication and management on every job.

Findley Roofing and Building believe this will better enable customers to follow the process of the work they’ve requested, and if they have any questions they can speak directly to those in charge. The contracts managers will be there before, during, and after the work is completed, and will be with the customer every step of the way.

The North East company are hoping that this new approach will have a positive rippling effect across the country. Grant Findley, the company’s Managing Director said: “It saddens us that roofers and builders have such a negative stigma, when we do everything in our power to create good work and happy customers. We’ve made it our mission to raise that devastatingly low statistic, and quickly.’

To find out more about Findley Roofing & Building, visit their website findleyroofing.co.uk or call their office on 0191 417 3422.

Ultra-fit North East lawyer wins a place in London Landmarks half-marathon to help raise funds for equality and access to justice

By on 23rd January 2019in In & Around, Lifestyle, What's New?

A leading North East lawyer has won a much sought after place in the new London Landmarks Half Marathon….in his continued quest to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the voluntary ‘pro bono’ work within the legal profession.

Hugh Welch took up running as a hobby 10 years ago and is senior partner at Newcastle based law firm Muckle LLP.

Already clocking up an impressive list of marathons and ultra-marathons on his journey so far, he has now been awarded one of ten exclusive national places made available by Advocate, which is the national charity finding free legal help from barristers.

He has now earned the right to compete alongside13,000 other runners in the world famous half-marathon, which takes place on 24th March 2019 and also takes in renowned landmark places through both the City of London and City of Westminster.

The race starts on Pall Mall and finishes by Downing Street and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye and of course the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand.

Speaking about his news, Hugh said: “This is such a privilege for me to be accepted and be given the opportunity to run in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. I took up running 10 years ago and run for fun, so this is a great opportunity for me to combine my love of running with fundraising for a cause that I really care about.

“I am passionate about equality and justice.  For me, access to justice is every bit as important within our society as access to education and healthcare.  It’s fundamentally wrong that people who can’t afford it are denied access to legal advice and to the court system.

“Also, like many other legal practices, our lawyers at Muckle are very active in doing pro bono work and we see this as a key part of our commitment to this region.

“I have been challenged to raise a minimum of £400 pounds in sponsorship money as part of my place in the half-marathon and this will be the first time I have asked friends, colleagues and clients to sponsor and help support my running,” he added.

Advocate encourages and facilitates voluntary work by lawyers and others working in the legal sector in their local communities.

Mary Dobson, Head of Fundraising and Communications, at Advocate said: “We are delighted to have chosen Hugh as one of our 10 participants to represent Advocate in this, the first year we’ve partnered with the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

“Last year Simon Gledhill of 3 Temple Gardens achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon whilst wearing barrister robes. He’ll be running again in 2019, this time alongside Hugh to raise funds for our work.

“We are hoping our ten participants will raise thousands of pounds and much needed awareness for our work getting free legal help for really vulnerable people facing court alone in England and Wales.”

Advocate was founded as the Bar Pro Bono Unit by Lord Goldsmith QC in 1996. They are the only pro bono charity to provide legal assistance in every area of law in all courts and tribunals across England and Wales. They work with 4,000 volunteer barristers who donate their time and expertise to help people who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance and who are not eligible for legal aid. The Unit rebranded to become Advocate in October 2018, modernising their brand and service to become more accessible to as many people as possible and to help increase access to justice for all. Read more on their website https://weareadvocate.org.uk

Muckle LLP has a well-established charity and fund raising programme and actively encourages staff to become involved. Over 40% of its staff regularly volunteer for charities and the firm donates 1% of its annual profits to its charitable fund each year. To date, many communities and worthy causes across the North East have benefitted from over £500,000 in grants from the fund.

Hugh Welch has led the business in developing its award winning corporate social responsibility programme. Muckle is a five-time winner of the North East Business Heart of the Community Award (Tyneside and Northumberland) and won national recognition when it scooped ‘Best Contribution by a Firm with a Regional Head Office’ at the 2017 Law Works Pro Bono Awards.

To find out more about Hugh Welch’s half marathon fundraising drive, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HughWelch

North East Optometrist’s invention set to have a national impact

By on 18th December 2018in Articles, Business, Inspiration, Lifestyle, What's New?

Simon Berry, North East based Optometrist, has invented a simple, yet effective way to make eye tests less frightening and intimidating for those with learning difficulties.

Working with Durham University, Simon Berry has created the VFS (Visual Fixation System), which allows patients to watch a video while their eyes are being tested. For many children with learning difficulties, a trip to the opticians can be stressful, but this invention gives them a chance to watch their favourite video while having their eyes tested. The VFS works by splitting a beam of light reflecting the image from a phone to the patient, allowing the Optometrist to examine their eyes.

Simon Berry has been an Optometrist for over 20 years, having worked in a hospital paediatric clinic throughout his professional career. Over 16 years ago, he set up his own independent optometry practice in Gilesgate, Durham and he also works at Sunderland Eye Infirmary as a specialist Optometrist. This week, Berry appeared on BBC’s Look North discussing the success of the device and his plans to take it nationwide.

Berry sees a lot of children and adults with learning disabilities and keeping these patients engaged whilst trying to complete the various clinical measurements required can be challenging. The VFS was specifically designed for this reason. These are a very important patient as they have an increased risk of having eye problems, with one in ten having an eye disease and 40% will need glasses, a far higher percentage than the general population.

Simon has been working on the device for over three years and hopes it will help a wide range of patients. In particular, it has been used on Autistic patients who may find eye contact uncomfortable, as it hides the Optometrist’s face as they complete the test. It is also useful for young children and babies who find it hard to sit still, and he predicts it will be useful for patients with dementia, too.

The initial prototype was made in collaboration with Durham University and the technology is now licensed to Optimec, a UK company based in Malvern, specialising in the design and manufacture of optically based instrumentation and devices. The VFS is already an invaluable aid in helping examine children and patients with a learning disability in his own practice, since its launch in September. The product is now being tested by Optical Specialists around the UK.

Great Ormond Street Hospital has expressed interest in the device and it is currently being trialled by Aston University, Cardiff University, ABDO (Association of British Dispensing Opticians), and SeeAbility (a national charity). Berry hopes it will be used by Optometrist’s nationwide.

To find out more about Simon Berry’s Visual Fixation System, call their office on 0191 375 7544.

Escape from Lumley Castle

By on 14th December 2018in Entertainment, Events, In & Around, Places To Go, What's New?, What's On?

The Legend surrounding a 630-year-old North East castle is to be brought vividly to life, giving amateur detectives the chance to solve a mystery in a UK first.

Lumley Castle Hotel, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has announced plans to create the country’s first escape room within a historic property.

The 73-room castle has joined forces with the highly acclaimed Escape Rooms Durham, which already runs two games within the city centre, Mr Borrowdale’s Study and Lab Heist.

And the organisation has created a unique new escape room challenge, based on the tragic story of Lily of Lumley, who, in the 14th century, was reputedly thrown down a well by Catholic priests for renouncing her faith.

Lily is said to haunt the castle and there have been many supposed sightings of her ghost over the years – but now everyone who visits Lumley will get the opportunity to come face to face with the tragic heroine.

The escape room is being created in the castle’s former beer cellar and is scheduled to launch on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2019.

Sam Lupton of Escape Rooms Durham said this will be a unique experience.

“We have worked tirelessly over the past few months to create a game that is not only entertaining but is also completely immersive in its game play and the only one of its kind in the UK,” said Sam.

“We can’t wait to share the experience of Lily of Lumley with visitors to the castle and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with this fantastic hotel.”

Although the story centres around the legend of Lily of Lumley, the experience is set to be family friendly and suitable for anyone over the age of ten.

The Escape Room experience will be open to residents and non-residents alike with the option to add an overnight stay, afternoon tea package, or dinner in the hotel’s highly acclaimed Black Knight restaurant at the time of booking.

Lumley Castle Sales manager Lauren Colledge believes the attraction will be a fantastic asset to the hotel and give visitors another reason to visit.

“This is a very exciting venture for us and we are investing heavily in it,” she said.

It will mean a visit to Lumley will be even more special and we know it will appeal to a wide range of audiences, from corporate guests who want a challenging team building activity to leisure visitors who want to have some fun.”

For more information or to make a booking visit www.escapedurham.co.uk.

Don’t miss out on the festivities of the 2018 Durham Regatta

By on 7th June 2018in What's New?, What's On?
Durham Regatta University College Durham versus Newcastle University

The legendary Durham Regatta is one of the cornerstones of the annual rowing calendar. Taking place each year on the second weekend of June on the River Wear – and the stunning backdrop of the World Heritage Site of the City of Durham – the Regatta has deservedly come to be known as ‘the Henley of the North’.

That moniker, of course, refers to the prestigious event on the River Thames that actually first took place five years after its north-eastern counterpart.

Few regional events boast such a remarkable history

While the first running of Durham Regatta was in 1834 – shortly after the university was formed – the event has its origins in the annual procession of boats organised by the Sheriff of County Durham and the Rt. Hon. William Lloyd Wharton in June 1815 to celebrate the “famous victory” at Waterloo.

The early Durham Regatta took a form similar to what the event’s many admirers are familiar with today, the racing taking place over two days from Prebends Bridge to Pelaw Wood. Today, though, the events are held over two courses – a short 700-metre course and a longer, more challenging course stretching some 1,800 metres.

There are now about 60 trophies presented at the Regatta each year, and as you might expect, many of these have their own impressive histories. However, there’s no doubt about the most prestigious accolade – the Grand Challenge Cup, which was introduced in 1854 and has been dominated in recent years by Durham University Boat Club and Newcastle University Boat Club.

So, what can you expect as a visitor in 2018?

One thing that you will certainly notice as an attendee of Durham Regatta these days is that it isn’t just for the most avid followers of the boat-racing calendar. Even in the earliest years of the event, local veterans of Waterloo would be able to help themselves to free ale, but similar hospitality is now extended to surviving relatives of local men at the battle.

More than that, though, you’re entitled to join those descendants and the several thousand more people who attend the event every year as spectators. In fact, it’s hoped that this year’s Regatta – set for the weekend of 9th and 10th June – could see numbers even higher than the 10,000 spectators that showed up in 2017.

The action itself can be enjoyed ‘up close and personal’ from Durham riverbank, with the elite men’s and women’s fours event seeing the region’s best rowers negotiate Elvet Bridge at flat-out race pace.

It’s not just about the rowers

But you’ll also have much more than the racing itself to look forward to, thanks to the free live bankside entertainment and activities that are planned over the next two days. These include music at the historic bandstand and circus performers, not to mention souvenir and craft stalls and even a display of hundreds of beautifully maintained classic cars.

With tickets costing just £5 for adults and £2 for over-65s and children aged between five and 16, this year’s Regatta promises to be something truly special. Visit www.durham-regatta.org.uk or call 0770 976 5085 for the latest information about this year’s ticketing, events and more.

What’s On

By on 7th June 2018in What's New?, What's On?
Kynren

Funny Way To Be Comedy – Rich Hall’s Hoedown, The Witham, Barnard Castle

Rich Hall has long been shining a light on the comic contrasts between American culture and our own. However, with US President Donald Trump continuing to cast a particularly dark shadow over the world, Rich’s no-holds-barred brand of humour can seem more relevant than ever. Judging from how the show has shaped up – in an improvisational way – earlier in the tour, this gig on 7th June could also see Rich spouting plenty about Barnard Castle – in song!

Lauren Laverne’s Great Northern Soundtrack, Sage Gateshead

One of Sunderland’s most esteemed daughters, radio DJ and presenter Lauren Laverne, will be curating a week of very Northern music. Manchester, Sheffield and indeed, Newcastle have all produced their fair share of musical giants – and from 22nd June to 1st July, concerts, talks and even art exhibitions will reflect the area’s proud musical heritage. The lineup of acts is set to include Nadine Shah, Roisin Murphy and Northumbrian piper and Sting collaborator Kathryn Tickell.

LEGO Timeline of Northern Innovation, Mining Institute, Newcastle

The North has a long history of creativity, culminating in such innovations as Stephenson’s Rocket, virtual reality, graphene and the Great North Run. So, what better medium than Lego – yes, the Danish building blocks – for use in visually representing those four examples and many more in this new exhibition? It will start on 22nd June, run until 9th September and feature over 40 models assembled by local Lego artist Steve Mayes.

Cooking With Elvis, People’s Theatre, Newcastle

There’s a thin line between comedy and tragedy, as you will be able to see for yourself when this Lee Hall-penned black comedy is staged from 12nd to 16th June. For £14 a ticket, you can watch the chaos that comically reverberates through the family of an amateur Elvis impersonator who suffers a paralysis brought on by a car crash. The play’s taboo-busting anarchy isn’t for theatregoers of a nervous disposition…

Kynren: An Epic Tale of England, Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland

Since performances of Kynren were first staged in summer 2016, this theatrical spectacular has been thrilling North East audiences with its large-scale, open-air retelling of 2,000 years of human history, myth and legend. A thousand-strong cast and crew will bring Kynren back this summer – and the battles, stunts and pyrotechnics will be suitable for the whole family. The show will be delivered at least weekly from 30th June until 15th September.

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, Amazon Prime Video

In an issue of a Spider-Man comic back in 1982, Marvel gave on-page debuts to Cloak and Dagger, a young superhero duo with different but complementary powers. While Cloak can shroud his enemies in darkness, Dagger is capable of firing off luminescent daggers. However, behind their spectacular guises are two teenagers who also happen to share a romantic spark.

In the ‘80s, the characters grew in prominence as Marvel even gave them their own series, in which Cloak and Dagger would primarily aim to tackle the drugs trade rather than take on costumed supervillains. There’s a similarly dark tone to this new TV series, which UK viewers will get to enjoy on Amazon Prime Video on 8th June – only a day after the series arrives in the US. Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt will respectively play the eponymous leads.

What’s On

By on 15th May 2018in What's New?, What's On?

Jason Donovan and his Amazing Midlife Crisis, Gala Theatre, Durham

Jason Donovan has done a lot in his decades-long time in the spotlight – like starring in Neighbours with Kylie Minogue, topping the UK chart alongside the same Kylie, befriending David Gest on I’m a Celebrity, and playing the eponymous role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. On Friday 11th May, less than a month before his 50th birthday, he will be regaling a Durham audience with autobiographical tales as colourful as a certain dreamcoat…

Birdsong, Gala Theatre, Durham

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the horror of which led the world to hope “never again”… ultimately in vain. Adapted from Sebastian Faulks’ novel of the same name, this theatre production of Birdsong follows young Englishman Stephen Wraysford as the war disrupts his previously idyllic life. Performances will run from Monday 21st May to Saturday 26th May with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday.

Georgian Fair, Beamish Museum

All year round, Beamish Museum lets you step straight into the 1820s at its Pockerley area, which includes Pockerley Old Hall and Pockerley Gardens. However, at the museum’s Georgian Fair this year, from 31st May until 3rd June, you will be able to enjoy many other Georgian treats – including wearing traditional Georgian attire and enjoying live music and clog dancing typical of the era. You will even be able to watch a fire eater!

Robots – then and now, Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Judging from Siri’s inability to even understand accents sometimes, we probably don’t need to fear technology posing any Terminator-style threat to humanity any time soon. Incidentally, a T800 Terminator from the 2009 film Terminator Salvation features among various robots from popular culture in this exhibition – which, from 26th May until 2nd December, will show centuries of robot history in a family-friendly fashion. This exhibition has been put together by the London-based Science Museum.

Tim Vine: Sunset Milk Idiot, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

To call Tim Vine fond of puns would be rather understating the case – but, for once, he hasn’t bothered coming up with one for the simply silly title of his current tour. You can expect more silliness than the semi-skimmed stuff if you come along to the Tyne Theatre for 8pm on Tuesday 22nd or Wednesday 23rd May. As Tim says insightfully: “Sunsets are in the sky, milk’s nice, and I’m an idiot.”

Siren, Syfy UK

The folklore of mermaids has long fascinated humanity; a particularly early depiction of a mermaid even features in the Norman Chapel of Durham Castle. However, the enduring popularity of Disney’s The Little Mermaid has given many of us the romantic perception of mermaids as princesses.

We see a darker take on the mermaid myth in the new American TV drama series Siren – which, in this country, will debut on Syfy UK come 9pm on Thursday 3rd May. The series is set in Bristol Cove, a fictional town in a coastal location and known to legend as once a home for mermaids.

A mysterious girl, Ryn (played by British actress Eline Powell) arrives in the town where she soon causes havoc, leading two marine biologists to investigate the mystery of this far-from-stereotypical sea person. Zimbabwean actress Sibongile Mlambo also stars.

Up, up, up and away: Balloons InDurham is back for seconds

By on 15th May 2018in What's New?, What's On?

If you’re looking to swap the hot air spouted by your aunts and in-laws this Spring Bank Holiday weekend for, erm, some other hot air, we’ve got the perfect news for you: the Balloons InDurham festival that debuted last year is coming back for a second helping.

Last year’s fiesta, organised by Durham BID (Business Improvement District), was as thoroughly appreciated as it was eagerly anticipated, attracting some 20,000 people to the city to watch the hot air balloon launches and the night glow.

Hopes for a fault-free event

As so often with inaugural events, though, not everything went to plan, with high winds forcing the cancellation of some of the balloon launches. Still, such experiences will have stood the organisers in good stead for this year’s event, so there’s probably never been a better time to discover the joys of balloons in Durham.

Sure enough, Adam Deathe of Durham BID said the team had learned many lessons from last year’s festival and the feedback received from it. He added that the organisers would be doing everything they could to make this year’s Balloons InDurham festival the biggest and best yet – and we don’t doubt them.

What’s planned for this year?

Durham BID sent out a ‘save the date’ tweet on 21st March with the hashtag #BalloonsInDurham, urging its social followers to make space in their diaries for 25th to 28th May.

The full programme of events was yet to be released at the time IN&AROUND went to press, but we already know certain things about what will take place over the four days.

The 2018 festival will be held across various locations within Durham, with an array of hot air balloons set to take off in both the early mornings and later in the evenings from the Houghall Campus of East Durham College.

The public will also be able to enjoy tethered balloon rides at Palace Green next to the cathedral, in addition to an assortment of other family-friendly activities.

With Balloons InDurham set to be just one of many balloon events happening across the UK this year, it promises to be quite the celebration for people of all ages. But don’t just look to the skies, as on the ground, the weekend also gives you the ideal opportunity to shop, dine and enjoy the many other fine things about this remarkable city and part of England.

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