Tag: charity

Hardwick Hall Charity Lobster Ball Reveals Star-Studded Lineup

By on 7th January 2016in Entertainment, Events

One of the most anticipated charity balls on the North East calendar will be returning this spring – with a 90s diva heading up the entertainment…

The annual Lobster Charity Ball will be taking place at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday April 22nd, which will include a performance by Heather Small, the voice of M People.

The singer, whose many hits include One Night In Heaven, Moving On Up and Search For the Hero, will be taking to the stage at the glitzy event in aid of autism charity Daisy Chain.

Also featured on the line-up is party band Shakedown, and North East 20 piece big band Musicians Unlimited, with the evening hosted by comedian Brendan Healy.

The black tie event will give guests the chance to sample a four course gourmet lobster surf and turf meal prepared by the award-winning chefs from The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.

This year’s event also includes a cocktails and canapés reception, along with a Taittinger Champagne bar and complimentary wine, lager and beer for guests all evening.

“We are delighted to have been able to book a singer of the calibre of Heather Small for this year’s ball,” said John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel.

“The Lobster Charity Ball has a reputation of putting on brilliant performers, and this year will be no exception.

“It’s such a fantastic evening where everyone likes to dress up and come along and have a great time, while supporting an amazing charity.

“We are also grateful to our sponsors, including LA Taxis, Heineken and Bidvest, along with jobhunter.co.uk who are coming on board as our main sponsor for the first time.”

The evening will also feature a fashion show, with clothes from award-winning menswear store Woven, recently voted the Durham Retailer of the Decade.

Tickets for the evening, which will run from 7pm until 1am, are priced at £140 plus VAT, and can be purchased by contacting the venue’s events team on 01740 620253, or by emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

Over the past 13 years, Hardwick Hall has raised more than £520,000 for local charities by hosting both the Lobster Ball and the North East Oyster Festival.

Pantomime Star Joins Durham Park Run

By on 21st December 2015in In & Around

Amateur athletes were bright as Buttons as they were joined by a pantomime star for Durham Park Run…

 

With the Gala Theatre’s Cinderella half way through its run, the cast must dig deep ahead of the more than 20 performances still to come.

But showing he still has the stamina for the weeks ahead, writer, director and actor Paul Hartley pulled on his trainers and dashing blue Buttons costume to start the 5km course at Maiden Castle.

Cinderella, which Paul wrote and directed alongside Neil Armstrong, has been praised by audiences and critics alike, with many performances sold out over the Christmas period.

The show runs until Sunday 3rd January. Tickets, priced from £8, are still available – with the best availability for performances on the final weekend. For more information, call the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or visit www.galadurham.co.uk.

Cinderella Stars Take Panto Magic To Children’s Ward

By on 17th December 2015in Entertainment

As stars of Cinderella brought festive cheer to a North East hospital, children found that if they can’t go to the ball, the ball will come to them…

 

The cast of the Gala pantomime visited Treetops, the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Durham, to meet patients, parents and staff.

Dressed in full costume, Hazel Pude, James Hedley, Sally Collett and Paul Hartley brought their Christmas alter egos (Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother and Buttons) to give youngsters a boost before the Christmas period.

Writer, director and actor Paul Hartley said: “Having two little girls myself, I was extremely honoured to be asked to go to Treetops and help raise some smiles for Christmas.

“The bravery displayed by the children was great to see.

“And the great attitude of the staff and the parents, who often work under extremely difficult and trying circumstances, was an inspiration.”

Cinderella began a six week run on November 26th to rave reviews, with critics praising its “wonderful set, terrific lighting, top-class dancers, eye-catching costumes and live music.”

The show runs until Sunday 3rd January 2016, with tickets, priced from £8, available by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

North East Artist Uses Powerful Designs To Help SSI Families

By on 14th December 2015in In & Around

A North East artist wants to help families affected by the closure of SSI by donating 10% of profits he makes from the sale of his artwork…

Graphic designer Graeme Hall has created a series of 150 powerful, limited edition designs depicting the closure of Consett Steelworks, which saw 4,500 people lose their jobs in September 1980.

Having grown up around Consett, the father-of-two witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that such a closure has on a community, which is one of the reasons he has decided to donate to the Teesside Steel Appeal.

Graeme, 43, has also been inspired by the actions of 10-year-old Ben Hebden, from Marske, who started a fund to give a Christmas party and other treats to steelworkers’ children.

He said: “When I saw in the news that this young lad was doing an extremely generous thing to help those affected by the closure of SSI, I thought why can’t I raise some money to show my support for them?

“When the Consett Steelworks shut down, the impact it had on the community was huge, and it took years for the town to recover.

“I knew people who were personally hit by the closure back then, but I couldn’t really help the way I wanted to.

“This time, I can do something to help, even if it makes Christmas better for just one family.”

Each of Graeme’s designs has been created to capture the significant moment in the region’s history, while emphasizing the scale of the steelworks and showing how it dominated Consett.

Taking anything between eight hours and a couple of days to produce, Graeme has used an abundance of reds to portray the processes which were used when the steelworks was running and often left a red glow over Consett.

Having worked as a graphic designer for the last 20 years, Graeme – who is a director of award winning branding and graphic design studio Designs Unique – always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art from a young age.

Although he has never sold any of his work in the past, Graeme currently has designs displayed in Consett’s The Glass and Art Gallery, and now hopes his work will find its place in houses across the North East, while helping SSI families enjoy their Christmas.

To order or enquire about a design, email www.uniquely-yours.co.uk.

There are four different designs available, which come in A3 and cost £45 (double mounted) and £98 (framed).

Hundreds Gather At Metrocentre For Christmas 1K Elf Run

By on 7th December 2015in In & Around

North East families have dusted off their elf costumes for the second intu Elf Run at intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre…

 

Over 1,000 excitable elves took to the region’s favourite shopping malls to take part in the 1km charity fun run.

Participating elves paid £10 to enter the race and received an elf T-shirt and hat, an ‘official helper’ certificate from Santa and a well deserved runner’s medal for completing the fun run.

Santa’s little helpers also showed their Christmas spirit by fundraising on behalf of The Percy Hedley Foundation, and bringing in unwrapped presents for Santa to distribute to children in the North East.

First off the starting blocks at intu Metrocentre was Lisa Clark, from Hebburn, and her children Owen, Ewan and Freya. Lisa said: “It was a really fun event to take part in. The kids just sprinted ahead when the race began! Can’t wait to do it again.”

Clair Williams, from Kenton, who attended the run with her husband Simon and their sons Thomas and Luke, said: “It was a really fun day for the whole family. The kids love their medals and certificates, and would love to come back again.”

At intu Eldon Square, Maria Bokhari from High Heaton attended the run with her children Zavi, age 6, and Ariana, age 2. Maria said: “We’ve had a great morning at the fun run. Everyone involved was so enthusiastic, and there was a wonderful atmosphere with all the little elves running around!”

Mary Dowson, from Morpeth, completed the run with her children Leo, age 10, Lorenzo, age 7, Lewi, age 6, and Rowon, age 3. Mary said: “This is our second year doing the run. My kids haven’t slept all night as they were so excited about taking part! It’s a fabulous event and a great way to support a local charity. We’ve had a fantastic time, although I’m completely out of breath now!”

Karen Carr, intu regional marketing manager, North, said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our second intu Elf Run. The atmosphere on the malls has been joyful with lots of new little elves taking part as well as some who ran last year. Christmas may be a time of indulgence, but these unique 1k indoor family fun runs are a great opportunity for our shoppers to get active, get elfy, and get into the festive spirit whilst raising valuable funds for The Percy Hedley Foundation, an organisation recognised nationally and internationally as leading the way in the provision of specialist, high quality, and innovative services for disabled people.”

Northern Students To Showcase Work In Support Of Refugees

By on 2nd December 2015in In & Around

Students from across Northern England are being given the chance to showcase their work before two leading figures in international media, as part of a unique fundraising event…

On January 29th, the University of York’s Central Hall will be hosting a charity fashion show featuring the designs of young people from a number of regional colleges and universities.

The Northern Youth Fashion Show, in aid of two refugee charities, will be attended by Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast.

The event has been organised by HARD Magazine, a fashion publication at the University of York, and will not only showcase the designs of students from universities across the region, but will also raise vital funds to support refugees.

Students from the University of York, the University of Sunderland, Leeds College of Art, Newcastle College, Hull College, the University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University, and Leeds Beckett University will all be taking part.

It will also include a talk with Ms. Wintour, followed by a question and answer session led by Ms. Viner.

Proceeds from The Northern Youth Fashion Show will be split between the Xavier Project, which runs schools, creates jobs, and offers mentoring schemes to some of the biggest refugee communities in the world and Refugee Action York, which plays a pivotal role in integrating refugees in the local area.

“We wanted to host an event that would highlight the creative talent of students and support the community by fundraising for local charities,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the event organisers.

“It’s fantastic to have Anna and Katharine on board to help make it a success. We are pleased with the positive response we’ve had so far. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

The event is being sponsored by train company Grand Central, and a spokesman said they were delighted to be on board.

“At Grand Central, we take pride in supporting young people – whether that is through hosting art competitions for emerging talent or by making student travel experience more enjoyable through our free Wi-Fi offer, and affordable with our unique discount,” he said.

“The Northern Youth Show is an opportunity for us to once again demonstrate our commitment to young people, as well as their colleges and universities that are based along our routes.”

Tickets for the event cost £30 (or £15 for students) and are available at http://www.yusu.org/tickets. A champagne reception and live music performances are included in the evening’s programme.

A “Ticket And A Tin” option is also available, with tickets priced at £10, but purchasers must include the donation of a tin of food to go to a York foodbank.

The evening will also include a champagne reception and live music performances.

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Blue Workout Raises Heart-Rates And Funds For Alzheimer’s Society

By on 1st December 2015in In & Around

In support of the Alzheimer’s Society, fitness instructor Lesley Colwill painted Chester-le-Street Parish Centre blue with a special work-out…

 

Members and friends of the town’s Keep Fit Association Moves branch got together for a ‘Blue’ Workout fundraising event, the colour chosen to represent the charity.

Participants packed out the Parish Centre, off Church Chare, to enjoy a great evening of exercise, movement and dance to a variety of music led by KFA Moves instructor, Lesley.

The fitness group was also treated to a top-class performance from the North East KFA Young Adults Championship Team ‘Northern Lights’.

A raffle and refreshments were available afterwards, with blue cakes and buns to get the energy back after a great workout. All in all, the association raised a fantastic £400 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Rebecca Scott, Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser in the North East said: “We are extremely grateful to Lesley and KFA for all of the time and effort they have put into this event for Alzheimer’s Society.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Lesley and the group to help us support people to live well with dementia, and to fund research to find a cure.”

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Society’s work, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.

To read about Rebecca Scott’s personal work with the charity, read her article My Fight Against Dementia.

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Drop And Wrap Service Running For Sunderland Christmas Shoppers

By on 24th November 2015in In & Around

Shoppers in Sunderland can get Christmas all wrapped up thanks to a new initiative…

From November 26th, Sunderland’s Business Improvement District company, Experience It Here! will be running a special Drop and Wrap service in partnership with National Skills Shop for Retail.

Shoppers will be able to unload their gifts at the new Elephant Tea Room, High Street West, and leave them there to be wrapped while they enjoy the packed programme of seasonal events running in the city.

This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and funfair.

“Christmas shopping can be hectic,” said Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Ken Dunbar.  “We’re hoping that the Drop and Wrap service will help reduce stress and give visitors a chance to enjoy our events, without having to lug their gifts around.”

The Drop and Wrap service will be run by staff and apprentices from National Skills Shop for Retail, as well as several volunteers.

“There’s so much going on in Sunderland this Christmas, so it’s great to be able to provide a service that will make it easier for people to take advantage of that,” said Chris Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at National Skills Shop for Retail.

“We expect the service to be very popular and are appealing for volunteers to get into the festive spirit and give us a hand.”

Shoppers can have their presents wrapped from £2 per item, with 50% of proceeds going to charities run by Sunderland Minster.

“Not only will this service help Sunderland’s visitors to enjoy the festive season, but it will also raise money for some really great causes,” said Sheila Bamber, Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster.

“We’re very grateful to Sunderland BID and National Skills Shop for Retail for choosing our charities to be the recipients of the money that’s raised.”

For more information about the Drop and Wrap service, or to volunteer, please call 0191 649 8686.

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North East Charity Offer Afternoon Of Shopping And Indulgence

By on 12th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

A girly afternoon of shopping, pampering and indulgence is on offer in aid of a leading North East charity…

 

Sunderland-based Hope 4 Kidz – which supports youngsters with a range of special needs – is hosting Handbags and High Tea at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton Hotel on Saturday November 21st.

The event, running from 2pm until 5pm, will give attendees the opportunity to shop at a range of unique stalls, buy Christmas gifts, test out beauty treatments and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.

Also organised for the day are a range of raffles and auctions, with everyone who attends being entered into a free draw for a mystery prize.

Guests will also be given the opportunity to see the extensive spa facilities at the hotel and find out more about the treatments on offer.

“Handbags and High Tea was a huge success for us last year, and we’re delighted to be repeating it in a new area and venue” said Viv Watts, who runs Hope 4 Kidz.

“It’s a fantastic setting, we’ve got some great stalls and it’s a real opportunity to indulge in a spot of pampering, retail therapy and Christmas shopping, all while helping a good cause.”

All proceeds from Handbags and High Tea will go to support Hope 4 Kidz’s free Santa’s Christmas Party, attended by children from across the North East suffering from mental or physical disabilities, long term illness, or poverty and abuse.

Since it was established in May 2007 the charity has helped 33,000 children by hosting events like this to help raise funds.

Tickets for Handbags and High Tea are priced £15.95 each, including the tea and a goody bag for all attendees.

For more information or to book, contact Hope 4 Kidz on 0191 534 7788, or email vivien.watts@hope4kidz.org.uk.

Jak Inc: Raising Money For Charity With Letters From Santa

By on 28th October 2015in Have Your Say, Local Biz, What's New?

Marketing, print and design agency Jak Inc are spreading a little Christmas cheer again. Here’s their latest charity campaign, in their own words…

Looking for a way to make this Christmas extra special for the little ones?

A few years ago, we set up www.myletterfromsanta.co.uk. As Christmas came around, we wanted to do our bit for charity, so we used our experience as a print retailer to devise the best-looking, most magical Santa Claus letters we could.

Each year, we send out hundreds of letters (from Santa) to kids across the North East, and the proceeds of every letter goes to charity. This year, we’ve picked Children In Need.

Jak Inc MD Andy Knowles says, “Handing over the big cheque to St Cuthbert’s Hospice last year was a very proud moment. Giving back to our community is part of the Jak Inc DNA, and we hope this year can be another successful campaign.”

Letters are just £4.99, 100% of which goes to Children In Need. Click here to get yours!

Got a query about Letters From Santa? Call 0191 3882698 (to speak to one of Santa’s little helpers) or email sales@mylettersfromsanta.co.uk.

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