Tag: christmas

#ThrowbackThursday: Icebreakers Of The Tyne

By on 31st December 2015in Lifestyle

The Tyne & Wear Flickr Archive provides a unique view into Newcastle’s shipbuilding past…

 

 

Although the days of the Tyne being crammed with ships may be long gone, the proud memories of North East shipyards are still as strong as ever.

The region’s marine heritage dates as far back as 1294, when a galley was built in Newcastle for the King’s fleet. By 1346, ships were being built in Sunderland, and then in Stockton a little over a century later. From then, it remained a key industry in the area until the late 20th century.

So of all of the thousands built, where were these ships going to? As documented in this Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Flicker album, some were destined for the far reaches of Russia.

 

The SS Baikal (pictured above) and the Ermack were both built by W G Amrstrong Whitworth & Co Ltd in the 1890s, in their Low Walker yard. These were sent east for ice-breaking duties across frozen waters.

Click through the gallery below to see the fantastic images of both ships in action.

 

Included in the gallery is a photograph of the workforce which reassembled the SS Baikal upon its arrival at Lake Baikal. As the caption reads:

“They were mainly exiles and criminals. They also included Isaac O’Henry, the Chief Engineer, who often told a tale of a long walk in the tundra alone with a guide who later turned out to have murdered his entire family with an axe.”

To see more of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums photographs, click here.

To see more local #ThrowbackThursdays, click here.

Do you have shipbuilding memories or photographs of your own to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!

#ThrowbackThursday: A Very Victorian Christmas

By on 24th December 2015in Lifestyle

The Tyne & Wear Flickr archive has a few more wintery snaps to offer…

Last week we shared an album of wintery North East photographs from years gone by, and with Christmas just a day away, we’re keeping with the festive theme for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday.

History buffs among you will know that early in the 19th century, Christmas was hardly celebrated, but by the time Queen Victoria was reigning, the festivities were becoming somewhat recognisable to what we know and love today. Vic’s husband Prince Albert brought the country’s first Christmas Tree with him from Germany, and the tradition has stuck ever since.

The album below, titled A Victorian Christmas gives us a window into a North East Christmas just as the holiday was becoming a time for family festivities. Take a look…

Snowy Christmases like these might be a thing of distant memory, but it’s great to see a real local winter wonderland. Highlights are youngsters ice skating, kitted out with – most likely hand-knitted – mittens, and a lady wrapped up tight in a scarf and jacket, about to brave the cold weather.

To see more of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums photographs, click here.

To see more local #ThrowbackThursdays, click here.

Do you have Christmas photographs of your own to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!

Secret Santa Donates £10,000 To Durham Trinity School

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Pupils at a Durham school have received an early Christmas surprise – thanks to a £10,000 gift from an anonymous donor…

 

During her year in office as Mayor of Durham City, Cllr Jan Blakey, who is also chairman of Durham County Council, has been raising money for Trinity School and Sports College, which is hoping to buy a new minibus.

And her Mayoral Appeal received an unexpected boost thanks to a mystery donor.

Cllr Jan Blakey made a recent visit to the school at Aykley Heads.

Cllr Blakey, said: “I was absolutely staggered when I received the donation of £10,000 to my fund for Trinity School.

“It was a truly incredible gesture, and the timing could not have been better. I knew that Trinity School were trying to raise enough funds to purchase a new minibus for their pupils.

“When I told the school of their windfall, everyone was absolutely delighted and they are now ready to press on with the purchase of the minibus, which will be ready next year and will be a wonderful boost for the pupils.”

Alison Jefferson, business manager at Trinity School has already written to the Lord’s Taverners to inform them of their fundraising exploits.

The organisation provides accessible transport for schools catering to young people with disabilities.

The iconic green minibuses enable schools to engage pupils in sporting and recreational activities, and help them develop life skills such as visiting shops and interacting with people in the local community. Most importantly, the minibuses provide transport to and from school.

Since 1976, the Lord’s Taverners have put almost 1,100 accessible minibuses on the road across the UK.

Alison said: “The gesture from Cllr Blakey came totally out of the blue – a complete surprise. We cannot thank her enough, and the person who made this wonderful donation. I can’t express how much this means.

“The Lord’s Taverners told us when we started fund raising last April that they would more than match the funding once we reached £17,000, which is what we have now achieved thanks to a lot of hard work and generous donations.

“I am waiting to hear back from them, as the mini-bus will be specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs.

“I can’t imagine a better Christmas present.”

Middlesbrough Youngster Wins Miller Homes Christmas Competition

By on 23rd December 2015in Local Biz

Christmas has come early for one Middlesbrough schoolboy, who is helping Miller Homes celebrate the holiday season…

Shaun Cheall, aged 10, beat tough competition by impressing the leading housebuilder with his Christmassy drawing of a winter wonderland scene.

Shaun’s winning design has been incorporated into Miller Homes North East’s 2015 Christmas card, which will be given to friends and partners of the leading housebuilder and homeowners moving into their new Miller home in the region this month.

Shaun also received his very own pack of the Christmas cards to hand out to his friends and family, as well as £50 worth of Toys R Us gift vouchers. His festive design is also on display in the sales centre of Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, Shaun’s local Miller Homes development.

Shaun said: “When my mam told me I had been chosen as the winner of the competition with Miller Homes, I couldn’t believe it. I love drawing and colouring in, and really enjoyed designing my entry.

“It feels great that Miller Homes will be wishing people a Merry Christmas by giving them one of the cards I designed, and I can’t wait to give them out to my friends and family this Christmas.”

As part of the competition, Miller Homes asked children across the region to design a colourful picture for the front of a Christmas card, portraying what Christmas means to them, and what they love most about the festive season.

Andrew Somerville, Miller Homes North East’s regional sales manager, said: “This year we wanted to give the region’s youngsters the chance to be part of Miller Homes’ festive celebrations and add a personal touch to our Christmas well wishes.

“We received a great response to the competition, and were overwhelmed by the fantastic artistic talent which we have right here in the region. Shaun’s entry really stood out to the judges, as it is festive, colourful and very well drawn – well done Shaun!”

Committed to creating sustainable communities that cater for a wide range of buyers, Miller Homes has developments located across the North East. With prices starting from £129,950, homebuyers can choose from Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, Acklam Woods in Acklam, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Park View in Gateshead, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, The Acres in Bedlington, and Portland Wynd in Blyth.

For more information on Miller Homes in the North East, call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/locations/north-east-of-england.

Christmas Coming Twice For Seasonal Workers

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Winter workers from across the North East are being given a second chance to celebrate the festive season…

On Saturday January 9th, 1879 Events Management will host a Post-Christmas Party at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The event, starting at 7pm, is designed specifically for those who were too busy working or had other commitments in the run up to Christmas, offering them a second chance to celebrate with family, colleagues or friends.

Guests will enjoy a live performance by The Wolcott Band, covering hits by artists such as David Bowie, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and Take That, as well as a mouthwatering four course meal.

This includes traditional Northumberland broth, roasted turkey paupiette with all the trimmings, cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake and coffee with sweet mince pies.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “There are so many people who are unable to celebrate Christmas during December, from care workers and the emergency services, to those who are based away from home.

“This year we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to mark the season in style, and hope that our event on January 9th will offer those missing out this month a much-needed opportunity to get together with their loved ones.”

The Post-Christmas Party night at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will run until 1am, with every guest receiving a complimentary half bottle of wine.  Places, priced at £24.95 each, can be booked by calling 0871 9111555.

Lumley Castle Offer Perfect Post-Christmas Break

By on 22nd December 2015in Lifestyle

One of the North East’s best loved hotels is coming to the rescue of couples, friends and families in need of a post-Christmas mini break…

Six-hundred-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is offering a two night Twixmas stay, between Christmas and New Year, with one condition… that guests allow staff to wait on them hand and foot.

Not only will guests spend two nights in a sumptuously furnished courtyard bedroom, formerly the stable block of the 14th century castle, but they will also be served dinner in the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant and a full English breakfast on both mornings.

They will also be able to enjoy long walks in the nine acres of historic woodland surrounding the four star hotel, overlooking both the Emirates Cricket Ground and the River Wear.

“Then, when they return, they can curl up in front of a roaring log fire with a mug of chocolate or afternoon tea, or explore the ancient corridors of the castle and find out a little more about its fascinating history,” said director of sales and marketing, Nola Collinson.

“However they choose to spend their time, we can assure our Twixmas guests that they won’t have to lift a finger; their stay with us really will be the perfect, post-Christmas treat.”

The two night Twixmas break is available from 27th to 30th December, and costs from £60 per person per night.

The offer includes accommodation, based on two people sharing a room, a £30 per person allowance towards dinner in the Black Knight Restaurant on one evening, and full English Breakfast both mornings.

For more information call 0191 389 1111, email reservations@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Sunderland Ice Rink To Remain In Place Until New Year’s Eve

By on 22nd December 2015in In & Around

Christmas fun in Sunderland is set to continue, with plans for the city’s Frost Village to remain open…

The ice rink at Keel Square was due to close on Christmas Eve, but the attraction has been such a success that it will now stay in place until New Year’s Eve.

The rink will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve, as originally planned, but will reopen until 8pm each day from December 27th to December 30th, and until 10pm on December 31st.

This means visitors attending the city’s firework display on New Year’s Eve will also be able to enjoy early evening entertainment.

More than 5000 people have already visited the ice rink, which has also brought a huge economic boost to the city, with traders reporting an increase in sales.

“We’re delighted to be able to keep the ice rink open until New Year’s Eve,” said Ken Dunbar of Sunderland BID, which organised the Frost Village.

“The ice rink has been particularly successful, and even the bad weather didn’t put people off from coming along and enjoying the city’s first ever Frost Village.

“Our special characters, The Frostlings, have also proven really popular with families, and have brought their own special magic to the attractions.

“We’ve also had some very positive feedback from retailers in the city who have seen a real upsurge in trade.”

The BID’s social media campaign around the Frost Village has raised awareness to around 400,000 people across Facebook and Twitter.

“The Christmas programme has been a great success, and we’re thrilled that the fun is able to continue for another week,” said Ken.

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.

Sunderland Family Win A Christmas VIP Experience

By on 19th December 2015in In & Around

Christmas has come early for one lucky family in Sunderland, who will be getting the VIP treatment throughout the festive season…

As part of their summer events programme, WEAR All Bonkers Here, Sunderland BID ran a special competition for the city’s visitors, which gave families the chance to win a package of festive treats and experiences.

Father of two, Keith Lawler – who lives with his family in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland – won the VIP Christmas Experience. He said, “We’re so excited to have won this prize. It’s given the kids plenty to look forward to during the holidays, and it will help us to make this Christmas absolutely amazing for them.”

The prize included a free pass to Sunderland’s Frost Village and Winter Fair at Keel Square, tickets for Aladdin – which is this year’s pantomime – at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, a free visit to Santa’s Grotto at the Bridges with free parking, a £50 gift card, a cut and blow dry for a family of four, and £50 worth of beauty treatments at Estrella Hair and Beauty.

The festive package also included a festive afternoon tea at the National Glass Centre, a Marks & Spencer Christmas hamper, and festive afternoon tea at the Sunderland Marriott Hotel on Christmas Eve.

“We’re delighted to be able to give Keith and his family an early Christmas gift,” said Ken Dunbar, chief executive of Sunderland BID.

“And the competition offered us a great opportunity to showcase the amazing programme of festive activities in Sunderland.

“We have some really exciting thing going on throughout December, including our special Frost Village and our fantastic outdoor ice rink.”

“We really hope that everybody will come along and celebrate the festive season with us.”

Both the WEAR All Bonkers Here summer event, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in Wonderland, and the Christmas events in Sunderland are designed to attract families to the city and increase the amount of time people are spending in the area.

For more information about Christmas in Sunderland, visit www.experienceithere.co.uk/christmas.

Stadium Of Light Announce New Year’s Eve Gala Ball Entertainment

By on 19th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are cueing the fireworks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve…

Renowned tribute artist Jamie Tinkler, who became a fan favourite on ITV talent shows Pop Idol and X Factor, will be performing as both Michael Buble and Olly Murs at the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on December 31st.

The event, organised by 1879 Events Management, will also feature a Scottish piper and a fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, which can be viewed either from inside the function suite or the stadium outside.

Along with all the live entertainment, guests at the event will enjoy a fabulous five course feast created by 1879’s expert chefs.

This includes roasted parsnip and apple soup, warm goats’ cheese, herb roasted fillet of beef, white and dark chocolate minted marbled torte, and a selection of farmhouse cheeses served with assorted biscuits.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management and SAFC, said: “New Year’s Eve is one of the most highly anticipated nights of the year and we’re going all out to make it as memorable as possible.

“Jamie and our Scottish piper will both be on hand to help guests bid farewell to 2015 and look forward to all of the fun and promise that a New Year can bring. It’s going to be a spectacular night at the Stadium of Light.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are priced at £52.95 per person, including a Bucks Fizz reception, bacon rolls at midnight, and coffee and mince pies.

For more information or to book, visit www.safc.com, call 0871 911 1555 or email christmas@safc.com.

Further details about 1879 Events Management can also be found by visiting www.1879events, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

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