Tag: county durham

Some Easy-To-Overlook Gems In County Durham

By on 7th December 2016in In & Around

National Railway Museum Shildon

You only have to think of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which operated from 1825 until 1863, to recall what a huge influence the railways have had on County Durham. You might be disappointed, then, that this area doesn’t have a railway museum… except that it actually does! Yes, many physical remnants of the North East’s railway history are reassuringly right on our doorstep for easy viewing. Perhaps you had previously considered the York-based National Railway Museum to be the closest railway museum, but that same organisation has a notable presence over here, too.

To see it, make your way to the County Durham town of Shildon, which is just 13 miles south-west of Durham city and easy to reach by a direct train from Darlington. At Shildon, you can enjoy browsing what is officially known as the National Railway Museum Shildon, an annexe of the main museum in York. The Shildon site comprises a 1 km demonstration line, along which you can follow a trail taking in, for example, the original Sans Pareil steam locomotive and the house of early 19th-century engineer Timothy Hackworth. He was the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s first locomotive superintendent.

If you are a railway enthusiast, you will likely appreciate the programme of events which, before the year is out, includes opportunities to take your kids to meet Santa. There’s no doubt, then, that the National Railway Museum Shildon has plenty to keep you occupied before you head off to check out NRMYork as well. Even if don’t currently have a keen interest in the history of the railways, visiting both of these attractions could inspire you to read up on it. The local story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway is certainly fascinating when read in thorough detail, and is commemorated at Darlington railway station to this day.

No Place

“Hang on a minute,” we can imagine you thinking. “Have they just given up now?” Yes, have we really decided to give you only one “easy-to-overlook gem” to check out this month, leaving the rest of the article to… well, admit in a long-winded way that we haven’t got any other place to recommend to you? No, of course not; there is genuinely a place in County Durham called No Place. Before you even visit, simply reading about its unusual name could engross you.

No Place is a small village between the town of Stanley and the village of Beamish. Beamish is itself, of course, notable for its large and exciting open air museum – so if you’ve visited that, you could find getting to No Place surprisingly easy. Before you make your way there, though, we have to ask ourselves from where No Place’s name originates. It’s unclear, but theories have included that the name is simply a shortening of “North Place”, “Nigh Place” or “Near Place”, or that the village originally stood on a boundary separating two parishes that were both unwilling to accept the settlement, leaving it… nowhere.

On your way to No Place, you might spot signs pointing to both No Place and “Co-operative Villas”. This is the result of the now defunct Derwentside Council’s attempt, in 1983, to give the village this name, only to be met by protests from residents. Still, some residents have liked the proposed new name enough for it to stay on local signs to this day. This peculiar story about “Co-operative Villas” has been kept on record by the website of the Beamish Mary Inn, the much-loved real ale pub where you could enjoy a drink once you’re in No Place.

Beyond Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 4th December 2016in Events

Snow Ball, Gateshead

Head to St Mary’s Heritage Centre on 10th December for the return of this popular dance night, based on a dress code of Snow and Sparkles. Two international DJs and a great live band will be in attendance, giving you the perfect opportunity to strap on your festive dancing shoes.

The evening will get underway with DJ Andy Lewis getting the Swing Dance Social going, after which, it will be time for a short taster Swing session for the early arrivals, with the talented Lindy Jazz introducing novices to the easy style and fun of Swing, while nicely warming up the more seasoned dancers.

Then, from about 8:30pm, will be the Snow Ball itself, enabling you to bust out your favourite moves to music spanning the 1920s to 1950s, courtesy of the incomparable Strictly Speakeasy Band. Taking place in a gorgeous location overlooking the River Tyne, the event represents the perfect relaxed Christmas party for all couples, friends and colleagues with a love for live music and dancing.

There will even be best-dressed competitions, while the evening will be closed out by the ever-dependable DJ Gillian Scott. How could you possibly hope to round off your year any more stylishly than this?

The standard ticket price is £18, although advanced £16 tickets are available to those booking by Saturday 3rd December. Visit www.lindy-jazz.co.uk, call 07719 174 544 or email events@lindy-jazz.co.uk for more information.

The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Gateshead

The wonderful world of Beatrix Potter continues to enchant and delight audiences young and old, and when they pop into St Mary’s Heritage Centre between 20th and 24th December, they can remind themselves of all of its charms of such characters as Peter Rabbit and friends, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs Tiggywinkle.

This special showing, which takes place at various times over the five days, is directed by Dianne Jackson and carefully captures the originality and joy of Beatrix Potter’s own drawings, perfectly supported by the music of Colin Towns and introduced with cameo performances by Niamh Cusack.

The showing takes place in a specially created starlit setting, with 900 years of Gateshead history transformed into a film theatre. We really can’t think of many more befitting ways to celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter’s life, whether you and your family are familiar with her works or are only just becoming acquainted with her remarkable universe.

Tickets are priced from £5. If you are interested in a private early screening for a group, special occasion or birthday party, simply call 0191 433 4699 or email heritage@gateshead.gov.uk for costs and details.

The Biscuit Factory Festive Weekends, Newcastle

There’s a rich contemporary art scene to enjoy here in the North East. However, while many of us are familiar with such institutions as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), it’s easy to forget that our region is also home to the UK’s largest commercial art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory.

This year, the venue hosts an eclectic programme of Festive Weekends to truly bring the Yuletide spirit to Newcastle’s cultural quarter. On 3rd December, for instance, there is the opportunity to create a decorative garland for your fireplace, courtesy of Boutique Floral. This, and other workshops hosted by Boutique Floral across the month – covering such subjects as how to design a festive table arrangement or create your own Christmas door wreath – are priced at £30 per person and must be booked in advance by calling the gallery on 0191 261 1103.

With various other workshops and demos taking place throughout the month, including Simon Griffiths’ demo of wildlife sculpture on 4th December and Carruthers & Kent’s ‘ask the expert’ event on pairing wines with your seasonal dishes on 11th December, the gallery will remain a hive of activity right up to Christmas Eve.

Visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com to learn more about the full programme of events

What’s On TV This Month

By on 3rd December 2016in Film & TV

Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas

Far from the world of Location, Location, Location, Kirstie Allsopp has built quite the reputation in recent years for her televised celebrations of all things humble, handmade and crafty, something that otherwise seems all too rare on British TV. This month, she returns with Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas, which sees many of the UK’s most talented crafters battle it out in a series of festive categories.

Who will be deemed the best in Britain at the hand-making of Christmas decorations? What about the honour of the best-decorated Christmas tree, the best decorated Christmas cake or the best handmade toy?

There are even competitions for the likes of the best gingerbread house, the best floral art and the best Christmas dish, among others. It all surely demonstrates once more that even in an age in which many of us seem to be glued to our laptop and phone screens, there are still plenty more of us who adore few things more than getting resourceful with our hands and the most basic materials found around the house.

Find out which crafters triumph in their respective categories on Channel 4 this month.

Doctor Who Christmas Special

Given the absence of any full Doctor Who series at all in 2016, it’s fair to say that the return of Peter Capaldi’s Doctor to BBC One ahead of a full 10th series next year is more than eagerly anticipated.

So, what do we know about the Christmas special? Well, its title has been confirmed as “The Return of Doctor Mysterio”, with the news accompanied by an image of the insignia for a superhero character played by Justin Chatwin.

It has also been reported that the special will see the return of Nardole, the character played by Matt Lucas and who first appeared in last year’s Christmas special, “The Husbands of River Song”. We’ve heard that Nardole will have a “sizable role” to play in the full 10th season.

A source recently told Radio Times that the Doctor wouldn’t have a temporary companion this Christmas, with that “space” essentially taken by Nardole. Nonetheless, we already know that the new full series will see Capaldi joined by new assistant Bill, played by actress Pearl Mackie.

The rumour is that Mackie only signed a one-year contract, and will depart with Capaldi after the 2017 Christmas special.

Blankety Blank

Simply mention the words “Blankety Blank” to anyone of a certain age (who may well be you!), and some of the most evocative images of 1980s British TV are conjured up – the stick-like microphone known as ‘Wogan’s Wand’, the similarly notorious ‘chequebook and pen’, the comedic double entendre answers (“Did you catch a glimpse of that girl on the corner? She has the world’s biggest blank“)… you get the idea.

So, depending on your point of view, it may be either welcome news or a certain kind of heresy that the show is being revived once more this Christmas, for the first full episode since the end of the Lily Savage era in 2002. Of course, the show hasn’t been completely off our screens in the intervening 14 years, as new one-off versions have been broadcast, not least a Comic Relief segment featuring the man who will fill the boots of the late and legendary former host Sir Terry Wogan, the similarly late and legendary Les Dawson and the still-very-much-with-us legend behind Savage, Paul O’Grady.

That man is Little Britain star David Walliams. Amid the whispers of this ITV Christmas Special marking the beginning of a full-blown revival of the show if it is well-received, needless to say that here at IN&AROUND, we can’t wait to see how he gets on.

Library To Close In Preparation For Move

By on 2nd December 2016in In & Around

Newton Aycliffe Library will temporarily close later this month in preparation for a move to a new location.

The library is set to reopen in refurbished premises within the town’s leisure centre in late December.

In the meantime, the existing library building, on Central Avenue, will be closed to the public from 12.30pm on Saturday, 10 December. The last day for revenue and benefits appointments at the current site will be Tuesday, 6 December.

The library move is part of a £1million scheme, being carried out by Durham County Council to help regenerate the town centre.

The initiative will see the transformation of a number of shop units adjoining the leisure centre, in Beveridge Way, and the creation of a new shared entrance and reception for the centre and library.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “This is a very exciting time for current and future library users in Newton Aycliffe.

“We are working to keep the transition period between the closure of the current library and the opening of the new location to a minimum.

“There will be a short wait for customers but I’m confident that the new facility will be well worth the wait.”

The new library will include sections for children and teenagers, a study area and updated computer facilities offering internet and email access.

Residents will also be able to make an appointment to discuss revenue and benefits enquiries with customer service staff.

For further information and to find out more on the progress of the scheme, visit www.durham.gov.uk/NAlibraryrelocation

Pub Review: The Company Row, Consett

By on 2nd December 2016in Food & Drink

While there are many fascinating aspects of the County Durham town of Consett, any discussion of its history cannot ignore that it morphed from a village into a boom town in the 19th century on account of the discovery beneath its ground of coking coal and blackband iron ore. With limestone also being found nearby, it wasn’t long until local blast furnaces were doing their bit for the North East’s then thriving Industrial Revolution by pumping out iron and steel.

What does any of this, admittedly compelling history have to do with one of the most unashamedly modern eating and drinking spots in today’s town? Well, this was always a pub conceived to recall Consett’s glorious past, with its very name – The Company Row – referencing the Company Rows of houses that the Derwent Iron Company built for its workers after its foundation in the 1840s. Sadly for the North East’s current-day history buffs, most of these Company Rows were demolished in the 1920s, with the site subsequently becoming a marketplace.

Still, it’s also very obvious that the pub that serves to remember these remarkable houses in its moniker is not merely paying tribute to a long-dead history, but is playing its part to make the 21st-century Consett a key social destination. The decor of this spacious JD Wetherspoon establishment feels up-to-the-minute, as do the amenities, with step-free access, TV screens broadcasting live news and Wi-Fi all present and correct. When you also consider the licensed outdoor area and the general family-friendly vibe, it becomes clear that this really is a pub serving all of Consett’s inhabitants.

That impression becomes clearer still when you sample the food and drinks menu, which covers all of the pub lunch essentials and a bit more. Those arriving on a morning may order such Breakfast Club options as an all-day brunch, breakfast roll with Quorn sausage, bagel with cream cheese or even a gluten-free or children’s breakfast. Indeed, it’s vital to highlight just how welcoming a pub The Company Row is to the young ones, as is also signified by the presence of a dedicated children’s menu offering the likes of cheesy pasta, fish and chips with beans, beef burgers, chicken breast burgers and so many more well-priced and delicious kid-oriented dishes.

As a matter of fact, whatever the kind of meal for which you may visit The Company Row – perhaps one of its ‘Deli Deals’ like a BBQ chicken, bacon and cheese panini or a jacket potato with cheese, or instead something from the extensive small plates, sharers, burritos, pub classics or ‘fresh from the grill’ ranges – you are sure to leave with the feeling of having enjoyed a proper pub lunch. After all, for many North Easterners, while there may have been many pretenders down the years, no operator really knows how to do pub grub quite like JD Wetherspoon.

All of this is without us even touching on the various drinks options, which – as you would naturally expect from a Wetherspoon pub – are great and many. If you aren’t in the mood for something from the real ales and beers range such as a Ruddles, Shipyard or Devils Backbone, what about a craft beer or cider like Brewdog Punk IPA or Hazy Hog cloudy English Cider?

In fact, with everything from draught ciders, lagers and spirits to world beers, wine, champagne and cocktails available, as well as soft drinks and hot drinks such as a good old-fashioned cappuccino, hot chocolate or espresso, you may never even feel the need to venture into one of the local coffee shops when you have the option of The Company Row. Why not pop in to see for yourself on your next visit to Victoria Road?

What’s On In Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 1st December 2016in What's On?

Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival

If you’re set to be anywhere near Durham City over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December – and why wouldn’t you be? – you really need to get to down to the Traditional Christmas Festival, which will take place across various venues in the historic centre.

Based principally around the Cathedral and Castle, the event will provide excellent opportunities for Christmas shopping, alongside festive entertainment.

So, where to head first? Here at IN&AROUND, we are certainly looking forward to the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, where more than 190 stalls are planned, although there will also be plenty of activity in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, where more than 30 regional food and drink producers will be present.

All of this is without us even mentioning the outdoor markets in Durham Market Place and Millennium Place, or the more than 50 additional traders in the Market Hall.

Oh, and there’s also set to be a wide range of family entertainment and activities, including live music performances and bands, live reindeer, Cathedral carol services and the Saturday afternoon Children’s Christmas Lantern Procession, which will see children leading a procession to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas service.

Please note that these details are not final and could change.

Christmas Market, the Bowes Museum

For a modest cover charge of £2.50, visitors to one of the region’s most esteemed museums can enjoy not only free admission to the museum itself, but also a feast of festive food and creative craft stalls, together with use of the Santa bus ‘park and ride’ facility.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, the event presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample quality produce – including breads, cakes, cheeses, gourmet scotch eggs, speciality hot chocolates, local beers and more – from some of the region’s finest suppliers.

Alternatively, you might look to pick up a quirky gift from an assortment of fascinating locally made jewellery, wreaths, ceramic and glass art, leather goods, toys and upcycled furniture. There will even be stalls for your dog!

Nor will there be a shortage of entertainment, with seasonal singing provided by the popular group No Added Sugar, and Barnard Castle Band and the Andreas Ensemble also on hand with a festive repertoire. Even Smooth Radio will be on site right through the weekend, playing festive music and offering gift wrapping master classes.

Throw in Christmas craft activities and the opportunity for your child to visit Santa in his grotto and even receive a gift from him (all for £5), and it becomes even more obvious that if you visit just one Christmas market this year, it should be this one.

Seann Walsh: One for the Road

Given how he stormed his last gig at Stockton’s Arc a few years back, it’s unsurprising that this dishevelled comic with the eye for the absurd is primed for a triumphant return to the same venue on 9th December.

For someone known as ‘the Lie-in King’ with a penchant for staying in watching Sky Sports News, the Lewisham-born stand-up has shown remarkable stamina in building up his career to date, being nominated for the Foster’s Comedy Award and appearing on the likes of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Tonight at the London Palladium.

Walsh is also quite the sight to watch live, pacing the stage and working the room as he makes good use of his well-attuned observational mind to drive his audience to hysterics. Described as “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” by The Guardian and “This generation’s Dylan Moran” by Time Out, Walsh is a man you won’t want to miss when he brings his brand new, perfectly delivered show to the North East.

10 Things Not To Forget This Christmas

By on 1st December 2016in Lifestyle

The festive season may be a time of fun and plenty (in theory, anyway), but there’s a huge amount of preparation that goes into a truly successful Christmas. Here are 10 of the things that you really shouldn’t allow to slip your mind if you are to avoid those last minute ’emergencies’.

  1. Planning

This is the single most important thing not to forget. After all, with everything from the office Christmas party to your children’s nativity play to think about, you’ll be overcome with anxiety if you fail to follow such basic steps as putting together a ‘to-do’ list and spreading out those essential duties over the coming weeks in your diary.

  1. Christmas cards

This is the time of year when you suddenly seem to remember all of those family members you never actually meet, and you won’t want to be the only one in the family not to have sent them a Christmas card. So, make sure you make a list of all conceivable recipients to avoid repeat trips to the card shop when someone else pops to mind.

  1. Postal costs

Sending off presents to your far-flung relatives can get pretty expensive. To alleviate this, look for gifts that are light, non-breakable and easy to wrap, and include your Christmas card to the recipient in the same package to save you having to buy another stamp.

  1. Budget

It seems that we all plan to be frugal over the festive period, but so often find ourselves plunging into our overdrafts due to that costly present that we hadn’t initially expected to buy, or that party where we overspent on the sherries. So, by all means, agree a budget with your family – not too strict, and not too costly – but then stick to it.

  1. Tidying up

Those weeks of calm before the Christmas celebrations are the perfect period in which to declutter your home – not least to make space for everyone set to descend on your humble abode. Put last year’s unwanted gifts on eBay to raise present-buying funds, find a cupboard for all of that wrapping and make a flattering space for the Christmas tree – accounting for height and not just width!

  1. Food and drink

This aspect of your Yuletide shopping threatens to be such a headache with all of the queues – unless you take steps to avoid this, such as ordering online for home delivery or purchasing all non-perishable products well in advance. The turkey’s a natural essential, so order yours well ahead of time for collection on the 23rd.

  1. Stress management

With so much to plan, buy and organise, it’s easy to become overwhelmed – but don’t shirk your duties. Instead, practice effective stress management techniques such as breaking down everything that you have to do into smaller, less daunting chunks, or delegating tasks to other people where you can. Are the kids helping out enough with the washing up, for instance?

  1. Fashion

You won’t want to lag behind anyone in the style stakes at your Christmas party. Get an instantly glamorous look by pairing a statement necklace with a lightweight knit, and for your footwear, opt for a medium heel or a block heel with a platform to ensure the utmost comfort on the festive dance floor. Nor will a tasteful handbag go amiss for completing your look.

  1. Everything you need for wrapping

Sellotape, scissors, wrapping paper that isn’t embarrassingly out-of-date… they’re all the kind of things that you might expect to already be in your cupboard due to all of that shopping you did last year. However, you should always double check far in advance. Don’t forget those labels either, and make sure everything’s wrapped up ahead of the last Christmas posting dates.

  1. A smile

If you’re the host of the Christmas party, you’ll need to remember to provide the best possible hospitality, including that all-important festive cheer. Try to avoid those heated debates about politics or who should have brought the food course – unless all of that’s your “thing”, of course.

Teaching Assistant Dispute in County Durham Update

By on 1st December 2016in In & Around

The following statement is issued following a third round of productive talks with Unison regarding seeking a solution to the current dispute involving the terms of employment for teaching assistants in County Durham.

John Hewitt, Corporate Director of resources at Durham County Council, said: “I am pleased to say these talks have been positive and productive and an agreement has been reached which means tomorrow’s industrial action by Teaching Assistants in Unison has been called off.

“We are clear that an equal pay risk exists that needs to be addressed. However it is also important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants which merit further review given some of the information which has come to light recently.

“We have agreed to undertake a review of teaching assistants’ role, function, job description and activities within the breadth of school activities, to establish whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role being undertaken.

“This review will not re-open the single status agreement currently in place. The timescale for its completion is by the 1 September 2017.

“To enable this to take place, as an act of good will, we have agreed we will suspend the dismissal and re-engage process while the review is undertaken within the timescale above.

“This is a very complex situation and it has also resulted in us having further discussions with other recognised trade unions. We look forward to working with these trade unions on the way forward and very much appreciate Unison’s decision to call off tomorrow’s planned action.”

Tarmac Sending Trainees To Sim Academy Simulation Training Event

By on 3rd October 2016in Local Biz

Tarmac, the UK’s leading building materials supplier, will join forces with Sim Academy to send two of its trainees to an innovative simulated training scheme…

The organisation, which currently employs 6,000 people at over 400 locations across the UK, is working with the Academy to road test the new scheme before an official launch later in the year.

Sim Academy is offering simulated training exercises using its state-of-the-art machinery to achieve realistic and engaging experiences across the agriculture, construction and mining sectors.

The scheme negates the need for on-the-job training in dangerous industries, meaning that employees and machinery can remain in operation while new recruits are trained off-site.

The equipment can be adapted to simulate a range of industry machinery such as track excavators, wheel loaders, tower cranes and articulated hauliers, delivering a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to on-the-job training where one-on-one vehicle time can be limited.

Simulation training is already used in industries such as air travel and medicine.

Speaking of the new training scheme, Mr X, a spokesperson for Tarmac UK, said: “Bringing simulation into the construction industry is a really interesting concept, and we’re excited to be sending two of our trainees to experience the simulators first hand.

“Training new recruits on-site can be demanding – not only for our employees who have to take time out of their schedules, but for our existing fleet which has to be taken out of operation during training exercises.

“A simulated, off-site alternative is a great idea, and we’re excited about what this means for the future of training at Tarmac”.

Mick Gray, who is an experienced educational facilitator, will head the Sim Academy project.

With decades of experience working with organisations such as Caterpillar, UK Coal and managing his own training solutions firm, Competency Training Solutions, Mick will be able to offer his skills and expertise to trainees looking to meet the industry’s competency requirements.

Speaking of his new venture, Mick said: “I’ve always been interested in finding new ways to improve the safety and efficiency of training employees in using machinery, so simulation makes sense.

“It’s great to see businesses such as Tarmac take an interest in our brand new simulation training. We’ve already had a lot of enquiries regarding our open days, but we still have spaces available if you want to see what Sim Academy can do.”

Sim Academy is holding open days between 10th and the 14th of October to showcase its innovative training solutions. To find out more or to book a place, visit simacademy.co.uk.

Fascinators Are Odds On Favourite As North East Women Prepare For Ladies’ Day

By on 13th June 2016in Lifestyle

Ladies from across the North East are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day with superb designer prizes up for grabs…

The Teesside racecourse’s annual Ladies’ Day Premier meeting, on Saturday June 18th, is always a glamourous occasion and this year won’t disappoint, as thousands of women will don their most fabulous outfits for an afternoon at the races.

In keeping with the tradition of Ladies’ Day there are fabulous prizes to be won for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and the ‘Best Hat’, which have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, Lynne Young Chic Hats, and Eastwood Photography.

Amy Fair, Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, said this is one of her favourite Premier meetings of the season as it’s always a magnificent event.

She said: “With fascinators, dresses, bubbly and glamorous prizes to be won, what more could a girl want? This is the most highly anticipated event of the racing season and we’re looking forward to welcoming ladies from across the region to Redcar Racecourse.”

“This is the perfect event for social racegoers and racing enthusiast alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a great excuse to get dressed up, then you need to attend Ladies’ Day.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will mingle with the crowds throughout the afternoon and select the ten finalists for the hotly contested ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions.

The lady judged to be the ‘Best Dressed’ will be invited to represent Redcar Racecourse in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

The prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ ladies are: (1st) A Gucci necklace and bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Links of London necklace, Chlobo pearl star ring, Chlobo pearl bracelet, and £100 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Daisy heart necklace, Swarovski slake bracelet, £50 Nomination gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. All three placed winners will also receive Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty gift packs.

The prizes for the ladies with the ‘Best Hat’ are: (1st) Bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Lola and Grace collier crystal necklace from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Michael Kors logo stud earrings from Market Cross Jewellers.

Racegoers are being encouraged to put on their best accessories for a chance to win one of 20 #TopSpot goodie bags on the day.

The racecourse has teamed up with local charity Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show after the 2nd race at 2.05pm. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops proving that you can look fabulous without spending a fortune and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four. The winner and their three friends will receive a three course meal with wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP Grandstand Admission badges and racecards, and a luxury gift, all with an estimated value of more than £500.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Amy added: “Ladies’ Day is always an incredible event and winning a VIP day at the races would make it extra special for any racegoer.”

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another grand day with entertainment for all the family, including appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 11am and the first race is scheduled to start at 1.35pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Ladies’ Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:

Saturday 18th June Ladies’ Day

Sunday 17th July Help for Heroes Family Fun Day

Saturday 6th August Caribbean Carnival Day

Saturday 27th August Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening

Saturday 1st October Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day

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