Tag: featured

Durham County Council To Consider Syrian Refugee Support

By on 9th December 2015in In & Around

Details of how County Durham could support the national response to the Syrian refugee crisis will be put before councillors next week…

 

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals setting out the level of support that could be offered to people fleeing war-torn Syria.

The proposals have been developed by the Durham Humanitarian Support Partnership, which was set up in September to consider County Durham’s ability to provide assistance and to ensure the organisations involved can work together effectively.

It followed the Government’s announcement that the UK would take an additional 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020, with priority being given to the most vulnerable, including children.

The partnership, which is chaired by the county council, is working with churches, the voluntary sector and other partners to look at the needs refugees may have, including housing, food, health, education, translation services and community support.

Under the proposals being put to councillors, County Durham would agree to take refugees, with a focus on family groups, over the next five years.

An evaluation would be carried out within 12 months of the first group of refugees arriving in the county to see how effective this had been in order to help determine whether additional people could be accommodated.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “We have already pledged our support to this national effort to help refugees escaping from war and persecution in Syria.

“We have had a number of approaches from local people offering to provide accommodation, host a family or to provide clothes, toiletries and bedding.

“At a time when many families here are experiencing hardship themselves, these offers of support to some of the world’s most vulnerable and desperate people is heartening.

“The proposals being put before Cabinet set out the level of support which the partnership feels can be offered in County Durham.

“They recognise that we do not have significant experience of relocating vulnerable refugees in the area and take into account our current ability to support and accommodate people.”

Cabinet will be asked to agree the proposed response to the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme when they meet next Wednesday (16th December).

The Government will work with councils to put in place the necessary arrangements to support and accommodate refugees, and will meet full cost in the first year with funding tapering over the next four years.

What do you think should be done? Leave your comments below.

5 DIY Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank

By on 9th December 2015in Lifestyle

Sophie Appleton shares five DIY creations to keep Christmas crafty…

 

 

I’m a big fan of Christmas, but like most of us, I’m no stranger to opening up my purse and having a few festive moths fly out of it. The familiar “Yikes, only one more pay day before Christmas” feeling is something we can all relate to, but it can be beaten!

DIY gifts are a dangerous game to play with less than a month before the big day, but if you do it right, you can come up with something that will be as well-received as it is cheap.

So if you’re struggling with the pre-Christmas panic, check out my top five DIY Christmas gifts…

1. DIY Scrabble Art

 

Now that our smartphones have replaced most of our board games, it’s time to fish out your old Scrabble box and put those letters to good use. You can even buy sets of assorted letter tiles on eBay or Amazon for very cheap, and if you’re clever about it, you can get two or three gifts out of just one set of letters!

Combine the letters to make names and words, then glue them down in a frame along with photos or trinkets. Use scraps of wrapping paper, wall paper or magazine cuttings for a background to make the gift that extra bit special.

If you can’t get your hands on Scrabble tiles, a great alternative is to create a Word Cloud. Visit wordle.net, enter a list of words (or names), then click create. Now you have a personalised piece of art to put in a frame and wrap up!

2. The Lazy Man’s Cookbook

 

Cook books are always a great gift, and at Christmas time there are plenty to be found on shop shelves… at a premium price. But what if your loved ones just don’t cook? What if no matter how quick Jamie Oliver makes his meals, it’s still not quick enough?

If that’s the case, give them a cook book they’ll really appreciate… The Student/Bachelor Cookbook!

Buy a ring binder and decorate the front cover with their name and a funny message, then have a walk around the town to collect heaps of takeaway menus (or if you’re extra lazy and you don’t fancy tackling the busy streets and freezing weather, get them posted through the letterbox). Put them all in the ring binder and – depending on how many you have – add a contents page and dividers for different types of food.

3. DIY Kid’s Cushions

 

There’s nothing kids love more than making a mess, and with time off school they’re bound to do it at some point. So… you might as well get a gift out of it!

Find an old cushion (or pick one up for cheap online) and create a fun design using their paint-covered hands and feet. Accessorise using scraps of material from old clothing tied into bows, or stitch on some sequins and googly eyes to give it extra character. Don’t forget to sign and date it so you can embarrass the kids later in their teens!

4. Personalised Candles

 

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a present for her is a candle. Nobody can have enough candles, and especially not in the winter months. Yankee jars are the obvious choice, but why burn a hole in your pocket when you can make them yourself?

That afternoon tea set you’ve been saving for a raining day for the last fifteen years is finally going to come in handy here, or alternatively you can nip to the local charity shop for a nice, pretty cup and saucer.

Place wax beads (or even just some old, half-burnt candles of your own) in a bowl over a pan of hot water, or in a slow cooker (with a non-stick insert). For colour, use a vegetable peeler to shave bits of crayon into the wax, and stir to blend. Add more shavings for darker colour. Place a wick into the centre of the cup, and pour the wax into it. Leave it over night to harden, trim the wick, and simply wrap with cellophane and tie with a ribbon. Lovely!

 

5. Bespoke Chocolate Slabs

 

On a rainy December Saturday, this is a great one to keep the kids busy… and it’s great value for money. Chocolate slabs are worth upwards of £7 in fancy chocolate shops, but can be made at home for next to nothing.

Grab a silicone cake or loaf tin (pound shops recommended), then melt two or three bars of supermarket chocolate. You can find a good selection of milk, dark, and white chocolate for around 40p each, but anything more expensive is a bit of a non-starter, cost-wise. Fill the melted chocolate with jellies, popping candy, nuts or marshmallows. Decorate it however you like – perhaps with their name or favourite treats? Pop it in the fridge to set, and then wrap it in a clear bag of cellophane and some ribbon. Yummy!

Primal Scream First Act Announced For Down To The Woods Festival

By on 8th December 2015in Entertainment, Music

One of the world’s most notorious rock bands are to take to the stage at a major North East festival next summer…

Scottish legends Primal Scream are one of the first acts to be announced for Down To The Woods – successor to the Hardwick Live festival – which will take place in the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel, County Durham on Saturday August 13th.

Following on from the huge success of 2015’s sellout Hardwick Live, which featured top performers including James, Razorlight and Embrace, organisers Ramside Estates are now planning the renamed 2016 festival, with the promise of a packed programme full of amazing acts.

Bringing Primal Scream – a band with more than 30 years in the music industry – to the North East is a huge coup for Ramside Estates, as the supergroup are scheduled to showcase their unique blend of rock, indie pop, dance and acid house at only a handful of gigs across the UK.

They will be joined by songsmiths Echo & the Bunnymen, who have had a string of top 20 hits since the 1980s, including the classic anthem Nothing Lasts Forever.

The original Hardwick Live festival grew rapidly in its three year history, with a capacity crowd of 10,000 enjoying the event in 2015.

Early bird tickets for its successor sold out even before any of the line-up had been revealed, with the organisers offering even more exciting entertainment at the new festival.

Jonathan Woodliffe of Ramside Estates, said: “Hardwick Live 2015 really set the bar in terms of both acts and atmosphere, and we’re hoping to top that in 2016 with the first ever Down To The Woods.

“To land Primal Scream is a major coup for us, especially as it will be their only gig within a 100 mile radius, and to have Echo & the Bunnymen, as well, really is a double whammy.

“This is the first of many exciting announcements we’ll be making about Down To The Woods in the coming months, and we’re confident it’s going to be one of the biggest music events of 2016.

“We’ve changed the name of the festival, but everything people enjoyed before will still be a part of this year’s event, with even more to enjoy in the best day of music for miles.”

Primal Scream began to leave a legacy with the release of their enormously successful third studio album, Screamadelica, which won the first Mercury Music Prize in 1992.

Since then they have maintained a constant assault on the UK and international music scenes, with a new album set for release in 2016.

Songs like Movin’ On Up, Rocks, Loaded, Country Girl, It’s Alright, It’s Ok and many more will ensure a party atmosphere during their hugely anticipated Down To The Woods set.

 

Echo & the Bunnymen have released a string of top 20 hits since the 1980s, including top selling studio albums Crocodiles, Porcupine and Ocean Rain, which all went gold.

Ian McCulloch still leads the band, with rumours of a new album to be released in 2016. Songs The Cutter, The Killing Moon and Bring On The Dancing Girls are guaranteed crowd pleasers at the North East festival.

Tickets for Down To The Woods, priced at £55 for adults, £15 for young people and £8 for children, are available now at www.downtothewoodsfestival.co.uk. A limited number of camping pitches are also on sale, priced at £30 per tent.

For more information, follow Down To The Woods on Facebook or Twitter.

Darlington Couple Take Handmade Beard Care Products International

By on 8th December 2015in Local Biz

Bearded men across the region are swapping their traditional grooming tools for oils and balms, thanks to one young Darlington couple…

Heavy Metal Gentleman (HMG) is the brainchild of Thom and Laura Langlands, who produce homemade, luxury beard care products, having identified a gap in the local market for men’s grooming products.

The creative husband and wife team has rapidly seen their innovative idea grow into a business over the last year, with their high quality products reaching as far as Poland.

Talking about the snowballing of the business, Laura, 25, said: “It is a very exciting time for us. Not only to be recognised throughout the UK, but also Europe, because we’ve only been trading for a few months.

“Thom is an avid beardsman and with my understanding of hair and skin care, creating products quickly became a passion of ours, which we believe shows through our products.”

HMG was born from a shared love and interest in heavy metal and homemade skin care. Thom, 30, and Laura, decided to start working from their home in Darlington and believe this is one of the main reasons behind their business’ success.

“By brewing the oils and creating the balms ourselves, then hand-sticking a label on to every single product in our kitchen, we are able to pay a great amount of care and attention to what we produce and then go on to sell,” said Laura.

“There’s no doubt a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into everything we make, but at least we know it’s 100% homemade.

“We use purely natural ingredients, including six of the best carrier oils, to make the base of our bespoke, handmade oils, and wouldn’t work any other way.”

Thom and Laura believe HMG products are suitable for everyone, and see this as another reason for why the business has taken off so well.

Thom said: “The great thing about our products is they’re for anyone, from the career beadsman to Mr Clean-Shaven.

“By using carrier oils, we can ensure our products contain the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for hydrating and revitalising the skin and hair, and they are also great for anyone to use who has sensitive and problematic skin.

“We see the Heavy Metal Gentleman brand as sophisticated, and our products are made with quality in mind. This is why we believe everybody who wishes to take care of their skin and hair should be using our oils.”

With 20 years of experience in retail and sales between them, the couple are continually developing new ideas and recently sealed two important deals with Darlington’s Maison Royale and Mr. Hutton’s barbers and bar, who will now stock the HMG range.

Future plans have also been put into place to develop a wider range of beard care and accessories – but the couple are not content with just supplying to Europe.

Laura said: “We both love what we do and we have had lots of fun with the products, from their concept to their creation, which drives us to keep creating new ideas.

“With our ever growing passion and excitement keeping our company interesting, innovative and continuously expanding, I definitely believe we can go global.”

In the hope of attaining this worldwide recognition, Heavy Metal Gentlemen has launched a Kickstarter campaign which aims to help the company find financial support to aid in its development and growth.

To show your support for Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit the Kickstarter page.

For more information about Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Santa Claus On His Way To Wynyard Hall This Christmas

By on 7th December 2015in Local Biz, What's On?

A North East attraction, which has received thousands of visitors since it opened in autumn, is preparing to welcome the most important of all; Father Christmas…

From Friday 18th to Wednesday 23rd December, The Walled Garden, in the grounds of Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees Valley, will play host to Santa Claus, who will be giving a Christmas present to each child he meets.

And, while children visit his special grotto in the doorway of the historic gardener’s cottage, their parents will be able to snap up festive fare and Christmas gifts in the shop within the visitor centre.

Shoppers can choose from a wide range of seasonal homeware and gardening items along with a variety of cakes, preserves, cheese and meat, sourced from suppliers in the North East and North Yorkshire.

In addition, the visitor centre houses a café overlooking the garden, which serves main meals and light snacks.

Santa’s grotto will be open between 11am and 3pm each day and tickets, which cost £8 per child or £21 for three children, must be bought in advance online at www.wynyardhall.co.uk.

The £5 admission fee to the garden will be waived for up to two adults per child.

Wynyard Hall Farm Shop To Host Christmas Shopping Evenings

By on 6th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers can snap up some last minute Christmas gifts and festive fare at two special events being held by the North East’s newest attraction this month…

Following the success of its annual Christmas fayre, Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees valley, is hosting festive shopping evenings, on Thursday 10th and 17th December, at its recently opened Walled Garden farm shop.

And, along with the chance to purchase some of the finest locally sourced gifts and ingredients, visitors will be given special price discounts at each event.

A glass of Prosecco will be served to each visitor on arrival and they will also be able to sample some of the food lines on sale at the farm shop, overlooking the multi-million pound rose garden.

“I have personally selected – and sampled – every food item on sale in the farm shop,” said Wynyard Hall’s Managing Director Allison Antonopoulos.

“And, as it is of the utmost importance to me to showcase local suppliers, we have some fabulous lines, from the likes of Norton-based Blackwells Butchers, the Acorn Dairy, near Darlington and Proof of the Pudding, Northumberland.

“There are also dressings and condiments from Great Taste award-winners Wildon Grange, County Durham, real ales from the Black Paw Brewery, at Bishop Auckland and vintage sweets, courtesy of Hartlepool-based Carnaby’s Treats.”

Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of gardening items, Christmas decorations, handmade cards and gifts and seasonal homeware, including cushions, throws and scarves by Yorkshire-based Bronte by Moon, one of the UK’s few remaining woollen mills. 

The festive shopping evenings will take place between 6pm and 8pm. Attendance is free, but those who pre-register at www.wynyardhall.co.uk/events will receive a voucher entitling them to a 10 per cent discount on purchases of £40 or over.

Top Festive Tips For Looking After Your Teeth This Christmas

By on 5th December 2015in Lifestyle

A top North East dentist is giving out timely advice for the festive season to ensure that the New Year doesn’t herald problems with teeth…

The inevitable celebrations at this time of year also bring in their wake late nights, too much alcohol and too many caffeine-rich fizzy drinks to help stay awake the following day – which can be hugely detrimental to teeth, according to one of the UK’s leading cosmetic dentists.

Dr Ken Harris, who runs Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry in Sunderland and Newcastle, believes the round-the-clock party lifestyle that many people indulge in at this time of year can really take its toll on teeth.

And now he is highlighting some useful advice to help people in the run-up to Christmas.

“It’s that time of year when people are constantly out celebrating, with late nights and more alcohol that usual,” said Dr Harris, who has almost 35 years’ experience working in general dental practice.

“This can lead to dehydration and reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect teeth, putting people at real risk of acid damage.

“Many people then compound the problem by drinking energy drinks to stay awake.  Carbonated drinks like these, even sugar-free versions, contain significant acid in the fizz which soften the enamel on your teeth, and if you then brush softened teeth, they wear down really fast.”

Dr Harris has the following tips for anyone who is planning to party in the next few weeks:-

  • Don’t brush your teeth straight after having carbonated drinks or fruit juice. This could actually damage teeth because tooth enamel would be softened by the acid.
  • Wait four hours after having fizzy drinks before brushing your teeth – giving the enamel time to harden up again.
  • Drink plenty of water, especially if you exercise a lot.
  • If you vomit, do not brush your teeth immediately, but rinse your mouth with water.

“It’s really important not to forget to look after your teeth at this time of year,” said Dr Harris.

“And also if you have any problems with your teeth, ensure you get them looked at before the festive season rather than wait until a time of year when there may only be emergency treatment available.

“Nobody wants Christmas and New Year spoiled by toothache or any other issues which could be avoided.”

For further information visit www.riveredge.co.uk.

Dr Harris is one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic dentists and a multi-award winner. With almost 35 years of experience, he has an MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, and is a Fellow of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

He is a member of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) and acts as UK clinical director for California Center for Advanced Dental Studies in San Francisco along with lecturing around the globe.

Theatrical Spectacle STOMP Returns To Newcastle

By on 4th December 2015in Entertainment, Music

Fresher, faster and funnier than ever, the multi-award winning theatrical spectacle STOMP is set to make a return to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time in 15 years, and will be touching down for one week only…

A unique combination of percussion, dance and comedy, Stomp is a stage spectacle in a genre of its own. Everyday objects like dustbin lids, matchboxes, brooms, cigarette lighters are transformed into musical instruments and props, and the cast command the stage with an unprecedented energy and rhythm as they ‘play’ them.

Now entering its 23rd year, this smash hit show has entertained over 15 million people across 50 countries worldwide; featured in a range of commercials, film soundtracks and TV collaborations and won multiple awards including an Obie, a Drama Desk Award and an Olivier.

The show was born in Brighton, UK, in the summer of 1991 as the result of a ten year collaboration between street theatre artists Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.  From acclaimed performances at the Edinburgh Fringe to large outdoor events, the legend of Stomp grew in ambition and scope, gaining legions of fans along the way and becoming the theatrical sensation it is today.

Since their last visit to Newcastle in 2000, the Stomp cast have performed in the closing ceremony at the 2012 Olympics, and have introduced two new pieces to the show: Frogs and Trolleys.

Trolleys taps into the everyday experience of negotiating a busy shopping aisle with a fully laden supermarket trolley, but soon transforms into the closest the show will ever get to drum corps. It is also the first fully fledged Stomp routine to be performed entirely in 5/4 time signature.

Frogs explores the bizarre sonic possibilities of a variety of plumbing fixtures! It has to be heard to be believed, but close your eyes and this piece sounds unlike anything ever heard in the show till now. Organic, quirky and plumbing new heights.

Creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas are both very happy with the way the new pieces have slotted in, each with Stomp‘s trademark exploration of sound, movement and physical humour. There’s more to come, too; they will be working on more new routines later this year.

Still remaining is Stomp’s signature high-octane meeting of slick choreography, tight ensemble work, industrial percussion and a narrative of anarchic clowning, as the irrepressible troupe of eight turn brooms into soft shoe partners, clapping into intricate conversations and water cooler bottles into sophisticated instruments. A row of folding chairs are straddled, slid, slammed and slapped into rhythmic submission. It is at once primal and urbane, leaving no percussive potential – of object, body or action – unexploited. And all underpinned by a childish delight in making serious noise.

The whole show hurtles towards a brilliantly reworked climax – a showstopper in every sense – as a crackling carnival of leaping, spinning, skidding and pounding performers vent their inexhaustible energies on an unsuspecting orchestra of metal dustbins, bin lids, tubs and water butts. Joyous, thumping, exhilarating bliss for all involved… except the bins!

Stomp is produced by Glynis Henderson Productions & Stomp Productions.

Stomp comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal Monday 15th – Saturday 20th February 2016 to celebrate over 20 astonishing years of foot stamping, finger drumming, and adrenalin rushing joy across the globe. It plays evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

Win! Tickets To See T.Rextasy’s 40th Anniversary Tour

By on 3rd December 2015in Competitions, Entertainment, Events, Music, What's New?, What's On?

The definitive glam rockers are back on tour, and they’re coming this way…

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the 1970s. With Bolan’s special mix of Rock-a-Boogie and Rock ‘n’ Roll songs, including classics such as Telegram Sam, Get It On and Jeepster, the band defined what would be known as the original glam rock era.

And now, they’re heading to the North East… sort of.

T.Rextasy is the world’s only official T.Rex tribute band, an accolade endorsed by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, catalogue management, and members of the original band. T.Rextasy have been performing around the world for over twenty years – a career that ironically outlives Marc’s own – and have been described as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.

“They’re the closest you’re ever going to get to the real thing” – Bill Legend, (original T.Rex drummer)

“Danielz is more than a career lookalike. Here we have a serious guitarist with the animal grace of early Bolan and the clear unequivocal love of the music” – The Stage

 

On Friday 22nd January 2016, T.Rextasy will be performing at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. The concert is a part of their ‘I Love To Boogie’ anniversary tour, and if you’d like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like forty years ago, we recommend you enter our competition below.

We’re giving away two tickets to their Billingham concert, and all you need to do is the question below…

What is Marc Bolan’s real name?

Competition closed. Congratulations to Rebecca Kamsika from Middlesbrough!

Film ReVue: The Good Dinosaur

By on 2nd December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Vue Cinema’s Ivan Davison shares his thoughts on Pixar’s pre-historic family offering…

With its latest animated film, Pixar has continued their winning format. It’s one that combines staggeringly impressive CGI visuals, family friendly humour, and a heartfelt coming-of-age story for all ages to enjoy.

Following on the heels of one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters, Jurassic World, Pixar has dipped its toes into the world of prehistoric creatures. After setting the bar (extremely) high with July’s Inside Out, the team behind The Good Dinosaur have crafted a story that’s simpler than its predecessor, but no less enjoyable.

The film is set in an alternate timeline, in which the fateful meteor has missed earth completely, leaving the dinosaurs to roam free. Skip ahead a few million years, and we meet Arlo, an Apatosaur, who lives with his family on a mountain range farm.

Arlo, the smallest of his three siblings, struggles to find his place in the family’s dynamic, but finds an unlikely friendship with a young caveboy. What follows is a fast paced, but heartwarming tale of mutual dependance, complimented by vast and stunning landscapes.

 

A cast of loveable and memorable characters is brought to life by some terrific voice performances, the highlight being Sam Elliot’s role as father to a group of Tyrannosaurus Rex’s. His grizzled cowboy twang lends itself perfectly to the role, and one of the film’s most heart-wrenching moments comes as he shares his own sombre tale.

But The Good Dinosaur’s greatest strength comes from its stunning visuals. The world on screen is rendered in such a photo-realistic way that it becomes hard to comprehend just how far Pixar’s technologies have come since they first captured our imaginations with Toy Story. The landscape is enormous, and even a host of dinosaurs appear small and out of their element in such fully-formed openness.

While not as complex a concept as Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur sees Pixar still on fine form, and uses its simplicity to tell a story of friendship, family, adventure and loss that we can all relate to.

As is common with Pixar’s releases, a short animated film plays before the main feature, and this time we’re treated to Sanjay’s Super Team. I recommend heading to the cinema early to catch it. Although very different from Pixar’s usual output, it’s perhaps one of the most personal and original Pixar shorts we’ve ever seen.

Our The Good Dinosaur review was written by Vue Cinema’s Ivan Davison. For more information on the latest cinema releases, or to book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Click here to book tickets for The Good Dinosaur.

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