Tag: lifestyle

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.

Book Launch Commemorates Lasting Legacy Of Local Landscape

By on 21st December 2015in In & Around

A five year project to celebrate and promote a unique part of the region’s landscape will come to a close with the launch of a new book…

 

Built on an Ancient Sea: The Magnesian Limestone Landscapes of North East England tells the story of how the geology of the area has influenced its history and wildlife. It also details the special heritage sites that have been restored and conserved by the Limestone Landscape Project throughout the five year scheme, as well as previous work.

The Limestone Landscapes Partnership, hosted by Durham County Council, is made up of four local authorities and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural issues and chair of the Limestone Landscapes Partnership, said: “The book is a fascinating insight into both the landscape and history of our region from a new and unique perspective. It’s a fitting legacy of the Limestone Landscapes Project and all that they have achieved.”

Following the launch, the £12 book will be available to buy on Amazon or by emailing lesley.dunlop@northumbria.ac.uk of the Durham GeoHeritage Group.

2016 Adult Learning Courses Are The Perfect New Year’s Resolution

By on 21st December 2015in Lifestyle

Thinking of making your New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill, brush up on your maths or English, or get qualified for a whole new career?

 

Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service offers a wide range of courses, and details can be found in its new Spring 2016 Learning Guide.

As well as helping people boost their skills, confidence and job prospects, courses offer the chance to meet new people, and many can also lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

This year’s classes include Maths and English at all levels up to GCSE equivalent, Information Computer Technology courses, and vocational qualifications in subjects including Childcare, Health and Social Care, and Business and Administration.

The service also offers apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level in a wide range of employment-related areas including Business Administration, ICT, supporting teaching and learning in schools and customer service.

There’s also a range of self-improvement courses including Starting Your Own Business, Confidence Building, and Family Fitness.

Most courses are held in community venues, where they offer a friendly and welcoming learning environment. However, some are also available online, offering people the chance to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “If you’re looking to make a positive change in the New Year, our courses are an ideal place to start. Meet new people, feel more confident in your skills, get the new job you deserve, or start a whole new direction in life. With courses on getting back into work, setting up your own business, or a recognised qualification to take you onto a new level in your career, there really is something for everyone.”

With courses starting in January, people are being encouraged to enrol now. The Spring Learning Guide is available to download at www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning.

For further information on courses and how to enrol, contact the Adult Learning and Skills Service on 03000 266 115 or email alss@durham.gov.uk.

Top Tyneside Hotels Slash Prices For 2016

By on 20th December 2015in In & Around

Shoppers heading north to snap up New Year sales bargains can extend their stay with a Sunday saver…

Two top Newcastle hotels are slashing their room rates on Sunday nights in January and February.

The New Northumbria and Grey Street Hotels are offering double rooms for just £20.16 per person based on two people sharing, on Sunday nights only.

Grey Street Hotel takes its name from its location on Newcastle’s most famous city centre Regency street, while the New Northumbria is at the heart of the upmarket Jesmond area of the city.

For further information about the Grey Street Hotel, call 0191 230 6777 or visit www.greystreethotel.co.uk and to find out more about the New Northumbria Hotel call 0191 281 4961, or visit www.thenewnorthumbriahotel.co.uk.

The offer is subject to availability, and callers must quote SUNDAY2016 at the time of booking.

Virgin Trains Bring In Extra Staff For Christmas Period

By on 18th December 2015in Local Biz

Worried about travelling with extra luggage this Christmas?

And how will you carry all those presents? If you’re travelling by Virgin Trains, then you no longer have to worry.

Virgin Trains will be bringing in more staff this festive period, helping travellers along their way during the busy Christmas holidays.

David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains on the east coast route, said: “Our trains are often busy throughout Christmas time, as people travel across the country to spend time with their loved ones.

“We’ve noticed that customers are bringing bigger, bulkier luggage onto our trains, so we thought we’d make our customers travel easier this festive season by providing more people to help with their luggage.”

Luggage assistants will be in place at Leeds, London King’s Cross and Edinburgh throughout the festive holidays, and a dedicated luggage check-in will be available at London King’s Cross and Edinburgh.

For further information, visit www.virgintrainseastcoast.com.

Rent A Cop Christmas Special Clips Released

By on 18th December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

The final episode of the Rent A Cop series may have aired last night, but there’s still more to come…

Fans of the show will be pleased to hear that the Rent A Cop Christmas Special will be aired on Tuesday 22nd December.

The festive episode is set to see the return of faithful Sparta sidekick Luke ‘Pembow’ Pemberton, and the debut appearance of ‘Sparta Claus’.

Ahead of the episode’s first airing, BBC Three have released two exclusive clips as a taster. See the clips below…

Sparta frontman Francis Jones is also reported to be stepping back into the boxing ring, where he’ll be living up to his nickname ‘Fearless’. Secretary Rachel will be taking on the role of drill instructor as Francis works to shed the pounds before his comeback charity match.

Word on the street in Darlo is that the Sparta gang have had their Christmas tree up since early November, so the episode should be full to the brim with festive cheer and – hopefully – some wintery justice… Francis Jones style.

Have you seen Sparta’s Christmas tree? Are you looking forward to the Christmas Special? Leave a comment below!

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