Tag: north east

Redcar Racecourse Completes £250,000 Refurbishment

By on 28th February 2016in Local Biz

Teesside’s Redcar Racecourse is eager to kick start the 2016 racing season on Easter Monday after undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment…

The racecourse – which is yet again the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country having kept its admission prices frozen for the ninth year in a row – will host seven Premier Meetings between March and November.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “The region went through a tough time last Autumn with the closure of SSI and a number of other businesses, and we understand that times are tough for many of our racegoers.

“We’re very proud to be part of the community, and that’s why we’ve kept our admission prices the same, because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy a fabulous day at the races.”

Over the winter months the racecourse has undergone a £250,000 refurbishment with a number of improvements, including a new roof on the parade ring viewing stand, new windows on the top floor of the Petch Stand, a revamp to the hospitality boxes and the toilet facilities, and improvements to the Crow’s Nest ‘Dine & View’ restaurant.

Amy is thrilled with the renovations and is looking forward to seeing what racegoers make of the developments.

She said: “We’ve been very busy over the winter period. The 2015 season was spectacular, and this year we expect it to be even better thanks to the improvements we’ve made.

“The racecourse has invested in a number of facilities around the venue as part of a 5 year improvements plan because we want to offer visitors a great racing experience.”

The Tees Valley racecourse has an exciting schedule of 18 racing fixtures until the seasonal finale in November. The highlights of the season include:

  • Easter Monday 28th March – Bank Holiday racing and lots of children’s entertainments
  • Bank Holiday Monday 30th May – Zetland Gold Cup day
  • Saturday 18th June – Ladies’ Day
  • Sunday 17th July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day
  • Saturday 6th August – Caribbean Carnival day
  • Saturday 27th August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening
  • Saturday 1st October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Straight Mile Championship Series

To celebrate the start of the season on Easter Monday 28th March, Redcar Racecourse is giving one lucky child the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in their ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition. The winner will also see their artwork displayed on the front cover of the official racecard and have a race named after them on the day.

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

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 12 noon, and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.05pm.

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

There are many hospitality options, from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages, including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information, visit www.redcarracing.co.uk, and to enter the Easter Monday VIP competition, visit www.redcarracing.co.uk.

Prototype Firm Enjoys Success Following Extensive Workforce Training

By on 28th February 2016in Local Biz

A prototype specialist is embarking on the next phase of its expansion by putting its entire workforce through an extensive training programme…

Paragon Rapid Technologies recently completed a two-year growth plan which saw turnover rise from £2.8m to £4.1m, and staff numbers from 35 to 53. During that period, the Durham Tees Valley Airport-based firm recruited a new senior management team, made a six-figure investment in new equipment, and streamlined operations to make the business more efficient.

Now the company, which makes rapid prototypes and components for the automotive, motorsport and medical sectors, has kick-started an 18-month programme to upskill all of its employees with the help of Peterlee-based KF Training.

All 53 staff will benefit from the training, which will cover strategic management and leadership, sales and marketing, business improvement techniques, and store and warehouse management. It is hoped the skills boost will trigger further growth at Paragon, which is aiming to ramp up turnover to £7m by 2018.

Paragon General Manager Ian Jobling, who will undergo leadership and management training, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with KF Training on this exciting project. As a company we’ve expanded rapidly in recent years, but to achieve the next phase of our growth plan we have to improve the skills base of our business.

“This training scheme will allow us to do that, and if we meet our turnover projections, we’ll be able to create more jobs at Paragon.”

Sara O’Brien, Commercial Director at KF Training, said: “We work with fast-growth companies that require extra skills to help them become more competitive. We are finding that many of our clients, including Paragon, are asking for leadership and management training to help improve the performance of their staff.

“It’s great to be working with Paragon and playing a key role in its expansion plans.”

KF Training delivers business-focused skills programmes and consultancy services across the North of England.  Headquartered in Peterlee, County Durham, the fast-growing business was launched in 2011 by managing director Kelly Lee and now employs 52 people. With four specialist training divisions covering innovation, leadership and management, continuous improvement and business skills, KF Training has helped dozens of clients build strong, dynamic businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce.

For further information about KF Training, visit www.kftraining.co.uk, call 0191 518 6830, or e-mail info@kftraining.co.uk.

For further information about Paragon Rapid Technologies, visit www.paragon-rt.com or e-mail info@paragon-rt.com.

Lawson To Perform At Sunderland Style Awards

By on 27th February 2016in Entertainment

One of the UK’s most exciting pop rock bands will be heading to Sunderland to appear at a major awards event…

Lawson, whose hits include Taking Over Me, Juliet and When She Was Mine, are to headline at the city’s Retail and Style Awards, which will take place at the Bridges shopping centre on April 23rd.

The event, organised by Sun FM and the Bridges, and supported by Sunderland BID, will celebrate the city’s top businesses and individuals across sixteen categories. The appearance by the band is part of a full evening of entertainment, which includes a three course dinner, fashion show and the awards ceremonies.

Plus, there is still time for nominations for the awards to be made before the closing date on February 29th.

“It’s a massive coup for us to get a band with the status of Lawson at our awards, and shows what progress the city is making,” said Julian Carter, MD of Sun FM.

“It will make what already promises to be a fantastic night even more spectacular.”

Other acts are already lined up to appear at the event, with further announcements to be made in the near future. Tickets are on sale for the night at £39, and are available from customer service at the Bridges, from the reception at Sun FM and via Eventbrite.

Andy Brown, lead singer of Lawson, said: “When we played the Stadium of Light a couple of summers ago, it was one of those gigs you never forget, and we can’t wait to come back to Sunderland to perform at the Retail and Style Awards.”

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID and the main sponsors for the awards, said attracting a top band to appear showed the calibre of these awards.

He said: “The appearance by Lawson won’t just add another dimension to the night, but it will also turn the spotlight on Sunderland to a national audience, and showcase what an exciting and dynamic city it is.”

This the first year that the city’s Retail and Style Awards have joined forces, with businesses and individuals able to enter in a range of categories. Nominations are still being accepted via the Sun FM website at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business, and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

“We’ve already seen a fantastic number of entries for the awards, which is what we would expect given the excellent year 2015 was for the retail sector,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“And now, with an amazing band providing the entertainment on the night, it will be a memorable evening for a whole host of reasons.”

County Durham Leisure Centres Hold Sport Relief Fundraiser

By on 27th February 2016in Lifestyle

Council fitness coaches are inviting families to spin, swim and sprint in aid of Sport Relief…

As part of their continuing efforts to improve the health of people in County Durham, staff at Freeman’s Quay and Riverside leisure centres have organised fundraising fitness events this March.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit our Durham and Chester-le-Street leisure centres, use some of the fabulous facilities we have, and support a great cause.”

A 24 hour ‘spinathon’ will take place at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre from 8pm on Thursday 17th March until 8pm on Friday 18th March.

Members of the public can book themselves in for a 30 minute slot – or longer if they feel up to the challenge – on one of the centre’s 13 spin bikes between 6.30am and 10.30pm.

Staff – including coaches Aiden McDaid, Steven Gardiner and Sam Renwick – will then continue the trial through the night.

With cyclists busy on the bikes, coaches Laura Gwynne, Claire Fothergill, Chloe Heslop and Carol Shaw will invite swimmers to take part in an hour long ‘aquathon’ on Friday 18th March.

From 9.45am to 10.45am visitors to the Freeman’s Quay pool will be able to dance along to everything from Abba to Glee, and the Beatles.

Meanwhile, at Riverside Leisure Complex, schoolchildren and sports club members will be encouraged to walk, jog or run a mile on its running track between 9am and 3pm.

The track will also be open from noon to 1.30pm for any member of the public who would like to take part.

All the events are free, but donations to Sport Relief will be requested.

Conservative Party First To Enter North East Mayoral Election

By on 26th February 2016in Local Biz

Self-made North East businessman and philanthropist, Jeremy Middleton, is the first politician to declare his intention to run in the North East mayoral election, which is expected to take place in May 2017…

Speaking to journalists and supporters at Durham County Cricket Club, Jeremy announced his intention to seek the Conservative Party nomination for the North East Region; which includes the Newcastle, Durham, Northumberland, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Gateshead local authority areas.

Mr Middleton, who sits on the North East Local Economic Partnership board and chairs its investment fund, outlined his priorities for the region; including support for the NHS, investment in schools and work experience to create more opportunities for young people, and a billion pound jobs and investment fund to tackle unemployment and create good jobs. He also called for a fairer funding settlement for the region and more investment in transport infrastructure.

Jeremy said: “I want to be Mayor because I am passionate about making sure we invest more in skills, apprenticeships and jobs here in the North East. I want our young people to have the same life chances here as they do everywhere else in our country. I’m frustrated that the North East gets a raw deal.

“The old model of trying to run everything in our country from the centre of London is broken. We must not settle for what we are given. There should be no limit our ambition.

“The mayor must be able to stand up to vested interests, both from within our region and from outside it. That is why we need a mayor with a strong independent voice and not a career politician. I am a member of the Conservative Party, however they may or may not endorse me, and whatever the outcome, I do not and will not hesitate to criticise the Government it if it fails to deliver.”

Stadium Of Light Hold 3 Course Meal For Mums

By on 26th February 2016in Lifestyle

Families from across the North East are being invited to toast to their mothers in a special celebration at the Stadium of Light…

This Mothering Sunday (March 6th), the Sunderland venue will be hosting a Champagne reception, followed by a three course meal in its Riverview Brasserie.

The menu for the event, planned under the new SOL brand, will include a choice of four starters, main courses and desserts, ranging from homemade salmon and dill fishcakes to roast loin of pork and strawberry shortcake.

Other options include country style terrine, lemon and thyme buttered chicken, passion fruit and mango tart and a traditional cheese board.

All mothers attending the event, run by 1879 Events Management, will receive a complimentary gift to take away, while children can dine for half price to ensure it is a real family affair.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “Mother’s Day is the ideal time for families to show their mum, grandmother or female head of the household how much they care.

“This year we’ve worked hard to ensure the afternoon will not only be sparkling and extra special but also affordable for everyone too.”

Mother’s Day at the Stadium of Light is priced at £26.95 per adult or £19.95 excluding the Champagne reception, and a 10 per cent discount is available for SAFC season card holders.

To book call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com. More information can be found at www.safc.com/whatson or www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight.

Guys & Dolls Announces All Star Lineup For Theatre Royal

By on 26th February 2016in Entertainment

An extra dose of glitz and glamour has been confirmed for the tour of Guys and Dolls to Newcastle Theatre Royal…

It has been announced that the star line-up will include Richard Fleeshman (Coronation Street, Ghost the Musical, Call the Midwife) as Sky Masterson, Maxwell Caulfield (Grease 2, Emmerdale, The Colbys) as Nathan Detroit, Louise Dearman (Wicked, Evita) as Adelaide and Anna O’Byrne (Love Never Dies) as Sarah Brown.

This glittering production of gamblers, gangsters and night-club singers rolls into Newcastle on Tuesday 22nd March, direct from rave reviews in the West End. The Chichester Festival Theatre revival of Guys and Dolls features dazzling choreography by world-renowned Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta alongside Andrew Wright, whose credits include Chichester Festival Theatre’s Singin’ in the Rain and is directed by New York’s Gordon Greenberg.

Audiences will be transported to the sizzling sidewalks of New York, where they’ll meet Nathan Detroit, who is desperate for money for an illegal dice game… and he needs it fast. Not to mention a 14-year engagement with nightclub singer Miss Adelaide, whose patience is finally running out. Enter notorious gambler Sky Masterson, a guy who can never turn down a bet, and straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown, a doll with a heart of ice. Nathan’s wager is that Sky has to romance Sarah by taking her to Havana for dinner, and in return he’ll provide a dozen ‘sinners’ for Sarah’s mission. Is this one bet Nathan can’t lose?

A joyous and vibrant celebration of Prohibition-era New York, Guys and Dolls first premiered on Broadway in 1950 and captured the optimism and energy of post-World War Two America. This hugely popular and multi award-winning musical, based on the colourful stories by American journalist Damon Runyon (renowned for his vivid fictional depictions of the gamblers, hustlers and nightclub singers of New York) features some of Broadway’s greatest musical numbers, including My Time of Day, Luck be a Lady and the show-stopping Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.

 

Completing the cast are Jack Edwards as Nicely Nicely Johnson, Peter Harding as Arvide Abernathy, Anthony McGill as Lt Brannigan, Mark Sangster as Benny Southstreet, Melanie Marshall as General Cartwright, Craig Pinder as Harry the Horse/Joey Biltmore, Cameron Johnson as Big Julie, Christopher Howell as Rusty Charlie. The ensemble includes Eamonn Cox, Jamal Crawford, Jonny Godbold, Ross Lee Fowkes, Aron Wild, Kiel Payton, Matthew Whennell-Clark, Ruthie Stephens, Bethany Linsdell, Hannah Cauchi, Chloe Chambers, Danielle Stephen, Abigayle Honeywill and Lucy Ashenden.

Guys and Dolls is directed by Gordon Greenberg, who has directed plays and musicals at major theatres across America and Europe, written for television and stage, and runs the musical theatre program at The New Group in New York, where he is based. He directed the current revival of Guys and Dolls for Chichester Festival Theatre, which is now running in London’s West End. He will direct his adaptation of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn on Broadway in October.

 

The music and lyrics for Guys and Dolls are by Frank Loesser, whose credits include How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and the song Baby, It’s Cold Outside. The book is by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Burrows’ credits include How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Swerling’s credits include the seminal film It’s A Wonderful Life.

Guys and Dolls plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 22nd March to Saturday 2nd April. Tickets are from £17.50 (pay less online) and can be purchased 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).

Yarm Students Reach Final Of National Debate Competition

By on 26th February 2016in In & Around

Students at Yarm School have put forward their argument for national success after its debating team reached the regional final of a national schools competition…

The team, consisting of Adya Trivedi, Eve Mason-Howell and Saurabh Sharma, who are all in the school’s Lower Sixth Form, was placed first in the regional semi-final of the English Speaking Union Mace debating competition at Farnley Academy, in Leeds, after winning their quarter-final heat.

Adam Bridges, Languages teacher at Yarm School, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team, who have come up against some tough competition in the region. It is down to our students’ hard work and determination – both in the classroom and through practising outside of school hours – and hopefully they can build on their excellent semi-final performance and advance to the nationals, which would be fully deserved.”

David Dunn, Headmaster of Yarm School, said: “Reaching the regional final in such a prestigious competition is a fantastic effort, and our debating team should be extremely proud. Academic competitions like the English Speaking Union Mace debating competition inspire students to future success in higher education and beyond, and I would like to wish our team all the very best in the final.”

6,500 Illicit Cigarettes Seized In Durham Raid

By on 25th February 2016in In & Around

Council officers have seized more than 6,500 suspected illicit cigarettes and tobacco with a street value of more than £1,500 in a raid…

Durham County Council’s Consumer Protection Team removed 6,640 cigarettes and 2.5kg of hand rolling tobacco believed to be counterfeit from a property at Kimblesworth, just outside Durham City, on Tuesday.

The raid comes on the back of officers having seized more than 450,000 illicit cigarettes since April last year, with a street value combined with confiscated tobacco in excess of £80,000. The consumer protection team obtained a search warrant from magistrates to carry out a raid on the house, which was suspected to be connected with the supply of illicit tobacco.

Assisted by Durham Constabulary’s Chester-le-Street neighbourhood policing team, officers seized the cigarettes and tobacco from inside. It is believed the items were being sold from the house illegally, for £3.50 for a pack of cigarettes and £7 for a pouch of tobacco.

A woman was interviewed by Consumer Protection Officers on suspicion of selling counterfeit tobacco, and tobacco not displaying the required health labelling.

Joint operations with Durham Constabulary since April 1st 2015 have seen the consumer protection team seize 456,320 illicit cigarettes and 28.15kg of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco, with a combined street value of £84,000.

Joanne Waller, head of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection, said: “Our work to rid the supply of illicit tobacco at all levels in the supply chain continues unabated.

“The sale of these illegal cigarettes sidesteps the controls that lawful businesses have in place to uphold age of sale laws, and undermines the work of the stop smoking services.

“This illegal source of cheap tobacco encourages a whole new generation of young smokers, and provides little incentive or motivation for other smokers to quit.

“There will be no hiding place for those who continue to flout the law and indulge in this criminal activity.”

Anyone with information on suspected counterfeit goods sales, such as tobacco, cigarettes, clothing, trainers, and alcohol,  should contact the Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Metrocentre Call For Food Bank Donations

By on 25th February 2016in In & Around

The North East’s largest shopping centre is urging households to help the hungry by donating to a food bank…

Last year, staff and shoppers at intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, donated more than 200kg of dried and tinned food to Gateshead Foodbank to help those in need, and the aim is to donate even more this year.

In a bid to help as many people as possible, intu Metrocentre is asking shoppers to bring in food products they don’t use or want – or perhaps have given up for Lent.

The initiative, which will last until 20th March, is the brainchild of intu Metrocentre Chaplain Lyn Jamieson, who said: “It is very sad indeed to think that, in this day and age, in this borough, there are still people who do not have enough to eat.

“These may be families whose benefits arrive late or are reduced, people leaving an abusive relationship, with nowhere to go and no money, or students who can’t make ends meet. Sadly, there are many causes and levels of hardship.

“The Gateshead Foodbank has been set up to help those most in need, and as intu Metrocentre is at the very heart of the community, we are committed to gathering as much food and awareness as possible.”

Last year, foodbanks across the UK gave more than 500,000 emergency three-day food supplies to people in crisis. More than a third of the emergency foodbank supplies went to children.

The centre is calling for donations of:

  • Milk (UHT or powdered)
  • Sugar
  • Long life fruit juice
  • Tinned food
  • Pasta sauces
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Tea bags and jars of instant coffee
  • Instant mash
  • 500g rice and pasta
  • Jars of jam
  • Packets or biscuits and snacks

Donations can be handed in at any of the centre’s customer services desks or the Centre Management Offices, 1st floor, next to House of Fraser. For more information, visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk.

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