Spring 2013 Spring

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This is your complimentary in-flight complimentary in-flight your This is home take to or now read to magazine, KING ARTHUR WAS HERE REAL TENNIS OFFSHORE ON TYNE SUPPLEMENT ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

WOMEN PLAY THE GAMES the male-dominated world of computer games of computer world male-dominated the More and more girls are taking on the boys in boys the on taking girls are more and More EASTERN IN-FLIGHT AIRWAYS

WELCOME

Welcome to the Eastern Airways Magazine as we bid farewell to the dark days of winter and contemplate the arrival of Spring and Summer.

So, anyone for tennis, then? This is no ordinary tennis – ground of another female great, Jane Austen, on the the racquets are wonky, the balls are made of cork and if 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and you thought handicaps were just for golfers, think again! Prejudice. The tennis we present claims to be the “real thing” and it’s coming to an indoor court near you. Once again, you can also win a bottle of English whisky in our latest brain-teasing puzzle. Columnist Alastair If you’d rather be spending the long days out of doors, Gilmour is back on the drink (writing about it, that is) and then join us in our quest for the Holy Grail of the legend Harry Pearson introduces us to the old country lad who of King Arthur: we can pretty much guarantee that, sells egg boxes. wherever you are in the UK, there’s somewhere in your neck of the woods that claims a link (however tenuous) to Our prize competition this issue is one that will really the iconic warrior-ruler. appeal to the golfer, with a two-night luxury stay on offer at the fabulous Close House Hotel, where Lee Westwood Our celebrity interview is with ’s own Jenny is the attached tour professional. Agutter, one of the stars of the BBC hit, Call the Midfwife. Enjoy your flight and your escape with Eastern Airways One whose star is both rising and youthful, is Gabrielle Magazine – we invite you to take your copy home and Kent, a doyenne of the computer games industry, who pass it round your friends and family! finds herself among the growing numbers of women involved in what was previously seen as something of a male bastion. THE EASTERN TEAM

Exploration Express takes us to the Hampshire stomping

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Tha Eastern Airways a’ cur fàilte air ar Croeso gan Eastern Airways magazine, i bob Eastern Airways magasinet ønsker våre luchd-cleachdaidh gu lèir bho Bhreatainn un o’n cwsmeriaid ym mhob rhan o Brydain kunder i Storbritannia og Europa velkommen. agus an Roinn Eòrp. Fawr ac Ewrop. Eastern Airways er et av Storbritannias Tha Eastern Airways am measg prìomh Mae Eastern Airways ymhlith y prif gwmnïau ledende ruteflyselskap. Vi håper at du vil være làn-sheirbheisean adhair clàraichte na RA. awyrennau yn y DU sy’n cynnig amserlen fornøyd med servicen vår – og at den tilbyr Tha sinn an dòchas gum meas sibh ar lawn o wasanaethau. Gobeithio y gwelwch deg det lille ekstra som er prikken over i-en. Vi seirbheis, an dà chuid, cùramach agus chi fod ein gwasanaeth yn un gofalus ac setter alltid pris på å motta dine kommentarer beagan eadar-dhealaichte – tha sinn ychydig bach yn wahanol – rydyn ni bob om både servicen og magasinet. an-còmhnaidh toilichte ur beachdan mun amser yn falch o gael eich sylwadau am ein t-seirbheis againn, is mu ar n-iris, a gwasanaeth ac am ein cylchgrawn. EASTERN-TEAMET chluinntinn. TÎM EASTERN SGIOBA EASTERN Descaling. Decontamination. Delivered like never before.

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16 GAMES FOR GIRLS 26 AUSTEN POWER 22 CALLING ON JENNY

REGULARS COMPETITIONS FEATURES 07 BUSINESS NEWS 35 GAIN THE ADVANTAGE 14 POTASH PROPOSAL What’s happening in the business Win Real Tennis lessons in A potash mine could open in the world around Eastern Airways Newcastle North York Moors National Park destinations 19 PUZZLE PAGE 16 EQUAL PLAY 20 PRODUCT NEWS Solve the puzzle and you could Gabrielle Kent is proving girls are Must-have items and apps for win a bottle of English whisky as good boys in the male- home or on the move dominated world of computer games 25 BITTER EXPERIENCE Alastair Gilmour finds southern 22 JENNY AGUTTER beer can leave you flat From railway child to Sister Julienne OBE 26 EXPLORATION EXPRESS A tour around Jane Austen’s 30 VOCABULARY LESSON Hampshire Dialect words collected by the Victorians and presented by Adam 36 BARE ESSENTIALS Jacot de Boinod Eastern Airways’ network map, passenger information and 32 ANYONE FOR TENNIS? destination guides Tired of squash? This could be the 29 STAY CLOSE real deal 46 ESSENTIAL GUIDE: Win a two-night golfing break at fabulous Close House, near OFFSHORE ON TYNE KING ARTHUR AN EASTERN AIRWAYS MAGAZINE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD INITIATIVE AND WARD HADAWAY NewcastleGateshead fuels Places with a link to the Arthurian Newcastle boom in energy sector legend – all within easy reach of our destinations

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Eastern Airways in-flight magazine is published © March 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this Eastern Airways, Schiphol House, Humberside for Eastern Airways by Gravity Magazines, Abbey magazine may be reproduced by any means, without International Airport, Kirmington, North Lincolnshire Business Centre, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, prior written permission of the copyright owners. DN39 6YH DH1 5JZ Although every effort has been made to ensure the Communications Manager: Darren Roberts www.gravity-consulting.com accuracy of the information in this magazine, neither e-mail: [email protected] the publisher, nor Eastern Airways can accept any Telephone: + 44 (0)8703 669669 Tel: +44 (0)191 383 2838 liability for errors or omissions. Reservations: + 44 (0)8703 669100 Publisher: Stan Abbott www.easternairways.com Design: Barbara Allen ISSN: 2044-7124 For magazine comments: Advertising: Liz Reekie Previously known as e-magazine, ISSN 1477-3031. [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 7563 796103 / +44 (0) 1434 240947 e-mail: [email protected]

Front cover by Founded Frontcoverby Austen / image courtesy HouseJane Austen’s Museum. Photograph JoeLow by Print: Buxton Press 5 Powering your career Local talent to deliver global subsea solutions. GE Works.

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©2013 General Electric Company BUSINESS NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS KELVINGROVE The 4-4-3RoutePassisbookablethroughAirwaysReservationson08703669100. travelagentsandviaEastern its routes across theUKandNorway, aswellfast-track AirwaysprovidesEastern dayreturnoptionsonmanyof access toanumberofairportexecutivelounges. flexible fares, nocharges forchangesandautomatic you onlyhavetopayforthree. Otherplusesincludefully Airways routes andmeansthatifyoubuyfourflights, The new4-4-3RoutePassisavailableonallEastern return flights. up to25percentdiscountfortravellersbookingfour Airwayshaslaunchedanew routeEastern passthatoffers DISCOUNTS GREAT BRINGS PASS ROUTE 4-4-3 BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS Competition for Eastern winners magazine Airways 42 from Solihull, JayneOliphant-Thmpson,from BudleighSalterton,and ChristopherMarsden,from Huddersfield. The winnersof copies ofDiscoveringtheGreat BritishTruffle, byMarionDeanand MarionPeningtonare MaxLopacki, Wade from WhitleyBay. The winnersofChapter6award-wining Englishwhiskyin ourPuzzlePageare Paul Andersonfrom Blythand Ollie Acharya, from SuttonColdfield. The winnerofatwo-nightbreak atNewcastle’s award-winning AirwaysMagazine42,isJay SandmanHotel,inEastern Aberdeen Airport The entrance to SET TO CHANGE

six flightsforthepriceoffour. AirwaysalsooffersEastern itsZonalRoutePass,providing lounge accessatapplicableairports.” they want–andreceive VIPtreatment withexecutive gives customers full flexibility to make as many changes as fantastic savingsthrough thisnewinitiative,whichalso Kay Ryan,Commercial Director, said:“We’re offering some complimentary drinksandsnacks. service providing allocatedseating,free holdbaggage and security channelsatthebusierairportsandafullyinclusive www.aberdeenairport.com continue tostrivedoso.” introducing routes newinternational toAberdeen, andwill Provan said:“We havebeensuccessfulinrecent yearsin range ofdestinationsandManagingDirector Derek It ishopedthenewnamewillhelpincrease theairport’s Stansted, andofitsstakesinotherEuropean airports. following theenforced sale ofGatwick,Edinburgh and airports operateundertheirownstand-alonebrands, The moveispartofownerBAA’s planstoletitsindividual International. Aberdeen Airportisrebranding itselfasAberdeen goesinternationalAberdeen Airport

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The bard’s words brought , Jarrow Best of 20th century One of the Insight into the from ournewheadquarters.” seeing Danahitourtarget of100,000barrels ofoilby2016 “We’re alldelightedwiththeresults andIlookforward to broke theoilandgasmould. gas company, andadesignthat,likeournewbrandidentity, Dana’s oiland ambitiontobecomealeadinginternational Petroleum, said:“We askedforaspacethatreflected Dr Marcus Richards, Group ChiefExecutive,Dana production company’s 37,500sqftKing’s Closeoffices. design fortheupstream oilandgasexploration Award-winning JAMstudiocompletedthesix-figure office new headquartersinthecentre ofAberdeen. First MinisterAlexSalmondhasopenedDanaPetroleum’s Salmond opens new Dana HQ Unique Part Celebrating Wales’s most famous poet. Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. interests, you’ll find something here. National Museum Cardiff 300ft below the surface. Blaenafon Big Pit National Coal Museum, contemporary arts. of Europe’s leading centres for the Arnolfini & Spike Island, Bristol dry dock next to Brunel’s ship. SS Great Britain, Bristol Americana outside the USA. Claims to be the only museum of American Museum in Britain, Bath curiosities and beautiful objects. style display cases jam-packed with Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford Staffordshire Hoard. See the selection of the bling from the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery thought-provoking displays. Museum Nottingham Galleries of Justice an even greater landscape. Chatsworth, Bakewell range of sculpture. Breathtaking scenery and a beautiful Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield Spine-chilling artefacts and Underground guided tour A great house, in Stand in the

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Simon Rawcliffe, who was a familiar face at Eastern Airways and a highly respected member of the aviation community, has died, aged 54, following a battle with cancer. He leaves a wife, Lisa, and son, Sam. Eastern Airways Chairman, Bryan Huxford, writes:

“Simon’s leadership and highly efficient flying skills benefitted all those who were fortunate enough to pass through any flight training facility where Simon was or had been involved. His skills of man management and assessment, in both the theory and practical application of flying, were second to none and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him, and our industry will be the poorer without him. “He joined us here at Eastern Airways in 2003 and became our “Simon’s academic achievements outside of flying were both highly respected Head of Training. Simon met challenges vast and varied and certainly to be admired – he graduated effortlessly and he led a rich life outside aviation, being an with Honours from Oriel College, Oxford, in Politics, accomplished musician, drumming for an AC/DC tribute band, Philosophy and Economics in 1981, and entered the family Riff Raff. meat business, in Liverpool, where selling tripe was among his duties. “A gifted wordsmith and master of debate, anecdote and humour, Simon listed car restoration, reading and cycling “In 1990, he looked for a complete change in direction and among his other interests. He was also, and sadly for some of funded his own training as a commercial pilot, at Cranfield. He us, a keen Everton fan.” went on to his first commercial pilot’s job at Gill Airways, Newcastle, ultimately becoming Director of Flight Operations Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life attended Simon’s there, in 2000, a post he subsequently held at Emerald funeral in the village of Wylam, illustrating the Airways, in his native Liverpool. esteem in which he was so widely held.

n Nick Barton has been appointed Managing Director at Aberdeen International Airport on an interim basis. He arrives from a similar position at Stansted Airport, which was, until re- cently, also part of the airports group now known as Heathrow Airports Ltd. He succeeds Derek Provan, who has taken up a secondment at Heathrow as Director of Airside Operations, until later Javeed Anwar, this year. Head of Nick has been at Heathrow Airports Marketing and Group since 2005, when he joined David Myers, Chief Executive Stansted as Business Development and Sleeperz Hotels Planning Director. He is a qualified Char- ter Surveyor, and rose through the ranks Artful celebration of hotel’s first year to become Managing Director in 2010. n BUSINESS NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS BUSINESS NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS A Newcastle hotel has celebrated its Art in the Arch@Sleeperz is an Preliminary plans have been submit- first year in business by commissioning exhibition of light-based art by Durham ted for a second golf course at Donald local artists to transform an empty rail- artist Mick Stephenson and urban Trump’s Menie Estate, Aberdeenshire. way arch into a modern contemporary cityscape photography by Newcastle The Mary MacLeod Course – named art exhibition space. photographer Steve Mayes, curated after Trump’s Scottish born mother – by Carlo Viglianisi and Nick Maylan of forms part of the £750 million resort Sleeperz Hotel, a 98-bedroom premium independent Durham arts organisation, project. budget hotel, is built on top of a net- Empty Shop. work of original railway arches in a pro- Designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, the tected heritage conservation area and Sleeperz says it received 34,000 guests 18-hole course will complement the has transformed one archway into a and recorded occupancy in excess of first and provide even greater capacity free art gallery space showcasing local 70 per cent in its first year. It followed for golfers, tournaments and events at talent. the first Sleeperz, in Cardiff. the estate. 11 Grumpy middle-aged man, good-looking, attractive, stunning female seeks SALE AWAY TOGETHER seeks music fan who likes going overweight, loaded businessman for long-term Good looking woman, 40-ish, to see live gigs etc. Grampian relationship. Must own at least three homes and sports seeks attractive athletic male for area. Looking for a long-term cars etc. Reply Box No 000000$ relationship (LTR). friendship, days out at various Reply Box No: 2468 Aberdeen shopping centres. Strong arms and own estate car preferred as well as ability to lie YOUR PERFECT MATCH … HAVE YOU THE ENERGY? when I try on dress at shops. Female oil & gas professional, Reply Box No: 241241 Small but perfectly formed engineering with mature assets that should have been decommissioned consultancy specialist seeks trustworthy and years ago, would like to meet FOOTBALL CRAZY professional partner for LTR. Likes Very ambitious man, 36, seeks (WLTM) man of similar status with designs on my exceptional woman who is out of commissioning, start-up and associated oil & his league. Aberdeen area. Must gas projects in UKCS. GSOH and up for a infrastructure. No integrity issues like the Dons and trips to challenge. WLTM decision-making managers please. Reply Box No: 3111975 Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park etc. aged 25-65. MC1, no punch lists preferred. Let’s HEAD IN THE CLOUD Good sense of humour (GSOH) get to know each other and see what happens. required. Reply Box No: 141983 Certified IT and data specialist looking to meet like-minded GUARANTEED RESPONSE! A MISS OPPORTUNITY programmer for discussions on Offshore worker WLTM information technology, server unattached female to brighten Email [email protected] virtualisation and advanced up the winter evenings. Fan of Reply by calling ABZ 788000 digital forensics. Join my network real ale, curries and live sport on and let’s connect for days out at TV two weeks each month. Only HOT, HOT, HOT computing events. Reply Box Miss World look-a-likes need No: 0110011101100101 Good-looking fireman looking to rescue fun-loving female 0110010101101011 apply! Reply Box No: 000001 for nights out and a laugh. Reply Box No 999 exceptional woman who is out of his

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liftex_ad.indd 1 01/03/2013 12:17 SPONSORED EDITORIAL / NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS Rockliffe Hall, , received Gold Gold in the Taste of category. named the region’s top restaurant, taking Newcastle’s Blackfriars (pictured) was England Tourism Awards. categories respectively in the North East Gold winners in the large and small hotels Dene House, both in Newcastle, were Sandman Signature Hotel and Jesmond Gold winners in awards This is also pertinent as energy services companies sector as it changes and develops in the coming years. Intertek to continue to deliver critical services to the energy keep our business thriving for the future and to allow So we need to attract young scientists into the sector to testing and training, as well as advisory and certification. services. This ranges from auditing and inspection, to their market, through the application of our highly technical helps companies meet industry standards and succeed in As a global provider of quality and safety services, Intertek future staffing needs. not enough people to fill existing requirements let alone challenge in the shape of a demographic crisis. There are ageing oil and gas workforce come to retire, we will face a record-breaking 27th licensing round, means that as the A number of large-scale developments, coupled with the report highlighted a pressing need to attract more workers. body OPITO, while the Oil and Gas UK 2012 demographic five to ten years, according to oil and gas industry skills Up to 15,000 people are needed in the industry in the next looming before us. need to invest in training and skills to fill the skills gap more so than the oil and gas sector, where there is a great experienced people to fulfil the roles required and none Every industry relies on having enough trained and by FILLING THE ENERGY SKILLS GAP SKILLS ENERGY THE FILLING

Raymond Pirie Council and conjunction with Northumberland County NewcastleGateshead Initiative, in The event was organised by visitor attraction. Cinema, Newcastle was named best large for Business Tourism and Full winners’ list http://tinyurl.com/8bclgf2 Tourism Alliance supported by the Northern . provider to industries worldwide. production business at Intertek, a leading quality solutions Raymond Pirie is Vice President of global exploration and business such as Intertek growing. the energy industry and to keep technically-focused Filling the skills gap is crucial to maintain the dynamism of competency. areas such as drilling, well control, safety, coaching and clients to help them build their knowledge and skills in keep up. As such, Intertek provides training services to The oil and gas sector advances rapidly and we all need to Training is also important for those already in the industry. take them. and about staff wherelearned a incareer science could our where advanced theylaboratory met our scientific number of pupils at school anrecently visited Aberdeen schools to highlight the potential ofin careers science. A At Intertek we are forging links with universities and them with future career opportunities. young people into science and technology and provide industries. As an industry we must do more to attract which require the transfer of existing skills to new renewable energy sources brings new scientific challenges emerging oil and gas provinces. Also, the development of introduce new technologies and move into new and 13 BUSINESS

POTASH IN THE PARK A huge potash mine could bring the world to the Yorkshire coast. The North York Moors National Park must judge if that will be a good thing. Jonathan Jones reports

A proposed new potash mining 1,000 jobs directly, with thousands Specialist mining experts have been development in a national park, the first more in the supply chain. drafted in by the National Park Authority in the UK for more than 40 years, could to assess the application. They have Gareth Edmunds, Head of External turn into a global centre been working with Sirius Mining Affairs at York Potash, said: “This for the industry. throughout the pre-planning application project has the ability to be process. The £1 billion development, by Sirius transformational for the local and Mining, is currently in the planning regional economies and will deliver an In particular, local residents attending phase. If successful, it would secure a unrivalled level of investment for North public meetings have raised their long-term supply of potash, a salt Yorkshire, creating 1,000 direct jobs concerns about the potential for commonly used in the production of and thousands more roles in the supply increased traffic and its effect on the fertilisers. and support industries. landscape of the National Park. The potash deposit, at Dove’s Nest “It presents a unique opportunity to But Mr Edmunds said those concerns Farm, Sneaton, near Whitby, is believed improve local skills and create a had been taken into consideration, to be the world’s largest, and could see highly-skilled employment base across before the planning application was more than six million tonnes of the salt the area, which will help to bring back submitted. mined every year. Initial drilling tests high-quality engineering skills to the He said: “In an area of such natural have indicated potash deposits of more region as a whole.” beauty as the North York Moors, it is than 2.2 billion tonnes in a 525 square However, the project still has some essential that we do all that we can to km area on the North Yorkshire coast. difficult hurdles to navigate, before it is minimise any impact on the The project would be good news for job given the final go-ahead. Situated in the environment. The mine’s location has creation in North Yorkshire, particularly North York Moors National Park, any been carefully chosen to ensure that the the Scarborough and Whitby area, and development has to be eco-friendly and buildings can be screened and 14 it is estimated it would create more than in keeping with the local environment. disguised within the landscape.” Mark Denton Mark View towards Fylingthorpe and Robin Hood’s Bay in the North York Moors National Park, not far from where the mine would be situated. Developers claim environmental impact on the park will be minimal. Inset: Computer generated image of the development

He added: “Our proposals for the mine will considerable distance involved.” “This is one of the key approvals for the also set a new benchmark for sensitive project and we look forward to securing the The ore will be transported through the design; two shaft-head frames will be sunk remaining approvals as quickly as pipeline suspended in salt water. The water below ground level and housed within possible.” will be continually recycled in a closed loop agricultural style buildings and the site will within the pipeline system. Chris France, Director of Planning for the feature a main mine building, which will be North York Moors National Park Authority, concealed in a commercial forestry block. In addition it is hoped that the majority of said: “There has been much public debate “There are many examples of essential York Potash employees will utilise park and regarding the York Potash proposals for a industry working successfully within ride facilities to access the mine, helping to new Potash mine at Dove’s Nest Farm, sensitive and protected environments in the reduce transport movements on local Sneaton. Both sides of the debate illustrate UK’s National Parks. York Potash will work roads to negligible levels. the complexity of the issues and the with the National Park Authority and the A planning application for the pipeline was environmental challenges, which need to local community to ensure that the York due to be submitted to the National Park be Radissonbalanced Blu’sagainst £22 the million potential hotel Potash Project is an exemplar project Authority by the end of February. However, economicon the Pegasus benefits Businessof the proposal.” Park, among these.” a licence to extract Potash minerals in the Henear added: East “Our Midlands planning Airport officers have had In order to completely remove the need to offshore portion of the development has regular meetings with York Potash transport the extracted mineral by road, already been granted to Sirius by the representatives, providing pre-application York Potash intends to use an underground Marine Management Organisation (MMO), advice, under the terms of a formal pipeline, approximately 44kms (30 miles) in and is the first of four key approvals Planning Performance Agreement. This length, and buried 1.2 metres beneath the required by the company. ensures that key issues are identified and surface, to transport the material to a understood at an early stage so that the Chris Fraser, Managing Director and Chief processing area on Teesside. formal decision is not unduly delayed. Executive Officer of Sirius, said: “The issue Mr Edmunds said: “The 44km pipeline, of the licence by the MMO is a significant “This is a normal procedure for local once installed, will be out of sight and will achievement as the offshore area planning authorities when dealing with not cause disturbance. It is considered represents the largest component of the complex developments and is encouraged the most efficient, effective and proven mineral rights within the York Potash by the Government in the interests of way of moving the mineral the Project. efficiency and good service.” “BOTH SIDES OF THE DEBATE ILLUSTRATE THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES...” GIRL ON TOP OF HER GAME BUSINESS Stan Abbott meets a woman who is carving out a slice of the action in the male- dominated world of video games

There’s an online forum associated with that most famous – or infamous – of computer games, Grand Theft Auto.

Some of the recent posts don’t make very attractive reading – misogynist at best, very unpleasant at worst. But the question that has prompted them is an interesting one, and a sign of the times: the rising participation of women in the world of games.

What’s going on in the macho world of GTA is indicative of a wider phenomenon: the women are coming – to a computer screen near you.

Several recent reports have suggested For Gabrielle Kent, the historic small revolution was beginning in that, by the end of this year, more dominance of men in the world of the computer games industry, as the women than men will be playing computer games, and increasing games creation is a question of nurture visual side of gaming moved away numbers of women are creating the rather than nature. from programmers and into the hands games that women – and men – are of artists. By happy coincidence, enjoying. “One of the reasons why men are into Gabrielle was able to enter the industry games and are more interested in them in the mid-90s at precisely that critical Games writer, Helen Lewis, Deputy than women is that parents buy the time, via a pre-graduation placement Editor of the New Statesman, puts the consoles for their sons and don’t tend with Stockton-based Acclaim. So after shift down to the rise of smart phones to buy them for their daughters,” she graduation she was able to launch a and tablets, but that’s not the end of says. freelance career producing concept art, the story. One mum with small children before joining the Pitbull Syndicate, in describes “the escape of getting into a “Parents buy very gender-specific toys Gateshead, as a graphic artist. completely different world” and getting and girls will be given hand-helds but to “slay a few dragons”. not necessarily consoles and of course “I worked on the Test Drive series that will affect girls’ perspective on Some 75 per cent of women who play and Demolition Racer and LA Rush. computer games.” games say gender is irrelevant, a view I was predominantly an artist in the backed up by Kaye Elling, a lecturer in games industry, but I had a little bit of Computer Games at the University of Gabrielle, on the other hand, reaped everything.” . the benefit of the introduction of an inexpensive Acorn Electron computer She used that little bit of everything “I don’t believe there is a difference into the Newton Aycliffe household by to create levels within games, before between what computer games men her parents 30 years ago, when she applying her skills to the teaching and women play, it’s more about how was just seven. of the next generation of games they play them, particularly now that you designers, at Teesside University. can play games through social media or But it was in her granddad’s house, on your mobile phone,” she says. in Bishop Auckland, around that time “I teach game mechanics, which is that Gabrielle began to write computer how to make a game ‘fun’ – what it is However, the world of video game programmes on a BBC Micro of the that makes it enjoyable.” creation still remains male-dominated. kind that was popular in the early 80s. Gabrielle Kent, deputy head of the Six years later she got her first games Of course, one boy’s enjoyable is Animation, Games & Computer Graphics Department in Teesside console, at 13. another girl’s macho turn-off. “Call University’s School of Computing, is in of Duty is very much 16 to 30-year- the vanguard of those hoping to change She studied art and design at old men, for example and it makes a all that. Cleveland College and gained a degree killing for the developers, it really does, in illustration and graphic design at but there are so many others,” says Stan Abbott caught up with her ahead Teesside University. Gabrielle. of Middlesbrough’s recent Animex 16 Festival, where she is Director… By the time of her graduation, a “I like Journey, which only takes a few hours to play, but it’s more of an experience offered courses since the 1980s but only friends’ games, and I spend too much of than a game. It’s a wonderful journey that called them games courses since the 90s, my leisure time playing games. the player makes, accompanied by different so we’re really well respected and all of individuals. our staff are ex-industry.” “But I probably spend more time watching my husband, Satish, play.” “You never find out who the other people For Gabrielle, a key priority is to build The couple met while Gabrielle was on playing are, but you have these beautiful bridges with the industry to ensure that a business trip to Japan and he was experiences and help each other through graduates will find work. North East running a games company at the time. levels as well – it encourages cooperation England retains a solid core of successful Now they live in the Middlesbrough rather than competition. world-class companies, particularly in suburb of Linthorpe and he is a PhD the field of car games – Gateshead’s student in School of Computing at “There are a lot of titles out there that are Eutechnyx and Ubisoft Reflections, in Teesside. Gabrielle says: “I can learn a lot not big macho ones and they are the ones Newcastle, spring to mind. Gabrielle more about the gameplay for my lectures that appeal to girls as well as guys. A lot sees the Animex Festival as the ideal of the games that women play are ones method to reinforce industry links and by watching the way other people interact that have more to them,” smiles Gabrielle, introduce students to companies both in with game worlds.” adding “my best friend is writing the script the region and further afield. “It provides to the new Lara Croft back story – women the opportunity to get a lot of top games Gabrielle has also just finished her are now adding a bit more weight to producers in front of students,” she says. first book, a fantasy novel whose main games”. character, Archie Bloom, flies on a So what does Gabrielle do when she’s bearskin rug in a computer age “famous For all its apparent dynamism, Gabrielle not teaching or running Animex? “These five” world set in the fictional Tyne Valley suggests there are powerful conservative days I might contribute bits of artwork to town of Hexbridge. forces in the games industry that are reflected in new developments to GAME ON: Portal, a scene from established games rather than the which is pictured left, is one of introduction of new, and untried, products. Gabrielle’s favourite games – see more on page 18 Cue another games revolution to match the one caused previously by the introduction of smart graphics: the arrival of the smart phone and tablet platform.

“There are a lot more platforms for people to play games on, so small teams can work on these and don’t need a publisher. They can produce and market the game in-house and get it out within six months.”

The commercial conservatism of US games publishers is, says Gabrielle, now encouraging developers in the UK to leave the big studios and set up on their own. They are following the money: “There are very few of the big console games making a profit, but there’s a lot lower cost to games released on line or on mobiles: the game may only cost 69p, but the developer retains a much higher percentage and if the mechanic is particularly attractive you will get thousands of downloads.”

The change is reflected in the focus at Teesside University, says Gabrielle: “We are starting up a casual games route for undergraduates and a master’s degree as well, with the focus on how to develop casual games and how to market them.

“There are a lot of universities offering computer games courses, but we are one of the first to offer courses in that subject.”

The innovation builds on the university’s long track record in the field. “We have Gabrielle’s favourite games, Shadow of the Colossus prepared for Eastern Airways Magazine readers

TOP THREE BOARD GAMES RISK Hilarious! It turns best friends into deadly enemies and the sweetest people into scheming warlords. SETTLERS OF CATAN Has a lot in common with Risk – short-term goals and long-term strategies, but it’s not as aggressive so you’re much more likely to remain friends with other players. PICTIONARY Great fun and very creative. I love the fact that artists usually lose through trying to be too detailed.

TOP THREE ON IPAD AND IPHONE WORLD OF GOO Lovely art style and fun gameplay, which is half strategy, half pot luck! UNBLOCK ME Great for killing time and keeping your brain active whenever you have a few minutes to kill. SCRIBBLENAUTS I love this game for its utter craziness. Whatever you type in appears and you can use bizarre objects to achieve objectives in unexpected ways.

TOP THREE HANDHELD MARIO KART ON THE NINTENDO DS Fantastic for multiplayer. I spent hours playing this with three other people on a long-haul flight from Japan. You could hear excited yells coming from different parts of the plane as we raced for the finish line. ELITE BEAT AGENTS ON NINTENDO DS A very weird concept that combined rhythm with visual cues. Totally addictive, with some great music. WARIOWARE ON NINTENDO DS Each of the hundreds of mini games in each Wario title only takes five seconds. Within that time you must figure out what to do and complete the task. Things get PORTAL frantic and progressively weirder as you progress. The Portal gun is one of the greatest games mechanics of all time and provides wonderful problem-solving opportunities. Portal also contains my all-time favourite games character, and she isn’t even human. TOP THREE CONSOLE GLaDOS, the passive-aggressive narcissist with an evil sense of JOURNEY humour, has a special place in my heart. I’d have to describe this as an experience rather than SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS a game, and what an experience! It has an incredible This game has so much atmosphere – and a slight sadness to it as you soundtrack, a strong atmosphere and it allows you gallop across vast landscapes. The gameplay is highly original and you to build a wonderful bond with other players, without can’t help but gasp as you encounter each of the colossi and wonder words. how on earth you will defeat these giants. 18 COMPETITIONTRAVEL www.englishwhisky.co.uk malt whisky free shop). duty (also airport on sale inNorwich of bottles oneChapter oftwo 6, England’s award-winning finest single Welcome to the Eastern page puzzle Airways and your chance to win PUZZLE PAGE PUZZLE Sponsored by England’s finest whisky by Yves Du Sault 19 GOING PLACES PRODUCT NEWS A round-up of the latest must-have products and apps

BIG READ THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Visiting a fine country house, garden VisitEngland has launched a new the Royal Geographical Society which or historic site is among our favourite Facebook app, which sets out to find aims to create 100 new walks across weekend activities – last year 75 per cent 101 things for you to do “at home” the country. His expert pick, which of us indulged ourselves in this way. before heading abroad. falls into the Arts & Culture category on VisitEngland’s app, is one of more TV presenter and former Python So asserts the foreword to the 2013 than 500 suggestions received so Michael Palin chose Oxfordshire’s Hudson’s Historic Houses and far in the tourist board’s quest to chalk white horse as his expert pick Gardens, prefacing an encyclopaedic establish the ultimate English bucket for the app, saying: “The White collection of details of such properties list. throughout the whole of the UK, plus Horse at Uffington is at the heart of a the Isle of Man and Channel Islands, very fine walk, taking in not just the Other examples include: code- combining listings with more extensive horse itself but the ancient hill fort breaking at Bletchley Park, Banksy- entries and advertisements. of Uffington Castle, a stretch of the spotting in Bristol, making your own oldest road in the country and the pork pie in Melton Mowbray, bathing There’s an extensive collection of hill on which, according to legend, St in the naturally warm waters of well-written articles on a variety of George slew the dragon.” Bath, and watching the Gateshead conservation and other themes, such as Millennium Bridge opening. ancient monuments, gardens, castles Palin is an ambassador for and coastlines, plus a full resumé of the Discovering Britain, a new project by www.101thingstodoinengland.co.uk highly respected Hudson’s Awards. A great one to have on the coffee table, this is an example of a book that’s just too big to work on the internet. £15.99 from booksellers or www.hudsonsheritage.co.uk • Image shows Chawton House, Hampshire – see Exploration Express pages 26-28

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LOOKING BACK IN TIME n Although aimed at working journalists, an amusing little gadget designed by PR Panerai, the high-end Italian watch brand, S I H H 2 0 1 3 agency Twelve Thirty Eight may be of has launched its 2013 collection, which amusement – and you can even use it to features re-editions of Panerai watches check that reports you write are not full from the 40s and 50s. of meaningless PR buzzwords! Other highlights in the collection are Twelve Thirty Eight’s new Buzzsaw the Tourbillon GMT Ceramica, the follows its recent Buzzword Report, company’s first pocket watch, and which highlighted the PR buzzwords, the Luminor Submersible 1950 three-day terminology and practices most power reserve Auto Bronzo, a new special likely to inflame journalists, says the edition, which features a bronze case agency. “Since we issued it, it has highly resistant to the corrosive action of become something of a training manual sea water and the atmosphere. at the UK’s biggest PR agencies. The Panerai brand was founded in “For the last few weeks we have been Florence in 1860, while the Panerai watch at work compiling a database of all the dates back to 1936 and was developed offending terms and phrases. There in response to a requirement of the Italian are more than 500 in the database Navy for “a special luminous underwater already, including terms like repurposing, watch” for commandos. solution, robust, leverage, etc.” www.panerai.com Try it at www.1238kmh.com/buzzsaw.htm 21 INTERVIEW: JENNY AGUTTER INTERVIEW

22 Features Fisher/Rex David : Photo INTERVIEW: JENNY AGUTTER

With a recent OBE under her belt and the second series of (in which she plays Sister Julienne) wowing television audiences around the world, the former child star regrets blaspheming, and facing the big 60. Interview by Nick McGrath

Like a sun-drenched Somerset orchard in her beloved West NM: You’re approaching 50 years in entertainment. How have Country, there’s something quintessentially English about Jenny you maintained such a passion? Agutter. JA: I’ve always loved the buzz of a set and even today if I see someone shooting on the street I think, “why aren’t I involved in Born in , Jenny Agutter first shot to fame in the TV and that? What are they doing?” Acting’s held an excitement for me film versions of , shot in the 1960s on the from Day One and that hasn’t changed. Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. She also appeared in a later TV version of the Railway Children, this time in an adult role. NM: You must be overwhelmed by the success of Call the Midwife… From the cut-glass enunciation to the infectious dramatic zeal, JA: It’s been so lovely and so surprising. It’s extraordinary. I’ve she’s animated wholesomeness personified; an unadulterated been in things before that have felt special during filming then national treasure. I’ve been proved completely wrong. But this time I could tell it was going to be very, very special. It doesn’t fall into any Or is she? category, it appeals to so many different groups of people and “That’s the single most common misconception that people it’s an interesting time to be examining issues about women and have about me,” she says over afternoon drinks at London’s childbirth and the NHS. bustling Soho Hotel. “That I’m nice. I don’t think I’m nice. I’m just ordinary.” NM: Was it fun playing a nun? JA: Pam Ferris and I were actually very un-nunlike on the edge It’s a slightly disingenuous analysis, and one starkly at odds with of set. We’d talk about shopping, interior design and food, the decidedly extraordinary facts. domestic stuff. Being a nun is a very, very particular calling and it’s way outside of my experience. I don’t know whether people Discovered as a ten-year-old boarder at Birmingham’s Elmhurst identify with me fully as a nun or not. I’ve not seen anybody Ballet School, Jenny made her big screen debut aged just 12, cross themselves or ask to be blessed but it has been quite in the 1964 film East of Sudan and within four years was playing levelling. You go into work in the morning, there’s no time in ’ daughter in the hit movie musical Star. make up because there’s no make-up being put on, there’s no time in wardrobe because you just put the habit on. I avoided Then 1968 also saw her play inquisitive teenager Roberta in the catching myself in the mirror but I did catch myself out swearing TV adaptation of Edith Nesbitt’s classic coming-of-age story, with a habit on and had to pull myself up on it. The Railway Children, a role she iconically reprised two years later in Lionel Jeffries’ universally adored big screen version. NM: Did you say three Hail Marys? JA: I did my rosary several times… After the disturbing outback drama Walkabout, and aged just 21, Agutter relocated to America in 1971, embarking on a successful NM: And how do you enjoy working with Miranda Hart? Hollywood career, with high-profile roles in blockbusters JA: She is very, very touching. She does it really simply, that including The Eagle Has Landed, Logan’s Run, – for whole awkwardness she did so well, because she isn’t really which she won a best supporting actress BAFTA in 1977 – and like that. She’s quite comfortable with her bigness and her the 1981 erotic fantasy, An American Werewolf in London. differentness. Thirty-two years later, now married since 1989 to hotelier Johan NM: Assuming there’s a series three and four, would you stick Tham and doting mum to 22-year-old Cambridge medical with it if that happened? student Jonathan, she’s back in the UK and positively fizzing JA: It’s a lovely role and it’s quite a commitment to do that with enthusiasm. on and on, so I don’t know; and you never know what legs something’s got, so would I go on? Yes. I think I would. LEFT Agutter at the BAFTA British Academy Television Awards in London last May NM: Last year was incredibly busy for you with the OBE and two >> “Acting’s held an excitement for me from Day One and that hasn’t changed.” JENNY AGUTTER: THE AVENGERS, EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE

Agutter in Outside Bet and as Sister Julienne in Call the Midwife outside the Prefab at the Chiltern Open Air Museum used in the series.

big movies. Tell us about the new Bob Hoskins movie you’re in, normal adolescence. It was a skewed emotional development. I Outside Bet. was actually very young for my age and I’ve come to terms with JA: It’s set in the 1980s and it’s the first time I’ve worked with the fact that I’m immature. Bob, who is a man of few words. He’s very straight talking. I wore a hat for a wedding scene and he said, “That looks like a NM: You recently turned 60. Are you more comfortable in your cowpat has landed on your head.” He knows how to put across a own skin now? compliment! It was a tiny budget but great fun to do but the only JA: I do feel very comfortable in my skin but I just can’t come to problem was that everybody kept referring to the “period clothes” terms with the idea that my skin is what it is, as opposed to what from the Eighties and I thought, “I’ve still got all those clothes in it was when I was 35. Ageing doesn’t depress me. I’m just trying my wardrobe.” to figure out what it does mean to me. I still feel terribly young mentally, but I’m not comfortable with the idea of being pigeon- NM: You also appeared in the big screen adaptation of The holed. I don’t want to be specified as retired. Avengers, which cost $220 million and stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson. NM: If your 60-year-old self could write a letter of advice to your That must have been a huge contrast to Outside Bet… 18-year-old self, what would you say? JA: I loved it. I felt like a child going into a sweet shop. I’m so JA: Listen very carefully to advice, which maybe I didn’t always. excited by that kind of stuff, it’s silly. It took me back to Logan’s And also realise that when you’re 18 you have a great deal more Run, with big sets and lots of people around. We filmed in the strength than you think you do. New Mexico desert, in Albuquerque, and there were these huge Winnebagos everywhere and people saying, “Have you got NM: Which single decision has had most impact on your life? everything you want?” And then all the secrecy of it. I couldn’t JA: Getting married, and having a child. It’s a life-changing read the script until I got there. I had to go into the studio to read experience that nothing can touch and it teaches you that it and then I had to hand it back and then sign a confidentiality your life is not actually the way things are. The way you see contract. things is not always the way things are. You realise that your understandings are just your own personal understandings, not NM: Were you on camera with Scarlett Johansson? everybody else’s. JA: No, but I did see her sitting on her Winnebago steps looking rather sad. I don’t know what she was going through. She wasn’t NM: How do you relax? in costume or anything. I think it was just a personal moment. JA: I’m a very fidgety person and I’m not very good at taking things slowly. My husband and I have a house in Cornwall and NM: Like Scarlett Johansson you successfully graduated from there is nothing I can do there really, apart from take walks and child star to adult actress. Do you ever feel like you missed out on read. It really is quite levelling, as you’re not a part of this frenetic a normal childhood? world. Which isn’t to say I don’t love London, as when I’m not JA: Shortly after The Railway Children I gave up school altogether. busy I love making the most of what it has to offer. I’d missed out on so much of my education I just stopped, which was a hugely foolish thing to do and I regret that all that time. It NM: What are you ambitions for the next ten years? takes me longer to do things, like writing because of that. When JA: I hope time hasn’t gone by too fast and I’d like to get more I see my son write, he’s had a different education to me but he organised. I’d like to get rid of a whole lot of garbage. The can write something and say exactly what he means. It takes trouble with time is that you gather things up and I’m very bad at me about ten drafts before I get it right. Theatre and acting have throwing things away, both emotionally and physically. I’d like to given me an extraordinary training, but you realise that there are be able to throw things away. I don’t want to be a collector. big gaps. And because I grew up very much outside of my peer group I appeared to be older than I was and precocious on one Series Two of Call the Midwife has just finished on BBC1. Outside 24 level – but not emotionally, because I’d hadn’t gone through a Bet and The Avengers are both out now on DVD and Blue Ray. BITTER EXPERIENCEwith Alastair Gilmour GETTING AHEAD OF THINGS The North-South divide even extends to how we like our beer – flat or frothy

The regular impression that there is a pump with gravity dispense (southern But it has to be said that in Lilliput, His North-South divide in Britain illustrates style) creates random-sized bubbles, Imperial Highness, the Little Endian that we are not a uniform nation. Pay through beer-pouring turbulence, which heir to the throne, “has some tendency scales differ from Inverness to London, contain mostly trapped air. But when towards the high heel”. as do employment opportunities, the the beer is forced through a sparkler – a As for Little Endians, a beer-writing property market and education – but northern-style device with holes in it that colleague now based in London always nowhere is it more visible than in the can be adjusted to allow beer to flow asks for the sparkler to be taken out presentation of a pint of beer. through at different rates – the agitation of the hand-pump outlet. Despite In the North we like a head on our ale, being Cumbrian by birth and by fierce while southerners prefer the millpond-flat independence – and by definition a approach. We’re a nation of Big Endians Northerner – our friend has assumed and Little Endians – as in Gulliver’s the flat attitude. Then he spends the rest Travels, where political and religious of the pint’s consumption agitating the factions in Lilliput argue over everything, glass to revive the bubbles and “liven” right down to whether to crack open up the beer. It is a very annoying habit. their soft-boiled eggs from the big end In a new edition of Cellarmanship or the little end. The Emperor of Lilliput (Campaign For Real Ale, £8.99), author requires his subjects to be Little Endians, Patrick O’Neill describes the theory but the rebels – Big Endians – prefer “the behind the head, explaining that water primitive way”. itself does not form any head of froth In the Big Endian corner, the froth on when forced through a tight orifice. top of a glass of beer is very important, Releasing carbon dioxide – a naturally- almost as important as the quality of the occurring constituent of real ale – also liquid itself. The beer is drunk “through” brings out some of the aromatic hop oils, this tight head of creamy and practically which in turn lend an enhanced aroma invisible bubbles, which persist to the pint. Keg stouts and “smoothflow” throughout and leave lacings of froth bitters are a different proposition, as down the glass as if marking progress in they have a nitrogen/carbon dioxide terms of satisfaction. mixture. Nitrogen-influenced bubbles are For Little Endians, is there any fun in very much more longer-lasting and can supping a loose-headed beer whose be formed much smaller under higher large, irregular bubbles leave no physical pressure. The ultra-small bubbles of a trace of enjoyment? It comes down to Guinness head, for example, can only be science, of course. causes carbon dioxide to break out produced with nitrogen. of the beer and forms more uniform Among the bewildering array of Then there’s the glass. It is increasingly bubbles, containing both carbon dioxide compounds that make ale so common to find pint glasses with and air. enjoyable are organic chemicals called markings on the internal base, the glycoproteins – large molecules with a The North-South, Big Endian-Little “nucleated” glass, which allow the gas to hydrophobic (water-hating) protein head Endian conundrum will probably never release more readily and thus preserve and a long, hydrophilic (water-loving) disappear. We’ll moan about flat beer the head. tail. Whenever a bubble is formed, the when we have a night out in London Without the aid of these pits, a regular hydrophobic heads migrate to its surface and have to suffer visitors asking for pint glass (southern) will keep a head (in effect, attempting to escape from sparklers to be adjusted in a busy bar in for only three or four minutes before the solution), while the hydrophilic tails Newcastle. appearing flat. The markings come in a remain in the bubble wall, trying to pull Perhaps we should take Jonathan Swift’s variety of styles: the beautifully designed, the molecule back. The overall result is recommendation. In Gulliver’s Travels he thistle-shaped Duvel glass, with its that the bubble acquires a “skin”, which concludes that all true believers break narrow neck and voluptuous bowl, has greatly increases the viscosity and the their eggs “at the convenient end” – a D etched in the bottom to create a stability of its structure. something is left to individual taste and steady stream of bubbles to maintain In the pub, an ordinary short-spout hand- conscience. the head.

Alastair Gilmour is a freelance journalist specialising in food and drink. He likes pubs with an “edge”. 25 26

© Paul Cummings - Fotolia.com EXPLORATION EXPRESS famous author and the nation’s favourite novel The fine city of Winchester is the perfect base to discover more about the world JANE AUSTEN’S HAMPSHIRE AUSTEN’S JANE A STORY A TO CELEBRATE © VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth / Hampshire County Council County Hampshire / Bosworth Daniel / VisitBritain © © VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth Daniel / VisitBritain © © VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth Daniel / VisitBritain © CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Winchester Cathedral, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, Anthony Gormley’s Sound II in the crypt at Winchester Cathedral, Inside the Great Hall, which stood at the heart of Winchester Castle

There are some things in our culture that stayed in a house on College Street, just a which hangs on one of its walls (see are endurable almost beyond reason. spit from the Cathedral, but died there just Essential Guide, page 49). Elsewhere in this issue we explore the myth a couple of months later at the very tender The Westgate is a fortified medieval and reality of King Arthur; then there’s the age of 41. There’s a blue plaque on the gateway and former prison, while the City appetite for remakes of Jane Austen’s Pride house today. Mill has regular demonstrations of milling. and Prejudice; and then there’s our The Cathedral exhibition relates her birth INTECH is an interactive hands-on science obsession with anniversaries. and childhood in Hampshire and her writing and technology centre, with the UK’s This year we can also celebrate the 200th and life in the village of Chawton, of which largest capacity planetarium. anniversary of the publication of Pride and more presently, dear reader. For interesting shopping, try the boutiques Prejudice. You can see Jane’s memorial stone as well in the Square, while, tucked away behind Rather neatly, we can base ourselves in the as the wall-mounted brass plaque that was the Cathedral you’ll find some of the city’s fine Hampshire city of Winchester to enjoy added in 1872 to further address her literary best shopping secrets along Kingsgate all of these, not to mention the way some achievements. Avid fans can take a private Street. Parchment Street is good for songs can turn once ordinary locations into tour with one of the Cathedral’s dedicated unusual boutiques and galleries, and don’t cultural icons: Waterloo (as in the Kinks’ guides, who have researched Jane’s links miss the 16th Century streets in the sunset) is one and, of course, Winchester with the Cathedral. Constabulary for fine handcrafted jewellery. Cathedral, immortalised by the New Special plans for this year at the Cathedral The Winchester area has more than its Vaudeville Band in 1966, is another. include a Regency-style cream tea, share of great country pubs, not least the Let’s begin by killing two iconic birds with accompanied by a Jane Austen spoken lovely Fox, near North Waltham. one stone, so to speak. A permanent word performance, and a Jane Austen and But let’s get back to Ms Austen. She was exhibition in Winchester Cathedral, set the Navy lunch with a guest speaker. born in 1775 at Steventon, at the heart of beside Austen’s grave, tells the story of her The Cathedral is also home to Anthony the South Downs, your archetypal life in Hampshire and was installed in 2010 Gormley’s Sound II. Other stops on your chocolate box Hampshire village. The to mark the beginning of a decade Winchester itinerary will, of course, include church is pretty much unchanged from commemorating her heyday. the Great Hall, with the Sally Port one of Jane’s day and, you can make it your Jane had become ill and travelled to the only two surviving parts of Winchester starting point if you fancy retracing Jane’s city in 1817 to be near her doctor. She Castle, and the magnificent “Round Table” steps in the walk that she often made to >> JANE AUSTEN: THE WORLDWIDE APPEAL OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Jane Austen’s writing table and Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton

Popham Lane, where the family collected Estate that her brother Edward had She Had Dressed With More Than Usual their letters in North Walton – now the inherited. It was here that Jane spent her Care, an exhibition of the costumes worn Wheatsheaf Inn, from the ubiquitous Chef most prolific writing years, and where she in the much-loved 1995 BBC adaptation, and Brewer stable. published her first novel, Sense and starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle Sensibility, in 1811, under the teasing (September to December). Jane and her sister Cassandra studied pseudonym, “A Lady”. briefly in Southampton and Reading before Chawton House, whose ancient church their schooling was cut short because of Today, the house is Jane Austen’s House houses the graves of Jane’s mother and the state of the family finances and Jane Museum, containing many of the family’s sister, today houses the Chawton House returned to the family home at Steventon belongings and furniture as well as some Library charity, which has an international Rectory in 1787, where she discovered her original letters and manuscripts. reputation for its rare collection of women’s passion for writing. writing. To mark the anniversary of Pride and Following the death of her father, Jane Prejudice, Jane’s most successful novel, www.visitwinchester.co.uk Images courtesy Jane Austen’s House Museum House Austen’s Jane courtesy Images returned to Hampshire in 1809, moving to the museum is hosting two exhibitions this www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk a village cottage on the Chawton House year: The Story of Pride and Prejudice, in which the novel’s illustrations, by Thompson, will create a trail around the house (running to the end of March), and

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Lee Westwood Courtyard Room

Argent D’Or restaurant Close House Hotel

In addition to bed and Northumbrian breakfast for two, staying in a Our prizewinner and their guest will spend two luxury Courtyard Room (with complimentary WiFi and car parking) nights at the hotel (Sunday to Thursday nights only), at the elegant 18th century mansion, our prize includes dinner on including breakfast, and take a two-course dinner one night at the hotel’s fine-dining Argent D’Or restaurant, featuring in the Argent D’Or restaurant on one evening (drinks French cuisine with a British twist and the best local produce. You’ll excluded) plus the golf benefits above. The prize also enjoy a complimentary round of golf on the Championship Colt is subject to availability and may exclude selected Course and 40 practice balls at the driving range, with club storage dates. Dinner and golf tee-off must be booked in and cleaning also available. advance. Eastern Airways flights to Newcastle, where Throughout the hotel you will find fine food, luxurious required, are included. Airport transfers not included. accommodation, elegant interiors and the finest comforts – from For your chance to win this wonderful short break, just the elegant Champagne Lounge and Bar to the more contemporary answer the following question. dining experience that is No.19 – and a very warm welcome designed to make your experience unforgettable. What is the name of the Championship golf course at Close House? For the golfer, Close House Golf Academy and Driving Range, whose attached tour professional is the great Lee Westwood, Send you answer to [email protected], with includes one of the top one hundred courses in the UK, the 18-hole “Close House competition” in the subject field. Please provide name, Championship Colt course, and an 18-hole Filly course, as well address and phone number and the flight number and date of your as a floodlit driving range, and the opportunity to hone your game last flight with Eastern Airways. Or send on a postcard to Gravity, Imex Business Centre (Bizspace), Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, through customised lessons in specialist video teaching bays with DH1 5JZ. Closing date, May 27, 2013. tuition from PGA professionals. www.closehouse.co.uk Prize to be taken by October 31, 2013. Eastern Airways flies to Newcastle from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff and Stavanger RECORDED IN HISTORY Adam Jacot de Boinod introduces another instalment in his trip around the languages and customs of the world. Here he looks at language and dialect around Eastern Airways destinations…

The Victorians were very assiduous

in collecting and cataloguing most NORWEGIAN SCOTS things, be they butterflies, minerals dugnad working together in everyone’s cloch to cough frequently and feebly or language. Between 1850 and 1880 interest without getting paid wheeler one who bids at an auction they gathered together glossaries dynke the act of dunking somebody’s simply to raise the price of local dialects. Here are some of face in snow the more curious examples of the summer-flaws heat haze vocabulary they recorded… kram snø snow that is sticky (excellent pew the least breath of wind or smoke; for making snowballs and snowmen) the least ripple on the sea latterkrampe convulsive laughter tartle to hesitate in recognising a sjøstygg being so ugly that, if you’re person or thing on the shore, the tide won’t come in kinkens an evasive answer to an (literally, sea ugly) inquisitive child giftekniv a person trying to get two smirikin a stolen kiss people married jorg the noise of shoes when full of anestolt proud of one’s ancestors water fiskevaer good weather for fishing splerg to walk splashing in mud gift a poison or married pale to test a cheese by an incision netty a woman who traverses the

30 Fotolia.com - Legend Living country in search of wool WELSH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MIDLANDS cwtch to hug and snuggle up in a loving zoo-zoo a wood pigeon (from the sound cronk (Nottinghamshire) a little unthriving way it makes) apple growing in the bunch with larger ones clardingo to flee in panic from a warble- cainsham smoke the tears of a man who fly (of a herd of cows) is beaten by his wife (deriving from a lost sahlifahly (Nottinghamshire) to make story relating to Keynsham, near Bristol) flattering speeches hywl religious or emotional fervour, as experienced with preaching, poetry hox to knock the feet together when to go in the huddlings (Leicestershire) to reading, sporting events, etc walking run away at night so as to escape one’s creditors lledorweddle to lie down while propping flisk a brush to remove cobwebs yourself up with one elbow queagle (Leicestershire) to swing heel to upset a bucket backwards and forwards, crouching hiraeth a mingled feeling of sadness, lill used of the tongue of a dog dropping down on the heels in a sitting posture somewhere between homesickness and his saliva nostalgia triltigo (Derbyshire) a word used to start bivver to quiver using the lips boys off in a race knappan a game in which each side tries to drive a wooden ball as far as possible mather to turn round before lying down, inchy-pinchy (Warwickshire) the boys’ in one direction as an animal often does game of progressive leapfrog traffic the tracks worn by rabbits or rats puckwax (Warwickshire) the cartilage of near their holes a cow’s shoulder HAMPSHIRE by scowl of brow judging by the eye chavish to make a confused, chattering instead of by measurement noise, as a flock of birds does NORFOLK jub to move as a slow-trotting heavy elijahs string tied around a labourer’s horse does GEORDIE (Newcastle) trousers, just below the knee gambril a crooked piece of wood placed leister a salmon spear used by poachers jiffle to fidget between the hind legs of a slaughtered sheep, for the purpose of spreading and jowl to strike a wall in a coal pit as a guzunder a chamber pot (as it “goes suspending it signal (when pitmen are imprisoned under” the bed) by an accident they jowl to show their dew-bit the mid-morning breakfast swimmers Norfolk dumplings position to the rescuers (taken in the fields when the dew is still kiderer a pork butcher on the grounds bully a brother, comrade dockey a labourer’s dinner kay-legged knock-kneed plodge to wade in water with bare feet brawk to belch loudly after meals water-geal a second or double rainbow hoyin oot time closing time in a pub appearing above the first dardledumdue a person without energy bubble to weep floush to splash and beat water about dunduckytimur a dull, indescribable with violence, as boys frequently do colour when bathing spuffle to waffle, speak pompously NORTH EAST (Durham Tees Valley) tittermatorter a see-saw grizzle to cry with pain YORKSHIRE clap-benny to clap their little hands tewtle to snow just a few flakes as the only means of expressing their pingle to play with one’s food prayers (a frequent request to infants in lummox a clumsy person flapadosha an eccentric, showy person their nurse’s arms) with superficial manners fly-by-sky a flighty, romantic or highly slindgy tall, gaunt and sinewy imaginative person stridewallops a tall, long-legged girl skinch pax a truce in children’s games sodge to sit down with a heavy thump bruff a halo round the moon sashmaree an elderly female, conspicuous starp to walk with long strides for the quaintness of her finery Adam Jacot de Boinod is the author plout to struggle to walk of The Meaning of Tingo and Other gibligant of two women: to ride on one Extraordinary Words from around the horse lingy fit, active World, published by Penguin Books bobby-jub strawberries and cream bagie a turnip and the iPhone App Tingo, a quiz on interesting words. dooadge to handle food in a messy way dwalm faintness (often said of children) gowpen a handful crambazzled prematurely aged through drink and a dissolute life SPORT

Is age catching up with you when you go on the squash court? Stan Abbott experiments with a slightly slower but nonetheless challenging racquet sport that might just be for you…

“It’s tennis Sir, but not as we know it!” So might Mr Spock The sport has its origins in the reign of Henry VIII and today the have said had the crew of the Starship Enterprise been court at Hampton Court Palace, in London, rebuilt in the early contemplating a sporting break. 17th century after Henry’s 16th century original burnt down, is the oldest surviving in England. It’s Henry’s tutelage that gives But this tennis, unlike its lawn or clay equivalent, is the one that the sport the moniker (shared with other sports) of the Sport of calls itself the “real” McCoy – or at least in the UK it does. Kings. The oldest court in the UK is at Falkland Palace, Fife, and predates the Union, having been built for James V of For the highly esoteric sport of real tennis, as it’s known here, Scotland – it has no roof and lacks some of the features of has a different name in each of the three other countries in “more modern” courts, while also boasting some additional which it is played. ones.

“It’s called court tennis in the US, royal tennis in Australia and So much for ancient history… my personal real tennis history jeu de paume in France,” explains Paul Hetherington, the club began in 2010 with an open session at Jesmond Dene for local pro at the Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club, in Newcastle – one business people. Now I was back with Paul for a more of the few outside the South of England. extensive introduction. The entrance to the flamboyant Grade >> 32

II listed building, adorned with buttresses and turrets, is as unprepossessing as the building itself is grand. It was built in the 19th century by Sir Andrew Noble, Lord Armstong’s armaments expert, in the grounds of his home, which is now the boutique Jesmond Dene House Hotel.

Paul equips me with my racquet – something like a cross between a squash and a tennis racquet that’s been squashed and twisted to one side and is made by Gray’s, of Cambridge, one of only two companies in the world that makes them. I’m informed that, yes, in a more formal club I would indeed be expected to wear white, rather than the black outfit I have donned.

He takes me through the geography of the court, this particular one being second in size only to Fontainbleau, near Paris. It’s long: longer than a lawn tennis court, and surrounded on three sides by a sloping-roofed structure. This, Paul explains, is the penthouse and is just one of the “hazards” that give the real tennis ball its at times bewildering trajectory and the game its distinctive qualities.

There are openings in the penthouse comprising galleries from which spectators may watch and which are ready to snare the ball. Chief among these is the “dedans” at the service end of the court, while the other end of the court is home to the “tambour”, an PAUL HETHERINGTON: angled protusion that can send the ball off in all sorts of directions. My target market is really ex-squash players It all takes me back to the school playground where we used to play a game called spot, in which we’d take turns to kick a moving ball against a wall, which would, inevitably, be endowed with result is a ball that’s somewhat heavier than the lawn tennis variety, features such as drainpipes, windows and doorways. doesn’t have anything like as much bounce and is as far from round as the court is free from obstructions. One theory is that real tennis was first played by monks in the cloisters, and that it is this architecture that formed the basis for A first attempt to return Paul’s tossed ball over the net is an air the formal court that remains the model today. shot, as is the next, while the third clunks off the wood of the racquet and stumbles into the net: the bounce is low and utterly Paul is armed with a basketful of bright yellow balls, which, at first deceptive. glance, look not unlike a lawn tennis ball. Appearances, however, can deceive and, while the Tennis and Rackets Association buys Paul coaches me to take the strain of hitting the heavy corker off the pre-formed felt ball casings in bulk, each club manufactures its my wrist by maintaining a rigid profile between arm and racquet, own balls cottage industry-fashion (they have a life of only about and holding the latter well towards its business end. three weeks). It’s very different from swinging at a squash or tennis ball, or “At Jesmond Dene we use chopped-up champagne and cava shuttlecock, and expecting the momentum of the racquet to do the corks for the core,” says Paul. “These are then bound with linen work for you. The secret, says Paul, is to aim to hit the ball while it’s tape until they are the right size.” in front of you, though that seems easier said than done as the ball zips smartly off the floor. That moment comes when the nascent ball fits snugly into a steel template, after which the yellow casing is applied and stitched. The Then I’m summoned to the service end to practise hitting the ball

REAL TENNIS CLUBS NEAR EASTERN AIRWAYS AIRPORTS Falkland Palace, Cupar, Fife (for Aberdeen) www.falkland-tennis.net Jesmond Dene, Newcastle www.jdrtc.co.uk Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club (for Leeds Bradford) www.mtrc.co.uk Leamington (Birmingham) www.leamingtonrealtennis.co.uk Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire (Birmingham) www.mmtcc.co.uk Newmarket & Suffolk (Norwich) www.nsrtc.co.uk Bristol www.bristolrealtennisclub.org.uk Hyde, Bridport, Dorset (Southampton) www.hyderealtennis.co.uk Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset (Southampton) www.canfordtennisclub.co.uk Seacourt, Hayling Island (Southampton) www.seacourt.com Petworth House (Southampton) www.petworthrealtennis.com 34 TRY REAL TENNIS Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club is offering free trial lessons to five Eastern Airways Magazine readers.

For your chance to win, just answer the following question by email to competitions@ gravity-consulting.com by May 27, with “Real tennis” in the subject field. QUESTION What is the core of a real tennis ball made out of? Entries limited to one per household. Please supply postal address with entry, and date and route of your most recent Eastern Airways flight.

as it descends from the penthouse. “Don’t move until the ball investment management firm, Brewin Dolphin, also support the drops,” insists Paul and, eventually, I reach the satisfying level of youth activity. consistently despatching the ball over the net towards the tambour, If you fancy the idea, however, the trial lesson fees are so which lurks ready to snare the unwary recipient like the Lorelei to a structured that you won’t have to shell out big time until you’re sure Rhine boatman. the game is for you. Now it’s time to try my serve and Paul suggests two tactical Real tennis is on the up across England, with new courts being built alternatives: the first is a high lob from deep right diagonally across at places including Bristol and Abingdon, ambitions for new courts the court to the penthouse roof, from where it will spin into the far in Harrogate and Edinburgh, and membership on the rise generally. quarter of the court in which it must land. Paul sees his new membership coming from the squash The second is a more satisfying overhead serve from left court, the community. “My target market is really ex-squash players – the length of the penthouse. ones who get to a certain stage in their lives and have found that An hour flashes by and leaves me keen to pursue this most squash is too hard or fitness is too important. idiosyncratic of games further – and there’s every incentive to do “Real tennis is much more leisurely: that’s not to say people don’t that as real tennis is a handicap sport, meaning that very soon after come off court pouring with sweat, but it’s more cerebral. Fitness is your first experience you’ll be able to play on even terms with not as important as technique and positioning, and the fact that it’s opponents far more experienced and far better than you are. handicapped.” “Every time you play you mark up your results and they go into an Highlight of the real tennis calendar is the Boomerang Cup, a online system, which adjusts your handicap every time you play,” doubles contest in Melbourne that coincides with the city’s open explains Paul. “Let’s say someone with an average handicap of 50 tennis date and attracts real tennis players from all over the world. is going to play someone better than they are, with a handicap of 40. That ten difference means that the better player will start ‘owe Should you try the game, you may well enjoy a trip down under but 15’ – or minus 15 – and the poorer player will start at plus 15.” you’ll also learn the origin of many English expressions, including the word tennis itself (from the French tenir, to hold) and cut to the If you’re not already lost, Paul adds that the handicap system may chase, which is an aspect of the game it would take me too long to additionally limit one player to only one serve and prohibit him, or explain. her, from hitting the ball into certain areas of the court.

So how does one land the job of real tennis pro? “I’ve been pro for five years, having first played when I was 14. I’d been on and off club champion for years and our pro was leaving and I sort of thought ‘I’m poor anyway, so I might as well stay poor but do something to do with sport’.”

The economics of playing at the club are not prohibitive, despite a listed building to maintain. Younger players and students (from Newcastle, Northumbria and Durham universities) are subsidised and court fees are £7 an end (game) per player, with full membership about £200 a year. Club sponsors, Ringtons Tea and

THE BRIGHT YELLOW BALLS, AT FIRST GLANCE LOOK NOT UNLIKE A LAWN TENNIS BALL. APPEARANCES, HOWEVER, CAN DECEIVE … AND EACH CLUB MANUFACTURES ITS OWN BALLS COTTAGE INDUSTRY-FASHION WELCOME TO OUR BARE ESSENTIALS Here you can find information on our routes, fleet, passenger BARE ESSENTIALS experience and a host of suggestions for what to do when you arrive at your destination.

OUR DESTINATIONS SCATSTA

Scheduled Routes ANGEAVST R

Charter Routes WICK JOHN O’GROATS

STORNOWAY

ABERDEEN THE FLEET GLASGOW

NEWCASTLE

DURHAM TEES VALLEY LEEDS BRADFORD EMBRAER ERJ145 HUMBERSIDE

Three aircraft Length 30m (98ft) EAST MIDLANDS Seats 49/50 passengers Typical cruising speed, Two turbofan engines 450 knots, at 35,000ft Wingspan, 20m (65ft) NORWICH

CARDIFF BIRMINGHAM

FI BRISTOL SOUTHAMPTON FRENCH NETWORK

EMBRAER ERJ135 DIJON

Two aircraft Length 26m (86ft) Seats 37 passengers Typical cruising speed, BORDEAUX Two turbofan engines 450 knots, at 35,000ft Wingspan, 20m (65ft) TOULOUSE

JETSTREAM 41 SAAB 2000

18 aircraft Length 20m (63ft) Eight aircraftBORDEAUX Length 26.7m (89ft) Seats 29 passengers Typical cruising speed, Seats 50 passengers Typical cruising speed, Two turboprop engines 280 knots, at 20,000ft Two jetprop engines 370 knots, at 28,000ft 36 Wingspan 19m (60ft) Wingspan 24.3m (81ft)

TOULOUSE ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

After booking your Eastern Airways flight items of hand luggage by the aircraft via a travel agent, the airline’s website or steps. Your hand luggage will be awaiting AIR TRAVEL in-house reservations call centre, you will you on the valet baggage cart at your SHOULD BE MORE OF have noticed that Eastern Airways uses destination airport. e-tickets. It was in fact one of the airlines A PLEASURE AND to pioneer ticketless travel over nine Once on board, our highly trained cabin years ago. attendants offer a friendly and personal- LESS OF A CHORE ised in-flight service including compli- Queues at check-in are short and the mentary drinks and branded snacks. On process is swift as is the experience arrival our aircraft allow for quick Our aim is to make your travel as pleasant through the security channels. This is disembarkation, enabling passengers to an experience as possible. possible thanks to a ground-breaking make their way swiftly onwards through initiative called Fast Track, which is the terminals. Have an enjoyable trip. available at Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, South­ampton, East Midlands, Newcastle, Glasgow, and is a dedicated security channel for Eastern Airways passengers STAMPING OUT DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR to use and avoid busy airport terminal security queues. While the vast majority of passengers flying globally behave impeccably, there is a greater awareness of isolated incidents of disruptive behaviour, also known as “air With Eastern Airways operating the largest rage”. While this isn’t a major problem for Eastern Airways, the safety and security of number of scheduled services from our pass­engers and crew is our number one priority. Aberdeen, a dedicated business lounge is available for all its customers flying from We don’t want our customers to experience any behaviour that makes them feel the airport and is located next to its uncomfortable, or be put in a situation that compromises safety. Disruptive behaviour departure gates. Executive lounge access can include smoking, drunkenness, aggress­ive behaviour or abusive language towards is also offered at Glasgow, Birmingham, a customer or a member of crew. Our crews are fully trained to deal with any incident of Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Norwich, this type. Southampton and Cardiff for passengers travelling on fully flexible tickets. Disobeying a command, which is lawful by a crew member, is committing an offence under the UK Air Navigation Order. Offenders who persistently misbehave on As you board your aircraft you will a flight will be handed to the appropriate authorities on arrival and may face arrest and a notice we have a fleet of liveried valet heavy fine or up to two years imprisonment. Severe restrict­ions will also be placed on baggage carts for you to place larger their future travel with Eastern Airways.

ESSENTIAL GOINGS ON…

FEEL THE ENERGY

The countdown has begun to All-

ESSENTIAL GOINGS ON Energy Exhibition & Conference – the UK’s largest renewable energy event – in Aberdeen, on May 22 and 23.

All-Energy is the only face-to-face forum in the UK that brings together all sectors and elements of the renewables and sustainable energy industry

The free-entry event at the city’s Exhibition and Conference Centre provides the best platform for professionals from the industry, academia, finance and government to drive innovation, business and Britten in 1955. Image courtesy of www.britten100.org investment opportunities in the sector. The event continues to grow year- CELEBRATING WHAT MADE BRITTEN GREAT on-year and last year, the 12th, it attracted 580 exhibitors from 19 2013 is the centenary year of the birth been 285 performances of 116 countries and 8,322 visitors from of the most celebrated British different Britten works taking place in 50 countries, and more than 300 composer of the 20th century, the area. A full guide can be down- conference and seminar speakers. Benjamin Britten. loaded from www.familiarfields.org. Britten was a giant of the world stage Further north in a Festival of Britten: A www.all-energy.co.uk whose roots were firmly in East Anglia. Season of Britten Operas, Leeds- He was born in Lowestoft, schooled at based Opera North will stage a new Greshams, Holt, gave many production of the chamber opera, performances in Norwich and lived Albert Herring (Howard Assembly most of his life in Aldeburgh. Room, May 15-25) before a full autumn season of three mainstage Under the Familiar Fields banner, opera productions, including a new musical and artistic organisations production of Death in Venice and across Norfolk and Suffolk have revivals of Peter Grimes and A come together to promote events Midsummer Night’s Dream. celebrating the centenary in the places that helped to inspire his work. www.britten100.org By the end of this year, there will have www.operanorth.co.uk

MAKING IT HAPPEN Appealing to people of all ages, the world-famous, innovative and highly interactive Maker Faire festival returns to the Centre for Life in Newcastle on April 27 and 28. Hundreds of makers – engineers, artists, crafters, technologists and DIYers – will showcase their projects alongside playful performances and installations. Visitors can also make their own creations to take home. Workshops include a “learn how to solder” project to make a flashing LED robot badge and craft activity to learn the ancient art of Kumihimo (Japanese braiding).

38 www.MakerFaireUK.com CHECK OUT THE CHESS Norway hosts its first chess super Still in Norway, the super-tournament tournament from May 7-18 in the will be followed by a match beween, Stavanger region and it promises to be Magnus Carlsen and Borki Predojevic in a blinder. The world’s chess elite will be Lillehammer in June, and the FIDE World ROLL ON DOWN attending in an impressive line-up, which Chess Cup 2013 in Tromsø in August. Channel your inner teen idol at the includes the world’s top eight players Next year Tromsø will host the 41st World including Norwegian chess grandmaster ’50s inspired Shake, Rattle and Roll Chess Olympiad. Magnus Carlsen – the world’s number Weekender, now in its 11th year. one. The image below shows a shot from a Running March 22 – 25, this year’s event By using a variety of venues across the promotional video with Magnus Carlsen will be held at Vauxhall Holiday Park, region for the location of the tournament, playing against Kristoffer Madland (the Great Yarmouth, and is set to feature an the organisers hope to showcase the Norwegian youth champion) on a giant unbeatable all-star line-up. Packages cost area and grab maximum attention. chess board on top of Pulpit Rock, 604 from £120 per person for three nights, metres above Lysefjorden. based on two sharing. As well as the main event there will also be a school tournament and a celebrity www.norwaychess.com www.shakerattleandrollweekender.co.uk tournament.

WILD WEEKEND The Bristol Festival of Nature, billed as the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, celebrates its tenth anniversary at Bristol’s Harbourside this June. The festival gives wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to explore, enjoy, and get close to the natural world in the heart of the city with a weekend of interactive exhibitions, market stalls, talks, live entertainment and workshops. ADRENALIN RUSH The festival market in Waterfront Square will be packed with local produce and One of the most exciting Canoe Slalom sustainable goods and there’ll be live events for participants and spectators entertainment across the festival site alike, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup from two stages and roving perfomers. once again takes place at Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) in June. A pop-up garden will transform Lloyd’s Amphitheatre and it, as well as At-Bristol Professional paddlers from across the Millennium Square, will feature interactive globe will ride a 300m rapid, in an exhibits and activities run by more than adrenalin-fuelled race of speed and skill 20 different environmental, conservation through up to 25 gates in a race against and educational organisations including the clock. Last year’s GB medal-winning BBC Natural History Unit, National Trust Olympians may even take the splash. and Bristol Zoo Gardens. Official practice sessions run during the The Festival of Nature is part of Bristol’s week from June 17– 20, the races from Big Green Week, which runs from Jun 15 June 21-23. CIWW is situated at to 23. International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay. www.bnhc.org.uk www.canoecardiff2013.com 40

Stavanger image: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Region Stavanger / Mareel image © Mark Sinclair Dijon image © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS

Destinations ESSENTIALS BARE when you get there... how to get where thereto and to go what do and – destinations Airways Your to Eastern guide and amongthefastestgrowing citiesinFrance. maritime importanceandthelatter, amajorcentre fortheaviationindustry metropolitan areas inFrance,theformerfamedforitsfinewinesand Bordeaux andToulouse are respectively theseventhandfifth largest conurbation ishometomore than250,000people. region, famedforitswines, includingthecelebratedBeaujolais.TheDijon Dijon isthecapitalofCôte-d’OrdepartmentandwiderBurgundy Toulouse. of thecountry, from where itoperatesregular servicestoBordeaux and Airways’FrenchEastern hubisatDijonBourgogne Airport,intheeast Airwaysalsooperatesdomestic serviceswithinFrance. Eastern Besides theairline’s scheduledservicenetworkintheUKandNorway, FRENCH CONNECTIONS FRENCH Place de la Libération in Dijon city centre

www.regionstavanger.com Tourist/Local Info +47519755 Southampton, Wick Leeds Bradford,Newcastle,Norwich, Durham Tees Valley, EastMidlands,Humberside, Glasgow, Newcastle.Onwardconnections to toAberdeen, Airwaysflightsdirect Eastern www.avinor.no/en/airport/stavanger Airport +4767031000 Kjeringholmen, 4001Stavanger. Norwegian Petroleum Museum, that overlookstheLysefjord; Pulpit Rock–anaturalrock formation page. For carhire seeEuropcar infoonback and isservedbyaregular shuttlebus. airport isjustninemilesoutoftown the country’s south-westcoast.The Norway’s fourthlargest citylieson Stavanger Jazzforum, May 6-11. May Jazzforum, Stavanger 2013, Maijazz 3-4; May Arena, Sørmarka people, young for festival music indoor new Live, Stavanger 17-20; Apr Festival, Wine Stavanger ongoing; Oljemuseum, Norsk exhibition, divers Sea North Nedre Strandgate. traditional Norwegianfood;Tango, Sjøhuset Skagen–specialisesin Skagen 14. Dickens, Skagenkaien;Newsman, centre is just 7 miles south of Stavanger. Kvadrat, Norway’s biggest shopping airport. Strand Hotel,onthebeach,near Brygge, allinthecitycentre; Sola The Clarion,Myrhegaarden, Skagen VISIT WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT STAVANGER

Petroleum Museum Petroleum SHETLAND SCATSTA STORNOWAY WICK JOHN O’GROATS

Mareel Golf Week Wick Heritage Museum

WHERE WHERE WHERE Twenty-four miles north west of Lerwick, To the east of the town. Taxis and car One mile from the centre of Wick, Shetland’s principal town, and five miles hire are available at the airport. No half-an-hour’s drive from Thurso. south-west of Sullom Voe oil terminal. The weekend flights.Mackinnon Self Drive: Main bus and rail stations are near to village of Brae is about eight miles to the 01851 702984. Wick centre serving most places in south. For hire car visit www.boltscarhire. Caithness. Trains to Thurso and co.uk or call 01595 693 636 (no on-airport VISIT Inverness. Post bus operates facilities) Stornoway Museum, Francis St; Thurso-Wick-Airport. Car hire: Stornoway Fish Smokers, Shell St; Dunnets offers airport pick-up and VISIT Woodlands Centre, Lews Castle drop-off, 01955 602103. Mareel, Lerwick; Muckle Flugga, Unst, grounds; An Lanntair Arts Centre, the northernmost tip of Britain; Shetland Kenneth Street, Stornoway. VISIT Museum, Lerwick; Jarlshof, Grutness Wick Heritage Museum; St Fergus (both mainland). STAY AT Gallery, Sinclair Terr; Pulteney Hotel Hebrides, Tarbert; Royal Hotel, Distillery, Huddart St. STAY AT Cromwell St; Scarista House, west Busta House Hotel, Brae; Saxa Vord Harris; Auberge Carnish, Uig. STAY AT Resort, Unst; Orca Country Inn, Sandwick. Ackergill Tower, Wick; Mackays Hotel, SHOP AT Wick; The Brown Trout Hotel, Station SHOP AT Callanish Jewellery, Point St; This Rd, Watten, near Wick. Shetland Fudge, Lerwick; Jamieson ’n That, Cromwell St; Borgh Pottery, & Son Knitwear, Lerwick; Valhalla Brewery, Borgh (20 miles). SHOP AT Saxa Vord. John O’Groats (pottery, knitwear); DRINK AT Rotterdam St, Thurso (20 miles). DRINK AT Clachan Bar, North Beach; Hebridean Mid Brae Inn, Brae; The Lounge Bar, Bar, South Beach; Whalers Rest, DRINK AT Lerwick; Kiln Bar, Scalloway. Francis St. Ebenezer’s, Mackay’s Hotel, Wick; Wetherspoons and Camps Bar, Wick. EAT AT EAT AT Busta House Hotel, Brae; Monty’s Bistro, Digby Chick, Bank St; Golden Ocean, EAT AT Lerwick; Saxa Vord Resort, Unst. Cromwell St; Thai, Church St. Bord de l’Eau, Market St, Wick; Le Bistro, Thurso; Captain’s Galley, COMING UP COMING UP Scrabster (22 miles). Open Winners: Four Journeys from Pipe Major Donald MacLeod Memorial

Blue, an exhibition by the winners of The Piping Competition, Caladh Inn, COMING UP Shetland Open 2012, Bonhoga Gallery, Stornoway, Apr 5; Stornoway Half Caithness Science Fair, Assembly central mainland, Apr 27-Jun 9; Shetland Marathon, 10K and Fun Run, May 25; Rooms, Wick, Mar 23; Mey Market Folk Festival, May 2-5; Shetland Nature Stornoway Golf Week, Jul 6-13. Easter Special, Mar 31; Mey Market, Festival, Jun 29-Jul 7. Tues throughout summer from May 7; Halkirk Gala Week, Jun 7-16.

Airport 01806 244900 Airport 01851 702256 Airport 01955 602215 www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport.html www.hial.co.uk/wick-airport.html Frequent daily charter service to Aberdeen, operated by Eastern Airways for the Integrated Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Aviation Consortium connections to Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, East Onward connections to Bristol, Durham Tees Tourist/Local Info 01595 98 98 98 Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds www.visit.shetland.org Norwich, Southampton, Wick Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Tourist/Local Info 01851 703088 Stavanger, Stornoway www.visithebrides.com Tourist/Local Info 0845 22 55 121 www.wicktown.co.uk www.visithighlands.com 42

Glasgow: Scotland with style / Lincoln: Ken Marshall-Fotolia.com BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS Games 2013,HazleheadPark,Jun16. Inverurie, Jun1;Aberdeen’s Highland Taste ofGrampian,ThainstoneCentre, Walking Festival2013,May18-24; May 10-12;BallaterRoyalDeeside University ofAberdeen May Festival, McEwen, Great Western Road. Union St;Manzil,KingPaula Restaurant, NorthSilverSt;Cinnamon, Prohibition, LangstanePl;StageDoor Balaclava Bar, LochSt. Silver St;TigerTiger, ShipRow; Lounge, DeeSt;TheGlobe,North The MonkeyHouse,UnionTerr; Pearl College St. St; Aberdeen AntiqueCentre, South Juniper (gifts,jewellery),Belmont Maison; ParkInnbyRadisson. Hotel suites,variouslocations;Mal Rox Hotel,MarketSt;SkeneHouse Rendezvous Gallery, Forest Ave. Shiprow; Talbooth Museum,CastleSt; Aberdeen MaritimeMuseum, info back page. the city centre. For car hire see Europcar centre, off the A96. Regular buses into Seven miles north-west of the city WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT VISIT ABERDEEN www.aberdeen-grampian.com Tourist/Local Info Airways Eastern Airport www.aberdeenairport.com Southampton, Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick. Leeds Bradford,Newcastle,Norwich, Durham Tees Valley, EastMidlands,Humberside,

0870 0400006

flights direct toBristol,Cardiff, flightsdirect 01224 288828

Highland Games I J Mellis (cheeses), Great Western Rd. Lane; Relics antiques, Dowanside Lane; Starry Starry Night (retro), Downside Bath St. Penthouse Hotel, Union St; Saint Judes, Radisson Blu, Argyle St; Grasshoppers Ashton Lane. Ashton Lane; Tchai-Ovna (tea house), Chip, Ashton Lane; Brel (Belgian), Balbir’s (Indian), Church St; Ubiquitous Byres Road; Rio Café, Hyndland St. The Bier Halle, Gordon St; Òran Mór, Gallery, University Avenue. House at the Hunterian Museum and Art Museum, Argyle St; the Mackintosh Park; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and The Burrell Collection, Pollock Country hire see Europcar info back page. easily reached by taxi or bus. For car rail station Paisley Gilmour St, one mile, centre linking main rail stations. Nearest Glasgow. Regular shuttle service to About eight miles from the centre of Jazz Festival,Jun26-30. Festival, May31-Jun23;International Festival, Apr12-20;West End(cultural) Mar 14-31;Aye Write! GlasgowBook ComedyFestival, Glasgow International DRINK AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT VISIT WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT GLASGOW www.glasgow.gov.uk www.seeglasgow.com Tourist/Local Info Airways Eastern Airport www.glasgowairport.com

0844 4815555

flights direct toStavanger flightsdirect 0141 2044400 West Endspires

Sage Gateshead. Gateshead QuaysfortheBalticand Discovery Museum,Blandford Square; hire see Europcar info on back page. Taxi fare to city, approx £12. For car Sunderland. Half-hourly bus service. to the city, Gateshead, the coast and centre. Metro rail link every few minutes Seven miles north-west of the city www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com 0191 2778000 / 01914784222 Tourist/Local Info connections toStornoway, Wick Cardiff,Stavanger.Birmingham, Onward toAberdeen, Airwaysflightsdirect Eastern www.newcastleinternational.co.uk Airport 08718821121 , May 26-27. (Music) Festival, NewcastleGateshead various venues, May 11-17; Evolution 27-28; Newcastle Fashion Week, Faire, Centre for Life, Newcastle, Apr The Sage Gateshead, Apr 5-7; Maker Gateshead International Jazz Festival, Newcastle, LeRaaj,ChesterMoor. Newcastle; CaféLive,LiveTheatre, Zen, CourtLane,Durham;Blackfriars, Collingwood St;TheForth,PinkLane. Crown Posada,theSide;Florita’s, Sunderland andDurham. Square, Newcastle;Van Mildert, Jules B,Jesmond;Cruise,Princess Street. Newcastle; LumleyCastle,Chester-le- Newcastle; JesmondDeneHouse, Sandman Signature, Gallowgate, VISIT WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT NEWCASTLE

Sandman Signature DURHAM TEES VALLEY HUMBERSIDE LEEDS BRADFORD

mima Lincoln National Media Museum

WHERE WHERE WHERE Five miles east of Darlington and 10 miles Fifteen miles east of Scun­thorpe, 20 miles Nine miles north-west of Leeds city centre, west of Middlesbrough.There is a regular south of Hull, 16 miles west of Grimsby, 30 seven miles from Bradford. Regular Airlink bus shuttle to Darlington rail station, 6 miles miles north of Lincoln. Regular bus services 757 bus from bus and rail stations to away on main line to Scotland and the to Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Doncaster terminal. Taxi time 20-25 mins. For car South. Taxi fare to Darlington approx £8. and Sheffield. Barnetby Station three miles hire see Europcar info on back page. For car hire see Europcar info back page. from airport with Intercity connections via Don­caster. Approx taxi fare to Hull £26. For VISIT VISIT car hire see Europcar info, back page. Royal Armouries, Leeds; Leeds City mima (Middlesbrough Institute Museum, Millennium Square; National of Modern Art) Centre Square; VISIT Media Museum, Bradford, Harewood Locomotion, the National Railway Museums Quarter, Hull’s Old Town; The House, seven miles north of Leeds. Museum at Shildon; Hartlepool’s Maritime Deep, Hull; Lincoln Cathedral; Ferens Art Experience, Historic Quay. Gallery, Hull. STAY AT Double Tree by Hilton, Leeds; Radisson STAY AT STAY AT Blu, The Headrow, Leeds; the New Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth on Tees; Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton; Cave Ellington, Leeds; Dubrovnik boutique Walworth Castle, near Darlington; Castle Hotel, Brough; Best Western hotel, Oak Avenue, Bradford. Headlam Hall, near Darlington; Crathorne Willerby Manor Hotel, Willerby; The White Hall Hotel, Yarm. Hart, Lincoln. SHOP AT Retro Boutique, Headingley Lane, Leeds; SHOP AT SHOP AT Harvey Nichols, Briggate, Leeds; Victoria Psyche, Linthorpe Rd, Middles­brough; Bailgate and Steep Hill area, Lincoln; Henri Quarter, Leeds. The House, Yarm High Street; Leggs, Beene (Menswear), Abbeygate, Grimsby. Skinnergate, Darlington. DRINK AT DRINK AT Baby Jupiter, York Place, Leeds; Fudge DRINK AT The Wig & Mitre, Steep Hill, Lincoln; Ye Bar, Assembly St, Leeds; Haigys, Lumb George and Dragon, Yarm; Black Bull, Olde Black Boy, High St, Hull. Lane, Bradford. Frosterley. EAT AT EAT AT EAT AT Figs Restaurant, Cleethorpes; Mumtaz, Clarence Dock, Leeds; Brasserie Sardis, Northgate, Darlington; Brackenborough Hotel and Restaurant, Blanc, Sovereign St, Leeds; Ujala Tandoori, Dun Cow Inn, Sedgefield; The Orangery, Louth; Winteringham Field, Winteringham; Manville Terrace, Bradford. Rockliffe Hall. Pipe and Glass, South Dalton, Beverley. COMING UP COMING UP COMING UP Northern Art Prize exhibition, Leeds Art Tracing the Century: Drawing as a catalyst Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival, Gallery, Mar 28-Jun 16; Bradford for change, mima, Mar 23-Jun 6; Beverley, May 23-26; Bridlington Poetry International Film Festival, National Media Middlesbrough Mela 2013, Jun 8-9; Festival, Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Jun Museum, Apr 19-29; Live at Leeds 2013, Stockton Cycling Festival 2013, Jul 5-7. 14-16; UK Windsurfing Championships, multi-venue city centre music festival, May Bridlington North Beach, Jun 22-23. 3-5.

Airport 01325 332811 Airport 01652 688456 Airport 0113 250 9696 www.durhamteesvalleyairport.com www.humbersideairport.com www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick Bristol. Onward connections to Stavanger, Wick Tourist/Local Info 01482 486600 Stornoway, Wick Tourist/Local Info www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com Tourist/Local Info 0113 242 5242 01642 729700 / 264957 www.visitlincolnshire.com www.leeds.gov.uk www.visitmiddlesbrough.com www.yorkshire.com www.leedsliveitloveit.com www.yorkshire.com 44

Norwich image: Norfolk Tourism / VisitNorwich Ltd BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS hire seeEuropcar infoonbackpage. short bus/taxi ride from EMA. For www.eastmidlandsairport.com Airport 08719199000 01332 255802 / Tourist/Local Info connections toStavanger, Stornoway, Wick toAberdeen.Onward Airwaysflightsdirect Eastern www.experiencenottinghamshire www.visitderby.co.uk Summer Beer Festival, Jul 10-14. Showground, May 11-12; Derby hamshire County Show, Newark Festival, Mar 8-Apr 7, Derby; Notting FORMAT International Photography Hot Buffet, GooseGate,Nottingham. Loch Fyne,KingSt,Nottingham;Red Canal St,Nottingham. Nottingham Castle;TheWaterfront, Ye OldeTrip toJerusalem,below jewellery,, artwork),Arnold Nottingham; TheArtisan’s Studio(gifts, Paul Smith,MiddlePavement, St Mary’s Gate,Derby. Nottingham; CathedralQuarterHotel, Lace MarketHotel,HighPavement, Quarter, Derby. cafe barandartsworkshop,Cathedral Park, Derby;QUADgallery, cinema, Marian Way; ElvastonCastleCountry Cross; Tales ofRobinHood,Maid Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Eaton, Not Rail stations Nottingham, Twelve miles from both Derby and WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT VISIT EAST MIDLANDS EAST

­tingham and Derby SummerBeerFestival

just off theM1junction24. Lough

08444 775678

­borough, Long Derby are a Nottingham. car .com - Festival, Jul 5-14. Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Birmingham Pride 2013, May 25-26; Gadget Show Live 2013, NEC, Apr 3-7; Flatpack (Film) Festival, Mar 21-31; www.visitbirmingham.com Tourist/Local Info08448883883 toNewcastle Airwaysflightsdirect Eastern www.bhx.co.uk Airport 08712827117 St. Cornwall Restaurant, BishopsgateSt;Opus, San Carlo,Temple St;Peppers Factory; TheBoilerRoom,Vyse St. Gas St;TheMedicineBar, Custard Bank, BrindleyPl;TheTap andSpile, (Mailbox). Selfridges (Bullring);HarveyNichols Rotunda. Marriott, HagleyRd;StayingCool, Holloway Circus, Queensway; Hotel Indigo,TheCube;RadissonBlu, Cadbury’s World, Linden Rd, Bournville. Jewellery Quarter, Vyse St, Hockley; Chamberlain Sq; Museum of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, see Europcar infoonbackpage. Birmingham andCoventry. Forcarhire Stationfortrainsto International Link monorailsystemtoBirmingham of theM42.Connectedbyfree Air-Rail Six mileseastofthecity, off Junction6 COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT VISIT WHERE BIRMINGHAM

Victoria Square www.bristolairport.co.uk Airport 08713344444 Narrow Quay;SSGreat Britain,Great M Shed,Harbourside;Arnolfini, info onbackpage. super-Mare. Forcarhire seeEuropcar return. AlsolocalservicestoWeston- city centre,time30mins.£6 journey Coach serviceapprox half-hourlyto Eight milessouth-westofBristol. www.visitbristol.co.uk Tourist/Local Info 03333210101 Stornoway, Wick Leeds Bradford.Onwardconnections to toAberdeen, Airwaysflightsdirect Eastern Jun 15-23. celebration of green thinking and ideas, Bristol’s Big Green Week 2013, a Museum & Art Gallery, until Jul 21; May 6; Pharaoh King of Egypt at Bristol Chocolate, exhibition, M Shed, until Chandos Road;LidoBristol,Clifton. Caines, CollegeGreen; Culinaria, Pieminister, StokesCroft; Michael Pool andLoungeBar, ParkSt. brewery, ColstonSt;TheElbowRoom Zero Degrees award-winning micro- at Cribbs Causeway; Cabot Circus. Markets and Broadmead; Mall Galleries Clifton Village and Park St; St Nicholas merchant’s houseinClifton. Almondsbury; No38Clifton,Georgian Aztec Hotel&Spa,West, Western Dock VISIT WHERE COMING UP COMING EATAT AT DRINK AT SHOP STAYAT BRISTOL

­yard.

Pharoah KingofEgypt

© Trustees of the British Museum CARDIFF NORWICH SOUTHAMPTON

RHS Show Princes Street, Norwich National Motor Museum

WHERE WHERE WHERE Twelve miles west of Cardiff, 10 miles Three miles north of the city. Hourly bus Five miles north of city. Parkway Station from Junction 33 on M4. Rail link, every service into the city centre. Approx taxi beside terminal, three trains hourly to hour, connects airport to Cardiff Central fare to Norwich £7. For car hire see Southam­pton and London Waterloo. and Bridg­end. For car hire see Europcar Europcar info on back page. Buses hourly to the city. For car hire info on back page. see Europcar info on back page. VISIT VISIT Norwich Cathedral, The Close; Norwich VISIT Cardiff Castle; Wales Millennium Centre, Castle, Elm Hill; Sandringham Estate, Solent Sky, Hall of Aviation, Gilbert Cardiff Bay; Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre Norfolk; Norwich Puppet Theatre, Road South; Maritime Museum, Town The Tube, Harbour Drive; Norwegian Whitefriars, Norwich. Quay Rd; Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. STAY AT STAY AT The Maids Head Hotel, Tombland; De Vere STAY AT Peterstone Court, in the Usk Valley; Dunston Hall Hotel & Golf Club, Ipswich The White Star Tavern and Dining Rooms, St David’s Hotel & Spa, Havannah St, Rd; Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel & Oxford St; De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Cardiff Bay. Country Club; Barnham Broom Hotel & West Quay Rd; Montagu Arms, Beaulieu; Spa, Honingham Rd. Chilworth Manor, Chilworth; Carey’s SHOP AT Manor, Brockenhurst. St Mary Street for specialist shops; Splott SHOP AT Market (weekends), SE of city centre. Jarrold’s, London Street; Soho Hip, SHOP AT Pottergate; Ginger Ladies Wear, Timberhill. WestQuay, city centre; Bargate Centre, East DRINK AT Bargate; Antiques quarter, Old Northern Rd; Pen and Wig, Park Grove; Park Vaults, DRINK AT Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Park Place. The Fat Cat, West End St; The Adam & Eve, Bishopgate; The Wine Press, Woburn DRINK AT EAT AT Court, Guildhall Hill; The Last Wine Bar, The Dolphin, Osborne Road South; The Champers, St Mary’s Street; La Fosse, St Georges St. Frog and Frigate, Canute Rd; Ocean The Hayes; Bosphorus Turkish & Collins, Vincent’s Walk. Restaurant, Cardiff Bay. EAT AT Tatlers, Tombland; Mambo Jambo, EAT AT COMING UP Lower Goat Lane; Umberto’s Trattoria Olive Tree, Oxford St; P.O.S.H. RHS Show, Bute Park, April 19-24; FIM Italia, St Benedicts St. Queensway; The Purbani, Botley. Fogo British Speedway Grand Prix, Millennium Stadium, June 1; 2013 ICF COMING UP COMING UP Canoe Slalom World Cup, Cardiff John Sell Cotman: Norman Connections Drawn together, drawn apart: The Philip International White Water, Jun 21-23; exhibition, Norwich Castle Museum and Schlee Collection of Drawings, Cardiff International Food and Drink Art Gallery, Apr 1- Sep 30; The Broads Southampton City Art Gallery, until Apr 21; Festival, Jul 12-14. Outdoors Festival, May 4-19; Norfolk and Special Exhibition: Titanic the Legend, Sea Norwich Festival, May 10-26. City Museum, until Aug 30; Seawork International, Jun 25-27.

Airport 01446 711111 Airport 01603 411923 Airport 0870 040 0009 www.cwlfly.com www.norwichairport.co.uk www.southamptonairport.com Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Newcastle. connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Tourist/Local Info 0870 121 1258 Tourist/Local Info 01603 213999 Wick www.visitcardiff.com www.visitnorwich.co.uk Tourist/Local Info 023 8083 3333 www.southernwales.com www.visit-southampton.co.uk ARTHURIAN DESTINATIONS ESSENTIAL GUIDE ESSENTIAL GUIDE Many locations around Britain claim links to the legend of King Arthur. Here are some close to Eastern Airways destinations.

The name of King Arthur survives as He concludes: “His triumph was the Scotland something greater than the sum of all last victory of western Rome; his the many parts that make up the multi- short-lived empire created the future layered legend that succeeded him. nations of the English and the Welsh; ARTHUR OF THE ISLES Not many people think of the Orkney and it was during his reign and under Islands at the mention of King Arthur. On the one hand he is arguably the his authority that the Scots first came However, at the core of the Arthurian most famous British king ever; but to Scotland. His victory and his defeat myth, created by Sir Thomas Malory on the other, Arthurian legend is so turned Roman Britain into Great and others, is the Orkney Clan – King tangled and contains so much that Britain. His name overshadows his Lot of Orkney and his sons, Gawain, is improbable, that some have come age.” Gaheris, Gareth, and Agravaine. to doubt even the very existence of Arthur’s sister Morgause was married King Arthur – let alone his celebrated Indeed, so great is Arthur’s name to King Lot. Arthur’s downfall comes in Knights and their round table. that, even today, people and places his final battle against his son Mordred, throughout Britain crave association the product of Arthur’s incest with The late Dr John Morris – perhaps with his legend. Our essential guide Morgause. the most the most learned academic this issue is a collection of some on the subject – writes in his The of those places, with a focus on Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Wick John Age of Arthur that the man was “as those most accessible from Eastern O’Groats real as Alfred the Great or William the Airways destinations. Their inclusion Conqueror”. is unrelated to the validity of any GUINEVERE’S GRAVE claims to a genuine historic connection Local legend has it that a grave in the “Enough evidence survives from the to Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, the churchyard at Meigle, north of Perth, hundred years after his death to show Round Table, Camelot, or indeed any houses the remains of Arthur’s flighty the reality was remembered for three other trappings of the legend that has wife. Apparently she changed her generations, before legend engulfed evolved since Arthur’s death in the name to Vanora, meaning wanderer, his memory.” early fifth century… and wound up at Meigle. However, local people didn’t take to her morals

46 en.wikipedia.org Miller Fotolia.com- R © StirlingS / McWalter, Castle Finlay © Stirling Castle

and slew her. A plaque, entitled Vanora’s Mound, marks the spot, while a Pictish stone found at Meigle is said to depict an alternative view: that Arthur had his wife killed by wild animals for being unfaithful, while held captive by Mordred. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Aberdeen ARTHUR ON CLYDE DEAD AND BURIED – AT Many Arthurian roads lead to Glasgow SELKIRK! and Clydeside and various castles in and A little over a year ago, archaeologist ROUND TABLE AT STIRLING around Glasgow have been cited as seats The King’s Knot, a geometrical earthwork Damian Bullen published his claim that of the man himself, including Dumbarton in the former royal gardens at Stirling Arthur’s grave is at the Yarrow Stone, (known as Al Cluith or Castrum Arthuri). Castle, had already been associated with near Selkirk, and not at Glastonbury, as Welsh sources have St Mungo as the Legend of King Arthur for more than tradition holds. Arthur’s chief bishop at his Dumbarton 600 years, when archaeologists struck headquarters. Arthur’s enemies were Mr Bullen believes monks at Glastonbury legendary gold in summer 2011. heathen Scots to the west, Picts to the spread the rumour King Arthur was buried The team from Glasgow University and north, and Angles to the east, and he in Somerset to save their abbey from local archaeological groups found a is reputed to have fought many battles financial ruin, whereas a Latin inscription “circular feature” beneath the 17th century across lowland Scotland. Small wonder on the Yarrow Stone, discovered near the mound, casting new light on the tradition then that members of the Campbell clan Borders town 400 years ago, suggests that the Round Table itself was to be maintain belief in their descent from such this is the mythical king’s last place of rest. found here. a warrior. Furthermore, he suggests, a nearby pond The 14th century Scots poet John Besides Dumbarton Castle, Glasgow’s could hold the king’s legendary weapon, Barbour said the round table was south of Kelvin museum houses Druid remains Excalibur. Stirling Castle, and a hundred years later, from a site at Kingsridge, near the line of Other claims have Arthur buried in the William of Worcester told how “King Arthur the Antonine Wall, in Drumchapel, and Eildon Hills, near Melrose, and Merlin at kept the Round Table at Stirling Castle”. some claim a link with the Druid poet, Drumelzier, near the hamlet of Merlindale, Others claim the iconic Arthur’s Seat, in Merlin, if not Arthur himself. on the River Tweed. Edinburgh, is the real location. The Isle of Arran is an outside contender Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Glasgow and Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Glasgow and as the location of Camelot, Arthur’s Newcastle Aberdeen legendary castle and court. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Glasgow >>

Lochranza Castle on the Isle of Arran. The island is one of many contenders for the location of Camelot Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire; St Michael’s Tower, Glastonbury Tor; Arthur’s Stone, Herefordshire

Northern England Prior to that, Arthur moved around his Pendragon is Arthur’s father in the legend kingdom and held court at various places, and so the king may have been born here, among them Carduel, which may or may in the shadow of Wild Boar Fell (where the ARTHUR ON THE WALL not have been modern Carlisle. The Border last wild boar in England is said to have One of the more bizarre notions as to City has plenty of history to see, including been slain). Uther was said to have tried the whereabouts of Arthur’s Camelot is a fine castle, but no precise location for the unsuccessfully to divert the Eden to form Saltwell Park, an attractive but otherwise court. his castle moat, giving rise to this rhyme, unremarkable piece of land in Gateshead, passed down locally: and a surprising number of sources A little further west, in the unassuming but make this suggestion – without so much attractive village of Burgh by Sands, the Let Uther Pendragon do what he can, as a single piece of evidence between old fort of Aballava, opposite the church, Eden will run where Eden ran. them! Nor has Arthur’s Hill, a district is today buried beneath houses. The clue Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Durham Tees of Newcastle, just across the river, got is in the alternative name, Avallana. Yes, Valley anything at all to do with the legendary this is a possible location for the island of king. Avalon, where Excalibur is said to have ARTHUR IN YORKSHIRE been forged. One element of the Arthur legend is that However, the Roman Wall, which passes Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Newcastle he and his knights lay sleeping in a cave, through Arthur’s Hill, is a very much more ready to be awakened in an hour of need. significant hunting ground for Arthur SOME OTHER EDEN One such location is said to be beneath fans. Indeed, the 2004 film, King Arthur, Just south of Penrith stands a huge Richmond Castle, from where a secret actually reinterprets Arthur (Clive Owen) circular earthwork, the only location that tunnel is also said to lead to nearby Easby as a Roman officer, rather than a medieval is actually known as King Arthur’s Round Abbey. knight. Although filmed on a kilometre- Table – however, it predates the king by a long reconstruction of Hadrian’s Wall in couple of thousand years, being Neolithic York is a possible location for the Battle of County Kildare, the fort featured is based in origin. Well worth a look, even if the M6 the City of the Legion, Arthur’s ninth, while on Vindolanda, near Hexham, where the rushes close by. Later accounts suggest the Roman fort of Camulodunum, near celebrated writing tablets were found, this amphitheatre may have been Arthur’s village of Slack, in Calderdale, is another though there’s no record of Arthur’s “wish- jousting arena. possible location for Camelot. you-were-here” signature on any of them. A bit further south, in the dramatic upper Arthur Uther Pendragon, born in Wakefield, Camboglanna fort, now known as valley of the River Eden, stand the ruins is an eco-Druid, who claims to be a Castlesteads, in Cumbria, may be the of Pendragon Castle – one of the forts reincarnation of the man himself! site of Arthur’s final and fatal 13th battle, maintained in the 16th century by the Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Durham Tees

Richmond Castle yorkshire.com / Arthur’s Stone UKgeofan at en.wikipedia / Glastonbury Tor ©VisitBritain / Martin BrentMartin / ©VisitBritain GlastonburyTor / en.wikipedia at UKgeofan Stone Arthur’s / yorkshire.com Castle Richmond Camlann. redoubtable Lady Anne Clifford. Uther Valley and Leeds Bradford 48 ©VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth Vindolanda, Hadrian’s Wall; round table in the Great Hall at Winchester - see pages 26-28

Midlands Wales and South West England Glastonbury, and specifically, its Tor, is inextricably linked with the legend, as the “true location” not just of the isle of ARTHUR IN LINCOLNSHIRE FROM AVALON TO AVON Avalon, but also of the hiding place of Arthur is said to have been joined by Duke Wales, where the language and people the Holy Grail. A plaque in the ruins of Hoel of Brittany (son of his half-sister claim the most direct Arthurian descent, the former abbey denotes the supposed Anna and King Budicius of the Armorican and neighbouring areas of England offer graves of Arthur and Guinevere – if they’re Britains) in chasing the Anglo-Saxons some of the richest pickings for fans of not in Scotland or somewhere else, to Lincoln, where they were beaten Arthurian legend. The village of Wormelow of course! Similarly south Somerset is and allowed to return home by Arthur, Trump, in Herefordshire, is said to be alternative southern location for the battle in exchange for money and hostages. the burial place of Arthur’s son, Amr, the of Camlann, Arthur’s last. The River Glen is a possible location “trump” itself being the burial mound. for Arthur’s first battle, but, then again, Arthur’s Stone is an atmospheric Neolithic King Arthur’s legend has spawned this might actually have been fought by burial chamber made of great stone surprisingly few theme parks. King Arthur’s Arthuis, king of Ebrauc, or Greater York. slabs, in the hills above Herefordshire’s Labyrynth, in the tunnels of a redundant Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Humberside Golden Valley. According to legend, it was slate mine, in mid-Wales, is an exception. here that Arthur slew a giant who left the Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Bristol and Cardiff BATTLEGROUNDS IN THE impression of his elbows on one of the HEART OF ENGLAND stones as he fell. The king may have held ROUND TABLE IN HAMPSHIRE Several locations have been suggested court at Caerleon-on-Usk, near Newport, The medieval Great Hall, in Winchester, for the battle of Badon, at which Arthur as well as at Cardigan and St David’s. boasts the strap line “Home of the Round defeated the Saxons and Leicestershire’s Arthur’s nephew and Round Table knight, Table” and indeed the said round table Bardon Hill, at the heart of the National Gawain, is said to have crossed the River hangs on its walls and is a magnificent Forest, is one such. The hill is easily Wye at Chepstow, and defended the specimen. Despite popular legend, Arthur recognised – half of it has been completely passes into Wales at the Stone at the and his knights never sat round it, as it quarried away. The spa town of Buxton is Narrow Way, on Offa’s Dyke. has been dated to about 1290, when it another possible location for this, Arthur’s may have been made to celebrate the 12th battle. Baschurch, in Shropshire, is a Although Tintagel, in Cornwall, is most betrothal of one of Edward I’s daughters. tentative location for Arthur’s sixth battle, commonly associated with Camelot in In Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, Winchester on the River Bassas, although Scotland is these parts, the Iron Age hill fort at Cad- is specifically identified as Camelot. more likely! bury Castle, in Wiltshire, is also a candi- Nearest Eastern Airways airports – East Midlands date, as are Caerwent, near Chepstow, The Isle of Wight is a long-listed candidate and Birmingham Campus Elleti at Glywysing and Chard, in site for Arthur’s eighth battle, at Guinnion Somerset. Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, may fort. be where Arthur’s father was buried. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Southampton

THE LAST WORD with Harry Pearson AS SURE AS EGGS IS EGGS

Raffy Robson is not much older than me, Parcelforce, they stung him. The DHL but years of outdoor living have gnarled courier, they stung him. The electric his skin to the texture of alder bark and “RAFFY’S EGG BOXES meter man, they stung him. The gadgie the Northumbrian wind has blown all the from the water board, they stung him. colour from his hair. When he’s standing ARE JUST SO MUCH The old wifey who brings the parish still he blends into the landscape like a magazine, they stung her. The lad who rock. BETTER THAN YOU’D delivers the gas… now, I mind they didn’t sting him,” he scratched his chin Raffy is one of the last of a breed thoughtful, “No, when I think about it, that was once common in the British GET IN THE they stung him an’ all.” countryside – the rural entrepreneur. Raffy has a ferreting business, a mole- SUPERMARKET” Raffy had a lot of brown chickens catching business, a log business, he running loose in the garden outside his cuts the grass for the parish council and house where the beehives had once he also sells honey and eggs. Admittedly at the bottom of our garden. I’d asked stood. When I’d first noticed them I’d not many people know about the honey him a few questions about bee-keeping asked if we could buy some eggs off and eggs because Raffy Robson sells one afternoon and sensing a possible him. “I can’t sell eggs of account of them from a table outside his cottage. convert to his craft he had offered to the European Union health and safety The only advert for his honey and eggs supply me with “everything you need to directive,” Raffy said. Then after a nicely is a hand-written sign that is propped up get started”. rehearsed pause, “However, I can sell with a flowerpot next to honey and eggs you a box, which, if you are lucky – and and the jar customers are expected to “Do you get immune to the sting?” I I think you might be – may contain some drop their money in when Raffy is not asked hopefully. Raffy shrugged, “No,” of my eggs.” around. he replied, “But you sort of get used to them after the first dozen or so.” “How many eggs might be in these The only people who pass Raffy’s boxes?” I asked. cottage are people walking their dogs. I wasn’t sure I wanted to get used to And the only people who walk their dogs being stung by bees. It reminded me of “I have no idea,” he replied, “though an past Raffy’s cottage are locals who know the old joke about the man who comes educated guess based on the size would that the big Beware of the Bull notice the across a chap hitting himself repeatedly be that those ones there would likely farmer has put up in the field you have on the forehead with a mallet. “Why are hold half-a-dozen, while those ones there to cross to get to Raffy’s cottage is just you doing that?” he asks. “Because it would likely contain in the region of 12.” to deter nervous ramblers. Suffice to say feels so good when I stop,” the man then that Raffy’s honey and eggs have replies. I politely declined the beehive. “In that case I will have one of your something of a niche market. freshest free-range boxes,” I said. Other people clearly had similar feelings. Last time I saw Raffy he told me he “They made me move them,” Raffy said. Since then I have bought an egg box was a bit depressed. “They’ve made “They were near the house, you know, every time I pass Raffy Robson’s house. me move the bees,” he said. Raffy has and they kept stinging people. Sam the Because Raffy’s egg boxes are just so always been a keen apiarist. When I first postman, they stung him. Jocky the much better than the ones you get in the

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www.narec.co.uk View Site Animation View Corporate DVD Inward InvestmentDirector, NewcastleGateshead Initiative CATHERINE WALKER a genuinely inspiring place to do business. the UK; and how together, they make NewcastleGateshead forefront of what is one of the fastest growing industries in infrastructure and pioneering work that puts us at the learn about the people, resources, support services, offshore and marine sector across the world. You’ll also and the innovators that are shaping the future of the that’s at the heart of the opportunities, the supply chains In this supplement, we’ll show you why we’re a destination sector grow even further. businesses looking to expand or relocate, and help the to clusters, R & D networks and training; we aim to help relocation, to supporting growth plans through introductions solutions, access to finance, and advice on grants and covering everything from employee recruitment, property is simply thriving. Through offering a bespoke service, The offshore and marine sector in NewcastleGateshead and to live, learn, work and invest here. businesses that share our ambition to inspire people to visit also work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and across NewcastleGateshead and the wider region. We around 170 private sector partner organisations based and Newcastle City Councils, and partnership supported by Gateshead marketing agency – a public-private We are a destination management and special supplement. Eastern Airways offshore industry is delighted to be supporting this NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD INITIATIVE WELCOME providing frequent andreliable servicestoAberdeen from a are averyimportantpartoftheoffshore industryatlarge, Aberdeen, theUK’s leadingoffshore energy centre. We Airways’busiestsinglerouteEastern linksNewcastlewith offshore energy industry. NewcastleGateshead asamajorpartoftheUK’s essential you thisspecialsupplementhighlightingthegrowth of NewcastleGateshead InitiativeandWard Hadawaytobring EASTERN AIRWAYS isdelightedtoworkwithourpartners www.wardhadaway.com www.InvestNewcastleGateshead.com www.easternairways.com publication. Copies ofthissupplementhavealsobeenproduced asastand-alone player intheoffshore energy sector. Airwaysis oneoftheUK’sEastern leading independentairlinesandanimportant This publicationisproduced AirwaysMagazine. asasupplementtoEastern

many yearstocome. sector inNewcastleGatesheadandthewidercityregion for look forward toservingtheneedsofthoseworkingin We wishourpartnersinthisventure everysuccessand which isthemajoroffshore industrycentre inNorway. We alsoprovide aregular linkfrom NewcastletoStavanger, range ofimportantcentres allacross theUKandinNorway. Managing Partner, Ward Hadaway JAMIE MARTIN We hope you enjoy the supplement. sector and throughout NewcastleGateshead and beyond. crucial to a wide range of different projects right across the Getting the right kind of advice at the right time can be needed. support to the offshore sector, wherever and whenever it is story by providing high quality, commercially-focused legal We believe in playing our part in this continuing success Tyneside and North East England. of the articles in this supplement – and a source of pride to the industry that they represent that is the subject of many It is the global reach and influence of these companies and but across the world. projects and develop their businesses – not just in the UK comprehensive legal support which helps to underpin their businesses on a day-to-day basis, providing the Ward Hadaway works with many of these outstanding As you will see from our contributions to this supplement, industry special supplement. pleased to be co-sponsor for this Eastern Airways offshore W on our doorstep. leading companies in the sector right fact that we have some of the world’s to the local economy and celebrate the the importance of the offshore industry roots firmly on Tyneside, we recognise AS A TOP ard Hadaway is therefore very ISSN: 1477-3031 © March 2013 2013 March © 1477-3031 ISSN: Press Buxton Print: e-mail: vertising: Liz Reekie Reekie Liz Advertising: Allen Barbara Design: Abbott Stan Publisher: www.gravity-consulting.com Tel: +44(0)1913832838. Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ. Published for Eastern Airways by Gravity Magazines, Abbey Business Centre, [email protected] 100 UK law firm, with our Tel:

+44 (0) 7563 796103 / 796103 7563 (0) +44 THE EASTERNTEAM

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iii OFFSHORE ON TYNE iv

OFFSHORE ON TYNE and marine technologies A gateway to opportunities in offshore NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD: NewcastleGateshead offers the the coastserving theNorthSea, While there are manyportsalong offshore and marine supply chain. companies involved in all aspects of the represents an excellent opportunity for removed over the next 30 years. This decommissioned and wholly or partially oil and gas platforms are due to be cuttings, many of the North Sea offshore 5,000 wells and accumulations of drill gas installations, 10,000 km of pipelines, In addition to the 600 offshore oil and turbines. operations and maintenance of wind manufacturing; specialist logistics; and in the research and development; an ideal place for businesses involved Bank, making NewcastleGateshead largest proposed wind farm zone, Dogger port (96 nautical miles) to the world’s as the sector grows. We’re the closest the vast number of opportunities created NewcastleGateshead as a gateway to coast of England perfectly positions being located right on the north-east sectors for the next few decades, and companies in the offshore and marine The North Sea is set to be a focus for tidal and wave energy industries. through to the emerging offshore wind, subsea equipment and technologies, right work in oil and gas, marine technologies, organisations that are doing pioneering its skills to meet the needs of global magnificent is now applying its engineering excellence to build the evolved and a workforce that once used that once lined the banks of the Tyne have and marine sectors. The heavy industries innovators that are shaping the offshore opportunities, the supply chains and the NewcastleGateshead is at the heart of the

initiative will establish Newcastle as a economic growth. Part of this innovative unlocking £92 million in funding to boost Accelerated Development Zones, and Gateshead have been designated area. Four city centre sites in Newcastle of investment being injected into the already have, starting with a huge amount building on the enviable hub of assets we NewcastleGateshead is committed to safeguarding jobs. work to the area, and in turn creating and recognised, bringing a steady stream of new product development is widely of our talent pool for innovation and America and Asia-Pacific. The expertise complete challenging projects in South our skilled and savvy workforce to These companies are tapping into area as a base to grow their businesses. Wellstream, which have chosen the Machine Dynamics, IHC, Duco and companies, such as OSBIT Power, Soil We’re already the proud home of global offshore wind turbines. power cables, high-pressure valves and from umbilicals and large fabrications, to operators in the world, moving everything vessels from some of the biggest industry The river regularly hosts large installation the subsea, oil and gas industries. abnormal loads and sensitive products for capacity that can mobilise very large load-out facilities and an overhead crane deep water land portfolio with heavy marine projects. It boasts a substantial available for all aspects of offshore and to some of the most advanced facilities The banks of the are home port. hinterland, Newcastle,supportingits significant benefitofhavingabigcity appetite for innovation is still prevalent English Channel and the Atlantic. And this and telegraph submarine cable to the manufacturing, cable-laying technology Stirling Newall, who brought wire rope of leading figures such as Robert 1800s was home to the inventive minds Our innovative industrial past of the history for excellence in engineering. NewcastleGateshead has a remarkable deployment of new turbine technologies. the supply chain for the development and as they learn new ways of working across stimulating innovation in manufacturers for subsea research and development, infrastructure. It offers technical support million to develop a significant testing with partners, Narec has invested £150 integration of renewable energy. Along for advancing the development and worldwide as the UK’s leading centre (Narec) is quickly becoming recognised National Renewable Energy Centre Just along the coast at Blyth, the reach. up to 325 tonnes and has a 32-metre refurbished Hammerhead Crane can lift 700 tonne load-out pad. The recently dock testing and has a purpose-built The Neptune Energy Park allows for dry water berths and heavy loading facilities. (CORE). These facilities benefit from deep for Offshore and Renewable Engineering Zones and was recently made a Centre of one of the UK’s largest Enterprise The north bank of the Tyne is a key part create 8,000 jobs over the next ten years. and offshore sector, with the potential to private sector investment to the marine Deal” will also secure future funding in of carbon reduction by 2020. This “City partnership to deliver the city’s target low carbon “Pioneer City”, working in Follow us on twitter @tynetoinvest www.InvestNewcastleGateshead.com For more information visit vice is bespoke and is led by client needs. establish and expand businesses. Our ser Team provides a range of services to help NewcastleGateshead’s Inward Investment something special, join us. exciting future. If you want to be a part of solutions globally, and shape the industry’s innovative marine and offshore technology enviable talent pool is helping us to deliver expertise, world-class research and This unique combination of engineering pared to other offshore locations. result in up to 40 per cent savings com having a base in NewcastleGateshead can and combined with lower operating costs, recruiting process can be done with ease ing, providing a ready supply of talent. The stay in NewcastleGateshead after graduat Around 50 per cent of students choose to universities and training academies. emerges from the North East’s colleges, Each year, a highly skilled labour pool to the needs of today’s modern industries. drilling technologies – all directly relevant in digital mapping, well site geology and Systems is carrying out critical research Centre for Research into Earth Energy distance learning. Durham University’s Management, which is available through Certificate in Pipeline Integrity with Penspen to provide a Postgraduate recently partnered industrial partners from across Europe. is leading collaborative research with Technology at The School of Marine Science and Subsea Engineering and Management. University, it has established the MSc in subsea sector. Together with Newcastle group for the North East of England’s Subsea North East is a regional advocacy them identify and secure global contracts. actively work with its 420 members to help gas, nuclear and offshore sectors. They on behalf of the companies in the oil, development organisation, which works NOF Energy is a highly proactive business forefront of engineering excellence. collaborate to make sure we stay at the today as our universities and businesses

- - -

Port of Tyne

v OFFSHORE ON TYNE vi

OFFSHORE ON TYNE The Newcastle-based firm – one of the Tyneside but across the North East. importance to the economy not just on sector and its continuing and growing recognised the strength of the offshore Law firm Ward Hadaway has long on Tyneside needs to thrive. international outlook which the industry services sector offering the expertise and a strong and growing professional This is bolstered and supported by supply chain in the sector. people in companies throughout the operations and employ more than 6,500 between them have invested £400m into North East offshore renewables firms who group which represents more than 20 For example, Energi Coast is a steering together. East’s willingness and ability to work energy sectors is helped by the North reputation in the offshore oil, gas and Tyneside’s considerable and growing In addition to these physical advantages, supply chain. not been involved at some point in the where the region’s offshore expertise has may be difficult to identify a global project relation to subsea activities. In fact, it technology businesses, particularly in and service businesses, as well as The Tyne hosts fabrication yards, design offshore wind farm sector. super-structures for the fast-expanding used to support the giant turbines and construct mighty ships are now being Some of the yards which used to and global offshore sector. literally) by Tyneside’s well established their place has been taken (in some cases As coal and ship building has declined, popular phrases and songs. building has long been immortalised in industries such as coal-mining and ship- Tyneside’s previous pre-eminence in WARDHADAWAY THE POWER OF THE LAW THE OF POWER THE reputation inthe offshore oil, gassectors and energy isbolsteringprofessional industry and supporting the region’s services growing Newcastle-based law firm Ward Hadaway of how example perfect isa Tyneside’s including the Middle East, South America how and resources to the various regions of global businesses, exporting know have long been called upon by a variety “The skills and expertise in the region energy industries. presented by the oil and gas and offshore advantage of the myriad opportunities successfully refashioned to take manufacturing know-how have been “The area’s traditional skills and sector on Tyneside. strength and influence of the offshore “There can be no doubting the growing the Energy Team at Ward Hadaway, says: Mark Whitehead, Partner and Head of the sector. businesses and organisations involved in provides legal advice to a wide range of specialist energy and offshore team which Top 100 law firms in the UK – has a Far East.” East, Australia and the Kazakhstan, the Middle the UKCS, Brazil, in markets including right around the world but who are operating based on Tyneside working with clients “Every day we are

COLIN HEWITT the region. quality of staff and services available in many new businesses recognising the Gas, Fabricom, Technip, and A&P, with facilities also present include GE Oil & and Offshore Group Newcastle. Major as SMD, IHC Engineering Business, companies in the offshore sector, such home of some truly world-leading Ward Hadaway sees Tyneside as the set to cause a major stir in the UK.” the US energy industry and which looks ‘fracking’, an area which is revolutionising on a project involving shale gas or UK lawyers with experience of advising and energy expert, who is one of the few joined by Christopher Causer, a projects “For example, we have recently been due to the expertise which we can call on. at Ward Hadaway has expanded its work the expertise of their workforce, our team have grown their businesses thanks to “In much the same way that our clients chain. with clients throughout the whole supply of new technologies in the sector and “We work with clients at the cutting edge Middle East, Australia and the Far East. ing the UKCS, Brazil, Kazakhstan, the right around the world in markets includ based on Tyneside but who are operating “Every day we are working with clients internationally,” he explains. here is crucial locally, nationally and Hadaway, concurs: “The energy sector Commercial Department at Ward Colin Hewitt, Partner, Head of the operations.” result they want from their commercial Tyneside’s offshore companies get the kind of support at the right time to ensure industry know-how to provide the right commercial world and combine it with our and expertise as lawyers in the “In a similar way, we use our experience and the Far Eastern energy markets. - [email protected] or contact Colin Hewitt on 0191 204 4226, email [email protected] F Energy, which represents over 400 be seen with organisations like NOF “This co-operative approach can also laboratory to a commercial setting. in transferring knowledge from the strength of the region’s universities forward-thinking companies and the grown thanks to a combination of technologies being developed and industries on Tyneside with new the current success of the offshore “Innovation is also a cornerstone of specialist engineering services. are coming to Tyneside looking for those outside the region and outside the UK we see more and more that people from some of the best in the business and engineering excellence – we work with “There is also a great heritage in leading players. where we have some of the industry’s expertise, such as the subsea sector, real strength in depth and specialist thriving sub-sectors where we have companies – there are a range of being home to mainstream offshore case of Newcastle and the North East Mark Whitehead says: “It is not just a o r more information contact Mark Whitehead on 0191 204 4214, email “However, what is crucial when it successful enterprise in the sector. are important to the running of any of commercial disputes – all of these sensible mechanism in place in case business internationally; to have a or trading with another partner; to do in place if you are making investments sure you have a good, secure contract property you have developed; to make “You need it to secure the intellectual of ways. companies in the offshore sector in a lot professional legal advice is important to Mark Whitehead explains: “Getting good provides. component to the services which it approach to the sector is a key The firm’s pro-active and involved director of NOF Energy. by Colin Hewitt’s long-standing role as a supporting NOF Energy, demonstrated Ward Hadaway has a long history of and opportunities for its members.” which works hard to develop business and offshore renewables sectors and companies within the oil, gas, nuclear continue to thrive.” that Tyneside’s offshore industries – and hopefully what will help to ensure important issues is what we strive for focused advice that concentrates on the “Practical, pragmatic and commercially- with developing their businesses. we work with, allowing them to get on that we add real value to the clients who “This is what we endeavour to do so problems happening in the first place. look further ahead and prevent those makes the best lawyers is the ability to be able to deal with a problem – what “Any lawyer worth their salt should they become problems. knowledge and anticipate issues before combine our expertise with their “By taking this approach, we can them on the law. listen to our clients rather than lecturing in the offshore industry, we take time to “As well as having years of experience appreciate your goals. sector, understand your business and that your advisors really know the comes to legal services is ensuring Department at Ward Hadaway Head of the Commercial COLIN HEWITT, Partner,

vii OFFSHORE ON TYNE viii

OFFSHORE ON TYNE people with NVQ4 skills (first degree level), providing tremen of Newcastle and Gateshead. The area boasts over 337,000 catchment area of 1.7 million are within 30 minutes’ commute 250,000 management level professionals out of a labour the ready availability of a skilled and loyal workforce. Some A major attraction for new and expanding businesses is up business and set up home. neighbour Gateshead, together they form the ideal place to set providers. Connected by seven breathtaking bridges with its to attract big businesses and major international service thing: it’s historic but chic, easy to get around but big enough “the hipster capital of the North East”, Newcastle has every work, study and invest here. a special place that rewards people who choose to visit, live, area beyond recognition, creating a stunning cityscape and A cultural regeneration over the past 20 years has changed the exciting place to be capital East” of the isan North NewcastleGateshead “the hipster PLACE THATPLACE REWARDS YOU LIVE BUSINESSAND DO IN A Described by Lonely Planet as - - ing and sales, business services and outsourcing; all these significant presence in the region. Creative and digital, market Procter & Gamble, Komatsu, Nestlé and Nissan all having a Many prestigious companies have chosen to locate here, with costs compared with other UK destinations. Gateshead can result in up to 40 per cent lower operating than the national average. Locating a business in Newcastle employee turnover and absence rates are significantly less lingual capabilities. Labour costs are highly competitive, while population brings the addition of a pool of talent with multi- skills and adapt to new challenges. The multi-cultural student in the UK, with the critical ability to change and acquire new their strong work ethic and some of the lowest attrition rates People here are flexible and highly motivated – renowned for workforce. dous opportunities for employers to recruit a highly skilled - - well as more modern family-oriented suburbs such as Darras ings in ‘city villages’ like Gosforth, Jesmond and Low Fell, as latest in contemporary city living. Choose from Victorian dwell Housing ranges from historic homes full of character to the drinking and socialising in the UK. to take a breather, the region offers some of the finest eating, events can keep any to-do list topped up. And when you need Run. What’s more, a year-round programme of world-class part in the largest half marathon in the world, the Great North who fill Newcastle United’s stadium every Saturday or take sport is your thing, you can join our 52,000 fanatical Toon fans Museum, and the Centre for Life. And if For knowledge and learning, you can head to the Discovery of the fashion-conscious suburb, Jesmond. Hood Street in Newcastle city centre, or in the many boutiques something to suit them around Market Street, High Bridge and where to start! Even the most individual shopper will find and designer fashions – you might have trouble deciding Gateshead’s Metrocentre, offers bags of choice in high-street Fantastic city-centre shopping, provided by Eldon Square and porary Art, The Shipley Art Gallery and The Biscuit Factory. and renowned art spaces, such as BALTIC Centre for Contem Sage Gateshead, Arena and The O2 Academy, Theatre Royal, a range of quality music venues, including The theatres, Northern Stage, Live Theatre, Tyne Theatre and the castleGateshead. Culture-seekers can choose from four major – you’ll never be short of something to see or do in New Of course, it’s not all about work here. We like to play too diversity of the area’s economy. ers, while retail, leisure and hospitality adds to the breadth and private sector base. Our two universities are also key employ presence in Gateshead and Newcastle, creating a diverse major employment and corporate functions have a strong Royal, AngeloftheNorth, The Tyne Bridge,Theatre Shopping inNewcastle’s Clockwise from left: Central Arcade -

- - - Follow us on twitter @tynetoinvest www.InvestNewcastleGateshead.com For more information visit Our service is bespoke and is led by client needs. range of services to help establish and expand businesses. NewcastleGateshead’s Inward Investment Team provides a us a special place. Join us and be rewarded too. and our collaborative business community, that’s what makes looking people, the unique sense of place, our inventive minds life in our destination. The spirit of our positive and forward- Always genuine, a unique spirit, rewarding for all. This is daily won’t be in a hurry to move on. on-board, you’ll have a happy and motivated workforce that selling point which will make recruiting easier. And once they’re professionals can enjoy a fantastic work-life balance – a key Gateshead a truly rewarding place to live and work. Business iconic Angel of the North. This is what makes Newcastle in the world: more than one person every second sees our We’re also home to one of the most viewed outdoor artworks of Newcastle and Gateshead. well Park are a beautiful breath of fresh air in the urban centres coast are both minutes away, while Jesmond Dene and Salt Our outdoors really is worthy of the title “great”. Country and beaches and tranquil countryside right in their back garden. a vibrant and buzzing city area with some of the UK’s best here instantly notice that they have the best of both worlds: So it’s no surprise that people who locate their business the city’s bars, restaurants, shops and galleries. apartments of the Quayside, close to the cosmopolitan buzz of Bay. And for culture-hungry socialites there are the stylish coastal homes are available in nearby Tynemouth or Whitley Hall, Rowlands Gill and Great Park. Alternatively, beautiful

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ix OFFSHORE ON TYNE Strategic-Corrosion-Management-Advert-25022013.pdf 1 25/02/2013 10:38:05 AM

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information. integration. intelligence. A SUPPLY CHAIN IN DEMAND IN SUPPLY A CHAIN services from the development of simula been involved in a range of support Technip Offshore handle heavy lift and complex projects. offshore supply bases ready equipped to Shepherd Offshore has two deep water gistics support for the offshore industries. facturing, R & D, training facilities and lo responsible regeneration, provides manu Shepherd Offshore wind sector. enterprising companies in the offshore Tyne offers tremendous opportunities for largest offshore wind market, the Port of way to both globala trade and the world’s East regional economy. As a major gate gateway and a key player in the North The future of the industry. ogy solutions, and shaping the exciting innovative marine and offshore technol Every day, these companies are delivering several industry-shaping organisations. subsea technology development, and (Narec), various centres of excellence for National Renewable Energy Centre Marine Management Organisation, the is complemented by the Government’s The well-established cluster of companies ing operations and maintenance. through to fabrication, delivery and ongo edge research, design and development ply chain to fulfil everything from cutting- into our strong and well-networked sup biggest players in the industry are tapping through to R & D and testing, the world’s here. From construction and logistics and marine industries. It’s all happening ing area is a global centre for the offshore NewcastleGateshead and the surround WHO’S HERE? is a principal northern Wind’s division has , a leading provider of ------Siemens offshore oil and gas industry. tures bespoke umbilical systems for the Systems group of companies) manufac Duco wind turbine. world’s first full scale offshore floating tors to delivering the substructure for the environment. the issues encountered within the subsea tors by providing solutions to many of innovation adding value to global opera SSIM technologies provide leading edge project management, Flexlife’s patented subsea integrity management and subsea Flexlife ers in the North Sea. agement to offshore oil and gas custom completions support and project man design, procurement, construction and group provides complete engineering, Fabricom GDF SUEZ oil gas and power Fabricom Offshore Services and specialist craneage capabilities. facilities with deepwater quayside access systems manufacturing, R & D and testing Wellstream ergy Park on the banks of the River Tyne. manufacturing facility at the Neptune En and is constructing a state-of-the-art tions for sectors including oil and gas, the manufacture of wire and rope solu Bridon and service technicians. towers and work stations for apprentices with a fully loaded 2.3MW nacelle, training dedicated wind power training school, in 2009, it opened the UK’s first ever with local schools and colleges and, ties in Newcastle, as well as relationships (part of the Technip Umbilical is the world leading specialist in is an industry leader in delivering has a number of training facili (Part of GE) provides offshore , part of the ------Mott Macdonald, Eversheds and KPMG. including SKM, Parsons Brinckerhoff, specialising in offshore and marine accountants, with dedicated teams with major consultancies, law firms and support services based in Newcastle, is an established base of professional In addition to these companies, there sectors. offshore oil & gas and marine renewables a wide and varied client base within the gineering services. The company retains subsea engineering and marine civil en marine renewables, maritime inland, shore oil and gas products and services, Red7Marine construction and installation. ment, project management, development, including engineering, design, procure for offshore and renewable industries providing a range of professional services delivers complex industrial projects Offshore Group Newcastle vehicles. of specialist subsea remotely operated independent designer and manufacturer worldwide and is the world's number one operating in hazardous environments factures remote intervention equipment, SMD both offshore platforms or ashore. of seagoing vessel and diesel engines on tenance service is provided for all types exploration and production. A fleet main vessels and platforms used in oil and gas Royston and gas industry. valves, actuators and controls to the oil group and supplier of high pressure Bel V (Soil Machine Dynamics) manu alves provides engineering services for is part of the British Engines is a leading provider of off (OGN Group) - - - - -

xi OFFSHORE ON TYNE xii

OFFSHORE ON TYNE Thepullofprofessionals opportunities across the supply chain, including within the and gas sector, this upturn is expected to continue, providing According to Oil and Gas UK, a trade association for the oil licensing round. to explore for petroleum in UK waters were awarded in the last were approved last year. In addition, a further 167 new licencesthe UK Treasury, 30 new offshore oil and gas developmentsimprovements in the tax regime and better engagement with increased to more than £11 billion in 2012. As a result of Capital investment in the oil and gas sector in the North Sea offshore capital of Europe. Scotland, particularly around Aberdeen, now recognised as the the new opportunities being created in the offshore sector in heartland for the offshore sector, that are making the most Andof it is providers of these services on Tyneside, a traditional ing these functions, of course, requires the right staff. petro-technical information and the processing of data. Servic key functions, such as the development and maintenance of coming more and more involved in the sector, and in particularto spring to mind. However, firms from these skill sets are mingbe and Internet firms might not usually be the first beneficiary insurance companies, legal, recruitment, computer program The professional services sector; including accountancy and jobs. British firms, and the creation of thousands of new highly skilled gence, creating billions of pounds worth of valuable work for and gas fields are currently going through something of resur of suppliers to find and produce product. The North Sea’s oil The oil and gas sector has always depended on an ecosystem supporting the offshore industry on the banks of the Tyne… for their services. It’s not just skilled oil and gas rig workers that are experiencing increasing demand Jonathan Jones reports on the role of the professional services in - - - - and commercial property enterprises. Many of these organisa safety, employment and recruitment, commercial contracts include a wealth of professional services, such as health and service firms, looking to make their mark in the sector. They Mecca for a variety of businesses and organisations, including Aberdeen’s position as a gateway to the North Sea makes it a will see further opportunities created for service sector firms. of its Harris and Barra fields, 100 miles east of Shetland, which ’s plans to invest £1 billion in the development hundred at its operational headquarters in Aberdeen; and ment, which is expected to create 1,200 jobs, including several GDF Suez’s £1.4 billion investment in the Cygnus gas develop 2,000 jobs; miles east of Aberdeen, which is expected to create more than at its Montrose Arbroath oil and gas field, approximately 130 Talisman Energy’s £1.6 billion investment in production facilities 200 onshore jobs in Aberdeen; proximately 90 miles east of the Shetland Isles, which is creatingStatoil’s £4.3 billion investment in the Oil Mariner Project, ap months include: Examples of UK oil and gas projects announced in the last six resulted in thousands of new and well-paid jobs.” opportunities right across our world-class supply chain. It has The upturn is set to continue and represents excellent business gas industry is already reaping rewards for the British economy.alition Government’s new long-term approach to the UK oil and Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK’s Chief Executive, said: “The Co the oil and gas exploration businesses. professional service companies that service the requirements of - - - - ness, but particularly so in the case of those operating in the legal advice is a crucial component to the success of any busi the Energy Team at Ward Hadaway, who said: "Getting Hisgood views are echoed by Mark Whitehead, Partner and Head of right time to the clients we work with.” invaluable when it comes to providing the right advice at the and energy projects and broad involvement in the industry is their clients are operating. We feel our track record on offshorepeople who understand the dynamics of the sector in which He said: “We believe that the best legal advice is provided by a director at NOF Energy. Head of the Commercial department at Ward Hadaway, is also active participant in the industry – Colin Hewitt, Partner and As well as advising clients in the offshore sector, the firm is an feature, pages vi-vii.) tory issues, funding, competition, property and planning. on a variety of projects, including environmental and regula which has advised clients in the offshore and renewables sector which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, and They include the likes of legal services firm Ward Hadaway, North East have a combined turnover of more than £2.5billion. panies in the region, while the agency’s 200 members in the NOF Energy claims there are around 1,500 supply chain com jobs based in North East England. 440,000 jobs across the UK, with an estimated 66,000 of those According to NOF Energy, the sector supports approximately tor based around Aberdeen, 250 miles to the north. placed to make the most of the resurgence in the offshore sec in Durham City, has revealed that North East England is well tion for oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables sector,Research based by NOF Energy, the business development organisa make their mark. there is still room for the smaller businesses and agencies to including multi-national organisations like KPMG. However, is undoubtedly dominated by large full-service organisations, The market for professional services in the oil and gas sector dominate the sector, including the likes of BP and Maersk Oil.in turn, provide their own services to the offshore giants that tions provide their services to the specialist contractors which, (See - - - - - Port of Tyne sector. centre to help it make the most of opportunities in the offshoreAberdeen, has recently opened a specialist apprentice recruitmentQuorum Business Park, on North Tyneside, but which has officesand gasin engineering services company, Fabricom, based on the set to cash in on the boom. Smaller companies, like small oil And it’s not just large professional service companies that are renewables sector will not start to accrue until 2015 at the earliest.”He added: “The view is that the real benefits from the offshore years than the offshore renewables sector. offshore sector will experience far more growth over the next Accordingfive to George Rafferty, Chief Executive at NOF Energy, the and process companies, and design consultancies. manufacturers and installers, oil and gas operators, petrochemicalprofile clients, including subsea engineering specialists, oil andand gasprocurement professionals, into a range of position with highcal staff, from operations and development managers, to logisticsin the energy sector has been used to place a variety of techni petrochemicals, renewables and nuclear. Its recruitment expertisework to recruit staff for all areas of the sector, includingthe oiloil andand gas,gas sector, based at its offices in Newcastle. Itsment team agency NRG, which has a dedicated recruitment team for Other businesses in the supply chain include the likes of recruit business internationally.” that they have everything in place to support them when they do globally so it is very important to the region’s operators to“Key ensure players in the sector are based locally but they operate chains and significant risk being passed down. offshore sector with major projects, joint ventures, complex supply Call us on us Call Newcastle Premier Health, Lower Ground Floor, Eldon House West, House Eldon Floor, Ground Lower Health, Premier Newcastle International Airport. 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OFFSHORE ON TYNE dedicated trainingfacilitywhichis Fabricom fortheirinvestmentinthis Manager, added:“We applaud Employment andSkillsIssues Dr AlixThom,Oil&GasUK’s will present themselves.” advantage oftheopportunitiesthat that thenecessaryskillsexisttotake investing inpeopleandensuring about –confidentthefuture, British energy industryshouldbe Mr Wilsonsaid:“Thisiswhatthe about 12expectedthisyear. the academy, withanotherintakeof professional developmentschemesat graduate trainingprogrammes and undergoing apprenticeships, More than30peopleare already upgrade ordiversifytheirskills. apprentices andpeoplelookingto programmes aimedatgraduates, anddevelopmentsetof learning to provide afully-integratedtraining, developed byengineersfor Services, theAcademyhasbeen company FabricomOffshore Established byfacilitiesengineering project engineers. fast becomeahubfordesignand Academy, inNewcastle,whichhas The FabricomOffshore Services Energy Minister, officially opened Business Ambassadorandformer The RtHonBrianWilson,UK industry”. future prosperity oftheUK’s energy of talentandtowards ensuringthe investment inthenextgeneration development academyas“acrucial the launchofaninnovativeskillsand Leading figures inenergy havehailed POWERING THE FUTURE THE POWERING FUTURE FABRICOM the offshore oil and gas industry. and project management services to engineering, procurement, construction as a leading provider of brownfield Offshore Services has rapidly evolved Since its inception in 2007, Fabricom industry experience. HNC qualificationsandsought-after practical training,NVQLevel3, Fabricom’s engineeringheadoffice, three years’on-siteexperienceat training atTyne Metropolitan College, Scheme offers classroom-based The four-year Apprenticeship Modern engineer status. to arecognised bodyforchartered providing thebasisforaccreditation business functions,aswell a rangeofcore engineeringand offers workexperienceacross The four-year graduatescheme and industryleadersofthefuture.” shortage bydeliveringtheengineers we are helpingtoaddress theskills chain andIamalready confidentthat supply which bolstersourinternal to Chartershipineighttenyears, from thestartoftheircareers through a solidplatformtodevelopengineers Offshore ServicesAcademyprovides Executive Officer, said:“TheFabricom Fabricom’sAllan Cairns, Chief for future growth. consolidate thecompany’s position Teesside, created itsacademyto offices inNewcastle,Aberdeen and employs more than300peopleat Fabricom Offshore Services,which business inthiscountry.” sighted visionforthefuture oftheir testament totheirclearandlong n n and a simplified planning scheme. locating on or before March 31 next year, years' business rates relief for businesses Enterprise Zone benefits include five and marine renewable companies. to a location for high-technology offshore associated with the traditional industries changing the image of the river from that private sector investment in the area, The works are intended to spark site. infrastructure and utility provision to the vessel access; and improved highway of the quay edge to allow larger repairs and strengthening; dredging by early 2015 and will include quay edge The enabling works will be completed communities minister Baroness Hanham. the unique assets of the River Tyne,” said private and public initiatives to build on shipyard is part of a wider package of “The transformation of the former and Communities Agency. North Tyneside Council and the Homes scheme, with match funding provided by in the initial infrastructure development Development Fund is investing £6.8m businesses and a European Regional growth of advanced manufacturing enterprise zone for the location and The site has been designated as an aim of stimulating high-value job creation. shipyard, at on Tyne, with the invested in the former Swan Hunter other industries. electrical, construction, engineering and of engineered products for offshore, manufactures and markets a wide range The British Engines group designs, development of hydraulic equipment. years of experience in the design and Rotary Power has more than 35 South Shields. the oil and gas industry. The new site is in which supplies high-pressure valves to St Peter’s, Newcastle, with BEL Valves, in the group. It currently shares a site at Rotary Power is one of five companies region of £130m this year. which anticipates its turnover being in the continuing growth of British Engines, employs 111 people, is a result of a The relocation of Rotary Power, which in the buoyant oil and gas market. companies to provide scope for growth in new, larger premises for one of its engineering groups is investing £8m

More than £13 million is being One of Tyneside's largest and oldest CENTR NAREC tether management systems, subsea trenchers, ROVs, Christmas trees, for testing equipment, such as rock exploration and renewable industries These are utilised by both the offshore still water tank and simulated seabed. Newcastle, to include a wave tank, the River Blyth, a few miles north of its regenerated port-side site on Narec has adapted three docks on and sea trials of new offshore equipment. marine supply chain to undertake testing a controlled environment for the wider site, in Northumberland, also provides to market sooner in the UK, Narec’s wind and marine renewable turbines focused on bringing new offshore While this investment is primarily offshore renewable energy technologies. demonstration facilities for developers of in integrated research, testing and Narec, has invested £150 million The National Renewable Energy Centre, industry. We report on activity at the organisation thatNarec, is celebratingthe National itsRenewable tenth birthdayEnergy Centre, is also of benefit to the wider offshore E OF EXCELLENCE OF on full-scale prototypes. exchanges into days of controlled testing can compress many months of tidal new 3 megawatt drive train test facility energy technologies in the UK. The the deployment of offshore renewable reduce product costs and accelerate developers to improve device reliability, providing a catalyst for technology These world-leading facilities are blades and tidal energy devices. offshore wind turbines, wind turbine life testing and development of larger Narec has facilities for the accelerated grid integration. cable joint integrity tests and electrical coatings selection, system certification, systems, failure analysis, materials and for the development of power take-off electrical and materials laboratories The docks are complemented by foundations, sonar devices and robots. offshore wind developments. costs required to secure consent for processes to reduce the timescales and facility for trialling new technologies and it provides an open-access research Offshore Wind Demonstration Site, of turbines to be installed on the Blyth tenants to monitor the performance As well as providing a benchmark for of wind turbines in deep waters. approach being taken for the installation structure at 37m water depth follows the year life and its installation on a tripod platform has been designed for a 22- year, three nautical miles offshore; the anemometry platform in November last 104m-high offshore research and completed the installation of a of between £300-400 million. Narec project to date and requires investment Site will, however, be Narec’s biggest Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration The build-out of the proposed 99MW

xv OFFSHORE ON TYNE offshore wind the Port of tyne in north east england is ready to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the world’s largest offshore wind market.

Only 96 nautical miles from Dogger Bank, with land, skilled labour and incentives available, it is set to become a major centre for manufacturing offshore wind turbines along with maintenance and supply chain services.

GAtewAy to oPPortUnity of tyne hectAres250 of AvAilAble lAnd hectAres30 with enterPrise 96nAUticAl miles in the Port’s lAnd And Zone stAtUs And sUPPort distAnce to doGGer bAnK ProPerty Portfolio

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