The Northern Echo

The lifestyle magazine for the North-East JANUARY 2005 SALES PITCH

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New year, new you, new home

One man and his shed

SHOPPING INTERIORS GADGETS MOTORING GARDENING 2 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk

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SHARON GRIFFITHS ME AND MY 3 I’m not a slummock, 14 WARDROBE honest! Lesley Middlemiss magazine INTERIORS OUT ON THE TOWN is produced by 4 What’s hot for 15 The Devonport, The homes in 2005 Middleton-One-Row Northern SLIMMING SHOPPING Echo/ Newsquest 6 New year, 16 Getting the best out Ltd., new you of the sales a Gannett HEALTH GADGET MAN Company, Priestgate, 7 Take stock 18 Who you calling Darlington and detox a geek? DL1 1NF INTERIORS FOOD (01325) 381313 8 One man and 19 Time with his shed Rosemary ADVERTISING INTERIORS NE CONNECTIONS Trish Taylor (01325) 505 233 10 A little bit of 20 A new addition to trish.taylor mural magic the Audi A3 range @nne.co.uk GARDENING COFFEE TIME EDITORIAL 11 My New Year’s 22 Puzzles PLUS win a Jenny Needham (01325) 505082 resolutions luxury pamper day for jenny.needham BEAUTY two at Broom Mill

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A167 Mc DONALDS DARLINGTON FILTRONIC SOUTH NORTH A1 A1 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 3

GOING CONTEMPORARY sharon griffiths THE new Tiko kitchen range from Magnet might be just the thing to update your home and give it a contemporary feel. It has a sleek, professional look, with strong clean lines, in a mix of stained oak and stainless steel. For further information visit www.magnet.co.uk or call 0845 123 6789 for details of your nearest store. WHAT’S IN STORE? aI read IF you want some stylish storage in your sitting room, the occasional table from the Old Charm Chateau Collection could be the solution. The somewhere central portion of the table has two large shelves, a flap at either end opens 180 degrees to reveal hidden that to lose storage compartments… and somewhere to balance the drinks. At £1,276, it is available in four finishes. For stockists call (08451) 1lb of fat you 303 303 or log on to www.oldcharm.co.uk have to walk PORTABLE FLAMES IF you want the beauty and atmosphere of real flames 12 miles wherever you fancy, Calor’s Boston heater is an attractive window shopping portable option. It retails at £299 and would be great for taking the chill off a garden shed EW Year, New You? If only… There fixed and I could stride out again. Oh bliss. or conservatory. is, of course, no justice in the world. I read somewhere that to lose 1lb of fat you If there were, I’d have been born tiny, have to walk 12 miles. It was one of those fig- Nwith razor-like cheekbones, natural- ures that stuck in my brain, so this time last ly curly hair and been good at maths. Like my year I decided I would keep a record of how sister, in fact. much I walked and would aim for at least 12 Instead, I got the short straw. Or the large miles a week. At that rate, I thought in my in- straw. The size eight feet and the Channel nocence, by the end of the year I would have swimmer’s shoulders. And there’s nothing I lost nearly four stone. Then I would wear skin- can do about it. Believe me, I’ve tried. ny trousers and have a new picture for this Right now, I expect, you’re living on lettuce page. Ha! leaves and bottled water and going to the gym. I certainly walked. Nearly every day I strode If you stick to the routine, by Valentine’s Day out down the lane near our house. There’s a de- you will have lost all the weight you gained cent three mile circular walk with nice views over Christmas, your clothes will be looser, in the middle. And I know it in all weathers. I your waistband gratifyingly swivelly. You will know most blades of grass, when the first buds have a spring in your step and a sparkle in your appeared, where to find the best gooseberries eye. For you, the regime will have worked. Not, blackberries and sloes. I meet the gamekeeper alas for me. and the tractor driver, an occasional shooting Looking for a Now you’ll pat your nice firm flat stomach, party and sometimes other people out for a look at that picture on the top of this page and stroll. you’ll probably think “What an idle, greedy I have occasionally been accompanied by my Mortgage? slummock that woman must be.” husband, my friend Liz, visitors, other people’s But you’d be wrong. Honestly, you would be dogs, a three-legged cat and a mad pheasant. so wrong. But mostly I walk on my own Let Us Every now and then I do those quizzes in the Holidays are spent walking too. Welsh hills, paper. You know the sort, “How healthy are Irish beaches and plenty of weekend walking Offer you?” they ask. And you go down ticking boxes in Swaledale, Weardale, Teesdale and around. You A about what you eat and drink, how many veg- I aimed at 12 miles a week, but at the end of etables you have, how much exercise and how the year, I worked out that throughout the year Helping often. – not counting walking as part of the every day I answer those with scrupulous honesty and routine, to shops, to friends or wherever – I had Hand... when I add up my score, it usually says some- walked an average of 18 miles a week. Every thing like: “Congratulations! You have an ex- week. cellent lifestyle and are doing everything On that, you’d think, I’d be as slim as a stick, right!” a shadow of my former self, toned, tanned and In that case, I snarl, as I throw the paper – at the very most – a trim size 10. across the room, why am I four stones over- Not a bit of it. weight? Tell me that, clever clogs. True, I feel heaps better. I know I’m fitter. I And answer comes there none walk faster, easier, breathe better, sleep better, DARLINGTON OFFICE For the past 20 years I have swum for about have more energy than I’ve had for years. 23 Duke Street, Darlington 40 minutes every morning except Sunday. At But my clothes are no looser, my waist no 6.30 in the morning, as lazy slugs lie abed, rain trimmer, the bulges still, depressingly, bulge… 01325 350 888 or shine, sunshine or pitch dark, I go to the I don’t weigh myself because it makes me sui- pool. cidal, but I honestly think I’ve not lost an With branches throughout the North East, DURHAM CITY OFFICE I rarely use lifts. I take the stairs. I use the ounce. I shall continue to walk, because I love our experienced advisors can arrange your 86 Claypath, Durham City gym occasionally, despite the mirrors. And I it, and live a sensible life. But I don’t hold out mortgage or re-mortgage to suit your individual needs. All applications walk everywhere. I never buy chocolate, don’t much hope. sympathetically considered. 0191 375 0333 have a sweet tooth, love vegetables, don’t drink So if you are starting on your fitness regime much. And when I eat out with my husband, I I wish you all the luck in the world. I’m sure Contact us now to discuss your SUNDERLAND OFFICE am the one heard to say – honestly – “Do I have you’ll achieve it. You might well have a New requirements or call in - no appointment necessary 22 Athenaeum Street, Sunderland to have a pudding?” You. True, for years a wrecked Achilles tendon But spare a thought – and some sympathy – 0191 510 8080 kept me from walking much. But then – won- for those of us who, however hard we try, are YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP derfully, magically, brilliantly – it was doomed to be lumbered with the old one… REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE or 0191 565 7788 4 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk interiors A spring clean for sweeter surroundings

It’s a new year and while most people have heard of the advantages of detoxing the body by giving up alcohol, caffeine and rich foods, what about your home? GABRIELLE FAGAN gets some tips on how to give your house a complete room by room detox

T’S the time of year when attention is on having a healthy body and getting fit, but there is one key area many of us neglect – our home. So get ready to detox. This means getting rid of every- Ithing and anything in your surroundings that could bring negative energy, destruc- tive influences or just a bad vibe. According to Jane Scrivner, author of Total Detox, there’s plenty of sound common sense in making your home comforting, energising and relaxing. She says: ‘‘Our surroundings can affect our mood and that can affect our energy. If every time you enter your house you feel down because of the state it’s in, or bothered because areas just don’t feel quite right, it could be time for a detox. “Clearing the clutter or even applying some feng shui principles will allow your surroundings to work for you. That will re- lease energy so that you can tackle other African Wood Carvings & Handicrafts from around the world! areas of your life with a clearer head and better focus.’’ • African Face Masks • Deers Scrivner has devised a checklist which make sure you can’t tell exactly where you • Tribal Figures • African Paintings tells you if your home is in need of a detox. have cleaned from where you haven’t If you answer yes to the following questions reached yet. • Lions • Vases – Do you feel drained at home? Have an un- • Impala • Figurines friendly house? Need more space or want DETOX more energy? Suffer sleepless nights? Feel • Wicker Ball • African Warrior Time to start space clearing. At its most confused or unsettled? Want to improve the basic level, it’s just like physical spring • Walking Sticks • Bowls quality of your life? – then a home detox cleaning. On a deeper level, it’s about actu- could be the answer. ally cleaning the energy of your home and 17 York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9EA ‘‘Start with an open mind and really look making it fully active. Tel: (01429) 866566 at your home and see what you truly wish Go round the room and identify areas to change or improve,’’ says Scrivner. ‘‘Reg- that feel colder and flatter and areas that ister areas that just don’t feel right though feel energetic and active. Clap loudly, low you can’t put your finger on why. Consider and high, into each and every area to chase areas that shouldn’t be the way they are, or out the stagnant energy and move around that were not right when you moved in.’’ active energy. Care Home Scatter petals and spray essential oils in Appletree Appletree a water solution lightly around the room. DETOX MASTER PLAN Use a chime to sound in the darkest cor- Back Frederick St North, Meadowfield CLUTTER ners and highest points. Light candles to Prioritise and then expel all the waste draw the air and circulate the atmosphere. Totally refurbished, that clutters living spaces. Most of us buy Open windows and let air flow. purpose-built home, providing new possessions to replace out-of-date, Before you finish, walk around the residential care worn-out items but rarely throw those away perimeter of the room, and stroke the ener- due to the ‘‘just in case’’ principle. gy in with your hands. Clear away the Exceptional single Sort everything into piles of items you cleansing equipment and enjoy the peace. en-suite facilities definitely want and piles you don’t want and Currently taking bookings for send the latter to jumble sales or car boot REDUCE NEGATIVE VIBES sales. Also have a pile of those you are un- Research suggests that technology, despite our new wing developed certain about and to this, apply the six bringing many improvements in communi- especially for clients requiring month rule – if you haven’t used any of it in cations and time saving, can also have neg- dementia care that time, it’s safe to dispose of it. ative effects on our bodies. Limiting exposure to electromagnetic For enquiries, viewings, bookings, please contact SPRING CLEAN fields could be beneficial. Ensure a radio Set out a plan and a time frame and stick alarm is at least 1.2 metres (4ft) away from ShanetteShanette RRendor,endor, Home MManageranager to it. You may decide to do one room a week the bed, or use a wind-up clock. Use extra or three hours per evening. If you have a blankets instead of an electric one or use 0191 3783152 messy family, consider doing the whole job one only to warm the bed, and remove be- in a relatively short time, otherwise they’ll fore sleeping. January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 5

Above: Andrew Durham Far left: Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Stark, £132; Live oval glass table, £1,295; Brilliante chest of drawers, WHAT’S HOT £468; Splash rug, £195 Left: Lucien glass vases, £27.50 and £14.95; tealight holder, £7.95 FOR 2005

For stockists, 01642 230988 or Andrew Durham, a stylist from www.barker-stonehouse.co.uk furniture store Barker and Stonehouse, gives his view on what we’ll be using in the home Sit no closer to a television than 1.5 metres (5ft), and no closer than 50cm this year (2ft) from a computer screen. An The New Year will see furniture continuing ioniser can help clear and balance to move away from hard, clean lines. The the air of all negativity. key looks for the coming season will Enclose mobile phones in a shield, continue to be very decorative using lots available from most phone stores. of detail, colour and pattern. Avoid spending time close to the mi- crowave when it is on. Wallpaper will still be big news in interiors and provides a welcome change from plain walls. FENG SHUI Traditional prints will be re-born with bright, It is about getting all the positive contemporary colours to give a new flavour. energy available into your life, using it and letting all the negative energy Vintage is still strong and, like wallpaper, out. A few simple steps could start will be mixed with contemporary styling. you off on a positive discovery of the science although a qualified practi- Fabrics will reflect our love affair with bygone tioner would give comprehensive, ex- eras and velvet seems to be making a huge pert advice. impact in terms of upholstery, as do damasks. Stand outside your house, face the front door and imagine you are the Wood seems to be the main contender for positive energy or a breeze. Is there the hottest material of the season, again anything preventing access to your with a hint of retro. And our perennial home, a tree, a sticking front door? favourite, glass, is popular too but taking Don’t allow furniture to block on new formations with unusual finishes doors or have mirrors facing each and colours. other. Hang all doors so that they open into the rooms, and not out into To complement this softer style of home, the hall or corridor. Check the back lighting will move away from being stark to door is not blocked or sticking and being more ethereal and atmospheric. opens outwards allowing energy to flow out freely. Finally this year, there will be a huge Finally, sit down, relax and con- surge in ‘green’, and I don’t mean the gratulate yourself for having colour. Recycled and reclaimed materials achieved a happier, healthier home. will be in demand and, inspired by the fashion catwalk, you will definitely see the Total Detox by Jane Scrivner use of hemp in interiors. (Piatkus Books, £9.99) 6 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk health New year, new you

CHRISTINE FIELDHOUSE was a My head was pounding from what I suspect was a caffeine and sugar super snacker who drank far withdrawal and I ended up taking too much caffeine until she painkillers. By day three I was feeling better and I tried a diet which went to work had more energy. I also felt slimmer on her bad eating habits around my tummy and I refused all chocolate and wine offered to me. By day four I felt brilliant and was NYONE for chocolate, cake or awake before my alarm clock went off for biscuits? Or are you a savoury the first time in years. I went out person who’d prefer a bag of shopping for the day but couldn’t find crisps or a bowl of nibbles? anything suitable for lunch, so skipped a Maybe it’s a café latte or a pint meal and came home starving. Aof beer that does it for you? Most people By day five I just wasn’t interested in have a favourite treat, but it’s when those sweet foods at all, and I didn’t want to treats get out of hand and a craving devel- spoil my good work by eating processed ops that our health problems begin. foods again. I realised just how much I was a chocolate girl, but when I gave my snacking I did before – the odd crisp here treat up, I merely substituted it with other and a chicken nugget there. I also felt sugary foods, pretending I was being very alert, my nails were strong and healthy. I had honey in my porridge, jam healthy and my hair was growing fast. on my ricecakes, high sugar soya yoghurts When I weighed in, I had lost 3lbs, and sugar in my coffee. taking me to 7st 13lbs and my fat level I never thought about the amount of had also dropped from 28.5pc to 27.9pc. sugar I was consuming until I read Zoe Har- I felt so good I decided to try Phase Two combe’s new diet book Why Do You Christine Fieldhouse: determined to shift some pounds for a few days to see how easy it was to Overeat? There, in black and white, was a follow, not to lose any more weight. list of symptoms I was suffering – bloating after eating, occasional stomach upsets, PHASE TWO blurred vision and middle-of-the-night The diet got easier when I could insomnia. Is this the diet to reintroduce dairy products, brown bread, Harcombe, 39, who has spent 20 years re- brown pasta, fruit and jacket potatoes. searching diet and nutrition after suffering Breakfast was porridge made with milk from eating disorders through her teens (no honey), lunches were jacket potatoes and her twenties, says three conditions can with butter, omelettes and tuna salads cause our cravings, but once they’re under and evening meals were chicken breast control, our cravings will follow. end cravings? stuffed with cheese and garlic, jacket Her diet tackles Candida (a yeast within potatoes and a vegetable chilli. Snacks all of us which, when out of control, can were an apple and a bunch of grapes. produce uncontrollable food cravings), food Phase Two lasts for as long as you want my son to school, but it filled me up until intolerance and hypoglycaemia (low blood to lose weight and during this time you can lunchtime. Fish, omelettes and yoghurts RESULT AFTER PHASE TWO glucose, caused by the over consumption of re-introduce dairy, tofu, baked jacket pota- are other breakfast options. I still weighed 7st 13lbs, but my fat level refined carbohydrates such as white bread toes, wholemeal grains like brown pasta I also gave up caffeine – I had three or had gone down to 27 per cent. I felt very and white rice). and wholewheat bread, beans and pulses. four cups of tea a day and one cup of alert. Harcombe claimed that by following a You must not eat white grains (white pasta, coffee before. Instead I drank lots of five-day diet, then a more varied eating white rice or white bread), sugar, cakes, bis- water and herbal teas. PHASE THREE plan, I would be free of cravings for life. In cuits, confectionery or processed foods. LUNCHES By now you should be at your “natural” just five days she claimed I would feel amaz- Fruit juices, dried fruit and crisps and chips It was hard to eat out on this five-day weight and your cravings should be ing, more alert than I have for years, and are also banned as they are all refined. plan as I couldn’t grab a sandwich or a under control. The main rule is to avoid any extra pounds would have dropped off. In Phase two Harcombe recommends jacket potato as I normally would. refined carbohydrates like white pasta, I weighed 8st 2lbs when I started the diet, keeping fats and carbohydrates separate at Sometimes I just had natural live white rice and white bread, as well as which is acceptable for my 5ft 2ins height. meal times. Meals should be fat meals yoghurt, or an omelette. On one day I had processed foods. Treats are allowed in Although I didn’t have extra weight to lose, (meat, fish, cheese, eggs) with salad/green literally roast chicken and steamed moderation. I was keen to tackle my strong cravings for vegetables OR carbohydrate meals (brown vegetables – no roast potatoes, no chocolate, sugary foods, tea, coffee and rice, brown pasta, baked potato) with salad Yorkshire puddings, no stuffing and no RESULT AFTER PHASE THREE alcohol. or green vegetables. Carrots, aubergine and gravy. Anyone who likes salads will enjoy The diet starts with a five-day Phase One, butternut squash have a higher carbohy- this diet. I’ve had one or two treats in the fortnight which allows you to eat meat, fish, eggs, drate content so they should be eaten spar- DINNERS I’ve been in Phase Three, but I no longer natural live yoghurt, quorn, vegetables, crave sweet foods. I haven’t gone back on ingly with fat meals. These were easier as I could have chicken salad and 2ozs of brown rice and drink only caffeine – the thought of that withdrawal I followed Phase Two for just three days kebabs with peppers, onion and tomato, water, herbal teas and decaffeinated tea headache has probably put me off tea and as I did not want to lose any more weight. or salmon cooked in olive oil, chicken stir and coffee. Vegetarians are allowed up to coffee for life. I’ve stuck to the rule of The final part of the diet Phase Three, fry and fried steak, all with vegetables. 6ozs of brown rice per day. having either a fat meal or a carbohy- which you follow for the rest of your life, The daily allowance of 2ozs of brown rice drate meal and have amazingly stayed at allows you to eat anything you helped to fill me up. At first it was hard to 7st 13lbs despite eating a lot of food and like….sounded good to me! resist a glass of wine with meals. some meals out. There, in black and white, SNACKS PHASE ONE a was a list of symptoms I My only snacks were natural live yoghurt FACTBOX BREAKFASTS and a raw carrot. www.whydoyouovereat.com was suffering – bloating after I had to give up my porridge for bacon, Why Do You Overeat? When All You Want Is poached eggs and a grilled tomato, which RESULTS AFTER PHASE ONE eating, occasional stomach To Be Slim (Accent Press, £9.99). I used a sounds delicious, but I missed my bread On the first two days I felt terribly ill, and Tanita InnerScan machine to weigh myself upsets, blurred vision and or toast to mop it all up! It was also time- would not recommend starting this diet if and measure body fat. Contact 0800 731 consuming when I was in a rush to get you have to work or look after children. middle-of-the-night insomnia 6994 or visit www.tanita.co.uk January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 7

LIFE COACH Soulful resolutions

NTERESTED in a new way of Imaking your new Heading for a year resolutions? Something just that bit deeper than getting fit or losing weight? For the past few years, I’ve taken to writing to myself. Not as daft as it may seem, so stick with me on healthier 2005 this. New year’s resolutions are not just about practical goals, it’s also about how much we have grown as a By now, the long, dark nights and the excesses of Christmas will have person. Sit down in a quiet space alone and reflect on the year just taken their toll on the best of us. Time to take stock and detox… gone. Ask yourself, what have you contributed to friends, family and T’S not just New Year resolutions that LIVER DETOX community? How have you made a are made as another year starts. An in- BY giving your liver a break from having difference? Write down everything creasing number of us decide to put our too much alcohol and substances to significant, what you achieved and Ibad ways behind us and opt for a new process, the body can concentrate on also what opportunities you missed. healthier approach to the way we live our regenerating itself. There are several Then look forward and write out your lives. It may mean a commitment to eat a supplement cleansers that you can take as hopes for the year ahead. healthier diet or banish the things from our part of your diet. Natural remedies, such Pour out your thoughts. Be bold – lives that are making us unhappy. as artichoke and the herb milk thistle, may allow yourself to reflect deeply on your Whatever we decide to do, embarking on a help to aid detox and cleanse the liver, life. Then seal your thoughts in an detox programme of some description is a The Internet is a great place to learn envelope and open it again six months good start. Your body and looks will benefit more about detoxing and the iVillage.co.uk from now. You’ll be amazed at how from a good “spring clean” and the process website has some excellent information. much can come true when you is also guaranteed to lift the spirits and drive The site also has some great tips on how to commit your thoughts to paper. away those winter blues. put “you” first. In the meantime, have a hope-filled Two major detoxification processes work and prosperous 2005! within the body – one on a cellular level and These include: Juliette Lee the other being of the liver. Both work along- Learning to prioritise. Spend five www.juliettelee.co.uk or telephone side your circulatory and elimination sys- minutes each day allotting a number to Juliette on (01748) 823010 tems and require vital nutrients in order to each task to help decide what you need to prevent damage from free radicals and tox- focus on and what can be left out or ins being stored in the body. dispensed with altogether. The idea behind a detox is to give your body Taking out your diary for the next year a break and a chance to recuperate – it is a and marking time-out. This way you can sort of holiday for the digestive system and make a date with rest and relaxation. FACTORY 50 50 SIGNALSIGNAL the liver. January is the perfect time to start Being a clutter-buster. Some things just DIR BEDS ECT detoxing after the over-indulgence of alcohol have to be tackled daily – the post, bills and & PINE SQUADRON SQUADRON and rich food through the Christmas period. emails. Get those done first thing and feel SAVE POUNDS - The Bradford Armoury, Neasham Road, The health supplements shop Holland & your sense of control returning. BUY DIRECT FROM Darlington, Co Durham & TA Centre Barrett suggests a few important ways to en- THE FACTORY Debdon Gardens, Newcastle-upon-Tyne courage your body to cleanse itself. Quality Pine Beds, FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Furniture & Mattresses Have fun and get paid for it U nit 5, First Avenue, Drum Ind. Est. YOU NEED THE Contact us anytime at the above ANTIOXIDANTS Chester-le-Street, Tel: 0191 4109994 address or telephone us on HE Boots website – ANTIOXIDANT nutrients are believed to Branches also at: Washington, Tel: 0191 4175277 Darlington help fight against damage to the body by www.boots.com – also has Low Fell, Gateshead, Tel: 0191 4871414 01325 356539 information about detoxing, TA free radicals. Antioxidant nutrients are T Chester-le-Street Store - Open: Mon-Thurs 9-5; or Newcastle including details of Boots Detox 5 Fri 9-4 Sat 10-4; Closed Sunday TERRITORIAL ARMY important during a period of detoxification Washington Store - Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30; 0191 265 6180 to support the immune system. As the Day Plan. This five-day plan, which Sat 10-4.30 Sun 11-4 www.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/34sigregt body detoxifies it can sometimes give rise costs £13.50, includes a daily drink to symptoms such as headaches and spots, and tablet with ingredients that or you may be more susceptible to battle against toxins and help circulating infections and viruses. protect from the dangers of free Antioxidants help protect against these radicals, which are by-products of and reduce the detoxification symptoms. pollution and smoke. The plan helps These include vitamins A, C and E, refresh your detoxifying organs to selenium and zinc or extracts such as leave you feeling revitalised and re- pycnogenol, grapeseed or bilberry. energised. The health and beauty retailer COLON CLEANSING also offers a range of other detox products, including the Boots Detox TOXINS can build up in the colon and be 5 Day Introductory Kit (£20), body reabsorbed back into your system if the freshener (£6 for 28 tablets), digestive tract isn’t functioning properly. massage oil (£6), digestive cleanser Clean the digestive tract with fibre to (£6), respiratory cleanser (£5), body promote regular bowel movements or wash and body conditioner (£5), face friendly bacteria to support digestive mask (£5), body brush (£5) and health. Products to try include acidophilus, elderflower, cranberry and raspberry aloe vera juice, Holland & Barrett Colon tea (£2.50). Cleanse capsules or Regucol powder. SALE NOW ON The Vorderman way

THERE are plenty of books around about detoxing, including Carol Vorderman’s Detox Recipes (£11.99), which contains more than 100 great recipes. There’s also Carol Vorderman’s Detox for Life: The 28 Day Detox Diet and Beyond (£10.99). Log on to www.amazon.co.uk for other titles. 8 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk interiors

Darren and Clare Hindley do not have far to travel to their local pub – there’s one in the shed at the bottom of their garden. LINDSAY JENNINGS takes a look inside

T first glance there is nothing means you’re a life member and you get out of the ordinary about the free drinks for life – or until the fridge Hindley’s garden shed. As we runs out,” explains Darren. walk out of the family’s back And a pub wouldn’t be a pub without a door, along stepping stones dartboard. There’s also a television for andA past plant pots, the 12ft by 10ft One man watching the football on and a CD player structure fits in nicely next to the pond for more entertainment. Precious and the garden fence. mementoes of Darren’s family, including But it is when Darren Hindley flings his grandfather’s war medals and his late open the door, letting out a blast of warm father’s flat cap, sit behind the bar and air, that the jaw drops in surprise. A step on the wall. inside the Tardis-like shed reveals a Other bits and pieces were picked up miniature version of a pub – complete on travels or given by family and friends, with bar stools, beer pumps and a coal including the decorative tankers lined up effect gas fire. and his on the back wall from Germany and the “The things you can do with a shed, epitome of kitsch – a Billy the Bass eh!” laughs Darren, 34, as he invites me mounted fish, which, thankfully, has run to sit down on one of the comfy seats – out of batteries. enterprisingly adapted from some old Then there is the piece de resistance. caravan upholstery. Up on one pine-clad wall is a shelf There are other signs of Darren’s proudly displaying the trophy Darren resourcefulness too. On the bar (adapted won for clinching the Shed of the Year from two full-size wooden barrels he award, organised by the Home and picked up from his local garden centre) is Leisure shopping channel. Darren won a brass old-fashioned diver’s helmet. £1,000 for first prize. But while Clare “You’ll laugh if I lift it up,” he says, dreamed of spending it inside the house, grasping the helmet to reveal an old shed Darren promptly splashed out on a coal lamp base and lightbulb underneath, effect fire, run from a gas bottle. “Oh, which casts a warm glow around the and the two-seater wooden bench created “pub”. from a wagon wheel,” says Clare, Darren began building his dream shed, the electrics himself and sawed the which Darren adapted. shrugging her shoulders and smiling in which he bought for £700 from a wooden barrels for the bar in half when “It used to be a table,” he laughs. “But I resignation. company over the Internet, during the they wouldn’t come through the main cut the legs off.” The neighbours have enjoyed a drink summer of 2002. Initially he never house whole. There are a few themes going in their in the shed and friends and family love it thought of building a bar, just “I was working until about 10 o clock pub, including a nautical one with the too. You can probably get about 10 people somewhere quiet to get away from the at night to get it finished and it took diver’s helmet and framed knots on the in at once, he says, before adding: “We’re girls in his life – wife, Clare, 36, and about three months,” he recalls. wall and a pirate theme with skull and not in here all the time, but it’s great to children Jessica, 10, and Maisie, eight. Work on the interior took a little crossbones on a black flag. come in here now and again. I come in But in a nice way, he adds. longer. Some of the items – the light and The bar is dubbed The Jamaica Inn, here to watch the football and we’re The idea for the surprisingly roomy fan, mini-fridge, and coffee table – have after the Daphne du Maurier novel. The usually in here on Christmas Day. It’s pub came partly from his time posted in come from Argos. Others, like the couple have even found a little wooden great because you don’t have to get a taxi Germany with the Army when his caravan seats, have been enterprisingly Jamaica Inn sign which swings above the home or a baby sitter.” quarters had a bar in the basement, and adapted. door to the shed and which they picked Asked what other plans he has for the also from a visit to Theakston’s Brewery The couple are also into car boot sale up in the Jamaica Inn Museum shop in shed, he replies that while they’re always in Masham, North Yorkshire. He put the finds with the best bargain probably Cornwall. on the look-out, he’s pretty satisfied with shell of the pre-packed shed up first, being the beer pumps on the bar, which Bizarrely, there’s also a series of it and is just going to enjoy it. As for insulated it with polystyrene, then used give the mini-pub a real authentic framed miniature photographs on the those who may look down on his pine cladding for the interior before flavour. The old fashioned clock on the back wall. individual taste, he says with a grin: laying lino on the floor. Handily, he laid back wall was another boot sale success “If you have your photograph taken, it “Don’t knock it until you try it.” January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 9

Bar & Restaurant Blues Wedding Nights Packages Live music If you have your and tailored to your 3 Course dinner a photograph taken, it specifications means you’re a life member Open All Day For Coffee and you get free drinks for life Conference Facilities Private Dining Rooms - – or until the fridge runs out for 2 to 150 Function room Southend Avenue, Darlington Tel. 01325 365859 / Fax. 01325 487111 Clare shows off the shed’s many comforts Enquiries @ thenewgrangehotel.com www.thenewgrangehotel.com Pictures: NIGEL WHITFIELD 10 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk interiors

If you want to brighten up your child’s life this year, just call up Linda Bainbridge. JENNY NEEDHAM reports

Linda with god- daughter Amy, far right, and some of her designs Wall games

FAVOUR for a friend turned a before a horse riding injury forced her to hobby into a full-time business re-think her career. The for a Yarm woman with a talent “I needed something different to do and Dressing A for turning blank walls into I had always been quite artistic. My colourful works of art. teaching often meant that I had to be Linda Bainbridge set up Mural Mischief quite creative, so after people were so Room Epson after a request from a family friend to enthusiastic about my mural for Amy, I paint The Tweenies on her two-year-old thought I’d give it a go,” says Linda. Canon daughter Amy’s bedroom wall. Amy is Mural Mischief was set up with the help Xerox Linda’s goddaughter. of Darlington Business Venture’s Start-Up This prompted a number of further Service. Linda is currently focusing on Lexmark requests from family and friends for a marketing Mural Mischief and has struck Specialist HP wide variety of children’s designs, up a relationship with a Yarm-based in including spacemen, a jungle and interiors shop that is able to recommend underwater characters, aimed at cheering the service on to its customers. She has Mother of even photo paper the Bride up dull rooms. also developed an eye-catching website Visit our fantastic site at “It’s been mainly children’s rooms that featuring examples of her artwork, and I’ve done, though I’m quite happy to work though most of her business to date has Groom with a more adult theme. I have done been as a result of word of mouth. www.inkredible.co.uk decorative boards for restaurants and Linda plans to develop the range of Also a businesses,” says Linda. murals and broaden the themes to appeal Fabulous 0870 760 760 1 Range Sometimes her work has to be done in to older children, teenagers and adults, of Hats to top secret while the little client is sent to with art in public spaces, such as Buy or Hire stay with grandparents or friends, but shopping centres, schools, nurseries and mostly they like to be involved. “They like offices, also being a possibility. to pick the colours and their favourite “With people starting to think about characters,” says Linda. “It is very spring cleaning and sprucing up, it’s time 63 High Street, Yarm rewarding and fantastic to see the look on to pick up the paintbrush in earnest and Tel. 01642 861199 their faces when the room is transformed. start making some faces light up,” says Linda’s latest work of art was a raffle Linda. prize for the local primary school in Yarm. Linda is also available to carry out “The winner wanted a traffic jam. He’s other kinds of artwork including picking Tanning & seen do many in Yarm on his way to out the pattern in a carpet to detail on the Beauty Studio school each day,” she laughs. wall, creating original art on boards to The business saw a change in direction customers’ specifications and taste, as for 31-year-old Linda who previously well as stencilling and fancy lettering. worked in field study and outdoor centres Having designed the artwork for her New New YearYear PackagePackage DealsDeals in Suffolk, the Lake District and the wedding, including the invitations and Yorkshire Dales as a trained geography hand decorated boards, she is also happy Mini Manicure & Mini Facial Deluxe Facial + Manicure or Pedicure teacher. After relocating to Yarm, after to carry out individual commissions for Instant revival of the nails with cuticle work, a meeting husband John, Linda worked at similar projects. An enjoyable taster to introduce luxury massage on the hands or feet depending any client who wants to achieve on choice. Will suit our every need giving a the Carlton Outdoor Education Centre And there’s one very important project instant results healthy, radiant and glowing skin. that will have to be completed by the summer. Linda is expecting her first baby Body Wrap (seaweed or inch loss) + Mini Facial Indian Head Massage + Manicure or Pedicure + Hopi Ear It’s time to pick up in June so there’s a nursery to decorate. An ultimate body makeover to unwind Enjoy this relaxing treatment which will take and relax from head to toe a G you away from the stresses of the world. the paintbrush in For further information on Mural 89 West Auckland Road, Cockerton, Darlington DL3 0LF Mischief contact Linda Bainbridge on earnest and start making (01642) 780933 or visit the website: TEL: 01325 367369 www.mural-mischief.co.uk. Prices start email: [email protected] some faces light up at £200. January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 11 gardening

New Year’s resolution number one... I must get myself booked onto one of those expert-led fungus forays This year, I will be mostly studying fungi

HAD a lovely day back in early De- Gardening Correspondent BRIGID PRESS comes up with door seating area for when the weather isn’t cember, ambling through some of quite good enough to be sitting outside. Durham City’s oldest woodlands. To some New Year’s Resolutions for 2005, though she still Even if I don’t get it painted up, I would like me, it is a place of inspiration, not to get rid of all the unnecessary rubbish be- only because of the deep seated echo hasn’t checked how well she did last year fore the end of 2005. of history buried within the soil and theI stone, but also because it is filled with grey in colour. I gave myself a frustrated AM about to celebrate one year’s an- HAVE yet to find last years’ resolutions the sense of optimism and energy created mental kicking because I am not very good Iniversary of moving to my new house. I Iand tick off any that I managed to fulfil. by the bands of young students as they at identifying fungi, and have always think I did what everyone does when they The secret in successfully sticking to or naively begin to figure out their role in the promised myself that one day, when I have get a new spot, I immediately set to work completing any new years resolutions is in pantomime of life. the time, I will sit down and learn them. redesigning and recreating the garden. breaking old habits, but gardening is creat- As it happens, another drama was played What I really need it to be out in the woods I chopped down the overgrown jungle, re- ed by the retention of such habits which out before me as I crunched through the aro- with someone who knows their mushrooms moved all the gravel (it had obviously been have been passed down from generation to matic thick mat of fallen oak and beech and learn them in a hands-on fashion. Thus laid down as a maintenance-free garden at generation, and you often find yourself leaves. A band of vagabonds wielding two- my first New Year’s resolution for 2005 came some time, but even they need some atten- veering away from anything unconvention- handed swords, long pikes and spiked clubs to be born – I must get myself booked onto tion from time to time). I created pathways al or out of routine. I usually find it better came running down the pathway towards one of those expert-led fungi forays. and borders, laid a small lawn and had a to say “this year I am going to do…” rather me. I stopped in my tracks, but they passed My other resolutions are a bit simpler… friend over to help remove a long-forgotten than “this year I am not going to do…” on by. compost heap and to build a retaining wall However, I have to list as my last resolu- Another 50 yards on even the dog froze to SHALL only buy as many varieties of for the raised patio. Then I stopped… tion that I am not going to buy a strimmer. the spot. A young woman dressed in green Ivegetable seeds as I have space to ac- Some time this year, and hopefully before I don’t need a strimmer. I only have a very was huddled over behind the trunk of a tree. commodate. I know it is so tempting, as you the best of the summer sun breaks small (but perfectly shaped) patch of lawn, As she heard my approach, she looked up. flick through the catalogues and examine through, I will get the patio finished. which I can cut by hand with a pair of She was covered in “blood”, and just beyond the display stands in the garden centres, to shears. It takes me about half an hour to get her was “the grim reaper”, hovering over keep finding something new or different to SHALL also clear out my shed. It is the it right, but at least I know that there won’t the prostrate body of a young knight. have a bash at in the coming season. I al- Iusual type, an old outside toilet convert- be any scalped or accidentally deadheaded This was obviously the scene of a me- ready have some on order, and the year is ed to house tools, canes and bits and bobs. border plants, plus it’s a good form of exer- dieval re-enactment, or the aftermath of an only in its infancy, but these really looked It started off fairly clean, but I have been cise for the back, the thighs and the upper outdoor play. Either way, it reminded me fun. They included yard-long runner beans, slowly putting in the odd brush and bit of arms. just how old the woods were, and made me 100lb pumpkins and perpetually fruiting hose pipe Then the half-used paint pots go As a bonus to all my neighbours, they will wonder at the real tragedies and heroics cherry tomatoes. I wonder if they do those in there just in case I need to top up scratch- avoid being irritated early on a Sunday that had taken place underneath the cover in a yellow as well… es and chips in later years, there are the morning by the annoying whine of my of the leafy canopy. obligatory bags of used plant pots, and, of strimmer. As I was looking around me, trying to What I really need it to course, one or two nearly empty bags of imagine a world gone by, a large clump of compost. THINK that’s quite a positive set of reso- a The odd pruned-off twig that I started col- toadstools caught my eye. They had raised be out in the woods Ilutions, including ones that will not only their heads above the leaf litter and lecting to use in the outdoor burner has benefit me, but also those who usually have marched in a straight line down the hillside. with someone who knows turned into a pile of branches big enough to to end up growing on my excess supply of The caps were the size of small sideplates, furnish a tree. vegetable seedlings and all those within the shape of a blown-out umbrella and light their mushrooms I do have plans to turn the shed into an in- earshot of my garden. 12 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk

email elegantwindows@ btconnect.com

Manufacturers and Installers of PVCU Forget liposuction Windows and Doors – the latest Specialists in procedure for Conservatories and Sunrooms getting rid of unwanted fat is 10A PERRY AVENUE • TEESSIDE INDUSTRIAL Lipo-Melt. SARAH ESTATE THORNABY TEL/FAX 01642 764433 FOSTER meets Tocketts Mill Bryan McCourt, Caravan Park who is about to Guisborough start offering it at Come and visit our lovely park his clinics and view our brand new static throughout the holiday homes. region Prices start from only £15,000 or just give us a call on (01287) 610182

Tocketts Mill Fat-busting: Bryan McCourt, the North- Pub & Restaurant East’s first franchisee for Collagenics, is The perfect place to stop hugely enthusiastic Try our Sunday Carvery about the results for or A la Carte Menu Lipo-Melt Also open for lunch: Mon to Sat 12pm - 2.30pm Sunday 12pm - 6.00pm For Dinner: Mon to Sat 6.00pm - 9.30pm For Reservations call (01287) 639 120 KITCHENS Can a jab melt fat away?

N a smart suit and with his fashionable hair- cal surroundings but as well as that, we need a nice, cut, Bryan McCourt looks every inch the relaxing atmosphere,” says Bryan. 75% OFF young entrepreneur. He might run a fashion Although Collagenics had a presence in the region store or a hairdressing salon – where image is prior to his involvement, operating from a handful Britain’s largest independent kitchen retailer/manufacturer all-important – but he’s involved in neither of of Saks branches, it suffered from the lack of some- has its first ever clearance sale - Thousands of kitchens to clear. these, although image is his livelihood. In- one to promote it. Now, with Bryan at the helm, it is Examples: Istead, Bryan has chosen the more radical business aiming high, and this month, is exclusively phasing Kitchens with solid oak or birch cabinets and doors complete with worktops, of ‘aesthetic procedures’ – less drastic alternatives to in the latest fat-busting treatment, Lipo-Melt. sink, tap, appliances and all extras. cosmetic surgery, such as Botox and lip enhance- “It really is going to be absolutely astronomical,” SHOULD COST £6000 ment. Bryan enthuses. “Collagenics is the only practition- Bryan, 33, recently became the North-East’s first er in the North of England that’s qualified to do it. ON OFFER FOR £1495 franchisee for Collagenics, the UK’s largest group of It’s been used in America for the last seven years and clinics specialising in the field. Although his back- also heavily in Europe.” Kitchens in shaker beech style complete with worktops, sink, tap, ground is in selling and marketing electrical sup- Lipo-Melt is a soya bean derivative which is in- stainless steel appliances and all extras. plies, he says he had no qualms about taking such a jected into the problem area, such as the hips, thighs, SHOULD COST £4000 leap into the unknown. “I looked at it purely from an or buttocks, and literally dissolves the fat. This is objective point of view. I looked at the products and then excreted by the body through the normal meta- ON OFFER FOR £895 services provided and the business model. I was pret- bolic process. Hundreds of other kitchen styles to choose from including, ty much blown away by the professionalism and the Is it really as simple as it sounds? Bryan says so. white, pine, limed oak, maple and much more. Limited stock available. results,” he says. “It’s massively less invasive than liposuction. There’s Bryan has set up an administrative base in the Im- no scarring with Lipo-Melt and it can work out cheap- For a free design and plan or for further details perial Centre on Grange Road, in his home town of er,” he says. Darlington, from where he oversees the running of “With liposuction, the patient will go under seda- FREEPHONE: 0800 0324111 about 30 clinics at North-East salons. He says that tion with a general anaesthetic and will be cut open

Lines open 9am-8pm 7 days Licensed Credit Broker. Written details on request. each one had to meet strict criteria. “We are involved and the fat will be sucked out. Lipo-Melt is just a lit- with Saks and Toni & Guy nationally, so all over the tle injection and none of the clients I’ve spoken to A Legend in Home Improvements North-East, we go into their salons and offer treat- have had an anaesthetic.” Official sponsors of the Century FM Legends Show ments, but we also use selected, premium beauty sa- Clients coming in for Lipo-Melt, which is already KITCHENS lons throughout the region. We need the right clini- offered by Collagenics elsewhere in the country, will January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 13

TOP TREATMENTS AT A GLANCE

LIPO-MELT and smooth expression lines, LINE FILLERS A substance taken from soya frown lines, forehead lines and An instant way to smooth out beans is injected into an area crows’ feet. Fans include Liz lines and wrinkles by injecting like the hips or thighs and Hurley, Cliff Richard, Lulu and natural products already found breaks down the fat, which then Patsy Kensit. It costs from £200 in the skin. It requires a local passes harmlessly from the for one area and lasts from anaesthetic. From £200. ,)0/ -%,4 3IMPLYMELTSAWAYTHEFAT4HESAFEEFFECTIVE body. One session starts at three to six months. NON SURGICALALTERNATIVETOLIPOSUCTION £320. COLD LINKED GEL PEEL LIP ENHANCEMENT A chemical peel which visibly BOXTOX/DYSPORT LINE REMOVAL This enhances the lips by adding resurfaces the skin, as used by ,).%3-//4().' "Y)NJECTION &ILLINGANDLIFTINGLINESANDFOLDS SOFTENING These are two brand names for a volume, defining the lip line and Demi Moore and Cameron Diaz. EXPRESSIONLINES treatment involving a toxin being smoothing out fine lines. It costs From £290. injected into the skin to soften from £260. Prices supplied by Collagenics &!#)!,#/.4/52).' 3HAPINGTHEFACEWITHCHEEKIMPLANTS JAWDElNITION NOSETIPCORRECTION have a full consultation, including photographs being have one of our treatments. These treatments were taken of the fat zone. Depending on its size, it might the beauty secret of the rich and famous and now that ,)0%.(!.#%-%.4 $ElNINGTHELIPBORDERANDADDINGSOFTVOLUME take one or several treatments to eliminate, with re- the secret is out, people know that they’re what’s kept sults showing after about four weeks and apparently them looking so good. In this day and age, I don’t think lasting indefinitely. it’s a bad thing to give yourself a boost,” he says. 2%352&!#).'3+).0%%,3 4OBOOSTANDRESURFACETIREDSKIN Bryan says a code of ethics will be followed, and G For details of clinics and treatments, contact that some clients may be refused. “Although it’s a mir- Collagenics (North-East) on (01325) 367367. acle treatment, it’s not seen as a miracle substitute 2%$6%).42%!4-%.4 4HREADVEINREMOVAL FORLEGSAVAILABLEATSELECTED for healthy eating and exercise. All our clients get CLINICS  advice on a healthy eating plan and good exercise,” he says. CASE STUDY “This treatment is for areas of fat that no matter 4%%4(7()4%.).' Denise Zaccariah, 45, from Sheffield, has had one "RIGHTENYOURLIFEWITHASMILESTRAIGHTFROM(OLLYWOOD how much you exercise or what you eat, you can’t get Lipo-Melt treatment and was due for a rid of. But we are not going to treat anybody who’s second. She says: more than two stones overweight.” SINCE having my children, I’ve always had !VAILABLEACROSSTHEWHOLE Although he hasn’t tried Lipo-Melt – he looks like athis thing about the cellulite on the backs of he has barely an ounce of fat – Bryan has had Botox, my legs. That’s the part of my body that has a cosmetic peel and teeth whitening treatment. His OFTHE.ORTH%ASTREGION always made me think, ‘Yuk’. I had Lipo-Melt on sister Judie, a radio and TV presenter and fashion my thighs, the backs of my legs and my inner legs. writer for The Northern Echo, has also had Botox and I had about 25 injections in each leg, which took apparently raves about her Collagenics lip enhance- .!4)/.!, about 45 minutes. With a couple of the injections, ment. I thought, ‘Oh that pinched,’ but apart from that, Bryan says that once he realised how safe and ef-  it was fairly painless. fective the treatments were, he was entirely happy to It took about four weeks for me to notice have them. It’s an attitude that’s reflected by his anything and my skin seemed slightly smoother. ,/#!, clients – whether they’re willing to admit to them or I’ve seen about a 20 per cent improvement – I’ve not – and an impressive 90 per cent return for further definitely lost fat from my inner thigh. If it works  work. 100 per cent, I’ll be thrilled to bits.” WWWCOLLAGENICSCOM “I think it’s more and more acceptable to go and 14 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk WINTER me and my wardrobe SaleSale Now on! Where we will continue our tradition of quality, service and value in a store that offers you that little bit more! Pictures: BRIAN CLOUGH

Who says beauty and brains don’t the article. I always have to pretend I’ve mix? Former model and had things for ages, although he is businesswoman Lesley Middlemiss, actually worse than me. He’s got a 39, proves they do. Lesley spent her bigger wardrobe than I have and he’s 20s modelling, as well as finding always spending a fortune on clothes. time to get married and bring up a family. She branched out at the age What are your favourite shops? of 28 when she opened a modelling I shop mainly in the high street – agency from her home in Seghill, Ninewest for shoes, Marks & Spencer near Seaton Delaval. Tyne Tees and John Lewis Models, based in Whitley Bay, is now the largest agency in the North-East Which celebrity’s style do you and celebrates its tenth anniversary admire and why? this year. It has to be Bo Derek, my heroine from teenage years. She’s a natural beauty and she still looks amazing. I hope I look How would you describe your look? that good when I’m her age. 5ft 10ins curvaceous blonde. I’d say I’m www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk a mix of smart and casual. (0191) 297 0777

What’s your favourite item of Clockwise from left: Zara top and clothing? trousers; black Kookai dress; It’s got to be my Hunter Wellington Ralph Lauren shirt and jeans, boots. I live on a farm, I’ve got chickens boots from Nine West and ducks and I’m always out with the dogs. They’re practical and comfortable and I feel at home in them. aI do buy What’s your worst buy? There are just too many to mention. I Magnet EA S TM O U don’t really impulse buy but I do buy things I think N WE T T E ARE E HERE R RO things I think look great in the shop but

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RO A D on an item of clothing? I can’t say in case my husband reads look awful January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 15 out on the town

The North- East’s answer to Trinny and Susannah take to the bars and clubs of the region in search D AVI of style and D HO DGS individuality ON

ISON LLINS G DAV NA CO McCourt GRE MARI MARINA COLLINS MARINA keeps in shape with a low-carb diet and lots of horse riding. As for beauty prod- JULIA ELLW ucts Marina said she has spent a fortune on lotions and potions claiming to work wonders, & CH OOD RIS M but has since come across Collagenics. In fact, she loved the products so much that she ILLS now works for the company as an administrator. Marina couldn’t quite recall where her & McKay top and trousers were from but the beautiful lace poncho was from Next. When it comes to shopping Marina prefers London, as she loves the Ghost and Whistles stores there. She also stocks up on her favourite Moschino T-shirts when she visits the capital. HE long awaited re-opening of The can usually find things she likes that fit well Devonport Hotel and Restaurant is Next. DAVID HODGSON in Middleton One Row has finally No matter how busy Julia is she believes DAVID, 44, is the manager of Darlington Football Club. He always looks well groomed and taken place. Julia Ellwood – well you should always allow time to get your this party was no exception. He was here to open the Devonport for his friend Julia. David known for her excellent catering hair and nails tended to weekly. Chipper- buys his suits from Geoffrey Gillow in Grange Road, Darlington, and this one was by Sand. Tskills – and partner Chris Mills worked day fields in Coniscliffe road is her favourite. For a feelgood factor David has a weekly manicure and has even organised a weekly man- and night for many months to ensure it re- Chris looks great at 51 and he attributes icure and massage with Bishop Auckland College for his players as he believes being well opened as a high quality hotel offering fine that to going to the gym three times a week, groomed does help with confidence. dining and comfortable, tasteful accommo- doing weight training and using a Body dation. Shop moisturiser twice a day. The Devonport overlooks the river Tees, Chris is co-owner of The Devonport and with splendid views of the surrounding looked the part for the relaunch wearing a countryside, and has featured in TV dramas suit by Crombie at Binns in Darlington, a such as Boon, starring Michael Elphick. shirt by Prada and Base shoes. He finds the On the opening night it was packed to the House of Fraser store at the MetroCentre al- Wedding Dresses rafters. Darlingon Football Club manager ways stocks a good selection of quality Alfred David Hodgson gave a warm opening speech clothing. Angelo followed by a tearful big list of thank yous from £145 to £2500 from Julia. Judging by the response from ELIZABETH CARRIGAN Bridal friends, locals and business people from the ELIZABETH Carrigan is 28 and a beauty surrounding area, we don’t think they’ll therapist at Gange Beauty at Tracey Chip- have any problem filling the place. perfield on Coniscliffe Road. She was at the Angels So who was there for the relaunch party, party to support her client and friend Julia. Bridesmaid Dresses and what were they wearing…? Elizabeth oozed style with well-cut jeans in Silk and a jacket from View by Vila, a top from JULIA ELLWOOD & CHRIS MILLS Gap and shoes from Leggs. The pretty hand- from £85 JULIA is proprietor of The Devonport and bag was made by Spencer and Rutherford looked very chic in a classic suit by Stella and bought at Élan. She loves shopping at Ian McCartney. Whenever Julia gets the chance The Victorian Quarter in Leeds and finish- Stuart to shop, she heads to Leeds, as she loves Har- ing with a cocktail on the 4th floor of vey Nicks. A good high street shop where she Harvey Nichols. To stay slim and beautiful, Elizabeth rec- Men’s Formal Wear ommends not eating carbs after 5pm and De- Benjamin cleor skin care products. 22” chest to 62” Roberts (selected ranges only) GREG DAVISON GREG is a 29-year-old chartered surveyor. He looked fab in a pair of jeans from Zara, shirt DG from H&M by Karl Lagerfeld and a jacket .95 Collection from the M&S Autograph collection. Greg’s Dinner Jackets from £19 look was given the stamp of style with a pair of Alain Mikli glasses that looked an acces- .95 sory not a necessity, but as Greg says, if you Morning Coats from £29 Romantica have to wear glasses, make sure you have a IGAN few pairs to match different fashion looks. CARR ABETH Greg likes to shop at Zara, Reiss and Diesel Forever ELIZ but isn’t too fussy as long as the clothes are modern and easy to wear. Yours The Devonport Hotel, The Front, Middleton One Row, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 1AS (01325) 332255 Organza Bridal

Judie McCourt, of TV and radio fame, and make-up and hair artist Allison McKay, run AM Ronald Creative Productions, which specialises in 20 Dundas Arcade, Cleveland creative event management and the Joyce production of photographic images for advertising Telephone: 01642 224554 amcreativeproductions.com 16 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk

Stocking classic and contemporary occasional and Will we still be sporting elegant furniture for brooches in the spring? your home. Do you really need that purple jacket, even if it is a bargain? Women’s Whether you are Editor LINDSAY looking for an oak JENNINGS looks at the best and worst buys to dining set, a pine be had from the bedroom suite or January sales birch occasional furniture, Dovetails has it all. What to With containers of new stock arriving weekly you will be sure to find that special piece of furniture for your home, in our warehouse. look out All furniture is slight seconds or end of line stock, but when you are purchasing famous high street brands for in the at a fraction of the price, a slight imperfection pales into insignificance.

OPEN: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm the sales

Quality, famous-brand furniture E first spied each other termined to get my foot into this dainty ....at exceptional value for money prices across a crowded room. shoe. They were sitting demure- “I’m sure if I wear them around the house ly on a shelf, waiting to be or with socks a bit they might stretch,” I rea- coveted. I was trying to soned, adding for good measure that they Wmake my way past two gum-chewing were such a bargain and would go with my DOVETAILS Ltd teenagers and their exasperated mother. tweed trousers and my brown pencil skirt. The path to a wonderful life together was And did I mention they were a bargain? Tel. 01845 522144 Tel. 01609 774765 looking decidedly rocky, but eventually I I walked up and down and convinced my- reached them – the brown, mock-croc kitten self that they fitted and before I knew it I’d Furniture Clearance Warehouse, Unit 6, heels I had fallen in love with. bought them. Woodstock Way (behind Teleware), I plucked them from the shelf and hugged I’ve worn them twice in two years. Twice. Thirsk Industrial Estate, York Road, Thirsk them close to me. I stroked their pointy toes They’re even still in their box and look as and tweaked the little heel, before holding gorgeous as the day I bought them – but Also now at Unit 5 Woodstock Close, Standard Way them up to savour the price tag. They were they still don’t fit. reduced from £65 to £40 and to cap it all, it Sales must rank as one of the greatest Industrial Estate, Northallerton DL6 2NB was Blue Cross Day – an extra 15 per cent false economies of all time. off. Whether it’s a skirt we think we’ll slim There was only one slight problem. into or a bright purple sweater we wouldn’t “We don’t have any fives left, we only have be seen dead in come spring, if it has SALE those in a four,” trilled the sales assistant. emblazoned across it, then we simply must “Do you want me to get the other one for have it. you?” Whereas normally we are creatures who I knew I should have walked away then, deliberate and pontificate before we make put the shoe down and stepped away from carefully considered purchases, suddenly the shelf. But it was too late. we can be found rummaging wildly in bar- “Yes please,” I blurted. gain bins, plucking out glittery pink belts, When she brought it out I felt like one of stripy socks and lace fingerless gloves. The the ugly sisters in Cinderella, but I was de- more the price has been knocked down, the more attractive the item becomes. It’s a bit like wearing shopping goggles – the equiv- Although the alent to wearing a pair of beer goggles on a a poncho was a Saturday night. And for all the shoes, skirts and shirts staple of every girl’s that get relegated to the back of the wardrobe after being worn once or twice, autumn/winter wardrobe there are those scary sale items that end up being worn a great deal. they are starting to look It’s amazing how those of us who are usu- ally so chic, being careful never to wear distinctly too popular so navy with black for example, suddenly hurl good taste out of the window when there’s relegate them to the a bargain to be had. PEEL ST. WE ARE HERE Sometimes there’s a reason why that flow- CHESTER ST. bottom of your jumper KING JAMES 1 ered 70s inspired skirt you’ve picked up is in MORRISONS SCHOOL

NEWGATE ST. NEWGATE RAILWAY ST. SUPERMARKET the sale. And if it barely looks good on the ASDA SUPERSTORE drawer... likes of stunner Sienna Miller, is it going to January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 17

Charlotte’s top three what to buy and what not to buy in the January sales are:

LOOK OUT FOR... A cropped jacket Soft jersey dress in blue Wedge shoes

CONSIGN TO THE BACK OF THE WARDROBE.. Ugg boots Ponchos Masculine tailoring

SALE NOW ON LEFT TO RIGHT: Mark One poncho; crop jacket from Etam; blue dress from Monsoon PLUS look smashing on someone heading for the “The cropped jackets will also carry NOTHING TO PAY wrong side of 45? Thankfully though, there through. There are the 50s-inspired boxed are some tips you can pick up in readiness jackets a la Marni or the blazer jacket which NOT EVEN A for the dreaded/longed-for sales. will carry through to summer. Charlotte Sanders, fashion features editor “The autumn/winter trend for metallics DEPOSIT UNTIL at InStyle magazine, says: “Never ever be will also still feature, but in the form of plat- fooled into buying something that doesn’t fit inum and old gold colours instead of the se- 2006 and look for really good basics that will stand quins and the brasher metallics.” you in good stead, such as a great coat or It’s also time to say goodbye to tweed, Fantastic Savings on good knitwear, which may not be the trendi- which has seen such a renaissance this au- Musical Instruments from est thing in the world but it will last. It also tumn/winter, unless, says Charlotte, you can helps if you have a good idea of what you find a really, fine knit example in pale all the Top Suppliers want before you go.” spring/summer colours. Credit available to persons According to Charlotte, part of negotiat- And although the poncho was a staple of ing the sales minefield is deciding what you every girl’s autumn/winter wardrobe they over 18 might take forward from this season to the are starting to look distinctly too popular so SUBJECT TO STATUS next. Fashion’s love affair with colour will relegate them to the bottom of your jumper feature strongly in the spring/summer, par- drawer. While you’re at it, throw the models’ 25-26 Blackwellgate, ticularly the colour blue, so she says it’s an favourite – Ugg boots – to the back of the Darlington, DL1 5HH ideal opportunity to grab a bargain and stay wardrobe. in fashion. The bo-ho retro 70s look is still strong and, Tel: 01325 466224 “There’s going to be a lot of bright blues according to Charlotte, will carry through Yellow Quadrant, around and sharp turquoises,” she says. “The (but only for the young and hip). We can also purple is still there but it’s going to be less pop the brooches away – anything that’s such Metro Centre, Gateshead dominant and the greens will tend to be a big hit for one season rarely carries onto Tel: 0191 4932214 much softer. the next. 18 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk

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Come & see us at THE PIN’s & NEEDLE’s geek? CRAFT SHOW 24/02/05 TO 27/02/05 The traditional view of gadget at the Don’t miss lovers as spotty geeks who live Planning a Wedding? Burton’s Bytes in their bedrooms surrounded by Somewhere that will cater for all your needs and METRO RADIO ARENA – game expectations? • DEMONSTRATIONS reviews in The old pizza boxes is wide of the Somewhere that has the perfect settings and surroundings? • DAILY LEARN TO SCRAPBOOK CLASS Northern Echo mark. As NIGEL BURTON Somewhere that will make your memories last a lifetime? • CARDMAKING & SCRAPBOOKING every Friday If this is your idea of the perfect wedding, come and PRODUCTS FOR SALE explains, gadgets are now the speak to our wedding co-ordinator - Judith Dye. 6 Beech Road, Framwellgate Moor Just give us a call and arrange a time, whenever is height of cool with some of suitable for you. (just past the Fire Station next to Blockbuster Video) T 01325 374576 F 01325 374577 Tel: 0191 375 7515 Britain’s best loved sportsmen email: [email protected] website: www.thegeorgehotelpiercebridge.co.uk www.scrapbookshop.co.uk T isn’t so long ago that gadget lovers shopping habits of the general UK public had to keep their obsession a secret. as the number of online festive buyers is Admitting to a love of electronic set to smash all records this year. ephemera was an open invitation to Jonathan Wall, marketing director at scorn and derision. How things have dabs.com, reflected: “Through our football changed. sponsorship programme, we have attract- New Year Offers INowadays it seems everyone is a gadget- ed a large number of Premiership players man (or woman), even if some people are to dabs.com. more reluctant than others. Gadgets and a “The most popular requests recently love of technology are finally cool. have been for the latest multimedia com- Happy New Year Don’t believe me? puters, TVs and DVD players, which are all According to a survey by leading online must-have gifts, not just for footballers, but technology company dabs.com gadgets are for anyone looking for the best products at in huge demand among Premiership foot- the most competitive prices.” We will refill your ballers. More than 100 top European footballers HP Lexmark Cartidges took part in the survey – including players from Barcelona FC and Manchester Unit- ed. They were quizzed about which gadgets Black £10.00 they would most like to own. As expected, the ipod MP3 player was a Colour £12.00 strong footballers’ favourite, with more than half admitting that they would love the gadget so they could listen to the theme Avoid high ink cartridge costs tune from Escape To Victory or whatever. More than 30 players cited a notebook - Buy The New Epson C46 computer as their chosen gizmo. And as long journeys become more com- We sell new Epson cartidges monplace for top footballers competing in only at amazing prices. See below European competitions, the ability to play for details computer games and watch DVDs on a lap- £40 top is more important than ever. Other popular gadgets among soccer players include the new ‘3G’ mobile phones, presumably to keep up with all the Epson Compatible Cartridges latest goals video clips. In a recent interview, Arsenal’s Gilberto Black £6.85 - Buy 2 get 1 Free Silva commented: “I like digital cameras, but have recently bought an ipod. I love my Colour £7.75 - Buy 2 get 1 Free music and this machine is fantastic – it’s great when I am on the team bus or travel- Separate Inks (printers with separate BMYC) ling a long way to matches. It look great too.” Gilberto’ s enthusiasm for gadgets is sup- £6.40 Buy full set get 1 Free Cartidge and a ported by Dean Kiely of Charlton who re- Free ream of paper cently commented: “My most prized pos- each session is my palm top computer. It’s a bit of a bible for me and goes everywhere I go – it’s my life organiser.” A quarter of all players surveyed pre- Footballer Gilberto Silva: wouldn’t be ferred to shop online as opposed to visit- without his ipod ing the high street, a trend reflected in the January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 19

EATING OUT THE COUNTY AYCLIFFE VILLAGE T’S always a pleasure to visit The County in Aycliffe Village. The Iformer pub-turned-restaurant which features in the current Michelin “Eating Out In Pubs” guide still retains the friendly, buzzing atmosphere of a village local but serves up stonkingly good food. With its continental feel and attentive, white-aproned staff, it feels as if you have been transported to some idyllic hostelry where the real ale is spot-on and the grub even better. We visited The County on a busy Saturday night and were pleased to be shown to one of the best tables in the house. Private, but still in touch with the convivial hub-hub. To start we had no less than seven choices, ranging from soup and prawns to the more exotic grilled goats’ cheese or pressed terrine of duck. I plumped for the home-made parsnip, apple and rocket soup which Getting stuck in: Christine Fieldhouse, watched by her fellow students, gets some tips from Rosemary Shrager was delicious and piquant with complex flavours. My wife chose the garlic king prawns which she found meaty, succulent and very tasty. At this stage we tried the wine, an Time with Rosemary excellent bottle of medium-bodied Hazy View Pinotage from South Africa. Why are restaurant wines T was only appropriate it was a game CHRISTINE FIELDHOUSE enrols on a cookery course at Swinton always nicer than the stuff from the cookery course. Confronted by the larg- supermarket? er-than-life Rosemary Shrager, I stood Park… and turns into the woman her husband has always dreamed of For our main course we could like a rabbit in the headlights. “Put chose from nine dishes extending your apron on!” she boomed at me, in from fillet of salmon to slow roast Itones reminiscent of the late dog trainer Bar- so. Every now and then a finger was dipped belly of pork and vegetable bara Woodhouse. “No, no, no, tie it at the in a sauce and tasted. “Yes, do try, it’s ab- moussaka and goats’ cheese. front!” I’d already failed the first test. If Rose- solutely delicious!” she raved. I opted for the truly memorable pot mary thought I was clumsy with my apron The final stage of our lunch menu was roast pheasant with creamy mash strings, wait until she saw me with a pheas- crème anglaise, but I couldn’t spot a tin of potato and assorted vegetables in a ant and a carving knife. Birds custard powder anywhere. I just knew thyme sauce, an excellent choice as I have no pretensions about my kitchen this was going to be my job. My recipe seemed the game was superbly savoury and skills. I can do very basic meals, such as roast straightforward until I read the words: “The tender. My wife went for the monkfish chicken, lasagne and chilli con carne, but I pips of one fresh vanilla pod.” A black ver- fillet and she loved it. The delicately- can’t bake. My first attempt at school cook- sion of a green bean was on my ingredients flavoured fish was cooked to ery for what should have been cauliflower tray, but I didn’t know what to do with it. A perfection. cheese resulted in a soggy mess, and since fellow student whispered conspiratorially: So far it had been superb, but the then my confidence in the kitchen has been “Cut down the middle and scrape.” best was still to come. For pudding zero. I was eight when I made my last cake – With everything under control, Rosemary, you could choose from six options. I a birthday cake for my border collie Lassie, a self-confessed “bossy old boots”, an- went for the unusual, intensely and even she didn’t ask for seconds. nounced it was time for a drink. Bottles of lemony citrus creme brule while my I’ve never watched a cookery programme wine were uncorked and Rosemary toasted partner chose the (even better) bitter in my life and I know of Delia, Nigella and our superb efforts – yes, even mine. chocolate torte with confit orange their colleagues only through the gossip The cookery school at Swinton Park has its and chantilly cream. After a bit of columns. But here I was, standing before own elegant dining room and students learn pressure from my side, we agreed to Rosemary Shrager at Swinton Park, near to present the meals as well as cook them. My share. I reckon I got the best deal. Masham, North Yorkshire, for the start of a slap-it-on-a-plate technique had to be quick- All in all, an evening of pure magic day-long game cookery course. ly unlearnt in favour of dinner party pre- which cost a total of £79.68. The kitchen in the castle’s old stable block sentation. The secret was to start with a base, Barry Nelson was superbly equipped, with utensils I’d I was wearing an then build from there, just like Lego, but with never come across before. My fellow students food. Sauces are delicately drizzled round the all looked supremely confident, definitely on apron, tied at the edge. Spillages are banned on these works of the dinner party circuit. I suspected I was the art. from cooking (and wine!). Dinner was deli- only beginner. front, with cloths tucked in, Lunch was delicious, but it felt extra spe- cious – but can I try these recipes at home? “You! You can make wheaten bread,” I was and a spoon for tasting, cial that I had helped to make it and I felt con- I’m off to the butcher’s for a pheasant so ordered. “Come round here, come on, come fident I could repeat the meal at home. Rose- watch this space – or our local casualty de- along! We have a lunch to make!” and a face flushed from mary’s courses break after lunch until 5pm partment! A tray of ingredients was placed before me when students are back in the kitchen to and I started to read my recipe. “Don’t both- cooking (and wine!) cook for dinner. er with that,” boomed Rosemary. “Just chuck For the second session, we learnt to pre- Rosemary Shrager has appeared in it in, come on, throw it all in.” She encour- pare rabbit legs for chicken stuffing, made Rosemary – Castle Cook and Rosemary on ages a devil-may-care attitude to cookery, into a pan for stock. It looked so easy, but breast of wood pigeon with puff pastry, red the Road on five, as well as a cookery which is great if you know how to retrieve with a knife in my own hand, my mind went cabbage and a wild mushroom mousse with series for the Discovery Channel. This your mistakes. “You can’t go wrong with this blank. “Cut on the diagonal,” I told myself. a port and lavender sauce, and baked a pear month she is back on our screens in ITV’s one,” she quipped, reading my mind, as the “Don’t waste any meat.” “You’ve wasted so tarte tatin. Ladette To Lady. Her cookery school is soggy mess got tipped into a loaf tin. much breast,” Rosemary told me. “Let me That evening, Rosemary insisted my hus- now established at Swinton Park, near I was just starting to enjoy myself when a show you.” band Ian should join us for dinner to marvel Masham. pheasant was slapped on the table. At least And so the morning went. We learnt to at my new kitchen skills. As he walked Cookery courses at Swinton Park run it was plucked. But all those other jokes make rabbit consomme with chives and red through the door, slightly apprehensive at throughout the year and include Basics for about boning a pheasant had come back to pepper, pheasant confit in filo with a grainy the thought of eating game prepared by his Life, Just Italian, Dinner Parties and Fish haunt me. Rosemary brandished an enor- mustard and cider sauce and plum frangi- incompetent wife, he saw a sight of which he and Seafood, among others. Half day mous knife and with a few swift moves, had pane. I soon realised Rosemary wasn’t bul- had only previously dreamt. I was wearing courses start at £125 per person. two breasts ready for searing and two legs for lying me. She is naturally loud and her pas- an apron, tied at the front, with cloths tucked Accommodation is extra. Telephone 01765 a confit of pheasant. The carcass was thrown sion for cooking and eating makes her more in, and a spoon for tasting, and a face flushed 680900 or visit www.swintonpark.com 20 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk

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View Lane Garage, PASS Please call PLUS (01207) 590 376 01207 236218 or 7787 524 223 Unit 1, View Lane, Stanley, Durham The new Audi: a little bit longer and with two extra doors SCOTTISH MOTOR AUCTION GROUP Back to the future

SCOTTISH MOTOR AUCTION GROUP In inclement conditions, Motoring Correspondent IAN LAMMING tests out a very useful addition to the Audi A3 range SELLING ON BEHALF OF: Benfield, Pattersons, Springfield, Arnold Clark, Welcome Audi A3 Sportback ly steam up at the first drop of rain and then T’S the perfect storm. Rolling in from the fail to clear despite the blower being on full. Finance and many, many more Atlantic, heavy and menacing, the de- Thankfully, the A3’s climate control works pression lets go with full fury. Sky, land very well and keeps windscreen and side win- Iand loch become one in the deluge and dows clear while the back de-mist looks after traffic slows to a snail’s pace as drivers strug- the rear screen. CARS OFFERED FOR gle with the stair-rods and spray. The Sportback comes with a range of en- Water fills the air to the point where we are gines to choose from – petrols including a 1.6, SALE EACH WEEK!! all in danger of drowning and roads become 2.0, 2.0 turbo and 3.2 V6 and 1.9 and 2.0 diesels. rivers, drain holes dangerous lagoons, a wa- They all do a fine job but the top of the tery death hiding round every bend. range are the most impressive of course. The Forthcoming CAR SALE TIMES Forthcoming What better conditions to test a new car? 3.2 litre petrol is fitted to the Quattro and is Import Sales None of these fair weather critiques from a complete flying machine thanks to 250PS Monday - 6.30 p.m. Motability Direct Wednesday - 6.30 p.m. sunny climes here; this is Scotland where the of power and big reserve of torque. The 140PS

SCOTTISH MOTOR AUCTION GROUP SCOTTISH MOTOR AUCTION Sales from Japan Friday - 2.00 p.m. weather is real, raw and ready to trap you at 2.0 diesel is almost a match and in the torque THURSDAYS (Trade and Public Welcome) WEDNESDAYS any time. stakes a complete monster while offering su- Caught in the cloudburst is a fleet of new perb economy. 12.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m. Audis, the rain running off freshly waxed The others will trundle you along pretty 20 Jan 2005 Light Commercial Sale 19 Jan 2005 paint like water off a duck’s back, the impact well combining adequate performance with (please ring Friday 1.30 p.m. 2 Feb 2005 of the convoy lost for ever in the murk. good miles per gallon. for further details) Viewing days Mon-Fri 8.30 onwards The Sportback is the latest in the re- Inside, the Sportback is pure A3 and there’s Shadon Way, Portobello Industrial Estate, Birtley, Co. Durham, vamped Audi A3 range and comes with an nothing wrong with that. It is well-equipped DH3 2SA Telephone 0191 4104243 extra two doors and bit more length to ac- and well-made, has a sporty feel and oozes www.smag.co.uk commodate them. Most manufacturers like quality. Rear seat passengers benefit from to think of the three-door variants as being extra leg room over the three-door version SCOTTISH MOTOR AUCTION GROUP the sportsters of the bunch as the lines lend and the convenience of having their own themselves to a coupe look. Not Audi which doors. The boot is also larger on the Sport- has given the sporty tag to the five door back so there are many practical reasons to Sportback. choose one above the other. It does seem to work: while the three-door The Sportback is a very useful addition to looks pretty good, the extra length of the the Audi A3 range, offering the appeal of the Sportback seems to give it more presence on three-door with the extra versatility that the road – or at least it does when you can ac- comes with a bit more space. It remains an tually see it through the rain. accomplished and appealing drive and can’t A longer wheel base also gives it extra sta- fail to go down a storm. bility; just the ticket when most cars would have been in danger of aquaplaning across the flooded roads. Overall, the Sportback feels balanced through the bends and grips tenaciously even when the surface is wet and slippery. Heavy rain also tests how waterproof the car is (no problem there), the wipers (set to the max and just about coping) and the ven- tilation. It drives me mad when cars sudden-

It is well-equipped and well-made, has a sporty feel and oozes quality January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk 21

IN ASSOCIATION WITH connections

Ballymaloe House and, right, the ever-busy Myrtle Allen in her kitchen making crab apple jelly Simply Corking!

KEITH ALLAN and LYNNE GRAY get a taste of Cork, which Many of Myrtle’s six children and 22 grandchildren became the European Capital of Culture this month have now jumped on the Ballymaloe bandwagon

INNER of the AA Irish Hotel of one day a student called Darina came along the Year, Hayfield Manor had and married one of her sons. come highly recommended by Four decades later Ballymaloe is a W Hilary Finlay of Ireland’s thriving hotbed of good Irish food. The excellent Blue Book, an extremely useful house, where Myrtle still lives – her husband guide to country houses and restaurants. died a few years ago – is still the old home it Even so at 10 o’clock at night we were not always was. Use expecting much. For starters, they had The wind was blowing in the wrong stopped serving dinner, so we found direction for the chimney in the sitting room DECORATIVE INTERIOR CLADDING ourselves in the bar – a wonderfully smoke- when we arrived, so it was belching wood free bar thanks to the ban on smoking in smoke and sending it through the whole T T E E R R N A public places – hunting for a sandwich. In house. It didn’t matter. Just like honeybees I I S S H H & & I N A A L L A T another flash a pristine white cloth was that are calmed by smoke, the sweet smell Y Y L L E X I V spread across the table and together with a made us want to plonk down in one of the T T P E E E S S E V V range of cutlery, two huge linen napkins squashy sofas. It also made us hungry. E E I I A N were placed before us. With each mouthful of Many of Myrtle’s six children and 22 A N S S black stout that slipped past our lips we grandchildren have now jumped on the became hungrier and hungrier and the fillet Ballymaloe bandwagon. Darina runs the steaks we ordered, with great big chipped busy cookery school, which attracts students potatoes and a fresh salad, could not have from all over the world. There is a shop, a been better. café, another restaurant. A sprightly 80 As we were to discover, good food and Cork years old, Myrtle is just as passionate as ever go hand in hand and now the city of Cork about the importance of eating proper food. has become the European Capital of Culture, She invited us down to the kitchen where Irish cuisine will play a big part in drawing she was making crab apple jelly. the crowds, along with a host of activities “We have a real battle going on and I’m not surrounding the arts, architecture and sure we’re winning, “ she told us. “The sports. flavours of food are being lost all the time.” Next morning, after a kingly breakfast, we And so her latest project is a book that walked the short distance from Hayfield into brings together producers of fine food in the town to explore the incredible English Cork area. There is, it seems, no stopping Market. It hides away between St Patrick’s her. Street, the backbone of the city, and Grand FACTFILE A HUGE RANGE @ GREAT PRICES Parade. Incredibly, this market goes back Hayfield Manor Hotel, Perrott Avenue, College nearly 400 years. Once only English traders A new range with a variety of BATHROOM BEDROOM Road, Cork. Superior Double room from about colours that match all were allowed to sell their produce here but £250 (subject to exchange rate). Dinner from KITCHEN LOUNGE HALL today it is the most important food market in about £44. Winter packages; two night bed and types of rooms and ceilings. FOR WALLS CEILINGS the whole of Cork. breakfast with one dinner about £224 per person. It looks great, quick to & No one interested in food can pass by Tel: 00353 214845900. www.hayfieldmanor.ie install, reduces condensation, Ballymaloe House and the welcoming arms insulates your room and O PENING H OURS of Myrtle Allen. It was 40 years ago that she Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. best of all it’s M ON -F RI 8 AM - 5 PM and her husband Ivan decided to turn over Cork is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book of S AT 8 AM - 1 PM their dining room to paying guests and sent country houses and restaurants. Bed and MAINTENANCE FREE! them away talking about the delicious, home breakfast from about £65 per person. Dinner, cooked food they served. Surrounded by a served from 7pm until 9.30pm about £37.50. T. A. Plastic Ltd wealth of ingredients from the mixed farm Bookings: Tel: 00353 214652531 they ran, sharing it with others seemed a www.ballymaloe.ie Tudhoeudhoe IndustrialIndustrial Estate,Estate, Spennymoor natural thing to do. Next they thought TA people might like to stay with them, which of Ireland’s Blue Book. O0353 16769914 PPHONEHONE NOW course they did, if only to experience the full www.irelandsbluebook.com Irish breakfast. Then Myrtle started More information on visiting Cork: Tourism Ireland: 01388 814858 PLASTICS teaching and writing about cookery, until 0800 0397000 www.tourismireland 22 January 2005 Online: www.nemagazine.co.uk puzzles WORD competition

wise corner Find a word that can follow the word on the left and precede the word on the right. When you have filled in all The word may sound WIN a pamper day for two the answers, the name of a celebrity can be read from familiar, but do you top to bottom in one of the lines. know what it means? ANUARY – it’s a bad time of year and tour of facilities; fluffy dressing gown, bath sheet and disposable flip- WICKET as the dark nights and gloomy J weather continue without the flops; full use of all facilities, relaxation A twig sparkle of Christmas to counteract zone and pool; use of sauna, A them. And it’s still a long way until aromatherapy and infra red rooms and spring so you need something to look a 20-minute session in the White Light B A fence around forward to, a treat for mind and body. room. After a full consultation you will a field A day of treatments and relaxation receive a 30 minute treatment tailored C A small gate at the Broom Mill Day Spa at High Hill to your specific needs and a buffet House Farm, just outside Ferryhill, lunch and refreshments throughout the

could be the answer. The spa day. To stand a chance of winning this C: A small gate. small A C: reopened in the summer after a treat for two just tell us which town massive revamp and boasts a light and Broom Mill Day Spa is nearest to. airy reception area where meals are Answers, by the end of January, To served, three pine rooms – an infra red Broom Mill Day Spa Competition, IM OSS P ZZL room, a specially designed Features, The Northern Echo, P I U E aromatherapy room and a traditional Pirestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF. sauna, a pool and a huge chill-out High Hill House Farm, Dean Bank, “Ted lives just across the road from us, room. There’s a consultation room, Ferryhill, Co. Durham (01740) our numbers are consecutive,” said 654225 www.broommilldayspa.co.uk Mike. “We’re up in the hundreds.” two well-appointed treatment rooms Tony nodded “What about your son ,he with infra red heating panels in the lives nearby too, doesn’t he?” ceiling and dimmer switches to make “Sure, but a bit down the road,” Mike them warm and cosy, and two huge replied. “In fact the squares of Ted’s changing rooms with showers, all number and ours total one more than suitable for the disabled. three times the square of his number.” Broom Mill Day Spa has teamed up

with The Northern Echo to offer one

County and the hidden celebrity is Angus Deayton Angus is celebrity hidden the and County What were the three numbers? lucky reader the chance to win a House, Spider, Desert, Heart, Player, Letter, Carol and Carol Letter, Player, Heart, Desert, Spider, House, Signature Spa Day for two, so you can

take a friend or partner along to chill Escape, Sponge, Sugar, beauty, Sugar, Sponge, Escape,

Celebrity wordmatch: Celebrity SOLUTION

out with you. Numbers 242,243 and 198 and 242,243 Numbers ANSWERS ? The day includes a warm welcome

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