Christmas at - Clients Thisisthenortheast

24 December 2005http://clients.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/ne_monthlyhifisoundchristmasFromDABTechnologyto old fashionedRecord Needles30B Larchfield Street☎01325 241888Jewellers of DistinctionEstablished for over twenty years as a topquality manufacturer. Asquith’s opened theirfirst retail shop in York in 1995 and thenDarlington in 1997.We offer extensive choice of fine jewellery,from diamond rings to elegant Sterlingsilver. We have a wonderful range ofWedding rings in gold, white gold andplatinum, you can also call on one of ourpeople to create that special piece just foryou. Our skilled staff have many years ofcombined experience and have achieved thehighest degree of qualifications, recognisedwithin the trade. Apart from superb choice,whether shopping for a friend or personaluse. Asquith’s always offer you superb value,bring you the highest quality of jewellery, ataffordable prices.Create that something specialjust for you.ASQUITH’SAsquith’s Diamond Merchants& Manufacturing Jewellers16 Post House Wynd, DarlingtonTel: 01325 25052260 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LFTel: 01904 633886CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE ATTHE ATLANTIC BARAND GRILL38 CONISCLIFFE ROAD, DARLINGTON£35 PER HEAD - TICKETS ONLY • DJ TILL LATESUMPTUOUS BUFFET TO INCLUDE:A SELECTION OF STARTERS FOLLOWED BYHERB ROASTED SIRLOIN OF BEEF,DRESSED SCOTTISH SALMON, PLATTERSOF ROAST MEATS, STICKY ORIENTALSKEWERS, HOME MADE SAUSAGE ROLLSWITH WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD, SESAMESEED PRAWNS SWEET CHILLI GLAZED,ASSORTED QUICHES, SALAD SELECTION,NEW POTATOES, GOATSCHEESE BROCHETTEFOLLOWED BY A SELECTION OF DESERTSLIMITED AVAILABILITY ON CHRISTMAS FAYREBringing labels to town: Jo Rankin, owner of Rubber Sole Pictures: STUART BOULTONSole sisterFrom cool jewellery to funkyfootwear, Rubber Sole has all youneed for a cutting-edge Christmas,as SARAH FOSTER finds outFOR Jo Rankin and her husband Lee,fashion is fundamental. As owners ofthe shoe and accessory store RubberSole, on Darlington’s Blackwellgate,their focus is street style – and this is somethingthey take seriously. “We offer alternativebrands – things that major cities sell,”says Jo. “If you went to London, Manchesteror any big city you would probably see whatwe are selling. We bring these labels to thetown.”Among the shop’s bestsellers are brandslike Converse, Fly London, Spanish footwearmake Art and Vans Classics. Other favouritesare shoes by Draven. “They’re very underground– they’re edgy with a punk twist,” explainsJo. She says her styles have wide appeal.“We cater for everyone, from children tothose in their 60s. Because everyone wears casualfashions, we appeal to them all.”Now entering its fourth year, the shop hasbuilt a solid reputation, scooping two businessawards along the way. As well as stylishshoes, it also sells bags and accessories – andall in the same distinctive vein. “We’ve pickedup a lovely knitwear range from Nepal calledKusan,” says Jo. “We sell hats and scarves andthey’re flying out. They’re just lovely – reallydifferent from anything that we have here.”Another big seller is handmade jewelleryby Newcastle-based designer Kate Tessa.“That’s gone from strength to strength,” saysJo. “Every piece that she does is individualand unique, so you can buy a necklace andwalk around knowing that you won’t see anybodyelse with it.”To meet demand for its quirky goods, theshop is moving to new and bigger town centrepremises. Jo says its mail order side hasalso taken off. “We’re doing a lot of mail orderat the moment,” she says. “We ship to all overthe place – Tokyo, the States and Australia.”With prices starting at £20, the shop hassomething to suit most budgets and in a pairof its striking footwear, you’ll certainly standout.WHAT I WANT FORCHRISTMASJo Rankin, owner of Rubber SoleWhere are you spending Christmas thisyear?At home in Darlington. It will be an intimateoccasion with my husband, sister and nephew.What’s top of your Christmas wish list?Peace for all and an end to poverty – I’m anactive campaigner.If money were no object, what would beyour ideal Christmas gift?Two weeks in the Maldives.What has been your best ever Christmasgift?It was a Raleigh Poppy bike, when I was ten.It was red with a poppy on it.TO BOOK CALL: 01325 382200● Rubber Sole, 35 Blackwellgate, Darlington(01325) 461118, www.rubber-sole.comOpen Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5.30pm.Above: girls’ shoes and the retrofavourites, Converse All Stars