MY STYLE Events manager Max Freer Inside the Egyptologist's ...

The Northern EchoThe lifestyle magazinefor the North-EastJANUARY 2007MY STYLEEvents managerMax FreerInside theEgyptologist’shomeHearth’s desire:What’s hot on theheating frontNew Year,newhabits? CelebrityresolutionsLIFESTYLE FASHION TRAVEL SHOPPING GARDENING

2 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukLightLunchWeeklySpecialsFantasticSundayLunchRestaurant open12-20pm &6-9pmSaturday 9.30pmMonday Evenings only 6-9pm♥BOOK NOW FORV alentinesFor further details contactTHE QUEENS HEADFinghall, nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire,Dl8 5ND. T.01677 450259Email: info@queenshead-finghall.co.ukwww.queenshead-finghall.co.ukWheelchair User friendly -Children welcomeMenswearSALE STARTSSAT 20 TH JANUp to50% OFFOpen: 11-5 Weekdays, 10-4 SaturdaysClosed Wednesdays &Sundays1Clarks Yard (off High Row)Darlington. Tel. 01325 749722www.boolamenswear.co.ukc o n t e n t sL Love o v e i isin s i n t the h e a air...i r . . .t this h i s V Valentines a l e n t i n e s a attCHEQUERSC H E Q U E R SDalton-on-TeesArose ◆ Aglass of sparkling ros’eAromantic dinner in our beautiful surroundingsFour Course Dinner plus special giftsfor your loved one £17.95 per personAvailable Wednesday 14thto Friday 16th FebruaryBOOKING ESSENTIALPlease call0 01325 1 3 2 5 7 7212132 1 2 1 320 10WAREHOUSEW A R E H O U S ECLEARANCEC L E A R A N C E SALES A L EQuality,famous brand furniture...atexceptionalvalueformoneypricesStocking classicandcontemporary occasionaland elegantfurnitureforyour home.Whetheryouarelookingforanoakdining set,apine bedroom suiteorbirchoccasionalfurniture,Dovetailshasitall.Withcontainers of newstockarriving weeklyyouwill besuretofind thatspecialpieceof furnitureforyour home,in our warehouse.DOVETAILS LtdTel. 01845 522144Furniture Clearance Warehouse, Unit 6,Woodstock Way(behind Teleware),Thirsk Industrial Estate, York Road, Thirsk21magazineis produced byThe NorthernEcho/NewsquestLtd.,aGannettCompany,Priestgate,DarlingtonDL1 1NF(01325)381313A D V E R T IS IN GGail Hunter(01325) 505 239gail.hunter@nne.co.ukChris Kay(0191) 374 0298chris.kay@nne.co.ukE D IT O R IA LJenny Needham(01325) 505082jenny.needham@nne.co.uk346910121415HAPPY NEW YEAR!S H A R O N G R IF F IT H SConfessions ofahat haterIN T E R IO R SHome is wherethe hearth isIN T E R IO R SAvisit toEgypt-on-seaC O M P E T IT IO NWin Colin &Justinhardback booksG A R D E N IN GWhere art andgarden meetN E W Y E A RThe stars maketheir resolutionsM Y S T Y L EEvents managerMax FreerG A D G E T M A NTriumphs andturkeys of 2006161718202112S H O P P IN GGlenn’s woodentreasure troveS H O P P IN GWhy Colinis all fired-upB E A U T YAbeautiful startto the New YearM O T O R IN GMazda doesit differentlyN E C O N N E C T IO N SThe Lakesin winter

AHAT.Ihad to get ahat. There aretimes, however unlikely,when ahatisthe onlyanswer.Therearevery fewpeople for whom Iwould wear ahat,but Iguess the Queen isone.And myonlyhat–aWaleswoollybobble hat–would,onbalance,probably not do.We had been invited to Buckingham Palace.Well, husband had been invited and the rest ofus tagged along as an admiring chorus. And inamong all the congratulations on his MBE, almostthe firstthing people askedmewas“Haveyougotthe hatyet?”And Ihadn’t.Ihadseven years of hats when Iwasatschool.Navy felt in winter,straw boater with ribbonsin summer.Detention if youwerecaughtin townwithout one.The boys from the school next doorwereparticularlygood atsnatching the boatersand skimming them, ribbons flying, over thehigh fence and down the hill to the banks of aparticularly muddystream.Itleft me asadetermined hat-hater.My mother tried to persuade me otherwise.She once bought me alovely black velvet job,which Iwas quite taken with. But when Itriediton forhertoadmire,she fell about laughing.So you can see, can’t you, why Idid not lovehats?Anyway,Ididn’t need to. Until my late twentiesIhad long blonde hair that dripped downbelow my waist. If Ihad anywhere posh to go, Iwould spend anafternoon in the hairdresserandhave myhair put up with great elaboration. Itusually took about three hours and around 60hairgrips, but the results wereterrific.True, Idid have afew enormous shapelessstraw hats, around which Iwould tie afew ofmy collection of multi-coloured scarves andunderwhichIwould driftthrough summerparties.Buttheyweren’twhatyouwould reallycallhats.Notproper,grown-up,serious sort of hats.But when the Queen calls...Iwas in Leeds when Istumbled across ahatshop. They were nice, down-to-earth Yorkshirewomen. Iexplained the predicament. No problem,they said, they could soon find me something.Easypeasy.The firsthatlooked fun,withlots of feltflowers.WhenIlooked in the mirror,Isawmygrandmother.What’smore, it was my grandmotherwhen she wasgoing tosell eggsatmarket.Itookthatone off pretty quickly.sharon griffiths❛ There aretimes,howeverunlikely,whenahat is theonly answerThere were hats like buckets, hats like lampshades,hats like myold school hat. There wereberets, cloches, feathery cartwheels and neatsort of brightlycoloured trilbies.None of them did anything forme.Eventually,one of the nice, down-to-earthYorkshire women, bynow helpless with laughing,saidtome,very kindly,“You’renotreallyahatperson are you?” Erno.So that’s when they pointed me in the directionof the fascinators. Fascinators aren’t hats.Theyaretoken gesturesof hats.Abitof ribbonand afew brightly coloured feathers. Ithoughttheycould bewornonlybyleggyyoung girlsatthe races in summer.But no, said the nice hatshop lady,still wiping the tears of laughterfromher eyes, they can be worn by middle-agedwomen to the Palaceinwinter.We tried afew.And apart from the one thatlooked likeasherbetfountain growing from myear,theywereahuge success.Theywerealsoa)easy to wearb)alotcheaper than ahatproper.Iboughtone.Itwasbrightpink,withabig bowand afew skinny feathers on stalks. Itook ithome and every now and then Iwould try it on,practising –tothe left,right,farback,forward...Onbalance,Iwasquitepleased withit.Husband said it looked like the very bad beginningsof abird’s nest. Sons tactfully saidnothing.Finallyin London,in the taxionthe waytothehotel, one of them sat on the box with the hatin. It didn’t help. Then it was awindy day andafter spending half an hour in the hotel verycarefully arranging the hat this way and that, Iended upjust plonking itbackonmyheadwhilewalking upthe red carpetin the palace.But for once I’d got it right, it was absolutelythe right thing to wear.About aquarter of thewomen at the Palace had nohat at all. Aquarterhad“proper”hats–some of whichlooked absolutelystunning (and expensive), while otherhats looked asthough theymighthavebeen sittingon the top of the wardrobe since aniece’swedding afewyears ago.But at least half the women there wore littleconcoctionsof ribbon and feathers,soitwastherightchoice.Even if by then it was abit wonky ,abit flatand minus afew feathers, atleast Ididn’t looklikemygranonhereggstall 50years ago.But do you know what? –after all that effort,the Queen never even said awordabout it.window shoppingwww.thenorthernecho.co.ukUP AND UNDERIFyou can’t find anywhere to storeall the presents you’ve been giventhis Christmas, bed company Komfimight have aneat answer.The Kargois astylish and versatile new bed,which easily tilts from the headboardto reveal afull-size deep storagearea, and is covered in fireretardant linen effect fabric,available in natural orcream. Idealfor people living in properties wherestorage is at apremium, the bedbase comes in double (190 x137cm), king (198 x152cm) andsuperking (198 x183cm) sizes. Italso features ahigh quality sprungLUXURY UNDERFOOTH A R R O G A T E - b a s e d L a p ic id a , o n e o f t h e c o u n t r y ’sle a d in g im p o r t e r s a n d d is t r ib u t o r s o f s t o n e p r o d u c t s ,n o w n o t o n ly s t o c k s E n g lis h lim e s t o n e f r o mL in c o ln s h ir e , b u t is a ls o c a r r y in g a n e x c lu s iv e r a n g e o fJ e r u s a le m lim e s t o n e . It c o m e s in a r a n g e o f c o lo u r st h a t in c lu d e s B ib lic a l, R e c la im e d a n d M o s a ic . B o t hr a n g e s a r e s u it a b le f o r b o t h w a lls a n d f lo o r s .E n g lis h lim e s t o n e is a v a ila b le in t h e f o llo w in gf in is h e s : h o n e d , t u m b le d , h a n d d is t r e s s e d . T h e c o s t isf r o m £ 5 0 p e r m e t r e . www.lapicida.comJanuary 2007 3slatted base designed for maximumcomfort and increased air circulationwhen using aKomfi memory foammattress. Originally engineered byNASA, the memory foam used byKomfi is sensitive to the heat emittedby the human body and has theability to automatically adjust to bodyweight and temperature.The Kargo double is £820, the kingis £920 and the superking £1,020.For details of where to buy Komfiproducts call 0800 652 4445.www.komfi.com

4 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukNEW LOOK: B&Q’s Saturn fluelessgas fire, £999. Below: Coral fireplacefrom Chesney’s, £1,169Being cool’s okay,but at this time ofyear what you really want is totoastyour toes. As the winter winds blowoutside, GABRIELLE FAGAN looks atwhat’s hot for the homeWinter SaleJANUARY & FEBRUARY ONLYUP TO 50% OFF BRAND NEW STOCKUP TO 70% OFF EX DISPLAY ITEMSEXTRA 10% DISCOUNT OFF SALE ITEMSON FRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY122 Gladstone St., Darlington. DL3 6JZTel: 01325 485678www.aquabliss.co.ukfrom planning to installation...•Would you like alog fire but live inthesmokeless zone of Darlington?•Are you sick offuel increases but feel there isno alternative for you?Hot Fires have the answer•Weare stockists of ‘Vermont’ Intrepid woodburning stoves, which are approved for usein smoke free zones!!!•Wecan even supply you with renewablefuels heat logs tofuel your fires.What are you waiting for -turn up the heat!33 West Auckland Road, Cockerton 01325 351 351BaxiCondensingBoilersUp to 40% Offyour fuel billsHOTFires &HeatingHearth’sdesireCOSY’Snotawordmuchused byinteriordesigners –they prefer toconcentrateoncool concepts suchas style, design and trends. But atthistime of year,when chill windsare swirling around outside, cosy is exactlywhatwecrave.Satisfy that need with the most enduringfocalpoint–afire–forinstanttoast-your-toescomfort and awarmglowthatwould meltthemost fashionablyminimalist heart.Luckily there’s no need to sacrifice goodlooks for practicality. Interior designers suchas Kelly Hoppen, Jasper Conran and JaneChurchill haveturnedtheir talents to firesand hearths with glowingresults.They and others havetransformed them into‘eye candy’ and there’s aselection to suit everyflaming desire with traditionalinglenooks rightthrough tosleek wall firesfor streamlined uberurbanlofts.Purists will love a‘realfire’ –and don’t mind themess of coal and kindling.Risingfuel pricesalso mean that woodburningstovesarebooming.While realfireshaveawonderfullyseasonalScandinavianfeel about them,most of us prefereasy-to-clean gas or electric-powered firesand there’sagrowing range forthosewho wantflickering firelightwithout the soot.Fire expert Darren McMahon, head ofBaxiHeating UK, says:‘‘The conventionalfirewithclassic mouldings is still very popular but it’sthe state-of-the-art, wall-mounted fires whicharecapturing the attention of style leaders.‘‘Electric fires are also really forging aheadpartlybecausegone arethe days of glowing orangebars and uninspiring design. Nowthey’reeye-catching in look,areidealforroomswithoutachimneyorflueand areeasy toinstall.’’Considering the environment and our carbonfootprint is key these days so don’t forgetcheck out the energy ratings of fires and appliancesas well as focusing on their appearance.And there’s no call to be downcast even ifyou’re limited to radiators –just make them afocalpointbychoosing onesthatradiatestyleas well asheat.Turnupthe heatand followour guide tothemost hearth-warming firesaround.EYE CANDYThe fashion consciouswill love ranges offeredby companies rangingfrom B&Q to Baxi.‘‘Landscape wall-mountedfires are atop choice,with black gloss, stainlesssteel and stone overtakinglast year’s brass,gold, silver and chromefinishes,’’ McMahonsays.■ B&Q’s Saturn fluelessgas fire, £999, is anovalshape withastripof flame. It’s amodernlook suitable for homes with nochimneyorflue. Blackalsodominatesin fashion and inhomes this season and the glossy, sleek ValorDistinction from BaxiFires,£649,isahang-onthe-wallflat-screen style electric fire.HOT&MODERN■ Next’s trendy range includes the MalmoFireplace, £375, which has an ivory colouredsurround, and an oak ormaple shelf with thepopular pyramid of pebbles. It’s suitable forhomeswithout achimney.

A167www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 20075CLOCKWISE FROMLEFT: anthracite TallFocal radiator,£299 fromWickes; Valor HomeflameDream, £599 from Baxi;the Myson Mirage mirrorradiator,from £980; theCotham solid fuelsurround, £299 from B&Q● ALL FIRED UP –See page 17HEARTH WARMING■ Traditionalists won’t need to get their fingersburnt price-wise if they source fromB&Q. Its desirable polished metal fire surroundsareinspiredbyoriginalVictorianfireplacesdiscovered in reclamation yards. ACotham solid fuel surround costs £299 and aRochdale,£249.■ Aclassicgasfirelikethe ValorHomeflameDream,£599 from Baxi,isenergyefficientandwould suitahearthand traditionalsurround.It has aregal style fret and curved fascia inbrass,chrome orblack.DESIGNER FIRES■ Texture,outstanding design and detail areafeature ofthe fire surrounds designed byJane Churchill for leading suppliers of periodand classic fireplaces, Chesney’s. Pricesstart from £934,risingto£1,169forthe ornateCoral inlimestone with frond decoration.■ Invest in fireart from Diligence,whosedesignerscombine cutting-edge technologywithbreathtaking style.MeltthatplasticandgetaChromifocus firewithsliding doors soitcan disguise itself as awork ofmodern art.It’sablistering £9,960,but thereareotherfiresforaround £2,000.■ Get your hearth’s desire by commissioningafiresurround from experts,TemplestoneMason. They also have 13designs in astandardrangeaswell asmaking bespokepieces.Pricesstart from £850.SUPER STOVES■ These have ahomely Nordic feel and canbe powered by gas or oil –but the eco-friendlychoiceiswood.Asthe latterisreadilyavailableand well-priced you don’t need to be alumberjacktotake thisoption.■ Euroheat’s selection sourced from Denmarkand Bavaria features traditional andmodern styles. They start from around £925.SetaYuletide scene withaHarmony23multifuelstove, £1,102, which even has atemperatureremotecontrol.■ DanishcompanyMorsohasmulti-fuel andgasstovesin cast iron thatbalancegood looksand practicality. They start from £613 for aSquirrel,upto£2,526 forthe Morso8147,acontemporarystoveonarotatable plinth.RED HOT RADS■ Aradiator that pretends tobe awall mirrorand can double as atowel rail is just oneof the cleverdesignsfrom Myson. The Miragestarts from £980. The range starts fromaround £195 foranelectricpanel radiatorandgoesuptoaround £3,000.■ Wickes has radiators that make astatementincluding the chrome Wave from £219and the striking black anthracite Tall Focalradiator,£299.BECAUSE WE PRIDE OURSELVESON QUALITY AND RELIABILITY,WE’RE STILL GOING STRONGAFTER 20 YEARS AND 30,000INSTALLATIONS!TOHEIGHINGTONWHINBANKROADP.W.S.INCINERATORKITCHENCREATIONTETLEYSDURHAM WAYSOUTH3MFACTORYHOLIWAYSGARAGEFILTRONICAYCLIFFEVILLAGEMc DONALDSSOUTH NORTHA1 A1JUNCTION59A167DARLINGTONWe manufacture ourown cabinetry anddoors in any style andcolour of your choice.We offer quite uniqueproducts to cater forall tastes: all atFACTORY DIRECTPRICES!FREE expertdesign serviceFull installation serviceby qualified tradesmenCall now on 01325319022 for your homevisit or visitour showroomSALENOW ONALL OUR CABINETRYREDUCED ACROSSOUR FULL RANGE!All stock appliancesV.A.T.freeOpen 7days aweek Mon -Fri10am-5pm Saturday9.30am-4pm Sunday11am-3pmRing sales hotline for immediate appointmentTel: 01325 319022Unit B1, Whinbank Park, Whinbank Road, Newton Aycliffe. DL56AYwww.kitchencreation.co.uk

6January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukinteriorsDon’tforgetthemummy,honeyCulture, sport, business, architecture,heritage, people, places…the reasons tobe proud of our region go on and on.Whether you work here, do business hereor live here, there’s awhole lot to feelpassionate about. To find out how you canget involved in the campaign to promotethe region visit www.northeastengland.co.ukInternationally renowned Egyptologist Dr Joann Fletchershares her North Yorkshire seaside home with her partner,herdaughter,acat called Django… and assorted goddessesand replica mummies. RUTH CAMPBELL takes apeekDR Joann Fletcher had justmoved into her dream home, aromantic converted lookouttower on the Yorkshire coast,when she stumbled across adeadbodyburied yardsfrom herfrontdoor.She and her father were sitting outside onthe grass, drinking tea and taking in thebreathtakingly beautiful sea view,when shenoticed the outline of askull emerging fromthe cliff facejust feetaway.Where most people might recoil inhorror, Joann, a world-renownedEgyptologist who specialises inanalysing the hairand otherdecorativefeatures of ancient mummies,was thrilled. “I knew itwas old, I could tell it wasmedieval.”Likeascene out of amurdermystery, police arrived andcordoned off the area withyellow incident tape: “I toldthem Ihadfound abodybutitwasn’t recent. They musthavewondered howIknew.They sealed it off whiletheyinvestigated.”The body,now in museumstorage, turned out tobe that of awoman whodied in her early twentiesabout 500 years ago.To Joann it seemed, almost,like agood omen: “IfIhad that turn ofmind, insome ways it was almostlike a housewarmingpresent.”She is aware ofother remains,includingplaguevictimsand bodies from theCivil Wars, complete withmusket balls, in nearby ancientburialgrounds.Andthelocal archaeological societywould love to dig up her frontgarden, where they believemore bodies could beuncovered.“Perhaps,one day.Itwould befascinating, right on mydoorstep.Iwouldn’thavefartogotowork,”she says.As honorary research fellowat the University of York, aswell as consultant Egyptologistfor Harrogate museumsand arts, Joann’s study ofhuman remains takes her allover the world, to Libya, Peru,Chile, Yemen, Ireland and SardiniaaswellasEgypt.But this Barnsley girl’s heart remainsfirmlyinYorkshire. She boughtthe twobedroomwatchtowerapartmentin 1999,whenshe was32.Itwasthe firsthome she owned. “Iused tocome hereonholidayand always wantedtolivebythe sea, itwasapipe dream,”shesays.Her mother regularly sent her propertypages.“When thiscame upforsale,therewasno picture but Iknew the address. Iloved thebuilding.”We look out through the huge windows ofthis large, light and airy flat at stunning,wrap-around views of the sea. “Yousee things as they happen, fromsea mists to frets, storms andtides, it is never dull. Our surroundingsare constantlychanging.”When she outgrew thetwo-bedroom property aftershe and partnerDrStephenBuckleyhadadaughtertwoyears ago, they bought theflat above. Should neighbourswish to sell, theywould love to extendfurther.Stephen,achemist fromCheshirewho isalsoakeymember of the York UniversityEgyptologyteam,isnowasfond of the areaas Joann. Although bothtravel extensivelythroughwork, this is where theyhaveput downroots.“I will always live inYorkshire,” says Joann. “Ilove it, the people are verydown-to-earth and don’tmuck about. It is aculturalthing,familiarand safe.”The couple metatalectureJoann gave inLondon in 1999while Stephen was researchingmummification materialsas part of his Phd at Bristol. “Ihadjust moved intothisflat.Heoffered tocome upand paintthebathroom. He never went awayagain.”Their shared passion for Egyptologyand history generally is evidentthroughout their home.Stephen points out his favouritegiftfrom Joann,twooriginal,rarevelumscripts dating backto1660which she discovered in ajunkshop.Therearephotographsof themworking together on archaeologicalprojects in the Valley of theKings. Even their daughter,not yettwo,knows the differencebetween amummyand a“mummy”.

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 20077MINIMALIST WITH MUMMIES:Dr Joann Fletcher in her calm whiteand cream sitting room“I have acoffin in my office,”says Joann, asif it was the most ordinary thing in the world.“She knows this is amummy,of adifferentsort.”Joann introducesme tothe reproduction,lifesizeancient Egyptian figure. It is beautiful,painted gold and red with hieroglyphs. “It isbogus, although the hieroglyphs and the faceare good. But it was the hair that did it for me,thatistotallyaccurate.”Coming from along line of Barnsley hairdressers,Joannisparticularlyinterested in ancientbeauty treatments. “Iamfascinated byadornment, like piercing and tattoos, their ritualsignificanceandhowpeople through historyused them to change how they looked,”shesays. “Men wore the loudest wigs and mostmake up, only women had tattoos It’s acompletereversalofwhatweareusedto.”Joann, who has hennaed hair,wears anosestud and loves kohl make-up, is no stranger toadornment herself. In fact, she confesses tobeing abit of aGoth. In her bedroom, she hasacollection of crucifixes,next toastunning setof glass eyeball rings,in all colours.“I love myeyeball rings. Iwant tomake aneyeballnecklace,if Icould find asourceofglasseyes, I’d have them set in silver.” She has evenflirted withthe ideaof havinganEgyptianeyetattoo. “Iaminto eyes and hands and the waypeople usethem tocommunicate.”In the hallway,she has arail of men’s coats,including one brightly coloured military jacketsheboughtbecauseitwasbeautifullymade.“I like funereal clothes, tail coats and dinnerjackets. Men’s coats arebettercut.”Her wardrobe isfull of exclusively blackclothes. “From the age of 15, Ihave worn onlyblack. Iloveit.Idon’tlikebrightcolourson myself.”She even ownsablackcat,Django,whichshe rescued as akitten from an animal centrein 1995.In the somewhat tweedy,male-dominatedworld of Egyptology, down-to-earth Joann,whose passion and enthusiasm for her subjectare infectious, is clearly abreath offresh air.Her common touch and sparkling talent forcommunication –aswell aswriting articlesandbooks,she hasappeared in anumberof hugelysuccessful television documentaries – havehelped open Egyptology upto amuch wideraudience.She has met some resistance. At UniversityCollege,London,she workedasachambermaidand shop assistanttopayherway.“Iwasanovelty.Iencountered my first dose ofsnobbery,not from staff, but certain individuals. Later,one senior academic told me I’d never get anywhereinthissubjectifIdidn’tlosemyaccent.But whyshould weconformto stereotypes?”Her aunt, Joan McMahon, took her toEgyptwhen she was15,adream-come-trueforthe girlobsessed withmummiesfrom anearlyage.Hermother,ahousewife, and father,asalesman,were keen amateur historians and their homewasfilled withbooks.Continued on page 8

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 20079Pictures: RICHARD DOUGHTYTHE MUST-SEE SHADES THIS SEASONOLLOWING itsglamorous launch aF few months ago,Crown can reveal the topselling shades from its newFashion For Walls collection.So which colours are nowadorning the best-dressedwalls in the country?Dark Elegance has provedthe most popular rangewithin the collection withEveningwear (plum/deepred) coming in as thenation’s favourite fashionshade. Tailored (a deepchocolate), from the same range, comesin at third place. Budding interiordesigners are clearly inspired by the returnto grown-up glamour, opting for sexy,intense shades in their home. Thesebolder colours are perfect for the wintermonths, adding warmth to any room.But sales of the Fashion For Wallscollection also show that the nation stillhas afondness for lighter,more delicatecolours. Five ofthe Flawless Powdersshades feature inthe top ten, includingPurity (white/cream) and Flawless (peachypink). The Flawless Powders palette isinspired by the trend for nude make-up,layering soft natural tones for asophisticatedand feminine interiors.The Fashion For Walls paint collection iscomprised of four ranges: FlawlessPowders, Soft Originals, Dark Eleganceand Playful Moods. Each collectionincludes acombination of soft, classiccolours teamed with more daring tones.WIN ADECORATING BOOKT O h e lp y o u w it h m o r e d e c o r a t in gp r o b le m s C r o w n h a s t e a m e d u p w it h T h eN o r t h e r n E c h o t o o f f e r 2 0 c o p ie s o f C o lina n d J u s t in ’s H o w N o t t o D e c o r a t e t olu c k y w in n e r s . T o s t a n d a c h a n c e o fw in n in g o n e , ju s t t e ll u s w h ic h C r o w nD a r k E le g a n c e s h a d e w a s t h e f a v o u r it e .A n s w e r s , b y J a n u a r y 1 4 , o n a p o s t c a r do r t h e b a c k o f a n e n v e lo p e , t o C r o w nP a in t sC o m p e t it io n ,F e a t u r e s , T h eN o r t h e r nE c h o ,P r ie s t g a t e ,D a r lin g t o nD L 1 1 N F .U s u a lc o m p e t it io nr u le s a p p ly .ROOMSWITH AVIEW: fromtop –themonochromekitchen; therestful masterbedroom;fantastic viewsof the coastlinefrom thefamily’s home

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See belowPretty asapicture36-40 Clifton Road, Darlington•Telephone 01325 383222 •wwwcliftonsuites.co.ukProviders of personal care for clients aged 65 years and overand dementia care for clients aged 60 years and overPrestigious purpose built facilities throughoutPrivate gardens, single en-suite facilitiesQuality care provided inahomely and friendlyatmosphereFor further details please contact Lynne Smith on:01740 623644M a r i a M a l l a b a n dC a r eH o m e sLizard Lane, SedgefieldStockton on Tees, TS21 3ETM a r i a M a l l a b a n dC a r eH o m e sBack Frederick Street NorthMeadowfield, Durham, DH78NTProviders of personal carefor clients65years and overProviders of personal carefor clients withdementiaaged 60 years and overProviders of personal carefor younger adultsaged 55 years and over with physical disabilityAll bedrooms single en-suiteRecentlycompleted extension to the Acorn SuitePrestigious purposebuilt facilities throughoutPrivateenclosed gardensFor further details please contact Shannette Renderon 0191 3783152QUALITY CARE PROVIDED IN AHOMELYAND FRIENDLYATMOSPHERELocation: southern outskirts of MiddlesbroughAge of garden: 38 yearsThree favourite plants: Rhododendron,poppies, anemonesTools Ican’t live without: poker,secateurs andthree-pronged devil’s forkMaintenance: daily potter with the help ofoccasional gardener.Worst job: pulling up Spanish bluebell bulbsTHERE is something quintessentiallyEnglish about sitting in ShirleyJohnston’s garden. Time slipsserenelyawayaswegentlysip cupsof tea and converse about colour,form and shape. Friends, family and neighbourscome and go, some joining us on thewooden table by the pond for abrew,othersonlytoswapand sharesentences.Shirleyisunfazedby all the comings and goings. Hers is awarmand welcoming home,reflected in alargeand happyfamilyunit.Shirley’s garden, just like all gardens, hasevolved overthe manyyears thatshe haslivedin the small village just on the outskirts ofMiddlesbrough. Ithasseen herchildren comeand go (and come and go again) and now providesaplaygroundforhergrandchildren,butone main theme hasalways runthrough it,andthat is art. Shirleyhas long been animportantfigureinthe localart scene,gaining fame forher paintings andflower arrangingskills. Her gardenhas provided theinspiration formany of her pictures,and suppliesher with allthe materialthatshe needsforherfloral sculptures.She citesanemones as one of her favourite flowers, notbecauseoftheirgrowing habit,theircolour orthe fact that they provide some of the firstcheerearlyon in the year,but becauseshe enjoyspainting the centre stamens, and has aspecial brush for doing just that. Shirley alsolikes irises as she has learnt tore-create thepetals on paper with just one swipe of thebrush, and the translucent, papery thin flowersof poppies are also ajoy toemulate oncanvas.The main border in the garden bursts withjust about every colour,shape and texturethatyoucould everwishtohaveinanEnglishcottagegarden. There are sapphire blue geraniumscreatingabackclothforcreamy,pale pinkroses.The softformofphloxbubblesout fromthe centreofaclump of stiff and stridentiris.Acid yellow alliums show upvividly againstthe purple Patty’s Plum poppy,and the scatteredheads of the rich ruby scabious are easilypicked out amongst the densely packedcrown of the pale pink thalictricum. Fragrancewaftsthrough the garden from alargeyellow-leaved mock orange (philadelphus)bush, and from the yellow butter-balledbuddleia.This living picture isbest viewed from thechunky set of wooden chairs that sit next tothe pond by the back door.The pond is deepand clear, shaded by water lilies, marshmarigolds, lady’s mantle, alpine strawberriesand flag iris. Sophie, the cat, likes tolie baskingin the sun onthe low bench by the pondand watch the huge prehistoric looking dragonflylarvaasithuntsdowntadpolesand sticklebacks.Shirley means toclean the pond outevery year, but alwaysrelents asitisalsohome toanactivenewt colonyand her garden isfilled withthe jewelledcolours ofdragon damselflies.Shirley laughsasshe tellsme thatthe first ever paidgardeners thatshehad working inher garden werePeter and MichaelWilkinson. Theywere both very young at the time, under fiveyears of age,but came toweed out dandelions,speedwell and groundsel. They must have enjoyedtheir time in Shirley’s garden as theywent on to set up one of the areas mostrenowned landscaping business and shedoubts thattheywould come and workforhertwoshillings amorning today.

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200711Most of the workinthe garden isdone byShirleyherself,asshe gentlypotters aroundduringthe day.Herhusband helpsout whensomething manlyneedsdoing,suchasstainingorchopping,but he alsoenjoys trying toscare Shirley by jumping out from behindshrubs and trees (usually with acup ofteain hand).Agardener comes in as and when necessary,and Shirley will often work togetherwiththem on aproject,oron aparticularsectionof the garden. Theirnext pieceofworkis tocreate aseating and barbecue area outof aspace that currently houses plants inpots, waiting to get into the ground. Whenthey first moved into the house, the gardenwas filled with fruit trees. There were 27 ofthem in all. Slowly,she hashadthem takenout, or they have succumbed to canker anddisease. Ahandful remain today,most arecontorted and twisted, and supported oncrutches,but theystill bearagood crop everyyear.The huge vine thatused togrowin theconservatory became too large,and sufferedbadlyfrom mildew.Ithasnowbeen replaced‘by outdoor varieties, accompanied by ahealthy passionflower.Adelicate mulberrytree, with its large, heart-shaped leaves willsoon provide her with branches filled withjuicy fruit, but for the momentis still alittle bit immatureto doso. The treeearns its place through itsbeauty though.Foliage forflowerarrangingisprovided bythe leatheryleaved griselinia, ribbedcrocosmia lucifer and longstraps of phormiums.Otherplayers aregolden cypress,contorted salix andvariegated eleagnus. Someof the smallershrubs,suchasabluespruce,come fromother peoples arrangementswhich have been dismantled aftershows,and grownonascuttings.The largerblue conifer that spreads along the groundat the bottom of the garden, though, wasgiven toShirleyand herhusband asasilverShirley has longbeen an importantperson in the localart scene, gainingfame for herpaintings and herflower arranging skillswedding present. She smiles as she tells methatshe spentmanyyears trying togetittogrow tall and straight, only tofind out thatitisthe horizontal growing variety.Fun, laughter and life arefundamental influences inShirley’sgarden. Everythingis practical, has apurpose,and is inspirational. Ahalfcaught glimpse of aray oflighthitting apetalatanunusualanglemightbethe motivationfor her next painting.A curious colourcombination might set off acreativesparkwhilst searchingfor ideas for an impendingarrangement.Every plant in the gardenisapotentialsubjectforoneof Shirley’s beautiful paintings. The morebeautiful the garden becomes, the more artitinspires.Thisisone garden thatcantrulylayclaimto being as pretty as apicture.Introducing Granite Transformations,arevolutionary way togive yourkitchen worktops acool, sophisticatedlook and awhole new lease of life. Allthe shine and chic of solid granite,fitted in as little asone day -and for alot less than you thought possible.• 95% natural granite• Fits directly over existing worktops• No demolition, no mess• Scratch, heat, impact and stain resistant• 10 year warrantyBetter than granite? You'd better believe it!Call us today for afree quote orvisit our showroom.0191 4171999Unit 34, Crowther Rd, Crowther Industrial EstateWashington NE38 0AQwww.granitetransformations.co.ukgranitetransformations@ntlworld.com

12 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukNewYear,newhabits?The stars make their New Year’s resolutionsOVERINDULGED over the festive season?Of course you have... ANew Year’s resolutionis the perfect excuse to give yourselfalife makeover.Weasksome famousnames whether they will be botheringwithNewYear’sresolutions this year.LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN,TVPERSONALITY, 41“I THINK it’sabadideatomake NewYear’sresolutions.It’savery depressing time of year.Igaveupsmoking about three orfour years ago bydoing itbeforeChristmas.Ifound thatareally good way ofdoing itbecauseyou’redistracted. Iwon’tmake aresolution thisyear,other than to continue tosprinkleloveliness throughout the planetwithgayabandon and every reserve thatI’m given.”JO WHILEY,RADIO 1DJ,41“I make the same NewYear’sresolutionseverysingle year.They’realways:bemoreorganised,go tothe gymmore,the usual stuff.The organisationthing isthe big one and Ifail yearafteryear.Ijustget alittle more acceptance each time thatI’m nevergoing tobeone of thoseorganised people.”ROSS KEMP,ACTOR, 42“I’VE nevermade anyresolutionsthatI’ve everstuckto,soIdon’treally make them to be honest.Life’stoo short to be doing that.”JOHN THOMSON,ACTOR, 37“I ONLY make New Year’sresolutions idly.Last year wehad abrilliant party at home so myresolution was tonever spend somuch money on aparty again. Myresolution this year is tofind anewvice that Ican give up for 2008.”LETOYA,SINGER, 25“I TRY tomake NewYear’sresolutions,whetherIstick to themisanotherquestion. It’salways,I’m going totake control of mylifeand I’m gonna bemoreorganised. Youcantrythatbut you neverknowwhattomorrow’sgoing tobring soit’shardtostickto those.In the musicindustrythere’sno way of beingorganised becauseevery single dayyoudon’t knowwhatthedayhasin storeforyou.All youcandoistry tomake sure you’reontop of things.Ihavetomake sureIgetenoughsleep and thatI’meating,becauseIdon’twanttobesick out hereon the road. But it’shardto get stuff toeatwhen you’retravellingand on theseplanes.”CHRIS DE BURGH, SINGER, 58“MY NewYear’sresolutions will beexactlythe same as theyhavebeen forthelast 30 years:exercisemore,drink less,eatless.”

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200713CERYS MATTHEWS,SINGER, 37“I DOnot make New Year’sresolutions. Ithink there istoomuch pressure to keep them, andmaybe you should make themaround Easter or June or something,because at that point of time, atChristmas, it’s quite difficult tomake adecision because you arefilled up with sugar and alcohol. It’sthe worst time to make aresolution–it’s cold, miserable and you can’tcommit yourself to such amomentous proper decision. I’venever made one and not regretted itstraight away.”SUSANNAH CONSTANTINE(TRINNY &SUSANNAH),STYLE GURU, 45“IT’LL bethe same asevery yearforme:stop smoking.Itryand do itevery year.Idon’tsmokevery muchatall,but thatwill bemyresolution.Idon’treally do NewYear’sresolutionsthough –it’s always justsmoking.MaybeIwon’tstart againbut I’vegotasneaking suspicion thatcome Christmasparties,I’ll behaving afewsneakycigarettesagain.”NOEL EDMONDS,PRESENTER, 57“I DON’T make New Year’s resolutions because Ialways break them, like everybody else. How longdoes that diet last? And if you say I’m going to have adry January, then somebody in an advert pops acorkfrom abottle of champagne and you’re finished.There isno point making them unless you are goingto carry it through, so I’m not going to bother thisyear.”RUPERT PENRY-JONES,ACTOR, 36“I NEVER make NewYear’sresolutions,Idon’tbelieveinthem. Iwould neversticktothem. You’vejust gottogowithwhatyour heart istellingyoutodo. I’m notmaking anyrulesand enforcing them onmyself.Youshould just dowhatyouwant.”‘You’ve just got togowithwhat your heart is tellingyou todo

14 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukmy styleCLASSIC WITH ACONTEMPORARY TWIST: cardigan by StMartin’s at Sarah Coggles in York; Seven jeans and pink and foldshoes by Fornarina. Right: dress from George at Asda53-55 FRONT STREET,CLEADON VILLAGE, SR6 7PGTEL: 0191 536 7310WE ARE OPENMonday toSaturday9.30 a.m.-5.30p.m.Sunday 10am-4pmwww.mariannefashions.co.ukMax Freer is the owner of LoveMarketing, Public Relations &Events.She lives in MiddlesbroughDescribe your lookIlove clothesand don’tsubscribetofashion forfashion’ssake. Itend towearmoreclassicclothesmixed withcontemporary keyfashion trends.Iwill also gothe other wayand wearsomething completely differentand quirky.Mymamoften says tome:“Whatareyouwearing now!”What’s your favourite item of clothing?Ihaveareallyniceblackleather jacketby People’sMarket.Itisveryversatile and canbewornwithasmart pairof trousersand crispwhiteshirt for atailored classiclook oritcanbevamped upwithapairof skinnyjeans and killerheels.What’s the most you’veever spent on an item ofclothing?Ibought afab suedebrownand gold macstyle coatin America,whichsetme backafewhundred quid. ItissoniceIdaren’t wearit,butwhen Ido Ijust loveit.What’s been your worst buy?Should Iadmit tothis one? Ashelltracksuit, but thisnightmarepurchasewas when Iwasin my earlyteens,andshell tracksuits wereinfashion then.NowIlook back,Iresembled VickyPollardfrom Little Britain –yeh,whatever,itwasfashion... then.What are your favourite shops?Iloveall typesof shopsasIloveshopping.SarahCoggles in York ismyfavourite. Ihave an eclectictastesowillwear anything from the high street,Topshop and H&M.Primarkisagirl’sbest friend forcheekycheapthings.Ialso spend hoursin charityshops and frequent carboot sales; hidden in abootofacarI’vefound vintage bagsand coats.What’s your favourite beauty product?IuseClarinsproducts.Iusethree of theirproducts forevery day.Iampale skinned and find ithardtogetawaywithwearing aheavy mattfoundation. IuseClarinsfoundation forblondes,whichisreallylight towear andprovidesaflawless cover.Myotherlittle treatisbeauty flashbalm and Iswear bythis,andClarinslip balm.Have you any beauty tips?Ihave anormalroutine likemost girls.Iamin mymid 30s sorecommend alwaystaking your make-up off atnight.Try touseall productswithin abrand astheyworkbetterwithone another.Iapplyafacemaskmaybeonceortwiceaweek,that’smytreat.Which celebrity’s style doyou admire and why?Thisisalways ahardquestion toanswer.Iwant tosay KateMossbecause she can reinventherself.Itend to goforunderstated people likeKateBosworth;she issimplyclassicandcanwearmostlyanylook. Ihaverecentlyseen apicture ofherwearing a1930s-inspired outfitincluding headwear and Ithoughtshe looked great.What Ialsolikeabout her is she doesn’tshowloads of flesh.■ Love Marketing, PublicRelations &Events, 01642-322544 or 07712-488943,www.love-marketing.co.ukLEATHER LOOK: Topshopjeans; T-shirt from Bershka; jacketby People’s Market

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200715gadget manThe triumphsand turkeys■ D o n ’t m is sB u r t o n ’s B y t e s– g a m e r e v ie w sin T h e N o r t h e r nE c h o e v e r yT u e s d a yNIGEL BURTON nominates the winners and losers in the gadget game over the past 12 monthsIT’Sbeen agreat2006 if youenjoyvideogames. The year started with Microsoft’sexcellent Xbox 360 makingwaves and ended with the debut of aninnovative new console from Nintendo–one that promises totake video gaminginto the realm of family entertainment. Inbetween, there has been asteady stream ofexcellentsoftwaretitlesand one ortwogenuineclassics.Onlythe no-showof the SonyPlayStation3spoilt an otherwise vintage year. But Iguess we still need something to look forwardtoin2007.Sowhatwerethe winners and losers in thepast 12 months? Allow me to share myprejudicesandprovide some pointers if youhaveagreat wad ofChristmas cash burning ahole in your pocket.BESTFOOTBALLGAMEHIS isatrickyone.T Normallyit’sabitof anobrainer:ProEvolution Soccerwinsif youliketotake control ofthe players and the seminalFootballManagernicksthe silverwareifyoufancyyourself as amastertactician. But thisyearwesawadetermined effort byElectronicArtstonickthe console gaminghonourswithFIFA‘07.The gameplay in FIFA has been tweaked(again) to make it more than ever aclone ofthe mighty ProEvolution Soccer.Your playerstend to make sensible rather than suicidalruns and the team actually responds toamid-game change in tactics. There’s evenamanagementoption builtin.And it all looks mighty fine with beautifullymodelled stadia and accurate playerlikenesses. The soundtrack isexcellent andthe presentation generally excellent, afiendishmenusystem notwithstanding.Soanyone who found acopyof FIFAlyingbeneath the Christmas tree shouldn’t feeltoo let down. More than ever the EA franchiseishot on the heels of the market leadingProEvo.Infact,ProEvoalmost handed the title toFIFA this year partly because, in some respects,thelatest version isastep backwards.The CPU opponents are either woeful orfrighteninglygood –and formseemstohaveno bearing on howtheywill perform–whilethe graphicshaven’tshownthe same attentionto detail as aFIFA game for acouple ofseasons now.And yet Pro Evo still nicks itthanks tothe sublime controls and the excellentball physics that feel (and look) justright.Next year, though, Konami will have tostep upalevel if itisn’ttobefound wanting.As for Football Manager 2007, what canyou say? It’s still the daddy of all managementsimsandthe stubbornly2-Dmatchengineremainsaworkofgenius.If youownaPC and lovefootball then beprepared toloseawhole chunk of your life tothisgame.BEST ROLEPLAYING GAMEHE difficultywhen youhaveT attained nearperfection isconsistentlymaintaining thegold standardtimeaftertime.The Legend ofZelda: Ocarinaof Time on the N64would figureinanyone’slistof atop ten all-time greatestvideo games –which makes the task offollowing it uponanew console somethingof athankless task.The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princesstakesno chances.Youwon’tfind the daringinnovation once used in Majora’s Mask orthe unusual graphical look afforded TheWind Waker.Instead, you use the Nintendo Wii’swireless controllers to battle your waythrough anotherclassicadventure.Initiallyitfeelsabitstrange using the analoguestick to control movement while theremote targets the bad guys, but the lure ofTwilight Princess is sogreat that within afewminutesitall seemstobesecond nature.Which isjust as well because graphicallythis game is nothing to boast about. In fact,it wouldn’t have looked out of place ontheNintendo Game Cube and Xbox 360 ownerswill scoff ifyou point toTwilight Princessas one of the very best games available onthe Wii.And yetNintendo hasalways knownthatgreat graphics don’t necessarily make agreatgame –and provesithereonceagain.Once more azeal game provides acompellingexcusetoupgrade toanewplatform.TBEST INNOVATIONHE wireless controllers used by theNintendo Wii are taking gaming to awhole new level.Only last week Iwas browsing at alargecomputer store and spotted afamily(mum, dad and two kids) enjoying agameof tennis on the Wii. The two kids had thecontrols but mum and dad clearly couldn’tresist having ago themselves. After acouple of rallies they were grabbing thecontrols and taking to the courts for ahusband-wife grudge match.And all this was going on within theconfines of abustling computersuperstore.I’m willing to bet that neither parentwould have dared pick up aPS2 controlleror an Xbox 360 to “just have aquick go”.The Wii has done the impossible –madeparents and non-believers understandwhat makes video games fun.GAME OFTHE YEARHERE weresomanycontenders but,in the end, the choice waseasy.GearsT of Warhasbeen along time coming.Microsoftrolled out avideo demo of thegame in progress every time it wanted toshow off whatthe Xbox360 reallywascapable of producing. Afterawhile itbegan to look as though Gears could neverliveuptothe hype.Thankfully,itdoes–and some.Thisismore than just aHalo-beaterforanewgeneration;it’sawhole newexperience.Even people who aren’tdirectlyplaying thegame cangetakickout of something sobreathtakinglybeautiful and cinematic.Thisisthe firstgame toshowuswhatthenext generation of gamesconsolesarecapable of achieving and the futureistrulybright.STINKEROF THE YEARNtheorycreating aI video gamefrom aclassicmovie should beeasy, especiallyone with asmany set piecesas Jaws.So what wentwrong? Perhapsit was theridiculousliberties taken with the storyline, or the“super powers” the fish appears to possessor the way the graphics were so bad itwasquite possible to get your shark stuck onabit of scenery with nooption but to startagain.Whatever you do, don’t go into thegames shop and buy this truly awfulconcoction.There was another late entrant for thiscategory: British Telecom for failing toreconnect my phone line after Imovedhouse before Christmas and driving mecrazy with astupid automated voiceanswering service with its patronisinganswers to pertinent questions. If that isservice, I’m aDutchman. No on-linegaming for me over the holiday seasonthen.

16 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukshoppingWOOD FOR GOOD:Furnique stocks arange of oakand pine furnitureGlenn’s treasure troveSTORE owner Glenn Carter is celebratingamajorvictory in clinchingretail park status for his FurniqueCreative Furniture business. Heopened the store onDarlington’sNeasham Road site late last year and is delightedwiththe achievement.“It’squitesomething forasmall business toget on to aretail park. Usually it is much biggerconcernswhichgettheseslots,”hesays.Glenn isdrawing on his25years of retail experiencetotakethe business forward.Hesays the Furniquerange of oakand pinefurniture ties in well with the area surroundingthe park. The storecaters forawide rangeof tastes–from flat-packstobuiltfurniture,ofwhichmorethan70 percentismade in the UK.Furnique does office, bedroom and dining,plus awide selection of mattresses and beds,suitesand chairs and accessoriessuchasmirrorsand ornaments.Glenn arrived in Darlington from Stockton,wherehehadastoreinanex-carshowroom onthe Mandale Triangle. “We conquered Stockton,”hesays,“andmade alotof friendsin thatarea.”He says trading in general isdifficult at themoment but adds: “We are holding our owneven though it’stough in thissectorrightnow.Acouple of months ago things were buoyant,but Ithink of latepeople havelost abitof confidenceregarding their spending.”Glenn says Furniquecanoffermuchthatbiggerstores can’t. If acustomer wants aspecialitem whichisnotin store,he will trytosourceitforthem.“Wegetalotof compliments from people aswe offer amore personal service than manyotherstores,”hesays.The range on offer is well set out in 5,000 sqftof spaceonone floor.Delivery usuallytakestwotothree weeks,althoughmost items are inthe warehouse andreadytogo.“In the future, Iwould love to open morestores in the North-East but it’s early days. Itwill be down to hard work and abit of luck,”says Glenn. “Wenow have regular customerscoming from asfarafield asLeedsand that’savery good sign. Our furniture ismostly UKbuiltandof the finest quality and people latchon tothat.”Offeringcreativegoodstosuitall tastesandbudgets,the Furniqueshowroom isatreasuretroveofbespokefurniture.■ Furnique isopen from 9.30am to 6pmMonday toSaturday and 10am to 4pm onSundays. The store isnext to Matalan ontheNeasham Road retail park, Darlington. Tel:01325-488999.

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200717Heat treatmentsWHEN it comes tofires and fireplaces,Colin Wood is certainlyblazing a trail at the CountyDurham Open Fire Centre. Andhe hasbyno meansfinished yet.Hehasbig plansforthe business he boughtlastJuly and is buzzing with ideas for turning thecentreintothe best in the North-East.You only have to step into the showroom toget the feel of what Colin aims toachieve withhisseeminglyboundless energyand drive. Fires,stoves,range cookers and fireplacesareall wellset out.And upstairs is aFire Desire range, whichColin describesashis‘platinumcollection’.The Open Fire Centre had been established20 years when Colin decided tobuy it. “Ihad been in the industryalongtime,working for ‘anumber of manufacturers,”he says.“Iwasfull of ideasforchanging the image of thebusiness and had gained valuableexperiencewhile workingfor others. Iknow what sellsand whatdoesn’t.”SinceColin took on the OFC,the showroom hasalreadyhadamajor facelift, introducingtouches such as solid limestoneflooring and carpets.Fire Desire brings in the designerelement. Customersclimb up to an area featuringcomfortable leatherchairs,coffeetables and ultra-modern fires inset in thewalls.Subtle worksof art aredotted around thewallsand thesecanbeboughtaspart of the firepackage.“Iwanttobring in bespokepackagesatareasonablecost, to keep the core ofthe centre butalsocaterforthosewho wantsomething thatlittlebitdifferent,”hesays.“Our range isvery varied and wescoreinthatwe dounderstand clients’ needs. When peoplecome in here we treat them as individuals, listentotheirneedsand tailor-make them apackage,”saysColin, adding that 80 per cent of hisbusiness comesfrom referrals.Colin likes tothink of the centre as “a stoveIdon’t want tobethe biggestfireplace companyin the North-East,but Ido want tobe the bestBusinessman Colin Wood isall fired up ready for thechallenges of the comingyear,he tells SHEILA WEBERshop which does fireplaces”. The centre offersan impressive range of gas, electric, LPG, oil,wood and solid fuel fires and stoves, all backedup by an installation service contracted out tospecialists.The starting priceforafireand surroundis around £900. The most expensive oneColin hasdone is£4,000.Colin, who is 38and comes from Hartlepool,served in the RAF and after that worked forBritish Gas as asales consultant, always stayingwithinthetop ten forsalesnationally.Heisnow happy tobe his own boss. Colin is also aCorgi and Hetasengineer,sonotonlycanhedesignsomething thatisvisuallystunning tolookat, but isalsotechnically correct.“It’smyaim toturnpeople’sfireplacedreamsintoreality and Iwill go toanylengths todothat,”hesays.Working with Iain Macraeas customer services manager,Colinnow designs some ofthe FireDesirerange himself.One on show is gas-fired andgranite-lined with a row ofwhite pebbles, the flamesbeing reflected atall angles.Itcomesin three sizesand looksgreatunder awall-insetTV.In 2007, there are also plansforaninglenook withalivingfire, a woodland floor andtrees area called Out of theWoods and a Home on theRange area. Colin also wantstodevelop akitchen areawithavariety of range and stovebrandssuchasAgaand Rayburn. He is also planning a newfrontage,withfloortoceiling glass,sothatpeoplecansee what’s on offerat the OFC.“I put my heart and soul into this business,”he says.“IamMr100 percent.Idon’twanttobethe biggest fireplacecompanyin the North-East,but Ido wanttobethe best.”■ Open Fire Centre, 12b, DragonvilleIndustrial Park, Durham City DH1 2XH.Tel: 0191-383-0981. www.openfirecentre.co.uk■ Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday 9.30am-5pm; Saturday9.30am-3.30pm; closed Sunday andWednesday afternoon.–Colin Wood, aboveHere at the Open Fire Centre, wecan turn your fireplace dreams intoreality. We strive to provide the bestcustomer service possible to ensurethat you can sit back and relax asyour fireplace dreams come true.Our CORGI and HETAS registeredprofessional engineers can installany of our fireplaces, cookers andstoves. So there islittle reason tolook anywhere other than the OpenFire Centre.Open Fire Centre has beenestablished for over 20 years,providing excellent service as weare dedicated to helping you findthe right stove, fireplace orfire tosuit your own individual needs.With over 100 combined yearsexperience inthe industry, you canrest assured that you are inthe righthands. Open Fire Centre hashelped thousands of customers findjust what’s right for them, no matterhow specific their needs.126 Dragonville Industrial ParkDurham City DH1 2XHTel: 0191 3830981Fax: 0191 3840416www.openfirecentre.co.uk

18 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukLOTS OF NEW &EXCITINGTILE RANGES JUST ARRIVEDEXCLUSIVE TO EUROTILES5% DISCOUNTon production of this couponWall Tilesfrom....................... £ 9 .99 sq mtrFloor Tilesf rom..................... £ 11.99 sq mtrFREE ESTIMATESTiling Serviceavailable if requiredAlsoafull range of Tiling AccessoriesUnit 2G, Drum Ind Estate,Chester-le-Street (opp Batleys)Tel (0191) 4920073Open Mon-Fri 10-5 pm Sat 10-4 pmDAILY LIVING AIDSFOR THE ELDERLYAND LESS MOBILE•Scooters•Chairs•Electric Recliners•Wheelchairs•House &Home•Kitchen &Dining•Bathing &ToiletingUnit 1B, Drum Ind EstChester-le-Street(Opp. Batleys Cash &Carry)0 01911 9 1 4 4929 2 2 2301 3 0 1Golf Lessons AvailableWhy not come and fine tune yourswing this winter with our team ofPGAprofessionals50 SIGNAL SQUADRONThe Bradford Armoury, Neasham Road,Darlington, CoDurham&TACentre, Debdon Gardens,Newcastle-upon-TyneHave fun and get paid for itContact usanytime at the above address or telephone us onDarlington 01325 356539or Newcastle 0191 265 6180YOU NEED THE TATERRITORIAL ARMYwww.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/34sigregtMIDDLETON ST GEORGEbeautyAfresh startto 2007New 2007 SeasonClothing Now In Stockinour fully stocked golf shop. We have allbrands and extensive range of hardwareWinter Golf SpecialTea, coffee &bacon roll, 18 holes, 1course meal£27.50based on 8ormore golfersWhy not come and enjoy ourfabulous 19th Hole Restaurantespecially our Sunday CarveryPlease call to book atableCarrville, Durham, DH1 1TDT.0191 386 9514F.0191 386 9519www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk✤ Muscle Relaxant for FrownLines✤ Restyland for Line andWrinkles✤ Collagen ReplacementTherapy✤ Lip Enhancement✤ Thread Vein Removal✤ Flexible AppointmentsFor aFree Confidential Consultationtel. 01325 268 27417 Victoria road, Darlington(opposite Sainsbury’s)www.facefirstcosmetics.co.uk5course meal includingchampagne &strawberry cocktailonly £50 per coupleBooking essential.First bookings drive incarriage.01325 332 327www.fightingcocksmsg.co.ukSports DevelopmentCoachwide DatabaseAnew Coach Database system has been launched by Darlington BoroughCouncil’s Sports Development Team to assist schools, clubs, communitygroups and leisure providers to access qualified sports coaches.The scheme ensures sports coaches have the necessary qualifications, areCriminal Records Bureau checked and meet the Council’s criteria forcoaching before being entered on the database.The team can also help coaches wanting to be included on the database toaccess professional development courses toenable them to be registered.Any schools, sports clubs, leisure facilities orcommunity groups looking for coaches, or coachesthemselves, wishing to be included on the database,should contact Paul Foreman, Sports DevelopmentOfficer,on (01325) 254370 or e-mail him atpaul.foreman@darlington.gov.ukNoinflated pricestogive massivediscounts.Nosalesperson,asurveyorwill call toworkyour priceout.Wearenotthecheapest but weofferhigh quality,highsecurity windows,doors andconservatoriesfrom acompanywithamanager who works with the localCrime Prevention Team .Windows &ConservatoriesFREEPHONE 0800 6522933NEW SHOWROOMNow at3aLancaster HouseLancasterRoad,HartlepoolTelephone: 01429 291622Established over 25yearsFENSARegistered CompanyBS 5713BS 7413PPCDirector member of localcrime prevention teamNow the days of gross over-indulgence have been packedaway along with the Christmas decorations, ROSAMOND HUTTdiscovers the best ways to detox body and soulFEELING alittle guilty about howyou treated your body over the festiveseason? Adetox could be theperfect way tomake amends for allthose mince pies, savoury nibblesand alcohol-fuelled gatherings.Introducing healthychangestoyour eatinghabits will help to shake off post-party bluesand boost your energylevels.But food isonlypart of the story. It’s also important torecharge your batteries by setting aside timeforgentle exerciseand relaxation.Following adetoxplanforamonthwill helpto kick start your immune system and giveyour body ahand to get rid of toxins, whileshifting thosepeskyextrapounds.Itwill alsohelp torelievestress and put youon the righttrack to good physicaland mentalhealth.The digestive system, the skin and especiallythe liver and kidneys will have beenworking overtime to process the rich Christmasfood and alcohol. Give your internal organsawell-earnedbreak–eatplenty of freshfruit, beans and veg, which are packed withnutrients and protective antioxidants, andavoid all greasy, salty, or sugary food andprocessed meals.Why not order aregular delivery of organicfruit and veg from alocal farm supplier –you’ll not only be eating well, you’ll also beshopping ethically too.Instead ofrelying on acup oftea or coffeefor a wake-up call, start the morning bysqueezing the juiceofhalf alemon intoaglassof hot water. Make sure you drink at leasteight glasses of water each day toflush outtoxins and to give your body the hydration itneeds. If you’re struggling to up your intakeof water,tryreplacing one ortwoglasseswithherbal teas.Quit smoking and cut out alcohol, caffeineand fizzydrinks,even dietversionswhicharemostlysweetened withchemicals.Don’t worry if you experience mildheadachesorfeel sluggishinthe firstweek ofyour detox.It’sanormalreaction asyour bodysluicesout the toxins.Beforeyoujoin the throngsof people burningoff excess Christmas calories at the gym,remember January is often the busiest andmost expensive time of year tosign up for orrenew amembership. Why not try your handatsome exerciseclassesratherthanpoundingawayon atreadmill? Taichi,yogaand pilatesareexcellentways tostrengthen and tone thebodywhile relaxing and destressing the mind.And if youfind ithardtosqueezeinaproperworkout, besure to fit at least some exerciseintoyourday.Give yourself time to walk to work, or getoff the bus one stop early or park your car akilometre further away and make the rest ofthe journey on foot. Escape the office atlunchtime and go forastroll around the park,and take the stairs not the lift whenever youcan.Regular skin brushing stimulates the lymphaticsystemand helpsthe expulsion of toxins.Make sure the skin is dry and use long,smooth upward strokes.Detoxing is not only agood way tocleanseyour bodyof toxins,italsooffers anopportunitytospring cleanstressesfrom your life andfocus on whatistruly important.Losing the clutter and clearing out piles ofjunk from your home and workplacewill helpto concentrate your mind and energy andallow you to prioritise tasks. Donate oldclothestocharity orsend them toarecyclingbank. Recycle old newspapers and magazinesSUPER SKIN: brushing aids circulation

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200719‘Give your internalorgans awell-earnedbreak –eat plenty offresh fruit, beans andveg, which arepacked with nutrientsand protectiveantioxidantsand take everything else to acar boot sale.You’d be surprised the difference switchingoff the television,especiallyatmealtimes,canmake to the atmosphere at home. Replace ahalf-hour TV programme withmeditation andbreathing exercises, or simply curl up with agood book.Afteraweek on the detoxplanyoushould noticeadifference inthe way you feel and look.Your energylevelswill increase,youwill sleepbetter,your skin will beclearer–and youmaybegin tolook atyour life afresh.Why not reward yourself for sticking to ahealthierlifestyle and giveyour detoxafurtherboost. There are an array of luxurious spas tochoose from, but for asoak incountry’s onlythermalwaters trythe newlyopened ThermaeBath Spa. Lie back inthe mineral-rich watersand take in the spectacular views from therooftop pool over the abbey and the honeycolouredstone housestothe hillsbeyond. Thespaalsooffers arange of calming therapiesincludingwatsu,acombination of waterand shiatsu.Don’tforgetthere’sone placeyoucanalwaysescape to for pampering that won’t break thebank. With afew simple touches you can turnyour bathroom into aslice ofparadise. Justturn onthe taps, place aromatherapy candlesaround the room, scatter dried or fresh petalsin the bath and add afew drops of rosemary,peppermint, pine orjuniper essential oils.And for apost-detox treat, splash out onsome luxe bath products such as The SanctuarySpa’sKyphi HotSugarscrub, £9.95,forbodypolishing and deep cleansing,followed upwithKyphi Nourishing BodyButter,£7.45.‘Make sure you drink atleast eight glassesof water each day toflushout toxins and give yourbody the hydration it needsHUNG-OVER HAIR"IF you've been regularly styling and loadinghair with products over the party season, itwill benefit from adetoxifying treatmentevery fortnight," says Charles Worthington."Some products cling to the hair shaft andover time will build up, causing hair tolookgreasy, dull and unhealthy,while too muchheat styling leaves ends frazzled."The celebrity stylist recommendsmassaging the scalp with adetoxingshampoo, followed by adeep conditioningtreatment togive hair that much-neededmoisture.Try Charles Worthington ResultsBalancing Act Oil-Regulating shampoo,£4.19 at Boots, Frederic Fekkai Apple CiderClearing Rinse, £13 at Space NK (020-8740- 2085 www.spacenk.com),TRESemme Vitamin CDeep Cleansingshampoo, £3.99, or Aveda Hair Detoxifier,£8.50 (0870-034-2380 www.aveda.com).NAILING ITNEXT step on the beauty detox is sorting outyour nailcare regime.Throw away bottles of old polish oroutdatedshades –according to Superdrug, Britishwomen have an average of eight bottles of nailpolish onthe go at atime.We should also take steps tomake our talonslook better than ever."Very few women haveperfect nails –childhood nail biting, lifestylefactors and air-conditioning can weaken anddehydrate nails, while smoking or using badlyformulated nail colours can stain nail beds,"says manicurist Leighton Denny.Each ofhis new treatment regimes, from £26(0845-004-2053 www.leightondenny.com),contains aserum, base coat and polishremover toaddress different problems such asdry brittle nails, soft weak nails and yellowdiscoloured nails.Apply Depend's Myrrh oil, £9, for weak nails,Sesame Oil, also £9, for flaky nails, and CuticleGel, £6, to protect and strengthen them. Allavailable at Boots.LOSEWEIGHT• Successfultried and testedmedicaltreatmentsupervised byfullyqualifieddoctors• Notanexercisemethod• Free support oncetargetweightachieved• UK’slargest medicalslimming group• Suitable formen and womenSPECIAL OFFER£52FOR 1MONTHSTREATMENT*When youbook &pay1monthinadvance. 1offerperperson. Excludescertain products.Pleasebring adwithyou.LOOK YEARSYOUNGERwithout surgery!• Smoothforeheadlines,frownlinesand crow’sfeet,methodasused byfilm and TV stars.• Smooth/fill faciallines,withRestylane and HydraFill• Lip enhancements• Treatmentforexcessiveperspiration• Treatments areformenand womenNationalSlimming &CosmeticCentres1Bondgate,Darlington. Tel:01325485200see before&afterpicson www.slimmingcentres.co.uk&www.cosmeticcentres.co.uk. Est over20yearsTHE HAIR EXPERIENCETransform your look for the New Year withREAL HAIREXTENSIONSOur exclusive January /February offer is£50 £ 5 0O OFFF FREAL HAIREXTENSIONSo nproduction of thisadvert.Offer expires 28.02.07Call 01325 381158 to make yourFree Consultation AppointmentStockists ofPRODUCTSIndulge yourself and sample the ambience ofMortimers, theHairdressing Experience ofquality and service you deserve.59 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RN☎ 01325 381158

20 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukmotoringDoing thingsdifferentlyPZ WITH PIZAZZ: the Mazda with twin rotors and back-to-front doorsMotoring correspondent IAN LAMMING enjoys atwisty winterride over tothe Lakes in Mazda’s new RX-8 PZITshould have been the worst of drives.Wet, windy and wild, winter’s worsthurled everything it could at the YorkshireDaleslandscape.Stretching before me, 80 tortuous miles ofnarrow,minor roads that led from home inNorth Yorkshire to aholiday house intheLakes.Itsimplyshouldn’thavebeen anyfunastheblackasphalt,strewnwithbranchesand thickwith mud, twisted left and right, flanked bythreatening dry stone walls.The fact it wasn’t abad drive at all musthavebeen testamenttothe quality of the testcar and my unconditional love ofthe North,whateverits mood.Mazda’sRX-8 hasalways been adriver’scarwith an ability to charm, thanks toits blendof performanceand handling.Criticsneverthoughtitwould catchonbecauseofits alternative engine –the only rotarymotor on the market –and the odd reardoor set-up, but it has and you certainly seeplenty of them on today’sroads.Three years downthe line it’stime tofreshenthe brand and while its aesthetics and dynamicshavestoodthe test,launching a“special”doesn’tgo amiss.RX-8 PZ gains bits and pieces the real enthusiastwill appreciate. Mazda has calledupon one of motorsport’s greats –Prodrive –to tweak and tune and hone and fiddle withthe top-of-the-range 231bhp RX-8.The first thing this fine and splendid companyofenthusiasts did waslowerride heightand swapsuspension components toimproveride and handling –which itdoes togreateffect.The resultiscleverratherthanmiraculousbecause the standard RX-8 is pretty good onits pins.Whatthe changesdo succeed in doingis improve ride, which isbrick-hard onthestandard model but much more forgivingand refined on the PZ.Electricpowersteering isalsosharpened,giving the RX-8 cat-like responses and theMazda has awonderful feeling of grip, poiseand balancethatdrivers will adore.The motor remains the same quirky twinrotary affair but the new exhaust makes it atad more vocal. It’s acurious and uniquemotor.Nocylinders in sightjust twobig holes,inside of which triangular rotors spin at upto9,000 revolutionsperminute.The result sounds and feels very differentto conventional engines. It has tobe workedhardtoperformasthereisn’ttoo muchinthebagbelowabout 5,000rpm. When itdoesventits spleen, it almost sounds like amotorbike.It is quick –itwill crack 60mph in just oversix seconds and has atop speed of 146mph –but there isaprice to pay at the pumps andyou shouldn’t expect tosee much more thanlowtomid-20 in the miles-per-gallon stakes.PZ also gets new painted, 18in, dark silver,ten-spoke, lightweight alloy wheels courtesyof F1aficionadosOZ, amarked-upbootspoiler,PZandProdrivelettering on the side,aerodynamicpack,twinchrome tail exhausts,lowdrag sports door mirrors and mesh grilles.Overall, the look is lean and mean but remarkablydiscreet.There are many nice touches, such as theway the rear fog light, alloy headrest insertsand gearleverknobape the triangularenginerotors.RX-8 remainsuniquewithits freestyle reardoors,whichopen the oppositewaytothe conventionalfrontdoors.Therereallyisspaceinthe backfortwopassengers too and though itdoesn’tlook it,itiscomfortable enough.The dashboard isafine example of designands the interior oozes quality –and soundsgreattoo with its upgraded Bose hi-fi.

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200721connectionsLAPPING IT UP: the recent Beatrix Potter movie has made the Lakes an international magnetWalking in awinterwonderlandWITH its snow-capped mountains, cut-glasslakes, frosted dry-stone walls, and top hotelsandrestaurants,the Lake District–usuallyflooded with tourists in the summer –is the perfect place to relax by alog fire and unwind.Alternatively,you could get togged up and brave thegreatoutdoors.Here,wesuggest some thingsyoucoulddo in the Lake Districtthiswinter.WALKHEADfor Lake Grasmere orRydalinthe centralLakeDistrict, abeautiful, sparsely-populated valley ringedwith fells and home to cosy cafes, independent shopsand easy walks around the Lake shore. Check out theLion and Lamb rock formation watching overWordsworth’svillage from the summitof nearbyHelmCrag. Alternatively,orderahotteaand feed the swansfrom the banksof the Lake atthe mysticalCelticFaeryTeaRooms.www.grasmere.comLUNCHTUCKED away off the beaten track onthe mountainroadbetween Ambleside and UllswaterisatraditionalLake District pub in avillage no bigger than astreet,called Troutbeck. Sandwiched between the Hundredsand the famous HighStreetmountain walk,the MortalMan commands agreat view across the atmosphericvalley and has been serving sustenance to all thosewho’vecalled atits doorsince1689.www.themortalman.comHOTELCUMBRIAand The Lake Districthavehundredsof tophotels, self catering cottages and contemporary B&Bsto choose from, complete with cosy fires, luxuriousroomsand views todie for.Therearefewbetterplacestowatchthe darknights descend thanfrom the picturelounge atthe SharrowBayHotel,whichhasahuge windowwhichframesLakeUllswaterin anever-changingportrait.Alternatively,headforArmathwaiteHall nearKeswick for 400-acres of deer park and woodland, fourposter beds and six-star views of the Lake District atBassenthwaitewww.sharrowbay.co.ukorwww.armathwaite-hall.comHOT AIR BALLOONSEEthe majestic, muscularlandscape likeneverbeforefrom the perspective ofthe ospreys which have madetheirnest high in the forests aboveBassenthwaiteLake.Marvel at the soaring mountains, the intricate patchworkofdry-stonewallsand glittering lakesbelow.MartinCasson, of the Bowness-based hot air balloon companyHigh Adventure will even serve up aglass ofchampagne on your gentle returntoearth.www.high-adventure.co.ukGET ACTIVEMUD,sweat,gears and beers.That’swhatLake Districtweekendsareall about forsome.Withhundredsof challengingcourses,downhilldaredevilsand winding countrylanes, whatever your bike and however wellequipped youare,there’splenty tochoosefrom. Try thenewten-mile single trackaround Grizedale Forest nearWindermere, which takes you along leaf-encrustedlanes and pine-pungent pathways. Alternatively,headfor Whinlatter Forest near Keswick for aaone-stopshopexperienceofcourses,acafe and visitor centre.www.forestry.gov.uk/forestryONE FOR THE KIDSWHETHER the kidsaretwoor20,they’ll all find somethingtoenjoyon atrip toone of the country’sforemostconservation zoos.GetcloseuptoSumatrantigers,hippos,giraffes and baboons at the South Lakes Wild AnimalParkatDalton-in-Furness.www.wildanimalpark.co.ukINDOOR ATTRACTIONIT’S wet, it’s cold, it’s winter.You want food, drink,warmthand entertainmentand youdo notwanttoventuretoofarforall four.Headforthe Rheged Centre,justoff the M6atPenrith(junction 40)withits double-deckersized movie screens showing perfect Sunday afternoonepicslikeShackleton,Vikings,the SerengetiandEverest.Therearealsoregularexhibitions,achildren’sindoorplayarea, toyshops,agallery,astylishfood barcalled Tasteand amoderncafe serving everything fromciabattastopizzas.Beforeyouleave,call in atthe foodhall to bag some smoked meats, British cheeses andgreatwine forwhen yougethome.www.rheged.com■ For more information go to www.golakes.co.uk.To book accommodation call 0845-450-1199.Being pampered at HarveyNichols and spending thenight at agreat hotel –what could be abettercombination for agirly tripto Leeds? Women’s EditorSARAH FOSTER and hersister take abreakTHE sun was out, the skywas blue, and we wereheading for the shops –could there be greater joythan this? My sister Emma, ashopaholic, and Iwere bound forLeeds. As it was years since sheand Ihad been away,and eventhen we’d been with mum anddad, Ithought anight at an hotelwas overdue. And knowingEmma’s love for clothes (as well ashandbags, coats and shoes) Ifigured Leeds would meet ourneeds.We’d booked anight at theWoodlands Hotel, outside thesprawling city centre inquietGildersome. It took just 15minutes toreach the thrivingcentral hub and what welost fromthe commute we gained fromcountryside and peace.Our stunning bolthole, withstone facade and well-keptgrounds, is one of three top-notchhotels owned by The TomahawkGroup. Comprising 17 tastefulrooms, each one unique, itwelcomed its first guests twoyears ago. Prior tothat –whichprobably explains its old-worldfeel –itwas the residence ofaman who owned alocal textilemill. Wechecked inquickly –theshops were calling –and soon ataxi was transporting us theirway.At Harvey Nichols Ihad mymake-up done while Emmawatched. My hour appointment,with aconsultant from TrishMcEvoy,had been arranged by thehotel. Though not amassivemake-up fan (my normal look isjust mascara and lip balm) Ididenjoy the consultation. Whatreally helped was that it workedwith what Iknew –and Ikept mynatural-looking face. The onlydownside came from havingsuper-sensitive skin, whichdespite assurances tothecontrary, reacted badly totheproducts.Wewent from here to meet twofriendly personal shoppers. Theirservices are free and can be usedby anyone, yet wefelt privilegedas weentered their domain –aseparate wing of Harvey Nichols.Perhaps the highlight of our stay,we got todon designer gowns –from jewel-encrusted AliceTemperley toAlexander McQueen–while sipping complimentarywine. It made our day,and whilewe didn’t buy athing, we lovedjust seeing how they looked. Atleast if one of us becomes rich, wenow know where we’ll go to shop.Afurther treat, which the hotelhad also planned, was comingback the following day forEmma’s make-up consultation.This was with Pout, ayoung andfunky product line, and she wasthrilled to have false eyelashesapplied. The make-up artist gluedWOODLANDS HOTEL: oldbuilding with amodern twiston lashes one by one, so thatinstead ofone thick line, she hadjust some at the far corner of eacheye. She loved the fresh and dewylook achieved by nudes and subtlepinks and wished the make-upcould be purchased nearer home.Of course there’s more toshopping in Leeds than HarveyNichols, and we made sure we didthe rounds of other stores. Thegiant Primark (where would webe without it?) provided bargainfashion buys and there wereplenty more around. Worn outand clutching several bags, wemade our way back to the hotel,where we had time to really takein its luxury.Wehad adjoining double roomsand both were sumptuous andsmart. My spacious suite –thelargest room in which I’ve stayed–was labelled ‘Sarsenet’; like allthe rest, aname from Woodlands’textile past. Iloved the huge fourposter bed, the brown silkcurtains and the views, but mostof all Iloved the bath –agiantairbath, to be precise. It was aroom Icould have lived in for amonth.Wedined like queens in thehotel’s contemporary restaurant –Ichose fish pie while Emmaplumped for the roast beef –andthen enjoyed ahearty breakfastthe next day.Weleft withbatteries re-charged –and onemore day tohit the shops.■ Shopping break packages atWoodlands Hotel, including afullYorkshire breakfast, chauffeurdriventransport to and fromHarvey Nichols, make-upconsultation, personal shoppingand afternoon tea atthe hotel,begin at £89 per person. For moredetails on this and otherpackages, visitwww.woodlandsleeds.co.uk orcall0113-2381488.

22 January 2007www.thenorthernecho.co.ukconnectionsPARADISE REGAINED: Mike and Lindsay chill outLINDSAY JENNINGS wonderedhow she would cope on aremote,paradise island –just her and thenew husband for seven days. Theanswer was, wonderfullyWEhavebarelybeen on the propeller-planeflight for morethan five minutes when whatappears to be dry ice beginspouring out of the air conditioningvents. The plane rocks from side toside and husband Mikeand Ifighteachothertopeerout of the tinycondensation-filled windows.Arewegoing totouchdownalive?“Theeeees is not your usual flying huh?says the Danishwomansitting in frontof us,giggling nervously.We’reflying withBerjayaAir(Bejeezus Air,as Mike will later christen it) amere 40minutesfrom Singapore enroute to Tioman Island,offthe east coast of Malaysia, describedas one of the most beautiful islands in theworld.Suddenly,asthe plane lurches dramaticallytotheright,itcomesintoview.And wow–what aview.Tioman’s pale, sandy beach canbe seen snaking in front of stunning, mountainousgreenery.We’re booked into the Bagus Place retreat,to the south ofthe island, accessible only bya20 minutespeedboatride.Yohan,the Frenchbarmanagerof the resort,meets us atthe airport.“Ow was your treep,” hesays, with alaid-back smileand hand outstretched torelieveus of our heavy suit-‘case. “Fine,”wechime.We’re about to enter aworld where stress is unheardof.As the serviceable speedboatbobs over the waves,we’regiven anindication ofwhat’s tocome in the shapeof other resorts dottedTwo mountainousrocks stand guardover abeautifulsweep of privatebeach...around the edge of the island. Tioman,said tobe the haunt of pirates in the 18th centuryand, more recently,the setting for the 1950sHollywood film South Pacific, is only 39kmlong and 12 km wide. Beyond the resorts liesvirtuallyuntouched lushjungle teeming withwildlife and beautifulwaterfalls.Finally,aswespeed around the island, wereach Bagus Place (Bagus means beautifuland good).“It looks like an episode from Lost,” saysMike.Two mountainous rocks stand guard overabeautiful sweep of private beach. In thetrees can be seen one of Bagus Place’s threespacious chalets,and in the distanceits woodenbarand restaurant.Bagus PlacewasinitiallysetupbyParisianEric Prose and his friend Yono bin Rajimanbeforetheywerejoined in the business bySurrey-bornAjay Barai. (Eric has since sold hisshare tothe fathers of Ajayand Yohan).Honeymoon heavenThe resort opened in June 2004 and tookabout two years to create with most of thebuilding materials being recycled or locallysourced. The aim wastocreateaholidaywithadifference while minimising the environmentalfootprintonthe earth. And theyhavecertainlyachieved theiraim.After awelcome drink in the bar,we headoff to our own chalet, Rock House, which, asthe title suggests, sits on rocks overlookingthe South China Sea. The view is stunningand our shoulders relax another couple ofinches.Inside, the chalet is pristine with electricceiling fansand atiled bathroom and showerpumping plentifulamounts of hotwater.Theloungeareacontainsadaybed,amini-fridgepackedwithdrinksand doors whichleadontothe verandaand thosemagnificentseaviews.Upstairs is adouble bed, with clean whitecotton sheets and amosquitonet,and averanda.Dinner,like breakfast andlunch, is served in the candlelitwooden restaurant,with the waves lappingagainst the supports.Susi, the resident chef,brings out an Indonesianstylechicken curry with coconutmilk,served withfriedpotatoes,riceand sauted vegetables.It’s absolutely delicious.For the next few nightswe munch through beef and chicken dishesand exquisite fish baked infoil on the barbecue.There is always a choice too. Lunchranges from burgers to fried rice and squid.Breakfast iscereal,scrambled eggsorbananapancakes–depending on whetherthe cheekymonkeys have pilfered them all. Iamdesperateto see the monkeys, who are just atinypart of the wonderfulwildlife here.During the day wegosnorkelling. Bagushas plenty of equipment you can borrow,allincluded in the price. Wesnorkeltothe end ofthe pier,hand in hand, feasting our eyes onroyal blue and fluorescent yellow fish; pinkcoral,and blacksea urchins.Onotherdays,Mikeheadsoff intothe junglewith Yohan for atrek to the local waterfall.On another, we hire awater taxi (160Malaysian Ringgits –about £23) to anearbyresort which has an impressive golf courseoverlooking the sea. While the boys head off■ L IN D S A Y J e n n in g s t r a v e lle d f r o m L o n d o nH e a t h r o w t o S in g a p o r e w it h S in g a p o r e A ir -lin e s . C o n t a c t w w w . s in g a p o r e a ir . c o m .T io m a n Is la n d is r e a c h e d v ia a 4 0 - m in u t ep la n e jo u r n e y f r o m S in g a p o r e o r K u a laL u m p u r . B e r ja y a A ir ( w w w . b e r ja y a - a ir . c o m )f ly r e g u la r ly t o t h e is la n d .B a g u s P la c e c o s t s f r o m £ 3 0 p e r p e r s o n , p e rn ig h t in c lu d in g a ll m e a ls , lo c a l e x c u r s io n sa n d t r a n s f e r s . F o r m o r e in f o r m a t io n lo g o n t ow w w . b a g u s p la c e . c o m .for around, Iindulge in aspot of pampering–amassage Tioman-style.No sooner have Ilaid down, than the tinymasseuseleapsontothe bed likeacat,and beginskneading and pushing out the knots inmy back with her tiny,forceful palms. Pleasure,pain, pleasure, pain. “Is the pressureokay for yoooo Maaaaaaaam?” she says. “It’sfine,”Isay,grimacing intothe bed.Afterwards, however,my back feels amazingand all the knots have gone, while Mikedeclares it one of the best places he’s everplayed golf.We head back towards the water taxi andstop off atbustling Tekek,next tothe airport.Wehavelunchatasmall,busy cafe sitting onyellow plastic chairs and drinking water outof brown and orange enamel mugs, which Ilast saw in my mum’s kitchen in1977. We’veordered chickenriceand I’m nervous.“Someone’sjust ridden amotorbikeintothekitchen,”points out Mike.Then asmall womaninher60s emerges,hergreyhairpinned back,bringing out abowlofsomething wet.“Soup,”she exclaims. “You,”she points tome.“Soup,eat.” Wedidn’tordersoup,but it’sflavoursome,if alittle watery.Then the main dishesarrive. The chickenisplump and spicy; Mike’ssquid isdeclared “delicious”.The bill for three is 20Malaysianringgits –about £2.80.Onthe wayback,Yohansits cross-legged onthe front of the boat tomake it go faster.Itcuts through the waves,bucking upand downlike arodeo ride, and we hold onto the ropes,laughing.Wespend the eveningschatting tothe amiableYohan and the only other couple on theresort,Tom and Nicola, who arealsoonhoneymoon.Inthe daytime,weparkourselvesatoppositeendsof the paradisebeach,whichisjust howwewantit.But theyarefuncompanyandthe nights areneverdull,particularlywithagame of Karam–likesnookerbut withchequers –whichweplayuntil the wee hours.One evening Yono organisesabarbecueonthe beach. Welightahuge fire,feast on bakedfish and rice and drink Yohan’s “specialpunch”,whichcertainlypacksone.Then theguitars come out.Tom, it emerges, used to play in aband.Yono isfantastictoo.They jam together,their fancy fretwork litby the flames. Tom launches into the Gunsand Roses tune Knocking on Heaven’s Doorand afeeling of complete and utter contentmentwashesovermeasIlook upatthe blacksky,pin-prickedwithdiamond-likestars.The monkeys don’t come out until the lastday.On the way tobreakfast, Ispot three ofthem,picking fleasfrom one another.Anotheroneswingsin,and theyall stareatusdefiantly.Asweeat apple pancakes and honey,ahuge monitorlizardslopesoff intothe jungle.Thisplaceismagical. The people sofriendly,thefood –all included in the price–superb.It’sthe kind of placeyoucanhearyour innervoiceforonce,the one usuallydrowned out bymodernliving.I’d been concerned that there wouldn’t beenough to do, that Iwould end up talking tomyself likeRobinson Crusoe.But in the end,it’shardtotearmyself away.

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