BEAUTY Confessions of a health spa virgin CONSUMER Pick of the ...

The Northern EchoThe lifestyle magazinefor the North-EastMARCH 2004ME AND MYWARDROBEBill GillowCONSUMERPick of thecamera phonesBEAUTYConfessions of ahealth spa virginWINA luxury pamperday for you andyour mumINTERIORS GARDENING GADGETS MOTORING FASHION

2 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukConservatory WorldLargestConservatoryVillage inNorth EastThe Fully Refurbished Show Village 2003Telephone Bishop Auckland 01388 458088Open 7 days a week!contents121619magazineis produced byTheNorthernEcho/NewsquestLtd.,a GannettCompany,Priestgate,DarlingtonDL1 1NF(01325)381313ADVERTISINGTrish Taylor(01325) 505 233trish.taylor@nne.co.ukEDITORIALJenny Needham(01325) 505082jenny.needham@nne.co.uk347810111214SHARON GRIFFITHSMy campaign to banartificial pongsINTERIORSIt’s all done bymirrorsSIX OF THE BESTPick of the cameraphonesSHOPPINGAll packed up andready to goGARDENINGHow to make cutflowers look greatDIYGeneratinga buzzARTTry before you buyat the galleryME AND MYWARDROBEBill Gillow15161718192122BEAUTYConfessions of ahealth spa virginMOTORINGGet a load of thenew MercedesSLIMMINGBurn an extra 1,000calories a dayGADGET MANWindows packageaimed at your carBEAUTYTooth whitening tomake you smileNE CONNECTIONSA taste of theLake DistrictCOFFEE TIMECrossword andpuzzles, PLUS win aday of pampering foryou and your mum atthe Academy SpaCHAMELEONMIRRORS

4 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukinteriorsIN ASSOCIATION WITHCHAMELEONMIRRORSHeart of the home: Sue and Gary Hunt in the kitchenAll done bymirrorsJO STEVENS meets a woman with a surfeit of energy,which she often throws into decorating her veryindividual homeYOU know how sometimes youmeet a person and it’s as if you’vealways known them? As soon asSue Hunt flings open the door ofher 1940s detached bungalow, wejust sort of talk. Not chat. Talk. It’s ages beforewe remind each other of the reason I’mhere and she ushers me in to have a moochabout.In the hall, I examine the ancient Singersewing machine, the military family pictures,the red jacket of a Coldstream Guard,the ceiling beams added to give characterto the area.The sitting room exudes the atmosphereand tranquillity of a bygone age. The televisionhides inside a solid oak cabinet withmarble top (Sue has a weakness for marble)and a second old sewing machine in a curtainedrecess covers the music centre.The focal point of the room is the largebrick fireplace with stout railway sleeperacting as mantelpiece and a wood burningstove for cosy winter nights. Sue goes offto put on the coffee, I make notes: Frenchbedside unit with marble top makes impromptutable, wonderful old washstandwith marble top, complete with originaltiles – holds oil lamp, original wooden floor,old sofas, rugs; it’s all of a piece, nothing❛I love nothingbetter thanrummaging around junkshops, antiquegalleries, car boot salesjars. And what is most striking is the freshairy feeling in the room. Sue tells me it’sall done by mirrors. It’s ingenious, you don’treally notice the mirrors; you just see thatbeautiful areas of the garden are reflectedin the room.Step into the kitchen and you’re in a1940s film setting. That’s not to say there’sanything stagey about it. There are no‘dummy’ items. Everything is authenticand in use, if not always as originallyintended.Mirrors are again used to full effect. Atone end there’s a solid farmhouse table andchairs, an old pine press in use for food storage,and an original Belgian clock. An ancientmangle with top pulled down makesa work surface, and a galvanised boiler withcopper lid earns its keep as storage for thewine. The shelving units are treasuretroves of memorabilia, including egg coddlersand various gadgets dating back toVictorian times.Sue is one of those lively fun characterswith a natural flair for creating a special atmosphere.Someone wants, say, a themeparty or to decorate a house or some costumeswhipping up, and she’s there, organisingeverything. I know, I’ve seen thepictures. Must make for lively times at theParkmore Hotel, Eaglescliffe, where sheworks as personnel manager.When her ‘gentle giant’ engineer husbandGary, confessed he’d always had ahankering for a ‘Wild West’ theme in thebedroom, Sue got to work. She begins a projectby creating an image in her mind andthen stomps off in search of furniture, artefacts,whatever it takes.“I love nothing better than rummaginground junk shops, antique galleries, car

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk5Memorabilia in the Wild West master bedroom. Below: a colourful stained glass window and the hallway full of items Sue has collected over the yearsboot sales, you name it. I see an item of furniture and if it’sbasically good wood and will fit in, I’ll take it home and sometimeschange its look completely.’Anyway, back to the Wild West bedroom. The huge brassbedstead situated in what was the extension (formerly anold potting shed) is resplendent with original old patchworkquilt and genuine railway carriage lamps serving for readingpurposes. There’s a gramophone with loudspeaker, anAmerican clock of the kind seen in cowboy saloons, a manualtypewriter, stout original wardrobes, a handmade lacetablecloth, and a clever idea to create space, an Edwardianfolding screen instead of a door to the ensuite shower room.Bedroom two belongs to daughter Laura, aged 22, a careworker at North Tees Hospital, and such is her confidencein her mother’s taste that when she asked for a Japanesetheme in her bedroom, she was happy to leave the rest tomum. Japanese original water colours adorn the walls andblue is the dominant colour of the room. Findings from junkshops include a free-standing swivel mirror (£5) and a wallmirror, now with black painted frame.Sue considers radiators necessary but unlovely and is inclinedto sling a throw over them, picked up for pennies hereand there. The wooden unit cost a couple of pounds from acharity shop, a 1940s lamp little more, and the floor coveringis a timeless lino.Outside the bathroom hangs an old wartime gas mask.The bathroom itself has a period feel with its original bathand Victorian wall tiles. You could spend the afternoon examiningall the old health remedies around the room.We take a quick peek into the loft bedroom where 27-yearoldson Ben, operations manager of the Parkmore Hotelsometimes kips down overnight.Before I leave, I ask Sue where all the energy comes from.She laughs.“Gary’s the one with all the energy. He actually works toput all my ideas into reality. He’s the one sawing and choppingand sanding. So you make sure my Gary gets anycredit that’s going.”Continued on page 7

6 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

8 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukshoppingIt’s inthe bagBLANCHE Barrigan may neverhave been to Antarctica butshe knows all about penguins.There’s a cruise you can go onwhere you go out onto the iceand actually meet them. They don’t payyou much heed – not being used tohumans, they don’t see you as a threat –and it’s a fantastic experience, being rightup close to these amazing creatures. Butthere’s one downside – you get absolutelycovered in pink gunk, which is actuallypenguin poo.Blanche, 59, discovered this from anelderly couple who came into her shop. Oneminute she was selling them luggage, thenext they were chatting to her excitedlyabout their forthcoming holiday. It issomething that happens often – after all,she is in the retail business and partof that means building up arapport with customers. ForBlanche, who has three grownupchildren and four grandchildren,this is more a pleasurethan a chore.“This is why it’s such alovely trade to be in. In thespring, you get peoplebuying handbags forweddings and you cansee all their niceoutfits and then theycome and show youtheir weddingphotographs,” she says.“Then customers who’ve bought theirluggage here send you postcards and comeand tell you what their holiday was like.”A born saleswoman, Blanche used toman the luggage section at Mister Minit, inQueen Street, Darlington, until the firmdecided to phase out its retail arm. On theverge of retirement, she considered givingup the career she loved, but then she sawan empty shop for sale on Tubwell Row.“I happened to say to my son ‘There’s ashop going’ and he said ‘Why don’t you goand have a look?’ I’d never been in businessbefore and my confidence wasn’t there, buthe said ‘If it falls flat on its face, it doesn’tmatter because you were going to retireanyway. If you don’t do anything, you willalways wonder what would have happenedevery time you go past it’.”Blanche took her son’s advice and isnow into her fifth year ofrunning Trippas. Sticking withwhat she knew, she initiallystocked up on the luggageshe had always sold and afew handbags for peopleher own age, but soon thehandbag side of thebusiness took off.“We seemed tohit a time whenhandbags werebecoming veryfashionable again.Before that, youngwomen weren’t

TETLEYSA167March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk9SITTING PRETTYSARAH FOSTER talks to BlancheBarrigan, the woman who doesn’tmind being known as Darlingtonnumber one ‘bag lady’window shoppingHANDCRAFTED at Hepple’sNorth-East workshop, thisHeaton chair combinestraditional materials and craftsmanshipwith fresh modernshapes and styling. The Heatonis constructed on a kiln-driedbeech frame and features awebbed base and hand-tiedsprings. The design combinessimple lines with touches ofwood, upholstered in a choice ofcontemporary natural-tonedfabrics, including suede, leather,wool and linen. The seatcushions are filled with 25 percent duck down and 75 per centleather. The chair costs £1,395plus nine metres of fabric, andthere is also a sofa, which canLIE BACK AND THINK...ODD is a new mailorder catalogue with anoriginal range of itemsfor the home. There arekitchen chairs, sofas,ottomans, lamps andbags, all upholstered ina range of fabrics whichevokes old worldEnglish charm. The OldRocker recreates thebest of the elegantgarden furniture of theEdwardian era and, likeobjects from that era, itis built to last. A choiceof canvas colours isavailable – canvaswhite, Cornish blue,garden green andsailor’s trousers red –and an overall cover,internal walls and springgaiters are optionalextras.The hand-paintedframe from which theupholstered sofa hangsbe produced in any size, whichcosts from £1,987 plus fabric.For more details call Hepple on(01434) 602260. Hepple’s rangecan be found at the ChelseaHarbour Design Centre and atthe company’s outlet in Hexham,Northumberland.is made of steel andcast iron and is simpleto assemble. Water androt resistant, it costsfrom £2,599. Odd(01993) 830674 oremailmail@oddlimited.com.Blanche in Trippas, with above, Tula leather bag, £105; Pure suede bag, £69.99, andbelow left, children’s fun backpack, £3.99Pictures: CHRIS BOOTHreally carrying handbags, they werecarrying clubbers’ purses. There are someabsolutely stunning designs now,” saysBlanche.Following the closure of Dressers in 2001,she linked up with some of its suppliers,many of whom would only deal with oneretail outlet per town. She has alsobenefited from co-operation with Binns,which sometimes sends customers her way.The advantages to coming to her shop, shesays, are its competitive prices andpersonal service.“We try to do things a little bit morecheaply than the big boys but also we canorder things for people. We try to cover awide range of prices – in handbags, we doeverything from £4.99 to £149, and we try tokeep a middle price range for luggage. Wecarry a nice quality you will have foryonks. We don’t do anything that Iwouldn’t buy but if it’s cheap and wellmade,I’ll have it,” Blanche says with aglint in her eye.As well as a plethora of handbags,rucksacks and cases, Trippas sells travelaccessories – the range includes padlocks,adaptors, waist wallets, travel trolleys andwonder towels. If travelling traditionally ismore your style, they can even get you atrunk.The shop is also great for children’sluggage. Among the new season’s stockthat Blanche is most enthusiastic about isTula’s colourful Roosac range, in whicheach item comes with a small kangaroo.Her enthusiasm as she flicks throughmagazines showing the latest must-havehandbags is evident, and she clearly lovesher job, never ceasing to be surprised bythe extent of people’s travels. “You wouldbe absolutely amazed that in this littletown of Darlington, you get people goingall over the world,” she says.But there’s one downfall to running thebusiness, the irony of which is not lost onher. “To be honest, since I opened this ourholidays have been limited to a week awayhere or there and we tend to go within easyflying distance from Teesside,” she says.“It’s very ironic, but I can’t complain.”● Trippas, Tubwell Row, Darlington (01325)243 988TOHEIGHINGTONWHINBANKROADP.W.S.INCINERATORKITCHENCREATIONDURHAM WAYSOUTH3MFACTORYHOLIWAYSGARAGEFILTRONICAYCLIFFEVILLAGEMc DONALDSSOUTH NORTHA1 A1JUNCTION59A167DARLINGTON

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk13Country House Hotel & RestaurantThis superb Jacobean country mansionoffers the very best of accommodation,cuisine and service. There are 35individual bedrooms, a restaurant open 7days a week and extensive conference,banqueting and leisure facilities. A familyrun business offering that personal touch.Recently attained English TourismCouncil Silver AwardThe Restaurant:Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, Head Chef Austen Shawand his team offer the best of English and Continental cuisineusing the finest local ingredients. The restaurant has a warm andrelaxing atmosphere with friendly and professional service. Midweeklunch £9.50 for 2 courses, Sunday lunch £16 for 3 coursesand dinner from £22 for 3 courses.Headlam Hall Golf CourseThis superb 9 hole course is due to open June 2004 and we will beoffering an exclusive number of memberships. Constructed toUSGA spec on beautiful mature pastureland complete withcovered driving range.Headlam Hall , Headlam, Darlington, DL2 3HATel: (01325) 730238 www.headlamhall.co.ukgallery. top left: one of the limited edition prints by Rolf Harris, of an aborigine friendwith another lot. We want to be sure. And we’re notlimited to just what’s in the gallery, we can get justabout anything that’s in the Washington Greencollection.”Although most of the works in the gallery arelimited edition prints, there are sculptures, glassand Kate can also arrange for some originalpaintings too.They have all sorts of customers from all sorts ofbackgrounds, from all over the country too, fromEdinburgh down to Plymouth. “In the LeyburnGallery, of course, we would have a lot of tourists orsecond home owners, but we also get peopletravelling long distances especially to visit us.“Whoever people are and whatever they want, wewant to make choosing a picture easy andenjoyable. “WENSLEYDALE GALLERIESUnit 1, Herriot Court, Leyburn Business Park (01969)623488. Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5.30pm.www.leyburn@wensleydale/gallery.fsnet.co.uk12 South Parade, Northallerton (01609) 773100.Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-6pm; Sun 11.10am-4pm.www.wensleydalegalleries@wgartpartners.com● Special events and exhibitions, plus magazine.● Home consultations● Interest free credit● Complete bespoke framing service.The gallery offers a huge variety of limitededition prints and sculptures for sale.Below left: Sky, a limited edition glass bowl byartist Lawrence Coulson, £350❛It’s all very friendlyand we don’t wantto be intimidating.We’re a different sortof art gallery

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk15NICKMORRISONstepsgingerlyinto thebeautyzone, andleaves itbuffed,manicuredand a totalconvertbeautyConfessions of ahealth spa virginTHEY don’t get many menaround these parts. At least,not many native men. Thosefrom the south who areblessed with a y chromosomeseem to have no worries about it, buttheir Northern cousins have so farproved very reluctant.For her part, Deborah Briers-Dankshas no explanation, or at least if shehas, as a South African enjoying North-East hospitality she’s too polite to sayso. But it seems to me the answer liessomewhere in that macho culture/fearof appearing feminine nonsense whichis used to cover a multitude of sins,from beating the wife to rampant nasalhair.Whatever it is, they don’t know whatthey’re missing. Spending a day beingpampered – at least at the hands ofsomeone as experienced and skilled asDeborah – isn’t half bad, even thoughit’s not quite as much fun as you canhave with your clothes off.But, enlightened though I like tothink I am, I confess to feeling a littlenervous when I arrived at GisboroughHall’s spa, The Revival Zone. Amassage sounds great in theory, butwhen you’re a health spa virgin andyou’ve got a towelling robe in one handand your macho credentials in theother, it suddenly becomes lessappealing and more daunting.But I needn’t have worried. From themoment Deborah told me to undress, Ientered a zone of complete relaxationand tranquillity. On the basis that ifyou’re going to do it, you might as wellget into the spirit of it, it seemed onlyfair to lie back and let her get on withit. Modesty preserved at all times, ofcourse.She started with a back and scalpmassage. Not for Deborah thedislocating limbs technique so belovedof James Bond, instead this was awonderfully soothing and soporifickneading of muscles and joints. I havealways had an aversion to peopletouching my head, in case theydislodge the remaining hairs, but bythe time Deborah got there I was toochilled out to care, and abandoned myfollicles to her mercy.She did, however, report that myshoulders were quite free of knots. Thismay sound like a good thing, but all itdoes is belie my efforts to persuade myboss that the stress of my job is takinga terrible toll on my body.When my limbs had been gentlycoaxed into the consistency ofblancmange, it was time for a saunabefore lunch. A sauna before lunch – Ilike the sound of that. Maybe theseScandinavians are onto something.After lunch, it was time for my facial.I have no idea what Deborah wasrubbing into my skin, but it sure feltgood. Various ointments and gels later,complete with gentle massage, my facewas left feeling unexpectedly perky,albeit in a wet kind of way. When I sayit felt a little oily, it doesn’t sound likethe sort of thing you would want to payfor, but this was clean oil, the sort youdon’t want to wash off. I didn’t evenobject when she plucked hairs from thepoint of my nose (this does not countas nasal hair, by the way).Finally, I had my nails done. Even asa new convert to health spas, I blanchat this part. However you say it, it doessound very girly. After a quick pressing● A back massageat The RevivalZone atGisborough Hallcosts £17.50; afacial is £35 andmanicures startfrom £18. To book,or for othertreatments andprices, call (01287)611510Deborah Briers-Danks letting herhands do the talkingon a male guest inthe Revival Zoneof my cuticles, which is far less painfulthan it sounds, Deborah buffed andpolished my nails, coating them in aclear varnish that I was still showingoff days later. She said I had lovelynails, something I was also showing offabout days later, so they didn’t feelmuch different afterwards, althoughthey did look nice and shiny. Did Imention that?By this time, I was well and truly intothe idea of being scrubbed andpolished, so it was something of ashock to be turfed out into the grimy,dirty world. The temptation was to runback inside – surely there was somepart of my body in need of urgentattention? – but sadly the robe had togo. If only these macho men knew whatthey were missing.❛From the momentDeborah told me toundress, I entered a zoneof complete relaxation andtranquillity... it seemedonly fair to lie back and lether get on with itDiary of a hair andmake-up artistALLISON McKAYTHIS month hasbeen a mixtureof work, fromcreating a naturalvibrant and healthylook (on a naturallyvibrant model) for aphotographic imageto promote DanoneYoghurt, to creating 30 images on howWD40 can be of use around the home.The very useful Handy Andy Kane wasour model for this shoot and I have tosay he was a real pleasure to work withas well as having a lovely complexion.Apparently, 100 uses have been foundfor WD40. The mind boggles…I have also been working on a coupleof events as a production co-ordinator,one a fashion show, the other acomplementary health fair at theJames Cook Hospital to raise funds fornew equipment for the hospital radiostation, Southside.I had many interesting finds thatday, one being Virgin Vie products, andhave since become a big fan of theircreamy, shimmery eyeshadows inpastel colours – so this season!. Easy toapply, they can also be worn under apowder eyeshadow. A favourite shadeis Safari Sheen, £7.50. The powdereyeshadows are extremely fine and assoft as cashmere, so they blend verywell and do not crease. There’s a goodrange of colours for £6.50. I am alwayson the look-out for good foundationsand The Perfect Balance Foundation,£14, glides over the skin to give aflawless complexion with a demi mattfinish.❛100 uses have beenfound for WD40. Themind boggles…What was more apparent at thehealth and holistic fair was that isstressed the importance of a healthyglow coming from within. Two things Icame away with to try were a bottle ofTahiti Noni Juice, and a tub ofcollagen tablets. Sadly, my bag was toosmall for the aromatherapist andreflexologist and the many otherwonder products and specialists there.The Tahiti Noni Juice claims to helpin a wide variety of conditions, as wellas slowing ageing and increasing bodyenergy. Its prime ingredient comesfrom the pineapple plant and has beenused in French Polynesia for morethan 2,000 years.The collagen tablets claim not onlyto help retain the youthfulness andplumpness of skin, but testamentsclaim they can dramatically help inarthritic and joint pain. Although Idon’t particularly suffer from arthritisor a lack of energy, after just one weekof trying these products I do have anincreased feeling of well-being.● Virgin Vie: Nod Mason (01740) 630478; Tahiti Noni Juice: Ian Stanley(01723) 584 742; Collagen Tablets:Wendy Tucker (07810) 010 479TOP TIP: When applying a foundationuse a medium-sized flat brush andpaint the foundation onto the skin.That way, you can get into all thenooks and crannies without messingup your fingers, also saving onwastage.

16 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukThe E-Class Estatefrom £27,380.Space everywhere,except in your wallet.motoringMercedes’ new estate: a blend of ultra-modern with traditionalGet a load of this!With the Easy-Pack intelligent loading system † , the E-Class Estatemakes the best use of its 1910 litre load space. There are extra storagesolutions behind the rear seats, in the boot and even under the floor.If only finding spaces could be this easy when you’re trying to park.Car shown is the E200K Avantgarde Estate at £29,980. For moredetails, or to book a test drive, call us today.Rycroft StocktonConcorde Way, Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3RBTel: 01642 677 877 Fax: 01642 675 800www.rycroft.co.ukOFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES (MPG/LITRES PER 100KM) FOR E-CLASS ESTATE RANGE: URBAN 17.7-29.4/9.6-16.0, EXTRA URBAN 34.0-53.3/5.3-8.3,COMBINED 25.5-40.9/6.9-11.1. CO2 EMISSIONS 183-266 G/KM.† AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION FROM £60. ON THE ROAD PRICE OF MODEL SHOWN INC. DELIVERY, NUMBER PLATES, FIRSTREGISTRATION FEE AND A FULL TANK OF FUEL.Mercedes E270 CDi EstateTHE chainsaw cuts through thewood like a hot knife throughbutter and log after log flies intothe trailer. Very quickly, the unit ispiled high with winter fuel for the openfire. The only problem is, will it fit in thecar?Now, had it been the old E ClassMercedes, I would have thought noproblem. The car looked gargantuan andwas certainly one of the biggest estateson the road. If I remember correctly, theboast from the marketing people was thatyou could slide a double wardrobe intothe back. But this is the latest model, amuch leaner and meaner looking vehicle,shorter and shapelier, more stylish, butwould it be so accommodating?As the wood is stacked in the back, theload area is certainly a good shape withno intrusion from suspension turrets toget in the way. As the trailer empties, theboot fills and before long the whole loadis transferred into the back. The new EClass Estate may look smaller, but itisn’t. Incredibly, it is larger still; 11mmlonger, 10mm wider and the cavernousboot will hold an extra 50 litres, 650 intotal, with the back seats still in place.When the load bay is empty, there is theoption of pop-up rear facing seats whichmeans the Merc can also carry seven incomplete comfort.That much wood could have upset thecar’s handling, of course. But the E Classshrugs off the extra weight thanks toautomatic self-levelling pneumaticsuspension. A button on the centreconsole can also alter the ride fromsuper-comfy softness to mega-taut sportshandling, an excellent feature. You canalso raise the ride height for venturingthrough floods or mild forays off theroad.Given that the Estate is designed to bea load carrier, whether that is logs orpeople, it is amazingly rewarding todrive.The E Class chassis has alwaysperformed better than it ought to. Iremember driving the full range of firebreathingAMG Mercedes and wasshocked to discover that the best by farwas the E55 AMG. The E just feels right;beautifully balanced, taut and together.The Estate drives like a sports car andbeing behind the wheel is pureenjoyment.The engine, on this occasion a 177bhp,five cylinder 2.7 litre turbo diesel, adds tothe experience. It’s hard to believe that adiesel can sound, feel and perform sowell. Five cylinders gives it a wonderfuloff-beat note. It pulls like a pit pony fromway down the rev range and offers reallifeperformance, making the E a superbcross country drive.In the safety stakes, few cars even comeclose. Under the sleek new body lies anarray of electronic gizmos to keep the carunder control and stop it skidding. Thebrakes are the first on the market to be“fly-by-wire”, using aircraft technologyto dispense with old-fashioned cables.The result is much shorter brakingdistances, particularly in the wet. Thelights, too, are 21st century and actuallyshine around the corners – don’t ask mehow – just enjoy the night vision theyprovide.The interior blends ultra modern withtraditional Mercedes and is stylish,spacious, comfortable and practical.All this comes at a price, of course, butthe E270CDI Estate appears to weigh inat an affordable £32,045, a reasonableprice tag for the class of car – until yourealise that a lot of the features aren’tstandard and the final bill in thisspecification is £41,460.That said, there is nothing to fault inMercedes’ biggest estate, and in a marketplace full of worthy competitors, itshould help potential buyers see thewood from the trees.Ian Lamming❛Under the sleek newbody lies an array ofelectronic gizmos to keepthe car under control andstop it skiddingA load carrier... of people and logs

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk17Burn an extra1,000calories a dayslimmingLife’s full of calorie-burning opportunities. Here are five easy plans to zap 1,000....ENJOY THE OUTDOORS70 calories: Start your day with tenminutes of t’ai chi. Not only will it helpto tone you up, but it will also de-stressyou and help you to focus on the dayahead.180 calories: Spend 30 minutestidying up your garden, mowing thelawn and pulling up the weeds.120 calories: Spend ten minutesskipping in your garden.188 calories: Go for a leisurely 15-minute after dinner bicycle ride.30 calories: Play ten minutes ofcroquet out in the back garden.422 calories: Take a hike into thecountry for a picnic. Allow yourself anhour for the round trip.Total: 1,010 calories.GET UP AND GO79 calories: Put on your favourite CD anddance around the room for 15 minutes.140 calories: Walk up the stairs as many timesas possible each day. Just 15 minutes will reaprewards.246 calories: At work, deliver messages tocolleagues in person rather than emailing. Youcould tot up a couple of miles walking a day!315 calories: Partner up with a friend and goto a 45-minute aerobic class after work or atlunchtime.240 calories: Sortthrough yourclothesfor anhour –and give away anyyou haven’t wornfor a year.Total: 1,021calories.HOUSEWORK246 calories:Spring clean yourkitchen and don’tspare the elbowgrease. After anhour your body willhave benefited asmuch as the floor.167 calories: Giveyour grubby windows a half-hour cleaningoverhaul.422 calories: Spend an hour rearranging yourbedroom furniture. According to the principles offeng shui it will boost your energy levels as well.360 calories: Spend an hour washing, waxingand vacuuming every inch of your car, from thehubcaps to the roofWant to burn 60 calories: Half an hourwashing up will do the trick.Total: 1,195 calories.SPEND AN HOUR...300 calories: Massage out the knots in yourpartner’s back and shoulders.110 calories: Turn off the computer and handwritea letter to an old friend.240 calories: Sort out the clutter in the garageand decide what goes to charity.360 calories: Do a bit of decorating – give yourspare room a lick of fresh paint.Total: 1,010 calories.More tips fromthe Ultimate DietBook (SlimmingMagazine/Haynes, £16.99),a fantasticcompilation ofadvice and reallife slimmers’talesFAMILY TIME123 calories: Walk the dogaround the block for 30minutes.140 calories: Play anenergetic game of catch orfrisbee with the kids for 30minutes.360 calories: Hit the ice rinkwith your family and do aTorvill and Dean for 40minutes. Don’t expect toimpress the kids...60 calories: Paddle arounda lake at a leisurely pace forten minutes.156 calories: Spend anhour cooking up one of yourfamous Sunday roasts withall the trimmings (low calorie,low fat versions, of course).240 calories: Hit thesupermarket for your weeklyfamily shop – it should takeabout an hour. Rememberto write your shopping listbefore you go – that wayyou’ll only come home withwhat you need, not lots oftempting extras.Total: 1,079 calories.LIFE COACHSPRING: NEW BEGINNINGSIT’S time for declutteringyour life. Tossing out stuffyou’ve had for years thatyou know you’ll never usebut seem to hang ontoanyway. Why is that? Itgets in the way. We keepsaying we’ll get rid of it butnever seem to do it. Thesecret to real spring-cleaning is to start withyour mind. What rubbish do you carryaround in your head every day? Negativethinking is destructive – as we think, we are,so beware! What negative beliefs do youhold about yourself and the world aroundyou? Take some time, write them down andask yourself honestly, are you really doingyourself any favours hanging onto theseattitudes? A master of positive thinking,Norman Vincent Peal, said: “Change yourthoughts and you change your world.” Sodeclutter your mind, then you’ll declutteryour home. If you need any help with this,you know where to reach me. Alternativelyhire a skip!● Juliette is available atwww.sunflowercoaching.com or on 07740416891

18 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukQuality Local Bus Servicesin North Yorkshire, Teesside & Durham0870 608 2 608All Calls at National Rate. Open daily 7am to 9pmFREE LOCAL DELIVERYThe George Hotel at PiercebridgeTel: 01325 374576The Mad March Hare BallS ATURDAY , M ARCH 13Top Comics Rudi West & Lynnie LarkinAn Evening of Fun and MadnessFancy Dress - Disco • Hot & Cold BuffetTickets only £25 per person or £110 per couple with overnight accommodation‘Mama Mia’S ATURDAY , M ARCH 27‘Best Abba Tribute Band’ in the world70’s NightHot & Cold BuffetFancy Dress (optional)£25 per person or £110 per couple with overnightaccommodationFACTORYDIRECTBEDS & PINESAVE POUNDS -BUY DIRECT FROMTHE FACTORYQuality Pine Beds,Furniture & MattressesUnit 5, First Avenue, Drum Ind. Est.Chester-le-Street, Tel: 0191 4109994Branches also at Washington, Tel: 0191 4175277Low Fell, Gateshead, Tel: 0191 4871414Chester-le-Street Store - Open: Mon-Thurs 9-5;Fri 9-4 Sat 10-4; Closed SundayWashington Store - Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30;Sat 10-4.30 Sun 11-4WeddingExhibitionSUNDAY, APRIL 411am - 4pm● Don’t missBurton’s Bytes– gamereviews in TheNorthern Echoevery Fridaygadget manThe versionof Windowsaimed atcontrollingyour carPOWER TOOLSSaws to Cut Timber, Steel andConcrete,HedgecuttersStrimmers and Brushcutters,Blowers, Power Washers, Vacsand Chipper ShreddersPower Equipment SpecialistsSouthend Works, Byers GreenSpennymoorCo. Durham DL16 7NL01388 662266Old Mill FurnitureEvery piece we make is hand built from start tofinish by an individual craftsman, from selecting thewood right through to final finishing, no two piecesare ever exactly the same. We have a wide rangeof woods and styles to choose from or we canmake that special piece you have not been able tofind elsewhere. Why not visit or contact us.Old Mill Furniture, Balk, Thirsk. YO7 2AHTel: 01845 597227 www.theoldmill.co.ukWe are 3 miles SE of Thirsk, towards Kilburn .If you want to spice up your card makingthen visit a Scrapbook ShopWe stock a huge range of patterned papers, punches,die cut equipment, Sizzix and Quickutz, rubber stampsby Hero Arts, the Woodware Collection, peel offs byFrancoise Read, Shapeboss by FiskarsCome and try the tools or join a class for furtherinstructionsClasses run on alternate Saturdays startingagain 6th MarchINTRODUCTION TO SCRAPBOOKING CLASSINTRODUCTION TO RUBBER STAMPINGTIPS & TECHNIQUES CLASS10% Off your shopping on the dayyou attend a classContact Scrapbook Shop for details and to book6 Beech RoadFramwellgate Moor(just past the Fire Station,next to Blockbuster Video)Tel. 0191 3757515www.scrapbookshop.co.ukIs choosing a new bed keepingyou awake?Why not visit our new ShowroomNOW OPEN in Consett?CALL TODAYfor the bed of your dreamsCHESTER-LE-STREET OPEN 7 DAYSFor every type of bed you need:Children’s Beds, Pine Beds, Metal Beds totop of the range Pocket Sprung DivansOnly thefinestqualityBedsandPineFurnitureatTRADEPRICESExclusive to J&A’s - have your favourite footballname engraved on to a pine headboardJ&A’s Beds & FurnitureUnit 3B, Drum Industrial Estate,Birtley, Chester-le-Street(0191) 411141513 Medomsley Road, Consett(01207) 588008FREE LOCAL DELIVERYC.O.D. AVAILABLECONSIDER this: the little blackbox that makes your car startevery morning and tunes theradio to the correct channel asyou drive packs more computing powerthan NASA used to put a man on themoon. That’s progress.Until recently, though, cars have reliedon pretty old-fashioned technology.Electronic ignition didn’t becomestandard until the early nineties, electricwindows and anti-lock brakes a few yearslater.It’s the same deal with in-carentertainment. Nowadays most motorscome with a CD player but a few yearsago they were an expensive luxury.Advances in multiplex wiring thatreplaces the traditional harness with anelectronic nervous system running thelength of the chassis have made theaddition of electronics relativelystraightforward.So what’s the next step?Unsurprisingly, car manufacturers arenow queuing up to offer today’s buyersmore gadgets and goodies than everbefore. And even less of a surprise is thatMicrosoft is bidding to be at the centre ofmoves to make our cars moreentertaining.The company is serious, too. It alreadyhas a version of Windows – WindowsAutomotive – designed for fitting intocars and won’t be happy until a copy isfitted in every motor churned out byevery manufacturer. That’s a pretty loftyambition.But why would anyone want a versionof Windows controlling their car? Afterall, if you get a blue screen on your PC,you press re-boot and all is well. If yourcar does the same thing at 70mph on abusy motorway it would bring a wholenew meaning to the PC term “crash”.That’s a cheap jibe but one Microsoft isworking hard to overcome.Windows Automotive is an embeddedsystem that means it is tried and testedover thousands of hours not to crash. Infact, it has already been used on a carsold in the UK.French manufacturer Citroenexperimented with an early version a fewyears ago. Although only a few such carswere sold, drivers who bought themappreciated the way they could link theircar with a PDA and download e-mails etc.Heck, passengers could even surf the netto while away the hours of a tediouscommute.Things have moved on since then.The latest Windows for cars featuresfull-blown speech recognition that allowsthe driver to take full command of his carjust by speaking to it. Even spookier, thesoftware is designed to recognise whenyou are spending too much time fiddlingwhen you should be driving. Shades ofKIT, the super-intelligent PontiacFirebird driven by Michael Knight inKnightrider.For the future Microsoft is working ona plan to connect a car’s black box to theInternet.In theory, such a vehicle would monitorcritical systems, identify when a servicewas needed, connect to the net, locate agarage, book an appointment and sendyou an e-mail to let you know when toshow up. Heck, even KIT didn’t knowwhen he needed an oil change.But not everyone thinks this kind ofthing is a good idea.In America the authorities are taking atough line on in-car gadgets that mayprove distracting. Even driver aids suchas satellite navigation are coming in forcriticism.If Microsoft can find a way of keepingus entertained while making certain weremain alert to the dangers of driving itwill have the car of the future cracked.Until then, I think I’ll stick with myhumble in-car CD player.❛Microsoft is biddingto be at the centreof moves to make ourcars more entertaining

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk19beautyJENNYNEEDHAMtries a newform oftoothwhiteningservice in anew style ofdentist’ssurgery...and comesout smilingHaving myteethwhitenedwith RobbieWilliamsThe whitestuff: SimonAndrewsstarts theBriteSmiletreatmentIn Spa whitening: £475 (it costs £225 more in London)At home whitening: from £249.Other cosmetic treatments available: tooth-coloured fillings, veneers,ceramic crowns, bridge work, porcelain inlays, aesthetic polishing forstain removal and a full range of gum and fresh breath treatment.HE was there every step of theway, keeping me company,singing, dancing and occasionally,bad boy, swearing. And itcertainly took my mind offthings…I had gone to the Smile Spa in the designermegastore Psyche in Middlesbrough to havemy teeth whitened, and to take my focus offwhat is a jaw-aching rather than painfulprocedure, dentist’s nurse Claire offered mea menu of DVDs. There was Only Fools,Friends, Ally McBeal, and others, but Iopted for Robbie crooning at the AlbertHall. The DVD goggles were put on, the earpiecesplugged in, and the hour it took tocomplete the procedure drifted by on a waveof old swing melodies.The whitening procedure is known asBriteSmile, a light-activated process usingstate-of-the-art technology. It has beenbrought to Middlesbrough by Simon Andrews,who has more than 20 years experienceas a dental practitioner, and his wifeSusan, who hails from Hartlepool and isalso a dentist.“We were on Fifth Avenue in New Yorktwo years ago when we looked into a salon.There were six chairs in a row, just like atthe hairdressers except that they were allhaving their teeth whitened,” says Simon.“We thought it was a brilliant concept.”When the couple returned home they researchedthe process thoroughly and discoveredit had been a huge success story.The primary ingredient in the whiteninggel is hydrogen peroxide which has beensafely used in teeth whitening for more than100 years, and safety studies in the Statesfound conclusively that the treatment resultedin no structural change in teeth, noadverse impact on fillings, and no softeningin tooth enamel.Virtually everyone wanting to brightentheir teeth can benefit from the BriteSmileprocedure, including those with severe food,coffee, tobacco or tetracycline (antibiotic)stains. It has also been successful at removingstains from caps, veneers or bondedteeth.Since the Smile Spa opened in Middlesbrough,only the second in-store spa in thecountry, they’ve done more than 200 proceduresand had no problems. The satisfactionsurveys Simon and Susan hand out toclients after treatment have had no negativecomments.“We’re treating everyone from famousfootballers to the electrician down the road.One of the most satisfying results has beenthe number of partners and friends ofclients who have booked in because they’vebeen so impressed with the results,” saysSimon, a huge fan of the BriteSmile treatment.“Laser causes greater sensitivity anddoesn’t give as good results. In my opinion,the second best results come from the athome procedure and laser comes a poorthird.”First my teeth are graded against abrightness chart. Then a mouth guard andtongue protector and some padding areplaced around the teeth and gums. Thismakes you feel a bit claustrophic and hasthe added downside of making you look alittle like Hannibal Lecter, but as soon asthe DVD goggles are on, you can forget whatyou look like while Simon paints on gumprotector and then combines a whiteninggel with the breakthrough new “blue light”.After 20 minutes, more gel is added and theprocedure is repeated twice more. It is prettypainless, though the jaw does begin toache somewhat on the third run.Once the hour is up, the goggles are(sadly) removed, the gum protection andother contraptions are removed, and you geta welcome mouthwash to rinse away thefoul taste left behind. A quick grin into themirror reveals that my teeth are noticeablywhiter and when Simon measures themagainst the chart, they are seven shadesbrighter than they were 60 minutes ago. I’mimpressed.Simon warns me to stick to a white dietand stay away from coloured foods like redwine for 24 hours. My teeth do ache for a dayafter the treatment but a painkiller works atreat.A couple of days later I’m still grinninginanely at family and friends. A couple ofthem have mentioned my teeth, others justwonder why I’m grinning inanely. I love mynew white teeth and would like to thankSimon for making my day. And Robbie, ofcourse, just for being there…● The Smile Spa, The Psyche Building, 175-183 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 4AG.(01642) 707272. Email: info@thesmilesspa.co.uk. Web site: www.thesmilespa.co.ukMcDonald’sBLACK &DECKERTHINFORDROUNDABOUT

20 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk21connectionsPLACES WITHIN EASY REACHOF THE NORTH-EASTFill your boots, butnot with buttiesThe Lake District has long been known for hikers’ hearty fare, but thedawn of the 21st century has seen an explosion of foodie experiencesin the area. JILL NEILL tucks inGETTING all dressed up in theLake District feels odd. As aseasoned backpacker whoseevenings in Cumbria tend toconsist of pasta from a YouthHostel plate and wondering if the boots willbe dry by morning, it’s a little strange to stepout minus the woolly socks.But while hiking, biking and boats are thetraditional attractions of England’s mostnorth-westerly county, Cumbria is alsorapidly becoming a foodie’s paradise.Of course, the Lake District’s ability toprovide cheap, filling fare is legendary – foryears, countless fell walkers have refuelledwith a hefty bowl of goulash at the Dog andGun in Keswick. And gourmet dining has notbeen completely alien to the area since TVchef John Tovey opened the Miller Howerestaurant on Windermere’s shore in the early1970s.Boosted no doubt by the media’s obsessionwith food as the new sex, there’s been anexplosion of food experiences in the area, anda low-season weekend break is an ideal way tosample what’s on offer.Getting to the Lakes from the North-East isa doddle – hit the A66 or the A69 straight fromwork on Friday night and you can be gazingon Skiddaw or Scafell by dinner time.Those who prefer a more leisurely start tothe weekend could do worse than stop over atTemple Sowerby House Hotel, right by theA66, about four miles this side of Penrith.Owners Paul and Julie Evans are naturalhosts; an overnight stay feels more likevisiting friends… well, for anyone whosefriends happen to own an 18th centurymansion.The twin lounges are a haven of invitingsofas, log fires and back copies of CountryLife. But the real treat is the fabulous a lacarte dinner menu, changed monthly by headchef Ashley Whittaker and featuring seasonalingredients, including fruit, vegetables andherbs from the hotel’s walled garden. It’straditional and filling and you could cut thepoached fillet of beef with a spoon.At the other end of the Lake District – andthe other end of the dining experience – is thedelightfully pretentious L’Enclume atCartmel village, south of Windermere. ChefproprietorSimon Rogan definitely has his eyeon a Michelin rating and, if they’re given foroff-the-wall wittiness, he’s a dead cert.Promotional bumph promises an “innovativedining experience” but “weird” might be amore appropriate description.The Taste and Texture menu – there’s achoice of eight, 12 or 18 courses – has to besampled to be believed, if the budget can runto between £50 and £95 for a meal which, quitefrankly, could see anyone with a robustappetite calling for a bag of chips on the wayhome.The quality of the fare is indisputable; it’sthe amount that leaves you reeling – tiny shotglasses of pea puree, two French fries with adoddle of posh ketchup, a teaspoonful of,admittedly delicious, duck confit and tinyslices of local lamb with “curry leafemulsion”.The finale is the most fantastic, butminiscule, hot chocolate mousse witheucalyptus foam – whatever that is – and,believe it or not, smoked paprika ice cream.Waitresses armed with plastic syringes full ofhot chocolate sauce administer the finaltongue-in-cheek touch when they inject eachpud at the table. L’Enclume may not be theplace to head if you’ve just returned,ravenous, from the fells. But if you’redesperate to impress, and you want to provethat designer dining is not confined to thecities, book a table. The fact the place was fullon a freezing Saturday night in mid-Januarywould seem to suggest Mr Rogan is doingsomething right.The Miller Howe is a must for anyone intenton a real food fest. Founded in 1971, it nowbelongs to former international newspapereditor Charles Garside, although John Toveycontinues at the hotel as a consultant. Theservice and menu are first class, as is thestunning view from the dining room acrosslake Windermere to Langdale Pikes. Sundaylunch is surprisingly reasonable – £20 plusVAT – but there’s a waiting list for tables, sobook weeks in advance if you can.Again, fine wines abound, but anyonepreferring beer would be well advised to headnorth again and call at the Queen’s Head Innin the village of Tirril, near Penrith. The early18th century hostelry boasts its own microbrewery, producing six beers, four of whichare on tap at any one time. The atmosphere inthe beamed bar is hard to beat, boosted by oneof the largest log fires you’re ever likely tosee. There’s a good choice of hefty meals, too,including a melt-in-the-mouth beef and alepie.Cumbria also excels when it comes tomoveable feasts, ideal if the lure of the hillsproves so strong that you need to pack upyour lunch. Those craving a change fromcheese and pickle in their sandwiches couldseek out some of the smoked meats fromPeter Gott’s Sillfield Farm, near Kendal.Peter’s wild boar and Tamworth,Saddleback and Middle White rare breed pigsproduce joints, chops, bacon and sausageswhich have impressed the likes of TV chefsJamie Oliver, Rick Stein (who featured him onhis BBC2 Food Heroes series) and ClarissaDickson-Wright, who claimed his wild boarprosciutto was one of the “20 things you musteat before you die”.Grasmere Gingerbread is another localdelicacy which deserves room in the rucksack.Baked daily in a tiny shop – which served asthe village school between 1630 and 1854 – for150 years, its production is surrounded bysecrecy.Get Gerald Wilson, the current owner’sfather, talking about the business and you’lllearn that the “Sarah Nelson” recipe –reputed to be worth £1m – is sealed in a bankvault and known only to his daughter, son-in-Clockwise from above: Little SalkeldWatermill; Temple Sowerby HouseHotel; the Queen’s Head Innlaw and himself. He’s even reluctant to letvisitors know how many slabs ofgingerbread are baked every week, or howmuch the business is now worth. It’s allvery hush-hush.Mr Wilson is proud of the fact thebusiness, which this year marks its 150thanniversary, has belonged to just fourowners since Sarah Nelson began bakingthe treat. The shop was the Les Routiers2002 North-West food shop of the year.Another 2002 Les Routiers winner wasLittle Salkeld Watermill, near Penrith,FACTFILETemple Sowerby House Hotel, tel 01768361578, www.temple-sowerby.comL’Enclume, tel 015395 36362,www.lenclume.co.ukMiller Howe, tel 015394 42536,www.millerhowe.comQueen’s Head Inn, tel 01768 863219,www.queensheadinn.co.ukSillfield Farm, www.sillfield.co.ukGrasmere Gingerbread, tel 015394 35428,www,grasmeregingerbread.co.ukLittle Salkeld Watermill,www.organicmill.co.ukCumbria and Lake District Food and DrinkFestival, www.cumbriafoodfestival.netGourmet tours of Cumbria, hosted by foodexpert Annette Gibbons, tel 01900881356, www.cumbriaonaplate.co.ukwhich scooped the café of the year title.Run by the delightfully enthusiastic DaveHarris-Jones and his wife, the 18th centurymill is one of the only water-powered cornmills in the country. A tour provesfascinating and the flours produced – andsold in the gift shop – entice even the mostkitchen-shy to have a go at making bread.Of course, a weekend allows only a tasterof the food on offer in Cumbria. To find outmore, visit the Cumbria and Lake DistrictFood and Drink Festival, running from May1 to 9.

22 March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.ukpuzzlesFind a word that can follow the word on the left andprecede the word on the right. When you have filled in allthe answers, the name of a celebrity can be read from topto bottom in one of the lines.?Namethestarpicturedon theleftANSWERSCelebrity wordmatch: Straw, sports, rubber,cheese, serial, star, fiddle, clever, runner, light,barrow, ground and the celebrity is Robert DeNiro.Clebrity stare: Jenny BondWORD wiseThe word may soundfamiliar, but do youknow what it means?ABCPREVARICATEEvade the truthForestallAnticipateANSWER?IMPOSSIPUZZLEA: Evade the truthA blue cap and a white cap coststwice as much as a red cap and agreen cap, but only a pound morethan a blue cap and a red cap. Ifa white cap and a green capcomes to £7.49, how muchwould it cost to buy one cap ofeach colour?SOLUTION£19.47 for four caps.competitionWIN a day of pampering foryou and your mumITUATED in the beautiful NorthYorkshire spa town of Harrogate, theSmulti-award winning Academy Spawas created to provide the finest spafacilities in superb surroundings backed byskilled and dedicated staff. It has anoutstanding reputation for excellence andits qualified therapists ensure that each andevery client has a wonderful experiencewhatever their requirements. Slate floors,natural timbers, Zen pictures, aromatherapyoils and gentle new age music all combineto create an inspiring and peacefulsanctuary which is home to an extensivehealth and beauty suite.The Academy Spa has teamed up withThe Northern Echo to offer one reader andtheir mum a day of pampering to celebrateMother’s Day. The Academy Spa Pure IndulgenceDay (worth £195) includes:Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and MilkRitual Wrap – a traditional Balinese bodypolish with coconut, mungbean, spices andlavender;Elemis Well-being Massage – a luxuriousmassage, incorporating a full body brushbefore gently warmed pure massage oilsare smoothed over the face and body;Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial – anew advanced facial using natural Japanesesilk protein or sulphur compresses andplant extracts to create relaxing andcleansing treatments for different skintypes;Elemis Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy, alifting massage to help refine, oxygenateand increase cellular renewal;Jessica Manicure and Jessica Pedicure –luxury hand and foot treatments usingaromatherapy based products.Winners will also have full access to thesuperb facilities of The Academy health andleisure club, including sauna, steam roomand sunbeds, swimming pool, gym andtennis courts.To enter the competition, simply tell uswhere the Academy Spa is situated. Sendyour answer, along with your name, addressand phone number to Academy SpaCompetition, NE, The Northern Echo,Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 by the end ofthe month.● The Academy Spa, Oakdale Place,Harrogate, HG1 2LA. Tel: (01423) 524060.Website: www.academyspa.comcornerNE MotorsFor YouDaily Living Aidsfor the Disabled& ElderlyINDEPENDENCERESTOREDOur Showroom is set outas a replica home withgreat ideas on how tomake daily tasks easier.Scooters, Wheelchairs,Walking Aids, Bathing,Toileting, Household,Kitchen and DiningUnit 18, Drum IndustrialEstate, Chester-le-StreetTel: 01914922301PaylorsMemorialsSupplies of QualityMaterials & DesignsFree Estimates /Insurance / AdviceA Second GenerationFamily Business(01429) 890010 /869026(m) 07949 088241Unit 27a Park View,West Industrial Estate,HartlepoolShowroom and WorkshopHouseClearancesTop Prices Paid.A prompt,professional andpolite service(01325) 469757(07812) 943730www.brianblackett2000@yahoo.co.ukMeynells LtdStockists of all makes of sewingmachines and everything you need foryour hobbyWE GUARANTEE YOU EXCELLENTCUSTOMER SERVICE2 Southfield Road, MiddlesbroughTel: (01642) 247863Do you have furniturethat you no longerwant?FRADEA registered charityNeeds all re-usableunwanted goods fordistribution to peoplein needThe Borough ofStockton-on-TeesTel. 01642 608791Project supported by thecommunityIdyllicC OUNTRYC OTTAGEOverlooking villageduck pond, suitable2/3 people, equipped tovery high standards.Situated in smallvillage, 6 miles fromBridlington andScarborough.IDEAL FORSHOPPINGIN YORK(21 miles)Extremely cosyand comfortable.Lovely area forwalking andbirdwatching.Telephone01377 26793907966 428536NE LeisureFloridaVillaTo Rent6 miles from Disney,4 beds, ex locationsouth facing poolfrom£385per weekTelephone:01670 731922J UNE ’ SH AT H IREFashions & Accessories• Beautiful Hats for all occasions and Wedding Outfits• Exclusive Evening Wear at reasonable prices• Silk Wedding Flowers made to order• Ladies let us try and sell your fashionable wedding outfit foryou at 50% commissionTelephone J UNE (Personal Service)6 Borough Road, Darlington(opp Civic Theatre side entrance)Tel. (01325) 355128YORKJorvikHotelRestaurant, bar, parking,col TV, tea / coffee facs.All rooms en-suite,4 posters available, citycentre location.M idweek DB&BStay 2 nightsGET 1 FREETransport from StationavailableTel. (01904) 653511Peaceful cotta ges in secluded 1,000 acre estate,wildlife havenTel. Turriff, Aberdeenshire (01888) 562918www.forglen.co.ukAmblesideGablesHotelLocated in the heart ofvillage .Pets / children welcome.Private car park.TelephoneNow forSpring OffersTelephone:01539 433272CresswellTowersGreat BritishHoliday ParksNear Morpeth,NorthumberlandJust get up and go,weekends, weeks orlonger periods. Noneed to book. Justcome & go.All the park facilities onyour doorstep. Pricesto suit most budgets.Tel:(01670) 860411Life’s too short! Enjoymore of the good life.Wateredge Innon Lake WindermereDelightfully situated on the shores ofWindermere with superb country inn-styledining. Pretty bedrooms, many with lake-views.Ideally situated for enjoying Ambleside, lake,steamers and nearby Fells.Special Mid Week RatesAmbleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EPTel. (015394) 32332www.wateredgeinn.co.uk3 nights from£185 £225 £249budget 3 star 4 starPrices are per person sharing a twin/double roomand include return flights from Teesside or Newcastleand airport taxes.Czech Travel Ltd: 01376 560592ATOL 3659

March 2004 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk23Romantic BreaksCelebrating a special occasion?Or just want to spoil yourself?Why not enjoy a choice of a3 course evening meal with acomplimentary bottle of wine,followed by one nightsaccommodation in one of our doubleen-suite rooms and then wake up to afull English breakfastA LL F OR O NLY £59 .95 P ER C OUPLEFox & HoundsSlapeworth, Guisborough. Tel. 01287 632 964Situated on the B1242 Hull toHornsea Coast RoadRelax and enjoy the beautiful EastYorkshire Coastline in a HolidayHome of your very own atALDBROUGHCARAVAN PARK60 acres of stunning Parkland withoutstanding cliff top views boasting aLuxury New Developmentincluding your own block pavedparking bay. New and pre-ownedholiday homes are available forviewing ANYTIME with prices to suitmost budgets and finance availablesubject to statusA SPECIAL PRE-SEASON PACKAGE• Choice of luxury pitch• 2004 Site Fees• All connections and TV arial• Fridge (fridge / freezer in somemodels)• Large gas bottleOur park facilities include: bar withcabaret and resident DJ, sun patiowith BBQ, shop, cafe, amusements,children’s adventure play area,launderette and much, much moreIn close proximity to the to thehistoric market town of Beverley,traditional seaside resort Hornseaand the port of HullTake advantage of pre-seasonpackage for guaranteed move in1st MarchPhone today for your free informationpack (24 hour answer service)01964 529 292S ALTBURN - BY - THE -S EAG OLF C LUB L TD Est 1894Visiting parties welcome every dayexcept Thursdays & SaturdaysSuperb Clubhouse and well-maintained Course2 for 1 & Bunkered Vouchers acceptedLimited Membership AvailableSUMMER PACKAGE : £32 midweek; £37 weekendincludes coffee, biscuits, soup and sandwiches,2-course meal - UNLIMITED GOLFTel. 01287 622812Hob Hill, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Clevelandwww.saltburngolf.co.ukE-mail: info@saltburngolf.co.ukNE Homes & GardensAsquithCourtNurseriesProviding Excellence in Early YearsLearning and ChildcareRelaxed, friendly environmentRegular outings and activities to stimulateyoung mindsNutritious, freshly prepared mealsConstantly updated selection of toys, gamesand equipmentAttractively presented and secure nurserybuildings with outdoor play areas andgardensOpen throughout the year - Monday to Fridayfrom 8am - 6pmc/o David Lloyd LeisureTees Barrage, Stockton-on-TeesTelephone 01642 670676BTL WOODSHEDGarden Sheds • Pet Houses,Timber Decking • Log WoodChipping01388 60845207711 436043Casselville Farm, TorontoBishop AucklnadBLINDS UK£ £2 Vertical Blinds 60 3 Vertical Blinds 894 Vertical Bllinds £ 111 5 Vertical Blinds £ 129Any size - FREE Measure - FREE Fiting(Lovely choice of fabrics)All blinds& samplesbrought toyour home(01325) 320666For a FREE No Obligation EstimateVisit our website www.blinds.uk.comEast ParadeHarrogateNorth YorksHG1 5LQTelephone: 01423 502253INSURANCE SERVICESFUNERAL PLANSFINANCIAL ADVICEAlso fabulous range ofWood Venetiansand Roller BlindsAuctioneers of DistinctionThe Gallery SaleroomNorthumberland StreetDarlington DL3 7HJTelFax(01325) 462559 (01325) 284587Bow Street Centre,GuisboroughBusiness Units To LetStart up your own business withour easy terms. 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No bond required.Rents start from £53.50 per weekCall 01642 231414www.bnha.co.uk✁MULTI TRADEPROPERTY MAINTENANCE & RENOVATIONDecorating, tiling, flooring, plumbing, electrical, fencing and brickworkALL WORK GUARANTEED Registered CompanyTel. 01740 653717 Paul Mob: 07752 895750 PaulTel. 01388 812563 Dave Mob: 07751 445696 DaveLots of new andexciting tile ranges nowin stock10% DISCOUNTON PRODUCTION OFTHIS COUPON✁U nit 2G, D rum I nd E state ,C hester-le- S treet( opp B atleys )tel ephone:(0191) 4920073Open Mon-Fri 10-5 pmSat 10-4 pmB Beauty is within the eyeof the BeholderQuality and Value fromE XPRESS B LINDSVertical • Roller • VenetianPleated • Solar Film0800 0745724www.expressblinds.co.ukINTOPainting &DecoratingFOR ALL YOURDECORATING NEEDSQuality workSensible pricesTIME SERVED LOCALTRADESMENFree EstimatesCall 01748 81158307714 015077Robert D. WebsterTractor & MachinerySalesLists available all year roundTelephone:(01262) 420226Let the lightshine withHomefairBlinds• Vertical • Roller • VenetianAll made to measureFreephone08000 729474W ESTWOODwww.homefair-blinds-uk.comT I M B E R& FENCINGTel: (01325) 378202www.westwoodtimber.co.uk• Custom-made sheds, play huts and summerhouses• Private and domestic fencing supplied and fixed• Panels, trellis, posts and rails• Hardwood railway sleepers in stock• Large selection of profile posts• We also supply hardwood logsWe are situated just past the Croft Motor RacingCircuit, down West Lane, at Dalton on TeesPAVING£1from £1 18x18Also 2x2 and 3x2 pavingBricks£34from £34 a packOld York £8.40 sq.ydAll plus VATTelephoneEldon Hope01388 775261

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