Citylights 8

introduction

Remember...nostalgia is not a thing of the past! With North East football not enjoying the best of times at present why not have a look back at the past glories of our teams with the North East Masters at the Metro Arena on June 7th. Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington, Hartlepool, Carlisle and defending champions Middlesbrough all compete with legends such as Temuri Ketsbaia and Micky Quinn, to name but a few, will be once again be showcasing their talents.

With 80’s music also enjoying a revival the ‘Here and Now’ tour hits town at the end of May. Headline acts include Kim Wilde, Rick Astley and Howard Jones. Kim Wilde also features in our one to one interview proving that there is more to Kim than just the music.

With summer fast approaching and hopefully bringing with it some hot and sunny days why not take a look at our top five worldwide holiday destinations. Motoring and Home Improvements also feature in this issue along with our ‘what’s on’ section, where both the Theatre Royal and the Baltic are hoping to entertain and inform you throughout the summer months.

Enjoy the read - and fingers crossed...enjoy the sunshine!

contents Editorial Office, Distinctive Publishing, 7th floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Telephone 0191 4788 316 Note: The views expressed by contributors and correspondents within Citylights are their own.

Citylights and Distinctive Publishing cannot accept liability for any views placed via this medium.

Feedback can be sought via the contact details above.

John Neilson Director john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Pete Thompson Production Manager pete.thompson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Martin Williamson Creative Director martin.williamson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

2

introduction

4

city shopper sing your heart out

5

city shopper orgasmic experience

6

what’s on the best musical ever?

8

what’s on the barefoot lone pilgrim

10

what’s on michael boyd announces rsc

12

what’s on stones in his pocket

14

what’s on festival fever

16

interview wilde days over?

18

home a premium country retreat

19

home bathroom makeover ideas

20

home ideas for the home

22

home green living comes to the uk

24

culture £6.8m office development at tanfield

26

travel top 5 holiday destinations

29

travel have you experienced the difference?

30

sport master class in football

32

motoring league of its own

sing your heart out This gift of song is great for weddings, anniversaries, births, christenings even marriage proposals! Song Younique is a 100% custom song - not just a template with a few name changes - featuring original arrangement, lyrics and production. Your (or her!) musical preferences dictate the style and your responses to the short questionnaire guide the lyricist and composer. ÂŁ159.95 www.pressies4princesses.co.uk

cityshopper

orgasmic experience Here’s a device that looks more like something that the Marquis de Sade himself might have enjoyed in his time. But rather than being the source of any foreign hanky panky, this contraption has an altogether more holistic purpose in mind. And it’s not what you think. These holistic purposes include relaxing and re-energising the body, relieving aches and pains, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. Intrigued? Well do read on. The weightless fingers arching off its central spindle are designed to be moved slowly across the skin, stimulating nerve endings and releasing those rather nice endorphins in the process. What results, is a warm tingling sensation which relaxes muscles, providing localised pain relief and a general feeling of heavenly well-being. Divine. It’s a versatile and flexible massage tool that can be deployed all over your your neck, scalp and temples.

So simply sit back, relax and indulge while its slow, caressing strokes create remarkable sensations within, not to mention sending shivers of delight down your spine.

5

whatson

the best musical ever ?

This most recent and prestigious, frank and fearless production of CABARET, winner of a Double Olivier Award and a Variety Club Best Musical Award, comes to Theatre Royal on Mon 6 – Sat 11 July.

Described as one of the defining musicals of the post war era, CABARET is set in 30’s Berlin as the rise of Nazism savagely collides with the ‘divine decadence’ of the Weimar Republic. At the heart of the story is a young English woman Sally Bowles, a cocaine-fuelled performer at the notorious Kit Kat Klub, recklessly determined to extract every destructive pleasure from life no matter what. The Kit Kat Klub’s enigmatic, all-seeing Emcee tells the story of Sally and her friends, Cliff Bradshaw, a young gay writer from the USA, the elderly Frau Schneider and her new found love Herr Schultz, as their dreams for the future crash into the Nazi machine.

CABARET is full of some of musical theatre’s most thrilling songs, Cabaret, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, The Money Song, brassily accompanied by an edgy, on-stage band. The dynamic and sexually brutal dance routines were choreographed by the acclaimed Javier De Frutos for the ‘boys and girls’ of the Kit Kat Klub. CABARET is darkly directed by Rufus Norris, who has won awards, critical acclaim and public success for his work on FESTEN, TINTIN, VERNON GOD LITTLE and most recently DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN for the National Theatre.

Sally Bowles is played by Samantha Barks, the popular runner-up from the hit BBC series ‘I’d Do Anything’. During the filming of the programme, Samantha met and was divinely inspired by Liza Minnelli. Wayne Sleep, world renowned dancer and TV favourite takes the role of Emcee.

CABARET premiered on Broadway in 1966; became a film with Liza Minnelli, Joel Gray and Michael York in 1972. It has attracted a host of stage and screen awards, including 8 Oscar’s, 7 BAFTAs and 13 Tonys.

CABARET is at the Theatre Royal from Mon 6 - Sat 11 July. Tickets are £12.00 - £36.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 112121 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

7

the barefoot lone pilgrim BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art presents The Barefoot Lone Pilgrim, a video by David Blandy from Monday 27 April.

David Blandy’s work deals with his problematic relationship with popular culture, integrating fantasy adventures with real life in a search for his cultural position in the world. His video performance work The Barefoot Lone Pilgrim documents a journey of discovery.

The Pilgrim, is a lone character wearing the orange robes of a Buddhist Shaolin Monk and carrying a portable record player. In his episodic adventure he is searching for ‘soul’, as a hermit in an 18th Century Park in Surrey, on an American road trip, journeying through the Lake District and the city of London.

Footage of the artist as The Barefoot Lone Pilgrim is edited with appropriated excerpts from films such as Shogun Assassin and Princess Mononoke and television programmes Kung Fu and Monkey. Revealing cultural confusion and questioning myth, custom and symbolism, Blandy’s work asks about the construction of identity in a mass-media context.

Alessandro Vincentelli, BALTIC’s Acting Head of Programme adds: “It is very pertinent that we are presenting David Blandy’s work at the same time as the major group show A Duck for Mr Darwin. Both exhibitions capture the human need for discovery, journeying around the world searching for knowledge and a better understanding of ourselves and nature. However Blandy brings the subject directly into present day as he looks for his cultural position within the world; investigating how an individual is formed by the mass-media of records, films and television, and whether they have an identity beyond these external influences.”

David Blandy has exhibited widely both in the UK and abroad at venues such as at Gasworks, London; FACT, Liverpool; Cornerhouse, Manchester; PS1 Gallery, New York; and the Centre d’art Contemporain, Geneva. Blandy has had solo shows in London, Beijing, and this year at Spike Island, Bristol; 176, London and Turner Contemporary, Margate. His work featured in last year’s Liverpool Biennial at Bluecoat.

m

michael boyd announces rsc The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director Michael Boyd today announced a varied and ambitious programme of work for Newcastle upon Tyne in 2009. The season will run from 20 October – 7 November and includes four plays by Shakespeare at the Theatre Royal performed by one company of actors – As You Like It directed

by Michael Boyd, The Winter’s Tale (directed by newly appointed Associate Director David Farr), Lucy Bailey making her RSC directorial debut with Julius Caesar and a Young People’s version of The Comedy of Errors produced in association with Told by an Idiot and directed by Paul Hunter has been specially programmed for schools and family audiences and will also tour to primary schools in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Northern Stage will see the world premiere of A Tender Thing by Ben Power and a new production of Roy Williams’ critically acclaimed Days of Significance which enjoyed a successful run in London in 2008.

‘I am delighted that we will be transferring the work of our new ensemble to Newcastle,’ said Michael Boyd.

‘Performing in the North East is very important to the RSC, and we enjoy being a regular part of the vibrant cultural life of this part of the country.

Before I became Artistic Director of the RSC I was responsible for the Newcastle residency and was and am still impressed with the knowledge and support that Newcastle audiences have for our work.’

On working with the new ensemble, he added: ‘I have only spent a short time so far working on our next idealistic adventure, and already it feels possible that these forty four actors can achieve more ambitious work in their two and a half years with the RSC than would “normally” be possible.

It’s great to be working again with friends from The Histories ensemble, the recent Hamlet company and other familiar RSC faces, together with many artists quite new to the company.’

Someone completely new to the company is Gateshead born actor, Peter Peverley who has spent much of the last ten years working at Northern Stage. His parts include Dennis in As You Like It and Balthasar in The Comedy of Errors. Paul Hamilton who plays the Sicilian Servant in The Winter’s Tale and a Conspirator in Julius Caesar, was brought up in Seaham Harbour in County Durham.

Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of the Theatre Royal in Newcastle said of the RSC’s visit: There is always a special magic about the Royal Shakespeare Company seasons in Newcastle, and their productions of the highest possible quality and theatricality, and we welcome the new ensemble. We are very proud of the relationship, which stretches back over 30 years and shows a commitment by the theatres and people of Newcastle that is unrivalled elsewhere. Long may it continue.’

At Northern Stage

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare Directed by Michael Boyd 20 – 24 October Press Night: 20 October at 7.30pm

Days of Significance

By Roy Williams Directed by Maria Aberg 21 – 24 October Press Night: 22 October at 7.30pm

The Winter’s Tale

By William Shakespeare Directed by David Farr 27 – 31 October Press Night: 27 October at 7.30pm

A Tender Thing

By Ben Power A World Premiere 29 October – 7 November Press Night: 4 November at 7.30pm

Julius Caesar

By William Shakespeare Directed by Lucy Bailey 3 – 7 November Press Night: 3 November at 7.30pm The Comedy of Errors

By William Shakespeare Edited by Gary Owen In association with Told by an Idiot Directed by Paul Hunter 7 November at 10.30am

whatson

At the Theatre Royal

stones in his pockets Multi-award winning STONES IN HIS POCKETS returns, by popular demand, to the Theatre Royal for two nights only on Friday 5 & Saturday 6 June at 7.30pm.

STONES IN HIS POCKETS has packed houses in London’s West End for five years, enjoyed sell-out runs on Broadway and several international tours, picking up on the way just about every major award the industry has to offer - including two Laurence Olivier Awards, an Evening Standard Theatre Award, a New York Outer Critics Circle Award, together with three nominations for Tony Awards.

Marie Jones wrote STONES IN HIS POCKETS inspired by her experiences of working as a film extra in Ireland. Way before Ricky Gervais explored the

subject in his TV series, Marie saw the immense comedy potential in the inevitable culture clash when the big glamorous Hollywood machine hits a quiet Irish rural backwater, and awakens hitherto unrecognised dreams of stardom in the hearts of the locals, swiftly followed by jealousy, rivalry, and bitter disillusion.

In a triumph of virtuosity, two performers DAVID CAVES and JACK REYNOLDS play the aspiring Hollywood stars Jake and Charlie - and a total of 13 off-beat, outrageous characters slipping, with a gesture, prop or shift of voice, effortlessly from one to another - from Caroline, the spoilt and ruthless American star struggling with her Irish accent, to the extras, the film crew and various colourful locals including Old Mickey, famous, locally, for being the only surviving extra from The Quiet Man.

whatson

STONES IN HIS POCKETS is at the Theatre Royal from Friday 5 - Sat 6 June. Tickets are £11.00 - £23.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 112121 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

13

festival fever Head to South Tyneside this summer for the annual South Tyneside Summer Festival where you can enjoy three months of FREE entertainment at South Shields seafront.

The free festival runs from June through to the end of August and combines a fabulous mix of live music, carnival activity, open-air concerts and children’s entertainment.

Music lovers will be spoilt for choice with a wide choice of genres to suit all tastes with Toyah Wilcox topping the bill for 2009 in what is sure to be another crowd pleasing season.

Brass Bands will play at the seafront amphitheatre venue every Sunday in June, July and August in addition to live music every Thursday and Saturday in June plus Thursdays in July with the likes of The Original Boomtown Rats featuring Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe, The Billy Mitchell Band and Kappa as well as a number of youth band showcases.

The carnival inspired Cookson Parade will entertain the crowds on Saturday 4 July with the ‘Deep Sea Paradise’ themed procession that will wind its way from the Town Hall to Bents Park where the traditional Summer Fayre will take place.

The 2009 season of popular open-air Sunday concerts in Bents Park will begin in style on July 5, with a show-stopping performance from Toyah and Carol Decker (T’Pau).

This will be followed on July 19 by The Soundpower Orchestra and These Beatles. On 26 July Andy Abraham will be supported by local favourites The Moobs and girl-band Elle.

The curtain will fall on the music season on Sunday 2 August with everyone’s favourite ABBA tribute - Bjorn Again, with support from S-Club3, featuring Bradley, Paul and Jo from the original S-Club7 performing all the hits!

The amazing Mouth of the Tyne Festival will also return over the weekend of 11 and 12 July for another FREE spectacular celebration of world-class live music, street theatre and dazzling pyrotechnics across North & South Tyneside.

And if that wasn’t enough there’s also Proms in the Park on 18 July and kids parties every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 20 August with festival favourite Tommy the Trumpeter.

There’s so much going on - you won’t want to miss out!

For your FREE Summer Festival guide call 0191 454 6612 or email events@southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.info/summerfestival

whatson 15

wilde days over ?

Is pop music better or worse now than in the ‘80s?

I certainly don’t think it’s inferior. There’s some great stuff about. I love R&B. Ashanti and J-Lo and Craig David are all coming out with cool stuff. I think pop-wise there certainly aren’t as many personalities about nowadays as there were in the 80s. That’s Robbie Williams’ great strength, his personality. It’s certainly not his singing! People want performers, personality and drama and you got that in the ‘80s.

Pop Idol TV? Devil spawn or a genuine hotbed of creative talent?

Mmm... I haven’t seen anyone on there to really convince me yet.

Those kids can sing but you need a bit more to be a pop star than just a good voice. I don’t think the shows are an obstacle to real talent getting through. Real talent will get through whatever the obstacles.

Look at David Gray. His album beat Gareth Gates to the No. 1 spot didn’t it? There’s hope yet.

Regrets? Have you had a few?

I could pick holes in it and say I made some mistakes but it was the best career for me at that time. It enabled me to have a life now, to be normal. I can go down to Tesco’s to do the shopping and not get bothered. Having the level of fame Michael Jackson has is pointless.

You can’t do anything. It enabled me to leave the business with a bit of dignity and if I want to do this retro ‘80s thing now, I can.

Thatcher and the Tories? A big influence on your music?

Well there was definitely a punk hangover in the ‘80s. There was still a lot of attitude flying about that affected the way we made music.

I was 20 and just out of art college with dyed, punky hair. Thatcher was definitely omnipresent in the ‘80s and created the dynamics for something to react against. I don’t think that exists now.

Was there any discrimination towards women in the industry back then?

No, I didn’t but the record company really pissed me off when they told me to lose weight. I thought, ‘Has it come to this? Where my self esteem depends on losing a few pounds?’ Eventually I couldn’t be bothered with looking a certain way and not being myself. I was 31 and I just felt burnt out. So I left the business and I don’t regret it. I signed up for the musical Tommy in the West End instead where I met my husband, Hal. He was playing cousin Kevin and I was Mrs Walker.

We’re now married. I have two children and I’ve developed a career as a gardener and I love it.

So, now you are green fingered Wilde. Who’d have thought...?

I know. I love performing but I can take it or leave it. Horticulture is far more challenging. I’m absolutely fascinated by it. There’s always something to learn. My whole fascination with it started when I decided to grow a garden for my kids.

Did you enjoy being a pop star?

I liked the performing but I wasn’t too keen on the rest of it. There was never time to relax and take stock. There was always pressure to keep the momentum going with a new single, a new album. It grew to be quite exhausting, mentally and physically. I started going through a bad depression towards the end of my career. My self esteem was really low. It took me a few years to recover from it.

You’re on the Here & Now tour. Sad novelty ‘80s act time or a serious comeback?

I was wary about doing this at first. All those thoughts about novelty act went through my mind and I knew it would be a bit of a gamble but I like getting up there and performing the old songs. My instincts told me to do it and they’ve never let me down.

Who was your main pop rival?

I used to be really jealous of Claire Grogan but only because I thought she was gorgeous and I loved the band and I bought her records but I wouldn’t say there was any real rivalry.

17

a premium country retreat Otterburn Hall is a magnificent country house hotel situated only twenty-five minutes northwest of Newcastle and 40 minutes south of Jedburgh. Ideally located and within easy reach of Hadrians Wall and Kielder Water.

Coach House and Garden Rooms offer a cosy alternative, located adjacent and across from the main hall. All of these modern standard rooms are en-suite and are subject to the same excellent house keeping standards.

Northumbrian influenced Modern British Menu, that changes regularly throughout the year. Our aim is to provide good quality, locally produced ingredients cooked well, this allows us to make use of our own Otterburn Estate reared Beef and Lamb.

Set in 500 acres of beautiful Redesdale countryside uniquely located within the Northumberland National Park.

The Hall makes an exceptional and unique wedding venue. A variety of rooms are available for civil ceremonies and celebrations they can be used individually or collectively to suit any guest list ranging from 20-200 guests. The Main Hall provides the perfect backdrop for photographs as do the gardens, surrounding parklands and lakes.

Winter 2008 and Summer 2009 dates are available.

A truly exceptional place for an exceptional day.

The Park is open each day for breakfast and dinner, we also serve our tempting roasts each Sunday lunch Time.

The Hotel recently re-opened following major refurbishment to all public areas and bedrooms.

Future plans include , lakeside fishing lodges and star gazing opportunities, spa and leisure facilities are planned and restoration of the pitched roof and Grade II listed conservatory. Otterburn Hall has a growing status and aspires to become one of the North Easts premium country retreats.

The original building dates back to 1869 and combines the feeling of a sophisticated and historical past with a contemporary feel of grandeur.

The elegance of the Hall and the stunning surroundings make this an exceptional location to relax, enjoy a weekend break, an evening meal or an afternoon’s recreation.

In the Main Hall each of the 25 bedrooms, including 2 Bridal Suites are individually designed, and are all stunningly different each offering elegance, luxury and comfort. All rooms have the ambient coving lighting and LCD flat screen TV’s. A vast selection of rooms within the Main Hall ensure that we can match the room to fulfil your personal needs.

Many city businesses are choosing us to hold conferences, seminars, board meetings and presentations within one of our conference rooms.

Due to the size of the Estate and the relaxed setting we offer the perfect hideaway to escape the hustle and bustle of corporate city life. A working day away from the office can really boost the moral of a team and a days work can be so much more productive, when the environment is this special.

Alternatively chose from one of our team building packages, an excellent way to motivate or reward your party with an adrenaline filled activity hosted within our estate.

Alternatively Harry’s Bar is open daily serving a selection of light bites and bar snacks. Harry’s also makes a great location to relax and enjoy pre or post dinner drinks.

Our afternoon teas are available daily, a great excuse to miss lunch. Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, scones straight from the oven, and tasty homemade biscuits all accompanied by a large hot pot of freshly brewed tea.

We are planning an extravagant Christmas 2008 a great way to escape, relax and completely over indulge. You can enjoy a party night, Christmas Break, Private Dining not forgetting the ‘Party of the Year’ with our New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Banquet. If you are looking for something that little bit extra special this Christmas then look no further

For residential and non residential dining experiencing The Park Restaurant is a must.

To experience Otterburn Hall (Otterburn, Northumberland NE19 1HE) whether it be business or pleasure please contact us on 01830 520663 or email us at info@otterburnhall.com

The Park boasts a locally produced seasonal

www.otterburnhall.com

home

bathroom makeover ideas If your bathroom is looking a little tired or outdated, there are lots of things you can do to improve its appearance and give it a fresh new look, without the expense of a complete overhaul. Here are a few ideas to get you started...

1. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, replacing your shower curtain with a glass shower door or screen is a great way to add the wow-factor.

Frameless shower doors made from tempered glass are ideal for a sleek, modern look, whereas those with a chrome, brass or gold plated frame can look stunning in a more traditional themed bathroom. Be practical when choosing a shower door and think about how it will open. A folding door that opens outward looks grand and elegant, but is likely to bang into your sink or toilet if you have a small bathroom! If your shower is above your bathtub, a space-saving sliding door is a good choice.

2. Install a new vanity cabinet. Bathroom vanities come in all sorts of different styles to suit bathrooms of all themes, from decorative furniture styles to minimalist contemporary designs. Bath vanities usually consist of a base storage cabinet with an inlaid sink on top. They are great for

making the most of a small room and provide useful storage space. An attractive bathroom vanity will be a focal point of your bathroom and can work wonders at giving the whole room a stylish new image.

4. Replace your existing bathroom cabinets or simply paint the doors for a quick and simple makeover. Wall mounted bathroom cabinets tend to attract our attention as they are at eye level, and a tatty or old fashioned cabinet can really tarnish a bathroom’s appearance. Wall cabinets come in a huge range of sizes and styles, from wooden ones made from cherry, walnut or oak to those with hand painted, distressed or laminated finishes.

In a small room, having a mirror on a cabinet door is not only useful, but can help create an illusion of space.

5. Get rid of ugly or worn out taps on your sink and bath. Often there is no need to go to the hassle and expense of fitting a new bathroom suite.

Simply installing stylish new bathroom faucets can give a tired bathroom an instant lift. Bath and sink faucets come in a surprisingly large variety of styles and finishes, from brass plated Victorian styles for period homes to sleek looking chrome for the contemporary bathroom.

home

ideas for the home...

21

green living comes to the uk When it comes to green living, the Germans are light years ahead of us Brits. Slowly, like toddlers being dragged to the doctor, the UK is moving towards more energy- efficient homes, while Germany swallowed its medicine long ago. The latter has fabulous incentives for green home improvements, to say nothing of its support for renewables. Compare this to grubby old Blighty, where millions don’t even have decent insulation.

biologie or building biology. Ironically, its roots lie in the improved efficiency of modern construction - as homes become more airtight, they deny their inhabitants fresh air and increase exposure to toxins in the building’s fabric.

Such thinking has been used to explain the emergence of Sick Building Syndrome, various allergenic reactions and recent increases in asthma and respiratory diseases.

But this means we can learn a lot from the German experience of what it’s like to live in an eco-friendly building. So once we ‘power down’ our homes and sort out energy leakage, what next?

The result is to emphasise ‘healthy’ construction, a home that is good for you as well as the environment. ‘The movement towards healthy building started about 30 years ago in Germany,’ says Oliver Rehm, managing director of design-build company Baufritz.

One issue that has emerged in Germany is the effect on human well-being of the buildings we live in. They even have a term for the study of it, Bau-

It is safe to say the public has some appreciation of potential problems from humidity, harmful chemicals and lack of fresh air. In the UK, there is also a

home

growing awareness of chemical pollutants that might find their way into the home - from harmful gases in paint known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to flame retardants in furnishings.

Baufritz’s answer to humidity, toxins and lack of oxygen is to design homes with a breathable skin, a modern equivalent to dealing with moisture that stretches back centuries, and mechanically controlled windows that open and close according to the internal air quality, or a central ventilation system.

Rehm talks of the human body being affected by ‘electrostress’ from overhead telegraph cables, mobile phone masts, power stations, digital telephones, wireless networks, electricity cables, microwave ovens and so on. As a result, Baufritz fits a ‘XUND-E plate’ to the outside of its buildings, comprising thin layers of carbon on a natural gypsum board. This, says

Baufritz, cuts out up to 99 per cent of all high-frequency radiation and lowfrequency static emissions. Inside meanwhile, great care is placed on the siting of electrical circuits, avoiding sleeping areas, for example, in order to reduce exposure to potential harm.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) says it is keen to do more research into the idea of a healthy home - after all, we spend much of our time inside our homes - and that it is not aware of any body of information on the subject. To this end, the Prince’s Foundation is currently building a state-of-the-art house from natural materials at the BRE’s Innovation Park near Watford, the site for a handful of show homes demonstrating the latest ideas in sustainable living. ‘Research will examine the impact of natural materials on air quality, on allergy resistance and on general sense of wellbeing,’ says the BRE. 23

culture

£6.8m office development at tanfield Work is now complete on Derwentside District Council’s most ambitious development project at Tanfield Lea, near Stanley in Co Durham. The £6.8million Tanfield Lea Business Centre has been made possible with funding from the District Council, One North East, County Durham Economic Partnership (CDEP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This iconic development will provide 40,000 sq ft of modern office and workshop accommodation for businesses in a revolutionary, three-storey building which is targeted at both new and existing businesses and will include a new approach to lettings in order to encourage young entrepreneurs to pursue self-employment.

Facilities in the business centre will include: n 3 floors of modern office space including a communal atrium with kitchen facilities n 45 office units ranging in size from over 100 to over 1000 sq ft n Fully equipped conference and meeting rooms for hire n Fully manned reception providing a wide range of office services n Telephony and Broadband connectivity n Car parking facilities n 24 hour access to individual office units The business centre is located in close proximity to the A6706, direct link road to Gateshead and Newcastle.

Derwentside District Council’s Principal Development Officer, Ross Bullerwell, said “This major development will have a significant impact on the economy of Derwentside and ensure that public sector developments continue to lead the way in encouraging economic growth and sustainability in semi-rural locations”.

The official opening of the new centre took place in March 2009. The ceremony was performed by Derwentside District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Eric Turner and Leader, Alex Watson as one of their last duties for the District.

Interest in this iconic building has been very encouraging with enquiries for modern office accommodation being received from businesses across the many sectors throughout the North East.

ROK Area Leader Neil Jukes said “This is a flagship scheme for ROK and we believe that this is a key project to continue the growth and redevelopment of the area. We will be employing local people to successfully deliver this project over the next year. “ Tanfield Lea Business Centre has achieved a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), demonstrating the level of environmental design excellence.

For further information contact Andrea McGuigan on 01207 218219 or visit www.tanfieldleabusinesscentre.com

25

top 5 holiday destinations Number 5 Orlando Florida Disney, Universal, Sea World, Water Parks and much much more, Orlando is and always will be one of the top places for tourism in the world, this holiday of a lifetime will make any other vacation seem a little dull.

International avenue has some great world class hotels, and some fantastic shops and restaurants, and waterparks fun fairs and a whole heap more.

The Theme parks are what the tourists crave when they pay a visit to Orlando and disappointment is a word that is unknown in that part of the world, tourists have so much fun in Florida that they often need to take a relaxing break when their vacation comes to an end.

Attracting over 4 million visitors each year, the “sunshine state” is not only great for its weather and superb beaches but for the non-stop entertainment and magic of the world’s largest entertainment complex: The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Number 4 Tenerife Back to the Canary Islands for Number 4 in fact Tenerife is the largest of all of the Canary islands, and is very popular with tourists from all over the world.

It is home to the highest mountain peak in Spain. The dormant volcano, Mount Teide, stands at 3,700 metres high and divides the island in two.

To the north there are banana plantations, palm trees, vineyards and a tropical climate. It’s a perfect destination for all seasons.

Tenerife is often called a paradise island and for good reason! The island experiences sunshine around the year, has an abundance of world class hotels and offers an exceptional choice of cuisine set against the stunning background of Mount Teide.

The choice of hotels in Tenerife is quite staggering with everything from affordable 3 star hotels to top class 5 star luxury hotels available. Whether you are planning a romantic break away, a quick ‘run to the sun’ or a fortnight long family holiday, Tenerife really does have something for everyone.

travel

Number 3 Portugal’s Algarve The Algarve sits on Portugal’s southern coast, . It has over 240 km of coastline for you to choose from which, paired with a warm climate, make it a perfect place to soak up the sun.

Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by bright colours, from the golden sands, to the crystal clear waters, the clear blue skies, the vivid green grass, and the white-washed walls of the buildings in the Algarve’s old towns.

There is no one best way to explore this region of Portugal. The seemingly endless coastline includes some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but by venturing just a few miles inland, you can lose yourself in the heritage and history of the Algarve.

Number 2 Corfu Corfu has brilliant weather and beaches, along with water sports, nightlife, delicious food and drink, great shopping and lots of culture and history.

At Number Two on the list it is an increasingly popular destination for world travellers.

The most important part of any Greek island holiday, is the food and wine Corfu’s Tavernas will not disappoint. Modern Corfiot food is fresh and exciting.

Nowadays you will find fresh and exciting food at Corfu’s tavernas.

Since the introduction of the Euro, emphasis has been to keep prices down and quality up.

Admittedly, it is more expensive than the days of the drachma, but Corfu still offers excellent value for money as a holiday destination Number 1 Bulgaria An up and coming destination it comes as a surprise to most Bulgaria is the most sought after destination this year.

The credit crunch could be a part of the reason for this because of the extremely cheap prices that Bulgaria has to offer, of course the sun sand sea and nightlife also play their part in making Bulgaria a fantastic and popular place to visit and there is a diverse range of cultures in one place and a totally unique history to match.

Known as the “Jewel of the Balkans”, Bulgaria. You’ll find sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and facilities, which overlook the Black Sea, a region renown for its warm sunshine. And the mountainous areas of the country provide a breathtaking summer backdrop to its quaint villages, as well as excellent skiing during winter.

travel

have you experienced the difference?

Buses in Tyne and Wear are getting better, with new vehicles, greater comfort and more fast, direct services into our town and city centres. No wonder more people are discovering bus offers a convenient, reliable and affordable way to work, education, shopping and fun.

On many main roads you can catch a bus every few minutes to key destinations. And did you know that: n ÂŁ26 million has been spent on new vehicles for Tyne and Wear by bus companies since 2006? n 70% of our buses have on-board CCTV? n Four out of five are low-floor, easy access for baby buggies and wheelchairs? n Almost two million more passengers got on board the bus in Tyne and Wear this year. n With fuel prices and household bills rising, bus is the affordable alternative. n And new energy-efficient vehicles on key routes mean its good for the environment.

We think its time you discovered the difference. To find out more about bus services in your area go to www.nexus.org.uk

29

master class in football

The world’s most popular legends football tournament returns to the Metro Radio Arena on Sunday 7th June 2009 for Heat 1 of the 2009 Masters Cup, as stars once more go head-to-head in pursuit of the most coveted prize in indoor sport.

Featuring legends teams representing Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Carlisle, this event promises to be one of the highlights of the indoor season as Masters Cup runners up Newcastle look to avenge their shock defeat to Middlesbrough in the 2008 series.

In front of 5000 fans, Middlesbrough turned the tables on the bookies, scoring 14 goals in 3 games to book their place in the 2008 Grand Final, in an event that saw an amazing 35 goals in just 7 matches.

This event will once again be very popular so book you place now to see the likes of Temuri Ketsbaia, Micky Quinn, Niall Quinn, Marco Gabbiadini, John Hendrie, Craig Hignett, Brian Honour, Craig Liddle and Jimmy Glass battle it out for Masters pride and local bragging rights.

sport

motoring

league of its own Porsche is expanding the successful Cayenne range with the Porsche Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3, which will be limited to just one thousand numbered units worldwide. This new Porsche Cayenne model features styling cues that underline the V8-powered, high-performance personality of this Porsche and it will be available to special customer orders from May 2009.

The clear imprint of the Porsche Design Studio, based in Zell am See, Austria, which is one of the world leaders in industrial and product design, on this new Porsche Cayenne model can be seen in the choice of the paintwork colour, Lava Grey Metallic, chosen to emphasise the sporting stance of the car. This is underlined further by design stripes along the side and on the bonnet and 21-inch diameter SportPlus alloy wheels that are also colour co-ordinated to match the special exterior colour.

The elegant exterior appearance of the Porsche Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 is rounded off by bi-xenon headlights and dark privacy glazing to the rear of the B-pillar, and the ‘Cayenne GTS’ model designation in black with a red’S’ at the rear. An extended roof spoiler with a double wing profile is available as a no-cost option.

Inside the Cayenne Porsche Design Edition 3, the exclusive treatment continues with black leather upholstery throughout, with red contrasting seams on the instrument panel and doors. A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, in turn, raises the car’s unique sporting character even higher.

Electrically adjustable sports seats with a comfort memory package and side support bolsters offer the driver and front passenger optimum seating comfort. The front headrests proudly display an embossed Porsche logo and the centre seat sections front and rear are finished in alcantara. The same material gives parts of the centre console and door trims and the complete roof lining a discreet but sophisticated touch, while carbon trim provides a subtle reference to motor sport. Finally, the ‘Porsche Design Edition 3’ model designation stands out clearly on the rev counter, the front door sill kick plates and on a plate in the glove compartment with the serial number of the vehicle embossed on the surface.

The unique experience in sound so typical of a Porsche comes, firstly, at the touch of a button from the sports exhaust system featured as standard and also from the Bose 5.1 Surround Sound System with no less than 14 loudspeakers and overall output of 410 W.

The purposeful exhaust note hints at the outstanding performance of this special Porsche Cayenne, with a 405bhp 4.8-litre V8 and six-speed Tiptronic S transmission featured as standard. On the road, this means acceleration from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 156 mph.

The Porsche Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 is available to from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from ÂŁ64,753. Fitted to every Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the new Porsche Driving Experience Centre, Silverstone.