LOCAL
LIVING FREE Seeds Planted for Northumberland Live at Blyth It’s going to be pure and simple musical entertainment at this year’s Northumberland Live Festval
2018’s Extra Tasty This year promises to be an extra tasty one with three new food festivals set to launch in the North East.
The BIG One
Newcastle Falcons will break new ground on Saturday March 24 at St James’ Park
Torvill and Dean
They talk growing old together - even though a teenage snog is closest they ever got to being lovers in 45 years.
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Welcome... ...to your ‘Living Local’ magazine. First of all I’d like to apologise for the spelling errors in the welcome of the January – February issue. I was due a baby at the end of last year and had timed to be finished the last issue before her arrival. The baby, however, had other plans and arrived a few weeks earlier than expected so I had to hand over the writing of the welcome and contents page to a junior member of our team – Thank you to all those who emailed and gave me such lovely feedback on the rest of the magazine, I love to hear that you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. This issue is packed full of features to keep you entertained and distracted from the recent snow so as the snow melts, grab a coffee, put your feet up and take 5 minutes to yourself, you deserve it. Check out our interview with Torvill and Dean in preparation for them arriving in the North East on 31st March. Also have your diary at the ready to put down some dates for Northumberland Live, it’s shaping up to be another fab event that we are really looking forward to and the new Proper Food and Drink Festivals this spring and summer. We recently visited Rutherford’s in Morpeth (I may be slightly obsessed with Joules baby clothing!) so check out the feature on page 20 alongside plenty of ideas for Mother’s Day. As always a huge Thank You to our readers who send in photographs, we love seeing such beautiful pictures of our region and hopefully by the next issue we will really start to see spring arriving.
love Lilly X
LOCAL
LIVING March - April Issue 4
Living Local | 3
Cont 6 What’s on Selection of events throughout March and April. 8 Reel Time There’s plenty of cinematic joys to look forward to over the next 2 months, here are some of our must sees. 10 Interview with Torvill and Dean They talk growing old together - even though a teenage snog is closest they ever got to being lovers in 45 years. 12 Books In this fast paced busy world of work, running round after children, keeping in touch with friends and family and planning the next big thing in our lives we often forget to make time for ourselves. 15 Seeds Planted for Northumberland Live at Blyth It’s going to be pure and simple musical entertainment at this year’s Northumberland Live Festval at Blyth as indie band The Lightning Seeds are announced as headliners.
16 Get the Look A few suggestions of how we think you can get an amazing look for less this Spring. 20 Shoppers Perfect Haven Rutherfords of Morpeth is an exclusive familyowned department store which has been the heartbeat of Morpeth since 1846. 21 Treat Her For Mother’s Day 2018, allow us to suggest that you spoil your mum rotten with our selection of this year’s most fabulous food and drink-related gifts. 22 2018’s Extra Tasty This year promises to be an extra tasty one with three new food festivals set to launch in the North East. 23 Kitchens: The Heart Of The Home, Once Again Look back to the cookery shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s and you can see exactly where our kitchen inspiration came from - the anodyne, sleek, chrome-clad kitchens of professional chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal.
All contents copyright © 2018 Enrich Media. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photography, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, February 2018.
tents 24 Lets Cook Braised beef in bitter beer, with mushrooms and green peppercorn pie.
30 Test Yourself Put you brain to the test with our crossword, sudoku and
25 Budding Chefs Essentials If you enjoying dabbling in the kitchen we show you some essentials to get you cooking like a pro.
31 Picture Perfect Cramlington, Old Village Square by Adrian McRobb
26 Car Review Porsche 718 Cayman GTS review: this or a 911? 27 Looking Sharp A few suggestions of how we think you can get a snappy look for less this Spring. 28 A Little Bit Of Luck Goes A Long Way Alex Hurst of True Faith Magazine gives us his thoughts on Newcastle United’s recent victory over Manchester United and whats expected for the next few games. 29 The BIG One Newcastle Falcons will break new ground on Saturday March 24 when St James’ Park is the venue for their Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints.
To advertise in Living Local Magazine please contact a member of our sales team on 0191 637 5934 or email info@enrich-media.co.uk www.enrich-media.co.uk | www.livinglocal-magazine.uk
What’s On March
THE BIG ONE: NEWCASTLE FALCONS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS St James’ Park Stadium 24 March 2018
MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY
www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk Newcastle Falcons will break new ground on Saturday 24 March 2018 when St James’ Park hosts their Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints, a game which has been dubbed ‘The Big One’.
WHEY ALE MAN
Ridley Park, Blyth 31 March 2018 www.blythtowncouncil.org.uk For a family fun filled day head down the rabbit hole to Ridley Park in Blyth for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Following the success of 2017’s Easter event this is sure to keep you and your family busy.
Blackfriars Restaurant 8 March 2018 www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk Enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s best beers with a bit of home-made sourdough to help soak-up the alcohol and see how the beers behave in their own habitat! Going to see a man about a dog just got a whole lot more interesting! ST. PATRICK'S DAY RACEDAY Newcastle Racecourse 17 March 2018 www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Newcastle Racecourse with an afternoon of jump racing, entertainment and Irish festivities.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA -
MEDIEVAL ALCHEMIST
AFTERNOON TEA
Alnwick Castle
Caledonian Hotel
30 March - 3 April 2018
30 March 2018
www.alnwickcastle.com
www.peelhotels.co.uk Indulge in an Easter treat for the whole family with The Caladonian Hotel, Jesmond and an Afternoon Tea for the adults while the kids are entertained with a children’s entertainer, magic, disco and candyfloss. A children’s picnic plate is waiting for them, when they want to revive their engery!
Meet Doctor John Greene, the (allegedly...) celebrated medieval alchemist, with lots of peculiar apparatus and bizarre materials! The 9th Earl of Northumberland (15851632) was particularly fascinated by alchemy, the study of how to turn base materials into gold and the pursuit of the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone.
THE JUNGLE BOOK Theatre Royal Newcastle 27 - 31 March 2018 www.theatreroyal.co.uk Loved as a wild and fun tale of family, belonging and identity, this production is packed with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling. Mowgli the man cub battles for survival in this heart-warming coming-of-age story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle. 6| Living Local
TORVILL & DEAN’S DANCING ON ICE LIVE UK TOUR Metro Radio Arena 30 March - 1 April 2018 www.metroradioarena.co.uk The Dancing on Ice Live UK Tour will be skating back across the country and landing at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena in March 2018. Starring the legendary Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean - be stunned by sensational routines and breathtaking stunts, all performed on an enormous ice rink in this incredible live show.
Imagine
April
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FESTIVAL 2018
Northern Stage 20 April 2018
Sage Gateshead
www.northernstage.co.uk
6 - 8 April 2018 www.sagegateshead.com Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2018 About Gateshead International Jazz Festival is back for 2018 and will welcome some of the greatest jazz artists from around the globe at the three-day event. The UK’s biggest jazz festival held under one roof, fills four stages at Sage Gateshead. ALNWICK SPRING SHOW Willowburn Sports Centre 14 April 2018 www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk Spring flowers, food and floral art exhibits including children’s entries. Plants for sale. Trade stands. Refreshments available
Drop dead gorgeous, sassy and smart, Ruby Wax brings her new one-woman show to the stage based on her number one best seller A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled.
seen by your customers.
Think of the possibilities!
MANIC STREET PREACHERS Metro Radio Arena 23 April 2018 www.metroradioarena.co.uk To coincide with the release of ‘Resistance Is Futile’, the band have announced their biggest series of UK live shows in over a decade. Support on all dates comes from very special guests The Coral. Manic Street Preachers recently received the Inspiration Award at the Q Awards at the Roundhouse in London. Previous winners include U2, David Bowie and Patti Smith.
LIVING
LOCAL
GATESHEAD INTERNATIONAL JAZZ
RUBY WAX: FRAZZLED Your passport to saner living
being
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JOE McELDERRY ACOUSTIC SHOW The Phoenix Theatre 18 - 19 April 2018 www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk Following Joe McElderry’s UK tour playing the lead as Joseph in Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Joe received 5 star acclaim from entertainment critics and it has also been reported that Joe is infact the best Joseph in the shows history. After releasing his 5th album – Saturday Night at the Movies with a successful tour in the Summer - Joe is now embarking on his own Acoustic show. Joe is excited to bring this brand new show to you with his easy wit and warm rapport that has endeared him to all ages from 5 to 95.
www.enrich-media.co.uk
Living Local | 7
REEL TIME There’s plenty of cinematic joys to look forward to over the next 2 months, here are some of our must sees.
Game Night
Released on 2nd March Max and Annie host a weekly ‘Game Night’ for their friends, and this week, Max’s brother Brooks is kicking things up a notch with a surprise murder mystery party. Brooks has warned them that they won’t know what’s real and what’s fake… so when he gets kidnapped, is it just part of the game? With no rules, no points and no idea who the other players even are, the race is on to solve the mystery and win the grand prize. Join Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams and Kyle Chandler for ‘Game Night’, as they set out on a riotous adventure that needs to be seen to be believed.
navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father's global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he's truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can't understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death. Going explicitly against his final wishes, she leaves everything she knows behind in search of her dad's last-known destination: a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan. But her mission will not be an easy one....
Released on 16th March Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara 8| Living Local
Released on 13th April Davis Okoye prefers spending time with animals than people, and his best friend is a gorilla called George. But a rogue genetic experiment mutates George, sending him on the ‘Rampage’. As George grows bigger, stronger and fiercer, he begins to cause serious damage. And then Davis discovers that he wasn’t the only animal affected by the experiment… Now, not only does Davis have to save the world, he needs to save the fearsome creature that used to be his friend. Dwayne Johnson reunites with his director from ‘San Andreas’ for ‘Rampage’, a spectacular giant monster film that also stars Naomie Harris.
Avengers : Infinity War Released on 27th April
Peter Rabbit
Released on 16th March
Tomb Raider
Rampage
Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter's feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ sees Thanos, one of the most powerful beings in the cosmos, arrive on Earth on his quest to balance the universe. Only the Avengers can stop him. Although divided following the civil war between Captain America and Iron Man, they must be willing to sacrifice everything in order to defeat their near-omnipotent enemy. They need all the help they can get – and luckily, the Guardians of the Galaxy are here to lend a hand. A gargantuan superhero spectacular a decade in the making, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ unites heroes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe for their most devastating battle yet.
For full details on movie release dates and screening times, vist www.myvue.com
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www.hduckworthfuneraldirectors.co.uk Living Local | 9
Torvill and Dean talk growing old together - even though a teenage snog is closest they ever got to being lovers in 45 years. As they prepare for their upcoming Dancing on Ice tour, which stops at Newcastle Metro Arena on the 31st March, the pair, who have been nothing more than friends and dance partners for nearly half a century, admit they are a far cry from their 1984 Olympic gold Bolero routine. It’s a staggering thought but Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have just entered their 45th year of being Torvill and Dean. That’s one longstanding double act and a heck of a lot of skating. “We have been together a long time. We must have one of the longest partnerships in comedy, business... We have gone many thousands of miles on ice. We have probably been round the world a couple of times,” Chris, 59, ponders. But nearly a half-century of skating means, unfortunately, one thing – tired bodies. Time has taken its toll, especially on Chris’s knees, which he now thinks have been struck with arthritis. Last week, he and Jayne, 60 – who scooped Olympic gold with their Bolero routine in 1984 – were back on screen as judges on ITV’s Dancing on Ice. They return after a four-year break, admitting that this week is the first time they’ve skated together since the show last aired. As they prepare for their upcoming Dancing on Ice tour, their bodies are a far cry from the Bolero days. Chris says: “The knees don’t bend quite as deeply as they used to. I think I have arthritis in 10| Living Local
my knees. I just manage it. “I can still skate, paracetamol helps. I’m pretty reckless – I’ll deal with it later.” Janye adds: “We kind of joke about it but at the same time we want to do the best we can. There’s a lot of eye-rolling. “My back does not arch as much, that’s the place that starts to hurt first with me.
“We still have a great spark and chemistry and we enjoy each other’s company but we have other partners as well.” “I don’t think I have arthritis yet but we have skated well into our 50s, which is unusual for any athlete.” The easy to and fro between the pair is striking but not surprising. Their closeness means that, even now, they are often mistaken for a couple.
But Chris lives in Colorado Springs, America, with former Dancing on Ice judge Karen Barber , who he began dating four years ago after they worked together on the show. And Jayne has been married to husband Phil Christensen for over 25 years, who she lives with in East Sussex. Jayne laughs: “My husband Phil has been called Chris quite a few times. He looks nothing like Chris. He often just goes with it rather than correct them.” Chris adds: “When we were young kids, we just did everything together to be able to do what we had to do competitively, so our life was very entwined.” The duo insist, apart from a fleeting snog as teenagers in the back of a coach before they were partners, they have never been anything more than friends. They could go on and on. Jayne says: “We still have a great spark and chemistry and we enjoy each other’s company but we have other partners as well.” Although the break from Dancing on Ice hasn’t meant a break from each other, it has been nice, they say, to have a hiatus from the show they
helped developed in 2006. Chris says it has been good for his relationship with Karen. He has been married twice, first to FrenchCanadian skating champion Isabelle Duchesnay in the early 1990s, and then to American skater Jill Trenary , with whom he has teenage sons, Jack, 19 and Sam, 17. Jayne, meanwhile, has two adopted children, Kieran, 15, and Jessica, 11. But they’re pretty close friends at that. “Almost every day or every other day we speak on the phone,” says Chris. “Constantly... like we pick up the phone and have no introduction. It might be about the kids [or] what are you buying me for Christmas?” Janye chimes in: “He didn’t buy me anything.” And Chris responds: “Yes, but it’s in the works.” Chris got together with Karen four years ago, after he separated from Jill, and Karen split from her husband, Dancing On Ice trainer Stephen
Pickavance, putting them in the spotlight. Chris says: “It’s been nice to be away from Dancing on Ice, it’s given us some breathing space.” Now, Torvill and Dean are back as judges for first time, rather than mentors. So far, they say there hasn’t been too much disagreement with their fellow judges Ashley Banjo and hard-to-please Jason Gardiner. Chris says: “But you know, it’s early days. I’m sure that will turn round at some point. Jason has some good... adjectives.” So, when Torvill and Dean finally hang up their skates, will the next generation take over? Chris laughs: “My boys...Too cold on an ice rink. My younger son has become quite academic now and would like to be a scientist.” Jayne says of her brood: “I wouldn’t have minded but they are madly into football.” So, we’ll have to make the most of the originals – and best – while their knees and backs allow.
Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice Live UK Tour runs from March 23-April 15. To book tickets or for further information, visit www.dancingonicetour.co.uk
Living Local | 11
BOOKS
In this fast paced busy world of work, running round after children, keeping in touch with friends and family and planning the next big thing in our lives we often forget to make time for ourselves. I haven’t had much time to pick a book up
these last few weeks so listening to audio books is my new favourite life cheat, you can still get lost in the world of a book and it really is the perfect way to unwind and escape. Here’s some of my favourite new releases. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Jojo Moyes, Still me Lou Clark is back in the ALL NEW Jojo Moyes novel Still Me, follow-up to the Number One international bestsellers Me Before You and After You. Lou Clark knows too many things. She knows how many miles lie between her new home in New York and her new boyfriend Sam in London. She knows her employer is a good man and she knows his wife is keeping a secret from him. What Lou doesn't know is she's about to meet someone who's going to turn her whole life upside down. Because Josh will remind her so much of a man she used to know that it'll hurt. Lou won't know what to do next, but she knows that whatever she chooses is going to change everything.
Available at WHSmith £10.00
Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Jenny Colgan, The Endless James Patterson, Kill or Oliphant is Completely Beach be Killed Fine Eleanor Oliphant has learned how to survive - but not how to live Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend. Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything. One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she's avoided all her life. Change can be good. Change can be bad. But surely any change is better than... fine? An astonishing story that powerfully depicts the loneliness of life, and the simple power of a little kindness
Available at WHSmith £4.49 12| Living Local
On the quayside next to the Endless Beach sits the Summer Seaside Kitchen. It's a haven for tourists and locals alike, who all come to eat the freshest local produce on the island and catch up with the gossip. Flora, who runs the cafe, feels safe and content - unless she thinks too hard about her relationship with Joel, her gorgeous but emotionally (and physically) distant boyfriend. While Flora is in turmoil about her relationship, her best friend Lorna is pining after the local doctor. Saif came to the island as a refugee, having lost all of his family. But he's about to get some shocking news which will change everything for him. As cold winter nights shift to long summer days, can Flora find her happy-ever-after with Joel?
Available at WHSmith £5.59
Four gripping thrillers - one killer collection! The Trial An accused murderer is on trial. But after he threatens to unleash violence on everyone involved in the case, the whole city is paralysed, and Detective Lindsay Boxer and the Women's Murder Club are caught in the eye of the storm. Heist A band of thieves is about to pull off the perfect diamond heist - until a rival crew arrives at the exact same time. The Women's War Former Marine Corps colonel Amanda Collins and her lethal team of women warriors have vowed to avenge her family's murder. And they have nothing left to lose... Little Black Dress Can a little black dress change everything? What begins as one woman's fantasy is about to go too far.
Available at WHSmith £5.59
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Living Local | 13
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Seeds Planted for Northumberland Live at Blyth
I
t’s going to be pure and simple musical entertainment at this year’s Northumberland Live Festval at Blyth as indie band The Lightning Seeds are announced as headliners. The band fronted by singer Ian Broudie achieved chart success in the 1990’s with hits such as Pure, Sense, The Life of Riley and Lucky You. Their biggest commercial success however, was written in 1996 to celebrate football’s European Championships being held in England. The song also features comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, the hosts of popular TV show Fantasy Football. They then wrote and recorded the song Three Lions ’96, which became a number one single on two occasions, selling over a million copies in the UK. Last year, The Undertones payed their first
ever visit to Blyth and wowed the crowd with their repitoire of power pop songs. Previously, Scouting For Girls attracted a 15,000 strong crowd, and The Lightning Seeds are expected to do the same this year. Other bands already lined up to entertain crowds on Saturday 23rd June include blues rock band STAN, rock and roll band The Baldy Holly Band and popular rock band Edenthorn. Organisers have also announced that the Festival’s official media partner will be BBC Newcastle. Blyth Town Council are hosting the Northumberland Live Festival at Blyth and Chair of the Town Council Events Committee, Councillor Kath Nisbet is looking forward to welcoming The Lightning Seeds. “It’s very appropriate that in the World Cup year we are bringing the band who wrote the most
successful football song ever to Blyth. I’m sure that everyone will be singing along to Three Lions to show our support for the national football team.” The free family festival will also have superb street theatre, a fun fair, wonderful food concessions and of course, great music.
Other support slots are available as are other opportunities to take part in the Festival. If you would like to be involved in the festival, please get in touch via our Facebook page or email mel.jackson@blythtowncouncil.org.uk.
Dates for your
DIARY
Event Where When
Mad Hatter's Tea Party Ridley Park 31 March Northumberland Live Festival Blyth Beach 24 June Blyth Carnival Town Centre 30 June Smooth Sundays Blyth Bandstand 8,15,22,29 July Sand Castle and Sculpting workshops Blyth Beach 11 & 12 August Fireworks Spectacular To be confirmed 3 November Christmas Light Switch-On Market Place 16 December
E: info@blythtowncouncil.org.uk T: 01670 361 668 f: facebook.com/BlythTC/ A: Arms Evertyne House, Quay Road, Blyth, NE24 2AS W: www.blythtowncouncil.org.uk Living Local | 15
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utherfords of Morpeth is an exclusive family-owned department store which has been the heartbeat of Morpeth since 1846.
Morpeth's flagship store originally started as a tiny draper's shop and has evolved through five generations of the Rutherford family. Priding themselves as a contemporary lifestyle store, stocking exclusive women and men's fashions, luxurious home furnishings from candelabras
Get a Free Estimate: 0741 359 2863 or 01670 637 791 We offer a personalised roofing service in the North East of England & surrounding areas that will provide you with professional and honest advice! Here at JJD Roofing we pride ourselves on our customer care, making sure that you are kept up to date every step of the way however large or small the project may be. Giving you a first class service & peace of mind knowing that the job will be done in a professional , cost effective manner without compromising quality. • New Roofs • Repairs Lead work • Free roof inspections • Flat roofs • Chimney Re-pointing • No obligation free estimates • Slating / Tiling • Velux windows installed • Quality assured • Guttering replaced / cleaned Fascia’s & soffits • Small jobs • We DO NOT ask or require deposits. • We will only invoice you when you are completely happy with all work that’s been carried out & completed to your satisfaction. • All of our work is fully guaranteed and fully insured. • Our aim is to give our customers SPECIAL OFFER peace of mind and 100% We can offer you a “Roof Overhaul” confidence in their choice of service that will cover your whole roof, contractor. We give genuine being slates, tiles , ridge, chimney pointing and lead work. This service is supplied guaranteeswith all our work, that with a guarantee of 2-5 years with will always be honoured.
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to cushions, cookware, shoes, cosmetics and handbags. They’ve created a cosmopolitan image, sourcing items from around the world rather than copying their contemporaries and you'll find exclusive, must-have labels that aren't available outside of London. The personal touch is evident throughout the store, with flawless attention to detail that attracts customers from throughout the UK and beyond. They are as stylish and as individual as you are. And when you've shopped till you've dropped, their mouth-watering cafe is the perfect haven where you can relax in comfort and enjoy a bite to eat. Have a look at their website (www. rutherfordsofmorpeth.co.uk) for a glimpse into each department. Then look no further than Rutherfords for fashion, home, beauty ... and the unexpected. Rutherford of Morpeth 10 - 16 Bridge Street, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1NJ
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or Mother's Day 2018, allow us to suggest that you spoil your mum rotten with our selection of this year's most fabulous food and drinkrelated gifts.
From treat-filled hampers and stylish kitchenware to personalised chocolates and gourmet experiences to enjoy together (bonus), there's a thoughtful present here waiting with which to show your mum how much she means to you.
Wow Clutch Bag £16.99 www.elevenboutique.co.uk
Well Done Mum I’m Amazing Mug £5 www.sainsburys.co.uk
The Chocolate & Fizz Collection
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£27.50 www.hotelchocolat.com
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HUGE SAVINGS ON BIKES, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Visit us in store to view our large range of ladies, gents & children’s bicycles, clothing, accessories & parts, branches in Cramlington and Newcastle
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CRAMLINGTON Front St, Klondyke, Cramlington, NE23 6RF 01670 712536 NEWCASTLE 330-334 Shields Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 2UU 0191 276 0941 Living Local | 21
T
his year promises to be an extra tasty one with three new food festivals set to launch in the North East. The Proper Food and Drink Festivals, organised by Mark and Shelley Deakin, have already proved themselves a popular addition to the region’s gourmet calendar with outings in North Shields, Whitley Bay and Cramlington in recent years. Now the format is being rolled out to Blyth and Gateshead, and details for a new event, The Great North Feast, set to take place in Bents Park, South Shields, are also being finalised for the weekend between 25th, 26th and 27th August. Mark says: “The Great North Feast is going to be huge and amazingly exciting. It’s going to be a massive celebration of food and drink, but it will also bring together the community for a social eating experience which has never been seen before in the North East. We’ll also be trying to break loads of records.” The first Proper Food and Drink Festival took
22| Living Local
2018’s Extra Tasty place in North Shields in 2012. The events have attracted thousands of visitors since then and have been held in an increasing number of towns across the region. “We’re always a little apprehensive about bringing the festival to new places,” explains Shelley. “But they’ve always gone so well. Last year’s first one in Cramlington was incredibly popular. “Saltwell Park in Gateshead will be a fantastic location and we’ll be returning to Ridley Park, in Blyth, where we ran the Northumberland Village during the Tall Ships Regatta.” During all the festivals there will be live music and a large choice of hot food and drink. “I think we’ve got the recipe just about right,” Shelley adds. “We want to appeal to the growing number of people who appreciate and enjoy beautifully produced food and drink, but also couples and families who just want a great day out.” Shelley and Mark Deakin The events have proved a successful shop
window for producers, generating enough interest to help some turn their passion into a living. Mark says: “We’ve seen a lot of people develop and refine their offer, and we’ve shared with them the great satisfaction of seeing people queuing up to buy their product. The first of 2018’s Proper Food and Drink Festivals will be held in Northumberland Square, North Shields, between May 5 and May 7. It will then move to Bents Park, South Shields, for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend between May 26 and May 28. This will be followed by Whitley Bay on June 16 and 17, and Cramlington on July 28 and 29. On August 4 and 5, Gateshead’s Saltwell Park will stage its Proper Food and Drink Festival before the next event in Ridley Park, Blyth, the following weekend. For further information on the Proper Food and Drink Festivals visit www.properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk
Kitchens: The Heart Of The Home, Once Again
L
ook back to the cookery shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s and you can see exactly where our kitchen inspiration came from - the anodyne, sleek, chrome-clad kitchens of professional chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal. All of a sudden the warm, cosy kitchens of our parents, the kind of kitchen which Grand Dame of home cookery Delia Smith would have prepared a roast chicken dinner in - wooden cabinets, tiled floors and floral curtains were out. Instead, we were pouring concrete, installing stainless steel ranges and finding new and ingenious ways to open cupboards without using anything as unsightly as handles. The home kitchen became as close to the galley of a top London restaurant's backroom as it was possible to get: a functional space in which to create cordon-bleu spagbol and show off our collection of vintage Burgundies in the sleek built-in wine rack. But unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few years you can't have failed to notice a change. Yes, many of us are still looking to Poggenpohl and Tecnocucina for sleek lines and white, white, white, but even more are putting the heart back in to the kitchen. It's been happening for a while. Cath Kidston and
Emma Bridgewater have been tempting us with spotty egg cups and cutesy 1950s inspired cutlery, Nigella Lawson has been extolling the virtues of her Kitchen Aid mixer as she licks yet another mixing bowl clean and Nigel Slater has made the move from print to television, picking ingredients from his allotment garden to make cosy suppers in his homely TV kitchen which might have the limited colour palette of the 1990s cookery show kitchen but which exudes welcoming warmth with bare wood and earth tones. It's a fair bet to make that even Heston Blumenthal might have been swayed to adding a little splash of colour back at his home where nobody can see it. Once again an Aga is the top of the kitchen wishlist. In every colour going, it's almost a shame not to buy one in bright red or retro yellow - even Ms Bridgewater has designed one in her trademark country kitchen-esque primary colour spot. A cast iron range is undoubtedly the central feature in any family kitchen worth
its salt, but if you can't afford one (and they are ludicrously expensive) adding heartfelt character to your kitchen is simple. Patterns such as spots, stripes, hearts and stars are cute and colourful whether on crockery, cutlery or just your tea towels. Attaching a devil-maycare attitude to tidiness is a must too, within reason…open shelving filled with colourful bits and bobs, pretty bottles, cookbooks and retro finds look great while hanging your utensils above the stove or even pans from a ceiling rack has an olde worlde vibe and makes everything easy to find. There are endless ways to bring your kitchen in to the 2010s but the most important thing is to make it a living space once again.
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Contact us today to book your event or for more information: T: 01670 540 110 | E: admin@blythgolf.co.uk New Delaval, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4DB
w w w.blythgolf.co.uk Living Local | 23
Braised beef in bitter beer, with mushrooms and green peppercorn pie In this comforting beef and ale pie recipe the beef is braised in bitter and served with a delicious flaky mushroom pie topping. This is a perfect beef dish when you're looking for some tasty comfort food. When selecting bitters to cook with, choose a British ale that has a nice malty character, such as a session bitter or mild, that will accentuate the richness of the beef as opposed to lager or pale ale.
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For the braised beef, season with salt and brown the beef in oil in a pan until golden brown all over. 1.2kg braising beef sea salt to season 1 dash of vegetable oil
1.14l beef stock 1 sprig of fresh thyme
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Add the peeled carrots and halved onions to the pan. 6 carrots 3 small onions
Remove the beef, lift out the carrots and onions carefully and set aside. Pass the remaining liquid through a sieve and boil in a pan until it reaches a sauce consistency. If necessary, add a few drops of cornflour to thicken, or gravy browning to colour. 1 dash of gravy browning 1 tsp cornflour
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Sprinkle in the sugar and allow the beef and vegetables to caramelise. 10g of sugar
For the pie, fry off the button mushrooms in a few drops of oil until golden. 24 button mushrooms 1 dash of vegetable oil
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Remove the meat and vegetables from the pan and deglaze the pan with the red wine vinegar followed by red wine. 75ml of red wine vinegar 125ml of bottle of red wine Place the meat, vegetables and sprig of thyme back into the pan. Add the bitter beer next, bring the liquid to the boil and then add the stock. Cook this for about 1 ¾ hours at 160°C until very tender. 200ml of bitter beer
24| Living Local
Add the shallots and stir for about 15 seconds until golden, then remove from the heat and scrape onto a plate. Set aside. 1 shallot In a thick bottomed pan add the butter and leave to melt. Stir in the flour and make a roux base. 25g of butter 25g of plain flour
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On a low heat, add the hot milk (making sure the bay leaf has been removed) incrementally, and stir in well each time. 600ml of milk
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When all the milk has been incorporated, add the mushrooms, peppercorns, parsley and season with sea salt. Take off the heat and allow to cool. 24 button mushrooms 25g of green peppercorns 2 handfuls of parsley sea salt to season
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Place the mix into small pie dishes, place the puff pastry on top and make a small hole. Brush the pastry with egg wash and heat in an oven set to 160°C/ gas mark 3 for 15 minutes. 1 egg
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Serve the beef with the onions and carrots, a little of the beer sauce and accompany with the mushroom pie. Garnish with a sprinkling of chives. 1 handful of chives
Eaziglide Neverstick3 Professional Saucepans with Lids, Set of 3
Le Creuset Toughened NonStick Shallow Frying Pans from £79 www.johnlewis.co.uk
£165 www.johnlewis.co.uk
Signature Black Utensil Stand Set £95 www.robertwelch.com
Le Creuset 20Cm Casserole £140 www. lacookshop.co.uk
Budding Chefs Essentials
Red Silicone Tongs £9.99 www.lakeland.co.uk
Pestle and Mortar Natural Granite £9.99 www.wilko.co.uk
End Grain Chopping Board £80 www.etsy.com
Anolon Advanced 3 Piece Knife Set £56 www.dunelm.com Living Local | 25
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS review: this or a 911?
W
e are in the mountains high above Malaga, chasing a white 911 GTS convertible. Make that trying to keep up with a white 911 – the man at the wheel is a former racing driver doing his best to remove my new 718 Cayman GTS from his rear-view mirror. The fact that he fails is almost exclusively due to the astonishing abilities of the new Cayman, which threatens to topple the big brother hierarchy when pitted against a 911. Obviously it’s beaten on power – its 360bhp engine is 84bhp down on the 911, though makes 25bhp more than the old Cayman GTS. But that’s not the whole story. The Cayman’s 2.5-litre turbocharged flat four is lighter, more compact and less thirsty that the coveted six. And the entire car is significantly lighter too (1405kg vs the 911’s 1440kg). Add in the Cayman’s wellbalanced sports suspension, which lowers the centre of gravity by 20mm compared with the standard model, and the mid-engine layout, and the 911 has a problem. In terms of handling, the Cayman has the edge. The weight distribution is not as tail-happy, the cornering grip on warm tyres has that magic touch, the precise steering relays all the road contact you could ever ask for straight to the fingertips, the brakes got me out of a tight spot more than once and the diff lock processes power and torque with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. There is a downside to the extra weight on the front axle, though – through downhill bends, and whenever you overdrive the front tyres, you can expect sudden understeer. Catching it may require a stab at the brakes.
It costs £8000 less and makes 345bhp, so the difference in absolute performance is negligible. With Sport Plus and launch control activated, the GTS thunders to 62mph from zero in 4.1sec. The S takes only one tenth longer and its top speed of 177mph is only 3mph slower than the GTS’s. There’s more to this than numbers, of course. The GTS gives better feedback, has sharper responses and finer balance. If you ignore the traditional numbers and instead count the butterflies in your stomach before each drive and your heart-rate on a challenging road, the GTS wins. It’s a more exciting car than the S. Much depends on which drive programme you select via the joy knob on the steering-wheel though. In Normal mode, the ride comfort is okay. In Sport, the drivetrain sharpens up. And in Sport Plus, the entire tech-mech assembly redoubles its efforts. Left to its own devices in Normal mode, the ECU selects the tallest possible ratio from the PDK dual-clutch gearbox as soon as it can. Trundling along at 1700rpm in seventh gear may save trees, but the engine sounds coarse and unpleasant. In Sport, gearchanges are notably quicker and throttle response is brisker. In previous Porsches, Sport Plus was only good for the racetrack. In the new Cayman GTS, however, the calibration is less extreme and okay for public roads. Keep the hoof firmly planted in Sport Plus and the master chip will punch the ratios through like an electro-mechanical Rocky Balboa. Even though the engine delivers its peak 360bhp at 6500rpm, there are 1000 more revolutions to play with, and the gearbox uses them all.
Which Porsche 718 Cayman should you buy?
Cayman vs 911
But realistically the biggest enemy of the Cayman GTS isn’t the 911, it’s the Cayman S.
It’s a busy rhythm which makes a lot of mostly beautiful noise as it keeps hitting the sweet spot
26| Living Local
between over-ambitious and under-challenged. When exiting corners, the white 911 still pulls away with vigour but 200 metres later the Cayman gains ground under braking, and it feels a blink quicker through first-gear spirals and second-gear esses. While the first three ratios sit relatively close together, the top four gears are set further apart for the sake of fuel economy. Although there is a feisty 317lb ft available from 1900 to 5000rpm, the gearbox needs to be prepped by the driver to make full use of that punch. The new 718 Cayman GTS is a master in terms of sensory punch, too. Stimulating visual factors include the revised front bumper sporting a bigger air intake, darkened head- and tail lights, twin exhaust pipes framed by a charcoal diffuser, black wheels shod with 20-inch tyres and a couple of prominent air deflectors. Inside, we find racing buckets, wall-to-wall alcantara trim, no-cost Sport Chrono clocks and plenty of anodised brightwork. Still absent from the wish list are a head-up display and any but the most basic assistance systems. The most annoying feature is the admittedly improved touchscreen, which on bumpy roads typically needs two or three approaches before the index finger eventually arrives at the target. In terms of options, you would not want to be without Porsche’s infotainment system (PCM) and the reversing camera, but there is no real need to spend big on carbon-ceramic brakes or to spend small on the Sports Pack. So which Cayman to buy? The 296bhp base model does not deserve its wallflower image. It is attractively priced at £42,897 and is quick enough except perhaps for track outings and particularly furious Sunday mornings. Having said that, the 2.0-litre engine is probably better suited to the Boxster. The Cayman S strikes a compelling compromise – it easily wins
Continues page 28
Looking Sharp
Light brown stretch skinny chino trousers £25.00 www.riverisland.com Mens Shawl Neck Cardigan £23.99 www.eonclothing.co.uk White Long Sleeve Stretch Skinny Shirt £25 www.burton.co.uk
NUBUCK BELT £35 www.crewclothing.co.uk Moses Constrast Gusset Chelsea Boots £70 www.houseoffraser.co.uk Barbour for Him £65 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk
Living Local | 27
Continues from page 26 the value-for-money competition and is the perfect choice for those who don’t appreciate the GTS livery. Verdict The GT4 returns next spring, but since all my rich aunts and uncles are still fit and well, it unfortunately doesn’t enter the equation. The GTS polarises. It is expensive, it does not have a clear edge on performance, and the top-of-theline four-cylinder unit is no more refined than the lesser engines. On the other hand it looks sexier, has a potentially higher resale value and when everything falls into place – road, traffic, attitude – the 360bhp Cayman easily matches the 444bhp 911 in grins-per-mile. Plus, as the ex-racing driver in the white example ahead is discovering, the GTS’s outright speed can easily embarrass its big brother.
Price when new: £59,866 On sale in the UK: Now Engine: 2497cc 16v turbo 4-cyl, 360bhp @ 6500rpm, 317lb ft @ 1900rpm Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, rear-wheel drive Performance: 4.1sec 0-62mph, 180mph, 34.4mpg, 186g/km CO2
A Little Bit Of Luck Goes A Long Way
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he home victory against Manchester United breathed new life into the battle to avoid the drop for Newcastle United. It was a day that those under a certain age just won’t have witnessed before in their match going lives. United weren’t just good against Man U, they were lucky in parts. That’s the luck that’s been nowhere near this side all season, until recently. You make you’re own luck they say and that’s what we saw against Man Utd. A team of grafters giving everything they had and getting the rewards they deserved. It was a great day. The job is far from done. United face two tough
28| Living Local
away games before a monstrous game against Huddersfield at home. We need four more wins probably. I back United to get them. One thing about Rafa’s NUFC is when it’s mattered, results have come. In the coming weeks you’ll hear the manager talk about togetherness and support. It’s vital we do our bit for the lads, and see them over the line to remain a club competing at the highest level. We only need look 15 miles down the road to see what can happen when a fan base deserts it’s team. That Rafa and his team have it in their own hands is encouraging. We’ll know a lot more
about the task in front of us with after the two away games coming up. Should United stay up then we can feel genuinely positive about the future, if Ashley does the right thing and sells the club. Until then, it’s going to be tight.
Alex Hurst, Editor of TrueFaith www.true-faith.co.uk
The BIG One
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ewcastle Falcons will break new ground on Saturday March 24 when St James' Park is the venue for their Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints. An action-packed day of rugby dubbed 'The Big One' starts at Kingston Park Stadium when around 1,000 junior players from clubs across the region and beyond take part in the annual Land Rover Premiership Cup. Attention then turns to the home of Newcastle United as St James' Park hosts an enticing double bill, starting at 3pm with the city's student derby between Newcastle and Northumbria Universities. That is followed by the main event at 5.30pm when Newcastle Falcons face Northampton Saints in a full-blooded Aviva Premiership league match, the Falcons aiming for an attendance in excess of 20,000. With no Premier League or Championship football that weekend due to the international break The Big One is the ideal chance for supporters of any sport to come and get a
close-up look at the thrills and spills of top level rugby. There will be in-game replays on the big screen, no segregation and you can consume alcoholic drinks at your seat, all in the iconic surroundings of St James' Park. A fan plaza outside the ground will see food, drink and entertainment all available, Newcastle Falcons playing host to what they hope will be their biggest ever 'home' crowd. Adult tickets start from just £10, with juniors from £5. To book call 0871 226 6060 or buy online from www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk. The Big One is just part of an exciting climax to the season for Newcastle Falcons, who stage their European Challenge Cup quarter-final against French club Brive on Good Friday at Kingston Park Stadium. This game is not included on the season ticket membership package, tickets available by calling 0871 226 6060, from the club website or from Kingston Park Stadium in person. Other confirmed home games between now and the end of the Aviva Premiership season
are the visit of Sale Sharks on Friday April 13 (7.45pm) and the regular season climax against Wasps on Saturday May 5 (4pm). Planning for next season is already underway despite the Falcons still having plenty to play for in the current campaign, with wing duo Sinoti Sinoti and Vereniki Goneva signing contract extensions. Samoan international Sinoti has become one of the most feared defenders in the Premiership with his crowd-pleasing side-steps, while Fijian try machine Goneva remains among the most deadly finishers in the division. Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons will be hosting their end-of-season awards night at Kingston Park Stadium on Tuesday May 8. The ‘Big Bash’ will kick off from 6.45pm, with awards, dinner and entertainment. For more information or to book your place please email amy.kirsopp@newcastle-falcons. co.uk or call 0191 214 2835.
Living Local | 29
Quick Crossword Puzzle - 49 CROSSWORD
Try and solve our Quick Crossword Puzzle in 10 minutes!
Across
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1 Spicy oriental rice dishes 5 Attempt 8 Coach 9 Inhabitant 10 Ras Tafari (5,8) 11 Continent 12 Militia groups 15 Opportunities 18 Grilled 19 Extraterrestrial 20 Lettuce starter 21 Blue bloods
1 Quilt part 2 Greener vegetation 3 Took unique identifiers 4 Holy 5 Remarkable 6 Proportions 7 Top baseball team 11 Pro’s 13 First 14 More savage 16 Escargot 17 Bright Doodle area
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REVERSE WORD SEARCH 6
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Spicy oriental rice dishes 1 Quilt part A bit more challenging than a regular word 2search puzzle. Build the grid up until Attempt Greener vegetation every single empty square is filled, and all words are placed. The first letter of Coach 3 Took unique identifiers every word is given and circled to get you started. Note that more than one word Inhabitant 4 Holy start on theSearch same Puzzle exact letter! Reverse Word #U988NH Ras might Tafari (5,8) 5 Remarkable Continent 6 Proportions A I K R B Militia groups 7 Top baseball team Opportunities 11 Pro's B F S Grilled 13 First Extraterrestrial 14 More savage N T Lettuce starter 16 Escargot C S17 Bright Blue bloods
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Picture Perfect
Cramlington, Old Village Square by Adrian McRobb Send us your photos of some of the regions many pleasures and you could find it featured here on this page. editor@enrich-media.co.uk
Living Local | 31
For Conservatories, Windows & Doors, choose the family firm that you can Really Trust WARM ROOFS | CONSERVATORIES | WINDOWS | DOORS | BATHROOMS | KITCHENS
Call us today FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION ON (01670) 71 00 50 • Genuine family business • No deposit required • FENSA Registered Installer WARM ROOF
WINDOWS
The most advanced conservatory replacement roof available on the market today. Why not have the best of both worlds! Our new roofing system is designed to give you the flexibility to choose a full solid roof or combine solid and shaped glazing seamlessly. Call us today to find out more about one of our exciting offers...
We are very proud of the reputation that we have built over the last 26 years. As a genuine family run business, we have always provided a first class personal service with top quality products. When you choose Stormshield, you can relax in knowing you are working with a trusted family firm, who really cares.
Call us today
FOR A SALESMAN FREE QUOTATION ON (01670) 71 00 50
Andy Adamson Proud Owner of Stormshield
TRIPLE GLAZING
C O N S E R V AT O R I E S
B AT H R O O M S
Super thermally efficient, 40mm triple glazed units, when only the best will do.
Enjoy extra warmth and comfort in your home with our triple glazing windows.
• Genuine family business • No deposit required • FENSA Registered Installer DOORS
KITCHENS
Make your home warmer and quieter with our triple glazing windows, with the highest A++ energy efficiency rating. Our uPVC windows are built to last and extremely easy to maintain too. With Stormshield you can rest assured you’re getting windows that meet the British Standard for security, so your home is offered the highest level of protection. Call us today to find out more about one of our exciting offers...
STORMSHIELD www.stormshieldguardian.co.uk
Office & Showroom, 3 Arcot Court, Nelson Road, Nelson Park, Cramlington. NE23 1BB .
32| Living Local
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed on Sunday. After hours by appointment only.
call now: (01670) 71 00 50