Lighthouse Magazine

DECEMBER 2009 : January 2010 Delivered FREE to 10,000 homes and businesses in Cleadon, Fulwell, Roker, Seaburn & Whitburn

Hit Your Local Shops Present ideas for those hard-to-buy-for folk

Win Empire Theatre tickets

10 tickets up for grabs in our competitions

Healthy Christmas Ideas Which festive foods and spices are doing us good?

Something Special How to choose the perfect piece of jewellery

PLUS WHAT’S ON • LOCAL INFORMATION FOR IN AND AROUND THE SR6 AREA

con ten ts 4

Welcome note

5

News Round up

9

Talking Tax by Steven Tuckwell

10

We wish you a healthy Christmas

12

Something Special

14

Legal Matters

5

News Round up

10

We wish you a healthy Christmas

24

For the hard to buy for

16/17 Church Services & Events 18

Word Search

19

What’s On

21

Garden View

24

For the hard to buy for

26

Have yourself a crisis free christmas

28

Recipe

29

Theatre

Where Can You Find Lighthouse Magazine?

Lighthouse Magazine is delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses in Cleadon, Fulwell, Roker, Seaburn & Whitburn.

If you fail to get a copy drop us an e-mail and we will post one out to you.

Editorial & advertising enquiries Dave Pinder 07710 813304 dave@lighthousemagazine.net Production Grant Lucas The Magazine Production Company production@lighthousemagazine.net

© 2009 Lighthouse Magazine Lighthouse Magazine is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Lighthouse magazine.

Lighthouse Magazine is published monthly by Essential Advertising, St Peter’s Gate, Charles Street, Sunderland SR6 0AN 0191 5481333 : www.lighthousemagazine.net

Dec e m b e r 0 9 : w w w. l i g h t h o u s e m a g a z i ne.net

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we lcom e!

Welcome to our very first edition of Lighthouse Magazine which is being delivered by hand to over 10,000 homes and businesses in the coastal areas of Cleadon, Fulwell, Roker, and Seaburn & Whitburn.

With great features and essential information about the local area, Lighthouse Magazine will bring you everything you need to make the most of living in this lovely area.

Our mission is to connect local businesses with local people. We really are spoilt in the SR6 area with shopping centres at Whitburn, Cleadon and Fulwell and a large supermarket in the middle.

We have a vast array of businesses, large and small on our patch and from my meetings with many of them they offer a great service and are very approachable. Please use them and make sure you mention Lighthouse Magazine whilst you are there!

I hope that you will feel that this is your magazine as much as ours and I would love to hear your ideas for future editions.

Our next edition will be February and will be delivered to your door towards the end of January and will be delivered monthly thereafter.

If you have a special story to share with the people of this area then please call or email me.

Best wishes,

Dave Editor Lighthouse Magazine 07710 813304 dave@lighthousemagazine.net In the meantime I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

SANTA’S COMING AGAIN! Members of Rotary Club of Seaburn will again be helping Santa visit the children in Seaburn, Roker, Fulwell and Whitburn this year.

Monday 15th December South of Neale Street between Roker Park Road and Mansfield Crescent.

His sleigh will be on the streets for 6 nights between 6pm and 8pm as listed below:

Tuesday 16th December West of Whitburn Road sea front from Seafields Estate south to Talbot Road.

Monday 8th December East of Newcastle Road and Shields Road, north from Seaburn Station, including all the streets off Alston Crescent.

Tuesday 9th December East of Dovedale Road from Keswick Avenue to Grizedale Court.

Wednesday 10th December South of Dykelands Road from Dene Lane to Dunmore Avenue.

04

Wednesday 17th December South Bents Estate.

If you need further information, or wish to know more about Rotary, please telephone Keith Higgin on 536 0102.

If you have an item of news please contact us using the information on page 3. www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

n ews r ound u p

AWARD IS PURE BLISS FOR FULWELL SALON This year, Lisa Seferi, owner of Pure Bliss, in Fulwell, travelled to Paris to collect the prestigious title of Decleor Regional Salon of the Year. The salon triumphed over 92 other salons hoping to win the award. Whilst in Paris, Lisa toured the Decleor factory and had a very inspirational meeting with Solange Dessimoulie, one of the Decleor founders. Another highlight of the tour was a sneak preview of products which are not yet available.

Lisa began her career in London, at the Berkeley Hotel, after completing her training at South Tyneside College.

She then became a spa manager on cruise ships for five years. Lisa returned to Wearside where she had her own business within the Tribeca salon in East Boldon for two years before launching Pure Bliss.

The beauty salon on Sea Road is now on to its third extension, which will include a relaxation area and nail bars.

What a difference a year makes!

Alan Gray and his son, Nick of Grays Gallery in Sea Road, Fulwell are looking forward to a busy Christmas period after a harrowing event earlier this year almost threatened the future of the business.

This time last year the two-storey building which houses Grays Gallery was refurbished costing thousands of pounds. A big re-launch took place and the new look was revealed including new lighting, carpets and counters. However only a few months later disaster struck when in February a fire destroyed the gallery and many of the original paintings housed there.

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

Fortunately, they were able to relocate to a property three doors away allowing continuity of the business. After months of hard work and heartache the picture framing business and art gallery was able to open again offering a vast array of prints, frames and original paintings by North East artists.

Alan, who took over the established business in 2000, said “I would like to thank everyone who helped to get the business back to normal. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

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talking tax by stev en tu c k we ll

Business Structure In the current economic climate many people are thinking about starting their own business.

Choosing the most appropriate legal structure for your business is an important step, and could affect the degree of financial risk you take on, the control you retain over the business and the level of day-to-day administration involved as well as the amount of tax you will ultimately have to pay.

Sole trader The advantages of being a sole trader include independence, ease of set up and running, and the fact that all the profits go to you.

The disadvantages include a lack of support, unlimited liability and the fact that you are personally responsible for any debts run up by your business.

If you are self-employed, your profits are taxed as income and you also need to pay fixed-rate Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions on your profits.

Partnership The advantages of being in a partnership include its ease of set up and running, the range of skills and experience that the partners can bring to the business.

On the other hand, problems can occur when there are disagreements between partners. There is unlimited liability and, as a partner, you are personally responsible for any debts that the business runs up.

As each partner is self-employed, their share of the profits is taxed as income and they also need to pay fixed-rate Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions on their profits. Each partner is responsible for paying their own tax.

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Limited liability partnership (LLP) LLPs retain the flexibility of a partnership and your personal liability is limited. At least two members must be ‘designated members’ - the law places extra responsibilities on them.

The formation of an LLP is more complex and costly than that of a partnership and problems can occur when there are disagreements between the members. If the number of partners is reduced, and there are fewer than two designated members, then every member is deemed to be a designated member. All LLP’s must file accounts with Companies House within strict deadline.

Each member is self-employed, their share of the profits is taxed as income and they also need to pay fixed-rate

Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions on their profits. Each member is responsible for paying their own tax.

Limited liability Company In a limited liability company your personal financial risk will be restricted to how much you invest in the business and any guarantees you have given in order to obtain financing.

However, you should remember that this type of company also brings a range of extra legal duties, including the maintenance of the company’s public records, eg for the purpose of the filing of accounts.

The company is liable to corporation tax must make an annual return to HMRC. The Company director’s are employees of the company and must pay both income tax and Class 1 National Insurance contributions on their salaries. A company can pay dividends to its shareholders from its accumulated reserves (after tax profits) without paying any further tax. The shareholder will pay no further tax on the dividends received unless they are a higher rate taxpayer, but likewise cannot reclaim the tax credit attached to the dividends if they pay no income tax. A director or employee can also be a shareholder within the company.

Franchise The major advantage of a franchise is that it takes advantage of the success of an established business and support networks.

However, your freedom to manage the business is limited by the terms of the franchise agreement. Also franchisees often pay a share of their turnover to the franchiser, which reduces overall profits.

Most franchise agreements allow the franchisee to run the business as any of the above legal structures to best suit the personal individual needs, both for risk and taxation purposes.

Prior to starting your own business it is important you take full professional advice to structure your business correctly for risk and taxation effects. If you believe we can help you in any way or require any accounting or taxation advice please do not hesitate to contact us.

The article above is intended to give you informative summary of the legal structure available to businesses and should NOT be treated as professional advice.

Steven Tuckwell

Dece m b e r 0 9 : w w w. l i g h t h o u s e m a g a z i n e.net

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healt h

we wish you

a healthy Christmas!

I

proven to be more than 99% effective against airborne bacteria and viruses. Frankincense, one of the first Christmas presents, according to the Nativity story, is also a powerful immune-boosting oil.

f you want a healthy, happy Christmas then the follow naturopath Sue Blain’s suggestions and make a few additions to your shopping list.

If feeling great is top of your Christmas list this year add a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables to the festive decorations in your basket. Include pineapple and papaya, for their digestive enzymes, bromelain and papain. Lemons, if freshly squeezed in warm water, help keep the body alkaline, and are excellent, when combined with warming ginger, for nipping the first signs of a chill in the bud., Ginger wine could even make your gift list! If you’ve never tried it, spoil yourself.

Aloe Vera juice is a well known immune-enhancer and a natural antiseptic.

Don’t forget to stock up with homeopathic remedies for colds and flu. Aconite, for sudden onset, Gelsemium for muscle aches and chills or Anas Barb, an anti-viral, may be helpful when taken at the first signs of illness. Nux Vomica is a perfect antidote for the morning after the night before!

Treat yourself to a juicer this Christmas or get someone else to treat you! What better way to sample the fresh local apples, carrots, beetroot and celery? It will also come in handy for that post-festive detox!

Seasonal nuts, such as walnut, hazel, almond and brazils along with sun dried apricots are festive but healthy, mineral-rich and heaps better than chocolates!

Warming and mood-enhancing candles create a festive atmosphere on dark afternoons and special occasions. Choose natural, chemical-free varieties.

Cinnamon, cayenne, cloves and turmeric are excellent immune-boosting spices. Don’t just them to your meals, buy them as essential oils? A blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus oils was developed by a group of spice merchants in 15th-century Marseilles, France. They turned to thieving when trade was shut down due to a plague. They protected their own health as they robbed the dying by applying the oils to their clothing and skin. Following its discovery in the British archives, the mixture of oils was clinically tested and 10

Echinacea, a plant first used by Native American Indians to cure snake bites, colds, flu and other fever-related illnesses, is today commercially cultivated and has become the most popular herb in the world.

A Christmas CD is a must! Research has discovered that a choir’s immune system improved 150% during rehearsals and 240% in performance! So don’t just listen, sing-a-long and even dance. It will double the effect!

If you’re stuck for gift ideas this year then what about a ’health hamper’ using some of these suggestions. Good health is the greatest gift of all. Happy Christmas.

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

Newton Lee Insurance Services Celebrating 10 years on Sea Road…

Newton Lee Insurance Services are delighted to be celebrating 10 years of service to the local community from our premises at 66, Sea Road in Fulwell.

Robert Newton, their Senior Partner, commented, “We took over these premises in 1999 when the former occupants, Arnott Insurance, decided to close and transfer their clients to a central location… thus making it more difficult for the local community to retain a more personal service. Our continued success, I feel, demonstrates, that local services are important and valued.”

Newton Lee Insurance Services continues to grow as a team of Professional Insurance Intermediaries, dedicated to providing the local community with low cost insurance from quality insurers.

During the last ten years, despite many changes within the Insurance market place, we have been able to deliver a range of insurance products to cover most things such as :-

z Commercial Insurance z Liability risks z Specialist policies for Takeaway and Restaurants z Home Insurance – both contents and Buildings z Properties to Let z Travel z Motor

0800 954 0178

something special

How to get it right wears. That funky pink and purple necklace might be the exactly the right style but if she usually wears browns and greens she might not have anything to wear it with so make sure colours tone with her wardrobe.

If you’ve decided that precious jewellery is the way to go it’s better to look at her natural colouring. Silver haired women look great in silver, platinum or white gold, as do dark skinned women. Blondes look beautiful in warmer gold tones.

Then, whatever type of jewellery you’re thinking of, rule three is to consider her build. Petite women suit fine chains and tiny stones whereas those who are larger need a statement piece of jewellery which won’t accentuate their size.

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t’s Christmas. You want to buy her something wonderful. Your mind drifts to jewellery but, help…!

What do you buy?

Many men automatically think diamond earrings or gold chains and for some women this really is the right answer but the fact is that lots of women don’t actually wear or even like this sort of jewellery.

Jo, a stylish mum of two, says, ‘My husband Richard bought me a delicate gold bracelet one year. I never wear thin bracelets because I have large hands so it’s stayed in my jewellery box and has never been worn, which is a shame.’

Top Tips

Richard could have avoided disappointment if he’d simply looked at what jewellery Jo does wear every day. She always wears chunky bangles in bright colours and equally chunky necklaces in complimentary shades. They look fabulous and match her bright and bubbly personality.

So rule one is to look at what sort of jewellery the recipient usually wears.

Rule two is to look at the colour palate she normally 12

If you want to buy something really special but feel conventional precious metals and stones aren’t quite right then think about having a piece specially made.

There are many jewellers and artists who produce custom items to order. These might be made in materials such as glass or resin and, as they’re oneoff pieces, will cost more. The same rules apply, style, colour and size all need to be right. However she’ll have something unique and will be overwhelmed at your thoughtfulness. You’ll guarantee her a very happy Christmas indeed.

If she always wears the same gold chain or favourite diamond pin brooch this is a good indicator that conventional, ‘precious’ jewellery is her thing.

If she changes her jewellery frequently and has lots of fashion jewellery consider getting her something funky in a similar style but perhaps custom made.

Ethnic and fair trade shops often stock unusual chunky pieces.

For something really original and different try vintage or antique jewellery.

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

Sadie the Bra Lady In Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, there lies a little shop, and if you’re walking past it, you will surely have to stop.

The window’s full of brassieres, the ultimate temptation, a finer class of flimsy for the female population.

But woe betide you if you think to buy it off the shelf, well after all, they are your jugs – you measured them yourself; you always have a B cup, 38, it’s just your size but if you go to Sadie’s shop, you’re in for a surprise.

There are no sizes on the box and therein lies the trigger, the magic lies in Sadie’s eyes, which estimate your figure. Her skills are awesome, legendary, revered amongst girls, the secret of the perfect fit beneath her gaze unfurls.

No bosom is too big or small, she really is the best, she’ll show you just how to avoid the double decker chest. If you’ve got dumplings or fried eggs, whether you’re 10 or 20, Sadie’s shop’s are a treasure trove, a silken horn of plenty.

She’ll tell you if you need a boost, wide straps or minimiser, for when it comes to perfect breasts there really is none wiser.

North or South, East or West, no matter what you do, If Sadie gets your boomies out, she’ll find a bra for you.

So if you need a lift, some spread or elevation, then get yourself to Sadie’s pad, just down from Seaburn station.

The famous flock to Sadie’s, you’ll be part of the elite, and if you live in Fulwell, go today – it’s up your street.

Ann Pillans

33 Sea Road Fulwell Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR6 9BS Tel/Fax: 0191 548 9113 Email: sunderland@sadiethebralady.com

www.sadiethebralady.com

legal matters

Have you made What does it matter your will yet? if we’re not married?

Contact

0191 567

By Jacqueline Emmerson

6667

52 John Street, Sunderland www.emmersons-solicitors.co.uk probate

residential/commercial conveyancing

divorce

motoring offences

That’s what Dave and Sue thought, they referred to themselves as ‘common law’ husband and wife. They didn’t believe in marriage.

They met six years ago when Dave already lived in a house that he had bought in his own name. Eighteen months ago Sue moved into Dave’s house. They didn’t transfer the property into joint names; they didn’t think there was a problem.

Two months ago, Dave, aged 35 died of a heart attack.

He had not made a will. As Dave didn’t have any children his next of kin were his Mum and Dad. Dave was very close to his Mum and, according to her he was very unhappy with Sue. She didn’t think that he would have wanted Sue to have the house.

Sue was now panicking, she could see that as well as having just lost Dave she was going to lose her home as well. Her solicitor advised her that in order to make a claim against Dave’s estate she would have to prove that she had been partly or wholly maintained by Dave and that he had failed to make sufficient provision for her. As she had a good salary she was advised that her claim could well fail.

Fortunately for Sue, Dave’s pension provider recognised her as his cohabitee and paid her a lump sum from his Death in Service benefits. This allowed her to buy out his parents and to stay in the property.

Sue has now fallen out with Dave’s parents because of his Mum’s view. Imagine how different the situation could 14

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

legal matters

have been if Dave had either left a will or transferred the property into the joint names of he and Sue. You would think that this is an unusual story but it’s not. As more and more people live together without marrying this type of case is becoming common. The vast majority of estates that Emmersons Solicitors are currently dealing with are complicated. This is because the deceased either didn’t make a will or left one that did not provide for all of the relevant people.

It can cost thousands of pounds and a lot of angst to try and sort out these cases. Yet for less than ÂŁ200.00 everyone could avoid being part of a tale like this one!

For more information see www.emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

Have you made your will yet?

Contact

0191 567 6667 52 John Street, Sunderland www.emmersons-solicitors.co.uk probate

residential/commercial conveyancing

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

divorce

motoring offences 15

Christmas Church Services and Events All Saints’ Church, Fulwell Sat 5th Dec

Christmas Fayre & Coffee Morning

10am -12pm

Concert with Ravenswood Singers

7.30pm

(Tickets £5 Parish Office 516 0135 Mon-Fri 9am - 1pm

or S. Cameron 549 8124)

Sun 13th Dec

Christingle Service

Sun 20th Dec

Children’s Nativity &

Family Communion

10.30am

Carol Service

6pm

Christmas Day Holy Communion

10am

5pm

St. Andrew’s Church, Roker Thurs 10th Dec Christmas at Home - an evening of Christmas music, singing & readings with Together in Harmony & guest soloists. Tickets £5 to include mulled wine & mince pies (available from Smiths Shoes, Sea Road or Parish Office 516 0135 Mon-Fri 9am-1pm) Sun 20th Dec

Holy Eucharist

8am

Holy Eucharist

9.30am

Christingle Service

4pm

Christmas Eve Carol Service with Nativity Presentation

and Blessing of the Crib

4pm

Midnight Eucharist

11.30pm

Christmas Day Holy Eucharist

10am

St. Peter’s Church, Monkwearmouth Sat 5th Dec

Coffee Morning & Christmas Fayre

10.30am-3pm

Sun 13th Dec

Christingle Service

3pm

Fri 18th Dec

Music Makers in Concert

7.30pm

(Tickets £5 Parish Office 516 0135 Mon-Fri 9am -1pm

or N. Burnett 567 4617)

Sun 20th Dec

Children’s Nativity &

Family Eucharist

11am

Nine Lessons, Candles & Carols

4pm

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass

11.30pm

Christmas Day Holy Eucharist

10am

Whitburn Methodist Church Fri 18th Dec

Christingle Service

5.30pm

Sun 20th Dec

Carol Service

3pm

Christmas Day Christmas Morning worship

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10am

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

wh at ’ s on

Fulwell Methodist Church Sun 13th Dec

Christingle

Sun 20th Dec

All Age Christmas Worship 10.30am

4pm

Carols Service Christmas Eve Continuous Communion

6pm

2pm – 3.30pm

open to all

There is a short opening service, but the prayers are available on a sheet so come and go in your own time

Crib Service

(especially for small children)

4pm

Midnight Communion

11.15pm

Christmas Day Christmas Worship

10.30am

All Saints’ Church, Cleadon Sun 6th Dec

Christingle Service

4pm

Tues 8th Dec

Carols around the tree in Cleadon Village

6pm

Sun 20th Dec

Alternative Carol Service

6pm

Christmas Eve Family Carols

4pm

(especially younger children)

Family Carols

6pm

First Communion of Christmas

11.30pm

Christmas Day All Age Christmas Communion

10am

Cleadon Methodist Church Sat 5th Dec

Coffee morning and Christmas Fayre

Sun 20th Dec

Carol Service

5pm

Tues 22nd Dec Christingle Service

5.30pm

Christmas Day Christmas Morning worship

11am

Whitburn Parish Church Sun 6th Dec

Christingle Service

Christmas Eve Children’s Crib Service

10am 3pm

(children are invited to come dressed as a character from the Nativity story)

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

7pm

Midnight Communion

11.45pm

Christmas Day Holy Communion (said 1662)

8am

10am

Family Communion

All the times and dates are correct at the time of going to print however we do suggest you confirm dates and times with the Churches.

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

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w ord search

word search CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH Try our Christmas song word search. Titles may run forwards, backwards or diagonally.

How many Christmas

T H E H O L L Y A N D T H E I

V Y I

P B N

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F R O S T Y T H E S N O W M A N F W S S R

18

How many Christmas songs can you find songs can you find?

Silent Noel Silent Noel Adeste Fideles Adeste Fideles Away in a Away inManger a Manger Blue Christmas Blue Christmas Deck thethe Halls Deck Halls Frosty the Snowman Frosty the Snowman Gaudette Gaudette I Saw Three Ships I Saw Three Ships InIn thethe Bleak MidMid Winter Bleak Winter Jingle Bell Rock Jingle Bell Rock Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Joy to the World Joy to the World LetLet it Snow it Snow Little Donkey Little Donkey Mary’s Boy Child Mary’s Boy Child Oh Holy Night Oh Holy Night Oh OhTannenbaum Tannenbaum Santa Baby Santa Baby Silent Night Silent Night Silver Bells Silver Bells Sleigh Ride Sleigh Ride Spotless Rose Spotless Rose The First Noel The First Noel The Holly and thethe IvyIvy The Holly and We Three Kings We Three Kings White Christmas White Christmas Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

wh at ’ s on

What’s On Lighthouse Whats’On page is a great way to publicise an event. Charitable and not for profit events are listed free of charge. A small charge applies for commercial listings WHITBURN VILLAGE Tuesday 15th Dec 6.00pm – 7.15pm Carols led by Westoe Brass Band outside the Café In Whitburn SOUTER LIGHTHOUSE Sat 5th & Sun 6th, Sat 12th & Sun 13th Dec Meet Father Christmas - 11am & 4.30pm This is suitable for children under age of 10. £5 per child. Booking is essential.

Shop & Tearoom open - 11am – 4.30pm Enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping then relax with a mince pie in the tearoom Thurs 31st Dec 10am – 3pm Hogmanay Hike A festive walk around Marsden Circular with our warden. Meet in the Foghorn Field. £2.50 charge includes home-made soup and stottie on your return to the Lighthouse. Contact Souter Lighthouse for more information on 0191 529 0909 FULWELL WINDMILL Sat 12th & Sun 13th Dec 12pm – 3.30pm FREE. Santa’s Weekend Meet Santa Claus when he opens up his toy workshop at this family event, with music and craft activities.

Phone 0191 516 9790 for further information BEDE’S WORLD Sat 5th Dec Candle Light Christmas Concert The magical spirit of Christmas will be brought to life with our fabulous Christmas concert, filled full of festive songs and hymns. The concert will take place in the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Church in Jarrow. Tickets cost £4 each. Pre-booking essential. Contact Bede’s World on (0191) 4892106 to book your ticket

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

Sat 5th Dec 11am – 4pm & Sun 6th Dec 12pm – 4pm Georgian Christmas Step back to the eighteen century and join our Georgian household as they prepare for their Christmas festivities. Take part in their parlour games and make your own traditional Christmas decorations to adorn your home.

Admission prices apply Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th Dec 1pm – 4pm. Bede’s World’s Enchanted Christmas The afternoon of festive family fun will include an amazing fancy dress party, packed full of festive storytelling, games and music. Also visit Father Christmas on our farm and help our Christmas elves make a small present to take home. Tickets cost £5 per child. Pre-booking is essential.

Contact Bede’s World on (0191) 4892106 NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE Saturday 19th Dec 10am - 11am Festive Christmas card & wrapping paper workshop Children from the age of 4 years can come and make their own cards and wrapping paper in time for Christmas. £3 per child. Booking is essential.

Tues 22nd Dec and Tues 29th Dec 10am - 12pm Glass Mosaic. Children from 6 years old can design and make their own glass mosaic tile. £7 per child. Booking is essential.

Wednesday 23rd Dec 11am -12pm Recycled Christmas decorations workshop Children from 4 years old can come and make Christmas decorations using a variety of recycled materials. Just in time to hang them on the tree at home! £3.50 per child. Booking is essential.

Please call 0191 515 5555 to reserve your place on the above workshops SEABURN BEACH Sat 26th Dec - Boxing Day Dip Watch the hundreds of brave people plunge into the icy cold North Sea in fancy dress in the traditional Boxing Day Dip at Seaburn – organised

by Sunderland Lions Club

19

XMAS TREES XMAS WREATHS For the best advice and service come along this Christmas and see our displays of top quality trees and a warm welcome.

WEEK openOPEN 7 days7aDAYS weekAin december 9.00am – 7.00pm 9.00AM 7.00PM Sunday 10am – 4pm

SUNDAY 10-4pm

Thompson Road, Fulwell Grange, Sunderland SR5 1PW

Fulwell Landscapes Garden Landscaping Domestic, Commercial & Industrial FREE ESTIMATES Landscaping specialists • Factory maintenance • Block Paving • Walls Patios • Pruning • Pave Cleaning & Sealing specialists • Fencing Cultivated Turf Supplied and Laid • Gravelling • Ponds Water Features • Rockeries • Decking • Mini Digger Hire Tel: 0191 519 6599 Mob: 07918 660557 www.fulwelllandscapes.com 20

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

garde n vi ew

We also have a huge range of welcome wreathes for your door. Last Christmas we sold over 300 rings so we recommend that you place your order for one as they are so popular.

Get that festive feeling this Christmas with a real fresh cut tree in your home!

Choosing the right tree for your home can be a difficult decision, so to make your choice a little easier here is a basic introduction to what is available and the characteristics of each type of tree, also a few tips to keep your tree looking fresh.

Nordman Fir; Now one of the most popular Christmas trees baring dark green thick bushy branches, strong pines and having a traditional shape that fits any home. Also one of the major advantages is this variety retains its needles, so you wont be hovering needles out of your carpet for months.

We also have Christmas planted arrangements for indoors and out which brings a warm welcome to your front entrance.

For the best advice and service come along this Christmas and see our displays of top quality trees and a warm welcome.

Lodge Pole Pine; One of the first Christmas trees to be placed in the home is still a popular choice today.

The lodge pole is suited to the large home with high ceilings as it can take up a lot of space with its bushy stem and light green pines. If you have space for this tree you will enjoy its lovely scent which will add to the festive atmosphere in your home.

Fraser Fir; A new addition to the cut Christmas tree range. It is a slender shaped tree and is ideal for the smaller home. A beautiful looking tree with silvery green branches and pine sent. This tree like the Nordman will not loose its needles.

Norway spruce; The old favorite! This thee is the bushiest of all cut Christmas trees. Its dark green pines and strong smelling sent will fit in any home. We recommend that you get this tree one or two weeks before Christmas as the Norway spruce may drop its needles.

Potted Christmas Trees; We also have a selection of field grown trees which you can have in your home over the festive season then plant it in your garden to enjoy year after year.

Christmas Tree Stands; We recommend our tree stands with our trees. Not only because it supports your tree it also holds water which is essential maintain your tree. As Chiristmas trees are cut, treat them like cut flowers, you wouldn’t put flowers in a vase with no water!

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

Plant Smart, Thompson Road, Sunderland. SR5 1PW 21

Opening Offer Free Fitting on All installations booked before January 2010 Free design consultation....ultra modern 3D designed presentation....

All projects designed + coordinated by Russ Wood to completion....

30 years experience in design - manufacture & installation of fitted furniture....

We are part of a successful manufacturing and retail company: Imperial Cabinets & Kitchens Plus, based on the Team Valley with over 30 years trading in the kitchen & bedroom sector....

Showroom can be opened after hours for your convenience....

We offer FULL project management on all our installations....

Services can include all aspects of:Building works, joinery, plastering, electrical, plumbing, tiling and decorating (including hand painting)....all trades we use are fully qualified and conform to the required standards....

Relax in our beautiful showroom and discuss your requirements over a cup of coffee, anytime....

Complete Project Management Interiors Showroom: 12 Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland SR6 9BX (next to LTSB) Russ Wood 0191 5494499 (mobile) 0783 4787092

sea f ood

Latimers Shellfish Deli Latimers is renowned as a purveyor of one of the finest selections of fresh, seasonal Seafood in the North East.

Step inside and you’re immediately confronted by a deli counter overflowing with myriad varieties of fish, seasonal fish and shellfish. Of particular note are the langoustines, said by celebrity chef James Martin to be some of the finest around.

Latimers has received plenty of praise and was even named ’Best Local Retailer’ at the BBC Food and farming Awards 2007, but luckily still remains a friendly ,local fishmongers. Speak to anyone behind the counter and you’ll receive a wealth of information, ranging from recipes and cookery tips to what’s in season. All of their fish is fresh from the sea, with the vast majority sourced

from local waters - making this an absolute haven for anyone who truly loves their seafood.

Latimers new premises adds to what is a glowing reputation. The new look café serves plenty of tasty delights including dressed lobster, fresh crab sandwiches and salads, homemade cakes and scones. Their delicatessen range is also worth sampling, including ready to eat seafood salads, dressed crab and lobsters, cooked prawns, cured and smoked salmon and not to forget their famous winkles!

In short, Latimers is a place for people who love seafood, run by people who love seafood, and is a genuine local food hero Latimers Shell Fish Deli Shell Hill, Bents Road, Whitburn, SR6 Tel: 0191 5292200 E-mail: info@latimers.com www.latimers.com



 Shell Hill, Bents Road, Whitburn, SR6 7NT 0191 529 2200 - info@latimers.com - www.latimers.com Opening Hours Mon– Sat 8am-5pm Sun& Bank Hols 9am-4pm

Latimers has the best selection of local and seasonal seafood.

Our fish are landed daily by the best local dayboat fishermen, who fish the seas of the Northumberland and Yorkshire coasts. In season this summer; wild salmon and seatrout, native crab and lobsters, scallops, halibut, monkfish and squid to name just a few.

We will happily give cooking advice, recipes and fillet your fish to order, and remain as always your friendly local small family run fishmongers.

Our new café is open, offering seafood platters, dressed crab and lobster, also fresh handpicked crab sandwiches.

Freshly ground coffee, homemade cakes and scones available.

Dece m b e r 0 9 : w w w. l i g h t h o u s e m a g a z i n e.net

23

wh at to buy

For the hard-to-buy-for!

might be an idea, or what about a session with a local photographer?

Are there magazines around? What sort are they?

Consider taking out a subscription for them, or use the knowledge that they like to read about cameras, cars or history to buy them a related gift.

We all have them. It might be your dad, your boss or your sister-in-law. I’m talking about those tricky souls who just seem so darn difficult to buy for!

Food is a good choice. We all have to eat. Buy something luxurious they wouldn’t normally buy: what about making them a gift basket using their favourite luxury brand of chocolate or, if they’re a healthy sort, how about an organic fruit and veg box delivered to their door?

Never fear though. We’re here to help. First let us suggest that you put on your thinking cap! After all, thoughtful gifts require some thought!

Think of things you’ve heard them talk about. If you’ve never given that much thought then really listen next time you’re with them. What sets them alight? It might be their garden, their hobby, books they’ve read or films they’ve watched. These are all valuable starting points.

Teenagers are a nightmare to buy for. Their tastes tend to be expensive and change from week to week. Think quirky and cool for teens and you won’t go far wrong.

Carnivorous plants and science toys always seem to go down well but if you don’t want to take a chance then try a music voucher for their MP3 player.

Some people play their cards close to their chest but if you are in their own environment look around you.

People litter their homes and offices with clues to what is important to them. Perhaps they have lots of photos of their family around. A beautiful photo frame or album

Donate in someone’s name. It’s a lovely thing to do and is a brilliant gift for the person who seems to have everything not least because it tells them you think they have a generous spirit. You can buy goats, school equipment and even cataract surgery for people in developing countries, all in the recipient’s name, or you can donate closer to home. Sponsor a guide dog or a zoo animal. The choices are endless.

The old cliché, ‘It’s the thought that counts,’ is true.

The more thought you put in the more likely you are to make the recipient feel special. Happy hunting!

Strapped for Cash?

•T houghtful gifts don’t have to cost a penny! Make your own gift certificates!

• What about a car-valet for your dad?

•A friend who has just bought a new house would probably appreciate your offer to help decorate.

•B usy mums might love the idea of you offering to babysit so they can go out for the evening.

• I f you think hard the gift of your time is often the most precious gift of all.

24

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

chr istma s

Have yourself a crisis-free Christmas!

O

ne Christmas our whole family came down with flu; in other years our dog died, the oven exploded and we had a power cut, thankfully not all on the same day!

Most Christmases are wonderful but sometimes life gets in the way. However, a smidgeon of forethought can make all the difference: First among potential disasters are digestive ones. Invest in special thermometers for ovens and fridges and check they’re running at the right temperature. A plate of salmonella is definitely not top of most people’s Christmas list!

Less serious but still unpleasant are tummy upsets caused by an excess of rich food and drink. Keep a supply of antacids and rehydration salts in your first aid box.

Plasters and anti-burn spray are useful because chopping sprouts and getting the turkey in and out of the oven can be surprisingly dangerous tasks, especially after a sherry or three!

Then there are the unavoidable hitches such as illness which, let’s face it, can strike any time, even at Christmas.

High temperatures and sore throats are no fun at all.

Make sure you have ibuprofen and paracetamol to hand, both the junior and adult versions.

Make two lists of emergency numbers. Include NHS Direct, a dentist, your gas and electricity suppliers, an emergency plumber, electrician, vet and a locksmith. A garage and taxi service are useful too. Keep one list at home in an easy-to-find place and the other about your

26

person. Don’t forget candles, matches, a flashlight and some batteries just in case of a power cut.

Finally there are the avoidable disasters caused by poor planning. Make sure the car is serviced and full of petrol if you have to travel. If you’re going abroad check all passports are up to date and that the dog or cat will be cared for. For peace of mind use boarding kennels or a professional pet sitter.

Burglaries increase around Christmas because thieves know there are rich pickings to be had so check your security. Also check your household insurance is valid and that you have enough cover.

Did you know that 33% of parents forget to buy batteries for Christmas toys? Avoid disappointment on the day. Run through a check list before you leave the shop: do you need batteries, a battery charger, memory cards, a scart lead or an extra console controller (a standard Nintendo Wii for example comes with one controller and you’ll need two for Wii sports).

Please please don’t throw the instructions out with the wrapping paper and furthermore, if you think there is something wrong with the gift DO NOT take it to pieces.

You will invalidate your warrantee!

You can’t prevent all crises. Prepare by all means but try to keep a sense of perspective and humour and hopefully you’ll have a happy Christmas no matter what life throws at you!

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

re tire ment

Give Up Your Car and Save over £2,400* a year!

Residents at McCarthy and Stone’s Willow Bank Court retirement development in East Boldon are proving there’s no need to worry about giving up your car in later life. Using the Metro Gold Card to get around only costs them £12 a year, saving them a whopping £2,400* and benefitting the environment too.

The card enables those with a Concessionary Travel Pass to use the Metro from 9.30am weekdays, all day at weekends and on public holidays. For trips further afield it’s also valid on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland.

To help residents at Willow Bank Court make the best use of these local transport and delivery services, McCarthy and Stone has introduced a ‘Green Transport Plan’. This tailor-made pack contains detailed information about public transport with route maps and journey times, door-to-door services and other mobility schemes in the area.

Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for McCarthy and Stone, said: “The savings on running a car are clearly adding up for purchasers here at Willow Bank Court, as there are now only five

retirement apartments remaining for sale.

“Many people fear that giving up their car in later life means they will lose their independence, but this certainly isn’t the case for residents here. The Metro Gold Card is an excellent way to travel around the region, plus our Green Transport Plan lets new residents know about everything on offer in their area, without having to source the details separately.

McCarthy & Stone is the market leader in retirement living with nearly 150 developments across the UK. With over 30 years experience, it offers a range of award-winning one and two bedroom apartments exclusively for the over-60s.

McCarthy & Stone’s Retirement Living developments offer independence combined with the peace of mind of additional security, low maintenance and companionship. The company also offers Assisted Living - developments with an additional range of facilities and support services to help residents retain their independence and home ownership. *Cost worked out using the AA’s petrol car running costs guide and is approximate.

Cost is based on a new car up to the value of £12,000, travelling 5,000 miles a year and spending 106.3p/litre on unleaded petrol

retirement living Security and independence

McCarthy & Stone

Retirement Living from £129,950 All our purpose built retirement apartments include 24-hour Careline plus a camera entry system for use with your TV for added peace of mind. And with economical heating and double glazing you’ll be amazed how little your new home will cost to run.

RETiREmENT ApARTmENTS fROm £129,950

EAST BOLDON Willow Bank Court Station Road Open Tues - Sat, 10.30am to 5.00pm

0191 519 4408 House Manager u Lift 24-hour Careline u Security Entrance System u Intruder & Smoke Alarm u u

www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

27

REC IPE

Christmas Muffins Packed full of festive flavours these tasty muffins are a sure-fire Christmas hit.

Makes 12

Preparation

Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 200ºC / gas mark 6.

200g plain flour

Into a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and bicarb. Stir in the sugar and grate over a generous amount of fresh nutmeg.

3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Squeeze the orange juice into a measuring jug, then add milk until it comes up to the 150ml mark. Add the melted butter and the egg and beat lightly.

75g Demerara sugar fresh nutmeg - grated

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix till they are more or less combined. Don’t worry if the mixture is a little lumpy; lumpy batter makes light muffins! Lightly fold in the cranberries and fill the muffin cases or cups.

1 small orange 50ml milk 60g unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg

Mix together the Demerara sugar and ground cinnamon and sprinkle over the tops of the muffins.

Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

150g dried cranberries for the topping: 2 teaspoons Demerara sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Eat warm or cold.

Your local Lloydspharmacy

More than just prescriptions. . .

• Free Express Express Repeat Prescription Service* • Free Diabetes and Blood Pressure Tests* • Free Medicines Check-up* • A Wide range of healthcare products

Lloydspharmacy, Southwick Health Centre, The Green, Southwick, Sunderland, SR5 2LT Tel: 0191 548 1952 Lloydspharmacy, 50 Borough Road, Hendon, Sunderland, SR1 1AE Tel: 0191 565 3451

*May not be available in all stores. Terms and conditions apply, ask in pharmacy for details.

www.lloydspharmacy.com 28

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

Theatre : competition

The Nutcracker The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia bring a sprinkling of fairy dust to Sunderland with the magical tale of the NUTCRACKER at the Sunderland Empire, Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th January 2010.

Experience the festive feeling all over again as TCHAIKOVSKY’S beautiful score captures perfectly the spirit of Christmas Eve in this fairy-tale ballet. Be transported to an enchanted world where toy dolls come to life as an army of soldiers do battle with a gang of mice and a Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince.

Formed in 1981, THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA has established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. Both the soloists and the corps de ballet have been highly praised by critics, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking ability and dazzling costumes.

THE NUTCRACKER is hailed as the most popular of all the ballets; set on a stage that creates a winter wonderland and with a score including the memorable ‘DANCE OF THE SUGARPLUM FAIRY’. With an exceptionally talented cast, THE NUTCRACKER is a treat for all of the family.

THE NUTCRACKER is at the Sunderland Empire Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th January 2010. Tickets costing £18.00 - £30.50 are available from 0844 847 2499, online at SunderlandEmpire.org.uk and Groups 10+ can receive up to £5.00 off (restrictions apply) by calling 0844 3 72 72 72.

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

WIN TWO TICK ETS TO ‘THE NUTCRAC KER’ AT THE SUNDERLAND EMPIRE ON 11th JANU ARY 2010

ANSWER THE FO LLOWING QUESTION: Who composed th em for ‘The Nutcracke usic r’?

Answer, name an d telephone numbe address and r via e-mail to: Ann@lighthousem agazine.net or by post to:Lighthouse Magaz in Essential Advertisin e, g, St Peter’s Gate, Charles Street, Sunderland SR6 0AN The winner will be drawn from correct answers an d notified

29

Forget Resolutions another go and joined a night class.

Over 70 percent of us make New Year resolutions but only 20-40 percent of us stick to even one of them!

Time for a rethink...

Psychologists suggest that the main reason we fail is that most resolutions are actually negative, such as I must eat less and lose weight; I must give up smoking; I must find a way to leave my awful job.

If I were to say to you, “Do not think of a pink elephant,” what happens? Well, the human brain cannot ‘not’ think about something so of course you immediately think about a pink elephant!

Now think about not having a cigarette. Your brain automatically thinks about smoking...and if you try to think about not having a chocolate digestive your brain immediately creates tantalising pictures of chocolate biccies in your mind!

So we say...this year forget negative resolutions: concentrate on positive revolution.

Is there something you’ve always secretly longed to do? Perhaps you’ve always yearned to learn ballroom dancing, or take an art class, or climb a mountain.

Let’s make this the year you make one of your dreams come true.

Paula’s experience shows how a little positive change can lead to a big revolution. At school Paula struggled with languages. She was the class dunce in French and failed her GCSE. But when her daughter started to learn French at high school she decided to have

30

She describes herself as very shy but to her delight she found that the friendly, informal atmosphere of the class was a world away from her school days and she really enjoyed the lessons. She achieved a grade A in her GCSE and went on to study at A level. After achieving a B in that she joined the Open University and now studies French at degree level. She’s even been to a summer school in France and is looking forward to welcoming an exchange student this summer.

“It’s really improved my confidence,” she says, “And that’s impacted on the rest of my life. I find it easier to speak up and make friends now because I have something interesting to say.”

Marion has a different but equally positive story. She really wanted to travel to see her sister in Australia, a country she’d never visited, but she’d never been able to afford it. So she decided to make a concerted effort and save properly. She cut down on buying magazines, unnecessary snacks and eventually cigarettes and every penny she saved she put in her ‘Australia’ fund. By the time she’d saved enough for a ticket she was two dress sizes smaller and felt healthier than she’d done in years!

“Every year I’d make resolutions to give up smoking and lose weight and every year I’d fail. Only when I had a positive goal to focus on did the rest fall into place!”

So this year forget the resolutions and decide to make 2010 your revolution year.

www.lighthousemagazine.net : December 09

puzzl e solution s : com ed y co r ner

Solution to December Word Search.

Closing date for all competitions in this month’s edition will be Friday 18th December, 2009.

Comedy Corner hical olitician, an et p t es n o h n A Q. ing nta were walk lawyer and Sa they together when down a street e note lying in th spotted a £20 up? one picked it gutter. Which real. er two aren’t th o e h .t .. ta n A. Sa

Two elves wer e chatting.

‘I remember w hen Father Ch ristmas first took his sleigh -driving test,’ said one elf.

‘He came skid ding down in front of the to factory so I ask y ed him if he’d passed.’

‘What did he

Dear Santa, this Christmas could you please send me a yellow door.

Yours truly, Sherlock Holmes.

say?’ asked th

e second elf

‘Nothing, he just pointed to the front of th sleigh and I co e uld see straig h t a w a y h e had No-el plates!’

Watson: So why do you want a yellow door Holmes?

Holmes: Lemon-entry my dear Watson.

TO A D V ERTISE HERE CALL 0 1 9 1 5 4 8 1 3 3 3

31

ALFRED PALLAS chartered surveyors wwwalfredpallas.com

1973

2009

Alfred Pallas has been the premier name in estate agency on the north side of Sunderland for 36 years. Our Fulwell branch on Sea Road opened in 1973 and was the first to cater specifically for north Sunderland people. We are the specialists in the area to this day, giving an unrivalled professional and personal service.

Sellers have the benefit of the traditional customer care, honest advice and absolute attention to detail only a family firm can give.

Buyers really do look first to Alfred Pallas to find a property in the area.

Call us for advice on any property matter or go to our website www.alfredpallas.com for more information and up to the minute details on all our current properties Residential Sales • Residential Lettings Surveying Department Commercial Sales and Consultancy www.alfredpallas.com Fulwell office: 5482166 City office: 5654433 Boldon office: 5193333