R&R Magazine

FIT FOR A KING:

The hidden world of Sunderland’s little palaces

COMPETITION: Win a luxury break at Matfen Hall

ENTERTAINMENT: Look who’s coming to town

12

20

ISSUE 1 - SPRING

Spamalot!

From marching knights to six foot rabbits, TV’s Todd Carty reveals all £2.99 WHERE SOLD

PLUS

Exclusive: The secret world of tabloid journalism seen through the eyes of Sunderland’s former News of the World top hack

Hello and welcome to R&R

...the ONLY lifestyle magazine dedicated to Sunderland FROM fashion to features, it’s all in R&R – where lifestyle and news come together.

R&R is an exciting new editorially-led upmarket magazine for the city. It’s written in Sunderland, about Sunderland, for Sunderland and delivered directly into local households.

We believe that in an ever-increasing stressful society, it’s never been more important to take time out and relax. With R&R you can do just that.

We believe the time is right for a bit of quality R&R in our great city – so kick back, relax and enjoy!

EDITORIAL Editor: Andrea Thurlbeck E: andrea@randrlife.co.uk M: 07724 322 184 Commercial Editor: Andy Barker E: andy@randrlife.co.uk M: 07855 352 303

VIVA LA VIDA

Coldplay call into the Stadium of Light on Thursday June 7

ADVERTISING E: ads@randrlife.co.uk T: 0845 519 4563

GET IN TOUCH Website: www.randrlife.co.uk Email: info@randrlife.co.uk randrlife www.facebook.com/randrlife

PUBLISHERS Results Network The Quadrus Centre, Woodstock Way, Boldon T: 0845 519 4563 www.resultsnetwork.co.uk © 2012 Results Network UK Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Great care is taken in the preparation of this publication but neither Results Network nor the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributing writers and not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork.

All rights reserved.

Results Network UK Limited is registered in England and Wales.

Registered office: The Quadrus Centre, Woodstock Way, Boldon Business Park, Tyne and Wear, NE35 9PF. Company Registration No. 5310072. Vat Registration No. 860 0580 44

REST & RELAX 3

Contents 07 DESIGN

12 NEWS ROUND-UP

Getting help to create your dream home is not just for the rich and famous as Rachel Taylor of Demon Interiors in Sunderland explains.

Local news you may have missed.

Rest, relax and catch-up.

08 INTERVIEW

58

R&R’s Andy Barker catches up with ex-EastEnders and Grange Hill TV star Todd Carty as he prepares to take to the stage in Spamalot at the Sunderland Empire.

11 WALK ON THE WEAR-SIDE! Stretch your legs with an easy local walk.

22

14 SECURITY Protecting your home can save you money and give you peace of mind as Chris Walsh from Pro-active Protection Systems explains.

15 PUTTING THE VIP INTO SHOPPING A look at the growth of the personal shopper at Debenhams.

16 FEMALE FASHION R&R’s Andrea Thurlbeck opens the doors to an eclectic spring summer wardrobe.

18 HAIR Looking at the latest styles, how to perk up your hair after winter and the secret of Kate Middleton’s luscious locks.

20 HEALTH One of the region’s top dental consultants Michael Oliver talks about his good gum guide and pioneering work bringing pain relief to Moroccan children.

22 EXCLUSIVE The top Sunderland tabloid reporter at the heart of the newspaper hacking storm, Neville Thurlbeck, reveals all.

26 LOCAL HERITAGE R&R takes a look at Sunderland’s little palaces with our heritage expert Michael Johnson.

28 PROPERTY Moving up instead of on, we take a look at loft conversions with Bloc Design and Build while lettings expert Phil White of Newscar Lettings guides you through the perils of renting out your property.

30 INTERIORS Bring a burst of spring into your home and take a look at an Aladdin’s cave of lighting at Washington Lighting Centre.

33 BEAUTY What’s new, Rihanna’s secret to glowing skin and R&R beauty columnist Amanda Bell, make-up artist to the stars, passes on some tips.

4 REST & RELAX

20

Issue 1: Spring 12

36 MOTORS Seat Exeo put through its paces.

42 BUILDING BUSINESS IN THE CITY

37 LEGAL EAGLE

SES opens its iconic centre in Hendon.

R&R’s legal expert Mark Cook looks at how to keep your property safe in old age.

44 BUSINESS

38 MENS FASHION

The latest news and views from the business world in Sunderland.

The endless cool of the T-shirt.

45 BOOSTING ENTERPRISE

41 A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Hear how R&R’s new make-up expert and columnist got her business off the ground with help from the BIC.

We take a look at the innovative Create organisation in Sunderland that is helping to turn around people’s lives.

41

46 FOOD With a new look, a new menu, and a curry king for a chef, Zeera opens its doors.

50 WIN WIN WIN WITH R&R Check out our amazing competitions for the chance to win a luxury trip to the superb Matfen Hall, a fantastic face treatment from Holmlands and a delicious meal for two at Amore.

51 IT’S R&R TIME R&R’s tips for heading out or staying put.

R&R IS DELIVERED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE DOOR OF HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS SUNDERLAND.

52 ENTERTAINMENT All the latest listings of what’s going on across the city from spectacular shows and live gigs to exhibitions.

58 LAST ORDERS SAFC manager Martin O’Neill talks music plus a little light entertainment.

GET IN TOUCH R&R is the voice of relaxation and news across the city of Sunderland and as such we want to hear from you, our readers.

Is there an issue in the city that gets you fired up? Do you want to shout out about a hidden gem within the city? Have you got either a great old photo of Sunderland or a fab memory that you would like to share?

Or do you simply want to tell people across Sunderland about an event that is coming up?

If so, then it’s very easy to get in touch with us: Website: www.randrlife.co.uk Email: info@randrlife.co.uk randrlife www.facebook.com/randrlife

REST & RELAX 5

Affordable A-List Home Styling

Your home is your palace, but you don’t need to be a king to afford a great interior designer!

GONE ARE the days when you had to be from society’s elite to afford the services of a specialist to create your perfect living space.

More and more people are waking up to the fact that when you’re spending time and money creating a new look for your home, getting some expert advice can be a really good idea.

An interior designer can help you get your home looking exactly the way you’ve always wanted, simply and affordably.

Demon Interiors based in Sunderland offers the latest and the very best in interior design at competitive prices to suit customers’ individual style and taste.

The award-winning team, headed up by interior designer and director Rachel Taylor and technical design co-ordinator Darren Brown, can help with every aspect of improving your home from home makeovers and themed bedrooms to colour schemes, sourcing key pieces and even creating bespoke wallpaper for you.

Speaking at the company’s private design studio based in Quay West Business Village, Rachel said: “It’s a misconception that interior design is only for the rich and famous. We are proving that whatever the budget, we can help people to create their perfect living space.

“For example we can provide a full room colour consultation for just £300, which will equip someone with the necessary tools and knowledge to go off and create their own room makeover according to their budget without making costly mistakes or

we can also procure the goods and project manage the whole fit out.

“Because of our contacts within the trade, we can also source many accessories at competitive costs, saving clients a considerable amount of cash on high street prices.”

Consultations are strictly by appointment only.

For more information telephone 0191 548 4202 or visit www.demoninteriors.co.uk

REST & RELAX 7

This musical spectacular began its first national tour in 2010 when it was seen by more than 300,000 people in 50 weeks, in 46 different venues across the UK and Ireland.

R&R’s Andy Barker caught up with actor Todd Carty to find out how he feels about making a return visit to the city.

From Grange Hill to the

HOLY

GRA L

The city’s streets could soon be filled with marching knights and six foot rabbits, welcoming back the hugely acclaimed Monty Python’s Spamalot to the Sunderland Empire.

8 REST & RELAX

“ALWAYS look on the bright side of life” somehow seems a fitting tune for Todd Carty.

For the actor has always had a positive and open outlook which helped him to become a household name with his roles in Grange Hill, Eastenders and The Bill, as well as make the successful seamless transition to the all singing all dancing role of Patsy in the hugely successful Spamalot.

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot has been dubbed the funniest stage musical of all time and Todd has amazed audiences and critics alike with his affable charm and masterful comedy timing.

The spectacular show is making a return visit to Sunderland in April and Todd said that he was really looking forward to treading the boards in the city again.

Todd said: “It’s amazing how much people react to the show – with some of the audiences going as far as dressing up as knights and giant rabbits, which is quite bizarre but a lot of fun.

“One thing that struck me last time I was at Sunderland was how friendly and warm the people were – hopefully they’ll like it as much this time around.”

Todd has been part of the show for two years now, banging his coconuts together and singing the signature tune Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

The 48-year-old got his break after being contacted by the producers of the Broadway and West End hit who invited him to join the cast of the touring production of the show, playing the part of the much put upon sidekick to King Arthur, Patsy.

Todd said: “I remember getting the call about the show and I jumped at the chance – little did I realise that two years later I would still be in the production. It’s such a fun show though and I can honestly say I love doing it.

“It’s a perfect dose of silliness and fun which can be a refreshing release for a lot of people and we have people aged from eight to 80 laughing along in the audience.

“I think Python has such a mass appeal – I remember sneaking into the Odeon to watch the original Monty Python and the Holy Grail film when it came out and loving it as well as the television series – so it was certainly in my blood before I was asked to play the part.

“But I think Spamalot takes that successful formula a stage further and I can honestly say that you don’t have to be a Monty Python fan to really enjoy the show.

“If you want an evening of fun then this show is for you.

We want the audiences to leave with a chuckle in their heart and then we know we have done our job!”

The show so far has received a lot of critical acclaim with words such as “joyous”, “fantastic fun” and “hugely enjoyable” peppering reviews and one critic claiming he thought he might die of laughter!

Todd started acting at the tender age of four after joining a Saturday morning drama school. He cut his acting teeth on a series of commercials before getting his break as Tucker in Grange Hill, a part which Todd is still sentimental about today.

He said: “It was such a big break for me and the programme really took off against a background of jolly hockey stick type dramas. It was a huge learning curve having to learn all the lines but you can’t put a price on the experience I gained working on a set with professional actors.”

Landing the part in the spin-off Tucker’s

...dubbed the funniest musical of all time...

Luck helped Todd to make the transition on screen from young lad to young adult and helped him to go on to secure the part of Mark Fowler in Eastenders and later evil copper PC Gabriel Kent in The Bill.

Apart from these three defining and many other television roles, Todd has also been involved in film making – recently directing his first feature film, Perfect Burger, which featured his eldest son James and Pauline Quirk.

And Todd hopes this is an area he gets the chance to explore a bit more in the future once he hangs up his Patsy costume and backpack!

He added: “After this run I’m looking forward to spending a bit time with the kids and taking a break, but I’m always open to new opportunities which life may have to throw at me.

“I’ve done a couple of films and this is something I wouldn’t mind dipping into again in the future. I think there’s life in the old dog still – maybe in a role as a crumpled old detective. I’ve already got the Mac!”

Born in County Kilburn!

THE CURSE of Wikipedia strikes again.

Todd is listed online as being born in Limerick in Ireland but he was in fact born in Kilburn, North London.

While Todd’s family is from Neath in Ireland, they moved to Kilburn, which is noted for its large Irish population, before he was born.

Todd laughed: “I once told a journalist I was born in County Kilburn as a joke and he took that to mean an actual county in Ireland.

“He obviously didn’t get the joke. It seems to have stuck ever since!

“I have an Irish passport though and still have lots of family over there. I saw cousins I had not seen for over 30 years when we were last in Dublin with Spamalot.”

• Spamalot is currently touring the UK and is at The Sunderland Empire between April 16 and 21.

For tickets or further information contact The Sunderland Empire on 0844 871 3022* or www.ATGTickets.com/Sunderland* *Booking fees apply Groups of 10+ can save £5 per ticket by calling 0844 871 3042.

ATG Theatre Card members can purchase half price opening night tickets by calling 0191 566 1045.

REST & RELAX 9

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Sunderland in

2 12

do it...watch it...support it!

Go wild and explore Sunderland’s green spaces and easy-to-visit countryside places.

Enjoy a breath of fresh air on your doorstep with this useful guide

ear River W

N

...an ancient woodland with excellent views...

Walk on the Wear-side you a chance to glimpse dragonflies and butterflies.

Where to start?

THIS IS a family-friendly two mile picturesque circular walk suitable for all ages.

Start at the Shipwrights Arms pub on the banks of the Wear down on North Hylton.

But remember roadside parking is limited. You can also access the route from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Washington or Low Barmston, Washington.

For information on local bus services please phone Traveline North East on 0871 200 2233.

Paths, gates and seats THE MAIN walk has steep slopes, steps, stiles and bridges. Surface quality varies between worn grass and loose stone and long grass, soft earth and tree roots.

A haven for wildlife Photography by www.northeastwildlife.co.uk

HIGH WOOD rests on the north bank of a large loop in the River Wear, between the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Washington and Hylton Bridge.

It is an ancient woodland with excellent views, and forms part of the River Wear Trail from the river mouth to Fatfield.

A haven for wildlife, look out for birds such as great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper and sparrowhawk among the old oak, beech and ash trees.

Fungi and woodland flowers thrive here and hidden glades and ponds offer

Wren All year round.

Small, reclusive bird with a short cocked tail.

Some say it is the king of the birds.

Sparrowhawk All year round Usually seen in rapid flight chasing its prey, small birds.

Chiffchaff March - October A summer visitor, this warbler can be recognised by its ‘chiffchaff’ song.

Common Yellow Russula August - November Ochre-yellow cap, 4 10cm, can vary in colour; pale cream gills.

Lesser Celandine March - May Member of the buttercup family, with eight or more narrow petals.

Bluebell April - June Fragrant bell shaped flowers in a drooping, one-sided spike.

REST & RELAX 11

NEWS ROUND-UP Joan Little’s big moment A NEAR lifetime of complaints has led to a trip to Buckingham Palace for Houghton mother Joan Little.

Joan, who was raised in Easington Lane, was awarded an MBE for her work handling complaints in the Department of Work and Pensions where she has worked for 23 years. She was also honoured for her charity fund-raising in the workplace for Children in Need.

Married with two grown up children, Joan didn’t believe it at first when she found out.

She said: “At first I thought it was a hoax because previously I had received two official letters about someone cloning my car. Then a day later I received a letter saying the Prime Minister had been asked to give my name to the Queen!

Emerald ride FORMER SAFC footballing stars have joined a unique charity bike ride from Dublin to Sunderland.

Michael Gray, Chris Makin, Marco Gabbiadini and Graham Kavanagh will be part of a team of 50 cyclists making the sponsored trip in aid of the SAFC Foundation.

The project was conceived by longterm supporters of the foundation Susan and Harry Hall of Reds Hair and Beauty who are both keen cyclists with several charity rides under their belt.

Harry said: “Anyone is welcome to join “The palace was fabulous and I spoke to Prince Charles, telling him how many complaints we received and how we had reduced them. He said I must enjoy it because I was still smiling and to keep up the good work.

“The medal is just great and I still can’t believe a lass from Easington Lane was actually considered and chosen to receive this. I know it sounds a bit corny but I do feel honoured.”

12 REST & RELAX

Footy trials SAFC IS holding Open Trials at the Academy of Light and holiday football and multi-sport courses throughout Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham.

SAFC Foundation is working in partnership with SAFC Academy to run open trials to recruit promising players.

Trials are open to outfield players

the ride which takes in some stunning countryside and coastline. There is always a great social aspect to charity cycle rides and we have already had fantastic support.”

The event is being managed by CycleWild who specialise in cycling holidays and Cycle World in Sunderland who are advising cyclists on equipment and bike size.

To sign up for the cycle ride or to find out details about raising sponsorship, contact SAFC Foundation on 0191 551 5199 or Reds Hair and Beauty on 0191 511 0288. and goalkeepers from junior club teams across the city and are set to take place at the Academy of Light from 10am – 3pm on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 April for boys aged 5 to 8 years. Boys aged 9 to 16 can come along on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 April. There is a charge of £30 for the day.

Contact 0191 551 5191 for details.

Traders group gets R&R backing R&R IS backing a powerful new lobbying group launched by Sunderland retailers in a bid to give the city centre a boost.

The Sunderland City Centre Traders’ Association held a successful opening meeting at the Museum and Winter Gardens to rally local support.

Retailers, pub and nightclub owners, restaurant owners and other small businesses turned out to join the drive to

War memorial restoration RESTORATION work is due to start on the Harraton War Memorial in Washington.

The Friends of Harraton War Memorial have received planning permission for a firm of stonemasons to return the memorial to something close to its original state.

When erected on Worm Hill, Fatfield in 1922, the memorial stood 22 feet high with a Celtic cross on top of the shaft, which was smashed during a storm in 1928.

inject more life into the city centre.

Launching under the slogan Wear1City, meeting delegates heard Leighton Group founder Paul Callaghan talk about what Sunderland has to offer and the City Council were given the opportunity to outline their future plans.

The association already has a core team of members led by chairman Harry Collinson, of Collinson’s Jewellers and his deputy Steve Snowball, who manages Argos in the city.

Harry said: “The council is behind us in our drive to make the city centre a better place but it is the traders who are going to make this happen. By putting our heads together and planning events we can help bring more people into the city centre to shop and ultimately lobby for change for the better.”

R&R’s Andy Barker has pledged the magazine’s support to promote the association’s plans and events.

Andy said: “Just imagine the power of harnessing all the entrepreneurial talent that exists across retailers and businesses in Sunderland’s city centre and what could be achieved by generating new ideas and delivering them. We look forward to following these passionate advocates for the city as they make things happen.”

Burn Park revamp RUN DOWN Burn Park is set to bloom now funds have been secured to carry out improvement works.

Millfield ward councillors Paul Dixon and Lynda Scanlan have helped organise a modest community funding package backed by local residents.

The project will involve clearing the overgrown area to the east end of the park and thinning vegetation. Other work includes repainting the fencing, planting bulbs and cleaning out the stream.

There are also plans to establish a Friends of Burn Park group to continue working with the council to improve the park.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

New Tesco work starts WORK HAS begun on the construction of the new Tesco superstore on the site of Roker Retail Park and the old bowling alley.

Contractors from Barr Construction are building the new Tesco Extra along with four smaller shop units which are due to open next spring.

With landscaping well underway at the former Vaux Brewery site, the work represents the start of a new chapter in the redevelopment of the city centre.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Just park it!

Washington links

A NEW parking plan has been proposed for Durham Road outside the Mayfair Buildings.

Proposals include introducing a no waiting system on the road in front of the Mayfair Buildings.

Instead, two formal parking bays, restricted to a 20-minute limit, will be introduced.

There are also plans to improve the cycle lane to make it clearer to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

AN HISTORIC agreement between Sunderland and Washington DC has been renewed.

Sunderland City Council signed a Friendship Agreement with Washington DC in June 2006 and is the only non-capital in the world to have such an agreement.

The agreement was renewed in Washington DC at a signing ceremony with the City Council’s Chief Executive Dave Smith and Washington DC’s Mayor Vincent Gray.

To mark the renewal in Sunderland, a celebration event was held at National Trust property Washington Old Hall.

REST & RELAX 13

As safe as houses Your home is your most precious and prized possession – yet making it secure can often come way down the list of priorities for many homeowners THE SIMPLE fact is it pays to keep your home secure... quite literally.

For not only does a secure home help to deter burglars, most insurance companies offer discounts to houses with alarms and good quality locks.

Security expert Chris Walsh of Sunderland-based Pro-active Protection Systems explained that a recent Which? survey claimed that most insurance companies offer a discount of between 2% and 15% on the cost of home contents insurance if you have a burglar alarm.

Chris said: “Taking a bit of time to do a security check on your house and pin point where the weak points are is time well invested and can really save you money in the long run.

“Don’t be tempted to cut corners and make claims to your insurance company that simply aren’t true though – if the worst happens and you are burgled, any false claims you’ve made about door and window locks or house alarms being professionally maintained will be exposed and your policy could be invalid.”

Chris said there are many ways to make sure your home is secure including:

• Fit locks on external doors and windows.

For doors, choose mortice locks that conform to British Standards (BS3621) or equivilent - or one that has at least five levers.

• Fit an external light on your property.

Burglars like homes that people can’t see them breaking into, so make sure yours is well illuminated.

• Fit a burglar alarm – a quality alarm is the ultimate deterrent for burglars.

• Secure any outbuilding such as a shed or garage and make sure you don’t leave out anything that is either valuable or could help a burglar, such as ladders.

• If you have land around your home, consider putting down gravel – it’s harder to walk on without making a noise and being noticed.

• CCTV is also worth a consideration and is becoming more popular as costs reduce Chris added: “Taking a few minutes to do a security check could save you hours of heartache in the future as well as make you feel more secure in your home.”

Latest developments If you really want to raise your security to another level, try installing a ‘smokecloak’.

These really pack a punch by blasting a thick fog into a room leaving intruders confused and desperate to get out. The fog sticks around long enough for the police to arrive and collar the burglars.

These systems offer a real solution when it comes to stopping the bad guys in their tracks.

Pro-active can now supply and fit these powerful systems. For more information contact Pro-active on 0191 417 7671 or visit proactiveps.co.uk You can also check out the smokecloak video on www.randrlife.co.uk

Pro-active Protection Systems is offering R&R readers a free external security lighting system supplied and installed with every order taken.

To take advantage of this offer, simply mention R&R when placing an order.

Pro-active Protection Systems Domestic and commercial security system installation

Free external security lighting supplied and installed with every order.

14 REST & RELAX

T: 0191 417 7671 M: 24-hour: 07963 113359 E: chris@proactiveps.co.uk www.proactiveps.co.uk

Putting the VIP into shopping Often life is one big juggle of work and home life, so wouldn’t it be nice to have a helping hand when you’re hitting the high street shops?

PERSONAL shopping is revolutionising our shopping habits and doing just that – helping you make the right choices and the most of your precious spare time.

Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your wardrobe, an outfit for a job interview or a special event, you can now get a highly trained professional shopper to do the hard work for you while you sit and relax away from the crowds with a cup of tea and a magazine.

Already available at several key high street stores, including Debenhams in Sunderland, getting your own personal shopper to find the clothes and household goods you want - with no obligation to buy - sounds like a dream come true.

Sara Jackson, womenswear manager at Debenhams, Sunderland, said: “It really does take the stress out of shopping whether you’re after a special outfit for a big event or occasion, curious to see all the latest key

pieces or just after a refresh of your look.

“A typical consultation with a personal shopper lasts around an hour, during which time you’ll discuss your requirements and budget. This gives the consultant a chance to identify the customer’s needs and advise on colours and designs.

“The customer can then sit back and relax while the consultant shops on their behalf around the store and brings back a selection of items to try on.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to try a new designer or to see how the latest trends can work for you and the best thing about the service is that it is completely free and

It really does take the stress out of shopping...

there is no pressure to purchase.”

As an added bonus, the details of anyone using the personal shopper service are kept on file so that the next time they want to use the service they just need to make an appointment and the consultant will gather suitable items to try on when that person visits the store.

Sara added: “We get great feedback from customers who have used the service who really feel like they’ve been given the VIP treatment. In a nutshell it’s a relaxing stress-free way to shop away from the crowds. We do all the work for you.”

Avoid the crowds and shop in stress-free style with a FREE personal shopper.

Whether you love shopping, hate shopping or simply need some inspiration, our professionally-trained personal shoppers are here to help – offering you inspiration, expert advice and the chance to relax whilst you shop.

To make an appointment for this free service on a day and time that suits you, either call into our store in The Bridges, Sunderland, go online to www.debenhams.com or telephone 0191 568 2159 or 0191 568 2137.

We’re here to make you look and feel fabulous.

The Bridges Shopping Centre, Green Terrace, Sunderland SR1 3LB

REST & RELAX 15

Mix

Match

Debenhams are the pioneers of designers on the high street and currently boast some of the hottest names in British fashion – here Andrea Thurlbeck takes a look at some of their key trends for the coming season.

NOTHING says summer like tribal and this elegant take on a popular trend comes in a versatile and flattering natural shade that will complement all skin tones.

Tribal princess Ben de Lisi cut dress £110

Elegant glamour with a spring twist - Principles

by Ben De Lisi Pleat Dress £60

Statement style - Rocha.

John Rocha Printed Palazzo £32

Ben d e Lisi

THE RETRO 50s ladylike look is one of the biggest trends for the spring summer, with fitted silhouettes and fun, flirty style – totally feminine. Continuing this trend, slim crop trousers are a wardrobe staple in an array of fresh colours which can be teamed up with cute cardigans and neat jackets.

Glamorous style - J by Jasper Conran Spot Prom Dress £75 bucket bag £79

er Jasp ran Con

16 REST & RELAX

WHETHER it’s animal, floral, tribal, spots or stripes – prints are a playful way to spice up your wardrobe and they are everywhere this season.

The beauty of prints is that you can choose bold and edgy and mix it up or subtle and sweet with just accessories or one item.

hn Jo cha Ro

Playful prints Rocha.John Rocha Woodbatik Print Dress £49

All clothes available at Debenhams

...clash it up!

PALM SPRINGS is a big trend focusing on high summer glamour and holiday wardrobe dressing, with the emphasis on bright coloured capris, halter neck dresses in strong prints and brightly coloured maxi skirts.

For colours think hot oranges and pinks, gold mixed with turquoise sea blues or for a softer palette, pale aqua tones with lemon and coral.

Sheer style - H! by Henry Holland Spot Blouse £25

ry Hen nd la Hol

Animal magic – add a dash of animal print to update your outfit with this yellow animal print scarf £15

VINTAGE PRINTS, feminine shirts with cute peter pan collars can all be found in the H! by Henry Holland collection. Florals are given a cute and kooky youthful spin and anyone looking for a piece of vintage style can find this in abundance in his pretty print dresses.

Walk on the wild side Natural snakeskin print cover up by Julien Macdonald £42

Matth e Willia w mson

Holiday style Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Coral Maxi Skirt £40

Flower power - Diamond

By Julien Macdonald Daisy Dress £45

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Embellished Blouse £38

Julien Macd onald

Pretty in print – Red posy print dress from H! by Henry Holland £38

TAKE a walk on the wild side with some of the leopard prints featured in the Julian MacDonald collection – from dresses and tops to cover ups – which are teamed up with acid yellows to take the look out from behind the bar and on to the street.

A range of retro florals in blouses and dresses also shouts summer is here.

REST & RELAX 17

A shortcut to THE 1920s have had a significant impact on the fashion industry from accessories to clothes as well as the world of beauty, with dark lips and kohl-rimmed eyes to create that vintage Hollywood glamour look.

With the anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s remake of The Great Gatsby, this classically fashionable era is taking another deep-end dive into the ocean of hairstyles!

The 1920s bob is a classic look that once waved the flag for being primped and pristine with its disciplined finger waves. But in 2012, we’re seeing it update itself with a modern edge, more texture and added sexiness.

To state the obvious, the 20s demeanour will not quite work if you have long hair, so this style is specifically for those who embrace short locks.

During the Flapper era, the traditional cut was always just where the ears ended or slightly above it, adding to the androgynous feel of the look.

For 2012 expect an up to date contemporary version of this classic which is cut shoulder length or an inch below the ears, making it less of a high maintenance style too.

style

classic

How to wear the look SUSAN Hall from Reds explained that a bob haircut can be versatile and worn either straight and sleeked down or styled up for a textured look.

Creating a textured bob works best on second-day hair. If it’s freshly washed then prep the hair with a working spray and tousle with the fingers.

L’Oréal Professionnel tecni.art Super Dust: is a great texturising powder that creates loads of volume with a matte finish and amazing texture.

Next create a side parting and flip the

18 REST & RELAX

hair on one side. Using a tail comb brush, backcomb the hair around the hairline and the parting. Then heat your irons and curl relatively large chunks of hair strands on medium heat. When the hair has come down to room temperature, use a paddle brush to comb out the curls.

Using the irons again, flatten the area around the hairline by pressing the hair on medium heat, though don’t run your iron over the curls as it’ll lose its shape. Finally, spray some hairspray to set the style in place.

Putting the spring and shine back into your hair Have you ever wondered how Kate Middleton gets her gloriously glossy hair? Kate is a huge fan of the Collexia Infusion blow-dry THIS NEW revolutionary way to blow-dry hair has been designed with the ability to attach a treatment “capsule pod” to the nozzle area of the specially made hairdryer to infuse and condition hair during the blow-drying experience.

There is a choice of three multi-vitamin enriched treatment capsule pods for different hair types to leave locks feeling super soft, shiny, protected and looking fabulous.

Greg Temple at the city’s premier hairdressing salon Reds, in East Herrington, who offer this innovative treatment, said: “Harsh winter weather and a change in temperature can be hair’s number one enemy.

“Sun exposure – which can be as intense on a ski slope as it is on a beach – combined with a blustery winter wind (which can snarl hair) as well as snow, rain, and icy cold (which makes hair brittle and dry), topped up with the damage caused by indoor heating can all come together to

create some pretty bad hair days!

“But the good news is that you can take replenishing steps to wave goodbye to winter hair woes.”

One way is by following Kate’s lead and opting for the Infusion Blow Dry. In a nutshell, it treats hair while drying it by

From hat hair to split ends and dry frizz, when winter weather hits a bad hair day can last an entire season!

Kate Middleton – her secret to keeping her hair luxuriously smooth and shiny.

combining conditioning (silk proteins, multi vitamins) and speed drying (it reduces the drying time by nearly 50%).

The result is nourished, stronger hair with more body and shine and it costs £30 to £35, depending on length of hair.

Also be sure to use shampoos and conditioners (preferably rinse-out) designed for this problem, like the Série Expert Liss Ultime range by L’Oréal Professionnel.

They also do an anti-frizz styling product, tecni.art Liss Control, to give your hair a smoother, silkier look, though be careful to avoid the scalp otherwise it can end up looking greasy!

A final option if you are serious about fighting the frizz, is L’Oréal Professionnel’s long lasting smoothing service, X-tenso. It’s an in-salon service to tame frizz, devolumise and smooth hair for up to 12 weeks making your hair softer and more manageable for effortless styling every day.

Giving back...

a long way from Sunderland Top city dentist Michael Oliver is heading back to North Africa to continue his pioneering and life-changing work with children

Michael has already taken part in two trips to Morocco, where thousands of children have no dentist to call their own and exist on an explosive diet of sugary drinks and honey!

Tackling this recipe for tears and toothache, Michael has been proud to fly

the flag for Sunderland as the Mavericks have made small inroads into this big problem.

Joining Michael and the Mavericks team was Oliver’s Dental Studio business manager Joanne Barella who was overwhelmed by the needs of the primitive Berber children at the foothills of the Rif Mountains.

Michael said: “Morocco is only a short jump from southern Spain, where millions of English holidaymakers spend their annual breaks every year and yet it seems a long way away from the basic services we take for granted.

“This is evident in their dental health services and while it was humbling to

disease and an increased risk of heart disease.

It can also cause bad breath – an unfortunate side effect that even your best friend might not tell you about!

So now you’re starting to think that gum disease is important? But how can a dentist tell you’ve got it?

We dentists look out for classic early symptoms in young people, such as bleeding gums. This may be something insignificant such as over zealous brushing, but gingivitis as it is called, is just a warning sign of potential problems on the horizon as we get older.

Bleeding gums usually appear in areas of our mouths in which a tooth brush may not be getting and dental plaque rules.

Gums don’t like the bugs in dental plaque and shout about it by puffing up and bleeding.

So what about the good news?

Gingivitis is reversible with good brushing to remove plaque and all the little blighters that live in it.

And if you don’t get it right? It may take a while, but gingivitis left untreated for months and sometimes years often ends up as periodontitis or as your grandma may have called it in the war, pyhorrea.

Gum disease in its simplest form can be considered as a breakdown in the attachment of the teeth to the supporting jaw bone. The bugs I have mentioned above are at the heart of the problem, as the process of inflammation they are

IN 2010, Michael became a founder member of the Dental Mavericks Charity.

The Mavericks are a group of highly trained dentists from across the UK with a focus on helping children who lack access to a dentist – something we in the UK take for granted.

The Good Gum Guide

DID YOU know the vast majority of the population who need false teeth in their twilight years have fallen victim to gum disease and not the sweet shop!

Many thousands of people in the UK have gum disease and the penny hasn’t dropped because very often it isn’t a painful condition until well advanced.

But despite this lack of awareness, studies show there is a link between gum

20 REST & RELAX

Life changing dentistry

this year to raise funds to purchase a dental ambulance to help children in the isolated areas of the Rif. Michael added: “When you visit a country as rich and emotive as Morocco and get to meet and know the people who live in it, it never really leaves you. I’m looking forward to returning and continuing the ground-breaking work that we have started.” witness this first hand during our time in Morocco, it was extremely rewarding to be able to offer our services there and try to make a difference.”

Since their pioneering work in Morocco, Michael and his colleagues have gone on to receive full charity status and are hoping responsible for, upsets the bone cementing our teeth firmly in the mouth.

The bone slowly but surely over months and years slips down the root, rather like a tide going out. Eventually, the tide may be far enough out to allow a tooth or even teeth to wobble.

Advanced gum disease of this severity is unfortunately often beyond treatment even though there has been no pain.

And as for bad breath – at this stage it’s inevitable as the bugs causing the damage on this scale will often give off bad taste and bad vapours.

So here are my top tips for avoiding plastic teeth: • Excellent cleaning twice a day with a regularly changed toothbrush to achieve

FOR MORE information on the Dental Mavericks visit www.dentalmavericks.org Check out www.randrlife.co.uk for an amazing photo gallery of their trips.

firm and pink gums.

• Regular dental check ups to spot the first signs of gum problems. We dentists train for five years to spot this often painless condition.

• Don’t be a smoker – time and again dentists see the risk of gum disease increase significantly in smokers.

• Seek professional advice - coaching on cleaning with a dental hygienist often works wonders to eliminate gum disease risk.

In simple terms, in a 30-year career as a Sunderland dentist I have never taken a tooth out that was over brushed but have removed several hundred diseased teeth due to under-brushing.

So get brushing folks!

OVER THREE decades Olivers Dental Studio has continued to invest to create a first class award-winning dental studio backed by an outstanding team.

The state of the art practice on Durham Road stands out as one of the finest and best equipped dental facilities in the region.

And quality underpins the business – from the expertise and friendliness of everyone who works there to the multi award winning facilities.

Owner Michael Oliver took over the reins of the practice from city dentist Donald Hudson in the early 80s and went on to develop the surgery from a two dentist practice into the superb studio it is today after a quarter of a million pound investment.

Michael said: “Dentistry has changed considerably over the years and the studio strives to bring a wide range of pain free treatments for the whole family.

“More and more patients have a desire to look good and feel younger through the help of smile enhancements and facial rejuvenation therapies – all affordable treatments that are no longer reserved for stars of the celebrity world!

“Cosmetic treatments and changing your smile can be a life changing experience and we have been so privileged to help so many of our patients regain their confidence.

“Our emergency service also operates six days a week for patients who are suffering a dental problem and the Studio continues to welcome new patients.”

Smile consultations are free of charge.

Olivers Dental Studio is based on Durham Road, East Herrington.

Opening hours are: Monday and Wed: 8.30am – 7pm Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday: 9am – 1pm You can contact Olivers on 0191 543 7641 and for more information visit www.oliverdental.com

REST & RELAX 21

Former Bede School pupil Neville Thurlbeck has travelled a long way since he left Sunderland for university in 1980 Since then he has collected possibly more prizes for journalism than any other Fleet Street reporter after breaking some of the most sensational scoops in the past two decades at the News of the World

22 REST & RELAX

Image by Jason Alden

NEWS FEATURE

His investigations jailed Jeffrey Archer and exposed the extramarital affair of David Beckham.

And he rose to the at the biggest dizzy heights of News Editor selling newspaper in the world. s of But if Neville enjoyed the high ainly cert has he life, per spa national new endured its lows.

LEAVING Sunderland in 1980, like most teenagers I hadn’t a clue what I was going to do with my life.

I certainly wasn’t planning on a career in tabloid journalism. Being young and idealistic, I had lofty ideas of working in theatre. But bizarre things happen to young men in a hurry. And they certainly happened to me and I was blown way off course.

Fancying a bit of adventure, I took a job as an English teacher at a boys’ boarding school in the Sudan in 1984.

The teaching was dull. But the bloody civil war, revolution and 1984 African famine certainly weren’t. I was hooked on the idea of becoming a reporter.

Caught up in the phone hacking ‘for Neville’ scandal due to the infamous ntually fired eve and sted arre email, he was y closed the the r afte al tion

by News Interna always paper down in July. Neville has . him inst aga ions gat denied the alle into fell he how als reve ille Here, Nev R&R s give and t iden acc newspapers by into some of magazine an exclusive insight n times, the biggest scandals of moder the News ed clos ch whi one including the of the World last year.

So by way of the Harrow Observer and the Western Mail I served a brief apprenticeship in local and regional journalism. Then in 1988, I ended up selling a story to the News of the World simply because they were the best payers.

The newspaper offered me £750 for the piece and asked if I was happy with that.

Seizing the moment, I asked for £750 plus five days work in the office to show them what I could do.

The first day in the office was nerve wracking. I was 26 years old and most of the reporters then were seasoned veterans.

I expected it to be like Dante’s Inferno except with the flames coming out of the keyboards.

NEWS FEATURE Instead, I was met by a steady stream of well spoken, polite, well dressed men and women, everyone eager to put me at ease and take me off to the canteen for a coffee or the pub for a beer.

I stayed for two years, still working on regional papers but working every Saturday and holiday I could. Then just when I thought I was about to get a staff job, I was fired. The editor, Patsy Chapman, had got it into her head that I was a spy for the Sunday Mirror!

Sunday newspaper editors are always anxious about protecting their exclusives from rivals and there had been some leaks.

I was apparently spotted curiously looking over the shoulder of one reporter as he rattled out the following day’s front page splash.

In the febrile paranoia, I instantly became chief suspect number one and was never asked back.

Luckily, Today, then a sister paper of the News of the World, snapped me up straight away and I got my first staff job there in 1991.

In 1994, News of the World editor Patsy left and Piers Morgan

I’d like to be able to say catching Jeffrey Archer was a complex and highly organised affair.

But in Archer’s case, one merely had to rely on his insecurities. He was particularly anxious about the activities of a rival journalist, who was peeling away the layers of his false alibi story. This was the alibi he had prepared to cover his tracks the night he slept with the prostitute Monica Coghlan in the libel trial, where he won £500,000

arrived and I was one of his first hirings.

For the next 17 years, life was dramatic and exotic. I found myself in Australia, the USA, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco and virtually every country in Europe on a regular basis.

In those days, the News of the World sold five million copies a week and was read by 15 million people about a third of the

damages by committing perjury.

My simple plan was to use one of Archer’s friends Ted Francis, who he had fallen out with, to call Archer and put to him the completely invented scenario that the journalist had obtained Archer’s credit card receipts which proved he was not at the place his alibi stated.

Archer panicked, confessed and asked Ted to keep schtum. The call was taped and Archer was jailed after I gave evidence at the Old Bailey.

It won four ‘scoop of the year’ awards.

The whole job took just a few days.

adult reading population in Britain. As a result, editorial budgets were huge, especially compared to the 600,000 selling Today.

So on the really big stories, money was no object. I remember being told to follow Diana Princess of Wales to the south of France where she was believed to be meeting a man who later turned out to be her lover, a Mr Oliver Hoare.

I’d hired a small VW Golf to take me round the narrow, winding cliff-top roads of Cannes and Monte Carlo which a swaggering, Alpha male paparazzo insisted on driving himself at 80mph as we approached hairpin bends.

It was only by threatening to throw his cameras out of the window that I managed to persuade him to swap seats!

Our job took us to the Hotel du Cap D’Antibes, just outside Cannes.

The cheapest room was £600 a night.

A gin and tonic £25. And this was 1995!

Including dinner, there wasn’t much change from £1000. It seemed a particularly vulgar place too for my taste. But to the News of the World, it was essential to stay there and get our story and the cash was wired over in the morning.

Other stories you may recall include Jeffrey Archer’s perjury and David Beckham’s alleged affair.

REST & RELAX 23

NEWS FEATURE

Although sensational scoops do not mean sensational sales, there is always the exception to the rule.

The News of the World’s ‘David Beckham’s Secret Affair’ splash is one of them.

That scoop, in April 2004, put on more than 600,000 sales and it defined Andy Coulson’s editorship and won the British Press Awards Scoop of the Year for me for a second time. For that, we paid Rebecca Loos a hefty six figure sum.

My expenses alone amounted to precisely £45,285.38!

This was because the operation was carried out in such secrecy, we didn’t even want to trust any agencies with our travel itineraries in case they were leaked.

That meant I had to fork out personally for everything, including return flights to Australia and hotel rooms there for six weeks!

Then there was six weeks in Spain with Rebecca Loos. Hotel rooms for both of us for four weeks plus the hire of a secluded villa in Sotogrande for two weeks where we hid Rebecca from the world’s press who were trying to find her.

Then hire cars, meals out etc. It was hellishly expensive and it all went on my Amex card! Thankfully the editor signed the expenses off!

24 REST & RELAX

The cost of the enterprise was more than off-set by the leap in sales. And the worldwide syndication ensured we made a very healthy profit.

Under the noses of the assembled paparazzi, I spirited Rebecca away in the dead of night from her home in Madrid, kickstarting weeks of painstaking work on proving her story was true.

And no, it wasn’t phone hacking which nailed it. I’m afraid the proof boiled down to a two word diary entry which I found in a cardboard box.

We were just about to call it a day and come home when I unearthed the crucial evidence. Suddenly I was in a conference call with the editor Andy Coulson, his deputy Neil Wallis, legal manager Tom Crone and an outside barrister. A few hours later, the presses began to roll.

And so did my career. News Editor and then Chief Reporter of the News of the World were two of the most pressurised but enjoyable roles for a tabloid journalist and I was very lucky indeed to occupy both jobs.

RUNNING in tandem with my News of the World career was another unorthodox role for the intelligence gathering arm of the police.

During the 1990s, most of my time was spent undercover for the News of the World exposing crooks such as gun-runners, drug dealers, money launderers, and paedophiles.

This was especially stressful as it involved assuming an identity and infiltrating gangs which had some pretty tough people among them.

Unfortunately, my rather clean-cut look made me an unlikely undercover ‘villain’. So the identity I tended to use was that of a cashiered army captain who had been drummed out of the army for dealing drugs.

And now, fallen on hard times, I was making ends meet selling illegal firearms/laundering money/recruiting foreign slave labour/selling cocaine – depending on who I was targeting. I was even recruited by a jealous husband to kill his wife. The man, Jasbinder Aheer, is still serving a lengthy prison sentence.

There was the ever present anxiety that your cover could be blown and your health could suddenly take a turn for the worse!

Especially if they found the recording equipment I carried about with me.

This was the period when I was Chief Crime Reporter for the News of the World.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) realised I was a fertile source for information concerning serious organised crime and recruited me as agent 251, codename George in 1995.

NCIS was the interface between the Special Branch, MI5 and all the regional constabularies but with no powers of arrest.

They were investigators only. All matters

NEWS FEATURE concerning serious organised crime were of major interest to them. Anything concerning terrorism went to MI5.

My contacts in the underworld gave me a very clear picture of what was happening and the police and the security services were eager to get a good view too.

In return, I received a lot of very useful intelligence for my newspaper so it worked both ways.

The most tense moment in this part of my career was when I infiltrated a gang importing a lethal drug called phencyclidine, or PCP. The infiltration had taken many weeks and NCIS were especially keen for me to reel the main gang member in.

It had never been found on British streets. But it was well known as having horrific side effects in the USA. Abusers had been known to carry out random, brutal murders. Several had self-mutilated to an appalling degree. One man had gouged out his own eyes. They were eager for it not to take a foothold in the UK.

After many weeks gaining their trust, the gang was ready to hand me a large batch of the drug.

Alone, in the middle of a field, the gang walked towards me. Hiding in bushes and behind walls, were several armed police.

When the drugs were in my hands, my signal to the police was to take off my hat.

At that moment, they swooped and cuffed the gang members. They cuffed me too as part of the act in case the gang realised my role and drew their weapons.

Fortunately not a shot was fired and the gang received long jail sentences.

Working like this, as a reporter for the News of the World, reporting also to NCSIS and acting the part of a disgraced army officer, was a strange kind of ‘treble life’ and one which occupied most of my working life.

In 1997, I was away from home for nine months. In 2004, for six.

In 2009, events took a turn for the worse at the News of the World and I found myself embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of recent times.

My Bede friends know me as ‘Nev’, my St Aidan’s friends know me as ‘Ned’. But to most of the British public, I’m ‘for Neville’.

The fatal email contained the hacked voicemails of the Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Gordon Taylor. I have always denied hacking these voicemails or commissioning it to be done.

The phone hacking scandal is still rumbling on and we must await the outcome of the police investigation and any court cases before we can safely discuss it.

What I can say is that I deny the allegations against me and have turned down the offer of possible immunity from prosecution in return for giving evidence for the Crown.

My main sadness is that the phone hacking scandal led to the closure of a paper which, although not without fault,

had been a national institution for 168 years.

But the past is a foreign country, as they say and my life is happy and extremely busy.

It’s also allowed me to make more frequent visits back to Sunderland where my mother and sister and many close friends still live.

Although I left Sunderland many years ago, I am still essentially a northern man, bonded to my home town through blood, affection and, of course, football.

Neville, aged 50, is now the PR Director for Talking2Minds, a forces charity which treats those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

His role brings him in almost daily contact with the media, especially in the run up to the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War. Many of those veterans are still suffering from PTSD and the charity raises money to treat them.

Neville said: “It’s enormously fulfilling work – one of the most rewarding roles of my career.

"I am extremely passionate about helping our servicemen and women overcome the terrible effects of PTSD and with recent conflicts in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, there is an ever growing need for this service.

“In the last four years, Talking2Minds has treated 380 sufferers and has a 97% success rate. Men and women who were facing losing their jobs, homes, marriages and perhaps even being sectioned due to the unspeakable events they have witnessed.

“The charity relies purely on donations to carry out their work. If you are doing a sponsored event, leaving a bequest in a will or making a donation, please think of Talking2Minds.”

You can make a donation by going to www.talking2minds.co.uk. To read more about Neville see his blog at nevillethurlbeck.com

REST & RELAX 25

Sunderland’s little palaces We may take the Sunderland cottage for granted, but they are of a design virtually unique in England and opened the door to home ownership for many hard working families across the city in the 19th Century 26 REST & RELAX

Dr Michael Johnson, a director of Sunderland Heritage Quarter, explains the origin of the cottage and its special place in the city’s history.

FACED with the problem of housing its expanding industrial workforce, Sunderland developed a distinctive form of low-cost single-storey terraced homes that came to be known as ‘Sunderland cottages’ or shipwright’s cottages.

Built for the skilled workers of Sunderland’s shipyards, the cottages represented an affordable housing type that provided a high degree of privacy and social status.

The average Sunderland cottage consists of a front door leading into a narrow passage, one or two rooms lying immediately behind the frontage, a kitchen and bedroom at the rear, and a back extension containing a washhouse.

Crucially, each had its own entrance and backyard, and some had private gardens.

Despite its small scale, the Sunderland cottage was a fully-formed private house, allowing well-paid artisans to emulate the living standards of the middle classes.

The majority of Sunderland cottages were built by speculative builders eager to capitalise on the city’s dramatic industrial expansion and the resulting demand for housing.

Significantly, some of the best architects of the day were involved in their design including Sunderland’s foremost architects William and Thomas Ridley Milburn, who designed the Empire Theatre as well as the ‘ABC streets’ in High Barnes.

In the start of the 20th century, Joseph Potts and Son provided the designs for a number on the ‘Scottish streets’ in Fulwell – Forfar, Inverness and Moray.

In common with most English terraced housing in the nineteenth century, the majority of Sunderland cottages fall within the tradition of Neo-Classical architecture.

By the 1860s, however, Gothic motifs had

begun to permeate domestic architecture.

This can be seen in Ridley Terrace, Hendon, one of the earliest surviving streets, where several doors have rudimentary Gothic arches in brick. Paxton Terrace in Pallion and Scotland Street in Ryhope exhibit the bold polychrome brickwork characteristic of the High Victorian period and in terms of ornamentation, the most elaborate houses can be seen in Rosslyn Street, Millfield.

An important piece of Sunderland’s architectural history almost disappeared THE SUNDERLAND cottage is now recognised as an important and distinctive approach to housing an expanding working population.

This form of housing exemplified the pride of the city’s workforce and is a testament to the relative prosperity and social aspiration of the skilled artisans who worked in Sunderland’s shipyards.

But a large piece of this unique housing stock almost disappeared when city developers set their sights on redeveloping the Millfield area.

The legacy of the Sunderland cottage is problematic for modern homeowners and conservationists alike.

This was never more evident than in the 1950s and 60s. In an era when town planners were preoccupied with modernity and an ideal of progress, Victorian terraced housing came to be viewed unfavourably.

“Questioning the council’s preference for high-rise flats, one interviewer was told that ‘high-rise blocks are essential to the skyline of the town,’ an indication that planners were committed to Modernist architectural aesthetics as a means of boosting Sunderland’s profile.

“Acres of Britain’s nineteenth-century townscapes were swept away in the name of slumclearance. Unfortunately, Sunderland cottages were erroneously classed as part of this notorious housing, leading to many unnecessary demolitions.”

But convinced that the cottages continued to offer comfortable, affordable housing, residents of Millfield started to oppose the clearance proposals.

They were led by fellow resident, academic and former city councillor Norman Dennis and the Reverend Jim Taylor, vicar of St Mark’s Church.

Dennis was instrumental in transforming the public perception of Sunderland cottages, which came to be termed ‘little palaces.’ As this attitude gathered popular support, Sunderland Council was obliged to adopt a ‘retain and refurbish’ policy.

The residents’ campaign was undoubtedly aided by the presence of educated advocates, but also by the fact that many were owner-occupiers rather than tenants (landlords may have opted for the compensation!).

The Millfield saga not only changed the attitude of Sunderland Council, but arguably led to a rethink of clearance policies in general.

REST & RELAX 27

Images courtesy of BLOC Design & Build

Reach for the sky WITH THE cost of moving home running into many thousands of pounds, and faced with a rather stagnant housing market, it’s not surprising that many families are opting to move up instead of moving on.

Here we take a look at some of the do’s and don’ts of maximising your space by adding a loft conversion to your property.

Converting your loft is certainly a job for the professionals, but if you get it right you not only gain a fabulous light-filled space, you could also get a handsome return on your investment when you sell.

According to the Federation of Master Builders, (FMB) a loft extension can add up to 15% to the value of your property.

Mark Emmerson of Bloc Design & Build in Sunderland, explained there are many factors to take into consideration before going ahead and getting a loft conversion.

28 REST & RELAX

Here’s his checklist: • DO contact your local planning office planning permission is not always necessary, but you should check if the work can be done within what is known as, permitted development.

• DO get in the professionals – you will need an architect and structural engineer, plumbing and heating advice and a reputable builder who is experienced in loft conversion work.

• DO make sure your builder and designer explain any changes necessary to your existing house to upgrade its fire precautions • DON’T ignore a party wall – you may need an agreement with your neighbours if you are affecting it in any way.

• DON’T expect this to be over within a week or two – however good your builder is - this is a major job and it will inevitably be disruptive for a while.

Don’t fall into the house-letting trap

You will be relying on the rent to pay the mortgage in most cases.

Becoming a landlord is something that a lot of people are simply falling into these days

THE ACCIDENTAL landlord is on the rise largely due to the fact that many people are unable to sell their homes and deciding that letting them out is the only option available for them to move on with their lives.

But letting a property isn’t simply about getting someone in and collecting the rent!

There are many factors that will influence your experience of being a landlord, and as with any other project, it’s best to make yourself aware of what could go wrong before you make that leap into renting out your property.

Phil White a chartered surveyor and MD of Newscar Lettings, in Sunderland said: “Finding a tenant is the first hurdle and not as easy as it sounds. Not only do you have to find a tenant but the right tenant who is not going to let you down. You will be relying on the rent to pay the mortgage in most cases.

“Never agree to taking on a tenant without carrying out credit checks and asking for references from previous landlords. If the tenant hasn’t rented before, ask for an employer’s reference instead or even better ask the tenant for a home owner to stand guarantor. You need to know that your prospective tenant is able to pay the rent.”

Many DIY landlords let themselves down on the legal aspects of letting a property by accepting tenants without the right paperwork – this is incredibly risky and at worst could cost you the property!

Phil White added: “An assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST) is the standard for residential lettings, and as it’s a legal contract between you and your tenant, you need to get it right.

“Remember it is now legislation that all tenants’ deposits must be protected within a

Deposit Protection Scheme and failure to protect the deposit can result in a fine of up to three times the deposit.

“New landlords also forget to budget for repairs, maintenance and landlords insurance which is where sometimes the numbers don’t add up. But by far the greatest headache is problem tenants in terms of local nuisance and non payment of rent.”

LETTING CHECKLIST • Is the correct insurance in place • Does your mortgage allow for letting and have you obtained consent to let • Do you have an Energy Performance Certificate • Is the property up to standard in terms of health and safety requirements • Is there a valid CP12 gas safety certification • Is the tenancy agreement legally binding • Have you got an inventory of household appliances and furnishings • Has a deposit been taken and has this been registered • Are the utilities registered to the tenant • Is your property registered as a house in multiple occupation • Are you on the right side of the law

Looking to let out a property but don’t know where to start?

Contact Newscar Lettings and Property Management for free no-obligation advice. Telephone 0191 341 0102 or call in to the city centre office on Athenaeum Street, Sunderland.

www.newscar.co.uk

LETTINGS AND PROPRTY MANAGEMENT

Floral Bunch Doorstop is designed as a pretty bouquet of felt flowers in a cute patchwork pot £26 Laura Ashley

Multi Floral Doormat £5 Matalan

Bring a splash of colour into the kitchen with this Kenwood kMix Boutique 2 slice Toaster in Sunshine Yellow £44.99 John Lewis

Bento Box, Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson £24 Debenhams

Banish those winter blues and re-energise your home this spring, with lemon and lime taking centre stage as key colours.

Spring zest THIS BOLD and zesty palette serves up a dash of drama guaranteed to give a lift to a range of rooms and can be teamed with plush purples, pretty pinks or soft cool greys for a truly sophisticated feel.

The beauty of this trend is that you can make an immediate impact with just a few accent pieces – investing in citrus-themed accessories to usher in a mood a Toronto Chair vibrant optimism into your home £69 per pair and creating bright, fresh and M&S contemporary living spaces.

Metal lace heart plaques (set of 2) £20 Next

Chef ‘n’ Fresh Force Juicer, Lemon £20 John Lewis

Amelia chaise in plum vintage stripe £350 Next Lime Glass Candlestick, Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson £10 Debenhams

30 REST & RELAX

Carol Lake/Edition Pillar Candles 10cm £6, 15cm £8 Debenhams

Eternity 10 light pendant £275

Marquette antique brass 12 light fitting with maple leaf shaped crystal £343

Cloud 12 Light Crystal Pendant £315

Home style is crystal clear Chandeliers have been around since before the 16th century – starting out as a preserve of the rich to demonstrate how wealthy they were OVER THE years, as the original wooden versions have made way for elaborate and eye-catching crystal models, these statement lights have helped to transform even the humblest of homes from ordinary to extraordinary.

And it’s no wonder that these dazzling pieces of lighting have enduring appeal being both decorative and functional – instantly adding an eye-catching statement to any home.

Tony Blenkinsop, is owner of Washington Lighting Centre, the city’s

premier and largest supplier of lighting.

Tucked behind B&Q in Washington, his 8,000 square foot showroom featuring stylish lighting and interiors, is a real hidden gem… a veritable Aladdin’s cave!

He said: “One of the main attractions of a chandelier is that they create a dramatic focal point which has given these dazzling pieces of lighting an enduring appeal, with new more contemporary versions winning over a whole new army of fans.”

Stylish chrome finish ceiling light with delicate crystal £497

All lighting available from Washington Lighting Centre

9 Donkin Road, Armstrong Ind Est, Washington NE37 1PF T: 0191 417 4006 www.washingtonlighting.co.uk

feel@holm...

Situated in the leafy suburb of Ashbrooke, holmlands offers a wide variety of hair and beauty treatments. Our team of fully qualified hairdressers and beauty therapists are trained to the highest standard ensuring you leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. Each client will be given individual advice on how to maintain healthy looking hair, skin or nails!

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HOLMLANDS Holmlands Buildings, Tunstall Road, Ashbrooke, Sunderland SR2 7RR T: 0191 522 0222 E: info@holmlands.com www.holmlands.com

Beauty Lash power HOURGLASS Film Noir Lash Lacquer is a hot new alternative to false eyelashes.

This ultra glossy, inky black top coat for eyelashes is applied over your mascara for a maxed out length, volume and showstopping shine.

Apparently Madonna is a fan and if you want to get your hands on one it’s available for £25 from Liberty.co.uk

Let’s all make-up Beach bodies IF THE thought of stripping back the layers for summer is filling you with dread and making you want to grab a burka then it’s time to take action!

Dimpled thighs don’t disappear on their own, but cellulite products have been proven to show results in just four weeks!

Marks & Spencer do a great double act in the shape of a Body Care Bamboo Body Brush (£9.50) to stimulate blood circulation and Advanced Body Formula Solutions Cellulite Cream (£8.50) to help reduce the orange peel effect on skin.

Beauty icon Rihanna reveals the secret to her radiant looks PRICED at £25, the Per-fékt Beauty Cheek Perfection gel is already popular with a number of Hollywood stars including Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Hudson.

The product - which should be applied to the cheekbones, forehead and the bridge of the nose is available in two different shades and helps boost natural skin colour.

Available at House of Fraser priced at £25 for a 10ml bottle.

with Amanda Bell

THE KEY make-up looks right now capture the prettiness of the skies overhead with key colours for cheeks being baby and bright pinks.

The pink cheek trend is such a pretty, youthful and wearable look giving a healthy feel to your make-up and is relatively easy to achieve.

Years of listening to clients has made me realise that blusher is a bit of a mystery to many – in fact a lot of ladies prefer not to wear any at all for fear of getting it wrong!

But blush is undoubtedly one of my fave must-have products as it can double up as a lip tint topped with balm or gloss or lightly brushed across the eyelids it opens up the eye area and makes the whites look whiter.

People with round faces should concentrate the colour on the apples of the cheeks and if you have a longer face shape start on the apple then blend the colour backwards and upwards, towards the top of your ear.

Try to use a brush that’s not too large and work the blusher into the palm of your hand before applying to the cheek. This allows you to lightly layer the colour giving it extra staying power.

For red carpet events and bridal make-up, I always apply a cream blusher to my client’s cheeks first, set with face powder then powder blush on top so it stays picture perfect.

Over the issues I’ll be giving you my trade secrets to achieve the hottest looks and tons of tips and techniques to help you discover your inner make-up artist.

a d n a m A

REST & RELAX 33

Family moves into first home with Genie An innovative new home purchase plan that could revolutionise the housing market by allowing buyers to purchase a home without the need for a mortgage or deposit, has now helped 27 families to move into new homes.

Lorri, David and their daughter Izzy.

The Genie home purchase plan works by allowing buyers to acquire an increasing share in their property over a 25 year period. Genie purchasers have the same rights as a traditional homeowner and pay a monthly residency fee which is adjusted every five years.

34 REST & RELAX

Saving for a deposit for your first home is a real challenge for a growing family. Lorri Haig, 28, and David Newton, 28, had been privately renting for a number of years, but moved into Lorri’s parent’s house with their daughter Izzy, 1, last year to save for a deposit.

David, a former soldier who now works at Road Safe UK, said: “We had spoken to a financial advisor in the past, but were told that we would need a 10 per cent deposit in order to get a mortgage. We simply didn’t have that money, so we moved in with Lorri’s parents to save for a deposit.”

Lorri works in the Genie applications team and it was during her training that she realised Genie could provide the ideal solution to the family’s housing worries.

Izzy has her own space which she’s never had before.”

Lorri said: “I just thought this solution would be perfect for us! We really wanted to provide a proper family home for Izzy, but we didn’t have the money for a deposit and saving is hard when you have children. Genie meant that we could own the home we had always dreamed of without a deposit.”

Lorri said: “Having our own home means that we can provide a secure future for Izzy, and with a spare bedroom, we might even add another member to the family!”

After viewing a few properties, the family chose a house at Gentoo’s Beckwith Green development in Sunderland.

David said: “We have always liked Beckwith Green and knew we wanted to live there straight away.

The house is perfect for us as it has three bedrooms and a garden, so

The family have now moved into their new home and are beginning to plan for their future.

Steve Hicks, Chief Operating Officer of Genie said: “For those aspiring to homeownership, high deposit requirements appear to be insurmountable barriers – Genie provides a much needed leg up.

After an initial launch of 60 properties in October, Genie has now purchased a further 21 homes from developers across the region including Barratt, Miller and Bellway, expanding it’s reach into Durham, Walker and South Shields.

We have big ambitions for Genie and have already seen 27 families move into new homes since launching in October 2011. We now have over 50 properties available through the Genie home purchase plan from a variety of developers across the region.

Steve Hicks, Genie Chief Operating Officer

For information about homes available through Genie, visit www.justaskgenie.co.uk or call 0845 601 7599.

REST & RELAX 35

Motors

New Volvo XC90

Seat Exeo SEAT HAS excelled in developing their own brand of cars that are frequently reworked versions of other vehicles in the Volkswagen Group.

Take the SEAT Exeo for example.

Under the skin you will find the previous generation Audi A4... and there’s nothing wrong with that as the A4 is a terrific car.

But the beauty of something like an Exeo is that you get a proven, quality car that has been brought bang up to date, yet still offers terrific value for money.

There are two Exeo versions on offer; a 4-door saloon and a 5-door Sport Tourer. Prices for the saloon start at £19,480, while the estate starts at £20,325. There are 3 diesel engines and a single petrol engine in the range.

The pick of the bunch is the 143bhp 2.0 litre TDi SE. Economy is excellent with almost 55mpg on offer, 0-60 takes around 10 seconds and top speed is 124mph.

While SEAT have a reputation for producing sporty cars, the Exeo, while feeling brisk, is really comfy and is great at eating up the motorway miles. You also tend to get a decent amount of kit as standard. This SE version comes with natty alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows all round, Bluetooth and all of the safety gear you really need. In other words, you get a car that oozes quality, loaded with goodies at a hugely attractive price.

Now that’s a winning formula.

Focus ST set for The Sweeney SEVENTIES TV classic The Sweeney is being remade for the big screen – and it will see maverick cop Jack Regan chasing crooks in a Ford Focus ST, instead of the Granada from the original.

The super hot hatch should help maintain the hard-nosed reputation of Regan, who is being played by Cockney tough guy Ray Winstone in the movie version.

The new Focus ST, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is the firm’s hottest Focus yet. So expect to see some spectacular on-screen

36 REST & RELAX

stunts, courtesy of the ST’s fiery 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

With an anticipated 0-60mph sprint time of just six seconds, it should be more than a match for the getaway cars being chased by the Flying Squad.

THIS IS how the new Volvo XC90 is shaping up in newly released sketches of how the seven-seater might look in 2014.

Rivalling the Land Rover Discovery, the XC90 has been a huge success for Volvo; its relaxing and luxurious driving experience combined with a practical seven-seater layout has proved a hit with buyers.

A new model is still some way away, but as these sketches show, it is likely to be much more distinctive to look at.

The current model was once the class leader, but is now left behind newer competitors like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover’s evergreen Discovery. The XC90’s cabin is still terrific, especially for kids, and the build quality and materials are beyond complaint.

Despite a wooden chassis and an ageing diesel that now lags behind the class best, the XC90 still offers that incredible Volvo image and a safety record that is second to none. By avoiding the petrol models, which are too thirsty to make any sense, you’ll be on to a winner until the new model is unveiled.

Build trust into your future It is estimated that one in three women and one in four men over 65 will need to go into care. When they do, the local authority can force the sale of a home to fund the care costs which has caused a lot of controversy and debate Our resident legal eagle Sunderland solicitor Mark Cook explains how you can take steps to protect your property.

IF YOU want to protect your home for the future, one of the most effective ways of doing so is by making a property trust will.

Essential to the working of a property trust will is the way in which you own your property. Most couples own their property jointly. This means that when one of them dies, the property will automatically pass to the survivor.

It is possible to change that so you each own an identifiable share in the property.

You can then either give your share away in your lifetime, or put it into trust for the next generation, or dispose of it by your will - the property trust will.

Then if the surviving co-owner needs to go into care, the local authority could only

take into account that person’s half of the property and not the whole.

This also covers potential problems caused by remarriage. Should a partner remarry after their spouse’s death, this could have a dramatic effect on where the property ends up. The act of remarriage cancels any will made whilst both partners were alive and the new partner would then become the next of kin.

Any children would then not inherit and the estate could pass outside the family.

With a property trust will, your half of the house is protected by the trust and will not pass outside your immediate family.

The terms of the trust dictate that children can only inherit when both parents die, just as they would normally.

You can move – the terms of the trust are flexible. We always ensure that the person living in the

Mark Cook Solicitors Home & commercial property Property legal advice, done properly ■ Free Will review for all our clients ■ Call Mark Cook on 0191 567 7244

property has the option to move to a new property if they wish.

Property trust wills are not a legal “loophole”, but straightforward common sense. If your partner requires care after your death, why would you want to leave him or her your entire estate outright shortly before he or she is about to be means tested?

The trust does not get around inheritance tax however. The main benefit of a property will trust is planning for possible future care costs. It also protects your half of the home from the problem of a surviving partner remarrying.

offer:

A properly drafted will and trust can protect your assets and give you peace of mind.

As a special offer, any R&R readers who contact Mark Cook Solicitors before the end of April will get a free no obligation asset/will review. Simply contact Mark Cook on 0191 567 7244 or email mark@cooklaw.co.uk

We make time to build partnerships with our clients

Mark Cook Solicitors 1st Floor, 32 Frederick Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR1 1LN Tel: 0191 567 7244 www.cooklaw.co.uk REST & RELAX 37

shirt The holy grail of fashion

Trendy with a capital T: Comme des Garcons Play £73 Aphrodite

38 REST & RELAX

THE ICONIC image of the T-shirt spans decades – from the classic cool white sported by James Dean and Marlon Brando through to the fashion statement of the 80s Relax tees and new designer versions completing that bang on trend look.

But the origins of this classic piece of fashion are a little more humble – evolving in the US in the 19th century after one piece union suit undergarments were cut into two.

By World War II both the US Navy and Army were wearing standard issue T-shirts as underwear and following the war, it became common to see veterans wearing their uniform trousers with their T-shirts as casual clothing.

It was in the 1950s though after Marlon Brando wore one in the hit movie

A Streetcar Named Desire and James Dean donned one too in Rebel Without a Cause, when the T-shirt finally achieved status as a fashionable, stand-alone, outer-wear garment.

Today wearing a printed T-shirt is all about making a statement, standing out from the rest with minimal effort. From slogan designs to picturesque T-shirts, you can really enforce your personality into your outfit.

The humble T has never looked back!

Today wearing a t-shirt is all about making a statement

REST & RELAX 39

Where good food and people matter From working lunches and busy conferences to community events and wedding receptions, Create brings expertise, experience and exceptional food.

Delicious buffet lunches from ÂŁ5.95 per person including delivery.

Simply order online at www.foodbycreate.co.uk or call us to chat through your needs on 0191 567 0806.

An award-winning Sunderland catering company is changing people’s lives across the city as it serves up a top quality menu

Creating great food and better lives ON THE surface, Create is a social enterprise producing gourmet standard food for a range of events from working lunches and conferences to community celebrations and wedding receptions.

But look a little closer and you’ll find a ground-breaking operation that helps create job opportunities and train people who have been homeless, marginalised or are vulnerable.

People who without help could quite easily slip through society’s net and become another statistic.

In just five months, Create has racked up an impressive client list that already includes Gentoo, Ernst and Young, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Unison. They also became the second company to be awarded a Big Society Award by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Crucially, while delivering this first class service, Create has also helped vulnerable people get back control of their lives.

Lindsay Newby, Create’s North East business centre manager, said: “First and foremost we are a quality food business.

We don’t want people’s charity – we want their food order. We are not funded and we don’t plan to be.

“The wonderful spin off for business, organisations and individuals who use our catering service is that they are helping to wean people back into society.”

Create, which also has bases in Leeds, Manchester and Doncaster, is proud that 90 per cent of the trainees that complete the

course go on to find jobs and supermarket chain Morrisons recently agreed to interview Create trainees for 1,000 new posts across the UK. The trainees attend Create five days a week for 12 weeks, where they work under top chef Jo Stoddard and training mentor Dannielle Johnston to get them to a point where they are fit to find real work.

Create also works in partnership with Sunderland City Council and Gentoo to help trainees find accommodation and move on from a negative situation.

Lindsay added: “We’re a professional, highly regarded food specialist with a brilliant chef and a talented team of trained professionals. We offer a future to people who want a hand up, not a handout!”

Nathan’s story IN JUST a few months 19year-old Nathan Glover has gone from sleeping rough in a friend’s car to finding a new career and picking up the keys to his own flat.

He was referred to Create by homeless charity Centrepoint in Sunderland. Before getting into Centrepoint he amazingly managed to turn into college despite having no home.

Nathan was determined to change his life and told the team at Create he wanted a job and a home.

The 12-week course gave Nathan the confidence to believe in himself and now he has found work in the catering industry with the goal of becoming a chef.

Lindsay from Create said: “I think Nathan has got what it takes to go all the way in life. He has already made great strides and has a whole positive future ahead of him.”

TO FIND out more about Create and their catering services contact Lindsay Newby or Danielle Hanson on 0191 567 0806.

Follow Create on Twitter @create_ne Check out Create on video at www.randrlife.co.uk

Star Chef TOP CHEF Jo Stoddart ensures that all the food prepared by Create is first class. Her culinary CV speaks for itself.

Jo worked for the Godfathers of Cuisine, The Roux brothers, at the famous multi-award winning and three Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gavroche in London, which boasts having previously employed Gordon Ramsey and Marco Pierre White.

Jo’s career with The Roux Brothers started as a commis chef and within three short months her skills were quickly recognised by Michel Roux Junior and she was promoted to head chef within the Private Room Service Kitchen, which also served as the training kitchen for all new Le Gavroche Chefs.

Jo worked at Le Gavroche for six years before leaving to work for Albert Roux at Roux Fine Dining as chef manager where she continued her craft.

REST & RELAX 41

Sunderland shipping container development sets sail An iconic enterprise-boosting business centre has opened its doors in Sunderland A BUILDING with a difference has risen from the ashes of the old River Wear Club in Hendon.

The new Co-operative Centre on Whitehouse Road replaces the old one on Mowbray Road, which is due for demolition.

Constructed from 37 reconditioned shipping containers, the eye-catching centre is now home to social enterprise company SES, Sunderland Homecare Associates and local housing co-ops.

The 10,000 square metre managed workspace centre is also welcoming new businesses who can enjoy modern office accommodation and training rooms.

SES commissioned the innovative

The building represents the enterprising work that goes on in the local Hendon area, across Sunderland and the wider North East region.

42 REST & RELAX

building that mirrors the sustainable businesses it now houses. Most of the structure is recycled, with the re-used shipping containers having already transported goods around the world for 20 years or more.

Rents and revenue from the centre will provide SES with a sustainable source of income to carry on its valuable enterprise work.

SES director Mark Heskett-Saddington said: “The building represents the enterprising work that goes on in the local Hendon area, across Sunderland and the wider North East region. Demand has proved that social businesses are still thriving in difficult economic conditions.

“We have been running in the North East for over nearly 30 years now and this new development will secure our operation as we look to support enterprise in all its forms.”

Over the past year (2010-2011) SES has helped to create 27 new social enterprises as well as supporting 163 around the North East. The team has also helped launch 349 traditional businesses.

These social enterprises, which include notable successes such as Sunderland and North Tyneside Home Care Associates, Compass Transport, Be Active, Be Fit (previously Sit n’b’ Fit) and Sunderland Dance CIC, have a combined turnover of more than £27.5m and employ around

L to R: Mark HeskettSaddington and Kevin Marquis

1430 staff. SES also helped to create 313 new traditional businesses over the last financial year.

The secure business centre also has plenty of on-site parking as well as 24 hour access to business accommodation. All units enjoy high speed internet connectivity and the training rooms have full video conferencing facilities.

To build the business centre SES invested its own resources in addition to backing from the European Regional Development Fund and Sunderland Working Neighbourhoods Fund.

There is still office space available at the Co-operative Centre which is open to businesses of all types. Contact SES on 0191 565 0476 for details.

Ground-breaking construction THE THREE-storey complex has re-used containers which have each typically travelled a million miles transporting goods.

Kevin Marquis, director of SES, said: “We chose this unusual method of construction because it’s sustainable and appropriate. SES is committed to the principle of reduce, re-use and recycle and of course Sunderland has a long association with shipping which added to our design decision.

“It’s also a relatively quick and low cost construction method and you would never know you were inside a container.

It’s just like a modern office. For us, the development is a statement and it is already a talking point.”

The iconic three-storey building has been designed by North East-based Napper Architects on behalf of SES. Napper associate architect James Gilbert said: “The containers have been all over the world on various ships.

“Everybody talks about recycling but this is better because we are re-using instead of them being melted down and starting again.

“We sourced them from a variety of places and they were in a poor state – just rusting away. The containers were then stripped down, shot blasted and reinforced with new steelwork.”

Next the containers were spray insulated to prevent condensation before being put in position by crane to create a variety of office sizes. Each container makes an office and several larger offices have been made by cutting out sides or combining two or three for bigger units.

REST & RELAX 43

BUSINESS ROUND UP In partnership with Linked in Sunderland Business Group

School charity push means business WEARSIDE business group Network North has thrown its weight behind a campaign to raise cash to replace the hydrotherapy pool at Sunningdale Primary Special School.

The networking group has launched a programme of fund-raising events over the course of the year as it bids to raise £10,000.

Helping to reach that target are network members Chris Walsh of security system firm Pro-active Protection Systems and Mick Waldron of The Fire and Safety Guys, who are taking part in a ‘biggest loser’ style sponsored weight loss.

Chris is being helped by Martin Whitaker of Fitness Camp Academy while Mick is relying on his ex-forces training to shed the pounds.

Network North has already raised cash through the release of a Christmas single by heavy rock band Metalizer, a sponsored ten-pin bowl tournament and various collections. Group member Andy

McLaughlin of Sandler Training is also taking part in a charity sky-dive later this year.

The group is also planning a charity fund-raising curry night which will take place at Café Spice in Sunderland, with entertainment by jazz swing crooner Andy Barker.

Meanwhile, any Sunderland businesses wanting to get involved can come along to the next Network North meeting. They are held every Thursday morning from 7.30am at The Wessington, just off Wessington Way. Members meet to swap new business leads and brainstorm new ideas.

For more information contact 0845 258 1820.

Pictured: Weighing in to help - (L to R) Chris Walsh, trainer Martin Whitaker and Mick Waldron.

Aphrodite loves to grow

Spreading expert advice

Ramside work starts

CITY based Aphrodite is expanding as its online operation continues to grow.

The upmarket menswear company, formed in 1994 by brothers Andrew and Duncan McKenzie, is moving its web team to new premises in Derwent Street Sunderland. The successful duo has also recruited a new online Ecommerce Director and four new online staff to help the drive.

The move has given Aphrodite the space at its retail headquarters in Vine Place to create a bigger shop floor area.

Their website www.aphrodite1994.com was launched in 2007 and now represents a major source of sales for the growing business.

Andrew said: “Our shop in the city centre continues to grow and attract customers, but the website has given us scope to boost turnover and create jobs.”

SUNDERLAND accountancy firm TTR Barnes is joining the call to get more people working for themselves and boost enterprise across the city.

TTR Barnes is supporting a fresh drive by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) in offering a free consultation to start-up businesses and existing small and medium sized firms.

Laura Lockhart, a chartered accountant with TTR Barnes, has recently been appointed Honorary Secretary of the Tyne and Wear Society of Chartered Accountants which links into the national ICAEW body and is keen to see more turn to qualified experts for help.

She said: “At a time of fragile economic recovery, there is a clear need for expert advice to help SMEs and start-up businesses thrive.”

Anyone interested in a free consultation can contact Laura Lockhart on 0191 549 0307 or by email: laura.lockhart@ttrbarnes.com

WORK HAS started on a new £18 million development at Ramside Hall Hotel which will create a new 18-hole golf course, leisure centre and housing complex.

The work will also see the addition of 48 new bedrooms at the four star hotel, doubling capacity in the process.

The leisure centre will feature a gym, 25-metre pool, cardio-cycling studio, restaurant and café. On top of that the development work will see the creation of 34 new luxury homes and a conference and banqueting centre.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

44 REST & RELAX

Water way to go WASHINGTON-based water cooler company AquAid has beaten its charity fundraising target.

Husband and wife Gordon and Emir Dobson have headed up their franchise for almost 10 years, during which time customers have helped to raise £136,873 for the Pump Aid and Christian Aid.

Artist to the stars is made up with business support An award winning make-up artist, who counts Sienna Miller and Sir Ian McKellen as former clients, has returned to her native North East to set up her own business after a glittering career in London.

AMANDA Bell moved back to the area with her husband to start a family.

Now after the birth of their two children during a two-year career break, she is preparing to return to the world of make-up, delivering a high-end service, which will primarily target local bridal and fashion markets.

Born in Seaham, Amanda joined Lancôme in 1999 after studying beauty therapy and theatrical / specialist make up at South Tyneside College and winning several student awards.

She went on to work as a make-up artist in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge and Selfridges Oxford Street, and in 2003 was

awarded the Lancôme Make-Up Artist of the Year Award.

She travelled to Paris to train with Fred Farrugia, Lancôme’s International Creative Director at the time.

As well as working with the industry’s elite including celebrity hairdressers Nicky Clarke, Andrew Barton, Guido and Charles Worthington, more recently Amanda was head make-up artist for the BAFTAs for several years running.

This involved preparing numerous celebrities for the red carpet, including Sienna Miller, Jessica Biel, Goldie Hawn, Juliette Binoche, Emily Watson, Pierce Brosnan, Jude Law, Sir Ian McKellen,

Dame Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson.

Amanda said: “During my time as a make-up artist I found great pleasure in finding out the needs of women concerning their make-up and beauty routines, whether it be for an everyday work look, a blushing bride or a red carpet event. Now that I’m back in the North East I’m really looking forward to making the wealth of experience I’ve acquired and the skills I’ve developed available to people in the region.

“I’ll also be available for a number of make-up services including one-to-one coaching, running make-up workshops and creating catwalk looks.”

After deciding to develop her own enterprise, Amanda approached the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), where she was appointed Debbie Simpson as business adviser who has helped her to launch Amanda Bell - Make Up Artist.

Debbie Simpson said: “Amanda is so modest and down to earth, but her experience is really breathtaking. She undoubtedly has the ability to tap into a high-end market at a level which is virtually unexplored in the North East.”

The North East BIC offers a wide range of products and services to support the needs of anyone who wishes to start a new business, and assists over 150 enterprises in getting off the ground each year. To find out more about Amanda’s business email abellmakeupartist@yahoo.co.uk or to contact the business support team call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk.

R&R would like to welcome Amanda on board as our resident beauty expert. In this issue (page 33) and in future issues, Amanda will be looking at key make-up trends and how best to get a certain look, as well as passing on some invaluable tricks of the trade.

REST & RELAX 45

A gourmet chef is giving an extra flavour to the re-opening of his family restaurant after being crowned the region’s curry king

Award-winning chef crowned in time for restaurant re-opening KOHINOOR Choudhury, head chef of Zeera Indian Cuisine on Ocean Road, wowed the judges in the annual competition to find the region’s best curry chef.

Winning chefs from Indian restaurants and takeaways from across the North East including Vujon in Newcastle, Spice Place in Wallsend and Backwaters in Sunderland, took part in the competition, which culminated in the final cook-off at City of Sunderland College’s Hylton Centre.

Kohinoor Choudhury went on to be crowned North East Curry Chef of the Year, just in time for the reopening of his family restaurant Zeera which has undergone an extensive refurbishment and has doubled in size.

46 REST & RELAX

Kohinoor runs the business with brothers Shahanoor and second chef Abadur who have overseen the transformation of the restaurant.

Shahanoor said: “It’s fantastic, relaunching our new look restaurant and winning this prestigious award. Kohinoor has won South Tyneside Chef of the Year twice in 2009 and 2011 and now North East Curry Chef of the Year 2012.”

“We have worked very hard to expand the restaurant and invested a great deal of money and time to make it superb for our customers. We can now seat more than 80 people and have gone for a luxury look which has its roots in traditional Indian décor.”

Environmental Health Officers from Sunderland City Council organised this year’s curry competition, which aims to promote local restaurants and takeaways and raise high food hygiene standards.

Each chef had one hour to prepare a main dish, side dish and rice or bread, which were judged on taste, hygiene and culinary skills. Kohinoor made his special steamed chicken dish Zeera Murgh Supreme with spiced keema and a dramatic looking mixed vegetable dish served in a baby butternut squash.

Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Safer City and Culture, said: "It is a fantastic way to promote businesses which meet the high standards expected of them, which all of

the finalists certainly do. I congratulate Mr Choudhury on his well earned award as the North East’s best curry chef."

The judges also looked to ensure the chefs included a healthy eating element to their menu.

The winning dish • Main Course: Zeera Murgh Supreme – Special Zeera spiced Keema mince wrapped in chicken breast and steamed.

• Side Dish: Mixed shredded vegetable lightly fried in ginger, turmeric and other spices served in a pan-fried hollowed baby butternut squash.

• Rice: Steamed basmati rice combined with a spinach bhaji.

KOHINOOR said: “I create all the dishes myself by experimenting with different spices and ingredients. I wanted to create something healthy which is why I steamed the chicken.

“Presentation is crucial too. The butternut squash is a really eye-catching way to serve my spiced vegetable dish and the best thing about it is that you can eat the pot! We try to incorporate healthy and low fat ingredients into our menu and the award winning dish is especially healthy.

“Diners are welcome to try the award winning dish but we ask that they book in advance as it takes extra time to prepare.”

Blackboard menu CHEF KOHINOOR is always striving to create new dishes and food sensations.

Each week the restaurant will run a blackboard-style special dishes menu to offer extra choice to regular customers.

Shahanoor said: “When we can source special ingredients we will highlight the fact to our customers. We have also introduced an Indian platter style option for people who like to share and taste new things.”

Bollywood sails into Ocean Road ZEERA is run by brothers Shahanoor, Kohinoor and Abadur Choudhury whose family are originally from Bangladesh.

The restaurant opened back in December 2007 after the brothers decided to go it alone and open their own place. Zeera quickly became a favourite haunt for curry lovers visiting Ocean Road from across the region.

Shahanoor said: “I had worked for over 10 years in restaurants on Ocean Road and always thought that one day we would open our own place and run it the way we wanted. It was a big step for us but it has all been worth it and to see the new bigger Zeera open its doors was an amazing moment for me and my family.”

The brothers share some of the duties at the restaurant, but Kohinoor and Abadur are the main men in the kitchen, while Shahanoor is strictly front of house.

Shahanoor laughed: “I’m not allowed anywhere near the cooker! Kohinoor is the genius with the food and I look after the customers.”

The new look restaurant has a dramatic feel – a look that Shahanoor calls ‘contemporary old school’.

He said: “Over the last decade, many Indian restaurants have gone down the modern contemporary look which the original Zeera followed successfully.

However, we wanted something a little different for our new look restaurant and have tried to combine the glamour of Bollywood with a modern look that pulls in traditional reference points.”

With shades of Mulberry and subtle

We try to incorporate healthy and low fat ingredients into our menu...

Try it at home KOHINOOR has put together a quick tasty dish for R&R readers to try at home.

He said: “Try this simple all time Indian favourite.”

Zeera Aloo Tikki: Indegredients: 4 Potatoes (aloo) - boiled or steamed and mashed Red onion (chopped) - 2 tbsp Green chilli - 1 tbsp, chopped Cumin seeds (toasted) - 1 tsp Coriander leaves (chopped fine) - 3 tbsp Salt to taste Black pepper- pinch Garam Masala- pinch Oil for shallow frying 1. Mix mashed potato,onion, green chilli, cumin, coriander leaves, salt and pepper, Garam Masala.

2. Take 2 tbsp of mixture in hand and form patties.

3. Heat oil in a frying pan and place patties in the oil .

lighting, Zeera is now setting the style and has a luxurious feel with a touch of pzazz.

Shahanoor added: “The restaurant was closed for five months while the transformation took place but a lot of time was spent sourcing some of the specialist décor that we think really makes a difference and of course the food is better than ever!”

To book a table at Zeera call 0191 456 1811

4. Keep the stove at medium heat and let one side go golden brown.

5. Turn the patties and add one tbsp oil if needed 6. Fry this side too till golden brown and remove from pan.

Serve with mixed leaf salad and a tamarind or mayo dip.

REST & RELAX 47

Sun not setting on solar just yet Despite recent reductions in subsidies that allow property owners to generate an income and make savings on energy bills, Solar PV is still a bright investment say Gentoo

After a high profile loss in the High Courts and months of uncertainty surrounding the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) – the Government scheme that pays property owners for generating their own electricity, the Government announced it has finally reduced the rate paid to people installing solar panels to their homes or businesses.

And when the government lost its case against Friends of the Earth and other industry groups over its proposed immediate cuts to the FiT in January, the solar industry braced itself for further more drastic reductions. Reductions people feared would be so drastic that they may have undermined the entire UK solar PV market for good.

But when it was announced as of 3rd March 2012 that the domestic Feedin Tariff rate would be halved to 21p per kilowatt of energy produced, industry experts at Gentoo urged

48 REST & RELAX

people not to shy away from investing in solar PV, claiming it was still a worthy investment to make.

As with any maturing market, the unit price of solar PV has reduced because the demand for it has increased. At Gentoo, this is something that they’ve been able to pass onto consumers by significantly reducing the cost of their domestic PV systems – making renewable energy more accessible to people who may not have previously been able to afford a £10,000 price tag.

The amount of money you spend on purchasing a solar PV system significantly affects the level of return you may expect to achieve through the Feed-in Tariff. However, a reduction in what the government will pay you for generating your own electricity, is significantly offset when businesses like Gentoo have considerably reduced the price of their solar PV.

This provides a very profitable venture for anyone that has money tucked away in a savings account, with expected returns of around 10-12% depending on how many solar panels can fit on your roof. It’s worth noting that your 10-12% return is a percentage of the total cost you pay for your system, per year, for twentyfive years. Equating to a payback period of between 8-10 years, with all of the income you generate for the remaining 15-17 years thereafter, yours to keep. Not to mention the savings your solar PV will help you make on your fuel bill.

Electricity and gas prices have risen by 21% and 40% respectively over recent years and four million people in the UK remain in fuel poverty. But solar PV systems provide people with a way of future proofing their homes against rising fuel costs because they can produce around 40% of a household’s annual energy

requirement. This means these households will be paying less for their energy bills in many years to come, as well being able to generate an extra source of income. It’s really a win-win situation.

Graham Smith, Director of Operations at Gentoo, thinks so too. He said, “In times of rising energy prices, the affordability of solar PV is crucial to allowing people to purchase a product that will not only help them save money on their electricity bill, but also generate some extra disposable income. We believe that green energy should be more accessible to consumers than it has previously been and our restructured solar PV offer creates exactly that opportunity for the people of the North East.”

A company with strong ‘green’ credentials, Gentoo is an organisation that is dedicated to creating a greener future for us all. They believe in renewable energy so much, they just recently finished installing solar PV to both of their head offices at Doxford Park. The two systems have a combined power output of 56,000 kWh per annum – that’s enough energy to power 17 homes for a full year.

What’s more, the solar PV panels used by Gentoo are made right here in the North East by its very own specialist glass manufacturer, Romag.

Based in Consett, County Durham, Romag has been part of the Gentoo Group since April 2011 and is the only UK-owned manufacturer of solar PV based in the UK - something they’re very proud of.

Big savings

on solar panels, so you make even

bigger savings on your bills.

So you save every time you turn on the TV

25% OFF

your solar PV system

You’ve probably already heard that generating energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can be a great way of saving money.

Right now, however, there are more benefits to fitting them than ever.

That’s because at Gentoo we have reduced the cost of our solar PV panels by over 25% to just £4,995*. So once they’re fitted you can pay off the cost of installation even faster, and start cashing in even sooner.

What’s more, you’re still guaranteed to be paid by the government for every single kilowatt hour of electricity you supply to the National Grid - for 25 years.

Now, isn’t that the kind of news you wouldn’t want to miss?

Call our solar team today on 0191 525 2888 or visit gentoogroup.com *Based on 2kWp system. Terms and conditions apply.

REST & RELAX 49

Win with R&R

Enjoy a luxury break for two at Matfen Hall MATFEN Hall Hotel is an exquisite country house hotel set in 300 acres of parkland in the heart of Northumberland - the perfect place for a leisurely break and a relatively short drive away from Sunderland!

Guests enjoy unparalleled comfort and luxury as Matfen boasts the very latest spa and leisure facilities, including a 16-metre swimming pool and a magnificent 27-hole golf course.

Diners are offered a choice of venues, from the wood-panelled Library restaurant, which holds two AA rosettes for its classic and highly sophisticated menu to the Conservatory Brasserie, which offers a more contemporary, informal dining experience with fabulous views.

With elegant public rooms and 53 sumptuous bedrooms, Matfen Hall is the perfect setting for every occasion, from relaxing leisure breaks to fairytale weddings and corporate events.

We are giving one lucky reader and their guest the chance to win a one night stay at Matfen Hall with breakfast, dinner in the Conservatory Brasserie and full use of the hotel’s spa and leisure facilities.

For further information about Matfen Hall call 01661 886 500 or visit the hotel’s website at www.matfenhall.com

atmosphere.

To celebrate the launch of R&R, Amore has teamed up with us to offer a meal for two

(starter, main course and desert) with a bottle of wine too.

Nestled away around the corner to Sunniside, this award-winning 150-seat restaurant, bar and lounge continues to go from strength to strength.

Their range of great offers include a very popular happy hour 12-2pm (not Sundays)

Holm is where the heart is!

YOU CAN’T beat a high street exclusive salon experience on your doorstep.

Holmlands on Tunstall Road is a bit of a hair and beauty Tardis. Beyond the front lounge is a myriad of treatment rooms, massage parlours and consultation areas.

Let the Holmlands experts treat you to a spring makeover whether its hair, nails, beauty or all three!

50 REST & RELAX

Q: In which county does Matfen Hall sit?

Send your answer by email to info@randrlife.co.uk. Clearly mark your email MATFEN and include your name, address and contact details.

Terms and conditions apply and prize is subject to availability.

Travel to and from Matfen Hall not included.

Perfect meal for two at Amore AFTER five years Amore is still pulling in the diners with its first class Italian themed cuisine and laid back

To be in with a chance of winning answer this simple question:

R&R is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a luxury Holmlands experience in the shape of a Decleor aromassage facial, which is a sumptuous stress-busting beauty treatment for relaxed features and a radiant complexion To be in with a chance of winning answer this simple question:

and 5-6.30PM (last orders), when you can enjoy a two-course special for just £7.95.

Kids also eat for just a £1.

To be in with a chance of winning answer this simple question: Q: What does Amore stand for in Italian?

Send your answer by email to info@randrlife.co.uk. Clearly mark your email AMORE and include your name, address and contact details.

Terms and conditions apply.

Q: A facial involves pampering to which part of your body?

Send your answer by email to info@randrlife.co.uk. Clearly mark your email HOLMLANDS and include your name, address and contact details.

Terms and conditions apply.

Heading out...

Staying put…

GIG

DVD

SUNDERLAND’S Field Music are taking to the stage at Independent to help The Bunker’s Raise the Roof campaign.

The band, who have just released their new album Plumb, will be performing at the venue in Holmeside on Saturday, April 14.

The Bunker, on Stockton Road, has been the launch pad for a legion of Sunderland bands including The Futureheads, Kenickie, The Golden Virgins, Hyde & Beast and Leatherface, but the future of the rehearsal and studio space is

now under threat due to the state of the building’s roof.

Kenny Sanger, managing director of The Bunker said: “The proceeds of the gig will go a long way to securing the future of the building for the next generation of young musicians.”

•Tickets cost £10 (subject to booking fee) and are on sale now from www.netickets.net, www.seetickets.com and from Hot Rats on Stockton Road, Sunderland. All proceeds go to the Raise the Roof campaign.

THE FLICKS Jeff Who Lives at Home

JASON Segel plays a socially awkward thirty-something slacker who is dispatched from his basement room on an errand for his mother. Stumbling into the big wide world, Jeff has a series of unexpected encounters and bizarre coincidences.

This is another outing for brothers Mark and Jay Duplass, who were behind the successful crossover film Cyrus in 2010 and it shows how far this pair have come with an A-list cast that also includes Susan Sarandon and Ed Helms.

All in all a rather unique and pleasant comedy.

Fast Forward…

SKYFALL will become the first Bond film ever to be converted to IMAX. The movie, due out in October, will be Daniel Craig’s third outing as Bond and it finds him going head to head with villains Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes in a new story line that ditches the Quantum thread.

Looks like those Speedo’s might be making a bigger impact on cinema audiences!

Ian West Photography

Raising the roof

The Iron Lady CENTRED on the highly controversial figure of Margaret Thatcher, the movie depicts her here as a rather reclusive widow not entirely in command of her mental faculties.

The story unfolds and moves along through a series of flashbacks from her youth in Grantham, through to her meeting with successful businessman Denis Thatcher, her entry into politics and her grooming by Tory MP Airey Neave (Nicholas Farrell), and her svengali, the TV guru Gordon Reece (Roger Allam) into the Iron Lady she became.

Sadly, the movie fails to examine or analyse events and often seems light on detail – for example Thatcher is portrayed as moving straight from Oxford into politics without any mention of her career as a research chemist or her training to become a barrister – but Meryl Streep puts in a stunning performance, which landed her the Oscar.

CD Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball THE BOSS returns to heavy political comment for a band driven tour de force released in time for fans to learn the words before the Stadium of Light show in June.

Toy Dolls: The Album After the Last One SUNDERLAND’S punkpopster Olga returns with a brand new studio album, which includes last year’s single Credit Crunch Christmas alongside other tongue-in-cheek titled tracks like Marty’s Mam, Decca’s Drinkin’ Dilemma and Down at the Old 29.

REST & RELAX 51

Sunderland is set to score a musical hat-trick at North Yorkshire’s third Willowman Festival

Local band’s solstice

l am delighted to pepper my line up with some of the most innovative emerging talent from the North East of England

CITY-BASED Hyde and Beast, BEAK and The Lake Poets are all confirmed to appear at this summer’s festival.

First held in 2010, the Willowman is a four-day celebration of arts and music set in picturesque countryside that’s just an hour’s drive away from Sunderland by car.

The Sunderland acts will be sharing an eclectic bill which includes Benjamin Francis Leftwich, former Stranglers front man Hugh Cornwall, Ska legend Neville Staple from The Specials, Utah Saints, Vintage Trouble and Jah Wobble.

Northallerton-based event director Steve Williams said “l am delighted to pepper my line up with some of the most innovative emerging talent from the North East of England. Hyde and Beast will entertain the masses with their retro sound and Beach Boy-esque harmonies.

“BEAK are ranked very high in the Willowman pecking order and promise a very visual and innovative set while solo performer The Lake Poets will not be outshone with his own brand of thought provoking lyricism. He also has the distinction of recently being voted by Sun FM Radio as this year’s best unsigned act.”

The 2012 Willowman festival will take place

52 REST & RELAX

over the summer solstice opening its gates on the 21st June and running through to the 24th. Up to 5,000 people are expected to attend the event at Lenthor farm, near the villages of Brompton and Osmotherley.

As well as live music, the Willowman Real Ale tent is back along with a wide range of food stalls and this year there are hot showers available too.

Steve Williams added: “Willowman is an event that appeals to all ages and this is reflected in the line-up, which is a blend of emerging and established acts.

“The Children’s Willow Wonderland is going to be the best yet this year which should keep the younger visitors happy and give a truly family feel to the festival.

There will be games, robots and toys as well as stilt walkers, jugglers and magicians.

Plus there will be face painters and storytellers too.”

Festival organiser Steve Williams of Viking Productions (ltd) is the ex-musical director of Scotland’s Wickerman Festival, which won the Best Grassroots Event in 2007.

Steve explained he chose the Willowman venue because of the success he has enjoyed there with the popular

Viking Volksfest and added that a pagan element will be included in the festival to link in with the solstice.

Steve said: “The natural setting of the site makes it a perfect venue to put on live music. We will have all the attractions that people expect at a popular rock festival and we are now established on the small festival rock calendar.

“All the bands featured are proven quality live acts chosen because of their festival experience and popularity. The land owner farmer Derek Plews has also constructed his own stone circle at the top of the site which is used by local and visiting Pagans from far and wide.

“The site boasts some fantastic panoramic views and on a clear day from the stones, you can see as far as Ingleton at the head of The Yorkshire Dales and across The Yorkshire Moors, taking in landmarks as far away as Roseberry Topping.”

Tickets, which include four days camping, are £70 each (children under 12 free) and are available from Hot Rats music shop on Stockton Road, Sunderland (0191 567 2099) or online from www.willowmanfestival.co.uk

Visually stimulating, masked and brightly colour co-ordinated, B>E>A>K have been generating anticipation and excitement amongst gig goers up and down the country. Expect the unexpected!

Check out: www.randrlife.co.uk Ian West Photography

Hyde & Beast

HYDE & Beast look set to follow in the footsteps of The Futureheads and Field Music in gaining national critical acclaim.

The duo is made up of Futureheads’ drummer Dave Hyde and ex-Golden Virgins’ drummer Neil Bassett who together produce a modern indie sound filled with late 60s and early 70s harmonies and riffs that would not go amiss on Velvet Underground’s final Lou Reed outing Loaded or Marc Bolan’s electric transformation album T.Rex. Older readers might even spot a hint of blues folk-rock duo Medicine Head.

Check out: www.randrlife.co.uk

21st - 24th June 2012

Lake Poets

FRIDAY

Neville Staple (from the Specials)

Vintage Trouble DJ Derek

Ian West Photography

The Rythmites The White Negroes

Ian West Photography

B>E>A>K

HATCHED from a musical nest in Sunderland back in 2005 as an experimental side project, the flock features members of Field Music, Razmatazz Lorry Excitement, Maximo Park, Coal Train and The Lake Poets to name just a few.

The Summer Solstice Celebration

THE LAKE Poets is one man from Sunderland called Martin Longstaff who makes thought provoking ‘indie-folk’ acoustic music.

Despite only forming in April 2010, The Lake Poets has seen Martin already share the stage with some of the cream of the UK and US folk acoustic scene including Willy Mason, Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly, Ben Howard, Withered Hand, & Cattle & Cane as well as Indie acts such as The Futureheads and Hyde & Beast.

By combining heartfelt & haunting lyrics with an astonishing voice, The Lake Poets have quickly amassed a legion of fans in a short space of time around the North East region, as well as further afield.

With a UK-wide tour, which included dates at the London, Liverpool and Glasgow O2 Academies as well as performances at Glastonbury, Kendal Calling and Evolution Festival already under his belt, Martin is looking forward to wowing the Willowman stage.

Check out: www.randrlife.co.uk

Andy Jones & The Norton Rockets Project 142 Axiz Reggae Sound System

SATURDAY

Utah Saints Hugh Cornwell (from the Stranglers)

Hyde & Beast John Otway Subgiant - Zub Zub B>E>A>K Chased by Wolves The Lake Poets • TGM

SUNDAY

Benjamin Francis Leftwich Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets - DJ set)

Metal Box in Dub (Featuring Jah Wobble & Keith Levene)

3 Daft Monkeys • Akahum Buffalo Skinners Luna Jet • Merry Hell The Bluebuds • Mike Gatto

Lenthor Farm Brompton, North Yorkshire DL6 2UD Adult weekend tickets £70 available online now! www.willowmanfestival.co.uk

WIN WIN WIN

Ticket hotline 01609 780190 info@willowmanfestival.co.uk

Win tickets and festival pack – see our next issue for details

REST & RELAX 53

20

What’s on

Spring 12 Art for Sunderland Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Until 5 June. FREE Contact: 0191 553 2323 The exhibition looks at how the paintings collection at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens came to be here.

Chicago Sunderland Empire 26 - 31 March Contact: 0844 847 2499 Wedding Showcase Ramside Hall Hotel 28 March Contact: 0191 386 5282 Not Some Kind of Sideshow Arts Centre Washington 29 March. £8.50 / £6 (conc) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Short play inspired by the Paralympics a story of courage and determination.

Diversity Metro Radio Arena 30 March Contact: 0844 493 4567 Live music

Chris Rea Metro Radio Arena 31 March Contact: 0844 493 4567 Live music

Keeping Tom Nice Royalty Theatre 4 – 7 April. £7.50/£6.50 Contact: 0191 553 2000 Play

Don’t Be A Robot!

Independent 31 March (and Saturday nights). £4/5 Contact: 0191 564 8830 Club night

Penshaw Bowl Penshaw Monument 5 April. FREE Annual egg roll down Penshaw Hill.

Infiltrate feat. Adam Shelton (One Records/Below) Independent – The Little Room 31 March. £5 Contact: 0191 564 8830 Club Night Active Sunderland Adventure Week Various locations across the city 2 – 14 April Prices and registration details at www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk Il Divo Metro Radio Arena 2 April Contact: 0844 493 4567 Live music Mark Bebbington: Sunderland Pianoforte Society Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens 3 April £11/£5.

Contact: 0191 553 2323 ONE OF the UK’s premier piano players Mark Bebbington makes a welcome return to the city to perform for Sunderland Pianoforte Society.

Mark will perform a range of work from Haydn, Schubert, John Ireland and Liszt.

The society hosts some of the world’s best touring pianists at its monthly recitals which take place in The Pottery Room at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.

All recitals start at 7.15pm and each paying adult can bring up to six children free to witness virtuoso performances.

54 REST & RELAX

SUMO Independent 6 April (and Friday nights). £4 Contact: 0191 564 8830 Club night SAFC v Tottenham Hotspur Stadium of Light 7 April. 3pm Contact: 0191 551 5000 Flossie Malaviall: Davy Lamp Folk Club Arts Centre Washington 7 April. £6 / £5 (members) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Live music The Man With The Flaming Battenberg Tattoo: Rhod Gilbert Sunderland Empire 7 April Contact: 0844 847 2499 Hatcham Social & The ABC Club Independent – The Little Room 7 April. £4 Contact: 0191 564 8830.

Live music Craft Fair Seaburn Centre 8 April, 10am - 4.30pm. FREE Contact: 0191 522 9533 Vinyl Jacket Independent - The Little Room 8 April. £4 Contact: 0191 564 8830.

Live music

Rag Rug Sheep Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens 11 April, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, FREE Contact: 0191 553 2323 Children’s activity – make a fluffy sheep Clock Opera Independent The Little Room 12 April. £7 Contact: 0191 564 8830.

Live music Friday 13th: Unlucky Day For Some Murder Mystery Ramside Hall Hotel 13 April Contact: 0191 386 5282 Ultimate 80s Disco Ramside Hall Hotel 13 April Contact: 0191 386 5282 McFly O2 Academy Newcastle 14 April Contact: 0844 477 2000 [Phone Bookings] Live Music Jez Lowe: Davy Lamp Folk Club Arts Centre Washington 14 April. £7 / £5 (members) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Live music Spamalot Sunderland Empire 16 - 21 April Contact: 0844 847 2499 Todd Carty stars as Patsy in Eric Idle’s Pythonbased comedy. See our cover feature on pages 8 and 9 for more information.

Sunderland Try It Triathlon Sunderland’s Wellness Centres and Raich Carter Centre 16 – 22 April. FREE Like swimming? Enjoy cycling? Love running? Put them all together and challenge yourself to try a triathlon in one of the city’s wellness centres. Registration details via www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk or at any of the centres.

Wasted Arts Centre Washington Thursday 19 April. 7.30pm, Tickets £8.50 / £6 (conc) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Play by Kate Tempest Abacus Post #001 - Chased By Wolves, Lilliput, Blank Maps Independent – The Little Room 20 April. £4 Contact: 0191 564 8830 Live Music Colin Fry - The Peoples Medium Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring 20 April. 6.30pm. £20 Contact: 0191 584 8630

The redspottedhanky.com Marathon of the North and the Sunderland City 10k Run Starting at the Stadium of Light 6 May Contact: 0191 553 2000 www.marathonofthenorth.com THE 10K, Junior Run and Marathon of the North is a wonderful addition to the portfolio of major events hosted by the City of Sunderland and offers another great day out.

Each competitor who completes the course is given a medal, T-shirt and event goody bag and there’s plenty of free car parking and entertainment for runners and spectators. First-timers, charity runners, club athletes, young, old, locals and visitors combine to create a brilliant event that can be enjoyed by all - no matter what your level of fitness!

Get your running shoes on and join in the fun. Visit www.marathonofthenorth.com or www.sunderlandcity10k.com for more information and details of how to enter.

STEPS Metro Radio Arena 22 April Contact: 0844 493 4567 Live music Designing the Dynamic - Science in Sport 2012 Arts Centre Washington 23 April - 15 June. FREE Contact: 0191 219 3455 Exhibition showcasing how design and science contribute to sporting excellence.

Come down Time for Clock Opera Live – Win guest list passes with R&R The Vault AMORE restaurant has launched an exclusive Friday night supper club.

Visitors to The Vault@Amore can enjoy late night cocktails and a mix of jazz, soul, blues and rock from resident band Flying Craze.

Cocktails are served from 10pm with the fun going on till 2am. The next one is due to take place on Friday 20 April.

Entry is by guest list only. To book email amore11@btinternet.com

Clock Opera has gone from a solo artist to a fully fledged band to promote the release of debut album Ways to Forget.

Sunderland serious music lovers have their chance to catch these cerebral indie music makers from London before they make it big.

With a sound akin to early 70s Pink Floyd melded with early Pulp or Kid A period Radiohead, they could soar or coast in the art-rock scene. You choose.

And to help R&R is giving away three

pairs of passes to see the band at The Independent on 12 April at The Little Room@Independent.

Simply email R&R at info@randrlife.co.uk with CLOCK OPERA in the subject box giving your name, address and contact details.

Tickets are priced £7 (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.netickets.net and in person from Hot Rats, Sunderland.

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys Metro Radio Arena 26 April Contact: 0844 493 4567 Live music Mirror Neurons – various artists National Glass Centre Until 20 May. FREE Contact: 0191 515 5555 Art exhibition part of AV Festival A GLASS brain and spinal column which pulsates electromagnetic light and reacts to human contact is part of a fascinating new exhibition at the National Glass Centre (NGC).

It’s the first time the installation - ‘I was scared to death / I could have died of joy’ (2000) - created by Canadian media artist Catherine Richards, has been exhibited in the UK, and it’s one of six works created by established and emerging artists, to be featured as part of the ‘Mirror Neurons’ exhibition, which runs until May 20.

Hothouse In association with The Bunker, Sunderland Arts Centre Washington 27 April. £4 Contact: 0191 219 3455 A monthly showcase for new local rock and indie bands.

Lobster Festival 2012 Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield 27 April. £140 Contact: 01740 620 253 Gourmet food, complimentary beer/wine and live entertainment South Pacific Sunderland Empire 1 - 12 May. Contact: 0844 847 2499

Welcome to Whethertown Arts Centre Washington 5 May. 7pm, Tickets £4 Contact: 0191 219 3455 A new play by Laura Lindlow and performed

by Arts Centre Washington’s Remix Drama group.

Mike Silver: Davy Lamp Folk Club Arts Centre Washington 12 May. £7 / £5 (members) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Music Ultimate 80s Disco Ramside Hall Hotel 12 May Contact: 0191 386 5282

56 REST & RELAX

My Own Show Royalty Theatre 14 - 19 May. £7.50/£6.50 Contact: 0191 553 2000 Play

‘Citizenship/Totally Over You’ by Mark Ravenhill Arts Centre Washington 19 May. 7.30pm, £6/ £4 (conc) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Two short plays.

Sunderland Big Fun Run Stadium of Light 5 May. £2 A mini fun run for children aged between 3 and 7 years. Registration details via www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk

The Grinning Idiot Comedy Club Arts Centre Washington 11 May. £10 Contact: 0191 219 3455 Stand up

Save the Last Dance for Me Sunderland Empire 14 - 19 May Contact: 0844 847 2499

Men Should Weep by Ena Lamont Stewart Arts Centre Washington 17 May. 7.30pm, £6/ £4 (conc) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Play

Simon Annand

Monkee Business - The Musical Sunderland Empire 24 - 28 April Contact: 0844 847 2499

Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartle: Davy Lamp Folk Club Arts Centre Washington 19 May. £7 / £5 (members) Contact: 0191 219 3455 Live music Joe Winter – A History of Light National Glass Centre.

Until 20 May. FREE Contact: 0191 515 5555 Art exhibition Andy Barker Sings Isis, Silksworth Row April 29. 4pm. FREE Contact: 0191 483 6792 Live jazz swing.

Moonlight / Mountain Language (An Evening of Pinter) Arts Centre Washington 24 May. 7.30pm, £6/ £4 Contact: 0191 219 3455 Two short plays by Harold Pinter performed

by University of Sunderland drama students.

Motown Magic Live Ramside Hall Hotel 25 May Contact: 0191 386 5282 Live music New Talent: Davy Stedham - ‘This is Only This’ Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art Until 26 May. FREE Contact: 0191 561 8478 Exhibition

Sunderland Big Bike Ride Herrington Country Park and St Peter’s Riverside 26 – 27 May Last year more than 500 cyclists of all ages took part in the first Big Bike Ride. The 2012 Sunderland Big Bike Ride will be bigger and better, offering extra routes and bigger challenges. Price and registration details via www.sunderlandin2012.co.uk 20th Century Paintings Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Until 5 June. FREE Contact: 0191 553 2323 Small display showing works from Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens’ collection which were all painted between 1900 and 1960.

James Benning - One Way Boogie Woogie 2012 Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art - Project space: Main Gallery: Until 9 June 2012 Contact: 0191 561 8478 JAMES Benning is a veteran American film-maker who is recognised as one of the pioneers of independent film in the USA from the 1970s to the present day.

This is his first ever one-person exhibition in the UK. His works invites us to contemplate America’s unseen landscapes, industrial cityscapes and architecture. Part of AV Festival 2012: ‘As Slow as Possible.’

Send us your listings!

Email your listings to info@randrlife.co.uk Remember to include what, where, when, how much and a contact number.

Bob Levene - ‘Interial Frame’ Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art - Project space: Until 9 June. FREE Contact: 0191 561 8478 Part of AV Festival 2012: ‘As Slow as Possible.’

All listings are compiled in good faith from information supplied. R&R cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information.

Please contact venues in advance to check details.

Get in the Olympic Spirit SUNDERLAND is making the most of the Olympic summer with a range of fun activities, entertainment and exhibitions for everyone to enjoy. Check out the listings for a range of exciting events.

Olympic Posters Monkwearmouth Station Museum Until 5 June. FREE Contact: 0191 567 7075 THE 1972 Munich Olympic Games was supported, for the first time, by an advertising campaign using posters with strong individual designs created by the great Pop Artists of the day, such as David Hockney, Serge Paliokov, Allen Jones and Max Bill.

In the year of the London 2012 Games, this exhibition shows 19 of these posters as part of the pre-Olympic celebrations.

Creative gourmet Lunch menu only

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Mon’s passions

WHILE football for SAFC manager Martin O’Neill is an obsession and a passion, there’s more to the man than the big game.

Martin revealed some of his other passions in conversion with SAFC writer Rob Mason in the recent Legion of Light magazine.

Despite quitting his legal studies at Queen’s University of Belfast to follow his footballing career with Nottingham Forest, O’Neill has maintained a well documented and lifelong interest in criminology and law.

However, growing up in Belfast in the 1960s, rock music was one of his earliest passions.

“I’ve always enjoyed music” said Martin.

“I grew up with The Beatles, Rolling Stones and the then The Kinks, who were brilliant.

I also liked The Byrds when they came over from America doing Bob Dylan songs such as Mr Tambourine Man. I loved the Small Faces, The Who and Jethro Tull. If you pushed me I’d say Steve Marriott and The Small Faces may well be my favourite band.

I’m even old enough to remember Fleetwood Mac when Peter Green was the main man!

“I lost my way musically speaking in the

58 REST & RELAX

80s, never really knowing whether I actually loved or loathed bands like Spandau Ballet.

Nowadays, listening again to their music, I actually really like them. With two growing daughters in the family it seemed a constant battle in our house with Blur and Oasis and it was difficult not to be caught up in listening to them.”

Studying literature at school left a lasting impression on the young Martin O’Neill who is still a keen theatre goer.

“I haven’t read as much as I should have done, and certainly little of modern day fiction, but at school I did Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Sean O’Casey, Charles Dickens and Shakespeare for A level and those writers seem to have stayed with me in later years. I’d say Thomas Hardy is my favourite author of all time and a few years ago my daughters bought me a novel by Thomas Hardy with his authentic signature. That is something I prize greatly.

“Of course being Irish, O’Casey, Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw and James Joyce often come to the fore. In fact, I saw Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey just recently at The National Theatre.”

-----------------• Sunderland AFC has frozen the price of season cards for next season and launched a new SAFC Rewards’ scheme for holders.

Adult seats are available from £400, young people under-22 from £280 and over 65s £300 - with juniors under 16 priced at just £99.

For the first time a raft of additional benefits will be introduced for season card holders, with a range of SAFC Rewards which include free SAFC TV, discounts in club stores during selected periods, monthly prize draws and savings on tickets for family and friends.

A DOLPHIN sleeps with one eye open...

By only allowing half of their brain to sleep at a time it allows them to keep one eye open to watch for danger. They can also still surface to get air, which they couldn’t do if they were completely asleep.

TWENTY per cent of all road accidents in Sweden involve a moose!

They really shouldn’t let them drive!

• Donald Duck comics were once banned in Finland because Donald does not wear pants!

• Polar bears can swim 60 miles without pausing for a rest. It’s a “fab to have flab” moment as their body fat helps them to swim.

• Two-thirds of a sharks brain is dedicated to the sense of smell and Great White Sharks can go as long as three months without eating.

Spotlight on Sunderland CALLING all amateur historians - here are two local landmarks in the city.

We are challenging R&R readers to recognise where these Sunderland landmarks are and also tell us a little bit about the history of them.

Email info@randrlife.co.uk with your answers. The best one gets a free R&R T-shirt.

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