Matfen Moments - Matfen Hall Magazine

matfen moments

issue one

inside

FAMILY HISTORY / INSPIRING INTERIORS / FOOD TRAIL / GOING GREEN WEDDING WONDER / SPA DAYS / FAMILY FUN / DREAM DRIVE / DIARY DATES

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Welcome

MATFEN ESTATES

Welcome

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT WE WELCOME YOU TO THE FIRST E D I T I O N O F M AT F E N H A L L’ S L I F E ST Y L E M AG A Z I N E .

The present house was built in 1832 and was the family seat up to the death of my grandfather in 1961. Parts of the building date back as far as 1685 and the Blackett family have been at Matfen since the early 1700s. You can find out more about the history of the building and our family within the pages of this magazine.

overawed but would appreciate the grandeur and elegance of the building. We knew the Great Hall would become the centrepiece for weddings and functions, allowing guests to enjoy a warm Northumbrian welcome and create their own memories of Matfen as our family has over many generations.

Following the death of my grandfather, the Hall became a Cheshire Home and cared for some 30 disabled people at any one time. After two years of major renovations and repairs, my wife Anna and I completely restored Matfen Hall and opened our doors as a hotel in 1999.

We hope that you will enjoy reading, not only about the Hotel, but also an insight behind the scenes through the eyes of our dedicated team.

This publication allows our guests to see the Matfen of the past, the present and a glimpse of what the future will hold for us here.

Our vision was to create a comfortable and welcoming hotel where people wouldn’t be

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Sir Hugh Blackett

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Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa, Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen Village NE20 0RH matfenhall.com

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Food

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Spa

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Publisher: Chris March, Editorial: Kathryn Armstrong, Elysia Agnew Photography: Chris Auld, Kevin Gibson Design: Remember Media Studio

Golf

Sales: Lisa Anderson, Debi Coldwell Remember Media Ltd, e-volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South Business Park, DH4 5QY Tel: 0191 500 7860 remembermedia.co.uk

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All contents copyright Š2017 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print July 2017.

Contents

WHAT LIES WITHIN

What lies WITHIN

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Sir Hugh Blackett looks back at family history and his most memorable Matfen moments.

44

A match made in Matfen - Victoria Paterson on how she helps a wedding day come together.

12

A day in the life - Lady Blackett on bringing Matfen back to its former glory.

48

Our little black book of wedding suppliers.

The local experts that make it all happen.

16

Bill Purdue tells the dynasty’s story in the pages of ‘The Ship that Came Home’.

56

Lose yourself in the idyllic surroundings of Matfen’s Aqua Vitae Spa.

20

Home ties - Matfen is where the heart is for Managing Director, Bernard Bloodworth.

68

The best office in the world - green days spent on Matfen’s golf course.

26

Local flavours and humble home comforts make up the Matfen food scene.

72

A chat with Senior PGA Pro, John Harrison the driving force behind the golf club.

36

We take you on a local food journey to discover the dining delights of Matfen Hall.

76

Let us guide you through a social, sight-seeing season in Northumberland and beyond.

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Family line

THE BLACKETTS

A HALL FULL OF HISTORY MATFEN HALL WAS BUILT FOR SIR HUGH BLACKETT’S GREAT-GREATGRANDFATHER AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1836.

HE RECALLS MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE. “ M Y FA M I LY I S D I R E CT LY D E S C E N D E D F R O M S I R W I L L I A M B L AC K E T T, A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL NEWCASTLE MERCHANT WHO DEALT IN SHIPPING, COA L A N D L E A D. H E B E CA M E M AYO R O F N E W CA ST L E ; H E WA S M A D E A N M P A N D W A S K N I G H T E D B Y C H A R L E S I I I N 1 6 7 3 .”

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Family line

THE BLACKETTS

FAMILY HOLIDAYS AT MATFEN

talk to the residents and they greatly enjoyed having people visit them on a regular basis.

When I was a child, we used to make the trip up to Matfen in the summer holidays to stay with my grandfather. I remember it being a very long and boring journey from Sussex with my two sisters. My grandfather was the last family member to live at Matfen Hall and because my father was not the eldest son in the family, he did not expect to inherit the estate. We lived in the south and only came up north on the death of my uncle in 1968. I was then only 13 and effectively inherited the Hall and estate in my minority - together with a very large tax bill!

CHESHIRE HOME After my grandfather died, my uncle decided not to move into the Hall but to stay at his home, Halton Castle, which then became the family home. He was fortunate that the Cheshire Foundation were prepared to take on a lease of the Hall at a peppercorn rent of ÂŁ1 a year.

There were about 30 severely disabled residents living here at any one time with a large team of staff to look after them.

EARLY MEMORIES

LEONARD CHESHIRE VC

When we moved up north, the Hall had only just been taken over by the Leonard Cheshire Foundation. As children, we used to go in to

Leonard Cheshire was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met.

He won a VC for continued bravery, flying over 100 missions over four years for Bomber Command. His life changed dramatically when he was one of the official observers of the nuclear bomb dropped over Nagasaki in 1945.

After the war, he returned home and eventually set up the charity, which supported disabled people in numerous homes across the country. Matfen Hall ideally fitted the purpose of his charity. >

“ The Summer Fete; I have extremely fond memories of this great annual occasion MATFEN

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a huge amount of work and expense to get the roof back in good condition.

GOLF COURSE The golf course was built in the parkland in 1995 and was funded by selling four plots in the old walled garden to the east of the Hall, on the site of the old greenhouse potting sheds. The golf course was very successful and operated out of a Portakabin on the south end of the course.

At that stage my wife and I had no plans to operate Matfen as a hotel.

THE HOTEL We tried to find a hotel company to take on a lease of the building. Unfortunately, no hotel company would want to take such a risk with a building that had no past trading history and an uncertain cost of conversion into a hotel.

So after a few years of successful running of the golf course, we took the decision to convert the building ourselves and go into the complex business of running a hotel.

The rest is history‌

SUMMER FETE I have extremely fond memories of this great annual occasion. The Hall was opened up to to the public and a huge number of people would come out from Newcastle regardless of the weather. My wife and I ran a produce stall every year and we were always sold out very quickly.

REASONS FOR THE MOVE AWAY By the 1990s, care of disabled people changed and it became inevitable that in the event of a fire it would be almost impossible to get everybody out of the building safely. Before a disaster occurred, the decision was taken to relocate the residents to new homes in Ponteland and Newcastle.

It was the end of a huge chapter in our lives and left us with the task of finding a new purpose for the property.

CONDITION OF THE HALL When we had the Hall surveyed, we found that it was in a very poor condition. The problem had occurred in the early days of the Cheshire Home when some of the volunteers had been sneaking up onto the roof during their lunch break and stealing the lead. The lead was replaced with felt which was a disaster for the building as it restricted ventilation and allowed dry rot to spread quickly. Fortunately, we were not too late to avert a major catastrophe - but it caused

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A DAY IN THE LIFE ... of Lady Blackett

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First lady

ROOM TIME

MATFEN HALL WAS RELAUNCHED AS A COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL IN 1999 AND I S ST I L L O W N E D BY S I R H U G H A N D L A DY B L AC K E T T, W H O L I V E A N D B R E AT H E THE ESTATE.

YOUR EARLY MEMORIES?

Over the years, Lady Blackett has been involved in many business decisions, helping bring the old and the new Matfen together as one.

Much of her day-to-day life involves finding the perfect balance between family life, running a business and focusing on future plans.

Lady Blackett is at the very heart of the Matfen estate, not just in the name of the family, but in everything from the interior design to staff meetings and the ongoing projects.

A down-to-earth, modern woman, she has an eye for detail, a passion for interior design and a genuine connection with the family estate.

It’s her love and efforts that have helped bring the Matfen estate back to its former glory.

MATFEN

I told Hugh I would not marry him if we had to live in Matfen Hall. Fortunately, that was never going to be an option and we brought up all of our four children at the family home, Halton Castle.

WHY A COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL? We looked at other options for the Hall, including a nursing home, but the obvious answer was a hotel. By that stage we had established a successful golf course and the Hall already had splendid public rooms as well as the impressive Great Hall. We had plenty of space for bedrooms and we were within half an hour from the centre of Newcastle. We never envisaged running the hotel ourselves, but when we did take it on, we developed the business gradually and never got financially too far out of our comfort zone. >

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First lady

ROOM TIME

TALK US THROUGH THE RE-PLANNING AND BUILDING OF THE HALL?

HOW DID YOU BALANCE ALL OF THIS WITH FAMILY LIFE? During this time, our children were growing up and beginning their school lives. When we started the building work in 1997, we had four children aged between 5 and 13 so as you can imagine, life was extremely busy on all fronts!

There weren’t any easy answers as to how to use the public rooms. The big decision of keeping the Great Hall as a separate entrance for weddings and functions was a very good one. We could have used it as the main entrance, but it would have severely restricted the ability to hold private weddings and functions.

DO YOU ENJOY WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE STAFF? We have been very fortunate with our staff over the years and have had some extremely good and loyal people who have been a pleasure to work with. Over the last 18 years we have only had four General Managers, which is pretty good going in the hotel business. We have had an extremely good working relationship with all of them and have always parted on good terms.

One of the best appointments we ever made at the very beginning was a specialist hotel consultant who kept us on the right track. His name was Guy MacPherson and he was with us for ten years. His background had been managing some very upmarket hotels such as Gleneagles and he became a consultant after retiring from active management. We are currently very fortunate to have two friends as non-executive directors, Frank Nicholson and Geoff Hodgson, who do a similar but equally vital job as Guy MacPherson did in the early years.

HOW WERE YOU INVOLVED IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN? I worked very closely with Alison van Dyck, a specialist hotel designer. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and never took offence if you didn’t agree with her schemes. As I knew nothing about the requirements for hospitality, she was invaluable in helping to design all of the boring bits while I had the fun of choosing material, wallpaper and furniture. We worked very well together and I think the end result has been a great success.

FUTURE PLANS? We continue to invest in the hotel to keep it in really good order. We can only do that if we are trading successfully. In the past six months we have spent over £200,000 on various projects such as refurbishing some of the bathrooms, new carpets, redecoration of public areas, new public loos and so on.

It would be nice to keep the hotel in the family for future generations, but that is up to the next generation and we can’t force them to take it on.

It would be a shame if it didn’t continue as a family run hotel because from the feedback we get, people appreciate the fact that we are personally involved and we always try to do the best for our customers.

AND HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS? The grounds were in a very dilapidated state.

It seems the Cheshire Home were very good at looking after people, but not so good at looking after flowerbeds! We had to completely redesign the whole garden making it attractive but practical for maintenance and hotel use. We also had to create a new drive entrance and restructure the parking.

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Family fortunes

A DYNASTY

WRITING HISTORY T H E B L A C K E T T F A M I L Y I S O N E O F P O W E R , I N F L U E N C E A N D P R O P E R T Y. T H E D Y N A S T Y ’ S S T O R Y I S T O L D I N T H E B O O K , ‘ T H E S H I P T H A T C A M E H O M E ’.

Writer Bill Purdue tells the story of ‘The Ship That Came Home’. But its seed was sown within the Blackett family long ago. A manuscript compiled by a Victorian Lady Blackett of Matfen Hall was discovered, creating a unique framework piecing together the rich family history and importance of the Blackett family in the North East.

“To say the Blackett family was among the most important and successful families in seventeenthcentury Newcastle would be something of an

understatement. Sir William Blackett Bt. made enough money to found two dynasties, and he and his son William bestrode the town more like Renaissance princes than wealthy merchants.

Few provincial merchants had a mansion within a town’s walls, still less one like Grey Friars, the rus in urbe that became the Blackett’s seat…”

A study of the early Blacketts, their property and business in Northumberland and beyond is brought together by Bill Purdue, who discovered manuscripts from Lady Blackett of Matfen in

Above: Family tree complied by Aletha, Lady Blackett, in her book about Matfen Hall, c. 1880 Left: Portrait of Sir William Blackett (1621–1680), 1st Bt. Attributed to John Riley

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Family fortunes

A DYNASTY

Above: Thomas Rickman’s original drawing of his plan for Matfen Hall, 1832 Right: Portrait of Sir Edward Blackett (1805–1885), in Life Guards’ uniform,

by Hurlstone Below right: Sir Hugh Blackett, 8th bt. (1873–1960)

“William Blackett’s first fortune was, it was said, a ‘ship that came home the 1800s and Julian Platt, a London publisher with Northumbrian roots. Sir Hugh Blackett Bt. states in the foreword: “Bill Purdue approached me to say that a manuscript, written by a Lady Blackett of Matfen in the 1800s, had been re-discovered in the South of England.

“With Bill leading the way, we have together brought into being The Ship that Came Home.”

The book is based on the writing of Alethea Rianette Anne Scott who married Sir Edward Blackett, 6th Bt. of Matfen in the 1880s. The marriage to her much older husband appears to have been a contented one. She was his fourth wife. But from the words and documents she compiled over time, she clearly learned to love the Blackett family history and the many fine houses - particularly Matfen Hall and the surrounding Northumberland countryside. >

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Family fortunes

A DYNASTY

Left: Old Matfen, from Lady Alethea’s book Above: Matfen’s Gothic Hall, ‘You enter into a small hall, which opens into the great one...’

Above: Major-General Sir Edward William Blackett Right: The garden front at Matfen, c. 1880, from Lady Alethea’s book “It was, perhaps, the knowledge that life as the mistress of Matfen Hall would be brief that gave her the urge to write down details of the family’s history, to gather together watercolours of the houses - many painted by her husband and some, presumably, by herself - as well as their interiors and surroundings, which belonged or had belonged to the Blacketts, and to take photographs”, says Purdue.

“Her work may simply have been a hobby begun to while away the time, but she continued to collect information long after Sir Edward had died and she had remarried. It may have

MATFEN

represented the notes and first drafts of work she hoped to take further. Certainly there is an order to the manuscript, although there are sections that appear incomplete, while at the end there are copies of letters and other documents, which perhaps awaited incorporation into a fully developed book.”

THE SHIP THAT CAME HOME The Story of a Northern Dynasty

by A.W. Purdue

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Bernard Bloodworth

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Running smoothly

THE BOSS

MATFEN HALL: HOME TIES F O R B E R N A R D B LO O D W O RT H , M AT F E N H A L L’ S M A N AG I N G D I R E CTO R , NORTHUMBERLAND IS WHERE THE HEART IS...

Bernard grew up in Alnwick and after travelling the world as a hotelier, he’s thrilled to be back home in a region that quite simply ‘has it all’.

As an extended home, Matfen plays a huge part in his love for the area.

I instantly fell in love with the place and the business – it’s unique in so many ways.

I have huge respect for Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett, as they see the importance of putting the staff at the centre of everything we do.

Regular contact with Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett ensures the business continually evolves.

THIS IS A GREAT BUSINESS, IT REALLY IS. I’M EXTREMELY THANKFUL FOR MY JOURNEY TO MATFEN

THIS IS A LONG-TERM FAMILY BUSINESS

I came from an academic family, but a world of study just held no appeal for me. I was very keen on sport, but I fell into hotels with the help of a careers teacher. I worked at The White Swan in Alnwick and then had a spell at Linden Hall and realised that I had the passion and a real enthusiasm for the industry.

After completing two years at Newcastle College, my first job was in London for a company called Travellers Fare, which managed all the catering on both trains and within the stations themselves.

I then returned to Linden Hall in the position of trainee manager to complete three years of department training. I spent a year in the restaurant, a year in the kitchen and a year in reception/housekeeping. I know it’s a long time, but once you have that all-round experience, it gives you a much greater insight into how hotels operate.

After my training, with several GM positions and a bit of travelling along the way, I landed the job here at Matfen five and half years ago.

MATFEN

The Blackett family have been on the site since the 1600s; generational planning is central to everything we do. There is very clear direction from Sir Hugh that Matfen Hall must play its role in the local community. Whether that’s employment, using local suppliers, or supporting regional charities.

FOR ME, THE JOY OF THIS INDUSTRY IS THAT NO DAY IS THE SAME I’m not very good with routine. Yes, I might have the odd day where I’m sitting in front of a spreadsheet, but the next day I might be out with Derek, the golf course manager, looking at new drainage for the course, talking to architects about a new project, or planning a new menu.

You’re talking about food one minute and the latest Pilates classes the next. It could be meeting one of the local charities we work with, or catching up with our Bar Manager >

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Running smoothly

about the cocktail of the week. It’s hugely varied and that just works for me.

STAFF ARE AT THE HEART OF THIS BUSINESS A lot of people say the customer is most important. This might sound a bit odd, but actually, you need to get the staff right in order to deliver quality customer service.

You have to get the people in the right roles and deliver quality with consistency. Consistency in our trade is the hardest thing to deliver.

Once you’ve got that right, you can say, “Ok, the customer is key and we need to deliver a strong service”.

WORKING AT MATFEN IS LIKE FORMING A FAMILY WITHIN A FAMILY We have staff members who have been here right from the very beginning - and not just senior people. We have housekeepers who have been here ten years plus and bar staff who have been here since leaving school.

It’s a real asset to the business.

We encourage a positive team atmosphere; I would hate to think that any of our staff dreaded coming to work. It’s about respect.

Our industry was not great in terms of respect, and, naturally, over the last 30 years or so, that’s improved because it has had to.

But it’s not about putting excessive pressure

“We encourage a positive team atmosphere; I would hate to think that any of our staff dreaded coming to work MATFEN

THE BOSS

on people; it’s about creating a nice atmosphere in the work place, which then comes across to guests. I think because of that trust, people then want to deliver for the business and for the family.

WE ARE SPOILT – WE HAVE A BIT OF EVERYTHING HERE If it’s not the people, the best thing about my job is the location. My family and I love the countryside; we enjoy walking, I love cycling and the coast is just fantastic. I think we are so lucky here; amazing coastlines, world heritage sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and a vast array of places to see. Only four miles away from Matfen is the quintessential, English village of Corbridge.

And then you’ve got Newcastle – a fun city.

The Quayside is fantastic and the food is great.

Ok, the weather is not always on our side, but people do come here and think, “Wow, I love Northumberland”. It’s a fantastic part of the world.

AS HOTELIERS, I THINK WE SHOULD ALL WRITE A BOOK There are so many memories - day-to-day things that happen in this industry – and they’re all worth noting. There’s always something new and exciting going on.

IF I COULD TAKE A LITTLE PIECE OF MATFEN HOME WITH ME There’s no doubt about it - I’d take the chef!

The food is amazing.

THE KEY IS TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD Whether that’s on-going refurbishment, or being aware of latest styles of food and drink.

As a tight-knit team, we’ll continue to come up with new ideas and business plans - that’s the beauty of being in a family-run environment.

For the Blackett family, it’s about longevity.

Sir Hugh is continually looking to the future, ensuring the Matfen Estate is secure for future generations.

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SOLD

Runnymede Road, Darras Hall

SOLD

Montagu Avenue, Gosforth

Moor Road North, Gosforth

THE TOP END OF THE HOUSING MARKET FROM £1 MILLION TO £2.5 MILLION IS

NOW MOVING! SOLD

SOLD

La Sagesse, Jesmond

SOLD

Runnymede Road, Darras Hall

Graham Park Road, Gosforth

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU LIVE IN DARRAS HALL, GOSFORTH OR JESMOND AND ARE THINKING OF MOVING.

From Sanderson Young

T: 0191 2233500 | E: Duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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MAKING MATFEN

tick

TX IXDXY M I N D S

A DAY IN THE LIFE? It should be that I am office-based, but the health and safety side of hospitality is vital for our guests, our team and the business, so it involves a lot of liaising with external people, making sure everything is as robust as it can be.

I manage my department, so it may involve meeting with the head housekeeper or looking at maintenance issues. I’m also the support for the reception team.

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I think that’s why the job was created for me in the first place, because we take health and safety extremely seriously. I wouldn’t say I'm set in my ways, because I’m open for change, but whatever I put my mind to, I want to make sure I do my best.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? One day is never the same as the next, and that's why I love it.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE AREA? The food and the produce is just great in Northumberland and in terms of Matfen, if I was to take something home with me it would be the food. Not chef, because my other half might be a bit upset, but definitely the food!

MEMORABLE MATFEN MOMENT?

HOUSE MANAGER

Stacy Belshaw

YOUR JOURNEY TO MATFEN? I started my career at what is now the Holiday Inn at the top of Osborne Road in Jesmond. I went there on placement as part of my hospitality management course at college.

When I finished college, I saw a role at Matfen for reception supervisor, and because my third year was all about reception work, it was perfect.

So I applied for the job here in 2004 and now I’m in my thirteenth year.

MATFEN

When we won the Visit England Gold Award in 2015. We were up against some huge hotels from down south, some absolutely amazing venues.

We were shortlisted and we thought, oh we’ll go to the event. It was held at the Sage in Gateshead, so we took a table, we were just enjoying ourselves – then they started reading out the awards and we actually won the gold. Our MD’s face was something that will stay with me forever.

He was just completely blown away, we couldn’t believe it. A little country house hotel in Northumberland, it was just unbelievable.

So that is definitely the most memorable Matfen moment for me.

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moments MXxxx ATFEN XXX

BEDROOM INTERIORS

The bedroom interiors have been lovingly designed by Lady Blackett. She worked closely with specialist hotel designer Alison van Dyck, who headed up the renovation project.

The Matfen bedrooms are all unique and lovingly designed - a real home-from-home.

Yes chef!

EAT WELL

EXECUTIVE CHEF Paul Blakey

fofoor d thought

THE TWO AA ROSETTE LIBRARY RESTAURANT IS A PLACE WHERE FRESH INGREDIENTS MEET FRESH THINKING. IT’S ABOUT KEEPING IT SIMPLE A N D E M B R A C I N G T H E S E A S O N S , S A Y S E X E C U T I V E C H E F PA U L B L A K E Y.

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Yes chef!

He’s taken on the North East, he’s worked up and down the country and he’s had a taste of island living, but life has come full circle for Paul Blakey as he returns home to the region close to his heart.

EAT WELL

Born in the North East, Paul’s wealth of experience and genuine love for the area means he has become an expert in Northumbrian cuisine. His dishes serve to celebrate the seasonal produce of the region. He thrives on taking local ingredients to help design a menu inspired by both the location and the time of year.

Paul’s best-loved main course of seared Thistley Haugh Farm guinea fowl, confit leg, creamed kale and root vegetables led him to victory in 2014’s Great North Menu competition.

He worked in Durham, the Lake District and in Kent, before spending three years in the Channel Islands where he obtained his first role as head chef. But it’s in Northumberland where he feels most at home.

Quality produce makes its way to the plate at Matfen Hall’s Library Restaurant, celebrating the very best of what the North East has to offer.

From the city to the coastline, countryside and beyond. With Paul’s creative artistry and flair >

Warren Butterworth Catering Butchers is a leading family-run catering butchers, supplying the catering sector for over forty years across the North East. We take pride in meeting the individual needs of our customers, offering a personal, flexible and reliable service. Professional and passionate in everything we do.

Unit 5, Westway Industrial Park, Ponteland Road, Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 9HW T: 0191 229 6060 F: 0191 229 6069 W: www.warrenbutterworth.com E: info@warrenbutterworth.com

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UK 2484 EC

Yes chef!

Conservatory Bar serves light lunches, snacks and a supper menu. The Keepers Lodge offers wholesome pub-inspired dishes and The Juice Bar is the go-to spot for lite bites and healthy smoothies.

Paul and his team serve up a wide range of cuisine, yet continue to keep the focus on local ingredients. That’s what makes Matfen tick when it comes to the food offering. But what makes the chef tick? Local flavour, big name inspiration and humble home comforts…

“I pick up inspiration from the likes of Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc, the wonderful Northumberland landscape and of course, my biggest inspiration to date my mum’s Sunday lunches!”

Be inspired by some of Paul’s most popular dishes overleaf…

with flavours, he pieces together a work of art in every dish, encompassing everything we know and love about the region.

Paul’s wealth of experience and his way with Northumbrian produce have led to the Library Restaurant's two AA Rosettes. It’s an elegant dining room, serving a wide range of seasonal dishes. An opulent space where crisp white table cloths drape the tables, silverware glistens in the light and relaxing music sets the soundtrack.

A grand dining room serving signature dishes; it’s the perfect partnership and it’s all about “keeping it simple,” explains Paul.

“My ethos is to use fresh, local produce and to embrace the seasons. Once you get that right, you’re well on your way.

“But because we’re in such an amazing part of the world, the produce is always great, so that definitely helps,” he adds.

“Since arriving here I’ve tried to put my own stamp across the board menu-wise, but I also like to think I’ve built up a calm, organised and hopefully very happy team here,” says Paul.

“It’s always important to have a great group of people behind you if you’re going to succeed.”

Matfen boasts four main dining areas: The Library Restaurant, The Conservatory Bar, The Keepers Lodge and The Juice Bar - all catered by Paul and his team, offering something for every occasion. The Library Restaurant is your fine dining option, The

MATFEN

EAT WELL

My inspiration FAVOURITE DISH >> Stone bass and belly pork, superb!

KEY INGREDIENT >> Truffle oil

CHILDHOOD FOOD MEMORY >> My mum’s Sunday lunches with Yorkshire pudding and gravy as a starter

THE LAST THING YOU ATE >> Duck ramen

YOUR GO-TO RESTAURANT >> Wagamamas

MEMORABLE MEAL >> Confit rabbit rillettes at Holbeck Ghyll

DEATH ROW DINNER >> Duck pancakes with hoisin followed by Thai green curry

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MOMENTS

BIN21 IS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH, AND TO BE THE SUPPLIER OF WINES AND SPIRITS TO MATFEN HALL HOTEL. As a local independent business it is very important for us to get the support of venues such as Matfen Hall Hotel and we have worked closely with the Hotel team to ensure we are able to meet the needs of such a prestigious and busy hotel. I look forward to continuing our relationship and developing our product offer to meet the needs of business.

www.bin21.com

Morpeth Branch, 50 Bridge Street, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1NL 1670 504901 Hexham Branch, 31 Market Place, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3BP 01434 601222

Try this

Taste

MATFEN MENU

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

Boil the duck eggs for 6 minutes and then refresh in iced water until cold. Peel the eggs very carefully and keep in the fridge until needed. Poach the salt cod in milk and little butter for 8 - 10 minutes until just cooked through, remove from heat and reserve, until cold enough to handle.

Carefully break down into large flakes. Trim asparagus and peel stalks, blanch in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then refresh in iced water.

200g piece of salt cod (soaked overnight and rinsed thoroughly) 100g fresh white crab meat 500g warm buttery mashed potato (this can be made in advance) 1 tspn olive oil 1 duck egg per portion 3 asparagus spears per portion

To assemble the dish: Have a pan of boiling water ready for duck egg. In another pan add the mashed potato, salt cod, crab and olive oil and carefully fold together. Check seasoning and place onto plate.

Plunge duck egg into boiling water for 30 seconds, lift out, dry and place on top of brandade.

Lightly saute the asparagus and place around duck egg. Hollandaise sauce can be added to the dish.

SALT COD & CRAB BRANDADE, SOFT DUCK EGG & ASPARAGUS SERVES 4

MATFEN

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MOMENTS

Proud to partner

Try this

MATFEN

MATFEN MENU

32 M O M E N T S

Try this

MATFEN MENU

Taste

ROAST SADDLE OF VENISON, VENISON HOTPOT AND SLOW COOKED RED CABBAGE

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

4 x 140g portions of Venison saddle 450g Venison shoulder, diced 4 large Maris Piper potatoes, diced 1 large onion chopped 1 large carrot, diced 2 gloves garlic, crushed 3 bay leaves Sprig rosemary & thyme 1l of beef stock Vegetable oil 55g butter 55g flour 1 glass red wine Salt & pepper

For the cabbage: (this can be made the day before and will keep for up to a week in the fridge) Slice cabbage as finely as possible. Place into a thick bottomed pot with all of the other ingredients. Bring up to boil and then cook very slowly for 2 hours stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning and serve.

For the cabbage: 1 large red cabbage 1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly 225g butter 280ml malt vinegar Salt & pepper 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

For the hot pot: ln a casserole dish, fry the venison shoulder which has been lightly floured and seasoned until coloured, then remove from dish. Add vegetables except the potatoes and cook for 2 - 3 minutes until they soften.

Add remainder of flour and stir into vegetables. This will burn quickly so care must be taken. Add stock gradually until a thin sauce consistency is achieved. Add the red wine, shoulder and herbs. Cover with a lid and place in the oven for 1½ - 2 hours at 165ºC. The casserole will thicken and must be checked regularly as the liquid may need to be topped up. Half way through cooking add the potatoes. When the shoulder is tender, remove from the oven, adjust seasoning and put to one side.

For the saddle: This is a very delicate cut of meat and needs very little cooking.

It's best served at the most medium/rare, but if you like your meat cooked more then increase the cooking time slightly.

In a very hot ovenproof saute pan, add a little vegetable or olive oil and sear the venison on all sides until a golden brown is achieved, season with salt and pepper and put the pan in the oven for 7 - 8 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest on a cooking rack for 5 minutes. Reduce the cooking liquor with a healthy splash of red wine and some of the hotpot liquid to make a meaty sauce.

To put the dish together: Spoon the hotpot into a small dish and place onto serving plate.

Add red cabbage to the plate and the sliced venison saddle on the top. Ladle the sauce over saddle and serve.

Roasted carrots and parsnip is a wonderful accompaniment to this winter dish.

MATFEN

33 M O M E N T S

Try this

MATFEN MENU

Taste

SERVES 4

SOFT CENTRED HOT CHOCOLATE TARTS INGREDIENTS

METHOD

125g dark chocolate 30g butter (unsalted) 1 egg yolk 4 egg whites 70g caster sugar 200g sweet pastry

Line four tart cases with sweet pastry. Bake blind for 15 minutes and allow to cool. Melt chocolate and butter gently over bain-marie. Whisk egg whites and sugar to a stiff peak. Stir yolk into chocolate, allow to cool. Carefully fold in egg whites. Pour into each pastry tart and cook at 165ยบC for 10 - 11 minutes.

When cooked carefully turn out onto plates and these tarts will still be liquid centred when cut into.

Serve with clotted cream or vanilla ice cream.

MATFEN

34 M O M E N T S

Let us feed your

passion

Bidfood is the leading supplier to the catering industry for food, drink and equipment in the North East of England and throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

We offer excellent service, so making our customers life easier and helping them grow their business.

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Secured loans from £100,000 - £1million Asset finance and property finance (up to £3million).

Julie Ralph | 0191 605 3888 | enquiries@businessfunders.co.uk | businessfunders.co.uk

Feast

EAT WELL

trail FOOD

TAKE A LOCAL FOOD JOURNEY TO DISCOVER THE TASTES AND THE INSPIRATIONAL SUPPLIERS MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE KITCHENS OF MATFEN HALL.

Local produce is pivotal to dining at Matfen Hall. A family-run estate with the community in mind at every touch point, it’s important for the staff and guests alike to celebrate everything we know and love about the North East and Northumberland.

Guests love the fact that not only are they nestled within the serene landscape of the Northumberland countryside, they’re also getting a real taste of what the area is all about. Matfen is true to its word, true to the area; it’s an authentic experience, celebrating not only the food and the

MATFEN

local culture, but also the family who have been behind the estate since the seventeenth century.

The love of the region is expressed in everything from the interiors and the activities, to the menu and the produce and that’s simply because everything is done with passion, dedication and loyalty.

With such superb produce on the doorstep, Matfen’s food journey is a short yet significant one - one that the chefs are happy to share with diners. Whether eating in The Library Restaurant, The Conservatory Bar, The Keepers

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MOMENTS

Feast

EAT WELL

“ What better way to celebrate this beautiful region than through the love of food Lodge or The Juice Bar, the suppliers have been carefully selected with local produce in mind.

Everything about a stay at Matfen is local - it’s about family, friendly faces and embracing all the good that comes out of the area as a whole and what better way to celebrate this beautiful region than through the love of food?

Staff at Matfen are proud to answer food-related questions with assurances of locality, quality and a sense of loyalty to local artisans.

Executive Head Chef, Paul Blakey, uses Warren Butterworth as his main supplier of beef, lamb,

MATFEN

pork, game and poultry. Warren Butterworth is the North East’s leading wholesale butcher.

When it comes to the meat, with such a quality offering, Paul is able to adapt his menu with seasons, events and guest preferences in mind.

The meat is one of the main-drivers at Matfen; it’s consistent, it’s of good quality and it’s local.

Which brings us on to the traditional Northumberland sausages - a real winner when it comes to dining in The Conservatory. Sourced from the Northumberland Sausage Company, who aim to turn the humble banger into a >

37 M O M E N T S

Feast

delicious delight, they’re a hit with diners at Matfen - from breakfast right through to dinner.

Matfen sources its fish from Frank Round, the longest established seafood merchant in the North East, supplying the freshest daily catch.

Frank Round first began trading in 1950 on North Shields’ Fish Quay and have been creating local, trusting relationships ever since. One of those being Matfen, with fresh fish making up dishes like the grilled fillets of lemon sole served with asparagus and tarragon risotto and the roast fillet of cod, served with parma ham, crispy skin, persillade and broccoli puree.

The hotel’s dairy goods come from Ingoe Farm, while the fruit and veg offering is covered by Delifresh, a local supplier delivering to kitchens throughout the North East.

A final stop on the Matfen food journey takes us to Vallum Farm, where the baked goods come into play. A close, trusting relationship means Matfen Hall can share the beautiful bread that emerges daily from Vallum Bakery.

MATFEN

EAT WELL

And so the journey comes full circle. With help from the talented kitchen team at Matfen, a work of art is formed and the produce turns out on the plates for guests to enjoy as part of their authentic, Northumberland experience.

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MOMENTS

VISIT US TODAY P Plunkett Tiling are proud to have undertaken the stone and ceramic tiling works at Matfen Hall Hotel over the last 15 years. Our work can be seen in the Aqua Vitae Spa, in public areas and in many of the executive ensuite bathrooms, for which we are currently involved in an ongoing refurbishment programme with the hotel’s facilities management team.

We are one of the leading specialist tiling contractors in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for quality of workmanship and service. We undertake large commercial and leisure projects throughout the UK using our own directly employed, highly motivated and skilled workforce. Our blue chip commercial client list is supplemented by high quality private clients looking for a first class service when tiling their own domestic properties.

Our philosophy is simply to be the best.

P PLUNKETT TILING CONTRACTORS LTD Dukes Way Low Prudhoe Ind Est Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6PQ (01661) 836960 enquiries@plunketttiling.co.uk www.plunketttiling.co.uk

www.CROSBYS.co.uk

0191 228 4800

KIELDER OBSERVATORY All year round star gazing and astronomy heaven!

Visit us in the largest protected dark sky park in Europe.

Winter nights are darkest and best for viewing deep sky objects such as galaxies, while in summer you can view the beautiful Milky Way, passing comets, shooting stars and see the Sun's surface using our incredible telescopes.

0191 265 5510 admin@kielderobservatory.org www.kielderobservatory.org

Kielder Observatory Black Fell, Off Shilling Pot Kielder, HEXHAM, NE48 1EJ

Booking is essential via our website

Registered Charity No: 1153570

Green dream

ECO-EFFICIENCY

green THINK

FOR THE FAMILY AND STAFF AT MATFEN, IT’S IMPORTANT TO RUN THE BUSINESS E T H I C A L L Y. I T ’ S T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S T H A T M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E , S A Y S B E R N A R D BLOODWORTH.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING AT MATFEN HALL Not only is Matfen a friendly, family-run hotel, it’s also an eco-friendly hotel. The estate lives and breathes the local environment and recognises the importance of working to actively reduce the carbon footprint in the fight to stop climate change.

As a business, Matfen takes environmental responsibilities very seriously. From front of house staff, to the Aqua Vitae Spa Therapists and

MATFEN

the Green Keepers; each and every department does its bit to contribute to sustainable living at Matfen. Glass, paper, cardboard and office consumables are all recycled, the golf course green policy ensures that minimal chemicals are used, and the pool uses a UV light filtration system to cut down on chlorine.

“We get involved in various tasks that make a difference and we’re looking for green ways to

40

MOMENTS

Green dream

ECO-EFFICIENCY

run the business all of the time,” says Bernard.

During the time when Matfen Hall was a Cheshire Home (between 1965 – 1995), a bungalow was built for staff to live in – but after the home closed, the bungalow was left to fall into disrepair. It remained redundant until 2011, when in the spirit of reusing and recycling; it was converted into the boiler house you can now see within the grounds.

Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to climate change and is produced every time we use energy from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.

Woodchip is an alternative fuel which is both sustainable and carbon neutral.

Since July 2011, Matfen’s heating and hot water has all been provided by woodchip. All woodchip comes from the estate’s 500 acres of woodland within a three-mile radius of the Hall. As part of a managed programme of work to the woodlands, young trees are thinned, allowing more space for the remaining trees to grow and thrive. Prior to installing the Eco-energy boiler, these thinnings would have been considered waste. Now they are chipped and used to produce heat and hot water.

The CO2 produced during the burning of woodchip is equal to the CO2 absorbed during the tree’s lifetime of growth. Using local woodland resources cuts down transportation needs, further reducing the amount of CO2 produced.

All Eco-energy wood boilers are smoke free

MATFEN

and can deliver heat to commercial district heating schemes and individual houses.

HOW IT WORKS: The biomass system produces all the hot water and heating within the hotel and therefore enables us to operate on a carbon neutral basis.

From the woodchip arriving at the Hall to the production of heat and hot water, what happens in between?

1. The roof of the wood chip store opens to allow efficient loading. This process usually takes place once a week.

2. Rotating arms at the base of the store feed a consistent and even supply of wood chips to the boiler.

3. The wood chips are burned in the furnace producing hot water.

4. Hot water and heating is supplied to the hotel through super insulated pipes underground.

ZERO TO LANDFILL “We’re also zero to landfill as a business” he adds.

“The main challenge in our industry is food waste. This is now picked up on a weekly basis and taken to an anaerobic digestion plant, where the only bi-products are heat and agricultural fertilisers.

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MOMENTS

moments MATFEN

BANNISTER GREAT HALL

Our wonderful staircase will have many stories to tell - from Sir Edward Blackett’s care and attention to detail in design, through to the many lovely wedding couples who took their last walk as singletons. If only our lovely griffin could talk, he would be able to tell us his favourite Matfen moment.

MATFEN

42 M O M E N T S

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I do

WEDDING DAYS

WEDDINGS & EVENTS MANAGER Victoria Paterson

MATFEN

44 M O M E N T S

a

I do

WEDDING DAYS

t a c M h

matfen

F R O M S AT U R DAY G I R L TO T H E STA R O F T H E W E D D I N G S H O W, V I CTO R I A PATERSON HAS GROWN UP AS PART OF MATFEN HALL. SEEING A BRIDE READY TO TAKE THE STAIRS TO THE GREAT HALL ON HER BIG DAY IS A LWAY S A S P E C I A L M O M E N T, S H E S AY S .

There are a million and one things to think about when it comes to wedding planning. From an outsider’s perspective it’s hard to imagine where you even begin. But for Victoria Paterson, her expertise combined with her fondness of Matfen certainly helps her on her way.

Victoria’s journey to Matfen is a special one.

A regular venue for family events growing up and the place where she kick-started her working life, her love of the estate combined with a hunger to succeed quickly led to a dream career in the wedding and events industry.

“I started working here part-time on reception while I was in Sixth Form,” she explains.

“I was the Saturday girl I guess, but then when I left school, I wanted more of an insight into how the rest of the hotel works. So I started really pestering the weddings co-ordinator to try and help with wedding fairs and events.

“My determination paid off and she took me on as her administrator. In late summer I was promoted to wedding co-ordinator. It was a shock – right in the midst of the August weddings; I think we had about 20 weddings booked in for that month alone.

“I was only 18, but I think because I already had that relationship with the staff and the hotel, it worked well,” she smiles.

MATFEN

Stepping into a new role – unexpectedly – isn’t easy. It takes time to settle in and to form that relationship with new clients. But Victoria’s enthusiasm and commitment gave her a huge head start – one that paid off instantly.

“It was a challenge to take on all of those weddings as relationships had already been formed,” she explains.

“And then for someone else to come in – someone so young as well – I really did have to prove myself to the couples.”

So where exactly does Matfen’s wedding expert begin when managing someone’s special day?

From the initial viewing to the recommended suppliers and tying up loose ends the week before the wedding, Victoria has it all covered.

Once everything is booked in, the ‘planning process’ tends to begin around six months before the day itself. Couples are invited for a menu tasting and a final run-through to ensure everything is in place so that families can relax and look forward to their wedding day.

“There’s a team of us here, so we tend to share out the responsibilities,” says Victoria.

“There are some brides that one of us will really click with, and we’ll share similar ideas. A couple of different opinions are good in that kind of scenario, so we can bounce ideas off each other. >

45 M O M E N T S

I do

“Some people have been dreaming of this their entire lives and have the day planned to a 'T', but for other couples it’s a completely new world for them, and it must be quite daunting. So that first meeting is really important.”

The relationship formed between a wedding planner and a couple is unique. It’s more than just a helping hand, someone who gets your foot over the line. They become a friend, an adviser, someone who is sharing this experience with you.

Couples meet with Victoria again two weeks before the wedding day. With smiles all round and bounding with excitement, everything is in place and they simply talk through the day. Victoria then introduces her couples to the operational team who ensure the day itself runs smoothly.

“The thing that I love here is that, even though we’re not necessarily involved on the day itself, and we’re not their first point of contact on the day, we are still here in the background - so we might see the bride in the morning with her rollers in, we might catch her just before she sets off down the aisle and we might see the groom having a drink in the Conservatory. It's lovely seeing it all come together, I don't think I'll ever tire of that.” she says.

With only one wedding a day at the Hall, seclusion and exclusivity is assured. Yet what’s even more astonishing is that with Victoria’s guidance, each day can be so unique.

A wedding may be set in the exact same room,

MATFEN

WEDDING DAYS

using the same suppliers even with similar themes, yet each and every wedding is personal to the couple, their family and guests.

One feature that really sets the bar high for Matfen as a wedding venue is the Great Hall. There’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s a breath-taking space and it always gets a great reaction from guests and couples.

“It does have the wow factor”, says Victoria.

“Everyone knows about the Great Hall at Matfen.

Everyone knows about the dramatic staircase and the beautiful stained glass window.”

But Matfen has so much more to offer – which is why each wedding day is so unique to the next. There are so many hidden treasures within the estate that bring something special to a wedding day.

“The Cloister area is close to my heart as I was heavily involved in the ideas and the design, so when I see couples get their photographs taken there, I get a huge satisfaction because it was an area of the building that was previously under used.

“That’s the great thing about Matfen, because we are such a small team and because the Blacketts are so involved, if we have an idea we can go to them and have a chat about it. They recognise that we are the people who are working with couples – so we are first-hand. It’s really nice that they listen to us, take on our ideas and then to see it all come to life as well, it’s just lovely.”

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MOMENTS

Enjoy your wellness experience

Run Personal Designed by Antonio Citterio

PERSONAL LINE heralds the day of a more personal and connected wellness experience thanks to the new tablet-like UNITY™ console. RUN PERSONAL, the new generation of running.

Step into the future.

Cake

MATFEN'S

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

THE MASTER CAKESMITH It’s all in the name. The Master Cakesmith is driven by one simple principle: the best cakes can only be made using the finest, natural ingredients - whether it’s icing from Switzerland, vanilla pods from Madagascar, or farm eggs from up the road. Combined with a quarter of a century of experience, time-honoured artisanal methods, and considerable skill, the perfect balance of taste, style and beauty can be achieved.

01665 589139; www.themastercakesmith.co.uk

Cermony

OF WEDDINGS...

NORTHUMBERLAND REGISTRAR If you’d like to say your vows in the stunning surrounds of Matfen Hall, they can put you in touch with the Northumberland Registrar who will guide you through the whole process from the initial request to the day itself. Step down the magnificent great hall staircase before taking your vows in front of the large feature fireplace, or under the pergola in the Dutch Garden- a marriage in good hands.

01665 602870; www.northumberland.gov.uk/ Campaigns/Weddings

THE WEDDING DRESS COMPANY

Y. A . P

MATFEN VILLAGE CHURCH

Y.A.P Bridal are there to help you find ‘the one’.

Whatever style, colour or design you’re looking for, the talented team are sure to find something that will make you feel oh-so-special on your wedding day. From getting to know more about you and your day, to handpicking the most exquisite gowns, Y.A.P Bridal have got you covered. Your journey begins here…

0191 340 7983; www.yapbridal.co.uk

If you’re looking for a classic church wedding, then head to the beautiful Matfen Village Church. Built by Sir Edward Blackett in 1842.

An elegant building just moments from Matfen Hall; you’ll be able to say your vows in church before strolling back to The Great Hall to celebrate with friends and family.

01661 886 592; www.stamfordhamwithmatfen.org.uk

MATFEN

The dress

Set in the pretty market square in the centre of Corbridge, The Wedding Dress Company is a stylish boutique filled with soft cream hues and French-style furnishings. It’s a bridal heaven where customers will find their dream dress in the comfort of a relaxed and private setting.

01434 634444; www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk

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MOMENTS

Take note

THE EXPERTS

Florist +decor THE FINISHING TOUCH COMPANY

Photography

Kitty Anne Kerry Make Up will make you feel a million dollars ahead of your big day. With over six years' experience in the field, Kitty can work with your dress, your hair and your bridesmaids, creating the perfect overall look for a day-long celebration.

07772 191 961; www.kittymua.co.uk

SEAN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Sean Elliott is a Newcastle-based photographer working from his studio at The Biscuit Factory.

His wedding photography really captures the details that make your wedding day yours. With his colourful portfolio, his approach will mean your photographs will be truly unique. You won’t have to worry about gathering friends and family for the perfect shot as Sean snaps away every moment throughout the day.

0191 2302020; www.seanelliottphotography.co.uk

AMV LIVE Whatever your taste, AMV Live have got it. They offer the largest selection of bands, musicians and DJs from across Newcastle and the North East.

Whether you’re looking for something fun and energetic, romantic, lively, or something low key, you’re in good hands with AMV Live - describe how you envisage your day and they’ll have the perfect artist for you.

0191 3729731; www.amvlivemusic.com

ONE DIGITAL IMAGE One Digital Image will be with you all the way - from the wedding fairs to the consultations, planning and filming the day itself.

They’ll create a special keepsake, filming and delivering a fabulous, final product that you will cherish forever.

Throughout the day itself, filming will be conducted in a relaxed way to ensure you get a true cinematic film of your day - covering key moments and natural shots of guests enjoying themselves. What you get from One Digital Image is a lifetime of memories.

01661 831935; www.onedigitalimage.co.uk

Video

MATFEN

PHOTO G R APHY BY: EMILY HANNAH MILYHANNAH.CO M

KITTY ANNE KERRY MAKE UP

Make-up

If you’re looking for something special to make your day unique, look no further than The Finishing Touch Company. Floral decorations, quirky props and vintage-inspired designs will transform your reception space into something special. Styling ideas include post boxes, ceremony carpets, table runners, bridal bouquets and decorative flowers.

07595 034 990; www.thefinishingtouchcompany.co.uk

LUCY BEWLEY A Northumberland-based pianist playing a wide range of both classical and popular music that will set the tone perfectly as you enjoy your celebration at Matfen Hall. Not only will Lucy’s music be an elegant addition to your wedding day, for something truly unique, she can learn up to three new pieces should you request something different. The perfect soundtrack for your wedding day.

07738 850323; www.lucybewley.co.uk

Music

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MOMENTS

Take note

THE EXPERTS

Extra touches COCO LUMINAIRE

CHIEF CHALKER

The award-winning Coco Luminaire brings you the very finest in event and wedding prop hire.

The extensive collection of illuminated letters, numbers, vintage cinema signage, hearts, arrows and neon signs is ever-growing and ever-inspiring.

Each of Coco Luminaire’s beautiful new props are designed and hand made by a small but dedicated team of specialists, ensuring that quality and attention to detail is always at the forefront of their work.

07738 900 096; www.cocoluminaire.co.uk

Chief Chalker’s bespoke, hand drawn chalkboards add a quirky, personal touch to your wedding day.

Each creation is lovingly made from scratch meaning it’s truly unique to you and will fit perfectly with your theme. Decorative chalkboards include welcome signs, order of the day boards, directional signs and much more. www.facebook.com/chiefchalker

PRIME ENTERTAINMENT Prime Entertainment is the go-to supplier for all the fun things that come with a wedding.

Specialising in hospitality, themed events and activities, they will arrange an extensive array of bespoke equipment ensuring that you have an event to remember.

01207 562055; www.prime-ents.co.uk

SNAPARAZZI PHOTOBOOTHS Snaparazzi Photobooth is the original and leading supplier of photobooths in the North East of England and has been supplying photobooths to Matfen Hall since 2009. All event photobooths are designed and built in-house, meaning every attention is given to creating a stylish, authentic photobooth. It not only provides the very best quality prints, it also looks elegant and in-keeping with the finest wedding venues. They add a bit of snap happy fun to your wedding day - the perfect way to entertain your guests, giving them a memorable keepsake. The photobooths also come with your very own guest book to capture those magic moments behind the curtain!

07738 900096; www.snaparazziphotobooths.co.uk

MATFEN

EVENT INSURANCE A specialist intermediary operating within the private and corporate sectors, offering reliable insurance, tailored to fit the scale and style of the occasion. With an expert team on hand, Event Insurance will be with you through the whole journey of wedding planning, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They provide assistance, quotations and cover, as well as claims handling.

01425 470360; www.events-insurance.co.uk

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MOMENTS

Big day

WINTER WONDERLAND

A winter's tale

S O P H I E K I D D, 2 3 A N D CA L LU M N I XO N , 2 3 , H E A D E D TO M AT F E N H A L L F O R A N E L E G A N T, W I N T E R C E L E B R AT I O N W I T H A S P L A S H O F C H R I ST M A S .

Following a surprise 21st birthday engagement in 2014, the couple were on the search for a venue and fell in love with the traditional charm of Matfen Hall.

“I’d always liked the idea of a church wedding, but was aware of restrictions,” says Sophie, who works for ESPA, leaders in the spa industry.

“I wanted to keep that traditional feel so we went to view Matfen Hall. We fell in love with the venue instantly. It perfectly sets the scene of a traditional church-like atmosphere with its high ceilings and stained glass window. You get the feeling that a lot of amazing things happened in this Hall over the years - the rich history and the warmth of the room really draws you in.”

Fast-forward a couple of years and as guests rolled up in good spirits on 1st December, Sophie and Callum opened the doors to married life as they opened the doors to the festive season.

MATFEN

“The best month, the last month, the one to remember,” read a poem on the guest table favours.

“We loved the idea of a winter wedding,” says Sophie.

“We’d imagined a winter celebration with a hint of Christmas - so thought what better day than to celebrate on 1st December. It’s the official countdown to Christmas, everyone is in good spirits and Christmas music can officially be played!”

Classic white and silver tones made up the decor and table settings, while Sharon Findlay of Flowericious took charge of the floral furnishings.

“Sharon was at the venue from around 7am working hard to get the room transformed,” says Sophie.

Wintry elegance was a theme running throughout the wedding, in everything from

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Big day the canapés to the dress.

“Made by Viva Bride, the dress was an all-white full tulle skirt with a delicate tulle bust, a sweetheart neckline and a satin waist band.

It was elegant and timeless.”

“My husband and his groomsmen wore a traditional Bond-like tux from Moss Bros. The tux perfectly fitted the classic theme against my Cinderella-style dress.”

Sophie added a subtle splash of wintry colour with her bridesmaid dresses. A light, ice blue, strapless bodice with delicate crystal embroidery and a chiffon floaty finish.

The classic bridal look was finished off by Sam Marley, an experienced makeup artist specialising in NARS cosmetics, and Victoria Noble, a freelance hair stylist.

Chefs from Matfen Hall created a three-course wedding breakfast for the wedding party, complete with pre-dinner canapés and wine. Cakes by Lottie McPhees were the brains behind the crispie-cake inspired wedding cake.

WINTER WONDERLAND

“We had ice blue and white snowflakes falling down the side of the cake, with a silhouette of two married penguins as the topper,” says Sophie.

As the night closed in over the Matfen Estate, guests danced as the resident DJ played out tunes after some fabulous live music from Stuart Angus and Alexandra Hutchinson.

Guests could get snap happy with the Tom Foolery Photo Booth but Philip Ryott was the guy behind the camera - snapping away the professional shots throughout Sophie and Callum’s wedding day.

“He took some lovely natural shots, he captured some real emotional moments, but he also gathered everyone together for some fun, group shots,” says Sophie.

THREE WEDDING DAY ESSENTIALS… Take your time, fall in love with your venue and enjoy the day from start to finish.

Photography by Phil Ryott: www.philipryott.co.uk

0800 043 6600

Europe’s Leading Spa Break Specialist

Untitled-1 1

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With over 700 venues to choose from throughout the UK, Ireland and Overseas, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

29/06/2017 09:14

Big day

WITH A TWIST

A family

fusion

SUNNY TOORA, 27 AND STEVE BINKS, 31, WELCOMED THEIR GUESTS TO THE NORTH EAST FOR A FABULOUS, FUSION WEDDING. WE TELL THE TALE OF A TRADITIONAL BRITISH MEETS INDIAN GLAMOUR WEDDING.

The couple started dating in London, but returned to Steve’s home county to marry at Matfen Hall.

“Matfen was a great way to change some opinions of the north from some people in the south,” says Sunny, who works at Nandos’ head office helpdesk.

“It is a stunning venue and really showed what the North East is all about,” he adds.

After a stylish city proposal at the top of the Shard in London, Steve, an IT Service Manager for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, was keen to share the beautiful landscape of Northumberland with his friends in the south.

With its stunning scenery and its ability to throw a sensational celebration, Matfen Hall ticked all the boxes.

Sunny had been planning his wedding day since the age of three, but the couple both started in earnest in January, around two months after the engagement.

“The girls at Matfen were outstanding,” says Steve.

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“Victoria really helped us with the planning at every stage and Emily was the star of our day, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The wedding simply would not have been the same without them!”

The theme was a fusion: a traditional British meets Indian glamour wedding.

“Our cultural backgrounds and our desire to reflect both of these in our big day inspired the theme,” says Sunny.

“We had to explain to a lot of people that not all gay weddings were like this, as this was the first same sex marriage for most of our guests.”

But it’s fair to say the fusion of two cultures and two lovers was a hit with everyone concerned.

Taking a slightly different route when it comes to the design, Sunny and Steve ditched the flowers and used lighting for decoration. Traditional Indian candles adorned the rooms, with Indian sweets scattered around for guests to try.

The overall vibe: a colourful, high energy day from start to finish - much of the colour expressed through the attire. For Sunny and Steve, it was important to reflect both cultures in their wedding day - so the dress code was a great way to start.

“With Steve being British, we wore traditional suits with tails for the ceremony and the day reception,” says Sunny.

“But everyone including the guests and the wedding party changed into traditional Indian-

54 M O M E N T S

Big day wear for the evening celebration,” he adds.

“We used local suit shops for our suits, and shopped at the many Indian shops in Southall, which is a renowned Asian wedding shopping area.”

The culture combination doesn’t stop there.

Sunny’s best man, Paul, is Portuguese, and decided to bring a touch of his own culture to the day too.

In Portuguese tradition, the best man becomes the equivalent of a godparent, and their main role is to buy the wedding rings. But because this was already sorted, Paul improvised by surprising the couple each with designer watches on the morning of the ceremony.

From the food and drinks to the cake and entertainment, the fusion celebration went smoothly from start to finish.

The Matfen chefs prepared a ham hock terrine to start, showing off local pease pudding to southern guests. Lamb shank was served as the main course and for something sweet, a mango and passionfruit cheesecake to tie in with the Asian theme. The evening celebration came complete

MATFEN

WITH A TWIST

with a full Indian buffet.

The cake was a glitzy affair made by Sandy at the Cake Garden - three tiers of gold paisley, each a different flavour.

“Our wedding topper was a 3D printed version of us both painted gold,” says Sunny.

“The guests loved it.”

As the autumn sun began to set and guests arrived in their Indian attire, Matfen’s resident DJ played a combination of music, including a bit of Punjabi MC. “We also had a group of Indian dancers who did a couple of sets and really got the party started.

The dance floor was packed” says Steve.

A creative, colourful celebration and a fabulous fusion bringing together two people, two cultures and a north-south divide.

THREE WEDDING DAY ESSENTIALS… Booze, family and making memories.

Photography by Paul Santos: www.paulsantosphotography.com

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Time out

BLISSFUL

RELAX &

retreat SHAKE OFF THE SHACKLES, UNWIND AND LOSE YOURSELF IN THE IDYLLIC S U R R O U N D I N G S O F M AT F E N H A L L’ S AQ UA V I TA E S PA .

Matfen Hall’s Aqua Vitae spa is a luxurious hideaway in itself, partly due to its ridiculously tranquil surroundings – nestled in the peaceful, Northumbrian parkland – but also because of its great range of facilities and spa packages.

MATFEN

It’s a luxe, self-indulgent space where you and a loved one can kick-back from sunrise ’til sundown, enjoying a wide range of treatments and top-of-the-range spa facilities.

There’s something for everyone – from couples and friends to groups and mums-to-be.

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Time out

When it comes to refreshments, the reception area boasts its very own Juice Bar for the health-conscious.

The whole of the Aqua Vitae Spa lends itself to destination downtime, so once you’re kitted out with robes and fluffy slippers, you’ll feel worlds away and in a state of pure tranquility.

For some serious relaxation, head to the spa relaxation room - twinkling, low-lit snug

MATFEN

BLISSFUL

spaces, filled with reclining beds, decorated with soft throws and faux fur blankets; you’ll find fresh fruit, herbal teas and stacks of glossy magazines for flicking. Elemis is the chosen spa brand, a familiar, refreshing product range that works wonders for all skin types.

Strolling from Juice Bar to treatment room and from the health club to poolside, the place is full of friendly faces, state-of-the-art facilities and a genuine, family-friendly spa experience.

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Class act

MOTIVATOR

classes, I do personal training, aqua fit and spinning classes. My clients range from local members and guests who are staying over and want to book on to a class.

I gained all of my personal training qualifications from the army and I love what I do. I love the people, the Hall and the area. I call it home now.

A DAY IN THE LIFE? It’s usually an early start. Guests come in and everything is open, warmed up and ready for the day ahead. The gym, the pool, the Juice Bar – I make sure everything is in place. Then it’s time for back-to-back morning classes, followed by an afternoon class later on in the day.

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?

MAKING MATFEN

tick

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR/ PERSONAL TRAINER

Cliff Thompson

The people. I get great feedback from members.

They enjoy it; they come out feeling good, always with smiling faces. I give them a good workout, but they feel great for it. I can see the benefit – they turn up in numbers every week and my classes are full every day.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting different people and getting to know new members. In the army, people told me I was good at communicating and I love to help - this job allows me to do both.

If someone’s having difficulty with new moves or a machine in the gym, I will just jump on to it and help them. That’s just me; it’s just what I’m like, so this role suited me perfectly.

YOUR JOURNEY TO MATFEN? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE AREA?

I’m originally from Manchester, but spent 22 years in the army, finishing my career at Albermarle Barracks down the road. I signed up at 17 and it’s the best thing I have ever done. I can honestly say that I could have quite easily gone down a bad road, so I needed discipline and it did me the world of good. I got involved in sports, travelled the world and it just made me think “wow, there’s a lot going on out there”. It really made me expand my mind. I came out at 40 and I was fit, so I came into this industry, starting at the Holiday Inn before I got the job here in 2004.

I head up the fitness side in Aqua Vitae; I teach

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I love it up here. The people are so friendly.

There’s a lot to see in Northumberland and it’s not far from the town, so you’ve got a bit of everything.

MEMORABLE MATFEN MOMENT? The girls in the office once asked me to dress up as a woman for a Zumba class – it was all for a good cause of course. My clients were quite shocked when I walked in. I will never forget that – it was one stand out moment… funny!

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Feel good

SKIN TREATS

1 LIFE ELIXIRS Calm Bath & Shower Elixir 100ml, £55 2 Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 50ml, £80 3 Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 50ml, £82 4 Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask 50ml, £49.50

TREATING ALL FIVE SENSES, MATFEN'S THERAPISTS WILL HELP EASE AWAY THE STRESS AND STRAINS OF EVERYDAY LIFE WITH THE MAGIC OF THE MUCH-LOVED ELEMIS RANGE.

2 3

1

4

Beauty buys DESIGNED TO SOOTHE BOTH THE BODY AND THE SOUL, MATFEN’S SUMPTUOUS PRODUCT RANGE IS AVAILABLE THROUGH A WIDE SELECTION OF TREATMENTS AND AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON-SITE…

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5 Instant Refreshing Gel 150ml, £32, 6 Superfood Facial Oil 15ml, £45 7 Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 100ml, £35 8 Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 105g, £40 9 Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow 490g, £37 10 Aching Muscle Super Soak 400ml, £37 11 Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml, £32

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10

Spa savvy

TREATS

A DAY IN THE LIFE? From what I have learnt in previous jobs, as both a senior therapist and reception manager, I think I am an added benefit for the business because I can do both treatments and desk work. So I book and manage appointments, but I can also advise and recommend treatments to clients.

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? For me, organisation is key. I have put new systems in place, ensuring our guests receive the maximum benefit from their spa experience.

MAKING MATFEN

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

tick

The products we use here really make a difference. Elemis have just redeveloped all of their treatments and products. It's always exciting working with a quality brand that looks at the lifestyles of its customers and is constantly adapting their procedures and treatments to suit.

Training is always good from a therapist and client point of view, as it’s always evolving. The product quality is just great, so it helps us enjoy talking and recommending products to clients.

S PA R E S E R VAT I O N S MANAGER

Jacqueline Casey

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE AREA?

YOUR JOURNEY TO MATFEN?

The area has such a peaceful feel to it. Even on the rare occasion where I feel a little stressed, I can just step outside, hear the birds singing and instantly feel more relaxed.

I had worked with a number of people who are now at Matfen Hall, so I contacted the spa for any available jobs and the rest is history. I have been here for three years now. I live in Durham, so it is a bit of a commute for me, but it’s like a family here - it really is like a home from home. I like the connection that we have here, so the drive is so worth it.

MATFEN

MEMORABLE MATFEN MOMENT? It has to be my wedding. There’s no better place to tie the knot. It was friendly, familiar and truly special.

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moments MATFEN

FIREPLACE TERRACE ROOM

Standing proudly in the Terrace Room is a marble Chantrey fireplace boasting rustic, royal charm.

Named after its 19th century carver, the fireplace was originally commissioned by King George IV for Buckingham Palace, but was rejected for being too narrow.

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Small people

BIG FUN

MINI MATFEN HOLIDAY WITH THE WHOLE GANG AT MATFEN HALL. OUR APPROACH IS TO MAKE MATFEN AS FAMILY FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE, UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY HOLIDAYS AND TIME SPENT TOGETHER. MATFEN’S LOCATION LENDS ITSELF TO A HUGE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AND ON-SITE FACILITIES FOR THE L I T T L E O N E S T O E N J O Y.

on-site

JUNIOR GOLF Get them into golf! The team behind the greens at Matfen have put a lot of emphasis on developing junior golf. With the help of the PGA Professionals and junior liaison officers, they have created the perfect golfing pathway to support any junior on their journey into the swing of the glorious game. www.matfenhall.com/golf-course-northumberland

Take in the estate from the trees at Go Ape, trail the grounds through the walking and jogging routes and get some guidance on the 'green game' at the golf club.

GO APE A treetop adventure built in the grounds of the Matfen estate. The exciting woodland experience is nestled within an unspoilt area of natural beauty, where children and adults alike can swing through the trees and fly down the zip wires while lapping up some of the finest Northumberland scenery. www.goape.co.uk/days-out/matfen

WALKING & JOGGING TRAILS Make the most of the marvellous Matfen scenery by following the many walking and jogging trails on-site. Whether it’s a family stroll, a bit of keep fit, or a jog to kickstart the day, it’s the perfect opportunity to get the kids out in the fresh, Northumberland air and to admire the beautiful grounds of Matfen Hall. See hotel reception for further details.

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Small people

nearby

BIG FUN

HEXHAM FORUM CINEMA A unique, independent hub for film in Hexham.

The cinema delivers an authentic experience with an offering to suit all age groups and genres.

There’s also a fabulous 3D option, perfect for many children’s films. www.forumhexham.com

Matfen is the perfect spot to enjoy some family fun days in Northumberland, Newcastle and beyond. Here are our favourites…

PRUDHOE WATERWORLD Plunge down the aqua slide, ride the waves, join a fitness class or workout in the gym at Prudhoe Waterworld. Whether you’re looking for fun in the water or on dry land, there’s something for everyone at this brilliant venue. www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/Centres/ Prudhoe-Water-World

NORTHERN EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE TOURS Northern Experience Wildlife Tours offer exclusive, guided, birdwatching, photography and wildlife tours where you’ll find yourself at one with nature and the region’s beautiful creatures.

A truly unique experience for the whole family. www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk

THE ELECTRIC BIKE NETWORK

HALTWHISTLE SWIMMING & LEISURE CENTRE

Cycling is the perfect way to take in the breathtaking Northumberland countryside.

Glide over the rolling hills, sail along the coastal cycle paths and explore the beautiful, historic towns as you trail with the family. There’s even a fleet of electric bikes available to hire from shops in Alnwick and Seahouses. www.electricbikenetwork.co.uk

In the heart of ‘Hadrian Wall Country’, Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre is the perfect base for fitness-fanatics and water babies alike. With three outdoor heated pools, an adventure play area and picnic area, it promises to be an action-packed, fun day out for all the family. www.haltwhistleleisure.co.uk

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MOMENTS

Small people

BIG FUN

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK Bringing you nature on a grand scale, set around the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe.

Set over 250 square miles, it’s the perfect base to explore the great outdoors. www.visitkielder.com

SERENITY FARNE ISLANDS BOAT TOURS Set sail to the Farne Islands where you’ll find Britain’s most spectacular wildlife habitats, geography, history and the best views of the beautiful Northumberland coastline. Families can enjoy year-round photography trips, whale and bird watching and many more scheduled activities. www.farneislandstours.co.uk

CALVERT TRUST KIELDER Calvert Trust is here to ensure your Northumberland holiday is fun, active and enjoyable for everyone concerned. Offering a fine selection of exhilarating, exciting and challenging family adventures for all abilities, you’re certain to make memories that will last a lifetime. www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder/kielder

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for a free

consultation, call …

01388 762156

“The garden is too big for us now …”

“The barns are no longer fit for purpose …”

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LAND WANTED Oversized Gardens • Agricultural Land • Industrial Sites • Paddocks Barns (Modern or Elderly) • Social Clubs, Pubs and Car Parks

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If you think you might own something suitable, even remotely, contact my office today - it could be the wisest move youʼve ever made”.

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Do you have land? Then give us a call …. DEFGG HIJEKI

Go faster

DREAM DRIVE

away

DRIVE ASTON MARTIN’S DB11 IS A SUMPTUOUS SUPERCAR AND A REAL HEAD-TURNER WHEN IT COMES TO CRUISING THE NORTHUMBERLAND COASTLINE. SIR HUGH BLACKETT TAKES TO THE WHEEL.

ASTON MARTIN DB11 TEST DRIVE I think I must have always been interested in cars - just look at the picture of me aged three in my first car. My next car was an old Beetle which I had when I was 19 and in Australia on my gap year. It wasn’t very flashy but it got me across the Nullarbor Plain, which was about 1,500 miles of desert. I had to drive it at night because it was so hot in the day and I remember long stretches of

MATFEN

very straight roads where you saw headlights ahead of you but you did not meet the next oncoming car for about 30 minutes.

After that, I had always wanted a sporty car (preferably an Aston Martin), but could never afford one in my 20's. Then came marriage, children and sensible family cars. It was only when the children had left home that I indulged

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myself in a DB7, which was a fantastic car but very difficult to drive the manual version. We had some lovely trips around the continent in it, but I sold it a few years ago.

When Paul Thursby from Aston Martin Newcastle asked me if I would like to borrow his DB11 for a few days, I was very excited. I had read reviews of this model but not seen it in the flesh.

It certainly lived up to its reputation - it is beautifully designed, very comfortable and easy to drive.

He spent half an hour showing me every single control and design feature of the car.

MATFEN

I made a mental note when he showed me the booster button for more power, that I definitely would not be pressing it! The power of this machine is absolutely awesome and how anybody would ever need the booster option, I don’t know.

The acceleration is exhilarating regardless of your speed when you put your foot down.

All in all, it ticks every box when it comes to aesthetics, comfort, speed and design. And of course, it is an absolutely stunning, head turner of a car. http://newcastle.astonmartindealers.com

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MOMENTS

COURSE OF NATURE… COURSE MANAGER Derek Millar

WHEN IT COMES TO THE GLORIOUS GOLF COURSE THAT FLANKS THE GROUNDS OF MATFEN HALL, IT’S THE LOVE AND DEDICATION PUT INTO EVERY BLADE OF GRASS THAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. T H O S E G R E E N S A R E T H E B E ST O F F I C E I N T H E W O R L D, S AY S D E R E K M I L L A R , MATFEN’S COURSE MANAGER.

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MOMENTS

Green scene

GOLF

Derek Millar’s journey to Matfen has taken him from the Scottish borders to the city streets of Newcastle and through the Northumberland countryside. A career journey that has allowed him to discover and enjoy such a beautiful part of the country. One that he can now call home.

Growing up in Dundee, Derek left school as an apprentice mechanic, looking after equipment for the public sector.

“I trained with John Deere and then I moved down to Newcastle for another mechanical job,” says Derek.

“But all I wanted to do was spend time outside, so I applied for a mechanic green-keeping position here at Matfen Hall,” he adds.

In the early days, before the estate officially opened as a country house hotel, the golf course was the bread and butter. Before Derek was able to make his mark, the golf facilities were as simple as a Portakabin at the top of an 18-hole golf course. The course was great, but the golf lacked facilities.

“I had worked on golf courses before, but green-keeping was completely new to me.

“And straight away, it all just clicked. I love being outside - and having a job where that’s possible all year round is just great. How I work depends on the season and the weather conditions, but Matfen looks beautiful all year round - so we try our best to keep the golf course looking as lush and as healthy as possible.

“Green-keeping is now a year-round job”, >

Your passion is our business We believe better relationships make for better business. That’s why our Relationship Managers work hard to get closer to what’s important to you and your business.

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To find out more contact: Robert Cleasby robert.cleasby@cybg.com 07500 607512

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MOMENTS

Green scene

GOLF

Derek explains.

Summer is the obvious peak time. The course is busy and the grass is growing. But as golf grows in popularity, winter is just as busy, particularly when it comes to construction. There’s not so much grass cutting to be done, so time is spent planning new projects and fixing machinery.

It really has become a sport that never stops.

And with climate change the way it is, it’s definitely becoming more of a 365 day job.

On a typical day, it’s a 6am start for Derek.

Kicking things off with a morning course set-up, depending on what’s booked in for the day.

“We have a weekly routine, which we tailor depending on what business is on the books,” he says.

“Before a competition you would cut, maybe double cut the greens – roll the greens – change the holes – rake the bunkers – cut the tees – all the painstaking details.

“Preparation is key and it’s so very rewarding to see the course looking great on a competition day.”

For Derek, a strong sense of pride and accomplishment comes with keeping his greens in shape. Something he feels passionate about.

“There are so many great things about greenkeeping. The surroundings for a start. We’re very lucky here.

“I enjoy the hours, I enjoy being outside and I just love this place. Twenty years working for one company is a long time, but I’ve been lucky enough to have a career progression here. In many ways I got lucky, I was in the right place at the right time. But you have to take a leap of faith sometimes, even if you don’t believe in yourself - and eventually you land that promotion which makes working life so much more rewarding,” he says.

“The best thing about my job is that every day is different. In fact, every year is different; every year I can plan and change something, something to keep me interested and keep the course fresh.

“The course is only a baby in golf course terms, and I’ve not even started improving it and getting it to where it should be yet. There’s so much to do and I can see the next twenty years ahead it excites me.”

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For some, a golf course is merely a lush backdrop.

A green piece of land, morphed and maintained for sporting enjoyment. But for Derek and his team, it’s an art. And like many artists, inspiration is drawn from elsewhere - from other courses and golfing destinations across the globe.

“I don’t get to visit courses as often as I’d like, because of family commitments,” he says.

“But I definitely get my inspiration from other courses. I do a lot of reading. Social media is great when it comes to research. People are always putting out ideas, so it’s important to take note.”

Golf in the North East of England is best played between June and October. Head for the coast and you’ll get better conditions in the winter, benefitting from the dry, firm and sandy surfaces.

Inland, rural areas like Matfen are great for spring/summer golf, benefitting from the lush greenery. But the great thing about Matfen is that every golfing day is top of the list - no day is more important than the last.

“If you look at our calendar, every day is the most important day of the year for the person who’s having that golf event, so we put our love into what we do every day,” he explains.

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Green scene “The golf course is a living, breathing thing so it’s not always going to be perfect (weather permitting). It doesn’t wait for people, but our job is to make the most of this beautiful landscape and provide the very best facilities for our members and guests” he adds.

The golf market has drastically changed in recent years. The sport has become very migrating; people who might have once been devoted members, are now travelling across the region, trying their hand at different courses.

“A visit somewhere else is no longer unusual.

We do have pro tournaments now and then, but we try to treat every event the same. We try to prepare the course as best we can 365 days a year, given the circumstances.”

After working and living in the region for a number of years, Derek has always found the area to be a very friendly place.

“It’s the people that really make this place tick,” he says.

“I just love the variety of Northumberland.

GOLF

You’ve got rural and you’ve got urban - there’s not much here that you can’t do.

“And as far as Matfen is concerned, I’ve always loved it - from the minute I got here. I just felt I was in the right place. Everything from the owners, through all of the changes, and working on this phenomenal golf course.

“I have massive respect for Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett. Sir Hugh and I work quite closely, because he’s passionate about his golf course.

We have quite a bit of dialogue about ideas.”

For Derek, it’s the freedom of the job that tops it.

Not to mention the trust between staff, between himself and the Matfen hierarchy and their trust in his future plans for the golf course.

“I have made so many memories here. But my most memorable has to be the day I got the job simply because of the impact it had at the time and the path it has taken me on since,” smiles Derek.

It’s a green oasis, it’s a home from home and it’s the best office in the world.

GREENLAY (GRASS MACHINERY) LTD Approved Contractor

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH MATFEN HALL HOTEL, GOLF & SPA.

Specialists in Horticultural Machinery T 01670 733330 F 01670 700067 sales@greenlay.co.uk www.greenlay.co.uk

Excel Electrical have been involved in much of the refurbishment and maintenance works within the hotel over the past 8 years and hope to continue this relationship.

As you will appreciate all work within this magnificent building needs to be carried out with respect and due care and attention to the listed fabric which is just how I like our team to operate not only for Matfen hall but for all of our customers.

We provide first class commercial and domestic electrical services throughout Northumberland and the North East of England.

We can offer the following services:• Inspection and Testing to BS7671.

• Emergency lighting installation and testing to BS5266.

• Power and lighting electrical installations.

• Lighting replacement and upgrades to LED. • Fault finding.

• Fire alarm installation / testing to BS5839.

• Re-wiring to 17th edition regulations BS7671.

• New circuits.

• Distribution and consumer unit upgrades.

• CCTV.

Contact for enquiries:Chris Carlington mob 07754496168 / 0191 2714277 chriscarlington@btinternet.com

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE Baker Road, Nelson Park West, Cramlington, NE23 1WL

Game plan

THE

DRI

THE PRO

MA T OF FEN H TH E B A L L’ IGG S S EST ENI GO OR P LFI G NG A PR O H TO UR NA AS TR ME NT AVEL S A L LO ED T NG H TH E WO E W R A Y. L D A ND PA R

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Game plan WHEN DID YOU FIRST PICK UP A CLUB? I was seven and it was in Cumbria. I was born in Manchester but my father bought a little village post office business in a little village near Brampton, so we moved there as a family.

My two brothers and I played a lot of football as kids. I was the youngest of the three and because there was a golf course near us, my father started playing golf and took us down to have a go. We all just took to it, and all became professionals funnily enough.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST SET OF CLUBS? They were hand-me-downs in those days – just whatever you could get hold of. They were all mismatched and cut down because you just didn’t have the choice in junior clubs that we have today. And I was the third in line so mine were the worst ones, unfortunately.

YOUR JOURNEY TO MATFEN? Again, a little bit different in my day; you kind of took the traditional route. I started with junior golf, played for Cumbria County Juniors, then I played for a senior team and eventually when I left school, I had a job lined up as the assistant pro at Brampton. I did my training there and then moved to Barnard Castle Golf Club when I was 19. I moved to Matfen in 1994, a year before we opened the golf club. Now you seem to have tour pros who are playing full time, even as young lads – because there are so many tours to play now. When I was young, you only had the European Tour – the main tour. The rest of the time you were just playing the odd tournament here and there, dotted around to try and get experience.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A GOLF PRO? Absolutely, yes. My brothers and I were very lucky as boys because a young professional had just started at our golf club and he took us under his wing. So from the age of about 12, we were all pretty good at it. In those days,

MATFEN

THE PRO

nearly 50 years ago, your education didn’t matter as much – if you had a career in your mind, you were just going to do it. And if it didn’t work out, you just went and did something else. There was no real back-up plan.

YOUR FIRST TROPHY? It would have been some junior competition at Brampton, I can’t remember exactly.

FAVOURITE COURSE IN THE NORTH EAST? It’s hard to say in the North East because they’re all so different. Matfen in the summer is beautiful; Slaley Hall in the summer is beautiful. But if you’re playing in early spring or the back end of the year, somewhere like Bamburgh is gorgeous because it’s by the sea and it’s always dry. During the main season - April through to October - it’s hard to beat somewhere like Matfen. I always like courses that have a nice ambience to them, rather than just the golf course. It’s all about the surroundings.

MOST MEMORABLE SHOT? I was a young lad and had just turned professional; I was playing a qualifying tournament sponsored by News of the World.

A handful of players from each region went through to a national final at The Belfry down in Birmingham - our north region covered Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire and Northumberland. It was one of my first major tournaments and I had a hole-in-one at the last hole. It was pretty impressive – a five iron in the hole. And so I got in and qualified. There were four players from our region and I managed to get in to the final. I played Ian Woosnam in the match play – he then went on to become world number one. So yes, I’ll always remember that hole-in-one – crystal clear. A very happy 17-year-old, that’s for sure.

A DAY IN THE LIFE? It’s changed quite a lot throughout my time at Matfen. At first, I was running the golf club on >

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Game plan

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE AREA?

behalf of Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett – because it was really only a golf course in those days.

But over the years, as we’ve developed as a business, I tend to help with the decisions that we make as far as driving the golf business forward. Sometimes I’m involved in events. I’ll come in and do a ‘Beat the Pro’ competition I’ll do speeches and generally host events - but the bulk of my job is coaching.

I do still play quite a bit, so I’ll represent the golf club by going away and playing in tournaments, because there’s quite an active senior professionals scene now, so it’s important to be involved - representing Matfen.

It’s not the weather, that’s for sure! I love coming out to work, I live on the west side of town, but driving out to the countryside is just great. It’s the environment that I like – we work in an environment where people love to be here.

People come here because it’s a release for them, so everyone’s in good spirits. Northumberland is also just a lovely county.

A GOOD PIECE OF GOLFING ADVICE? I think the best advice for a new golfer is to get a few lessons in. People don’t realise how hard a game it is. People think they are too old to play anything else so think; I’ll go and play golf because it’s a social sport – which it is, but it’s quite a technical game. So my advice is, if you get a few lessons and get the basics right, that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your golfing life.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? There are not many people who have a better job than I have - in my view. Coaching in itself is a really nice job, because you’re helping people.

If you have a good session and somebody goes away feeling better about themselves, it makes you feel good - it’s rewarding. And over the years, you get to know your pupils and your clients. Also, being out in a nice environment, in the fresh air – that helps. Sometimes it’s freezing cold, but generally it’s not a bad office to have nine months of the year. I also love the versatility of going away and playing tournaments - travelling the world.

MATFEN

GOLF PRO

MEMORABLE MATFEN MOMENT? I think the first year in which we opened, we had a lovely summer. It was 1995 – Jack Charlton opened the golf course for us, he was a keen member and just lives down the road. That’s my fond memory – that first season where we were really busy. People were excited to try it out, golf was really buoyant at the time and the membership was virtually full straight away.

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Hardware R H E I G N 2017 Technical Half Zip - Turquoise, £59.95

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COURSE COOL

Style

Out & about

DIARY DATES

Away days MATFEN IS THE PERFECT BASE TO EXPLORE THE DELIGHTS OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTRYSIDE, THE NORTH EAST COASTLINE AND THE SURROUNDING CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

Coastal coolers

HEAD TO THE COAST FOR THE BEST OF THE REGION’S FAMILY FUN DAYS AND CULTURAL HAPPENINGS AUGUST The ultimate family fun day by the coast. The Seahouses Annual Lifeboat Fete and Family Fun Day features an action-packed timetable of events and a variety of stalls and amusements. What’s more - both the All Weather Lifeboat and the Inshore Lifeboat will be launching, so make sure you’re there to celebrate the start of something new this August. www.seahouseslifeboat.org.uk

AUGUST Feel-good fun: a festival of music, wellness and arts happens at The Lindisfarne Festival by the glorious Nothumberland coast overlooking Holy Island. Over three days indulge in performance arts, great local food, waterside walks and so much more. All in a dazzling setting. www.lindisfarnefestival.com

SEPTEMBER When it comes to the moving image, Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is one of the UK’s leading events. Based in England’s most northerly town, the dynamic festival celebrates a love of cinema, art and the growth of the moving image.

Berwick is the perfect spot for celebrating this exciting art form. www.berwickfilm-artsfest.com

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Out & about

DIARY DATES

Escape to the country

A GUIDE TO THE PERFECT DAY OUT IN THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTRYSIDE

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Northumberlandia is a great day out. A unique piece of public art set in a 19-hectare community park with four miles of footpaths on and around the landform. A cafe, a visitor centre and several walks make up the parkland, with the centrepiece being ‘The Lady of the North’ - a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, spanning a quarter of a mile. So if you love getting out in the great outdoors and you want to experience the quirks of the Northumberland countryside, round up the troops for a family day. thelandtrust.org.uk/space/northumberlandia

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

What better way to celebrate local produce than a wild food forage and feast in the Northumberland countryside? Courses guide you through the life of nature and the journey of fresh food. As the seasons progress, foraging classes will move through successive flourishes of plants, looking at different harvests and species. Aspiring foragers will learn how to find, identify and prepare the many edible wild plants and mushrooms that this wonderful region has to offer. www.northernwilds.co.uk

Celebrate everything we love about the sky, the universe and everything that’s in it at the Kielder Observatory.

With a selection of talks, workshops and events spread throughout the year, it’s the perfect spot to really get away from it all. Offering stunning visuals, powerful telescopes and some in-depth astronomy know-how, Kielder Observatory’s action-packed events calendar is perfect. www.kielderobservatory.org

MAY With agriculture firmly it's heart, see the finest livestock in the country with sections for cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas and goats at Northumberland County Show. The competitive day culminates in the Grand Parade of livestock. There are also ‘bake off’ classes in the Competitive Home Crafts marquee, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and lots of huffing and puffing in the tug of war. www.northcountyshow.co.uk

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Alnwick Castle and Gardens play host to a number of fun and family-friendly events all year round, from star-studded outdoor concerts and balls, to music and foodie events up in the Gardens' twinkling Treehouse and in the castle grounds. www.alnwickcastle.com www.alnwickgarden.com

Tynemouth Castle and Priory was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000-year history and beautiful views, it is the perfect location for a fun family day out. A popular spot to enjoy fish and chips with great seaside views. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouthpriory-and-castle

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Tyne time

BIG DAYS

City highlights

MATFEN'S RURAL WONDERLAND IS NOT SO FAR F R O M T H E S I G H T S O F N E W C A S T L E . H E R E ’ S H O W T H E C I T Y ’ S C U L T U R A L C A L E N D A R I S S H A P I N G U P…

JULY

AUGUST

It’s the race day biggie in Newcastle. Beeswing Ladies’ Day at Newcastle Racecourse. A highlight of the racing calendar at Newcastle Racecourse and the chance to really dress up.

Ladies Day is the perfect setting to enjoy a day out with best friends and family. The most glamorous race day of the flat season combines an exciting day of fashion, fillies and of course a glass of fizz.It’s the North East’s very own Royal Ascot. www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

Screen on the Green takes place outside Intu Eldon Square, showing a wide variety of films old and new, as well as major sporting events. There’s bound to be something in the schedule to suit the whole family - so give yourself an afternoon shopping break, pull up a deck chair and enjoy a family favourite. Screenings will begin at the end of July and will run until early September. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk

JULY NE1 Motor Show is a spectacular event for car enthusiasts as the heart of the city is closed off and turned into a fabulous motoring playground. Owners of luxury motors will line Grey Street so spectators and car-lovers can get up close and personal with their dream cars and indulge in drive-time fantasies. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER The Great North Run is one of the biggest annual events in the UK, running through the city all the way to the coast of South Shields. It’s a key diary date in the North East and is celebrated across the entire country, growing in popularity each year. One of the biggest and friendliest sporting events in the region, it’s definitely one to watch or get involved in. www.greatrun.org/great-north-run

MOMENTS

In control

PERFECT PLANNER

dinners to weddings and baby showers; there is always an event or conference at Matfen. In the summer months, a Saturday is no different to any other day of the week. On the day of a wedding there is always a lot to be done. Ensuring the department is organised and set up for the day ahead is always paramount to guarantee a smooth day at the office. We always need to be one step ahead. Throughout the day I liaise with the bride and groom, making any last minute changes, whilst also being master of ceremonies.

MAKING MATFEN

tick

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? Although there is always a lot of planning and work to be done operationally, it is always fantastic to see guests - especially a bride and groom - happy at the end of their special day.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Without a doubt, seeing the excited faces of couples as they view the venue and see it all come together. I love sharing unique spaces like the Cloister Rooms and Courtyard with guests. It is a fantastic function space, and makes for some amazing photos with the fire pit, festoon lighting and stained glass window in the background.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE AREA?

CONFERENCE AND BANQUETING MANAGER

Sometimes I don’t appreciate just how beautiful the building is with seeing and working in it every day. Things like the stained glass window in the Great Hall - you don't get that anywhere else. If I had to take a piece of Matfen home with me it would be the window - not sure where it would fit though! The area that surrounds is also so tranquil and picturesque, which couldn’t be further away from working in various cities as I have done in the past.

Jade Lamb

YOUR JOURNEY TO MATFEN? I've always worked within, and had a real passion for the hospitality industry. After gaining some experience in the wedding and events sector in my previous role, I was set on having a career within that particular field. Being local to the area and knowing of Matfen Hall, I knew the role would be perfect. Having only worked with large hotel brands in the past, it is fantastic to work within an independent stately home.

A MEMORABLE MATFEN MOMENT? My most memorable moment was having an opportunity to be part of an engagement proposal, and she said yes! Set in the Great Hall, with the fire roaring and candles lit, there was a table for two in the centre of the Hall.

The evening was just perfect.

A DAY IN THE LIFE? A day in the life of a conference and banqueting manager is never the same. Varying from private

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MOMENTS

Proud to support Matfen Hall Hotel with a range of locally sourced fresh produce & speciality ingredients.

With thanks

MATFEN ESTATES

Final

WORD

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ OUR FIRST EDITION OF THE MATFEN HALL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE.

I am immensely proud to be part of such a fantastic, friendly, successful family business, which fundamentally comes down to the staff who work here at Matfen Hall. You can have the greatest hotel in the world, but it is nothing without the care and dedication of individuals working together and we are very fortunate to have such like people as part of our team.

I’d also like to thank our team of suppliers, who continue to excite and push the boundaries with their endless products. It is always a delight to hear the buzz of the kitchen as a new dish is put together, using the high quality ingredients available to us, or the wisdom of the bar staff, as they professionally suggest a wine to compliment a meal.

Finally, thank you, to you - our loyal members and guests - for your continued support over the years. This support ensures we continue to strive and takes the business to the next level.

So, whether you are a new visitor or a long term friend, on behalf of all the team here at Matfen Hall – thank you and we look forward to welcoming you back on many more occasions to come.

Bernard Bloodworth

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moments MATFEN

WINDOW GREAT HALL

The stained glass window in our stunning Great Hall may not have existed had it not been for a fall out with contractors.

John Dobson was the architect of choice at the time, but after a faulty roof at Bonny Rigg, the local bishop suggested Thomas Rickman an ecclesiastical architect.

Sir Edward acted upon this advice and we are eternally grateful for such a beautiful building with our spectacular window.

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MOMENTS

A DESIGN EVOLUTION DB11 is the Aston Martin you’ve been waiting for. Bold exterior, designed to exhilarate and elegantly crafted.

DB11’s new twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 engine, boasting

dispatched in 3.9 seconds. What’s less expected is that DB11

600 bhp and 700 Nm of torque, makes this the most powerful

should also be the cleanest and most fuel efficient DB ever

DB production model in Aston Martin’s history.

produced, yet such are the tremendous advances made by this

It’s also the most dynamic, reaching 200 mph, with 62 mph

landmark car.

To book a test drive or for more information, visit www.astonmartinnewcastle.co.uk or call 0191 263 5007 ASTON MARTIN NEWCASTLE, COBALT PARK WAY, SILVERLINK, NEWCASTLE, NE28 9NZ.