LUXURY SHOPPING Pick of the - This is The North...

The Northern Echo

The lifestyle magazinefor the North-East

The lifestyle magazinefor the North-EastDECEMBER 2003

SHOPPINGPick of thefestive fizz

LUXURYThe world’smost stylish spa

SLIMMING‘How I droppedsix dress sizes’

INTERIORS MOTORING GADGETS BEAUTY FASHION

2 December 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

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SHARON GRIFFITHSChristmas – whenthe trouble startsINTERIORSIn the shadow of the MinsterSIX OF THE BESTPick of the audio speakersSHOPPINGPick of the festive fizzGARDENINGWhat to buy thegreen-fingeredDIYSeason of mists andindoor moisturePAMPERINGInside the Hotel of the YearFASHIONUndercoverstories

BEAUTYWhat women really

want for ChristmasSLIMMING‘How I dropped sixdress sizes’GADGET MANWhat to buy the manwho has everythingFOODBakers of traditionalChristmas cakesMOTORINGThe latest MPVfrom FordNE CONNECTIONSTee time up in the HighlandsCOFFEE TIMECrossword and puzzles, PLUS thechance to win a luxury night away atWalworth Castle

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3December 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk

sharon griffiths

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THE perfect gift for buddingDomestic Gods and Goddesses, theKenwood Chef has been redesignedfor fashionable foodies of today in ametallic silver casing. Offset withsolid stainless steel contact areasand bowl tools, the Chef boasts aslicker, streamlined appearance tounderpin the minimal, unclutteredlook that dominates the designs oftoday. The new Kenwood Chef isalso in pole position in terms runningpower and speed: at 1000-1200watts, it can now claim the accoladeof fastest food preparation machinecurrently available on the market. Itnow has a medium speed outlet andfood processor attachment. This isthe first time that any kitchenmachine has ever been able to offera food processing facility, thus

establishing the new Kenwood Chefas the first ‘total food preparationcentre’. In addition, not only dothese new attributes offer a crucialtimesaving element, but remove theneed to buy and use additionalappliances in the kitchen.

The Kenwood Chef KM001 is£299 and the Kenwood MajorKM005 retails at £399, from JohnLewis, Comet, Currys and House ofFraser.

IT’S so nice to look forward to atraditional Christmas. Trouble is –whose traditions? You might thinkthat we all celebrate Christmas inmuch the same way. But that’s tosh.

There are endless variations on the festiveday. All of them designed to cause trouble.

Our own family’s way of doing things atChristmas are deeply ingrained in ourminds. Let’s face it – Christmas is usuallyone of the high points of childhood, it goesto the very core of our being and ideas ofhappiness. So of course we’re going to wantto do things the way we’ve always donethem.

Until we get married. Or spend Christmaswith someone else. Which is where thetrouble starts. What we think of as theabsolutely immovable traditions of ourChristmas may be totally different fromeveryone else’s. Do you put your Christmastree in the window just after Bonfire Night,or wait until the last minute on ChristmasEve? Is your home a mass of twinklinglights, flashing Santas and end-to-end tinsel, or do you go for a fewdiscreet holly branches and somesimple terribly tasteful hand-made wooden decorations on thereal (of course!) tree? Wars havebeen fought over less.

Do you go to church, to thepub, for a walk or to sleep?

Everything we think of astraditional and set in stone, is actuallyinfinitely variable. And at Christmas itprobably matters more than at any othertime of the year. Everything matters more.

No wonder it’s a peak time for rows,fights and divorce. Peace and goodwillcount for nothing when it comes tomaintaining Christmas customs.

Sometimes, it can work out well. Like afriend who married into a German familyliving in this country. The in-laws – like theRoyals – had their Christmas feast onChristmas Eve, followed by presentopening. They would have a jolly GermanChristmas Eve and then get up at the crackof dawn and drive through the emptystreets to her parents – just in time for morepresents, champagne and turkey. Playedhavoc with their waistlines but did greatthings for the Christmas spirit and familyhappiness.

It’s when you take children to anotherhousehold you have to take special care oflocal customs. If your lot are used toripping open presents at dawn in a greatfrenzy of glee and lost labels, then makesure you don’t stay in one of thoserestrained and disciplined homes wherethey have church, lunch, and a long healthywalk before opening presents in turn at teatime. The agony of it.

And Christmas dinner… Before youaccept any invitation get it clear – ideally inwriting – what time they eat. And not justfor the sake of the children. My sister, oncesharing Christmas Day with some veryposh friends, happily accepted a glass ofchampagne at noon, and then another,thinking that any minute she’d be tuckinginto a socking great meal which would soakit all up nicely.

She hadn’t eaten breakfast, thinking ofthat lunch. By the time she’d drunk far toomuch champagne on an empty stomach, itdawned on her that there was nothing more

than nuts and a few crisps onimmediate offer. Dinner wasn’t until

6.30pm – by which time she wasso sozzled that she waspractically comatose in thecranberry sauce. Tricky.

But the best thing of all, as youmix and match and compromise,is that you can make up your own

traditions. One of ours wasstockings for everybody, not just the boys,but all the grown-ups too, including thegrannies.

It also means that instead of trying tocombine two sets of traditions, you can optout entirely. William Hague and his wifehave apparently spent many a ChristmasDay walking in the Dales with a flask and apicnic. That’s now their tradition.

And sometimes it’s better to start yourown new traditions rather than try tobreathe new life into old ones. Let’s face it,if only one person really wants to playcharades, then you’re on a bit of a loser.

So decide what you want to do and do itand if anyone looks surprised just smilesweetly and say: “In our family, it’straditional.”

And at this time of year, that will bereason enough.

Happy Christmas.

�Peace andgoodwill count

for nothingwhen it

comes tomaintainingChristmas

MIXING IT

BOYS, it’s now okay to leave your dirtyclothes on the floor until wash day (orwash month, depending on how long yourleave it!) The Alternative Gift Company hasintroduced the new Laundry Rug. Theinstructions for use are as follows:1:Casually chuck dirty clothes on rug.2:Leave for a few days as washing builds upand stench becomes unbearable. 3:Pull thedrawstrings on the rug to magicallytransform it into a bag with the washingencased inside. 4:Either stick the wholebag in the wash or empty clothes intowashing machine. 5:Magically re-transform bag into rug and start all overagain… £34.99 from www.altgifts.com.

ENTERING THE DROP ZONE


interiors IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SITTING on a comfortablesettee looking at the walls, it ishard to see where the art workstops and the view begins.Framed by the windows in

almost any direction is the beautifulcityscape of York, its rooftops, spires andwalls the subject of countless paintings inthe art world. But from the front rooms ofthis particular house the view isspectacular, the vista comprising theRose Window of York Minster and thelargest Gothic structure north of theAlps.

Quite literally at the end of the gardenpath is the gargantuan place of worshipthat dominates the city skyline. Over thecenturies the house in Minster Yard has provided a temporary home to a variety ofclergy visiting the city on official churchbusiness. Latterly, it was a convent tonuns of the Holy Paraclete, a city sanctuary to an order whose countryhome is Smeaton Castle, Whitby.

But for the first time in its history thehouse is now a secular home. The Deanand Chapter have decided to rent it out toart gallery owners David Durham andDee Bray. “It is a little oasis right in themiddle of the city,” says Dee, pausing tolisten to the sound of children playing atthe preparatory school next door. “Welived at Malham in the Yorkshire Dalesand David said he wanted to live in a city.I said I loved the country and then thisexcellent location came up.”

Sandwiched between the Minster andthe Minster Stone Yard, parts of thehouse date back to the 14th century, withsome of the existing timbers surviving inthe depths below. The facade is Georgian,built in the 1760s, and the rear of thehouse is mainly brick over timber andwattle.

Below ground there are vaulted cellars,

which David believes could stretch backto Norman times, then the ground floorwith two reception rooms and a refectory.On the first floor there are five bedrooms,three more on the second floor and twoattic spaces.

David recently found two hidden rooms through a doorway whichhe presumed just led to the fire escape,but actually contained some of the oldestexposed timbers. It’s a veritable Tardis –just the thing for David and Dee’s latestventure of two years – Art At Home.

The couple run the Adze ContemporaryArt Gallery, established four years ago inYork’s Gillygate, a short walk from thehouse. But the line between home and

work is now blurring as both frontparlours and refectory of the house havebeen transformed into exhibition roomswith track lighting illuminatingcontemporary works of art. The smallerroom was the nuns’ chapel, with theprayer booths still evident today, thoughthey are now used for storage. It’s atranquil setting enjoyed by gallerycustomers who are invited back forprivate viewings and those wishing toview by appointment. The larger of thetwo front rooms had been a sitting roomfor the Sisters and is now used for mixedworks of art.

Continued on page 6

The art of homemaking

Gallery ownersDavid Durhamand Dee Bray notonly take theirwork home withthem but theircustomers too.IAN LAMMINGtakes a lookthrough thekeyhole of ahome with anEpiscopal view

CHAMELEONMIRRORS

David Durham and Dee Bray are the first secular tenants of the house in the shadow of York Minster

‘‘We have people

here for anything

from 20 minutes to

two hours,

considering the

work, particularly if

it’s a couple


�The

house

is also a

vehicle for

us to

show

good art

in a

domestic

situation

David Durham andDee Braysurrounded byartworks in theirrented home,which doubles asan extension to thegallery they run inthe city

Pictures:RICHARD DOUGHTY


Continued from page 5

“We have the gallery and sculpture yardwhere we can show a lot of work,” saysDavid, a former freelance illustrator andgraphic designer, who once worked at the1851 David Hockney Gallery in Salts Mill,Saltaire, near Bradford. “But we can’t show everything we would like to. By opening upthe house for private viewings we canextend the range of what we do. Visitorsmight come into the gallery looking for aparticular piece or artist and ask to seemore. If we have more back at the house, wecan direct them there.”

Dee says: “The house is also a vehicle forus to show good work in a domestic situation. In a gallery some people often findit difficult to imagine what the piece willlook like hanging over the fireplace.”

David adds: “It also helps give people con-fidence to hang work they might not thinkthey could get away with in their own hous-es. Particularly big pieces, which they mightthink would be too dominant when, inactual fact, it’s just down to confidence.”

People feel more relaxed and are encouraged to stay as long as they like,often over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.“We have people here from anything from 20minutes to two hours considering the work –particularly if it’s a couple, because theyquite often don’t agree,” says David.

There’s work on the walls by artistsincluding Hockney’s tutor Sandra Blow, andfellow St Ives painter Ralph Freeman,Michael Bilton of Reeth, Ken and LesleyCoates-Jones of Stalling Busk, Wensleydaleand Jake Attree and Tim Morrison of York,

while other rooms are devoted to other artistic purposes.

In the attic is textile artist-in-residenceSara Brown, while the many former nuns’cells are available for any lodgers undertaking gallery workshops, coveringanything from stone carving to painting.And whether they are sitting on the settee,lying on the bed or even in the bath, theyare all assured of being offered a room witha view.

Adze Contemporary Fine Art, 36 Gillygate,York (01904) 674348. www.adzegallery.comAt At Home galleries, The Queen’s Path,Minster Yard, York, are open on Saturdays,noon to 4pm. Other times by arrangement(01904) 674348

A hymn to art

� By opening up the

house for private

viewings we can extend

the range of what we doSplashes of colour against plain backgrounds characterise the style of DavidDurham and Dee Bray’s artistic home


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CLARE WATSON talks to ownersChris and Rachel Swain abouttheir restoration dramas atWalworth Castle

A SK Chris and Rachel Swainhow long ago they took overthe reins at Walworth Castleon the outskirts ofDarlington and they will tell

you “three years but it feels like threeminutes”.

Ask them what they have achieved inthat time and as they proudly show youaround the wonderfully refurbishedrooms and hallways, you realise it musthave taken at least three years to havecompleted all that they have.

“When we first saw the hotel, we fellin love with it and could see the realpotential with the right treatment,”says Chris. “It has been a real labour oflove.”

Originally built by the Hansardfamily in the 12th century, WalworthCastle stands in 18 acres of delightfullawns and woodland. It was furtherdeveloped by Thomas Jenison whobought the estate in 1576 and addedmany of the recognisable features theretoday, such as the imposing turretswhere four of the bedroom suites andprivate dining rooms are situated. Thecastle also has a special claim onhistory: it played host to King James VIof Scotland as he made his way Londonin 1603 to be crowned King James I ofEngland. This year is the 400thanniversary of the royal visit.

Chris and Rachel bought the castlethree years ago and embarked on anambitious programme of renovationand repair. When they took charge ofthe hotel, it was in sore need ofinvestment and some serious TLC.

But while they set about modernisingmany of the facilities, the couple havealso taken great pains to refurbish thefabric of the hotel in keeping with itshistoric past. Natural oak, heavytapestries, rich carpets, flagstones andexposed stonework have all beenincorporated to achieve a plush butmedieval feel.

“It’s been hard work and we havesunk everything into the refurbishmentbut seeing the work completed makesus realise how worthwhile it has been,”says Rachel. “It’s wonderful to seesomeone walk into the hotel that hasnot seen it for three years and heartheir gasps. Most guests find itunrecognisable.”

The main reception area has beentransformed with a natural stone floor,

beautifully carved oak and richfabrics. The guest lounge is now anoasis of calm, with beautifullyappointed period armchairs, sofasand coffee tables. There is a newbar area beside reception whereguests can enjoy an aperitif beforemoving through into the newlyopened Hansard’s restaurant,which has been given a perioddesign with a contemporary twist.

Moving to the side of the castle,you will find the recentlycompleted Cardinal’s Court. Thislarge, glass-roofed area standswhere the carriages used to drawup to the old entrance. The stonewalls have been exposed and thefloor tiled to create a real courtyardeffect. At night, floodlights light upthe pillared old entrance to thecastle to complete the ambience.

The renovation has not stoppedhere. The four turret suites havebeen refurbished with perioddetails, each with its own theme.Many of the other rooms have alsobeen completed with the remainingbedrooms being tackled andupdated on a room by room basis.Then Chris and Rachel expect itwill be time to start all over again.

The hotel caters for weddings,any function or event, conferences,meetings, business and leisuretravellers and holds regular themenights and entertainment. Dinershave two options with the relaxedand traditional Farmer’s Barserving bar meals and a dailycarvery or the elegant Hansard’sRestaurant.

� Walworth Castle: 01325 485470;www.walworthcastle.co.uk

Love’s labours

A CASTLE FOR KEEPS: Chris and RachelSwain in medieval costume

� When we first saw

the hotel, we fell in

love with it and could

see the real potential

with the right treatment


IDON’T know. I spend 11 months ofthe year trying to persuade peopleto part with a measly fiver for adrop of delicious grog, then at thefirst sniff of Christmas everyone’sfalling over each other to pay £15,

£20, £30 for a bottle of Champagne. Me too, actually, because there’s a specialaffinity between Christmas and fizz – itsets any party rocketing into life, addsmagic to Christmas Day and boostsflagging spirits on the comedown. Champagne is expensive, so it hadbetter be good, but that doesn’tmean splashing out on a famousname. And while Champagne maybe the word on everybody’s lips,it’s not the only fizz in town, sohere’s a bucketload of bubblies toadd a sparkle to your Christmas.

THE REAL DEAL (for a steal)THE supermarkets have really crackedChampagne this year, using some of thebest producers in the business to maketheir own-label versions. Waitrose remainsthe star at the top of the supermarket tree,with a range made by the superb CharlesHeidsieck operation. The 1996 VintageChampagne Brut (£19.99) is full, soft, nuttyand uplifting, flecked with a delightfulcedarwood perfume, while the ChampagneBlanc de Blancs (£15.99) is an all-Chardonnay number with soft fruit dippedin cream and that same whisper ofcedarwood. For celebration in style, a

magnum is the perfect size: it looks sogenerous, it feels so indulgent and thewine even tastes better. Third of theWaitrose trilogy, then, is a magnum ofChampagne Brut (£29.99/magnum), adelicious nutty, yeasty fizz with refreshingripe apple and a touch of spice. Yum.Marks & Spencer plays the quality cardtoo, with Champagnes from UnionChampagne, which is based in the heart ofthe best Chardonnay vineyards.

Champagne de St Gall Blanc deBlancs Premier Cru (£17.99) is

soft, foaming, creamy with mildapple fruit and a hint of spice.Tesco has latched onto UnionChampagne too for itsPremier Cru Brut (£12.99).This wine caused quite astorm earlier in the year whenit beat a host of better-known

names in a national taste-off. Tryit. See if you agree that its soft, nutty,honeyed style hits the spot.

From the same source comesSomerfield’s Prince William Premier CruBrut (£13.99), and again the class shows inthe creamy, appley flavour and the lack ofhard, sharp edges.

If you really want to smooth off theedges, go for a less dry style. Sainsbury’scomes up trumps with ChampagnePremier Cru Extra Dry (confusingly, thatmeans less dry than brut) – anyway, it’s£13.99 for a full, round style with a bit ofspice and lots of cream and nuts.

shopping

Bubbletrouble?For gifts or for just for your own consumption,OZ CLARKE helps make your Christmassparkle with bucketloads of festive fizz

TO accompany the traditionalChristmas bird, wine writer MalcolmGluck recommends a Chilean

Cabernet Sauvignon. He says the famousred grape produces a remarkably fullbodied wine with notable tannins when itis grown on less fertile soil, as in areas ofChile, and balances well alongside astrong flavoured meat like turkey.

His personal favourite is somethingquite different – an Australian sparklingShiraz which brings out the flavour of themeat – and he recommends Banrockstation sparkling Shiraz. Not everyone will

enjoy this with turkey but it works well witha variety of other lighter meats.

Jancis Robinson’s personal favouritewith a Christmas dinner is a New ZealandPinot Noir. She says: ‘‘They have a verydirect fruitiness and you don’t need to bean expert to like them.’’

Phillip Silverstone offers fairly similaradvice, recommending a rich red like theErrazuriz Merlot from Chile or the Georgesde Beouf Morgon Beaujolais, but if youwant something lighter he opts for a dryRiesling from Germany or Sauvignon Blancfrom New Zealand.

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YOU remember Trolls, the cutecreatures with the big smile andbright, wild hair that everyone loved?Well they have been off the marketfor ten years but now they are backwith even brighter hair, cooler clothesand names such as SerenityGoodwind and Melody Rock.Following lengthy legal proceduresand court battles with othercompanies who were plagiarising theoriginal DAM Trolls the Troll Companyhas taken action and reclaimedprofits made by these companies ona product that was never licensed tothem. Ten years ago the Troll market

was worth over £100m. A perfectstocking filler for those who lovedthem first time round… and for thosefalling under the spell of the Trolls forthe first time. From all good toyshops.

RETURN OF THE TROLLS

THIS weather stationand radio controlledclock is the ultimatetimekeeping gadget. Youcan find out the day’sweather forecast, theatmospheric pressure,the date and, of course,the time before youhave to set foot outsideyour cosy bed. A greatboys’ toy, £19.99 fromAldi. Visit the websitewww.aldi-stores.co.uk orcall 08705 134262 forstockists’ details.

HOT OR NOT?

AGA, makers of the world’s most famous rangecooker, has introduced a classy range of textileaccessories in stylish black and cream. TheAga Cook’s Collection comprises a double ovenglove (£17.99), stove top mitt (££13.99),chef’s pad (£7.99), pot grab (£8.49) and halfapron with soft suede pocket (£17.50). Theproducts are available from all UK Aga shops,selected Aga showrooms and some Fired Earthshowrooms. Call (08457) 125207.www.agacookshop.co.uk

FRENCH EXCHANGELOOKING for an alternative? Then gosomewhere alternative. Britain’sindependent wine merchants are fightingback against the High Street names, usingtheir unique ability to search outindividual wines from out-of-the-wayplaces. Even if they’re not local to you,mail order and Internet sites bring theirexpertise to your door.

Devigne Wines is a small operationspecializing in fizz from odd corners ofFrance. From the South-West comesGaillac Brut, Bicary (£8.30) with awonderful taste of fresh-picked Bramleyapples, all sugared and spiced and dottedwith lemon peel ready to be baked in a pie,while the Languedoc delivers 1996Blanquette de Limoux Cuvée Exception,Antech (£11.50), aged to develop layers offlavour to appeal to the adventurousamong you: grilled nuts, crunchy Frenchbiscottes and brioche, all bound up withmellowed Marmite, Christmas apples andlovage.

WATCHING THE COSTAWE’VE always had a soft spot for SpanishCava as our budget party fizz. All thesupermarket own-labels – especially atChristmas offer prices – are a pretty safebet. The golden rule is to get the bottle ascold as you humanly can without freezingit, so that the bubbles explode with ashivering thrill on your tonsils.

If you want to trade up to a smarterbottle, Somerfield’s 1998 Vintage Cava Brut(£6.99) is the best I’ve tasted, ripe and fullwith nice loft apple fruit. And among theindependent merchants I found Hicks &Don’s Private Cuvée Cava Brut (£6.60), agently foaming delight, attractively nuttywith appetising apple and lime acidity allwrapped in honey.

BRAVE NEW WORLDTHE flexible approach of NewWorld producers means theycan turn out bubbly that isvirtually indistinguishablefrom Champagne or somethingthat’s fruity and fun and, justincidentally, has somethrillingly fine bubbles thrownin. One of my favourite finds this

year has been Morton Premium Brut fromNew Zealand (£9.99 at Bring-a-Bottle),which manages to enjoy the best of bothworlds, starting out with a headyChampagne-like smell of brioche smearedwith butter and fresh grilled hazelnuts,before ebullient kiwi fruit and green peaelbow them aside and the whole lot endsup splashed with honey.

SEEING RED…THERE is nothing to beat the sheerexuberant, irreverent burst of celebrationthat surges through your veins as the floodof purple potion splashes into your glass. Ifthe very idea of red fizz makes you think‘yuck!’ – you need to get out more and havesome fun. Pick up a bottle of BanrockStation Sparkling Shiraz (£7.99, widelyavailable). It’s about as irresistible as redwine gets – rich, ripe, blackberry and toffeeand chocolate flavours lurking behind thepurple foam, just waiting to leap out onyou and haul you off to the party.

…AND WHITE AND BLUENO not the French tricolor again, but thegood old Union Jack, which I’m waving forBritish fizz, perhaps the closest thing thereis to Champagne. We certainly haveequally awful weather and the top Britishfizz makers are obsessive about quality, sosee what you think. Waitrose has 1999Bloomsbury Cuvée Merret from Ridgeviewin Sussex (£14.99), an intense, positivelypowerful, oatmealy, nutty sparkler thatsimultaneously namechecks a smartdistrict of London and pays tribute toChristopher Merret, the man who told theworld how to make wine sparkle in thebottle 30 years before the French worked itout. What better choice for the Queen’sspeech?Oz Clarke’s Pocket WineBook 2004, which includes afree copy of Oz Clarke’s

Wine Buying Guide2004 (Websters/Time

Warner Books,£10)www.ozclarke.com

STOCKISTS:www.devignewines.co.ukwww.hicksanddon.co.ukwww.bring-a-bottle.com

LINING THEM UP: OzClarke with some of hisfestive favourites

AGA COOK’S COLLECTION


gardeningIN ASSOCIATION WITH

Gardening Correspondent BRIGID PRESSrecommends her top six gifts for the green-fingered this Christmas

Under theChristmas tree

VIBURNUM TINUS (the laurustinus)

THIS is a well-known dependableevergreen, native of the Mediterraneanregion, which forms a 6-12ft bush. Thereddish buds of flower heads are firstnoticeable during late summer. Thefragrant, waxy, white petals emergeduring late autumn and continue rightthrough winter. In early summer theseturn into shiny, almost metallic fruits(which can cause a mild stomach upsetif ingested), which can be held on theplant for several months.It grows in sun or semi shade but needsdeep, fertile, moist soil. It withstandscold and rarely fails to flower well. It canbe grown as an informal hedge as well

as in a bush form. It responds well tosevere pruning if outgrowing its space.

Brigid PressRead Brigid every Saturday in

The Northern Echo

PLANT OF THE MONTH

THE ON/OFF WATERING CANTHE Miracle watering can has a handyon/off button at the top of the handlewhich controls the flow of water. Thisprevents spillages and allows you to watermore effectively and precisely. It isparticularly important when using plantfoods and fertilisers and is a must forthose who place their houseplants onwindowsills and furniture. The wateringcan comes with a rose, a small nozzle anda 50cm spout extension.

SAWING CHAINTHIS is a long sharp chain that isattached to two lengths of wire. It is usedto prune branches of taller shrubs andtrees. The wire allows you to throw thechain up and round the branch. After thatit is a simple matter of pulling on eachend of the wire in a slow seesaw fashion,making the chain chew into the wood.

DRILL MOUNTED STEELTHE small circular stone can be mountedon a standard power drill. As it rotates, itgrinds away at any metal object put in itsway. It is simple to use, easy to controland extremely versatile. It may be usedfor sharpening something as small as apruning knife, as well as hedge shears andeven larger objects such lawnmowerblades.

RUBBER RUG BUCKETSTHE buckets come in various sizes, butwhichever one you have, they must haveto be one of the most versatileproducts invented. Throw in all yourhand tools, plants, compost andany other bits and bobs and takeit all out to where you areworking. The buckets can beused to collect prunings orweeds, carry water, kneel on,bail out water... the list is endless.And they are much easier to store

away or carry inthe car as theysquash intothe spaceavailable,unlike rigidbuckets.

GOODQUALITYSECATEURSIF you are serious about your gardening,then you are going to want a really goodpair of secateurs. I stand by thetraditional red-handled Felco’s. I like thenumber 2 because they are easy to use.Many prefer the number 7 with the swivelhandle, but I have caught the inside of mythumb in the pivot point quite a few timesand that can be painful. They may be a bitpricey, but they last for decades, don’t fallapart after three horticultural sessions,and have readily available replacementparts. Many other manufacturers are nowproducing secateurs of a similar standard– the most important thing to look for aredurability, replaceable blades and acomfortable action.

RHS GARDENERSENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDENPLANTS AND FLOWERSTHIS is my horticultural bible. I use itwhenever I am designing anything, be it asmall border or a large garden. It is alsouseful for looking up and identifying

plants. It is so simple to use. It starts offwith large trees and works its way

through towards the small rockeryplants. Each section goesthrough the seasons and thecolour, so if you are looking fora three foot high shrub that hasred flowers in early summerthen you can go straight to therelevant area in the book and

peruse the options. From £30.

YOU can send somefestive floral cheer thisChristmas with the latestInterflora ChristmasCollection. By buyingflowers over the phone,you can avoid thequeues and make sureyour bouquet arrives atits best, without beingbumped and bashedaround with the rest ofyour shopping. WinterWonderland, right, is ahand-tied bouquet ofspray carnations,carnations, albiflora,thisle and glitterygypsophilia, available inred or white(£29.50/£39.50), whileDeck the Halls, far right,is a striking selection ofred and white flowers(£49.50)

Felco secateurs, the version for left-handers. These cost£49.95, but the basic right-handed version starts from£21.95. From www.thegarden.co.uk

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CONDENSATION has only reallyaffected our homes in the last 40years or so. High levels of draught-proofing and insulation, coupled

with our more frequent and moresophisticated washing and laundry habits,have created the right conditions.

Condensation occurs when warm, moistair hits a cool surface like single glazedglass or a chilly north facing wall. Whenthe house cools down at night, the damp aircools down and deposits pints of water onsurfaces, leaving damp patches andencouraging mould growth.

You can take action against it andstriking a fine balance of good ventilationand adequate heating will keep it undercontrol. The air in a house is normallywarm enough to hold water withoutreaching saturation point. But a great dealof moisture is also produced by cooking andusing baths and showers. We add to theproblem by breathing.

In cold weather, when the lowtemperature outside cools the externalwalls and windows below the temperatureof the heated air inside, water in the aircondenses and runs down windows andsoaks the wallpaper and plaster. Theprocess is similar to the beads of waterwhich gather on a chilled drink in thesummer. Matters are made worse in thewinter by sealing off windows and doors sothat fresh air cannot replace the humid airbefore it condenses.

The root cause of condensation is rarelysimple. It is the result of a combination ofair temperature, humidity, poor ventilationand thermal insulation. Some of thesesituations can be dealt with effectively.

General condensation will occur in coldweather when the air in an unheated roommay be close to saturation point. Make surethe room is heated but do not use a sourceof heat which produces moisture – forexample, an oil heater.

If you have uninsulated walls andceilings, this can cause the moist air tocondense on cold ceilings and exteriorwalls. You will then get widespread dampand mould, especially along the lines of

ceiling joists. To overcome this, installefficient loft insulation, or line the ceilingwith insulating tiles or polystyrene lining.

Cold water pipes attract condensationand you will sometimes notice a line ofdamp on a ceiling or wall, following thepipework. You may also notice an isolatedpatch on a ceiling where condensing waterdrops from cold plumbing. Tackle this byinsulating your cold water pipes, eitherwith foam lagging tubes or with mineral-fibre wrapping.

When exterior temperatures are low,windows usually show condensation beforeany other feature, because the glass is thinand they are constantly exposed to theelements. Windows start to mist up orwater collects in pools at the bottom of theglass. The best solution is to install double-glazing.

Another place where condensation canoccur is around a sealed fireplace. The airbecomes trapped inside the flue and cannotcirculate and therefore condenses on theinside, eventually soaking through thebrickwork. You will notice damp patchesappearing anywhere on the chimneybreasts. You must ventilate the chimney byinserting a grille or airbrick at a low levelin the part of the fireplace that has beenblocked up.

If loft insulation blocks the spacesaround the eaves, air cannot circulate in theroof space and condensation is able to form.You will then get mould on the timbers inthe roof space. This is serious and can landyou with a big repair bill. Unblock theairways and, if possible, fit a ventilatorgrille in the soffit or install tile or slatevents.

General condensation affecting walls,ceilings, windows and solid floors canhappen after building works or repairs. Newbricks, mortar and especially plaster maygive off moisture as they dry out. Wait forthe new work to dry out, then review thesituation before decorating or othertreatment.

DAMP ATMOSPHERE IN COLD ROOM:Do not leave rooms unheated in cold weather,take the chill off and improve ventilation

DRIPPING WINDOWS,POOLS OF WATER ONWINDOW BOTTOM:Double glazing is probablythe only solution in this case

DAMP PATCHES ONCHIMNEY BREAST: Makesure chimney is clear, fit agrille or airbrick to providegood ventilation

STEAMY KITCHENS/BATHROOMS: Fit extractorfan or cooker hood to suckdamp air outside

THIN LINE OF DAMP ON WALL:Lag any cold water pipes or insulatethe wall with polystyrene sheet

DAMP AND MOULD SPOTS INSIDELOFT: Clear any insulation away fromairways in loft - fit ventilating grillsin soffit

Rafter

Fascia

Soffit

CLEARING UP CONDENSATION

d.i.y IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Season of mists andindoor moisture

by RICHARD SPENCER

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LORD Byron didn’t seem particularlyimpressed with his wife, LadyAnnabella Milbanke. Overlooked byhistory – and her husband – theirmarriage pales into insignificancealongside his tempestuous affair

with Lady Caroline Lamb and incestuous flingwith his own sister, Augusta. But whateverByron thought of his bride, he couldn’t fail tohave been impressed with her family home.

The couple married within the elegant walls ofSeaham Hall in January 1815, and you canimagine the Romantic in his soul being stirredby its spectacular setting, perched on a clifftopoverlooking the grey and turbulent North Sea.

Today, Seaham Hall is a luxury hotel – notchintz and red velvet-type luxury – but chic,modern and understated. With just 19 rooms, theatmosphere is intimate. The walls are mutedbrowns, dusky purples and burnt oranges, whilesilk, suede and leather abound among thefurnishings. There are original works of artthroughout, the food is superb and, perhapsmore importantly, the beds are huge and thebaths even bigger.

It’s no surprise that Seaham Hall Hotelrecently won the title AA Hotel of the Year andwas chosen by The Sunday Times TravelMagazine as the world’s most stylish spa . “Itbreaks new ground as a hotel concept,” said thejudges.

Five years ago, the idea of a luxury hotel inSeaham would have produced raised eyebrowsand perhaps a snigger or two, but owners Tomand Jocelyn Maxfield have put the former EastDurham mining town firmly on the map. “Peoplecome up here and ask why it’s in the North-East

and not in London. Well, why not?,” saysJocelyn. Tom, an international financier, andJocelyn, who worked in marketing, had noexperience in the hotel industry but ironically,they look on this as an advantage. They came atthe project from the perspective of the guest,constantly asking themselves how they wouldlike to be treated in a hotel.

“Service is everything. You can have the bestlocation in the world but if the service is bad,people aren’t going to come back,” says Jocelyn.

Their achievement is even more remarkablewhen you consider what the house was likewhen the couple bought it. “The whole structurehad charisma but it was an absolute wreck,”says Jocelyn. “Every time we took one layer out,we found something worse underneath. Thebuilding had been used by so many people forvarious purposes that, in effect, it had beensystematically vandalised.”

Its last use was as a nursing home. Thecornicing had been torn out, there were pipesand wires running down the walls and the loftwas full of pigeon droppings, a foot deep. Thecouple had to gut the whole building beforebeginning work.

Seeing the crumbling, boarded-up building forthe first time, there are those who would havebeen intimidated, but Jocelyn was inspired,discovering a latent talent for interior design. “Icould just see it, I could see what I wanted to do.The height of the ceilings, the windows, thestyle of the rooms, I could visualise what itwould look like when it was finished.”

She took charge of all the interiors, creating aseamless blend of period details andcontemporary styling. There are no flowers in

romanceIt was a broken-downwreck. Now SeahamHall is Hotel of theYear and boasts one ofthe best spas in theworld. CHRISTENPEARS talks to co-owner Jocelyn Maxfield

Return to Design heaven: artworks from all over the world adorn the hotel

A la Carte Dinner plus Bed and Breakfast

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the hotel when I visit. Jocelyn was so dissatisfiedwith the arrangements, she tells me, that shesent them back. It’s typical of her attention todetail.

One of her particular passions is contemporaryart. On arrival at the hotel, guests are greetedwith a spectacular, swirling vortex, created byWilliam Pye. There are paintings and sculpturesby North-East artists, including Dale Atkinsonand Paul Gallagher. Stained glass artist BridgetJones has created a ceiling based on Byron’spoetry in the atrium. The hotel also boasts thelargest collection of Norwegian art outsideNorway.

Seaham Hall Hotel opened in March 2001 andin December last year it was joined by theSerenity Spa, a project Jocelyn proudly refers toas “my baby”. The Maxfields have been regularvisitors to spas across the globe, particularly inThailand and Bali, where they have becomedevotees of the treatments and rituals. Jocelynwanted to make them available to people in theNorth-East. Working with a feng shui consultantand a local architect, she set about creating what

is already been hailed as one of the best spas inEurope. “We wanted people to feel they could beanywhere in the world. I wanted them to feelcocooned and pampered. It’s a haven of luxuryand pamperdom.”

Natural light pours in through enormouswindows onto the wood and granite floorings andrichly-coloured silks. There is a range oftreatments on offer but all are delivered in adistinctive house style. There is somethingreverential, almost spiritual, about the way thetherapists work. It really is sensory heaven,although for the more energetic, there is aswimming pool and hi-tech gym, as well asthermal baths, hot tubs and a Thai brasserie.

The feeling of being cosseted and pampered istremendous – both in the spa and hotel –although the Maxfields are constantly refiningand improving. Jocelyn says: “Because we’re inthe North-East, we often feel isolated from what’sgoing on elsewhere. The AA award showed usthat we’re one of the best but we can’t afford tostand still. People have certain expectations nowand we have to build on our excellence.”

� People

come up

here and ask

why it’s in the

North-East

and not in

London. Well,

why not?– co-owner of SeahamHall Jocelyn Maxfield

For more informationcontact 0191-516 1400 orwww.seaham-hall.com


fashion

EVEN if we are conservativethroughout the year, everywoman knows that Christmasis the time to splash out on

fancy treats. Whether you’re buying apresent for a friend or treatingyourself, Oonagh Brennan, fashiondirector at Company magazine, saysthe festive season is the perfect time togo wild with undies that are designedto be seen: ‘‘This season is not aboutfunction, it’s about wearing gorgeousknickers that you’d be happy to flash,”she says.

Must-have fabrics include satin, laceand chiffon, with some garmentscombining two or more materials.

‘‘Don’t play safe,’’ insists Brennan.‘‘Go for colours and patterns andexperiment. Coffees and creams andsoft, reddy-looking pinks are perfectand will carry you through to nextseason.’’

Brennan believes such celebritieshave had a huge influence on fashionthis season: ‘‘It is a very competitive

market now. Before, it was basicundies and it was difficult to findvery beautiful underwear unlessyou spent a fortune on it atsomewhere like AgentProvocateur. Now peoplewant to buy it at reasonableprices. Brands like LoveKylie make everyonerealise they can be a bitmore extravagant andadventurous.’’

Fiona Parkhouse,fashion editor at Womanmagazine, says youshouldn’t be above givingyour other half someheavy hints: ‘‘Makesure he knows yourbra and knicker sizefor a start. And don’tbe afraid to steer himin the right directionby showing himpictures inmagazines.’’

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Clockwise from above: black Femme Fatale pink tie bra, £20; matching shorts, £10, from Bhs. Pink Femme Fatale bra,£25; matching thong, £12, from Bhs. Dolly pale blue camisole with coffee lace, £35, by Love Kylie; matching shorts, £20.Embroidered Chaslyn camisole in silk and lace with adjustable straps, £45, exclusive to Figleaves (www.figleaves.com),which stocks all the major brands such as Gossard and Playtex, as well as the Love Kylie and the Elle McPherson Intimateranges. Marks & Spencer pink slip, £25

Undercoverstories


Y OU have a string of festiveparties coming up but you arenot a pretty dress kind of girl.Worry not – because there arelots of head-turning tops that

you can wear instead. Teamed withtrousers or a skirt, they are perfect for thattransition from day to night and, boy, canthey look sexy – halternecks and corsetsare designed to flaunt your shoulders andcleavage.

Amy Purshouse, fashion editor atCosmopolitan, says that this season’sChristmas look is focused on glitz andfemininity. ‘‘It’s quite a glamorous winterthis year – there’s a lot of beading, sequinsand glitz around. Silks and satins are alsohugely popular.’’

Make sure you emphasise your neck andshoulders, she advises. ‘‘Style is sexy andfeminine so necks and shoulders with asmattering of cleavage are heavilyaccentuated this season. It’s a very flirtylook but at the same time, very feminine,with bare shoulders. It’s flirting in realparty style.’’

Corsets are also quite fashionable, whichPurshouse asserts is because of theinfluence on the catwalks by designerssuch as Stella McCartney, and Yves SaintLaurent. She says: ‘‘Corsets are very muchabout emphasising that feminine shape butwhat’s great about having a top like that isits versatility. Instead of wearing a dress,you can still make a dramatic statementwith a gorgeous top.’’

Party separates are perfect for makingthe transition from work to pleasure. ‘‘Mostgirls are now going for that day to eveninglook, because we’ve all got busy lives andit’s quite rare that people will dress up justfor an occasion,” says Purshouse. “Venueshave got more relaxed dress codes sowomen can just wear a great pair of black

trousers with a sparkly top. It’s dressed up,but in a relaxed way.’’

Warehouse has an extensive selection ofparty tops, from corsets and halter necks toless revealing tops, for the moreconservative at heart.

Their teal-coloured bejewelled top ismade of silk and costs £38, while a pinkmacramé beaded top (£40) may suit thosewho wish to be more daring. There is also acream embroidered silk halterneck (£45)and a red soft corset (£45) for those wantingto flaunt their curves.

Make sure you take a look at Principlestoo. They have several pretty designs,including a black necklace bustier (£40) anda black crochet knitted shell top withsequins (£40). Dorothy Perkins has a blackand green sequinned halterneck (£22)which looks just fantastic contrasted withblack trousers.

Per Una at Marks & Spencer has a racyred, ruffle-strip off-the-shoulder top(£29.50), or if you prefer more subtlety, gofor the silver jersey, deep-plunge top(£29.50).

By contrast you can go for gold at Next,where metallics rule. Take your pick from agold metallic vest with sequinned detailaround the neck (£24.99) or a silver crochetcamisole top (£34.99). Zara, Wallis, Topshop,Miss Selfridge and Monsoon also haveplenty of beautiful tops at affordableprices.

Oasis’s sateen banded corset in baby pinkis, at £35, plain enough to wear to work, yetcan glam up an outfit instantly. Morganhave also jumped on the bandwagon,offering customers a floral corset withribbon trim (£59.99, call 0800 731 4942 forstockists). Their pink version of theVersace corset with cross-over ribbons costs£54.99.

Colours that are in vogue this season

include the ever-festive metallics (gold andsilver), as well as the bright 80s hues likefuchsia pink and pillar-box red. And, ofcourse, no one can go wrong with black.

Luckily for most people, Purshouse saysthat this glamorous look is easy to wearand can suit everyone. ‘‘The luxury fabricslike satin and silk are flattering for mostbody shapes. If you are larger-sized, youmight want to be careful of bias cut topsbecause they can hang in an unflatteringway.

‘‘Structured corsets are also great for

most people as they can add curves whereyou need them, or they can emphasise andenhance existing curves.”

But Purshouse does admit that noteveryone can pull off halternecks. ‘‘It isdifficult to wear halternecks if your upperarms are a bit flabby and not toned, butthis can be resolved by wearing shawls or afitted tuxedo jacket.

‘‘Ultimately, you’ve got to be conscious ofyour own body and what you’recomfortable with. There’s something foreveryone out there...”

fashion

It’s Christmas – go over the top

Dump those dresses and team up a glittering top and high heels with a pair of simple black trousers or jeans for this

year’s party look, says SHEREEN LOW

Left to right: red corset from Warehouse, £45; black sequinned tops from Principles,£40; teal silk top from Warehouse, £38. Main picture: pink cross ribbon corset fromMorgan, £54.99


W HILE toothpaste, soap andshampoo are considerednecessities, we often feelguilty about spending on

other beauty treats. So Christmas is a goodtime to drop some hints about what you’dlike. Here are a few of ourrecommendations…

FOR anyone with dry skin, TheBody Shop’s body butter is agodsend, and for Christmasthey’re doing a pack of threetubs – mango, shea and nut –for just £10. Classy packagingtoo.

After all those hours sittinground by the fire, a fresh burstof something zesty might bein order and once again, TheBody Shop scores. We are bigfans of their Bergamotcologne spray, which containsoil from organically grownbergamot from high in thehills of Calabria. It’s likesunshine in a bottle (£11).

And although lily of the valley might beconsidered an aroma that belongs more toaged aunts and grannies, we’ve never havemore compliments that when we’vesprayed on a touch of Woods of WindsorLily of the Valley. It’s light, fresh and reallylovely, a world away from blue rinses.

FOR the sweetof tooth, thenew Chocolatdu Bain scentedbath and bodytreatments fromMarks &Spencer are achocolate lover’sdream.Deliciouslydecadent, theconfectionery-inspired treatssatisfy thosechocolate cravings without piling on thepounds. A Chocolat du Bain body bar costs£4, the hazelnut chocolate exfoliator £6 andthe white chocolate body mousse is £6. Thedevilishly moreish products go straight tothe hips and thighs… but in a good way.Yum, yum.

FAKE tans are better than ever, but somepeople still swear by sunbeds, despite thewarnings that they can harm your skin. Ifthere’s someone you’d like to wean offsunbeds this Christmas, Clarins fantasticself-tanning gel should do the trick. It’s notcheap – £14 for 125ml – but the colour isgreat, the sort of golden brown that makeseveryone in the office ask why you’relooking so healthy. Also available astanning milk. From Binns and otherdepartment stores.

AS the colder months take their toll, weneed to increase moisturisation andprevent dehydration. Elizabeth Arden’sPeel & Reveal is an award-winningrevitalising treatment which gives you areal sense of having a salon facial at home.Using the little brush provided, you justpaint on the gel, which contains beta andalpha hydroxides, boosted by sugarextracts, leave 25 minutes, then peel off. Itleaves skin feeling soft, clearer and nicely

plumped up with a healthy glow. £24 frommajor department stores and largerbranches of Boots.

AS temperatures drop, retreat to theCaribbean with Marks & Spencer’s newspalife range. Inspired by the fine spas andturquoise waters of the area, there is achoice of therapeutic treatments, offeringthe benefits of a spa in the privacy of yourown bathroom. Soothing, exfoliating,moisturising and revitalising, the range isdesigned to pamper both mind and body,and contains indulgent marine ingredientssuch as seaweed and Dead Sea salts. Pricesstart at £2 for spalife marine bath soak.

THE cold weather can play havoc with thedelicate skin of your lips, leaving themchapped and flaky. Blistex Revitaliser is agentle exfoliator which removes dead skincells and moisturises your lips, leavingthem soft, smooth and rejuvenated. It alsoreduces the appearance of fine lines andwrinkles.

FRAZZLED, messed-up hairstyles maywork well on the catwalk but they’re thelast thing you want for the Christmasparty. With this in mind, CharlesWorthington has added six new productsto his Q&A Frizz range of shampoos,conditioners, serums and straighteningbalms. The new treatments includeBounce-Back Curl Definer, 999 Hair RepairIntensive Treatment and Humidity BlockHairspray.

All six treatments work internally topenetrate the hair shaft and bind inmoisture to improve condition. Externally,they smooth cuticles and improve glossand shine. Prices start from £3.99.

Diary of a hair and make-up artist

ALLISON McKAY

WHATWOMENREALLY

WANT FORXMAS…THIS month’s column is dedicated to allguys out there who:a) believe their wife or girlfriend when theysay they don’t want anything for Christmas;b) think they would be really grateful for apractical pressie. The Lean Grilling Machine,for instance.

Read on and I will give you someChristmas gift ideas that I know womenwould love, but who don’t want to spoil theromance by having to ask for it.

Firstly, there isJo Malone SkinCare andFragrances. Justa whiff of theseheavenly scented,luxurious skincareand fragranceproducts,wrapped withstyle andsophistication, send me into girlie heaven.And you don’t have to go to London orEdinburgh for them any more, as Jo MaloneExpress have a telephone order line with ateam of specialists to advise you. Check outthe website: www.jomalone.co.uk ortelephone 0207 7200202.

The Benefit counter at Binns is anotherfavourite of mine. It is not only the qualityof the product but the girlie retro, yet sexy,packaging. It would look good in anywoman’s boudoir. Two favourites of mineare Kitten, £19.50, a lightly sparklingpowder enveloped in an oh-so-soft pinkpuff. Another is Bathina Body so Fine,£22, which gives arms, neck and décolletéa flirtatious sheen and a scent that claimsto be pure aphrodisiac.

Or how about a lip gloss stocking filler?You can’t go wrong with Lancôme JuicyTubes, £11, or any from Stila.

If you are feeling really flash, then a dayat the Seaham Spa can cost as little as£45, or from £125 with a few treatmentsfor a full pamper day, so deserved after thestresses of Christmas. Telephone 01915161560. Or you could buy a gift voucher forher favourite hair, beauty or nail salon.

For cosy clothes, George at Asda is theplace to go. They do a 100 per centcashmere sweater in soft baby pink or lilacfor the unbelievable price of £40, and softleather gloves in this season’s colours forjust £10.

Back to beauty lines that are great inproduct choice and price are Aveda (findyour nearest store on www.aveda.com) andOrigins (www.origins.com). Both with thepurest of ingredients and beautifulperfumes.

Finally, when you’re all togged up andbeautified, what girl doesn’t love a glass ofpink champagne? The Atlantic Bar andClub in Duke Street Darlington stocks aquality selection of fine champagnes butthe ones that will send your girl giddy arethe Laurent Perrier Rose for £40 (I haveseen it elsewhere priced at £80), or aflashier looking, yet pricier Louis RoedererCristal at £150. The Belle Époque RoseChampagne by Perrier Jouet is nicelypriced at £65 and comes in a beautifulbottle decorated with delicately paintedflowers. Practical, no, but appreciated, yes.

The list could go on but use a bit ofsavvy. Think about what she wouldn’tindulge in buying for herself. And I am nottalking about the latest Dyson or a set ofstainless steel pans…

ALL WRAPPED UPIF you’re starting to worry about yourChristmas shopping and can’t facetraipsing round the stores, you needlook no further than Saks Guisborough.The salon, part of the UK’s leading hairand beauty group, has put together arange of fabulous gifts with somethingto suit all your friends and everymember of your family.

CHRISTMAS PACKAGESMany of Saks’ pampering packages areavailable as boxed gift vouchers. Choosefrom a range of treatments includingSaks Sensory Heaven, Saks Boost, a Cutand Finish for men or women, plusvouchers in denominations of £10 and£25.

LET’S GET IT STRAIGHTStraight, glossy hair is here to stay andSaks Ceramics Straighteners are thebest way to achieve this must-have lookfor Christmas 2003. With a hugecelebrity following and winners ofcountless awards, including BestStraightening Irons in the Woman’s OwnHair Awards, Hair Magazine’s BestBuy Award and scoring 10/10 ina recent Express poll, SaksCeramics are

renowned as the hair straighteners toown.Available in micro (from £80), small(from £60) and large (from £65) there’sa size to suit all lengths and types ofhair.

ELEMIS GIFT BOXESThese heavenly gift boxes, made fromIndian silk, contain a range of luxuriousElemis products to treat face, body andmind. There are eight boxes to choosefrom including the Nurturing Mother andBaby Collection, Tranquility BathingCollection, Time for Men and Vital SkinGlow. So there’s a gift to suit everyonein your life. Prices range from £26.50 to£42.50.

STOCKING FILLERSAlso available are Saksessories,including hairdryers, brushes andcombs, Creative Nails Design productsoffering a wide range of fantasticcolours for the Christmas parties as well

as countless Elemis andL’Oréal goodies.

Call Saks Guisborough on01287 6300055 or visit the

salon at 1-3 Bow Street

IN ASSOCIATION WITH beauty


slimmingThe festivedigestive planAlmost one quarter of womenreported suffering from bloating,constipation, or relatedsymptoms over the last year. Butit is avoidable...

DURING the festive partyseason, with pressure onwomen to look fabulous, how

can we make the most of all thosetreats under the tree, whilst stilllooking as magical as the fairy on thetop?

Whilst Christmas is traditionally atime for miracles, unfortunately thesedo not extend to our diets, and theholiday period can be a hazardoustime for our digestive system. Rich,high-fat foods are almostunavoidable, and this extra fat canseriously overtax our digestivesystem, whilst an increase in theconsumption of alcohol causesdehydration and can damage theimportant good bacteria that areworking to keep our insides healthy. Ifyou add in inevitable late nights andsedentary days in front of the TV tothis already unhealthy mix, you havea potential recipe for digestivedisaster.

Thankfully, indigestion and bloatingare not an inevitable ingredient onthe Christmas menu, as ProfessorColette Shortt, visiting lecturer at theUniversity of Ulster and director ofscience at bacteria drink firm Yakult,explains: “It is true that the increasein food and alcohol consumption,combined with a lack of physicalexercise over the festive period canplay havoc with your digestivesystem. However, if you make sureyou eat plenty of high-fibre foods,fruits, and vegetables, take someexercise, and avoid over-loading yoursystem with alcohol, then a sluggishdigestion can be avoided – and youwill be able to enjoy a happy – andhealthy – Christmas.”

Professor Shortt says a traditionalChristmas dinner can be very healthy:roast turkey is a low-fat, high-proteinfood and potatoes are an excellentsource of vitamin C, whilst Brusselssprouts provide folic acid and carrotsare rich in beat-carotene andantioxidants. Choose lean, meat,discard any skin, and roastvegetables in light oil rather thanlard, or steam in order to retainvitamins. Also, try to lessen you saltintake, as this can cause waterretention and bloating.

Snacking in front of those endlessTV repeats isn’t banned either,especially when such delicious,healthy options are available:satsumas provide vitamin C, whilstchestnuts are a delicious and festivelow-fat nut.

On the drinks side, alcohol canirritate the stomach and aggravateindigestion, whilst too many cans offizzy drink can lead to bloating. If youdo fancy a tipple, then Bucks Fizz willat least provide some vitamin C.

However restrained you try to be, itis inevitable that increased amountsof food and alcohol will tax yourdigestive system, and disrupt thenormal balance of bacteria in yourgut. A probiotic such as Yakult, willhelp to re-balance your intestinal

L YNNE Blackburn was a size 20and desperately unhappy. Formost of her life she had been atrim size eight but bad eatinghabits saw her weight creeping

up. The 44-year-old, who lives in Eston onTeesside, says: “When I first got marriedI was a size eight to ten but gradually myweight started going up. We would go outfor meals and I used to cook a lot at homeand somehow it got to the stage where Iwas a size 18 to 20.

“I felt awful, really miserable. I hatedhaving my photograph taken and I didn’tlike the way people treated me. Theylooked down on me because I was so big.”

Lynne had tried diets in the past buthad never managed to stick to any. Shewould shed a couple of pounds but didn’thave the willpower to lose any more.

The turning point came when hermarriage broke up and she found herselfon her own for the first time in 18 years.She was still close to her sister-in-law,who suggested she tried Slim Fast.

“That really kickstarted me into losingweight. I was absolutely determined. Ithought that if I got down to a size 14, Iwould be pleased. I did that and Ithought I might as well get down to a 12.I got down to a 12 and I knew I could goeven further.”

After eight months on the Slim Fastplan, Lynne is now back to a size eight toten. “I wish I’d done it years ago. I’m likea completely different person. It wasn’tuntil I saw pictures of me on holiday andcompared them to how I used to lookthat I realised how much weight I hadlost. I feel fantastic.”

Slim Fast offers meal replacements,most famously shakes, but there is also arange of soups and pastas. Lynneusually had a shake for breakfast andlunch, and a proper evening meal.

Sometimes, she would eat normally atlunchtime and have a Slim Fast soup fordinner but, she says, she never once felthungry. And the weight has stayed offnow she has finished the diet.

“I’m really pleased with the resultsand the best thing about it is that it’s soeasy to follow. When I look at diets likethe Atkins, they’re so complicated,there’s no way you could follow them ifyou’ve got a busy lifestyle.”

Extensive consumer research showsthat slimmers often break their diets bysnacking, so Slim Fast has developed anew diet plan, Six Times A Day, whichincludes snacking. It’s designed to breakthe cycle of starvation and bingeing thatdemoralises so many dieters.

The company has spent the last threeyears talking to people about thedifficulties of dieting. The overwhelmingevidence shows that most struggled tostick to diets due to food cravings and

energy slumps which can make life feellike an emotional rollercoaster.

The complete new products have beendeveloped with a low glycaemic index(GI) to help maintain a steady release ofenergy throughout the day. Slimmerscan now enjoy the new, low caloriefortified snack bars or fruit in betweenmeals to eliminate hunger cravings andhelp them lose weight healthily.

Slim Fast Marketing Director, EmmaWoods says: “The original Slim Fast plandid work but people found it hard to stickto as you had nothing to eat for longstretches of time. If you’re hungry, youtend to break diets which is why the newSix Times A Day Slim Fast plan with thenew, varied Slim Fast product range is sogood. You can, and should, snackthroughout the day and you still loseweight.”

www.slimfast.co.uk

CHRISTMAS: DEVELOPINGA PEACEFUL HEARTTINSEL, lights, noise, and shoppersstruggling through the crowds.December can be one long headachewith many wishing it was all over sothey can get back to normal. I guessthat’s one way of looking at it. Butwhat of the real message ofChristmas?If Christmas is really about peace andjoy for you, how can you make it sowithout getting lost in all the racket?There is a lot of truth in pleasure is allin the giving, not the receiving. It’s in

giving yourself, that you will light upsomeone’s smile and your own. Givingyour time costs nothing yet can meaneverything to someone in need. Take a little time out from all themadness and do something forsomeone in need this Christmas. Itdoesn’t need to be a grand gesture, afew hours or even a letter can make allthe difference. The funny thing is, itwill make a difference to you too.

Happy Christmas!Juliette Lee

Juliette is available atwww.sunflower

LIFE COACH

�I wishI’d doneit years

agoWith its meal replacement shakes,Slim Fast is one of the simplestdiets on the market. CHRISTENPEARS meets a woman whodropped six dress sizes on the plan Lynne Blackburn: half the woman she was. Top left: before the diet

THORPE FARM, PEEL HOUSE,GRETA BRIDGE, BARNARD CASTLE.

DL1 9TYTelephone 01833 627 242Email: [email protected]

AUTUMN SPECIALS FORTHE COFFEE SHOP

AND BISTROWe have various special offers on leading up to Christmas

Senior Citizens - Two for One for main meals onWednesday’s

Special 20% Discount on main meals - Tuesday’s &Thursday’s, for anybody who tells us the name of our donkey

as they arrive. His name is Jingle.

SUNDAY ROAST LUNCHfor £5.99

We have started serving roast beef on Sunday’s againas well as our usual extensive menu.

Call to book your table to avoid disappointment.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGIf you are looking for a relaxing place to visit to do your Christmas

shopping, why not visit us at The Peel House. Come and relax, have acoffee to a bite to eat and have a browse around the shops. We have a

range of goodies to suit all tastes.

PEEL HOUSE HAMPERSAre you looking for that gift with a difference. Why not consider one of

our “Luxury Hampers”. We are just launching “The Peel House HamperCompany” with a range of hampers to suit all tastes from corporate

hampers to an ideal gift for family and friends.

CHRISTMAS PARTYBOOKINGS

We are once again open for evening group bookings leading up toChristmas. We can accommodate groups of 15 up to 56 people. They willhave exclusive use of the Peel House, including the speciality food shop

and the gift shop.


� Don’t missBurton’s Bytes– gamereviews in TheNorthern Echoevery Friday

� Above right:Nike Mercurialboots

10CANON EOS 300D: Everyone agreesdigital photography has that old 35mm

film stuff beaten hands down. Unfortunately theaverage digi-cam isn’t the stuff of a gadgetlover’s dreams, being about as sophisticated asa point and press. The Canon EOS 300D is setto change all that. It’s a digital SLR (single lensreflex) that boasts all the creative features you’dexpect on a pro spec camera, at a price thatwon’t break the bank. The pictures it takesshould be superb thanks to a massive 6.3-megapixel CCD sensor and it takes the EF lensused on Canon’s 35mm EOS system. Athousand quid is still a lot of cash to spend butthe pictures this baby takes are priceless.

9NOKIA N-GAGE: Tricky one this. Is the N-Gage a games console or a smart phone?

Nokia hopes you’ll believe it’s a bit of both andtherefore indispensable. Although there aresome good games (including a terrific TombRaider adventure) the N-Gage has beensomething of a slow seller thus far. Rumoursabound that Nokia is set to redesign the hand-held to make switching games easier (at themoment you have to pop the battery) and acheaper variant may well be in the pipeline.However, if you really want to make your gamesplaying mates green with envy this Yule then theN-Gage is the way to do it. £209.99.

8CASIO PRT-2GPU PRO TEK GPS WATCH:Casio has a well founded reputation for

cramming dazzling gadgetry into its wrist watchesbut this is the first to feature a fully-fledged GPSsystem. In reality, it’s still a bit of a gimmickbecause the screen is so small, but wearingsuch a timepiece brings out the MacGyver inevery man. Simply strapping it on makes youwant to climb Everest. There’s always theNavman GPS system for your Pocket PC if the£350 price sounds a bit too steep.

7ANY HARD DISK JUKEBOX: Apple startedthe craze for downloading tunes onto a hard

disk for portable music and scores of othermanufacturers have gate-crashed the party.Archos, Philips and Sony are three companiesoffering similar devices. The benefits ofdownloading compressed tunes are the sheernumber you can store. My Archos HD playerholds my entire CD collection with room left overfor several hundred digital pics. The best havebuilt-in colour screens and some can evenrecord video. Prices start at the £199 mark andclimb steeply.

6MICO DVD RECORDER: CongratulationsSainsbury. The supermarket giant has

become the first retailer in Britain to offerrecordable DVD at a mass market price. Just£199 gets you a DVD+R recorder based on aPhilips chipset. If you’ve never burnt video to adisk, I guarantee you will be knocked out by theclarity. This machine was originally set to retail at£300 but Sainsbury clipped the price at the lastminute. At less than two hundred quid you’dbetter get a move on. Others will follow butSainsbury offers the best value this Christmas.

5NIKE MERCURIAL FOOTBALL BOOTS:They may not turn you into David Beckham

but Nike’s most expensive boots (£110) arestate-of-the-art football footwear. The lightweightfibre is not only kinder to your toes but makes itfeel as though you are playing in cotton woolbooties. The biz but those silver looks probablymean you can expect some crunching tacklesfrom jealous rivals.

4PHILISHAVE COOL SKIN SPECIAL: Theproblem with electric shavers is their inability

to get anywhere near to the closeness of adecent wet razor system. The Philips PhilishaveCool Skin does a better job than most thanks toits 45 super sharp blades and a method ofdispensing a skin balm while it scrubs your beardclean. Sensitive types will love it. Rugged guyscan appreciate the water-proofing and longbattery life. Still, £120 could buy an awful lot ofWilkinson Sword’s finest blades.

3PLAYSTATION PORTABLE: Bit of a cheatthis one as the hand-held PSX doesn’t go on

sale until next year, but demand is sure tooutstrip supply so you’d best get your order innow if you want to be in possession of 2005’smost wanted gadget. Games will be loaded via aMini-disc type of optical disc media. Can’t wait.

2SONY ERICSSON P800: Finally, a phonethat replaces your trusty PDA. Contacts,

calendar, camera, diary, note book, MP3 player,voice recorder, video cam, Internet and e-maildevice – they’re all in this one handy dandyhandset. It costs £472. Oh, and it makes decenttelephone calls too.

1SKY +: Until you have experienced whatthis terrific box of tricks can do, you cannot

possibly imagine how it will change your viewinghabits. It’s just like having your own personal TVstation. What’s more, Sky has recently droppedthe price to an eminently affordable £199 andthere’s no monthly sub provided you sign up fortwo or more premium channels. With so much tosee this Christmas, you’ll be daft not to go theSky+ route – it really is a Gadget Man’s dream.

The accelerating pace of technologymeans there’s bound to be somethingyour own gadget man just can’t dowithout this Christmas. NIGEL BURTONselects his ten favourite innovations

What to buy theman who’s got

everything

gadget man

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foodEATING OUT

GEORGE AND DRAGONINN, BOLDRON

IT’S approaching Christmas andthings are getting a bit fraught atJenkins and Hustwit – makers oftraditional, not to mentiondelicious, fruit cakes. HilaryJenkins introduces herself as

Ann Hustwit, realises her mistake andcorrects it just as Ann herself burststhrough the door, straight from icing acake.

Both wearing aprons, they’re hands-on and down-to-earth, and they make asuperb double act – funny, friendly andvaguely eccentric.

Jenkins & Hustwit is run from anindustrial unit tucked away in a backstreet off Bishop Auckland High Street.The smell of baking wafts in from theback and fills the cramped office.

Hilary and Ann set up the business inNovember 1990. Both were homeeconomics teachers but had becomedisillusioned with their jobs. They wereno longer being asked to teach childrenbasic cookery skills, something that stillrankles with both of them.

Ann had always harboured thoughtsof running her own business and thiswas the catalyst she needed. “We bothloved baking and there were so manypeople used to ask us around Christmastime if we could make their cakes. Wegot the idea that we could do somethingtogether that we enjoyed,” she says.

The pair, who are both farmers’ wives,began making cakes in their respectivekitchens, using traditional familyrecipes handed down from generation togeneration. It’s the same today, eventhough they now cook in a factory. Theirslogan is “A Taste of Tradition” andtheir popular Victorian ChristmasPudding is made to a recipe fromHilary’s great, great grandmother.

After a few years, they outgrew theirkitchens and moved to new premises.

They now have six staff working withthem, although they both remain veryhands-on. Apart from the scale, it’s morelike a giant kitchen than a factory – noconveyor belts and complicatedmachinery.

Everything is done by hand. They specialise in fruit cakes; there

are three different varieties, each withits own distinctive taste – but the rangehas grown over the years. There arecherry and almond, butter Madeira anddate and walnut cakes, as well as aselection for people with special dietaryneeds. They include the 99 per cent fatfree granny loaf and a Christmaspudding for diabetics.

“We have essentially kept to thetraditional recipes but made them morehealthy. We have found there are somany people out there with allergies orspecial dietary needs, like diabetics. Wewant them all to be able to enjoy ourcakes so we’ve introduced fat free,gluten free and ones with no addedsugar,” says Hilary.

Jenkins & Hustwit cakes are to befound in independent food shops anddelicatessens across Britain. A framedletter on the office wall from the Duke ofEdinburgh’s equerry shows even theRoyals have tried them.

This year, Selfridges began selling aselection of cakes. The pair were invitedto take part in a celebration of food from

across Britain to mark the Queen’sGolden Jubilee and the cakes proved sopopular, they are now stockedpermanently.

The cakes and puddings areparticularly popular at Christmas andthey also make mincemeat for thosewho want to turn their own hands tobaking. It means things are very hecticin the factory but the two women seemto thrive on it. “It’s a labour of love,”says Ann. “You get some people whodon’t like baking, but we love it. Wewouldn’t do it otherwise.”

So what it is it that makes Jenkins &Hustwit’s cakes so irresistible?According to Ann, it’s the fact thatthey’re “real cakes” – just like youwould make at home.

Hilary adds: “You buy some cakes andthey all taste the same because they’remade in a factory. All of our cakes tastedifferent. Each one is individual.”

Individual they may be, but they’reindividually delicious.� Jenkins & Hustwit (01388) 605005 orwww.jenkinsandhustwit.com

THE George and Dragon Inn inBoldron, just two miles south ofBarnard Castle, is easy to miss.

We lived in Barnard Castle for fouryears and never came across thevillage of Boldron, despite itsproximity. It’s on one of the routesfrom the town to the A66, thoughtravellers usually take the Rokebyroute to the East or the Bowes routeto the West when they’re motorwaybound. Perhaps, in future, the goodfood at the village’s George andDragon Inn will tempt them to takethe road in between.

The pub is painted white outside,with a small-paned bow window. It’snot the prettiest of inns, thoughinside tells a different story. Painteda deep red, it has a cosy bar withopen fire, adjacent dining area andseparate dining room, decorated withblue and white china, dried hops anddelicate white tablecloths. So far, sogood.

A sample menu for weekdaysincludes homemade soup (£1.95),pan-fried field mushrooms on toast(£3.95) and avocado, mozzarella andtomato salad (£3.95) for starters;pork and leek sausages with champmash (£6.25), game pie (£7.95) andsalmon steak with cous-cous crust(£8.95) for main course; chocolatepecan brownie (£2.95), Eton mess(£2.95) and seasonal crumbles fordessert.

We went on a Sunday lunchtimeand had roast beef and Yorkshire pud(£5.95). The beef was succulent andtasty and there was certainly noshortage of vegetables. Mash wascreamy, sauteed cabbage wasdelicious, and there were roastpotatoes, parsnips and carrots too.Enough for the proverbial army…

Dessert was a revelation. Theindividual sticky toffee puddingsserved with creme fraiche (£2.95)were suitably over-indulgent and thelemon meringue ice-cream (£2.95)was divine. Lunch was rounded offwith espresso and truffles.

Jenny Needham

� The George and Dragon Inn,Boldron, nr Barnard Castle (01833638215). Restaurant: 12-3pm,Saturday and Sunday; 7pm-9pm,Friday and Saturday. Prior booking formeals is appreciated.

From schoolteachers tofull-timebakers, HilaryJenkins andAnn Hustwitarerenowned fortheirtraditionalcakes.CHRISTENPEARSmeets them

Having theircake...

BAKING DAZE: HilaryJenkins and AnnHustwit with someof their Christmascakes and puds

� So many people used

to ask us around

Christmas time if we

could make their cakes


motoring

IT’S not every day that you areinvited to tilt, tumble and spread,but that’s exactly what you can do ifyou take a seat in Ford’s latest multi-purpose vehicle.

Seconds into scrutinising the new FordFocus C-Max it dawned on me where manymanufacturers are going wrong with theirMPVs – they are trying to carry too manypeople. How many times do we see mini-people carriers boasting “seven seats”only to find that this is at the expense ofthe boot or any personal space.

Well, the C-Max puts that right. It hasfive seats and a huge boot. But if you onlyhave four people, then the rear seats tilt,tumble and spread. Lose the middlecushion by tilting and tumbling itbackwards into the boot and the tworemaining seats spread diagonallyrearwards to offer class-leading legroom.They are still within an arm’s reach of theaircraft-style flip-up tables but the extraroom needed for a good lounge is mostwelcome, particularly in this class of car,by those who reside in the back. If youhave got large loads to carry, then theseats go one better and remove completely,offering a van-like storage bay.

Those who enjoy the front seats get atypically good view of the world. Despiteits modest proportions, compared withfull-sized MPVs, the C-Max does offer truepeople carrier space.

The view of the dashboard andinstruments is light and airy, and fixturesand fittings are solid with a real qualityfeel. There are all sorts of cubby-holes toofor your bits and pieces, your drinks,sweets, maps and CDs, so no complaintsthere then.

Unlike some MPVs, C-Max is blessedwith car-like road manners, comprisingfine ride, plenty of grip and, mostimportantly, sharp handling. Just becauseit has to work for a living doesn’t meanthe driver shouldn’t enjoy being at thewheel. Thankfully, it’s an accomplishedhandler with excellent steering and bodycontrol.

Opt for the 2.0 litre diesel and prepareto be stunned. Performance from this unitis absolutely breathtaking. The paperfigures only tell half the story – 136PS,

320Nm of torque, 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds,top speed of 124mph. The power comes inwith a wallop from way, way down the revrange. Get carried away and you couldeasily chirp the tyres in third gear. Itmakes the C-Max superb from crosscountry A and B road jaunts where slowmoving vehicles can be dispensed with ina flash and complete safety.

But be careful. The C-Max is so smoothand quiet, low revving and high off theground that it is all too easy to break thelaw and you have to keep a very close eyeon the speedometer. I found myselfdoubting its accuracy because at the legallimits it felt like half the speed. The wordsof the salesman rang constantly in myears: “Careful you don’t get caughtspeeding, it’s deceptive.” It was, but I wastoo. C-Max diesel would be great for theautobahns of Germany, but could be badfor your licence in the UK.

Fuel consumption is equally impressive,especially in light of the performance. Itwill do 37.7 miles per gallon around town,62.8mpg on the open road, giving anaverage of 50.4mpg, which is fantastic byany measure.

C-Max is a model of design for the MPVsector and an important lesson to all thatpeople require comfort as well asconvenience. And it is certainly the car togo for if you are looking for the space totilt, tumble and spread.

Versatile, with roadmanners too

Not all people carriers are obsessed with carrying people. IAN LAMMING drives the latest MPV from Ford

On screen: in-car entertainment


connectionsPLACES WITHIN EASY REACH

OF THE NORTH-EAST

The Scottish take their golf very seriously, saysPETA KING. And more or less anything elsethat take place in the great outdoors...

WHEN Scotland already has 500golf courses, you could beforgiven for asking why buildanother? But when that newcourse is designed by Dave

Thomas, of The Belfry fame, iscomplimented by a stylish hotel and issituated in the beautiful Border country justsouth of Peebles, then you have your answer.

Macdonald’s Cardrona Golf Resort openedonly in April, but the hotel has alreadybecome a popular venue and its 18-hole golfcourse has achieved championship status.

James II may have declared in 1457 thatgolf be banned “lest men be tempted not topractise their archery” but his rulingappeared to have little effect. The Scotsthemselves take their golf pretty seriouslyand thousands of visitors make theirpilgrimage to the country every year to takeon its challenging courses. And quite a lot ofthem seemed to be playing at Cardrona theweekend we were there.

But, if golf’s not your bag, there are plentyof other activities organised by the hotel’sevents team to tempt you.

There’s the lure of fly fishing on anexclusive salmon beat, clay pigeon shooting,archery competitions and treasure trails,orienteering, hiking and falconry. Thenthere’s mountain biking or horse riding.And, for the even more adventurous, tankdriving, off-road driving, quad biking,abseiling and rock climbing.

But not everyone wants to be sorelentlessly active. And for them there’s theCardrona Spa, where, in the candle-litindividual beauty therapy suites, you arelulled by soothing music while enjoyingDecleor, Jessica and Clarins face and bodytreatments. I chose the Decleor neck,shoulders and back massage, which is agreat way to untie the knots after working ata computer all week.

The hotel also has an 18-metre pool, gym,sauna and steam room.

Of course, all this activity is designed to

stoke up healthy appetites and the food atCardrona will not disappoint. Breakfast canbe the full Scottish experience with porridge,smoked haddock with poached eggs, bacon,sausages and black pudding; or cereals,croissants and fresh fruit. And dinner, withchoices including venison and Scottish-reared beef, is a five-star experience.

If you can drag yourself away from thehotel, there’s plenty of retail therapy to behad at Jedburgh Woollen Mill, where, in theClan Tartan Centre, you can explore theorigins of the Scottish clans and tartans andsearch for your name in its 50,000 archive,enjoy a free dram at the whisky shop orchoose some golf equipment or cashmere,Aran and lambswool knitwear.

Melrose, with its 12th century abbey, theresting place of the heart of Robert theBruce, is nearby, and closer still is Traquair,

said to be the oldest inhabited house inScotland. Home to the Stuarts of Traquair,who, to their cost, supported Mary Queen ofScots and the Jacobite cause, the house isalive with myths and magical tales. Take awalk in the woods and look for the GreyLady and see the Bear Gates to the park,which haven’t been opened since 1745 whenBonnie Prince Charlie passed through themfor the last time.

CLOCKWISE FROMMAIN PICTURE:off-road drivingacross the moors;Cardrona Hotel;one of the naturalhazards on thegolf course; theBear Gates atTraquair, closedsince BonniePrince Charliepassed throughthem in 1745Tee time

FACTFILEBED and breakfast at Cardronacosts from £50 per person anight (November to January);dinner, bed and breakfast from£70; single supplement £20 pernight. Feature room supplementfrom £15 per person; romanticbreaks package – includeschampagne, flowers,chocolates and luxury toiletries– add £60 to the total cost ofyour stay.Tel: (01896) 831144 or visitwww.macdonaldshotels.co.ukJedburgh Woollen Mill (01835)863585. Open seven days aweek all year. Free parking.Traquair House (01896) 830323or visit www.traquair.co.uk

READER OFFERCARDRONA are giving readersthe chance to take advantageof a special New Year offer.Enjoy dinner, bed and breakfastfor £55 per person midweek,and £65 per person atweekends. To book, or forfurther details, call Cardronareservations on 01896 831144quoting The Northern Echo.Offer valid from January 3,2004 to February 28, 2004(excluding February 13, 14 and15), subject to availability andallocation. The offer is basedon two people sharing adouble/twin room for aminimum of two consecutivenights dinner, bed andbreakfast and cannot be usedin conjunction with any otheroffer. Terms and conditionsapply.

� James II may have

declared in 1457 that

golf be banned ‘lest men be

tempted not to practise their

archery’ but his ruling

appeared to have little effect


competitioncorner

WIN a luxury night for twoat Walworth Castle

puzzles

IT’S taken Chris and Rachel Swainthree years to totally revampWalworth Castle on the outskirts of

Darlington, but now all the hard workis complete and to celebrate, the ho-tel would like to offer the chance for acouple to win a night in one of theirfeature suites. As well as a night inthe lap of luxury, the lucky winners willalso have dinner in the elegantHansard’s Restaurant and a full break-fast.To enter all you have to do is tell uswhich family built Walworth Castle in

the 12th century (see feature on page7). Answers, by the end of the month,on a postcard or the back of an enve-lope, to Walworth Castle Competition,NE Magazine, c/o Features, TheNorthern Echo, Priestgate, DarlingtonDL1 1NF.The prize date is subject toavailability and usual newspaper com-petition rules apply.

� Walworth Castle: 01325 485470www.walworthcastle.co.uk

Walworth Castle: celebrating a complete revamp

• Discount on block booking• Modern dual controlled cars• Patient, friendly instructors• Professional male & female instructors• All major credit & debit cards accepted

CALL FREEPHONE 0800 027 2422

LIMITED OFFERBuy 12 hours forthe price of 10

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INTENSIVE COURSESFROM £220

INCLUDING TESTS

B-SAFEDRIVER TRAINING

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Banks Hire Boats

5 DIFFERENT CRUISINGROUTES AVAILABLE

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beds, two toilets and a bath.For a real Yorkshire welcome,

come home to

Banks HireBoats

For a Free Brochure Phone(08707) 490061Or visit us at (Selby Boat

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well stocked chandleryE-mail us at:

[email protected] visit our website:

www.selby-boat centre.co.uk

The Friendly,Family Company

ofSelby

P & PCARAVAN SERVICE & REPAIR CENTRE

SPECIAL OFFER FOR JANUARY ONLY‘NEXT YEARS SERVICES’

SINGLE AXLES £100 plus V.A.T. and Parts

TWIN AXLES £125 plus V.A.T. and Parts

20 years experience within Caravan Industry

Tel: 07952 964952 or 07984 370186Unit 9C/B, Leadgate Industrial Estate, Co. Durham

ANY JOB UNDERTAKEN INCLUDING JOINERY

You

• Beautiful Hats for all occasions and Wedding Outfits

• Exclusive Evening Wear at reasonable prices

• Silk Wedding Flowers made to order

Telephone: JUNE (Personal Service)6 Borough Road, Darlington (opp. Civic

Theatre side entrance). Tel. 01325 355128

JUNE’SHAT HIRE

Fashion & Accessories

Wateredge Innon Lake Windermere

Delightfully situated on the shores of Windermere with superb countryinn-style dining. Pretty bedrooms, many with lake-views. Ideally

situated for enjoying Ambleside, Lake, steamers and nearby Fells.

ROOMS FROM £35 PP B&BAMBLESIDE, CUMBRIA LA22 0EP

Tel. 015394 32332 www.wateredgeinn.co.uk

Beauty StudioOpen: Mon-Wed,

10am-6pmThur-Fri, 10am-9pm

Sat 9.30am-2pmBishop AucklandTel: 01388 609009

Studio 2000PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY,

DARLINGTONCapture the magic of Christmas with

portrait sittings in your own home.

The Perfect Christmas Gift

Tel: 01325 281000www.studio-2000.com

Wedding Photography also our Speciality

Direct Vehicle SalesLet us find it for you

Nearly New Cars sourced for YOU direct from the wholesalersTell us what you want and we’ll find it for you!

DON’T TAKE SECOND BESTCALL PAUL SCANLON NOW

Ripon 01765 605041 Mobile 07939 136990WHY DO IT YOURSELF?

some examples available to buy for you NOWVAUXHALL

03/03 Corsa 1.2GLS. 10-14000 miles, Star Silver............................................. £550003/03 Corsa 1.2SXi 3-dr. 11-13000 miles, choice of colours ......................... £670003/03 Astra 1.6 Club. 3-5000 miles, choice of colours ................................... £780003/03 Astra 1.6 SXi 5-dr. 12-14000 miles, Ultra Blue/Black Silver.................. £835003/03 Vectra 1.8 LS. 2-3000 miles, Flame Red................................................ £930003/03 Zafira 1.6 Club (03 5 model). 2-5000 miles, choice of colours........ £10,40003/03 Zafira 1.6 Active (03 5 model). 2-5000 miles, choice of colours..... £10,90003/03 Signum 2.2 DTi Elegance. 8-10000 miles, choice of colours ........... £14,500

FORD03/03 Focus 1.6 LX Auto. 3-8000 miles, choice of colours............................. £960003/03 Focus 1.6 LX. 3-6000 miles, choice of colours....................................... £890003/03 Mondeo 2.0 ZetecS TDCi 5-spd. 3-8000 miles (available shortly), choice

of colours............................................................................................. £12,80003/03 Mondeo 2.0 ZetecS TDCi 6-spd. 3-8000 miles (available shortly), choice

of colours............................................................................................. £14,000ROVER

03/03 75 1.8T Club SE. 2-3000 miles (LTD supply), Royal & Wedgwood Blue ... £13,40003/03 75 1.8T Club SE. 2-3000 miles (LTD supply), Silver & Copperleaf....... £13,400

NISSAN03/03 Almera 1.5 SE. 7-10000 miles, choice of colours ........................... £7300

RENAULT03/03 Clio 1.2 Dynamique A/C. 7-9000 miles, choice of colours................... £7300

PART EXCHANGES ARRIVING SOON02/02 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Estate. 34000 miles, 2 owners, Silver......... £825001/51 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 DTi CD Hatch. 27000 miles, 2 owners, Premium Blue........................................................................................................................... £7500

All cars come complete with Main Dealer Service and 6 Months road fund licence. Warranty isremainder of manufacturers. One five minute phone call is the key to...the widest choice

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CALL PAUL SCANLON NOW Ripon 01765 605041 Mobile 07939 [email protected]

638502

Sugar HillPrimarySchool

Where EveryChild CountsHeadteacher:Mr F. C. Ridley

Sheraton Road,Newton Aycliffe,

Co. Durham DL5 5NUTelephone

01325 300334 :Fax 01325 308980

LeisureLeisure

SOUTH OFFRANCELuxury MobileHomes To Let

ANTIBESVisit Nice - St Tropez -

Monte CarloRates from £150 pw2 & 3 bedrooms,

fully equippedLocation has

excellent facilitiesFor details call0113 2644954

Meynells LtdStockists of all makes of sewing machinesand everything you need for your hobby

NOW STOCKING CRAFT FABRICS2 Southfield Rd, MiddlesbroughTelephone (01642) 247863

SHILDONMotor CompanyRedworth Road, ShildonTel. 01388 778492Fax 01388 778413Quality Car Sales

Finance ArrangedLicensed Credit Broker - written details on request

MON-FRI 9-6 • SAT 9-5 • SUN 10-4www.shildonmotorco.co.uk

We cover . . .• Cricket Pitches (waterproof)• Trailers and Pick-ups• Roll-over Covers - wagons• Pond / Garden funiture• Ground Sheets / Tarpaulins• Swimming Pools

At SELECTIVECOVER

- we’ve got it coveredTel: (01845) 522856or (07703) 441744

Daily Living Aidsfor the Disabled

& Elderly

Our Showroom is set outas a replica home withgreat ideas on how tomake daily tasks easierScooters, Wheelchairs,Walking Aids, Bathing,Toileting, Household

Kitchen & DiningUnit 1B, Drum IndustrialEstate, Chester-le-Street

Tel. 01914922301

Family

WORD

C: A hater of man

wiseThe word may soundfamiliar, but do you

know what it means?

MISANTHROPE

A One who misuses funds

B A person whodoes good work

C A hater of man

ANSWER

?IMPOSSIPUZZLE

The first digit of a certain6-figure number is a 4. If that4 is shifted to the other end of

the 6-figure number, theresulting number is a quarter

of the original number.What was the original

number?

SOLUTION

410256

?Name thestar picturedon the left

ANSWERSCelebrity wordmatch:The missing words are:enemy, rabbit, office, flight, collar, face, cradle,speech, sunday, pencil, chain, corner and thecelebrity is Michael CaineCelebrity stare:Dido

CELEBRITY STARES


Leisure

638428

Killhope, near Cowshill, Upper Weardale,Co. Durham DL13 1AR (A689)

Telephone 01388 537505

December 13th & 14thSANTA DOWN

THE MINEKid’s Christmas

Workshops

Free admission toKillhope Cafe &

ShopFree Car Parking

Children £5Accompanying adults £1

Unit 5, First Avenue, Drum Ind. Est.Chester-le-Street, Tel: 0191 4109994District 2, Armstrong Ind. Est. Est. Washingtonnext to B&Q Tel: 0191 4175277

Chester-le-Street Store - Open: Mon-Thurs 9-5; Fri 9-4 Sat 10-4; Closed SundayWashington Store - Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30; Sat 10-4.30 Sun 11-4

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

DIRECTBEDS & PINE

FACTORY

SAVE POUNDS - BUYDIRECT FROM THE

FACTORYQuality Pine Beds,

Furniture &Mattresses

A selection can bebrought to your door!

100s in stockfor immediate delivery

Est. 1898

Chair ReclinerSpecialist

BondgateDARLINGTON01325 463303

andSHILDON

01388 772671

FREE CAR PARKREAR OF BOTH SHOPS

58” chest64” waist

BIG SIZEMENSWEAR

Main StreetSHILDON

01388 772671Park outside

shop at leisure

UNIT 2G, DRUM INDUSTRIALESTATE, CHESTER-LE-STREET

(OPP. BATLEYS)TELEPHONE:

(0191) 4920073Open Mon-Fri 10-5 p.m.

Sat 10-4 p.m.

�

�

10% DISCOUNTon production of

this coupon

Lots of new andexciting tile ranges

now in stock

590572 43-0621P

Autumn Sale1st Blind £37* Each additional blind £26

CURVED TRACKS AVAILABLE FROM £77Conservatory Blind Specialist. Ten years experience. Quality serviceguaranteed. Massive savings on our new designer range of fabrics

Wooden Venetians / Rollers / PleatedMonbello Blinds

Darlington Area 0800 0855917Bishop Auckland Area 01388 745679

*Vertical blinds - selected fabrics up to 8ft wide

Christmas Shopping in York?Monkgate Guest House

5 mins easy walking for York Minster, Cityattractions and restaurants

PRIVATE PARKING • NO SMOKINGGround floor bedroom available

RING FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR SPECIAL MIDWEEK RATES

Visit us at our websitewww.monkgateguesthouse.co.uk

For more details tel: (01904) 655947

Have peace of mind with

HOMEINSURANCE

For details, telephone

01423 502253

in searchof

FatherChristmas

LaplandLapland

2003 BROCHUREOUT NOW

CANTERBURYTRAVEL

� (01923) 822388ABTA V6364 or visit

www.santa-holidays.comATOL 739 Protected

�

in searchof

FatherChristmas

�

��PRAGUEAABBAATravel

Apartments£25

Airport Transfer£10

Very competitive rates

Tel 07763 459041www.aabbaa.co.uk

from

Homes and Gardens

BuildingSupplies

from

ELDONHOPE

(01388)775261

BuildingSupplies

from

ELDONHOPE

(01388)775261

Iron CreationsWrought iron gates are a beautiful additional to any home. Not

only do they improve the appearance of your property whenfitted, they will stand the test of time and weather, to remain a

lasting investment.Iron Creations supply handmade gates made to your own design

and finished to a very high standard hard to match.When ordering from Iron Creations you will receive the

personalised service that only a smaller company can provide.Tel. (0191) 5110924

Washington, Tyne & Wearor visit www.ironcreations.net or email:

[email protected]

Auctioneers of DistinctionThe Gallery Saleroom

Northumberland StreetDarlington DL3 7HJTel Fax

(01325) 462559 (01325) 284587

Meynells LtdStockists of all makes of SewingMachines & everything you need

for your hobby

WE GUARANTEE YOU EXCELLENTCUSTOMER SERVICE

2 Southfield Road,Middlesbrough

Tel: (01642) 247863

Let the light shine withHomefair Blinds

Vertical Roller VenetianAll made to measure

www.homefair-blinds-uk.com

Freephone (08000) 729474

623477

WESTWOODTIMBER

& FENCINGTel. (01325) 378202

www.westwoodtimber.co.uk

� Custom-made sheds, play huts andsummerhouses.

� Private and domestic fencing supplied and fixed.

� Panels, trellis, posts and rails.

� Hardwood railway sleepers in stock.

� Large selection of profile posts.

� We also supply hardwood logs.

WE ARE SITUATED JUST PAST THECROFT MOTOR RACING CIRCUIT, DOWN

WEST LANE, AT DALTON-ON-TEES

BTL WOOD SHEDS

Tel: 01388 608452 Toronto, Bishop Auckland

RAILWAY SLEEPERS & TELEGRAPH POLES ALSO AVAILABLE

HAND CARVED ROCKING HORSES

LOGS AND STICKS SUPPLIERS OF SHEDS

SUMMER HOUSE PLAY HOUSES

Suppliers Of Fencing / Decking Materials

Now taking orders for Rocking Horses and Playhouses

All Garden Play Equipment Available

Beauty is within the eyeof the Beholder

Quality and Value from

EXPRESS BLINDSVertical • Roller • Venetian

Pleated • Solar Film

0800 0745724www.expressblinds.co.uk

Beauty is within the eyeof the Beholder

BLINDS UK2 Vertical Blinds £60 3 Vertical Blinds £894 Vertical Blinds £111 5 Vertical Blinds £129

Any size - FREE measure• FREE fitting (Lovely choice of fabrics)Roller Blinds & Vertical Blinds fitted

within 5 working daysAlso fabulous range of Wood Venetians

and Roller BlindsAll blinds & samples brought

to your home

(01325) 320666For a FREE No Obligation Estimate visit our website

www.blinds.uk.com

Bow StreetCentreGuisborough

BUSINESS UNITSTO LET

Start up your business with our easyterms. Good access and parking.

01642 710742• 01287 610600

617292

ACQuality

DecoratingALL ASPECTS OF

WORKUNDERTAKEN

Internal/ExternalFree estimates and

quotationsCall

(0191) 3789797

LUXURY SHOPPING Pick of the - This is The North...

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