Select Magazine North East - Autumn 2022

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. home from home holiday care for your dog. Everything is arranged, overseen and supported locally by our friendly dog care professionals We're the experts at making your dog feel at home.

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offers everything from unique guided tours up the River Tyne in a kayak to exploring the coves, caves and beaches of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay. You can even sail under the Bridge or head out at night for their popular Glow Tours in an illuminated kayak.

TOON TOUR BUS

The NewcastleGateshead Toon Tour sightseeing bus returns to tour the city until the end of September with a regular hop-on and off service. Visitors can hop on and off to their heart's content as they explore Newcastle's attractions and take in the city's sights atop the latest sightseeing bus experience. Buses start from Central Station in Newcastle and then serve 17 stops on a circular route which takes in some of the finest sights around the city.

hen we travel, whether to other areas of the UK or abroad, many of us seek out guided tours to explore and get to know the towns, cities and countries we are visiting. However, how many of us know our area and region's diverse history? Here we highlight just a few of the enchanting local tours available to us in the North East.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Newcastle City Guides offer a regular City Highlights Tour during the summer and autumn months, perfect for visitors and locals alike who want to learn more about Newcastle’s heritage. The tours run until 31st October and generally begin around 10.30 in the Central Arcade. The tour takes in many sights and provides a fascinating introduction to the history and culture of our wonderful city. Please be aware that the tour takes the Quayside and includes a steep hill.

As well as the City Highlights tour, the Guides also run a programme of fascinating heritage walks, which explore a more comprehensive range of topics, stories and regions around NewcastleGateshead.

GREYS MONUMENT TOUR

The City Guides also hold the hot ticket for the Greys Monument Tours, which provide a rare opportunity to climb the 164 steps to the top of Newcastle’s landmark and gain unrivalled views of the city. The tours run from May until August only, so please keep checking the website (details at the bottom of this page) for ticket release dates as these tours book up well in advance.

NEWCASTLE UNITED STADIUM TOUR

Sports fans must take a Newcastle United Stadium Tour at the iconic St James’ Park. Stand pitch side and imagine the roar of the crowd. Wander around the changing rooms, or head to the dizzying heights of the stadium rooftop to get a bird’s eye view of St James’ Park. Even if you are a regular at St James Park, the behind-the-scenes tours give you unprecedented access and a new perspective on the stadium you frequent every other week. You can opt for the classic tour, or for those of you brave enough, you can ascend to a walkway 150 feet in the air for the rooftop tour.

RIVER TYNE KAYAK TOUR

For the more adventurous, a fantastic range of tours is available courtesy of CBK Adventure Co. The award winning outdoor adventure company

WThe Tunnel is open all year round to the public for guided tours, which include fantastic sound and visual effects, running regularly throughout the year. For full details on all of the above tours, visit www. newcastlegateshead.com/businessdirectory/things-to-do/guided-tours some of the fascinating local guided tours available

VICTORIA TUNNEL TOUR

Finally, you can head underground for a 2 hour tour of the fascinating Victoria Tunnel. The Tunnel runs beneath the city of Newcastle, from the Town Moor down to the River Tyne, and is now one of the must-see visitor attractions and heritage guided tours for visitors to NewcastleGateshead and locals alike. The entrance to the historic tunnel can now be found in Ouseburn, beside Hotel Du Vin. Victoria Tunnel was built in 1842 to transport coal from Leazes Main Colliery to riverside staithes (jetties), ready for loading onto ships. In 1939, it was converted into an air-raid shelter to protect hundreds of Newcastle citizens during World War II.

Join the expert volunteers at Victoria Tunnel and don a helmet before setting off on a fascinating, underground guided tour. Experience the sounds of a wartime air raid and follow your knowledgeable guides underground to discover the Tunnel's role as a colliery wagonway. Listen out for the oncoming coal wagons!

FIREWORKS AT THE FORT

Saturday 5th November 2022

Segedunum Roman Fort, Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR

Hundreds of spectators will gather at the annual Segedunum fireworks display. As well as the firework extravaganza, visitors can explore the museum for free. Entry from 4pm. Display at 6.30pm. In the event of poor weather conditions the display may be cancelled or rearranged.

BLUE FLAMES FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Saturday 5th November 2022

Blue Flames sporting club, Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SF

A family event, with fairground rides, stalls, food and refreshments and entertainment. There will be 3 bars open as well as a variety of food stalls, catering for most dietary needs.

Gates open at 4.30pm. Display is around 7pm Tickets are: Adults £7.50, Children £5.50 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fireworks-tickets-396591354417

NORTH TYNESIDE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Sunday 6th November 202

The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ

North Tyneside's annual fireworks display attracts thousands of people to see a spectacular show overlooking the North Sea off Whitley Bay. There are fairground rides and refreshments from 6pm, with the display starting at 7pm and lasting for around 20 minutes. Traffic in the area will be busy but many people choose to use the Metro. In the event of bad weather, the event will take place the following night.

All information is correct at the time of going to print, but is subject to change. Please check with the individual events to ensure there are no changes.

Five Reasons to Visit The Biscuit Factory this Autumn

If you haven’t visited before, or haven’t been for a while, then this autumn might be the perfect opportunity to make time for your next visit. Here’s five reasons why:

1. THEIR VARIED COLLECTIONS OF STUNNING ORIGINAL ART

The Biscuit Factory works with hundreds of independent artists, showcasing thousands of pieces of art, each created by hand using a vast array of techniques. Visitors can view everything from original paintings to handcrafted jewellery, sculpture, textiles and furniture.

This autumn, expect to find a new exhibition by Graham Rider whose work focuses on the hinterland between land and sea. Graham’s studies of the sand dunes and marshes often found in coastal locations aim to capture the feeling of standing within the scene itself. Always popular among those who recognise the sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast and hold memories of summer holidays spent there.

2. AFFORDABLE GIFT IDEAS FROM JEWELLERY TO HOMEWARES

If you’re looking for an original gift, The Biscuit Factory should definitely be on your radar. Their craft gallery stocks hundreds of smaller pieces, ideal for Birthday or Christmas gifts to family or friends. Pick up original, handmade pieces from under £25, including handcrafted candle holders, unique mugs and vases, or limited edition art prints.

Looking for something a little more personal? Their jewellery collection hosts over a dozen artists at any time, working in all sorts of materials from recycled plastics to precious stones. All budgets are catered for too, from silver ear studs at £20 to gold diamond rings.

If you don’t want the responsibility of choosing, you can opt for a gift voucher instead from £10, and pop it in one of the quirky greetings cards that they source from independent printers, designers and artists.

3. A ROOF-TOP TERRACE

TO ENJOY THE AUTUMN SUNSHINE

Located on the first floor of The Biscuit Factory, The Factory Kitchen’s rooftop garden terrace is a perfect oasis between the City and the Ouseburn Valley.

Even as the weather cools, their partially covered terrace is a popular spot when the sun is shining! Visitors can enjoy their delicious menu of brunch dishes, fresh salads and bakery. Finish up with homemade cakes or ice-cream (or both!) from their deli counter and wash it all down with tea, coffee, cocktails or wine. You’ll even find local beers in their fridges from nearby Tyne Bank Brewery! Kids aren’t

forgotten either, with their own mini-menu and colouring activities.

4. CREATIVE WORKSHOPS TO AWAKEN YOUR INNER-ARTIST

Get in touch with your inner-artist, learn a new skill, or just enjoy a different type of day out with friends. The Biscuit Factory’s range of workshops are a wonderful way to unwind and get your creativity flowing.

Led by professional artists or crafts practitioners, workshops include: embroidery, rug tufting, ceramic mugmaking, printing, painting and drawing, and wire sculpture to name a few! All workshops are suitable for beginners, and you’ll always leave with your very own personal creation.

Keep a look out for their children’s Little Biscuits workshops too in the school half term holidays where kids can also learn how to create with clay, basic printing techniques, make masks, and more! Parents, carers or guardians also enjoy 10% discount in the cafe so they can relax while the kids get creative!

5. THE BOOK HUS FROM FORUM BOOKS

North East Indie Bookstore legends Forum Books have had their own pop up in The Biscuit Factory for nearly 5 years! Situated on the ground floor of the gallery you’ll find The Book Hus, where you can discover a rotating range of unusual, exciting, and interesting titles alongside wellknown publications. It’s an ideal place to pick up your next read, or choose a title to gift to a loved one instead. When you buy a book in The Book Hus you’ll also get a stamp on your Factory Kitchen loyalty card, so you can enjoy your purchase over a cuppa! What’s more, you’ll also find regular book events hosted at the gallery from Forum’s rosta of literary talent.

With free entry seven days a week, and so much to see and do, The Biscuit Factory is an ideal day out for the culture-seeker.

■ The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN. Tel: 0191 261 1103 www.thebiscuitfactory.com

Newcastle-based art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory, is celebrating their 20th Birthday this November!

People wrongly assume that if they were unable to manage their own affairs, their spouse or family would be able to step in and help them. Sadly, this is not the case! A durable Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is essential to enable your family to help you. am a fully qualified practising solicitor with many years’ experience and can prepare your LPA for a fraction of the price of high street firms. Home/ carehome/hospital visits are allow your loved ones to allow loved ones to Bedlingtonshire helpline abroad, 365 days a

World Class Snooker

The North East Snooker Centre, based on Queen Alexander Road in North Shields, were delighted to hold the first ever World Snooker Q Tour tournament in the North East. Over 120 entrants from all over the world arrived for a weekend of top quality snooker last month.

The tournament attracted competitors of all ages and standards, as shown in the picture, where you can see the eldest participant Maureen Rowland, along with the youngest Stan Moody. They are joined by MP Alan Campbell and local professionals Gary Wilson, David Lilly and Elliott Slessor, all of whom practice at the venue run by Paul and Alison Rinaldi.

The North East Snooker Centre, based on Queen Alexander Road, is the only club in the North East to play host to four Professional Star tables, the same type of table you see on televised events. The centre also has two high quality Riley Aristocrat tables with steel block cushions, and four standard Riley tables, similar to those found in most social clubs, but in tip-top condition.

For those new to the game, or even for experienced players wanting to build their potting confidence, the club has a high quality ¾ table. For ardent 9-ball and 8-ball pool players, the couple have installed tournament quality tables, offering the best

playing surfaces for both sports. Also, be assured you’re in good hands when seeking advice on improving all aspects of your game. Paul Rinaldi himself is a former professional player, and his main advice is always ‘Keep it Simple’. Paul is continually involved with many of the current top professionals and also helps run ‘The Cue Zone’ during the World Championships in Sheffield, as well as other ranking tournaments. If you’d like help from a coach who has made over 1000 century breaks then look no further. Whether you are a beginner looking for basic tips, or an experienced player seeking help with certain aspects of your game, pop in and see how Paul can help improve your game.

Because of the contacts Paul has built up over the years, the centre has already hosted Professional Snooker Exhibitions and other quality events. In their first year, cue sport legends Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis and Cliff Thorburn, as well as world champions Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams, have all made appearances at the centre. With more events planned for the coming 12 months, keep an eye out for more world class stars coming to the area.

As well as catering for adult enthusiasts of all abilities, the club also provide quality coaching through their Saturday Morning Kids Club. Boys and Girls ages 8 to 16 will truly benefit from attending a fun-packed morning of cue sport activity.

For more details on all of the above, either call the centre on 0191 691 2091 or visit www.northeastsnookercentre.com The centre is open 11am - 11pm, 7 days a week.

North Shields Hosts It’s First Ever World Snooker Tournament

Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis and Cliff Thorburn, as well as world champions Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams, have all made appearances at the centre.

Tournament competitors along with Alan Campbell MP and owners Paul and Alison Rinaldi

What’s for Dinner Tonight?

It’s the dreaded question, but a HelloFresh recipe box delivered to your door can answer it in a fresh and delicious way.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, or looking to add some basics to your repertoire, HelloFresh is on hand to help. They deliver fresh, seasonal ingredients and recipe cards to your door, which means you can make tasty meals without meal planning or visiting the supermarket.

With more and more of us pushed for time, trying to make space in our week for regular trips to the supermarket to search for a host of individual ingredients could be difficult. Even if we do have time, putting a menu together can prove time consuming and, as we have all experienced, the supermarket may not have everything we need.

With 37 weekly recipes, there’s something for all taste buds and the opportunity to cook gourmet meals at home. You could go for a Rapid dinner ready in under 20 minutes, a Family Favourite, Veggie, or pick a Calorie Smart dish under 600 calories. Meals start from just £3.25 per person.

The ingredients you receive are pre-portioned, so there’s minimal food waste and a flexible subscription that you can control, which can be paused or cancelled at any time.

Your delivery will arrive in eco-friendly packaging, and you don’t have to worry if you’re not home as the team will leave your box in a specified safe place, and everything is packed with several ice packs, which keeps the ingredients chilled.

HelloFresh was founded in 2011 and are proud to be an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral company. They’re also the first global recipe box company to be Red Tractor Assured, meaning their beef, chicken, turkey, duck and park meat are all sourced from farms that meet rigorous standards.

Reasons to try HelloFresh

• Time Saver: They deliver everything you need to create delicious dinners from scratch so you spend less time shopping!

• Value for Money: They work closely with trusted suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients for your recipe box.

• Cutting Food Waste: By giving you the exact amount of ingredients you need, you cut food waste.

So if you fancy a delicious recipe box delivered to your door, getting set up is easy:

1. Visit www.bit.ly/hellofreshabc or scan the QR code with your smartphone camera.

2. Fill out a simple questionnaire about which of its dozens of recipes you’d like.

3. Use the exclusive code HFABC50 at the checkout for 50% off your first box and 35% off your next three boxes.

SCAN

Today Everyone’s a Photographer

By Anne Watson, a member of Whitley Bay Photographic Society

A Google search found it’s projected that a staggering 1.7 trillion photo’s will be taken around the world in 2022, and we all love to share what we’ve taken by posting our images up on Social Media sites. WhatsApp takes top spot with 6.9 billion images shared each day and, when you add in Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, the number of images shared each day becomes mind-boggling!

Which is better?

This series of articles is designed to help you take better images to share with others and it doesn’t matter what kind of camera you have either. As seasoned photographer Chase Jarvis noted when asked what was the best camera for a set of photographic situations ~ his reply was “whatever you happen to have with you at the time”.

92% of the images uploaded to the internet were taken on a smartphone and these have evolved enormously over the last 10 years and have almost as many ‘bells and whistles’ as the camera an amateur photographer might be seen carrying around. No matter what you use to take an image the fundamentals of photography remain the same. Being Subject, Lighting, Composition and Timing.

In future articles I’ll be exploring these and offering tips and techniques on how you can improve both your photography and editing skills to help your images stand out and get noticed. A digital camera, such as the Nikon above, has been designed to be held using both hands to create a stable platform to help reduce camera shake and blurry images. Top Tip for smartphone photographers - try to find a steady surface for the shot e.g., window frames, lamp posts, benches etc to either lean against or use as a rest as it will help reduce images lost to the dreaded camera shake.

www.wbphoto.org

Film Releases

Don’t Worry Darling

Genres: Thriller

Age Rating: 15

Release date: 23rd September

The American dream of the 1950s blackens into a nightmare in Don’t Worry Darling, a psychological thriller that takes up residence under your skin. Alice is a young, happy wife whose marriage to company man Jack comes with just one caveat: never, ever ask him about his work on the secret Victory Project.

While her fellow wives cook and clean, Alice becomes consumed by Jack’s secrets and haunted by hallucinations, the tension builds to a gut-punch climax. Creepy, clever and with standout performances from Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.

visual space odyssey that not only illuminates the enigmatic legacy of David Bowie but also serves as a guide to living a fulfilling and meaningful life in the 21st Century. Moonage Daydream is not a documentary. It is a genre-defying cinematic experience based on one of the most iconic and global rock stars of all time, destined to be one of the defining cultural moments of the year The film has the full support of Bowie’s estate and features many of his greatest tracks, as well as previously unseen concert footage.

in partnership with the House of Dior, ‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’ tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own. After she works, starves and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior.

Moonage Daydream

Genres: Documentary, Musical

Age Rating: 15

Release date: 23rd September

From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen, director of Cobain: Montage of Heck, and featuring never-beforeseen concert footage, Moonage Daydream is an immersive cinematic experience; an audio-

Smile

Genres: Horror Age Rating: 18

Release date: 30th September

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Amsterdam

Genres: Drama, History Age Rating: TBC Release date: 7th October

A fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience.

Set in the 1930s, ‘Amsterdam’ follows the story of three friends who get entangled in one of the most famous murder cases in American history. Initially witnesses of the incident, they somehow become the primary suspects. Now, the three friends — a nurse, a doctor, and an attorney — must follow the case closely and deal with all the proceedings in an uphill struggle to clear themselves from all charges.

Starring Margot

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris

Genres: Comedy, Drama Age Rating: PG

Release date: 30th September

Starring Isabelle Huppert, Jason Isaacs and Lesley Manville and

Robbie,Christian Bale and John David Washington, 20th Century Studios’ and New Regency’s original crime epic is about three close friends who find themselves at the center of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history.

Time for a Break?

Local coach tourism expert Graham Wright of United Group Travel has worked in the industry as a driver for many years, the last few spent as a tour driver for a local North East coach holiday company, until the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on the industry, with many companies going out of business.

Over the years, on his numerous tours both abroad and in the UK, Graham built up a fantastic relationship with many of his passengers, and he is lucky to call many of them friends. They really appreciated Graham’s vast experience and knowledge of the places he visited, to the extent that a lot of passengers started asking who the driver would be before they actually booked a tour with the company. It was during a conversation with one of his friends that the question was asked about starting his own company and running his own holidays.

Graham has put all his years’ experience and knowledge to good use while planning his exclusive tours. All the tours are exceptional value for money, and he only selects the best-established quality hotels, that are generally either known to him, or he has previously used them before. The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on Graham’s knowledge, as well as any relevant

previous customer feedback and suggestions to ensure they are always enjoyed. The trips do not leave the hotel too early, or return too late, so as to allow everyone to make full use of the facilities. Guaranteed free time, as well as entertainment, are also key factors that he takes into account to try and make a tour as pleasurable an experience as possible.

It’s nice to have something to look forward to, so why not book a Christmas shopping trip, some Turkey and Tinsel or go the whole hog and book a trip away for New Year’s Eve? The advert on the opposite page shows you what’s on offer, with more to follow!

Rest assured that you can book with confidence with United Travel. They have been granted a COVID-19 Industry Standard Certificate, which shows that government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Plus, if your tour is cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, you will receive a full refund.

Graham would like to thank all of his wonderful customers that continued to support him throughout 2021 and 2022 and he’s looking forward to welcoming you onboard!

■ United Group

Tel: 01670 632460 / 07957 United Group

E need of a getaway? United are taking bookings now for their quality coach tours.

Thoresby Hall Hotel

Queen Hotel, Chester

Each letter has a different numerical value between one and nine. Find out what each letter represents to reach the added totals by reading across and down. Two values have been filled in for you.

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Try these easy-to-bake spiced pumpkin muffins as a mid-morning snack. They're ideal for Halloween and Bonfire Night, too!

INGREDIENTS

225g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp ground cinnamon (or 2 tsp pumpkin spice mix)

100g caster sugar

50g soft light brown sugar

200g tin pumpkin purée

2 large eggs

125g slightly salted butter, melted

For the pumpkin spice mix

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground allspice or cloves

METHOD

1. Mix all the dried spices together well and keep in an airtight container.

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Prepare a muffin tin with paper cases. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon or pumpkin spice and caster sugar together into a large bowl. Stir the soft brown sugar through the mixture.

2. Beat the eggs and then whisk together with the tinned purée in a large jug; whisk in the melted butter, then add to the dry ingredient. Mix everything together until just combined. Don’t over mix!

3. Bake in the centre of the oven for 15 mins until golden and risen with springy tops. If you insert a skewer, it should come out clean. Lift onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely…or eat while they are still warm with vanilla ice cream.

As a transitional space within the home, it’s important that the hallway is clutter-free, well-lit, and consciously styled in-keeping with the rest of the interiors. The key to striking the perfect balance is to choose furnishings and décor that are both beautiful and functional – think slim-line consoles and storage benches to tidy away essentials, and handy wall mirrors for last-minute touch ups

Hallway Decor Ideas Beautiful & Functional D

Quality, Affordable, Garage Doors

Looking for a new garage door? AI Garage Doors have got just the right solution for you.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the look of your property, replace a worn out garage door or prevent draughts, AI Garage Doors have a door to suit your needs.

Give them a call and they will guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right garage door to meet your requirements.

From Side Hinged to Roller, Sectional to Up and Over, there are many to choose from.

Side Hinged (also known as side opening or ‘swing’ garage doors) are a traditional style of garage door that are exactly what they say they are: garage doors hinged at the sides, nearly always opening outwards. A simple and very effective type of door with the potential to offer great performance in security and insulation and ease of daily use.

Up and Over garage doors consist of a single panel of material. The door has to be pulled out and then pivoted up so it can slide along the roof of the garage. Roller garage doors, on the other hand, are made of a number of horizontal sections which are hinged together for flexibility. Because it rests on rollers, it can be lifted, and rolled into place along the roof of the garage.

Sectional doors are a great option if space on your drive is tight. They also take up less room in the garage since they can be placed higher than a up and over door.

Things to consider… Insulation - Insulated doors can reduce heat loss due to foam-filled aluminium slats, which can help reduce your energy bills and is particularly good for houses with an integral garage. Their sound-proofing properties also offer acoustic insulation.

Remote control - For ease, convenience and even safety you can’t beat a remote-controlled door. Override - Make sure the remote can be manually overridden in case of power failure.

Security - Automatic door locking mechanisms are useful.

Safety – This one is a top priority. To ensure that an electric garage door is deemed safe for use, it will have to incorporate at least one sufficient safety feature into its mechanism which will prevent personal injury.

AI Garage Doors have been supplying, installing and maintaining garage doors in the Northumberland

and North Tyneside areas for over 15 years. They are Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen and have built a reputation as reputable and trusted specialists.

They offer a wide range of garage doors in a variety of colours, materials and features whilst offering excellent service and price without compromising on safety or security.

The doors they fit are all manufactured on a professional production line in the UK by a reputable garage door manufacturer and they conform with the standards expected throughout the industry.

With over 80 positive reviews on Checkatrade.com, they are highly recommended tradesmen who can install your new garage door in no time, transforming the appearance of your home.

The garage door is typically the largest moving part in your home and is probably used every day. With normal use, parts can eventually wear out and break, creating potential safety problems. Therefore AI Garage Doors also offer a full repair and maintenance service to keep your garage door running smoothly, so, whether you have something minor from a broken spring or snapped cable, or require a fully fitted automatic double door, they can help!

■ AI Garage Doors, Tel: 07931 304057 www.aigaragedoors.co.uk

Singing, Dance & Drama!

Free taster sessions are available at Razzamataz Theatre School for all budding performers

After a very busy few months, Razzamataz Theatre Schools

Newcastle is ready to once again open its doors and invite budding performers to a free taster session this October!

The staff and students at the school have been very busy recently preparing for their summer show, Into the Spotlight! at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. Featuring excerpts from family favourites like Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, and Peter Pan, as well as more recent hits such as Beetlejuice and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the show had audiences beaming with joy and dancing in the aisles as they joined the students in celebrating returning to the theatre.

For Principals James Pennell and Esmé Tutill, it’s not just producing a great show that’s important. “For us, building our students’ confidence as we prepare for a show is paramount. Whether a student has been with us for years, or this is their very first time on stage, we want to make sure that they feel strong and excited to be onstage”. Confidence and wellbeing are at the heart of Razzamataz Newcastle. Their main goal is to help children and young people grow and develop, gaining confidence, skill, and friendships along the way.

“

Students from across the North East have just come to the end of Razzamataz Newcastle’s annual summer school which culminated in a performance at Newcastle College Performance Academy. A fantastic mix of existing students and children who are new to the school all worked together to create some fantastic performances inspired by Encanto, and SIX the musical.

Laura, who has two sons at the school, says “The knowledge and talents of the staff, the inclusivity of the Razzamataz family, the friendships, the talent of the students, the respect, the integrity, the transparency, the

Confidence and wellbeing are at the heart of Razzamataz Newcastle. Their main goal is to help children and young people grow and develop, gaining confidence, skill, and friendships along the way.

excitement, the passion, the safe space to be yourself and all the support from everyone goes above and beyond.”.

As we head into the new academic year, the team at Razzamataz Newcastle already have a lot planned. Rehearsals are about to resume for their West End performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in February, and preparations are underway for the school’s trip to New York next autumn!

Do you want your child to join the fun and grow in confidence, as well as learning new skills for life? Razzamataz Newcastle is delighted to invite you to a free taster session this October ! To find out more, just head to Newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk. Classes run every Saturday during term time from Newcastle College Performance Academy.

Autumn Gardening

BY RACHAEL LEVERTON

There is something rather lovely about autumn. The days are cooler but often sunny, yet the ground is more moist and so easier to dig. It’s the perfect time of year for gardening.

It’s tempting to tidy up all the browning plant stems but try not to get carried away. Leave some standing because they provide important habitats for wildlife. I do harvest a few seedheads each year: poppies, nigella, and alliums are my favourites. I cut them, leaving their long stems intact and put the heads inside a paper bag, then hang the bunches inside to dry. The ripe seeds fall into the bag and can be labelled and kept for sowing next year’s free plants! The decorative heads look nice in a vase too.

My neighbour (who is retired) makes fabulous leaf mould in meshed cages he’s constructed himself. I take a ‘busy mum’ approach to fallen leaves. I run them over with a mower then rake the resulting confetti off my lawn into the flower beds and borders and let them rot naturally. They soon break down and are incorporated into the soil by worms. I still hanker after my own leaf mould crates though.

Now is the time to remove moss and dead grass from your lawn with a wire rake or electric scarifier and use an aerator to take out old soil and allow better movement of air and water. Apply an autumn lawn feed to strengthen grass and roots for winter. Autumn sown grass seed will germinate ahead of winter and help fill in any sparse areas ahead of the first frost. Use a peat-free lawn dressing too to refresh the soil.

When leaves begin to fall, make sure you remove them from your lawn as soon as possible, as they will block air and sunlight; two essential things that grass needs to survive.

If you planted any perennials a few years ago they might need to be divided. Take a look at your plants. If they are dying off in the middle but have good growth around the edges, it’s time to lift and divide. Dig up the root ball of the plant, brush and pull off excess soil and set on to a plastic ground sheet. Pull (or use a garden fork to prise) apart the root ball into three or four clumps, each with a section of healthy shoots and roots. Replant the ’new’ plants elsewhere in the garden or try swapping plants with friends. Don’t forget to keep them well-watered until they have become established.

If you feel that your garden needs a little more colour heading into winter add a couple of dogwood shrubs into your borders. There are striking red and yellow varieties available. You can also plant sedum, Japanese

AUTUMN GARDENING ESSENTIALS

1. Stainless Steel Rake, £29.99, Dobbies

2. Soft Touch Winter Gardening Gloves, £29.99

3. Secateurs, £9.00, Wilko

4. Peat Free Compost, £5.99, Dobbies

5. Ferrex 2-In-1 Electric Scarifier, £79.99, aldi.co.uk

anemones (Liriope) and Michaelmas daises (Aster). These flower well into late autumn and early winter.

Finally, a little planning for next year goes a long way. October is the perfect time to plant daffodil, crocus, hyacinth and allium bulbs for next spring. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hundreds of children and their families have enjoyed exploring the Enchanted Cramlington trails at Northumberlandia this year. Thanks to the goodwill of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT), and in response to public demand, the trail remained open throughout the summer holidays.

How the trails came about is quite a story. The idea came from several Cramlington residents who wanted to support the Arts with the encouragement of Cramlington Town Council. By using Northumbrian folk tales with their fairies and monsters they wished to create a trail which linked the town’s wild spaces. So, Enchanted Cramlington, a community group was formed.

Lorna Windham, a professional writer, was invited to join the group, and create original characters and stories for a Woodland Audio Trail. Lorna said, ‘I just couldn’t resist such a magical offer.’

Characters were created and their stories written. Volunteers from The Hive Radio Storytellers, with members from all over the North East, took on the roles of numerous characters. Students from Cramlington’s Hareside School and local children also provided many of the voices and drawings for the trails. Northern musicians Iain Gelston and Ben Hudson provided introductory and concluding traditional Northumbrian tune ‘Bywell Bridge’.

Local artists Lesley Scott, Stuart Laverick and Delphine Blenkinsop volunteered their services. Their artwork can be seen on Enchanted Cramlington’s trails, Facebook Page and at The Hub in Cramlington.

The Hub invited Enchanted Cramlington to decorate a window over the Christmas period in 2021. Cramlington Craft Club did this so well that the window, became two, then three for an extended period. Two windows are being dressed for autumn 2022.

To encourage further community involvement, Enchanted Cramlington has introduced a free competition for amateur artists which ends in February 2023. Winning entrants will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in Cramlington.

In early 2022, Enchanted Cramlington pitched their trail idea to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, who manage Northumberlandia. ‘Blown away’ by Enchanted Cramlington’s vision they offered to host trails in: Jubilee Week, the first week of August and November the 12th,13th,19th and 20th. Their only stipulation was that they wanted some wildlife characters too. So, Mr. Prickles, a grumpy hedgehog, The Honourable Mr. Fox and Squiff the red squirrel, amongst others, came into being. Fiona Mitford and Northern Butterflies constructed and decorated the characters’ doors and houses.

If you would like to experience future trails, and be updated about further developments, you can follow Enchanted Cramlington on Facebook or Twitter. Their next trail is in November at Northumberlandia. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite, where a map with a QR code can be downloaded. This gives access to twelve or more characters’ pictures, stories, a quiz and a word puzzle. On the trail, children can hunt for the creature’s doors and houses as well as pebbles created by Pretty Pebbles N.E.

Enchanted Cramlington Cramlington’s Hareside School and local children also provided many of the voices and drawings for the trails.

Help Reduce Energy Costs with Thermos Roof

With most of us facing rising energy bills, why not reduce these costs and save money instantly with a Thermos Roof insulation system in your conservatory. Here they explain more...

Conservatories are a great space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden. They are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually shortlived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons: to increase its insulating performance and enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in winter, heat is sucked out of your room and into the conservatory as soon as you open the door. During the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof, we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use, into a space you can enjoy all year round as the temperature is comfortable and constant. You will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight;

therefore, no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this, the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is today.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste and less time to install, saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape, transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein the external weather conditions do not dictate its use; it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter

in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a five-year warranty. We guarantee that you will be amazed by both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

■ Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

www.thermosroof.co.uk

BY TOM HANCOCK

Almost every week this year, one of my friends or acquaintances has been hacked. Cyberattacks have increased in 2022 and mostly revolve around password breaches because we still don't take our passwords seriously.

Almost 70% of people use one password over multiple websites and accounts. This means that if you experience a breach, all your accounts (including those you may have forgotten about) can be at risk.

If you think replacing some letters with numbers or adding extra characters will keep you safe, think again. Hackers use sophisticated software to quickly guess variations on a basic password.

The only way to increase security is to use random unique passwords for each account. This can seem intimidating, but password managers exist to create and protect your passwords.

Lots of people create a random unique password for their bank or work account and stick with a single password for accounts they deem lower risk. Unfortunately, to a hacker, even the basic information such as an email address or phone number is valuable data they can use to impersonate you. It's a bore but use random unique passwords for ALL accounts.

are many others), and costs vary. Mine is an annual subscription and works across my phone, tablet, and laptop.

If you don't have a password manager (and you should have one...really...get one now), then create passwords that are hard to guess by choosing words that are personal to you but not personal information such as name or birth date. Think of song lyrics, or your primary teachers, or your favourite shade of nail polish! Three unconnected words with some numbers and symbols are a good start. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long. And don't be tempted by Facebook and Twitter 'fill in the blank quizzes' of the 'My first car was a...' or 'My first pet was named...' variety. They are generally exercises in data mining.

We've all been asked to sign up for multi-factor authentication systems for bank accounts, PayPal, eBay etc. There is usually an opt-out button but don't. Even the most complex passwords can be compromised. A multi-factor authentication creates an extra layer of protection between you and a potential hacker by requiring verification in excess of your password when you log in.

Generally, this involves a onetime password sent to you via SMS or email. It’s an extra step but one worth having, so turn it on whenever it's offered.

It's tempting to think that you won’t be hacked, but every time you use the internet, you are a potential target. Protection

I have tried to persuade friends of mine to invest in password manager software (NOT a free download from the internet). A password manager will create unique, single-use passwords AND autofill them as long as they are tied to that account. This means that even if you accidentally click on a phishing link, the password manager should recognise that it's not the legitimate account and flag up a warning or refuse to autofill.

RoboForm, Dashlane and LastPass are three password managers (there

A Good Read

Never by Ken Follett

Never is more than just a thriller, it touches on a scenario that is close to the bone and one that we all hope never comes true.

A complex web ensues as a US army drone is stolen and what starts as a terrible mistake, snowballs into a cataclysmic event. Meanwhile, the country of Chad is at the heart of a political situation involving two intelligence agents who are seeking to rid the region of a ruthless terrorist group and China is keeping its eye on what has been going on, including a senior government official who hopes to climb the ranks of the Communist Party.

As China is left feeling vulnerable by the situation in Chad retaliation talks against America begins with North Korea which is more than happy to be part of the action.

All eyes are on the American president as the two superpowers jostle and use their proxies to lay the groundwork for what could be a third and cataclysmic world war. Events domino, leaving both sides unwilling to back down.

This book will have you up till 2am wondering where the hours went! A gasp-out-loud kind of read, not to be missed!

Orphans of the Storm

by Celia Imrie

Investigator Lacy Stoltz is tired of her work and ready for a change.

Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.

Suspicions are easy enough, but proof seems impossible. The man is brilliant, patient, and always one step ahead of law enforcement. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law. He is a judge, in Florida - under Lacy’s jurisdiction. He has a list, with the names of his victims and targets, all unsuspecting people unlucky enough to have crossed his path and wronged him in some way. How can Lacy pursue him, without becoming the next name on his list?

A Slow Burning Fire by Paula Hawkins

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

One Of The Girls by Lucy Clarke

It’s Lexi Lowe’s long-awaited hen do and she is jetting off with her five friends to the Greek Island Aegos for four nights of sun, sand, sea, food and wine before she says I do to the love of her life Ed. She is under strict instructions not to contact him throughout the trip but with lots of differing personalities at play, she feels a sense of unease from the very off - not the ideal start!

The group consists of 6 women all with a secret they have kept locked away. The scene is set for four days of fun in the sun but each of the women has their own agenda and reason for being there. They are all harbouring dark secrets and as the booze-fuelled nights begin, they begin to rise to the surface.

Someone doesn’t want this wedding to go ahead and someone won’t leave this island alive but who? Lucy Clarke’s, One of the Girls will keep you guessing until the very end.

Picturesque scenery and azure blue water so stunning that you’ll feel as if you were on an exotic vacation while reading this.

To buy these books online while supporting your local independent bookshop, visit: