rural post feb
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Rural Post is a magazine that goes FREE to homes and businesses in Rural NorthumberlandTRANSCRIPT
1RPRural PostYOUR FREE LOCAL MINI-MAG FEBRUARY 2012
Perfetto in Ponteland!If you like Italian food
you’ll love Ristorante Fratelli-
read our mouthwateringreview on pages 28-29
PLUS
SOPHIE SIMPSONGARDEN DESIGN
GREENMOUNTAINTRAVEL
ROLOCA’S REALM
NOW DELIVERED TO HUNDREDS OF HOMES FROM PONTELAND TO ALLENDALE
2 RP
‘Where a warm welcome is guaranteed!’
the all new
Percy Way,Walbottle
Newcastle upon TyneNE15 8JA
Tel 0191 2648071
£5
* offer valid Mon-Friexcluding February 14ends April 30th, 2012.
www.fratelliponteland.co.ukt: 01661 872195
1 VOUCHER PER TABLEmanagement reserves
all rights
THE ULTIMATE PETSUPERSTORE
DISCOUNTPET FOOD & ACCESSORIES
12A Tundry WayFactory Shop CentreBlaydon NE21 5SJ
0191 414 7648
The Pet Shopnext to MorrisonsPreston Grange
North Shields NE29 9QR0191 296 4897
GREAT IDEAS IN WOOD, FLOORING & DOORS
Unit 4, Blaydon Trade Park. Toll Bridge Road,Blaydon NE21 5TR0191 414 1300
3RP
2 Bankhead Road, Walbottle,Newcastle NE15 8JJ 0191 229 1016
New for 2012Paraffin luxurywax manicurejust £15 for Feb
Head2Toespray tanonly £12
25% off all haircuts with Laura
Full Moroccan Oil hairand beauty treatment
Full property maintenanceFull property repairFull Property improvementsFull property renovations
“ Bringing a New Look, to Your Home”
“FOR A RAPID RESPONSEON ALL RURAL LOCATIONS”We cover all plumbing - Electrics & JoineryBS7671
NORTH EAST RENOVATIONS Ring Simon anytime0191 236 2261 01661 853 215 07740 724 042 [email protected]
Happy New Year to all our readers!
It’s been an exciting time at Rural Post. Not only havewe expanded our distribution out as far as Allendale,hitting more homes for more advertisers, but we’vealso joined forces with Tynedale’s fastest-growingonline magazine Into The Valley.
Launched in November last year and now with over30,000 readers a month, Into The Valley has becomehugely popular for its coverage of local news, sport andlifestyle – and in terms of advertising it offers all thebenefits of the web.
For full details of this unique partnership between twoof the fastest-growing magazines in Northumberland,turn to page 27. Suffice to say we’re offering somesuperb packages that will enable your businessunrivalled multi-media exposure, where you want itmost.
Don’t forget If you want to see your businessadvertised here and on Into The Valley, don’t hesitateto get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
Kit Newton, Rural Post Magazine“Delivering quality through your door”[email protected]
4 RP
“We’d gone on a ski trip and the journey wasdesperate,” Tracy says, still shuddering at thememory nearly 20 years later. “I thought tomyself, ‘I can do better than this’ – and so whenI got home I decided to do something about it.”
So it was that Green Mountain Travel was born.And initially with only a 14-seater Transit to hername, Tracy set about creating one of the mostrespected travel companies in the country, onethat has delighted customers returning timeand again. Today the firm has eight drivers andboasts a fleet of 16-seater minibusesspecifically suited to airport transfer, 24-seater
mini-coaches ideal for holiday transfer or skiingand golfing parties, and 51-seater coaches forthose longer trips to the south of England,Scotland and Europe.
The Mercedes luxury coach fleet features latestmodels with the highest design specificationsin customer comfort. All Green Mountain’sminibuses and executive coaches have valetedluxury interiors and trims, are regularly servicedand valeted and the exteriors are always clean.
But it’s the personal touch that Tracy insistsupon – and with husband Neilson overseeing
BACK in 1993 Tracy Thorpe was happy inher job working in Fenwick’s salon inNewcastle – until a nightmare coachjourney changed her life.
Going the extra mile - whylife on the buses is grandfor GreenMountain…They started off witha single 14-seater Transitand a mission to maketravel a pleasure not achore. Now Green MountainTravel is everyone’sfavourite firm.
Mission: GMT founder Tracy Thorpe
5RP
all the mechanics and mum Pat regularlyhelping out her daughter in the office, there’sa real family flavour to the operation.
“I like to think we’re small but beautiful,” shelaughs. “Customer care is foremost, but wewouldn’t be in the job if we didn’t enjoy itourselves. We could be much bigger, and havecoaches going all over the continent – but whyhave all the hassle?”
Testament to any company’s success is word-of-mouth recommendation – and GreenMountain has it in spades.
Over the years they have carved out a nicheworking in the film and television industry,starting in the early days ferrying the cast and
crew of kids’ show Byker Grove to and from theset.
Today they not only provide transport andcatering buses for major Hollywoodproductions such as Harry Potter, but their wideselection of vintage cars and bikes havefeatured in films, dramas and commercialsincluding: Elizabeth I, Gabriel & I, Breeze Block,Byker Grove, BSkyB, MacDonalds, Ultralase,Coca Cola, Nescafe, Tesco and CatherineCookson dramas - to name but a few!
It’s clear that versatility is also key to GreenMountain’s reputation as a market leader. Forinstance the firm provides a, cost effective andstylish wedding transport service, allowing thebride and groom to enjoy their big day withoutworrying that their wedding party will be lostor late.
“Organised travel allows the guests to fullyenjoy the day too; with no worries about trafficcongestion, parking and not being able to havea drink or two!” says Tracy.
Tracy has come a long way since thathorrendous skiing trip all those years ago… andso has Green Mountain Travel.
“I like to think we’re small…but beautiful.”
Fleet: GMT have buses to suit all occasions
Stylish: all GMT’s Mercedes buses have valetedluxury interiors and trims
www.greenmountaintravel.co.uk
01661 821721/ 07973 575702
Sleek: Green Mountain Travel buses are perfect forholiday transfers and wedding parties
6 RP
We supply a wide range of quality products
Including: bathrooms from Villeroy & Boch,
Heritage; shower cubicles from Roman,
Huppe and Showerlux; shower systems and
taps from Grohe, Hansgrohe, Hudson Reed
and tiles from Villeroy & Boch, Marlborough
and all leading local distributors.
Tynestyle is a long established bathroom
and tile retailer. A family business founded
in Corbridge in 1988, we have been based
in Hexham since 1994 and have built up a
valued reputation for friendly and
efficient service.
Our main trading area is Tynedale, Ponteland
and western and northern Newcastle.
www.tynestylebathrooms-hexham.co.uk
Water HouseBurn LaneHexhamNorthumberlandNE46 3HN
Tel/Fax: 01434 693 158Email: [email protected]
CLEARANCE SALENOW ON!
7RP
1. Always Wear Safety EquipmentMost important item of all are your safetyglasses. Put them on before you start workand and don't take them off until you’refinished.
2. Wear Appropriate ClothingRemember to avoid loose-fitting clothing, asyou wouldn't want it to get tangled in a sawblade or cutting head. Remove any danglingjewellery such as neck chains or bracelets.
3. Avoid Drugs and AlcoholIntoxicating substances and woodworking area dangerous mix. Wait till you’ve finished thejob to crack open a beer.
4. Disconnect Power Before Blade ChangesMany a joiner has lost fingers (or worse) byforgetting this simple but very importantrule..
5. Try Using One Extension CordThis way, you’re forced to switch the cordfrom tool to tool before the tool can be used.In this manner, you are always rememberingto plug and unplug the power when movingfrom one tool to another.
6. Use Sharp Blades & BitsA dull cutting tool is a dangerous tool. If a sawblade is not as sharp as it ideally should be,it’s more likely to kick-back or bind. Keep theblade sharp and clean, and you'll be safer andhave better results.
7. Always Check for Nails, Screws and OtherMetalNails and rapidly spinning saw blades are nota good mix. Not only can they damage thecutting head and the stock, but at the veryminimum, can cause the stock to kick back,which is a common cause of injury.
8. Always WorkAgainst the CutterWoodworking PowerTools are designed sothat the direction thatthe wood movesthrough the tool is inthe opposite direction
of the movement of the cutting head. In otherwords, a router bit or saw blade should cutagainst the motion and not with it. The cuttershould cut into the stock, not with the stock.
9. Never Reach Over a Blade to Remove Cut-OffsNever put your hands anywhere near amoving blade, especially when attempting toremove waste or cut-offs. Wait until the bladehas stopped moving and THEN reach for thecut-off.
10. Avoid DistractionsRemember to always finish the cut to a safeconclusion before dealing with a distraction.Taking your attention away from thewoodworking tool is a recipe for disaster.
Sean’sTop TipsEvery month Sean Brough from STBJoinery shares his top tips of thetrade. This month: how to stay safein the workshop.
www.stbjoinery.co.uk45 Tynedale Gardens, Stocksfield, NE43 7EZcall Sean direct on 07542 844344
8 RP
Early Dinner Menu, Sunday-Thursday 5.30pm-7.30pm
Four course meal only £7.95
Sunday to Thursday SpecialAppetizer, poppadoms and pickle tray, any starter, any main course,
any rice or Nan (one between two), dessert, tea or coffee(King Prawn, Tandoori mixed grill & seafood (excl.prawns) will be
charged at £4)
Friday & Saturday SpecialAppetizer, poppadoms & pickle tray, any starter, any main course,
any rice or Nan, side dish (one between two)
Friday & Saturday Special from 5.30pm to 7.30pmAny starter , any main course, any rice or Nan,
side dish (one between two), dessert, tea or coffee
www.the-bawarchi.co.uk3, Brewery Lane, Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 9NZ
ONLY £10.95
ONLY £9.95
ONLY £11.95
For Booking or Enquiry Call 01661 820869/825225
20% O
FF
with th
is co
upon
9RP
Come and enjoy aromantic eveningat BarwarchiPontelandon Valentine’s Night
A la Carte menu also available. Advanced booking onlyPlease ring 01661 820869
Bawarchi Head chef has created aspecial evening for you and your
loved one. Come and experience Indian cuisine at its very best,
and relax and enjoy our amazing Indian culinary deligh
Poppadom and pickleAny starterAny main courseAny rice or NanAny side dish per coupleTea or CoffeeGlass of sparklingChampagne
only £35
10 RP
H.J. MILLER (JOINERS) LTD
Tel 0191 488 0183 Fax 0191 488 5008.EST. 1962 UNIT 10, SANDS IND. EST. SWALWELL, NE16 3DJ
Winding stairs our specialitySPINDLES, HANDRAILSNEWEL POSTSDOORS, WINDOWSSTAIRCASES ETC
OVER 40 YEARS SPECIALISTMANUFACTURING JOINERS
FREE MEASUREMENT,FAST, EFFICIENT SERVICE,COMPETITIVE PRICES
GREAT IDEAS IN WOOD, FLOORING & DOORS
Unit 4, Blaydon Trade Park. Toll Bridge Road,Blaydon NE21 5TR0191 414 1300
Valentine’s Day SpecialTHE WAGGON INN“YOUR INN PLACE OUT OF TOWN”
Book a table for Valentine’s Dayand receive a FREE bottle of
house wine (187ml) with eachadult main course served
The Waggon Inn, Higham Dykes, Milbourne, Nr Ponteland, NE20 ODH01661 881 872 www.waggoninn.co.uk [email protected]
Find us on Facebook
The Jenian School of Dancing
latin, disco, ballroom, sequence,Argentine tango, salsa and many more
Individual private lessonsor classes for all.
www.jenian.co.uk
“Have fun and dance with us!”
0191 236 5878
11RP
With the emphasis on media branding,choice and price wars it is so hard to beable to find a company that offers some-thing unique.
Something that makes you want to part withyour hard earned money.
Does this sound familiar? Well, speaking fromexperience, whenever I have had the oppor-tunity to choose a new product for my homeor business I am completely baffled with notonly the amount of choice but also the pres-sure of the best price and all the sales jargonthat goes with it.
It was extremely refreshing to be able to visita company that fundamentally draws atten-tion for all the right reasons, but - and here’sthe but - to able to make you feel as if you arepurchasing a relationship as well as a product.
“We are giving people whatthey want at a price they wantit, it’s as simple as that”
Designer Doors Ltd, based in Blaydon havehand carved a reputation built on trust, re-spect and deliverance. It is these three cornerstones that have helped transform the way
their customers purchase their new improve-ments
Tony and Garry High set up the company inApril 2011 as their vast experience withindouble glazing, plastering and building workallowed them to see a gap in the market forhigh end designer doors for internal and ex-ternal use.
“We wanted to offer somethingthat little bit different, makingthe customer feel special”
Designer Doors Ltd offer an unrivalled rangeof external and internal designer doors foryour home. Alongside this the introduction ofTerry Gillins made a gateway for them tocreate bespoke joinery.
The company itself also offer external madeto measure garden rooms, playhouses andsheds of any size or format. Their prices startform only £299 and this is done purely toattract new customers.
Please feel free to contact Tony or Garry atanytime on 0191 496 0007 or07894 069 254 or 07534 650 273
Setting a sky Highstandard...Rural Post’s KIT NEWTON meetsthe men behind Designer Doors
12 RP
When experience matters…“ More time, more care, more experience”
Newcastle Denture ClinicCoach House39 Coach LaneHazelrigg, Newcastle0191 236 5915
Guidepost Dental Practice22 Front StreetGuidepostNorthumberland01670 822060
As one of the fi rst qualifi ed clinical dental technicians in theNorth East and showcasing over 25 years experience, I canhelp you achieve a natural smile with affordable bespokedentures.
Here at Newcastle Denture clinic Alan
Forrest will work exclusively with you.
With precision and attention to detail,
Alan will create the finest quality bespoke
dentures that will create a whole new you.
CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEARFINALIST IN 2011 DENTAL AWARDS
Arrive as a patient, leave as a friendwww.alanforrestnewcastledental.co.uk
Don’’’t forget to add us as a friend on facebook!
13RP
14 RP
15RP
www.workwearnortheast.co.uk
16 RP
We supply a full range of the freshest fruit andvegetables from all over the world.
Everything on store! Unbelievable prices!
1, Graingerville South, Westgate Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne,Tyne and Wear NE4 6UH Tel: 0191 2725533
GRAINGERVILLE WHOLESALE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
“Supplying quality on time every time”
Welcome to
GRANGERVILLEWHOLESALE FRUITAND VEGETABLES
Open to Trade and Public
17RP
24 APEX BUSINESS VILLAGE | NORTHUMBERLAND BUSINESS PARK |CRAMLINGTON | NORTHUMBERLAND | NE23 7BF | T: 0191 250 0001
18 RP
from tiny acorns...For all your tree surgery call
REE OLUTIONSTFull tree removal and surgeryPart tree removalFully insuredReliable, fast, efficient, cost-effectiveFull maintenanceCovering all rural areas
“Ensuring the job gets done”
S
We offer a range of landlord testingservices unique within the industrywith fully accredited test engineers.
wwwlandlordsafe.com
01434 681181
01434 681181
LandlordSAFE is one of the mostprogressive testing companies in theUK today using the very latest onlinedigital equipment.
Gas Safety Inspections (CP12)Gas Appliance InspectionsRoutine and Periodic Electrical InspectionsPortable Appliance Testing (PAT)Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)General condition reportsVoid property reportsRisk assessment reportsPlanned and reactive maintenanceFire risk assessments
07920 26285201434 681181
19RP
A warm welcome awaits you at Redgate LodgeWe present the highest quality used small cars at totally realistic prices
All of our cars come with a12 month Platinum warrantyat no extra cost, and are allserviced prior to sale.
12-month Platinum warranty
7-day money back guarantee
All HPI clear
Indoor kids’ entertainment
No pushy sales staff
30-40 cars available on site
Drive away your new carthe same day!
.......Units 2, 3 & 4Stephenson CourtBarrington Ind.EstateBedlingtonNorthumberlandNE22 7DN
Tel 07814 007 675 07903 313 738
www.redgatelodge.co.uk
20 RP
Some fab cuts, colours and coffee…but will cost you less
10% OFFMAINTENANCE
FREE HAIRCUTSINCLUDING
SALON DIRECTOR
JOBI
01434 607606
28A FORE STHEXHAMNORTHUMBERLANDNE46 1LZ
!!!
www.hairbyjobi.co.uk
21RP
Ashington mum Sue Dodds-Crouth is the liv-ing embodiment of the old adage “seize theday”.
Last year Sue was offered voluntary redun-dancy from her job as an IT teacher – and shedidn’t need any second bidding to take it. Af-ter 11 years’ hard grind and with three youngchildren of her own to think about she wasready for a complete change of career.
From an office in the spare room Sue createdRoloca’s Realm, a small-scale operation sup-plying party bags for kids’ birthday parties. Sixmonths later, business is booming to the ex-tent that she now counts wedding and exhibi-tion organisers among her clients and islooking to expand into an industrial unit.
“I’d originally thought about opening a softplay area, but the costs were far too high,” shesays.
“Having spent a considerable amount of timeover the past six years attending children’sparties I realised there was a market for moreparent-friendly, baby-friendly and children-friendly party bags.
“I drew on my experience of children’s partiesto help me write my business plan and thenlater to shape and also run my business.”
Roloca’s Realm offer a wide selection of partybags, including multicoloured plastic loot bags,brightly coloured block bottom paper bags,luxury twisted handle paper bags, white twist-ed handle paper bags, brightly coloured softcotton bags, leopard/zebra print paper bags,multicoloured candy stripe paper bags, andalso block colour paper satchel bags.
Sue says: “We like to challenge the idea thatparty bags are only for birthday parties. Thereare so many different occasions where a partybag of some kind could be given out. We’renow specialising in an ever-growing range ofunisex/boy/girl/themed goodies to go insidethe bags – and lots of sweetie treats!
“Our aim is to provide a wide range of differentparty bags to meet the needs of different occa-sions which is why we have party bags such asour ‘lucky dip’ style treat bags, reward bagsand our very popular event bags, alongside themore traditional types of party bags.”
One thing is for certain: Sue has no regretsabout her life-changing decision. With orderspouring in, she’s barely had time.
Mum’s the word!Former teacher Sue took the plunge...Now her party bag business is booming
22 RP
NORTHUMBERLAND is renowned for its rug-ged, untamed countryside.
And for Tynedale-based landscape designerSophie Simpson, creating a new garden is asmuch about working with natural rural sur-roundings as imposing her own designs uponthem.
It’s this deftness of touch, combined with asympathetic ear for a client’s requirements,that has earned Sophie Simpson Garden De-sign a growing reputation from the Scottishborders to North Yorkshire.
If it’s a Sophie SimpsonGarden, with all theattention to detail you’dexpect from one of thecounty’s leadinglandscape designers
23RP
Based at Bradley Hall, in Wylam, Sophie hasbeen responsible for creating dozens of coun-try, contemporary and large suburban gar-dens, transforming the ordinary into theextraordinary and adding swathes of colourand beauty that can be appreciated by every-one who sees them.
“Although I describe myself as a designer, Idon’t impose my taste on a project,” she says.“I use a certain style, but I always listen to theclient.”
“From the initial vision and overall design ofyour outdoor spaces to advising on and plan-ning your planting, arranging for structural fea-tures such as walls, ponds, paving and seatingareas to be constructed and giving instructionand guidance to all aspects of garden mainte-nance, I will create the right package to suityour needs,” Sophie says.
Sophie has been in business for 10 years. Be-fore that she studied at the Edinburgh Botani-cal Gardens under the auspices of thehighly-regarded Pickard School of Garden De-sign.
She now offers a comprehensive range of gar-den services that extend beyond design andinclude guidance on maintenance, sowing,growing, cutting and developing wildlife areas.
Sophie says: “As part of the planning process aplanting plan is also drawn up, tailored to theclient’s tastes, the type and aspect of garden,and to fit in with the client’s level of gardeningexpertise.”
Once the landscaping is complete, Sophie willeither source the plants herself or provide de-tailed instructions for planting and recommen-dations for trusted local suppliers.
“A garden is a very personal thing for client,and it’s hugely satisfying for me to be able toguide them through its creation from the veryfirst sketch to planting the final shrub,” shesays.
“Although I describe myselfas a designer, I don’t imposemy taste on a project.”
Bradley Hall, WylamTel: 01661 854814/07778 662966
[email protected]@sophiesgardens
24 RP
gosforth parkK
ITCH
EN
&B
ATH
RO
OM
STU
DIO
gosforth parkKITCHEN & BATHROOM STUDIO
Gosforth Park Kitchen & Bathroom Studio is an established kitchen and bathroom DesignCompany based in Newcastle upon Tyne situated close to Newcastle City Centre &
Newcastle Airport. Our recently refurbished showroom is one of the largest bathroomshowrooms in Newcastle. With two floors of over 40 displays of the latest designer Kitchens,
Bathrooms and Wet rooms. Our talented and experienced interior designers work with clientsfrom project concept to completion to deliver dream
kitchens & bathrooms that combine functionality with whatever forms you desire.With over 40 years of experience in the industry our trained designers and sales staff can
transform a tired bathroom into a stunning oasis of tranquillity or a vibrant,spectacular showpiece.
Coach Lane, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UK, NE13 7DQt.0191 236 6311
25RP
· Installation of all types of fencing and gates· Automatic gates for private customers or industrial premises· Car park barriers and turnstiles· Electrified fencing· Specialist bespoke installations· Over 50 years’ experience in the trade
Come and see our electric gate showroom at ourrecently opened new offices.
For free estimates from a family-run business, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Windsor HouseBrunswick Industrial EstateBrunswickNewcastle upon TyneNE13 7BA
Tel: 0191 236 3531Fax: 0191 236 3510www.dinningtonfencing.co.ukEmail: [email protected]
26 RP
“Beautiful range of solid wood, Laminateflooring and internal wooden doors”
Visit our showroom to see our impressive range
Unit 4, Blaydon Trade Park, Toll Bridge Road, Blaydon NE21 5TR
0191 414 1300
27RP
RURAL POST, your free monthly mini-mag for Corbridge, Kirkley, Matfen,Great Whittington, Stamfordham,Darras Hall, Ponteland, Allendale and 15other rural villages across Tynedale hasjoined forces with INTO THE VALLEY, theonline news, features and sportmagazine for the Tyne Valley.
Together we are offering localbusinesses the opportunity to advertiseacross two media platforms, to acombined monthly readership of morethan 40,000 local people, and growing.
With prices starting at just £30 permonth there is quite simply no betterway to ensure your message is read by
the people who matter.
Updated daily withbreaking local news,views and interviews,INTO THE VALLEY( w w w . i n t o - t h e -valley.co.uk) provides allthe advantages and
innovation of onlineadvertising, including click-
through banners, interactive video andgraphics content, and accurate statisticalanalysis ofprecisely howmany people haveread about yourbusiness.
Delivered free tothousands ofhomes across theTyne Valley everymonth, RURALPOST’s glossy A5 format has provedhugely popular for in-depth businessprofiles, while quarter to double-pageadvertisement formats provide optionsto suit all requirements and budgets.
Together we provide an unrivalledpresence, both online and in print, foryour business. As part of the service we’lleven design your ad, write your editorialand arrange all photography to yourspecifications.
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT KITNEWTON on 01661 855809, or [email protected]
Rural Post &An exciting newway to advertiseYOUR business
www.into-the-valley.co.uk
Rural Post’s Kit Newton
Valley editorNick Brownlee
28 RP
Upon arriving at this Italian sensation, wewere immediately impressed. This exquisiteculinary delight introduced us to two trueItalian headliner’s, that did not disappoint.
Arriving at the restaurant at 1pm on a busyMonday afternoon, we were warmly greetedby the manager who showed us to out diningtable, just off the main restaurant showcasearea.
It was intimate, cosy, yet very stylish with su-perb attention to the table decoration. Themood was informal, relaxed yet had an air ofanticipation as the gathering of lunchtime din-ers was plentiful.
It was clear to see the level of attention ofdetail was prolific, as the warm mix of custom-er service and prompt table attention was ex-cellent.
Out attention was now clearly focused on ourstarters as were treated to two fabulous dish-es.
I opted for the fegato di pollo (chicken liverpate with red onion marmalade) while my wifeopted for cocktail di gamberetti (Greenlandprawns with homemade marie rose sauce)
Bella pasta: the sumptuous tagliatelle amatriciana is one of the highlights on the menu at Fratelli
‘Scusi, while Itreat myself to ataste of ladolce vita!YOU DON’T HAVE TO VISIT ITALYTO SAMPLE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD,AS KIT NEWTON DISCOVERED WHEN
HE DINED AT FRATELLI IN PONTELAND
29RP
They were both beautifully presented, withhuge emphasis on taste. My pate was deliciouswith subtle hints of the chicken liver, present-ed on a authentic bread board.
The prawns were fresh, juicy and plentiful, butnot heavy or overbearing.
The mains were also equally sensational. I real-ly wanted to try authentic Italian pasta at itsbest, so opting for the tagliatelle amatricianawas the first option.
As a lover of spice, I enjoyed this dish as itscombination of delicate pasta fused with pan-cetta, onions, chilli, garlic & tomato gave thisdish the credit it really deserves.
The £8.75 price tag was also very tasty!
My wife plumped for Pizza Kiev, beautiful mixof tomato, mozzarella,chicken, mushroom andgarlic. The taste was delicious. The base waslight, the chicken tender, whilst the mozzarel-la, mushroom and garlic were done to a turn.
But then Fratelli is a must for any food love.The staff and open kitchen give this restauranta real Italian feel, with emphasis on qualityfood, amazing service and super cool Italianinterior style and décor.
Mouthwatering: cocktail di gamberetti
Bell Villas, PontelandNewcastle upon Tyne
NE20 9BEwww.fratelliponteland.co.uk
01661 872 195
Classy: Fratelli in Ponteland offers intimate detail with superb attention to detail
30 RP
7-9 Newton Place, High Heaton,Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7HDtel: 0191 281 2070 • fax: 0191 281 8245www.thewaterhouse-nbb.co.uk
50% offUp to
Ex-displayVilleroy & BochBathrooms
31RP
Cramlington Ford
Feel the difference
Established in February 1991, Cramlington Ford isan independent family owned retail dealer providing
a friendly customer focused approach, backed bythe leading car manufacturer in the UK.
We will shortly celebrate 20 years of operating andare proud to be the longest established
North East Ford Dealer.
Cramlington Ford, Station Road, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 8BH
Tel: 01670 [email protected]
32 RP
T
They say that nothing is certain in this worldexcept death and taxes.
But if the inevitable tax bill will never be muchfun to contemplate, at least you can now en-sure you go out in style thanks to a Northum-brian firm offering an innovative approach tothe funeral business.
The Coffin Company, based in Whalton, nearMorpeth, provides a large range of eye-catch-ing coffins, caskets and urns designed to re-flect the personality of the deceased – andturn often bleak funeral ceremonies into acelebration of life.
As well as traditional plain wooden, wicker andbiodegradable coffins, their web-based cata-logue includes themed coffins decorated inunion jack, saltire and St George flags, Newcas-tle United black-and-white stripes and magnif-icent bespoke designs created to thedeceased’s specifications.
And because the Coffin Company sells directlyto the customer, their prices are a fraction ofwhat you’d expect to pay to a national funeraldirector.
Prices start at just £99, and as well as beingavailable to order online local customers can
even choose their coffin at the company’slocal warehouse to be delivered to the door oryour chosen funeral director.
A spokesman said: “When someone dies theirrelatives will invariably go to a funeral directorand pay more than they should for coffin prod-ucts. But few people know that it’s possible tobuy the coffin separately and a lot cheaper.
“More importantly we give people the chanceto stop and think about their loved one, ratherthan feeling they ‘have to get the funeral overwith’.
A send-off witha difference...How one Whaltoncompany is adding awhole new dimensionto the funeral trade
33RP
‘We aren’t looking tocompletely revolutionise
the funeral industry.’“Our themed and bespoke coffins and urnsbring a touch of brightness and individuality towhat has traditionally been a very sombre af-fair.”
It’s an approach which has already provedhugely popular since the Coffin Company waslaunched a year ago, as dozens of satisfiedcustomers have testified in letters of thanks.
And their unique coffins are not only in de-mand from bereaved families.
An increasing number of funeral directors arerecommending the Coffin Company – andthere has also been interest from less obvioussources.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from theatricalshows. We’ve already sent around 40 or 50
down to London’s West End and to televisionstudios – and we even had an order from avery famous pop star, although we’ve beensworn to secrecy about that!”
The Coffin Company uses a team of artists tocreate the designs on the coffins, and is keento unearth and promote innovative new talentfrom around the world. They are currentlychampioning Finnish artist Janne Parviainenthrough a special section on the companywebsite.
After a year of consolidation, the Coffin Com-pany is now looking forward to expanding in2012. “We’d like to increase the number ofproducts available at our online web store,www.coffincompany.co.uk, to around 150.We’d also like to add a facility where peoplecan come for advice.
“We aren’t looking to completely revolutionisethe funeral industry,we just want to give peoplemore of a choice in how they arrange theirfunerals.”
www.coffincompany.co.uk01670 775047
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Glen Roughead believes anyone can betterthemselves. In fact the Newcastle-based per-formance coach reckons the biggest obstacleto attaining your goals is your own self-belief.
“No matter how good you are, you can alwaysbe better,” he says. ‘But in this country – andcertainly in the North-East – there is a degreeof cynicism about anyone trying to achievetheir dreams.”
For the last 18 months Glen has been deter-mined to rectify that situation. His business,GR Coaching, offers confidential one-to-onesessions for people who may feel their livesare in a rut, they are failing to reach theirambitions, or simply need a guiding hand to-wards another option.
Specialising in Neuro-Linguistic Programming –the study of how our minds work – Glen andhis team work to carefully break down thebarriers that too often hold us back. Whetherit’s face-to-face, on the phone or via Skype,every confidential session is personalised tosuit the individual client.
An initial meeting is followed by an intakesession, in which the client is asked to com-plete exercises designed to give Glen a goodidea of the direction the sessions should take.
According to Glen quite often this is the firsttime the client realises what it is that they areafter.
“Everyone has the power to change their ownlives, but don’t necessarily know how to do it,”he says. “If you’re overweight, people tell youto go the gym – but what good is that if themotivation isn’t here? It’s the same if you’resick of smoking, your job, even your relation-ship.
“A goal is a dream with a date, and I see my jobas helping people to identify and reach thatpoint in their own lives.”
Prior to setting up his own business, Glen, aformer full-time musician who still performsregularly, spent four years training in the vari-ous techniques and skills required to becomea professional coach. His own introduction tocoaching was far more spontaneous, however.
“I heard someone talking about it one day andfrom that moment I was hooked on the idea,”he says. “Once you see the life-changing bene-fits of coaching for yourself there is no goingback.
“My philosophy is that everyone should have acoach!”
‘Everyone hasthe power tochange their lives’Performance coach Glen Rougheadis on a mission to make you believein yourself.
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