James' Blog

I’m thinkin’ I may finally get out of the cold an’ I was massivley lookin’ forward to my day at Rigwood Hall Spa all pampered an’ warm when would y’ believe it the heavens opened an’ covered everythin’ in a beautiful white (yet very cold) blanket of snow.  I had already decided I was goin to travel to Saltburn by train so after taxiin’ into town I arrived at Middlesbrough train station alongside my mum Sheila and was pleased to hear our train was due in only 10min’s.  The train arrived on time an’ in about 15min’s we were in Saltburn where we ordered another car up to Rigwood House.

We spent a short time walking around the stores by the station whilst waitin’ for the car an’ purchased some goodies from a wonderful little delicatessen.  When the car arrived we were whisked off an’ in no time we were deposited at Rigwood.  I’m not sure if it was the snow but the veiw was completely breathtakin’ an’ before we had made it to the door we were greeted by Bernie, one of the ladies we later learned had created “Be all you can”. 

We were then shown inside this beautiful house and into the hallway by Bernie who took our coats an’  guided us to the sittin’ room where we met two wonderful ladies who were also havin’ a “Sparkle” day.  We were offered a glass of champers but both opted for a hot coffee to get the feelin’ back in our toes.  We sat in front of the open fire an’ spent a little time chattin’ to our co-sparklers havin a look around the room an’ the amazin’ veiws from the windows.

After a little while we were shown upstairs to seperate rooms to begin our treatments.  I was goin’  for a back massage an’ was introduced to Julie who was the massure.  I was given lovely warm towels an’ laid on the table ’til Julie came back in the room.  After about 5 min’s I was as relaxed as I’d ever been an’ felt like never movin’ again.  Julie was lovely an’ was easily engaged (I probably tortured the poor lady with all my events an’ what I’d been up to with “face of Tees Valley”) 

After my massage I joined mum in the sittin’ room an we were given canapes an’ Champagne before lunch.  Lunch was a full 3 course Christmas Dinner with Christmas crackers too!!   It was glorious (full compliments to the chef) an’ after a little more Champagne was “forced” on us mum an’ I went for a wander round the grounds of Rigwood House.  The snow was untouched an I felt like I was in a paintin’ the scene was so spectacular.  We got back in an’ had coffee to warm us up before heading back upstairs for our second treatments.  I was to have a facial next (a new expeirience for me) an’ was cleansed and scrubbed right up!!  This may have been even more relaxin’ than the massage if that’s possible (could have been the Champers ha ha) an’ I think I did slip off for 2/3 min’s.  Afterwards my mum was like the proverbial cat that got the cream and was over the moon she’d come as she was worried initially about the weather.  We said our goodbye’s an’ set off home after one of the most relaxin’ days I’ve ever had, I could certainly get used to bein’ this pampered on a monthly basis an’ will most certainly be back to Rigwood House in the near future.  Thank you laidies you really made our “Sparkle day” special x x

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A freezin’ cold Sunday, but a beautiful sight

So soon before Christmas, a tree bathed in white

Snowflakes are comin’, we’re sure in this cold

A snowflake parade,  of Tees young an’ Tees old

Led by a wolf his eyes shinin’, coat sheer

with a tongue lickin’ lips for any children too near

In the distance the screams from the slide in the square

Leavin’ tummys behind and the wind in their hair

Passin’ the fountain and on to the wheel

The Snowflake parade pituresque an’ surreal

As the wolf starts to slow all eyes look to the sky

As it lights up with colour, fireworks screamin’ up high

A night of such wonder holding back the big freeze

A night to remember

A stone’s throw from the Tees

I’d made it home from the challenge day in one piece at about 5pm so just had time to take a breath before the first of Lauren’s friends were to arrive at 6.

  WRONG!

  At 5.2o I found myself knee deep in 7 ten yr olds runnin’ riot with sleepin’ bags and mobile phones.  I had to get out of the confined space that is home so marched them all to the shop for takeaway, pop and sweets.  I was hopin’ to get them all fed an’ settled reasonably early as we were bein’ picked up at 9 to go Boulder walkin’.    “They’ll understand we all need a good nights sleep”  I thought.

  WRONG AGAIN!!! 

 The kids had other plans to make the most of the evening and at around 11.3o I gave up an’ left them to it as after my challenge day I was “startin’” to tire.  At 3.2o am I finally seperated the girls from the boys an’ they all fell asleep.  I woke them all at 8 an’ they were much chirpier than I expected.  After a quick head count, Niall, Liam, Sophie, Joe, Aaron, Francessca….

                                                                                                  ….oh yeah and Lauren!!! the bus turned up bang on time an’ off we set to Summerhill activity and Boulder Park.  We arrived an’ they weren’t quite open so we all ran up a hill to an adventure playground an’ messed about on there for 2o min’s ’til they let us in.  We were introduced to Ian an’ Helen who gave us a safety talk before we all set off to the boulder park.  It was already colder than swimmin’ in the Tees so we kept busy runnin’ about an convinced Joe an’ Aaron there was a crocodile farm in a pond we passed ha ha.  We got to the top an’ were shown around some of  the boulders an’ started to get to grips with hangin’ on after a quick warm up. 

The boulders were man-made, loads of fun an’ the kids loved runnin’ around them.  We were then given harness’s an’ started to use ropes to climb the bigger boulders then absailed down them.  Great fun, even in the freezin’ cold an’ Lauren decided we would be returnin’ in the summer for her birthday.

Thanks again guys it was great fun an’ we’ll be back soon so get some crocodiles in !!!

Next we headed off to Hartlepool Marina for lunch at the Northstar restaurant.  We were a little under-dressed in our climbing gear but found a good table an’ settled in.  I took the kids orders (much to the relief of the staff) of assorted sarnies, fat chips, lots of juice/coke’s an’ a coffee for me.  The girls were lovely an’ made sure we were well taken care of but as sweet as it was to grab 5 min’s we still had the Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience to get to. 

On our arrival we were told that the Fighting Ships experience was about to start so we rushed upstairs to what looked like the inside of a huge galley and were met by a seafaring gent with a musket who told us a little about the background of a life at sea.  The exhibition was very excitin’ with the ship’s cabin boy guidin’ us through a maze of scenes from life on board.   From the Captain’s table to the the flogging of a sailor who had not followed orders quickly enough,  a scene on shore with “ladys of the night” and other ways a sailor could be relieved of his money to the finale of a huge battle at sea with deafenin’ explosions from the cannons and the screams of dyin’ crew members.  We emerged into the daylight where our guide showed us the gun firing and set off the cannon wich made all the kids jump!!!

We all went over to the HMS Trincomalee to explore the bowels of a real frigate an’ once aboard we had a good wander round.  There was the sick bay, the powder room, sleepin’ quarters and Capitain’s deckpost.  We stood at the front of the ship and imagined settin’ off for India or Astralia as the kids had recently done a project on Capitain James Cook.  I was about ready to drop by this point as the weekend had been about as busy as any I could remember so we went to the playboat where I let them play one of the best games of tig ever.  I couldn’t just watch for long an’ soon joined in but in my slightly tired state I fell down some steps and think I may have cracked a rib or two !!!  It was almost time for the musem to close so we went to wait for our ride home.  It had been a great day an’ we were all ready for bed when we got home.  I, unfortunatly was at work at 8pm so would have to wait til the next mornin’ to rest, but lumps an’ bruised ribs aside it was well worth it.

Well we’d fit more into one mornin’ than most people get into a month an’ it was only 12.45.  We were on our way to Tees Barrage (second week in a row for me!) an’ I could feel the chills from last week’s events.  We arrived an’ were given wetsuits so I knew I’d be gettin’  cold an’ wet again lol.  Lloyd an’ the gang helped us into the waiting Kayaks an’ we were quite unceremoniosly chucked in.  It was a pretty nervy time as I felt I was goin to fall straight out but after some good advice from Helen I found my river legs and began to enjoy the water despite the wind doin’ it’s best to push me down stream.  Joanna was not finding the water much kinder but despite her fear bravely slid her kayak into the water to join us as we headedup stream for our first challenge. 

The guys explained we would be tryin’ a manouver called “the piano” but I had to stop them as Joanna an’ I were just not gettin’ it.  I asked one of the guys to show us what they meant.  HUGE MISTAKE!!  started to get out of the kayak an’ on to the front where we were all lined up.  Joanna an’ I were gobsmacked that after only 1o min’s on the water we had to walk along the front of the kayaks!!!   They had only managed to get across two of our boats before fallin’ in so I was not holdin’ much hope for myself, an Joanna had flatly refused to do it as I guess she wont mind me sayin’ she’s not a strong swimmer an’ this was somthin’ a bit beyond what 1o/15 mins trainin’ can prepare you for!!! 

I’m a pretty strong swimmer though an’ despite knowin’ how cold the Tees was from the week before I decided to give it go.  As I expected I didn’t get far before I was fallin’ head first into the water, which is where I stayed as I couldn’t get back into the kayak.  I swam to the river bank draggin’ my boat with me by which time I had gotten used to the water an’ didn’t mind the numbing cold so much.  I pulled myself back in an’ once again followed everyone back upstream where we were about to have a race.  By the time I’d got back to the guys I was all over the place an’ strugglin but as I turned to go downstream I relaxed enough to realise where I was an’ managed to catch the beginnin’ of the race. 

The second race was goin’ backwards but by then my mind wasn’t really on the job an’ I “fell in” a second time an’ was just enjoyin’ bein’ in the water as I had no real feeling of the cold anymore and was givin’ it full on “Otter stlye” ’til eventually I was dragged out.  I think I felt even more refreshed than the week before an’ I can’t wait to go back with Lauren an’ her friends or the boys an’ jump in again (maybe not three weeks in a row though lol)

After showerin’  we met for a well earned coffee in the Barage’s cafe an’ the days points were tally’ed up.  By some miracle I’d just pinched it.  Julia from “Visit Tees Valley” awarded me a bottle of champagne which with the pending arrival of 6 of Lauren’s friends for a pre “Bolder Walking” sleepover, would come in handy later on lol.  Once again a massive thank you to everyone @ the Tees Barrage, “Outdoor Ambition” and “Visit Tees Valley” for an amazin’ day an’ a great taster of what our final day in March has in store, can’t wait guys!!

Countdown to the first challenge day was up!  We met the guys from Visit TeesValley in the wonderful Guisbrough Hall and had juice an’ pastrys (all very civilised).  I even turned up in chinos an a tweed jacket just to blend in with the scenery but after bein’ given our list of challenges I did a quick change into combats an’ my “Face of Tees Valley” t-shirt ’cause it looked like things might get messy. 

I set off with Helen my chaperone from “Outdoor Ambition Ltd” run by Lloyd Murry who had helped co-ordinate the day’s events.  We powered towards Guisbrough high street as our challenges included travelling about on public transport (not much change for me there as I don’t drive ).

We made it to the bus and “jetted” off towards Middlesbrough with Joanna and her escort alongside us.  Finnally we made it to Stuarts park and decided to get to our first destination on foot.  We passed a friends house an’ I couldn’t resist poppin’ in an’ tellin her what I was up too but as she wasn’t home I decided to take a picture with the dog who I help look after.  My first test was to clean the Infinity bridge at “Nature’s World” so after joggin’ for about two miles we got to Nature’s World an’ were immediatly given a bucket  an’ sent to look for the bridge which is a replica of Stockton’s landmark over the Tees.  Helen an’ I busied ourselves cleanin’ the bridge an got some pic’s taken.   

              Next was a trip into central ‘Boro to the designer store Psyche where we had to buy somthin’ for a tenner that would make me stand out in a crowd!!  As an ex-employee I knew there was a stuffed raindeer in the attic which I thought would be fun but we couldn’t find it so settled on a manequin’s head (I actually paid £1o for it too ha ha).  A good friend Fres was workin’ so got another pic an’ then ran into Noel Dennis from “the Noel Dennis Quartet” who were playin’ in Psyche.  We were runnin’ out of time so decided on a taxi to the Waiting Room in Eaglescliffe where I had to make a latte.  We got there with about 9o sec’s to spare as the rules said we had to arrive by 12.3o although not before so we stood outside in the rain ’til bang on 12.3o.  When we walked in Joanna had been there 2o min so that was a waste of a soakin’!!

We then had a brief break before recounting the mornin’s adventures an’ settin’ off  for Tees Barage where the madness was to continue.

Ok, actually it pretty much is ha ha.  Just a quick insert to let you know about my modelling assignment over at the Saltburn Hotel and Spa!!  I know what you’re thinking, me too.  I’ve organised lots of fashion shows/shoots in the past so I know what male models look like an’ I’m pretty sure I’m not it lol.  Despite that, Kirsty, a work colleauge (?) who does some modelling asked me to be part of a vampire shoot after we talked about the BBC following me an’ some of the boys from Psyche to Whitby back in the day for a documentary “The Secret Life of a Shop” (not the most inspired of titles).  I was asked to do some test shots an I’ve posted a couple of the results.  These are the only veiwable ones out of about 150 ha ha.  Anyway let me know what you think? xJ

 Well the requests have started pourin’ in an’ Joanna an’ I cannot walk down the street without being mobbed.  But despite OK magazine havin’ to find a new cover next month and Simon Cowell’s undoubted worry about next weeks X factor guests Jo an’ I decided to go with what we know an’ joined Neil Green on BBC radio Tees.  We were met on arrival by Judith, producer for the show who led us up to the studio where we met Neil and Dianne Youdale his co-presenter. 

The guys could not have made us feel more comfortable and the 45 min’s flew by in what seemed like seconds.  Both myself and I’m sure Joanna would like to thank the whole team for supportin’ us throughout the “Face of Tees Valley” adventure.  Have a look out for the show (’specially when were on!!) @ BBC Radio Tees.

So, the first of my “Face of Tees Valley” events was looming and all the prep was done.  I was being accompanied on this adventure by a group of boys I have been lucky enough to be part of for the last 2 years.  Two of the guys I’ve known for 7/8 years recently opened a Male Grooming salon in Teesside and both they and their wider circle of mates have become constant suppliers of fun days (and nights) out, most of which will not be makin’ their way onto these pages for fear of bein’ remembered ha ha. 

Seriously though, these boys are without doubt the most respectful and DEEP (your welcome tom an’ rich) down good lads I’ve met in a long time and when I was asked to bring along 5 guests to join in the day I immediatly thought a good dip in the Tees is just what these lads deserve

I was innitially to head over to the Tees Barage with my motley crew ( 2 of whom had not been home more than 20 min’s before they were picked up at 9am that Sunday mornin’ !!!) but we all nipped off for a full english to weigh us down should our craft try to capsize later in the day.  Among us were David “Tomo(obv)”  Thompson and Andy ”G-ray” Gray the co-directors of “Rude Grooming” along with Chris Patton (their apprentice and not the former governor of Hong Kong), Anthony Newby (out ’til 8.40am!!) and Daniel ”Oggy” Hogg (the daddy of the group ha ha).

Our task was to take a boat down the white water course and get a feel for the power of the water as it was tossed around the foamy man made waves.  We were met by Mark, one of the instructors and given wetsuits to wear (how aptly named these were as we were soon to find out!!)  We made our way outside to put on saftey jackets and helmets when Mark realised one of us had the suit on back to front (guess who, it’s a no-brainer lol).  We were given a safety briefing and headed into the Tees.

I have never felt cold like it, although I was informed once the numbness had set in I wouldn’t be able to feel anythin’ (presumably not even the penguins that I was sure must be peckin’ away at my toes!!).  After gettin’ acquainted with the boat the boys an’ I, with me at the front an’ Mark steering from behind headed towards the white water rapids.

The first drop seemed huge and as Mark instructed us to paddle left or right we went into Bear Grylls mode and became one.  Well, that’s what should have happened.  We actually went into a blind panic coupled with fits of laughter that prevented us from paddlin’ even if we wanted to.  The first rush was over and we steeled ourselves for the next challenge (at this point our instructor was calmly tellin’ us the names of the different drops and waves we had been over and those that were to come, I think I heard the word Valentine but love was the last thing on my mind!!!)

We eventually made it to the bottom and began carryin’ our boat back to the beginning of the course ( this task became much harder as time went on).  Our second run was a slightly more acomplished affair in that I think two of us actually managed to co-ordinate our paddle strokes.  We were ready for our 3rd an’ final run at the beast after bein’ taught to spin the craft by each side paddlin’ in a different direction.  Off we went to find that Mark had directed us to take the first drop goin’ backwards!!  With hearts in our mouth we managed to face the direction we were goin by about half way down the course but by this point we were soaked.  Then disaster struck, G-ray was overboard almost takin Anthony with him. 

Our collective safety mentality took over an’ we all just fell about laughin (I almost went in when I saw Andy’s face breathlessly gaspin’ for air over Anthonys body that was held in only by his feet)  Eventually I managed to grab Anthony’s hand an’ pull him in but unfortunatly Andy was on his own and didn’t get back in ’til near the end of the course.  We hit the smooth water an’ started to pull ourselves together about 25 ft from the edge when Mark suggested we swim back the rest of the way.  Andy could not be convinced as he had only recently gotten back on board and knew how cold it was.  Mark had told us the course was no more than waist height but hadn’t told us that this wasn’t part of the “course” as we all jumped in and disappeared under the water!!!  Personally I felt like someone had flung me in an icecube “David Blain” stylee and had I had any breath left our instructor would have been under no “illusion” how I felt about him at that point lol!

Well we dragged ourselves out an’ compared what stories we would tell our grandkids about the day in the future as we headed for the most eagerly awaited shower of our lives.  A great day out that will no doubt be repeated in the future, thanks to Mark an’ all the staff for makin’ us fell so welcome and COLD!!!

Ever fancied bein’ an ambassador for your town or city and havin’ loads of fun days out with friends and family? Well I did, and in the spring of ‘09 I heard about visitTeesvalley’s ”The Face of Tees Valley” competition and entered. I had to do a video entry and I talked about all the events I attend in the area and why I thought I would be a good ambassador for the region.

I was initially suprised to get the call inviting me to attend the semi-final at Hartlepool Marina but was also excited about the day and looked forward to the events planned. We all met at the Marina and it was clear that the competition was gonna be tuff as everyone was very friendly an’ we all got on immediately .

Our first trial was the “Thundercat” speed boatswhere we raced 3 at a time round the Marina circuit.  The pull as the craft set off was unreal and tryin to hold on despite bein’ covered in spray as well as being encouraged to lean insanely far out of the boat to take corners kept the heart firmly in the mouth !!!

Although a bit of a blur I’m stickin’ to my story that I pulled in first an’ took the day ha ha.

We were then sent off to the other side of the Marina (mostly in a bus although I took the scenic route and had a slower ride in the Thundercat).  As we docked and de-helmeted we saw what can only be described as a collection of spheres floating on the water like redundant washing detergent balls (little did I know that we were to be thrown inside and put on a “spin cycle”). 

These were the “Walk on Water” globes and we all flung off our shoes ready to dive in!!  These things were the most fun ever although if you have far to walk later take it easy (I spent ten mins runnin’ like a hamster in a ball, and knackered myself).  At first it was a very surreal experience an’ I felt like the boy in the bubble bein’ watched by faces just out of earshot.  I soon acclimatised to the weirdness and began the almost impossible task of standin’ up in the spheres.  It was almost as much fun watchin’ everyone else fallin’ about in them as it was inside, and finally mastering summersaults as I fell over gave me a real sense of accomplishment lol.  We were treated to lunch and all given a chance to nobble the judges with our wit and winning smiles (only jokin’). We were asked to prepare a presentation for the judges all about ourselves!!

This seemed to go well (must have, now I think about it lol) although it was pretty nerve rackin’.  I think my revelation about a “kick ass” Micheal Jackson tribute dance may have swung it in the end for me, although luckily I wasn’t asked to demonstrate.  It was great to meet so many amazing people in one day from the judges, the “Face of Tees Valley” team and most of all the other finalists.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent runnin’ around the Marina but as I’m doin that as part of one of  my event days I’ll leave that for now and let you know all the fun that happens there later x

Pop back soon as I’ve already been white water raftin’ and can’t wait to tell you how that went (minus all the antics in the shower, don’t worry we were just pretending to be a boy band)

See ya soon, James x x