James' Blog

Next up was a night in central Middlesbrough so somthing a little different to my usual all runnin’/jumpin’ + climbin’ activities.  I was heading for the “Big Mouth” comedy club @ the town hall (if ever a night was named with me in mind!)  First off though was dinner @ “Joe Riggatoni’s”.  I’ve been a frequent visiter to “Joe’s” over the years so it was nice to be greated by Paulo the owner as I waited at the bar for my guests.  I had invited me bestest’ Robin Bell an’ his partner Kelly, two great friends I’d met at “Psyche” when I returned to Middlesbrough from Manchester 7 yrs ago.  Rob an’ Kel have the sweetest little girl Ava who on my last visit had me actin’ out the entire cast of “The Wizard of Oz” exept for Dorothy which she played perfectly an’ the Wicked Wich (dad Rob was given that part!)  They’ve just added to the gang with little Scarlet who looks like following in her big sisters footprints of bein’ a daddy’s girl. 

Anyway the guys turned up without a date for me which I had left in Kel’s hands an’ despite her havin’ hundreds of girly mates in Rob’s words she “struggled a bit” to get anyone at short notice ha ha  More proof that I need a P.A to sort my life out!!!

Dinner at Joe’s was awsome as usual.  I wont bore y’ with the details but Kel’ an’ I were amazed at the size of Rob’s prawns an’ my Salmon was cooked to perfection.

Off we went to the town hall but as we arrived disaster struck as’ Kel’s mum called worried about the baby.  The hilarity had to wait a little as we rushed to the car an’ set off back to Yarm.  Turns out babies get a little tetchy when they’re hungry but Kelly stayed behind to make sure all was ok (a mums perogative) an’ Robin an’ I set off back to Middlesbrough.  We had only missed 5 mins by the time we arrived but were too late to get a seat (a warning to get in early) so we hung out at the bar at the back of the room.  This took nothing away from the night as we were listening more than watching an’ although mostly unrepeatable here the acts were spot on the money and the clubs MC easily gave as good as he got to the crowd who were all up for bit of “friendly banter”.  As I suspect you know if y’ve been to see a comedian live it’s almost impossible to remember anything that’s been said on stage so you’ll have to get along an’ see for yourselves what a geat evening the “Big Mouth” is.

xJ

Hello again, seems like a long time since I was ’round ‘ere.  And despite the fact that since me last blog I’ve been given a points system for “Face of TeesValley” that makes the scorin’  for Eurovision seem pretty simple I’ve taken a couple of weeks to sit down an’ get this all wrote right up!!  Ha ha.

My latest outing was to the lovely village of Kirkleatham near Redcar to visit the Kirkleatham Museum and Kirkleatham Owl Centre.  I set off once again with my “young ‘un” Lauren Rose an’ a couple of her mates, Sophie an’ Caitlin.  We arrived at the museum mid mornin’ an’ had a wander round the grounds (great place for “last touch” lol).  There’s plenty of grass an’ a playground wich entertained us for a while before we even got to the musem.

On entering the building we were met by Alison Kirkbride who showed us round the exibits an’ was so nice to the kids I left her to it an’ followed on listenin’ to the tour.  We learnt all about the building’s history an’ loved the toy cases.  The girls had a quiz to do lookin’ for  different objects in the exibits an’ got loads of help from Alison.  We spent a long time lookin’ at an exibition by local artist Tom French who’s paintings really engaged the girls.  We were pleasantly suprised when Tom came into the room as he was showin’ some visitors his work.  He stopped an’ told us about some of the paintings history.   They really are  worth a look an you may be lucky enough to meet Mr French too !

On the way out Alison showed us the new Backpacks the museum have.  They have all sorts of things to do around the buildin’ an’ we’re lookin’ forward to goin’ back an’ having a go.

After the musem we head off to the Owl Centre an’ were shown round by Craig.  There was a lot of work goin’ on gearin’ up for the summer but there was still loads of things to see.  The girls shot off an left me to have a wander round.   Amongst the birds on show were “Saphire” the great grey owl and poor old “Cruella” the Abysinian ground Hornbill whos partner had upped an’ left her for another “bird” in London as the sparks just wern’t flyin’!!  We also saw a “Balinese starling” a beatiful little thing who wouldn’t let us get a picture.  They are on the severe danger of extinction list an it really makes y’ think how many of these precious creatures would be gone already if it weren’t for places like this?  A great visit an’ we can’t wait to go back in the summer.

We set off for Saltburn in the taxi an’ the driver (lovely lady) hadn’t heard of “Lemons”.  She did suggest a few places but nowhere really seemed like a winner.  When we finally arrived in Saltburn we asked a couple of what looked like old locals about “Lemons” an’ yet again drew blank looks.  We ran down the bank towards the beach an’ I did notice a new restaurant on the front an decided I’d investigate further after the beach.  We all ran around on the beach writin’ in the sand an’ throwin’ rocks into the sea.  I was gettin’ a bit hungry by this point so after the girls scalped me of a fortune in the arcades on the pier (Lauren said it was worth it as she got 98% on the “Guitar Hero” an’ was second on the leader board).  Off we trotted to the new restaurant an’ lo an’ behold there was a huge bowl of lemons on the counter.  We settled in to a seat with a great sea view an’ finally ordered our fish an’ chips.  I ordered a cappucino an’ was pretty much bullied into a coffee the name of wich escapes me but the waitress was sure I’d love it (only kiddin’ she was lovely).  I had to ask if this was the “Lemons” we had spent the day lookin’ for but yet again were dissapointed as this was the “Seaview” restaurant only opened 2 weeks an’ packed to the hilt.  No wonder it was packed the food was awsome an’ the staff were cool.  Glenn the owner came over an’ talked to me too about his plans to open the roof terrace an the rooms above the restaurant which I would have a look at next time I was there on a photoshoot with Joanna.  One of the best bits was the ease with wich I could offload the kids back to the beach an’ watch them through the window ha ha. 

 Really have to say a big thanks from all of us to all the people who made this another great day out in the Tees Valley x x James

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.