Gareth James Chocolatier (Behind the Scenes)

I am having a rare day off on Thursday and I am taking my recently retired Mum on a bit of a tour around Tynemouth and the North Shields Fish Quay. It's rare for us to spend time like this together so I am going to take her to some of my favourite places. One such place is Gareth James (Chocolatier) on front Street on Tynemouth. Please see my earlier blog post for more details about this great Tynemouth venue here: http://intynemouth.blogspot.com/2011/05/gareth-james-chocolatier.html



 I was warmly invited to see some of the processes that take place behind the scenes that go into the production of some of the yummy goodies on offer. It's great to see the attention to detail and the passion that Gareth has for chocolate. Here are some of the behind the scenes images that make this venue a place to visit and enjoy.

Not only will you find great chocolates here you can also grab a great cup of coffee, tea or a simply wonderful hot chocolate.

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Larrys Fishcakes

I met Craig in my favourite local pub The Low Lights Tavern earlier this year. I have been meaning to write about his family business 'Larrys Fishcakes' for some time but only just got round to visiting their unit this week. Through a commission I have undertaken to photograph people with businesses connected to the Fish Quay I knew I wanted to pay Craig and his mum Jean a visit.

Jean's Father 'Larry' started the business in 1960 and the company has grown into the oldest manufacturer of Fishcakes in the UK whilst remaining a family firm that is well loved by its customers. I had never met Jean before but I think I have a new friend as she is such a bubbly person and has even written and published a book about growing up on the Fish Quay and North Shields. I am going to post about this later.

After chatting with Jean and Craig they kindly gave me some fishcakes to take away for my lunch. I should have posted and image of them but my fiancee and I wolfed them down before I could take a photograph. I can tell you that they were lovely and that I will be back for some more soon and also for some of the other savoury products on offer.

It's great to see a local business doing well in such tough times. Perhaps the legacy that was started by Larry and lovingly continued by Jean and Craig was built on the best ingredients both as a foodstuff and a business. I'm a great beliver in people and that good people show their goodness in their faces. Both Craig and Jean are great honest people who are not only proud of their business but their area.

For more information about larrys Fishcakes please visit this link:

http://www.larrysfishcakes.co.uk/

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Martineau Guest House (Breakfast fit for a King or Queen)

A recent TV program featuring Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his Fish Fight Campaign featured a locally filmed scene in which Sally the owner of Martineau Guest House was choosing some some locally fished produce. This reminded me that I had not posted about Sally's amazing Breakfast that she cooked for me and my girlfriend Rachael earlier this year.

Because food is such a large part of the Martineau Guest House experience I thought the breakfast deserved its own post. My 'Big Geordie' breakfast was amazing - I loved the sausages which are produced for Sally by a local butcher and also the home baked bread - mmmmmmm. If you are thinking of visiting Tynemouth I can recommend the Martineau as do a number of people giving great reviews on Trip Advisor.

To see my earlier post featuring info on the rooms and further links follow this link here:

http://intynemouth.blogspot.com/2011/05/martineau-guest-house.html

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Blue Reef Aquarium (Tynemouth)

Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth has established itself as one of the most well loved coastal attractions in recent years, with a collection of sea life ranging from tropical fish, sharks, reptiles and monkeys - yes monkeys (but more about them later). I popped down to the Aquarium and instantly felt myself drawn to all of the colourful fish and animals on display. Looking around at the visitors I could see many parents, grandparents and children happily talking about and interacting with the displays and creatures.

I like the fact that when adults visit the Aquarium they exude a childlike happiness that makes me smile. Being surrounded by the bright tropical fish and the sleek sharks and rays is a very exciting experience.

One of the more unusual but amazingly entertaining displays features the Amazonian miniature monkeys. These tiny adorable little animals are hugely entertaining, one minute they are lazing in the shade eating and the next thing they are scampering up ropes and vines. I was amazed at how curious they were to view us watching them. The children watching the monkeys were laughing and excited every time one of the monkeys came right up to the glass.

Another one of the popular displays is the sea lions which are fantastic huge yet graceful creatures. There is a daily show for the public where the sea lions, amongst other things, kiss each other and the animal carers (there is some teeth brushing involved first ha ha) I don't want to say too much about the show because its much better to just pop down to the Aquarium and see it for yourself.



I just wanted to pop this little fellow (below) in the blog because I thought he was great. Every time I put my camera down he looked at me and then away when I tried to take his photo. Sometimes the little things can be fun and interesting and make you smile.

Check out the Blue Reef Aquarium website below for details about displays, events and much more:

http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth.htm

Oh - and you might find a Nemo or Dory in the gift shop.

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The 1st Annual Tynemouth Classic VW Rally (A Huge Success)

Tynemouth was the place to be in the North East yesterday as it hosted the  1st Annual Classic VW Rally. On a gloriously sunny Saturday, around 4000 visitors flocked to the village to see up close a selection of fantastic vintage Volkswaggens, from campers to bugs and more. The first vehicle most people saw was the 'Doodlebug' featured below which was parked outside the Priory and Castle. The 'Doodlebug' was a massive success with many visitors including my girlfriend, writing their own messages and drawings and really getting up close with the vehicles.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

With many VW owners and fans coming from all over the country the atmosphere was buzzing with a mixture of excitement and pride. As someone who knows very little about Volkswaggens I was amazed at the variety of vehicles on display and all of the unique customized features lovingly installed by their passionate owners.

One of the fantastic things about the rally was the range of the ages of the spectators who turned up for the event and the amount of fun being had by everyone, I nearly dropped my camera laughing at the picture I saw below.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

The owners of the vehicles were all friendly and very proud to show me their campers and bugs often opening doors for me to get interior shots or engine close ups. I can now say that I really want a VW of some description and that I have the 'Bug' myself. A number of the vehicles were for sale yesterday, sadly for me I can guarantee the bank manager would say no if I tried to buy one. I did see a VW camper hire company there so my next holiday may be an exciting road trip.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

The retro vibe was amazing yesterday, I had to keep pinching myself and reminding myself it was not the 60's or 70's. I think the mixture of people, vehicles and sunshine gave the event a sense of golden nostalgia - don't we all remember our childhood summers as baking hot and full of adventure?

One of the things that really made an impact on me was how important VW is to so many people and how big a part of their life this motor manufacturer has become. This was summed up by a lovely young couple who asked me to take an image of their new baby on his first VW rally (below) I look forward to taking his portrait on the 2nd rally next year.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

To Jill Snailham, all of the members of the Tynemouth Business Forum and all of the other people involved behind the scenes I would like to say Thank You. This was the regional event of the year by far and as I heard so many visitors say 'I can't wait to see next year's event.

You can check out the Tynemouth Classic VW Rally facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tynemouth-Classic-Volkswagen-Rally/206689336015444

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'Brucie' Tynemouth Dog

'Brucie' the smiling Staffy visiting Tynemouth to see the Classic VW Rally

Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

I will be posting some photographs taken yesterday during Tynemouth's first ever Classic VW Rally which was a massive success - watch this space.

Tynemouth Classic VW Rally

 Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

This Saturday is the first Tynemouth Classic VW Rally. There will be Beetles and campers of all kinds coming from all over the UK. Why not come down to Tynemouth this Saturday Saturday (30th July) to see these fabulous vehicles and meet some of the owners who are mad passionate about them. The event is taking place in Priors Car Park (in the shadow of Collingwood Monument) just 2 minutes walk from Tynemouth Village and all of its fantastic shops, bars and restaurants.

 Photo by Anthony Dorman

I took these shots a few months ago for Jill Snailham the owner of Ruby and Frank who has organised the show with the help of the Tynemouth Business Forum. Even with just 4 vehicles for the shoot a crowd of admirers appeared within minutes.

Photo by Anthony Dorman

Why not pop down for some fun this Saturday, the weather is looking good and I'm sure these wonderful vehicles will put a smile on your face.

For more information about the Rally please go to this website: http://www.tynemouthclassicvwrally.co.uk/index.html

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The Toy Museum

The Toy Museum in Tynemouth is the result of Tony and Maureen and Bracken's passion for toys. There are over 7000 toys on display and you can tell that every single one of them is well loved. The museum was set up to house their ever growing collection of bears, dolls, cars, robots and childhood memorabilia.

Part of the collection that really appeals to me is the selection of vintage robots which are fantastic. They remind me of old 1950's sci-fi films and the TV series 'Lost in Space' which I used to love. Because there is such a mix of toys from the 1890's until the present day there is something for everyone of all ages. My visit to the museum took me back to my childhood, it had everything I loved and collected from Star Wars, Batman and toy cars. I'm sure the massive collection of dolls, bears and comics will have the same nostalgic effect on every visitor.

One of the things that surprised me on my first visit was the sheer size of the museum and the astonishing variety of toys on display. The museum is TARDIS- like in size, much bigger than the building facade suggests.

I was made to feel hugely welcome on my visit and was shown some of the behind the scenes storage areas brimming with toys of all type. It's great when you meet people with passion, people who love what they do, Tony and Maureen are collectors with a passion for toys. I am sure that everyday their collection inspires warm memories of may a viewers childhood.

If you are in Tynemouth and fancy doing something nostalgic and fun then pop in and say hi to Tony and Maureen. Please check out their fantastic website here: http://www.tynemouthtoymuseum.co.uk/

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All photos by www.anthonydorman.com

Busy Lizzies

Flowers can really make somebody's day, it may be a big day like a wedding or a simple thank you for someone special. Busy Lizzies situated on Percy Park Road is a bright friendly florist offering that personal touch for any occasion.



Check out their full list of services on their website below or why not pop in to the shop and view the wonderfully colourful displays and enjoy the floral aroma first hand.

www.busylizziestynemouth.co.uk

Ice Cream Memories on a Hot Day

I have been way too busy to update the blog properly over the last few days which have seen some great weather in Tynemouth. Although I have been sizzling further in land in Newcastle I have simply wanted to walk along the fantastic beaches on offer in Tynemouth. I am a little behind with my photo editing for the blog but will soon be posting about Busy Lizzies, the Toy Museum and Blue Reef Aquarium. Until then here is a retro style image of one of the ice cream vendors in Tynemouth.

View this image here © Anthony Dorman

I hope they have been having a busy time with the weather being so hot. Every time I walk past I am transported back to when I was little and the sound of the ice cream man's siren sent kids into near hysteria. Would it be a 99 with a flake or a screwball? Oh for the days when these were the toughest decisions to make.

Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

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Jack Tynemouth Dog

(Jack) Jack Russell Terrier from Tynemouth

Spotted with pal Woody and owner Sue out for a walk near the TVLB

Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

The Celtic Path

One of the most established places to visit in the Green Ginger shopping Arcade is The Celtic Path. Inside you will find a mix of Celtic inspired gifts from jewelry to greeting cards as well as porcelain collectables and relaxation CD's and crystals.

The Celtic path also offers a number of relaxation treatments from Reiki, Thai foot massage and many more treatments designed to balance body, mind and soul. I will post more about these treatments later but why not check out The Celtic Path website: www.thecelticpath.co.uk to see a full list of treatments and gifts.

The Celtic Path stocks a number of well known collectables and brands from Harris Tweeds to Rosina Wactmeister Cats.

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(TVLB) Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade

If there is one institution or place in Tynemouth that should never be taken for granted is the TVLB Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. For a number of years I used to wonder what the unusual old wooden building overlooking the mouth of the Tyne was. Last year I ventured inside the Watch House and was amazed at what a wonderful place it is, full of history and character.

The TVLB was founded in 1864 due to a number of serious shipping disasters that plagued the surrounding area. It was the first station of its kind anywhere in the world and is still very active today. The TVLB is separated into two distinct parts: the Life Brigade, which is an active emergency rescue team based at the watch tower and the museum itself; which is open 6 days a week (I mentioned Billy the museums' caretaker earlier in this blog). It is worth visiting just to listen to his funny stories about everything from his younger days in Australia hunting crocodiles to the often humorous events within the museum. The museum is a treasure trove full of local history and brimming with interesting artifacts.

I feel that it is important to feature this museum as it is truly astonishing. If you love history, anything nautical or antiques this place is a must see local attraction. The museum relies on visitor donations as it is free to enter. If you are visiting Tynemouth or are local please pop in and be transported back in time and donate what you can to keep the building and organisation going. It is important to note that the Museum Watch Tower is home to a brigade of volunteers who will probably be the first response to any accident or emergency in the area. Not only will you see antiques in the museum but also modern rescue items. You may even see a couple of volunteers reviewing maps of the local area or other such invaluable training procedures.

So if you are out for a walk and see this unusual building please pop in and support the TVLB by simply visiting one of the area's hidden gems or by telling a friend how much you've enjoyed your visit. I have taken a number of people into the museum in the last 12 months and every one of them has loved the experience. This place is something real, something special and unique. If you have never visited and are local please visit, if you have been before then why not visit again.

Please visit the TVLB website for more information and links:

http://www.tvlb.org/

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