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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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

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

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (North Sheilds Fish Quay)

This image of the BAFTA award winning TV Chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was taken today at Taylor Seafood at the Fish Quay in North shields.

© Anthony Dorman

This is one of a number of candid shots that I took whilst Hugh was filming the latest series of Fish Fight programmes today. The aim of the series is to highlight the food waste caused by EU and government regulations that make fishermen throw half of there catch back into the sea due to red-tape. I have experienced this myself when I embarked on my North Sea Adventure and witnessed first hand the amount of fish that is thrown back to die in the sea. The regulations set in place by government do not help conserve fish as it is impossible to select what enters a net. Hugh is trying to change the law to help the fishing industry and to also show that the wasted food can be used to help society. Today I shot some images at a local primary school who were being fed with today's fishing catch of fish that normally would be wasted. I was worried I would be in the way of Hugh and the crew today however they were very friendly and accommodating. I look forward to seeing the new series.

Check out Taylor Foods Website here: http://taylorseafood.co.uk/#

Check out The Fish Fight campaign here: http://www.fishfight.net/ Please sign the petition.

I will be posting more images of Hugh at both Taylor Foods and Priory Park Primary over the next few days.

www.anthonydorman.com

North Sea Adventure

This post comes from my own personal blog www.anthonydormanphotography.blogspot.com which was posted in January. I am posting it today as I will be posting about the North Shields Fish Quay area in the next few days. The Fish Quay is a quick walk from my house and part of the immediate area and full of fascinating people, places and industry. It is so interlinked with Tynemouth that it deserves to be featured in the blog.

 

Earlier this year I took a walk along the Fish Quay at North Shields which is a place I really like because there is always someone or something interesting there to photograph. I noticed some fishermen making some repairs to their nets on the quayside and decided I would ask if they would be in my 100 Strangers Project. Philip pictured below agreed to having his photo taken as he said he really liked photography. I said how much I would like to go out on one of the trawlers to get some reportage style images. Within 5 minutes we had agreed that I would go out on his boat the 'Aspire'

 

 

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

The images below where taken in order and where shot using only natural light. The lighting conditions where extremely difficult from the early morning pitch dark to the below deck ambiance. I was determined not to distract the crew with flash photography so I shot with a large aperture and some very high grainy ISO settings. I also wanted to present un-edited real photos, I was not going to airbrush or remove unwanted items. I wanted to tell the real story including the wonky horizons caused by my land lubber legs and slight sea sickness.

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

 © Anthony Dorman

© Anthony Dorman

 

For me the day was a success, I was still alive, had not thrown up and had some interesting reportage images and a lot of new knowledge. For Philip and the 'Aspire' crew it was another frustrating day with a poor catch and a damaged net costing £1000 to repair. I was really looked after and had some great conversations, especially with Philip about everything including fishing, religion and art. I wonder how many people will get the chance to do what I did that day considering how the industry is suffering through high costs and crazy regulations set by men wearing suits in Brussels? I hope that this industry survives unlike many others once essential the the North East economy and history.

I decided to post this today as I received a disk in the post from Martin (hands image and goatee images) as he is a keen photographer who wanted me to see his photos.

www.anthonydorman.com

www.anthonydorman.blogspot.com

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Gareth James Chocolatier

One of the newest venues in Tynemouth is Gareth James Chocolatier. Where do I start about this place - OK - simple - its awesome. For some reason it took me a while to venture inside but when I did I knew I had found a new favourite place. The interior is superb, relaxing, warm and inviting. The smell of the fantastic chocolates on offer is intoxicating and Gareth and the staff are amazingly friendly and relaxed.

Images by Anthony Dorman

On my first visit I bought a selection of handmade chocolates for my parents for their anniversary and some brownies for myself. I was hoping my parents would leave me a chocolate to try but no they scoffed the lot in record time. Saying that my brownie habit has now reached epic proportions, a tale I am hearing from other residents of Tynemouth also addicted to these scrumptious bundles of food heaven. I implore you to visit this place, have a hot chocolate (the best I have had) or a tea, or coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. When you talk to other retailers in Tynemouth and mention Gareth James they light up thinking of all the nice things on offer. Whenever Gareth himself is mentioned everyone says two things - he is really nice and he is doing fantastic things with his business for such a young guy. Gareth invited me to see how the chocolates are made on the premises which proved two things - he is passionate about chocolate and I would eat my weight in chocolate if left unsupervised in there. I will be posting some images about the making of the chocolates on the blog soon.

Check out the Gareth James Chocolatier facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/garethjameschocolatier

http://www.anthonydorman.com/

Tynemouth Station market (characters, collectables and cup cakes)

There are many reasons to visit Tynemouth and the Tynemouth Station Market held on Saturdays and Sundays is certainly one of them. Every weekend the station is turned into a market containing all sorts of stalls selling everything from food to antiques. I personally go for a number of reasons which include cup cakes, second hand books and to stranger watch. The stranger watching is because I am taking part in a photographic project called '100 Strangers' The lady below is one of many great characters that I have seen and photographed in the station.

55/100 "100 Strangers" [Explore] © Anthony Dorman

Cupcake © Anthony Dorman

Cars © Anthony Dorman

The station is always buzzing with many regular visitors looking for a great book, old camera, or item of jewelry or locally produced food. An old friend of mine once bought an old watch from the market for a fiver only to later find out it was worth £3000. I'm not saying this happens often but hey these things do happen. I am just happy if my girlfriend allows me to have a cupcake and I get to see and photograph a stranger for my project.

If you are thinking of something to do on a Saturday or Sunday why not visit the Station Market as part of a day out in Tynemouth. One famous person recently seen in Tynemouth Station is actor David Tennant who was filming 'United'. If you have seen a celebrity in Tynemouth get in touch.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/

The Beard and The Albatross (Seen in Tynemouth)

A Couple of months ago whilst walking on Tynemouth Longsands with my girlfriend I saw Chris (pictured below) with his partner Liane. Now I love faces that tell a story or have lots of Character and I am always on the lookout for people for my '100 Strangers Project' I asked Chris if he would let me take a quick portrait to which he agreed.

Chris is 54/100 '100 Strangers' View the set here http://www.flickr.com/photos/16059306@N08/sets/72157624767974686/

I give Chris one of my cards and left him to enjoy the nice weather. Later that day I received an email saying how much he had liked my portraits and could I send him the image I had taken. He also sent a link to his business 'The Albatross' Backpackers Inn Newcastle. What Chris did not realise is that I knew the hostel well as my friend Chris Fleming has stenciled the rooms with a great selection of quirky artwork that he asked me to photograph.

I bumped into Chris and Liane again on Bank Holiday Monday outside of Gareth James Chocolatier on Front Street whom I will post about this week. I'm currently negotiating with Chris on doing a shoot for his updated website. I find that Tynemouth always attracts quite interesting people as there are so many interesting places and things to do. Quite a few of my '100 Strangers project' are from or have been spotted in Tynemouth. Look out you could be my next stranger.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/

Fezziwigs

Fezziwigs is fairly new to Tynemouth but is already establishing its self as a a classy destination for shoppers looking to add style and sophistication to their home. Cilena and Dawn who own Fezziwigs have sourced a mixture of home ware and gifts for all tastes and budgets and will no doubt provide me with many gift ideas for my mam who will no doubt be a customer when she sees this post.

Photograph by Anthony Dorman

I can guarantee that most men are a bit rubbish at buying gifts for their female friends and relatives. Do yourself a favour and pop into fezziwigs for some inspiration. If you need a present for your girlfriend, wife or mum you will find something suitable here.  You will find Bronte Tweeds, Chia Maria, Sia Home fashion as well as a selection of great greetings cards (Geordie cards) and a lovely selection of Fezzikids children's toys.

I will be posting 5 gift selections from fezziwigs soon.

Find contact details for Fezziwigs by clicking here 

Syon Street Royal Wedding Street Party

For the last few months I have been photographing the people and places in and around Tynemouth for the purpose of writing this blog. I was going to wait until I had about 6 weeks worth of postings but have instead decided to let the blog happen in an organic daily fashion.

I was contacted recently and asked if I would like to take some photographs of a Royal Wedding Street Party happening in Syon Street, Tynemouth. Here is a small collection of images taken on the day which I hope convey the sense of community that Tynemouth has to offer?

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

There were lots of children dressed in very patriotic outfits who were great subjects for me to photograph as well as bringing a great family atmosphere to the party. I quite fancied having a go at the egg and spoon race myself.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Below is Gabrielle and her brilliant family who invited me to the party and made me feel very welcome all day, they very kindly kept me fed and watered and were great hosts.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Everyone brought food and drink for the event, including the Grand Hotel who kindly supplied some Rose Wine for the party.



http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade made an inpromtu appearance to entertain the children who all had a go with the hose. I think there were quite a few Dad's desperate for a shot whilst all the Mam's were eyeing up the firemen, ha ha. Lets face it Firemen and Woman are pretty cool and they definitely made a big impression on everyone.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Gabrielle's (the party organiser) sisters from Glasgow where in attendance including classical singer Rosa (Rosalind Sutherland) who performed a selection of classical arias that captivated the party goers and brought a tear to many an eye and also a standing ovation. Check out Rosa on this YouTube clip here

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Food Glorious Food WOW!!!

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

Not even a little downpour - how British - could stop the party spirits especially these little ones who never budged and continued  to eat cake like it was going out of fashion.

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

http://www.anthonydorman.com/ © Anthony Dorman

I have to admit that The Royal Wedding of Will and Kate's brought out the best of the British public both in Tynemouth and throughout the UK. Considering all the doom and gloom that we see everyday on the news this was something that made you feel proud and happy to be British.

I will be posting more stories and photographs of the people and places in and around Tynemouth over the next few days. Please feel free to check out the postings and re-post/tweet/facebook any of the stories.

Check out my regular photoblog here http://www.anthonydormanphotography.blogspot.com/.