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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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

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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L'antiquario (Now Closed) Updated 01/07/11

L'antiquario can be found inside The Green Ginger Shopping arcade (formally 'The Land of Green Ginger') This place is a little gem (literally at times) inside it you will find a mixture of antique and collectable items from porcelain, clocks, jewellery and other interesting pieces of treasure.

I was instantly drawn to the clock and the porcelain you can see in the image above. I don't class myself as an expert in antiques, far from it but I do like great design especially when it is both artistic and functional. When you step into L'antiquario you instantly feel like a treasure hunter. I think the fact that I used to watch Indiana Jones films on VHS every Saturday when I was little has shaped my imagination. This place does feel like a treasure trove especially if you visit when the late afternoon sun streams through the old church windows and bathes everything in a very cinematic light.

Photographs by Anthony Dorman

Because I know nothing about antiques it would be silly of me to pretend that I do so why not pop in yourself and do your own treasure hunting.  L'antiquario can be found on the first floor of The Green Ginger Arcade.

Visit the L'antiquario ebay page here: http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/l.antiquario

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Puddytigger

Puddytigger can be found on the second floor of the Green Ginger Shopping Arcade which must be one of the most unique shopping malls (An old church). Puddytigger stocks a mixture of jewelry, fine art and craft ware as well as soaps and aromatherapy oils. Helen the owner of Puddytigger has put together a collection of locally sourced and ethically sourced handmade goods.

I would recommend anyone visiting Tynemouth to visit The Land of Green Ginger and to go and have a chat with Helen. Puddytigger is a treasure trove of gift ideas, from lovely bears, unique jewelry and artwork as well as craft work inspired by local scenery. My next post about Puddytigger will show some of these items in more depth. This blog is in its infancy and so is written as an introduction which will grow into a larger story. Until then why not pop in and have a chat with Helen who has some great banter. You must also ask to see Boris who is well known to regular visitors.

The Land of green Ginger is one of a number of venues in Tynemouth that is dog friendly if you are thinking of bringing your pooch to Tynemouth.

Visit the puddytigger website here:

http://www.puddytigger.co.uk/

Visit the Puddytigger Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Puddytigger/155038853623?sk=wall

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/

Ruby and Frank

Ruby and Frank has established itself as one of the great shopping destinations of Tynemouth. Owner Jill has put together a great collection of clothes and accessories from predominantly local designers. Combine this with a funky location, great background music and a friendly service and you have a winning formula.

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Photo by Anthony Dorman

Every time I have popped into Ruby and Frank to see Jill there is always a buzz about the place. Like many independent business's that are successful there is clearly a great sense of attention to detail combined with personality. All of these things are infectious and have clearly captured the imagination and interest of many visitors. There have been many great write ups in the local press including 'The Crack'. Check out the Ruby and Frank facebook page or even better pop in and check out a great selection of designer clothes at affordable prices.

Jill has organised this great event coming to Tynemouth this summer

Tynemouth Classic Volkswagen Rally

I will be posting more photos and information about Ruby and Frank as well as the forthcoming Volkswagen event over the next few weeks. Why not pop in and see Jill to find out more about an event that is already causing a stir of excitement in Tynemouth.

www.anthonydorman.com   www.anthonydormanphotography.blogspot.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 

Children Of The Revolution

Earlier this year good friends of mine Paul and Steph had their first child Amber Ruth. Not Having any children of my own I have had little cause to look in Children's clothes shops until this point. My first visit to Children of the Revolution was very successful leaving with a cool baby bib and also the tiniest cutest pair of pink Converse All Stars which I know where loved by my friends.

Photograph by Anthony Dorman

Children of the Revolution is a specialist children's clothes shop featuring garments and accessories for infants to early teens. Their range features well known brands like Converse, and Quicksilver (above) and has great pop culture references from music like NWA, The Stone Roses and Pink Floyd.

I have since come to know the owners John and Jackie who have built their business around their friendly and welcoming demeanour combined with a passion for what they do. Not only do they clearly put great thought into their range of products but also to the layout and decor of their shop.

Visit the Children of the Revolution Facebook page
Visit the Children of the Revolution Ebay Shop page (shipping available)

I will be posting 5 of my favourite things from this great shop soon (Goonies Mug - hint to girlfriend!!)