EASTERN AIRWAYS IN-FLIGHT

40 | Summer 2012

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS We take to the road in Rolls-Royces old and new and find that style never goes out of fashion

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: EMILY BLUNT CULTURAL OLYMPIAD DESTINATION ONS 2012

This is your complimentary in-flight magazine, to read now or to take home

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WELCOME

Welcome to the Eastern Airways Magazine – yours to take home and pass round your friends and family! Our aim in this issue is to remind you that, whatever may be going on in the wider world, there are plenty of good things to celebrate in life. Let’s start with our motoring correspondent, Norman Burr, who has been enjoying himself, comparing the latest from the Rolls-Royce factory with a vintage model.

look at the lighter side of the Cultural Olympiad and some very non-Olympic summer pursuits.

Then there’s the chance for a little escapism into the world of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, courtesy of our celebrity interview with Emily Blunt.

Appropriately, you can win a bottle of English whisky in our latest brain-teasing puzzle, while you can also try your luck at winning a weekend in Brussels’ funkiest hotel, the PANTONE, or win the new novel from Francesca Brill, intriguingly set in wartime Hong Kong.

Closer to home, we visit a National Trust property where you can actually step behind the ropes and sleep in the beds! As new cities are announced to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, we explore some of Britain’s smallest, but perfectly formed, older cities and cathedral towns. Also to mark the Jubilee, Eastern Airways has unveiled an aircraft in patriotic Best of British livery. If you’ve heard all you want to hear about a certain competitive event in East London, you may enjoy our

We find prices holding up on Aberdeen’s millionaires’ row, while there’s more homespun pub philosophy from our beer writer, Alastair Gilmour.

On a business theme, also in this issue is a 16-page guide to the forthcoming ONS 2012, in Stavanger, one of the highlights of the offshore industry calendar. All told, then, let’s fly with Eastern Airways and escape with Eastern Airways Magazine.

THE EASTERN TEAM

FÀILTE

CROESO

BIENVENUE

WELKOM

VELKOMMEN

Tha Eastern Airways a’ cur

Croeso gan Eastern Airways

Bienvenue à tous nos clients

Eastern Airways magazine

Eastern Airways magasinet

fàilte air ar luchd-cleachdaidh

magazine, i bob un o’n

de Grande-Bretagne et

heet onze klanten uit alle

ønsker våre kunder i

gu lèir bho Bhreatainn agus

cwsmeriaid ym mhob

d’Europe de la part de

regio’s in Groot-Brittannië en

Storbritannia og Europa

an Roinn Eòrp.

rhan o Brydain Fawr ac

Eastern Airways magazine.

het Europese vasteland van

velkommen.

Tha Eastern Airways am

Ewrop.

Eastern Airways figure parmi

harte welkom.

Eastern Airways er et av

measg prìomh làn-

Mae Eastern Airways ymhlith

les principales compagnies

Eastern Airways is één

Storbritannias ledende

sheirbheisean adhair

y prif gwmnïau awyrennau yn

aériennes britan­niques

van de leidende luchtvaart

ruteflyselskap. Vi håper at du

clàraichte na RA. Tha sinn an

y DU sy’n cynnig amserlen

offrant un service de vols

maatschappijen in het VK

vil være fornøyd med

dòchas gum meas sibh ar

lawn o wasanaethau.

réguliers. Nous espérons que

met volledige service en

servicen vår – og at den tilbyr

seirbheis, an dà chuid,

Gobeithio y gwelwch chi fod

vous nous trouverez attentifs

regelmatige verbindingen.

deg det lille ekstra som er

cùramach agus beagan

ein gwasanaeth yn un

à vos besoins, avec ce petit

Wij hopen dat u onze

prikken over i-en. Vi setter

eadar-dhealaichte – tha sinn

gofalus ac ychydig bach

plus qui fait la différence, et

service zowel als attent en

alltid pris på å motta dine

an-còmhnaidh toilichte ur

yn wahanol – rydyn ni bob

sommes toujours heureux de

een weinig verschillend zult

kommentarer om både

beachdan mun t-seirbheis

amser yn falch o gael eich

recevoir vos comment­aires

ervaren – wij kijken er altijd

servicen og magasinet.

againn, is mu ar n-iris, a

sylwadau am ein

sur notre service et notre

op uit uw opmer­kingen te

Eastern-teamet

chluinntinn.

gwasanaeth ac am ein cylchgrawn.

magazine. L’équipe Eastern

horen over onze service en

Sgioba Eastern

Tîm Eastern

ons magazine. Het Eastern team

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

14 GHOST WRITER

22 BLUNT EDGE

REGULARS

COMPETITIONS

FEATURES

07 EASTERN AIRWAYS NEWS The latest updates on what’s

33 PUZZLE PAGE Solve the puzzle and you could

14 ROLLS-ROYCE Norman Burr enters into a spirit of

happening around the Eastern Airways network right now

win a bottle of English whisky

08 BUSINESS NEWS What’s happening in the business





for people on the move

Alastair Gilmour finds there’s a lot to learn about the great British pub

Front cover by Founded. Pantone Hotel image Sven Laurent. Brussels image © Christophe Licoppe

destinations

Culture, charm and chocolate – what’s not to like about Brussels?

49 PANTONE HOTEL Win a colourful weekend in Brussels

28 BOOK REVIEWS Your chance to read about and WIN the compelling debut novel from Francesca Brill

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Destination Stavanger ONS 2012

30 YORK Stan Abbott steps back in time to sample country house living and the Vikings in action

34 FUN AND GAMES Sport is not the only thing on the

50 THE LAST WORD

Harry Pearson on fast food

Eastern Airways in-flight magazine is published for Eastern Airways by Gravity Magazines, Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ www.gravity-consulting.com e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)191 383 2838 Publisher: Stan Abbott Design: Barbara Allen Advertising: Liz Reekie Telephone: +44 (0) 7563 796103 e-mail: [email protected] Print: Buxton Press

We catch up with the Salmon Fishing in the Yemen star

26 EXPLORATION EXPRESS: BRUSSELS

19 BITTER EXPERIENCE

46 ESSENTIAL GUIDE: MICROCITIES AND CATHEDRAL TOWNS All within easy reach of our

Slump? What property slump? Aberdeen bucks the trend

22 E MILY BLUNT

13 PRODUCT NEWS Great gifts and must-have items

Eastern Airways’ network map, passenger information and destination guides

ecstasy as he gets to drive two Rolls-Royces

20 PROPERTY

world around Eastern Airways destinations

36 BARE ESSENTIALS

26 BRUSSELS BOUND

agenda this summer

© June 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means, without prior written permission of the copyright owners. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, neither the publisher, nor Eastern Airways can accept any liability for errors or omissions. ISSN: 2044-7124 Previously known as e-magazine, ISSN 1477-3031.

Eastern Airways, Schiphol House, Humberside International Airport, Kirmington, North Lincolnshire DN39 6YH Communications Manager: Darren Roberts Telephone: + 44 (0)8703 669669 Reservations: + 44 (0)8703 669100 www.easternairways.com For magazine comments: [email protected]

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Descaling. Decontamination. Delivered like never before. Spring 2012 sees the opening of the most advanced NORM descaling and decontamination facility in the UK. Based in Aberdeen, NORM Solutions is a collaboration between Enviroco Limited and John Lawrie Group and is purpose-built to support the UK’s exploration, production and decommissioning activities. This new, fully enclosed, multi-million pound facility incorporates cutting edge process equipment for the safe and

efficient removal of NORM scale from your tubulars and other equipment, with everything being carried out within the secure confines of this major new facility. Uniquely, we are also able to handle your NORM contaminated sludges and sands. Call NORM Solutions on 01224 285092 to find out more. We’re sure it’ll change the way you view your descaling options.

Bringing together the unique skills of and

NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS

EASTERN AIRWAYS NEWS

EASTERN AIRWAYS FLIES THE FLAG FOR BRITAIN Eastern Airways is flying the flag for Britain this summer, as one of its aircraft has been unveiled in a patriotic Union Flag colour scheme.

celebrating both our heritage and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as we join in with our passengers and the rest of the country to mark this great occasion.

The one-off Best of British livery – in vibrant red, white and blue – has been introduced to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“This year is all about celebrating everything that makes Britain great and I’m sure our passengers will be delighted to travel with us on this special aircraft, which carries the Union Flag tens of thousands of miles over the next few months.”

The new livery can be seen on the fuselage and tail fin of a 37-seater Embraer 135 jet with Rolls-Royce engines, which flies around Eastern Airways’ UK and European network. Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ Commercial Director, said the new livery was an eye-catching way to mark the milestone. “The Best of British livery will be seen all over our scheduled and charter network over the coming months,

In 2006, Eastern Airways became the first airline to support a regional brand identity by changing the livery on one of its aircraft to the Aberdeen City and Shire branding, which was developed by Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF) to promote the North East of Scotland. Shortly after this, a North East England liveried aircraft was also introduced to promote that region.

BEST OF BRISTOL FOR LESS Flying between Leeds Bradford Airport and Bristol has just got better as Eastern Airways has introduced lower fares for passengers with a choice of convenient daily flights. Fares now start from just £95, including taxes, and are bookable via travel agents or at easternairways.com Why not take a break to the stylish, green and carefree English city that is Bristol. The largest city in the South West offers culture and tradition and is the ideal base to explore the West Country. Or visit Leeds for stylish shopping and culture. For those who are travelling for business Eastern Airways offers same day return journeys so business can be wrapped up in one day.

The Avon Gorge at Clifton, Bristol

The winner of our Bolton Estate competition in the last issue of Eastern Airways Magazine was Mrs S Barr, from Grimsby.

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BUSINESS NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS

BUSINESS NEWS MAGMA ON THE MOVE Oil and gas engineering consultancy Magma Products has completed a £750,000 move to new offices outside Aberdeen. Formerly in the city centre, Magma is now looking to recruit 20 engineers as part of its long-term growth strategy. The North Sea commissioning and start-up specialist has moved into 4,150 sq ft premises at The Spires business park, in the city’s Mugiemoss area. Paul Rushton, Managing Director, said: “We’ve enjoyed sustained growth since 2009, when the business comprised just two people, and the move to larger premises in a new commercial hub allows us to maintain that impetus behind our business development.” www.magmaproducts.co.uk

From plater to Entrepreneur of the Year Wilton Group Chief Executive Bill Scott has been named the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Entrepreneur of the Year following the North East England organisation’s Who Dares Wins Conference, in Gateshead. A former plater, he established the Wilton engineering business on

Teesside in 1994 and within a year employed 168 people. Today Wilton Group has more than 700 people at design, engineering and manufacturing operations in Middlesbrough, Aberdeen, Dundee, Great Yarmouth and Brazil. www.wiltonengineering.co.uk

n Eastern Airways has taken delivery of a second Embraer 145 regional aircraft increasing the number of Embraer jets in its fleet to four. The Brazilian manufactured jet has 49 seats and a longer fuselage than the Embraer 135. It will be assigned predominantly to the charter flying programme, serving blue-chip companies, oil and gas organisations, corporations, sports teams, the music industry, delegations and individual groups flying across Europe. n ARG Airport Fashion is the latest retail outlet to open at Newcastle Airport, selling a range of leading fashion brands. The airport has also completed work on an enlarged security search area and extended immigration facilities.

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n The Doubletree by Hilton hotel brand is continuing to expand its portfolio. The former Mint Hotel, in Leeds city centre, is now a Doubletree by Hilton. The hotel is popular for its 13th floor Sky Lounge bar, while guest rooms feature Apple iMac and internet access.

150-year-old Speyside Whisky line celebrates Volunteers at Britain’s most northerly preserved railway mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the original line this summer. The Keith and Dufftown Railway, known as the Whisky Line, runs 11 miles through the distillery country of Speyside, linking the two centres and the intermediate station of Drummuir. With no fewer than nine distilleries in Dufftown, including the celebrated Glenfiddich, the line offers a great opportunity to combine two of life’s great pleasures: vintage machinery and single malts. Services, using “heritage” diesel units, run Friday to Sunday to the end of September, with additional services at Christmas. If you fancy your hand running a railway, they are always looking for volunteers. www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk

SOULS TO NEWCASTLE Representatives of the world’s “Newcastles” meet in Newcastle upon Tyne from July 21 to 28. The aim is to foster friendship and collaboration and to share and enjoy each others’ heritage and culture.

as Newcastle), in Japan, had taken the initiative to invite representatives of seven Newcastles to his city. They have continued to meet ever since.

The origins of the regular Newcastles meetings lie in a book produced by Newcastle upon Tyne-based John Nicolaou, who first came up with the idea of linking those communities around the world that share the name “Newcastle”.

An extensive cultural, engagement and education programme is planned alongside the meeting, including an evening celebrating the culture and history of Newcastle upon Tyne at the city’s Live Theatre on July 23. An international parade through the city centre is set for Sunday July 22.

Meanwhile, in 1998, the Mayor of Shinshiro (which translates

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Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Classic taste on the menu at Roxburghe Kelso’s newly refurbished Roxburghe Hotel has appointed Neville Merrin as its new head chef. He joins the Borders hotel, near Floors Castle, from the acclaimed boutique country house hotel, the Feversham Arms at Helmsley, Yorkshire, where he was sous chef in a team that won a third rosette in the AA Awards.

© jeayesy - Fotolia.com

The Roxburghe Hotel sources locally produced game, beef, lamb and other foods and herbs from the estate and the surrounding area. With its adjacent championship golf course and sporting pursuits, it is already a top destination for both foodies and sport lovers. It hopes Neville will

take it to the next level. The refurbishment, by London interior designers, Leveson Design, focuses on classic comfort and style, from the bespoke carpet in the family tartan, to the Isle of Bute tweed-covered chairs and sofas. www.roxburghe.net

BALMORAL RECEIVES QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE Aberdeen-based Balmoral Offshore Engineering, a division of Balmoral Comtec Ltd, has been presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, marking its export successes for the second time. Established in 2006, Balmoral Offshore Engineering provides technology-led buoyancy, insulation and elastomer products for the global subsea and deepwater oil and gas industry. The company’s overseas earnings

growth over the last three years has been 202 per cent and export sales account for 95 per cent of turnover, thanks in part to a focus on the deep water markets off West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, Asia-Pacific and Brazil. The company has doubled its workforce over the last three years to approximately 360.

RIGHT Balmoral Chairman and MD, Jim Milne

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL / NEWS FROM EASTERN AIRWAYS DESTINATIONS

DRIVING THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS TRAVEL by Murray Burnett BUSINESS travel is an increasingly significant expense, as well as a valuable tool for companies to drive sales, win new business and increase their market share during challenging economic times. It’s tempting for struggling companies to slash travel budgets and rely on teleconferencing in an attempt to shore up their bottom line. But sometimes, the best way to win a client, close a deal and build profit is to get on a plane and make a face-to-face connection. For large and small organisations alike, handling travel requirements is no easy feat, however. Working within a fast-paced business travel environment and acting as a first point of contact for all business travel enquiries is a very specialist role. Making reservations and providing a range of clients with travel and ticketing advice, as well as working with complex fares and contracts, requires specific industry knowledge and experience with various systems. Get it wrong and the costs could negate the possible benefits. Experienced business travel consultants are in short supply across the UK as organisations are increasingly looking to Travel Management Companies (TMCs) to help them process complicated business travel itineraries to deliver cost savings and added value.

To tackle this nationwide shortage of quality business travel specialists, Aberdeen-based Munro’s Travel Group has created its own Travel Academy, investing more than £150,000 towards developing new consultants while supporting its existing experienced staff to obtain nationally recognised travel qualifications. An intensive course is delivered from the company’s bespoke training facility, covering all aspects of a travel management service, including air, car, and rail travel, as well as hotel bookings and customer service. Munro’s has recently seen significant growth in its core business of providing a complete travel management service to energy sector companies around the world, and the Travel Academy is a vital avenue for the company in terms of developing the skilled people needed to support this growth. It also ensures those who join the firm have the required knowledge and expertise to provide solutions to all business travel requirements across a wide range of travel services so that its clients benefit from the highest possible quality of service. Murray Burnett is Managing Partner of Munro’s Travel Group which provides corporate clients in the energy industry with a tailored travel management solution.

NORTH EAST ENGLAND GRABS GOLD AWARDS It was a good night for North East England in the VisitEngland tourism awards as Newcastle’s Great North Museum, Beamish, in County Durham, the Rockliffe Hall Hotel and Golf Spa Resort, Darlington, and the Tall Ships, Hartlepool, all won gold. The Tall Ships, held in Hartlepool in 2010, won the Best Tourism Event. Beamish was named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Great North Museum received gold in the

Access for All Tourism category. Rockliffe Hall was named Large Hotel of the Year. Adding to the North East’s success, Alan Fidler, the man behind the hugely-successful East Coast Tours, received a Tourism Superstar award. The firm shows visitors the best of the region from the back of a taxi. Other tourism award successes included a Silver for Larkin with Toads, in Hull, and a Bronze for the Bristol International Balloon Festival.

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW MUCH DO YOU VALUE YOUR JOB? by Katie Williams How much you value your job can vary enormously, depending not just on the financial value of your pay package but also on other aspects such as enjoyment and job satisfaction, and the status and identity the job carries with it. From the legal perspective, a value can attach to your job when you lose it in circumstances that are unlawful, because British employment law provides various protections for employees and enables them to seek financial compensation if their rights are breached.

those cases, the employee does not need any length of service to claim. What is more, the compensation can exceed £72,300 and can take into account not only loss of earnings but also the “injury to feelings” suffered by the employee as a result of the employer’s actions. It is not unusual to see awards in six figures in cases involving sex or disability discrimination, and in 2010 an NHS boss who was sacked for whistle-blowing was awarded compensation of £1.2 million.

The right to claim unfair dismissal is one of the oldest and most important employment rights. It gives employees some protection against losing their job on unreasonable grounds, and a route to obtain compensation from the employer if they are dismissed unfairly. If they win their case, they can obtain a “compensatory award” from their employer of up to £72,300. That’s not to say that every employee who wins an unfair dismissal claim will get that sum – compensation is based on their loss of earnings and how long it takes to get a new job with equivalent pay and benefits. The average award for unfair dismissal in 2010/11 was £8,924.

So it’s important for both employees and employers to understand the legal framework and be able to assess what might be at stake if rights are breached. This is where the role of an employment lawyer can be vital. Getting the right advice at the right time can make a huge difference to how the situation is handled both before and after dismissal takes place. Few cases are ever straightforward, and there is never one size that fits all.

Employees cannot benefit from this right unless they have worked for their employer for at least two years (or just one year, if they started before 6 April 2012). And as this is a British employment right, their work must be done here or at least have a closer connection to Britain than to any other legal system. But the right is far less restricted, and potentially more valuable, when the dismissal is caused by certain factors such as discrimination or whistle-blowing. In

The Mackinnons employment team is particularly strong in handling discrimination and whistle-blowing issues. And with our niche position as advisers to the shipping and oil and gas industries, we offer in-depth understanding of employment issues in seafaring, expatriate and offshore work. Our strength lies in applying our expertise to deliver pragmatic advice that meets the particular needs of our client. We believe in what we do, and gain great satisfaction from getting results. www.mackinnons.com

PRODUCT NEWS

TRAVEL CHARM Scarlett Jewellery’s Travel Safe engraved silver necklace makes a wonderful alternative to a traditional St Christopher pendant, wishing loved ones good luck on their travels. Scarlett designer and founder, Sarah Fenton, says: “They’re ideal as a gap year or leaving gift, or for a frequent flier who often travels away from home as a reminder you’re thinking of them back at home.”  The silver Mojo (£29) fits on most major brands of bead bracelet, including Pandora and Chamilia, while the necklace (£49) is available as a 16", 18" or 20" silver spiga necklace, supplied with the meaning card explaining the symbolism of the silver Mojo bead.  www.scarlettjewellery.com

TRAVEL IN STYLE A round up of the latest must-have products

GET SHORTY WITH THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL Starting at £140 for a pair of trunks, being ultra-cool in this year of beach volleyball in city streets, comes at a price. But where better to find the ultimate beach cool than in Brazil, where luxury beachwear brand, FB Collection, has teamed up with renowned artist Caio Locke, of dual Brazilian and British descent, to celebrate the beauty, diversity and culture of South America’s most vibrant country. Caio has created a metaphysical cityscape on these exclusive trunks, “destined to be sported by stylish men across the globe”. FB Collection has pioneered digitally printing original artwork onto men’s swimwear and these feature Caoi’s Niemeyer Landing, depicting both Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage and the sense of optimism embodied by the carnival parades. www.fbcollection.com

STAY CALM AND CARRY ON SLEEPING Content & Calm, founded by Solvej Biddle, was fast-tracked into the limelight after an appearance on TV’s Dragon’s Den. The company’s new Cot Canopy Breeze (RRP £59.99) is aimed at people travelling with young children and staying in accommodation without black-out blinds. This lightweight, black canopy covering fits comfortably onto any sized cot, offering personal darkness for your child. The Cot Canopy Breeze also allows plenty of room for children up to three to stand up inside their cot with an internal loop to hang their favourite toys or mobiles.  www.contentand calm.com

ABS FAB TO GO

STAR QUALITY FROM MONTBLANC Montblanc has unveiled the latest additions to its jewel-encrusted 4810 Collection of ladies’ fine jewellery, inspired by the celebrated Montblanc star. The Montblanc 4810 Star Pavé Collection features six new pieces that reflect the desire for striking designs that are also easy to wear.

These include dainty ear studs in diamond-paved white or pink gold, and a diamond-filled star on a delicate chain necklace, as well as an amulet bracelet sporting a tiny diamondpaved star. Available from Montblanc boutiques from £1,000 to £3,000. www.montblanc.com

Inspired by Bob Marley’s vision of One Love, stylish MARLEY headphones and music docks are made from earth-friendly materials (FSC woods, leathers and aluminium) and a percentage of sales revenue is donated to the charitable organisation, 1Love.org. Priced from £19.99 to £249.99 – headphones come with noise isolating and noise cancelling technology to drown out the inevitable screaming baby on your flight. The docks start from £49.99 and are great to add a little background music to camping holidays or round the barbie. 13 www.thehouseofmarley.com

ON THE ROAD

There’s nothing that shouts quality and style more than a Rolls-Royce. Norman Burr enjoys the rare treat of comparing the old with the new “Oi mate!” yelled the removal van driver through the window of his long-wheelbase Transit. “You’ve delivered it to the wrong house! I live round the corner.” His customer, the young woman moving into next door but one, stopped shifting boxes for a moment and walked over to see what all the fuss was about. “Coo, I could get used to one of those! Is it yours?” ‘It’ was a Rolls-Royce Ghost, the latest Extended Wheelbase model, and No, it wasn’t mine, just borrowed from the company’s Goodwood headquarters for the weekend. The idea was to compare RollsRoyces old and new, to find out whether the aura surrounding the marque remains as strong as ever, 14 years after the takeover by BMW. I was already getting my answer. Small boys crossed the street to stare. Friends and relatives wanted to ride in it, sit in it, or just stand there looking at it. Their verdict was confirmed when two-year old Madison, daughter of my wife’s niece and a young lady with a very serious outlook on the world, burst into what was apparently one of her first ever grins when placed in the driver’s seat. Even a passing dog got the message. Attracted by the commotion, he sniffed the back wheel excitedly, cocked his leg sacrilegiously, then thought better of anointing the RR badge in the middle. Perhaps he sensed that the badge is one of the car’s party tricks. Behind it is a clever mechanism that moves it anticlockwise as fast as the wheel goes clockwise (or vice versa), so the initials always stay vertical. The story goes that as originally designed, this mechanism only worked when the car was going forwards, so at every motor show the staff would back the car onto the stand and then carefully edge it forwards to realign the badges. But now it’s fixed – the letters stay resolutely upright, come what may. The biggest crowd-pleaser is the Spirit of Ecstasy on

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top of the grille. For pedestrian safety reasons, it pops into the grille if touched while the engine is running, but the Lady also hides away when you lock the car, to foil souvenir hunters. The other half of our duo was a 1937 25/30, owned by enthusiast John Beecroft who, with another Rolls, plus two Rolls-built Bentleys in his garage, not to mention a houseful of RR memorabilia, is something of an authority on the marque. “Pre-war owners had just the same problem with the Lady, but got round it by unscrewing her each time they parked, and replacing her with a plain ‘town cap’,” he explains. There are other parallels. In its day, the 25/30 was not the biggest car in the RR range, being aimed at the owner-driver rather than the corporate chauffeur – precisely the target market of today’s Ghost, which, despite being 5.4m long even in standard form (mine was 17cm longer), is a “little” Rolls. In each case, big brother was called Phantom, as all RR’s top models have been for nearly 90 years. Park the Ghost and the 25/30 side by side and you’re struck by how much bigger and heavier cars have become. If you exclude the older car’s freestanding bumpers, today’s Rolls is half a metre longer than its spiritual predecessor and half a tonne heavier (at 2.4 tonnes). Much of that weight comes from equipment levels that were unheard of pre-war. Amazingly, the 25/30 didn’t even come with a heater (that was an extra) but you could get – as in John’s car – built-in decanters (sherry on one side, whisky on the other) and delicate cut glasses, so on a cold night the formula was blanket on knees and glass in hand. Truly another era. To enjoy the car today, you have to understand a little of the world of the pre-war motorist. The 25/30 is good for 82mph and cruises at about 65 – quick enough to keep up with modern traffic, but slower than even the cheapest modern car. However, in its day, its 4.25-litre six would have wafted it imperiously past the middle-

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THE GHOST L-R The interior is friendly and uncluttered – the iDrive screen is behind the central wooden panel; the Spirit of Ectasy, which hides away when the car is locked; side view showing the Ghost’s Extended Wheelbase.

class family in their asthmatic Austin 10, wheezing heavily at 45 and completely out of breath at 50. Imperious wafting also comes easily to the Ghost, but its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 will do much more on demand. Flooring the throttle results in an endless surge of acceleration more akin to a 747 at Heathrow than a car on the M6; 0-60mph takes just 4.7 seconds and top speed is factory-limited to 155. According to the “power available” gauge (nothing so crude as a rev-counter here), at the legal limit no less than 92 per cent of the 563bhp is still untapped. The Ghost is a seriously fast car. John and I did 400 miles over the weekend at an average of 17mpg (similar, incidentally, to the 25/30) and both found the Ghost very easy to drive. In John’s words, “the car shrinks around you, so you can place it with ease”. It is no sports car, but it handles far better than its predecessors, while retaining an ability to treat speed humps with disdain, helped by an adjustable ride height. The major controls are exactly where you would expect to find them and everything else is controlled by RR’s own variant of BMW’s iDrive on-board computer. Naturally, equipment levels are extremely high, with state-of-the-art climate control, audio, and video in the rear, all beautifully executed in wood and leather. Quite the best features from the driver’s viewpoint are the headup display and the adaptive cruise control. “Adaptive” because it uses radar sensors to detect the proximity of the car in front (you can preset your desired separation) and applies the brakes if you are getting too close. When your lane opens up, or you pull out to 16 overtake, it accelerates back to your preset speed. It’s so, so easy.

If you should find it too simple and start to nod off, the steeringwheel rim vibrates gently to warn that you are drifting out of your lane. All these settings, along with current speed and speed limit (the radar scans for speed limit signs and seeks GPS signals) are displayed by reflection at the base of the windscreen. So you rarely look at the dashboard – everything you frequently need is in your field of vision. And in a typical RR touch, when you switch on the ignition, the head-up display discretely shows the RR badge for a few seconds. John reckons that, compared with the Phantom, the Ghost has lost a lot of presence by integrating the famous Parthenon grille into the front bodywork, but I find the design very handsome, a great improvement over the Phantom’s front end, whose light treatment, in John’s words, “always seemed to have been designed by three people who haven’t talked to each other”. When Ghost and 25/30 are side-by-side, it’s the older car that people are drawn to. With that radiator, flanked by a pair of huge Lucas P100 headlamps, it exudes an irresistible mix of nostalgia and authority. It has its own party tricks, like built-in jacks that make wheel-changing a doddle, and a hand-held extra spotlight, ideal for spotting street names “or the occasional tiger”. There’s also one-shot chassis lubrication – press a foot lever and oil is distributed to everywhere that needs it – and a steering wheel selector for ride adjustment, firm or soft: quite a novelty in its day. A pre-war driver would find the 25/30 pretty straightforward but in 2012 it takes some acclimatisation. With gearstick and handbrake floor-mounted on the driver’s right, it is easier to enter by the

passenger door and slide across. Then it’s switch on fuel pumps, carburettor control to “start”, hand-throttle on steering wheel to about halfway, ignition control (also on the steering wheel) to “early”, main ignition switch to “on” and finally press the starter button. When the engine fires you readjust everything and allow the motor to warm up before moving off. On the road, the gearbox presents you with a very narrow gate and synchromesh only on third and top, so to avoid unladylike noises you need to be on top of your double-declutching. Fortunately, you never need first gear except on hills, such is the engine’s torque. John has added overdrive to make the cruise more relaxing, but this is in any case a very quiet car. The brakes are surprisingly powerful, though as the servo is driven from the gearbox it doesn’t work at rest or in reverse. Less endearing is the steering, which has more play than I was comfortable with. John admits it is due for some TLC, but the Marles steering box on the 25/30 was criticised even when new

and will never provide the precision we all take for granted from modern rack-and-pinion designs. In the final analysis, what connects these cars is not their engineering, which is a product of their time, but the ethos of the engineers who designed them, which scarcely seems to have changed at all. It’s a desire to satisfy the demands of those who want the very best, are prepared to pay for it, and who expect their eccentricities to be taken into account. John’s car, for instance, was originally sold to an Edinburgh doctor who insisted on a secret compartment in the floor to house his more poisonous potions. Similarly, it is doubtful if there will ever be two Ghosts exactly alike. “Mine” cost £260,000 including £30,000 of extras, but if I were buying it I’d add one more – the dark headlining illuminated with the constellations, so I could go stargazing even on a cloudy night. They do, of course, change the pattern for customers in the southern hemisphere. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd: www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club: www.rrec.org.uk

THE 25/30 L-R Less roomy than the modern car in the back, but just as beautifully appointed; woodwork, with delicate inlaid brass added by John; rear view

WITH THAT RADIATOR, FLANKED BY A PAIR OF HUGE LUCAS P100 HEADLAMPS, IT EXUDES AN IRRESISTIBLE MIX OF NOSTALGIA AND AUTHORITY.

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BITTER EXPERIENCE with Alastair Gilmour

IT’S NOT JUST THE DRINK TALKING From horticulture to existentialism, you can learn more in a pub than at university In the pub every Sunday, same time, same corner, sit The Twig Men. Nobody knows their real names, but they drink their lunchtime beer and they discuss sticks. To be slightly more accurate, each one brings in a branch or a leaf or small insect in a jar, places it proudly among the pints, sits back and invites the others to take a stab at its provenance. It’s an Antiques Roadshow for arboriculturists and a Gardeners’ Question Time in 3D, lubricated by beer. “Hornbeam,” says one. “Nah, hornbeam has a smooth, grey bark – that’s more of an elm... get mine while you’re up and one for Arthur... look, just there, that’s where you can tell elm from hornbeam. Now, as for oak...” To eavesdrop on this sort of conversation is more than a source of amusement – it’s an education and actually a privilege. The Twig Men (one of whom we now know is Arthur) talk about serrated leaves and bifurcating boughs in the same earnest manner the rest of us reserve for Didier Drogba’s goalmouth prowess or Penelope Cruz’s Oscars outfit. The Twig Men and their ilk are what puts the great into the Great British Pub. The pub is a social leveller, a library of rich conversation and

a haven to treat as your own, only to leave the tidying up to someone else. It could be a single room with faded pictures and a set of antlers on the wall, a post-modernist watering hole that looks as if it’s been around forever but was a bank until last week. Maybe a rural outpost with a labrador snoozing under a bench, a stainlesssteel cosmopolitan, multi-screened meeting place. The pub you frequent reflects your own attitude and caresses your comfort zone. In the late 1930s a “mass observation study” identified the main topics of pub conversation as sport, betting, work, people, drinking, politics and “dirt”. Not much has changed. The pub turns a normal person into a professional commentator, amateur detective, or sex therapist. Look around the room at your fellow pub-folk. Every one of them is on a level playing field and that’s when overhearing groups like The Twig Men can leave you smiling into your pint. The university art history class must have just finished when I noted this gem: “And a pint of Bombardier, please. Any toasties today? Sorry, yes, Picasso’s bronze Absinthe Drinker is a particularly

good example of his obsession with deconstruction and an indication of his bohemian lifestyle and that of his contemporaries. The existentialist view on the other hand... thanks, cheese and onion will do... is to put the stress on concrete existence and consequently on subjectivity and individual freedom... ooh, it’s hot... and, insofar as one approaches moral perfection... and one for yourself...” But best of all, anybody can join in, even at this level of culture. It’s a pub; that’s what they’re for. You can put your own point forward without feeling intimidated, because nobody next day will remember to what level the conversation soared or how far down the moral scale it plunged. In the lifetime of a pint, you can learn the function of the alimentary canal, discover the best way to make coq au vin, and be told the difference between 100-30 and 5-2. The person next to you may be a doctor, a binman, a resting actor, a politician, a pilot or a council plasterer explaining “skimming”, but standing at the bar sipping ale evens out every rung in the social ladder. The odd one out, though, is the dominoes player. He speaks Spottish, so no-one but no-one can enter his tiny, secretive world. “Knew you had that five-four. Why didn’t you play the double blank? You could have stopped his six-one. Knocking.” At least with Twig Men you don’t have to pretend to know the language. Alastair Gilmour is a freelance journalist specialising in food and drink. And pubs. 19

PROPERTY

MILLIONAIRES’ MARKET With a strong local economy behind it, Aberdeen’s housing market has bounced back from the slump, with prices returning to boom levels. Graeme Smith reports It should be no surprise that some of the finest houses in Aberdeen lie within a postcode, which surveys have revealed is home to more millionaires than anywhere in the UK other than London NW3 – Hampstead. As well as about 222 millionaires, AB15 contains two of the most expensive streets in Scotland, Rubislaw Den South and Rubislaw Den North, in which sit magnificent properties built mainly in the late 19th and early 20th century from the sparkling blue-grey

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granite of nearby Rubislaw Quarry. The Aberdeen housing market, like the rest of the UK, was badly affected by the bank failures of 2007 but it has now recovered, certainly at the top end. Prices of more than £1 million are not uncommon in the city and last year a house in Rubislaw Den North went on the market for £2 million and was sold in less than a fortnight for £1 million over the asking price. The Registers of Scotland show that

last year two other houses in the same street broke the £1 million barrier. In Rubislaw Den South the top price reached in 2011 was £2,975,000. Further out of the city centre, but still within AB15, a house on North Deeside Road commanded £2.8 million. On Great Western Road a Grade B Listed Georgian mansion called Friendville, along with Balmanno House, a three-bedroom detached house in the same grounds, were

recently put on the market for £2,750,000.

saying ‘well if we are getting the money we will pay it back somehow’.”

Marine Terrace in the Ferryhill area of the city was designed by the noted architect Archibald Simpson and is another desirable location where houses are selling for just short of £1 million.

The market peaked in summer 2007 and the next two and a half years were extremely difficult for everyone connected with housing, from lawyers to building companies.

Before the banking slump the housing market in Aberdeen, fuelled by the buoyant oil and gas industry, reached levels that were unsustainable, with desperate buyers paying huge amounts over the asking prices to try to outbid their rivals.

However, throughout 2010 and last year, the situation recovered, with average prices returning to the boom levels. What has changed is that the number of houses being sold annually, which dropped from 8,000 to 4,500, is now settled around 6,000, which Mr MacRae feels is much more realistic.

John MacRae, Chairman of the Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre, said it was now recognised that these were “crazy” times. “I think the problem was supply and demand getting out of kilter fuelled by reckless lending compounded by people

“The market in Aberdeen has recovered more quickly than other parts of Scotland due more or less entirely to the stronger local economy,” he said. “Aberdeen still has very strong results at the top of the market. The asking

price for Friendville, for example, is £2.75 million but it is a magnificent historic dwelling and a once in a lifetime opportunity. “The upper end of the middle of the market is taking a little longer but sensible prices are still being maintained. Also the market is stable so people can plan ahead a little which they could not do a few years ago because even if they received a good price for their own house they did not know what they might have to pay for another.”

BELOW Oakhill Grange – an exclusive development in the AB15 postcode. Image courtesy of Dandara.

INTERVIEW 22

INTERVIEW: EMILY BLUNT Jan Janssen talks to Emily Blunt, the rising Hollywood star whose latest roles include Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and The Five-Year Engagement.

I LIKE TO THINK I HAVE A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR … I’D BE MORTIFIED IF ANYONE EVER THOUGHT I WAS ARROGANT OR STANDOFFISH. I caught up with Emily Blunt in Palm Springs, where Salmon Fishing in the Yemen had opened at the city’s annual film festival. Blunt has been working virtually nonstop the past year on independent films that suit her tastes best. “This was such an intriguing story and my character had so many layers to her and she had this funny and hopeful side that I embraced,” Blunt says. “Her boyfriend goes missing during the course of the film on a mission in Afghanistan and yet she finds a way to move forward with her life. I loved her spirit and it really meant a lot to me personally.” “I also think that Ewan (McGregor) has never been better than he is in this film. We had the best time working together. This may not be a big film, but I hope audiences will find it a breath of fresh air and a very meaningful experience, and something to remember.” The 29-year-old, who was born in London, the second of four children, is in the midst of a flurry of activity that will see her appear in three more films this year including a lesbian love story, Your Sister’s Sister, The Five-Year Engagement, a comedy co-starring Jason Segel and produced by Judd Apatow, and Looper, a sci-fi thriller costarring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Blunt lives in Los Angeles with husband, the actor John Krasinski who featured in the US version of The Office. She seems on the verge of becoming the A-list star that everyone predicted she would be following her appearance in The Devil Wears Prada. Photo by Theo Kingma / Rex Features

You seem to be working a lot these days.  Is this part of a master plan? I don’t have any master plan that I can rely on. Very sorry. It all comes down to how I respond to a script and whether I feel some kinship or inspiration from my character. I like complexity and I also need to feel that my character is struggling with some personal issue or challenge that allows her to experience a breakthrough or awakening of some sort. I refuse to play characters whom I don’t feel have some key quality that I can build on. I don’t think I would be good at playing the sort of average girl who finds herself in unusual situations, which is what you see in many scripts. My best work comes in roles where I hope that audiences will find something special or unusual that people will think is someone they might know or might want to know had they met them in everyday life. Your performances always seem to draw a lot of attention for the kind of subtlety you bring to your characters… I do try to find little traits and idiosyncrasies in my characters that will hopefully make them distinctive and add some depth. When I observe people, I am always fascinated by small things and aspects of human personalities. I am like a sponge when I spend time with people, although I never let them know which character trait I might happen to be stealing from them or exaggerating for a role. Although I think one girl probably suspects I borrowed a few of her more irritating habits! Your voice is so distinctive and has this posh air to it. Yet you don’t often play posh women, except for Queen Victoria perhaps? I would love to play some delicious posh vixen sometime, although I wonder if that makes you too identifiable with those kinds of roles that seem suited to you. I try to mix things up if I can and keep finding characters that I feel I can take to the next level. If one were to study you, what character traits would be the most identifiable or noteworthy about you? I’m quite a positive and energetic person although I’m also >>

23

LEFT Blunt with Jason Segel in The Five-Year Engagement, recently released. Glen Wilson ©Universal Pictures. RIGHT As Harriet in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – see review, right.

overly sensitive. I’m someone who will start sobbing at different moments in sad or especially romantic films at all the key sentimental moments. Even when I watch the news or an athletic competition I can get very wound up and emotionally involved in the moment. I also worry too much about all sorts of nonsense, but I won’t tell you any more! I like to think I have a good sense of humour and when people meet me and then talk about me afterwards, I hope they’ll say that I’m funny and pleasant to be around. I’d be mortified if anyone ever thought I was arrogant or standoffish. We all know you’re happily married, but assuming you were a single girl, what would it take to seduce you? Emotionally or sexually?  A man who makes me laugh always stands a good chance. I’ve always had a weakness for men who can look at life with an ironic perspective and not take things too seriously. I’m often worked up about something so I need to be with someone who can make me feel at ease and secure.

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I don’t think about that any more. For the first few years after the film came out there were moments in my life when I thought that some people were afraid of me or worried that I might make a smart or dismissive remark. That might help if you’re doing an interview and it saves you from being asked stupid or very invasive personal questions, but I did feel the need to be extra kind and charming on certain occasions simply to overcome any fears that I might be snotty. Has your life changed a lot since you’ve been with John Krasinski? He’s a wonderful man and we are just so happy to have found each other. It’s also a great comfort to be with someone who is good-natured and very pleasant to be around and won’t let me stay in a dark mood very long. But you seem to laugh a lot and be very bubbly? That’s generally true and I like to believe that I can be witty on occasion although sometimes you can say something a little too sharp where the irony doesn’t quite come through and you have to immediately backtrack and repair the situation.

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Do you still wonder whether people perceive you as bitchy or arrogant because your Devil Wears Prada character, also named Emily, was so memorable?

Where do you get your sense of humour from? My family. Our house was full of humour and everyone putting on a little show or being dramatic or entertaining. When you were young you had to overcome a stuttering problem. That must have been an ordeal? I remember that when it first started to kick in, I thought it was a bad habit, but when it really starts to ingrain itself upon you, it becomes an anguished situation to live your life in, especially when you’re a kid, when you’re only trying to appear very cool. I was definitely not cool. When I was 12 it became even worse and I was wondering, why am I like this? Why have I got this stupid voice problem? Everyone else can talk, what’s my problem? Is it true that acting helped you overcome it? Yes. I had been sent to various speech therapists and they tried all sorts of things to help me get rid of it. But the thing that finally did the trick was when a teacher in school suggested that I try speaking with an accent in order to take part in a school play. I did the role in a northern English accent, which is very different from how I speak, although it was probably a terrible northern English accent since I was so young at the time, but it was somehow liberating. I wouldn’t say that I ceased to stutter after that, that it was some huge revelation. But for the first time in five years I was able to speak fluently – and in front of 200 people. I don’t know why that finally freed my voice, but it did! Was acting something you wanted to do from an early age? No. I changed my mind several times about what I wanted to do but for a long time I was interested in working as a translator at the United Nations. Since I had trouble speaking I thought that was a very good goal for me to achieve and I thought it would be a very intelligent occupation. What do you miss from England in terms of tangible things? I miss Marmite… and I miss, there’s a kind of tea, my mum makes this tea at home and she mixes Earl Grey with Darjeeling. And it’s the best kind of tea, and so I always miss that. When I come home, mum is like, “Do you want a cup of tea?” I’m like, “Yeah, I do!” Sometimes I miss the way people speak in England and the sorts of expressions one grows up with and which are absolutely incomprehensible to Americans. I laugh when I’ll say something to John and he’ll just give me this strange look and then I’ll explain to him that it’s just some British expression and he shouldn’t pay any attention. What’s the best thing you’ve ever done in terms of romantic gestures or holidays? Our wedding in Italy is still one of the most beautiful and romantic events in my life. It can never be topped. We were invited by George Clooney to stay at his villa in Lake Como and we were married at a very historic villa in the area, Villa d’Este, which was so heavenly. It’s something one never forgets. Since your work on Devil Wears Prada, you’ve become known for your fashion daring. What would your favourite clothing combination be like? I’d wear my Yves Saint Laurent tux, my J Brand jeans, and my Fiorentini and Baker motorcycle boots!  Jan Janssen / The Interview People

REVIEW: SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR Some critics have waded into Lasse Hallström’s Salmon Fishing in the Yemen for being too sentimental, or romantic tosh. As one who enjoys his romcom as much as his action thrillers, I say “so what?”. After all, is it so unreasonable to expect Swede Hallström to come up with a feel-good movie, given that his CV includes Chocolat and a host of Abba videos. SFITHY is just that, with good triumphing over evil, life trumping death and the nice guy getting his gal. It’s an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Paul Torday, who lives in the valley of the North Tyne, England’s finest salmon river, and is a man who knows most that there is to know about salmonids and the flies that lure them. In many respects the film follows the book, but it does stray in key respects, not least for the purposes of achieving the feelgood Hollywood ending. You also get a picture of key characters when you read a book and I probably wouldn’t instinctively have cast either Emily Blunt or Ewan McGregor

in the lead roles (which shows how much I know, as both excel) while Kristin Scott Thomas is superb as the PM’s opportunistic and ruthless press secretary. Those who know the Spey, or who may have chortled at the outrageously romantic Monarch of the Glen on TV, will recognise the turreted Ardverikie Castle. It is a perfect fit as the Scottish retreat of the film’s other star, Amr Waked, who plays Sheikh Muhammad, whose vision it is to introduce fly fishing to the mountains of his native Yemen. Given the real state of affairs in the Yemen, Morocco’s high Atlas doubles for the Yemeni locations, but that, allegedly, hasn’t stopped the Yemini authorities being bombarded with inquiries about fly-fishing and tourism opportunities. Emily Blunt, now firmly ensconced in Hollywood, seems the only concession to North American audiences and yet, for a very British-feeling film, it’s done well over the Pond. If you haven’t done so already, go see it; and cheer up! SA

EXPLORATION EXPRESS 26

Musical Instruments Museum © Ricardo de la Riva, European Quarter © O Van de Kerchove, Marcolini image Eric Danhier

BRUSSELS

A CAPITAL CITY The unofficial capital of Europe, Brussels, is home to much more than just EU institutions. Jon Eldridge gives a guided tour of its historic and cultural highlights. The view from the rooftop café of the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is one of the best the city has to offer. It takes in the grand spire of the Hôtel de Ville in the Grand’Place, the famous medieval market square of Brussels – in fact, it was completely restored following the French bombardment of 1695 – and the nine steel spheres of the Atomium that stand on the outskirts of the city at Heizel. Scanning round, you’ll see the imposing dome of the Palais de Justice, the Parc de Bruxelles and the Palais Royal (though the king mostly resides at his palace in Laeken). A visit to this rooftop terrace is a perfect way to get your bearings in the city, and if you do begin your city tour at the MIM, located just off the Place Royale,

you’ll be within striking distance of many of Brussels’ biggest attractions. The nearby Palais des Beaux Arts, now known as BOZAR, was designed by Victor Horta (the “godfather” of Belgian Art Nouveau architecture) and holds many contemporary art exhibitions, while the Musées Royaux des BeauxArts are home to an abundance of work by well-known figures. Along with the relatively new museum, dedicated to René Magritte, on Place Royale, it gives a great insight into the development of the Belgian surrealist’s genius. From the MIM, an Art Nouveau treasure in itself – it occupies the Old England building, a former department store – wander down Rue Royale toward the upmarket Sablon area. The small park of

the Petit Sablon is lined with sculptures of artisans of all stripes, while inside can be found the chiselled features of some distinguished Belgians, including Mercator, the famous mapmaker. On the other side of the road, the Place du Grand Sablon, facing the ornate church of the Sablon, is home to some wonderful small galleries, specialist shops, high-end restaurants (most notably, the restaurant/brasserie Lola) and stores of all the major Belgian chocolate companies. Jean Neuhaus is credited with inventing the chocolate praline in 1912 and Neuhaus confections still enjoy a high reputation, but in recent years the artful creations of Pierre Marcolini have caught the imagination of serious gourmands.

Leaving the square, it is but a short walk to the Grand’Place. Impressive though the guild hall buildings that form the square are, don’t think that you’ve arrived in the sole focal point of the city. Brussels’ real historic centre lies in the nearby Place St Géry, a one-time small island in the now built-over river Senne; the city’s name is derived from the old Dutch word Broeksel meaning home on the marsh. A small part of the river, however, remains open behind the Halles St Géry, a former market hall that is now an exhibition space and a popular night spot. It was here that St Gaugericus, or St Géry, founded his chapel, and where the first settlement of Brussels developed. Fast forward to the present day and the square is a hive of brasseries and bars, many of which were established by Frédéric Nicolay (check out the Zebra, Mappa Mundo and Roi des Belges), the man with the Midas touch for transforming rundown areas. Place St Géry is now one of the best places in town to enjoy a beer on a terrace while watching the world go by. It’s a far cry from stiff-shirted bureaucracy.

But if you are curious about all things EU, a short hop to the EU quarter is not without its rewards. The European Parliament lies behind Place du Luxembourg, which is increasingly referred to as Plux by those who work in the area. Its popularity as a going-out spot has soared in the last decade, kick-started by the opening of Ralph’s Bar on one corner. Its introduction of an after-work happy hour was copied by the other then moribund brasseries and bars on the same side of the square and now the terraces teem with Euro-crowd revellers most nights of the week, especially Thursdays. Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, the babble of European languages that can heard roaring around the square is nevertheless something to experience and a very real part of modern-day Brussels. Respite is at hand, however. On the other side of the Parliament building is Parc Leopald, a surprisingly calm and beautiful spot with a pond. Also on this side can be found the stately Bibliothèque Solvay and a small museum dedicated to Belgian romantic painter and sculptor Antoine Wiertz (1806-1865), after whom the small

street that divides the two halves of the Parliament is named. Exiting the park on rue Belliard, it’s a short stroll to the heart of the European Commission, the Berlaymont (affectionately or otherwise referred to by some as the Berlaymonster, due to its great starshaped size) and the European Council, which resides in a rather non-descript building at the top of rue de la Loi, one of the city’s great thoroughfares. The best reason, however, for arriving at the Schuman roundabout at the top of this road (accessible by Metro) is Brussels’ most stately park, Parc Cinquantenaire, which was created in 1870 to celebrate 50 years since the founding of Belgium. Either side of its great central arch are large museums devoted to military history and art, as well as, most interestingly, Autoworld, a treasure house of vintage cars. And this from a pedestrian-friendly city that introduced Europe’s first car-free day! www.brusselsinternational.be Eastern Airways flies to Brussels from Southampton

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT View from the Musical Instruments Museum café; Grand’Place; Marcolini chocolatier Sablon Zavel; BOZAR; Parc Leopald, European Quarter.

BOOK REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEWS

FRANCESCA’S BRILL DEBUT THE HARBOUR Francesca Brill Bloomsbury £11.99 Francesca Brill’s debut novel is not necessarily a comfortable read. It takes us back to a time and place about either of which the average UK reader is unlikely to have troubled to find out a great deal. The time is 1940; the place, Hong Kong. The situation: the decadent British community in the colony is oblivious to a cataclysm that is nearly upon it. The British Government is about to effectively abandon them to Japanese occupation. The Harbour’s main protagonists are Stevie Steiber, a young and Idealistic American journalist, and Major Harry Field, a British government spy. The pair are obsessively drawn to one another, scandalising the colony’s great and good. But this is very much the hard knocks school of romantic fiction. It is not a tale in which the colonials and western media stand aloof from the indigenous population. Stevie also has a Chinese lover, involved in the emerging Chinese communist resistance, and the plot weaves a complex tapestry of the interrelationships of the various communities. As an examination of the historical context in which it is set, it certainly bears the hallmarks of authenticity and when the Japanese army seizes Hong Kong Island, all the protagonists find themselves faced by terrifying challenges. What will they sacrifice to

READER COMPETITION

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Publisher Bloomsbury is offering ten lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Francesca Brill’s The Harbour.

For your chance to win, just answer the following simple question and email to competitions@gravity-consulting. com by August 17. Be sure to put “The Harbour” in the subject field. Winners will be drawn from all entries received and the Editor’s decision is final. Question: Francesca Brill’s debut novel, The Harbour, is set in which former UK colony?

Stan Abbott looks at two books with an oriental flavour for the poolside this summer…

stay alive, and how far will they go to protect each other? London-based Brill is a screenwriter and film-maker. She trained as an actress at RADA and then as a screenwriter at the National Film and Television School. She has worked extensively in film, television and theatre in Britain as well as in France, Italy, India and the USA. I found her debut as a novelist a compelling, if at times disturbing, read and romped through it in a couple of days. And I also felt I learnt a lot from it: about the fate of far-flung corners of the Empire during the war and about how people may cope in the most uncompromising of situations. It prompted me to learn more about the fate of the colony and, indeed, the circumstances in which it returned to British rule, rather returning rather sooner to China. Highly recommended.

THE CASE OF THE MAN WHO DIED LAUGHING Tarquin Hall Arrow Books £7.99 These days, we Brits are increasingly taking our crime fiction neat and unsweetened. Whether it be subtitled Danish detective dramas filmed in a wet and gloomy half-light or Swedish or Norwegian crime thrillers that pull few punches. However, they do say that life can ape fiction and some of Norway’s Jo Nesbø’s brilliant Harry Hole novels have found themselves uncomfortably close to recent reality. So, how’s about a bit of detective drama sweetened with a sprinkling of sugar, or even a heap of sugar, like milky Indian chai? Tarquin Hall’s portly Indian private eye, Vish Puri, sits somewhere between Harry Hole and Precious Ramotswe, Alexander McCall Smith’s Botswanan heroine. So this is murder, but without the gore, and with a huge dash of humour thrown in. I hugely enjoyed my first Vish Puri adventure (the second such tale). It begins on the lawns of a grand boulevard in central Delhi, where a group of professionals are attending their therapeutic Laughing Club. A 20ft apparition of the Goddess Kali appears, and strikes one of their number dead. The goddess disappears without  trace, and soon news of the crime has all India agog. The victim is no less than the celebrated sceptic and rationalist, Dr Suresh Jha, enemy of all gurus and mystics, who has been silenced in a manner calculated to unnerve even his most loyal supporters. That’s the essence of the story, but Hall weaves a wonderful portrayal of modern India and layers his tale with many sub-plots.

THIS IS MURDER WITHOUT THE GORE, AND A HUGE DASH OF HUMOUR THROWN IN Tarquin Hall is a writer and journalist who has lived and worked in much of South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. He is the author of Mercenaries, Missionaries and Misfits: Adventures of an Under-age Journalist; To the Elephant Graveyard; and Salaam Brick Lane: A Year in the New East End. He is married to the journalist Anu Anand and lives in Delhi. Technically, this is probably tragiccomedy as the goodies do not all prevail. But good, however, does prevail. Hugely entertaining.

YORK: WHERE TO STAY

NATIONAL TREASURE Stan Abbott visits a country house hotel with a rather special ethos

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Have you ever found yourself in one of those exquisite stately homes looked after by the National Trust and wished you could skip over the red ropes that separate you from the period furnishings?

a Michelin-starred career that had first begun here at Middlethorpe in 1991.

Well, at Middlethorpe Hall, York, you can do just that – what’s more, you can even sleep in the beds and dine off the fine china service. Middlethorpe Hall is a delightful “William and Mary” period country house, dating from the late 17th century, when William III of England and Mary II of Scotland ruled over England, Scotland and Ireland. It sits on the southern edge of York, just next door to the Archbishop’s Palace, at Bishopthorpe, and has just been named Hotel of the Year in the Visit York Tourism Awards. It has, since 2008, belonged to the National Trust, being one of three hotels owned by Historic House Hotels Ltd that were gifted to the Trust in a portfolio that also includes Hartwell House, near Aylesbury, and Bodysgallen Hall, near Llandudno. The company had been set up in 1979 to acquire and rescue run-down country houses by turning them into hotels, combining historical accuracy with contemporary guest comforts. All profits now go towards their upkeep or to the National Trust itself, so you can settle your bill, secure in the knowledge that you aren’t enriching a venture capitalist in the Cayman Islands. On entering Middlethorpe Hall, built for Thomas Barlow, a Sheffield master cutler, you do a bit of a double-take: the reception area is unassuming and it’s not unlike entering a more “conventional” National Trust property, the staff being

helpfully on hand, not unlike those friendly Trust volunteers. But don’t for one minute imagine that Middlethorpe Hall is not run to the highest hospitality standards you’d expect of a very well-appointed country house. We are met by General Manager Lionel Chatard, who has been extolling the virtues of both hotel and the city of York for nine years and is, indeed, now the man at the helm of the city’s hoteliers’ association. There’s a discreet balance between formality and informality, with any number of sitting rooms into which to retreat behind a newspaper or the copious supply of local guidebooks, with tea or something stronger, all the while imagining you are the “wrong side” of the ropes. This is thanks in part to the fact that the bedrooms in the main hotel building are far from crammed in, there being just ten here, and 19 surrounding the separate courtyard. Our elegant four-poster was sumptuous and in a room of ample proportions, overlooking the hotel’s parkland. Guests are free to explore this and the extensive kitchen garden, whose produce is used by head Chef Nicholas Evans, who returned to Middlethorpe in 2006, after

EASTERN AIRWAYS FLIES TO LEEDS BRADFORD, FOR YORK

Which brings us neatly to dinner: this is taken in a choice of wood-panelled rooms, popular with the good citizens of York, as well as with residents. Spoilt for choice by the sumptuous menu, I opted for a starter of roast diver-caught scallops, with pork belly, roast cauliflower and parmesan, followed (after a pink champagne sorbet interlude) by a section of lamb, with new season asparagus. Suitably sated, I was ready to forego the dessert, until I saw it arrive at the neighbouring table. And, after all, when in Yorkshire, one should eat rhubarb. The trio of said stalks, featuring chocolate mousse and yoghourt foam, was, quite simply exquisite. The term “extensive” is often applied to wine cellars, but Middlethorpe’s truly is, with strong representation from a vintage Bordeaux collection, as you might expect at a hotel with a French manager. As a champagne connoisseur, you could lighten your wallet by a cool four-figure sum without too much effort, but we chose an excellent and rather more modestly priced Pouilly Fumé. The hotel’s easy-going atmosphere extends across the road to its spa, discretely housed behind the frontages of two Edwardian cottages. With the city of York and its extensive range of attractions, from racecourse to theatres, to galleries and museums, the iconic walls and, of course, the Minster, just a few minutes away, this is truly a country house where you’ll not want for amusement, whether on site or ten minutes away in the city. www.middlethorpe.com

YORK: WHERE TO VISIT

THE VIKINGS ARE HERE Stan Abbott visits a ground-breaking museum with a special connection to the past and stops for a cuppa ... I began my journalistic career in York in the 1970s, when one of my first feature assignments was to interview the President of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first democratically elected female head of state. She was visiting York Archaeological Trust’s excavation at Coppergate, the quality and extent of whose finds were exceeding all expectations and illustrated the importance of York as the Viking settlers’ principal trading centre in England. Such was the excitement generated at Coppergate that many of the finds became the centrepiece of the groundbreaking Jorvik visitor attraction, housed beneath the new shopping development on the site. It was ground-breaking not just because it literally broke the ground beneath and within the foundations of the new centre

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but also because it was a commerciallyled attraction, featuring its hallmark “time travel” capsules. I don’t think the developers would ever have imagined that interest in Jorvik would be such that it would actually drive visitors to the shopping centre more than the other way round, but I’m sure it does. This was my first visit since it underwent a revamp a few years ago and it presents today a more complete picture, both of the Viking era and of the dramatic story of the excavations in York and how they have informed and continue to inform a period of history whose importance is sometimes overlooked. Well worth a revisit. www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

EASTERN AIRWAYS FLIES TO LEEDS BRADFORD, FOR YORK.

TIME FOR TEA Bettys tea rooms are a Yorkshire institution, but we were deterred by the queue and headed round the corner to Patisserie Valerie, drawn by its luscious window display. If Bettys is near the top of your agenda, seek out the Stonegate branch, rather than big one on St Helen’s Square. Stonegate these days is a treat: in the 70s it epitomised the flight from the city centre of useful shops and their replacement by trinket outlets. Now it is lined by quality shops for all manor of useful things, demonstrating both the maturity of York as a destination for those with a bit of money to spend and of the inextricable links between shopping and the visitor economy. www.bettys.co.uk www.visityork.org

COMPETITION TRAVEL

PUZZLE PAGE by Yves Du Sault Welcome to the Eastern Airways puzzle page and your chance to win one of two bottles of Chapter 6, England’s award-winning finest single malt whisky (also on sale in Norwich airport duty free shop). www.englishwhisky.co.uk

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EVENTS

LET SUN AND GAMES COMMENCE

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There’s something going on in the East End of London in late summer. And while the debate may rage about what benefit that brings for the rest of us, there is plenty going on elsewhere too. We take a look at some of the things happening under the umbrella of the Cultural Olympiad – and at some “sports” that will never feature in the Olympics

When Hadrian’s Wall was illuminated a few years ago by gas flares every mile, it captured the imagination of people across Britain and, indeed, the world. Small wonder, then, that Hadrian’s Wall Heritage – the body responsible for the World Heritage Site – was asked to think of something special for the Cultural Olympiad. Connecting Light is a major art installation along the line of Hadrian’s Wall, designed by New York based digital arts collective YesYesNo with Zachary Lieberman. YesYesNo specialises in the creation of engaging, magical installations that combine creativity, artistic vision and cutting edge technology. Using a series of tethered weather balloons, approximately 6ft in diameter and lit by internal LED lights, the installation will become a line of pulsating colours as messages are sent along the Wall. The installation will be visible in the evening and accessible to

visitors at several locations. It is being designed to be viewed remotely all over the world using digital media. Messages sent along the Wall can be made visible through smartphones, iPads and tablets and detailed information will be available at a number of visitor sites. Lieberman says: “The goal is to understand the Wall in a modern context and imagine the Wall not as a barrier but as a bridge, as a means of connecting rather than dividing. “The installation serves as a low res fibre optic line connecting both coasts of England and allowing messages to spread in either direction. Linda Tuttiett, Chief Executive of Hadrian’s Wall Trust, said: “Connecting Light will turn what was the Roman Empire’s northern frontier into a contemporary communication system.” The installation will be live on Friday August 31 and Saturday September 1. www.hadrians-wall.org

Other cultural Olympiad highlights include:

SOME VERY NON-OLYMPIAN SPORTING CHALLENGES

Newcastle’s ¡VAMOS! Latin American festival acquires a regional perspective as part of the Cultural Olympiad, with major events in Durham, Middlesbrough and Barnard Castle, as well as on both banks of the Tyne.

The British Lawn Mower Racing Association claims its events are the cheapest form of motor sport. And if fancy yourself at cutting others up on a racing circuit, this could even be the challenge for you! Upcoming events include the British Championships, rounds seven and eight, at Silverstone, yes Silverstone, on July 21-22; a 12-hour endurance challenge for those with solid backsides, on August 11-12; and more championship rounds on August 25-27 and September 8-9 and 22-23. www.blmra.co.uk

Pacitti Company

A series of large-scale, outdoor events in which lots of people take part will become a community feature film. The events will take place across the Eastern region and explore key themes of trade, defence and migration.

Lionheart. Shauna Richardson

Union of UK Unicyclists

Three 30ft lions will be hand-crocheted and displayed in a huge taxidermy-style case in Nottingham.

nowhereisland. Alex Hartley

Alex Hartley will bring an island he discovered in the High Arctic in 2004 to the South West of England. It will navigate the coast accompanied by a travelling embassy, exploring issues of climate change and land ownership.

Godiva Awakes. Imagineer Productions

Coventry icon Lady Godiva will be recreated as a gigantic human puppet and lead a cast of thousands in a spectacular processional performance, before making her epic journey to London.

Dress the World: Suits and Saris

Exploring fusion of fashion between Leicester, India and East Africa through Leicester’s South Asian collection. www.london2012.com/festival

If you thought cycling across England was challenge enough, how about doing it with just one wheel? That’s what they do at the Union of UK Unicyclists – 146 miles from Whitehaven to Sunderland, from August 10-12. www.unicycle.org.uk There’s one annual sporting event that can never be rained off. The World Bog Snorkelling Championship really does pull them in from all corners of the globe and then loses them in deep mud – this year’s event takes place at Waen Rhydd peat bog, near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales, on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Contestants have to snorkel through the bog using flipper power alone, along a course that takes about two minutes. www.bogsnorkelling.com Come October and it’s time for conker fighting. The world championships will, as ever, take place near Oundle, Northamptonshire, with 256 male competitors in the knock-out and 64 women in a separate competition – and not a health and safety officer in sight! This year’s event is on October 14. www.worldconkerchampionships.com

SALTBURN YARN For a microscopic fraction of the price of the Olympic Games, visitors have been lured to Saltburn, Cleveland, in their thousands by a guerrilla art installation that cost a few quid. In what’s called a yarn bombing attack, guerrilla knitters have created an amazing display of knitted Olympic figures along the railings of the town’s Victorian pier. No-one admits to knowing who is behind the “attack”, but people are flocking form far and wide to see its results. ¡VAMOS!

BARE ESSENTIALS

WELCOME TO OUR

BARE ESSENTIALS

Here you can find information on our routes, fleet, passenger experience and a host of suggestions for what to do when you arrive at your destination.

OUR DESTINATIONS

SCATSTA STAVANGER

Scheduled Routes Charter Routes WICK STORNOWAY

ABERDEEN

THE FLEET

GLASGOW

BAKU NEWCASTLE

DURHAM TEES VALLEY

Two aircraft Length 30m (98ft) Seats 49/50 passengers Typical cruising speed, Two turbofan engines 450 knots, at 35,000ft Wingspan, 20m (65ft)

EMBRAER ERJ145

LEEDS BRADFORD

HUMBERSIDE EAST MIDLANDS

NORWICH CARDIFF BRISTOL

BIRMINGHAM FI SOUTHAMPTON

BRUSSELS

EMBRAER ERJ135 Two aircraft Seats 37 passengers Two turbofan engines Wingspan, 20m (65ft)

JETSTREAM 41

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18 aircraft Seats 29 passengers Two turboprop engines Wingspan 19m (60ft)

Length 26m (86ft) Typical cruising speed, 450 knots, at 35,000ft

Length 20m (63ft) Typical cruising speed, 280 knots, at 20,000ft

SAAB 2000 Eight aircraft BORDEAUX

Seats 50 passengers Two jetprop engines Wingspan 24.3m (81ft)

Length 26.7m (89ft) Typical cruising speed, 370 knots, at 28,000ft

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

After booking your Eastern Airways flight via a travel agent, the airline’s website or in-house reservations call centre, you will have noticed that Eastern Airways uses e-tickets. It was in fact one of the airlines to pioneer ticketless travel over nine years ago. Queues at check-in are short and the process is swift as is the experience through the security channels. This is possible thanks to a ground-breaking initiative called Fast Track, which is available at Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, South­ampton, East Midlands, Newcastle, Glasgow, and is a dedicated security channel for Eastern Airways passengers to use and avoid busy airport terminal security queues. With Eastern Airways operating the largest number of scheduled services from Aberdeen, a dedicated business lounge is available for all its customers flying from the airport and is located next to its departure gates. Executive lounge access is also offered at Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Norwich, Southampton and Cardiff for passengers travelling on fully flexible tickets. As you board your aircraft you will notice we have a fleet of liveried valet baggage carts for you to place larger

items of hand luggage by the aircraft steps. Your hand luggage will be awaiting you on the valet baggage cart at your destination airport. Once on board, our highly trained cabin attendants offer a friendly and personalised in-flight service including complimentary drinks and branded snacks. On arrival our aircraft allow for quick disembarkation, enabling passengers to make their way swiftly onwards through the terminals.



AIR TRAVEL SHOULD BE MORE OF A PLEASURE AND LESS OF A CHORE

Our aim is to make your travel as pleasant an experience as possible. Have an enjoyable trip.

STAMPING OUT DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR While the vast majority of passengers flying globally behave impeccably, there is a greater awareness of isolated incidents of disruptive behaviour, also known as “air rage”. While this isn’t a major problem for Eastern Airways, the safety and security of our pass­engers and crew is our number one priority. We don’t want our customers to experience any behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable, or be put in a situation that compromises safety. Disruptive behaviour can include smoking, drunkenness, aggress­ive behaviour or abusive language towards a customer or a member of crew. Our crews are fully trained to deal with any incident of this type. Disobeying a command, which is lawful by a crew member, is committing an offence under the UK Air Navigation Order. Offenders who persistently misbehave on a flight will be handed to the appropriate authorities on arrival and may face arrest and a heavy fine or up to two years imprisonment. Severe restrict­ions will also be placed on their future travel with Eastern Airways.

© Gaston Batistini, Labo River

ESSENTIAL GOINGS ON

ESSENTIAL GOINGS ON…

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

BURNING BRIDGES

Every two years, Brussels’ Grand’Place transforms its cobbles into a spectacular carpet of multi-coloured flowers.

The world famous cityscape of NewcastleGateshead hosts a spectacular festival on August 4 and 5 celebrating the Tyne’s riverside icons and the arrival of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The carpet is made mainly of begonias and is a superb showcase for the flower whose qualities guarantee the long life and freshness of the carpet and give it its rich range of colours. Belgium cultivates 60 million begonia tubers every year, and is recognised as the world’s largest producer. Around 800,000 of them will be used to make this year’s display .

Family friendly events include: The Print Run, which invites people to create a print design while they run, skip, dance, hop or leap into the air and the 7 Bridges Rowing Championships where Newcastle and Gateshead teams compete to get their miniature boats over the finish line first.

The carpet can be viewed from within the square and from the Town Hall balcony from August 15 to 18th.

The bridges take centre stage on the Saturday evening when a 12 metre high lighthouse, erected on the River Tyne, shines out against a magical theatre of fireworks, cascades of silver rain and neon-bright lighting effects. As part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, Arts Council England commissioned project, Flow, will also be in situ on the River Tyne during the festival.

www.flowercarpet.be

www.BridgesFestival.com

The carpet requires many months of design and preparation but is put in place in just one day by around a hundred expert craftsmen following meticulous plans. The intricate designs are usually inspired by Belgian folklore and myth.

STARRING ROLE FOR SHETLAND CENTRE

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© Mark Sinclair

Mareel, which opened in Shetland this year, is the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre. Situated on Lerwick’s waterfront, the venue will provide a year-round programme of events including the grand finale of the Hansel of Film –

Shetland to Southampton and Back – which is part of the London 2012 Festival celebrating this year’s Olympic Games. Hansel is a Shetland dialect word meaning a gift that marks an event such as the launch of a new boat.

TOUR DE FORCE The first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar starts in September.

Eastern Airways destinations visited include Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham and Nottingham. www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Rosie Hallam

Stars include Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot and Melanie C as Mary Magdalene. Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as King Herod. The ITV show Superstar will give the UK public the chance to decide who will play the role of Jesus.

MUSIC LEGENDS PLAY ON Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD Festival is on its Somerset home turf this summer, at Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from July 26-29. Headline acts include Robert Plant and Buena Vista Social Club, as well as South Africa’s “musical godfather”, Hugh Masekela, and Jamaica legend, Jimmy Cliff. Other artistes featuring at this year’s World of Music, Arts and Dance include strong representation from Africa, with

Jupiter and Okwess International, from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s vibrant Kinshasha music scene. WOMAD held its first festival in 1982 at the Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Over the intervening 30 years, the Peter Gabriel-fronted organisation has hosted festivals from Sicily to Seattle, Adelaide to Abu Dhabi. It’s the sixth time its flagship UK festival has been held at Charlton Park. www.womad.co.uk

THE WORLD PIPES UP FOR GLASGOW Glasgow will once again become the centre of the global piping scene as it hosts Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival and The World Pipe Band Championships from August 6–12. Around 40,000 visitors, and 8,000 pipers, drummers and performers are expected to descend on the city for the world’s biggest week of traditional music. The World Pipe Band Championships, or The Worlds, have been held in Glasgow for almost 70 years while Piping Live! is entering its ninth year and has established itself as one of the world’s top celebrations of Scottish culture, showcasing a diverse blend of traditional music. www.theworlds.co.uk • www.pipinglive.co.uk

‘Wedding Tent on the Machair’ by Moira Maclean ‘Red Roses’ by Jackie Philip ‘Asleep in the Afternoon’ by Rebecca Westguard

‘Let’s hear it for the Ladies’ A summer exhibition of twenty Scottish ladies June – July 2012

THE RENDEZVOUS GALLERY 100 Forest Avenue Aberdeen AB15 4TL Tel 01224 323247 www.rendezvous-gallery.co.uk [email protected]

BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS

BARE ESSENTIALS

Destinations

BRUSSELS



Your guide to Eastern Airways destinations – how to get there and where to go and what to do when you get there...

Atomium and Mini Europe

Gladmat

Less than 20 minutes to the city centre by train. Bus station below arrivals hall, taxis available outside arrivals. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

Norway’s fourth largest city lies on the country’s south-west coast. The airport is just nine miles out of town and is served by a regular shuttle bus. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

WHERE

VISIT

Hôtel de Ville and the Grand Place; Atomium and Mini Europe, north Brussels.

STAY AT

Pantone Hotel, nr Avenue Louise; Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, rue de l’Amigo; The Hotel, Boulevard de Waterloo.

SHOP AT

www.brusselsinternational.be / lAnne Buckle - Gladmat / Bellini image © Glasgow City Council (Museums)

It has been described as the finest civic collection in the UK and now masterpieces from Glasgow’s collection of Italian paintings are being displayed together for the first time.

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STAVANGER

Essence of Beauty: 500 years of Italian Art runs at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum until August 12. Works by some of the great names of Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting including Bellini, Titian, Rosa and Botticelli can be seen. Pictured above is Bellini’s Mother and Child. www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

The Wittamer chocolate shop and Pierre Marcolini, Place du Grand Sablon; Jeu du Balle market; Place du Châtelain farmers’ market, Ixelles; Dandoy (authentic Belgian waffles), rue au Beurre.

DRINK

L’ultime Atome, Place St Boniface; Le Greenwich, Rue des Chartreux; Havana, Rue de l’Épée.

EAT AT

WHERE

VISIT

Pulpit Rock – a natural rock formation that overlooks the Lysefjord; Norwegian Petroleum Museum, Kjeringholmen, 4001 Stavanger.

STAY AT

The Clarion, Thon Maritim, Skagen Brygge, all in the city centre; Sola Strand Hotel, on the beach, near the airport.

SHOP AT

Kvadrat, Norway’s biggest shopping centre is just 7 miles south of Stavanger.

DRINK AT

Dickens, Skagenkaien; Newsman, Skagen 14.

EAT AT

L’Idiot du Village, Les Marolles; Le Taverne du Passage, La Galerie de la Reine; Bonsoir Clara, rue Antoine Dansaert.

Sjøhuset Skagen – specialises in traditional Norwegian food; Tango, Nedre Strandgate.

COMING UP

North Sea divers exhibition, Norsk Oljemuseum, ongoing; Blink Summer Ski Festival, Sandnes, Jul 19-21; Gladmat 2012, Norway’s largest food festival, Jul 25-28; ONS Festival 2012, Stavanger, Aug 28-31.

Airport 0900 70000 +32 2 753 77 53 www.brusselsairport.be

Airport + 47 67 03 10 00 www.avinor.no/en/airport/stavanger

Eastern Airways flights direct to Southampton

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle. Onward connections to Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Wick

Dinner in the Sky, part of Brusseliscious 2012 year-long season of culinary events, until Jul 1; Brosella Folk & Jazz Festival, “Groentheater”, Ossegem Park, Jul 14-15; Brussels Summer Festival, various venues, Aug 10-19.

Tourist/Local Info +32 2 513 89 40 www.brusselsinternational.be

COMING UP

Tourist/Local Info +47 51 97 55 55 www.regionstavanger.com

SHETLAND SCATSTA

STORNOWAY

Fiddle Frenzy

WHERE

Twenty four miles north west of Lerwick, Shetland’s principal town, and five miles south-west of Sullom Voe oil terminal. The village of Brae is about eight miles to the south. For hire car visit www.boltscarhire. co.uk or call 01595 693 636 (no on-airport facilities)

VISIT

Mareel, Lerwick; Muckle Flugga, Unst, the northernmost tip of Britain; Shetland Museum, Lerwick; Jarlshof, Grutness (both mainland).

STAY AT

Busta House Hotel, Brae; Saxa Vord Resort, Unst; Orca Country Inn, Sandwick.

SHOP AT

Shetland Fudge, Lerwick; Jamieson & Son Knitwear, Lerwick; Valhalla Brewery, Saxa Vord.

DRINK AT

Mid Brae Inn, Brae; The Lounge Bar, Lerwick; Kiln Bar, Scalloway.

EAT AT

Busta House Hotel, Brae; Monty’s Bistro, Lerwick; Saxa Vord Resort, Unst.

COMING UP

WICK

Hotel Hebrides

WHERE

To the east of the town. Taxis and car hire are available at the airport. No weekend flights. Mackinnon Self Drive: 01851 702984.

VISIT

Stornoway Museum, Francis St; Stornoway Fish Smokers, Shell St; Woodlands Centre, Lews Castle grounds; An Lanntair Arts Centre, Kenneth Street, Stornoway.

Ackergill Tower

WHERE

One mile from the centre of Wick, half-an-hour’s drive from Thurso. Main bus and rail stations are near to Wick centre serving most places in Caithness. Trains to Thurso and Inverness. Post bus operates Thurso-Wick-Airport. Car hire: Dunnets offers airport pick-up and drop-off, 01955 602103.

VISIT

STAY AT

Wick Heritage Museum; St Fergus Gallery, Sinclair Terr; Pulteney Distillery, Huddart St.

SHOP AT

Ackergill Tower; Mackays Hotel; The Brown Trout Hotel, Station Rd, Watten, near Wick.

Hotel Hebrides, Tarbert; Royal Hotel, Cromwell St; Scarista House, west Harris; Auberge Carnish, Uig.

Callanish Jewellery, Point St; This ’n That, Cromwell St; Borgh Pottery, Borgh (20 miles).

DRINK AT

Clachan Bar, North Beach; Hebridean Bar, South Beach; Whalers Rest, Francis St.

EAT AT

Digby Chick, Bank St; Golden Ocean, Cromwell St; Thai, Church St.

COMING UP

STAY AT

SHOP AT

John O’Groats (pottery, knitwear); Rotterdam St, Thurso (20 miles).

DRINK AT

Ebenezer’s, Mackay’s Hotel; Wetherspoons and Camps Bar.

EAT AT

Bord de l’Eau, Market St; Le Bistro, Thurso; Captain’s Galley, Scrabster (22 miles).

Hansel of Film 2012, Lerwick, until Sep 9; Shetland Nature Festival, Jul 7-15; UnstFest 2012, Jul 12-22; Shetland Fiddle Frenzy, Aug 7-14; Screenplay 2012, annual film festival, Lerwick, Aug 31-Sep 9.

Harris Arts Festival 2012, various locations, July; Stornoway Golf Club Open Week, Jul 7-14; Hebcelt, Hebridean Celtic Festival, Stornoway, Jul 11-14.

Airport 01806 244900

Airport 01851 702256 www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport.html

Airport 01955 602215 www.hial.co.uk/wick-airport.html

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Wick

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Stavanger, Stornoway

Frequent daily charter service to Aberdeen, operated by Eastern Airways for the Integrated Aviation Consortium

Tourist/Local Info 01595 98 98 98 www.visit.shetland.org

Tourist/Local Info 01851 703088 www.visithebrides.com

COMING UP

Castle of Mey market, Castle entrance, Tuesdays throughout the summer; Wick Gala Week, Jul 28Aug 4; Bfest 2012 Music Festival, (The Proclaimers headline), Riverside, Wick, Aug 10-11.

Tourist/Local Info 0845 22 55 121 www.visithighlands.com

BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS

ABERDEEN

Merchant City

Seven miles north-west of the city centre, off the A96. Regular buses into the city centre. For car hire see Europcar info back page.

Around eight miles from the centre of Glasgow. Regular shuttle service to centre linking main rail stations. Nearest rail station Paisley Gilmour St, one mile, easily reached by taxi or bus. For car hire see Europcar info back page.

VISIT

Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow; Talbooth Museum, Castle St; Rendezvous Gallery, Forest Ave.

STAY AT

Rox Hotel, Market St; Skene House Hotel suites, various locations; any of Thistle’s three hotels.

SHOP AT

Juniper (gifts, jewellery), Belmont St; Past Times, Union St; Aberdeen Antique Centre, South College St.

DRINK AT

The Monkey House, Union Terr; Pearl Lounge, Dee St; The Globe, North Silver St; Tiger Tiger, Ship Row; Balaclava Bar, Loch St.

EAT AT

Simpson’s Hotel, Bar and Brasserie, Queens Rd; Prohibition, Langstane Pl; Stage Door Restaurant, North Silver St; Cinnamon, Union St; Manzil, King St; Paula McEwen, Great Western Road.

COMING UP

WHERE

VISIT

The Burrell Collection, Pollock Country Park; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle St; the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University Avenue.

STAY AT

Radisson Blu, Argyle St; Grasshoppers Penthouse Hotel, Union St; Saint Judes, Bath St.

EAT!

WHERE

Seven miles north-west of the city centre. Metro rail link every few minutes to the city, Gateshead and Sunderland. Half-hourly bus service. Taxi fare to city, approx £12. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Discovery Museum, Blandford Square; Gateshead Quays for the Baltic and Sage Gateshead.

STAY AT

Sandman Signature, Gallowgate, Newcastle; Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle; Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, County Durham.

SHOP AT

SHOP AT

Jules B, Jesmond; Cruise, Princess Square, Newcastle; Van Mildert, Sunderland and Durham.

DRINK AT

Crown Posada, the Side; Florita’s, Collingwood St; The Forth, Pink Lane.

EAT AT

Zen, Court Lane, Durham; Blackfriars, Newcastle; Pan Haggerty, Queen St, Newcastle; Le Raaj, Chester Moor.

Starry Starry Night (retro), Downside Lane; Relics antiques, Dowanside Lane; I J Mellis (cheeses), Great Western Rd.

The Bier Halle, Gordon St; Òran Mór, Byres Road; Rio Café, Hyndland St.

Balbir’s (Indian), Church St; Unbiquitous Chip, Ashton Lane; Brel (Belgian), Ashton Lane; Tchai-Ovna (tea house), Ashton Lane.

DRINK AT EAT AT

COMING UP

The Essence of Beauty: 500 Years of Italian Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, until Aug 12; Merchant City Festival, Jul 25-29; Olympic Football Tournament, Jul 25-Aug 3.

Owl Project and Ed Carter: FLOW - part of London 2012 Cultural Olympiad – River Tyne, until Sep; EAT! NewcastleGateshead, various venues, Jul 13-29; Baltic 10th birthday, Jul 14-15; SummerTyne Americana Festival, The Sage, Gateshead, Jul 20-22.

Airport 0870 040 0006 www.aberdeenairport.com

Airport 0844 481 5555 www.glasgowairport.com

Airport 0871 882 1121 www.newcastleinternational.co.uk

Eastern Airways flights direct to Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick.

Eastern Airways flights direct to Stavanger

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff, Stavanger. Onward connections to Stornoway, Wick

Stonehaven Folk Festival, Jul 5-8; Aberdeen International Youth Festival, various venues, Aug 3-10; The Braemar Gathering, Sep 1.

Glasgow: Scotland with style

NEWCASTLE

Simpson’s Brasserie

WHERE

42

GLASGOW

Tourist/Local Info 01224 288828 www.aberdeencityandshire.com

COMING UP

Tourist/Local Info 0141 204 4400 www.seeglasgow.com www.glasgow.gov.uk

Tourist/Local Info 0191 277 8000 / 0191 478 4222 www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com

DURHAM TEES VALLEY

HUMBERSIDE

Stockton International Riverside Festival

WHERE

Five miles east of Darlington and 10 miles west of Middlesbrough.There is a regular bus shuttle to Darlington rail station, 6 miles away on main line to Scotland and the South. Taxi fare to Darlington approx £8. For car hire see Europcar info back page.

VISIT

mima (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) Centre Square; Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon; Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Historic Quay.

STAY AT

Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth on Tees; Walworth Castle, near Darlington; Headlam Hall, near Darlington; Craythorne Hall Hotel, Yarm.

SHOP AT

Waddington Air Show

WHERE

Fifteen miles east of Scun­thorpe, 20 miles south of Hull, 16 miles west of Grimsby, 30 miles north of Lincoln. Regular bus services to Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Doncaster and Sheffield. Barnetby Station three miles from airport with Intercity connections via Don­caster. Approx taxi fare to Hull £26. For car hire see Europcar info, back page.

VISIT

Museums Quarter, Hull’s Old Town; The Deep, Hull; Lincoln Cathedral; Ferens Art Gallery, Hull.

STAY AT

Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton; Cave Castle Hotel, Brough; Best Western Willerby Manor Hotel, Willerby; The White Hart, Lincoln.

SHOP AT

Psyche, Linthorpe Rd, Middles­brough; The House, Yarm High Street; Leggs, Skinnergate, Darlington.

Bailgate and Steep Hill area, Lincoln; Henri Beene (Menswear), Abbeygate, Grimsby.

DRINK AT

The Wig & Mitre, Steep Hill, Lincoln; Ye Olde Black Boy, High St, Hull.

George and Dragon, Yarm; Black Bull, Frosterley.

EAT AT

Sardis, Northgate, Darlington; Dun Cow Inn, Sedgefield; The Orangery, Rockliffe Hall.

COMING UP

Heritage Festival, Hartlepool, Jul 7; Middlesbrough Mela, Albert Park, Jul 14-15; Cleveland Show, Stewart Park, Jul 28; Stockton International Riverside Festival, Aug 4.

LEEDS BRADFORD

DRINK AT EAT AT

Figs Restaurant, Cleethorpes; Brackenborough Hotel and Restaurant, Louth; Winteringham Field, Winteringham; Pipe and Glass, South Dalton, Beverley.

COMING UP

RAF Waddington International Air Show, Jun 30-Jul 1; Yum Festival of Food and Drink, Hull city centre, Jul 20-21; Games In The Park, Hull, Jul 21-4th Aug; Hull Trinity Music Festival, various venues, Jul 27-29.

Waterfront Festival

WHERE

Nine miles north-west of Leeds city centre, seven miles from Bradford. Regular Airlink 757 bus from bus and rail stations to terminal. Taxi time 20-25 mins. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Royal Armouries, Leeds; Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square; National Media Museum, Bradford.

STAY AT

Double Tree by Hilton, Leeds; Radisson Blu, The Headrow, Leeds; the New Ellington, Leeds; Dubrovnik boutique hotel, Oak Avenue, Bradford.

SHOP AT

Retro Boutique, Headingley Lane, Leeds; Harvey Nichols, Briggate, Leeds; Victoria Quarter, Leeds.

DRINK AT

Baby Jupiter, York Place, Leeds; Fudge Bar, Assembly St, Leeds; Haigys, Lumb Lane, Bradford.

EAT AT

Mumtaz, Clarence Dock, Leeds; Brasserie Blanc, Sovereign St, Leeds; Ujala Tandoori, Manville Terrace, Bradford.

COMING UP

Leeds Loves Sport 2012, various venues, Jun 18-Jul 9; Leeds Waterfront Festival, Jun 30-Jul 1; The Great Yorkshire Show Harrogate, Jul 10-12; Leeds Festival, Bramham Park, Jul 24-26.

Airport 01325 332811 www.durhamteesvalleyairport.com

Airport 01652 688456 www.humbersideairport.com

Airport 0113 250 9696 www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Bristol. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Tourist/Local Info 01642 729700 / 264957 www.visitmiddlesbrough.com

Tourist/Local Info 01482 486600 www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com www.visitlincolnshire.com www.yorkshire.com

Tourist/Local Info 0113 242 5242 www.leeds.gov.uk www.leedsliveitloveit.com www.yorkshire.com

BARE ESSENTIALS : DESTINATIONS

EAST MIDLANDS

Bullring

Twelve miles from both Derby and Nottingham, just off the M1 junction 24. Rail stations Lough­borough, Long Eaton, Not­tingham and Derby are a short bus/taxi ride from EMA. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

Six miles east of the city, off Junction 6 of the M42. Connected by free Air-Rail Link monorail system to Birmingham International Station for trains to Birmingham and Coventry. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross; Tales of Robin Hood, Maid Marian Way; Elvaston Castle Country Park, Derby; QUAD gallery, cinema, cafe bar and arts workshop, Cathedral Quarter, Derby.

STAY AT

Lace Market Hotel, High Pavement, Nottingham; Cathedral Quarter Hotel, St Mary’s Gate, Derby.

SHOP AT

Paul Smith, Middle Pavement, Nottingham; The Artisan’s Studio (gifts, jewellery, artwork), Arnold,Nottingham.

WHERE

VISIT

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Sq; Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse St, Hockley; Cadbury’s World, Linden Rd, Bournville.

STAY AT

WHERE

Eight miles south-west of Bristol. Coach service approx half-hourly to city centre, journey time 30 mins. £6 return. Also local services to Westonsuper-Mare. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Egypt Gallery, Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road; SS Great Britain, Great Western Dock­yard; Blue Reef Aquarium, Harbourside.

STAY AT

Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury; No 38 Clifton, Georgian merchant’s house in Clifton.

SHOP AT

Clifton Village and Park St; St Nicholas Markets and Broadmead; Mall Galleries at Cribbs Causeway; Cabot Circus.

Selfridges (Bullring); Harvey Nichols (Mailbox).

DRINK AT

DRINK AT

EAT AT

San Carlo, Temple St; Peppers Restaurant, Bishopsgate St; Opus, Cornwall St.

Loch Fyne, King St, Nottingham; Red Hot Buffet, Goose Gate, Nottingham.

Balloon Fiesta

Hotel Indigo, The Cube; Radisson Blu, Holloway Circus, Queensway; Marriott, Hagley Rd; Staying Cool, Rotunda.

Bank, Brindley Pl; The Tap and Spile, Gas St; The Medicine Bar, Custard Factory; The Boiler Room, Vyse St.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, below Nottingham Castle; The Waterfront, Canal St, Nottingham.

P&O cruise ship Ventura: Mike O’Dwyer / Norwich Cathedral: Fæ

BRISTOL

Robin Hood Festival

WHERE

44

BIRMINGHAM

EAT AT

COMING UP

SHOP AT

DRINK AT

Zero Degrees award-winning microbrewery, Colston St; The Elbow Room Pool and Lounge Bar, Park St.

EAT AT

Pieminister, Stokes Croft; Michael Caines, College Green; Culinaria, Chandos Road.

COMING UP

COMING UP

Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival, various venues, Jul 6-13; Birmingham Food Fest, various venues, July 13-19; International Festival of Glass, Stourbridge, Aug 24-27.

WOMAD Festival at Bristol Zoo Gardens, Jun 30; Foodies Festival, central Bristol, Jul 13-15; Bristol Harbour Festival, Jul 20-22; Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court, Aug 9-12.

Airport 0871 919 9000 www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Airport 0871 282 7117 www.bhx.co.uk

Airport 0871 334 4444 www.bristolairport.co.uk

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Eastern Airways flights direct to Newcastle

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford. Onward connections to Stornoway, Wick

Nottingham Food & Drink Festival, Jul 4-8; Splendour Festival, Wollaton Park, Jul 21; Nottingham Riverside Festival, Aug 3-5; Robin Hood Festival, Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Aug 13-19.

Tourist/Local Info 01332 255802 / 08444 775678 www.visitderby.co.uk www.experiencenottinghamshire.com

Tourist/Local Info 0844 888 3883 www.visitbirmingham.com

Tourist/Local Info 0333 321 0101 www.visitbristol.co.uk

CARDIFF

International Food and Drink Festival

WHERE

NORWICH

Shakespeare in the Cloisters Festival

WHERE

Twelve miles west of Cardiff, 10 miles from Junction 33 on M4. Rail link, every hour, connects airport to Cardiff Central and Bridg­end. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

Three miles north of the city. Hourly bus service into the city centre. Approx taxi fare to Norwich £7. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Norwich Cathedral, The Close; Norwich Castle, Elm Hill; Sandringham Estate, Norfolk; Norwich Puppet Theatre, Whitefriars, Norwich.

STAY AT

The Maids Head Hotel, Tombland; De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel & Golf Club, Ipswich Rd; Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel & Country Club; Barnham Broom Hotel & Spa, Honingham Rd.

Cardiff Castle; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre ‘The Tube’, Harbour Drive; Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay.

Peterstone Court, in the Usk Valley; St David’s Hotel & Spa, Havannah St, Cardiff Bay.

SHOP AT

St Mary Street for specialist shops; Splott Market (weekends), SE of city centre.

DRINK AT

Pen and Wig, Park Grove; Park Vaults, Park Place.

EAT AT

Champers, St Mary’s Street; La Fosse, The Hayes; Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant, Cardiff Bay.

COMING UP

Cardiff Comedy Festival, various venues, Jul 5-29; Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, Cardiff Bay, Jul 6-8; London 2012 Olympic Football, Millennium Stadium, Jul-Aug; Cardiff MAS Carnival, central Cardiff, Aug 4; Friends Life t20 Finals, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Aug 25.

SOUTHAMPTON

VISIT

STAY AT

SHOP AT

Jarrold’s, London Street; Soho Hip, Pottergate; Ginger Ladies Wear, Timberhill.

DRINK AT

The Fat Cat, West End St; The Adam & Eve, Bishopgate; The Wine Press, Woburn Court, Guildhall Hill; The Last Wine Bar, St Georges St.

EAT AT

Tatlers, Tombland; Mambo Jambo, Lower Goat Lane; Umberto’s Trattoria Italia, St Benedicts St.

COMING UP

P&O Grand Event

WHERE

Five miles north of city. Parkway Station beside terminal, three trains hourly to Southam­pton and London Waterloo. Buses hourly to the city. For car hire see Europcar info on back page.

VISIT

Solent Sky, Hall of Aviation, Gilbert Road South; Maritime Museum, Town Quay Rd; Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth.

STAY AT

Montagu Arms, Beaulieu; The White Star Tavern and Dining Rooms, Oxford St; De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, West Quay Rd; Chilworth Manor, Chilworth; Carey’s Manor, Brockenhurst.

SHOP AT

WestQuay, city centre; Bargate Centre, East Bargate; Antiques quarter, Old Northern Rd; Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.

DRINK AT

The Dolphin, Osborne Road South; The Frog and Frigate, Canute Rd; Ocean & Collins, Vincent’s Walk.

EAT AT

Olive Tree, Oxford St; P.O.S.H. Queensway; The Purbani, Botley.

COMING UP

Lord Mayor’s Celebration, Norwich centre, Jul 5-8; Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Norwich Castle, Jul 7-Sep 30; Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre, July 8; Shakespeare Festival, Norwich Cathedral, Jul 11-14.

P&O Grand Event – all of its seven cruise ships visit Southampton on Jul 3, celebrations around Mayflower Park; Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2011/12 – return celebrations at Ocean Village, Jul 22.

Airport 01446 711111 www.cwlfly.com

Airport 01603 411923 www.norwichairport.co.uk

Airport 0870 040 0009 www.southamptonairport.com

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Newcastle.

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Tourist/Local Info 0870 121 1258 www.visitcardiff.com www.southernwales.com

Tourist/Local Info 01603 213999 www.visitnorwich.co.uk 

Eastern Airways flights direct to Aberdeen, Brussels. Onward connections to Stavanger, Stornoway, Wick

Tourist/Local Info 023 8083 3333 www.visit-southampton.co.uk

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

MICROCITIES AND CATHEDRAL TOWNS

ESSENTIAL GUIDE The term “city” rather surprisingly means many different things to different people… However, the granting of city status to the 3,500-strong community of St Asaf, in north Wales, to mark the Queen’s Jubilee prompted us to wonder about other “micro-cities” in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no formal link between possession of a cathedral and city status. At least not any more: this was once the case in England and Wales but now the key is possession of a Royal Charter. However, a cathedral does convey a certain sense of grandeur to an otherwise modest small town and so we’ve decided to include such places (of which there are many in Scotland) in our round-up of small but perfectly formed cities! The other criteria in our non-scientific study are a population not exceeding 30,000 and, of course, proximity to an Eastern Airways destination…

England RIPON

At 9pm nightly the Ripon Hornblower still sets the night watch at the four corners of the obelisk in the Market Square. It’s a proud 1,000-year-old tradition witnessed all year round and dates from when the Ripon Wakeman was responsible for the safety of citizens and their property from dawn to dusk – and even had to compensate them if they were burgled. With the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal next door, Ripon oozes history. Population, 16,000.

46

© Gail Johnson - Fotolia.com. David Woods - istock.com

Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Leeds Bradford and Durham Tees Valley

Lichfield

SOUTHWELL

The football club is called Southwell City, but Southwell is not technically such. Its minster, St Mary’s, is the seat of the Church of England diocese that covers Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It boasts a population of 7,000, some fine half-timbered historic buildings, and a racecourse and claims to be the birthplace of the Bramley apple. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – East Midlands

LICHFIELD

The City Council at Lichfield is technically just a parish council, with limited powers. But the 30,000 citizens have a mayor, even though the much larger Lichfield District has more than three times that population, but no mayor. Samuel Johnson’s birthplace is today an attractive and informative museum, while the National Arboretum, with its memorials, is close by. Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Birmingham and East Midlands

ELY

Ely and its imposing cathedral rise above the Fens and can be seen from miles away – almost like the way Mont Saint Michel rises over the sands, off Normandy. Oliver Cromwell lived in Ely for ten years and today his house, the only surviving former Cromwell residence other than Hampton Court, has been recreated to show how his family would have lived in the mid-17th century. Population 15,000.

Scotland Cathedral of St Magnus

Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Norwich

WELLS

With a population of 12,000, Wells is the second smallest city in England by population and area, after the City of London. Like Lichfield, it has a city (parish) council – and an imposingly beautiful cathedral. It is named after three historic wells and was the final location of the notorious Bloody Assizes, presided over by Judge Jeffreys and others. Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Bristol and Southampton

ARUNDEL

Arundel’s 19th century Roman Catholic Cathedral, serving the diocese of Arundel and Brighton, was built in the French Gothic style and towers over the town as though challenging the impressive castle. Home to 3,500 people, a popular festival each August and a venue for Sussex’s cricket team, Arundel is replete with attractive shops and cafés. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Southampton

KIRKWALL

With a population of 8,500, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, just a short boat ride across the Pentland Firth. Pride of place belongs to the Romanesque Cathedral of St Magnus, whose name bears witness to the islands’ Viking heritage. The most northerly cathedral in Britain, it was founded in memory of St Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, in the early 12th century and still belongs to the town rather than the Church. The prehistoric, Pictish and Viking collections in Tankerness Museum are of international importance. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Wick

DORNOCH

This former royal burgh was the last place in Scotland to burn a witch, one Janet Horne, whose death in 1727 is commemorated by the Witch’s Stone. The village, with a population of 1,200, was granted Fairtrade status in 2005. Madonna’s son, Rocco, was christened in the Cathedral of St Mary and St Gilbert ahead of her wedding to Guy Ritchie at nearby Skibo Castle in 2000. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Wick

ELGIN

Elgin, with a population of nearly 21,000, claims that it was granted city status during the reign of King David I in the 12th century and has described itself as such ever since. Others argue that King David only raised the town to that of a “royal burgh”. The community council in Elgin describes its location as the “City and Royal Burgh of Elgin”. And, of course, the Scottish League football team is Elgin City, playing in the Irn-Bru second division. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Aberdeen

OBAN

The sea gateway to the more southerly of the Inner Hebrides, Oban has a population of about 8,000 and styles itself as the seafood capital of Scotland. You can look at the sealife as well as eat it, at the Sea Life Centre. The neo-Gothic 1959 Cathedral of St Columba (one of two cathedrals in Oban), as those who have watched the BBC’s Island Parish will know, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Imposing it is. Attractive? That will be down to the beholder. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Glasgow

BRECHIN

Another former royal burgh that doggedly uses the “city” moniker as it goes about its business, it is home to 7,000 people and the second division football team, Brechin City. The “cathedral” is today technically only a parish Church of Scotland, but it boasts some fine stained glass and a rare Irish round tower, which may once have housed a belfry. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Aberdeen

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DUNKELD

Largely destroyed in the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689, when the Jaocobites were repelled, Dunkeld was rebuilt in the 18th century and is now one of the most complete 18th century towns in Scotland. Many of its buildings have been restored by the Scottish National Trust and, with its medieval cathedral and lively arts and music scene, it is today an important gateway to the Highlands.

St David’s



The distinction between towns and cities in Norway was blurred in 1996 when the rules for denoting city status were changed. There are now far more “cities” than previously. The nearest Eastern Airways airport in all cases is Stavanger

EGERSUND

Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Aberdeen

DUNBLANE

Another small town of 8,000 that calls itself a city while never having been recognised as such. It too has a Church of Scotland “cathedral” and, thanks to its good rail links, is an increasingly popular commuter town. The other dominant landmark is Hydro hotel, now a Doubletree by Hilton. A memorial to the 17 who died in the infamous massacre with which Dunblane, sadly, will be forever synonymous, is located in the cathedral. Nearest Eastern Airways airports – Glasgow and Aberdeen

© Andrea Seemann. David Hughes. Fotolia.com

MILLPORT

With a population of not many more than 1,000, Millport also boasts the smallest cathedral in the UK. Dubbed the “Cathedral of the Isles” it seats only 100 and was conceived as a “new Iona” or seat of religious learning. Long a day trip and holiday destination for Glaswegians, Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae are home to a marine laboratory, the Scottish Watersports Centre, and the restored Garrison House community centre. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Glasgow

Skudeneshavn

Norway

Wales BRECON

The former parish church of St John became a cathedral and the seat of the new Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in 1923. The town has a population of nearly 8,000 and is a centre for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Norman castle was renovated and turned into a hotel in the 19th century. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Cardiff

ST DAVID’S

The small but perfectly formed city of St David’s has a population of fewer than 2,000, making it the smallest cathedral city in the UK. As the resting place of St David, it is considered the ecclesiastical capital of Wales and regained its ancient city status as recently as 1994. It is a busy and attractive tourist centre in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The cathedral was built with modest foundations on marshy ground and has a disarming combination of slopes and leans. Nearest Eastern Airways airport – Cardiff

With a population of about 13,000, Egersund has enjoyed city status since 1798. It was among the first Norwegian towns to be occupied by the Germans, it being the terminus of the telegraph line LochItsLomond and the Trossachs to the UK. natural harbour was also coveted and today this makes it important for the offshore industry.

SKUDENESHAVN

On the southern tip of an island near Haugesund, Skudeneshavn has about 5,000 people, some of whom live in 225 wooden houses, making it among the best preserved old towns in the country. It was voted the country’s “summer town” in 2004 by national radio listeners.

Belgium Closest Eastern Airways airport in all cases – Brussels

ANTOING

With a population of a little over 7,000, Antoing’s skyline is dominated by the fine 12th century castle, renovated in the 19th century.

BEAUMONT

Fire, foreign armies, plague, fire, World War Two devastation. Beaumont may have a pretty name and 6,000 inhabitants with a quiet demeanour, but these mask a tumultuous past. The monumental structure of the Salamandre Tower has its origins in the tenth century.

CHIÈVRES

Like Brussels, Chièvres also boasts a Grand’Place, in this case featuring the château of Egmont, some of whose 16th century features survive. The city itself, population 6,000, was fortified in the 14th century and the Gavre tower and associated northern ramparts can still be seen.

WIN A FABULOUS WEEKEND IN BRUSSELS

To celebrate Eastern Airways’ return to Brussels, we’ve teamed up with the amazing PANTONE HOTEL in the “capital of Europe”, to offer one lucky reader and their companion the chance to win a fabulous weekend at this super-chic boutique hotel, just a few steps from the glamorous Avenue Louise.

Photos: Sven Laurent

The prize includes Eastern Airways flights to Brussels and two nights’ accommodation in a penthouse room, with 360° terrace, champagne on arrival, and breakfast. The company behind the PANTONE HOTEL concept is none other than Pantone LLC, whose name will be no mystery to anyone who has worked in design or printing. Indeed, the company claims to have been “the world’s colour authority for more than 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colourful exploration and expression of creativity”. The PANTONE HOTEL is perfect for cosmopolitan adventurers as well as small corporate meetings and business conferences, cocktail receptions and special events. Designed by Belgian interior designer, Michel Penneman, and architect, Olivier Hannaert, each of the hotel’s seven floors is enlightened by different colour palettes to complement guests’ emotions with distinctive hues.

Through a licensing partnership with British developers, the PANTONE HOTEL is part of PANTONE UNIVERSE®, an expanding line of colourful, design-inspired products for consumers, which you can buy at the hotel. These include PANTONE Chip inspired mugs, created by W2, Sonia Spencer cufflinks and Alpa stationery and bags. The guest rooms are works of art – white walls and bedding provide a clean, crisp canvas for saturated pops of vibrant colour. The 59 guest rooms feature photographic installations created by renowned Belgian photographer, Victor Levy, that include a spectrum of vibrant PANTONE colours. PANTONE colour consultants are even available by appointment for informal colour consultations or to present educational seminars on colour psychology and trends. www.pantonehotel.com.

For your chance to win this wonderful short break, just answer the following question? The PANTONE HOTEL, Brussels, is near which fashionable street? Send you answer to [email protected], with Pantone Brussels in the subject field. Please provide name, address and phone number and the flight number and date of your last flight with Eastern Airways. Or send on a postcard to Gravity, Imex Business Centre (Bizspace), Abbey Road, Pity me, Durham, DH1 5JZ. Closing date August 24, 2012. Prize is subject to availability. Prize to be taken by December 31, 2012.

Eastern Airways flies to Brussels from Southampton

THE LAST WORD with Harry Pearson

A RUNNER’S GUIDE TO FAST FOOD

With the Olympics chugging into view no doubt we will hear much about drug testing. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking such sharp practice is anything new. In the 1904 Games, Great Britain’s Tom Hicks surged to victory in the marathon aided by a breakfast drink of brandy, raw eggs and strychnine that sounds like something from the Borgias’ Cocktail Book. Such a bizarre approach to diet was not unusual. Back towards the start of the 20th century the fastest sprinter on the planet was a Jamaican-born Scot, Alfred Downer. Downer was so quick he was nicknamed The Flying Scotsman, and so famous that the London to Edinburgh train was named after him.

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© sabri deniz kizil / Fotolia.com

In Downer’s time competitions were very different from today. A certain amount of decorum prevailed – runners could be disqualified for having dirty legs, for example, and shorts and tops were expected to provide adequate cover of the athlete’s limbs and torso, so as not to frighten the horses. In a memorable section of his autobiography, Running Recollections, Downer focuses on the importance of food in preparing for competition. His advice is unlikely to find favour with those training Usain Bolt, but it makes for fascinating reading. According to Downer, athletes should avoid eating pork, veal and lamb because of their laxative effects and cheese because it “curdles the stomach”. Meanwhile the only liquid it is safe to imbibe is “strong bitter ale”. In the evening red wine may be taken, though

“ACCORDING TO DOWNER, ATHLETES SHOULD AVOID EATING PORK, VEAL AND LAMB...THE ONLY LIQUID IT IS SAFE TO IMBIBE IS STRONG BITTER ALE” never – the Scot counsels wisely – more than half-a-pint at a time. Not content with offering his own advice, Downer also consults the greatest athletes of his era to get their tips on eating. Edgar Chester Redin (“Half-mile champion of the world”) suggests that for a pre-race meal “the inside of a pork chop and a glass of port can not be beaten”. Meanwhile Len Hurst (“world title holder at 20 miles”) countenances as much meat as the athlete can stow away, but only a very small amount of vegetables “since anything inducing flatulence must be avoided”. For the long distance runner, Hurst declares, fish and water are both to be avoided at all costs “for both swell the abdomen and injure the breath”. It is easy to look back at the training methods of athletes of the past with a

wry smile and a superior chuckle. And Downer does just that when comparing his own “scientific” approach to that of sportsmen of the Georgian era. Captain Robert Barclay, “world champion pedestrian” of the 1820s, who once walked 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours on Newmarket Heath to settle a bet. Prepared for such feats of endurance on a regimen of “Glaubers’ salt” (a “cathartic agent”) underdone mutton, stale bread, flat ale and frequent steam baths and purges “such as,” Downer remarks,”would have reduced any ordinary individual to nothing better than a likely candidate for place of honours in a coffin.” Barclay, however, was a man of robust constitution. He had inherited it from his paternal line. His grandfather was MP for Kincardine and made a habit of hiking from his constituency, in Fife, to Westminster for each parliamentary session, enriching himself en route “with many a prize hat for cudgel play or wrestling”. “Present members of the house,” Downer notes severely of the politicians of his own era “prefer to travel on express trains at 50 miles per hour” (and not a decent cudgel-fighter amongst them). Barclays father did not walk quite as much as his father or his son, but he was a physically imposing man who once impressed workers on his estate by picking up a trespassing horse and hurling it over a hedge. What he ate to build his strength is not recorded, though no doubt he followed Downer’s wise advice that “a good quality cigar is the best thing to clear the lungs”.

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DESTINATION ONS 2012 A SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED FOR EASTERN AIRWAYS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ONS 2012

STAVANGER

August 28-31

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DESTINATION ONS 2012

WELCOME TO THE SHOW

This year’s event takes place on August 28 to 31, when more than 50,000 people from the energy sector will make their way to Norway’s oil industry capital. This publication brings you an extensive guide to the conference and exhibition, courtesy of the organisers of the event, as well as detailing some of the associated entertainment and cultural activities. We also include a review of the offshore industry in Norway, and specifically of developments on the new frontiers off the west and north of this hugely significant oil and gas producer. There’s also a guide to places to eat and stay in Stavanger and things to do, should you be able to drag yourself away from ONS 2012. Or why not look forward to taking an Eastern Airways flight from Aberdeen, Newcastle or Glasgow and take a leisure break in the city that justifiably calls itself the “gateway to the fjords”?

THE EASTERN AIRWAYS TEAM This publication is produced as a supplement to Eastern Airways Magazine. Eastern Airways is one of the UK’s leading independent airlines and, with three routes from the UK to Stavanger and 12 routes to and from Aberdeen, an important contributor to the offshore energy sector. Copies of this supplement have been produced as a stand-alone publication and distributed by NOF Energy, the leading business development organisation for companies involved in the UK oil, gas and energy sectors.

Monica Larsen/Region Stavanger

Published for Eastern Airways by Gravity Magazines, Abbey Business Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ. www.gravity-consulting.com Tel: +44 (0)191 383 2838. Publisher: Stan Abbott

Design: Barbara Allen

Advertising: Liz Reekie Telephone: +44 (0) 7563 796103 e-mail: [email protected] Print: Buxton Press

ISSN: 1477-3031

© June 2012.

www.easternairways.com www.ons.no www.nofenergy.co.uk

FRONT COVER Firework display at ONS 2010

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DESTINATION ONS 2012

ONS 2012 – CONFRONTING

ENERGY PARADOXES

JON ARE RØRTVEIT, OF THE ONS FOUNDATION, OPENS THE DOORS TO NORWAY’S PREMIER OFFSHORE ENERGY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION… the biennial event has been staged in Stavanger, Norway. All the exciting oil and energy companies, from the biggest international groups to industry newcomers, will be on display here, together with suppliers from the whole value chain. Drawn from all parts of the world, they represent a very wide array of expertise and opportunities. 

Few industries are facing more paradoxes than the energy sector. We all want more energy, but less CO2. Confronting Energy Paradoxes is the main theme for ONS 2012. And the intention is indeed very much to confront these paradoxes head-on at the event. Let’s get them out in the light, speak about them, look closer at them and find new solutions for the global energy community. At ONS 2012 we will focus on deconstructing some of the paradoxes in an effort to create new opportunities. We must cross traditional cultural and industrial boundaries and develop technologies to resolve the great challenges the industry faces. ONS is the World’s Leading Energy

Meeting Place, with almost 1,400 exhibitors and more than 50,000 professionals from almost 100 countries expected to visit ONS 2012 from August 28-31. For almost 40 years, ONS has been a broad-based international energy event, and an unrivalled meeting place for everyone involved in the entire energy sector. Since its launch in 1974,

You can meet up with the whole range from high-level executives and politicians to specialists, innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and young professionals. ONS offers three different meeting arenas in one place, embracing an exhibition, a conference and a vibrant cultural festival. Taken together, these provide the perfect opportunity to combine business with networking.

>>

v

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DESTINATION ONS 2012 continued from page v

l T  he ONS EXHIBITION provides you with direct access to an offshore sector booming with recent discoveries. l T  he ONS CONFERENCE has gained a reputation as one of the world’s most important international oil, gas and energy forums. l T  he ONS FESTIVAL offers three nights of wonderful culinary experiences, concerts, fireworks and entertainment – the perfect backdrop for informal networking. The ONS special parks for innovation and renewables have been retained and are proving as popular as ever. The aim of the parks is to open your eyes, inspire you, and to promote discussion and debate about tomorrow’s energy opportunities. Centre Court is an interactive arena

where we put innovative companies and renewable energy initiatives under the spotlight. Centre Court was a massive success at its launch at ONS 2010 and this year we have even bigger plans. ONS is also the place to be for students and graduates – local and international companies will be eager to hear what you have to say and the final day of the ONS event is specially dedicated to students. At ONS we believe there is always room for new and fresh ideas and there will be a complete new area for recruitment and education: the ONS Jobs&Education Zone. ONS is about far more than just business and there’s a strong artistic strand to the activities in August. For example, seven BMW Art Cars will be on show at ONS 2012. The BMW Art Cars are a collection of 17

vehicles, all decorated by some of the most renowned artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney and Jeff Koons. The cars have been exhibited at the world’s most prestigious galleries, including Tate Modern, in London, the Pompidou Cente, Paris, and the Guggenheim, in New York. The ONS Festival also invites you to experience an art exhibition second to none, by the famous Norwegian graphic artist Per Dybvig. Plan your stay in advance, spend your time well and you’ll return home with outstanding deals, new business networks, and unforgettable memories. Go to www.ons.no to book your ticket Jon Are Rørtveit is Vice-President, Marketing and Information, for the ONS Foundation

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DESTINATION ONS 2012 WELCOME

WOW! ONS 2012 What’s in it for you OUR AIM IS TO GIVE YOU A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. THAT’S WHY WE OFFER YOU A MIX OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE, OUTSTANDING CONCERTS, CULTURE, ART AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. COME AND EXPERIENCE OUR WOW FACTORS! Network with decisionmakers from all over the world At ONS 2010, 50,000 visitors from 91 countries came to see 1,351 exhibiting companies. This year there will be even more. Meet CEOs, Managing Directors, sales and procurement managers, engineers and students.

Close your deals in an optimistic market

We are celebrating the fantastic recent major discoveries on the Norwegian shelf and elsewhere. Plan your stay and get results! ONS 2012 is perfect for making the right connections.

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DESTINATION ONS 2012

Check out the latest innovation news ONS is a shop window for the oil and gas sector. Many companies use ONS as a launch pad for their new products and innovations, and we are offering special Parks dedicated to Innovation and Renewable Energy.

Join our interactive debates at Centre Court

Be inspired by top speakers at the ONS Conference We offer you food for thought with our keynote theme – Confronting Energy Paradoxes. We are in close touch with the business sector and offer you top speakers and a conference programme that sets the standard for the industry.

Young and innovative Friday Dedicated to youth and recruitment, and students are welcome free of charge. Meet eager, ambitious and enthusiastic students and young graduate professionals – bursting with new ideas. You need them and they need you – their future employer, perhaps?

Go to www.ons.no to book your ticket

Centre Court is where we put innovative companies and renewable energy initiatives under the spotlight. Centre Court was a massive success at its launch at ONS 2010. This year we have even bigger plans – so prepare to be amazed!

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DESTINATION ONS 2012

DESTINATION STAVANGER Region Stavanger

Pulpit Rock Terje Rakke/Nordic Life 2011

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Pulpit Rock IOSS_annonse A5_v5.indd 1

09.05.2012 11:49:08

Once a relatively poor fishing port, Stavanger has boomed over the “oil years” and now boasts a range of quality hotels, attractions and restaurants. It is also on the very doorstep of Norway’s fjord country and makes a great centre for adventure in either winter or summer.

VISIT

The Petroleum Museum, on the city’s attractive harbour, is no dull tribute to what pays the wages in Stavanger: it’s a lively representation of both the discovery and exploitation of North Sea oil and well worth the visit. www.norskolje.museum.no The Norwegian Canning Museum  sounds deeply improbable but this tribute to an industry that kept bread on Stavanger tables before the arrival of oil is a real gem. You even get the chance to pack imitation sardines into tins! This and a variety of other galleries and museums, are all online at www.museumstavanger.no. Slagen, Stavanger

DESTINATION ONS 2012

Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Region Stavanger Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Region Stavanger

A QUICK GUIDE TO NORWAY’S OIL CAPITAL

Sola Strand

Petroleum Museum

SHOP AT

Highlights of the compact city centre include the historic fish market. East of the city you can find a range or galleries, coffee shops and multi-cultural businesses. Take a short boat ride to the island of Kvitsøy to visit Kystgalleriet, with its jewellery inspired by the coastal landscape.

BE ENTERTAINED AT

Stavanger Concert Hall, home of the city’s symphony orchestra; Kulturhus, at Sandnes, south of the city, is an important live music and performance venue. www.sso.no www.sandnes-kulturhus.no

STAY AT

The 56-room Myhregaarden hotel and apartments offers elegant boutique-style accommodation right in the city centre in a former brewery building. It also boast 26 individual apartments for short or longer stay letting. The Rica group is one of the big hotel names in Norway and there are two Rica hotels in Stavanger – The Rica Park, in the city centre and the modernistic Rica Forum, a couple of miles out of town. If you want to be near the airport, Sola Strand is hard to beat, with its spa and traditional dining rooms opening directly onto the dunes. www.mgh.no

EAT AT

Tango, on the waterfront, is a great favourite, serving a high quality fixed menu each night in a contemporary setting. Newsman Coffee Shop, in Kvadrat shopping mall is a lively eatery with a backdrop of CNN News. Straen fish restaurant at Skagen Brygge hotel enjoys an awesome reputation. www.tango-bk.no www.skagenbryggehotell.no

NEARBY

Take the boat to Flog og Fjære, Stavanger’s palm island, and see the world’s most northerly palm trees, as well as outdoor olive bush and grape vine, all in beautifully sculpted gardens. There’s also an excellent restaurant: booking essential. Slightly further afield is the awe-inspiring Pulpit Rock, towering high above Lysefjord and reachable by ferry, bus and a vigorous hike. Fjord cruises also available from the main Skagen quay. http://tinyurl.com/7a39v4g

GETTING THERE

Eastern Airways flies to Stavanger from Aberdeen (up to three times daily), Newcastle (daily except Saturday) and Glasgow (three times weekly). www.regionstavanger.com

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ADVERTORIAL

OFFSHORE INDUSTRY PUTS EMPHASIS ON MAJOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Safety training partnership reveal increased portfolio in global training for OIMs The global offshore industry is continuing to engage and develop in terms of safety

training for offshore installation managers (OIMs), according to safety training providers, Falck Nutec. This follows the firm announcing increased turnover and the development of a number of specialist courses from the company’s Aberdeen facilities. Since formalising their partnership with emergency response, risk, and security consultants, ALTOR Risk Group, in February 2011, the firm have reported a five-fold increase in numbers of delegates undertaking offshore crisis management training. Falck Nutec UK Managing Director, Graham Gall, commented: “Internationally we have all learnt from many major incidents – on the most part this has created the understanding that safety is driven through competency, people, and procedural standards. “Falck Nutec and Altor are seeing an increase in the appreciation, value, and recognition by many operators to develop and assess not only their team, but also individual behaviour, when responding to an emergency – with a number of new clients engaging with us from as far afield as Bangladesh and Malaysia.   “This awareness and increase in accountability has created the opportunity for us to invest in an additional brand new major emergency management training suite at our Aberdeen Training Facility. The main focus for us is to create the appropriate environment and experience for people who have to make decisions relating to incident control – i.e. OIMs and Supervisors – to establish their confidence and assertiveness in working effectively and responsibly when inter-

vening and responding to an emergency incident.” This encouraging trend has also been seen by Jim Walker, CEO, Altor Risk Group. He added: “Altor’s partnership with Falck Nutec has grown significantly in the last year, the specialist knowledge that both parties possess has been of great value to our clients. We have been delighted with response since launching our initial Management of Major Emergencies and OIM Regulations & Legislation courses last year, through to receiving recent accreditation to deliver OPITO-accredited Major Emergency Management (MEM) Initial Response training in 2012. “We are confident that this trend will continue to grow as we aim to satisfy the requirements of a number of firms’ crisis response capabilities including embryonic sectors, such as offshore wind.”

EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH Following the successful launch of a renewable energy centre of excellence in Teesside towards the tail-end of last year, Falck Nutec are continuing to expand their offerings in this region. The centre is the only one in the UK to currently offer both RenewableUK, Working & Rescue at Heights, and Marine Safety Training (MST) alongside a range of practical industrial training, such as manual handling, rigging & lifting, working at height, and first aid.

TRUST IN A SAFER WORLD Earlier this year, Falck Nutec launched the largest advertising banner in Northern Europe at Aberdeen Airport. The 728m² banner bears the message “Trust in a safer world” and the statistic that 30,000 delegates experience training at the firm’s UK centres, in Aberdeen and Teesside, every year.

Further details are available from www.falcknutec.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)1224 725808.

Although Norway’s oil production peaked a decade ago, the country’s natural gas production continues to grow as new frontiers are opened in the Norwegian and Barents Seas. At the same time, new oil finds in the former area could stabilise the decline, caused by the maturing of North Sea wells. In May, for example, German energy company Wintershall and its partners – including the UK’s Centrica, a new entrant into Norwegian exploration – announced the successful drilling of an appraisal well for both oil and natural gas in the Norwegian Sea. Wintershall said its Maria discovery could hold as much as 120 million barrels of recoverable oil and 175 billion cubic feet of natural gas. “Our preliminary calculations not only confirm our original resource estimates, but also support the upper end of our discovery volumes,” said Bernd Schrimpf, Managing Director of subsidiary, Wintershall Norge.

STAN ABBOTT REVIEWS CURRENT ACTIVITY IN EUROPE’S LEADING OIL PRODUCER AND EXPORTER… Wintershall drilled the appraisal well in about 300 metres of water in an effort to delineate the extent of the Maria discovery. The next step, it said, was to outline a development programme with Centrica. Further north, exploration in the Barents Sea got off to a mixed start after the resolution two years ago of the 40year dispute over the continental shelf boundary with Russia. Despite the drilling of more than 80 wells, proven reserves in the Barents Sea, north of Hammerfest, amounted at the start of last year to just 195 million barrels of oil and 168 billion cubic metres of gas.

Statoil’s Polar Pioneer in the Barents Sea. Photo Harald Pettersen - Statoil

Then, last April, Norway’s state-owned Statoil, which drilled three quarters of those 80 wells, announced its Skrugard prospect had found a 90-metre oil column, with high-quality oil and good reservoir properties, and a 33-metre gas column.

DESTINATION ONS 2012

ALL STATIONS GO The find was 100 kms north of the Snøhvit gas field, which supplies the Melkøya liquefied gas plant, near Hammerfest, where there are hopes that a second plant may be required after 2013. Last year saw a record number of wells drilled in the Barents Sea and now the Norwegian government has announced it will start a geological survey of what oil and gas assets the northern part of a previously disputed area might contain, adding to the ongoing survey of the southern part. “The area near the border between Norway and Russia could contain significant oil and gas resources,” Premier Jens Stoltenberg said. “This gives new opportunities for jobs and growth in the North.” >>

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DESTINATION ONS 2012

STATOIL HAS AWARDED £10 MILLION-WORTH CONTRACTS FOR NEW LIGHT WELL INTERVENTION VESSELS WITH THE AIM OF CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED RECOVERY FROM SUBSEA WELLS ON THE NORWEGIAN CONTINENTAL SHELF.

The Norwegian government has initiated an opening process in the Barents Sea with the aim being the award of exploration licences. But it now also wants to collect data about the northern part of the area in order to be able to safeguard Norwegian interests in case of cross-border deposits. In Russia, state oil company Rosneft has received three exploration licences, covering part of the Russian side of the border.

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than the Norwegian sector, though the Norwegians have already started production in the western Barents field, Snow White.

investment plan are pushed back by such short periods point to only one thing – the projects will nonetheless be implemented.

Statoil has signed up to help Russia’s Gazprom to develop a large and distant oil and gas condensate field, Shtokman, although the technologically challenging project remains delayed by low gas prices and other factors.

And they will be realised despite obstacles including unprofitability, the absence of a real market for the liquefied natural gas, and environmental and technical challenges.

The seismic investigation was due to start this summer and will be up at full speed next year. The geological survey of the southern part of the Barents Sea remains ongoing.

But Russian commentators say that, despite the fact that nothing in Russia indicates the country is currently in a position to develop the field, north of Murmansk, Russia’s government continues to insist that this project be implemented.

However, geologists say the eastern, Russian, Barents Sea (the White Sea), probably contains far more oil and gas

That the project is a subject of such top-level discussion, and that deadlines for adopting the still missing

ABOVE Subsea installation, Tyrihans, Trondheimsfjorden.

Photo: Geir Otto Johansen / Statoil

“In essence, we are not just going out onto the shelf, we are initiating the formation in Russia of a new highly technological industry of world class and scale,” said President Vladimir Putin. “In its turn, this industry will absolutely drive the demand for new shipbuilding, innovations in metallurgy, machine building via the most contemporary, sophisticated scientific development, the services of construction companies, and so on.”

DESTINATION ONS 2012

n Norway2UK, the Uk to Norway trade facilitator, will embrace OLD technology just in time for ONS in Stavanger! The company has produced Supply Chain apps for iPhone, Android, and a new WebApp, which operates on any platform including desk top PCs. Many buyers in Norway have already signed up to use the Apps. ONS will be used by NorwayUK to give out “fun paper versions” of the App to encourage even more buyers to use it to source their suppliers from the UK. Norway2UK continues to create solutions to aid exports to Norway. www.norway2uk.com

n The next big event in the European oil industry calendar following ONS 2012 will be the World Heavy Oild Congress, taking place in Aberdeen from September 10-13 at the city’s Conference and Exhibition Centre.

Meanwhile, back in the land of greater certainty, Norway’s Statoil is investing further in recovering more oil for historic reserves. It has awarded £10 million-worth contracts for new light well intervention vessels with the aim of contributing to increased recovery from around 500 subsea wells on the Norwegian continental shelf. These purpose-built vessels are used for performing light well interventions, reducing intervention costs by about 60 per cent against the cost of a conventional rig. “Performing these types of conventional jobs on subsea wells with low volumes of oil in place is expensive. The light well intervention vessels ensure both cost-efficient and safe operations,” explained Statoil’s head of drilling and wells, Øystein Arvid Håland.

The contracts, with with Island Offshore, an existing supplier, and newcomer Eide Well Intervention come into effect in the spring of 2015. “A growing number of discoveries are developed via subsea wells, and it is important both to have equipment capable of maintaining these and to avoid using conventional drilling rigs for this type of work,” says Statoil. Statoil has been pursuing riserless well intervention in subsea wells since 2000, and the technology has steadily improved.

The event features a programme of premium level receptions and a closely connected exhibition, with conference leading presentations, panel discussions and business insight for heavy oil. The congress provides the opportunity to gain insight from industry leaders and technical experts examining the challenges and opportunities facing the heavy oil industry. http://worldheavyoilcongress.com

n The seventh Mediterranean Offshore Conference and Exhbition takes place in Alexandria, Egypt, from October 7-9. MOC 2012 covers the fields of Exploration & Production, NGL and LNG processes, Environmental Aspects, Oil & Gas Economics, and the Management and Marketing of Offshore Hydrocarbons, including their supportive services. www.moc-egypt.com Alexandrian coast

The vessels are tailor-made for operations in medium water depths (70 to 450 metres) and are capable of performing operations year-round. Stan Abbott is Publisher of Eastern Airways Magazine and a consultant in trade in the Nordic countries.

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