Tees Life Tees Life issue 11 | Page 3

WELCOME Welcome CON TEN TS 13 STRICTLY SHIRLEY The glamorous Strictly Come Dancing head judge talks love, panto - and parmos! 23 EATING OUT Tees Life indulges in delicious tapas at the new Luna Blu, Yarm Julie Burniston A Welcome to the Festive issue of Tees Life – Teesside’s lifestyle magazine big hello to all Tees Life readers. My name is Julie Burniston – your new editor. It’s certainly been a baptism of fire for me since I joined the ranks of Resolution Publishing in late August. As well as taking over the reins of this fantastic publication, I helped organise the Tees Businesswomen Awards alongside the Tees Business team. To say my feet haven’t touched the ground is an understatement – but it’s been a fabulous journey so far. You can see the fruits of our Tees Businesswomen Awards labours on page 5. Aside from that, I had the fun job of interviewing Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas, who’s appearing in panto at the Darlington Hippodrome. What a great lady she was – open, honest and a total hoot! There’s also our regular pages for you to enjoy – food and motor reviews, fashion and beauty and much more – all with a festive twist. Speaking of Christmas, coming back to my birthplace after spending the last three decades working as a journalist in London is perhaps the best Christmas present I could have wished for this year. Not only am I near my family – which is always such an important thing at this time of year - I’m working once again with Resolution director Dave Allan, who I first met as a rookie reporter at ICI Wilton. Life certainly has a way of coming full circle – and what a great time to be back on Teesside with so many exciting things happening in the region in 2020. So, that just leaves me to wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. See you in February! 27 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Pressie ideas for all the family 30 LIFESTYLE Q&A Michael McGeary meets Boro legend Tony Mowbray 39 WINTER TRAVEL Dream of sunnier climes with Dawson and Sanderson’s travel round up 41 HAIR HEROES Winter tips to keep your crowning glory in tip-top party mode Julie Burniston Editor and Events Manager 39 13 30 TEES-LIFE.CO.UK Published & distributed by: Resolution Media & Publishing, Boho Four Gibson House, Cleveland Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AY. Tel: 01642 450255 Email: [email protected] www.resolutionpublishing.co.uk Editor: Julie Burniston Executive Editors: Martin Walker and Dave Allan Contributors to this issue: Janice Auton, Graham Courtney, Catherine Howell, Michael McGeary, Harry Pearson. Photography: Chris Booth (including cover), Doug Moody, Martin Walker. Design: KINSHIP. tees-life.co.uk 3