Winning ticket for England

Following is a letter from Get Up & Go's prize winner of the trip to North East England to enjoy the area and especially the Hartlepool Tall Ships Race Event. I was also there but managed to miss our two happy winners.
Hello Bev..... Well we are back home and back at work already. It's hard to
believe that just a week ago we were crawling over sailing ships and
swanning around beautiful old castles.
I want to thank Get Up & Go sincerely for giving me the opportunity to fulfill
my boyhood dream of being aboard a real tall ship. The Hartlepool experience
was truly magical. To see all those wonderful craft gathered there with
flags waving in the breeze was a sight to behold.The atmosphere was fabulous
and the crowds really were in the spirit of the occasion.
The emotion experienced from seeing such beauty was overwhelming.
Then add to this the wonderful accommodation in old castles and homes and
the dream is complete.
We covered miles and miles exploring the region and visiting many of the old
castles and ruins, plus a walk along Hadrian's wall to cap things off.
There were so many magical moments, that I could write a book about that
beautiful part of the world. It far exceeded my expectations... and believe
me they were already high.
If I never get to travel anywhere else, I will satisfy myself that I have
enjoyed a very special holiday to a very special place.
So, again, thank you so much.
Kindest regards and best wishes,
Geoff and Sharon Naismith.
Visit: www.onenortheast.co.uk

International food @ Hartlepool

At the Hartlepool (North East England) Tall Ships Race Event in August, with the influx of international ships and sailors came their cuisine along with them. Along the sides of the harbour and on the wharfs, emanating from food stalls, beautiful, aromatic flavours wafted on the warm, northern summer air. Massive bowls were being stirred with noodles, chilli and savoury meats and the best of baking was to be seen. Italian, French, Spanish and Middle Eastern pastries, cakes and confections were on display. Early in the day I heard the odd" OOOh, I wouldn't eat that", coming from some of the more conservative coastal folk but as the day lengthened, young families and cosmopolitan visitors we queuing (as the English do so politely) to grab their share of the goodies on offer.
So, apart from the race days and ship inspections, there were gourmet treats for all, concerts and good will was the order of the occasion. Visit: www.visitteesvalley.org and www.onenortheast.co.uk.