HAWAII TO THE NORTH EAST FOR PRIZEWINNER

Here in the North East, we love Vera.

But it’s reach is far beyond the North East – it also brings comfort to people around the world, as proven by a recent visit to the region by the winner of a book-themed auction to raise money for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Ann Cleeves offered tea with her in Whitley Bay as part of the Book Aid for Ukraine raffle, and the lucky winner Kathy cashed in on her prize yesterday.

And Kathy had quite a long journey to get to the North East, travelling all the way from Honolulu in Hawaii.

Ann showed her guest around Whitley Bay and took her to some nearby Vera filming locations, including Tynemouth, St Mary’s Island and Seaton Sluice.

Ann said: “I think she had a lovely afternoon.

“She lives on her own and during lockdown Vera has been a kind of solace for her. She’s really enjoyed this trip, bringing it to life for her almost.”

The Book Aid for Ukraine raffle took place across two weeks in March, with the eventual total raising £71,579 for 358 lots to go towards charity British Ukrainian Aid, which is supporting those affected by the humanitarian crisis following Russia’s invasion. Tea with Ann contributed £430 towards the final total.

For that, Kathy didn’t just get an insight into Vera country but also tea at Ann’s house with scones, clotted cream and jam made by Ann herself.

Also on the menu was a stop for Geordie cuisine at Whitley Bay’s Hinnies, and tickets to an event to watch Ann in conversation with Icelandic author Ragnar Jonasson at St Paul’s Church in Whitley Bay, organised by The Bound bookshop.

Ann continued: “Some people gave signed books or auctioned a character name in a book.

“I just said come and have tea with me in Whitley Bay, not thinking that I would get someone from Honolulu.

“Because I come from North Devon, we had the scones with clotted cream and jam, damson jam. I do love a bit of damson jam.”

However, Kathy’s visit wasn’t just to take in the North East – it also coincided with a trip to Germany to visit her daughter and son-in-law.

Nevertheless, Ann was delighted to give her a taste of somewhere she’d never set foot before.

She said: “People don’t really know about the North East until they come that way.

“I think this is the first time she’d been further north and she found it a bit chilly after Hawaii, and I did suggest she bring a coat!

“The restaurant and the bookshop were so delighted she’d come all that way to visit so everybody’s made it special.”