Thank you to…

Without scaffolding and foundations, a new build will collapse.

I am very fortunate to have good friends and great support. Without ‘it’ I would not be able to survive.

FIRST AND FOREMOST… the biggest THANK YOU goes to ALL of you - the customer, the visitor… you.

Designing and creating an escape room is not too easy to do - and so when it is ready to open - I will always be terrified that it won’t ‘work’ and will just die a death. No one will come, no will know about it, those that do - won’t enjoy it and will then tell everyone, everywhere all at once that it is rubbish.

That hasn’t happened - thankfully!

You have all been very kind, very positive and I am hugely grateful for the support and generous praise. Without you - there would be no ‘me’.

Speaking of ‘me’ and who is responsible: HUGE thanks goes to my two creators - “me mum and dad”.

Their continued support - both emotionally and financially, have got me where I am today. Both helped with getting Just In Tyne Escape set up - including painting and decorating, taking ‘stuff’ to the tip, bringing food during those long days, play-testing the games, and helping to spread the word that I was (and am) open for business.

Helping me get started means everything. I love you both, thank you.

THORPES

One of the factors that influenced my decision to go after this building was because I’d be located directly above the fantastic Thorpes hardware shop. If I need a key cutting, some bird seed, a light bulb, some hooks, some paint, a plug, some batteries, some washing line, a special type of cleaning fluid… Thorpes has it ALL! Ken and Garry run Thorpes and are true gents. They will help you with any DIY query and provide brilliant advice. Thorpes needs your support!

LANDLORD

My Landlord - David - some folk may not have very positive experiences with their landlords. Over a year ago, I began making enquiries - genuine enquiries - about this building. I viewed it several times and started to put concrete plans in place in order to cement my foothold here. The landlord (current but about to sell) was very supportive from the beginning. Yes, ok, he sort of needed to be as supportive as possible in order to get his potential tenant to sign on the dotted line. Which I did. There were a myriad of issues and problems with this building - things I won’t go into here, but definitely things that impacted on my progress and plans to open. My landlord helped to finance the main problems and trusted me to get the right people in.

This leads me to my next thank you’s.

BUILDER

Joe Hepple - I’ve known Joe for quite a while now. I first met him when he was working with his dad’s team of builders who were working on my flat's extension. From the ‘off’ I knew I liked Joe as he was always asking me questions about what I did, why I did it, and many other subjects. I’ve kept in touch with Joe and he has proven to be an exceptionally useful individual. For here - at Just In Tyne Escape - he has helped create the key components of both games. I won’t say what because that’d be telling. But, if you have played one or both games then you’ll likely have appreciated the reveal(s) - Joe did those. He is very proud of them and so he should be, because they are top-class work and he is a gifted joiner / carpenter / builder / measurer / tool-wielding madman.

He’s also become obsessed with Newcastle United - in a good way - and has developed a passion for watching ‘the footy’ so if you do ever meet him, talk about football with him and you’ll see what I mean. Trust him.

Joe will not let you down. His penchant for Wetherspoons is a little dubious and I have tried to educate him on fine dining but he told me to ….go away.

Cheers Joe, old pal.

If you want any contact info for Joe - let me know.

ELECTRICIAN

Scott Britain from SB Electrical - https://www.sb-electrical.uk/ - a fantastic electrician. Someone who came to my rescue when I had been conned by an absolute scum of a human being. Scott complete numerous tasks for me - to ensure that the building had central heating (again) and also installed a ring mains circuit for all the mag-locks in the building so that I comply with latest regulations regarding Fire Safety. A hugely important job completed professionally, on time and at a very reasonable cost. This is all despite Scott being a man utd fan. Poor lad. Scott is a highly qualified and highly competent professional electrician - and they are a rare breed. Trust him.

PLUMBER

Scott introduced me to Micky from ontyneplumbing who removed the gas combi-boiler and then fitted the new electric boiler. He worked tirelessly and very efficiently - providing lots of info along the way to yours truly because I like to learn from professionals whenever possible. Micky is a gas registered engineer and provides a fantastic level of service. Trust him.

PLASTERING SERIVCES

Bob. A proper character and someone the NE will always be known for. Bob will visit your property, provide a load of advice and information about what needs to be done and then organise a date and time for his contractors to come along and do the work. I employed Bob for two jobs and each time the work was completed efficiently, on time and to a very high standard. Plastering is an incredibly hard skill to master and Bob’s team make it look easy. Thank you Bob.

If you want any contact info for Bob - let me know.

MUZZY

My carer and partner. My girlfriend and personal entertainer.

You have helped me to escape so many times. My mind is so often tangled up in a mess of thoughts and unending ‘jobs to do’ lists that I can easily forget how important and special you are to me. When I’m at my most fragile, I think of your smile - the smile you smile to me - and it recharges me.

Without you, my purpose just about disappears.

Thank you.

BROTHER

Whenever I need you, you never let me down. Your advice, careful words and moral compass continue to teach and educate me. I learn a lot from you - if only to know where I should be focusing my attention - you help me always in your Big Brother way.

Thank you.

FRIENDS

Always there to support and listen.

Some of you may have even met Jimmy (aka Chris) - who is working here a few days each week - learning the games and hosting groups. Jimmy has come to a bit of a crossroads in his life and whilst dealing with some very difficult personal ‘things’ he has kindly given up some of his time to help me so that I can host multiple groups at the same time.

Thank you Jimmy - aka Capn Tourist.

Jenny Evans - aka Jenni Heavens - some of you may have already heard her voice. Thank you for supporting and ‘donating’ your voice to A Brief Case! The comeback is on, the stage is set…sort of. We just need a hired team of experts to put it all together in time for your big return…!

I will keep adding to this list - probably because I have forgotten some names…