Friday 11 March 2011

Young Drivers Challenge - Driving without a License

Children between the ages of 11 and 17 years are being invited to get behind the wheel of a car in aid of a local children’s hospice appeal.  Grace House North East Children’s Hospice Appeal (registered charity number 1100682) has teamed up with Young Driver, Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service and NE Sport to give youngsters an exclusive opportunity.

The event, sponsored by Covance and supported by IHCOS (Independent Hackney Drivers of Sunderland)) will take place on the 9th & 10th April 2011 at Albemarle Barracks, near Heddon-on-the-Wall.

The 2-hour session, which is only £25, will include driving a dual-controlled Seat Ibiza car with a fully qualified, government approved instructor, assist Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service in a demonstration of how they attend the scene of a road traffic accident and how they remove the roof of a vehicle.

Taking part in the Young Drivers Challenge is Oxclose Community School pupils Matthew Hawkes 12 and Morgan Bell 11, Matthews mum Joanne Hawkes said: “It was Matthews 12th birthday last Thursday and I thought what a wonderful opportunity to do something really special for him and sign him up for the Young Drivers Challenge.  Matthew is really excited to be taking part and thinks it’s ‘awesome’ plus he will be supporting Grace House at the same time.”

Karen Maclennan, regional fundraiser said: “The Young Drivers Challenge is something different, really exciting and lots of fun but what is really important is that it’s sending out an important message of safety behind the wheel and the dangers of taking risks. 

Karen added: “They will also have the chance to try on a pair of ‘beer goggles’ which are normally used in police training to show how vision and judgment can be impaired from drink driving. “

NE Sport who are based in Sunderland but provide high quality coaching in schools and communities throughout the North East will also be providing team building on the day.

Natalie Wilson, Marketing Manager for Pulman SEAT at Southwick, Sunderland said: Driver safety is crucial and I think this scheme in particular allows children before they learn to drive to understand just how important driving safely is. At Pulman SEAT our motto is to deliver a fantastic customer experience, part of this is advising and ensuring that our customers receive all the facts whether when buying a new car or servicing their car. It’s all about communication, which is way this scheme in particular really can make a difference.

The Young Drivers Challenge is taking place on the same weekend as the Driving Challenge, which is open to everyone over the age of 17 years-old with a full UK Driving License.  For only £35 you will choose to drive a number of vehicles including fire engines, police cars (at high speed if wanted), Arriva buses, articulated lorries, cranes etc. and Northumbria Police have confirmed that they will again be providing 2 skid cars which were very, very popular last year.

Anyone who would like to register or would like more information should contact the appeal office on 0191 516 6302, email info@gracehouse.co.uk or visit www.gracehouse.co.uk

Contact Details:

Karen Maclennan, regional fundraiser - 0191 516 6302, 07956 566269

Grace House North East Children’s Hospice Appeal is currently building the first stand-along dedicated children’s hospice for children and young people and their families from the North East region in Southwick, Sunderland.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Did you remember to catch Pulman Volkswagen’s latest celebrities?

Neil Bianchi and Steve Young made their Television Debut this weekend on Sky Sport’s Soccer AM.

Looking bright and cheerful for 10am on a Saturday Morning, the Sales Management duo certainly made themselves heard for the local team. The two passionate Sunderland Fans scored themselves a place front bench providing the ‘soundtrack’ to the two hour show.

Neil comments “I loved it, the day was amazing, would definitely do it again.”

Steve comments “It was great; I watch it every week so being part of it was fantastic, especially for the local team!”

Despite only scoring two goals in the Frank McAvennie Challenge, the fan’s spirits weren’t dampened. After the show they joined Helen Chamberlain, Max Rushden and the Soccerettes on the Soccer AM sofa for a few snaps of the day.

For the two celebrities now unfortunately, it’s back to the day job. You can catch clips of the duo’s television appearance at

Monday 7 March 2011

WIN £50 worth of Odeon Vouchers

Win £50 worth of Odeon Vouchers with Pulman Volkswagen this Month.

Whether you blow the whole lot in one trip or use it throughout the year, your £50 voucher can be spent on anything, tickets, drinks, popcorn, anything.

All you have to do is like our Pulman Volkswagen  Facebook page.

Once we reach 400 fans, every member will be put into our Prize Draw and chosen at random. So get friends, family, everyone involved, and you could be having a night on us!

Competition ends 7th April 2011

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Fancy winning two tickets to see Sunderlands last home game in style?


Like our Facebook page and it could be you.

Pulman SEAT are setting our followers a challenge. If the page receives 200 or more likes by 31st March, everyone will automatically be entered into this fantastic competition.

The prize will be two tickets to see Sunderlands final home game this season in the grounds exclusive Sports Bar. Our winners will receive halfway line padded seats and exclusive bar and dining access on the day.

So if you fancy watching the final game in style, get suggesting to friends and family to make sure you have a chance of winning!

Search for Pulman SEAT on Facebook or see www.pulmanseat.co.uk

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Lights, Camera, Action ... for the Sunderland Sales Duo

Sales Management Team Neil Bianchi and Steve Young, from Pulman Volkswagen in Sunderland are set to make their television debut on Sky Sports ‘Soccer AM’. The pair will take part in the live show this Saturday at 10.00am.

As fans of the week, Neil and Steve will join six fellow Sunderland Supporters in making noise for the local team. Joining in on lively banter throughout the show, the two football fanatics will have a fair chance to voice their opinions.

Neil comments: “I can’t wait, I watch the show every week so I jumped at the chance to be on it!”

Steve comments: “As a huge Sunderland and football fan like Neil I watch Soccer am every week. I can’t wait to be apart of the show!”

Every Saturday the show ends with the same challenge. Fans head to the Frank McAvennie car park to see how many times they can kick a ball through a hole. If viewers guess correctly they will be entered into a weekly competition.

Although Neil and Steve won’t be up for any prizes themselves, you’ll have to tune in on Saturday to see if they do Sunderland proud.

Catch Soccer AM this Saturday at 10.00am on Sky One & Sky Sports 1.