Schools Out Issue 1

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Whats On Guide

Easter

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Issue 1

Learn how to make the best cookies in the world!! page 20 Whats on in and around the North East! pages 28-31

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Bow, Durham School Day School . Girls and Boys . Age 3-11

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www.durhamschool.co.uk Durham School (1414 - present)

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Whats On Guide Contents

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Contents contents

HELLO! Welcome to the first ever edition of Schools Out! Every edition is going to be packed with great stuff for all the family. From “what’s on” to great stories, games, recipes and competitions.

Our first big competition is to give me (the cute, intelligent looking owl) a name! You could win £250 for your school. Find out more on page 14.

We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the businesses that have helped support this first issue with their advertising, and we ask you, the reader to in turn support them whenever you can.

We’re sure you’ll love what we’ve put together, but if you’ve any comments or suggestions (good or bad!) don’t be shy, drop us an e-mail to let us know.

Enjoy!

Contact and Advertising Mobile: 07977 003439 Email: matthew@schools-out.co.uk Web: www.schools-out.co.uk Schools Out is the trading name of Aerona Ltd, Stoneycroft,Horsley,Newcastle upon Tyne,NE15 0NT

Disclaimer

Distinctive Publishing or Schools Out cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Schools Out.

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recycle worms

competition 16

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stay green!

quality thyme 18-19 20-21 best cookies!

staycation 22-23 28-31 whats on family cars 32-33 34

FIDGET fItness

Production/Design Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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Easter Family Film, Food and Fun at The Gate, Newcastle The Gate, situated in the heart of Newcastle, is the leading leisure and entertainment venue in the North East with a refurbished 16 screen Empire cinema and fantastic selection of family friendly restaurants. For those in the know it represents a great family friendly destination with offers to suit families of all shapes and sizes.

You will find a range of restaurants including TGI Friday’s, Nando’s, Nino’s Authentic Italian, the new Coast to

Coast American Diner, Frankie and Benny’s and Pizza Hut. Even in the school holidays they offer a great range of child menus and familybased deals.

What’s on this Easter Holiday Every school holiday you will also find a number of free child-based activities that include free photography, arts and crafts, free face painting, goody bags with giveaways and the latest restaurant deals. Check out thegatenewcastle.co.uk/kids-club/ news-and-events for details or register for their e-newsletter to get the latest deals and events - they are all free, including their character meet and greets.

If you buy an adult and a child ticket at Empire Cinema you also get free parking in school holidays – in the heart of the city centre that cannot be underestimated.

Children’s movie releases include “Jack the Giant Slayer”, “The Croods”, “3D Finding Nemo” and “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”.

Saverday Tuesdays run in the school holidays with an adult ticket for just £3.75. Alternatively, they offer their parent and baby shows every Monday (lights up and sound down) plus Empire Juniors every Saturday and Sunday morning with tickets at just £1 per person.

Getting there – Family friendly parking and more Take a lift from The Gate’s secure, underground car park, whisking you straight to the restaurants and cinema. Access is just off Stowell Street. Alternatively, if you use public transport you will find us on Newgate Street (just opposite Debenhams entrance).

All Year Round Deals Saverday Tuesday £3.75 each Empire Junior films £1 each, Saturday/Sunday

Kids meals from £2.99

Free parking in school holidays with every adult plus child ticket

Kids menu starts at £3.95 including refillable drink plus free vegetables, side salad or baked beans + fun activity pack with games / puzzles

Mother and baby films, every Monday (lights up and sound down)

2 for 1 on all kids meals

Unlimited salad, main and a drink for just £3.99 and entertaining online games and puzzles

Nandino’s - main, side and dessert for £4.95.

Games and goodies are included

For more information about offers and events at The Gate, visit thegatenewcastle.com and like us on Facebook: The Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne.

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Whats On Guide Stepney Bank stables Stepney Bank stables offers quality affordable riding lessons for all ages and abilities.

Open Day!

9am – 5pm. You can find us just around the corner from Seven Stories and the Ouseburn Farm.

In addition to riding lessons we offer a wide variety of fun pony based activities. Children aged 5-21 can take part in Pony Club where they can earn badges and work towards tests. Children wishing to spend a full day at the stables can join Saturday Pony Academy where they can learn all the skills they need to care for ponies and they can access accreditation through the Association of British Riding School, Pony Academy is suitable for children aged 8-12.

Lessons start for £15 for children and £18.50 for adults.

Stepney Bank Stables is a children’s charity, all our commercial lessons fun our valuable charitable work.

Therefore by choosing to ride with us you are enabling inner-city children to develop confidence and skills through interacting with horses.

Lessons need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Birthday parties are also available at the stables For more information please visit our website www.stepneybank.co.uk

We are approved by the British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools and the Pony Club.

We are situated in the centre of Newcastle and easily accessible by car or public transport.

We have both indoor and outdoor facilities for riding. We can offer individual or group riding lessons and we’re open seven days a week; weekdays 9am - 9pm and weekends

Open Day

Wednesday 3rd April 11-4

Visit our revamped facilities displays from top professional riders have a go for free!

Other attractions include jugglers, magicians, meet the ponies, laser shooting!

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Tired of the school run and of trying to find a parking space at school once you’ve battled through the traffic?

A number of primary schools across Tyne and Wear are involved in Schools Go Smarter, a suite of measures designed to encourage children and parents to walk, cycle or take public transport to school.

As well as paying for practical improvements, for example bike sheds and cycle paths, it also aims to build a ‘cycling culture’ within schools by holding regular events like free healthy breakfasts for children and adults who ‘bike it’ into school.

As well as being good for the environment, we know that taking exercise at the start of the day helps children get fitter and healthier and perform better in lessons.

Schools Go Smarter has also bought simple ‘balance bikes’ for pre-school children, aiming to get them into the cycling habit nice and early.

And cycling is really popular with children; 30-35% say it would be their preferred method of getting to school. Yet at the minute only 2% do so.

Schools Go Smarter works with organisations like Sustrans to provide practical advice and support to schools, parents and young people who want to make more sustainable choices.

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Schools Go Smarter is funded by the Government which wants to reduce the congestion caused by the school run, as well as improving the environment and children’s fitness in Tyne and Wear.

You can find out more about Schools Go Smarter by clicking on www.schoolsgosmarter.co.uk

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GoSmarter, GoCheaper.

Cycling saves on petrol and parking.

When you think about petrol and parking, the cost of driving really adds up. That’s why it’s a great idea to get out and about on your bike. You’ll be fitter, healthier and much better off financially. It’s can also be a really fun way to get to work. So what are are you waiting for? Give it a go.

Find out more at GoSmarter.co.uk

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1. Children at Bow enjoy a ‘Wizards & Fairies’ event to mark the opening of their new adventure playground.

2. Playing in the snow.

3. Enjoying the extensive grounds of Durham School.

4. Smiles with Head of Badger Nursery, Mrs Champion.

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Join the Durham School Family …ask about the Early Years Funding scheme!

Durham School pupils are delighted to invite you and your family to visit their school and to show you around their beautiful grounds and excellent facilities at their Open Day on Saturday 18 May, 9.30 – 1.00 p.m.

At Durham School all achievements and successes are valued and encouraged from the youngest pupils in the Badger Nursery through to the Sixth Form, whether on the sports field, representing their country, performing on stage, achieving a grading distinction on a musical instrument, participating in an inter-

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house competition or simply gaining in confidence. The team of caring and committed staff, place the welfare of all their pupils at the very top of their agenda.

The Bow Badger Nursery is part of Durham County Council’s Early Years Funding scheme and this means that your child will be entitled to 15 free hours per week in the nursery.

Why not arrange an individual family visit or a taster session for your child, for only by doing so can you really get a good feel for what makes Durham School so special and see for yourself

why they are so proud of their 600 years of history and confident about the history yet to be made.

‘Our children are the most important things in our lives and we know that they are supported and well cared for at The Badger Nursery. Thank you very much’, The Holt Family To find out more and to arrange a visit, please contact their Registrar, Eileen Cathrae at e.cathrae@durhamschool.co.uk or 0191 386 4783 Ext. 2268 www.durhamschool.co.uk

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Education Recruitment Specialists The Education Network specialises in recruiting for all education jobs.

We pride ourselves in supplying the most professional education staff.

This means we provide reliable, trustworthy, cost effective recruitment solutions, supplying teachers, teaching assistants, nursery nurse staff and SEN specialists on both a temporary or permanent basis. Our services are individually tailored to suit each of our schools and teaching staff, and all our applicants are matched closely to vacancies by our highly experienced consultants.

Our dedicated team in Newcastle has over 25 years’ combined experience with the North East’s education sector and an enviable reputation delivering quality cost effective recruitment solutions.

We ensure your school remains AWR compliant in the most cost effective manner and with low overheads our rates are highly competitive yet we still provide you with a premium quality service delivering best value to your school to help raise the standards in education.

We will work with you to fill any vacancy providing fast and reliable emergency cover. Call us on 0191 2323780 or email newcastle@ ednetwork.co.uk and we will advertise your vacancies for free. For emergency cover, we are available 24/7 as we operate an on-call service where you will speak with your dedicated local consultant. As part of our on-going dedication to provide our schools with the best service possible, a fully legislative, compliant payroll solution, bespoke to your school’s requirements is also now available. Our consultancy service has been developed and built specifically to support your school in raising its achievements.

Partnership Approach Unlike many other partnerships our approach is to give back as much as we can. To this extent we welcome

the opportunity to sponsor school teams, dance academies, school plays, school trips, workshops, sports days and other activities which benefit schools and the local community. We have sponsored a number of local events and teams and have plans to do more in 2013.

Competitions We run free-to-enter competitions throughout the academic year. We have run design competitions for schools to enter with a 1st prize of ÂŁ500 in equipment for the winning school and special prize for winning entrant. We have run a number of word search and ‘spot the difference’ competitions for schools to win sports kits. We are currently running a golden ticket draw prize for all our

client schools who have the chance to enter and win just by booking a day’s cover. The prizes vary from sports equipment, book tokens, sports kits to team sponsorship and free supply cover.

We only work within the education sector so understand the impact our service has on pupils, and believe supply staff should contribute to their development. We therefore aim to provide excellent service with a commitment to building long lasting customer and client relationships. We are holders of the Dfe quality mark, are members of the Recruitment Employment Confederation and corporate members of Schools North East.

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Bringing 700 Years of History to Life this Easter Alnwick Castle opens its doors to visitors once again on 29th March - visit this Easter to step back in time and experience life in a medieval castle.

and Hotspur’s squire - as you join the hustle and bustle of medieval life. Become an artisan apprentice in our marketplace, play traditional games in the square, practise your knightly skills in the lists and take your place upon the throne!

characters waiting to greet you at Alnwick Castle this year.

Explore the newly refurbished Knight’s Quest arena, where the year is 1389 and the town of Alnwick is celebrating the homecoming of Harry Hotspur, England’s most famous medieval knight! Dress up in medieval finery and meet the characters of the castle - from craftsmen and travelling players to armourers

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There will be medieval mayhem and foolery all round, with visits from Peterkin the fire-eating, stilt-walking jester and Zooted, the sword-juggling, jesting duo!

From famous wizards to master falconers, there is a whole host of

The Unlocked ticket means that you can pay for the day but visit as many times as you like for free during opening hours for 12 months from date of purchase so you don’t have to miss out on a thing!

Visit www.alnwickcastle.com for more information.

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Save 15% Quote OUT15 online*

THIS EASTER

ALNWICK CASTLE OPENS 29th MARCH This Easter the adventure begins again at Alnwick Castle. Discover a world of sword fights, dragon slayers, medieval jesters and haunted cellars. Challenge your little knights and princesses to master a broomstick, try their hand at medieval craftsmanship and relive 700 years of drama, intrigue, tragedy and romance. Find out more about Alnwick Castle at:

www.alnwickcastle.com

@alnwickcastle

Alnwick Castle

*Valid until 14th April. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

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A Wiggly G o od Way to Recycle Getting a wormery is a brilliant way of recycling kitchen waste. You can either buy one (including the worms!) or you can make your own. Either way, it's something that most kids love to get involved in – and it's a superb way of teaching them about recycling.

The worms will happily munch their way through everything from fruit and vegetable peelings and left-overs to egg shells and even cardboard and tea bags – creating really good compost.

Newcastle council have an excellent section on their website about building your own wormery, and they even have a great value starter kit if you're a Newcastle resident and you want to buy one. http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/ environment/rubbish-waste-andrecycling/wormeries

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Whats On Guide

A Great Day Out Looking for a great day out for you and the children this Easter? Then visit Northumberlandia and Azure Garden Centre in Cramlington.

Start your day by visiting the North East’s newest attraction, Northumberlandia. Situated just off the A1068 near Cramlington, Northumberlandia is a unique human landform sculpture of a reclining lady.

Built by the Banks Group on land donated by the Blagdon Estate, the 46 acres of Community Park the sculpture is set in is managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust in conjunction with the Land Trust.

Entry is free but there is a nominal car parking charge. The car park is open Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm.

garden/gardening products as well as giftware, furniture and exotic animals in our newly refurbished Animal Tracks pet shop.

Modern and spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating and a children’s adventure play park, Café Azure offers a wide range of hot and cold food and beverages at attractive prices. Free parking, free WiFi and meal deals are all available.

With all of this just minutes from the A1, why not visit this Easter?

Station Road, Cramlington, NE23 8JT

Northumberlandia. Photo by Graeme Peacock

At her peak Northumberlandia is over 100ft high and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and, on a clear day, as far afield as the Cheviot Hills and the North Sea. You can even see into the Shotton opencast mine – from which over 2 million tonnes of coal has been extracted!

Pets, play area, cafe and more.. visit Northumberlandia

With over 4 miles of footpaths on, and around the site you will all be in need of some refreshment so why not visit Café Azure at Azure Garden Centre?

By car it is located just two minutes away, Azure Garden Centre offers a comprehensive range of

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? e m a N y m s t a h W Hello, I’m... well, my name is... erm... actually, this is a bit embarrassing! I don’t have a name. Well, maybe you can help me out? If you can come up with a name that I love, I’ll give your school £250 and you £50!

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Just have a think about what I should be called, then send your suggestion to competition@schools-out.co.uk

Good Luck!

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Spring is here and that’s not the only new arrival at Adventure Valley!

This coming Easter Adventure Valley welcomes the arrival of a brand new Roller Disco in a purpose built marquee! The disco balls will be spinning and the lights will be flashing as children and adults whoosh around the roller-rink showing off their best moves to the latest tunes!

The indoor Farm Yard will see the introduction of Chipmunk Challenge! A gymnastic arena and assault course for our little furry friends. The chipmunks will be on full view for all ages to enjoy watching as they sprint, flip, roll and jump around in their new play park which rises above people’s heads and spans the full length of the Farm Yard!

The new ‘Battle of the Birds’ is a must see and will introduce our new friend ‘Columbus the Caracara’.

He has been keeping all the staff entertained during rehearsals for his new show and never fails to make us laugh.

Of course, when Spring time arrives so do lots of new friends! We have baby bunnies, little chicks, tiny guinea pigs, cute little lambs and cheeky baby pygmy goats all waiting to meet you this Easter!

Adventure Valley, Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG 0191 3868291

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Keeping it Green...

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We all want to help the environment don’t we? Of course we do! And we’re no different here at Schools Out. So, we’ve come up with a rather cunning plan to help us be that little bit more green.

We’re very conscious that printing 20,000 plus copies of the magazine isn’t great for our carbon footprint, and that’s why we’re asking you to think about registering online for the e-version of Schools Out. Once you’ve done this we’ll donate £1 per child to their school, for as long as your child is at the school and you’re receiving the magazine electronically.

It’s dead easy to register, just pop on our website, www.schools-out.co.uk and help us do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint.

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d r a C p o P 6 1 r e Und The smart way to save money on child fares

Children can travel at concessionary child fares all day, every day on all public transport in Tyne and Wear if they have an Under 16 Pop Card. Under 16 Pop Cards are available to all children who live in Tyne and Wear who are in year 11 and below at school. So if your child was aged 5 to 15 on the 31st August before the start of the current academic year, get an Under 16 Pop Card application form from a Nexus TravelShop or at nexus.org.uk The fares are –

Single 60p Child All-day Ticket (CAT) £1.10 Children must of course have their Under 16 Pop Card with them when they travel, and available to

be checked on request, to be entitled to pay these concessionary fares.

Just get an application form from a Nexus TravelShop or nexus.org.uk

Get smart with an Under 16 Pop Card!

Just £1.10 for a Child All-day Ticket. Only 60p for a child single. The Under 16 Pop Card really is a smart card if you’re looking to save money on transport.

Get your Under 16 Pop Card application form at any Nexus TravelShop or at nexus.org.uk/pop.

Join the transport revolution.

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Quality Thyme with the Kids...

Toilet paper tubes. Who’d have thought they were the key to a great herb garden? Well, they can prove rather handy. Here’s a great, green-fingered activity the kids will love, that will give you a host of tasty herbs within just a couple of weeks.

Find somewhere nice and bright for your container – a window ledge or conservatory is ideal). Until the seeds break the surface of the soil, try and keep the soil damp. Then once you see green shoots, water once a day only.

The first thing you need to do is to cut the bottom of each toilet roll tube into strips about 2.5cm wide and about 4-5cm down the tube. Fold the strips inward on each other. Place the tube, open side up, in the container, and fill the tube with damp soil, up to about 1cm from the top. Do this with all the tubes.

When the green shoots have grown to about 3-5cm tall, then you can plant them out into a bigger pot outside – and this is the clever bit. Fill a larger pot with soil and just make gaps, in which you place the toilet roll tubes. The cardboard will degrade naturally, and allow the roots to spread and the herbs to turn into full grown plants.

Right, now it’s time to let the kids get their hands dirty and do some planting. Check the instructions on the packets of seeds for how deep you need to plant them (it’s usually 1-3 times the size of the seed in depth). Put 2-3 seeds in each tube. Remember to place a marker with the name of the herb you’ve planted.

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And a few last tips; most herbs are really easy to grow, mint in particular, grows like wild-fire.

Coriander can be tricky to grow, and herbs like thyme should be kept regularly trimmed to stop them getting woody.

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Good luck – and happy growing!

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The Best Cookies in the World.. Ever Finding something that you can easily cook with the kids, and that’s completely delicious isn’t always easy. But this recipe for the best cookies in the world ever, fits the bill perfectly.

If you’re a fan of soft, gooey cookies (a bit like the ones you get from a well known cookie store), then this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients: 125g unsalted butter, softened (or good quality margarine) 100g light brown sugar 125g caster sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 225g self-raising flour 1/2tsp salt 1tsp vanilla extract 200g chocolate chips

What to do..

1) Cream butter/margarine and sugars together 2) Add beaten egg and vanilla extract 3) Sift in flour and salt 4) Add chocolate chips and mix (if it’s a little stiff, add a drop of milk) 5) Spoon out (big dollops for big cookies, smaller ones for little cookies! Don’t spread them out too much, they will spread while cooking) onto a baking tray covered with greaseproof paper 6) Cook on 180C for 10 mins 7) Cookies are done when still soft in middle and just before edges brown 8) Remove from oven and leave to cool on tray for 2 mins 9) Take cookies off and leave to cool on a wire rack 10) Try not to eat cookies before they actually get a chance to cool

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Whats Cooking?

You can use any sort of chocolate chips (white chocolate are the Schools Out team’s favourite) - or you

can even use sweets like Smarties!!

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Enjoy a Northumberland Staycation Our country is experiencing a staycation boom, perhaps because of the economic downturn, maybe due to concerns over foreign travel but if you ask me it’s because more and more people are realising that Britain really is GREAT! My name is Rachel Kershaw and I’ve travelled all over the country writing blogs and taking photos for the national tourist board. I’m often asked which location is my favourite and without hesitation I always say Northumberland.

It might not have the warmest climate but who needs sun bathing when you’ve got stunning castles, miles of unspoilt coast line, wonderful wildlife and a sense of adventure.

So before you head further afield in search of a fun family day out, let me remind you of some of the unique places to visit right on your doorstop in Northumberland…

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Staycation Warkworth Castle This magnificent hill top castle is one of many English Heritage sites in the North East. It’s home to a wealth of local history but what I really love about Warkworth Castle is how accessible it is, kids can run around freely and make as much noise as they want. The friendly staff will happily feed their imaginations with medieval stories, like how women were not allowed in the castle kitchens because all the men were naked in there on account of it being so hot!

The Farne Islands As well as being the most famous sea bird sanctuary in the British Isles, the Farne Islands also have a large colony of grey seals, so it’s the perfect place for wildlife spotting.

There are many boat trips on offer from the harbour in Seahouses and as soon as you step on board one of the lovely vessels, you’ll feel like you’re on a real adventure!

The most rewarding months to visit are late May, June and early July when tens of thousands of birds are roosting, including the beautiful puffins. A few words of advice though… wear a hat as you are likely to get pecked and pack a picnic because there are no refreshments available.

A family membership to the National Trust will also make this and many more NT sites a much more affordable day out!

Bamburgh Beach If I had to choose what I love most about Northumberland I would have to say the beautiful beaches. The views are simply stunning, the sand is among the most perfect in the world and if you time it right, you can get a whole beach to yourself! Really, what is the point of sitting in hours of traffic to go anywhere else?

As you can see by my photo, it doesn't need to be hot to head to the beach, just wrap up warm and take your pick from unspoilt locations like Dunstanburgh, Embleton and Druridge Bay. My particular favourite is Bamburgh with its iconic castle as a dramatic backdrop and the wonderful Wyndenwell shop nearby where you can enjoy another Northumbrian treat, Vallum Farm ice-cream!

I have loads more suggestions for great days out in Northumberland so keep your eyes peeled for future articles. In the meantime why not tell me about your favourite places by following me on twitter @ rachmotormouth

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Hi there, it’s Karen from Steve and Karen’s Breakfast Show on Metro Radio. It’s Easter and all of a sudden, days are starting to feel longer and we have more time to get out and about to enjoy ourselves. You’re probably like me and still paying for Christmas; but do not fear, all you have to do is remember that the best things in life are free.

There’s an endless list of things you can do to create great childhood memories.

What do you think of when looking back on your childhood, the most expensive and latest toys, trips to the cinema? For me it’s the great memories made playing out in the street and maybe causing just a little bit of trouble!

I’m not sure about you, but when I was little, simply give me a piece of chalk and you wouldn’t see me for hours. Creating, what I thought to be, absolute masterpieces on the garden patio with no harm done.

Or how about pulling all the chairs together, washing line pole in the middle with a bed sheet draped over the top and Bob’s your uncle you have a den! It’s the typical case of ‘rather play with the box than the toy!’

– big cardboard box, cut out a few peep holes and hey presto you have a spaceship, a train, a castle!

So there’s no need to spend lots of money and tirelessly trying to think of things to do, simply remember how far a kid’s imagination goes, what kept you happy as a kid and you’ll be fine.

Before I got into radio, I used to work at The Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth as an entertainer -apart from the costumes I absolutely loved it. I would definitely recommend that you take the kids there for a day out! See live feeds to the Otters, Seals and Monkeys and you might even learn something you didn’t know yourself. If you’d like to win a family pass, check out our competition for the chance to win!

Steve o t n i Tune aren’s and K ast Show Breakf 0 every 6 till 1 ay morning weekd

www.metroradio.co.uk/Blue-Reef

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Metro Radio 13 artists were spoilt rotten after receiving headphones, jumpers (an essential extra layer), nail varnish, cup-cakes, sweets, jewellery, personalised plectrums, drumsticks, a Retro Metro t-shirt and a good old bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, all of which were locally sourced from around the region! Perrie from Little Mix tweeted “This is so sweet! We got lots of treats in our dressing room”. For one certain birthday boy from McFly, Dougieunwrapped a skateboard and absolutely gigantic homemade cake!

Metro Radio Live 2013 At the end of 2012 – 13 of the biggest names in pop come to Newcastle to perform. One lucky student from Gateshead went backstage with Metro Radio!

I joined Metro Radio in June 2012 on a one year placement from Leeds Metropolitan University.

There have been many highs to my time here but the ultimate assignment came in November when I was asked to work back stage at Metro Radio Live.

For one night only, our very own Metro Radio Arena was jam packed with some of the biggest stars around. Are you ready for this? On stage we had; Angel, Conor Maynard, Stooshe, Scouting For Girls, Misha B, DJ Fresh, McFly, Leona Lewis, Ameila Lily, Labrinth, Lawson, Little Mix and the cheeky OllyMurs. We all love a bargain don’t we, and without using my calculator I’d worked out this equalled to £1.90 an artist!

Scouting For Girls’ Peter Ellard ended up walking from the train station to Metro Radio Live, who ever said celebrities live the glamorous life eh? But once everyone arrived (or just about), sound checks were done and the doors were open. All 10,000 seats were filled and Metro’sStu Elmore got everyone up doing ‘Gangnam Style’. Excitement built out front but everything was relaxed backstage. Amelia Lily and Lawson sat down for a bite to eat in the canteen while McFly were running around on Dougie’s new skateboard!

Metro Radio Live was a night not to be missed;one after the other, every artist’s performance was top class, with hit after hit the fans never sat down!

We are excited to tell you that Metro Radio Live will be back on Friday 29th November 2013 at Metro Radio Arena. Make sure you don’t miss out as it’s guaranteed to be bigger and better – buy your tickets now to get the best seats in the house!

Backstage was electric all day and not without just a little bit of drama of course! But before everyone arrived, it was important to give a proper Northern welcome. Don’t worry, we did the obvious and warned everyone to wrap up warm – lead singer, Andy Brown from Lawson tweeted “I’ve got loads of layers on don’t worry @MetroRadioUK” Have you always wanted to know what’s backstage in artists’ dressing rooms? Well I’ll tell you; all

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Star of John Lewis advert visits Newcastle College to inspire young musicians Rising star Gabrielle Aplin recently visited Newcastle College to play an intimate gig as well as provide advice to students on how to make it in the music industry.

The young musician called in on the college’s state of the art £21m Performance Academy following the release of her first major label release, a cover of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood classic The Power of Love, which featured in last year’s John Lewis Christmas TV ad campaign.

Gabrielle performed to 200 music students from the college’s School of Creative Industries, with her set also including new song Please Don’t Say You Love Me. She also provided the students with some sound words of advice on how to get noticed in the industry.

Gabrielle, who comes from Bath, said: “It was a great opportunity to come to Newcastle College and play to so many aspiring artists. It’s always good to be able to share your experiences with those with a similar educational background as me that want to break into the industry.”

The gig was the latest in a long line of visits to the Performance Academy from A-List musicians, which have also included megastars JLS, local indie rockers Maximo Park and boy band favourites Lawson.

Newcastle College offers a wide range of creatively stimulating courses at its state of the art Performance Academy, including a new range of Songwriting courses that have been designed in conjunction with professional songwriter Peter

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Brewis, whose band Field Music competed for this year’s Mercury Music Prize.

To see the full range of adult part-time, evening and weekend courses available at Newcastle College go to www.newcastlecollege.co.uk or come and see us in person at one of our monthly Open Evenings.

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NEWCASTLE COLLEGE WORKED FOR ME

The course helped me get my first job.

Hundreds of exciting new courses to choose from with flexible start dates. Find out more at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk

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What’s On Alnwick Castle

National Trust

Broomstick Training

Building Dreams Easter Trail

Learn how to master your broom on the very spot of Harry’s first lesson!

Explore Cragside and take part in our Building Dreams themed Easter trail. Complete the trail and receive a chocolate reward.

29 March - 30 October 2013

29 March 2013 and 1 April 2013

Battleaxe to Broomsticks Tour

Dream Flags

29 March - 30 October 2013

Let history come to life as you hear about our two famous Harrys: Hotspur and Potter.

29 March 2013 and 14 April 2013

Join Zooted for motley medieval mayhem!

Take part in the 150th anniversary of Cragside and mark the occasion by making your own dream flag. Prayer flags can be found strung along the mountain ridges of the Himalayas today and are used to bless the countryside.

Lord and Lady Armstrong created a Himalayan landscape at Cragside so we want to collect your dreams in a similar way. Grab your DIY pack and create your own flag design.

Then head up to the labyrinth to find the tree hut where you can display your dream flag and be part of the Cragside dream www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

Crafts with the Company of Artisans

Easter Trail

29 March - 31 March 2013

29th March – Mon 1st April

Try your hand at the ancient arts of medieval craftsmanship.

Wallington www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Crafts and dressing up in Knight’s Quest 29 March - 30 October 2013

Join the resident knights and ladies of Alnwick Castle for a different medieval craft each day.

Medieval Jesting with Zooted 29 March - 01 April 2013

Potter Inspired Characters

2 April - 4 April, 28 - 30 May (check website for additional dates)

Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Alnwick Castle starred as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films - now put on your best robe and watch some of your favourite characters come to life as they are back after overwhelming demand with all kinds of magic and mayhem! Witches and wizards, house elves and Harry Potters especially welcome! www.alnwickcastle.com

Easter Bunny 29th March- 1st April 12noon - 3pm The Easter Bunny will be visiting Woodhorn over the Easter weekend! Find him on site and receive a small Easter treat!

Easter Crown Craft Activity

Make a splendid Easter Crown in our special Easter weekend craft activity.

12noon-3pm drop in craft activity. Suggested donation £1.50.

Walk and Talk Family Tours

Friday 29th March - Sunday 14th April 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Discover Woodhorn’s colliery buildings with a guided walk around the site. The tour is suitable for all ages and free of charge.

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Whats On Guide Bug Hunts

Saturday 25th May - Sunday 2nd June.

Get close and personal with creepy crawlies by joining in one of our bug hunts which are running every day during the holidays. We will provide all the equipment you need to discover and identify the amazing range of insect life around the Woodhorn site.

Bug Hunts will depart from the main Welcome Desk at 2pm. Places are limited to 12 per hunt, on a first come, first served basis. Suggested donation of only £1 per participant, no unaccompanied children please

Pirate Week Craft

Saturday 25th May - Sunday 2nd June.

Make a pirate mask during the final week of ‘Dressing the Stars’. Create your own mask inspired by the Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom costumes from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ which feature in the exhibition.

12noon-3pm, drop in craft activity, suggested donation £1.50. www.experiencewoodhorn.com

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum

English Heritage

Dragon Family Fun Trail

Belsay Hall, Castle and Garden

In honour of St George – originally a Roman soldier!

Calling all dragon hunters! St George needs your help to find all the mini dastardly dragons before they distress the damsels. Your dragon hunting skills will be rewarded with a certificate. www.english-heritage.org.uk/Chesters

Easter Family Fun Trail

Fri 29 March – Mon 1 April Can you crack our clues to complete this ‘egg-citing’ trail?

Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize.

Easter Family Fun trail

Fri 29 March – Mon 1 April Can you crack our clues to complete this ‘egg-citing’ trail?

Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize

Sat 20 April and Sun 21 April

Floral Frivolity

Fri 29 March – Tue 2 April See the Hall bedecked with floral displays, flourishes and arrangements. Fresh flowers are set and arranged on a theme reflecting the Regency splendour of Belsay, and heralding the forthcoming “Frills & Frivolity” display of Regency costumes from film and TV. The otherwise bare interiors of the Hall will be an explosion of colour and texture.

Medieval St Georges Weekend Sat 20th April and Sun 21st April

Make way for the pageant of St George! Join the Medieval townsfolk, musicians and nobles celebrate St George’s Day with military drill, mounted skill at arms and a pageant in his honour at 12pm & 3pm. See the mysterious knight himself, mounted in shining armour as he faces his famous foe, the dragon, in a play to entertain all the medieval citizens. Plus performances of Mummers plays and medieval music with master musicians Hautbois. www.english-heritage.org.uk/Belsay

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage Easter Family Fun Trail

Fri Mar 29 – Mon 1 April Can you crack our clues to complete this ‘egg-citing’ trail?

Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize. www.english-heritage.org.uk/Warkworth

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What’s On Tyne and Wear Museums Service

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

Segedunum Roman Fort 1 April

Arbeia Roma Fort

Amazing Owls Sat 30 March

Visit the Museum and come face to face with some of the most amazing owls in the world – including Fuzz, Bilbo and Henry. See Eagle Owls with a 7ft wingspan and tiny owls that are no bigger than a mobile phone!

This April Fools’ day join us to hear tales of villainous emperors’ practical jokes, take part in fantastical guided tours, crazy crafts and circus entertainment.

The Romans return to Arbeia!

Friday 29 March

10am - 5pm, Free entry Join us for a dramatic day of Roman re-enactments with Cohors Quinta Gallorum.

Find out what life was like at Arbeia Roman Fort in the third century, from the clothes people wore to the weapons they used, and meet some real Roman soldiers!

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery Little Seahorses

04 February - 09 December 13 Every Monday, 10.15am - 11.15am, except during school holidays.

Why not come along to our drop-in group for parents and under 5s?

• Explore our museum • Arts and crafts • Stories and songs • Toys • Refreshments for all No booking required. A donation of £1 per child is welcomed.

Holiday Crafts 4 and 11 April

10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm (drop in, no booking required) Join us for some free, fun school holiday craft sessions for children.

Admission is free and our friendly staff will be happy to answer questions, and tell you fantastic facts about the birds.

For anyone feeling adventurous, you can put on a glove and handle one of the owls under expert guidance from our falconers. (Charges apply for handling and having photos taken with the birds. Prices start from £3.95 for a small print)

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10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm (drop in, no booking required)

Make a Roman Soldiers Helmet 8 Apr 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm

Make a Roman Soldier’s helmet to take home with you in this fun activity for children.

Great North Museum – Hancock A World Tour 2 April

Stephenson Railway Museum Easter Eggspress

31 March 11am - 3pm (No booking required) Come along for fun filled day of animal handling with Animal Antics and enjoy a special train ride with the Easter Bunny!

11am - 3pm (free, no booking required).

An exciting family event featuring food, music and dance from the home countries of some of the objects featured in the Tales of Antiquarian Adventure exhibition.

Steal the March

Admission to the museum is free but a small charge applies for train rides

9 March 11am - 3pm (free entry, no booking required)

Peter’s Railway

Delve into the disciplined world of Roman Britain.

7 April 11am - 3pm (no booking required) Special visitor Christopher Vine, the author of the popular children’s series ‘Peter’s Railway’, will be joining us to sign your books. Plus, enjoy railway craft activities and a train ride.

Entry to the museum is free but a small charge applies for train rides

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Festival of Fools

Learn to march with a centurion and design your own forts capable of withstanding enemy attack!

A free activity for kids.

Strike a Coin

10 April 11am - 3pm (free entry, no booking required).

Be inspired by the coins and medals on display to get crafty and design

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Whats On Guide

your own version to take home commemorate a special event or crown yourself as a Roman Emperor.

Celebration Picnic

28 May 11am - 3pm (free entry, no booking required) Bring along a packed lunch and join us as for a special celebratory birthday picnic on the lawn.

Take part in activities throughout the day and see what you can discover in a treasure hunt around the museum.

A free activity for children.

Shipley Art Gallery

Be inspired by science and get creative with chromatography by using ink to create colourful flowers. Find out how to give a flower a makeover by changing its colour.

This free activity for families takes place on the ground floor of the museum. www.twmuseums.org.uk

Naughty Monsters Explore the Planets

Free event, no booking required.

Admission fee to centre applies.

29 March 2012 - 14 July 2013 10.00 am - 6.00 pm

The Naughty Monsters return!

Our imaginary monsters turn their attention to the planets in our solar system.

Family Fun: Toy Shop, Top Shop 28 May 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm

Bring along your teddies and dolls for a spring makeover!

Are the craters on Mercury formed by the Naughty Monsters stomping with their welly boots? Are they hula hooping with Saturn? The mischievous Naughty Monsters return to Life’s planetarium with their familiar brand of silliness to explore the planets in our solar system.

Professional design help and materials will be on hand to give your favourite toy a brand new outfit.

Age of the Dinosaur

No experience required.

Price Included in admission to the Science Centre.

£2 per teddy or doll.

Discovery Museum

Creative Chromatography 9 April

11am - 3pm (drop in, no booking required)

Easter Dragon Egg Hunt 1.00pm -17.00pm

Join artist, designer and maker, Dan Civico, to build your own toys from scratch! Using old tricks and your ideas make yourself something to play with. £2 per participant.

Seven Stories National Centre for Children’s Books 29, 30 March and 1 April

Price included in admission to Science Centre.

A fun activity for kids.

www.life.org.uk

Life Science Centre

Toy House Worksop

2 April 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm

and now extinct plants and animals including dinosaurs like Tarbosaurus, the scary cousin of T.Rex.

25 May 2013 - 03 November 2013 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

Age of the Dinosaur (from 25 May) is Life’s latest exhibition which comes from the Natural History Museum in London.

Calling all Dragon Trainers! A dastardly dragon has snuck into Seven Stories and laid its eggs all over the building and we need your help to find them before they hatch! Join in an egg-hunt with a fiery twist this Easter for the chance to win sizzling prizes.

Do you think you know everything about Hiccup and Toothless? Join in with How to Train Your Dragon Bingo and put your knowledge to the test.

Meet the Gruffalo 8 April -14 April

1.00pm -17.00pm Free event, no booking required.

Admission fee to centre applies.

The Gruffalo has come to say goodbye! Everyone’s favourite monster is back and making appearance s throughout the building every day. Celebrate the final week of our popular exhibition with the chance to meet the star of the show. www.sevenstories.org.uk

Prepare to be transported back in time more than 65 million years to a Jurassic forest and Cretaceous desert, home to some weird, wonderful

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via Skoda Octa ok over, gen group to

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If you’re on the look out for a new family car here’s a few of the new models for 2013 that might be worth a look:

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Family Cars

Kia Carens

been known as the Kia’s haven’t always s, but in the last few car of ish styl st mo e ed quite a bit of styl years they’ve add e. n reliability and valu to their well-know g erin active MPV. Off The Carens is an attr the for m ugh roo eno got it’s ts, sea seven be a – and there must biggest of families fold ns for how you can million combinatio rs course, there’s 7 yea the seats! And of you ing Kia range, giv warranty across the d. extra peace of min

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Fiat 500L

The new Fiat 500 ha s been a and Fiat huge succ are ess, for their st looking to cash in on the lo ylish supe ve r-mini with of its big sister, the the launch 500L. It’s designed a mini-M as a com PV pact, yet practical spacious family ca and r. They re 20 storag ckon ther e compa e’s over rtments an it’s not a d even th huge car, ough there seem of space and s to be pl enty striking; yo leg room. The in terior is pr u’re either etty it. Overall, going to love it or it’s a very hate st MPV – bu ylish, prac t maybe tical smal a to luc than othe h more ex r cars in its pensive class.

starting fr om aroun d £14,0

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FidgetYourWayFit

W

– It’s Neat!

Yep, it's official. Scientists call it Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) and experts suggest that little movements throughout the day really add up. OK it might not make you into the next Olympic 100m champion, and it's not going to be an overnight weight-loss miracle... but things such as foot tapping and nodding could burn around 200 calories each day. That's 73,000 calories a year, which could equate to over one and a half stone!

It's perhaps a fitness tip best followed while you're alone this one.. otherwise you could end up annoying those near by with all your random tapping and jiggling!

So, go on, give it a go and burn off a few extra calories. I'mm dooing it righth noiw as I'mmm writng ths!

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