Families Newcastle Gateshead Issue 8 Sep-Oct 2019

IN THIS ISSUE Halloween family fun Education special Club/class directory

Issue 8 Sep/Oct 2019

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Visit us newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk

The secret to success is…

sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

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www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read

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Shape a brighter future.

Open Mornings Junior School and Nursery: Saturday 21st September Boys’ and Girls’ Schools: Saturday 28th September Sixth Form: Saturday 28th September Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools.

Please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS building the future

2 Families Newcastle Gateshead

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Welcome Welcome

Well it’s that time of the year when most parents breathe a huge sigh of relief as the kids return to school and the house becomes a much quieter and more organised (well we can all hope) place. I am not too sure where the summer holidays went though, to be honest.

This issue features our education section and we have plenty of information and advice for you on choosing the right school.

Enjoy other articles on when to give your child a smartphone and read our Families review for our skiing holiday with the wonderful Chilly Powder in Morzine. Let’s not forget that this issue covers Halloween too! Get your pumpkins at the ready; take a look at our special Halloween cooking page and find out where to go this October ½ term for Halloween family fun in our popular ‘What’s On’ guide.

Happy reading!

Editor, Families Newcastle Gateshead Magazine

Get in touch E – editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk

In this

issue

4 family news

6

family education

9 8 halloween fun family reviews

10

family health

T – 07794909820

12 clubs &

classes

@FamiliesNGMag @FamiliesNGMag @familiesngmag

14what’s on?

Where is Families Newcastle Gateshead?

Families Newcastle Gateshead is distributed bi-monthly throughout Newcastle & Gateshead. You can collect a FREE copy from the scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs & classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors & baby clinics and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies please let us know. For families from birth to twelve.

Read by over 32,000 local families 6 times a year.

Circlulation: 16,000 Deadline: Deadline for Nov/Dec 19 issue is early Oct 19 Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Newcastle Gateshead are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Newcastle Gateshead. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

BACK TO SCHOOL OFFER!

Book between Mon 2 Sep and Mon 16 Sep to get a free child’s ticket with every adult ticket for selected shows. T&Cs apply.

Sat 30 Nov 2019 – Sat 4 Jan 2020 0191 230 5151 | northernstage.co.uk/kidsgofree

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FAMILY

News

Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures.

The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue.

They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.”

According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.” More info: www.change.org

School Children to Tackle Speeding Drivers

An initiative in London is getting primary school pupils to confront speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce the 20mph speed limit near schools.

The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught speeding and pulled over by police officers being given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their license, attending a speeding awareness course or being told off by children.

Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a police national computer check will face questions such as “are you aware of the consequences of speeding?” and “why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?”.

Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or death of children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road collisions in the UK and over 15,700 children were injured.

Picky Eaters Still Grow Up Healthy Picky eating in toddlers is a well-documented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures.

But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of 7 to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age 3 were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight.

The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly. More info: www.bristol.ac.uk/news

Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, including parts of Hertfordshire, West Yorkshire and Northumberland.

More info: www.tfl.gov.uk

Sad Dads

It is well recognised that new and expectant mothers can experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new fathers.

Amidst recent research suggesting that at least 10% of new fathers suffer from depression, a new study has found new fathers can be beset by feelings of guilt and failure to live up to societal expectations to be stoic, strong and providers of support.

The researchers found that fathers often interpret their struggles as a personal failure as a man and father, and refuse to regard their own problems as legitimate compared to those of their partner.

This leads to reluctance in reaching out or seeking advice, further compounding any issues and making isolation a significant problem.

Qualified Childminder or Nursery May Be Better for Children Active Girls are Happy Children may experience a better outcome in early Girls years care that is provided by Ofsted registered carers or in a nursery setting than in informal care settings such as with friends or extended family, a study has suggested.

A new report has found that girls that are physically active are happier and more resilient than those who are not.

Specifically, the study found that education and care with childminders at age 2 was found to have had a significant positive effect on children’s language development and behaviour at age 3.

The findings are drawn from of a survey from more than 25,700 primary and secondary aged children by the national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust. More active girls showed higher levels of the qualities associated with wellbeing which are self-belief, confidence, resilience, happiness and empathy. The largest difference was seen in girls’ resilience. 77% of more active girls said they were resilient compared to 46% of less active girls. It also found that more active girls were happier with 75% stating so compared to 55% of less active girls.

Group based settings such as nurseries and playgroups were also shown to have positive effects on children’s socio-emotional development including how well they get along with other children.

New fathers also reported a lack of prior knowledge or awareness of the mental health challenges they could face as a result of having a baby.

The Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) is conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) in collaboration with the University of Oxford and is funded by the Department of Education. It is following the development of almost 6,000 children in England from ages 2 to 7.

More info visit: www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/dadsand-partners

More info: www.natcen.ac.uk/our-research/ research/seed

4 Families Newcastle Gateshead

Ali Oliver, the Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust says: “We owe every girl the opportunity to become a confident mover, find a sport or activity that she enjoys, and through that experience improved physical health and emotional wellbeing.”

More info: www.youthsporttrust.org/girls-active familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY

Free Family Fun with Heritage Open Days This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date.

Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England’s history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides.

With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside.

Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

For events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk

An inspirational start to education Children at Dame Allan’s Schools are receiving an exceptional start to their education thanks to the Early Years provision at the Junior School and Nursery.

The School has an outstanding purpose-built Early Years area for children in Nursery and Reception.

As the first experience in school is such a vital step in a child’s learning journey, staff at Dame Allan’s create a friendly, nurturing environment where having fun and learning go hand-in-hand.

The children benefit from outstanding outdoor education facilities. Classes held in the School’s outdoor classroom ‘Woodland Way’ and in The Edge yurt, encourage children to explore and be adventurous. Both facilities are central to the School’s exciting Skogsmulle programme, a Swedish educational initiative which centres on a fantasy figure who informs children about nature through play and song.

News

Outside school terms, a partnership with a wellestablished local provider of holiday activities allows Early Years pupils to access the School’s facilities all year round.

The transition from Nursery to the next stage in school life is always a smooth one at Dame Allan’s with children stepping up to the Reception class within the same building.

This all helps set the foundation for a fulfilling academic journey at the School which caters for children from Nursery all the way up to Year 6 at the same site, before they move onto the next stage at Dame Allan’s Senior Schools.

Here, provision follows the successful Diamond Structure model of education which sees boys and girls educated separately as they progress through Years 7 to 11, and then together again in the mixed Sixth Form as they prepare to move on to life after school.

Keep up to date with all things Families in your local area Like our Families Newcastle Gateshead pages on Social Media!

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FAMILY

education

How to choose the right school for your child

By Claire Winter

they walk to school? Will you have to drive them? “I wanted my daughter to go to a school she could walk to” says Amanda. “She could have travelled further by bus to a school with better results, but I loved the small size of our closest school and the emphasis they put on play.” Clare agrees: “I wanted my boys to go to a local school, primary and secondary, which they could walk to and from and benefit from physical exercise. Especially at secondary level, I wanted them to have local friends so that they could develop their independence and social skills outside of the school day. The academic performance of the school was secondary to these factors as I strongly believe that these other factors also contribute significantly to doing well at school.”

Will the School Suit your Child?

Do you want to choose a fee-paying or state school? Day or boarding? Singlesex or co-ed? What sort of school will suit your child? There are lots of factors to consider when you start looking at prospective schools. Mandy says: “Our son is really sensitive, and we felt a busy state school would not suit his character at all. We were lucky his grandparents offered to help with the school fees, so we chose a local independent school that didn’t have an entrance exam. He loves it.”

Some children may have special needs or find large, noisy schools scary; some may need to be challenged whilst others will do better in a school which is a bit more laid back. Think about what type of environment your child needs to thrive.

An academic school or a school that is smaller and friendly? Do they need additional support and can the school provide it? Do they need an organised and more structured day? Or are they more creative and require a school that focuses more on art and creative pursuits? Does your child have any friends going to that school? Anna Louise wanted a friendly school for her daughter.

“When it came to senior school, we visited the most academically successful school but found it very corporate. Then we went to a less academically successful school, but all of us loved its warmth and friendly atmosphere, so we chose it. Four years later, we have no regrets because the pastoral care has been superb. My daughter has been diagnosed with autism and anxiety, and the school has been wonderfully supportive. To succeed, children need to be happy and feel safe, and my daughter’s school does just that for her.”

If you are looking at state schools, find out what catchment area you are in.

Your local LEA website can help with this. If you feel you might be on the edge of a catchment area, it’s worth asking your local authority or the school whether children where you live have been offered places in previous years.

Don’t be swayed by the opinions of other parents: you know what is best for your child. Choosing a school is down to individual choice and, once you’ve done the research and homework, remember to listen to your heart, as well as your head and, of course, prioritise your child’s wellbeing first and foremost.

W

hether it’s for primary or secondary school, in the next few months the majority of parents have to make big decisions about what school preferences to shortlist for their child. But, don’t panic! Families has asked parents across the UK to give their top tips on how to make the right choices.

What Type of School?

Do your Research

Linda says: “When we filled in our preference list for primary school, we already knew we might not get our first or second choice because the local authority had told us we were on the edge of the catchment area. This was really helpful because we made sure that we were slap bang in the middle of the catchment for our third and fourth choices.”

Make sure you research the admissions policy for all schools in which you are interested, state or independent, primary or secondary. Many primary schools have a siblings-first policy whilst schools that are affiliated to a church may have special requirements related to your family religion. You need to know whether you fulfil the entry requirements.

Many independent schools have entrance exams which you need to understand.

Similarly, if you live in a grammar school area you need to find out if you are in the catchment for the school and when the 11+ examinations take place.

Visit the School

It is vital that you visit all the schools you are interested in. Independent school open days are widely publicised and it’s worth visiting them at least a year before you need to apply in order to come up with an initial shortlist. You can then visit again closer to the time of making your applications.

You can search for state school open days online, as well as finding out more about the school from their website. Pay attention to the attitude of the school at open days. You want the school to be friendly and welcoming to you at this time.

Lisa says: “I attended an open day at the school which was our first choice for primary because it is an Outstanding school with a very good reputation. But I found the attitude of the school towards parents really off-putting. Basically we were told at the open day that they wouldn’t be answering any questions about the school until we got offered a place. Needless to say, I scratched them off our list!”

It’s very helpful to book an appointment to see the school during the working day. This way you get to see how the pupils interact with the teachers and you can see if the school will really suit your child.

What is the Head Teacher Like?

Most Head Teachers make a speech at their school Open Days and these are well worth listening to. The Head is responsible for the ethos and vision of a school and is also a key decision maker. She or he are also responsible for employing key staff responsible for both teaching and pastoral care and so his attitude and outlook are likely to trickle down throughout the school and be very influential overall. Isobel says: “We put a lot of weight on what the Head Master/ Head Mistress was like. They really drive the culture of a school. Next up was the kids. Watching them interact with each other and their teachers. That was a real eye-opener in some classrooms! We chose our primary school because when the Head Master asked a question they all put their hands up. He picked a girl to answer but got her name slightly wrong. She was confident to correct him, politely, before answering the question. That stood out for me as both respectful and confident - two characteristics I’d want my children to have.”

Think about Logistics

How far away is the school? If you work, do they have a good breakfast club and after-school care? Can your child get to school by bus or a coach or can 6 Families Newcastle Gateshead

Making the Decision

If your child is old enough, make sure you include them in the process of choosing a school. Let them look around the schools with you and ask them what they think. Talk with them about the decision-making process and make the decision with them.

Then trust that you have all made the right choice and that all will work out for the best.

Primary school open day directory - 2019 Please check with the school directly before leaving the house to confirm dates and times for Open Days. Whilst care has been taken to cover a wide range of areas within Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland, all schools are not listed. State school primaries rarely publish their forthcoming open days/evenings, so it has not been possible to list these, sadly. Please contact state schools directly or visit their websites for more information. Please contact editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk if you wish to list your school in the 2020 directory.

Barnard Castle, DL12

Newcastle Prep School, Jesmond

www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

www.newcastleprepschool.org.uk

5th October 9.30am – 11.30am

Dame Allan’s Schools

21st & 28th September www.dameallans.co.uk

Durham High School for girls

28th September 10am – 12.30pm www.dhsfg.org.uk

Durham School

5th October 9.15am – 12.30pm www.durhamschool.co.uk

Mowden Hall School

12th October 10am – 12.30pm www.mowdenhall.co.uk

See website for up to date info

Newcastle School for boys, Gosforth 28th September 10am – 12pm

www.newcastleschool.co.uk

Royal Grammar School, Newcastle 16th Nov 9.30am – 12.30pm www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

The Chorister School, Durham 5th October 9.30am – 11.30am www.thechoristerschool.com

Westfield School, Gosforth 5th October 10am – 12pm www.westfield.newcastle.sch.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

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Families Newcastle Gateshead 7

Things that go YUM in the night!

Conjure up some ghoulish AND tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween!

BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres that sit quietly in their cups until an unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance.

Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this fantastic spook-tastic recipe.

Follow the simple steps below to make your own.

Ingredients For the meringues 115g caster sugar 115g icing sugar a pinch of salt 4 large egg whites, at room temperature large freezer bags greaseproof paper tiny chocolate drops a bar of milk or dark chocolate

For the cups

paper cups utility knife paint brush Posca pen lollipop sticks masking tape a sheet of tissue/crepe paper scissors 8 Families Newcastle Gateshead

Let’s make BOO-meringue Pops: Keeping little fingers safe, cut the bottom out of your paper cups with the utility knife. Preheat the oven to 100°C or gas mark ¼.

Put the caster sugar into one bowl and sift the icing sugar into another (and be careful not to sneeze!)

and cooled, melt the chocolate (in a bowl) over a saucepan of boiling water.

Using a toothpick or similar, give your ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, whatever you fancy!

Now for the cups…

Put the egg whites into a large bowl with a pinch of salt and use the electric whisk on medium power until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle about 1cm wider than the rim.

Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp of caster sugar at a time until you’ve used it all.

Cut out the circle and make small criss-cross slits in the centre of the crepe paper.

Fold in the icing sugar.

Paint your cups a deep dark colour.

When they’re dry, draw on some cobwebs or other creepy patterns.

By now the mixture should be glossy with scared-stiff peaks. (If you want to keep the meringue really white, you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and bake on a lower temperature for longer.)

Put your freezer bag into a glass and fold the edges over the sides. Spoon in your meringue. Take the bag out, twist the top shut and snip off the bottom corner. Make sure you hold the bag gently so the ghosts don’t escape!

Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray and place the cardboard circles (aka the cut-out cup bottoms) on the tray.

Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc-drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours.

When your ghosts are cooked

Take your ghosts on their cardboard circles and tape the lollipop sticks to the cardboard.

Pop your ghosts-on-sticks into their cups from above. (Tell them to prepare their scary face…) Glue the edges of your tissue circles to the inside rim of the cups.

And voilarghh! You have a shroud of supernaturally cute treats ready to surprise lots of little monsters!

Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalized stories, which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

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A

few weeks into January of this year, we made a choice to take our two boys out of school so that we could enjoy our first family ski holiday and boy did we have no regrets! Our oldest had just turned 8 and our youngest was 4, so not statutory school age even. My husband was apprehensive about our youngest and how well he would cope with the demands of a ski holiday, but as it turns out, we had nothing to worry about. Chilly Powder had it all in hand!

Catering for families Chilly Powder is a family run company that offers luxury catered and self-catered chalets in Morzine. We stayed in their largest catered chalet Au Coin du Feu, which boasts 16 bedrooms. All bedrooms are en-suite and the on-site creche, kids’ club, games-room, movie-room, private bar, outdoor hot tub, Wi-Fi access and luxury bathrobes all help to make the overall holiday just simply perfect.

There is, without a doubt, a lot of thought and care that has gone into making your stay with Chilly Powder as relaxing, easy and enjoyable as possible. On any skiing holiday, a ski door to door location is of huge benefit, but even more so when you have little ones in tow, and this is what Chilly Powder chalets all offer. The evenings are carefully planned so that adults can relax and take time to enjoy the amazing food and drink on offer, whilst getting to know the other guests too. Mealtimes for the children are earlier, which suited us just perfectly. It allowed us to return from a day’s skiing to the hot drinks, cakes and roaring fire place, to chill with the families in the chalet before sitting the kids down to enjoy their evening meal. Afterwards, there was enough time for the children to play before bath and bed.

Later, canapes and drinks are served in the private bar, followed by a 4-course delicious evening meal. Staff are on hand to go and check on the kids, if requested and there is a listening service too.

The idea behind the creche and kids’ club is simple: happy children means happy parents! Chilly Powder was actually created specifically for family ski holidays. So, everything on offer is to make your life, as a parent, easier. Fully qualified nannies care for children as young as 3 months old, allowing parents to enjoy their time on the mountain, knowing their children are well cared for and entertained. The creche is available for babies and toddlers of pre-ski age. For older children taking part in the Chilly Powder ski school, the mornings have a drop off and

hit the slopes!

pick up service and then the children are brought back to the kids’ club, served lunch and then supervised in the playroom or taken out on a trip to the local ice-rink or on the land train nearby. We dipped in and out of using the kids’ club. Our oldest didn’t need it as in the afternoons, after Chilly Powder ski school, he could happily hold his own out on the slopes with his Dad! Our youngest needed some down time in an afternoon, however, and so we booked him in for a couple of sessions and he had an amazing time with his new ski buddies.

The people behind the chalet I have to say that it’s the staff who really make your stay with Chilly Powder so enjoyable. Right from the booking process through to your departure, you are made to feel a part of one big, happy family. Staff genuinely love their job, and this is evident all of the time. They make it their mission to learn the names of all of the guests staying in the chalet and nothing ever seems too much trouble.

Francesca and her husband Paul are the owners of Chilly Powder. When Francesca ventured to Morzine, to get away from her busy lifestyle in London, running her own catering business, she made an instant connection to not only the beautiful little town nestled in the Aps, but also to her now husband Paul. 25 years later, they are French residents having settled in Morzine, bringing up their three children, Ben, Eloise and Jamie.

Morzine and Avoriaz – Portes du Soleil ski region I was lucky enough to benefit from a private ski lesson from Pierre Bayet, an instructor with more than 30 years’ experience, who works for Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, founded

by Ian McKella in 1992. They are a small ski school offering private and group lessons and well worth a look if you are wanting to develop your skills as a skier or are learning for the first time. The ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz are a part of the Portes du Soleil ski region, which is one of the largest ski areas in the world and has one of the shortest airport transfers of any ski resorts. Because it is such a vast area, there are runs to suit all levels of ability and from young to old. It also means that you never have to do the same run twice, with new routes to explore each day!

Food The food on offer by Chilly Powder really is of high quality. Francesca prides herself in it being their niche. Evenings feel like a family dinner party, where award winning wine flows freely and guests leisurely chat. Staff choose this time to willingly share insider knowledge and information enabling you to get the maximum out of your ski holiday.

It’s not all about the skiing One night during the week, the chef takes a well-deserved night off, so we took the opportunity to head into Morzine centre and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this beautiful French Alps’ town, dining out at a recommended location and people watching those who were young enough to ski all day and then enjoy the delights of Morzine’s Après Ski! Indiana Adventures also offer an exhilarating option of night-time sledging. I took them up on their offer along with my 8-year-old son. What an adventure, but it’s not for the faint hearted. Skiing down the main blue run to Morzine centre, in the dark, on a plastic sledge with a head torch on and some important instructions of ‘watch out for the ravine!’ hurled your way every now and then is as mad as it sounds!

Would I do it again? Of course, I would!

Verdict Without hesitation, I recommend Chilly Powder for a family ski holiday. I have a feeling that we will be back next year!

Top tips for a family ski holiday We got our ski equipment from All Mountain Rental, which made life so much easier. They provide specialist equipment with the added bonus that they deliver it direct to the door on arrival and collect at the end of your stay.

It’s cheaper to eat lunch the further down the mountain you go! We actually enjoyed some brilliant food in a restaurant just along from our chalet most lunch times. Don’t pitch for the first one you come to.

Be brave and go with the kids into the L’il Stash – a smaller version of the Stash – which is a series of natural and man-made jumps in amongst the trees.

Chilly Powder put together a fantastic video to capture all of the kids learning to ski in their lessons and having fun in the kids’ club. Use a Go-Pro to get the best shots of the kids, follow behind them to capture the best memories!

Go out of school holidays, not only does it mean the overall cost is lower, but you also don’t have busy ski slopes and hardly any queues for the ski lifts. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Newcastle Gateshead 9

FAMILY

health Busting the Myths about ADHD

By Tony Buckley October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

When you think of ADHD, what comes to mind?

Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork.

Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.”

Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media.

They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as they affect people other than the person with the condition.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.

So What are the Other Symptoms of ADHD? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children. People with this condition will often experience symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor organisational skills and being easily distracted. But some will experience other symptoms, either as well as or instead of these more well-known symptoms.

Symptoms tend to change with age, and will be different for each person.

This is especially true if their symptoms don’t match those expected and recognised by society. Many people with ADHD will reach adulthood without even realising that they have the condition. Some adults may only find out that their symptoms are ADHD-related if their own child is diagnosed with it, and some symptoms become less obvious as a child matures and enters adulthood.

10 Families Newcastle Gateshead

Many adults have no idea that their difficulty with social interactions or executive functions is a result of a hidden impairment, but, as parents, there are symptoms you can watch out for to find out if your child has the condition.

How Can Parents Recognise Symptoms of ADHD in their Children?

Children with ADHD will be impulsive. They’ll find it difficult to prioritise the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you may notice that their peers are more organised than they are. If a child has ADHD, you may find that they struggle to focus on the task at hand.

Multi-tasking is another thing that children with ADHD tend to struggle with and this can cause child and parents significant frustration. Children with ADHD may feel under much more pressure than other children and feel that they need to be more active and work harder than others in order to keep up. Understandably this contributes significantly to their stress levels as they try to deal with all the tasks they need to complete.

Children with ADHD can find it hard to cope with this degree of stress and pressure and may act this out in a variety of ways, becoming angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, argumentative or displaying a range of other stress-induced behaviours.

Equally though, a child with ADHD may simply appear to be trying to focus very hard on their learning to get through the day and keep up with their classmates.

In neither of the above cases will a child with ADHD necessarily look like a child screaming and throwing things as portrayed in the media.

Where Can Parents Find Out More?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at www. need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/the-essentialguide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD.

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When to give your child a smartphone

by Andrew Campbell It’s a question every parent will struggle with at some point: at what age should I get my child a smartphone?

child is different and whether it be a sign of maturity or peace of mind; parents know intuitively what the right age is for their child to be given a smartphone.”

Anyone who has investigated this question will soon find there is no clear advice or research which provides a definitive age, but Families will endeavour to provide some useful guidance.

However, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure you child is able to navigate the internet safely before they are given a smartphone. These include: •

Mobiles can be helpful to keep in touch with your child, and can give you the peace of mind which comes with knowing they can reach you in an emergency. And, of course, children can also do all sorts of amazing things online using devices; the internet can be creative, fun and educational.

•

In the US, a movement has sprung up among parents wanting to delay giving a child a smartphone until at least age 14 or 8th grade. Called Wait Until 8th, parents sign a pledge agreeing to delay giving their child a smartphone and it becomes active when 10 or more families sign in it from the same class at school. The pledge aims to provide a supportive network to parents who want to resist the the increasing societal pressure to provide their child a smartphone.

According to internet safety experts the real question is not about the “right” age, but about whether your child is developmentally ready to have full access to the adult world and whether you have laid the groundwork to prepare them for healthy and responsible device use.

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of e-safety organisation Internet Matters said: “Every

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Setting boundaries for their internet use, which include where and when they can use their devices and for how long.

• Setting up parental controls on your home broadband as well their devices.

But, by giving your child an internet-connected phone, you are handing them an incredibly powerful communication tool for which they may not be ready.

Not only can they send messages, create images and send videos to friends but they’ll also be able to access websites and upload images and videos online. Having unfettered access to the internet exposes children to many risks including cyberbullying, online grooming and inappropriate content.

Many believe devices are also quickly changing the nature of childhood.

Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books and hanging out with family is being overtaken by hours of snap chatting, instagramming, and catching up on You Tube.

Having open and honest conversations with your child about their online world. Finding out what they like doing and getting involved.

• Using a child-friendly search engine and setting their user account to only follow sites which you’ve deemed safe.

• Checking age-limits on games, websites and apps, especially ones that have a social media element.

• Checking that online accounts are password protected and ensuring that your children are not putting out personal information online. If they do have a social media profile ensure they are only accepting requests from friends and request that you or someone you both trust follows them to keep abreast of their online activity.

In considering the move to a smartphone for your child it may help to consider the following options: •

If you believe your child needs to be able to get in touch with you, Ofcom advises using a basic handset. These are still readily available

•

If you are keen to keep your child’s internet access contained to the supervised home environment, then tablet-usage can be easier to monitor.

•

If you think your kids are ready for their own smartphone, pick up a childfriendly model. For example, devices like the monqi allow parents to set limits on data, calls, screen time and disapprove a game or app, all remotely via a parental app.

For more reviews of child friendly smart phones visit www.internetmatters.org & for information on internet safety for children visit www.net-aware.org.uk

Families Newcastle Gateshead 11

Open Stages Drama Courses

Clubs & classes Arts, Crafts, Creative & Technology Canny Crafty Ceramic Painting, Gosforth Specialising in Paint Your Own Pottery and craft workshops we hope to bring fun, enjoyment and a sense of achievement to both children and adults as well as the benefits that a creative activity can have on us all. info@ cannycraftynewcastle.co.uk / 0191 2845746

Fun Little Foodies, area wide Fun educational cookery classes for little chefs aged 2-12 years old. Weekly preschool, after school & holiday classes in North Tyneside, Northumberland & Newcastle. Each class lasts an hour & includes a story, craft activity & recipe card. Also offering School/Nursery workshops & parties. For more information please find us on Facebook/Instagram Fun Little Foodies, Fun Little Foodies Northumberland South, Fun Little Foodies Newcastle East & Fun Little Foodies Gosforth & Ponteland. www.funlittlefoodies.co.uk

Inspired Pots, Hexham Our main aim is to provide a friendly & relaxed environment in which anyone, regardless of age or ability, can create their own unique work of art. This is an activity that can be truly enjoyed by all - children, teens & adults alike.

Come & view our wide range of ceramics.

There is sure to be an item or two to suit your taste. www.inspiredpots.co.uk

Turpentyne Fine Art, Gosforth Turpentyne has classes on weekdays after school and Saturdays during term time and also in the school holidays we offer week long morning and afternoon workshops. www.turpentyne.com

Performing Drama Course, Theatre Royal Based in Newcastle, our 10-week drama & writing courses are suitable for anyone and cost £65. We have classes for all ages, all delivered from within the theatre, in one of our dedicated workshop spaces. Classes for: 5 – 7 years; 8 – 11 years and 12 – 15 years.

08448 112121

12 Families Newcastle Gateshead

DanceCity, Newcastle Dance City is a vibrant & friendly place where people come together to take part, enjoy, experience & talk about dance. We offer over 65 weekly classes in more than 40 different styles of dance - open to all ages & for absolute beginners as well as more experienced dancers. From contemporary to hip hop, ballet to ballroom, belly dancing to Pilates, from bumps to babies & for adults with learning disabilities - our classes are an excellent way to stay fit & healthy, learn new skills, have fun and meet new people. www.dancecity.co.uk

Day8 Theatre School, North Shields The Youth Theatre aims to use drama, dance & singing to facilitate skills progression & an understanding of key stagecraft elements.

These fun, games-based sessions will promote team building, confidence in self-expression in addition to furthering interpersonal skills through dynamic & accessible drama work.

There are opportunities to perform at The Exchange. Free taster session and enrolment anytime throughout the year. Classes for 5 – 11 years and 11 – 18 years. 0191 258 4111

Day8 Contemporary Dance N Shields FREE PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN- PLEASE CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION. Come & join Beverley Knight our resident Choreographer for an enjoyable hour-long session where she will teach a wide variety of dance & techniques in a welcoming environment; there will be performance opportunities too. Free taster session and enrolment anytime throughout the year.

0191 258 4111

Famous 4.15 Performing Arts, Gosforth Our classes are held on Saturdays during term time at Gosforth Civic Theatre next to the Regent Centre in Gosforth. We teach singing, dancing and drama. But really, we do a lot more than that. www.famous415.co.uk

First Feet Dance, Wylam Offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Street Dance & Musical Theatre. We are a performance-based company who offer our students unique performance opportunities. www.feet-first-dance.co.uk

Lee Brannigan Performing Arts At the Lee Brannigan Performing Arts Academy we pride ourselves on giving first class training & fun classes, for pupils to gain confidence & improve their stage ability. Classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Freestyle, Lyrical and Gymnastics. We take children from the age of 4+ for Dance classes and from the age of 6 -18 for Musical Theatre classes. bluebelltheatrepro@outlook.com

Weekly drama session for ages 5-7, 8-11 & 12-15 in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

Open Stages is a great way for young people aged between 5-15, who enjoy being creative, to meet new friends, share ideas, learn new skills & have lots of fun making a performance.

0191 230 5151

Razzamataz, Newcastle Razzamataz Newcastle is proud to put the welfare of its students at the heart of everything it does. Each child will receive first class tuition in a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing. We pride ourselves in providing affordable part-time performing arts training for children and young people and giving them access to some of the most talented performers through specialist workshops and masterclasses. www. newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk

Pre-School ARTventurers, area wide Award winning, colourful, creative (often messy) art classes for babies, toddlers & children. Various locations. www.artventurers.co.uk

Babyballet, area wide Tots 6 – 18 mths, Tinies for 18mths – 3 yrs, Movers 3-4 yrs, Groovers 4-6 yrs & Tappers ages 3+. Classes in a wide range of locations throughout Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland. www.babyballet.co.uk

Baby Sensory, Northumberland From birth to 13 months, we hold separate sessions for birth to 6 months and 7 months to 13 months. The Baby Development activities stimulate the senses and help your baby develop. northumberland@babysensory.co.uk

Diddikicks, Newcastle & Gateshead Award winning football coaching classes for 18 months-5 years. From the moment you walk in, we’re there to guide your little one through their own Diddikicks story, helping them grow, every week, feeling an inch taller. www.diddikicks.co.uk

Gym Tots, Mowden Hall, Newton The sessions have been designed to develop children’s motor skills, agility, balance, and co-ordination. For children 18 months to 4 years. PAY AS YOU GO! £4.50 per session. dfgriffith@mowdenhall.co.uk

Jittabugs, North Tyneside Here at Jittabugs we love to move & groove, jump and jive, wiggle and jiggle & a tip tap toe, come on join the boogie, just give it a go! www.bookwhen.com/jittabugsnorthtyneside familiesonline.co.uk

Hartbeeps, area wide Our bouncy, interactive baby development class focuses on early language acquisition.

Every class is a fun-filled adventure through Baby Land with wacky characters, lighting effects, cool props that you won’t see anywhere else. The class is set to a funky soundtrack of original baby songs, remixed nursery rhymes & lullabies. From the everyday to the truly spectacular, everything we do in Baby Beeps is magical. www.hartbeeps.com

Sports and Movement Lee Sterry Sports Coaching Lee Sterry’s Sports’ Coaching offers a wide range of sports coaching activities for boys & girls from the age 3 - 14 years. Lee and his staff specialise in football but also provide basic moves tuition, multi skills development, speed agility, quickness and dance. www.ls-sc.co.uk

Musicella, Jesmond & Gosforth A musical session, using fun, simple rhymes & songs, props & percussion. Subtly developing musical concepts from a very early age. Live singing, keyboard, Uke and guitar, limited use of recorded tracks.

07957 064746 / musicellavh@gmail.com

Music & Movement, Hexham The Hexham charity Music & Movement has been providing fun-filled educational classes for pre-school children for more than 35 years. They help to develop imagination, creativity & confidence in young children, whilst also assisting with language & movement skills & spatial awareness. The classes mix contemporary & traditional songs, some with a new slant. www.musicmovement.weebly.com

Rhythm Time, Newcastle & South Tyneside Rhythm Time offers multi-sensory music classes for little ones right from birth to 3.5 years. Our fun & stimulating classes are specially designed to help your baby or toddler’s development through a huge variety of class activities. We will stimulate all their senses while they become more social, confident and independent, meeting lots of other little ones. www.rhythmtime.net

Tree Tots, Bedlington Each week we deliver Forest School sessions.

Sessions include cooking & stories around the campfire, woodland activities, mini-beasts & bug hunting, river-play & pond dipping, safe fun outdoor free play with lots of mud & much more. If you would like to go wild in the woods & make some fantastic memories with your toddlers & pre-school children, then come & join us. info@footprintsonthemoon.co.uk

Tumbletots Tumbletots is the UK’s leading national active physical play programme for children aged 6 months to 7 years. It is designed to develop your child’s skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and sense of self confidence, as well as significantly enhancing brain development. michelle.lee@tumbletots.com familiesonline.co.uk

Everyone Active Swimming, Washington All of our lessons are delivered by Swim England qualified teachers. The students work towards the Swim England Award Scheme badges and certificates, collecting them at every stage. Our lessons start for children as young as 4 months old and are available for all ages. They run for 50 weeks of the year and you can join at any time. www.everyoneactive.com

Nemo Swimming, area wide

Little Kickers, North East A national network of informal yet professionally run training classes where enthusiastic boys & girls (18 months - 7th birthday) are given a helping hand to stand on their own two feet. The real goal of Little Kickers is to use football as a fun forum to instil our growing squad with a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie; which we feel will stand them in very good stead for the future. Classes across the NE & more being added all the time.

01914066224 / jtemple@littlekickers.co.uk

Parklands Golf Junior Academy In conjunction with the Golf Foundation and England Golf we are delivering the Passport to Golf scheme for children. The golf passport is a national golf programme for young people. It includes progressive levels and targets for technique, rules and etiquette. www.parklandsgolf.co.uk / 0191 236 3322

Singing Babies, Hexham & Horsley Classes are aimed at new-born to walking age and so the songs are choreographed to entertain and catch the attention of the very young. Once your child is too old to join in at Singing Babies classes then they can graduate on to Squeaky Feet! Classes suitable up to pre-school age. www.singingbabies.co.uk

Swimming

Rugby Tots Our dynamic weekly sessions enable boys & girls aged 2-7 to develop their social & physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm & excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents & children alike. Our classes are split into 3 age ranges; 2-3.5 yrs, 3.5-5 yrs & 5-7 yrs. www.rugbytots.co.uk / suzi@rugbytots.co.uk

Tynedale Tennis Club, Hexham Our members enjoy tennis at all levels, ranging from infants of 4 to super-vets of 74+. We welcome all abilities and ages whether you are new to tennis and just fancy giving it a try, or want to play social tennis occasionally, or you are a seasoned player looking for competitive tennis. Come and experience our great facilities and friendly atmosphere. info@tynedaletennisclub.co.uk

We provide fun, rewarding and structured swimming classes for children aged 0-4 years old. Designed to promote safety within the water, we use games, repetition and play, to boost your child’s confidence while swimming. www.nemoswimming.co.uk

Puddleducks, area wide Our Baby & Pre-school programme is a wonderful bonding experience. Progressive lesson plans instil a water confidence and a love of swimming whilst our nurturing teachers tailor activities to your child’s abilities and needs. Taught in lovely warm pools with a maximum of ten children, our classes incorporate rhyme, music and movement based on extensive child development research. www.puddleducks.com

Swim Academy, area wide Brought to you by the experts at Puddle Ducks.

Swimming is a journey, not a destination and here at Swim Academy, we learn and have fun all the way! As experts in teaching babies, toddlers and pre-school children to swim, we have this unique insight into child development and have integrated our findings into Swim Academy, our programme for 4-10-year olds. www.puddleducks.com

SwimNE, Newcastle, North & South Tyneside Whether it’s group or private sessions, SwimNE offer a wide range of swimming lessons to children aged 4 (and in reception) and above. www.swimne.co.uk

Swimtime North East, area wide We provide a relaxed learning atmosphere and lessons that are fun, whatever age or stage our pupils are at. Classes for children aged 0 -16.

0191 501 6261

Waterbabies, area wide Do you want to take part in a class which promotes bonding between parent & baby?

Do you want to teach your child vital lifelong safety skills? Do you want to embrace the natural aquatic instincts that your baby was born with? Well then jump in - we welcome you to the magical watery world of Water Babies. Classes are for 0-4 years. www.waterbabies.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 13

Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!

14 Sep – Washington

Washington Carnival

What’s On? ‘til 4 Sep – Life Science Centre

Game on 2.0

Game On 2.0 explores the vibrant history, culture & future of gaming, entertainment & technology through more than 150 playable games. Visitors can play a range of games from arcade classics to modern favourites, including fun party games, such as Rock Band 3.

The exhibition also explores the latest developments in gaming, including how virtual reality is creating ever-more immersive gaming experiences. Game On 2.0 is included with admission to Life Science Centre.

Other visit highlights include the planetarium show Alien Worlds, the new Science Theatre show Super Hero Science and the thrilling 4D Motion Ride Ravine Race.

‘till 14 Sep – Kynren

An Epic Tale of England

Watch legends come to life in a thrilling tale told on an epic scale – 2,000 years in the making. This multiaward-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family. New for 2019, experience the year of the Viking.

Visit the new Viking Village pre-show and witness an epic ‘Viking Attack’ full of new stunts.

‘til 22 Sep – Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend

Borderline Funny

Borderline Funny is a new exhibition exploring the depiction of ancient Rome’s great northern frontier of Hadrian’s Wall in cartoons. It is the first time an exhibition dedicated to cartoons about Hadrian’s Wall has been shown. Featuring Roman era graffiti, cartoons from the 19c - 21c, some funny, some satirical, including new original work produced for the exhibition referencing contemporary topics such as Brexit and US politics.

Also featuring are works of the late Roger Oram, who produced the Arbeia Society magazine, and many other cartoon works imagining life on Hadrian’s Wall.

‘til 6 Oct – Great North Museum

Dippy on Tour!

The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast ‘Dippy’ is at the Great North Museum: Hancock. Dippy lived in London for over 100 years. The full skeleton is 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide & 4.25 metres high.

FREE entry but advance booking strongly advised at www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/dippy-on-tour

14 Families Newcastle Gateshead

‘til 12 Oct – South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

More than a Game

This FREE exhibition explores stories of players & fans from the early days & up to the present day, from the famous, to the local & unsung heroes of the game in South Tyneside. South Shields Football Club (SSFC) will feature prominently in the exhibition - 2019 is the club’s centenary year of Football League membership – charting the Mariners’ evolution since its origins in 1888 through to the legendary FA Vase victory in 2017, & the club’s ongoing development & ambitions today. As well as SSFC & Hebburn Town FC the many amateur teams of the Borough’s yesteryear will also be celebrated, from works’ teams including Reyrolle & Westoe Colliery, through to church & school teams. Tel 0191 2115599.

‘til 31 Oct – Stephenson Railway Museum

Heritage Train Rides

Every Sun & Bank Holiday Mon. Take a four-mile return trip following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in our 1950s passenger carriages. Prices from £4 children/£6 adults, pay once - ride all day. No booking required. Tel 0191 2007146.

‘til 31 Dec – Hatton Gallery

Art Cart

Drop-in Family Fun! Get creative with the Hatton’s Art Cart! Full of help-yourself art activities for families to do together. Free activity but donations welcome. Tel 0191 2226059.

‘til 29 Mar 2020 – Discovery Museum

Brilliant Bricks

This exhibition, built by LEGO® creator Steve Mayes, highlights what the North has done for the world through 45 intricate models, using 50,000 mini bricks. See how many of these northern innovations you recognise in this 3D timeline, which features everything from the Geordie Lamp, Stephenson’s Rocket and Turbinia through to the futuristic Hyperloop. Don’t forget to look for the real-life Geordie inventions around the museum.

A fun free family event! Begins with a parade through Concord at 9:40am. Carnival 10am-4pm. Funfair, gokarts, heritage exhibitions, crafts & activities, character visits, vintage vehicles, outdoor sports, face-painting, food & drink and much more. Many activities free of charge! Fun for all the family.

14 – 15 Sep – Ryhope Engine Museum, Sunderland

Heritage Open Day

Visit the fabulous Ryhope Engine Museum for its annual steam weekend. Take the opportunity for a tour round the engine house to see the beam engines in operation.

14 - 15 Sep – Head of Steam, Darlington

Heritage Open Day

Come along and enjoy FREE access to the Head of Steam museum as we participate in the national Heritage Open Days! Talk to some of our railway heritage groups about the work that they do and how

15 Sep – Stephenson Railway Museum

Heritage Open Day

FREE train rides on the day. Take a four-mile return trip following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in our 1950s passenger carriages. First departure at 11.30am, last departure at 3pm.

21 Sep & 19 Oct – 10am – 12pm – Exhibition Park

British Cycling Let’s Ride Pop Up

For trying something new. For cycling a mile or two.

For Everyone. Come and join us at Exhibition Park for a free taster of all things cycling in Newcastle! Whether you want to ride for fun or fitness, this free monthly pop up event gives you the chance to ride a traffic free cycle circuit as many times as you want, at a pace that suits you. The event is open to all ages and abilities and the circuit is easy to ride, with volunteers on hand throughout, ensuring peace of mind and safety for all cyclists. For those wanting to take things up a gear, local ride leaders and breeze champions will be there on the day to tell you more about other cycling opportunities in Newcastle. For more information visit www.letsride.co.uk

7 & 21 Sep – WWT Washington

29 Sep – Sunderland

Learn more about the diverse wild bird species that live at WWT with the help of our volunteer hide guide.

Fledglings can play birdwatching games, designed to teach beginners about bird identification in a fun way.

Join us with your friends and family for a fabulous FREE event. The parade leaves Sunderland Civic Centre at 12.30pm, heading to Park Lane Village for live acts from 1pm to 6pm.

12 – 15 Sep – Beamish Museum

11 – 31 Oct – Lintz Hall Farm

We are hosting the annual Agricultural show, recreating a typical country show from the early 1900s. This event forms part of the month-long Festival of Agriculture, which celebrates the agricultural and rural heritage of the North East of England. Why not compete in with our Agricultural Show? Entry is free and there are certificates and rosettes up for grabs! Application forms will be available closer to the event.

Psycho Path presents Fear ground, the North East’s biggest scream park. Bigger, better, scarier and altogether more terrifying than befoe…This year, we have no less than 4 scare attractions over 700 acres of farmland. Psycho Path is back again, plus the all new Psycho City, iScream and Anarchy Arcade. Can you last the night? NOT FOR CHILDREN. Children aged 13 – 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Guide in a Hide

Agricultural Show

Pride

Psycho Path: Fear Ground

familiesonline.co.uk

12 – 13 Oct – Alnwick Castle

Zooted Jesters Show

Experience fun filled family entertainment, suitable for aristocracy of Northumberland, with this eccentric duo’s side-splitting theatrical performance of visual and verbal comedy! Harking from a period when comedy was uncomplicated and well, let’s say… simple, Baldwin the Fool and Godfrey Pugh never fail to delight audiences with their brilliant blend of medieval mischief and slapstick comedy. These jesters replicate entertainment as it would have been performed to the old courts of days gone by, when chivalry was the order of the day and valiant knights fought one another to defend their honour!

19 – 31 Oct – Brockbushes Farm

Halloween!

Our famous Halloween event is back! Come and get well and truly spooked at Brockbushes this ½ term!

19, 20, 26, 27 & 31 Oct – Lintz Hall Farm

Family Fear Ground

Expect a fun day out for the whole family. We very much encourage fancy dress for all attending, but not essential. Daily prizes and giveaways will be awarded to those who go the extra mile! With something for everyone, we’ve planned scares appropriate for age groups between 1 – 12 years of age. Your ticket gives you access to a whole new world of Halloween adventure.

24–31 Oct – 6pm -7.30pm - Seven Stories

Ghost Tour

The Seven Stories building is over 150 years old and has been many things; from a steam powered flax mill to a wine merchant’s store. The people who worked there have long since gone…or have they? This Halloween take a tour with our very own spiritualist, Madame Arfarti who will reach out to the “other side” in a bid to meet past residents as well as giving insight into the history of the building and the Ouseburn Valley. 90-minute tour suitable for children aged 8+ and their families.

Theatre 4 – 5 Sep – The Forum Theatre, Billingham

In the Night Garden Live

Join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends for a brand-new show on their first ever UK theatre tour in 2019!

8 Sep – 5pm - Crook Hall Gardens

Theatre in the Gardens: Wind in the Willows Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and the unstoppable Mr Toad as Attic Door arrive into town with their acclaimed production of Wind in the Willows. This band of merry friends will take you on an hour-long adventure from the sleepy Riverside to the Chaos of Toad Hall, featuring songs, puppets and lots to join in and laugh along with, it’s the perfect treat for all of the family. Bring along your own seating.

Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With Join Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins as he tours theatres throughout the UK with his insightful and at times hilarious live show. ‘Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With’ provides a rare opportunity for fans to see the five-time Olympic Gold medalist and Tour De France winner share exclusive tales, prized memorabilia and career highlights in a unique and intimate live setting.

20 Oct – Middlesborough Theatre

Stick Man

Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s STICK MAN is back! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This awardwinning production, from the team behind Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, Tabby McTat and Zog features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. All ages welcome!

Singalonga The Greatest Showman

Halloween Trail & Pumpkin carving

Follow a spooky indoor trail to claim a prize then put your pumpkin carving skills to the test. Will yours be funny, cute or scary? You choose! Children of all ages are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Education Room upstairs from the shop. Price: £3

30 – 31 Oct – Crook Hall Gardens, Durham

Children’s Halloween

Come along to our spooky children’s Halloween event this October. Hunt the gardens for toe curling clues in our treasure hunt, visit witches in their haunted attic room, spot our resident ghost at the window and join us for ghost stories by the Moat Pool. Pre-booking is essential. familiesonline.co.uk

The Gingerbread Witch

Anders and Aurora stumble across an enchanted object and find themselves in the middle of an adventure!

Young twins, Anders (who is deaf) and Aurora (who is hearing) share a very special bond. They live in an old and mystical Scottish village called Oban, where people are kind and friendly but have very little to spare.

Children have been mysteriously disappearing from the village for many years, until one day, Anders and Aurora stumble across an enchanted object, and find themselves in the middle of an adventure… Can they solve the riddle of the missing children? And will the strength of their bond defy the odds? All performances are British Sign Language interpreted.

28 Sep – 7pm - Tyne Theatre & Opera House

24 Oct – Whitley Bay Playhouse

25 – 26 Oct – Souter Lighthouse

25 & 26 Oct – Northern Stage

Singalonga Productions, producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga GREASE brings you their newest show, the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing. Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zach Efron and hiss Rebecca Ferguson (… or maybe not) as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible - with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud and proud as you want. Our live host will teach everyone a unique set of dance moves, show you how to use our interactive prop bags, and also get you to practice your cheers, your boos and even a few wolf whistles. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.

YOU the audience will rewrite the stars!

29 – 30 Oct – Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Tabby McTat

Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar. Together they sing their favourite songs delighting the crowds, until one day Fred disappears. Separated and alone, Tabby finds shelter and a new life with all the home comforts that any cat could dream of. However, memories of his life with Fred haunt him, and he sets off to search the streets for his long-lost friend. From the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Zog, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tabby McTat is a heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty interwoven with original songs and a sprinkling of magic. Suitable for children and families of all ages.

2 Nov – Gosforth Civic Theatre

The Body Snatcher

Something is rotten in the town of Inglenook. Sour milk, unread post, dogs howling day and night, the locals are vanishing...seemingly into thin air. As fear haunts the remaining few, a young scientist is disturbed by a noise underground. It’s the sound of terror, and it’s getting louder. The Body Snatcher is an unnerving experience inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s hair-raising horror: live action, music and storytelling combine in a tale of mystery, morality, and science unhinged. No body is safe... Suitable for ages 9+.

Families Newcastle Gateshead 15

Hamsterley Forest

Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail New for Autumn 2019!

Explore, play and discover the fun of the great outdoors with our exciting family activities this autumn at Hamsterley Forest!

To celebrate the release of ‘A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’, we’ll be hosting a very special trail from 1 October 2019 at Hamsterley Forest Centre! Shaun needs your help with a secret mission. Lu-La, a mischievous young alien has been stranded in the forest! Can you figure out the clues along the trail to help Lu-La get home?

For more information Call 01388 488312 forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest

forestryengland.uk