Your local family magazine County Durham SUMMER 2010 Exclusive Interviews FREE

Loads of Jamie Oliver Competitions &

Sportacus Offers

Carrie & David Grant

Summer Activities helping you make the most of family life www.getsetkids.co.uk FeRRyhiLL & SeDgeFieLD Extended Services Parent Support in Schools

Extended Services help to provide integrated support for all school age children and their families. One of the main areas of support is parenting. Advice and support include, Transition from school to school, Access to Parent groups and Specialised Support .

Transition The PSA can support you and your child with the transition of moving up to junior and secondary school. We can provide support with topics such as integration into school, familiarising with the school, homework, bullying, attendance; this can be delivered through one to one support and workshops. For more information on moving up contact Lorna or Dominique for Ferryhill & Chilton and Charlene for Sedgefield area.

Advice and Support The PSA can work in partnership with your family and be the link between school and other professionals to identify and help you with early signs of your child’s social, emotional, health and behavioural issues. We provide advice in areas such as behaviour management, routine setting, bullying, bereavement, debt advice, housing, family and adult learning. For more information contact Lorna or Dominique for Ferryhill & Chilton and Charlene for Sedgefield area.

Access to Parent groups Coffee Morning Parent Group, Thursday 9.30-11.30am Ferryhill Station Sure Start Term time only. All parents and carers welcome please come along to a session or ring for more information' contact Lorna or Dominique for Ferryhill & Chilton.

Strengthening Families, Nurturing parenting programme, Freedom (Domestic Violence) courses are run regularly in Ferryhill, Chilton and Sedgefield area. For more information contact Lorna or Dominique for Ferryhill & Chilton and Charlene for Sedgefield area.

Specialised Support The PSA can help you identify services to help with your child’s additional needs and can be the link between your families and professionals to make the process easier. For more information contact Lorna or Dominique for Ferryhill & Chilton and Charlene for Sedgefield area.

Dominique Bradley Lorna Wearmouth Parent Support Adviser Parent Support Adviser [email protected] [email protected] 07903231837 07771371388

Anthony Brownbridge Charlene Redhead Extended Services Parent Support Adviser Development Officer [email protected] [email protected] 07919299340 07534494296

GET SET KIDS 2 Hello !... as I write this soaking up the sunshine in my OWN garden, (dare I say?!) Summer is shaping up to be a promising one!

Whether you’re looking for a day out with the kids or are spending your family holiday on home soil, (check out p39 Destination-Alnwick), this issue provides plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of family life this summer. With this at heart, we’ve brought together some of our families’ favourite places to visit and the pick of the bunch of experiences and days out throughout our region. As seasoned British Summer-timers we’ve included venues for those inevitable days when the weather isn’t so great too. PS Check out p53, for details of our Charity Ladies Night, an event to reward hard working Mummies, Our Events Calendar on p27-29 is bursting with Grannies, Nans etc. (note; we know you Daddies and activity and with a continually updated version at grandpas work hard too – but this one’s for the www.getsetkids.co.uk , even more events, is at your ladies!) Tickets are on sale with limited availability so fingertips to breeze through July, August and further please get yours quick!! listings are available for September also. **Multiple copies? – Please pass one to a friend** We have our usual abundance of offers and competitions and the wonderful TFM Wake up with in this issue... ‘have a coffee on us’, Wayne team, (see p 54 for Wayne’s grilling from Amy), will be supporting us running more summer smoothie recipe - free child competitions throughout the Summer months. The entry, car parking and other money breakfast show airs weekdays between 6am-10am saving vouchers (whenever you wake up!) ALSO WIN..WIN..WIN.. family tickets, first All of this together with informative articles, including Sun sense, first aid for children and road aid kit, Sunuva clothing and beach bags, safety, plus exclusive interviews with Jamie Oliver, Family leisure 6 months membership, Carrie & David Grant and Sportacus (how exciting!) Sunshine family photo shoot, Signed will hopefully provide Get Set Kids readers with an photographs, books, cds and more! all round essential guide and good read for Summer 2010. Some of us are trying camping in the UK for the first time so please keep your fingers crossed the rain clouds are having a vacation of their own! We’ll be back in Autumn when our cherubs return to Front cover photography courtesy of Photography school. So whether you’re trying something new or for Little People. packing up your picnic basket and heading for the park, have a FUN and SAFE SUMMER!!! Designed and printed by K&M Print, 106 Church Lane, Ferryhill, County Durham DL12 9PJ tel. 01740 651501 Let the Sun shine on! © Copyright Get Set Kids Magazine 2009 No part of this publication may be reproduced, either in part Emma Ord & Allison Mendelsohn or as a whole without prior written consent. Editors We take great care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine and all advertisers are accepted in good faith. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or guarantee any of the products, services or businesses featured. GET SET KIDS 3 Win TiCkeTS TO The nORTh eAST’S Newest Day Out!

It’s all so exciting! The North East now has a brand new family day out, Adventure Valley and to celebrate we have 10 family tickets to give away! Open every day this Summer, Adventure Valley is easy to reach from Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington and of course, their base town of Durham.

Comprising six action packed play zones (with 3 undercover) you’ll discover the very best family adventures, animal fun and indoor play at this brand new attraction.

Outside; zoom along zip wires, race friends on the go karts, whoosh down slide stampede and pan for gold. Whilst inside, let off steam within the giant Indoor Play Town (huge at over 12,000 sq feet ), meet the cutest and friendliest of animals in the The FarmYard and get involved with sand and hay play in the Busy Bees Barn. Plus daily, there’s scheduled animal activities to get you even closer, including the very different and novel hand washing of Boris the Pig!

A visit would not be complete at Adventure Valley, however, without a visit to The Café Italia. From tasty cappuccinos to delicious panini’s and pizzas, fresh from the pizza oven, it‘s all so tempting. On sunny days, you can also relax on the sun terrace. Bellissimo!

Plus with extra special events throughout the Summer Holiday, you’d be mad to miss it!

Adventure Valley is located in Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG. Entry costs are £5.95 for children and £7.95 for adults which includes access to all the 6 Play Zones (including the Indoor Play Town), a tractor and trailer ride and all the scheduled daily animal activities.

Visit www.adventurevalley.co.uk for more information or call 0191 386 8291.

To win tickets to Adventure Valley, all you have to do is answer the following question and enter online at GetSetKids.co.uk or send to ADVENTURE VALLEY COMPETITION, PO Box178, Newton Aycliffe DL3 9AQ. (not forgetting to include name, address & tel no.) Closing date Monday 9th August 2010. how many Zones of action packed fun will you find at Adventure Valley?

A. One B. Three C. Six

GET SET KIDS ! 4 nATiOnAL TRUST stages its first ever music festival The National Trust is set to host a music festival in the stunning grounds of Gibside, near Gateshead, this August. The Green Phoenix Festival is being organised by a company working with the Trust and their tenant farmer to put on the first ever overnight camping and music festival on Trust land.

The festival takes place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd August. Aimed at families, entertainment will come in the form of a cabaret and circus, live music, spoken word, outdoor aerial and fire performances, discussions, debates and demonstrations all with a sustainable and family friendly focus and powered by renewable energy.

The Green Phoenix Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all things green whilst having an amazing experience without travelling hundreds of miles to get to it if you’re based in the North East. It’s a flamboyant family affair in a beautiful historic garden.

The site is fully licensed for camping and will have stalls, cafes serving delicious and healthy food and bars selling organic ales, local brews and ethical cocktails. There will also be a luxury yurt village with beautiful traditional and contemporary furnished yurts and squrts (mini-yurts) provided by Cloudhouses from Allendale.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now for £99 per adult, £45 for young people (aged 12-17 years) and children under 12 can go free. To buy tickets or for more information log onto www.greenphoenixfestival.org.uk Photograph by Cloudhouse GET SET KIDS 5 Wild Cats Out of School Care And Holiday Club Places now available and bookings open for summer holidays email: [email protected] tel: 01325 329506

email: [email protected] tel: 01325 329506

Caring for babies and children up to 5 yrs

GET SET KIDS 6 LOVeLy LiTTLe CUBS and Wonderful Wild Cats! My lovely Little Cub Isaac started nursery a few months ago at Xcel Centre, aged 1 ¾. Having not been to nursery previously I was a bit apprehensive and so was he but I needn’t have worried. After a few sessions he was skipping through the door waving and shouting “bye bye mummy” and he now loves going to play with his friends. The purpose built nursery is light, bright and airy with lots of outdoor areas and the team are great, really giving me the confidence to know my boy is in safe hands. My wonderful Wild Cat Jake has been attending the holiday club since it opened. I usually try to book some time off work in the holidays but at half term when I mentioned it Jake said “but mum I want to go to Wild Cats, they do such cool things”! - a great testimonial from a very active 7 year old.

The other plus point to taking your kids to either Little Cubs or Wild Cats is when you’ve dropped them off you can pop into Jacksons Coffee Shop for a Starbucks coffee, a lovely cake or, a great new addition, an Archer’s ice cream – and on a lovely day you can now enjoy all this al fresco in the new outdoor seating area.

Allison Mendelson

We’d like to know how you spent your Summer! Tell us the days out your families enjoy - email us at [email protected] or write to us at PO Box 178 newton Aycliffe DL3 9AQ.

GET SET KIDS 7 A change of government naturally brings with it an element of uncertainty to people’s lives, and our recent election result is no different, with the issues of job security, economic stability and changes to public services already being discussed.

To help parents through difficult circumstances Pat Ball, a single parent and insurance broker, established Nurseryplan, a service which can offer income protection to parents with young families - who are faced with challenging times.

Nurseryplan can give parents peace of mind that if their financial circumstances unexpectedly change, through issues such as redundancy, injury or ill health that they’ll be insured for up to £1,500 per month or 50% of their income, whichever is the lesser, for up to 12 months – tax free.

Many parents rely on nursery care, and Nurseryplan will step in and cover fees should the unexpected happen. Pat Ball says: “With the average cost of daycare in England now around £8,000 a year, it can be reassuring, that for the price of a large coffee each week, parents can have income protection to help them with everyday bills, as well as a service which offers them peace of mind that their child’s learning won’t be disrupted.”

Nurseryplan has already worked to support many parents throughout the country with one parent, Sandra Lee, commenting that: ‘Nurseryplan really is value for money. Unlike with other insurance offerings, Nurseryplan isn’t just about insuring items, such as your house or car, it’s about protecting your family’s stability and your child’s education should something bad happen – and for a few pounds a week, we think it’s worth the investment.’

For more information as to how Nurseryplan can support you, visit: www.nurseryplan.co.uk

GET SET KIDS 8 NEW OPENING TIMES at Heighington Pre-school

As from September 2010 Heighington Pre-school will be extending their opening times. The Pre- school will be open from 9.00am – 12 noon every week day during the school term. Also, thanks to funding secured by the Early Years team of Darlington Borough Council we will have a new secure outside play area for the children to play.

Heighington Pre-school has been based in Heighington Village Hall for the last 12 years and staff are very excited about the new outside play area. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Village Hall Committee for helping this project come to fruition.

Heighington pre-school provides an excellent welcoming and stimulating environment for children aged 3 – 4 yrs, helping the children to flourish and learn, giving them an excellent introduction to their learning and development. We use the outside facilities of Heighington Primary School, along with the facilities on Heighington Sports/Village field. We are a committee run charity, so partnership with parents/carers is high on our agenda.

If you would like further information, or would like to put your child’s name on the waiting list please feel free to call in during term time or contact us on 07845 980151, Email: [email protected]

Butchers shop, bakery, local produce We have excellent fresh produce daily Farm Cafe with Outdoor seating Relax as we tempt you with our home- made delicacies Zero food miles here at Broom Mill Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm BROOM MILL FARM WeST AUCkLAnD Meet the Animals COUnTy DURhAM DL14 9PJ Children’s Play Area 01388 834564 [email protected] working water wheel www.broommillfarm.co.uk

GET SET KIDS 9 Jamie Oliver talks to Get Set Kids Get Set Kids have been extremely lucky to interview Jamie Oliver. He liked the magazine and the ethos behind it so much he found time in his hectic schedule to answer our questions and send us a signed copy of his Jamie Does book. He’s very family oriented, passionate about family life and encouraging families to introduce as wide a variety of healthy foods into daily life as possible, giving kids a great start on the road to a lifetime interest in good food. We don’t think he needs much more of an introduction so hope you enjoy these questions and answers and make sure you enter the competition to win a signed book from Jamie. Watch out for the second part of this interview in our autumn issue.

At what age did you start to be interested in cooking and what/who was your inspiration? I started getting interested when I was about six. I grew up in a pub – The Cricketers which my dad still runs and still cooks at and so I was always surrounded by food and smells of food and cooking. My dad never gave me pocket money – he said I had to earn it, so as soon as I could I was helping out in the kitchen, washing vegetables and earning a few pennies.

if you hadn’t been a chef what would you have been? I was rubbish in school because I am dyslexic so I found the more academic subjects a struggle. Even now, I find it hard to read a book – I just fall asleep after about 10 pages. But one of the things I loved at school was woodwork and so I did have a dream to be a carpenter when I grew up.

Did your own school dinners inspire you to start the school dinner campaign? Not really. My school dinners were alright. The thing that really inspired school dinners was having kids of my own and wondering what they would eat at school and then worrying about what everyone else’s kids would eat at school.

What was your favourite and least favourite part of school? My favourite part was woodwork and break time, like most kids. I didn’t really have a least favourite part. Even the lessons that I wasn’t good at I didn’t not enjoy them because I was with my mates in the lowest set! Photograph by Chris Terry how did you become a television chef and how has that changed your life? I was working at The River Cafe, which is a brilliant Italian restaurant in London, and I had the day off but I got a call asking if I could come in because one of the other chefs was ill. So I went in and there was a TV documentary crew making a show. They ended up filming me quite a bit and then when the show was on TV there was loads of me on it – so much that all my mates took the mickey out of me. But then I started getting loads of phone calls from other TV companies wanting to work with me and The Naked Chef series came out of that. is there still room for improvement in school dinners in primary schools and how do you think this can be achieved? Absolutely. I said back in 2005 that it would take 10 years and it may take GET SET KIDS 10 even longer. A lot has been achieved but there are still a lot of dinner ladies who haven’t been trained, a lot of dining halls which need to be made more attractive places to eat – some schools still have problems managing to feed all the kids in the short lunch break. But things are much better than they used to be..

What is your favourite food? I’m always asked this and I really don’t have a good answer because I eat loads of different things and so my favourites change all the time. I love chillies so anything spicy usually pleases me. how do you and Jools combine family life with such a hectic schedule? Jools is a stay-at- home mum and she loves it and she’s brilliant at it so she looks after the kids during the week while I’m working and then I take over at the weekends – cooking, playing, dancing. I also make sure that we have a lot of holiday time together.

Do you have any pets? Only chickens.

What would be your ideal family day out? Just anywhere that we can be together as a family and have a relaxed, fun time. WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN TTo win a signed Jamie Oliver book just answer the following question: What was the name of Jamie's first TV series?

enter via the website at www.getsetkids.co.uk or post to get Set kids, PO Box 178, newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ Closing Date 31 August 2010

Let Jamie at Home treat the kids this summer

Amusing the children throughout the summer holidays can prove expensive, whether it’s paying for kids clubs or entertaining them with theme parks. Become a Jamie at Home Consultant, working in partnership with Jamie Oliver selling his gorgeous Jme collection of homeware products and you could earn more than £520 per month just by holding two parties a week. Alternatively, you could have a great night in with friends and get your beautiful Jamie products free for simply hosting a party. To join the Jamie at Home team or to book your own party, please call Alison Orr on 07802 865930.

GET SET KIDS 11 MeeT The ExpoChefs… ExpoChef is a food education business that engages with schools, communities, businesses, families and young people, promoting the benefits of healthy eating in a way that is fun, interesting and stimulating, as well as being informative and educational. Each term we will be introducing you to a different ‘Expo’ chef and providing a healthy recipe that the whole family will enjoy. This time we meet…. Kasia Vosloo. Kasia has recently moved to the UK from South Africa where she completed a BA Honours in Drama and Music Performance. Kasia completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education whilst teaching drama and music to children of all ages. Having danced her whole life, healthy eating has always been a priority. Kasia also enjoys yoga and it is through yoga that she really began to appreciate a healthier lifestyle. She loves to cook and her interest in food, healthy living and education is what drew her to work with ExpoChef.

Kasia is a vibrant and enthusiastic member of ExpoChef who finds food exciting. Delivering the road shows allows her to share her passion for food with children, their parents and teachers in the audience. Kasia simply believes that food is a celebration and should be enjoyed by all. Perfect Pineapple Smoothie “This recipe is one of my favourites. It is quick and easy to make and I always have so much energy after drinking one of them. This smoothie is fabulous to have on a hot summers day and to make it even fresher I like to use frozen strawberries. I have also discovered that when bananas are very ripe (when the skin starts to go brown) they are exceptionally sweet and excellent for smoothie making.”

Ingredients (Serves 6) 4 medium bananas 1 litre of pineapple juice 1 large carton of natural yoghurt Handful of strawberries

PREP Peel and roughly chop the bananas. Remove leaves from strawberries and cut in half.…. DOne!

COOK Put the pieces of banana into a blender along with the strawberries, natural yoghurt and pineapple juice.…. DOne!

TRY Blend and serve.

TIP You can change the fruit and/or the fruit juice. To thicken the smoothie, simply add more yoghurt to taste.

For more delicious healthy recipes and much more, visit www.expochef.co.uk

GET SET KIDS 12 No pedals. No tricycle. No stabilisers. Just fun on a bike. With the Strider™PREbike, there are no “tricycle tip-overs” or “stabiliser wobbles” to create a fear, hesitancy, or dislike of bike riding. The Strider™ running bike helps toddlers learn balance and coordination BEFORE pedaling, which develops glittering confidence. So ditch the tricycle and stabilisers, and teach your child to ride a bike sooner and safer with a Strider™. If your child can walk, they can use a Strider™ bike !! AGES from 18 mths to 5 years ! Choose from six colours. Only 3 Days delivery ! Watch the demo at www.striderbikes.co.uk Quote gSkiDS & email [email protected] for FRee postage!

GET SET KIDS 13 SIGNING AND SINGING all the way home… Jules Baxter is our friendly face for SigningTots in the County Durham area. Mum to two fantastic little boys Louis and Ollie, she enjoys her roles and is proud in equal measure. “After signing and singing at classes with my first son we had such a fantastic experience I chose to become a licensee of Signing Tots Ltd. That was back in 2008 and I began my own business journey. My aim, simply to pass on my skills and love of ‘signing and singing’ for others to enjoy!”

This is where Ally and I were first impressed by Jules’ bubbliness and enthusiasm, stumbling into the class at Woodham Community Centre in Newton Aycliffe. In those early days, babes in arms, we should well have been told to “prepare yourselves to be amazed!” We had no idea how powerful our achievements, both our offspring and ours would be. I remember the intrigue on Libby’s face and imagined what she might be thinking…. …..“ Cool! - more little people to play with, at least we smaller ones understand each other, all the bigger people do is speak at you…. Ahh!… Hang on what’s this? …She (Jules) is like a bigger one of us, (pointing at Jules with her puppet) there that smiley one, she’s talking to us – YES, that’s it, more of the hands. (Jules signs juice) That’s how you do it Mum! (I copy juice sign) not bad for a beginner! (I help Libby to sign juice) , Juice?!… I’d love juice, …Can I get more juice? I usually have to do that tantrum thing and it takes ages to for you to guess at what I’m after. And look that Dad can do it too! Fantastic! Wait till Dad has a go. Better get one of those picture sheets though (handouts) - Dad might need some practise before he can join in our conversations.”

The classes are clear, concise and really well planned and have a constructive objective to help ease frustrations and initiate conversation to discover what your baby/infant needs. To meet with other like-minded parents and carers in a relaxing environment giving you the time to bond is a positive in itself. Then, consider the professional delivery of SigningTots , to enhance speech development - our Friday afternoons with Jules became such a rewarding experience for all. Ally and I continue to recommend this exciting opportunity (as well as excellent value for money) to anyone involved with babies/ infants – and for older children too. Signing and singing is used as a communicative tool to compliment the speech children are already developing.

As I watch my daughter now, ever babbling two year old ordering her Daddy to run her bubble bath, she signs ‘bubbles’ and excitedly chants “bubbles,bubbles!” to coincide with the action as if it’s some mantra - I think with fondness, “Thanks Jules!”

Parents/carers with babies/infants from about 6 months, toddlers up to around 4 years, children’s centres, nurseries, groups, schools, special educational needs, can all benefit from the Signing Tots experience. You can also book Jules for Christenings and Birthday Parties for a unique ‘Sign and Sing’ party experience!

Call Jules on 07966 968388 or email [email protected] for more information. Take a look at their website www.signingtots.org.uk

GET SET KIDS 14 WIN WIN WIN

WWT Washington is home to a flock of Chilean flamingos, which are having a new house built for the summer.

What colour are flamingos?

enter via the website at www.getsetkids.co.uk or post to get Set kids, PO Box 178, newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ

Closing Date 10th August 2010

GET SET KIDS 15 Don’t forget to mention that you saw them in

GET SET KIDS 16 TOP TiPS FOR FiRST AiD and Children From Uel Readioff, First Aid Today, www.firstaidtoday.co.uk Free: 0800 043 3281, Direct Dial: 0191 406 6422 or email [email protected] FACT: 66% of dads can only deliver basic first aid such as applying a plaster or giving paracetamol to their child. 1 in 3 dads and 1 in 5 mums have been in an emergency situation when they did not know how to help their child. Parental advice whenever there is an emergency: Stay calm and always keep smiling, you may not want to but you MUST: Children sense when you are panicking they will however be reassured if you show you are in control and are there to help them. Check your surroundings are safe: Don’t put you or the child at risk Reassure the child and keep them warm - cuddles and kisses works wonders! Always avoid children seeing blood: The sooner a child’s got a plaster on, the better they’ll feel – try to get fun looking plasters that are colourful too. Prevent infection: If possible wash your hands before applying dressings or wear disposable gloves. Be prepared: Make sure your home always has a well stocked first aid kit and replace anything you use as soon as possible (see below for great get Set kids offer from First Aid Today) Remember Dr ABC: Danger – assess if either the child or you are in danger Response – ascertain if the child is responsive Airway – check to ensure airway is open Breathing – once the airway is open ensure they are breathing Circulation – check there are no major injuries that could cause blood loss if you’re in doubt ask for medical help. in these incidences you must visit A&e or call an ambulance: Unconsciousness, breathing problems, a deep wound or one with something embedded in it, a cut which oozes pus, a severe burn, a suspected fracture or broken bone, a severe allergic reaction, a snake or animal bite, poisoning, severe shock, a nosebleed or bruise following a head injury, any condition which turns rapidly worse. Do: Stay with the child and get someone to call for help. . Stay calm. . Tell medical professionals everything you can Don’t: Don’t move the child if there’s any chance they’ve hurt their back or neck. . Do not give them anything to eat or drink in case they need surgery WIN WIN WIN WIN To win a fantastic childcare first aid kit worth £29.95 or a copy of Paediatric First Aid Made Easy book worth £8.99 just answer the following question - What do the letters OFSTeD mean? Entries can be made on-line via www.getsetkids.co.uk or send your answer to Get Set Kids, PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ by 1 September 2010. GET SET KIDS OFFER Try the New OFSTED child care first aid kits available to all households direct delivery £24.95 post free . Contact Ally or Emma on 07971577572 or 07534997875 or email [email protected] to order one of these great kits on offer to Get Set Kids from First Aid Today. GET SET KIDS 17 SUMMeR TiMe in Shildon & Newton Aycliffe During the last week of term keep a look out for the bumper edition of the Summer 2010 holiday activities brochure for children and young people who attend school in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe. The brochures will be issued from your child’s school week commencing 19th July. There will be lots to keep the children and young people of Shildon and Newton Aycliffe busy, fit and entertained all over the 6 weeks school holiday period. Shildon has been chosen to pilot a project called the Children’s University™ . This is a reward scheme for children and young people in Year 3 – Year 8 and works through a Learning Passport. For every activity that they complete - in Shildon – at a venue that is validated as a Children’s University™ Learning Destination they will receive a stamp in their passport. A bronze certificate is awarded after collecting 30 stamps, a silver certificate after 65 stamps and a gold certificate is given for 100 stamps. Gold awards are presented at Durham University and children will be able to wear graduation caps and gowns. So for every Children’s University™ activity (after-school, school lunch breaks, weekends and during the holidays) that children and young people participate part in – in Shildon – they will start to earn rewards. It is hoped that this scheme will be brought to children and young people of Newton Aycliffe in January 2011. There are various family learning opportunities for families to learn together. Following some successful family learning courses held at Byerley Park Primary School, Horndale Infants School, Vane Road Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School in Newton Aycliffe where end of course evaluations identified that the courses had been very rewarding and enjoyable and that there was a clear need for more family learning. Look out for various family learning opportunities especially in and around schools commencing in September 2010. If you have any questions or queries about any of the above please don’t hesitate to contact Michelle Postma, Extended Services Co-ordinator on 07775025222 or email [email protected].

Over 40 naturally themed habitats take you on a WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! fantastic journey from the newcastle coast to exotic tropical waters. Come face to face with BLUE REEF FAMILY TICKET everything from adorable seals and otters to The Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth are clownfish, seahorses and graceful stingrays. Meet the monkeys in our stunning neW offering a family ticket for one lucky Amazonian feature! GET SET KIDS reader.

To enter simply answer the following question: What animal can you now meet at the NEW Amazonian feature? One ChiLD FRee! (For help see photograph!) One free child admission with one full paying adult. Valid until 6th September 2010. Ref: GET SET KIDS You can enter online or send to BLUE REEF COMPETITION, PO Box178, Newton Aycliffe DL3 9AQ. Voucher also valid at other Blue Reef Aquariums – visit (not forgetting to include name, address & tel no.) www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk for locations (not valid with any other offer or family ticket. photocopies not accepted. One free Closing date Monday 9th August 2010. admission per voucher. terms & conditions apply)

GET SET KIDS 18 STAy SAFe in The SUn Dr M M Carr, Consultant Dermatologist Sun exposure increases our feeling of well-being, and is also essential for the production of Vitamin D in the skin, ensuring the formation of healthy bones and teeth. Like everything in life, however, we have to balance the benefits with the risks. It is clear that overexposure to sunshine causes serious damage to the skin; this is seen as dry patches, brown spots and early wrinkles in adult life, but the more serious risk is of skin cancer. The most worrying type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. Melanoma often follows sunburn and overexposure to sun in childhood, or sunbed use from the teens onwards. It typically occurs in younger adults than non-melanoma cancer. It may start as a new mole, or develop in a longstanding one, and tends to change shape, size or colour rapidly. Cure is much less certain, but is more likely if seen by a doctor and diagnosed and treated early. How can we tackle the problem and protect our children? The most fundamental step would be to discourage the perception in society that a tan is desirable and fashionable; developing a tan is the skin’s own protective mechanism to show that it has had too much exposure to sunshine. The use of sunbeds should be discouraged entirely. Sunburn can be prevented, and sunblock creams are very useful for this, so long as they are reapplied regularly, especially after swimming. BUT don’t rely on them completely; they are good at preventing sunburn, but still allow some of the sun’s rays through to the skin to do damage, so use the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm when abroad. The best protection is clothing, especially with a close weave, and there are now ranges of excellent ultraviolet light-protective clothes for children, particularly for beach wear. A healthy balance is needed between the undoubted benefits of sunshine and the risks of too much exposure. Children all need fresh air and exercise, and they need the sun to produce Vitamin D, so they must not hide away from it. Early education about avoiding sunburn and a deep tan could save them much distress later.

Created by mums for mums, Sunuva's fabulous new swimwear and beachwear range is über-stylish, affordable and totally practical and most importantly the rash vests give 50+ UPF protection. Available in a variety of original prints and coordinating styles for boys and girls, your kids will look cool on the beach and be safe in the sun. Sunuva was founded by Emily Cohen and Sabrina Negar who between them have six kids of their own. Unable to find tasteful UV protective swimwear for their own little beach bums, they created a swimwear and beachwear range that you will find irresistible and that your kids will love dressing in too! Check out the fabulous Sunuva range at www.sunuva.com, tel 0845 4596047 WIN WIN WIN WIN Sunuva have kindly donated three great prizes, 1st prize £150 worth of Sunuva clothing, 2nd and 3rd prizes, Sunuva beach bags. To win just answer the following question, What sun protection factor do Sunuva rash vests give? Either apply on-line at www.getsetkids.co.uk or at Get Set Kids, PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ by 10 August 2010.

GET SET KIDS 19 1st-31st August Art in the garden

29th and 30th August Bring a Teddy Day

7th and 8th September 7 pm Crook hall And gardens by Candle Light

26 September Apple and Pear Day

Tel: 0191 384 8028

To win a family pass go to page 55 www.crookhallgardens.co.uk

It’s been another outstanding year for Cash for Kids Children’s Charity. Our vision is to make a significant difference to the sick, disabled and deprived children in Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire. Last year was the most successful year to-date raising over £670,000. The total number of children helped throughout 2009 was 26,579. The funding purchased specialist trikes, sensory equipment, helmet therapy, special laptops, outdoor exercise equipment, start packs for homeless children, holistic programmes and much more. Every penny we raise stays within the local area and we are unique in the fact that we also help other children’s charities too. 2009 saw some new fundraising initiatives such as 5 Brides 1 Wedding, Cash for Kids Celebrity Football Match at The Riverside Stadium, Build a Dream which raised £45,000 in just two weeks to build a sensory play room for Daisy Chain. The campaign we are most proud of is the Annual Christmas Appeal. Christmas 2009 we delivered over £372,000 worth of gifts to 10,902 local deprived children who were at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas morning. We are now looking for companies and individuals to support us in 2010 and help us make a significant difference to the area’s most needy children. For more information please visit www.tfmradio.com/cashforkids or contact Dawn Carney, Cash for Kids, 01642 888222 email [email protected]

GET SET KIDS 20 GET SET KIDS 21 Carrie and David grant are probably the best known pop vocal coaches in the UK having appeared on Fame Academy, Pop Idol and now Cbeebies Popshop. With a client list including Take That, Melanie C., Lemar and Will Young their credentials are second to none. With three children to care for and very busy careers Get Set Kids really appreciate them taking the time to answer our questions.

Where did you both grow up and go to school and are you from large families? CG: I grew up in Enfield in North London with my Mum and brother. My Dad left when I was seven and my Mum remarried when I was thirteen so then we all moved to Royston in Herfordshire. I come from a very large extended family. DG: I was born in Jamaica and my Mum brought me to London when I was three to live with herself and my Gran. I have a few relatives but the Afro Caribbean community in East London was very big and friendly and we always had people over at my house.

What were your favourite subjects at school? CG: English, I loved my teacher who was totally inspiring and gave me a love of reading which I didn't have until I was 14. DG: History, if I hadn't been a singer I probably would have done something to do with history.

Were you both very talented singers from an early age? What was your first performance? We both sang at every opportunity to whoever would listen and were both total show offs!. how do you think music and singing could be encouraged more in primary schools? By being relevant. It must be relevant in order to be accessible. If you start with choral sounding stuff most kids don't relate whereas if you start with something that sounds like the world they live in they'll find a love of music which leads to an appreciation for all styles of music. how many children do you have and how do you manage to combine parenthood with your careers? We have 3 children, Olivia 15, Talia 8, Imogen 4. They are all amazing. Our work means that we are often both at home which our kids love. We try to get as much work done as we can in the hours that they are at school but obviously sometimes we are really busy and not at home when they get home. Our attitude is that "it takes a village to raise a child" so our children have a wide selection of great people they love who are often around.

What’s your idea of a great family day out? Trying to span 4 years up to 15 years can be tricky especially as our 4 year old is autistic. Our favourite is a great day in. We sing, dance, eat together, watch a movie. Our house often has lots of people in it so all the children get together and create a huge commotion. We went to Centreparcs last year and all the kids loved that, sooo much to do.

GET SET KIDS 22 What kind of music are your kids into? Everything from classical to hip hop. They let us know what's cool. Even the 4 year old gets in the car and says, "Put Capital Radio on."

What advice would you give to young people wanting to go into the music industry as a career? Don't do it just to be famous, aim to be the best, the most artistic you can be, love what you do. If you want to make your own records then make sure your voice, your music and your image all say the same thing. It will help people to "get" you.

What are your favourite parts of your jobs? Mentoring. It's often hard to be very successful and still be young so we have a real heart for the young artists in our industry and the pressures they face.

A lot of people may not realise that you also do business management training. how do you use music in this field? By getting people to sing and taking them out of their comfort zone you can very quickly see how they adapt to change, how they adapt to pressure and how they relate to those around them. When they can see this clearly they can take new attitudes back into the workplace. There are so many parallels between music and business and we are able to use these to get teaching points across.

Do you still do vocal coaching and have you worked with any celebrities recently? Yes we still do lots. The most recent celeb person we have coached is Gwyneth Paltrow, preparing her to sing Country and Western in her new Hollywood movie.

David, what did you most enjoy about being in a pop band in the 80s? DG: The energy of Black British music at that time was amazing. We felt like we were right in the middle of something really exciting. I spent my whole childhood dreaming of being a popstar so when it happened it literally was a dream come true.

Carrie – we know most people know you as a singer but you are also a trained dancer. At what age did you start dancing and do you still dance now? I started at 2. Yes, ambitious mother! I still love dancing now but it's not for public consumption, just for myself in my living room!

What would you have been had you not gone into the music business? CG: Out of work! I'm not sure, I never had a plan B and thankfully I've never had to think of one. DG: A historian or a footballer or maybe a historical footballer.

What are your aspirations for your own children? That they are able to be all they want to be and all they can be, as defined by them and not us. To dream big dreams and see them fulfilled. WIN WIN WIN WIN To win a copy of the Popshop CD and a signed photo answer the following question: Which Cbeebies programme do Carrie & David present? Apply on-line at www.getsetkids.co.uk or at Get Set Kids, PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ by 1 September 2010.

GET SET KIDS 23 SOMeThing eXCiTing is always happening at Stagecoach!!

To our delight a specially selected cast taken from the seven main schools at Yarm and Darlington recently gave performances of Billy Elliot at the Darlington Arts Centre Theatre. We were exceptionally proud to send a section of this cast to perform in a regional showcase in Durham for the Billy Youth Theatre and the same section to perform in the theatre home of Billy Elliot in the West End.

Something exciting and new is always happening at Stagecoach! Students work towards two performances a year for friends and family and some lucky students get to perform in professional performances on stage, TV and screen, or with locally touring productions like ‘Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat’, due to return to the Civic Theatre again in October 2010. All students get to have fun, make new friends and develop new skills, greater confidence and self-esteem.

Another development has been the creation of an All Boys Dance Class , which has been so popular it has extended to two classes.

So why not give your child a Stagecoach start in life! Call 01325 337667 or visit www.Darlingtonandyarm.co.uk

GET SET KIDS 24 LazyTown’s goal is motivating kids to live healthier lives by delivering positive, healthy messages in an entertaining way and empowering kids to get out there and do things that they haven't done before (a bit like us at Get Set Kids!). It is designed to give kids the power to GO! play, move, dance, sing, make new choices and feel really good about it. It's jam-packed with action, energy, and a powerful message that tells kids that "they can do it." Sportacus is LazyTown's action-health hero. He’s fit, agile and an amazing acrobat with lightning fast moves. Sportacus loves to see others succeed and is disappointed when they won't even try. Get Set Kids were really lucky that Sportacus could give us some time in his busy schedule to answer our questions. What time do you get up and what time do you go to bed? I get up at 8.08 am and go to bed at 8.08pm. It’s important to get enough sleep when you’re as busy as I am all day, otherwise I can get a bit grumpy! What is your favourite breakfast? My favourite breakfast is a soft-boiled egg with toast fingers and a glass of orange juice. Sometimes I have porridge with blueberries. How do you drive the airship? I took a special test to make sure I was safe to drive it, but I only use it when I have to and try always to walk for short journeys. We use biodiesel for fuel, made from recycled vegetable oil, because it’s important for me to watch my carbon footprint. What is your favourite sports candy? My favourite sports candy is apple slices. And I like carrot sticks and grapes, too. How much exercise do you do to be so fit? I do some exercise every day because it’s very important to keep moving and stay healthy. Sometimes I do star jumps, sometimes I do running on the spot, sometimes I do press-ups. But I also like to play football, and swim and do other sorts of activities with my friends, just for fun. Are you on strings when you do your flips? No – that’s really me when I am doing the jumps and back flips! What's your real name ? My real name is Sportacus Hercules Magnus Alexandersson – but my friends just call me Sportacus. Who is your favourite LazyTown character? I don’t have a favourite, I like something about all of them: Stephanie because she’s got a cheerful ‘there’s always a way’ attitude to life; Stingy, because even though he can be selfish, he never lets his friends down when it really matters; Trixie because although she’s sometimes impatient, she’s enthusiastic; Pixel because he knows all about computers and tries hard; Ziggy because he’ll always lend a hand and says ‘yes’ to an adventure. Watch out in our next issue for an interview with the creator of Lazytown, Magnus Scheving. WIN WIN WIN WIN To win a copy of Lazytown DVD Sportacus On The Move plus a signed photo of Sportacus just answer the following question. What time does Sportacus go to bed?. Either apply on-line at www.getsetkids.co.uk or to Get Set Kids, PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ by 1 September 2010.

GET SET KIDS 25 GET SET KIDS 26 Events Calendar JULY 17 Saturday 10:00 - to 3 pm. Farmers Market at Gibside (National Trust). Great range of stalls with fantastic local produce. Tel 01207 541820, [email protected] 11:00 - to 3 pm. Festival of British Archaeology The Romans Are Coming - hands on activities with Comitatus Roman Re-enactment group at The Old Fulling Mill, Durham, www.durham.ac.uk/fulling.mill, tel 0191 3341823 18 Sunday Kids Archaeological Dig at Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum Cash for Kids Charity Family Day at Adventure Valley! Have fun and help raise money for charity at Cash for Kids’ Charity Family Fun Day. Held at Adventure Valley, the North East’s Newest Day Out there will be plenty of extra fun, special guests and prizes to win. Adventure Valley is situated at Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG. For more information & Prices, visit www.AdventureValley.co.uk or call 0191 386 8291. Family Fun Day at Raby Castle. Tel 01833 660202, www.rabycastle.com 10:00 - to 4pm. MG Car Display - Durham MG Owners Club Showcase their cars. Botanic Garden, Durham. www.durham.ac.uk/botanic.garden, tel 0191 3345521 14:00 - to 4 pm. Festival of British Archaeology Lecture on Roman Coins followed by a handling session, at The Old Fulling Mill, Durham. www.durham.ac.uk/fulling.mill, tel 0191 3341823 23 Friday Outdoor Theatre in the Walled Gardens at Raby castle. Illyria return to Raby to perform the Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice. www.rabycastle.com Adventure Valley – NEW this summer! Daily throughout the Summer Holidays. So exciting! The North East now has a brand new family day out, Adventure Valley. With six action packed play zones, discover the very best in family adventures, animal fun and indoor play. Zoom down slide stampede and zip wires, race your friends on the go karts, meet the cutest of animals and run wild within the Indoor PlayTown. Adventure Valley is situated at Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG. For more information & Prices, visit www.AdventureValley.co.uk or call 0191 386 8291. 24 Saturday to 5 September. Seaside Summer Fun at The National Railway Museum, York. Make the NRM your number one destination this Summer. Brimming with traditional seaside fun including steam rides, giant games, 1930s costumes an amazing sand sculpture, fun fair and barbeque. Don’t forget to hunt for clues on our sizzling Summer trail. Tel 08448 153139, www.nrm.org.uk 13:00 - to 3 pm. Festival of British Archaeology The Brilliant Bronze Age. come along and make a prehistoric round house with natural materials. Old Fulling Mill, Durham. www.durham.ac.uk/fulling.mill, tel 0191 3341823 25 Sunday Shildon Classic Motor Show at Locomotion Shildon. Tel 01388 777999, www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion Kids Archaeological Dig at Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum 13:00 - to 3pm. Festival of British Archaeology The Terrific Tudors - children’s craft session making a traditional black and white tudor house. The Old Fulling Mill, Durham. www.durham.ac.uk/fulling.mill, tel 0191 334 1823 26 Monday Sheep Racing at Adventure Valley! Daily throughout the Summer Holidays. With miniature jockeys, eager sheep and a hair pin bend, sheep racing runs daily at Adventure Valley. Fun, entertaining and just a little bit different, can you guess who will win? Adventure Valley is situated at Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG. For more information & Prices, visit www.AdventureValley.co.uk or call 0191 386 8291. 10:00 - to 11 am. Storytelling with Adam Bushnell at Sedgefield Library. www.story- tales.co.uk GET SET KIDS 27 10:00 - to 30 July, 10 am-4pm. Summer Holiday Club Art Week at National Trust property Washington Old Hall. For children aged 8-12. £60 per child per week. Children must bring lunch, afternoon snack provided. All art materials provided. Booking essential, contact 0191 4166879 27 Tuesday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Town Centre Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 13:00 - to 3 pm. Festival of British Archaeology Perfect Pots - take inspiration from historic potters and make your own pot to take home, Old Fulling Mill, Durham, www.durham.ac.uk/fulling.mill, tel 0191 3341823 28 Wednesday 10:00 - to 4 pm. Children’s Art Workshop - Patterns at The Bowes Museum. Make mosaic patterned mats with education officer Amy Longstaff or enjoy do it yourself craft activities in the wet vault in these drop in sessions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 01833 690606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 29 Thursday Storytelling with Adam Bushnell at Preston hall Museum and Park. www.story-tales.co.uk 30 Friday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Moore Lane Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Plus visit the Eco Centre for Clay Modelling Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 AUGUST 1 Sunday DAILY THROUGHOUT AUGUST Mama Mia! Kids Pizza Making at Adventure Valley! Junior pizza making comes to Adventure Valley this August with daily pizza making classes. Get your hands messy making dough, decorate your pizza base with your favourite toppings and wait while they are cooked in the pizza oven! Belissimmo! Adventure Valley is situated at Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG. For more information & Prices, visit www.AdventureValley.co.uk or call 0191 386 8291. 2 Monday Kids Archaeological Dig at Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum 10:00 - to 6 August, 10 am to 4 pm. Summer Holiday Club Nature Week at National Trust property Washington Old Hall. Children 8-12 years, £60 per child per week. Children must bring their own lunch, afternoon snack provided. Its advisable children dress suitably. All materials provided. Booking essential, tel 0191 4166879 1 3 Tuesday and 4.8.10. 11am-1pm and 2-4 pm. Clay Tile Making at The Bowes Museum. £2 per tile. Make a clay tile inspired by the British Sporting Art exhibition. Booking required, tel 01833 694602. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Aycliffe Village Park. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 4 Wednesday Teddy Bears Picnic and Trail at Raby Castle. Tel 01833 660202, www.rabycastle.com 5 Thursday 14:00 - Planet 51,Bishop Auckland Town Hall. American astronaut ‘Chuck’ Baker lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds that this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders...like Chuck! Cert U 91 mins, Tickets: £3.00 www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, 01388 602616 6 Friday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Horndale Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 7 Saturday to 10 August. The Tall Ships Races, Hartlepool. Tel 01429 523636, www.hartlepooltallships2010.com. Hartlepool is proud and delighted to have been chosen as the finishing port and only UK host port. With an expected one million visitors this will be England’s biggest FREE event in 2010. Pre-book online and save - park and ride and parking schemes etc. GET SET KIDS 28 10 Tuesday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Simpasture Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 12 Thursday 00:00 - Adventure Challenge, Hamsterley Forest 14:00 - to 4 pm. A Century of Play at Shildon Methodist Church. All ages are invited to come along and experience how play has changed over the year. All children must be accompanied. There will be lots of hands on toys and games on show from across the last 100 years. The afteroon is organised in conjunction with Age Concern. FREE. Tel 01388 773171 13 Friday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Woodham Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Plus Scavenger Hunt in the woods 12-1 pm. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 14 Saturday and 15 August. Country and Game Fair, Raby Castle. www.rabycastle.com 17 Tuesday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, St Oswald’s Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fiar, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 18 Wednesday 10:00 - to 4 pm. Childrens workshops - Toys. Make a peg doll with education officer Amy Longstaff or take part in do it yourself craft activities in the wet vault in these free drop in sessions. Tel 01833 690606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 19 Thursday to Sunday 22 August. Green Phoenix Festival at Gibside. Aimed at families this event will include cabaret, circus, live music, outdoor aerial and fire performances all in the beautiful surroundings of National Trust property Gibside. Camping on site with stalls, cafes and bars. Tickets £99 adult, £45 12-17 year olds, under 12s free. www.greenphoenixfestival.org.uk 14:00 - to 4 pm. Tea on The Lawn at Shildon Methodist Church. Afternoon tea will be served on the lawn in front of the Church and live music provided by Cockerton Old Band. A charge will be made for refreshments. Tel 01388 773171 20 Friday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, School Aycliffe at The Oak Leaf. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 22 Sunday Vintage Vehicle Rally at Raby Castle. please contact Mark Woodward on 01253 407779 or 07768 741610, or visit www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com 24 Tuesday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, West Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fiar, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Plus wild flower hunt 12-1 pm. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 25 Wednesday 11:00 - to 4 pm. Family Fun Day at The Bowes Museum. A day of family fun includes making animal finger puppets with textile artist Lone Helliwell making animal masks and split pin moving animals with education officer Amy Longstaff, storytelling with Adam Bushnell and archaeology activities with Samantha Belcher. There will also be a museum trail searching for objects that John & Josephine Bowes might have taken on holiday. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tel 01833 690606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 26 Thursday Storytelling with Adam Bushnell at Preston Hall Museum and Park. www.story-tales.co.uk 27 Friday 11:00 - to 3 pm. Fun In The Park 2010, Town Centre Park, Newton Aycliffe. Free fun fair, punch and judy, balloon modelling, magic shows, face painting. Come along and join in the fun. For further information tel 01325 300600 28 Saturday 29 and 30 August, Streets of ... Summer Festival, Durham City. www.thisisdurham.com

Check out our web site at www.getsetkids.co.uk for more events updated weekly

Information is correct at the time of going to print but we suggest you check with the venue before travelling as events can be liable to change or cancellation. GET SET KIDS 29 Socatots Football Birthday Parties. One & a half hours entertainment combining FOR A PARTY WITH Socatots syllabus with more traditional games. A DIFFERENCE Contact Jamie on 07980 try a martial arts party at 007381 or email: evolution Martial Arts [email protected] Academy, Banks Road, www.socatots.com/southdurham Darlington. Purpose built gym, experienced instructors and lots of fun and games. ADVENTURE POINT Call James for more The ULTiMATe PARTy VenUe information on 07880797147 Themed party rooms and a range of party packages Unit 1, Morton Trade Park, Morton Park Way, Darlington, DL1 4PT tel 01325 481616 www.adventure-point.co.uk Hall Hill Farm Why not have a party down on the farm! enjoy a birthday tea in Signing Tots the party barn plus We bring puppets, props, much more. bubbles & instruments. Link to popular action songs & Tel: 01388 731333 nursery rhymes www.hallhillfarm.co.uk Call Jules on 07966 968388 or ZILLAH'S EVENT email [email protected] MANAGEMENT for more information. Take a look We love to organise all kinds of parties at their website www.signingtots.org.uk and events and we do it in style! Relax and let us handle it all - invites, catering, cake, themes, balloon sculptures, entertainment. Childrens parties, birthdays, weddings and more. Fantastic rates - free quotations Call 07776065153

Ruff 'n' tumble The kilnrooms Ceramic PARTy PACkAgeS Studio & Bistro Standard party - 90 mins play & 45 mins themed room at Spennymoor Something extra Leisure Centre Mon - Thurs only each child paints a piece, Bowling party/Craft party choice of party buffet, karaoke/bowling party bring the cake Disco party We’ll do the rest, no stress! www.ruffntumble.co.uk thekilnrooms.co.uk

GET SET KIDS 32 GET SET KIDS 33 A visit to hall hill Farm is always on the ‘wish list’ in my household for any school break. Try though we have over a good few years we never manage to fit all it has to offer into even a full day’s experience. But with the new improvements for this summer it’s easy to see how it’s evolved to be a family favourite!!

Ann Darlington of Hall Hill Farm tells us more,” we aim to provide a great family experience in a safe and friendly environment, so we were delighted to receive a Silver Award for Best Tourism Experience in the North East Tourism Awards, with the judges praising our team of friendly guides, on hand to help you feed the lambs, cuddle a bunny or guinea pig, and give you a tractor and trailer ride.

There has been a lot of investment at Hall Hill Farm this year, and new for 2010 is the “Geet Big Shed” , which is a great undercover area for the animals and is ideal for the toy tractors.

Also new this year is the Barrel Train, which twists and turns around the paddock, anyone 3 years and over can have a ride, even Mums and Dads as long as you can fit in the barrel!

We have lots of new arrivals too, which always draws the “Oooh’s and Aaah’s from everyone, with Liam and Louis the baby llamas and a new baby wallaby, and of course there’s lots of chicks, lambs and kids. With more baby animals expected over the summer months, there’s always something new to see at Hall Hill Farm!”

GET SET KIDS 34 MAke The MOST OF BeAMiSh MUSeUM this summer

This summer holidays why not step back in time and meet the people who lived and worked in the past.

Ride on a tram to The Town and explore the Dentist’s surgery, the printer’s workshop or sample the treats at the Jubilee sweetshop. See how pitmen and their families in The Pit Village, go underground at a real drift mine and catch a lesson in the village school. Meet the animals at Home Farm and see how the farmer’s wife spent her day. Experience life in the early 1800s at Pockerley Old Hall and take a ride on the unique steam train at Pockerley Waggonway.

This Award-winning open air museum really does have something for the whole family.

With so much to see and do at Beamish Museum its hard to fit it into one day. With the Beamish Unlimited Pass you can visit as many times as you like for a whole year for the same price as a day ticket. You can also make the most of the special events 0191 370 4000 at Beamish throughout the year, including Beamish Agricultural Show and a whole season www.beamish.org.uk of Christmas festivities.

*neW Durham City to Beamish shuttle bus running every Saturday and Sunday until 31 October 2010*

GET SET KIDS 35 Ceramic Studio & Bistro great Food Freshly prepared The Kilnrooms home-Made Cakes & Pies Spennymoor Leisure Centre [email protected] tel: 07828 390210 Opening times: 10am- 8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-6pm Sat & Sun The Kilnrooms have moved into a great new venue at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. It’s a modern, light and airy facility with plenty of space to inspire and create or just enjoy the bistro facilities with great home made fayre or gourmet coffees. How it Works: 1 Select a piece of pottery from a wide range 2 Start painting (help always at hand) 3 Leave your masterpiece to glaze and collect at a pre-arranged time. 4 For a bigger project - If you don’t get finished, leave it with us and finish on your next visit Baby Hand and Footprints Wonderful gifts and keepsakes to treasure. They can be put onto plates, mugs, vases or anything with a big enough flat surface. You only get one chance to capture, those amazingly tiny fingers and toes. A unique gift for mums, dads and grandparents. A special message can be added to your creation. Anniversaries Birthdays Christenings Weddings Baby Keepsakes Children’s Parties Each child paints a piece from a range, if we haven’t got what you’re looking for we can make it specially. We have a choice of party buffets which can be tailored to suit any dietary requirements. All you need to bring is the birthday cake and we do the rest. And for you, no stress!! Other group parties – Schools Guides & Scouts Ladies Nights Adult Parties

GET SET KIDS 36 Get Set Kids would like to thank the staff and teachers at each of the primary schools in County Durham who distribute the magazine to each of their pupils on our behalf. Although none of the schools can endorse or recommend any of the products or services contained in the magazine, without their participation it would not be possible. We would also like to extend a big thank you to the extended schools co-ordinators, libraries, leisure centres, nurseries and Sure Start centres and all our contributors for their support, it is very much appreciated.

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GET SET KIDS 37 CATTERICK Leisure Centre, which is operated on behalf of the MoD by leisure management specialists Bladerunner, opened to the public in July 2009. The £21m facility includes three swimming pools, the Juice health & fitness gym, a six court sports hall, meeting rooms and a superb dance studio. Already, the centre has made a real impact, attracting more than 1,200 gym members, staging yoga and many more, along with a personalised programme and functions and events and over 100 hours of pool time regular programme reviews. welcoming more than 20,000 every week. This prize is worth over £780. swimmers through its doors. The As the leisure centre nears it’s To be in with a chance of leisure centre has quickly become first birthday, it is offering the winning answer the following an integral part of the community. chance for one GET SET KIDS question – How much did the It offers a wide variety of reader to win six month’s Centre cost to build and equip? membership options. All membership; Enter via www.getsetkids.co.uk memberships include use of the The prize includes: or send to Catterick Leisure 42 station gym, unlimited access six month’s membership Centre Competition, PO Box to nearly 40 fitness classes, a full fitness assessment 178, Newton Aycliffe DL3 9AQ. including spinning, boxercise, a gym induction Closing date 30th August 2010.

We’ve got a couple of great family passes to give away for Beamish Museum and Nature’s World, both fantastic places to take the kids over the Summer and to help the journey along, we have 5 copies of the newest CD to be released from Piccolomusic.co.uk Boogle, Oogle Oogle. FindW the goldenI ticNket hidd en som ewWhere in thIe mNagazine an d le t uWs know whIich N page it’s on. enter on-line at www.getsetkids.co.uk or at golden Ticket Competition, get Set kids, PO Box 178, newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ. Closing date 10 August 2010.

GET SET KIDS 38 Visit Alnwick and explore it all! ....by Emma Ord

Probably best known for its medieval castle and magnificent gardens, impressive attractions they undoubtedly are, Alnwick has much to offer family visitors.

Alnwick is in the heart of Northumberland and is an ideal centre for holidaying here. The hub is very much the market town which extends to stunning countryside and breathtaking historic coast inviting you to stay a little longer and appreciate its breadth and beauty.

The historic market town with imposing castle surrounds you with grandeur and intrigue as you meander through its narrow alleys and cobbled streets amidst the fine stone buildings. From the tradition of farmers’, local and continental markets held in its marketplace, to the range of specialist shops it offers wide appeal.

Ideal for all ages is the Bailiffgate museum & gallery, helping make the history of Northumberland accessible with many traditional displays along with interactive activities for hands on exploration. See www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk for more.

The Alnwick Castle, often referred to as the ‘Windsor of the North’ and the home to the Duke of Northumberland, remains the principal seat of the Percy’s. It is considered to be one of England’s finest Castles and never fails to provide a fantastic family day out to fire the imagination! Visit www.alnwickcastle.com for more & events information.

Next to the castle is The Alnwick Garden. Home to favourites such as The Grand Cascade, The infamous Poison Garden and The Tree House, one of the world’s largest, it is also an ever evolving project . With a choice of eateries and a changing programme of activities for children and families it provides new encounters each time! www.alnwickgarden.com

It doesn’t end here. The stunning countryside is a country pursuits dream with opportunity for hill walking, cycling and fishing, and it’s not at all bad for those wanting to take in the heather topped beauty and picturesque ruins either!

And I make no apologies for my enthusiasm, the picture wouldn’t be complete without the delight of a beach stroll at Druridge bay to invigorate the senses, although there are over 20 miles of spectacular heritage coast to choose from, with golden sands, rocky outcrops and fantastic dunes to explore.

And what’s more, it’s all right here on home soil! enjoy Alnwick. Family ticket competition

From poisonous plants to Potter-inspired magic Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick garden bring together a castle rich in history and one of the country’s most surprising gardens to create a family experience full of the unexpected. For your chance to win a combined family ticket for 2 adults & up to 4 children, send your contact details to Get Set Kids PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ or enter online @ www.getsetkids.co.uk Closing date 9th August.

GET SET KIDS 39 GET SET KIDS 40 Fitplan Youth Fitplan for the future

What is Fitplan Youth ? Exercise classes tailored to suit children age 5 -16. Aimed at helping children to be fit and understand the importance of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. The classes are delivered in a fun light-hearted way by an energetic and enthusiastic instructor.

*5-11 - the younger children will participate in structured fun and games leading to the introduction of circuit based activities.

*12-16 - this age group will engage in physical activity based upon aerobic, circuit and boxercise workouts.

Available to schools, community groups, one-to-one sessions or friendship groups wanting to try something different.

Fitness made fun! To find out more contact Julie Robson CYQ Exercise for Children Instructor 01388 609897/07974310923 Email: [email protected] CRB checked Instructor and Risk Assessments in place.

GET SET KIDS 41 Care about people?

Want to put something back into your local community?

The Special Constabulary is the voluntary police service. Special Constables work alongside the rest of the team, carrying out the same role as regular officers, with the same equipment and whilst holding the same powers. Following initial training Specials can carry out their duty hours to suit their own lifestyle. ever thought of becoming a Special Police Constable, but have young children and didn’t think you had the time?

Then read on....

I joined Durham Constabulary four years ago when my daughter was nine. It was something I’d always thought about but wasn’t sure how I could fit it around my day job and childcare.

I needn’t have worried!

The initial training was for a duration of six months, which is a long time, but also great fun and really interesting. The training was held once a week on an evening that suited me and our trainer was very supportive of our other commitments.

After I graduated I was posted to Chester-Le –Street Police station, which is conveniently only ten minutes from home. I usually go on duty when my daughter is at school as I work part-time, but I do work some weekends when I can. However there are no set shifts and it’s really down to you when you want, or are available to work.

You never know what kind of shift you’ll have. Every day is different. It’s not all about dealing with drunks on a Friday night, although I have had my fair share of that! I’ve dealt with everything from youth nuisance, burglaries, domestic GET SET KIDS 42 violence and road traffic collisions, to policing international cricket at the Riverside and working with the dog section.

We work very closely with the full-time officers who welcome us with open arms and are really appreciative of us giving up our spare time.

It’s not always easy and can be a challenge, but it is one of the most rewarding things I have EVER done! My daughter is extremely proud too, though she did go through a phase of telling her school mates I would arrest them if they were mean to her!

I sincerely urge anyone who wants to help their community, and has SOME spare time to consider being part of Durham Constabulary.

YOU WON’T REGRET IT! Special Constable x

Durham Constabulary covers County Durham and Darlington, to find out more about us visit www.durham.police.uk or tel 0345 6060365

If you would like to know more about the Special Constabulary please view www.policecouldyou.co.uk or contact the Durham recruitment team on 0191 3752125

GET SET KIDS 43 ROAD SAFeTy matters The Department for Transport has created the THINK! Education programme to raise the awareness of road safety among young people in England and reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

The THINK! Education website includes a wealth of colourful games, stories, videos, activity sheets and more for children to ‘read’, ‘see’, ‘do’ and ‘play’ at home with their parents or with their teachers in school. The site is divided by age group – under 5s, 5-7s and over 7s.

• Read a story about how Molly learnt that she should dress brightly in the dark, then choose a safer bright new outfit for her. • Read about what happened to Jake’s teddy, Mr Lumpy, when the car had to stop suddenly. • Watch the Kerr’s story video, and find out what happened to Kerr one day when he was on his way to meet his friends. • Turn detective and find out why these people were hurt.

Resources for young people aged 11–16 are to be launched in the autumn.

Take a look at the resources at www.dft.gov.uk/think/education

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GET SET KIDS 44 GET SET KIDS 45

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Own your 3 bed family home from just £108,500† now

Hurry, only a few weeks left until HomeBuy Direct application deadline. COBBLERS HALL, NEWTON AYCLIFFE, DL5 4ZF The Gissing – 3 bedroom semi-detached home with single garage from £155,000 You could pay from just £108,500† now with HomeBuy Direct. No stamp duty payable for First Time Buyers Two new look Showhomes open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5.30pm – If you qualify for HomeBuy Direct you could pay as little as 70%† now of your new home and borrow the rest from the FECP.' Government and Miller Homes. After 25 years, or when you sell or transfer your home, whichever comes first, you simply DFIK>8><E<<;<; pay back the 30%* of your home’s market value at that time. NO INTEREST FOR MINIMAL DEPOSIT ON SELECTED THE FIRST 5 YEARS* REQUIRED** PLOTS ONLY 0800 840 8491 | www.millerhomes.co.uk/homebuy

†If you qualify for HomeBuy Direct assistance and you raise a mortgage for at least 70% of the purchase price of your new home from a qualifying bank or building society, you can borrow up to the remaining 30% of the purchase price by taking out loans secured over your new home from each of the Government’s Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and Miller Homes over a period of 25 years. Credit is available subject to status and is provided by two separate secured loans from each of the HCA and Miller Homes Limited. HomeBuy Direct is plot specific and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer provided by Miller Homes. *Subject to terms and conditions. **A 5% minimum deposit may be required by lender. More may be required dependent on circumstances and your lender’s lending criteria. For full details contact the development direct or visit our website at www.millerhomes.co.uk/homebuy. Price and availability correct at time of going to print. Photography represents a typical Miller Homes’ exterior and interior. Deadline based on current known HomeBuy Direct availability and average approval process timings. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT

GET SET KIDS 47 LOVE THY CUPCAKE We first came across Saffron of Love thy Cupcake when she was involved at a charity event. On sampling her delightful creations we felt we had tasted them before. And so it seems we had, Saffron is the responsible supplier of scrummy cupcakes and muffins for some of our families’ regular venues – Jacksons Coffee Shop at Xcel, Newton Aycliffe and also Locomotion, Shildon. I was surprised however that this is a well loved hobby for Saffron which she works around her work and family life (sounds like a couple of magazine editors we know!) But as I also know firsthand this is all for the good, it is one who creates with passion that has such exacting standards. All cakes are freshly baked to order and are lovingly designed by Saffron, who with the support of Sister Liz are always trialling new flavour combinations. Choose from:- VANILLAS - 4 vanilla sponge bases with whippy butter frosting tailored to individual requirements. CHOC BOX - 6 assorted iced muffins consisting of strawberry, lemon, orange, mint, cappuccino and double chocolate cream with whirl of flavour running through the sponge. BESPOKE COLLECTION OF 4 CUPCAKES BASED ON 70’S INSPIRED PUDDINGS - Raspberry Ripple, Banoffee Pie, Lemon Meringue (has a secret ‘dollop’ of lemon curd!) and the ‘Willy Wonka’ style Black Forest Gateau ( the cherry isn’t really a cherry!) Available as same flavours or a mixed box. Editors choice!!!

GET SET KIDS OFFER – £6.50 or £7.50 per presentation box. Also spend £25 on any occasion and recommend a friend to receive a bespoke ‘puddings’ box. Quote gSkids! Whatever the occasion or just a teatime treat. Spread the Love! [email protected] 07866 779 400

GET SET KIDS 48 Chrissy Blount is unit manager of the Family Law Department at Crutes Law Firm, she is an experienced local solicitor, specialising in all aspects of family law. Chrissy was born in Middlesbrough, studied at University in Newcastle, and gained experience at several well known North East legal firms before joining Crutes in Stockton.

Chrissy and the team offer a caring yet effective approach to all family problems, including separation and divorce, financial matters and children. in future issues we would like to invite you, the readers, to write in with your family law questions which Chrissy will answer anonymously on the new legal problem page.

Question:

Q: Following our divorce, my wife agreed to let me have our daughter, aged 7 and son, aged 5 every other weekend. This arrangement has continued satisfactorily for the last year but she is saying that she and her new boyfriend want to visit his caravan in the Lake District every weekend with the children. She claims that it would not be fair to the children to leave them behind with me. Also, she says that they are upset and badly behaved when they return from my care but I have not seen any signs of this as they are always perfectly happy when they are with me. I’m desperate not to lose contact with my children. How can I ensure that she will not discontinue the current arrangements as she has threatened?

A: Firstly let me inform you that you have Parental Responsibility of your children, the same as your ex wife does. In contact disputes the Court’s primary concern is the welfare and best interests of the children. There is almost a presumption that contact should take place. There is no ‘rule’ as to how much contact the children should have. It would be based upon what is best for the children. As you are having contact every other weekend, presumably your ex wife could take the children to the caravan fortnightly. This would appear perfectly reasonable in these circumstances. Again, it is a common complaint that children can be badly behaved etc, when they return home and your ex wife would need to give more details about this. We would try to resolve this amicably through correspondence initially and there is also the possibility of attending mediation in order to try and talk through any problems in a controlled environment. If this was to fail then a Court Application may be necessary. If your ex wife raises issues surrounding the children’s behaviour following contact then an officer appointed by the court to represent the children’s best interests can be ordered to compile a report and to investigate the situation further, including speaking directly to the children. This is known as a CAFCASS report.

Chrissy

Christine Blount Crutes House, University Boulevard - Email : [email protected] Teesdale Park, Stockton on Tees DDI : 01642 623 427 TS17 6EN

GET SET KIDS 49 Are you tired of juggling work and family commitments? Do you need balance and a flexible lifestyle? Do you feel you don’t have the time or money to give your children all you would like to? If so then you and I have something in common, please take some time to read my story. My name is Andrea Lewis, I am a working mum with two gorgeous boys, husband, cat and dog making up my family. My career background has been in the Estate Agency industry for the past 20 years where I currently work part time. In 2008 a good friend told me about the opportunity available with this fantastic company and I became happily involved then. What I have found is that I can run my business alongside my job, family commitments and hobbies without compromise. Long term I have the opportunity to increase my income which ultimately will give me the freedom to live my life as I choose. The company I represent is an award winning £35 million UK company with an impeccable 15 year track record. If you are honest, ethical and hardworking, like helping people and working flexible hours at your own pace, we have an excellent home based business you can work around your family commitments. To find out more information please contact me. Andrea Lewis - 07803628193

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Xcel Centre, newton Aycliffe, 7.30 pm

Join us for a great girls night out with shopping opportunities, entertainment, cakes, beauty treatments and great prizes and the chance to help us raise money for the fantastic Cash for Kids charity.

Tickets £3 available from Ally or Emma on 07971 577572/07534 997875 or email us at [email protected].

Ticket price to include light refreshments, a goody bag and chance to win a great prize.

GET SET KIDS 53 Amy’s LIP GOSS Hello and welcome to my Summer column, I can’t believe how quickly the last few months have gone by. We have been so busy on the show, managed to get an interview with Paul Burling, the fantastic impressionist from Britian's Got Talent. Was so dissapointed when he didn't win, but Spellbound were brilliant too. We interviewed him over the phone, he was brilliant at doing Phil Mitchell from Eastenders and The Simpson's, yes the entire family! my cheeks still hurt from laughing so much! We have also been at lots of Race for Life events, where "Yummy Mummy's" have been running or walking three miles to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a very worthy cause, hope as many of you as possible have taken part. And on top of all that we have been very busy doing our School of the Week tours around County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire, the last school we visited in County Durham was Thornhill Primary School, the pupils there were brilliant and I can recommend the school dinners too, that's one of the bits I look forward to most when at our Schools of the Week, the desserts are amazing, all that custard, no wonder I'm putting on weight, but it would be rude to turn down dessert really, wouldn't it? On TFM Radio's breakfast show, I work with Matt Bailey who produces our show and of course the lovely Wayne Allen the host of the show. He loves to get his picture in the magazines so I decided to interview him, so here he is Wayne Allen, the host of Wake Up With Wayne, and all round good guy...... ~ Did you always want to be a radio presenter? I wanted to be a DJ since I was 15 at school when we had a big School Disco? The radio ambition evolved from when I was working in large nightclubs that had radio presenters working at some of their nights. I thought it was a job I could do, albeit very difficult to get into. ~ What's the best thing about working at TFM Radio? Honestly? Working with you Amy and Matt. Yeah I get up early but the banter on the radio is great, plus we get to host some exciting events across the region. ~ Who's your favourite celeb you have met? We get the chance to interview lots of different celebrities, my favourite ones are the people who are just happy to have a chat because some artists cannot be bothered. I have interviewed Cheryl Cole many times, she is so sincere and has not changed, I interviewed her six months ago and I knew it would be the last time as she is so big now and good on her. I would love to interview Simon Cowell. ~ They make out you are Mr tanfastic on the Radio, how orange are you? This is a running joke, I go brown easy but I have been known to have a "light" spray tan before a big gig on stage - the stage lights make you look like something from Twilight, one spray tan made me very very orange. ~ Who were your influences as you were growing up? I loved Michael Jackson, every School Disco I did a routine, professionally I loved listening to the Pepsi Chart with Neil Fox (more famous from being a judge on Pop Idol)and once I got the chance to work with him which was amazing especially as he was someone I listened to when I was growing up.

GET SET KIDS 54 ~ Who do you look up to now? One personality whom I admire and think has great qualities is Barack Obama, he always speaks with great conviction and authority but yet comes across as he is a good friend giving you honest advice. I really think having a cup of tea and a chat with that man would be truly inspiring. ~ We know you best as a karate master extraordinaire, and Joshua goes with you, how beneficial is it for kids to have a hobby? / what's the benefits of karate? Joshua who is five comes with me to Karate because I believe it is important in these modern times that he knows he has not only strength of mind but physically the skills should he need them, we read too often about people who have been jumped or more recently mugged. Knowing Karate could never stop this but you are aware of your options and have the know how to escape from aggression and avoid conflicts life may bring. It is always a great way for us to bond as we often practice together. ~ you have 2 little listeners, where locally do you like to go with them at the weekend? We often go to the park near Durham County Cricket Club, little Thomas who is twenty months loves the sand pit and Joshua who is five loves the trampolines. ~ The next interview, in the Autumn edition will be with Producer Matt from the Breakfast show, sum Matt up in 5 words? Professional, loyal, funny, irreplaceable, cute. Thank you to everyone who got in touch with a question as part of the "Ask Amy" section, I have tried to answer them as best as I can, so here goes...... Aaron from Wingate asks What's it like being able to speak on the radio? It's very scary Aaron, you have to really think about what you are saying so that you don't say something you shouldn't or even worse a naughty word! Wayne got caught out recently, he decided to read out an e-mail from a listener without proof reading it first, and he almost swore because the listener had wrote it on there, yikes! But really once you have been speaking on the radio for a while, you just get used to it, it's like speaking to someone on the telephone really. Bradley from Shotton Colliery asks What do you eat for your breakfast? Bradley when you get up at 4am you really dont feel like breakfast then, so I tend to bring a cereal bar and some fruit, usually a banana or grapes with me and munch on them with a big cup of tea to wake me up. The lads also bring fruit but they top theirs up with a bowl of cereal or on a Friday a bacon and egg sarnie! Mind you if Matt's grandma does her legendary baking i have been known to scoff a few fairy cakes before eating something substantial which is very naughty as I'm sure your mums and dads will tell you! Don't forget to keep your questions coming in for me, Wayne or Matt, just e-mail them to [email protected] and i will try to answer as many as possible in the Autumn edition. Keep listening to TFM Radio for more great competitions from Get Set Kids. Don't forget to nominate your school for School of the Week. Wayne, Matt and myself will come to your school, play some games and give away prizes. Nominate your school via www.tfmradio.com just remember to check with your head teacher first. If you would like a mention on TFM Radio just give us a ring (01642) 61 66 66 between 6am and 10am Monday to Friday. Amy xx WIN WIN WIN WIN To win a family pass to Crook Hall & Gardens in Durham just give us your details, either online at www.getsetkids.co.uk or Get Set Kids, PO Box 178, Newton Aycliffe, DL3 9AQ by 10 August 2010.

GET SET KIDS 55