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County Durham
Christmas Magic WIN! Frosty the Reindeer WINTER 2012 FREE The Voice Interviews
helping you make the most of family life
Hello !... as we learn to love the wrapping up warm and experience the tingle of excitement ahead, we are back to welcome in the Winter season! We can’t believe it’s the end of another year and so Ally & myself would like to THANKYOU for sharing our fourth year - 4 years well worth the effort (we hope you agree!) We are delighted to provide many of the lovely families of County Durham with your local family magazine to help you make the most of family life : ) We hope to leave the stress behind and revisit the magic Christmas brings . In this issue there are ideas and inspiration to help you do the same – whether it’s keeping traditions, making memories or just enjoying a gentler pace to family life, we hope you can enjoy the FUN of the festivities. Bring on the Jingle Bells, silly party hats, cracker jokes , Santa & maybe even ... snow!!! We hope it’s a Happy One! Emma Ord & Allison Mendelsohn In this Issue... Santa visits : Christmas parties : Festive events: Pantos: Holiday courses: Events calendar p16-17 : Recipe: Editors Interviews : Competitions & more : P.S. Take your copy with you/give it a home in Front cover photo courtesy of Adventure Valley your glove box and have your own mini summer adventures!
This Winter Get Set Designed and printed by K&M Print, 106 Church Lane, Ferryhill, County Durham DL12 9PJ tel. 01740 651501 Kids is distributing to © Copyright Get Set Kids Magazine 2011 even more family tel: 07971 577572/07534 997875 venues across email: [email protected] our region We take great care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine and all advertisers are accepted in good Just for you! faith. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or guarantee any of the products, services or businesses featured.
Last year was our most successful Christmas Appeal yet. For the first time ever we collected and distributed over half a million pounds worth of toys, to nearly 14,000 of the neediest children across our region. Children who otherwise would have woken with nothing on Christmas Morning. This year has been a particularly difficult year for everyone, and we know from the applications were receiving that we will need to be aiming to secure around £550,000 worth of toys this year. Remember every gift or penny donated locally, stays locally.
To find out more info about Mission Christmas and where you can donate a gift www.tfmradio.missionchristmas (Live from Monday 12 November) If you can’t make it to a drop off point help with “Quids for Kids” – and text QUID12 followed by your amount (£1 £2 £3 £4 £5) to 70070. To Register your support to organise a fundraiser or volunteer please email [email protected] or Linsey [email protected] or call the team on 01642 888 222.
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 3 Win Frosty the adorable Reindeer at Adventure Valley! With Christmas around the corner, we’ve teamed up with Adventure Valley for you to win an annual adoption of Frosty, one of their adorable resident Reindeers. Taking centre stage at Santa’s Wonderland throughout December, Frosty is getting very excited. Alongside his friends Stardust and Moonlight, they can’t wait to meet all their excited young guests, before they head off to see the white Christmas rabbits and Santa in his grotto. The lucky prizewinner of this animal adoption will win a personalised Adoption Certificate, photo memento and newsletter from Frosty. Plus your name will be outside Frosty’s paddock for 1 Year and you’ll receive a free 2012 ticket to come and see him for yourself. Adventure Valley is open virtually all year round and is only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Tickets for Santa’s Wonderland are limited and pre-booking is advised. To win an Adoption of Frosty for 1 year all you have to do is answer the following question and send your answer to Get Set Kids, 7 The Stirrup, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7LL or enter online at www.getsetkids.co.uk. Closing date 20th December 2012. Where does Frosty have a starring role at Adventure Valley? A. Santa’s Wonderland B. The FarmYard C. Busy Bees Barn Page 4 www.getsetkids.co.uk
Go wild for the Wildcats! The Wildcats have started their second season in the British Basketball League looking to build upon the club’s first year in Britain’s highest league. Six new faces lined up for the Wildcats on the opening day of the season when they beat last year’s league runners up, Worchester Wolves. The club, supported by Durham County Council and Durham University, are also encouraging a new generation of sports-stars. They’ll deliver around 800 hours of junior coaching across the next ten months. Cheer on the Wildcats at their home fixtures, which all take place at 4pm at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. Sun 02 Dec vs One Health Sharks Sheffield Sun 09 Dec vs Surrey Heat Sun 23 Dec vs Prestige Homes MK Lions Sun 06 Jan vs Cheshire Jets Sun 20 Jan vs Worcester Wolves Sun 17 Mar vs The Eagles - Get Set Kids sponsored match. Tickets £10 adults £8 kids to include drink, buffet, kids session and match and extra GetSetKidsness! For tickets, go to www.godurhamwildcats.com www.facebook.com/DurhamWildcats
Endorsed by The Amateur Swimming Association
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 7 Page 8 www.getsetkids.co.uk Football at the club starts with our highly successful development section for boys and girls aged 4-6 years old. The sessions are for all abilities and offers coaching that is fun and enjoyable for our young budding footballers.
Girls football continues to grow in Newton Aycliffe and the club has 3 teams competing in the Russel Foster Youth League and have started a new girls development section for 9 and 10 year olds.
The football club is not only about coaching and competing as we actively encourage and promote the social values of being involved in a team sport with end of season activities for all players.
For more information visit www.naycafc.co.uk
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 9 Beamish – a real sense of Christmas past. Enjoy a fun-packed, family festive day out this year at Beamish. Each weekend, experience Christmas as it was in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times – see the twelfth night celebrations at Pockerley Old Hall, explore Home Farm and watch the farmer’s wife cooking up a festive feast on the coal-fired range. Hop on a splendid tramcar and stroll through The Town, admire the real Christmas tree in the home of Mr Jones, the dentist, and find some quirky gifts on the market stalls and in the Co-op shops. Discover how miners and their families celebrated Christmas in The Pit Village, pop into the pit cottages, the village school and Methodist chapel. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can meet Father Christmas in his magical fireside Grotto, he’ll have a small gift for every child. Or how about some outdoor, winter fun - pop on some ice skates and take a spin on the real, outdoor Ice Rink.* It’s how every Christmas ought to be !
Christmas at Beamish runs every weekend from 17th November to 30th December. Admission charges at weekends are £17.50 for adults, £13 for seniors and £10 for children (under 5s free) – tickets are valid for a whole year for an unlimited number of visits. Half price winter day tickets are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Throughout the Christmas season, Beamish is open from 10am to 4pm, closed Mondays, Fridays and Christmas Day. For more information visit www.beamish.org.uk or telephone 0191 370 4000. *small extra charge applies Christmas Evenings at Beamish 7th, 14th & 21st December Be part of the magic of Christmas, take a trip back in time to Beamish Museum and enjoy the festive fun. Delight in a crisp winter evening of Christmas celebrations, indulge yourself with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, mince pies and entertainment from the times. Browse the market stalls, meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto and take a turn on the real ice rink. These are ticket only events. Tickets are £12 per person (under 2s free) and child tickets include a small gift from Father Christmas. They available online at www.beamish.org.uk or by calling 0191 370 4000 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm) Tel: 0191 384 8028 Sidegate, Frankland Lane Durham DH1 5SZ Traditional Christmas on 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd December, 11am - 3pm. Pre-booking essential www.crookhallgardens.co.uk Page 10 www.getsetkids.co.uk HARRY’S FARM Annual Christmas shop is open every day until 21st December 9.30am - 4pm For gifts, decorations and wreaths Please don’t forget all proceeds go to charity (reg no 1044311) Call 07761826512 GREAT FOR CHILDREN’S PARTIES!!! All staff CRB checked Low Martinfield Farm, Hartbrigg Lane, Nr Bp Auckland DL14 0NA Find us on Facebook : search ‘Harry’s Farm’
WIN WIN WIN
To win a family ticket to see The Grimm Tales at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Thursday 3rd January just answer the following question Name one of the Grimm brothers stories? Enter online at www.getsetkids.co.uk by 20th December 2012
To win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see Sleeping Beauty at The Gala Theatre (see page13) on Monday 17th December, 5pm show, just answer the following question Name one of the characters in Sleeping Beauty Hurry Hurry Enter online at www.getsetkids.co.uk by 12th December 2012
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 11 The PLAYHOUSE is thrilled to welcome Hollyoaks star and Dancing on Ice contestant, Jennifer Metcalfe alongside ‘Any Dream Will Do’ runner-up, Keith Jack to the cast of this year’s Christmas pantomime, Cinderella. The pair will join North East comic Steve Walls who is returning to the PLAYHOUSE for his 3rd consecutive year alongside David Burton as Baron Hardup, Danny Jay and David Drewitt as the Ugly Sisters and two real Shetland ponies. Also taking to the stage to complete the lineup is Suzanne Richardson from South Shields as the Fairy Godmother and James Darch as Dandini. Blue Genie Entertainment are pulling out all the stops to ensure this will be a Christmas treat for everyone to enjoy. With real Shetland ponies and what’s promised to be the most amazing transformation scene ever staged, Cinderella looks set to be the highlight of anyone’s Christmas. Cinderella runs from Tuesday 18th December 2012 – Sunday 6th January 2013. Tickets range from £7-£16 and can be purchased in person from the PLAYHOUSE Box Office or by calling 0844 277 2771 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk.
To win a family ticket to see Cinderella at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay on WIN WIN Saturday 5th January just answer the following question Name one of the characters in Cinderella? WIN Enter online at www.getsetkids.co.uk by 20th December 2012
ENROLLING NOW FOR A JANUARY START GIVE THE GIFT OF www.stagecoach.co.uk/yarm www.stagecoach.co.uk/darlington CONFIDENCE THIS CHRISTMAS! www.DarlingtonandYarm.co.uk
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Winter 2012 Events DECEMBER 1 Saturday Santa's Grotto at Raby Castle, until 23 December - Santa's Winter Wonderland Grotto will be back for another year at Raby delighting children and adults alike, weekends 10 am to 5 pm, weekdays 3 to 5 pm, prebooking essential, £8 children, tel 01833 660202, www.rabycastle.com 11 - til 2pm, Christmas Fair at Little Cubs Day Nursery, Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe, admission free, lots of stalls, cakes, gifts, cards, craft, tombola, tel 01325 312288 11 - to 3 pm, every weekend in December, Santa's Grotto at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield. Meet Santa in the magical grotto and get a present to take home, £3 per child, call to book a time slot, tel 01740 621505 11 - to 3 pm, also 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd December, A Traditional Christmas at Crook Hall - a magical afternoon with Father Christmas and his elves. Pre booking essential, £9.50. tel 0191 3848028 1pm - Sedgefield Christmas Celebrations - Santa Claus and his reindeers at The Parish Hall 1-4 pm, Christmas crafts and coffee in Ceddesfeld Hall followed at 4.15 pm by Snowman Parade on the village green and Christmas lights switch on at 4.30 pm. 10.30 - til 4pm and 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th,16th, 22nd and 23rd. Santa weekends at Hall Hill Farm. Meet Santa, see the animals, sing carols and enjoy the indoor play area. Telephone 01388 731333 www.hallhillfarm.co.uk 2 Sunday 10 - to 12 or 1 to 3 pm, also 9 and 16 December. Wooden Reindeer Making at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield. £12 per reindeer. Come and work with the rangers to make your very own reindeer using natural materials collected from the parking, booking essential, tel 01740 621505 10:30 - Santa Run in Hardwick Park in aid of Butterwick Hospice, £10.50 adults (includes full Santa suit), £5 children under 14 years includes Santa hat, medal and certificate. Help raise money for Butterick, to register please call 01388 603003 4pm - to 6 pm, also 8 December - Christmas at The Hall, Crook Hall, Durham, carols, mulled wine and mince price and all things Christmassy. pre booking essential, £9.50, tel 0191 3848028 5 Wednesday 5pm - to 8 pm, Greenfield Community & Arts Centre Christmas Extravaganza, Newton Aycliffe. Join us for a Christmas craft fair with demonstrations and performances by some of our talented Greenfield musicians. Entrance free. Tel 01325 379048, info@greenfield- arts.co.uk 7 Friday 14th and 21st, Christmas Evenings at Beamish - get into the festive spirit, enjoy the period entertainment, browse the market stalls, visit Father Christmas in his grotto and take a turn on the ice rink. Ticketed evening events, charge applies. www.beamish.org.uk, tel 0191 3704000 8 Saturday & 9th, 15th and 16th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December - Santa's Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley, Durham, Whether its Christmas crafts, petting the white Christmas rabbits, storytelling with Mrs Claus or getting up close and personal with Frosty the real- life reindeer, we have it all! Not to mention an exclusive sitting with Santa himself! Adventure Valley will operate its public Winter Wonderland experience on a pre-booked basis, weekends only. It will remain open during the week for Schools and Groups Winter Wonderland bookings, and Friday evenings for a similarly themed After Schools Treats session. For more information, please download the relevant information guide and booking form below. But hurry – places are limited, and strictly on a first-come, first- served basis!
Page 16 www.getsetkids.co.uk Tel 0191 3868291, www.adventurevalley.co.uk 9 Sunday 9am - Santa's Special Breakfast at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield - bring the family along to meet the elves, Santa's magicians, Jack Frost and The Ice Men while you enjoy a scrumptious cooked breakfast, adults £15, children £10, tel 01740 620253 15 Saturday 10am - to 4 pm, also on 16th, 22nd and 23rd December - Loco Christmas, Locomotion Railway Museum, Shildon - children can meet Santa in his very special railway grotto, enjoy a train ride on site and watch a magic show. There'll be craft activities, music and much more with a gift for each child. Ticket must be booked in advance, £8 child, £5.50 adult, a family ticket is £25 for 2 adults and 2 children and £32 for 2 adults and 3 children, tel 01388 771439 10am - to 4 pm and 16th December, Christmas Market at The Bowes Museum, 100 stalls selling the best in local food and crafts, free outdoor event, tel 01833 690606 20 Thursday 11 till 1pm toddlers Christmas party at Adventure Point, Darlington. £7 for child, £2 for adult. Tel 01325 481616 www.adventure-point.co.uk 21 Friday 4 till 6pm after school Christmas party at Adventure Point, Darlington. £7 for child, £2 for adult. Tel 01325 481616 www.adventure-point.co.uk 24 Monday Christmas Eve - Santa's on his way! 25 Tuesday Happy Christmas Everyone!
JANUARY 1 Tuesday Happy New Year! 2 Wednesday to 4th, 10am - to 3pm, Martin Gray Football Academy at Alun Armstrong Soccer Centre, Shildon, book now at www.martingrayfootballacademy.com Check out our web site at www.getsetkids.co.uk for the latest events 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. Sponsored by
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 all our contributors for their support, it is very much appreciated. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 17 The Pantomime Is Coming To Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
! Follow the adventures of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on a modern day take of a timeless classic ! The 2hr performance will be running on Thursday December 13th in the Sycamore Suite at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre from 9:30am. Children's tickets are £5 per child; with parents only paying £2. Family tickets of 2 adults & 2 children @ £12
Photographs and a chance to meet the cast will take place after the performance! Book now to avoid disappointment. To book contact 01325 300500
Christmas fayre 1st December 2012 11am - 2pm Beauty, cakes, cards, Christmas gifts and other stalls
A chocolate tombola along with a raffle & so much more for all ages...
Join Little Cubs this Christmas at our Fayre! Held at the Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe
To book a table or more info please call: 01325 312288 or email; [email protected]
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Ceramic Studio & Bistro Great Food Freshly prepared The Kilnrooms Home-Made Cakes & Pies 10% Spennymoor Leisure Centre OFF WITH [email protected] tel: 07828 390210 THIS VOUCHER No photocopies GSKKILN
9am- 8pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & 10am-3pm Sun The Kilnrooms - is 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
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 21 Rudolf’s Carrot Flapjack Christmas is the perfect time to get little ones involved in the kitchen. Little people like nothing more than cooking up a storm and the pride that they can take in making a delicous creation is quite amazing. So why should you get your children into the kitchen to get creative? Children love to be creative in the kitchen, it is an amazing way to spend a damp drizzly afternoon. Children are more likely to try new food if they have been involved in making it themselves when the results are scrummy. It raises self esteem, teaches children invaluable life skills (they can do more than you give them credit for). It is an amazing way to spend quality time together and is a great way to create presents for the family which will cost very little in monetary terms but will mean the world to the recipient. Ingredients 200g butter, 100g golden syrup, 50g soft brown sugar, 300g rolled oats, 2 grated carrots, zest of 1 orange, 100g chopped apricots, 1 tsp cinnamon, 50g pumpkin seeds. Makes 16 squares. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Line an 18cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper. Melt butter, golden syrup and sugar in a large pan. Mix in oats, carrots, orange zest, apricots, cinnamon & pumpkin seeds. Stir everything well, then pack into the prepared tin, pushing down firmly. Bake for 40 - 45 mins, then cool in the tin Thankyou to Emma Holmes of Kiddy Cook Darlington 07870188128 www.kiddycook.co.uk/darlington www.facebook.com/pages/Kiddy-Cook-Darlington/151992961547648 Follow Kiddy Cook Darlington on Twitter! @kiddycookDL
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Page 22 www.getsetkids.co.uk ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULL Jules - Herbalife Journey Local mum of 2, Jules Baxter (who many know through her Signing Tots success), has started her own health and nutrition business – Herbalife. Inspired by experiencing amazing weight loss and wellness results, using the products and joining a weight loss and wellness challenge. In her own words “Since March 2012, when I joined Herbalife, I have built up a number of customers who I coach and support achieving their own goals and personal weight loss and throughout their wellness journeys. I run my own Arriba Wellness and Weight Loss Challenge in Newton Aycliffe (the first of its kind to hit the town). On a Thursday evening 6.30pm (12 weeks for £39) at the Agnew Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe. I have also just launched the very first FITCLUB to hit Newton Aycliffe - this involves FREE exercise followed by post workout nutrition and energy tea - available to EVERYONE and ANYONE who would like to start making healthy changes in their lives.” Fitclub is on every Saturday morning 10-11am at Woodham Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe. My facebook page is www.facebook.com/24fitclubnewtonaycliffe My website can be found at: www.healthynewyou.co.uk where all the products through Herbalife can be found... we dont just concentrate on weightloss - we look after Inner Nutrition, Outer Nutrition (skincare) and also have our own range of sports performance products too! “My life has changed dramatically since being onboard with Herbalife - I am in the best shape I have ever been, and coming up 37 with 2 boys - this has always been a challenge! I have a huge passion to help others with where they want to be and am now building a team, for anyone who would like to make extra pennies, just by sharing with them what I do ! I love Herbalife and always will... if you would like to book your own FREE wellness evaluation - please contact me : 07966 968388” (find us on Facebook ) Very much looking forward to helping you reach your wellness goals!! Jules Call me now for a FREE Wellness Evaluation (Independent Herbalife Distributor, Wellness Coach and Arriba! Weight Loss Club Leader) Contact Jules on 07966 968388 www.facebook.com/arribanewtonaycliffe www.healthynewyou.co.uk email: [email protected] www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 23 FUN IN THE OCTOBER SUN! The Ord and Mendelsohn families enjoyed a week’s October break from the daily routine, in the Half term climes of the historic La Cala de Mijas, on the sunny Costa del Sol. Each family occupied equally luxurious apartments in the same residency of Oasis La Cala de Mijas, with access to the communal pool bordered by lush gardens and sun loungers. Our modern abode was more than comfortably furnished, air-conditioned, with a well equipped kitchen (including a handy washer/dryer) and marble bathrooms to create a second home during your stay. The enclosed terrace was a real private haven, housing an outdoor dining table, fold away glass doors and hot tub. Able to accommodate up to 8 people (optional 3rd double sofabed) it was everything we wanted and then some. This was a perfect balance between enjoying holidaying as two families and affording the private space sometimes needed when 5 of your travelling companions span 4 to 10 years. With all that the area and Mijas has to offer, from sandy beaches and play areas to small coves and the seafood gastronomy, added to that Fuengirola and Marbella are only a drive away – we would love to return again. On reflection of such a wonderful vacation and positive family experience we hope this Get Set Kids holiday was the first of many!!! : ) For more information telephone 001 206 687 2408 www.spanishvacationrental.com
Page 24 www.getsetkids.co.uk www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 24 The refurbished community centre at the Neville Parade Newton Aycliffe has rooms for you to hire to organise your own event - birthday party, wedding reception, sales, activities, exhibitions and commercial use.
To view ring Peter Beaty 01325 313924 We can also arrange food if required
YOUR TARGET . Modern Surgical Facilities . Separate Wards and Waiting Areas for Dogs & AUDIENCE Cats at our Barnard Castle surgery . Qualified Nursing Staff IS WITHIN . In-house Laboratory . Pet Health Counsellor for advice on all aspects REACH of pet health, from birth to old age. If you are a business or organisation who feels . Nurses Clinics ranging from Weight you could benefit from being a part of Get Set Management to Geriatric Care Kids, put your advertising where it is going to . Scales available to use at any time- feel free to work for you and give you the best value for money, give us a call on pop in and weigh your pet when it suits you. . Pet food & accessories 07971 577572/07534 997875 . Routine worming & flea treatments Or email [email protected] Or download our media pack from Barnard Castle: 01833 637700 www.getsetkids.co.uk St. Helens: 01388 450700 Montalbo Road, Barnard Castle DL12 8ED and 34 Maude Terrace, St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 9BD www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 25 With a new series of The Voice due in 2013 and all four coaches mentoring again. Our remaining two interviews are with Danny and Sir Tom.
As lead vocalist and songwriter for the hit Irish rock group The Script, Danny’s had 2 UK number 1 albums, played to sold-out stadium tours alongside U2 and Paul McCartney, and has cracked the U.S. Market. When you were asked to be a coach on The Voice, what was your reaction? Huge excitement. I have always been a massive fan of the American show. I fell in love with the format and the fact that the coaches cannot see the people singing. So many of my friends would have liked to have gone on a singing talent TV show in the past, but they didn’t for fear of being ridiculed. It is fantastic that The Voice UK is all about finding fantastic singers.
Were you blown away or disappointed by the talent? I can tell you now – and you can quote me on this – that even on the first day of auditions, the talent on it beat any final I have ever seen on a talent contest. The standard was just incredible.
What were you looking for as a coach? I wanted to look for someone who had an emotional voice and right from the start, my game plan was to press the buzzer if I felt a person had a strong voice - as I knew they wouldn’t always pick me to be their coach. I am so pleased with the team I ended up with.
What kind of coach are you? Well I have been told I am the most organised out of all four coaches! Look, I have been in the music business since I was 16. I know exactly what it is like and I could give them so much help and advice on what to do and look out for.
Is there plenty of banter between the coaches? It depends on how you define banter! We have had quite a few heated moments on the show, which were there for all to see! I really get on with Tom; Will is awesome and Jessie J is so nice.
Your band has been very successful. But were there times on the panel when you found it hard competing with someone like the legendary Tom Jones?! I would be stupid if I said I was the most famous person up there on the panel. You have three of the most famous people in the world – and me. I am the underdog, for sure, but I really do not mind this.
What do the rest of your band think about you being a coach on The Voice? They were so excited. They are massive fans of the show too. This year has been jam-packed as we were also recording our third album. But what I love is the fact that 2012 is all about music. I wouldn’t like to be on a TV show that was talking about something like gardening, for instance. I waned to give The Voice everything – and I have to say that I have really enjoyed every aspect of the show. Page 26 www.getsetkids.co.uk With a career spanning six decades and selling over 100 million records, he’s delighted audiences worldwide. Grammy and Brit Award winner, he's collaborated with some of the most iconic names music has ever known.
Why did you want to be a coach on The Voice? I have watched the American version and I love the fact that it is all about ‘the voice’. This show is so unique and it is a fresh idea. I am a fan of talent shows and when I watch them, I always listen out for the voice. This is the perfect vehicle and I am so glad I have been part of it.
What were you looking for? Strong individual voices. I want to hear something different.
What surprised you about the auditions? The quality. We have all said that it’s a shame we could only pick ten artists to be in our team, as I would have loved it if I could have picked 20!
What kind of coach are you? I’d like to think I am a fair coach. I am always listening to see if they are in tune. People are always coming to me to ask for advice, and it’s nice to be able to give people tips. I know how much I really appreciated people giving me advice when I was younger.
What did you expect from the artists you picked? I hoped they would work hard and stay true to themselves. This is an amazing opportunity for them.
Do you get on well with the other coaches? Yes. For me, it was very important that the BBC got the right mix and balance. I feel we have this on the panel. We are all competitive with each other, but we also have a lot of respect for each other.
Is there plenty of banter? Definitely. We went out together on the first evening and we chatted about what we needed from this show. It was really important we met and all the coaches are great.
Being a TV coach is another string to your bow! Have you enjoyed the challenge? Yes I really have had so much fun. I have enjoyed it a lot. I really do believe in the show and the format.
2012 has been a busy year for you... Yes it has been. I took part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert as well but it’s so lovely to be back in Britain. Doing something like The Voice is a great excuse to come over. www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 27
Amy’s LIP GOSS Hi Everyone, I can’t believe here we are at the end of the year almost with X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing back on the TV. Before you know it Christmas will be here again! We have been very busy at TFM Radio over the past few months, Lawson popped into the studio for a chat, Amelia Lily from last year’s X-Factor also dropped by along with the girls from Little Mix. Plus the one and only Cheryl called in for a good old cup of coffee and a chat, did you know she’s dropped Cole from her name, she’s now known only as Cheryl!...... I asked her a few questions just for Get Set Kids. Is it good to be back in the North East, what’s the first thing you do when you come home?...... You know I always go past the café where I used to work, I loved that job, but I don’t miss the smell of the grease and food. Actually there’s a Chinese take-away I have used my whole life and I stayed at my sisters last night and we got a take away. It was the best night i’ve had in a long time, I just sat on the floor with her crazy kids, dogs and animals and we had the take away and watched telly, it was lovely. You always seem to be getting chased by the Paparazzi, do you ever manage to escape them for long? We have the Paparazzi over here but I spent some time in LA and over there they are called Mosquitos and they are worse. Over here I have a deal with the photographers, that they were not allowed to stand outside my house and wait for me, so here I can move around a little more freely, but in the US I can’t, it drives us nuts to be honest. We are hearing lots of talk about a Girls Aloud reunion, what’s the worst part about getting together with the girls again?...... Everyone’s always borrowing everything! Your shoes go missing, people borrow your make- up and then they shout “where’s my lip-gloss, did you give me it back?” so I have to shout yes I did, I gave it back to you this morning! How is Will-I-Am since “The Voice” because you are big friends with him? Yeah, he’s been busy, I wanted to work with him on my Princes Trust project but we haven’t managed it. He’s really into charity work, he has his own foundation in the States called Transform, he helps people who have hit a rough patch get their life back on track. I have even seen him help people who have been struggling since the recession, he will do a DJ set one night, get paid and give the money to someone so they can pay their mortgage. He also pays for people to go to college, he’s amazing. Is it true you have been cooking him lovely meals while he’s been staying in London recently?......
www.getsetkids.co.uk Page 29 No I have not, I would love to say I have been a good friend and cooked his tea but I didn’t. I don’t cook a lot, I can make a good banana cake, Kimberly taught me how to do that, it’s gorgeous banana cake. We see you dining out in fancy restaurants but what food do you love to cook for yourself at home?...... Chips egg and ham with red sauce, only brown sauce on certain things, but red sauce is the best…….. You really love your fans, you like to spend time with them and help them whenever you can don’t you?...... I love my fans, they are so loyal, I mean ridiculously loyal I call them my soldiers, they are strong and they are always there supporting me especially on Twitter. That’s it for now, have a great Christmas and New Year, take care and speak again soon, Bye for now Amy x WIN A MINI FOR THE WEEKEND
To win a Mini for the weekend courtesy of Cooper Durham Mini answer the following question. Apply on-line at www.getsetkids.co.uk by 20th December 2012. Name three styles of Mini? Terms & conditions apply (see www.getsetkids.co.uk)
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