IN THIS ISSUE Club/Class Directory The many benefits of Scouting New Year: New You feature

Issue 10 Jan/Feb 2020 familiesonline.co.uk Where is Families Newcastle Gateshead? Families Newcastle Gateshead is distributed bi-monthly WelcomeAfter all of the overindulgence that readers Christmas and the New throughout Newcastle & Year will have undoubtedly brought you, this issue of Families Gateshead. You can collect a magazine has just the right thing to help you keep to your New FREE copy from the scores of Year’s resolutions and discover a NEW YOU! Check out our outlets: schools, nurseries, play New Year: New You articles along with the directory of local businesses who are there to help you along the way. groups, clubs & classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors Our popular club and class directory returns and is bigger and & baby clinics and children’s better than ever before! Why not have a browse through and sign your child up to learn something new in 2020? Equally, shops. If you would like to stock you’ll find an article on Scouting: a popular and every growing copies please let us know. For British institution that gets young people outdoors in the families from birth to twelve. wonderful fresh air! Read by over 34,000 local We lead such busy lives, there really is never any time to families 6 times a year. browse the internet or social media to find out how to entertain the kids, but never fear, our ‘What’s On’ guide at the back of this issue has plenty listed for a whole range of family fun options. Circlulation: 17,000 Wishing all of our families a joyful 2020 filled with plenty of fun Deadline: Deadline for Mar/Apr 20 is early Feb 20 family moments! Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk

Editor, Families Newcastle Gateshead Magazine Families Newcastle Gateshead is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised Welcome magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered Get in touch trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Newcastle Gateshead are fully protected by copyright and none of E – [email protected] the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families T – 07794909820 Newcastle Gateshead. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of @FamiliesNGMag advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. @FamiliesNGMag @familiesngmag

Sleep Lessons for School FAMILY News Children

National Storytelling Week Gender Reveal Parties Becoming Popular

School children across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.

National Storytelling Week takes place from 1 to 8 Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an February and is a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art increasingly important issue. forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories — from According to the British Medical Journal, there is conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a to watching our favourite television shows. The American trend of “gender reveal parties” to announce major impact on children’s mental and physical health, Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling the sex of a baby is a growing trend in the UK. as well as learning. A recent study by the BMJ suggests is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental Celebrated at an earlier stage in pregnancy than a wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time. narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to baby shower, a gender reveal party announces whether correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer expectant parents will be giving birth to a boy or a girl. The sleep lessons are aimed at children ages 7 to 16 a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener. years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum. Sometimes this will be a surprise for the couple themselves The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are with some asking the sonographer at their 20 week scan listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change to write down “boy” or “girl” on a piece of paper and put it in adolescence. inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to in an envelope. It is then given to a friend or relative who exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. organises the party. Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling Traditional ‘reveals’ include a cake with blue or pink clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis sweets hidden inside, a pink or blue confetti-filled piñata among young people word venues, and care homes. or a guest taking off a hat to reveal a pink or blue wig. But To find a local event or to look through its extensive more dramatic announcements, including fireworks are More info: www.pshe-association.org.uk www. archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk becoming more and more common. thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk/

2 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk DoThe you Big know Garden someone Birdwatch who loves to sing and act? Established in 2007, Little Voices builds con dence and nurtures talent through inspirational education in music and drama for children aged 4-18. With a 100% LAMDA pass rate in our centre, we work with trained singing and drama tutors in small classes and are passionate about helping all our pupils reach their full potential. Our small classes meanwe Our aim is to help every child reach can focus on the individual child’s development, ensure everyone their potential through inspirational gets a part and provide a wonderful, caring environment where education in music and drama your child can make new friends and grow in con dence . The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 25 to 27 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the WithUK, schools and is great under fun for p children.ressure to focus on the core subjects, . musicTo take and part, drama you need are to falling watch the o birds the in yourcurriculum garden or localbut park we forknow just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB. that the skills acquired through these subjects go way beyond You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird performance.identification Ourchart andpupils advice lea to rhelpn so you much attract thatwildlife they to your can garden. transfer into other areas - important life skills like eye contact, posture, To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike breathing,ride to a local handling park to look anxiety for birds, and or makenerves, a day e tripectively out of it and spot birds in a new communicatingplace. with the spoken word, good diction and most importantlMore info yat, www.rspb.org.ukCONFIDENCE!

There are 3 lessons available as well as THEATRE WEEKS and workshopsWould during You school Rent holidays: Baby Clothes?

Mini Voices Ages 4-7: Mini Voices introduces children to the performing arts, with fun at the core of our lessons. These lessons are short to maximise concentration and learning. We also start to nurture your child’s talents and develop their communication skills. 07916138150 Little Voices Ages 7-12: We also start to nurture your child’s Email: [email protected] talents and develop their communication skills. During these lessons we introduce characterisation, expression, complex scripts www.littlevoices.org.uk/newcastle and working together as a cast. We really nurture their young singing voices with vocal health as a priority and fundamental acting techniques. Babies can get through an alarming number of outfits in a day, so there’s no getting away 2 FREE TRIAL LESSONS from the fact that you will need plenty of sleepsuits in different sizes, each of which will Voicesonly fitAges for a13-18: matter ofV oicesmonths isor wheweeks.re Sowe how start do youto seeavoid the ending Little up with piles of Voicesclothes training your baby br hasought outgrown? centre stage. Many of our Voices pupils go onFor tomore further and more study new parents, in performing the answer isarts simple: subjects rent. or are able to transferTwo UK the companies valuable have skills introduced acqui anr alternativeed to other which ca theyreers believe paths solves and this problem as well as being affordable and environmentally sustainable by reducing waste. The life situations.alternative also reduces time spent by parents constantly re-selling and purchasing clothes. As theyFamilies acqui payr ea themonthly higher subscription, grades return the outgrownmarks often clothes p androvide then receive the a valuablenext size contributionup, in line with their to UCASbaby’s growthpoints and for the entry changing to collegeseasons. Clothes are professionally cleaned and must pass quality control before being sent to the next renting and family.university. For more info, visit www.bundlee.co.uk or www.bellesandbabes.co.uk Lessons take place mid week and after school, meaning no weekend commitment encroaching on all-important family time. If you’dOfsted like to ndRatings out what Driving makes our Upawa Houserd-winning Prices lessons 100% so amazing, please get in touch. PASS Families in England are paying a house price premium of as much as £100,000 to make RATE sure their children live within the catchment of schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, new All Littleanalysis Voices suggests. Principals and Tutors are fully enhanced DBS checked. Little ResearchersVoices is a registered analysed trademark the Ofsted ratings of 20,545 secondary and primary schools in of LittleEngland Voices and Limited. found that average house prices often reflect the quality of the local school. The average price of a house in England with top-rated schools nearby stands at Little £331,605,Voices schools according and centres to research by comparison website Confused.com. This is about are operated£38,600 asmore a franchise, than the average price of homes with schools rated ‘good’ by Ofsted LLP ornearby, sole trader about and £78,000 are more than in areas with schools that ‘require improvement’ and independentlynearly £100,000 owned more by than in postcodes with schools rated ‘inadequate’. the franchisee or individual. TermsA andsimilar conditions study by appl they . Department of Education found that house prices are 8% higher near the best performing primary schools. Prices may vary. Subject to Lessons for [email protected] 4-18 application.To view the report, visit www.confused.com

familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 3 FAMILY health

The Truth About Eating Disorders By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira With high profile celebrities like Christopher Eccleston, Russell Brand, Demi Children often first begin to show symptoms of eating disorders between the Lovato, Paula Abdul and many more sharing their stories, it’s finally acceptable ages of 6 and 12. to discuss eating disorders openly. There is even an Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which, this year, runs from 2 to 8 March. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness and Anorexia Nervosa is the biggest killer. Eating disorders are not only a problem for adults; children of either gender can be affected by them. Over the last 30 to 40 years, the prevalence of eating 35% to 37% of adolescent girls engage in dangerous dieting behaviours, disorders has increased to become a widespread problem across the UK including fasting, diet pill use, laxative abuse, and more. and worldwide. Over 1.6 million people in the UK are estimated to be directly In the last seven years, the amount of boys going into hospitals in the UK affected by eating disorders. Overall figures are likely to be underestimated increased from 235 to 466. as many children and adults with eating disorders do not always get a formal diagnosis. If you think your child may be suffering from an eating disorder, it’s important to consult your GP. What is an Eating Disorder? How Can Parents Create A Healthy Body Image? An eating disorder is a serious mental health issue that involves a disordered eating behaviour which can be fatal. This can include eating too little or too The modern world of social media, music videos, Netflix, and teen magazines much or becoming obsessed with one’s weight or shape. has a great impact on how young children and teenagers see themselves. It is important to remember that parents do not cause eating disorders, but they can Different Types of Eating Disorders miss vital clues that their child has developed one. There are several types of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Here are simple things to help your child build a positive body image: Nervosa, binge-eating disorder (BED) and eating disorders not otherwise specified, known as (EDNOS) whose features closely resemble more well- • Be a healthy role model and teach your children how to take care of their known eating disorders. body through healthy eating and exercise. Anorexia Nervosa: Young girls or boys as well as adults who have anorexia try • Those going through puberty often feel very awkward in their own bodies. to keep their weight as low as possible by not eating enough food or exercising It is common for girls and boys to gain weight during this time. Reinforce too much, or both which causes illness and starvation. their individual beauty by giving compliments. Positively support their need to experiment with different styles and looks. Bulimia: Those who suffer sometimes lose control and eat a lot of food in a very short amount of time (binging) and are then deliberately sick, or use laxatives • Let your children know how proud you are of them and acknowledge their to stop weight gain. achievements. Binge eating disorder (BED): Individuals regularly lose control of eating, and eat • Encourage your children to become involved in an activity such as large portions of food all at once and get uncomfortably full, and are then often swimming lessons, dance classes, music lessons, singing lessons – this upset or guilty. will help bolster their sense of accomplishment. Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): This eating disorder is the • Spend quality time with your children and be aware of what is going on most common and symptoms do not exactly match those of anorexia, bulimia around them. What are they watching? Listening to? Are they on social or binge eating disorder. The illness is not less serious than those above but media? Are they suffering any peer pressure? simply presents itself in a different way. For information about anorexia, check out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Worrying Statistics Anorexia at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk. Enter N2K25OFF to receive a 25% discount. Eating disorders are complex conditions that are unique to each individual but there are some surprising statistics parents need to be aware of.

4 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk Short Break Ideas for 2020 By Claire Winter

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular with families in the UK. Budget airlines, busier lives, and the desire to see lots of different places in a shorter amount of time are just some of the reasons why families are opting for them. Apparently short breaks are also good for your mental health. Psychologists claim that people who take them are much happier than people who take long holidays. This is because people’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for their destination may start to wane after more than a week away.

Eco-Friendly Stays Theme Park Fun With awareness growing of the effect of travel on Copenhagen has loads of fun things to do for the environment, think about travelling by train, families and is just a two-hour flight away. It’s which is much greener. Amsterdam, Bruges, also home to not one, but two amusement parks. Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg and Cologne can all be Bakken, with its 82 year old wooden rollercoaster, reached by rail in under 6 hours from London. Then is just ten minutes’ drive north of the city and is there are eco-friendly destinations such as Slovenia the world’s oldest amusement park, dating back to (www.slovenia.info/en) where 54% of the land is 1583. Tivoli Gardens consists of 15 acres packed under protection. It also has beautiful coastal towns with pagodas, roller coasters, and fairground to explore and activities like white water rafting and rides, including the world’s tallest carousel. You hiking to try. Half of the country is covered in forest, could also check out Efteling: World of Wonders in Adventure Awaits so it is really one of the greenest countries in the Holland (www.efteling.com/en). It’s about 1.5 hours world. Taking a break to try a new sport or have an outdoor from Amsterdam and has a fun, fantasy, storybook adventure will be popular in 2020. Whether it’s setting and a variety of novel accommodation spending the weekend in a cosy cottage in North options. You can immerse yourself in the enchanted Wales to go on the world’s fastest zip wire (www. forest, where there are carousels and fun rides for zipworld.co.uk) or exploring the stunning scenery the younger children, while thrill seekers can battle of the Pyrenees. The Adventure Creators (www. dragons on the rollercoasters. adventurecreators.co.uk) are a small, friendly tour Don’t forget to let us know your favourite short operator that specialises in multi-activity holidays in break destinations on our Facebook page or on this mountainous area. Activities include canyoning, Instagram. rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and high rope adventures. An in-situ holiday manager is on hand throughout your stay to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as to give you recommendations for the best family-friendly restaurants in the area. Holidays are available May-September. Waterside Breaks Beautiful Scotland is a fantastic destination all year round. The country is celebrating a year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 so there’s never been a better time to explore its beautiful rivers, lochs and coastline. You can also enjoy fantastic events as part of the celebrations, such as the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Scotland’s Shores at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will feature classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience. More information at www.visitscotland. com/about/themed-years/coasts-waters/. Also check out www.watersidebreaks.com which has a wealth of waterside accommodation options from riverside cottages in the Norfolk Broads, to luxury Our next issue Unusual European City Breaks lakeside lodges in the Cotswolds to lovely seaside holiday homes. for Mar/Apr will Reykjavik is a perfect place to visit with a family because it is small in size and easy to explore, with plenty of colourful buildings, interesting food and feature What’s cosy cafes in which to enjoy coffee and cake. You can take day trips to explore the stunning waterfalls On over Easter and hot springs of the Icelandic landscape. Or why not visit Bari in Italy? With its host of historic for families. buildings and winding streets, it’s fun, noisy and perfect for families that like to wander and soak To advertise up the sunshine. There are lovely beaches nearby and you can also enjoy the regular opera and ballet performances at the recently restored Teatro contact Laura on Petruzzelli. [email protected] or call 07794909820

familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 5

Open Stages Drama Courses, Day8 Theatre School, North Shields Northern Stage The Youth Theatre aims to use drama, dance Weekly drama session for ages 5-7, 8-11 & Clubs & & singing to facilitate skills progression & an 12-15 in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. understanding of key stagecraft elements. Open Stages is a great way for young people These fun, games-based sessions will promote aged between 5-15, who enjoy being creative, classes team building, confidence in self-expression to meet new friends, share ideas, learn new in addition to furthering interpersonal skills skills & have lots of fun making a performance. through dynamic & accessible drama work. 0191 230 5151 Arts, Crafts, Creative & Technology There are opportunities to perform at The Exchange. Free taster session and enrolment Canny Crafty Ceramic Painting, anytime throughout the year. Classes for 5 – Gosforth 11 years and 11 – 18 years. 0191 258 4111 Specialising in Paint Your Own Pottery Day8 Contemporary Dance N Shields and craft workshops we hope to bring fun, enjoyment and a sense of achievement to both FREE PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE children and adults as well as the benefits that CHILDREN- PLEASE CONTACT US FOR Razzamataz, Newcastle a creative activity can have on us all. info@ INFORMATION. Come & join Beverley Knight cannycraftynewcastle.co.uk / 0191 2845746 our resident Choreographer for an enjoyable Razzamataz Newcastle is proud to put hour-long session where she will teach a wide the welfare of its students at the heart of everything it does. Each child will receive first Fun Little Foodies, area wide variety of dance & techniques in a welcoming environment; there will be performance class tuition in a range of styles from classic Fun educational cookery classes for little opportunities too. Free taster session and West End musical theatre to funky street chefs aged 2-12 years old. Weekly preschool, enrolment anytime throughout the year. dance and pop singing. We pride ourselves after school & holiday classes in North 0191 258 4111 in providing affordable part-time performing Tyneside, Northumberland & Newcastle. arts training for children and young people Each class lasts an hour & includes a Famous 4.15 Performing Arts, and giving them access to some of the story, craft activity & recipe card. For more Gosforth most talented performers through specialist information: www.funlittlefoodies.co.uk. workshops and masterclasses. www. www.funlittlefoodies.co.uk Our classes are held on Saturdays during newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk term time at Gosforth Civic Theatre next to the Regent Centre in Gosforth. We teach singing, Pre-School Inspired Pots, Hexham dancing and drama. But really, we do a lot Our main aim is to provide a friendly & relaxed more than that. www.famous415.co.uk ARTventurers, area wide environment in which anyone, regardless of age or ability, can create their own unique First Feet Dance, Wylam Award winning, colourful, creative work of art. This is an activity that can be truly (often messy) art classes for babies, enjoyed by all - children, teens & adults alike. Offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, toddlers & children. Various locations. Come & view our wide range of ceramics. Street Dance & Musical Theatre. We are a www.artventurers.co.uk There is sure to be an item or two to suit your performance-based company who offer our taste. www.inspiredpots.co.uk students unique performance opportunities. Babyballet, area wide www.feet-first-dance.co.uk Tots 6 – 18 mths, Tinies for 18mths – 3 yrs, Turpentyne Fine Art, Gosforth Lee Brannigan Performing Arts Movers 3-4 yrs, Groovers 4-6 yrs & Tappers ages 3+. Classes in a wide range of locations Turpentyne has classes on weekdays after At the Lee Brannigan Performing Arts Academy throughout Newcastle, Gateshead and school and Saturdays during term time and we pride ourselves on giving first class training Northumberland. www.babyballet.co.uk also in the school holidays we offer week & fun classes, for pupils to gain confidence & long morning and afternoon workshops. improve their stage ability. Classes in Musical www.turpentyne.com Baby Sensory, Northumberland Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Freestyle, Lyrical and Gymnastics. We take children from the From birth to 13 months, we hold separate Performing age of 4+ for Dance classes and from the sessions for birth to 6 months and 7 months to age of 6 -18 for Musical Theatre classes. 13 months. The Baby Development activities DanceCity, Newcastle [email protected] stimulate the senses and help your baby Dance City is a vibrant & friendly place develop. [email protected] where people come together to take part, enjoy, experience & talk about dance. We Diddikicks, Newcastle & Gateshead offer over 65 weekly classes in more than 40 Award winning football coaching classes for different styles of dance - open to all ages 18 months-5 years. From the moment you & for absolute beginners as well as more walk in, we’re there to guide your little one experienced dancers. From contemporary through their own Diddikicks story, helping to hip hop, ballet to ballroom, belly dancing them grow, every week, feeling an inch taller. to Pilates, from bumps to babies & for adults Little Voices, Newcastle www.diddikicks.co.uk with learning disabilities - our classes are an Do you have a 4-16-year-old who loves to excellent way to stay fit & healthy, learn new Gym Tots, Mowden Hall, Newton skills, have fun and meet new people. Visit: sing and act? Or who would like to boost their www.dancecity.co.uk confidence? Here at Little Voices Newcastle, The sessions have been designed to develop pupils make lifelong friendships, see their children’s motor skills, agility, balance, and Drama Course, Theatre Royal confidence soar, learn excellent singing co-ordination. For children 18 months to 4 and acting skills and take part in a group years. PAY AS YOU GO! £4.50 per session. Based in Newcastle, our 10-week drama & LAMDA exam every year, developing skills [email protected] writing courses are suitable for anyone and in teamwork, public speaking and performing cost £65. We have classes for all ages, all while boosting their CV and life skills! Jittabugs, North Tyneside delivered from within the theatre, in one of our dedicated workshop spaces. Classes for: To book TWO taster sessions call Jenni on Here at Jittabugs we love to move & groove, 5 – 7 years; 8 – 11 years and 12 – 15 years. 07916138150 or visit jump and jive, wiggle and jiggle & a tip tap toe, come on join the boogie, just give it a go! 08448 112121 www.littlevoices.org.uk/newcastle www.bookwhen.com/jittabugsnorthtyneside

6 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk Tree Tots, Bedlington Each week we deliver Forest School sessions. Swimming Sessions include cooking & stories around the campfire, woodland activities, mini-beasts & Everyone Active Swimming, bug hunting, river-play & pond dipping, safe Washington fun outdoor free play with lots of mud & much more. If you would like to go wild in the woods All of our lessons are delivered by Swim Hartbeeps, area wide & make some fantastic memories with your England qualified teachers. The students The most original musical baby, toddler toddlers & pre-school children, then come & work towards the Swim England Award and pre-school classes on the planet! At join us. [email protected] Scheme badges and certificates, collecting Hartbeeps we put every child at the heart of them at every stage. Our lessons start for our magical, musical adventures. We offer Tumbletots children as young as 4 months old and are original and super fun developmental baby Tumbletots is the UK’s leading national available for all ages. They run for 50 weeks classes, toddler classes and pre-school active physical play programme for children of the year and you can join at any time. classes, as well as educational sessions, aged 6 months to 7 years. It is designed to www.everyoneactive.com pregnancy classes, stay & play with baby develop your child’s skills of agility, balance, discos, and fabulous children’s parties. All of co-ordination and sense of self confidence, Nemo Swimming, area wide our classes are set to a soundtrack of original as well as significantly enhancing brain songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies. development. [email protected] We provide fun, rewarding and structured We take you and your little one on a sound swimming classes for children aged 0-4 years journey and bring the story to life. Come and Sports and Movement old. Designed to promote safety within the experience the amazing world of Hartbeeps water, we use games, repetition and play, to with classes to complement and enhance Lee Sterry Sports Coaching boost your child’s confidence while swimming. every stage of your child’s early years - from www.nemoswimming.co.uk pre-birth to school. Lee Sterry’s Sports’ Coaching offers a wide range of sports coaching activities for boys Our franchise runs classes in Alnwick, & girls from the age 3 - 14 years. Lee and Puddleducks, area wide Ashington, Amble, Morpeth, Ashington, his staff specialise in football but also provide Our Baby & Pre-school programme is a Bedlington, Jesmond, Heaton, Jesmond, basic moves tuition, multi skills development, wonderful bonding experience. Progressive Killingworth and Benton. We welcome new speed agility, quickness and dance. lesson plans instil a water confidence and a Hartbeepers throughout term, get in touch www.ls-sc.co.uk love of swimming whilst our nurturing teachers for a free taster [email protected]. tailor activities to your child’s abilities and Little Kickers, North East needs. Taught in lovely warm pools with Musicella, Jesmond & Gosforth A national network of informal yet a maximum of ten children, our classes incorporate rhyme, music and movement A musical session, using fun, simple rhymes & professionally run training classes where based on extensive child development songs, props & percussion. Subtly developing enthusiastic boys & girls (18 months - 7th research. www.puddleducks.com musical concepts from a very early age. Live birthday) are given a helping hand to singing, keyboard, Uke and guitar, limited use stand on their own two feet. A fun forum to of recorded tracks. instil our growing squad with a little extra Swim Academy, area wide confidence, co-ordination, control and sense 07957 064746 / [email protected] of camaraderie. Classes across the NE & Brought to you by the experts at Puddle Ducks. more being added all the time. 01914066224 / Swimming is a journey, not a destination and Music & Movement, Hexham [email protected] here at Swim Academy, we learn and have fun all the way! As experts in teaching babies, The Hexham charity Music & Movement Parklands Golf Junior Academy toddlers and pre-school children to swim, we has been providing fun-filled educational have this unique insight into child development In conjunction with the Golf Foundation and classes for pre-school children for more than and have integrated our findings into Swim England Golf we are delivering the Passport 40 years. They help to develop imagination, Academy, our programme for 4-10-year olds. to Golf scheme for children. The golf passport creativity & confidence in young children, whilst www.puddleducks.com also assisting with language & movement is a national golf programme for young skills & spatial awareness. The classes mix people. It includes progressive levels and contemporary & traditional songs, some with a targets for technique, rules and etiquette. SwimNE, Newcastle, North & www.parklandsgolf.co.uk / 0191 236 3322 new slant. www.musicmovement.weebly.com South Tyneside Rhythm Time, Newcastle & South Rugby Tots Whether it’s group or private sessions, SwimNE offer a wide range of swimming Tyneside Our dynamic weekly sessions enable boys lessons to children aged 4 (and in reception) & girls aged 2-7 to develop their social & Rhythm Time offers multi-sensory music and above. www.swimne.co.uk physical skills in a fun, positive environment. classes for little ones right from birth to 3.5 We do this by delivering our specifically years. Our fun & stimulating classes are designed programme for each age group specially designed to help your baby or with energy, enthusiasm & excitement. This toddler’s development through a huge variety Swimtime North East, area wide creates an atmosphere in the class that is of class activities. We will stimulate all their We provide a relaxed learning atmosphere and totally unique and engaging for parents & senses while they become more social, lessons that are fun, whatever age or stage our children alike. Our classes are split into 3 confident and independent, meeting lots of pupils are at. Classes for children aged 0 -16. age ranges; 2-3.5 yrs, 3.5-5 yrs & 5-7 yrs. other little ones. www.rhythmtime.net 0191 501 6261 www.rugbytots.co.uk / [email protected]

Singing Babies, Hexham & Horsley Tynedale Tennis Club, Hexham Waterbabies, area wide Classes are aimed at new-born to walking Our members enjoy tennis at all levels, ranging Do you want to take part in a class which age and so the songs are choreographed to from infants of 4 to super-vets of 74+. We promotes bonding between parent & baby? entertain and catch the attention of the very welcome all abilities and ages whether you Do you want to teach your child vital lifelong young. Once your child is too old to join in at are new to tennis and just fancy giving it a safety skills? Do you want to embrace the Singing Babies classes then they can graduate try, or want to play social tennis occasionally, natural aquatic instincts that your baby on to Squeaky Feet! Classes suitable up to or you are a seasoned player looking for was born with? Well then jump in - we pre-school age. www.singingbabies.co.uk competitive tennis. Come and experience welcome you to the magical watery world of our great facilities and friendly atmosphere. Water Babies. Classes are for 0-4 years. [email protected] www.waterbabies.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 7 Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine! The benefits of Scouting By Laura Macaulay

immeasurable pleasure when I meet people who say to me: “I’ll never forget Benefits of Scouting for young when we walked up Snowdon”, or “I remember the first time I went camping people and we did…” At a time when it’s hard to get our children away from their electronic gadgets and the comfort of My self-esteem and confidence have truly been boosted, mainly through seeing the indoors, there’s never been a better time to the enjoyment on the faces of young people, the thanks offered by their parents/ enrol your son or daughter in Scouting. A guardians and also the recognition of other members of the Scouting movement, great British institution, which still promotes at all levels, of my contribution. All of this I would never have dreamed of when the values of the original movement set up by I first began, and I never considered the positive impact that it would have on Lord Baden Powell in 1908 encourages young my life. I was just thinking of my son and his school friends, those 24 young people aged 6 -25 years old to spend time in the Beavers 33 years ago.” Barbara Parsons wonderful outdoors breathing in the fresh air, learning “I have held various positions within the Scouting movement for over 20 years. life skills and gaining fantastic, new life experiences along My main role now is that of Group Scout Leader. There are two main reasons the way. that I remain dedicated to this fantastic movement. Scouting offers young people endless opportunities to learn how The first one is that I enjoy seeing the young people learn new skills whilst to be self-reliant and resilient. It isn’t just about tents and campfires thoroughly enjoying themselves, becoming more independent and becoming anymore, (although this certainly proves to be a fun and often unique confident individuals. experience), young people can go abseiling, windsurfing and even travel abroad. Staying true to Scouting’s goal of helping people to ‘learn through The second reason is purely selfish – I love taking part in the activities with doing’, activities offered are integral to the personal, emotional and physical our young members. Bell boating, bivouacking, abseiling, climbing, caving, development of young people and adults. So, whilst nine out of ten youth stand up paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, gorge members will take part in a least one camping or hiking expedition each year, walking, sailing, coasteering, hill walking, cooking on open fires, long- distance the most commonly undertaken activities involve team building and problem hiking, expeditions, cycling skiing. I love it all - bring it on!” John Swift solving. Long-lasting social networks lead to a sense of commitment to “I became involved in scouting 12 years ago when our eldest started Cubs (he themselves, their peers and the wider community. It is also, without a doubt, a turned 21 in October!) I started out as a parent helper with Scouts. I suppose great way for leaders of tomorrow to be born. The skills and attributes gained I became a regular parent helper to support those leaders who were giving by participating in Scouting are in demand by many businesses and community up their time to offer adventure and opportunity to my children; after all many organisations. hands will make lighter work. In 2011, I went into uniform as an assistant Scout Being a leader: the best non-paid job in the Leader and then became Scout Leader in 2016. world I continue to be involved with Scouts as it gets me out and about and offers a Not only does Scouting offer young people endless opportunities and many vast change from my daytime career. I enjoy working as a team to see a project benefits, it offers the same to the adult volunteers who give up their time to develop and evolve and it’s really rewarding to see young people developing become a group or district leader. Families Newcastle Gateshead has heard their skills and potential, but more importantly enjoying themselves and making from three Scouting leaders as to why they love being in the movement so friends. much and its many benefits. What do I get out of this though? It’s my hobby; I enjoy being outside and “Thirty years ago, in November 1988, I volunteered to open a new Beaver discovering interesting places that you would never come across unless colony. My eldest son was just 6 years old and I was looking for him to join the involved with the movement. I have experienced some great camps and group Scout movement. It seemed the only option for him to join was for me to open activities, equally through Scouting I have made great friends and made many a colony in the town. Twenty-four boys, aged 6 and 7 were invested on one memorable moments.” Tony Walker evening! And that’s where my story began. How old does my child have to be? It’s amazing to think that after all this time that colony is still thriving; a fact that Boys and girls can join a local scouting movement. Beavers are aged 6-8; I am proud of. I have held a number of roles within Scouting over the last 30 Cubs are aged 8-10 ½; Scouts are aged 10 ½ -14. Explorers are aged 14 – 18 years to fit in with my work and family commitments. Currently, my primary role and the Scout Network ranges from 18 to 25. is Assistant Group Scout Leader, although I also run one of the two Cub packs in our town. I am passionate about Scouting; it is like an enormous family. But How do I sign my child up? at the heart of everything has been the extreme pleasure that I have at seeing You can easily find your local Beaver, Cub, Scout or Explorer units by heading young people thrive and develop their life skills, social skills and confidence. To to https://scouts.org.uk/groups. Input your postcode and search, it’s as easy me Scouting has an enormous role to play in the development of young people. as that! Many local groups also have Facebook pages and websites, so this It is not for every boy or girl but hope that as many as possible will give Scouting is a good way to find contact details easily. There is often a waiting list, so the a try at some point in their life. sooner the better! However, it is not only our young people who gain so much from their involvement in the Scouting movement. I was never involved in any group, How do I become a society or association when I was growing up in London. I volunteer? joined Scouting at the age of 35 and have It’s never been easier to join up and become never looked back. It is clearly never a section assistant or leader. Contact your too late to take on a role. I have local Scouting group and just let them made so many friends and know that you’re interested in helping. have taken part in many You won’t look back! activities that I would never have envisaged for myself. But, more than anything else, I hope that I have made a positive contribution to the lives of young people. I feel

8 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk Activities Away from School

Activities that take place completely away from the school environment don’t just Sense of Commitment keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will Students who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of help them academically, physically and socially. commitment to whatever they are involved in. This is because they have to commit to them and give them their all, and this commitment starts to extend to New Friendships other areas of their lives. Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with A Brighter Future children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the formal school day. The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside of school Improving Life and Social Skills activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social plenty of advantages to offer. skills and confidence. Many extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit Don’t Push Them them in their future endeavours. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to Boosting Academic Performance extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence quickly become overwhelming, and may detract from their ability to concentrate or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. on school work. Of course, you may also have the type of child that just wants to For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking try everything, in which case, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow up in class and inspire creative writing. Playing an instrument will help children down their commitments when you see which activities they particularly favour. understand music lessons. More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org/out-school-activities-and-education-gap Building Self-Esteem

In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves Visit us: newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the typical classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children. Children may also be more interested than they are in their lessons and will engage more easily with the activities involved. Positive Role Models Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children. Happier Children Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life. Chance to Shine Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing a new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits. Promoting Healthy Hobbies Children with a regular activity are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen and the interests that they develop during outside of school activities are likely to mean they spend more time practising skills and pursuing their passions. Explore Interests and Create Broader Perspectives When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view. High quality dance, drama and singing lessons for ages 2-18 & a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun! Time Management Join us at {{Newcastle College Performance Academy on Saturdays (Subject to availability - BOOKING ESSENTIAL) As children get older and move on to secondary school, being able to juggle different aspects of their lives becomes increasingly important. By attending Enrolling now - limited spaces available! classes, clubs or activities outside of school, your child will be taking on more To secure your child’s place or for more information contact responsibility for managing their schedule effectively. Kayleigh on 07772577855 or [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 9 NEW YEAR new you

Dad bod to Dad god! By Dan Fallon Firstly, let’s get a few things straight. If you are expecting your dream body to energy is calories – and calories mean fat. This is called Non-Exercise Activity be waiting at the end of a 12 week programme, then think again. If, on the other Thermogenesis. hand, you want to lead by example in your household when it comes to health and fitness, then by taking action you can really inspire your children to value their health and fitness too. Get Support from Friends, Family If you are a dad like me who has let the reins slip a little, or you’ve let your waistline expand without even realising it, here are my top tips to get right back and Online Communities on track in 2020: If you are one of those characters that has every meal plan or “Get ripped in 30 days” book in Waterstones sitting on your shelf, ask yourself this question – why Start with One Thing are you still struggling with your fitness journey? The answer to that is accountability. Be realistic. It’s unlikely you are going to get straight back into the same gym routine you had when you were 25 years old. So don’t write a great long In your work and family life, you are accountable. You don’t want to let people list of health and fitness goals that within 3 weeks they will be completely down, and this kind of accountability is such a powerful tool for staying on track unmanageable within the context of work and family life. that it can become one of the most important ingredients for the long-term fitness journey. Instead, start with something simple. Like walking. Power walking can burn up to 350 calories per 30 minutes if you are at a good pace (13 to 14-minute mile). Do this for 10 days and that is 1lb of body fat torched. As you build momentum in your routine, then you can start adding extras. Do Stuff to Impress your Kids I take my little girl to gymnastics every Saturday. Although I may not be the most flexible guy these days, I have stayed strong throughout the years and Bulletproof Winning the Morning this means I can do pull ups, handstands and all that jazz. Most parents are time poor. They feel guilty if they sacrifice any time with the My little girl loves that sort of stuff. family for anything other than work. That’s why I am a big fan of mornings. And let’s face it, this is the real reason why many of us start (or re-start) our Most people go to bed around 10pm and wake around 6.30pm. That’s 8 and fitness journey. Seeing our kids smile, being able to join in their games and half hours. Considering that evidence suggests that we can survive very well on leading by example are really powerful incentives for us father folk. 7 or 7 and a half hours, I think sacrificing an hour in the morning to burn some Dan Fallon is author of Start with ONE THING: The Dad’s no BS approach to fat calories is a good trade off. loss and fitness (Rethink Press, £12.99) and founder of the Super You Project, To make sure this actually happens, place your alarm at the other side of the the Dad’s online fitness community at www.facebook.com/superyouproject room. When it goes off, get straight up and go to the bathroom to start brushing your teeth as soon as the alarm goes off. This is the art of distracting and stops the brain negotiating – no more “well, I could stay in bed for 10 more minutes.” Stay NEAT, Keep on your Feet Most people think fat burning happens by doing 45 minutes in the gym. The reality is that although this has huge benefits for your health, if you then sit on your backside for the rest of the day, you aren’t burning many more calories. You know those people that never put any weight on and seem to eat what they want? Well, it’s nothing to do with their magical metabolism – the fact is they never sit still. They are up all the time, fidgeting, cleaning, moving. This burns energy –

10 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk New Year: New You directory We have put together a handy little guide to help you discover the business or person who can support you in your journey to becoming the ‘New you.’ When you contact a business, please be sure to mention that you saw them in Families Newcastle Gateshead magazine.

Fitness & Diet Mind & wellbeing Quayside Personal Training, Newcastle Mary Donne, Yorkshire, Humberside & the North East Female personal trainer helping you to improve Presentation skills trainer & coach. For more your fitness, lose weight or get a kick start back information check out: www.mymjdworks.com into regular exercise. For more information check out: www.quaysidepersonaltraining.com My Body Studios, Sunderland

Real Food Real Health, Newcastle Pilates, Yoga, meditation, Barre & dance classes. Also offered, mindfulness & holistic Functional Nutrition with experience in helping body treatments and massage. For more people with a range of health issues. For more information check out: www.mybodystudios. information check out: www.realfoodrealhealth. co.uk Yoga Wellbeing, Gateshead, South Tyneside & Sunderland Eve Trew School of Dance, Gateshead Wellbeing for all ages, shapes and sizes Yoga classes. For more information check out: Mind, Body, Coaching, Newcastle www.yogawellbeing.org Dance for fitness – exercise through dance, Hypnotherapy, fitness & weight loss. regardless of age or ability. For more For more information check out: www. information check out: www.evetrew.com Wright Acupuncture, Newcastle mindbodycoaching.life Witness the fitness, South Shields Relax and unwind in professional and serene rooms. Japanese technique. Heal with Suzie, Newcastle Variety of boot camps and fitness programmes For more information check out: www. offered as well as one to one personal training wrightacupuncture.co.uk Mindfulness based therapy. For more and massage services. For more information information check out: www.healwithsusie.com check out: www.witness-the-fitness.net Emergence Therapies, Gateshead Sunderland Counselling Services, Alternative therapy, health & Bespoke Holistic treatments within a calming, Sunderland wellness relaxing ambience. For more information check out: www.emergencetherapies.co.uk Charity based counselling service for adults and young people. Specialists in bereavement, Barbara Gair Acupuncture, Newcastle Metaphysic Clinic, Washington cancer care and sexual violence & abuse For more information check out: www. Help to improve your overall health Alternative and complementary therapies to sunderlandcounselling.org.uk and wellbeing by restoring balance maximise your health and wellbeing. For more and natural energy levels to your body. information check out: www.metaphysic.co.uk Dee Thompson Life Coaching, For more information check out: www. Whitley Bay electroacupuncturenewcastle.co.uk Back to Balance, Newcastle Life Coaching – change your thinking and The Chill Room, Newcastle Health and wellness centre offering a range change your life. For more information check of Holistic therapies to help treat pain, reduce out: www.deethompson-loa-lifecoach.uk Relaxing therapies and treatments to help stress and find balance in your health and restore balance and harmony to body, mind wellbeing. For more information check out: and spirit. For more information check out: www.back-to-balance.co.uk Next Step Psychotherapy and www.chill-room.com wellbeing, North Tyneside & Gateshead Carol Barwick Hypnotherapy, Crystal Clear Healing, South Newcastle Leading provider of therapeutic interventions Shields Hypnotherapist and corporate training, as well as counselling & wellbeing Holistic therapist. For more information check coaching and meditation For more information packages. For more information check out: out: www.crystalclear-healing.co.uk check out: www.carolbarwick.com www.nextstepwellbeing.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 11 NEW YEAR new you

Fostering the best start for children South Tyneside Council is committed to giving every child the best start in life. One of the ways it does this is by encouraging people to think about becoming foster carers so that children who cannot be with their birth parents grow up in a loving and secure environment. Foster carers are needed particularly for older children, those with special needs and for sibling groups so that families can stay together. Some people opt to foster on a short term basis or offer respite care while others may choose to foster on a long-term basis. Whatever people choose, fostering has the power to literally transform lives. Foster carers benefit from extensive support and training, can earn new qualifications and are rewarded financially. However most foster carers say the sense of achievement and the ability to change young lives are their primary reasons for fostering. Foster carer Ann Shaw, 63, and her husband Bob have fostered around 70 Cllr Moira Smith with foster carers Bob and Ann Shaw children over the years. She said: “We really enjoy fostering. We love to give the children in our care positive experiences such as parties and holidays.” an additional fee according to their experience and qualifications in addition to “You get a great sense of achievement through fostering. Knowing you are the weekly allowance payments they receive. giving a child stability and a taste of what life should be like just makes us The Council is looking for more people who can offer a stable, loving home to happy.” children – particularly those in sibling groups – who cannot be with their birth However, Ann advises people thinking about fostering to take a younger child family. first. Foster carers can be married or same sex couples or single but must be aged “Teenagers need more support so I would advise anyone thinking of fostering at least 25. to test the water with a younger child first. It’s important to learn to crawl before Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, you start to walk.” said: “Our foster carers are as different as the children they care for. There are Another foster carer, Jill Carr, said: “I love fostering. There are challenges but a lot of myths about who can foster but the reality is anyone with life skills and a you just work through those times and there is a lot of support from the Council’s big heart would be an ideal candidate for fostering.” fostering service to help you deal with any issues that arise.” “We aim to give all our children the best start in life. Our foster carers play a The 54-year-old, who grew up with foster children, added: “The hardest part is hugely important role in transforming the lives of children who, for whatever having to say goodbye to a child. However, knowing that a child is moving on to reason, cannot be with their birth parents.” a forever home that is right for them and seeing the happiness the child brings “While fostering should not be undertaken lightly, the rewards are immense. I to adoptive families does make it easier.” would encourage anyone thinking of fostering to find out the facts at one of our South Tyneside Council’s Children’s Services have been ranked one of the open evenings or call the team for more information.” best in the country after being rated “Good” by Ofsted. Fostering services were Regular open evenings for people interested in fostering are held on the last commended for their comprehensive training and support to carers and children Thursday of each month at MarketPlace in South Shields, NE33 1JF from in placement. 6pm to 8pm. To find out more, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/first4fostering The Council runs a Payment for Skills model which means foster carers are paid or speak to a duty worker, available Monday to Friday during office hours, on 0191 423 8500.

12 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk NEW YEAR new you

Your Top 8 Eco- Resolutions for 2020 By Claire Winter

Resolutions are on everyone’s mind at this time of year. Whether you love or Start a Compost Bin loathe them, there’s no avoiding the fact that they can be a great way to kickstart the new year. Composting is a great way to reduce the amount you throw away. Composters work better in the sun as 2019 was a turbulent year, which saw a significant rise in eco-activism. they yield the best results at high temperatures. Greta Thunberg has inspired school strikes and protests around the world. Ensure that the compost receives heat and Concentrating on consuming less and being more environmentally aware has water and make sure to rotate the contents in never felt more urgent. the compost bin occasionally. You can fill your So why not make sure your list of resolutions is focused on sustainability for compost bin with lawn clippings, brown paper this year? bags, and organic food scraps. This will help you to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil Take a No-Waste Pack that you can use in your garden. Encourage the whole family to be prepared and to take a refillable water bottle, Avoid Wet Wipes coffee cup, and canvas bag with them when they go out. Cutting down on disposable coffee cups, plastic water bottles and bags will dramatically reduce Wipes that are flushed away are responsible for clogging up our sewers. Even the amount you add to landfill each week. if you don’t flush them, they are another singular-use disposable that is filling up our landfills every day. If you use them to take makeup off, could you make Skip Meat One Day a Week reusable wipes from soft cotton squares that you simply wash and reuse? Research shows the drastic effects of raising cattle and other livestock on Avoid Fast Fashion the environment. Raising meat consumes both water and land. Why not start dropping meat from your family’s diet one day each week? Start with a meat- Fast fashion is killing the planet. The resources needed to produce and dispose free Monday and remember every meatless meal you consume helps the of all the clothing produced globally earns the fashion industry the title of the environment. world’s number one pollutant. Start thinking about what you purchase. Can you buy second hand clothes or reduce the amount you are buying? Think Avoid Plastic about investing in a smaller capsule wardrobe, which contains interchangeable pieces instead of buying throwaway high fashion clothes. Plastic is terrible for our environment as it needs a huge amount of petroleum to produce it. It also never breaks down and adds to the water problem the world is Buy Seasonal and Local Foods currently facing. Set a goal to avoid plastic as much as possible. Buy your food in glass jars and investigate local shops that offer refill services for your shopping Consider your purchasing decisions around the food you buy for the family. basics. You can also try to buy from companies that use environmentally- Make it your new year’s resolution to only buy seasonal and local foods. If friendly packaging. Ask for change, call out shops and restaurants that use you can afford it, buy organic because fewer pollutants and pesticides are too much plastic on social media by tagging Greenpeace and use the hashtag used in the production of organic food. Visit your local farmer’s market to buy #pointlessplastic. soap, honey, and jewellery from the stallholders. Investigate the journey each food makes and buy goods with the shortest travel time. Do you really need Install Rain Barrels asparagus or green beans from another continent? Rain barrels are an easy way to save water. Head to a local home improvement If one girl protesting outside the Swedish parliament can start a global protest store or surf online stores for a rain diverter. Install to gather the rainwater from movement against climate change, we can all do our bit. Small actions your gutter system. You can use this water during the summer for your lawns, undertaken by large numbers of people really can make a big difference. gardens or animals; it will also help reduce your water bill.

familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 13 Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!

What’s on?

We’ve ordered everything according to start date. The information/dates were correct at the time of going to ‘til 24 Feb – Beamish 18 Jan – Cragside print, but may have changed, so be sure to check before Ice Skating Stargazing: Winter Stars you set off. More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www. Join us at Cragside for a night with the stars and familiesonline.co.uk and all events are searchable by Beamish Museum’s real ice rink is the perfect festive experience for all the family! Whether you’re a novice witness spectacular wonders as we’ll take you on a date, venue & age range making it easier to find all our journey through space with our winter star party. This local events at the click of your mouse! skater or fancy yourself as an Edwardian expert, we would love to see your skills! The ice rink is at is one of the best times of the year to see star clusters, their Winter Fun Fair and is decorated in a traditional galaxies and swirling clouds where stars are born. We’ll Edwardian style with festoon lighting! Buy your ice have a colourful talk; give you chance to handle space skating tickets at the main Entrance when you arrive at rocks billions of years old and take you on a tour of the museum. Ice rink tickets, including skate hire, cost constellations to spy wonders with telescopes. Suitable £4 for children and £5 for adults, for at least a 20-minute for children aged 6+. Booking essential and ticket session. Special offer: For every full paying adult, one includes soup and a hot drink, adults £15, child £7.50. child skates free of charge. 18 Jan – 2pm - Seven Stories ‘til 29 Mar 2020 – Discovery Museum LEGO Adventure Robo Assault Brilliant Bricks Course This exhibition, built by LEGO® creator Steve Mayes, Get your hands on a real LEGO robot & race your way to highlights what the North has done for the world through first place! In this hands-on workshop, help LEGO super 45 intricate models, using 50,000 mini bricks. See how face Bricks McGee transform the Attic into an amazing many of these northern innovations you recognise in this robo assault course inspired by your favourite adventure 3D timeline, which features everything from the Geordie stories & then put your remote-controlled robot racing NEW! Saltwell Park, Gateshead Lamp, Stephenson’s Rocket and Turbinia through to the skills to the test against fellow LEGO adventurers. £6pp Junior Park Run futuristic Hyperloop. Don’t forget to look for the real-life for children aged 4+ & their families. Junior parkrun is a collection of free, weekly, timed 2k Geordie inventions around the museum. events for children aged 4-14. Children can walk, hop, 18 Jan – 10.15am – 11.45am - Laing Art run or skip for fun! Children need to be registered for 9 Jan – Sage, Gateshead Gallery, Newcastle free at www.parkrun.org.uk/register. They can then Saturday Art Classses attend any parkrun - just remember to bring along their Baby Sinfonia printed-out barcode. Saltwell junior parkrun starts at For tiny listeners our Baby Sinfonia concerts are a real An inclusive art class held on the first & third Saturday 9.00am every Sunday from the bowling green in Saltwell treat. Classical music can have a calming effect and of every month for 10-15-year olds. £5 per child. Book in park, Gateshead. More information and updates can help babies to feel more relaxed. So, immerse yourself advance at laingartgallery.org.uk. be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ and your little one in 45 minutes of wonderful music saltwelljuniorparkrun played by members of Royal Northern Sinfonia in the 25 – 26 Jan - All around North Tyneside intimate, warm surroundings of Sage Two. Bounce to the playful dance movements, relax/nap in the more RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch ‘til 23 Feb – The Word serene moments or simply sit back and enjoy the music. Wrap up warm and join our wardens and identify birds in the park. Help to complete the RSPB survey. FREE Amazing Space event. Locations: Marden Quarry, 26th Jan 10.30am – July 2019 marked 50 years since man first set foot 14 Jan & 4 Feb – Life Science Centre 12pm. Northumberland Park, 25 Jan 10.30am – 12pm on the Moon & this exciting new FREE exhibition Pre-School Day and 26 Jan 1.30pm – 3pm. explores Space fact & fiction. Step inside the astronaut These regular events, led by Life’s friendly Science spacesuit & replicate the photograph taken on the first Explainers, provide a delightful opportunity for young Moon landing! Solve the Space-scene jigsaw & listen children to enjoy & explore the science centre. Each 1 Feb – St. Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead to a selection of Space-themed music. See costumes session offers a mix of classic activities, such as from Star Trek & Star Wars & marvel at an original Piccolo Music workshops, mini-beast handling & a Family Funny Bones House: Washington Post newspaper dated the day after the toddler bubble disco alongside new activities, so that Gateshead Silent Film Festival 1969 Moon landing, which has been signed by legendary every event is different. Access to our hands-on Young astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Tel 0191 4271818. Explorers’ Zone and special planetarium shows for little A special performance of family friendly silent comedies ones are also available. Pre-school days are drop in for younger film goers with musical accompaniment. These delightful rib-ticklers will get your chuckle muscles ‘til 23 Feb – Life Science Centre events so you can arrive &leave when it’s convenient for you, but please be aware that spaces in Piccolo going. You can buy refreshments pre-show and why Ice Skating Music Workshops are limited & do tend to get booked up not stay on after the show and purchase some fantastic food from Scream for Pizza. £5 Doors open at 10.30am, This hugely popular outdoor ice rink is now in its 19th quickly. Perfect for ages 4 & under. For more info: www. screening starts 11am, Scream for Pizza available to buy year. For more information & to book tickets, visit www. life.org.uk/pre-school-days after the show. Tickets: 0191 433 4699 or buy online at life.org.uk www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson

14 Families Newcastle Gateshead familiesonline.co.uk Theatre

2 Feb –Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Chinese New Year Celebrations ‘till 4 Jan – Northern Stage ‘till 4th Jan – Whitley Bay Playhouse Celebrate the year of the Rat with Chinese arts and Wolf! crafts, lion dances, family trails and selling stalls. FREE Join us for a wintery adventure and find out what Jack and the Beanstalk entry. A small charge will apply for some of the activities. happens when Jack cries WOLF! Beneath the Welcome to the world of fairy tales, where our poor No booking required, drop in. Christmassy moon, under the snowy mountains, hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked amongst a flock of woolly sheep, Jack is bored. Bored into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of watching sheep, bored of counting sheep but most of beans. Laugh at silly Billy, boo and hiss the evil 8 Feb – 10am – 3pm - The Botanic Garden, importantly bored of SHEEP! Down in the village just Fleshcreep and of course cheer-on our hero Jack as he Durham a whisper of a wolf will cause a panic... With original tries to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the nasty giant’s music, puppetry and a tale you thought you knew. castle in the clouds. Packed with great songs, amazing Tales from the Heart of Winter From Kitchen Zoo, the makers of The Owl and The dance routines and plenty of laughter for all the family! Pussycat, The Tin Foil Astronaut and The Three Bears Join Elizabeth Baker and Tillytoo Tales Storytelling as at Christmas. Inspired by Aesop’s fable, for ages 4 and we celebrate National Storytelling Week with some frosty under and their families. All performances are relaxed fables and snowy stories. It might be cold outside, but performances. 11 – 15 February – Empire Theatre, it’s warm in the greenhouse and Elizabeth’s stories are Sunderland bound to fire your imagination. There’ll be some winter crafts too. ‘till 19 Jan – Theatre Royal, Newcastle The Sound of Music Beauty and the Beast One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the 8 - 29 Feb – Seven Stories stage in this magnificent five-star production to enchant For the first time ever the spellbinding pantomime the young and the young at heart. This wonderfully Elmer and Friends Beauty and the Beast comes to the Newcastle Theatre lavish staging tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search A new exhibition celebrating 30 years of Elmer the Royal in a spectacular and enchanting production for all the family, starring legendary Theatre Royal panto stars for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom at the Patchwork Elephant. It is the first major retrospective Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward. Join start of WW2. The unforgettable score features some of children’s author & artist David Mckee’s artwork & them on a magical adventure to help the beautiful Belle of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, manuscripts from the world-famous Elmer series plus on her quest to unleash the Beauty within the Beast. including Edelweiss, My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, other artwork from his popular stories. With everything you’ve come to expect from the Theatre Climb Every Mountain, So Long Farewell and of course, Royal’s pantomime; spectacular special effects, hilarious the Sounds of Music. comedy and a few surprises along the way, Beauty and 15 – 23 Feb – Sunderland Museum & Winter the Beast is set the be the North East’s biggest panto Gardens ever! 18 – 22 Feb –Empire Theatre, Sunderland Make Time for Art Joseph and the Amazing We’re excited to bring you activities and workshops over Technicolour Dreamcoat February half term that explore the themes of Received Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers Wisdom: our new exhibition which celebrates life-long and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full creativity. We learn so much every day. What can we of unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any learn from art and the artists who make it? Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door to Me and many more. With additional new choreography from Gary Lloyd (Thriller Live, Heathers), Bill Kenwright’s 17 Feb – 10.30am – 12pm – Rising Sun ’Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of Tim Country Park, Benton Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical is brought to life in a colourful explosion of joy. Den Building For children aged 5+. £3 per child and booking is ‘till 4th Jan – Northern Stage essential as this event usually sells out. Book online at www.risingsuncountrypark.eventbrite.com Wear long The Snow Queen sleeves and trousers and sturdy footwear or wellies. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable is thrillingly Also bring a waterproof. reimagined in this spellbinding new production from the same team that brought you A Christmas Carol, James and the Giant Peach and Alice in Wonderland. When 18 – 22 Feb – ST Mary’s Heritage Centre, her best friend Kai disappears, the young and gutsy Gerda is sure that he has been taken by the mysterious Gateshead Snow Queen. Determined to rescue her friend, she Half Term Graveyard Trail embarks on a courageous quest all alone into the icy unknown. But can Gerda rescue Kai in time to stop the Come along in the school holidays and take part in our Snow Queen’s plan to keep the world in eternal winter? short, fun graveyard trail. Find the pictures hiding around A thrilling festive frozen fairy tale for the whole family 20 Feb – Tyne Theatre and Opera House, the graveyard to win a small prize. Free, just drop in. that you won’t want to miss this Christmas. Great for Newcastle (closed Sunday and Monday). Further details: heritage@ ages 5+. gateshead.gov.uk or 0191 433 4699. The Sooty Show Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy! Join Sooty for his brand-new Laugh Out Loud Magic Show! Direct from their hit ITV 20 Feb – St. Mary’s Heritage Centre, series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo and TV’s Richard Cadell will amaze you with impossible tricks and side-splitting Gateshead jokes! Be astounded at Sooty’s flying car, Soo’s singing Half term crafts unicorn and Sweep’s levitating sausage! With special guests circus star Michael Jordan and the ultraviolet It’s National Love Your Pet day! Show some love to your specialties of Fantasie de la Nuit. pet and to other pets in your community by joining us for some fun crafts this half term to take home with you A spectacular treat for the whole family – including a and vote for your fur-vorite pet! Refreshments available. chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show! £2 per child, just drop in. Further details: heritage@ For free fun and games and tour info visit www. gateshead.gov.uk or 0191 433 4699. thesootyshow.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Newcastle Gateshead 15 Shape a brighter future. Open Morning Junior School and Nursery: Saturday 14th March Limited availability for September 2020. Now taking applications for 2021.

Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools. Please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

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