Queen’s Hall, Alnwick Playhouse and The Alnwick Garden present Directed by Damian Cruden ADAPTED by Mike Kenny COMPOSED by Chr topher Madin Coming this December TO HEXHAM AT Queen’s Hall, Hexham 10-31 December www.queenshall.co.uk PLACES TO GO COMPETITIONS raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2022 NORTHUMBERLAND MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD EVENTS
Afternoon Tea with Santa Claus Join us for a magical festive afternoon at Northside Farm. Visit Santa Claus in his grotto for an early Christmas Gift. Then into the Barn for gingerbread biscuit decorating and a delicious afternoon tea. Dates Available 19th, 20th 26th and 27th November 3rd,4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December Northside Farm, Horsley. NE15 0LZ. To book tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/54ap49v7 or email info@northsidefarm.co.uk £20/adult and £15/child Raring2go! WELCOME Welcome to the winter edition of Raring2go!, bursting with ideas to keep you and your family entertained over the festive period and well into the New Year. As always, we have some events listed in our ‘What’s On’ guide but do check out our fabulous website which contains the very latest events and activities in the region. There are lots of great competitions to enter including theatre tickets and family days out. Finally, a huge thank you to our schools, nurseries and libraries that help us distribute the magazine; your support is invaluable. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year and if you visit any of the businesses featured remember to mention that you saw them in Raring2go! Thanks, Amy Email: northumberland@raring2go.co.uk Tel: 07843622028
5 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Christmas at Wheelbirks. This year their popular live nativity returns after 4 years which attracts crowds of all ages. This is going to be their final nativity ever so it’s now or never so book those tickets now! The authentically costumed large cast and resident donkeys, Hamish & Dougie all create a unique and memorable event. Wheelbirks staff dress in Bethlehem costumes and volunteer their time to raise money for a worthy charity. There will be 5 shows over 2 nights on 14th & 16th December. Tickets are on sale now on their website, please be aware they sell out very quickly! Hamish & Dougie have been residents at Wheelbirks for over 2 years after being adopted from a donkey sanctuary, make sure you visit these happy boys when you visit. Donkey sessions will be able in February half term, where children get to meet, feed and stroke the friendly duo so watch out for more information. Father Christmas is visiting the parlour this year, but his diary is already fully booked, although you may catch sight of him if you are visiting over the festive season as I’ve heard he’s quite fond of an ice cream or 2! Would you like to work at Wheelbirks? They are currently recruiting for an assistant manager, this is a temporary maternity post, see their website for full details. Wheelbirks Farm Stocksfield Northumberland NE43 7HY Tel: 07717 282014 Email: theparlour@wheelbirks.co.uk Website: www.wheelbirks.co.uk Wannies Retreat is a luxury self catering converted railway carriage set on a livestock farm just off the A68 in West Woodburn. The carriage has been converted with lots of care & detail to ensure it is the perfect place to stay for families, couple or friends to stay. There are 2 en-suite bedrooms with king-size beds, which can be split and a fold out bed in the living area. With a fully fitted kitchen and dining area you will have everything you need for your stay. Outside you can choose to relax on the decking, toast marshmallows on the fire pit, have a dip in the hot tub or star gaze from the purpose built viewing platform. The is also a large grassed area for the children to enjoy. Any bookings made before the end of the year will automatically include free firepack, marshmallows and hot chocolate. Annabel Stanners 07825 322803 email: wanniesretreat@gmail.com Low Chesterhope Farm, West Woodburn, Hexham, NE48 2RH Follow us on Facebook @WanniesRetreat • Sleep up to 5 • Fully fitted kitchen and dining area • Decked area for you to enjoy the breath-taking views • Hot tub, fire pit, large grassed area and BBQ • Purpose built viewing platform with binoculars and a telescope to take in the amazing dark skies • A locally sourced welcome pack, kids books and scavenger sheets Fresh produce available to pre order from the farm 2 nights minimum stay at £225 per night for the whole carriage. Sorry, no pets allowed. Luxury self-catering converted Railway Carriage The winter term at Corbridge Preschool is the time when the craft supplies are used the most. We love to make all sorts of decorations to hang on the tree, around the room and christmas cards to share with our friends. Christmas for us starts when we make decorations for the Preschool tree at St Andrews Christmas tree festival. In previous years we have made sparkly stockings, baubles filled with decorations and we’ve encouraged children to hang their dummy on the tree to promote oral health. This year will be a surprise, pop along to St Andrews church in Corbridge between Friday 2nd and Tuesday 6th December to find our tree. An easy and effective way to make a christmas tree ornament is to use the following recipe to make white clay and cut it into a festive shape of your choice. Add some sparkly ribbon or twine to hang. • 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda • ½ cup cornflour • ¾ cup of warm water Mix together in a saucepan over low heat until it combines into a dough. Add glitter to make it extra festive! Use a straw to cut out a hole for the string. You could add beads or sequins. The clay will air dry and stay bright white. These make gorgeous decorations or gifts for family and friends! Claire Henderson Preschool Manager, Corbridge Pre School
7 6 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON together and from 1 December to see the house decor completed and sparkling in all its festive finery. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November, Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th, Friday 9th – Sunday 11th & Friday 16th – Sunday 18th December: Festive Light Tours. Vindolanda. Head through the beautifully lit gardens and up to the fort highlighting some of Vindolanda’s Vindolanda history and learning about life on the frontier. Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th November: Ford & Etal Christmas Market. Saturday 26th November – Thursday 22nd December: Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Preston Park Museum & Grounds. There will also be Christmas crafts to make and take home. Lots more festive activities planned, more details online. www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk Saturday 26th November – Saturday 24th December: Santa’s Grotto, Woodhorn Museum. Book online. https://museumsnorthumberland.org. uk/woodhorn-museum/whats-on/ Saturday 26th November - Saturday 31st December: Find the Raby Reindeer Trail, High Force Waterfall. Collect the Christmas clues and see if you can find Rudolph and his friends along the way. Christmas Trail is included with your general admission to the waterfall. Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November: Christmas Fair at Belsay Hall. 10am -4pm. Standard admission applies. Tuesday 29th November – Sunday 1st January: Winter Light Trail, The Alnwick Gardens. Thursday 1st - Saturday 23rd December Weekday evenings 5.30 – 6.30pm: Festive Evening Storytimes Seven Stories, Lime Street, Newcastle www.sevenstories.org.uk Thursday 1st December - Sunday 8th January: Wallington’s winter trail. Help Ollie Owl find his woodland friends in the East woods this winter at Wallington. Follow the 10 trail boards around the East woods and find out about what different animals get up to in the wintertime. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Friday 2nd - Tuesday 6th December: Christmas Tree Festival, St Andrews Church, Corbridge. Friday 2nd December – Sunday 1st January: Christmas trail featuring enchanting illuminations at Gibside. Saturday 3rd & 10th December: Ice Sculpture Trail in Darlington. Saturdays 3rd, 10th & 17th December: Santa at Jingle Bell Square South Shields Museum and Art Gallery www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON What’s on this Winter! Please check the events calendar at www.raring2go.co.uk for full details of all events listed and many, many more! Also, follow Facebook and Twitter where daily updates are posted. Information correct at time of going to press but do check websites as timings may change and events may sell out. Saturday 12th November – Thursday 8th December: Christmas at Life Science Centre. Cosy up for a live show full of magical light, experience the Winter skies in our stunning planetarium, make a Christmas card that glows in the dark and be a festive detective in the Experiment Zone. Add a whirl on Life’s outdoor ice rink to make a festive day of it (separate admission fees apply). Saturday 12th November – Sunday 15th January: Life’s open-air ice rink, first skate: 9:30am, last skate: 8:30pm (dependent on availability). Sunday 15th November - 24th December Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto Grainger Market, Newcastle www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/whats-on/ grainger-market/grainger-market-santas-grotto Thursday 17th November – Saturday 24th December: Winter Wonderland, Newcastle Racecourse. We have something for all the family, from thrilling rides and attractions to tasty authentic street foods. Santa’s Grotto will be available for walk ins and you may like to try ice skating. Grown-ups can join us at our German bar for a stein of German beer or a warm glass of mulled wine. Will you be pranked by the one and only Mr Grinch? There’ll be reindeer, movie characters, stilt walkers and much more. 4pm – 9pm Weekdays, 12pm – 9pm Weekends. 12pm – 9pm Monday to Sunday (Out of term times). Entrance tickets are available to be purchased here at the Newcastle Racecourse Website. Saturday 19th November – Sunday 18th December (weekends only). Magical festive afternoon at Northside Farm. Visit Santa Claus in his grotto for an early Christmas Gift. Then into the Barn for gingerbread biscuit decorating and a delicious afternoon tea. £15/ child and £20/adult. Saturday 19th November – Sunday 8th January: Christmas through the eras, Wallington Hall. Inside the house, each room is dressed for Christmas throughout recent eras, including the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, right up to the nostalgia of the more modern decades of the 20th century. Don’t forget to visit Father Christmas’ study! Visit from 19 November to see the house team putting the final touches
9 8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th & Saturday 17th December – Monday 2nd January (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day): Enjoy a sparkling, magical Christmas as you explore the ground floor. Each room has been creatively inspired by lines from the much-loved festive poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicolas’. Saturday 3rd December - Frozen Friday 9th December - The Polar Express Friday 16th December - The Muppets Christmas Carol Saturday 17th December - Elf! Sunday 18th December - Arthur’s Christmas. Newcastle Castle Film Screenings at the Black Gate www.newcastlecastle.co.uk Saturdays 3rd,10th & 17th December: Afternoon tea with Santa at High House Barn, Matfen. www.highhousebarn. co.uk/whatson for bookings Saturday 3rd – Sunday 18th December (Weekends only): A Very Kirkley Christmas, Northumberland College Zoo. Keep Mrs Claus and her Elf team company & help the keeper elves with their jobs. Start off with a zoo tour, delivering some food presents to our animals, then head to the elf workshop where you’ll get to help make some Christmas crafts whilst you get to meet Mrs Claus, listen to a story round the fire and receive a lovely animal themed present per child. Price £20 per child (one adult free with each paying child then any additional adults £7.50. https:// northumberland.ac.uk/ticketing-hub/ Saturday 3rd - Sunday 18th December (Weekends only): Breakfast with Santa, Northumberland Zoo. Saturday 3rd – Sunday 18th December (Weekends only): Christmas at Wallington Hall. Father Christmas and his splendid sleigh at Wallington This Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for the main man himself who’ll be popping in to say hello. Which room will he be in? Have a wander around and see if you can spot him. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Mrs Christmas is also back for her wonderful storytelling in the House this festive season. Saturday 3rd December – Sunday 18th December (weekends only): An Audience with Father Christmas, Belsay Hall, various times available. Sunday 4th December: Sunday lunch with Santa at High House Barn, Matfen. www.highhousebarn.co.uk/whatson for bookings. Sunday 4th December: Northumberlandia Food & Craft Market 10am – 3pm. Saturday 10th December: Hexham’s Christmas Market. Saturday 10th December: Christmas Market and Family Crafting Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December: Santa on the train, South Tynedale Railway. Booking essential. Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December: Santa Specials, Heatherslaw Railway. Sunday 11th & Sunday 18th December: Sunday lunch with Mrs Claus at High House Barn, Matfen. www.highhousebarn.co.uk/whatson for bookings. Wednesday 14th & Friday 16th December: Live Nativity, Wheelbirks. The authentically costumed large cast and resident donkeys, Hamish & Dougie all create a unique and memorable event. Tickets available at wheelbirks.co.uk Saturday 17th December: Great North Winterland. Meet three beautiful reindeer and learn about exploration in the Frozen South pole Great North Museum, Newcastle Saturday 17th December: Festive Stories at Northumberlandia, 11am -12pm & 1pm-2pm. Suitable for ages 3 to 9 years old. Adults should accompany children but do not need to book tickets. Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December: Zoo Club, Northumberland College Zoo. Available for ages 6-14. Zoo Club will start with some woodland games, crafts and wildlife themed activities before heading to the zoo to help the keepers look after our amazing animals. £40 per day, drop off 9.30am- 4pm. Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th, 22nd & 23rd December: Christmas at The Old Mill, Knitsley Mill, Consett. Synthetic Ice Rink, Giant Snow Globe, Write a letter to Santa, Tractor & Trailer Rides. To book call 01207 581642. Wednesday 21st - Friday 23rd December: Film Experience, NUFC, St. James Park, Newcastle. Friday 23rd December: Children’s Christmas Party, NUFC, St. James Park, Newcastle. Monday 26th, Friday 30th & Saturday 31st December: Enjoy a relaxing heritage train ride on our 4 mile historic urban line Stephenson Steam Railway www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk Thursday 28th - Saturday 31st December: End of Year Party, Seven Stories. Don’t forget to visit our website for more local and regional events. www.raring2go.co.uk
10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 10 11 Fancy snuggling up and watching a family movie? Below are a selection of our top festive family films to keep you and the family entertained. • A Christmas Carol • Oliver Twist • Arthur Christmas • Polar Express • Christmas Chronicles • Santa Claus the Movie • Elf • The Family Man • Home Alone 1,2 & 3 • The Grinch • It’s a Wonderful Life • The Lampoon's Christmas Vacation • Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey • The Nutcracker • Miracle on 34th Street • The Snowman • Muppets Christmas Carol • The Snowman and the Snow Dog • Nativity 1,2 & 3 • Nightmare Before Christmas Could you be the next Editor for Raring2go! Northumberland? Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions and taking control of your working life to fit around your family? After 10 amazing years, I am now looking for a new owner to take over the Northumberland edition of Raring2go! During my years as Editor, I’ve enjoyed discovering new places to visit with my family, reviewing shows at the theatre, and trying out new activities with my two children. By working for myself, I have been lucky enough to be there for the daily school run, attend sports days and nativities, and take time off around the school holidays. While Raring2go! is a business where you work for yourself, you are part of a supportive franchise network, where there’s always someone on hand to give advice if you need it. I would love for another local, passionate parent to enjoy the same experiences I have. However, it is important for me to find the right person to take over, so I will continue to publish Raring2go! until I find that special person. No previous experience is necessary although an interest in the local community, an eye for detail and a tenacious attitude will certainly help. If you’re ready for a change in direction and have always dreamed of working for yourself, do get in touch. Call Amy on 07843622028 northumberland@raring2go.co.uk www.highhousebarn.co.uk GLAMPING 2023 HALF TERM AND EASTER BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! School holidays sell out so don't wait to book *Heated glamping tents with electricity *Bar / restaurant with indoor toy area *Book afternoon tea or Sunday lunch *Thursday & Friday Lego Club *Places to explore close by; Roman forts, bird of prey centre, Go Ape, castles & market towns *Luxury bathrooms with large walk-in showers *BBQ and fire pit included *Take a farm tour with Sally Urwin, Pint Sized Farmer *Gift shop *Outdoor play park *Dogs on leads welcome near Corbridge, Northumberland
12 raring2go.co.uk 13 NEW WATER BABIES CLASS - Coming to Cleaswell School, Choppington, NE62 5DJ. Lessons will run on FRIDAYS from 3pm - 4.30pm. www.waterbabies.co.uk Toddler Groups Ebchester Village Hall. Wednesday 9.30-11am & Fridays 9.1510.45am. Lots of toys and activites. Hexham Community Centre. Every Thursday 9.15am-11am. No booking required. Longhorsley Village Hall. Every Thursday in term time, from 9.1511am. There are toys, snacks and some crafts for only £2 per family (which includes a hot drink for grown-ups!). Everyone welcome, no booking required. Facebook page is “Longhorsley Village Hall Toddler Group”. Owlets Toddler Group, Eastlea Primary School, Cramlington. Every Thursday during term time from 9-10.30am, £3 and no booking required. St. Aiden’s Church, Morpeth. FREE Playgroup every Tuesday 9.30 -11am & 1pm–2.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am–11am. Free hot drinks and snacks but donations to keep provisions running are appreciated. St James Community Centre, Morpeth. A role play based session with stories at the end. £6 per child with £1 for additional child or adult. Which includes a snack, drink and hot drink for the adult. Every Wednesday 10.30-12 noon, term time only. If you run or attend a playgroup and would like to be listed, please drop me an email northumberland@raring2go.co.uk Pre School Drop Events Babes in Arms, Wheelbirks. Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 10am till 12noon (term time only). A friendly social group for parents and carers of young babies to meet others, share their experiences, joys and challenges. Pre School Days, Life Science Centre. Friday 10 February. Enjoy a day of fun and interactive activities designed especially for you and your little ones. 9.30am – 3.00pm. Toddler Takeover Day, Great North Museum, Newcastle. Friday 2 December. Each toddler will receive a ‘job checklist’ of things to do which will take you and your toddler to stations set up around the museum. Tiny Sparks, Discovery Museum. Wednesdays 23 November, 30 November, 7 December, 14 December. This is an opportunity for tiny engineering, inventing, discovering, designing and investigating. For for 3-5 year olds. 12 Do you provide a Pre School Class? Could your business benefit from this space? WIN VTech’s 7-in-1 Grow with baby Sensory Gym - SEE PAGE 31 Closing date December 4th 2022
14 raring2go.co.uk 15 At Baby Grows Scan Clinic, a fully qualified and highly experienced Midwife Sonographer leads a team of dedicated and caring experts. Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, we use the latest Ultrasound Technology, providing pregnant women and their families the opportunity of reassurance and bonding experiences with their unborn baby, from as early as 6 weeks. The service does not intend to replace NHS maternity care, but rather to enhance/compliment the woman’s pregnancy journey/experience, with scans they can purchase. The clinic’s values are upheld during every episode of care, from the initial enquiry, to some women requiring follow up after their scan. Pregnancy isn’t always an exciting event, for some, it can be an extremely anxious time. We strive to recognise anxiety and respond with compassion, whilst appreciating individual choice. We take great pride in ensuring that every woman is treated with kindness and respect. Women and their families will never feel rushed at Baby Grows, it’s not ‘just a scan’, it’s an experience. We genuinely care about you and your baby and strive to make your scan experience as special and personalised as YOU want it to be. The clinic provides a safe and peaceful environment, it is easily accessible and is surrounded by ample free parking. Scan Packages • Early Pregnancy Scan (from 6 weeks) - £60 • 2D Reassurance Scan (from 14 weeks) - £60 • Gender Scan (from 16 weeks) - £60 • 4D “This is Me Scan” (from 24 weeks) - £90 Prospect Business Park 1st Floor Valley View Leadgate, Consett, T: 07535 971210 E: babygrows2@gmail.com W: baby-grows.co.uk FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/r2gowinter Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial *This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Ages 3–9 Learning Maths Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills. Ages 7–13 Building Confidence Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Ages 3–7 Learning to Read Children follow structured, one-on-one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills. Ages 2–4 First Steps Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready-to-read skills. Ages 5–10 Mastering Phonics Fast-paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers. Try the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2–13. Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for young kids, and it’s proven to work in just 15 minutes a day. Perfect for supporting school learning and cleverly designed to grow with your child, 91% of parents see an improvement within just a few short weeks. Raring2go! ADVERTISING FEATURE
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 16 raring2go.co.uk 17 22 raring2go 23
18 raring2go.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/raring2grow Raring2grow! HOME GARDENING IDEAS FOR FAMILIES ‘My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece’ Claude Monet www.raring2go.co.uk For more great tips make sure you visit facebook.com/groups/raring2grow 6 wonderfully simple ways to ‘Winterise’ your garden A good old clean up Gathering up the leaves, cleaning down the patio and clearing the garden of any rubbish that has gathered over time. Don’t throw the leaves in a recycling bin. Why not put them in a pile and make them into a perfect winter nest for Hedgehogs and other wildlife that visits throughout the winter? Raking your Lawn Doing this will encourage growth and help prevent moss growing. Raking helps break up any thatch that you have and is generally considered to be really good for your lawn. Pruning Now’s the time to prune your trees, shrubs and roses. What you do now will help prevent disease and will encourage better growth for next year. Tidy up bedding areas Clear any foliage from your plant beds and pots. Think about adding a top layer to your soil, an organic mulch is ideal to protect from the frosts and snowfall… Pots & hanging baskets There are some lovely plants that will still offer you colour during the Winter months such as Cyclamens, pansies & polyanthus to name a few, so plant out your pots and keep enjoying their splendour, Winter doesn’t have to be dull! Wildlife Feeders Making your garden Wildlife friendly all year around is important, but it offers so much more… By putting food and water out for the birds & other visitors, is so satisfying and educational. The RSBP Big Garden Bird Watch in January is a lovely family affair, an hour of your time enjoying the different species coming into your garden and recording their numbers is a lovely thing to do with the kids! For details see our full page for the RSPB! Preparing your Garden for the Winter can be an enjoyable experience, especially so as you see the fruits of your labours which should give you great satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare and get everything in order for the months ahead. Together, let’s make it count Play your part at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch The RSPB is a registered charity in England and Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. Blue tit by Alamy BGBW-23 Every birdwatch matters Join hundreds of thousands of others and take part in Big Garden Birdwatch - the UK’s largest citizen science wildlife survey. Sign up, connect with nature and make your birdwatch count. 27–29 January 2023 Big Garden Birdwatch
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22 raring2go.co.uk 23 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Raring2go! WHAT’S ON What’s on at the Theatre? Theatres are listed by area: Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle & Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland & Co Durham. An *asterix denotes shows created specifically for younger children. Each event is also listed in our comprehensive what’s on guide at www.raring2go.co.uk Northumberland Queen’s Hall, Hexham 10-31 December The Wind in the Willows 14-24 December *The Three Bears at Christmas 10-11 February Little Mermaid Phoenix Theatre 3-11 December Jack and the Beanstalk Seaton Delaval Arts Centre 2-10 December Aladdin Alnwick Playhouse 3 December There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom! 15-30 December Remarkable Robin North Tyneside Playhouse Whitley Bay 9 December - 7 January Aladdin 17-22 January Goldilocks and the Three Bears Exchange North Shields 10-24 December Dick Whittington Tynemouth Priory Theatre 13-22 January Puss in Boots Newcastle and Gateshead Tyne Theatre and Opera House 9 December - 8 January Beauty and the Beast 24-25 January *The Smartest Giant in Town 19 February Circus Spectacular Northern Stage 3 December – 7 January The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 19 November – 8 January *Hey Diddle Diddle Theatre Royal 29 November – 15 January Cinderella 1 - 4 February The Snow Queen 22 - 25 February Demon Dentist People’s, Heaton 10-18 December Goldilocks and the Three Bears Alphabetti 13-31 December The Song of the Goblins Live Theatre 4-23 December Wintry Tales Utilita Arena 7-11December Disney on Ice Sage Gateshead 11 December Home Alone 22-24 December The Snowman Little Theatre, Gateshead 13-24 December Cinderella South Tyneside Customs House 24 November 7 January The Adventures of Robin Hood 3-31 December *The Last Snowflake Sunderland Sunderland Empire 9 December – 2 January Aladdin Arts Centre, Washington 6-11 December *The Three Bears at Christmas County Durham Gala, Durham 23 November - 8 January Sleeping Beauty 29 November – 24 December *A Town called Christmas Empire, Consett 1-31 December Aladdin Fancy winning tickets to some of these shows? Visit www.raring2go.uk
25 Raring2go! ADVERTISING FEATURE Building financial resilience in the new year The start of a new year is always the perfect time to take control of your finances and grasp any opportunities that may lie ahead. This year the case is even more compelling with rising inflation and tax increases set to challenge household budgets up and down the country. So now really is the ideal time to quantify your assets and position them appropriately in order to build financial resilience for your future. We can help you with your financial future so contact AYP Financial Planning on 01434 607808 or by email at info@ aypfinancial.co.uk for a no obligation, no charge initial consultation. Raring2go! ADVERTISING FEATURE 24 raring2go.co.uk For all your estate planning needs NO FUSS, PLAIN ENGLISH WILLS, WRITTEN BY EXPERTS Wills Trusts Lasting Power of Attorney Severance of Tenancy Executor Support Secure Storage 07788 710 953 ella@thewillguys.co.uk I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, I am your local fully qualified STEP affiliate Will Writer. I have such a huge passion for my job and love to be able to help clients find the best solutions to suit their needs. I offer fixed fees and free home visits at a time to suit you. Ella Baker Book an Appointment www.thewillguys.co.uk The Will Guys – Plain English wills written by experts. As a will writer with The Will Guys I believe in bespoke wills written for each of my clients at an affordable price. My plain English Wills have a no fuss approach, no matter how complicated you feel it might be, I can always find a solution for you. My appointments can be face to face in the comfort of your own home, or by video/phone and I have a wide range of appointment times so there will always be one at a time to suit you. Once we have had a chat about you and your wishes, I can then advise on the best way to achieve your wishes. If needed I can advise on the best use of trusts and arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney. I am qualified through the Society of Will Writers and STEP, and have the STEP will writing code. I am fully and comprehensively insured. So, if making a Will has always been on your ‘to do’ list, and you just haven’t yet got round to it yet. Or that you made a will a long time ago, and it is due a review. Or you just need some general advice on making a Will. I am here to help. Ella Baker 07788710953 ella@thewillguys.co.uk
27 Raring2go! FEATURE Raring2go! FEATURE 26 raring2go.co.uk 14 raring2go.co.uk What to Do and Where to Go 6 Reasons to Buy an Annual Pass this Winter 1. Save Money Check whether there are any restrictions on dates and times that you can use the pass, and work out when you would be available to go. You may only need to visit an attraction twice in the year to cover the cost of the annual pass. Thereafter, you will have unlimited visits which can result in large savings. Work out how much you’ll save by dividing the cost of the pass by the cost of a day’s admission, so that you know exactly how many times you will need to visit before you start saving money. 2. Year-round access to seasonal events Lots of attractions hold seasonal events and activities throughout the year, for example Easter Egg hunts, summer trails, Halloween and Christmas-themed events. These events may also be included in the cost of the annual pass, or available at a discount. 3. Discounts in the Gift shop or Cafe Check whether the annual pass holder benefits from other discounts. Many will offer a discount in the cafe or gift shop, which is great news when you are desperate for a coffee or for when it’s time to exit the attraction, and you have lots of pleading eyes from the children. 4. Other Venues You may be able to use some annual passes at other locations. Check out the passes that you can use at different locations throughout the UK - perfect for the summer holidays! 5. Quicker entrance with fast-track queueing At busy times of the year, the queue at the entrance of larger attractions can build up. A fast-track entrance is perfect to whizz excited children straight in without delay, and get started on the fun! This is perfect for families just wanting to drop in for an hour or so, which leads on to... 6. Short visits Unlimited access means that you can go along for just an hour after school and not feel that it’s a waste of money. There is no pressure to try to race around and fit everything in each time you visit. Several short visits ensures that smaller children don’t get overwhelmed or too tired. Plus... you will be able to see the different theming at the attraction throughout the year. Why not consider buying an annual pass as a Christmas present? You’ll be able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas for 12 months, and it won’t be a gift that you are picking up off the floor each day! Advertise with us... Would you like to reach 20,000 parents within Northumberland? Advertising with Raring2go! will allow you to do just that... and lots more! Magazines are hand delivered to schools and nurseries within the area and access parents directly through their children's book bags. All adverts are supported by regular social media activity on Facebook & Twitter and on our website www.raring2go.co.uk/northumberland Why not get in touch with us to help you promote your business or event? With various advertising packages including monthly payment schemes. It's more affordable than you think! Contact us at northumberland@raring2go.co.uk or call 07843 622 028 Please join us on Facebook: Raring2goNorthumberland and Twitter @R2goNorthLD for updates and information of where to go and what to do. We'd love to hear your comments & ideas too! Would you like to reach thousands of local parents?
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30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Raring2go! COMPETITIONS & OFFERS TO VIEW ALL OUR COMPETITIONS AND TO ENTER PLEASE VISIT www.raring2go.co.uk WIN a family ticket to see The Wind In The Willows at Queen’s Hall, Hexham on Saturday 10th December Closing date December 4th 2022 Copyright © 2022 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publisher: Raring2go! Northumberland For your chance to win, please visit raring2go.co.uk/competitions WIN BRI LL IANT BOOKS FOR THE CLASSROOM FROM NOSY CROW Raring2go! has teamed up with Nosy Crow to offer one lucky primary school an opportunity to win a bundle of 25 amazing books for pupils aged between 4-12.Worth over £250 RRP! WIN a family ice skating session at Life Science Centre, Newcastle Closing date January 1st 2023 Scan this code and sign up for free today THE WORLD AWAITS AT UNBEATABLE RATES Introducing the Raring2go! Travel Club, bringing you one online destination for all your family travel needs. Member benefits include: • Up to 60% off over 600,000 hotels • 50,000+ private, group and tailor-made tours • Weekly resort stays from £299 • Savings on 345,000+ activities • Member preferred car hire rates • Competitive flight prices Sign up for FREE today
Queen’s Hall, Alnwick Playhouse and The Alnwick Garden present BOX OFFICE 01434 652477 www.queenshall.co.uk Directed by Damian Cruden ADAPTED by Mike Kenny COMPOSED by Chr topher Madin A magical retelling of an old favourite combines all the joy and mystery of Kenneth Grahame's much-loved classic with the lightness of touch and playful theatricality that award-winning playwright Mike Kenny is best known for. With beautifully composed music by Christopher Madin, this journey through the seasons to the great battle for Toad Hall is a Christmas treat for all the family. coming to Hexham this December AT Queen’s Hall, Hexham 10-31 December
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