SUNDERLAND WHAT’S ON Page 21 WINTER FUN Page 14 SANTA’S DIARY Page 6 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2022 | 9 Dec ’22 to 2 Jan ’23 | atgtickets.com/sunderland
Do something amazing. Become a foster carer. There are children in Sunderland right now who need a place to call home, with someone who can care for them as they grow up. Start your fostering journey with us togetherforchildren.org.uk/fostercare 0191 561 2223
4 raring2go.co.uk 10 easy ways to take control of your energy bills this winter! We’re all having to watch the pennies at the minute, so here are a few tips to help you reduce the amount of energy you use at home… Use a thermostat or heating programmer rather than switching your heating on/off manually. Close internal doors to keep the heat where you want it. An incredible amount of heat can be lost through doors left open. Only fill the kettle with as much water as is needed. A kettle uses an incredible amount of energy each time it boils. Dry clothes slowly on an airer in a well ventilated space, or outdoors, to save on tumble dryer costs. If you have curtains above where a radiator is positioned, then tuck them behind radiators to keep the heat inside the room. c o 18 Set your thermostat to 18-21 degrees Celsius. A reduction of just 1º can save around £80 a year on household bills. Draughtproof your doors and your windows to reduce heat loss and lower heating bills. This is a very cost effective measure to take. Wash clothes at 30ºC. A simple thing like a 10ºC reduction in temperature can almost half the energy costs of a normal load wash. Make use of a slow cooker. They are much more efficient than a conventional oven and the food tastes great too. Defrost your freezer to save money. It’s a job no one likes doing but a regualr defrost of your freezer can make it more efficient. Raring2go! WELCOME Welcome to the winter edition of Raring2go! Sunderland, bursting with ideas to keep you and your family entertained over the festive period and well into the New Year. If you are planning a visit to see Father Christmas then Santa’s diary will help you find the best places to meet the big man himself. As always, we have a varied and exciting ‘What’s On’ guide but do check out our website which contains the very latest events and activities in the region. There are lots of great competitions to enter including theatre tickets, cinema tickets and free family days out. Plus, we have lots of exclusive vouchers to make family days out a little easier on your wallet. Finally, a huge thank you to our advertisers and to all the 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! Vicky x
5 Raring2go! CHRISTMAS RECIPES whisk
Raring2go! SANTA’S DIARY 6 raring2go.co.uk Santa’s Diary Santa’s Grotto The Bridges 17 Nov – 24 Dec, 10am – 5pm (12 – 4pm Sun) Every child who visits Santa in his Grotto will be given a present to take home and enjoy. Children can take photographs with Santa and his elves, and don’t forget to tell him what’s on your list! thebridges-shopping.com £2 Winter Wonderland Adventure Valley Weekends 26 Nov - 18 Dec + 21 - 24 Dec 10am – 4pm Jump onboard the Winter Valley Express, enjoy the ride-on animals and bounce on the huge winter inflatable. You’ll also meet REAL reindeer and visit Santa in his workshop! adventurevalley.co.uk From £15.95 per adult, £33.95 per child Crimbo Family Bingo with Mrs Claus Clarion Hotel 20 & 27 Nov, 4, 11 & 18 Dec, 12.45 – 4pm Enjoy a 2-course lunch and a magical afternoon of fun for the family. There’ll be family bingo, music, prizes and live entertainment from the Bingo Bonkaz team. Plus a special visit to Santa. hotels-sunderland.com £14 per child, £23 per adult Breakfast with Santa The Bridges 4, 11, 18 Dec, 9 – 10.30am Santa is getting ready for Christmas and your little ones are invited to have Breakfast with Santa at Esquires Coffee. Children will enjoy a delicious breakfast before getting crafty with the elves and enjoying a festive Storytime with Santa. thebridges-shopping.com £10 Journey to Santa’s Toyshop RedFox Gardenworld 26 Nov – 24 Dec Weekdays, 1 – 7pm Weekends, 9am – 6pm, (Sunday 10 - 4pm) Make your way through 6 enchanting areas to find Santa’s toyshop with the help of a host of friendly festive characters! Enjoy a private family visit to Father Christmas and receive a gift for each child! redfoxgardenworld.co.uk £16.99 per child, £6.99 per adult Winter Wonderland Rainton Arena 19 Nov - 24 Dec, 11am - 7pm Visit Santa in his amazing Grotto. You will be greeted by Santa’s Elf who will take you on a journey through the magical grotto and then it’s time meet Santa and receive a present. raintonarena.co.uk £16.50 per child Sunday Lunch with Santa George Washington Hotel 11 & 18 Dec, 12.30 – 4.30pm Enjoy Sunday lunch with all the festive trimmings, followed by children’s entertainment, a special magic show and a visit with Santa. georgewashington.co.uk £18.95 per child, £28.50 per adult Santa’s Winter Woodland West Boldon Lodge Weekends from 3 Dec, 9.30am – 5pm Learn the basics in Elf School, follow the clues in the wonderful woodland to find a hidden treats, build and take-home toys and decorations from the Elf Workshop and finally meet Santa himself! westboldonlodge.co.uk From £16 child, £14 adult Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey Whitehouse Farm 26 Nov – 24 Dec This year not only do the children get to choose any present they wish from the Elves Toyshop and join in all the usual festive activities, they also get to create their own animal character teddy in the Cuddle Factory and
7 Raring2go! SANTA’S DIARY there is a new show Frozen Christmas to enjoy. whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk From £26.90 child, £13.50 adult Breakfast with Santa Mister Twisters Soft Play 5 Dec 10 – 12pm Jingle all the way down to Mister Twisters to meet Father Christmas himself! Price includes entry to the soft ply and jump centre, a special breakfast and a visit to Santa. mistertwisters.co.uk £11.95 Santa & Me The Play Cafe 2, 6, 14 Dec All the Christmas favourites will be present in our very own winter wonderland: ho-ho-hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, Christmas carols and most importantly of all - a visit from Santa! facebook.com/theplaycafesunderland £20 Santa’s Festive Forest Metro Centre 17 Nov – 24 Dec Santa’s elves will guide your through the experience where you can decorate a Christmas cookie, before heading into the Christmas cabin to meet Santa. themetrocentre.co.uk £5 per child, £3.50 per adult Lunch with Santa Roker Hotel 4 & 11 Dec, 12 - 3pm Enjoy a delicious lunch and entertainment before the children see Santa, where they will receive an early Christmas gift! rokerhotel.co.uk £12.95 per child, £14.95 per adult Santa’s Grotto Beamish Museum 26 Nov – 24 Dec Children can visit Father Christmas in his cosy Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard. Tickets must be booked in advance. beamish.org.uk £6 Santa Story Time George Washington Hotel 21 Dec, 12.30 – 4.30pm Settle into a joyful Christmas story time with Santa himself. Adults will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea whilst the little ones receive a fun food box of their choice. All children will receive a gift and a photo with Santa. georgewashington.co.uk £15 per child, £20 per adult Santa’s Grotto Dalton Park Weekends 12 Nov – 18 Dec + 19 – 24 Dec Visit Santa in his grotto and tell him what you’d like for Christmas. dalton-park.co.uk £6
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Raring2go! THEATRE GUIDE 10 raring2go.co.uk What’s on at the Theatre Sunderland Empire atgtickets.com Aladdin 9 Dec – 2 Jan The most mystical pantomime of all time, Aladdin, flies in on a magic carpet with a sparkling cast! Filled with mystical adventure, stunning sets and costumes, a lamp load of comedy and sensational song and dance numbers – join us on magical carpet ride with Aladdin this festive season. From £13 Jurassic Live 14 Jan, 12 & 5pm Featuring mind blowing special effects, professional puppeteers and the UK’s most realistic dinosaurs this 90-minute full stage production isn’t a show to miss! Jurassic Live really is the greatest dinosaur show on earth! From £21.65 Sing-a-Long The Greatest Showman 15 Jan, 2pm Cheer on Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible - with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. From £17.50 The Lion King 16 Mar – 6 May Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi award-winning musical is a unique theatrical experience that you will remember forever. From £20 Customs House customshouse.co.uk The Adventures of Robinhood 24 Nov – 7 Jan Dame Bella is all a quiver as men in tights ride through the Glen and into Cooksonville forest but watch out for the Sheriff and his evil henchmen; Feather and Scatter. Another thrilling adventure awaits. Our unique take on the classic story of Robin Hood is packed with spectacular song, dazzling dance, magical Christmas moments and lots of laughs. From £12 The Last Snowflake 3 – 31 Dec Every snowflake is special and unique and comes with a wish. The only problem is… there’s only one snowflake left! It always snows this time of year in Cooksonville but this year the snow has stopped falling and Dennis wants to know why. Join Dennis and his friends on a winter adventure to bring snow back to Cooksonville. From £12 The Wind in the Willows 5 Jan, 3pm Follow Mole, who ventures forth from the comfort of his underground home to explore the outside world. There he meets Ratty and their relationship blossoms into a heart-warming friendship as they embark on adventures together and meet other characters. From £11 Royalty Theatre royaltytheatre.co.uk Peter Pan 2 – 18 Dec Take your whole family on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland as Peter Pan comes to the Royalty Theatre this Christmas. There’ll be fabulous special effects, beautiful costumes and a barrel full of laughs! From £7.50 Clarion Hotel hotels-sunderland.com Aladdin 26 Dec, 2.30pm Our popular Boxing Day Panto is back with an enchanting tale combining spectacular scenery and a real festive favourite. Filled with lively characters, music, slapstick humor,
11 Tom Whalley HE’S BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Miss Rory THE NORTH EAST’S QUEEN OF COMEDY! gary lucy from HOLLYOAKS A MAGIC CARPET RIDE THAT’S PURE GENIE-US! 0844 871 7615 | atgtickets.com/sunderland Transaction fee applies. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. 9 December ’22 to 2 January ’23
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THEATRE GUIDE Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? www.raring2go.co.uk 7 PANTO TIPS The uniquely British Christmas pantomime is a tradition for many families, but if you’ve never taken your youngsters to one before, here are some useful facts and tips to prepare them (and you!) for what to expect…. • Advise box office staff of any birthday’s, or group visits, for a mention during the show and when they call you out make sure you shout back! Don’t be embarrassed if the whole audience and cast sing ‘Happy Birthday!’ • Bring plenty of money as you will want to buy a programme and most pantomimes will have some sort of flashy wand or light up stick for sale to be used during the show. • The theatre may, or may not, have booster seats for your little one. Bring your own or a cushion just to be sure. INTERESTING FACT Traditionally ‘baddies’ always entered the stage from the left and ‘goodies’ from the right, as left was deemed to be sinister in days gone by. Test this out to see if it is still true Normal theatre etiquette is to be forgotten in Pantomime which is all about joining in and audience participation. Encourage your children to shout back when they ask and mini heckling IS allowed! ‘He’s behind you!’ and always ‘Boo’ the baddie. FINALLY– If you are a man you might want to avoid the front row; the Dame always picks someone on the front row to be a foil for her jokes... romance and a daring adventure, there’s something for the whole family. £13.50 (£50 family of 4) Arts Centre Washington sunderlandculture.org.uk The Three Bears at Christmas 6 – 11 Dec Join us for a Christmas adventure into the woods with original live music, puppetry and a tale you thought you knew… from the makers of WOLF! and The Tin Foil Astronaut, Kitchen Zoo. Recommended for under 6-yearolds and their families. £10 Snow White & the Ugly Sisters Weekends, 13 - 28 Jan The ugly sisters leave Cinderalla’s kingdom and help the wicked stepmother try and take over Snow Whites kingdom. Come and help buttons, Alice the cook and Fairy G help save the day! £4 The Fire Station sunderlandculture.org.uk The Little Prince 7 Feb, 4pm 8 Feb, 1.30pm Find out how the Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! From £8.80 Rainton Arena raintonarena.co.uk Sleeping Beauty 11 – 24 Dec Bring the family along to witness Seaham Harbour’s legendary baddie “Rupert Von Rottenchops” as he attempts to gate-crash the beautiful Princess Briar Rose’s eighteenth birthday party, sending her to sleep and taking over the fair kingdom of County Durham. From £8.50
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10Winter Activities to se Get on your bike and go for a bike ride Cycling is a brilliant form of transport (100% free) and a great way to keep active and warm whilst improving your fitness levels all at the same time. Cycling as a family is such a lot of fun and you can guarantee yourselves heaps of laughs along the way as you ride to off the beaten track places. 1 Winter walks as a family Mother nature does some magical things during the winter months and we can see much of it on walks close to home. Make time during the winter months to wrap up warm and venture out on local expeditions to see places you may not have seen before and nature unfolding before your eyes. Bird watching This is so satisfying being so close to nature and now that the leaves are no longer on the trees, you can see so much more. Get involved with the RSPB Garden Birdwatch and record your birdwatching, it’s a great way to spend your time. Museums are fun places! There’s so much to learn from visiting a museum and it really can be fun too. Set a questionnaire for the kids before you go and get them to tick off the answers as you go along. They’ll have so much fun answering the clues! If the weather is on your side visit an outdoor museum! Puddle jumping All you need are raincoats and wellies, once you’ll all kitted out, there’s so much fun to be had jumping in the puddlesjust make sure they’re not too deep! 2 3 4 5
ee you through to Spring Winter scavenger hunt Getting outdoors is good for all the family and if you have something fun to do, the kids will be happy and entertained. To help you along, here’s our Raring2go! Winter Scavenger Hunt activity sheet… Get your skates on! Ice or Roller skating is great exercise for the whole family. Skate for 30 minutes and you could burns off 267 calories and use the muscles of the lower body. Additional benefits to skating include improved balance and core stability plus the laughs you provide your children as you stuumble and gently fall! Make a bug hotel Gather together natural materials such as hollow bamboo canes, pine cones, barks, twigs and moss, and useful bits and bobs like old tiles for the roof, terracotta pots, and wooden pallets or bricks for the base. As well as helping creepy crawlies, larger ones might also be used by hedgehogs. Make a collage From your walk in the forest, why not gather some twigs, cones, leaves, acorns etc and make a Winter collage- the kids can make their own Forest scene! Christmas decoration hunt When December arrives, the extravagant house decorations come out to sparkle and dazzle. Go on a family drive and spot as many houses as you can with the best decorations. They shouldn’t be hard to spot as they are normally illuminated by the britghtest lights on earth so just look for the haze and follow it! 6 7 8 9 10
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. 16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RARING2GROW!
Raring2go! LEARN 17 If your child is starting primary, infant or junior school in September 2023 you need to apply for a place. This includes all children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 for reception year applications. 3 Oct 2022 Online system available 15 Jan 2023 Closing date for applications 17 Apr 2023 National Offer Day 1 May 2023 Return of acceptance forms 12 May 2023 Appeal forms to be returned Jul 2023 Final date that appeals can be heard Timetable for Primary Applications 9 Raring2go! EDUCATION Sunderland Primary School Admissions If your child is starting a primary, infant or junior sch ol in September 2020 you need to apply for a place. his includes all children bor between: l 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 for reception year applications; l 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 for year 3 applications. Timetable for Primary School Admissions 23 September 2019 Onli e system avail ble to pare ts until closing date 15 January 2020 Closing date for primary applications 16 April 2020 Primary Offer Day, notification send to parents 1 May 2020 Return of acceptance forms by this date 15 May 2020 Appeal forms to be returned by this date June - July 2020 Appeals heard The admissions booklet can be downloaded at www.sunderland.gov.uk For more information contact the Life, Family and Learning team on 0191 520 5553 or by emailing school.admissions@sunderland.gov.uk We offer bespoke tuition in all subjects, at all levels, to all students. Our team of qualified and dedicated teachers help each student reach their full potential by raising confidence, strengthening understanding and achieving success. We also provide Educational Support Services including SEN support, Dyslexia /Dyspraxia assessment and counselling. RAISING STANDARDS IN EDUCATION OUR SERVICES ARE OUTSTANDING - BECAUSE WE CARE To find out more contact us on: 07786 266730 contact@tutorsupply.net www.tutorsupply.net Is your child starting Year 3 in September 2023? Apply for a place at Broadway Junior School!
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! LEARN 19
Raring2go! WHAT TO DO 20 raring2go.co.uk 4 The winter school holidays can be a daunting prospect. There are weeks to fill and keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge. There will inevitably be occasions when all of us hear the words “I’m Bored”. So why not try this neat little trick to ensure that there is always an activity at hand. Find a jar. I use a kilner jar but an old jam jar, bowl or even a cup will do. Just as long as you can put in as many activities as you need. Mine are all written on pieces of colourful card but lolly sticks work just as well. Whenever boredom strikes, the kids have to dip in and pick an activity. I like to mix it up so I include some chores or favours such as watering the plants and picking five toys to give away. Opposite you will find some suggested activities to get you started. However, you can fill your bored jar with whatever you want – ultimately it has to entertain your kids. Obviously I keep my fingers crossed that ‘Make Mum a cup of tea’ gets picked every time! The only thing to remember is to replenish the jar with more activities and give it a good shake so that you are ready for the next time that boredom strikes. Bored Jar ri ! ACTIVI IES 1. Draw a chalk picture on the pavement 2. Visit the library 3. Scooter race to the end of the street 4. Make jelly 5. Water the plants indoors 6. Build a den inside 7. Find five toys or unwanted presents to give away 8. Have a tea party with friends or toys 9. Make a family tree 10. Let’s make mini-pizzas 11. Make a leaf collage 12. Tidy your room 13. Play balloon tennis 14. Make Mum a cup of tea 15. Let’s paint 16. Write five things you love about your family 17. Make something with the leftover wrapping paper 18. Plant a bean in a jar 19. Make wooden spoon people 20. Let’s bake cupcakes
21 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Your Essential Guide to What’s On This Winter Always check the websites for booking advice. There are many more events listed in our online what’s on guide at raring2go.co.uk/sunderland NOVEMBER Football Fun Trail Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens To 27 Jan, 10am – 4pm Follow the trail to discover amazing football facts from Sunderland and around the world. sunderlandculture.org.uk £1 Christmas in the City AR Trail City Centre To 6 Jan Enjoy the magical trail as the streets of Sunderland are filled with lots of hidden gems. Download the Sunderland Experience app to unwrap the hidden characters around the city. mysunderland.co.uk FREE Letter to Santa & Storytime Seven Stories Weekends in Nov & Dec 2pm Write your list to Santa in our cosy Elf Room and snuggle up for a Christmas Story from our Elf Crew. sevenstories.org.uk £7.50 Winter Wonderland Rainton Arena 19 Nov – 1 Jan There’ll be a real open air ice ice rink, festive Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and delicious food stalls. raintonarena.co.uk Grinchmas Rainton Arena Weekends 19 Nov – 24 Dec Grinch has stolen Christmas and we need your help to catch him! Join Cindy Lou on a magical adventure through Whoville to help the Grinch find his Christmas Spirit! raintonarena.co.uk Seaham Christmas Parade Church Street 25 Nov, 5 – 9pm Follow Santa and his parade through Church Street, singing carols and lighting each Christmas tree as the parade reaches Terrace Green. seaham.gov.uk FREE Festive Days Beamish Museum 26 Nov – 24 Dec 10am – 5pm From Georgian times right the way through to the 1950s, hop aboard one of Beamish’s traditional trams or buses and be immersed in Christmas through time. Book Santa slots online. beamish.org.uk Usual admission charges apply Winter Light Trail The Alnwick Garden 28 Nov – 1 Jan The Garden will be transformed into a light extravaganza like no other. alnwickgarden.com £10.50 DECEMBER Christmas Illuminated Trail Gibside 1 Dec – 1 Jan An after-dark illuminated trail with twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and festive fun. nationaltrust.org.uk From £14 Wallington’s Winter Trail Wallington Hall 1 Dec – 8 Jan 10am - 5pm Help Ollie Owl find his woodland friends in the East woods this winter at Wallington. nationaltrust.org.uk Free event (admission applies) Nightfall Stewart Park, Middlesborough 1-4 Dec Family friendly light trail of beautiful artworks with music, performance, storytelling and magical moments. nightfallfestival.co.uk £8.50
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Shun the indoors this February half term and head to the Dark Skies Festival to make the most of one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the night sky. Families can enjoy a star safari in the company of astronomy experts to increase their chances of watching this night-time wonder. These will run alongside Festival favourites such as nocturnal wildlife trails, dark sky runs, walks, mindful stargazing and astrophotography skills sessions. There’s also the opportunity to have close-up encounters with owls as well as learning how to photograph them at the National Centre for Birds of Prey in Helmsley. Families with younger children needn’t miss out on the fun as there are daytime dark skiesthemed workshops and craft activities. Even those who can’t travel to the National Parks can still be involved with the Festival as there will be a number of online events to take you on a journey through the stars. North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales National Parks’ Dark Skies Festival 10-26 February Milky Way above Harome credit Steve Bell Hidden Horizon's Star Dome credit Tony Bartholomew Ghost walks - Whitby Storyteller credit Glen Fiztpatrick Elf Academy WWT Washington Weekends, 3 – 18 Dec 10am & 1pm Enr l in a special workshop and learn everything you need to know t gain your all-important Elf Diploma. Age 4+ wwt.org.uk £12 per child Breakfast with Mrs Claus & Tinker McJingles Clarion Hotel 3, 10, 17, 21 - 24 Dec, 9am Join Mrs Claus and Tinker McJingles for a morning of interactive fun. Includes breakfast, entertainment, a visit to Santa and present. hotels-sunderland.com From £15 Mrs Christmas at Wallington Wallington Hall Christmas Parade Ocean Road, South Shields 9 Dec, 5 – 6.15pm See illuminated structures, stilt walkers, dancers, street entertainers and Spark! drummers before finishing with a spectacular firew rks display. visitsouthtyneside.co.uk FREE Lunch with Olaf The Play Café 9 & 13 Dec, 11.30am During this e ent, t r songs, dancing, bubbles, lunch and a visit from Olaf. facebook.com/theplaycafesunderland £12 Create a Snow Globe The Word 10 Dec, 1 - 3pm Enjoy a fun Christmas- hemed Weekends, 3 – 18 Dec 11.30am – 4pm Mrs Christmas is back for her wonderful storytelling in the House this festive season. Free event (admission applies) Christ s Craft Fair Souter Lighthouse & the Leas 3 & 4 Dec 10am – 4pm The Christmas craft fair returns offering visitors locally handmade crafts, gifts, cards and jewell ry. nationaltrust.org.uk Real Ice Rink Ocean Beach Pleasure Park 9 Dec – 8 Jan Have a magical experience as you skate on a real ice rink, enjoy the arcades and seasonal food in the decorated park. oceanb ach.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 23 Find your Chris tmas in t he heart of Sunderland! 17th NOVEMBER - 24th DECEMBER 10am - 5pm: Monday - Saturday 12pm - 4pm: Sunday 11am - 12pm: Sunday Quiet Hour £2 entry All proceeds go to local worthy causes The Bridges Shopping Centre Sunderland SR1 3DR craft activity at The Word where they will make a snow globe craft. theworduk.org £2 Yule Celebrations Jarrow Hall 10 & 11 Dec With storytelling by the fire, a festive trail of riddles and some winter arts and crafts, come in out of the cold, settle down and enjoy Yuletide with a warm drink the Anglo-Saxon way. jarrowhall.com From £5 Painting Christmas Baubles The Word 17 Dec, 1 - 3pm Families can have fun painting Christmas Baubles. theworduk.org £2 22 & 23 Dec 10, 11.30, 2 & 3.30pm Create a colourful hanging decoration to take home or give as a gift. Age 5+. nationalglasscentre.com £5 Festive Sandcasting National Glass Centre 23 & 28 Dec, 9.30 & 10.30am Create a glass snowman, angel or snowy owl using sand to make a mould. Age 6+. nationalglasscentre.com £20 Christmas Character Party Carnival House 23 Dec, 1pm Enjoy a fun performance, meet and take a photo with the ULTIMATE Christmas characters! creativeseed.org £8.50 Royal Christmas Ball Grand Hotel 17 Dec 11.30 am 18 Dec 11.30am & 3.30pm Join Emma Enchanted for a Christmas themed ball with 10 of your favourite princess characters. emmaenchanted.co.uk £20 child / £10 adult Glass Fusing National Glass Centre 21 & 29 Dec, 10, 11.30 & 2pm Create a lovely scene on a glass shape. Take inspiration from our Harvest exhibition or make used glass artwork of your own design. Age 6+. Booking required. nationalglasscentre.com £12 Glass Painted Artwork National Glass Centre
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 24 raring2go.co.uk Durham Christmas Festival returns on the rst weekend of December. From Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th, the city will be transformed into a shopper’s paradise with four festive markets and more than 240 stalls offering gifts, treats, festive food and drink and so much more. It’s the North East’s ‘go to’ seasonal shopping event, a chance to tick many items off the Christmas shopping list and pick up the kind of gifts you don’t find on the high street. There are four markets: the Craft & Gift Marquee* on Palace Green, the Regional Producers’ Market in Durham Cathedral Cloisters, a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place, and Durham Market Hall which will be open each day of the festival. For discounted entry to the Craft & Gift Marquee, purchase in advance via the festival website, www.durhamchristmasfestival.com. This year, the Children’s Lantern Parade returns on Saturday 3rd December, with 200 children carrying lanterns up through the city as the light fades. The parade will leave the Market Place at 2.30pm, following the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band, arriving at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service at 3pm. Lanterns cost £5.50 and must be reserved in advance via the festival website, www.durhamchristmasfestival.com. Christmas Shopping … in the stunning city of Durham JANUARY & FEBRUARY Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail Sunderland Museum 28 Jan – 24 Feb, 10am – 4pm Discover the meanings behind the Chinese New Year animals as you explore the Museum and Winter Gardens. sunderlandculture.org.uk £1 Chinese New Year Stowell Street, Newcastle 22 Jan Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with music, parades and more. NewcastleGateshead.com FREE February Half Term Beamish 18 - 26 Feb, 10am – 4pm Across February Half Term, with the Owls. You might even see a lamb being born! whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk Usual admission charges apply February Half-Term Fun Gibside 18 - 26 Feb 11am – 3pm Free half term family activities and outdoor escapades, with a different activity every day. nationaltrust.org.uk Usual admission charges apply Half Term Crafts National Glass Centre 18 - 26 Feb 10am - 4pm Join us for some arty fun this February half term with a different activity every day. Check the website for more details. nationalglasscentre.com Small charge for activities we will recreate an important story from our local history with hands on activities to take part in. beamish.org.uk Usual admission charges apply Half Term Fun Adventure Valley 18 - 26 Feb, 10am – 4pm Meet the animals, enjoy the outdoor play areas, have a game of mini golf or if the weather gets too cold, head inside to the softplay. adventur valley.co.uk Usual admission charges apply Lambing Week & Half Term Whitehouse Farm 18 - 26 Feb 10am - 5pm You can also Bottle Feed pet lambs, Meet the Meerkats, Groom a Goat & have a Hoot
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS 1 * )/ ƺ Əȸƺ ƏǼǼ ƏɯƏȸƺ Ȓǔ ǝȒɯ ǣȅȵȒȸɎƏȇɎ ǣɎ ǣɀ ($'4 #-$./( . ; /$+. !*- (*- .0./ $ á 9 ! ɎȒ Ɏȸɵ ƏȇƳ Ǽǣɮƺ ) ' 9 ȵǼƏȇɎƏƫǼƺ ƬƏȸƳɀ ǔȸǣƺȇƳǼɵ Ȓȸ ٮ ƺȇƳ ƺƬȒ Ȓȇƺɀ Ɏǝƺɵ ɯǣǼǼ ƬȒȇɀɎƏȇɎǼɵ ƫƺ ȸƺȅǣȇƳǣȇǕ ȅȒȸƺ ɀɖɀɎƏǣȇƏƫǼɵ ƏȇƳ ƬǝƏȇƬƺɀ Əȸƺً ǣǔ ɵ ǔȸǣƺȇƳǼɵً ɀɖɀɎƏǣȇƏƫǼƺ !ǝ ٮ Ɏǝǣɀ ɵƺƏȸ Ȓɖȸ ȅȒɀɎ ƺƬȒ Ɏǣȵɀ ƏȇƳ ɎȒǕƺ גא ȅƏǸƺ Ə ƳǣǔǔƺȸƺȇƬƺِ IȒǼǼȒɯ Ȓɖȸ ȇɖȅƫƺȸ Ȓǔ ƫƏɎɎƺȸǣƺɀ ɯƺ ƫɖɵ Ȓȸ Ɏǝƺ Ɏȸƺƺ ɯƺ Ƴƺ ɎǝǣȇǸǣȇǕ ƏƫȒɖɎ Ɏǝƺ ǔȒȒƳ ɯƺ ƺƏɎً Ɏǝƺ ȵƏȵƺȸ ɯƺ ƫƺ Ə Ɏǣȅƺ Ȓǔ ǝɖǕƺ ƬȒȇɀɖȅƺȸǣɀȅ ƏȇƳ ƺɴƬƺɀɀ ɯ ǝƏƫǣɎɀ ƏȇƳ ǼǣǔƺɀɎɵǼƺ ƬǝƏȇǕƺɀ ɎȒ ǕȒ ȒɖɎ Ɏǝƺ ɯǣȇ !ǝȸǣɀɎȅƏɀ ǔƏɀɎ ƏȵȵȸȒƏƬǝǣȇǕً ǣɎ ƬƏȇ ƫƺ ƺƏɀɵ ǔȒȸ ǼǣɮǣȇǕ ɀɎƏȸɎ ٮ Ȓȸ ȅƏȇɵ Ȓǔ ɖɀً Ȓɖȸ ǴȒɖȸȇƺɵ ɎȒ ƺƬȒ 8 : Ɏȸƺƺ ƺȇɎ Ə ƬƏǼƺȇƳƏȸ ƏƳɮƺȇɎ ȸƺɖɀƏƫǼƺ ȇɮƺɀɎ ǣȇ Ə I X ³ « ; ɯȸƺƏɎǝ ǝȒȅƺȅƏƳƺ ȸƺƏɎƺ Ə ɵȒɖٍ Ȓɖ ǝƏɮƺ ǼǣɎɎǼƺɀ ȸȵǼƏȇƺɎɎȒȒِƬȒِɖǸ ȸǣɀɎȅƏɀ ɵƺɎٍ Ɏǝƺȸ ɯƺ ƬƏȇ ȅƏǸƺ ƬȒȸƏɎƺً ɯƺ ȸƺƏǼǼɵ ƬƏȇ ɖɀƺ ɎȒ ɯȸƏȵً Ɏǝƺ ƏɀɎƺً ƫɖɎ ƫɵ ƳȒɯٍ !ǝȸǣɀɎȅƏɀ ƬƏȇ ȅƏȇɵ Ȓǔ Ȓɖȸ ȇƺɯ ɀ ƏɎ ǝȒȅƺً ƫɖɎ ɯǣɎǝ ɖ ! IȒȸ ȅȒȸƺ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇً ɮǣɀǣɎ ɯɯɯِǣɎɀȒ
27 Raring2go! SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS ȸƺɀ Ȓ ɀɎ ƺȇƳƺȇɎ ȵ ǣȇƳƺ ƬƏǼǼɵ ƏɎ Ȓ Ǽ ǝȒȵ 8 ; 8: ǼƏɀɎǣƬ ȵ ɀƏƫǼƺ ȵȒ Ƴǣɀ ǣƳ Ȓ ɮ < 7 ³ 8 Ǹ Ɏ Ǖǝ ƺ ȸǣ ǝ ɖɵ Ɏ 8 ƺ ȵ Ə ȵ Ɏ Ǖǝ ȸǣ ƺ ǝ ɀƺ Ɏ ǝȒȒ ȇ Ȓ ȸƏɎǣ Ȓ ƳƺƬ ɖ Ȓ ǣȇǸ ɵ ǝ ƺɎ =Ɏɀ Ǖǝ Ǽǣ Əɀ ȅ ȸǣɀɎ !ǝ n0( Ȓ Ɏ ǝ ɯǣɎƬ < Ǖ ǣȇ ǝȒȵȵ ɀ ǕȒ ɖ Ȓ ƺȇ ɵ ǝ ɯ Ǖ ȸƺɖɀƏƫǼƺ ƫƏ ƏǸƺ Ə « 8 ǼƏɀɎ ƏɎ ɯ ǝ Ɏ Ɏɀ ǔ ǣ Ǖ ǣɮƺ 8 ƺ ƫǣȸƳɀ ǝ Ɏ ȸ ǔȒ ȇ Ȓ ȸƏɎǣ Ȓ ƳƺƬ Ƴ٣ ǔȒȒ ƏǸƺ Ə ٢ J @ x ! Á ³ > ɖȇɎ Ȓ ƳǣɀƬ ۏ ȸ ǔȒ ƏƬɎǣɮǣɎɵ Ȓ ɖȸ ƺƬ Ȓ Ǹ ƏɎ ȒȒ 7 ƺɀɎǣɮƺ ɯƏǼǸ ǔ ȸ Ə ǕȒ ǔȒ ƏȇƳ ɖɎɀǣƳƺ Ȓ ƺɎ = J ; ƺɀ ٮ 9 Ƴ ɯƏɀɎƺ ǔȒȒ ɖȸ Ȓ ƺƳɖƬƺ ɵ ȸ ɀ ȸ ّ Ɏ 9 8 ّ Ǖ Ɏǣȇ ǔ ǣ Ǖ ٮ ȸƺ Ȓǔ Ɏ Ǖǝ ɖ ǝȒ Ɏ ɖ Ȓ Əɮƺ ɵ 8 ǼƏƬƺɀ ȵ Ɏ Ǖǝ ȸǣ ƺ ǝ Ɏ Ȓȅ ȸ ǔ Ƴ ǔȒȒ ɖɵ ǣǼǼ ? Əɀ ȅ ȸǣɀɎ !ǝ Ɏɵ ǔ ƬȸƏ Əɮƺ Ə ȇ Ə 9 « R R R0« 0³ ɖɀƺ J ! ɴƺɀ Ə Á n kXÁ I « 0 Ȓ ƫ ɎƏǸƺ Ə Ǽ ً ǼƏȇƺɎ ȵ ƺ ǝ ɀƏɮƺ Ɏ Ȓ ȇƺ ɯƏȇɎɀ Ɏ Ȓ ɖȸ ǼǣɎɎǼƺ Ȓ ɵ ǔ X @ 9 : 8 > ? 9 ɴǣƬ ƬƏȇƳǼ Ȓ Ɏ Ȓ ɀƺ ȇ ǝȒȒ 9 ǣɎ ǔ ɖɎ Ȓ ɖȸ Ȓ ɵ ɖɎ Ȓ Əƫ ǣȇǸ ǝ 9 ȇ Ȓ ȇƏɎǣ Ȓ Ƴ Ɏ ǔ ǣ Ǖ ƏȸǣɎƏƫǼƺ ǝ Ƭ ȇɀǣƳƺȸ Ə Ȓ 8 ȸƺƺȇƺȸ Ǖ ɎȸƏɮƺǼ Əɀ ȅ ȸǣɀɎ !ǝ ƏǸƺ 8 Ɏɀ ǔ ǣ Ǖ ȸƺƺ ǔ Jǣɮƺ ƫƏɎɎƺȸɵ ȸƏƬ ƺȸɀ 8ƺƏɎ ȅ Ǽƺɀɀ ɖ ƺ Ȓ Əȇ ɵ ! Á ! x ! Ƭ ɯɯɯِǣɎɀȒɖȸȵǼƏȇƺɎɎȒȒِƬȒِɖǸ ٮ ٮ
28 raring2go.co.uk If you want to get them something out of the ordinary this Christmas here are some ideas to get you started…….. ABC Arts and crafts supplies. Anything from googly eyes, pom-poms, sparkly paper, safe scissors or just lots of paper. Bath towel – as colourful as you can find, or one with a hood that’s makes for memorable bathtimes for years to come. Classes: book them in for baby massage, dance, drama, basketball, whatever takes their fancy. But make sure you’ve booked BEFORE you give them the news. DEF Digital camera. Prices start at £20, or give them your phone for the day and ask them to photograph the world through their eyes. Offer to print 20 images for them. E is for exercise. Get a skipping rope, flippers, a wobble cushion, a balance ball, goalposts, a mat – whatever will help them take fitness to the next level. Food: Get them their favourite cake or book a 1 on 1 meal or make up an authentic set of play items like cartons, boxes and spice jars for a shop or play bake-off. GHI Granny’s clothes. Or Grandpa’s. Fancy dress is often too commercialised, so why not make your child a dressing up box that’s full of cheap, real clothing? Think about stuff you have, or go for charity shop finds like old handbags, feather boas, hats, or material. Homemade. Don’t knock it, a gift that’s been personalised or created with love will be treasured more than you think. Instruments: listening to music is brilliant, but making it yourself is even better. From a simple rice shaker to a ukulele or recorder, music is a gift for life. JKL Jewellery. Something small and shiny, or big and trashy, depending on your child and your budget. Or an heirloom to pass on or something they can keep for when they’re grown up. Kaleidoscope – either buy one or make your own by saving cardboard tubes and small beads or sequins. Look up online for how to make one together. Letters. Proper old-fashioned snail mail is a rare treat for kids. Send a postcard or a letter or get them their own special stationery so they can write to a relative or a friend abroad. MNO Memberships. As well as being value for money, this is something the whole family could enjoy if you go regularly. You’re also first to hear about special offers. Nature up close. Give them something that helps them appreciate the natural world: a magnifying glass, a wormery, or a bird feeder. Or else plan a day out to a local park. A-Z of Non-Toy Gifts for Children Raring2go! CHRISTMAS
29 www.raring2go.co.uk Outings, one on one. Let your child choose the activity and you take them. Simple as that. You have quality time together and you may learn something new. You must keep your promise though even if the idea of visiting soft play is your idea of hell... PQR Photo album. Another retro idea that’s making a comeback. Make up an album that’s significant to your child – pictures from their life, or ask them to help you fill one they can keep. Q is for quirky. Think about something that will delight or surprise them: a Venus flytrap plant; something gross like green gunge or an offer to do face painting regularly – you know your child best. Recipes. Buy their very own cook book or a scrap book for them to jot down family favourites to build up their own. Older children can prepare a roast with help. Decide on a date and a theme and don’t worry about the mess. STU Sleeping bag. For sleepovers, camping in the garden or just as a ready made den or hiding place. Tickets. Think about an event you or your child would love to go to – start with a pantomime. Understanding cash. Buy them a piggy bank, or premium bond, so they start to appreciate the value of money. VWX Value for money. Whatever you buy or don’t buy, think about whether it’s worth it. That craze they have their heart set on WILL be over, so don’t succumb to pester power or peer pressure. Watch. It’s so important to be able to tell the time with an analogue clock face and not relying on numbers. This is also a gift that lasts and can be worn to school. X is for taX free (OK, we cheated). Any money that your child saves is free from tax. Think about an ISA or a post office account. It may not be that exciting for them now, but a tiny infant won’t understand a present anyway and you could add to their nest egg until it becomes a substantial amount to save – or spend. Y and Z Yogurt maker.... or smoothies or waffles or... This could be a gift for the whole family, but if you are a house that gets through a lot of food (and whose doesn’t?) buying a gadget that helps create your child’s favourite could save you money, and you’ll have fun too. Zoos and city farms. Give a Day Out!! Many offer gift vouchers, anuual memberships or experience days. Adopt an animal or Be a Keeper for a Day! For ideas visit the PLACES TO GO section of www.raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CHRISTMAS
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WIN & SAVE To enter our competitions please visit: raring2go.co.uk/sunderland WIN a family day ticket (admits 4) to WWT Washington Closing date 10 December 2022 WIN a family ticket (admits 4) to Empire Cinemas Closing date 10 December 2022 WIN a round (admits 4) at Angry Birds Adventure Golf Closing date 15 December 2022
31 14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! 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! Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
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