Teachers' Pages

In March 2005 and March 2006, as part of a joint project between Gateshead Council’s Raising Achievement Service and Cultural Services, a Culture and Creativity questionnaire was sent out to as many schools as possible. The aim was to measure the current creative ‘scene’ in these schools in order to help with the planning and provision of culture and creativity in schools in the future.
This year we want to find out to what extent the provision for arts and culture has changed, improved, suffered etc, within these schools. It’s the third and final year this questionnaire is being sent out, so we need as many replies as possible and would really appreciate your involvement. The results will be analysed and collated and we look forward to sharing them with you.
We would therefore hope you can take the time to complete this questionnaire (attached) and return to Amelia Davies, Arts Team, West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HE or email to ameliadavies@gateshead.gov.uk

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Bent Architect present:
FROG MAN by Mick Martin
‘Surreal, twisted and absolutely funny’ – Edinburgh Guide
Friday 22nd June @ 6.30 pm, Caedmon Hall.
Following on from a highly successful run at this years’ Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a one off (entirely sold out!) performance at Wakefield Arts Centre in October, Frog Man is on the loose once again in 2007!
From a suburban nightmare to sub aquatic bliss – this is a story of love, bullying and the turgid waters of domestic life. It begins one fateful afternoon down by the canal when Kenny and Kelly, two ordinary kids, steal Adrian Dunfor’s kite and their game goes horribly wrong…

Now Kenny is a police frogman and Kelly has dreadful asthma. They live at 46 Sunnybrook Meadow and drive a 4x4 in case anyone tries to murder them on the way to the supermarket. But that afternoon is with them still...

“Wonderfully sardonic pitch-black comedy. Witty one-liners abound throughout… Glorious and innovative - left me breathless�
Three Weeks Magazine
“George Orwell meets Nick Hornby, but with a plus…�
The Observer
Written by award winning MICK MARTIN, (Once Upon A Time In Wigan, The Life & Times of Young Bob Scallion) and directed by JUDE WRIGHT.
Frog Man is very funny - but with dark and at times disturbing overtones. The production appeals to established drama attendees and new audiences alike. It carries the personal recommendation of Alison Andrews, Arts Council Yorkshire Performance Arts Officer amongst others.
This show is suitable for audiences aged 14 upwards.
Running time approx 70 minutes
To book telephone the Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library on 0191 433 8420

Fruity Friday will take place on the 25th May and is part of a national healthy eating campaign to raise awareness of links between diet, nutrition and cancer prevention.

If you and your school wish to participate there are loads of promotional material available (posters, book marks, stickers, recipe books) and also teachers' resource packs. Please contact the following address for requests for resource packs and for more information: Eileen Westhorpe, Health Promotion Resource Service for Gateshead, Dunston Activity Centre, Ellison Road, Dunston, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9SS, 0191 433 5684 or email: eileenwesthorpe@gateshead.gov.uk

Do something different with your Sarurday night...This is a one off event in Newcastle and Gateshead on Saturday 19th May and is an amazing celebration of the international 'Museums at Night' Festival.
Fifteen venues across Gateshead and Newcastle will be opening their doors from 7-11pm and will be, 'bursting with culture'!
Free buses will transport you to venues throughout the evening.
I think this sounds fantastic! All of the participating venues and events are on the website:

http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/home/

Discover more about your ancestors and the area in which they lived. Buy bargain local history books and ask the experts.

Saturday 19th May 2007 at Caedmon Hall, Central Library. The event is FREE.
For more information contact the Local History Librarian for Gateshead, Anthea Lang on 0191 433 8403 or anthealang@gateshead.gov.uk

Just a quick reminder that the 2007 Culture in Education Showcase will be on Monday 2nd July from 3.00pm-6.00pm at the Indoor Athletics Hall at Gateshead International Stadium. This will be an opportunity for teachers to discover how artists, cultural and creative organisations can enhance creative work in schools and educational settings.
Invitations will be posted out within the next few weeks, but make a note of this date for the diaries.

For more information contact Fiona Kelly on 0191 433 6927

For the fifth year running, Local History Month is underway. The month began on Monday 30th April and will end on Sunday 27 May. There are over 70 events which take place at various venues throughout Gateshead. They include walks, talks, film shows and family history events. For more information call Central Library on 0191 433 8420 or Gateshead Visitors Centre 0191 477 5380, details on the different events are in the link below.
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Artist Karen Johnson will be bringing her first exhibition back to her native North East from Saturday 24 March - Saturday 12 May 2007.

Gateshead’s Gallery, based at Central Library on Prince Consort Road, will be hosting the free exhibition, which explores how a family cope with disability.

The show explores the life of Karen's son Jamie, a child with downs syndrome, from birth to age seven. The ups and downs of family life are chronicled using modern photography.

The Gallery is open from 9am - 7pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm Wed and 9am - 1pm Sat. The Gallery is closed on Bank Holidays. For more details call the Arts Development Team on 0191 433 6927.

The BBC's excellent schools radio programmes can be bought on CD or downloaded from their website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/

If you would like some well-behaved software to play the audio files, you can install Real Alternative free of charge from:
http://www.free-codecs.com/Real_Alternative_download.htm">

The intrepid Pat Riddell, our Roving Ambassador, will be holding a stall at Tynemouth Book Fair on Sunday 15th of April (10am - 4pm) in aid of Education Action International.

Pat spoke at EAI's London conference last month, where she was introduced as "a Cultural Ambassador for Gateshead schools."

Using her first hand knowledge gained from the Insight visit to the Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon, she has worked in schools across Tyneside to give children of all ages a realistic experience of what it is like for children who live in poverty and are denied a quality education.

For further information on child victims of conflict in other parts of the world or to donate or fundraise please contact Pat at:

riddellpat@hotmail.com

Go to: www.education-action.org and click on News at the top and scroll down to Teachers meet for Post-Conflict Education conference

www.education-action.org
www.education-action.org/insight

This submission came from Di Hewitson, Headteacher at Kells Lane Primary School, Low Fell, Gateshead.

Success for pupil at Kells Lane Primary School

Katharyn Church’s poem, below, won the Northumbrian Association’s Young Writers Award 2006.

Her work was submitted by Headteacher Di Hewitson after winning the school’s own Year 6 Writer of the Year Award in the individual category, with its clever use of repetition and evocative vocabulary.

Every year the school encourages the children in Year 6 to think about our area, why it is special to them and consider a place which evokes fond memories, feelings of pride or happiness. They then write about it using the full range of the higher order writing skills taught e.g. metaphor, simile, patterning of language or personification. The teacher models the writing on a piece about the Angel of the North and every year we get a high standard of work from our children. We had three very special poems in 2006, which we entered for competitions.

The Northumbrian Association's writing competition fits in beautifully with our programme of work and also the National Curriculum requirement to write for a purpose and audience, so we sent in all three pieces with the attached poem by Katharyn, which won The Northumbrian Association Young Writers Award with a prize for Katharyn and £1,000 towards an author residency for the school.

Katharyn was then asked by the Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry, to read out the poem at the Council meeting of Thursday 25th of January in the Council Chamber, and a letter of endorsement of Kells Lane’s work with writing was sent to the school by local MP, Sharon Hodgson.

The Voice of the North, by Katharyn Church

I stand proud, my roof a glistening river of flowing, welcoming beauty.
Great voices entertain me, voices of the future depend on me to stay as a guiding light of power.
I stand as hope for future talents in Gateshead.

I stand proud, glittering on top of my sunlit hill.
Never forgotten, as I look down to the Tyne and up to the town Where my power spreads, hunting for blossoming achievers.

I stand proud, the modern art masterpiece, known for the overpowering hope I bring.
I was created by the best and am worshipped by the rest,
Bringing hope and joy to those who inhabit my great halls.

I stand proud, and I welcome you my people to wander my halls, spread my greatness and distribute my light.
My wish to you is to bring hope for the future yet carry light from the past.
I am The Sage, the voice of the North.

This was sent in by Margaret Smith, Cultural Ambassador at Cedars School.

Cedars School has been successful in its bid to become a specialist sports college from September 2007.

We are one of only 16 special schools in the country to achieve this, and the only one in the north of England. Pupils are being given the opportunity to design a new logo for the school by way of a competition. Our aim is to raise whole school achievement and develop a healthy lifestyle through sport.

On Thursday 8th February pupils from key stages 3 and 4 gave a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The People’s Theatre in Newcastle as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Some pupils formed a wind ensemble and wrote their own music for the play, with the assistance of Steve Barker from Gateshead Schools Music Service. Twenty six pupils were involved in the performance, which was a great success.

We have been successful in receiving Artists in Schools funding from the Council’s Arts Development Team, which we used to support a project on Africa in the Primary Department. A portion of the money was spent on the services of Arts Isiziba, who provided resources for a variety of activities, such as mask making and wall hangings. A musician called Fanwell came each Wednesday for four weeks to teach African drumming, singing and dancing to the whole school. The project culminated in an exciting and colourful performance for parents and friends.

See the accompanying flier for this event.
NB: one of the morning speakers has been confirmed as Dr Anand from Gurukul who will be talking about the research he is collating and conducting, looking at the chemical reactions singing and music has on brain and heart activity.

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On 29 April 2007 World Dance Day will be celebrated all over the world by the international community of dancers and dance enthusiasts. The day was established in 1982 by The International Dance Council to attract attention to the art of dance. On 29 April, dance companies, dance schools, organisations and individuals are asked to organise an activity addressing an audience larger than their usual one.

The main purpose of World Dance Day events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance. Special emphasis should be given to addressing a new public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year. World Dance Day events may be special performances, open-door courses, public rehearsals, lectures, exhibitions, articles in newspapers and magazines, dance evenings, radio and TV programs, visits, street shows, etc.

The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organisation for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.

For more information, visit www.cid-unesco.org

For primary and secondary schools

Life is pleased to announce the opening of the only major planetarium in the North East of England. Our Astronomy Show cover all of the key points of ‘The Earth and Beyond’ as well as introducing students to the constellations, planets, comets, meteors and other wonders of the night sky. Of course, we never have problems with clouds, light pollution or bad weather!

We have also introduced a number of new lab workshops linked to the Planetarium show that are suitable for all key stages and information on these will be available.

You and your colleagues are warmly invited to the launch of Life’s new planetarium shows on

Thursday 8 February 2007 from 4pm onwards.

The shows take place in Life’s state-of-the-art Dome Theatre and are designed to offer a curriculum linked introduction to the night sky to pupils of all ages.

We will be running timed shows at 4.30pm, 5.15pm and 6pm

To book your place please call Niamh Lightfoot on 0191 243 8223 or email: bookings@life.org.uk

National Key Stage 2 Music CPD Programme
For classroom teachers and musicians working in your schools.

This programme is being designed jointly by Trinity Guildhall and the Open University and is being managed regionally by The Sage Gateshead.

The programme offers free access to music CPD for teachers and musicians and is particularly appropriate for practitioners working, or with plans to work, in schools which are benefiting from DfES funding for the expansion of Wider Opportunities programmes.

The practitioners involved have access to up to six modules through a combination of online learning, face to face workshop experiences, as well as being supported throughout the project by their own personal mentor assigned to them. Through an online Needs Analysis Profile and discussions with their mentor the training modules will be specifically selected to meet the needs of the individual, working towards further confidence, knowledge and experience in delivering whole class instrumental and vocal tuition..

The classroom teacher and musician will work as a team to implement what they are learning within the classroom and to support each others learning.

This is a forward-thinking partnership approach to the delivery of Continuing Professional Development and we want as many people from across the region to benefit from this as possible.

We are now recruiting for classroom teachers and musicians to be involved in the programme, which begins on April the 1st 2007.

Please see attached the flier which gives some information on the programme, and links to the website where people can sign up to be involved. There are a limited number of places available on the courses, so we would encourage anyone interested to sign up by the 9th of February.

Please forward this information on to any classroom teachers or musicians you feel would be keen to become involved.

Further information can be accessed from http://www.ks2music.org.uk/site/ or you can contact nicola.killean@thesagegateshead.org to discuss the possibilities in further detail.

Nicola Killean
Key Stage 2 Music CPD Regional Programme Manager
Learning and Participation
The Sage Gateshead
Switchboard: 0191 443 4666
Box Office: 0191 443 4661
Email: nicola.killean@thesagegateshead.org
Fax: 0191 443 4550
www.thesagegateshead.org

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An introduction to the Orchestra

Friday 2nd March
Hall One 11am – 12.00

Northern Sinfonia
Robin Ticciati - Conductor
Peter Francomb - French Horn
Clarence Adoo – Presenter

Tickets £6. One free ticket staff ticket per 10 pupils.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 & 3

The French horn is a dying breed - one of the endangered species of the orchestra. Come and find out about its history, sound, versatility and how we are trying to stop it from becoming extinct!

During this exciting hour-long concert, Clarence Adoo will introduce the instruments of the orchestra, while Peter Francomb, principal French Horn player for the Northern Sinfonia, plays music written by composers such as Mozart, Faure and Strauss. The music is guaranteed to be engaging and the presentation will give plenty of scope for you to continue learning about the instrument back at school.

We are also offering an opportunity for two schools to win a one to one teaching session with Peter immediately following the concert or a visit to your school for a ‘Discover the French Horn’ Workshop to be arranged at a later date.

In addition, there will be a display of instruments brought to us by John Packers Ltd who are pioneering a newly designed French Horn, Suitable for young people from 7 years old. These instruments are proving to be popular among the Music services in the South of England.

Further resources will be available on the day.

Prizes available to the first 2 schools that book 60 places.
First Prize: Practical session on the French Horn led by Peter Francombe, following the concert.
Second Prize: Discover the Horn session in your school

To book contact Britta Koerber on 0191 443 4679

and...

Spring Concerts at The Sage Gateshead

We have a wide variety of concerts for schools on offer during Spring Term 2007. Choose from Classical, Jazz, Sounds of the Future or Scientific Explorations!

Thursday 25th January - Sounds of the Future
Hall Two 1 – 3pm
Tickets £7 Concessions £3.50
In a cross between a concert and a lecture/demonstration, Martyn Ware, founder member of both The Human League and Heaven 17, presents an exploration of the outer reaches of sound using specially installed surround sound technology plus visuals. The event presents Luciana Haill's Interactive Brainwave Visual Analyser which registers brain activity to produce a 'concert of the mind' and Paul Devereux's discovery that Neolithic burial grounds resonate at a trance inducing frequency. Experience an event that will blow your mind... Fascinating for anyone with adventurous ears - of any age.

Suitable for GCSE and older

Friday 2nd March – Northern Sinfonia
Hall One 11am – 12.00
Tickets £6

Robin Ticciati - Conductor
Peter Francomb - French Horn
Clarence Adoo – Presenter

An introduction to the orchestra with a special focus on the French Horn
Come and discover how the French Horn has evolved to the instrument we see today, affecting its repertoire and different performance techniques as demonstrated by Northern Sinfonia’s virtuoso principle French Horn player Peter Francombe.

Monday 12th March – Science Notes 3, Symphony of Glass
Hall Two 1 – 2pm
Tickets £3.50

Exploring Science through the Arts

Pupils from Pennywell School in Sunderland have worked with artists, composers and scientists in this unique collaborative project which forms part of the Newcastle Science festival.
The participants have investigated, explored and experimented with sound and glass at the Centre for Life, made instruments with glass artists at The National Glass Centre in Sunderland and composed music for a performance at The Sage Gateshead with Percussionist and Composer Brendan Murphy.
Visually exciting and musically dynamic - don't miss it!

This concert is produced in partnership with Newcastle Science Festival; Life Science Centre, Newcastle; National Glass Centre, Sunderland and The Sage Gateshead with financial support from the Arts Council and One North East.

Friday 16th March – Kidsamonium
Hall Two 10am – 1pm

Kidsamonium, with Tom Bancroft , Billy Jenkins, Laura Macdonald, Claude Deppa, Oren Marshall and members of Jambone.

Kidsamonium is a magical musical event enabling 6 -14 year olds to experience the power and freedom of jazz. A crack(pot) troupe of characters including the madcap 'Aviator' Billy Jenkins, the 'Big Tuba Kid' Oren Marshall, the mysterious trombone playing 'Chickens in the Sky', the 'Princess' Laura MacDonald and 'Judge' Claude Deppa, all led by Tom Bancroft 'the King' , create a series of hilarious performances and musical games. This was the sell-out hit of last year's festival; the show has been moved to Hall 2 to allow more people to see it and to enable all sorts of new theatrical possibilities! Adults also welcome!

All ages welcome!

Book your tickets through the box office on 091 443 4661

Please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Britta Koerber if you have any queries.
Sarah Kekus , Head of Schools Programme
Tel: 0191 443 4583

We need teachers who can give us advice, influence programming decisions and work with us to create exciting new projects involving your students. If you can spare us just one hour, once or twice a term we will give you a glass of wine and a whole host of other teacher treats!

Benefits for forum members include:
* Tailor-made training sessions
* Advance booking information
* Tours & Talks for your students
* Opportunities for projects in your school
* Access to dress rehearsals

The next Teachers' Forum meeting will be on 24 January 2007 from 6-7.30pm at Northern Stage, where we will introduce the new season and give you details about two teacher training events this term.

Ideal for teachers of Drama or English, the school's Arts Co-ordinator or anyone with an interest in the performing arts.

Please contact Susan Mulholland, Acting Director of Participation on
0191 242 7222, or smulholland@northernstage.co.uk
to book your place at the next meeting.

Slavery
Ideas for Unshackling Learning
Free Teacher’s INSET Event

Thursday 25 January 2007, 9.30am to 4.00pm
Great Hall, Discovery Museum
Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA

An opportunity for teachers, students and community organisations to find out more about events and issues for the
200th anniversary of the Parliamentary bid to abolish the slave trade in the British colonies. Participants will:

• learn about the historical context of slavery
• learn about modern day slavery
• gain ideas for cross-curricular based activities
• find out about events and activities in the region
• find out what on-going support is available

Booking form and further details (keynote speakers and workshops) in the document below:
Download file

Tuesday January 23rd 2007

From January to March 2007 Creative & Cultural Skills will be hosting a series of events around the UK. This is your opportunity to influence and shape the supply of skills and education for our industries. It is also an opportunity to find out more about the Sector Skills Agreement, Creative

Apprenticeships, Creative Knowledge Lab, the new Creative & Media Diploma and the Cultural Leadership Programme. You can sign up to get involved, get your views heard, or simply come and hear about our projects and research.

Who should attend?

Access All Areas is for people working in the creative and cultural industries with an interest in education and skills. It is also for education and training providers offering or planning to offer training in the sector.

See attachment for how to book

Wendy Smith
Head of Practitioner Development
Learning and Participation
The Sage Gateshead

Mobile: 07771 894 428
The Sage Gateshead
switchboard 0191 443 4666
direct line 0191 443 4680
box office 0870 703 4555
www.thesagegateshead.org

The Sage Gateshead
St Mary's Square
Gateshead Quays
Gateshead
NE8 2JR

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Saturday 10th Feburary 2007
at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle

Newcastle University, New Writing North and Northern Stage have come together to produce Making Theatre, a day which will focus on the creation and development of theatrical productions. The event is for anyone who is curious about how productions are constructed.

The day will be of interest to writers, directors, literary managers, theatre professionals, students of English and drama and teachers of drama at any level.
The programme for the day will include talks and workshop presentations from members of the National Theatre Studio and from legendary theatre director and performer Robert Lepage and his company Ex Machina. They will demonstrate work in progress from Lepage’s latest production, Lipsynch, which is scheduled to premiere at Northern Stage on 19 February 2007. Lipsynch is a work emerging from meetings between scientists and playwrights, set painters and architects, and between artists from Québec and the rest of the world.

There are only 100 tickets available for Making Theatre.unique

The day will run from 10am-5pm on Saturday 10 February 2007 at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH. Lunch will be included in the ticket price.

TICKETS
Individuals: £20
Students/Concessions: £10

Tickets can be booked directly from the sales team at Northern Stage box office from January 2007.

Tel: 0191 230 5151
ACCESS
Northern Stage is a fully accessible building. Please contact the venue directly for access information. A free ticket is available to anyone accompanying a participant with a disability.

Tel: 0191 230 5151
email: info@northernstage.co.uk

The venue is located very near to Haymarket Metro station, from which visitors can catch trains to Newcastle Central Station and Newcastle International Airport.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Detailed information on the content of the Making Theatre day will be available from New Writing North in January 2007.

For more information, please email: makingtheatre@newwritingnorth.com

Making Theatre is produced by the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in conjunction with New Writing North and Northern Stage. The day was commissioned by Arts Council England as part of a programme of work to explore dramaturgical practice in UK theatre.

For more information on the partners:
www.ncl.ac.uk/elll
www.newwritingnorth.com
www.northernstage.co.uk

The Staff and volunteers at our cultural partner Seven Stories would like to wish all their supporters a very Merry Christmas and have sent this bulletin:

If you’re looking for ideas during the Christmas holidays look no further than Seven Stories…

Christmas Holidays at Seven Stories!

Saturday Dec 16

Dramatic Escapades at Seven Stories with the Big Fun Club

This Christmas the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman has a huge job on his hands delivering presents and cards to everyone at Seven Stories. There are so many floors and so many people it’s a massive task! Plus with Burglar Bill lurking around every corner it could make things worse as he fills his bag of swag. Will you help the Jolly Postman and help spread Christmas cheer, will Burglar Bill spoil Christmas or can he turn over a new leaf? Come along and find out for yourself. Suitable for all ages. Appearances throughout the day between 11am – 4pm.

Dec 28, Jan 2 & 4

Christmas Storyparty

Join in the fun and excitement of Christmas with themed songs, rhymes and stories especially for the under fives. We also have a whole host of fun activities tied in with the stories, to keep young hands entertained. 11 am for an hour. No need to pre book.

Thursday Dec 21

Christmas Storyparty with Danny Adams and Clive Webb

This Christmas panto fever has swept the land and cast of the Theatre Royal’s Jack and the Beanstalk will perform a special storyparty at Seven Stories. The hilarious Clive Webb and Danny Adams play Farmer Trot and his son Jack. Clive and Danny won the hearts of thousands of panto goers last Christmas with their hilarious antics. This year they have more amazing tricks up their sleeves! Come and join them for a pantomime adventure at 10.30am, for all the family.

Dec 27 & 29, Jan 3 & 5

Christmas Puppetry Workshops

During the Christmas holidays we have a series of bookable workshops for children age 6+. Let your imagination run wild in our puppetry workshops and create a selection of festive characters. For ages 6-11 years. 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Over 8s may be left in the workshop but parents/carers will be asked to stay in the building. Please note places are limited. Pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777 to avoid disappointment.

Themed Weekends

Every Saturday and Sunday through January we have a series of themed weekends to keep children of all ages entertained.

January 6 & 7 – Come and join us for the very last chance to catch the work of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. There’ll be activities on all floors celebrating the work of the talented duo.

January 13 & 14 – The fairies have been let loose at Seven Stories and there’s all kinds of magic in the air. Join us for activities themed on the popular Rainbow Fairies series.

January 20 & 21 - Journey back in time to World War II, ration book in hand with activities influenced by the work of Tyneside-born author Robert Westall.

January 27 & 28 – Ahoy there maties and all aboard! Join the crew at Seven Stories for a weekend of pirate activities.

Exhibition News

Don’t forget this Christmas is your last chance to see the exhibition What’s in the Book? The Seventeen Million Books of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The unique partnership created much loved favourites including Burglar Bill, The Jolly Postman and Each Peach Pear Plum. Exhibition ends on January 7th so make sure you don’t miss out!

Coming soon: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - Picturebook Adventures at Seven Stories

Working in collaboration with Walker Books, this brand new exhibition will launch in February 2007, showcasing ten fantastic picture books. Visitors will take a delightful journey full of sights, sounds and surprises, meeting new characters along the way. Come and join our new picturebook adventure but remember to watch out for that bear!

Competition News

Halloween Story Writing Competition

Well done to our winning writers who bravely put pen to paper and kept the judges gripped with their ghostly and scary tales. We had over 70 entries from children aged 9-13 and the judges had a difficult task selecting winners.

First prize in the 11-13 age group (years 7 & 8) went to Katie Lee who re-told a ghostly tale of Durham Cathedral from the Second World War. Second Prize winner was Lizzy Metcalf who wrote a ghostly tale, The Tunnel, and third prize winner was Jamie Richardson with his fantasy story, The Devil’s Case.

Surprisingly, the younger category for the 9-11 age group (years 5 & 6) was not as popular. Prizes went to Hal Robinson and Zoe Wright for their nightmarish tales. Well done to everyone who entered.

Bookshop

For Christmas gifts and stocking fillers don’t forget to pay a visit to the Seven Stories bookshop. Admission to the bookshop is free and you can browse through one of the largest independent specialist bookshops in the UK. Our expert staff are on hand to offer advice and help you find that special gift you’re looking for.

For updated information on events please log onto our website www.sevenstories.org.uk Thank you.

Aspire has been developed as a resource for secondary schools aspiring to Specialist Arts or Music College status and is published by the Arts Council.

The publication gives guidance on the application process, planning, consultation and further resources. It also provides details on how the Arts Council can support applications for specialist status.

This page includes versions of the guide on both PDF and MS Word format.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
publications/publication_detail.php?sid=9&id=566

Continuing Professional Development opportunity
Friday December 1st 2006
10am - 3pm

The day is aimed at KS3/4 teachers of Art and focuses on using the gallery and its collections to support creative work.

During the day we will be drawing on the experiences of teachers and gallery staff involved in the ‘Image and Identity’ project (a partnership project with the V&A, London). Participants will explore how gallery collections can inspire exciting and creative work with young people.

Itinerary

10-12

· Welcome and introduction to the Shipley
Clare Smith – Learning Officer

· An introduction to Image and Identity.
Sharon Wilson – Assistant Learning Officer, Shipley and Jane McGonagle – Heworth Grange
Comprehensive School
· Explore collections and current temporary exhibitions
· Break
· Contemporary Craft handling collection.
· Discussion -Exploring the theme ‘Image & Identity’ and its uses in the classroom.

12-1 Lunch

1-3 Calligraphy Workshop with Michael Mavromichaelis.

Michael Mavromichaelis from Northumberland has taught the art of calligraphy to a variety of age groups. This practical session involves looking at examples of calligraphy and trying out some basic techniques.

If interested please contact:
Clare Smith or Sharon Wilson
Tel: 0191 4771495
sharon.m.wilson@twmuseums.org.uk
Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB.

Welcome to December’s E-Newstories, we have a great Christmas line up plus the chance to win tickets to see the Scissor Sisters when they play Newcastle this Saturday. Enjoy the read…

Events for the family:

YogaBugs – running until 14 December

YogaBugs is an inspiring way of bringing the benefits of yoga to young children. The classes are fun and creative, taught through exciting story adventures to capture your child’s imagination. For children age 3+ from 1.30 – 2.15 pm. Pre booking is essential.

Friday 1 December – Princess Poppy is having a Christmas Party!

Join Princess Poppy creator, Janey Louise Jones, to celebrate the launch of her irresistible new story, Poppy's Secret Christmas. Enjoy special Christmas activities and light refreshments together. Hurry as party places are limited. Suitable for nursery and reception groups, ages 3-5 years. To book contact Bookings Assistant, Alison Neill on 0845 271 0777, alison.neill@sevenstories.org.uk. Supported by Random House Children's Books. 10am-12 noon.

Christmas Holidays at Seven Stories!

Saturday Nov 25, Dec 2, 9 & 16

Dramatic Escapades at Seven Stories with the Big Fun Club

This Christmas the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman has a huge job on his hands delivering presents and cards to everyone at Seven Stories. There are so many floors and so many people it’s a massive task! Plus with Burglar Bill lurking around every corner it could make things worse as he fills his bag of swag. Will you help the Jolly Postman and help spread Christmas cheer, will Burglar Bill spoil Christmas or can he turn a new leaf? Come along and find out for yourself. Suitable for all ages. 11am – 4pm.

Dec 21 & 28, Jan 2 & 4

Christmas Storyparty

Join in the fun and excitement of Christmas with themed songs, rhymes and stories especially for the under fives. We also have a whole host of fun activities tied in with the stories, to keep young hands entertained. 11 am for an hour. No need to pre book.

Dec 27 & 29, Jan 3 & 5

Christmas Puppetry Workshops

During the Christmas holidays we have a series of bookable workshops for children age 6+. Let your imagination run wild in our puppetry workshops and create a selection of festive characters. For ages 6-11 years. 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Over 8s may be left in the workshop but parents/carers will be asked to stay in the building. Please note places are limited. Pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777.

Family Storytelling at Seven Stories

Sunday 19 November – The Tricky Spider with Mats Rehnman

Once there were no tales in this world. Everything was silent. Far too silent for Spider! Listen to his story, and to other stories about animals who know how to get what they want using their wits and some tricks. 1.30 – 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience 5+.

Sunday 3 December – Hearthside tales with Chris Bostock

Come closer, snuggle up and share some heart warming tales as we approach the peak of winter. High on the Seventh Story there will be tales of starlight and firelight, dark nights and brave knights to tickle your ears and warm the cockles of your heart. 1.30 – 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience 5+.

Events for 16+ with an interest in children’s literature

Saturday 18 November - In Conversation with Kate Adie

As Chief News Correspondent for the BBC, Sunderland born Kate Adie reported from some of the most volatile conflict zones in the world. In recent years, Kate’s experiences have led to the publication of her best-selling title Nobody’s Child and her Autobiography: The Kindness of Strangers. Kate Adie was herself the inspiration for Tyneside author Robert Westall who wrote a short story, The White Cat, in her honour.

Join Kate Adie for an enlightening evening discussion including a question and answer session, followed by book-signing. 6 pm. Suitable for adults and young people 16+

Tickets £5 and £4 (concessions/Annual Pass holders). Price includes light refreshment. Pre-payment required. The Seven Stories Bookshop will be open until 6pm.

Thursday 23 November - Inaugurating the Miriam Hodgson Perspectives

Great editors are rarely praised enough. They labour with sharpened pencils in the back rooms of literature, while their authors accept the bouquets. Miriam Hodgson of Egmont Press was such an editor - one who saw her job as a touching of minds, a dialogue in which she helped her writers to find their voices and sing better than they ever dreamed they could. Her perceptive editorial hand lay behind many celebrated writers including Robert Westall, Jamila Gavin, Michelle Magorian, Anne Fine and Michael Morpurgo.

To commemorate her life and work, Seven Stories and the Children’s Literature Unit in the School of English at Newcastle University are inaugurating an annual series of platforms - The Miriam Hodgson Perspectives - which will investigate the creative process involved in making books for children in its broadest sense. Distinguished editor and celebrated literary agent, Gina Pollinger, will explore the role of editor - in particular, that of Hodgson - in the opening platform A Touching of Minds. She will be joined by Anne Fine to examine the editorial role from an author’s perspective.

Sponsored by Egmont Press. Tickets £5 adults, £4 concessions/annual pass holders. 6.30pm. Suitable for adults and young people 16+ Pre-booking advised, for tickets please call 0845 271 0777.

Saturday 25 November - Ever thought about writing for the education market?

Want to network and get expert advice? The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) will come to Seven Stories on Saturday, November 25th 6.30 – 9.30pm for an evening with education writing experts. Tickets £6 for members of SCBWI, £8 for non-members. Please purchase tickets from Addy Farmer, northern@britishscbwi.org by November 18th 2006.

Tuesday 28 November - Axel Scheffler

Illustrator of many much-loved books such as The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Axel Scheffler will talk about his latest book, Mother Goose's Rhymes and How she Came to Tell Them, and run a workshop for adults keen to develop their illustration skills. He’ll also be happy to sign copies of his books. Particularly suitable for adults keen to illustrate for children and students of art, design or illustration. 1.30 - 3.00pm. Pre-booking required. In association with Macmillan Children’s Books.

Exhibition News

Last chance to catch What’s in the Book? The Seventeen Million Books of Janet and Allan Ahlberg

The Ahlberg’s were a unique partnership he wrote the words and she drew the pictures, together they created much loved classics such as Burglar Bill, The Jolly Postman and Each Peach Pear Plum. The Ahlberg exhibition has been a favourite amongst visitors old and young, and this Christmas will be the last opportunity for you to experience the creative process behind the Ahlberg’s books. Exhibition ends on January 7th - make sure you don’t miss out!

Coming soon: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories

Seven Stories are proud to present a new and interactive exhibition opening in February 2007. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories will showcase ten unique picture books including the classics We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury and Five Minutes Peace by Jill Murphy.

Take a delightful journey full of sights, sounds and surprises with all kinds of interactive activities exploring what makes a brilliant picture book. Delve deep in the Ocean with Lucy Cousins Hooray for Fish, Snuggle up with Martin Waddell’s Can’t you Sleep Little Bear? Climb inside a shoe like Joyce Dunbar’s Shoe Baby or wrap your arms round a life-size monkey from Jez Alborough’s Hug! But most importantly don’t forget to watch out for that bear!

Current exhibition: Westall’s Kingdom, A Writer’s Life

Travel through Westall’s Kingdom exploring an exhilarating mix of subjects that reflect the writer’s zest for life. Influenced by his Northern roots and experiences of wartime Tyneside, Westall wove stories from his experiences of life and the places he knew and loved. You’ll find something in this exhibition to intrigue and delight, and be inspired to write your own stories!

Competition News

Win tickets to see the Scissor Sisters in concert!

As part of the Scissor Sisters UK tour they are supporting local charities, helping to raise their profile and awareness. In association with the Cato Trust the band have hand-picked 15 charities across the UK, selecting Seven Stories when they play their Newcastle gig at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 18 November.

One lucky winner is in with the chance of winning two tickets to see the Scissor Sisters when they play the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 18 November in Newcastle. To enter log onto www.catotrust.com and answer one simple question; Name the Tyneside-born author who appears in Seven Stories latest exhibition. Good luck!

What’s your favourite Children’s Picture Book?

To celebrate the opening of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories we’d like to hear what your favourite picture book is. Entries will be featured on our website and the most popular choices will be featured at Seven Stories during the exhibition. Email Alison.neill@sevenstories.org.uk or call 0845 271 0777.

Where pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

For updated information on events please log onto our website www.sevenstories.org.uk Thank you.

As part of its first national conference, Creative Partnerships is hosting the world's first creativity expo for teachers in the GMEX in Manchester on 27th November.
The expo, called the exciting minds arena, is dedicated to creativity in education and is designed for all teachers interested in making their schools more creative.

The exciting minds arena will feature 50 companies, organisations and initiatives that will offer teachers advice, ideas, toolkits, and spaces for conversations. Organisations exhibiting will include: The Reading Agency, The British Council, Architecture Centre Network, ENO, BOOM!, National Drama, The Guardian, Properjob Theatre, First Light, Culture Online, Ignite!, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and many more. The exciting minds arena will include a cinema, a library and bookstore and a lecture series.

Come and learn about how to collaborate with an opera company, a gallery or an orchestra.
Talk to researchers and collect research reports that reveal the impact that creative collaborations can have on learners.
Pick up quick and easy tips to help you teach more creatively and teach for creativity.
Chat with an organisation that could help you set up your own school radio - and hear about the learning outcomes of such a venture.
Discover websites for your own use and use in your classroom.
Relax in the cinema and be inspired by projects from around the world.
Find a partner organisation for your next creative partnership?
The exciting minds arena is a free event - register for your place online now.

exciting minds conference
Tickets for the exciting minds conference are selling fast. Don't miss your chance to be part of the first ever Creative Partnerships conference with a programme packed full of stimulating presentations and discussions, an amazing array of speakers, a creative journey and chance to experience our extraordinary exciting minds arena.

Day one of the conference will debate the importance of creativity in society, particularly creativity in education and day two will offer you the chance to get under the skin of Creative Partnerships - learning about the projects in schools and the impact they have had.

The programme for the two days is below. For more information about speakers and breakout sessions and to book your place please visit the conference website

Programme
Day one hosted by Michael Rosen, writer and broadcaster

'System Upgrade' film by young people from Creative Partnerships Leicester
Speeches from Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Fergus Balfour, Managing Director of Birdseye, Stephen Heppell, Heppell.net.
Lunch
Themed sessions with over 70 panel members including Kevin Steele, Chief Executive of Enterprise Insight, Sue Horner, QCA, Iram Qureishi, ICA, Composer Jonathan Girling, Norma Redfearn, Former Headteacher, West Walker Primary Sally Goldsworthy, Director, Discover, Ann Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children, Pat Cochrane, Director of Cape UK and many more
Exciting minds arena; your chance to visit the world's first creativity expo for teachers at the G-mex
Creative journey brought to you by Stan's café
Drinks reception with performance from Greater Manchester Youth Music Action Zone
Day two hosted by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

'What is Creative Partnerships?' film
Speeches from Paul Collard, National Director, Creative Partnerships, Christine Gilbert, Chief Inspector for Schools, Ofsted, Tim Boyes, Headteacher, Queensbridge Specialist Performing Arts College, Eelyn Lee, Director and producer, Eelyn Lee productions ltd, Martin Herd, pupil, Ridgeway School
Creative Partnerships Sharing Practice sessions including sessions from Creative Partnerships collaborations with Theatre-Cap-a-Pie, muf art/architecture collective, Eastside education trust and many more
Lunch
Creative Partnerships Sharing Practice sessions
Conclusion speech and young people's evaluation film
Transport to train stations and airport will be provided if required.

2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the Arts Council's royal charter. Public arts funding over 60 years has made a huge difference to England's people and places - imagine the country without the arts. Go to our website to find out more www.artscouncil.org.uk/sixty

Arts Council England is the trading name of the Arts Council of England registered charity no. 1036733.

All teachers attending the 2006 Ambassadors AGM at Washingwell Primary on the 7th of November will receive a goody bag containing the latest news plus a complimentary ticket for the Tyneside Cinema (moving to Gateshead Old Town Hall).
The raffle prizes include: Northern Stage Christmas Show tickets, Life Science Rink Pass, Gateshead Flower Show '07 tickets, books and stationery, and a year's pass to the Tyneside Cinema.

As well as all these wonderful rewards for the work done by Cultural Ambassadors, attendees will hear the very latest on the scheme and get a chance to catch up with colleagues, Council staff and Cultural Partners.

If you haven't already sent your RSVP, please do so!
We look forward to seeing you there.

Invitation and form attached here or telephone Barbara-Ann Brown on 0191 433 6920.
Download file

This story courtesy of Steve Heal in our Communications Office at Gateshead Council
The first stage in the Tyneside Cinema’s stunning redevelopment begins next month – and marks the start of an exciting new era for the Old Town Hall in Gateshead.

When the curtain closes after the last reel at the Cinema on Thursday November 23rd, the Tyneside Cinema and much loved Coffee Rooms will not close. Instead they will make the short journey across the Tyne to Gateshead’s Old Town Hall. The Tyneside Cinema will live up to its name and take up residence in this fantastic ‘home from home’.

The Old Town Hall’s magnificent original Victorian stage and balcony are being carefully restored to create a magnificent venue for film and live performances in a hall that boasts stunning decorative plasterwork and original stained glass windows.

The trustees and staff of the Tyneside Cinema are thrilled to be the first resident user of this space and are confident that current film goers will be joined by new enthusiasts from south of the river. The Old Town Hall has excellent public transport links and parking is available in front of the building.

Built in 1870, the Old Town Hall originally provided offices for the Town Clerk, Surveyor, Rate Collector and Nuisance Inspector, along with a police station, Magistrates and County Courts, cells, fire engine house, drill yard and a large public hall and refreshment rooms.

The building has had a wide variety of uses since the new Civic Centre opened in 1987 but was recently reoccupied by Gateshead Council’s Cultural Services as part of a £1.2m plan to create a ‘cultural hub’ for arts and other cultural projects in Gateshead. Part of this process has been to re-establish the long-abandoned Public Hall to provide performance and exhibition space within Gateshead town centre.

After decades of neglect, the Performance Hall and stage area is now being converted back from office space and returned to its former state for public performances. Improvements are also being carried out to the public area, the seating gallery and to the adjacent Small Hall to provide coffee bar facilities. Its first role, however, is to provide temporary home for the Tyneside Cinema.

Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council, says: “We are delighted to welcome the Tyneside Cinema to Gateshead’s Old Town Hall – it’s exciting to have a cinema in the town centre once more, and especially one with such a fantastic reputation.

“The Old Town Hall will provide the perfect temporary home for the Tyneside Cinema – it’s got tons of character, and is one of the finest Victorian buildings in Gateshead. This lovely old building has had a number of uses in recent years including the temporary home of the Northern Sinfonia during the construction of The Sage Gateshead. This new venture will put the Old Town Hall right at the centre of a new cultural quarter we are creating in this area of Gateshead – I am delighted that the Tyneside Cinema has chosen to be part of this.

He added: �Millions of people already associate Gateshead with cultural excellence – what we are announcing today is yet another string to our bow and a considerable attraction for people from far and wide. I have every confidence that the Tyneside Cinema’s regular clientele will feel perfectly at home in the Old Town Hall.�

Mark Dobson, chief executive of the Tyneside Cinema, is enthusiastic about the move. “This move to the Old Town Hall means we will be able to carry on uninterrupted all the work of the Tyneside Cinema in a venue that is as full as character as our own. We can screen independent films, carry on our extensive outreach and education programmes and support the film makers of the future in this wonderful venue. Not only will you be able to see films, but we are delighted that the Coffee Rooms are moving across the Tyne with us. So the whole ‘Tyneside Cinema’ experience will be temporarily recreated on the south bank of the Tyne and life can continue uninterrupted.

“Meanwhile the building in Pilgrim Street will be transformed as we restore the art deco glory of the original 1937 cinema and, at the same time, extend its roof to create two new screens and more space for digital filmmakers of the future to learn their craft.�

Chairman of the Trustees of the Tyneside Cinema, Geoff Cook, said, “This really is a significant point in the life of the Cinema. As the only full time independent cinema in the north of England we are committed to screening as many cultural films as possible. We are very grateful to Gateshead Council for their support and look forward to working with them at the Old Town Hall.�

Coffee Rooms manager John Oswell is also excited about the move. “I’m thrilled that the Coffee Rooms are moving too so that customers can continue to enjoy the complete Tyneside Cinema experience. I’m looking forward to meeting new people as they join our existing loyal customers in this magnificent building.�

Mark Dobson is confident: “When we make the return journey to Pilgrim Street in 2008 we will have achieved our aim of making the Tyneside Cinema the most distinctive in the UK!�

For a look at how the Town Hall looks today, go to: www.gateshead.gov.uk

All Gateshead CCAs are invited to the AGM: it's the place to hear about all the latest news!

Tuesday 7th of November
3.30pm for 4.30pm
Washingwell Primary School
Broom Lane,
Whickham

Courtesy of Ian Morton and Tracy Dixon.

RSVP to Barbara-Ann Brown: 0191 433 6920 / barbaraannbrown@gateshead.gov.uk
Attached, the formal invitation and reply slip.
We hope you can join us on the day.

Download file

Saturday 21 – Friday 27 October

Half term fun for all the family!
Read on for the full diary...

Monday 6 November, 2006

Don’t miss a great opportunity to meet award winning writer and illustrator, Debi Gliori, author of the amazing Pure Dead series as she talks about her latest book, Deep Fear.
Followed by book-signing. Visiting school groups can enjoy a self-led tour of the Galleries before the event.
Times: 10 – 12 noon and 12.30 – 2.30pm
Suitable for ages 9 - 11, KS2
Pre-booking required; telephone 0845 2710 777
Supported by Random House Children’s Books
www.sevenstories.org.uk

Active Kidz October Half Term Holidays
Monday 23 - Friday 27 October

Get the kids active this half term at one of the many courses planned across all our leisure facilities.

There’s something for everyone, from football, basketball, hockey, skiing, rugby, swimming and lots, lots more!

If the kids are water babies, then there’s plenty of water activities too. Whether they’re learning to swim or want to take part in Aqua Games. They can even learn lifeguarding skills at one of our Rookie Lifeguard Courses taking place at Gateshead Leisure Centre and Dunston Pool. All this and more!

For full details on all courses and activities contact your local leisure facility or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk

Bring your pack to see the Wolves

Tue 17 – Sat 21 October at 7pm

Thu 19 and Sat 21 October at 2pm

Join Northern Stage next week as the Wolves come sneaking and creeping out of the walls in Improbable and National Theatre of Scotland’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s popular children’s book.

To make things a little easier on your pocket in the run up to half term, they have a fabulous new family ticket. Two adults and two children can come for the special price of just £30. If you want to invite your friends, then it will only cost £10 per extra adult and £5 per child up to a maximum of eight people.

Just choose the ‘Family Special’ ticket price when you book online or call our sales team at Northern Stage on:
0191 230 5151.

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books has a full, exciting school programme lined up between now and December 2006.

We hope you’ll be as keen as we are to meet some of the authors and illustrators visiting over the next few months! We’ve also got two fabulous exhibitions for you, special events for adults, free teacher previews and a fantastic opportunity to get your group involved with our Hallowe’en Creative Writing competition.

Click to see the whole programme...

On Saturday 28th October at 2pm The Art Works Galleries at the top of Stepney Bank will be inviting people to come and carve a pumpkin which will be lit and displayed in the ‘Sculptured Eye’ courtyard on November the 5th.

Tickets are £5 per person and £10 a family. For this you get your pumpkin, carving tools and delicious pumpkin soup. If you’d like to add something to your pumpkin in the form of accessories this would be very welcome. The Art Works Galleries will be presenting £25 cash prizes for the most scary, ugly, cute and happy pumpkin and there is no age restriction.

Places restricted to 100 participants, to book your place email: info@theartworksgalleries.com or call (0191) 2619922.

http://www.theartworksgalleries.com

The Art Works Galleries
Stepney Bank
Ouseburn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 2NP

Opening hours 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

The theatre has reopened and would welcome you, your children and family at their two Christmas shows...

The Little Prince

For children and young people years 4-10 (Over 7 years old)
http://www.northernstage.co.uk/thelittleprince

30 November 2006 to 13 January 2007 – 10am/2pm/7pm (see website for details)
School tickets: £8 each, one free for every 10 paying. Call 0191 230 5151

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.�

The Little Prince marks the return of Northern Stage’s amazing Christmas productions, which have delighted school audiences throughout the North East for many years. Neil Murray, who directed and designed the splendid Grimm Tales, The Snow Queen, Beauty and the Beast and many other Northern Stage Christmas shows, has created a magical production ideal for children in years 4 to 10. The show will also appeal to older students of French, who have the unique opportunity to see this famous text by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry brought to life on stage.

Thumbelina

Ideal for children aged 6 and under.

http://www.northernstage.co.uk/thumbelina

24 November 2006 – 6 January 2007 - 10.30am/1.30pm
School tickets: £5 each, one free for every 10 paying. Call 0191 230 5151

“There