Tag: whats on

North East Ice Skater Joins Dancing On Ice Star In Sunderland Frost Village

By on 17th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

A rising North East skater will be getting the chance to showcase her skills alongside a Dancing on Ice star this Christmas…

As part of the activities taking place in Sunderland this festive season, aspiring ice skater Anna Waters will be performing with her coach Andrei Lipanov – one of the professional skaters from ITV’s Dancing on Ice – at the opening gala of the Sunderland Frost Village on November 26th.

An exciting programme has been put together by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, which includes the creation of an ice rink at Keel Square, which will operate right up until Christmas Eve.

Andrei, who taught celebrities including Clare Buckfield, Heidi Range and Bonnie Langford for the TV show, currently coaches Anna, who is originally from Wallsend.

The pair specialise in Adagio pair skating, a highly skilled and acrobatic style of ice performing.

The skaters will launch the ice rink at a gala performance, alongside young ice skating duo, Josh and Ellie, from the hit CBBC documentary series Ice Stars.

Following the opening, the ice rink will run daily skating sessions and is available for private hire, along with a programme of activities including the chance to be coached by Andrei on various dates throughout the festive season.

“We’re so pleased to be able to give someone from the region the chance to perform with Andrei,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID.

“It brings another dimension to our fabulous Frost Village and another reason for people to come and see what we have on offer in the run up to Christmas.”

Along with the open air ice rink, Sunderland Frost Village will offer a traditional Christmas market with more than 25 stalls selling food, drink, gifts and crafts and a traditional fun fair with a waltzer, ferris wheel and bumper cars on the former Vaux Brewery site.

Anna replaces Andrei’s regular skating partner, Susie Lipanova, who is unable to take part due to family commitments.

Sunderland’s Frost Village will be open daily between 10am and 10pm (8pm close Monday to Wednesday), and until 4pm on Christmas Eve – though skating on this day must be booked in advance.

Prices for skating starts from £6.50 per child and £7.50 per adult.

Full activity listings and opening times are available at www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

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NHS Sector Day Set To Improve Youth Employability

By on 16th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Pupils from across Sunderland will this week be able to diagnose the options for a career in the NHS…

 

As part of the Work Discovery Sunderland programme, the city hosts a range of sector days, giving young people the opportunity to meet face to face with professionals from a particular industry and find out about the full range of job prospects.

Kicking off the new programme is an NHS sector day, where more than 300 young people from schools across Sunderland will be able to meet and talk to a range of practitioners and follow two patient journeys.

The event – taking place at the Stadium of Light – is being repeated following the positive reaction to a similar day last year, and this time round will include representatives from maternity services, who will showcase their jobs and introduce the young people to the equipment they use.

The sector days are part of a wider programme which was put in place after the success of Work Discovery Week, an annual event where the region’s top businesses take part in a range of activities with young people to help increase their employability.

During next week’s event the pupils will also walk through two patient “journeys” and see the various ways the health service supports them.

This includes discovering more about “Edith”, an 85-year-old with a series of health, issues including diabetes and respiratory problems, and who has developed memory lapses.

At the same time they will also follow “Danny”, 16, who breaks his leg while playing football and is taken to hospital by ambulance.

The youngsters will then be able to talk to around 40 different professionals who would normally be involved in these kinds of cases, covering everything from medical care, nursing, theatre staff, pharmacy, and all the support services.

The event is being created for Work Discovery by City Hospitals Sunderland NHS partnering with North East Ambulance Service and Sunderland City Council.

“This is a great opportunity for students in the city to see the diversity and range of jobs that are available in the NHS,” said Dennis Little, Workforce Development Manager for City Hospitals Sunderland.

“It is not just about the obvious jobs that spring to mind such as the medical experts, there are a huge number of other career paths available and we hope this event will highlight them to the young people taking part.”

Paul McEldon, co-chair of the Sunderland’s Economic Leadership Board Business Schools Task Group, which set up Work Discovery Sunderland, said the sector days were proving extremely valuable to young people.

“These sector days give young people in Sunderland a real opportunity to get invaluable insight into the range of jobs available in a particular area,” he said.

“There are so many careers opportunities in the NHS, many of which might the pupils attending might not have realised existed

“I’m sure it will be a fantastic event and the young people will come away with a vast amount of information and knowledge.”

A number of other sector days are planned throughout the year including hospitality, software, creative industries, retail and advanced manufacturing and engineering – all lead by the city’s top companies and organisations.

Work Discovery Week was launched in 2013 out of the desire that businesses wanted to forge stronger relationships with the workforce of the future.

More than 1000 school pupils have now been involved each year, taking part in activities ranging from a careers fair, business challenges, visits to companies, workshops and hands-on activities.

Many of the region’s biggest employers – including SAFC, Nissan, Gentoo, Sunderland University, Sunderland College and Arriva – support the event, and its success has paved the way for a whole host of other activities including the sector days and guest speaker days.

Work Discovery Week is already planned for 2016 and will run from June 27th to July 1st.

Durham County Record Office Offer History Courses For New Year

By on 16th November 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Looking for an unusual Christmas gift for the amateur historian in your family?

 

Durham County Record Office is now offering gift vouchers for history courses and taster sessions running in the New Year.

Two Palaeography Taster Sessions in January will give people the chance to pick up hints and tips on reading old handwriting and understanding historic documents.

Taking place from 10am to noon on Friday 29th January and Saturday 30th January, the sessions will cover how letter forms have changed and how documents are structured.

There will also be the opportunity to try reading Medieval Latin. Sessions cost £10.

The popular Beginners’ Family History course also returns in January, with advice on how to trace your family tree and how to use the record office and its archives to support your quest.

Sessions run on the following dates from 10am to noon and 6pm to 8pm, and the course costs £30:

  • Thursday, 21 January – Parish registers and civil registration
  • Thursday, 28 January – The census
  • Thursday, 4 February – Military records

For those who have already mastered the basics, the record office also runs Branching Out sessions. Each is an hour-long talk followed by time to browse the records and take advantage of one-to-one advice.

Sessions, cost £10 each and take place on the following dates:

Education

  • Tuesday, 17 November – 6pm to 8pm
  • Thursday, 19 November – 10am to noon

The workhouse

  • Monday, 22 February – 6pm – 8pm
  • Thursday, 25 February – 10am to noon

Criminal ancestors

  • Tuesday, 15 March – 6pm to 8pm
  • Thursday, 17 March – 10am to noon

Hospitals (including asylums)

  • Tuesday, 26 April – 6pm to 8pm
  • Thursday, 28 April – 10am to noon

For more information or to book a place, call 03000 267 619 or email record.office@durham.gov.uk.

Seaham Community Coming Together For Clean-Up Operation

By on 14th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Community groups are planning to come together to help rid Seaham streets and shores of rubbish…

 

Durham County Council is joining forces with a range of organisations to stage a community clean-up event in the town.

It will get underway with Durham Heritage Coast and staff from Lloyds Bank who will be carrying out a litter pick at Red Acre Beach on Monday 16th November.

There will be a further volunteer litter pick at the popular walkway at Seaham Harbour, through Dawdon and Parkside leading to Cold Hesleden, on Tuesday 17th November.

Flytipped items and large piles of rubbish will also be cleared and taken away from the path.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We are pleased to be linking up with a number of other organisations and volunteers to address concerns about litter.

“Failing to dispose of rubbish properly is unsightly and an offence. Cleaning it up takes up valuable resources which could be put to good use in other areas.

“We would urge people to take pride in their communities and dispose of waste and litter correctly, and please ensure any rubbish or flytipped items that you spot are reported to us.”

Any groups wishing to get involved in environmental improvements can contact the council by emailing civicpride@durham.gov.uk or calling 03000 261 000.

Flytipping can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 03000 261 000. Litter can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/litter or by calling 03000 261 000.

Gogglebox and X Factor Stars Heading To Metrocentre For Christmas

By on 12th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Top TV stars are set to light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres in their native North East…

X Factor favourite Lola Saunders will be joined by Gogglebox family the Moffatts to switch on the Christmas lights at intu Metrocentre on Sunday November 15th.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014, and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

Sitting on their sofa alongside Lola underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square will be Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, and his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, will also be in attendance, with entertainment starting at 2pm and the official light switch on at 4pm.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola Saunders and the Moffatt family are some of the North East’s most recent and most popular famous faces, and we’re absolutely delighted to have them joining us for the Christmas light switch on.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

Click here for more information.

Gala Theatre Follows Up Last Year’s ‘Elf’s Christmas Adventure’

By on 12th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Families are invited to enjoy a magical Christmas story at Gala Theatre this festive season…

Elf’s Christmas Toys, at the Durham City venue during December, is the follow-up to last year’s extremely successful production of Elf’s Christmas Adventure.

When the North Pole’s toy machine gets in a muddle, it’s up to the audience to help Elf and his friends fix the machine in time to make all the presents for Christmas.

Aimed at families with children under the age of five, Elf’s Christmas Toys is an original story that offers children an introduction to theatre.

A co-production between Gala and Durham Scenic Workshops, who were also responsible for Elf’s Christmas Adventure, it is part of a busy festive period at the theatre.

Running alongside the production will be Gala’s fun-filled family panto, which this year sees regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley directing and starring in the rags-to-riches story of Cinderella.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Durham Scenic Workshops back to Gala and working with them to produce Elf’s Christmas Toys.

“Last year’s show was incredibly popular with families and we’re already seeing a huge demand for tickets this year with some shows already selling out.

“We can’t wait to see what mischief Elf gets into this year.”

Elf’s Christmas Toys runs from Friday 4th December to Thursday 24th December, with performances at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Tickets are priced from £6. To book, visit Gala box office, call 03000 266 600, or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

North East Charity Offer Afternoon Of Shopping And Indulgence

By on 12th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

A girly afternoon of shopping, pampering and indulgence is on offer in aid of a leading North East charity…

 

Sunderland-based Hope 4 Kidz – which supports youngsters with a range of special needs – is hosting Handbags and High Tea at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton Hotel on Saturday November 21st.

The event, running from 2pm until 5pm, will give attendees the opportunity to shop at a range of unique stalls, buy Christmas gifts, test out beauty treatments and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.

Also organised for the day are a range of raffles and auctions, with everyone who attends being entered into a free draw for a mystery prize.

Guests will also be given the opportunity to see the extensive spa facilities at the hotel and find out more about the treatments on offer.

“Handbags and High Tea was a huge success for us last year, and we’re delighted to be repeating it in a new area and venue” said Viv Watts, who runs Hope 4 Kidz.

“It’s a fantastic setting, we’ve got some great stalls and it’s a real opportunity to indulge in a spot of pampering, retail therapy and Christmas shopping, all while helping a good cause.”

All proceeds from Handbags and High Tea will go to support Hope 4 Kidz’s free Santa’s Christmas Party, attended by children from across the North East suffering from mental or physical disabilities, long term illness, or poverty and abuse.

Since it was established in May 2007 the charity has helped 33,000 children by hosting events like this to help raise funds.

Tickets for Handbags and High Tea are priced £15.95 each, including the tea and a goody bag for all attendees.

For more information or to book, contact Hope 4 Kidz on 0191 534 7788, or email vivien.watts@hope4kidz.org.uk.

Top Children’s Authors To Attend Durham City Event

By on 11th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

A collection of top children’s authors and illustrators will meet their fans at a day of free book-based fun and entertainment later this month…

 

The Northern Children’s Book Festival Gala Day, on Saturday, 21st November, will also include art and craft workshops, storytelling sessions and a pop-up book shop.

This year, the event is being hosted by Durham County Council and will take place at Durham Town Hall and Clayport Library.

Among those already signed up to take part in the annual event are Vivian French, The Two Steves, Guy Bass, Jonathan Stroud, Philip Ardagh, Barry Hutchison, Julia Jarman, Lynne Chapman, Adam Bushnell, Liz Million, Kate Fox, Holly Sterling, Kjartan Poskitt and Neil Bushnell.

Youngsters can also settle down for a story read by Pascale Konyn or a representative from literary charity Beanstalk, and make their own book cover in the craft corner.

Blackwell’s will be running a pop-up book shop and there’ll be some interesting characters wandering the streets of Durham City throughout the day.

Activities are aimed at young bookworms of all ages, from pre-school children to teenagers.

The Gala Day, which runs from 10am to 5pm, marks the end of the two-week Northern Children’s Book Festival, which sees library services across the region hosting reading activities in schools and libraries.

Linda Dobson, Durham County Council’s principal library manager, said: “The Northern Children’s Book Festival is a fantastic event, which offers a great way to get youngsters interested in reading and to encourage those who are already established readers to try something new.

“The Gala Day itself is a great event, giving children the chance to come face-to-face with their favourite authors and get hands-on with all sorts of book-based activities.”

This year’s festival also includes a Consequences Family Evening at Durham Town Hall on Friday, 20th November.

Guest authors Vivian French, Philip Ardagh, The Two Steves, Kate Fox and Barry Hutchison will be challenged to create a story on the spot with the opening line suggested by the audience.

Suitable for children aged seven-years-old and upwards, the evening promises to be great fun, giving fans the chance to find out how quick thinking the authors can be when put under pressure.

The evening runs from 7pm until 8pm and costs £5 for adults or £3 for children and concessions.

Tickets for both events must be booked in advance by visiting www.northernchildrensbookfestival.org.uk.

Razzamataz Rehearsals In Full Festive Swing

By on 9th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Have Your Say, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Rehearsals are in full swing as Razzamataz prepare for their biggest public performance to date…

On Saturday 19th December, students from Razzamataz Durham Theatre School will be performing a selection of favourite Christmas songs to entertain shoppers in Durham City Centre. Alison Beveridge, Principal of the school, says: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to bring some magic to the city and get involved with our local community this Christmas.”

“Our students just love performing, and the chance to showcase their talents and hard work in a public setting is really exciting.”

At Razzamataz Durham Theatre School, we offer dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 2-18 years (and much, much more). We like to go the extra mile and give our students amazing customer service, and an amazing experience.

This year sees the return of our popular Christmas Card Competition. The school are running a competition for students to create their own Razzamataz greetings card. The winning design will be professionally printed and sent to the theatre school’s friends, partner businesses, and those who have worked with them over the past year. Last year’s winner, Molly says, “It was great to get involved and so cool to see my design come to life.”

Parents are carers are also catered for. Last month, the school hosted a Phoenix Cards Coffee Morning and raised £99.22 for The Rainbow Trust Charity. Families and friends were invited to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake while they browsed the catalogues of exclusive cards and stationery whilst their children were in class.

Suzy Blooms, a Razzamataz parent and professional florist, is hosting a Christmas Basket Arrangement Workshop for parents and carers to take part in. She says: “I think it’s wonderful that Razzamataz Durham cares for the whole family. It’s a great community to belong to as the team really have their students and parents’ best interests at heart. Since joining, my son has grown in confidence, developed new skills, and widened his friendship group.”

If you would like to be a part of all that’s going on at Razzamataz, or would like to request more information, contact Alison on 07599 283931, or email durham@razzamataz.co.uk.

The school welcomes new students, and is taking bookings for complimentary taster sessions for their first day of term on Saturday 9th January. Places are limited and operate on a first come, first served basis.

Chaplain And Cadets Lead Remembrance Service At Metrocentre

By on 6th November 2015in What's New?, What's On?

Servicemen and women who’ve lost their lives in conflict will be remembered in a special event at intu Metrocentre this weekend…

Young cadets from the police and ATC (Air Training Corps) will lead a parade through the centre from Town Square to Exhibition Square at 2.40pm on Sunday November 8th.

This will be followed at 3pm by a special remembrance service, led by intu Metrocentre Chaplain, Lyn Jamieson, paying tribute to those injured and killed in action, as well as the friends and family who have been affected since World War 1.

The Salvation Army, Newcastle City Temple Band and The Ad Murum Singers from Heddon-on-the-Wall, will also be performing between 2.25pm and 2.45pm. 

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lyn Jamieson’s Remembrance Day services are always very moving.  We’re honoured to have the police and ATC cadets helping us this year and hope to pay a fitting tribute to all the civilian and armed forces personnel who have lost their lives serving our country in conflicts past and present.”

A separate two minute silence will be observed at intu Metrocentre at 11am on Wednesday November 11th, where visitors can take a moment of silent reflection at the venue’s special Poppy Chandelier.

Lyn said, “The commitment and sacrifice made by so many, on behalf of us all, must never be forgotten. It is extremely important that we continue to observe Remembrance Sunday.”

Members of the press are invited to attend intu Metrocentre at 2.40pm on Sunday November 8th, to capture the cadets’ parade and the remembrance service, led by Chaplain Lyn Jamieson.  

They are also invited to return at 11am on Wednesday November 11th for a two minute silence at the centre’s Poppy Chandelier. To confirm your attendance please contact Sorted PR on 0191 265 6111.

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