ITV presenter Ned Boulting has given his support to a challenging new 170km cycling event in aid of charity, organised by Wooler Cycle Hub.The Wooler Wheel Borderlands 170 is the latest event to be organised by the hub, which is becoming renowned for the friendly reception cyclists get in the north east.Three adult rides of different lengths are being offered, as well as the UK’s first junior sportive. Entries for the event are open and, with a limited number of entries, riders are encouraged to register through the British Cycling website early.The event is in aid of Cash for Kids. Hosted by Bauer Media’s 21 radio stations across the UK, the charity raises millions of pounds for disadvantaged children.Ned Boulting said: “This area is a wonderful location for cycling, and I am delighted to support the event, which will raise vital funds for a very deserving charity.“The route looks fantastic, taking in some of the best scenery in the north of England and southern Scotland, and will provide a challenge for cyclists of all abilities.”In addition to Boulting’s support, the event has the backing of British Cycling, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative and Northumberland National Park.The Wooler Wheel events, established in October 2012, have grown in popularity rapidly, and it is hoped that up to 2,000 riders will sign up to next year’s dedicated Cash for Kids event.Beth Mills from Wooler Cycle Hub said: “This will be the first time we have organised event from which all the profits will go to a charity, but we felt it was a great opportunity to support disadvantaged children locally, and across the country, while also showcasing this area’s cycle tourism potential.“Our events have been well supported so far, with many riders returning again and again, including for their own cycling holidays independent of the events, and we hope even more riders will join them in May next year for this very special event, and spectacular route.”Candy Rafferty, Cash for Kids manager for Radio Borders, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside with Wooler Cycle Hub on the Borderlands sportive.“Usually, with events like this, it’s the organiser that profits from the entry fees and the charity benefits purely from sponsorship. The Wooler Cycle Hub however, is dedicating entry fee profits to Radio Borders Cash for Kids.“As for sponsorship, Borderlands entrants ride in the knowledge that every penny they raise will be transferred to support disadvantaged children in their own area, as the charity exists within 21 local radio stations across the UK.”The 170km route will see riders leave heading east towards the coast and then north to Cornhill, where they will cross the border.From there they will head west, through Smailholm and over the iconic Scott’s View, before riding into the Scottish Cheviots and on to the border at Yetholm, finishing in Wooler.The hub, a not-for-profit organisation itself, established the Wooler Wheel events as a way to bring more cyclists to the north east of England, and in particular the stunning Glendale area.This helps to support the many accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and other local businesses outwith the traditional summer holiday season.In addition to the Wooler Wheel events the hub organises a number of free guided leisure rides throughout the year, for local people and visitors to the area.For more information on the Wooler Cycle Hub events programme see http://woolerwheel.com

Luxury mattress brand 1907 is teaming up with a boutique hotel and Northumberland Tourism to offer winners the chance to experience the best night’s sleep of their life.Eshott Hall, nestled in the Northumbrian countryside will be offering an exclusive night’s stay in one of its 11 uniquely furnished rooms, with 1907 supplying one of their luxury mattresses for the winner to try. 1907 specialise in making high quality mattresses from the finest locally sourced materials for the perfect night sleep. It offers a range of natural, memory foam and bespoke mattresses.Andrew Waters, Sales and Marketing Manager at 1907, said: “What could be better than winning the best night’s sleep of your life? To understand the difference a good mattress makes to your sleeping patterns you have to experience it for yourself. That’s why we decided to partner up with a hotel that helps you escape from it all and truly relax. A good night’s sleep makes the world of difference in life and having a good quality mattress is part of that.”Kathryn Bloodworth, sales and marketing director at Eshott Hall, said: “Part of our responsibility as a hotel is to ensure our guests have a good night’s sleep – here’s your chance to win one and try one of the best mattresses around in the beautiful surrounding of this elegant boutique property.”Eshott Hall, based between Morpeth and Alnwick in Northumberland, boasts 11 en-suite guest rooms, each individually decorated with a combination of contemporary and traditional furnishings. It also boasts an award winning dining experience, and caters for all celebrations including Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries. To be in with a chance of winning, email [email protected] and tell them what helps you get to sleep at night or you can enter the competition on Visit Northumberland's competition page. The lucky winner will have the treat of a night in a special room at Eshott Hall, with the added bonus of experiencing one of 1907’s finest mattresses.

A new Gold award for holiday parks assessed by Quality in Tourism has been launched by VisitEngland. The award was created to recognise increased levels of quality in England. The award can be given to 4 and 5 star holiday parks who excel in providing a quality holiday experience to tourists.The award ensures that these parks offer holidays that can be enjoyed with the highest of standards. There are specific criteria to meet to ensure a park qualifies for the new award. For example, having to score 90% or over for cleanliness is just one of the ways that a Gold award park stands out from the other parks in the UK.Mr Ken Britton of Seafield Caravan Park in Seahouses was the first recipient of the new award and said “ When we were told that we had qualified for the new Gold award for parks myself and the team were ecstatic. Our attention to every detail is something which we pride ourselves upon and to receive this award recognises that effort. We know that our customers look out for awards like this, so to have a Gold award really is the icing on the cake”Gary Swarbrooke, Director of Policy and Quality at Quality in Tourism says “The response we have had from Park owners has been fantastic. Everyone is really happy that they qualified for the award, and even happier that it makes their park stand out for all the right reasons. Having a Gold award shows potential guests that your park offers high quality as standard”The assessment process to qualify for the new Gold award, includes a detailed check of all of the parks facilities, scoring all aspects including the cleanliness of each individual area – park facilities, reception, shop etc. A selection of each of the accommodation types are also assessed to ensure all aspects of a stay at the holiday park is of a high quality. All parks undergo their main assessment and if scores reach a potential Gold award level, the a follow-up assessment is carried out on the park – this ensures these parks really are the best of the best.12 parks have achieved a Gold Award this year, and awareness of the benefits of having a VisitEngland Gold park award is increasing with other park owners looking to achieve this accolade in 2014.If you think your park might qualify for the Gold award next year, or for more information please [email protected] visit http://www.qualityintourism.com Pictured: Bamburgh Castle as seen from Seahouses.

The Hadrian's Wall Trust has launched a fundraising appeal aiming to ensure the Hadrian's Wall world heritage site's survival for future generations.The charity's fundraising programme centres on the 'Adopt a Stone' website www.adoptastone.co.uk where people can adopt virtual stones in a virtual Hadrian's Wall. Larger donations qualify for one of 162 turrets and even larger ones for one of 80 milecastles."We're asking everyone who cares about Hadrian's Wall to help if they can by adopting part of the wall," said Linda Tuttiett. "The website is fun to use with a small army of Roman characters, it's informative about Roman sites along the wall and it has a serious message."The trust also helps local partner organisations such as parish councils and the Roman sites in bidding for a range of additional funding for their own new projects.Linda Tuttiett said: "The world heritage site is 150 miles long and at the moment there is no proper monitoring system in place due to lack of funds. We want to involve local people as volunteers, providing them with training to assist professional staff. It could be a great way of getting more people involved in looking after the site but we need funding to get it off the ground."We're aiming to raise £20 million in total to secure the future of the wall and reinvest much over the next 10 years. That would be a great cause for celebration in 2022, the 1900th anniversary of the building of Hadrian’s Wall."Over the last five years the trust has led on over £15 million investment into the world heritage site helping to make it a world class visitor destination.The trust receives some funding from key partners English Heritage, Natural England and local authorities in Hadrian's Wall Country. Specific projects are being carried out through grants from different sources, for example DEFRA's Rural Development Programme for England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The rest of the trust’s activity is thanks to the support of people and businesses who share the same passion for Hadrian's Wall.The Adopt a Stone website has been designed and built by Newcastle-based creative communications agency Keltie Cochrane. Hadrian's Wall Trust, East Peterel Field, Dipton Mill Road, Hexham NE46 2JT M 07761 838641 T 01434 609700 W visithadrianswall.co.uk facebook.com/HadriansWallCountry @EmperorHadrian Registered Charity No. 1145819 Registered Company No. 5820376 CASE STUDY – Maintaining the trailFor most of its 84 mile length the internationally popular Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail runs next to the ancient monument and in the rural sections more archaeology lies just below the trail surface.Its position in the world heritage site means that management of the trail is crucial. Each mile costs £2,800 each year to keep in the condition enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of walkers throughout the season and which led to it being voted Britain's best walking trail in the 2011 Countryfile awards.Essential maintenance activities include seeding and mowing, repairing damaged sections and trail furniture such as gates, stiles and signposts. Costs for some of the equipment and materials needed to keep the path in such excellent condition from year to year are:• compost - £18 per ton• woodchip - £12 per ton• ironmongery fittings - from £10 each• Ritter strips to help grass growth - £46 for 10 metres• signs - from £12.50 eachFACTS AND FIGURES - Hadrian's Wall Country• The 150 mile world heritage site runs coast to coast across the north of England.• Building of Hadrian's Wall started in AD122 on the order of Roman Emperor Hadrian marking the north western extent of the Roman empire.• There were over 30 forts in the Hadrian’s Wall frontier zone, from Ravenglass in the west to Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields in the east, including 16 along the line of the wall itself plus coastal, outpost and supply forts. The frontier was administered from Carlisle.• Hadrian's Wall is 73 miles (80 Roman miles) long and runs from Bowness on Solway to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend. Along the wall there were 80 milecastles and 162 turrets, a ditch to the north and the great defensive vallum earthwork to the south.• The Vindolanda writing tablets, Britain's most significant archaeological find and the oldest known example of handwriting in Britain are at Roman Vindolanda and a 3D 'Eagle's Eye' view of the Roman frontier is at the Roman Army Museum. Both sites are part of the Vindolanda Trust.• There are magnificent English Heritage excavated forts at Corbridge, Chesters, Housesteads and Birdoswald.• There are fully reconstructed quarters at Arbeia Roman Fort at South Shields and a reconstructed bathhouse at Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend, both part of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, alongside the archaeology.• Britain's most important collection of Roman altar stones is at Maryport's Senhouse Roman Museum.• There are Roman frontier galleries at Carlisle's Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery and at Newcastle's Great North Museum, part of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, where there is also a scale model of Hadrian's Wall.• Archaeological digs take place at sites across the frontier during the summer, with opportunities to take part as a volunteer.• The 84 mile Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail - voted Countryfile 'Best Walking Trail' in 2011 - attracts 10,000 end to end walkers each year and hundreds of thousands more people walk shorter sections.• The award winning Hadrian's Wall Country bus AD122 runs from April to October, helping visitors to see more sites and the beautiful countryside in a sustainable way.• Fabulous local produce ranges from beer to honey, organic fruit and vegetables to ice cream and rare breed meat. • The world heritage site runs through some of the UK’s loveliest countryside in the Northumberland National Park, Solway AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Lake District National Park.• The frontier is part of the transnational Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site - which includes the Antonine Wall in Scotland and the German Limes. This represents the borderline of the Roman Empire at its furthest extent in the 2nd century AD. It stretched from the west coast of northern Britain, through Europe to the Black Sea, and from there to the Red Sea and across North Africa to the Atlantic coast.• For information on events and activities, accommodation and travel and the online shop for maps and guidebooks and more check out www.visithadrianswall.co.uk

- Decorating the tree tops list of North East’s festive traditions –A survey carried out by the National Trust has identified that 3 in 4 people in the North East think that family traditions are what makes Christmas so special.The study of over 160 adults found that 54% of people in the North East cherished the tradition of decorating the tree and house over all others. Eating mum’s home-made Christmas dinner and seeing Christmas lights were a close second and third. The top five in order of favourite traditions in the North East turned out to be:1. Decorating the tree 2. Eating your mum’s Christmas dinner3. Seeing Christmas lights4. Opening your stocking presents 5. Listening to Christmas pop musicThe study also revealed that almost a third of us like to visit Christmas markets, whilst 1 in 5 enjoy Christmas carolling and burning off the turkey on a Boxing Day family walk.Off the back of the research findings the National Trust is inviting everyone to share in the magic of festive traditions old and new. Over the yuletide season special events will bring to life the spirit of Christmas. From food and crafts to Christmas concerts and atmospheric grottoes, National Trust places will be decked out with Christmas sparkle.Julie Tucker, Events and Promotions Manager for the National Trust at Wallington told us:“Our research highlights how important traditions are to families at Christmas time. Lots of National Trust places will be rekindling the magic of simple family traditions this year with events in the North East. At Wallington Father Christmas it stopping by, you can hear stories from Mrs Santa and enjoy Christmas music and decorations in the house. Cragside are serving delicious Christmas lunches, inspired by Lord Armstrong, and at Gibside you can pick up seasonal crafts and food at their regular farmers market.”To find out what’s happening across the North East this Christmas log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northeast

The Alnwick Garden’s first ever Christmas Market opened to the public at the weekend, featuring market traders from all over Europe as well as closer to home. Organised by the company behind the Edinburgh Christmas Market for many years, She’s Gott It Events, The Alnwick Garden Christmas market saw hundreds of visitors try the Gluhwein, Baileys Hot Chocolates and seasonal food on offer to get into the festive mood. The Alnwick Garden’s Christmas Market also supports local craftsmen by selling local hand-made gifts, festive stocking fillers and local crafts and produce. The family attraction also saw children take a ride on the children’s merry go round or pose for a photo in the ‘Snowglobe’ experience. Nickie Gott said: “Christmas Markets are such a popular thing in Northern Europe and have really taken off in the UK in recent years – The Alnwick Garden is the perfect place to bring a traditional festive experience that creates magical Christmassy feeling for all the family.” Peggy Jane Pauli who is operating a traditional German craft stall said “I am delighted to be part of such an amazing event at this wonderful venue.” The only place to be this Christmas, the market will be located just below The Garden’s magical Treehouse. The Christmas Market will be open every day from 23rd November until 24th December, 12pm-6pm Monday to Wednesday, with late opening (12pm-8pm) operating Thursday to Sunday. Entrance is FREE to the Christmas Market area with a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to support The Garden’s charitable projects (Usual admission charges to The Alnwick Garden apply).

British Cycling and the National Trust are looking for Ride Leaders to lead Sky Ride Local guided bike rides at National Trust Places across the region.The Sky Ride Local programme offers free guided bike rides for local communities. British Cycling is working in partnership with the National Trust to bring a series of these free guided bike rides to its places in 2014 – including Gibside, Tyne and Wear, Wallington, near Cambo and along Hadrian’s Wall at Haltwhistle.Nick Chamberlin, National Operations Manager at British Cycling, said: “We’re looking for confident recreational cyclists to train as Ride Leaders. There’s no need to be an expert or competitive racer, just be confident cycling in a group and have a good level of cycling fitness. We welcome all kinds of cyclists, as long as you have heaps of enthusiasm and you’re happy to support beginner bike riders and families.” The free, assessed one-day course qualifies Ride Leaders to deliver guided bike rides for groups of beginner and intermediate level adults and accompanied children on roads and cycle paths. What: British Cycling Ride Leadership Award courseWhen: Saturday 30 NovemberWhere: Hexham, Wentworth Leisure CentreCost: FREE After completing the leadership award, Ride Leaders will receive free kit and British Cycling Ride membership.Jo Foster, Outdoors Programme Manager for the National Trust, said:“We’re passionate about bringing opportunities for people to explore and enjoy our places through a variety of ways. We see so many people already arriving at our places by bike and with the anticipation of next year’s Tour de France Grand Depart creating a buzz around cycling, we want to encourage more people to get involved and join in at different levels.” For more information about becoming a British Cycling Ride Leader please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation or email [email protected]

Where Roman history truly comes alive, Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Scarrow gave young people a treat at Chesters Roman Fort yesterday as he read short excerpts from his young fiction novel The Gladiator and signed books as part of his wider tour to promote his new novel, The Blood Crows.Daytime admission with Time Travellers Go…Roman:Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 November. Open 10am-5pm. £5.40 / £4.90 / £3.20. EH members and under 5s free.£1 additional charge for all children if taking part in Time Travellers activities.

Britain’s most beautiful marathon brought a couple together and united them in a beautiful moment on Sunday 6 October.As Marc Kelly, 33, crossed the finishing line of Salomon Kielder Marathon in Northumberland, he got down on one knee, and not out of exhaustion…The paramedic, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, had carried an engagement ring all the way round the 26 mile course around Kielder Water, northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, to propose to his partner, Julie Barnes.The pair met at the school where Julie, aged 33, is a teacher and Marc is a school governor, but the famous sporting event was responsible for their blossoming romance two years ago when Julie sponsored Marc for the 2011 Kielder Marathon and a first date followed.As Marc approached the finishing line this year, he changed into a t-shirt which he’d also carried on the race and it read ‘Will you marry me Julie?’ He popped the question at the end.Julie, also from Newbiggin, who had no hesitation in saying yes, was overwhelmed. She said: “It was a complete surprise, everyone else was in on it but I was totally oblivious. Good job I put my glasses on!”Marc said: “In 2011 my time was 6hrs 22min so I improved this year with a 5hr 40min-ish time. It would have been even quicker if I hadn’t stopped at the 800m mark to change into my proposal t-shirt!“I decided to propose here because I thought it was something on a grand scale and I’ve been planning it the last three or four months.“I felt emotional afterwards, especially after running 26 miles – it certainly gave me something to think about on the way around!”Billed as the most beautiful marathon in Britain, more than 1000 runners entered to make their way around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water.The full weekend of events, including Kielder Junior Runs, Kielder 10K, Kielder Run Bike Run and the main marathon itself, attracts runners and outdoor adventure enthusiasts from around the world to the dramatic setting and unique course.

Berwick Film & Media Arts FestivalNorth by NortheastWednesday 25th – Sunday 29th September 2013 Get involved in the Festival’s Participatory Programme with workshops, film screenings and events for all ages Next weekwill see the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed transform into one big cinema screen for the 9th Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival and there is plenty for all the family to get involved in! This year our Youth Programme is jammed packed and involves a whole range of exciting activities for all ages to enjoy. Our feature film programme kicks off with the cult Finnish classic Moomins and the Comet Chase, suitable for young children and nostalgic parents alike. Wickie and the Treasure of the Gods is a great action-packed Viking adventure for all the family. On Sunday we are joined by The Great Bear - a beautiful Danish animation about a mythical forest and its biggest, 1000-year-old resident. Kauwboy is a special treat about a young boy and his friendship with a Jackdaw bird, programmed by young people from Berwick Youth Project’s Open Door Film Club. And for the finale we’re honored to be joined by Kari Anne Moe, director of Norwegian teen documentary, Bravehearts, to introduce her film. We will also be celebrating our homegrown filmmaking talent at the Young Filmmakers Showcase, with the prestigious Chris Anderson Award for Best Young Filmmaker and the inaugural Wilson’s Tales Film Award, both with hot cash prizes! Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is not just an annual event but works year round to offer opportunities for people to get involved, thanks to the support of a range of funders, sponsors and programme partners. Festival Director Melanie Iredale said today “With our theme looking to Northern Europe we have been spoilt for choice for fantastic films for children and young people. Our youth programme has grown hugely this year, with thanks to Community Foundation, The Co-operative Membership, Bridge North East, Queens Hall Arts and General Mills, who have all supported hands-on activity for the younger generation, not just over the Festival itself but digital arts workshops for teenagers over the Summer and screenings for schools in the lead up.” Young people have been participating in workshops led by professional artists and filmmakers in schools in and around Berwick, inspired by On the Precipice – a touring programme of immersive digital video work, which will visit the Festival in The Big M, an inflatable mobile cinema. Berwick Youth Project, Berwick Academy, Duchess Community High School and Longridge Towers School have all participated. This year the Festival will also hold more School Screenings than ever before, with school groups invited to sneak preview screenings of some of the best films from our youth programme – and making their own Moomins finger puppets and Wickie–inspired Viking helmets! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved over the weekend - the Festival are once again hosting some great workshops in The Maltings Studio – whether you’re interested in being in front of the camera or behind the scenes there is something for you! Films Moomins and the Comet ChaseSat 28th Sept | 11:00 | Maria Lindberg Finland – dubbed in English | 2010 | 75minSugg. U Moomin Valley is threatened by a comet from outer space. With the help of his father, Moominpappa, Moomintroll and his worried friends build a raft and embark on a challenging journey to the observatory! Listen out for the opening song by Bjork! Based upon the books by Finland's renowned children's author and illustrator, Tove Jansson. Wickie and the Treasure of GodsSat 28th Sept | 13:00 | Christian DitterGermany – dubbed in English | 2011 | 96minsSugg. PG I Sponsored by Simpsons Malt When the mighty Viking Halvar suddenly disappears, his clever but timid daughter Wickie must lead the Vikings on a dangerous journey to rescue her father from the evil Sven and go in search of the legendary treasure of the gods. A comedy action adventure - by longboat! The Great BearSun 29th Sept | 11:00 | Esben Toft Jacobsen Denmark – dubbed in English | 2011 | 73min Sugg. PG Jonathan and his little sister Sophie are on holiday at their grandfather's cabin deep in the forest. Jonathan tries to get rid of Sophie, but when he succeeds all too well: she is kidnapped by a giant, 1000-year-old bear, and Jonathan must save her! A beautifully animated, mythical adventure. Young Filmmakers showcaseSun 29th Sept | 13:00 | Various | UK | 90min Sugg. PG I Sponsored by National Youth Film Academy A celebratory showcase for Young filmmakers from across the region. At stake is a cash prize, donated by the family of the late Chris Anderson – including his son, blockbuster director Paul W.S. Anderson. Also presented is the World Premiere of the winner of the Wilson’s Tales Projects Film Award. Kauwboy Sun 29th Sept | 15:00 | Boudewijn Koole |The Netherlands | 2012 | 81min | Sugg. 12A Programmed by young people for young people, Kauwboy has been selected by Berwick’s Open Door Film Club. The enthralling story of a young boy named Jojo and the relationship he builds with a baby Jackdraw bird he finds fallen from its nest. Winner of the Best First Features Award at Berlinale. BraveheartsSun 29th Sept | 17:00 | Kari Ann Moe | Norway / Sweden | 2012 | 118min | Sugg. 15 Sana, Henrik, Haakon and Johanne represent four different political youth parties, each preparing for the Norwegian election campaign in 2011. On 21 July, Johanne boards the ferry to the AUF summer camp on the Island of Utoya. This documentary portrays the generation marked for life by the massacre on 22 July 2011. With extended introduction by the director. Workshops & Activities Acting For CameraSat 28th Sept | The Maltings Studio 10:00-12:00 – ages 8-1313:00-15:00 – ages 14-18 A hands-on workshop in acting for camera – take on a role, film each other, and see yourself on the big screen. Learn about the how film acting is different to stage acting – and how much fun it can be! Led by Dummy Jim actor, Samuel Dore and comedy writer James Harris.£3.50, booking required. Make your own SoundtrackSun 29th Sept | 12:00 – 17:00 The Maltings StudioFREE just drop-in! A chance to create your own score for a film, and to make some noise! Bring your own objects from home, or pick up a number of items here in the studio and work with others to create a eclectic soundscape. Led by Dummy Jim director and sound designer, Matt Hulse. Free, drop-in workshop for all ages – no experience or booking required. With plenty for all ages to see and do over five action-packed days, we hope you will join us to make this year’s Festival even bigger and better than ever! Many events and all installations are free, and tickets are available online from the Festival website http://berwickfilm-artsfest.com/booking-information and from The Maltings Box Office in person or by calling 01289 330999. For further information or to sign up for our regular newsletters, please go to www.berwickfilm-artsfest.com With last year’s Festival resulting in Berwick’s B&B’s “selling out,” Festival organisers recommend visitors check with Berwick Tourist Information Centre for live updates on accommodation availability. Please go to http://berwickfilm-artsfest.com/getting-to-berwick for information on getting here, or call Berwick Tourist Information Centre on +44 (0)1289 301 780.

The fungi season is almost here but experts warn there isn’t ‘mushroom’ for mistake while out foraging.The award-winning Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland is home to England’s largest working forest, rich with fungal species that sprout over autumn.Now the Forestry Commission have teamed up with leading expert, Gordon Beakes, to stage a mushroom workshop on Saturday, September 28,2013 and help discover which mushrooms are for the kitchen and which ones are deadly.Gordon, from Newcastle University has studied the subject for 30 years. He said: “Fungi are vital to the forest eco-system, so if you do pick them, do so sparingly. The key thing is to be cautious. Some gourmet species look very similar to lethal specimens like the Death Cap.“The UK has over 4,000 different species so it can be bewildering and just because a fungus is brightly coloured doesn’t necessarily mean it’s poisonous. The only way to identify them is to arm yourself with knowledge.”The mushroom workshop takes place at Kielder Castle on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 11am – 4pm. It costs £20 per person and includes a light lunch.Suitable for keen beginners and more advanced foragers alike, the day will include sorting through specimens and learning how to recognise their key features.There is also the annual hunt for all things fungal with two-hour fungi walks on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Stonehaugh, 10.30am – 12.30am and Greenhaugh, 2.00pm – 4.00pm. The forays cost £6 per person (£5 per concession and £16 per family). Booking is essential for these popular events. For more information and to book call 01434 220 242.

Gourmet breaks with Gilbert & Sullivan and Gary Wilmot at two of Northumberland’s finest Hotels Doxford and Eshott Halls both with AA Rosette Restaurants are offering food and music lovers the chance to enjoy the finest of music combined with the finest of cuisine. These breaks include significantly discounted accommodation. As part of the Northumberland Music Festival [www.nmfestival.com], taking place between the 8th and 24th November, each hotel is offering a luxury break incorporating two gourmet dinners, a leading concert and two night’s accommodation for only £190 per person based on two sharing a twin/double room. [cid:[email protected]]The Gary Wilmot and Gourmet Break at the luxury four star Doxford Hall Hotel near Alnwick is on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November. This break includes a three course dinner in the 2AA rosette restaurant on Thursday evening, 2 tickets to ‘With Compliments’ by performers Gary Wilmot and Mike Alexander including pre-concert welcome drink, canapés, three course gourmet dinner on Friday night, bed & full Northumbrian breakfast. £190 per person for two nights [cid:[email protected]]With eleven bedrooms Eshott Hall, a magnificent Georgian mansion near Morpeth, is a luxury boutique property with an AA rosette Restaurant. The Gilbert and Sullivan and Gourmet break on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th includes tickets to the Gilbert and Sullivan Concerts with members of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, pre-concert welcome drink, canapés, three course gourmet dinner on the Saturday Evening and a three course dinner on the Sunday Evening bed & full Northumbrian breakfast. £190 per person for two nights All concerts in this, the third Northumberland Music Festival, include either a Gourmet Lunch or Dinner. Other Performances taking place over three weekends include the Festival’s first full length performance of a Classical Opera – Puccini’s La Boheme, performed by Heritage Opera, The Northumbrian Ranters, Rogers and Hammerstein, Opera Concerts, The Felling Male Voice Choir and The Legendary Ladies of Jazz. These breaks are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Rooms for single accommodation are available at a £30 supplement. Full details of the festival programme are available on the website www.nmfestival.com. Tel. 01668 283100