A r t e F a c t sArts events and news from around northumberland.

Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

INSIDE: Read about the 150th anniversary memorial service of the Hester Pit Disaster.

Also inside: Your guide to events this February in Northumberland.

February 2012 Newsletter

Welcome to the Art e Facts monthly arts development e newsletter for South East Northumberland. If you would like to include any of your arts and cultural events, please contact Sophie Millington on smillington@bval.co.uk by 22nd February. :)

About Us

Blyth Valley Arts & Leisure arts development department is responsible for projects and programs that encourage high levels of participation and appreciation of the arts in South East Northumberland. We are funded by Northumberland County Council and Arts Council England Joanne Burke Sophie Millington Arts and Film Development OFficer Arts Development Apprentice (01670) 542267 (01670) 545351 JBurke@bval.co.uk smillington@bval.co.uk

Hey Everyone, You may have noticed that Helens contact details are no longer here! She has been offered a temporary 9-month secondment to Arts Council England as Relationship Manager - Engagement and Participation from 1 February until 30 September 2012. However Jo Burke will be covering her so she will be the main contact! :) Also keep watching what’s coming up as there are going to be many fantastic activities this year and you don't want to miss out!! I am really enjoy being the editor of this newsletter, so keep submitting things you want to include. Sophie :]

If you would like to unsubscribe from these emails please contact me with your name and I will remove you from the contact list.

Date Screening to

start at Venue Venue contact Film

03/02/12 7pm Morpeth Town Hall Market Place Morpeth NE61 1LZ

01670 510743 Young Victoria (2009) PG

04/02/12 7pm Seaton Delaval Arts Centre Seaton Delaval Blyth Street Seaton Delaval

Whitley Bay NE25 0DY

My Fair Lady (1964) U

04/02/12 1pm Elsdon Village Hall, Elsdon, Northumberland, England

01830520121 Cars 2 (2011) U

09/02/12 1pm Seaton Sluice Community Centre Off Beresford Road Seaton Sluice NE26 4QX

0191 2376304 The Help (2011) 12A

10/02/12 4pm Seahouses Sports and Community Centre Stone Close Seahouses NE68 7YL

01665 721868

The Kings Speech (2010) 12A

13/02/12 4pm Seahouses Sports and Community Centre Stone Close Seahouses NE68 7YL

01665 721868 How to train your dragon (2010) PG

17/02/12 3.30pm Blyth sports centre Bolam Park Blyth NE24 5BT

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) PG

20/02/12 6.40 Isabella Community Centre Ogle Drive Blyth NE24 5EH

01670 368216 Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 (Roderick Rules) 2011 U

25/02/12

TBC Whittingham Memorial Institute, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4UP

01665 574384 Quantum of Solace (2008) 12A

The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 6DT (01670) 715106

Whats On:

14th February– Allan Taylor 28th February– Eddie Walker

Coming Soon!

6th March– Kieran Halpin 20th March– Ian Bruce

and Ian Walker

What the critics say: "Walker has not only a fine reputation as a great interpreter of Ragtime and Blues but also for his own material."-TIME OUT “.....sparkled with wit and vivacity...astonishingly versatile…”THE SCOTSMAN “Having the likes of Mr. Walker in the folk clubs is a welcome breathe of fresh air.”SOUTHERN RAG “The quality of music and performance sets a standard any musician would be proud to achieve. “NORTH EAST FOLK ROUNDABOUT

What the critics say: “Songs of sheer class and originality” “Wonderful stage presence and surprising humour” “Halpin is one of the coun-try’s most intelligent writers” “He has a voice that sells the songs and cuts to the heart” “Thought provoking lyrics and memorable melodies”

“These songs made me think, laugh and cry – all in one evening”

What the critics say: “Ian Bruce and Ian Walker balance each other better than itchy and scratchy. Not a wasted moment.” Hector Christie

Saturday 25th February Bane Newbiggin Maritime Centre NE64 6BD Start Time: 7:30pm Box Office:01670 811951

Sunday 18th March Cloud Man St Bede’s Church Hall, Bedlington NE22 6HS Start Time: 3:30pm Box Office:01670 530618

It’s a comic story of revenge with a tough talking anti-hero, often, dispensing a trio of bullets o the chest in search of those that wronged him. Playing with movie conventions and throwing in some dark humour to boot, Bane is the sell out Edinburgh show everyone is talking about. Make sure you don’t miss it; you don’t want Bruce Bane calling on you…… “It’s a brilliant hour of comedy theatre”- The Guardian

Cloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloud expert and all her life has dreamt of seeing a Cloud Man. Cloud Men are extremely rare creatures who live in a quiet life high up in the sky. Follow the clues to the very top of Cloud Mountain where the views are always surprising, and if you are lucky, you may see something very special indeed.

Absolute Elvis starring Johnny Lee Memphis Sat 4th February 12 - 8.00PM This fantastic show is over 2hrs of non stop Elvis greats performed by the World's No1 Johnny Lee Mem-phis and his superb JLM band fea-turing The Memphettes. This stun-ning, spine-tingling show is a must for all fans, and not to be missed. A whole night of Elvis................ABSOLUTE ELVIS

Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland ,NE24 2DS (01670) 367228 www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk

Blyth Valley Scouts Gang Show Tue 14th - Sat 18th February - 7.00PM (also Sat 2.00pm) The Blyth Valley Gang Show is a family variety show, and the aim of the show is to give young people in Scouting the opportunity to de-velop theatre skills and perform on a professional stage, in front of a live audience. For some this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Classic Divas Sat 25th February - 7.30pm Come and enjoy this brand new production starring four sensational sopranos, in an unforgettable eve-ning of ever popular classical arias, and contemporary crossover songs. All lovingly mixed by four beautiful young ladies who have all graced the West End stage, in a perfect synergy of breathtaking voices, heart stopping arrangements and beautiful costumes. This stunning performance is filled with passion, emotion, style and grace, and truly is a night to remember.

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Sky Arts - Futures Fund (Individual Artists; Art & Culture) Sky Arts is offering five young artists £30,000 each to fund their work for a full year as part of the Sky Arts Ignition: Futures Fund - in association with IdeasTap. The fund is designed to help bridge the gap between formal education and becoming a working artist. This fund is open to individual artists working in visual art, theatre, performance art, film, music, dance or literature. To apply, you must be an IdeasTap member aged 18-30 on 24th February 2012 and be based in either the UK or Ireland. It’s free to become an IdeasTap member and just takes a few minutes to sign up. Two winners will be selected during this round of funding. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, 24th February 2012. For more information, visit: http://www.ideastap.com/Opportunities/Brief/6305b58b-81f6-4598-87b0-

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Education and Learning Programme (Charities; Local Authorities; Schools & Colleges; Out-of-School Clubs; Supplementary Schools; Youth Clubs) The Paul Hamlyn Foundation invites applications to its Education and Learning Open Grants Programme. In particular, the Foundation is looking to fund projects that address the themes of; tackling school exclusion and truancy, developing speaking and listening skills and supplementary education. The costs that can be covered by the Foundation's grants include running costs such as staff salaries and overheads such as stationery, rent, rates and utilities. There is a two stage application process: First stage applications can be made at any time. Those that are successful will be invited to make a second stage application. For more information, visit: http://www.phf.org.uk/landing.asp?id=3

Northumberland Community Chest Scheme Community groups and voluntary organisations across Northumberland provide a whole host of activities and services which support their communities. These groups are often enthusiastic to do more to meet the demands and needs of their communities, but their ambitions are often constrained by available resource. The County Council has therefore put in place a ‘Community Chest’ scheme which gives local organisations a chance to continue doing what they do best or bid for funding for something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. The funding can be used for a range of purposes including events, or for the purchase of equipment, however the ideas should come from the communities themselves, based on what they feel their neighborhood needs. The Council has made £300,000 available in 2011/12 which will be administered through a straightforward application process. Local County Councillors through the 3 Area Committees in Northumberland will consider all applications. Purpose of Community Chest The Community Chest Scheme is a Northumberland County Council initiative to provide access to funding support to deliver priority activities appropriate to each of the 3 Areas as determined by the 3 County Council’s Area Committees. How do I get an application form? Application forms are available from the Locality Development Team within Northumberland County Council, and can be obtained from the website: www.northumberland.gov.uk/communitychest.

The Wellcome Trust - Arts Awards (Artists; Scientists;Curators; Film-makers; Writers; Pro-ducers; Directors;Academics; Science Communicators; Teachers; Art Workers;Education Officers) The Arts Awards support projects that engage the public with biomedical science through the arts including dance, drama, performance arts, visual arts, music, film, craft, photography, creative writing or digital media. Applications are invited for projects of up to £30,000 through their small & medium-sized grant programme, and for projects above £30,000 through their large grant programme. The aim of the awards is to support arts projects that reach new audiences which may not traditionally be interested in science and provide new ways of thinking about the social, cultural and ethical issues around contemporary science. The next application deadline for small & medium sized projects is the 28th January 2012, and for large projects is the 16th December 2011. For more information, visit: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Fundingschemes/

Monday: Young @ Heart = 11.00-11.45, Nelson Village Community Centre. Adult Salsa = 1.00-2.00, The Buffalo, Blyth. Cheer Camp! (Blyth) = 4.30-5.15, The Buffalo, Blyth. Hoop Dance = 5.15-6.00, The Buffalo Blyth. Just Jhoom! = 7.00-8.00, Seaton Delaval Arts Centre. Tuesday: Boogie Babies = 10.30 - 11.00, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. ROCK It! = 3.30-4.30, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. ZUMBA = 1.00-2.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. JUST JHOOM! = 8.00-9.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. Funky Divas = 4.15-5.00, Sporting Club Cramlington. Wednesday: Adult Salsacise = 3.00-4.00, Bedlington Salvation Army. Break-a-Move = 4.00-4.45, Concordia Leisure Centre. BOP to the TOP = 4.30-5.15, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. Cheer Camp! = 5.15-6.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. Hoop Dance = 5.16-6.00, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. Thursday: Boogie Babies = 9.30 - 10.00, Astley Park. Young @ Heart (Gentle Exercise) = 10.30-11.30, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. ZUMBA = 7.00-8.00, Seaton Delaval and Holywell Community Centre. Ability 2 Play Dance = 4.30-5.15, Concordia Leisure Centre. Friday: ZUMBA = 11.30-12.15, Bedlington Salvation Army. Dance ‘N’ Beats = 3.00-4.00, Cramlington High School. Mini Moves = 4.30-5.30, Northburn Sports and Community Centre.

MOVE IT community dance deliver a range of dance and fitness activities throughout the South East of Northumberland. All ages and abilities are welcome to the weekly sessions and classes are all very reasonably priced! For information about classes please contact Sophie Johnson: sjohnson@bval.co.uk 01670 542589. www.bval.co.uk Facebook – BVAL Make-a-Move Leisure Inclusion Team

How Can I Get Involved? Next date for Arts Award Adviser Training (Bronze/Silver) is Thursday 1st March 2012 County Hall Bookings to go through http://www.artsaward.org.uk/course_search/?script=profile_search Next dates for public moderation are:

28th February 2012 Newcastle - closing date for registration was 28th January 2012

30th March 2012 Middlesbrough - closing date for registration is 28th February 2012

To book- http://www.artsaward.org.uk/site/?id=2020

To find out more about Arts Award visit www.artsaward.co.uk or contact Sam Taylor, Arts Award Trainer, Northumberland County Council on 01670 533653 or sam.taylor@northumberland.gov.uk

Invasion! February 11th 2012 to September 3rd 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION See amazing props and costumes from your favourite sci-fi films and television shows including Star Wars, Doctor Who, Aliens and many more. Come face to face with iconic robots including Robby the Robot, B9 and Robocop. It's an out of this world experience on your doorstep! Admission Charge: £3.95 Adult, £3.50 Concession, £2.95 Children and £12.50 (2 + 2)Family Ticket.

January 14th 2012 to May 7th 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

Mining a Golden Seam is an exhibition of embroidery and textiles by members of the Embroiderers' Guild in the North East region. The artworks in this exhibition are inspired by the north east mining industry, it's communities and geology as well as by our timeless fascination with gold.

Mining a Golden Seam

February 11th 2012 to June 17th 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

Ashington Camera Club presents new work inspired by the people, places and traditions of Northumberland.

Spirit of Northumberland

ALIEN ENCOUNTER Come along to Invasion on the opening day of the exhibition, Saturday 11th February, to meet some extra-special intergalactic visitors! Our new exhibition has attracted the attention of the Daleks, Stormtroopers and Klingons, and they’re sending representatives to Woodhorn to scout it out. Don’t be afraid, we’ve been assured they are coming in peace…but can they be trusted?! Characters on site between 11am - 3pm, Saturday 11th February 2012. The Daleks are copyright 1963 BBC Worldwide & Terry Nation Estates. 'Northern Charity Daleks' is a non profit making group, no Infringement of copyright is implied or intended. They are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by either BBC Worldwide or Terry Nation Estates.

Arts Development has been working with New Hartley Community Association during 2011 on a number of projects to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Hartley Pit Hester Pit Disaster of 16th January 1862. Pit Banner Project Alison Walton Robson from Headway Arts was commissioned to work alongside a number of community groups and schools to generate ideas for a double sided full sized pit banner which will hang permanently in New Hartley Memorial Hall. Alison worked with pupils from Whytrig Middle School, New Hartley First School, Seaton Sluice Middle School and Astley High School and also with members of the community from the village of New Hartley, New Hartley First Brownie Guides, St Mary’s and Holywell Village Art group and New Hartley Art group. Each group also created their own mini banner which will be kept by each group. The full sized banner was blessed during the memorial service on 15th January, 4pm at New Hartley Memorial hall. The banner features hand painted images of the pit shaft, flowers symbolising remembrance, the reform bill, the minors and their families and the two strong slogans Lost but not forgotten and Strength in Community. The project was funded and managed by Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure Arts Development with contributions from Durham and Northumberland NUM. A big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the final design, to Alison Walton Robson for all her hard work and to Deb Moffett from Woodhorn museum who advised on traditional pit banner designs.

Hartley Colliery Pit Disaster Commemorative Calendar The Calendar has been produced for 2012 and is on sale now for £4.00. The calendar features paintings, photographs and poems from competition winners and runners up from New Hartley Summer Fair and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the memorial gardens. To purchase one contact New Hartley Community Centre on 0191 2375426.

Memorial Pathway Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure Art Development and New Hartley Community Association are working together to rejuvenate the memorial garden pathway. Artists have been invited to send ideas and proposals for selection. We hope that the pathway will be finished in time for Heritage Open Days weekend on 8th September 2012. This project is funded by Seaton Valley Council.

February Events 11th and 12th Feb - Family Storytelling Weekend (11-3 Sat and 12-3 Sun). Learn stories of the deep and adventures on the high seas, Make bookmarks and create mini books to capture your own creative ideas. 13-17th Feb – I ‘heart’ Newbiggin by the Sea is a week-long half term celebration of all the things that make Newbiggin great. Visit our exhibition, make, create and spend a happy half term holiday by the sea. 21st Feb @ 4pm – Join us for our Pancake Party and celebrate Pancake Day in style. Make pancakes, create your own toppings and (the best bit) eat them. £2 per child supervising adult goes free. 24th Feb @ 6pm –Our monthly cinema night continues with the smash hit musical Mamma Mia (see website for details). 25th Feb @ 7.30pm - ‘Bane’ is a multi-award winning, one man comedy with live guitar soundtrack . Bane is the Edinburgh show that everyone is talking about. “It’s a brilliant hour of comedy theatre” The Guardian Visit www.newbigginmaritimecentre.org.uk for more information.

Venue: Ashington Institute Institute Road Ashington NE63 8HP Date and Time: Wednesday 8th February 2012 2pm Tickets-£2 For Tickets contact or call in to : Blyth Sports Centre Reception 01670 542222 or Ashington Leisure Centre Reception 01670 532380 Suitable for age 11+

DANCE distraction IN ASSOCIATION WITH DANCING FOR CHARITY

Presents A

MODERN JIVE CLASS AND FREESTYLE

@CRAMLINGTON VILLAGE CLUB

NE23 6QJ

THURSDAY NIGHTS 8pm – 10.30 PM

Beginners class 8pm Freestyle and individual coaching

8.40 – 10.30pm

LAUNCH NIGHT 26TH JANUARY 2012

ENTRY ONLY £3

Modern jive is a fun partner dance. Our evenings are very social, friendly and

informal. www.dancingforcharity.vpweb.co.uk

This stunning 18th century house, garden and surrounding land has recently been handed into the care of The National trust. Opening times and further details call 0191 237 9100 or visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-seaton-delaval-hall.html

The watch house was built in 1880 as a base for the Seaton Sluice volunteer life saving company. It served as a lookout, training base and social venue for over 110 years before it closed in 1990. during its history, the volunteers were involved in a number of notable rescues from wrecks on the coast between Whitley Bay and Blyth. The museum is open on Sundays between 2pm and 5pm from June to September.

If you would like to rent a beach hut, please contact Blyth Sports Centre reception on: 01670 542222 Daily lets are available for: £15.50 per day. Plus £5.00 refundable deposit.

Blyth Battery is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 3rd April– 30th September, from 11:30am-4pm. Guided tours of the site are available when possible. The Battery is also open on a number of additional days throughout the year.

The Dave Stephens centre has an excellent meeting space with a fabulous view of Blyth’s coastline. The community room is perfect for meetings, seminars, training sessions or workshops. The room can host up to 30 people theatre style and up to 24 people board room style. All bookings and arrangements to be made with at least one weeks notice via Concordia leisure Centre central administration on 01670 542564

Woodhorn always have things to do for the whole family. To find out about he latest exhibitions and events or for more information and opening times, visit the website: http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com

Other News ...

Chinese Painting

Monday 23rd Jan – 10:00 – 12:30 (Free) Seaton Delaval & Holywell Community Centre

For More Information Please Contact Rachael

on 01670 353817 or bric.courses@yahoo.co.uk