What's On at the Land of Oak & Iron
August is one of our favourite months at the Land of Oak & Iron, with school holidays going on we get to host trails and crafts for little ones. Plus, the (sometimes) sunny weather is perfect for bike rides, dog walks, runners and everyone else who enjoys exploring the Derwent Valley!
Last month we hosted a range of successful events such as our Burger & Live Music evening, this time with the amazing Cojo! We repeat this event with different artists throughout the summer on the last Friday of every month. We also hosted a mini explorer's event in celebration of creating two new trails on the Love exploring app! We enjoyed seeing all of the journey sticks and tote bags being made, please be sure to always tag us on social media posts as we love seeing your images.
There are two LoveExploring trails from our Heritage Centre, taking you on an adventure to discover some of the secrets of our beautiful Derwent Valley. These are free trails - just download the Love Exploring app, choose one of the two Land of Oak & Iron trails, and start exploring!
This month our Meet the Makers are; Michelle Fionda on 3rd August and Sophie Henderson on 30th August. Along with the range of Makers you will be able to meet at our Bark in the Park event! If you are interested in being a meet the maker at our Heritage Centre, please get in touch at landofoakandiron@groundwork.org.uk We still have a few spots near Christmas!
Summer of Cycling
Friday 9th August, 9am-4pm
On Friday 9th August, the Land of Oak & Iron are hosting a Family Cycle Fun day in partnership with the Tyne Derwent Way.
This involves activities for all the family, including how to ride lessons, family cycle rides and Dr Bike sessions.
Even better, it is all FREE and you don’t even have to have your own bike as these will be provided!
Check-out the Eventbrite ticket link to find out more about each activity, booking is essential for the Learn to Ride lessons and Bike Maintenance classes as there are limited places.
Geology Walk
Sunday 11th August, 10am-12:30pm
Join Geologist Karl Egeland-Eriksen on this fascinating walk learning about how the different types of rock and the valley gorge were formed and the relationship between the geology and the industrial history of the Land of Oak & Iron’’.
During the walk the processes involved in forming the rocks and the action of the glaciers will be explained along with discussion of the relationship between the geology and the industrial history of the ‘Land of Oak and Iron’.
The walk will last approximately 2 hours and cover just over 2 miles. Walking will be on paths but will involve steps up and down and some uneven ground.
Booking essential. Tickets only £9.50 per person
Bark in the Park
Saturday 24th August, 9am- 4pm
Land of Oak & Iron is the perfect place to take your 4 legged friends for a walk – our Heritage Centre is dog friendly, and we even have a doggie menu too!
Join us in and around the Courtyard for dog themed stalls and a fun dog show with different categories such as dog with the waggiest tail, dog most like their owner, favourite rescue dog, best in show and lots more!
Scribble & Patch will be back and taking bookings for your dog to get their paw print in clay – you can book directly through Scribble & patch
We will also have some doggie themed stalls, including Gayle Porter Pop-Up Dog Photo Booth, David’s Dog Deli, Janet Ingwerson Pottery, Lavinia Hunter Pet Portraits, Mammy’s Biscuits Dog Bakery, Sarah Loveland Photography, Snoods 4 Dudes, Bryson’s Animal Shelter, Mersey Tyne Creators and Marley Fields Pet Accessories.
The Dog’s Trust will be joining us too with some dog training activities. Gateshead Dog Warden will be here with some great advice and may be leading a friendly dog walk too.
It promises to be a very dog friendly and sociable event – we can’t wait to see you!
Book your pooch into the show now our categories are: Waggiest Tail, Golden Oldie, Loveable Young'un, Most Like Their Owner, Best Rescue Dog, Dog - Judges Like To Take Home, Best Trick or Paw Shake.
Children' Water Colour Art Class
Tuesday 27th August, 10am-12pm & 2pm- 4pm
Artist and children's author Monique Scott is leading another of her very popular children's watercolour and illustration class at our lovely Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.
Monique has illustrated and written several children's books and taught lots of children how to draw and paint. She will share her illustration and painting techniques with children during this two hour art class.
Monique will teach the children how to draw and then add colour to their drawings using watercolour paints, as well as blending and brush techniques. This is a great class for those who would like to learn drawing and painting techniques with a professional artist and illustrator.
All materials will be provided. Suitable for ages 6 years and older - the session will be adapted for different ages and abilities, with new subjects for you to paint if you have already been to one of Monique's classes.
Monique will also have signed copies of her books, along with some of her other illustrated merchandise for you to look at and purchase.
So come along and learn from a professional artist.
Tickets £12.50 including tuition and all painting materials.
Limited places available and booking essential. Moniques classes book up really quickly, so please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Acryclic Painting Course
Wednesday 24th August, 2pm-4pm
Experienced and friendly art tutor Kath will guide you from blank canvas to finished landscape artworks using demonstrations and individual assistance to improve your skills and confidence. The aim is for each student to produce artworks they can feel really proud of.
This course takes place every Wednesday for 4 weeks.
The course is suitable for beginners and for those who have painted before and would like to learn more techniques or continue with their art projects.
Become part of this friendly painting course, learn how to paint and make new creative friends along the way.
Four week course costs £80, price includes tuition and a tea or coffee each week.
Please bring basic painting materials such as brushes and acrylic paints (we can advise you of this when booking). We will also have some basic brushes, paints, water jars etc that you can use too if needed.
Places limited to 9 people to allow quality teaching and learning.
Friends of Red Kite
Thursday 29 August, 10am-12pm
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary since the first red kites were released in the lower Derwent Valley, we are continuing the Red Kite celebrations into August with the Friends of Red Kites.
After a friendly welcome about red kites, there will be face-painting, red kite mask making, a fun quiz, drawing activity, badge making and name your own red kite!
All the activities are free, but donations are welcome to support the work of FoRK.
Why not become a member too—find out more on the day.
Heritage Opening days- 10th, 12th & 15th September
To celebrate Heritage opening days we are hosting 3 free events!
Discover Hollinside Manor- Tuesday 10th & 12th September, 10am-11:30am
The walk to Hollinside from the Heritage Centre passes some 800 years of history, including the site of Crowley's Iron works, Butterfly Bridge, the Derwent Walk, Hollinside Manor, Nine Arches viaduct, Kite Hill and Crowley's Dam.
Many aspects of the heritage of the area has been claimed back and hidden by nature - but if you know where to look there are still signs of the extensive industry that once dominated the landscape.
Hidden Nature Guided Walk- Sunday 15th September, 9:30am-11:30am
The Derwent Valley is steeped in natural and industrial history, where often the two merge into one.
This guided walk will take in old ruins, a historic ford and look into how hidden nature helps develop this ancient woodland with the help of birds and fungi.
Thursday 12th September, 6:30pm-8pm
Like the Derwent Valley, the Blaydon Burn has a rich and fascinating history with surprising international links.
Local author Val Scully will give an illustrated talk, sharing how she intensively researched the significant triangular area between Stella Hall, the Black Bull and Blaydon Burn House, weaving social and industrial history into a fully illustrated book.
There will be opportunity for a Q&A, along with signed copies available to purchase of The Wheel of Time and some of Val's other local history books.
Our evening talks are really popular and Val’s talks sell out quickly.
Tickets only £14.95 including a glass of wine (or fruit juice) and delicious platter of nibbles (vegetarian/vegan option available).
Paper Dahlia Sculpture Workshop
Sunday 29th September, 10am-1pm
Join paper sculptor and artist Fiona McKeown on this intricate workshop to craft a stunning, dashing, everlasting dahlia.
Fiona McKeown is a paper artist and florist based in Newcastle, founder of 'Folly + Bird'.
She uses her skills to create exquisite paper flowers and foliage which she designs into stunning bouquets for the home, weddings and events. Fiona is passionate about sharing her skills through workshops and masterclasses.
These stunning, dashing dahlias are surprisingly easy to create, using the highest quality Italian crepe paper. You can choose from a range of heady colours from bright autumn shades to pale pastels.
Participants will create a full dahlia with leaf and stem, under the expert guidance of artist Fiona.
All equipment, paper and templates will be provided to create a beautiful everlasting flower for yourself or to give to someone special.
Tickets for the workshop are limited to allow quality teaching and 1:1 time with participants, so book soon to avoid missing out.
Tickets £32 including all materials and a cup of tea or coffee from our cafe.
Dog of the Month
This months dog of the month is BOE!
We think Boe deserves to be dog of the month because she sat very patiently for her Begg's sausage roll!
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