Sue Hodnett

A question and answer interview with Sue Hodnett, site manger at English Heritage

Sue Hodnett is the Site Manager for Housesteads Roman Fort – the best known and one of the most iconic sites on Hadrian’s Wall. The new museum at Housesteads, now open to the public, has been transformed by English Heritage over the winter and as well as brand new displays and interpretation, you can meet a cartoon character called ‘Felix’ drawn by Sue, who will guide younger visitors around the fort.

Sue been has been welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to World Heritage Sites for the past 17 years, previously in the Orkney Islands before moving to Northumberland. In her spare time Sue, who is a Fine Art graduate, is an artist and a member of the Global Network of Watercolour Painters. Her paintings are in private collections throughout Europe, America and Japan.

How long have you lived/worked/visited in Northumberland?: I moved here from Orkney in 2002, but had visited parts of Hadrian’s Wall on memorable occasions before.

What is it about the county that appeals to you?: It was definitely the landscape – it’s rural without being too remote and it’s plastered with archaeological remains – history surrounds you here.

What is your favourite Northumberland beauty spot?: Allen Banks – for its river and trees.

Tell us about your favourite view/walk/cycle route/town/nightspot?: I like walks I can do straight outside my house – with no car involved. I like to walk along the River Allen from Allendale to Oakpool, then cross over the disused railway line towards Old Town and into the Crown at Catton for a warming pint of Allendale Beer before heading home.

The Tar Bar’l in Allendale on New Years Eve is a must for anyone living or visiting the Allen Valley’s at Christmas – A procession of local men, called ‘Guysers’, parade in fancy dress with barrels of flaming tar around the village at midnight, before throwing them on to a bonfire to welcome in the New Year with a spectacular ceremony.

Steel Rigg, Hadrian's Wall

The list of places to visit is endless. But some are more special than others. A trip to Northumberland wouldn’t be complete without . . .: The walk from Steel Rigg to Housesteads. Arguably one of the most dramatic places to walk in Northumberland, from here you can walk in the footsteps of Roman Legionaries.

Why is locally produced Northumberland food the best?: Try a wedge of Northumbrian Cheese washed down with a pint from the Dipton Mill Inn to find out.

Do you have a preferred place to eat out in the county and why?: Dipton Mill in Hexhamshire after a walk in the nearby wood. They do home cooked food, don’t mind muddy boots and landlord Geoff will cheer everyone up with his raucous laugh. Go there and have the best pint of real ale in Northumberland. For a treat you can’t beat the locally-sourced food at The Feathers Inn at Headley on the Hill.

Northumbrians and people from the Scottish Borders are renowned for the warm welcome they offer holiday-makers and day trippers alike. What do you think is the secret ingredient for this friendliness?: They have a love of sharing and are proud of what they have to offer.

Coast or country, and specifically which part?: I was surrounded by sea in Orkney, but in Northumberland I love the country, just where we are now in Allendale is perfect.

Hexham Abbey

What is your favourite market town and why?: Hexham. The first time I came I brought a picnic to eat at the Tyne Green. My children, who were still quite young then, played in the park and ate ice cream in the sun. It was so nice to be by the river and be surrounded by all the trees. There were so few trees in Orkney, I used to get withdrawal symptoms! An idyllic spot right next to the town.

Now I often meet my husband in Hexham in his lunch hour and we walk through the Abbey grounds and around the Sele or just sit and pass the time chatting and watching the folk around the bowling green.

Your favourite historical site?: Well, it has to be Housesteads of course! But really, we are so blessed with sites here – I like to take my two copies of J Collingwood Bruce’s ‘Handbook to the Roman Wall’ out with me along Hadrian’s Wall – one dates from 1885, the other is a more recent edition written in 2006. I use these books to find the more obscure sites like the Roman Quarry site at Fallowfield Fell where a Roman soldier inscribed his name upon a rock (now sitting outside the museum at Chesters), or Coventina’s Well which was found with 13,500 coins and various other artefacts (the coins are in the British Museum but the artefacts again are in the museum at Chesters) – but you need to look harder to find them!

And the best road to take a leisurely and scenic drive along?: Drive along the B6318 or the Millitary Road as it’s called – see how many Roman sights you can count.

What would be your perfect day out in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders?: I’d put my walking boots on, pack up my rucksack with paints and paper and head off towards the best weather. Lambley Viaduct is a favourite – especially in the autumn when you can see golden trees stretching away into the distance from the top of the viaduct.  I’ll sit and paint on the rocks under the arches while my husband and children dash up and down the river skimming stones. We’ll probably pick up fish & chips from Haydon Bridge on the way home and the smell of them will make us do the drive home past Langley Castle and the Stublick Quarry that little bit too quick.

Sue adds tat the new museum at Housesteads is now open daily to the public. Using dramatic film footage, 3D models and a stunning collection of Roman finds, the new exhibits explore the famous World Heritage Site and give visitors a great insight into life at the edge of the Roman Empire. English Heritage properties on Hadrian’s Wall are open daily from 10am-6pm. Housesteads admission prices: Adult: 6.00 / Concession: £5.40 / Child: £3.60. Under 5s, English Heritage and National Trust Members go free.

For further information on Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall .

Newcastle Gateshead Bridges Festival

Newcastle Gateshead culture weekend breaks in 2012

This coming July and August visitors to NewcastleGateshead will be able to sample some award-winning food and drink from the North East of England.

This will be at one of the UK’s largest city centre food festivals. Everyone is invited to enjoy a free weekend of fun for all the family along the NewcastleGateshead quayside, and see World Cup winner Spain play Olympic Football at St James’ Park.  There’s no better time to visit the Hipster capital of the North East, as described by Lonely Planet, 2011 – NewcastleGateshead.

Cakebook Britain in Gateshead’s Saltwell Park

Sunday 15 July, 11.00-17.00, Cakebook Britain, £4 for adults.  Free for children 14 and under. Come along to Saltwell Park, Gateshead and watch as a 100sq metre map of Great Britain is created – entirely out of cake.  This giant fully edible map will feature landmark structures and places from across Great Britain including Stonehenge, Nelson’s Column and Buckingham Palace in recognition of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  Cakebook Britain – The People’s Picnic will also feature a Food Adventure Playground as well as children’s cookery workshops, and live music and performance.

Teams of more than 100 amateur cake bakers will descend on Gateshead’s Saltwell Park to create the 100sq metre  map of Great Britain – made entirely of cake – as part of the opening weekend of EAT! NewcastleGateshead (13-29 July 2012)

Cakebook Britain is part of the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration from 21 June and running until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK, www.cakebook.org.

VAMOS! Festival of Latin and Lusophone Culture

1 June – 15 July 2012, VAMOS! Festival brings Latin spirit to the North East with events celebrating the culture and vibrancy of Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures, www.vamosfestival.com.

English Schools Athletics – Track & Field Championships

Gateshead International Stadium, 06-07 July 2012, In the year that Olympic Football comes to Newcastle as part of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Gateshead will host the stars of the future at the English Schools Athletics Track & Field Championships, www.essa.net.

Northern Pride presents Newcastle Pride

Newcastle Civic Centre to Leazes Park, Newcastle, 21 July 2012, The North East’s biggest LGBT festival includes live music, stalls, family activities and The Pride Parade, www.northern-pride.com.

Bupa Great North 10K

In Gateshead, 22 July 2012, Part of the Great Run series of events, the Great North 10k takes in some of NewcastleGateshead’s most iconic sights including the Quayside and its spectacular bridges, www.greatrun.org.

SummerTyne Americana Festival

The Sage Gateshead, 20 – 22 July 2012, three days of sizzling music and more on the South Bank of the River Tyne. SummerTyne Americana Festival has become recognised as a leader in the festival calendar for presenting some of the most credible and popular names in alt country through deep Southern gospel to soul, electrifying blues and rock, live from both inside and outside The Sage Gateshead on the spectacular south bank of the River Tyne,  www.thesagegateshead.com.

NewcastleGateshead Comedy Festival

Various locations across NewcastleGateshead, 20 – 29 July 2012, one week before the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the NewcastleGateshead Comedy Festival takes place from Friday 20 – Sunday 29 July 2012. See a mix of great local talent alongside established acts before many of the acts start their Edinburgh residency. With more than 45 comedians taking part in the festival, there’ll be plenty of laughs on offer, www.thegrinningidiot.com.

The Big EAT! Weekend, NewcastleGateshead

Friday 27 – Sunday 29 July, 10.00-21.00, admission prices apply to some events. NewcastleGateshead will come alive on the weekend of Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July as St James’ Park hosts London 2012 Olympic football matches.  To celebrate, EAT! NewcastleGateshead will transform the streets of the twin cities into one of the largest city centre food festivals in the UK.  The Big EAT! Weekend (Fri 27 – Sun 29 July) sees everything from a pop-up cookery school, Chilli & Beer Festival to a street food celebration and a Loaves and Fishes themed City Fête.

This packed weekend also includes Meet and Drink beer tasting tours with award-winning beer writer Alastair Gilmour, EAT! Food Walking Tours and cookery demonstrations led by local chefs, www.eatnewcastlegateshead.com.

More Than Gold

Spillers Quay, Newcastle 29 July 2012 , What have One Thousand Norwegians, a Viking Longship complete with crew and the North East’s church community got in common? Well they’re all going to be gathered on the Tyne to celebrate Norway’s Christian Heritage which was birthed right here in the North East. There’ll be music, drama, a celebration and something for everyone at this great family carnival. Want to be mesmerised by football tricksters? Compete in our football cage? Or be amazed by the strength of our Extreme Viking team? Then this is the place to be on this fun and historic day. www.NewcastleGateshead.com

NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival

Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 August, free to attend (some paid-for events). The world-famous cityscape of NewcastleGateshead, recognised all over the globe by its iconic bridge, hosts a new festival on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 August celebrating the twin cities’ riverside icons and the arrival of the biggest sporting event in the world, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The family friendly events include; The Print Run, which invites people to create a print design while they run, skip, dance, hop or leap into the air.  The 7 Bridges Rowing Championships sees the creation of a unique River Map on the Quayside where both Newcastle and Gateshead teams compete to get their miniature boats over the finish line first.  The Gateshead Millennium Bridge will be transformed into a living canvas as artists from BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art help people create their own unique aspirations using arty stickers.

The River Tyne and NewcastleGateshead’s bridges take centre stage on Saturday 4 August in a stunning free evening event for all the family.  A 12 metre high lighthouse, erected on the River Tyne, will shine its light across NewcastleGateshead as the Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge help transform the riverscape into a magical theatre of fireworks, cascades of silver rain and neon-bright lighting effects. As part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, Arts Council England commissioned project, ~Flow, will also be in situ on the River Tyne during Bridges Festival.

NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival celebrates the history, heritage and contemporary culture of the NewcastleGateshead quayside, the River Tyne and the seven bridges which connect the two. www.BridgesFestival.com

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Football at St James’ Park

Thursday 26 July – Saturday 4 August, Tickets available from www.london2012.com. Have an Olympic experience in the ‘hipster capital of the northeast’ as St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club, hosts nine Olympic football matches.  With both men’s and women’s football, and two quarter finals, this is a rare chance to see some world-class teams and players compete in the biggest sporting event in the world in one of the UK’s most iconic stadia.  Spain and Brazil will both play matches at St James’ Park making it one of the most popular venues for Olympic Football.

Combined with EAT! NewcastleGateshead, Bridges Festival and NewcastleGateshead’s wider festivals and events programme, football fans visiting this summer are guaranteed a great time.

Great North Run Weekend – including Junior and Mini Great North Run and Great North Street Games

From Newcastle to South Shields, 15 – 16 September 2012. One of the most high-profile half marathons in the world will in 2012 be the first international athletics event since the Olympics and provide an unmissable opportunity to see some of the Olympic stars in action. A series of professional and junior athletics activities on the Saturday of the Great North Run weekend has been developed over the last few years, using NewcastleGateshead Quaysides as a ‘virtual arena’. www.greatrun.org

Victorian swimwear modelled at Belsay Hall, Northumberland

Take a hop, skip and jump back to the Victorian era with a look at some of the sporting attire of the day this weekend.

As part of Belsay Hall’s spectacular month-long Fashion from the Past event, visitors are invited to enjoy the sporting fashion in vogue more than a century ago May 19 and 20.

Belsay’s Victorian sporting fashion

In what is an iconic sporting year in the UK, English Heritage takes you back to how things were in Victorian times, with particular focus on women’s sporting pursuits, including swimming, cycling, horse riding, croquet and tennis.

The sporting stars of today are lucky enough to be able to wear high tech, breathable fabrics such as lycra and airtex, enhancing their performances, and, through a series of exciting presentations and hands-on costume displays, visitors will discover what Victorians had to deal with, taking a closer look at the more cumbersome sporting attire of that time.

Historical experts, History’s Maid, will lead the presentations throughout the event and Dr Kate Vigurs, who runs the organisation, will explain the pivotal role that fashion played in the sport of the day. Visitors this weekend can also look forward to presentations of medieval dress for nobles and servants from Discover History.

Victorian age a turning point for women in sport

Kate said: “We’ll be taking a look at sporting fashions from Victorian times to see just how much things have changed over the years. The Victorian age was a turning point for women in sport as they began to have opportunities to play sports such as badminton, swimming, cricket and cycling too – fashion played a huge role in what they could and could not do.

“In contrast to modern times, women had to remain especially ladylike and graceful when they took part in sport and as you can imagine, corsetry and other attire was restrictive and not particularly comfortable!

“We will be showcasing many examples of the sportswear of the day, including a look at Victorian swimwear – with your bloomers and mop cap, it was a far cry away from today’s less restrictive clothing! Visitors will also be able to handle some sporting equipment, for example, high quality horse riding gear – again, it wasn’t easy for women in Victorian times as they would be riding side saddle in their corsets.”

Belsay’s Fashion from the Past month runs until 27 May. With daily costume displays throughout the month showing the trends of Tudor nobles and a series of exciting weekend presentations, visitors to Belsay will be able to take a trip through time at this extra special event.

Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens opening hours

The Scottish Borders and Edinburgh could host the Tour de France as part of a bid to bring the cycling event to the UK.

The proposal would involve the Scottish capital hosting a short time-trial in 2017 called the Tour prologue.

Further stages could then be held in the Scottish Borders and England. Supported by EventScotland, the Scottish government, British Cycling and UK Sport, the bid’s aim is to keep “the Tour in the UK for as long as possible”.

Tour de France in the Scottish Borders

The plan to host stages in Scotland first arose last year, with more details emerging this week. Such an event would be a great boost for tourism in the Scottish Borders and north Northumerland.

Apparently Tour organisers Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) were impressed by Edinburgh on a visit and are considering the proposal, which will now be planned in more detail.

With Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014, the Rugby World Cup taking place in England a year later and 2016 being an Olympic year, 2017 is considered an ideal opportunity for the UK to host the Tour, which attracts two million people to the opening stage.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “To bring such a fantastic event to Scotland would be a huge coup, but we have a strong track record and I know that the country has a huge amount to offer ASO and the cyclists taking part.”

London hosted the Grand Depart in 2007 and the Tour regularly starts outside of France.

In 2010 the race began in Rotterdam and the 2012 edition is set to start in Liege.

Yorkshire is bidding to host the 2016 Grand Depart.

British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake added: “The last visit to Britain by the Tour de France was a great success for all involved and is still held in very high regard by those riders that took part.

“British Cycling has embraced the opportunity to work with Scotland, helping them to fulfil their ambition of bringing the Grand Depart to Edinburgh.”

He said it would do all it could to encourage race organisers to “keep their amazing race on our shores for as many stages as possible”.

The south of Scotland already plays a major role in the Tour of Britain cycling race, with the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway regularly hosting stages in recent years.

A young visitor tries out the disco exhibit in The Curiosity Zone at the Life Science Centre

4D motion ride at Life Science Centre

Newcastle’s Life Science Centre will launch the North East of England’s only 4D motion ride, along with a collection of new hands-on exhibits entitled The Curiosity Zone on May 26.

Come planting at Newcastle's Exhibition Park - Credit Nestle

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is inviting members of the public to help it plant wildlife friendly plants around the Lakeside in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park.

The event, which is taking place on Wednesday May 30, between 10.30am and 12.30am is part of the The Lakeside Explorer Project in partnership with Exhibition and Brandling Parks Community Trust.

Anybody interested in joining in this free fun event should meet Trust staff at the cafe in the Park at 10.30am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring wellingtons (if possible). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Belsay Hall staff prepare for first ever sleepover event!

Want to be lord or lady of the manor for an evening?

This weekend is your chance. On Saturday evening, May 19, you have a chance to spend an evening and night at Belsay Hall, and enjoy bed and breakfast.

Sleep-over at Belsay, Northumberland

This is the property’s first ever family-friendly sleepover event at the historic Northumberland estate. It is part of Museums at Night – an annual after-hours celebration when hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites across the country open their doors for special evening events.

Museums at Night event

As part of the national event, Belsay is inviting people to pack their sleeping bags and pillows to camp out in the unfurnished hall on Saturday May 19, from 7pm – until 8am the next day. English Heritage will welcome people to Belsay for the night, for the first time in half a century. Most of the places have been booked but there is still the chance to book the last remaining places for this exciting event.

The historic house, built in the early 19^th century, has been unoccupied since 1962, when the Middleton family vacated. But this weekend it will host to a number of families who will take a trip back in time as they spend a night in the property. Guests will receive a welcome from a costumed host with a warming drink and a story or two to share. After being shown to their private family room in the Hall, they will be escorted on an exclusive tour revealing a number of secret rooms, usually closed off to the public.

See Belsay’s hidden rooms

Jon Hogan, events manager for English Heritage in the North, said: “This weekend, visitors to Belsay will be given the opportunity to see the Hall as no other member of the public has before! This is a brand new event for English Heritage and we’re very excited about giving people at the sleepover event a glimpse into the parts of Belsay not seen during normal opening hours – for example the servants’ quarters, cellars and storerooms.”

During the event, Lucy Blaylock, who runs Belsay’s on site tea room, will also provide guests with a warming homemade evening meal and hearty breakfast in the morning.

Jon continued: “The Belsay sleepover event is a great opportunity to get the family together to take part in something a bit different on a Saturday night.

“Belsay is a beautiful property, and opportunities to experience the Hall and Castle in this way don’t come around very often. Tickets are still available for the event this weekend so if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is the perfect opportunity!”

See Belsay Castle

Participants can also look forward to a magical twilight tour of the medieval castle keep for some spooky storytelling and trip back in time through the enchanting Quarry Gardens. They will then be able to settle down for a good night’s sleep in one of ten ‘bedrooms’ specially set up for the event.

The event is part of Culture 24′s Museums at Night Initiative, where visitors are given the opportunity to see a different side to Britain’s heritage, after normal opening hours.

The Hauxley Wardens

Donations for Hauxley Nature Reserve

It’s so great to read about the generosity of supporters of Hauxley Nature Reserve, which was destroyed by fire in 2010.

The arson attack left visitors and supporters devastated.

But now, Northumberland Wildlife Trust continues to be bowled over by the generosity of visitors to its Hauxley nature reserve. To date, £30,878 has been donated via its collection buckets on the site.  This is heart-warming news, and even more appreciated given the current economic conditions.

In 2010, the wildlife charity’s visitor centre on the reserve (which is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery) was burnt down in an arson attack, resulting in launch of the Hauxley Fire Fund.

The burnt out shell of the reserve in 2012

The Cheviots @ Joan Sykes

Northumberland’s Cheviot Hills

Over the years the years the Cheviot Hills have had a huge influence on the people and culture of Northumberland.

They have long been the border between Scotland and England. Around their foothills came the Roman Emperor Severus with his legions some 1800 years ago. During the dark ages they would have looked down on Paulinus as he baptised converts in the river beside the settlement at Ad Gefrin.

The Scottish war of succession brought more violence to the area with the battles at Homildon Hill and, of course, Flodden being just two well-known examples. The hills were always a part of the Border Reiver lands. Fear and terror was never far away and we have Bastle houses as a reminder of these dark days.

The 19th century brought prosperity and wealth to the hills. Mining and shipping created new dynasties and their legacies are still with us. Life would not have been easy in these hills and the local tradition of bondagers is a small reminder of how the people tried to adapt and live in this northern most corner of England.

The 20th century saw a large percentage of the north western edges being converted to military land at the instigation of Winston Churchill. Nowadays the hills are quiet and empty. There are few easy access roads, no large towns and mile after mile of empty beautiful wilderness.

The Cheviots – a Special Place

Is it any wonder that both locals and visitors have come to regard the Cheviots as a special place? Many times visitors will ask for advice on the best way to explore the Cheviot Hills. We are lucky in having Geoff Holland, a runner, writer and poet to introduce us to these hills. He has written  four books of walks in the Cheviot Hills. Each book has eight great walks with plenty of route finding detail, photographs and lots of interesting local information

Walks from Wooler -

Inspired by the original 1926-published book of the same name by W. Ford Robertson.

The Cheviot Hills -

Another eight walks of great variety and challenge.

Walks on the Wild Side: The Cheviot Hills -

Challenging walks for the more experienced walker.

The Hills of Upper Coquetdale -

Unique walks in some of Northumberland`s finest hills.

You can also see the books on the Trailguides Publications website www.trailguides.co.uk.

Geoff has also created a website which contains a selection of walks in, articles about and photographs of the Cheviot Hills - www.cheviotwalks.co.uk. There are currently more than 30 walks available as well as over 140 photographs to view.

Northumbria Byways has helped to bring holiday visitors to the Cheviot Hills for more than 15 years and they have a good understanding of where visitors like to go. They currently have cottages in the College Valley, across North Northumberland and, of course, in Upper Coquetdale, available for holiday lettings. As a celebration of this beautiful land Northumbria Byways is offering a limited number of Geoff’s books for free.

Every week for the next month until Northumbria Byways will be giving away one of Geoff Holland’s walking guides for the Cheviot hills and the area around them. All you need to do is email Vicky at Northumbria Byways - enqiries@northumbria-byways.com - with a short description of your favourite walk anywhere in Northumberland. Please don’t forget to mention which of the four books you would like a chance at winning.  At the end of each week she will draw the lucky winner.

Please have your entries in by Wednesday each week.  The first draw will take place on Thursday, May 24 and each Thursday after.

Vicky can be contacted at enquiries@northumbria-byways.com.

Only one entry per person and entrants must be 16-years-old or over and live in the UK. The winner each week will be the first name selected at random from all entries.

There is no exchange value of the prize.

Owners, employees, contractors and family members of Northumbrian Byways and Northumberland First are prohibited from entering this contest.

Loquax Competitions

Kielder Reservoir, Northumberland

Northumberland’s Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland will mark its 30th birthday in a couple of weeks and to celebrate everyone is invited to hear its story – told by people who live at Kielder and also work there.

Kielder Reservoir 30th anniversary exhibition

What the Reservoir Means to Me is the name of the exhibition at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre carrying the narration. It is one of a number of activities taking place in Kielder Water & Forest Park to mark the anniversary.

Elisabeth Rowark, from Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “Kielder is such a special place and a place that many people hold dear to their hearts. It’s sheer scale, the breathtaking scenery and the pure, idyllic tranquillity makes it such a majestic and memorable place.

“We’re inviting everyone to join us in celebrating Kielder Reservoir’s first 30 years and what better way than seeing this special place through the eyes of those in the know.”

The exhibition showcases personal stories that both shape capture the reservoir’s history. One such tale is that of Jonty Hall, the little boy who dammed the River North Tyne to form the reservoir in 1979 and now manages the reservoirs maintenance. Anotehr is the story of Richard Bond, who used to catch tiddlers in his socks and now manages Kielder Salmon Centre, looking after salmon, pearl mussels and other endangered species.

An invitation is issues to children to take part in art and craft workshops where they can contribute to the celebration of Kielder’s special history by taking part in one of three activities. Children can help to colour in a giant commemorative sail that in the future will be displayed at the visitor centre.

The special weekend of activities will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May and includes:

Tower Knowe Visitor Centre

The exhibition stories:
• Jonty Hall – pressed a button to create the reservoir and now manages the maintenance
• Richard Bond – as a boy caught tiddlers in his socks. He now manages the Kielder Salmon Centre
• Peter Pattinson – won his first fishing competition at Kielder when he was just 14. Peter is now assistant operations manager
• Jayne Dolbear – senior watersports instructor at Calvert Trust Kielder
• Kelly Hollings – returned to the U.K. from in North America to be an estates officer for Northumberland Wildlife Trust
• Ellen Earsman – Kelly’s daughter, who was selected to give a posy to the Queen at the opening of Kielder Reservoir 30 years ago. She now works at Leaplish Waterside Park
• Dave Raggett – passionate about renewable energy, Dave oversees Kielder’s hydro-electric plant
• Maria Smith – an architect who fell in love with Kielder and designed Freya’s Cabin and Robin’s Hut artworks.

Kielder fishing

To mark Kielder’s 30th birthday, Northumbrian Water has released 30 rainbow trout into the reservoir. Lucky anglers who catch a fish with an anniversary tag can win a variety of prizes including day fishing permits and 2013 season permits.

Calvert Trust Kielder activity taster days 

Drop in anytime from 10am to 4pm to try your hand at the top outdoor activities Calvert Trust Kielder has to offer. For £10 per person, visitors can experience the High Ropes course on Friday 25 May, the indoor climbing wall on Saturday 26 May or the giant King Swing on Sunday 27 May. No booking required.

Kielder Observatory

On Saturday May 26 there will be an Aurora Night at the Kielder Observatory. Participants will learn about the powerful energy released by the sun each second, and how this energy interacts with the earth’s atmosphere and gives a light show like no other. Booking required through www.kielderobservatory.org.

Kielder mountain biking and cycling

Join in the anniversary weekend by cycling 26 miles around the shoreline of Kielder Water. A special family offer is being arranged by Purple Mountain bike hire centre for the weekend of May 26 and 27. People will be able to hire two adult bikes for the full day and get one children’s hire for half price. Or you can hire three adult bikes for the full day and pay £5 for one children’s hire. To take up this offer you must pre-book by calling 01434 250532.

Kielder Reservoir was officially by Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday May 26 in 1982. The reservoir is the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. The Northumbrian Water project had a big impact on the remote Northumberland valley and is now one of the county’s top tourism destinations.

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information go to www.visitkielder.com.