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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'The joy of LEGO': fun for all ages at Newcastle Brickfest
Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun."
Metro
25-06-2025
- Health
- Metro
A surprising London building has been named one of the world's most beautiful
From sprawling mansions to ancient castles, the UK has no shortage of architectural marvels. But now, the most beautiful buildings in the world have been named – and the only entry from the UK isn't The Shard or Tower Bridge, but a building in a hospital. Making the cut alongside world-famous structures such as the Taj Mahal and the Pantheon is the Maggie's Cancer Centre, which sits within St James' Hospital in Leeds. The centre breaks with the sterile tradition of many British medical institutions. There's no clinical brickwork here: think floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wooden atriums, and thick, jungle-style fauna. The centre was built by Maggie, a cancer charity, in 2019, and provides support for people living with cancer, as well as those who love someone living with it. It's all in keeping with the ethos behind the charity, which is to provide a calming space for people amid the stress and uncertainty that a cancer diagnosis can often bring. And in the architects' view, 'great design can help people feel better.' With that in mind, the centre's interiors incorporate everything the Maggie's team feels is often missing in healing environments, including natural materials and soft lighting. The building was ranked at number 19 on TimeOut's worldwide list, and number 8 in Europe. Get must-read property stories, DIY hacks and tips for buying a home straight to your inbox. Sign up here. The building has three designated counselling rooms, alongside the centre's 'heart,' which is comprised of the kitchen, social spaces, a library and an exercise room – all of which are often used for group activities, including yoga and Tai Chi. There's also a rooftop garden, inspired by the woodlands and rolling hills of rural Yorkshire. The centre's visitors are also welcome to give a helping hand in the garden, and their efforts are crucial in sustaining the life of the 23,000 bulbs and 17,000 plants that grow there. Outside of the UK, India's Taj Mahal took the crown as the world's most beautiful building, which was famously described not as a 'piece of architecture, but the proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in living stones.' More Trending Since it opened in 1648 after a seventeen-year construction project, between 7 and 8 million holidaymakers flock each year to marvel at its detailed marble design and famously onion-shaped dome. Striking architecture aside, Maggie's supporters have a strong legacy of fundraising. In 2023, Caroline Frith was named JustGiving's top female fundraiser after she completed the London Marathon with stage 4 cancer, having raised more than £22,000 for the charity. So, in the words of Maggie's, the kettle's already on – all you need to do is come in. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland Fondation Louis Vuitton, France Trinity College Library, Ireland The Twist, Norway Sagrada Familia, Spain Pantheon, Italy Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK Source: TimeOut Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: The best Dubai alternatives including one city with flights for just £25 MORE: I stayed in the 'rundown dump' named the UK's worst city to visit — it stole my heart MORE: Glass roof collapses onto passengers at Majorca's Palma airport
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Brits urged to be mindful of their snack choices due to nation's ‘other' energy crisis
A HUGE 72 per cent of adults hit a wall multiple times each week, ultimately losing nearly 37 minutes of productivity when it strikes – just shy of 78 wasted hours a year. Nearly half (45 per cent) report feelings of fatigue during these moments, while 40 per cent feel unmotivated, and 37 per cent lack concentration. 1 Research involving 2,000 adults revealed others become irritable (27 per cent) and hungry (12 per cent) after hitting a wall. To highlight Britain's "other" energy crisis, a 17-tonne tank has smashed through a 13ft-high wall by Tower Bridge in London. The wall, crafted to represent the high carbs and sugar filled snacks 76 per cent typically reach for to boost their energy, was demolished by Grenade founder Alan Barratt, driving the protein brand's orange 'tank'. But while 78 per cent acknowledge the food they are fuelling themselves with could be to blame, 52 per cent are not confident in identifying the foods causing them to feel fatigued and lack focus. Neal Duffy, from the protein bar brand, said: 'We're a nation of hustlers, so we need to fuel our bodies the right way. 'Sugar isn't the enemy – it just needs to show up at the right time and in the right amount.' The research also found 39 per cent choose their snacks based on convenience rather than nutrition, although 34 per cent are interested in learning more about nutrition and switching to smarter snacking options. Half, 53 per cent, are open to trying new alternatives though, with 36 per cent on the lookout for high protein, low sugar snacks options. Sports nutritionist Lois Bright added: 'Being more mindful about what we eat and when we eat it will help us manage our energy levels more efficiently. 'As a nation, we need to understand what we're putting into our bodies and be realistic about what we'll get out. High-protein snack ideas that are quick and easy 'Choosing drinks and snacks which are high in protein is a simple switch we can all make to ensure we have the stamina to power through our busy days.' High-protein snacks include cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, and protein-rich treats like jerky or protein balls. Focusing on complex carbohydrates and healthy fats can also boost energy levels. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas, and legumes like beans and lentils. Healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, are found in a variety of plant-based and animal-based foods, including fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and certain oils. Other ways to boost your energy Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to rest and repair. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Stress management: Stress can deplete energy levels. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if you are struggling with stress. Exercise: Regular physical activity, even moderate exercise like walking, can boost energy and improve mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, which can lead to energy crashes. Hydration: Dehydration can make you feel tired. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit alcohol and caffeine: While caffeine can provide a temporary boost, it can also lead to energy crashes and interfere with sleep. Limit alcohol consumption, as it can disrupt sleep and lower energy levels.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Huge sculpture of beloved children's cartoon character appears next to iconic Tower Bridge
A HUGE sculpture of a beloved children's cartoon character has appeared on top of a wall in central London. All the king's horses and all the king's men seem to have been busy, as the two-and-a-half metre-high egg is fully bandaged up. 2 The Humpty Dumpty installation was hand crafted over 28 days and weighs more than 85 kilos and is perched on top of a wall in Potter's Field, next to Tower Bridge. It follows research by Yoplait, the makers of Petits Filous, which revealed nine in 10 parents feel confident they understand their child's nutritional needs – but doubt if they are meeting them. The poll of 2,000 mums and dads of kids aged four to 10 found 58 per cent regularly worry about whether they are giving their little one the right nutrition, despite claiming their knowledge is good. It served to highlight such confusion, with 28 per cent unsure about sugar content in food, 25 per cent unclear about what counts as a 'balanced diet', and 24 per cent struggling to spot signs of nutrient deficiencies. And 34 per cent blame unclear food labels, while 29 per cent simply don't have access to the expert advice they need. According to Yoplait, calcium intake has fallen sharply over the past decade, and almost 20 per cent of 4 to 10-year-olds are now deficient in vitamin D each spring, with their long-term bone health under serious threat. Yet, many parents mistakenly assume this is a problem for later life, missing the opportunity to strengthen bones while they're still developing. As a result, the brand has teamed up with bestselling children's author and dad-of-three Tom Fletcher to launch a national campaign tackling the hidden crisis of childhood calcium and vitamin D deficiency - starting with a reimagining of nursery rhyme icon Humpty Dumpty. Once a symbol of fragility, Humpty is now reborn to bounce back stronger, highlighting the importance of calcium and vitamin D to build healthy bones from an early age. Tom Fletcher said: 'As a parent, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of daily life - and nutrition can sometimes take a back seat. 'But what people don't realise is that calcium and vitamin D deficiency in children is quite common. 'If kids don't get enough during their crucial growing years, it can have a lasting impact on their bone health. 'The great news is that it's easy to make a difference. 'Something as simple as adding a fortified yoghurt to their daily routine can give them the calcium and vitamin D they need to build healthy bones. Humpty Dumpty sculpture appears on top of wall in central London "I loved reimagining the Humpty Dumpty rhyme for this campaign - it's such a lovely and playful way to deliver a serious message. 'Humpty's great fall is the perfect reminder of what can happen when we don't build our kids up properly from the inside out.' The research suggests a major part of the crisis is down to confusion with social media myths, shifting trends, and conflicting health advice pushing parents away from trusted sources of nutrition. Nearly three in 10 avoid yoghurt due to concerns about sugar or artificial sweeteners - often influenced by online misinformation. While 53 per cent know that brittle bones, delayed growth (40 per cent), and rickets (40 per cent) as indicators of calcium or vitamin D deficiency, this awareness doesn't always translate into action. It also emerged 31 per cent struggle to get their children to eat enough nutrient-rich foods, while 22 per cent don't understand how much of each nutrient their child needs, and the same amount have never heard of food fortification. Speaking in partnership with Yoplait, which has collaborated with Mumsnet and the National Schools Partnership to reach thousands of families at home and in schools to drive action and awareness, dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton said: 'Many parents still underestimate the value of simple foods like fortified yoghurts, which are packed with the nutrients kids need. 'There's been a trend towards parents swapping out yoghurts for less nutritious options like biscuits or unfortified snacks but this would have the effect of limiting the essential nutrients that children need for growth and development.' Antoine Hours, from the brand, added: 'Parents are navigating conflicting advice about nutrition, leaving them often uncertain about whether their children are getting the right nutrients. "Small dietary changes, like adding calcium-rich foods such as fortified yoghurt, can have a significant impact. 'Humpty Dumpty has long been recognised as a symbol of fragility. 'With Tom Fletcher's updated version of the story, he serves as the perfect icon to remind parents and children alike of the importance of nutrition in growing up strong and resilient.'
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
What is the London Marathon women's record?
THE London Marathon is expected to headline this weekend in the capital. Even with two FA Cup semi-finals set to be contested at Wembley Stadium, thousands will run through London for fame and good causes as the world's best compete in the legendary marathon. The race route begins in Greenwich and leads participants past some of the city's most renowned monuments, such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Big Ben, before concluding on the famed Mall near Buckingham Palace The event has always drawn big stars, and according to The Runnel Channel, this year is no exception. Sir Jason Kenny, the country's most successful Olympian, is completing his first marathon alongside Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook, two England cricket giants, racing for the Ruth Strauss Foundation. However, with records on the line, it's the very elite that viewers will look towards to see who stars. The women's race will include world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic winner Sifan Hassan, and silver medallist Tigst Assefa, the three fastest women in history. What is the London Marathon women's record? The London Marathon has seen the marathon world record smashed seven times. In theory, British great Paula Radcliffe, who just made an amazing comeback to the marathon distance in Tokyo, holds the women's race record at the London Marathon. Her 2:15:25 time has remained consistent since 2003. However, that was in a 'mixed' race, meaning men and women began at the exact same time. So there's another record for the 'women-only' race London Marathon. In recent times, the schedule has been adjusted such that elite women begin the race before elite men and the general public. Peres Jepchirchir established the current world record in a women's-only field in 2024 when she ran 2:16:16. 2 Jepchirchir won't defend her title this year after withdrawing with an ankle injury.
