Channel Global Television Event

Synopsis: Whether they crawl, canter, fly or swim, millions of animals undertake epic journeys each year – some as long as 44,000 miles. For countless species, migration is a dramatic, dangerous and crucial endeavour – and it is arguably the greatest spectacle that nature orchestrates.

The migration story – what drives animals to make their journeys, how scientists track their movements, the impact of habitat loss and climate change, and the latest scientific discoveries helping us understand a world in constant motion – is explored in GREAT MIGRATIONS.

Written by Karen Kostyal, former senior editor of National Geographic magazine, the book is the companion volume to the seven-hour, high-definition National Geographic Channel global television event Great Migrations, premiering this November in 166 countries and 34 languages.

‘Migration is the ultimate story of instinct and survival. For without the great migrations – the waves of wildebeests crossing the Serengeti, the wing beats of a billion monarch butterflies lifting from the mountains of Mexico, the armada of Pacific walruses floating with the ice through the Bering Strait – whole species would head toward extinction. But what internal and external forces drive animals to make these risky yet deliberate journeys, crossing hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles? What tells them when to move, and what guides them to their destinations? What propels them to face predators and natural forces that are sure to cost the lives of many of them, particularly their young?’ writes Kostyal.

Filled with fascinating facts and action-packed photographs, the book takes readers around the globe as it offers exciting new perspectives on migratory animals and their remarkable behaviours, some of which have never before been seen or recorded. The epic drama is brought to life through more than 250 state-of-the art colour images, including heart-pounding scenes captured by world-class photographers and iconic stills from the television programme.

In his ‘Producer’s Notebook’ afterword, David Hamlin writes about the three-year TV production odyssey, during which the film team travelled more than 400,000 miles, withstood temperatures from minus 20°F to 120°F, and spent more than 200 hours filming from helicopters, more than 100 hours filming from shark cages and more than 400 hours filming while hanging in trees.

In addition to the book and television programme, the Great Migrations topic will be featured on nearly every National Geographic media platform: the project is the largest cross-platform initiative in the National Geographic Society’s 122-year history.

Great Migrations is published in the UK by National Geographic books on 5 November 2010 priced £19.99

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/great-migrations

http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict
The photography is absolutely stunning, you cannot fail to be amazed by the richness and quality of the images and the sheer scale of the journeys taken by the different animals; as well as the lengths undertaken to capture the images. This is a wonderful book for all the family, and very appropriate for this time of year. A masterpiece! Highly Recommended!

DISNEYLAND PARIS “MAGIC WINDOW” AND CHRISTMAS LOG CAR AT THE PLAZA ATHÉNÉE

In their first ever hotel collaboration, Disney are working with Hôtel Plaza Athénée, one of Dorchester Collection, to unveil their ‘Magic Window’ on Avenue Montaigne, bringing the enchanting world of Disneyland to the chicest hotel in Paris. This advent calendar-like window will delight passers-by every day of the week and transport them into the exciting world of Disney this Christmas.

Every Wednesday the ‘magic’ window will be magically transformed into a theatre bringing the enchantment of Disneyland to the streets of Paris. Children and adults will be swept up into the fairytale as a new prince and princess from Disneyland appear as if by magic, stepping out of the window to greet passers-by, families and all those who are still young at heart for just four enchanting moments on 1, 8, 15 and 22 December from 5:30pm.

Meanwhile, in the famous Plaza Athénée pastry headquarters, Christophe Michalak, Head Pastry Chef, has created a mouth watering Christmas delight, the ‘Christmas log’, inspired by the Plaza Athénée’s children’s pedal car.Fresh from the pastry kitchens at 25 Avenue Montaigne, this ‘Christmas log’ is a treat for the eyes and mouth. Beneath its striking red bodywork, chocolate bumper and sugar windscreen lies a creative gem that subtly combines both flavour and texture to provide the perfect Christmas treat to share with friends and family.

www.dorchestercollection.com

LATEST EVENTS AT ENGLISH HERITAGE
English Heritage has plenty of fun events on offer over the next few weeks to help cheer up a winter’s weekend! Many of the events have a festive theme, giving families the chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping in splendid surroundings and enjoy seasonal entertainment, but there are others such as falconry displays at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, ghostly story-telling in Northumberland and Medieval guided tours at London’s beautiful Eltham Palace.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Sat 20 and Sun 21 Nov, 10am - 4pm
Experience the spirit of a traditional Victorian Christmas. Delight in amazing side-shows, marvel at the travelling theatre, enjoy carols, shopping for gifts and meet Queen Victoria herself!
Pre-booking recommended – Tel. 0870 333 1181 / http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/buytickets
Prices: Adults £12.90/ Concessions £11/ Children £6.50/ Family Ticket £32.30
English Heritage Members: Adults £2/ Concessions £1.70/ Children £1/ Family Ticket £5

GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS
Belsay Hall, Northumberland
Fri 26 and Sat 27 Nov, Performances at 7pm & 9pm
Come and gather in the Library at Belsay Hall for a series of Victorian inspired ghost stories told by the lady and gentleman of the house. Experience the darkness of the hall after dark. (Warm clothing is recommended as the hall is unheated.)
Prices: Adults £6.00/ Concessions £5.00/ Children £4.00
English Heritage Members: Adults £8.00/ Concessions £7.00/ Children £6.00

VICTORIAN FATHER CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WEEKEND
Clifford’s Tower, York
Sat 27 and Sun 28 Nov, 11am - 3pm
A Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in sumptuous traditional colourful costume will tell tales of Christmas past and recite famous yuletide stories and poems. Join the audience to relax and listen to these heart warming stories, there will also be opportunities to shop for seasonal treats with liqueur and food tasting.
Prices: Adults £3.50/ Concessions £3.00/ Children £1.80/ Family Ticket £8.80
English Heritage Members: Free

MEDIEVAL GUIDED TOUR
Eltham Palace, London
Wed 1 Dec, tours at 11.30am and 2pm
Join one of our guides on a fascinating tour around the palace focusing on the medieval history of the site.
Prices: Adults £8.70/ Concessions £7.40/ Children £4.40/ Family Ticket £21.80 English Heritage Members: Free
Please note that places are available on a first come first served basis and due to capacity limitations we cannot guarantee places. Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day and are not available to book in advance.

FESTIVE FALCONRY
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Sat 11 and Sun 12 Dec, 10am - 4pm
Join Raphael Falconry this Christmas as they re-create the role of royal falconers and hawkers. Learn how hawks were trained to catch birds and animals and about the traditions of medieval Falconers.
Prices: Adults £7.40/ Concessions £6.30/ Children £3.70/ Family Ticket £18.50
English Heritage Members: Free

CAROLS AT THE CASTLE
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Sun 12 Dec, 1pm - 4pm
Join us for Christmas carols in the Keep and festive fun in the Barrack block where children can have fun making Christmas crafts to take home.
Prices: Adults £6, Concessions £5.10/ Children £3/ Family Ticket £15
English Heritage Members: Free

FESTIVE FUN AT THE LOWRY OUTLET MALL

Bjorn the Polar Bear, The Snowman™, Postman Pat® and Jess the Cat, LazyTown’s Stephanie and Sportacus actors, Timmy from Timmy Time, Santa Claus & Mrs Claus and much much more. Whether you’re getting crafty in the workshops, meeting your favourite Christmas character or being amazed by a magical show, there’s something for everyone this Christmas at the Lowry Outlet Mall. And best of all it’s free!

There is plenty going on at the Mall throughout November and December; you’ll be spoilt for choice. Prepare to be amazed as Bjorn the Polar Bear (November 13) visits the Mall. This incredible, life-size, fully animated polar bear will be arriving in style – on his very own iceberg! Children will adore this huggable and mischievous polar bear, and Ursula the herder will be on hand to make sure Bjorn is on his best behaviour!

Meet Raymond Brigg’s much-loved classic children’s character, The Snowman™ (November 20). You can even have your picture taken with him and turn it into a festive greetings car

Nursery rhyme favourites Humpty Dumpty and the Gingerbread Man (November 27) will be adding some storybook fun to the Mall, with a day of meet and greets and the opportunity to have your picture taken and put into a festive greetings card.

In the run up to Christmas pre-school’s favourite character Postman Pat® (December 4) will be visiting the Mall. Pat and Jess the Cat will be making appearances throughout the day, so make sure you’re there early to say hello!

The festive season wouldn’t be complete without some traditional storytelling, and nobody tells magical tales quite like the Snow Queen! Don’t miss out on The Snow Queen Showtime (December 11), where this awe-inspiring icy character will take you on an enchanting journey the whole family will love.

LazyTown’s official UK Sportacus and Stephanie actors (December 18) will be spreading some Christmas cheer around the Mall when they visit. This popular duo will be appearing at intervals throughout the day.

Mischievous TV favourite, Timmy from Timmy Time (December 22) will make his debut appearance at the Mall in the week leading up to Christmas, make sure you are around to give him a warm welcome!

Step into an Alpine wonderland, with a 40ft Christmas tree, and visit Santa’s Grotto (£3.50 per child); tell Santa what you will be wishing for this Christmas, and if you’ve been good you’ll get a gift to take home!

Mrs Claus will be at the Mall on selected dates during the festive period too, join her for themed Face Painting and Balloon Modeling. Plus, the Lowry Outlet Mall will host a number of Craft Workshops, from Christmas boxes filled with chocolates (December 20, 21) to snowstorm workshops (December 28, 29); where children can create their own snow globe to take home. And, don’t forget to join in the Circus Workshops (December 23) to test your circus-skills with everything from plate-spinning and juggling to stilt-walking, mini-bikes and Diablo skills!

The Lowry Outlet Mall is the perfect place to make your money go further this Christmas. With the new Gap Outlet store, free family entertainment and free parking for all shoppers, an on-site Vue cinema, five plaza restaurants and high street stores offering up to 60% off RRP; perfect for gifts and winter fashion.

On top of all that from December 3rd the Salford Ice Rink will be open at it’s new home on the Plaza in front of the Mall. So what are you waiting for….get your skates on and make the Lowry Outlet Mall the destination to visit the Christmas!

For more information visit http://www.lowryoutletmall.com or follow us on twitter.com/lowryoutletmall

THE NATIONAL TRUST’S TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MARKETS

From stable yards to ancient abbeys, the National Trust has Christmas markets taking place all over the country, perfect for picking up last minute gifts and stocking fillers.

Spend time soaking up the festive atmosphere, enjoy the scent of hot chestnuts and warming mulled wine, or join with a spot of carol singing and treat the kids to a visit from Santa.

Here’s the Christmas market top ten …

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, Devon
Victorian Christmas fair with Wind in the Willows, 4-5 December 11am - 3pm
Old-fashioned festive fun, with special guests Toady, Moley, Ratty and Badger and Father Christmas too. The house will be decorated for Christmas, plus there’ll be a brass ensemble, Shetland pony rides (weather permitting), craft tent and food court.
Special 'Pay what you think it was worth' event.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01271 850296.

Attingham Park, Shropshire
Frost fair, 4-5 December 10am - 4pm
Avoid the crowded shopping centres this year and make Christmas shopping an enjoyable experience at Attingham with high quality local craft and food stalls in the historic setting of Attingham’s house and grounds.
Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01743 708123.

Erddig, Wrexham
Christmas Market and Father Christmas’s winter wonderland, 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 December 10am - 5pm
Enjoy a traditional Christmas market with food and drink, plus live music creating a wonderful Christmas shopping experience. Wander around and find those special and unusual Christmas presents. Browse over thirty stalls picturesque wooden chalets and stalls offering hand crafted gifts. Father Christmas will also be in his Winter Wonderland- complete with his toy workshop.
Free entry to the market, plus adult £2 and child £4 to enter the Winter Wonderland.
For more information please call 01978 355314.

Ham House and Garden, Surrey
Ham House Christmas fair, 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 December 11am - 5pm
A unique opportunity to find exciting and original Christmas gift ideas from the National Trust and from local artisans and traders.
Adult £3.50, child £2.35 and family £9.25 (2 adults + 2 children).
National Trust Members go free.
Booking is not required for this event
For more information please call 020 8940 1950.

Osterley Park and House, Middlesex
Christmas craft fair, 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 December 12pm - 3.30pm
A chance to purchase some unique Christmas gifts made by local artists and crafts people.
Free admission.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 020 8232 5050.

Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Victorian Christmas fair, 4-5 December 11am - 4pm
Kick start your festive mood with our seasonal two day fair. Browse the market offering traditional Christmas gifts, visit Father Christmas, take part in a magic show and listen to Tarleton and District Brass Band performing in front of the Great Hall.
National Trust tea room and shop will also be open.
£2.50 per car, £0.75 per pedestrian.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01704 823812.

Rowallane Garden http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-rowallanegarden, Co. Down
Yuletide market, 11-12 December 2010 12-5pm
The original Christmas Market with craft stalls and food to suit all the family. Mulled wine, Christmas trees, wreaths and floral art to decorate your home will be just some of the things you can buy so come along and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Adult £5.50, child £2.70 and family £13.70.
National Trust members go free.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 028 9751 0131.

Wimpole Home Farm, Cambridgeshire
Farmers market, 11 December 11am - 3pm
Held the second Saturday of month in the Stableyard at Wimpole, they’ll be fresh local produce available to buy direct from the producers: cheese, free range chicken, wild game, eggs and chutneys. National Trust shop, Garden Shop, toyshop and Farm shop will also be open.
Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01223 206000.

Gibside, Tyne and Wear
Christmas farmers market, 18 December 10am – 3pm
Why not source your Christmas dinner from tasty local, seasonal produce or make your own festive food hampers for loved ones? Come for bustling stalls, as well as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Free entry.
For more information please call 01207 541820.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Food fair, 18-19 December 11am - 5pm
Join us as we transform Clumber's Stableyard into a market place, with a variety of tempting produce for you to try and buy, fresh from a selection of local producers.
Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01909 544917.

For more information on National Trust events, please visit our website at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

For more help with Christmas shopping, National Trust gift shops and our online store offer a wide selection of decorations, food and giftware as well as a huge range of locally sourced seasonal products. From a traditionally wrapped Christmas pudding to a 2011 calendar to support the future of local orchards, there’s something for everyone. Visit one of over 200 shops at National Trust sites and on the high street or buy gifts online at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shop. With all the profits supporting the conservation work carried out by the Trust, buying a gift from us this Christmas is money well spent.

National Trust virtual gifts also help to raise much needed cash for a wide range of conservation projects. For £25 you can buy a heritage variety fruit tree that will be planted in one of the National Trust orchards, or £30 will help fund work to save rare plants such as the Early Spider Orchid. More information on how to buy a virtual gift can be found at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/whatagreatgift or by calling 01209 617136.

Please Note All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.