This promotional film by C.P.C. Associates for Northumbrian Water Ltd is presented by TV presenter Ann Gregg and showcases Kielder Water in Northumberland as a holiday destination. The film focuses on water sports and other recreational facilities available to visitors. The film shows a view of Kielder Water at sunrise as Anne Gregg states in her commentary that that the lake is set amongst a forest of 200 million trees. She describes its attractive location in what was once a border region...

This promotional film by C.P.C. Associates for Northumbrian Water Ltd is presented by TV presenter Ann Gregg and showcases Kielder Water in Northumberland as a holiday destination. The film focuses on water sports and other recreational facilities available to visitors. The film shows a view of Kielder Water at sunrise as Anne Gregg states in her commentary that that the lake is set amongst a forest of 200 million trees. She describes its attractive location in what was once a border region riven with conflict. Anne Gregg appears on screen speaking from a ferry as it traverses the lake. Title: Anne Gregg She encourages those watching the film to visit the area instead of heading off to the popular continental resorts. An aerial view follows travelling over the reservoir. Title: Kielder Water General views of the lake follow showing small sailing boats, water skiing, wind surfing and canoeing sports which attract many visitors. The film shows some of the forest tracks visitors cab follows if their preference is to explore on foot. Anne’s commentary describes the wealth of wildlife to be found, including a population of 5000 deer which roam the forests. Kielder water also attracts anglers both beginners. From her position on the ferry Anne says it’s a good way to appreciate Kielder. A view shows the ferry named ‘Osprey’, as it leaves the visitors centre at Tower Knowe to travel to the marina at Leaplish, before calling at the adventure centre at Hawkhirst which has the largest scout camp in the British Isles. Then it calls at a former mining area at Plashetts. The trip takes about an hour before returning to Tower Knowe, a group of musicians plays traditional tunes outside the information centre. Anne speaks to the camera outside the centre outlining the services available. Inside the visitors can buy souvenirs or have tea or coffee or a meal. There is also a special exhibition to see called ‘Kielder the first 500 million years’. This exhibit looks at the development of Kielder from the ice age to the present day. The film shows special inter-active displays, information boards and a tableau with a mannequin dressed in armour depicting a particular period. The centre also tells the story of the reservoir’s construction. On what is the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe the film shows visitors sailing and windsurfing. Anne’s commentary explains that the origins of the name Kielder, are Norse and means violent stream. The film shows some footage from the time of construction as a large earth moving vehicle drives past, followed by a travelling view taken from an excavator or bulldozer as it goes about its work. Anne’s commentary outlines a brief story about the construction of the reservoir as the film shows more views of building work, which changes to a solitary sailing boat on the lake. The film shows the location of the hydro-electric generator station. Anne speaks to the camera from the lakeside, she is wearing a lifejacket and there are several boats moored just behind her. She describes the appeal of the lake as a recreation area to many people in the north east region. She is speaking from the water sports centre at Leaplish. Paul Hodgson one of the instructors at the centre. explains that the centre gives tuition in kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Anne is going to try her hand a canoeing. She climbs into her canoe and Paul gives her some instruction about using the paddle, then launches Anne into the water, the film shows Anne practising paddle control, then returns to the shore. The film shows experienced water skiers going through various manoeuvres, followed by views of sailing boats. From the deck of a yacht Anne introduces Nigel Price the owner. Nigel outlines the range of events that take place for sailing boats at Kielder. Anne then explores angling at the reservoir. The film shows an angler stepping into the shallows to do some fishing. Anne explains that the reservoir is well stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout, and North American brook trout. Anne talks to Grant Gardener an angler who is fishing nearby. He confirms that the fishing is very good at Kielder, he also, in response to a question from Anne, says that fishing is available for beginners and experts. He also outlines some of the angling competitions that take place. The film returns to the visitor’s centre and an item about one of Europe’s first holiday centres for the disabled and their families run by the Calvert trust and is situated at the centre. A young man practices archery aiming his arrow at roundel target. Opened in 1982 it offers a wide variety of sport and leisure activities. Two people try the vertical climbing wall under supervision. Other pastimes include target shooting, pony trekking and orienteering. The film shows other facilities available at the holiday centre, including an indoor heated swimming pool and an indoor riding school. Anne talks to the man in charge on behalf of the Calvert trust Peter Cockrill. He talks about the facilities available and the range of events that take place and how disabled people can experience new challenges in the same way as others. A holiday maker mounts a pony in the indoor riding centre. Anne adjusts her protective helmet as she joins a pony trekking expedition along one of the forest trails. She points out the trails are also available for mountain bike enthusiasts. The film shows mountain bikers going through their paces. Some quad bikers take the plunge through a stream and follow a rough hilly track. Anne is driving one of them, stops briefly in front of the camera describing the experience, then continues her way. They drivers use their headlights as they go through a particularly dense section of forest. An aerial view shows the extent of the four individual forests that make up Kielder Forest. Anne in her commentary outlines the history of this vast forest, much of it contains Sitka spruce. Anne is standing outside Kielder Castle where there is an area where visitors can see displays telling the story of the forest and how it is currently managed. The castle was built in 1775 as a hunting lodge for the Percy family. Visitors go in and out of the castle or walk in the grounds. The film shows a direction sign for the start of the Duchess Trail one of the most popular walks through the forest. The film shows part of the trail. Anne’s commentary explains that Kielder is a good base for exploring other areas in the region. Aerial views show destinations near the coast, including castles such as Bamburgh and Warkworth and the Farne Islands. Inland aerial views show Hadrian’s Wall and a more modern attraction, the Metro Centre at Gateshead. On camera Anne talks about other places to stay near Kielder, showing places to stay including Scandinavian style log cabins. Anne is in one of the cabins and describes the facilities. At Leaplish there are also camping facilities with views of tents and caravans. Views follow of bed and breakfast accommodation. From a boat on Kielder Water she sums up the attractiveness of the area for holidaymakers and day visitors. Title: With thanks to The Forestry Commission, The Calvert Trust,The Members of the Kielder Water Club The Reivers of Tarset,Kielder Bikes Credit: Presenter: Anne Gregg Photography: John Stephenson Sound: Ross Neasham Post-production: Fine-Cut Facilities Producers: Clive Page, Gill Cox Director: Ian Sutherland A C.P.C. Associates Production for Northumbrian Water Limited Title: For more information and a colour brochure write to: Northumbrian Water Limited, Kielder Water Visitors Centre, Falstone, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 1BX End title: Northumbrian Water Ltd. Serving the North East