Hi mate,
I don't know where abouts in the NE you are but i did a falconry course near Thirsk , N. Yorks (www.falconrycentre.co.uk) they also arranged a hunting day which went down really well. It may sound backwards, but the course made me realise that now wasn't the time for me to get my own bird. but still had a great time and learnt a lot!
Good luck with the course!