GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
In this Winter’s issue... Win! a combined family ticket to Sealife Manchester & Legoland Discovery Centre p8 Win! a family ticket to see Aladdin at Grove Park Theatre p8 Win! a family ticket to see Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru p9 Win! a reindeer visit for your school from the Cheshire Reindeer Lodge p9 Win! a family ticket to see Peppa Pig at the Liverpool Empire p10 2 for 1 Ice Skating voucher! for Deeside Leisure Centre p10 20% discount for Kids Direct readers at the UK Baby & Toddler Show at Liverpool’s Echo Arena p35
Welcome to the Winter 2013 issue of Kids Direct Wrexham, Mold & District! It’s getting dark earlier, it’s getting a bit on the chilly side and I’ve even heard whispers of putting up decorations so it can only mean one thing - it’s nearly Christmas! I hope everyone’s had a good start to the new school year and all the children are now settled into their new classes and/or schools. This Winter’s issue takes on a real Christmassy feel with many of your festive favourites and it’s jam-packed with competitions for you to enter with some great prizes on offer so have a look on pages 8-10 for your chance to win but keep a close eye on the closing dates so you don’t miss out. Our ‘Where to see Santa’ feature on pages 4-5 suggests some exciting days out where you can pay the big guy a visit and even receive a little gift if you’ve been good! We’ve lots more fun ways to spend your free time and some lovely festive craft and cookery ideas too. As usual our Kids Calendar contains lots more family-friendly events that will take you right through into the Spring term so wrap up warm, get out and about and enjoy some family fun! We continue to regularly update our facebook and twitter pages so please ‘like’ and ‘follow’ us to keep up to date on all the very latest in your local area. As always please remember to mention Kids Direct when you contact or visit any of our advertisers, we wouldn’t be publishing if it wasn’t for them! Finally, from all of us at Kids Direct, we’d like to wish all our readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Best wishes, Jo xxx Tel: 01978 898147 email: mail@jokidsdirect.co.uk web: www.kidsdirect.org www.facebook.com/kidsdirectwrexham
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WHERE TO SEE SANTA
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
WHERE TO SEE SANTA
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GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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COMPETITION TIME!
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
COMPETITION TIME!
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COMPETITION TIME!
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
ascals Retreat offers a relaxed & friendly environment, where people of all ages and abilities can have fun and get creative. They’re the perfect place to celebrate with friends, spend quality time with family, unwind after work or just a treat for the kids! They offer a wide range of art & craft activities; ceramic & wineglass painting, sand art, badge making, design a shopping bag. Their craft station changes regularly, offering seasonal projects and you don’t have to be artistic or experienced as all projects will create a unique gift or a one of a kind keepsake. Staff are available to offer help or provide some inspiration if needed but you’ll end up with an item that you can proudly say ‘I did that!’ Prices start from as little as £1.50 and free parking is available too! They have a range of refreshments including hot & cold drinks plus delicious biscuits & homemade cakes so pop in and see for yourself!
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GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
Reptile-Kids create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a unique hands-on experience for children and adults of all ages. With a very large selection of reptiles, small animals, and mini beasts they’re available for all occasions. Suitable for every event; school & nursery education, council run projects, fun birthdays, corporate events, community fundays & nursing homes. All types of parties can be catered for; birthdays, christenings, weddings. They also offer live story books for nurseries & children up to 5 years. Introduce your kids to a whole new world of adventure where they can explore their minds and gain knowledge first hand, not from the television. Feel the animals in their hands and let all their senses explore this amazing world. For more information please call Reptile-Kids on 07525 159162, visit www.reptile-kids.co.uk or you can now visit their NEW SHOP at 8 Crane Street, Cefn Mawr, Wrexham LL14 3AB!
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GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
GREAT DAYS OUT & FUN FOR KIDS
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DRAMA, DANCE & MUSIC
WINTER 2013 lwyd Theatr Cymru’s Take Part Drama Workshop groups and times as follows: ACT IN - School Years 1 & 2 Saturdays 910am ACT ONE - School Years 3 & 4 Saturdays 10am-12pm ACT TWO - School Years 5 & 6 Saturdays 911am & 1-3pm ACT THREE - School Years 7 & 8 Wednesdays 6-8pm & Saturdays 11am-1pm ACT FOUR - School Years 9-11 Thursdays 79pm FUSE & FUSE ON - specialist groups held on Monday evenings for young people aged 1125 with additional needs. To join please call 0845 330 3565 or for more information call 01352 701575/6 or email ctctyp@clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk
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WINTER 2013
DRAMA, DANCE & MUSIC
elta Academy of Dance and Performing Arts offer weekly dance classes for children aged 2 1/2 years and upwards. Classes are held in Borras Park, Tanyfron, Garden Village and Ruabon. Dance classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Song, Street and Mime. These exciting classes start from just £4 a lesson and lead to medal tests, trophies, qualifications and shows. Delta Academy also offer a Performing Arts Package which includes three hours of tuition; one hour of Drama, one hour of Singing and one hour of Dance. These fun-filled, dynamic classes are held on Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons and are taught by highly qualified, experienced tutors. Each tutor has a passion for teaching and it’s their ultimate goal to bring out the confidence and hidden skills in each individual pupil, which gives them a winning combination that helps build Delta’s fantastic reputation both locally and Nationally. Delta’s classes are of an incredibly high standard which in turn leads to optional examinations in all three disciplines. They have now been approved as a recognised BTEC centre and now offer a Level 2 BTEC course in the Performing Arts aimed at year 9 pupils and above. They would like nothing better than to introduce your child to the dazzling world of Performing Arts and guarantee that your child will make lifelong friends, grow in confidence, fitness and will have great fun along the way! For more information please call 01978 661059 or visit www.deltaacademy.co.uk
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DRAMA, DANCE & MUSIC
WINTER 2013
Registrations are now being taken for children wanting to join Theatretrain Saturday Morning Schools in Wrexham, Chester and Mold as well as the Friday Evening School at Chester's Forum Studio Theatre (the old Gateway Theatre). Pupils joining now will be able to take part in Theatretrain's next production which is to be 'Godspell' and will be performed at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester in April 2014. The group's newest school is 'Drama Plus' at Christleton Parish Hall. The Tuesday evening classes are aimed at children ages 6-16 who want to focus on their acting. The group's first production is already scheduled for 2014. Theatretrain Schools are continuing their policy of giving pupils plenty of opportunity to show off their skills. It’s no wonder that they’ve earned their reputation as “The Company That Loves To Perform” as in the last year pupils from the schools in Wrexham, Chester and Mold have taken part in Theatretrain shows at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, The Stiwt in Wrexham, The Royal Albert Hall in London and most recently at The O2 Arena. Theatretrain was established in 1992 and has 100 schools across the UK and Ireland. It concentrates on two processes - learning skills in the performing arts and performing those skills to an audience. Every year each child in Theatretrain's schools has the opportunity to perform in at least one production either locally, in one of the larger regional theatres or in the West End. To discuss your child's place at any local Theatretrain School speak to Steve Davies on 01978 311446.
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WINTER 2013
DRAMA, DANCE & MUSIC
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LET’S PARTY
WINTER 2013 Chris Somerville (Mr. Bimbamboozle) has been entertaining children in the North West for very many years, both in his world famous marionette theatre in Colwyn Bay, in schools and nurseries, and in homes and halls for thousands of birthday parties. Each year, after a busy pre-Christmas season of Magic shows mainly in schools and nurseries, Chris opens on Boxing Day at the Harlequin with his now famous Puppet Pantomime. This year's story is Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp the traditional panto story with Widow Twankey, wicked Uncle Abanazar, the Big Green Genie, and of course a beautiful princess. Aladdin, the Puppet Panto is performed daily at 3pm from Boxing Day to Saturday 4th January. You can book online at any time by visiting www.puppetpanto.co.uk or by telephone on 01492 548166 from Monday the 9th of December.
Would you like a fun packed memorable party? The Creepy Crawly Show is enjoyable for all ages and great for Home Parties, Childrens Birthdays, Christenings, Holy Communions and other family celebrations. Everyone can join in from Toddlers to Teens and the adults are entertained too! From party games and music to ‘Get Me Out of Here’ style challenges and don’t forget the animals, with Snakes, Tarantula, Scorpion, Lizards, Giant African Snails, Hissing Cockroaches, Turtles and many more. It offers great photo opportunities and is all presented by our comical explorer-style entertainer who’ll ensure your occasion is a fun and memorable one. Available throughout Cheshire, Merseyside, Wirral and North Wales. Book your adventure now by calling 01244 646 045 or visit their website www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk
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WINTER 2013
ig Bounce Castle Hire & Total Entertainment have a special offer on a fantastic two hour indoor party for children which includes a bouncy castle and disco for only £99. Local delivery is free and they are fully insured. Please visit their website for more information about their great range of castles, slides and giant games www.hireabouncycastle.net or you can give them a call on 07973 459468.
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LET’S PARTY
onique offer both mobile beauty & pamper parties in the comfort of your own home. They offer everything from Princess Pamper Parties for 3yrs and upwards to teen parties. How about a Slumber Party (316yrs) for that special girls night in? Also available; Adult Pamper Parties & Hen Nights, manicures, pedicures, spray tanning, opi gel polish, waxing, eyelash & eyebrow tinting and shaping. For more info call 07718 658916.
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andy Lane Crafts offer a bespoke, personal service to their customers. Anything from children's parties to hen parties and vintage tea parties are catered for. Drop in ceramic painting, Decopatch & bag painting are available. They create many individual sweet-based gifts and their ‘sweet cakes’ are even becoming a little famous, so why not pop in and have a look, there’s always something new to see!
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SPORT FOR KIDS
ae Hic is a small, family-run fully approved BHS Livery & Riding Centre set in the gorgeous countryside of North Wales within easy access of Chester, Wrexham, Mold & surrounding areas. They have over 15 years experience of working with horses & ponies and what began as a hobby has now become a full time way of life. Their very experienced Chief Instructor is qualified to NVQ, Diploma and BHS standard and they also have fully qualified & experienced medical staff and first aiders on site. They offer something for everyone from novice riders, looking to start their horse riding journey, to experienced competition riders they have ponies & horses suitable for all abilities, ages & sizes. Children’s clubs include Tiny Tots (3-7yrs) and Cae Hic Club (7-12yrs) available every day and they have fantastic bridlepaths and hacking on their doorstep including forest hacks & beach rides.
WINTER 2013
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ini Strikers for Boys & Girls aged 36yrs is for ball skills, social skills, encouraging healthy exercise habits & improving co-ordination & balance. All in a fun, friendly environment and parents are welcome to join in the fun too! Sessions on a Friday 6:40-7:25pm at Gwyn Evans Sports Centre. For more information and to attend a free taster session call 07923 540070 or email ministrikers@live.co.uk
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WINTER 2013
SPORT FOR KIDS -Star Sports - enjoy sports for life. Classes in Wrexham, Overton, Holt, Tilston, Caergwrle and new Saturday morning class opening in Wrexham. A-Star Sports is a fun-filled multi-sports experience for children aged 2-10 years. They offer inclusive, developmental multi-sports coaching in a positive environment that begins with an initial ABC-based programme (agility, balance and co-ordination) and develops into ten core sports - basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, handball, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and volleyball. Their core curriculum is supplemented by a programme of activities in keeping with current events in sport. Children are encouraged and supported in small classes through successful learning, confidence-building and a highly motivated coach. For more info on classes, parties and holiday clubs visit www.a-starsports.co.uk or call Adrian on 07795 691417.
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Wrexham, Chester and NE Wales’ premier climbing wall and so much more… Ask any pilot and they’ll say that you only really feel a sensation of speed when you’re close to the ground. Low flying is really exciting and now you can feel that rush at Plas Power! The Fly, their new zip wire, is literally centimetres off the ground so you can really feel the speed! Accelerating like a super car within the 300ft distance, head first on your stomach, is such a thrill that you’ll just have to try it for yourself! Plas Power Adventure also offers Outdoor Rock Climbing & Abseiling, Mountain Navigation, High Ropes Course, KMX Karts, Archery, Bushcraft & Orienteering. This family friendly environment caters for hundreds of children every year with thrilling weekend Birthday parties and an onsite café serving delicious food. Please note all activities must be booked in advance so call to arrange your adventure today on 01978 754747!
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SERVICES FOR PARENTS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
SERVICES FOR PARENTS
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SERVICES FOR PARENTS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
SERVICES FOR PARENTS
Fed up of being overweight? Fancy a new you for 2014? Then try a January Boot Camp with Lighterlife! They are now taking bookings for their 8 and 12 week Boot Camps which start running from the 6th January 2014, where clients can lose anything up to three stone! Spaces do get taken up quite early, so give them a call today to reserve your place. With a variety of programmes on offer, there’s something for everyone - The Total Plan is the quickest way to a new you with four meal packs a day. The Lite Plan is for those who have less to lose with 3 meal packs and a meal a day. The Fast Plan is the newest plan to balance your weight and maintain full nutrition by ‘fasting’ on their meal packs for two days and eating normally on the other five. It couldn’t be easier. For more information please call Mandy on 01352 706220 or 07795 615619 or visit www.lighterlife.com
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SERVICES FOR PARENTS
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
SERVICES FOR PARENTS
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
WINTER 2013
At Stepping Stones, staff work closely together to create a welcoming, friendly and safe environment where children can have fun, play and learn. They provide an excellent variety of play opportunities both indoors and outdoors for children of all ages which support the Early Years Foundation Phase. The nursery is registered for 30 children aged between 3 months and 8 years. Two selfcontained buildings and an outside play area allow babies to be cared for in the ‘little nursery’ until they are ready to move into ‘big nursery’ somewhere between 18mths and 2yrs allowing separate facilities for babies and toddlers/pre-schoolers. Before and after school care is available along with school transport. Staff strive to build strong relationships with you and your children and will ensure that the individual needs of each child are met. For more information or to arrange a visit please call 01244 544594.
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
Jean Robb and Hilary Letts, the acclaimed authors of the Creating Kids Who Can series, offer tutoring with a difference. At Successful Learning you’ll find the support needed to develop potential and get the most from school and family life. Using methods developed over 40 years of teaching, Jean and Hilary achieve amazing results with and are experts in: * helping children learn how to learn. * changing children who feel they can't into children who know they can! * creating an environment where children learn more effectively. * creating confident parents. Teaching all ages from pre-school to secondary, their methods work with all children including those diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD and ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism. Single days and 3 or 4 day schools available.
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
WINTER 2013
As one of Cheshire’s leading independent primary schools The Firs supports and encourages the individual gifts and aptitudes of each child using all the skills and focus of a specialist primary school. The last academic year was a busy and exciting one at The Firs. Following on from success in entrance exams to independent senior schools their year 6 pupils put on a fantastic end of year performance of Roald Dahl’s musical version of Snow White. Their athletes performed extremely well in the ISA regional competition with eleven pupils reaching the finals of their events and one going on to represent ISA north at the national finals in Birmingham. Together with their very active parents group, they raised several thousand pounds for a number of charities including Save the Family, The Trussell Trust food bank and Contact the Elderly. The school is planning a number of new initiatives in 2014. At the beginning of March they have their own Firs Fest, a week of music and storytelling with visiting authors and musicians. Their annual Easter Eggstravaganza takes place on the 29th March and this year their theme is “The Circus”. This is a free event open to children between the ages of 3 and 9. Just contact them to register. Currently Juniors are extending their skills on their new climbing wall and the infants are looking forward to setting sail in their new playship. Their thanks go to The Firs Parents Group for financial assistance for these developments. Go and visit them at any time or register for their Reception Taster Sessions on 16th January, 12th February and 13th March. More details can be found on their website www.firsschool.net
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WINTER 2013
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
The Queen’s School, Chester is a highly successful independent school, spread across 2 sites, for girls age 4 - 18. School values are founded on respect, community and happiness. They are proud of their reputation for their students' academic success, as they achieve both excellent public examination results and top university offers. Queen's girls are happy and positive, engaging and articulate. Academically they question and challenge, explore and innovate. The Senior School inhabits elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings and is situated within the walls of historic Chester. These surroundings prove a constant reminder of the heritage and traditional values that have shaped the school for more than 130 years. The school today occupies a place as one of the country’s top girls’ schools with some of the best results across Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales and top grades in all areas of their ISI inspection. The Queen’s Lower School is one of the North West’s leading independent schools and is open to girls age 4 - 11. A broad and balanced curriculum is delivered within a warm and caring environment which is designed to excite and develop learning. Lessons are differentiated to enable every child to progress and a sense of self-discipline is developed from the first days at school. A diverse range of extracurricular activities are available for all girls and they are encouraged to take on a limitless approach to learning, to excel at things they enjoy and have talents in, and to explore new talents. There are four established entry points; Reception, beginning of Key Stage Two, Year 7 and Sixth Form, although they do accept girls at any point if there is a space available. Entry is through assessment. Bursaries are offered at 11+.
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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WINTER 2013
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WINTER 2013
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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