Families Staffordshire Issue 8 Sept-Oct 2012

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Clubs & Classes

Staffordshire

Issue 8 Sept/Oct 2012

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a Kindle pg 16

16,000 copies Distibuted throughout all ST postcodes in Satffordshire

Welcome

In this issue...

Letter from the Editor It’s September already, the school holidays seem to have flown by and now it’s back to rush and mayhem that is best known as the ‘school run’.

4...................................................NEWS 6.........................................EDUCATION 8..........................................ACTIVITIES 10................................................CLUBS 12............................BUMPS & BEYOND 13,14 &15 ........................WHAT’S ON 16.......................GREAT COMPETITIONS

I don’t know about you, but in our house, no amount of forward thinking and planning seems to prevent the morning madness of a lost school shoe or P.E. Kit as you are trying to get through the front door on time. My kids quite frequently leave it until the moment they are about to leave the house then tell me that they are supposed to be taking to class the components to create a rocket ship, or Big Ben, or something just as bizarre. Luckily I now have a fully stocked ‘Bits Box’ that I dash to in such emergencies. Many a disaster has been avoided by an ample supply of cardboard loo rolls and a few egg boxes!

Welcome

September is not only the start of the academic year, but also a time when most of the clubs and classes kick start their new terms. So we have put together some great ideas for extracurricular activities that will keep the kids fit or build on their skills and artistic talents. Plus, you can enter our competitions on page 16 with some great prizes up for grabs this issue.

Don’t forget it’s nearly Halloween too, so check out our What’s On Guide on pages 13-15 for some goolish fun!

Take care!

Becky x Find us on

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BECKY FAIRCLOUGH EDITOR

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Editor: Becky Fairclough e-mail editor@familiesstaffordshire.co.uk Families Staffordshire PO Box 3501 Stoke-on-Trent ST4 9JX www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk Tel: 07900925444 Designer: Shelly Kilford – The Web Sprite e-mail shelly@thewebsprite.co.uk www.thewebsprite.co.uk Printer: Warners Printers Call 01778 391066, www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: Picture by Academy Photography Academy Photography Ltd www.academyphotos.co.uk

Next Issue: November/December Editorial and booking deadline: Monday 1st October 2012 To advertise in Families Staffordshire: Call 07900925444 or e-mail editor@familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Copyright: Families Staffordshire 2011 Disclaimer: We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families Staffordshire nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Families Group: Families Staffordshire is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is by a Families franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Rebecca Fairclough .

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Independent School Open Days Newcastle-under-Lyme School Mount Pleasant, ST5 1DB Saturday 20th October For further details please call 01782 664620 www.nuls.org.uk

Abbotsholme School Uttoxeter, ST14 5BS Saturday 29th September 01889 594265

St Dominic’s Priory School

21 Station Road, Stone Saturday 13th October 9.30am For further details please call 01785 814181 www.stdominicspriory.co.uk

St Dominic’s High School for Girls 32 Bargate Street, Brewood Friday 9th and Saturday 10th November For further details please call 01902 850248 www.stdominicsschool.co.uk

Brooklands School Limited Eccleshall Road, ST16 1PD Saturday 10th November Call 01785 251399

Roche House Preparatory School Abbots Bromley, WS15 3BW 01283 840232

Smallwood Manor Preparatory School Uttoxeter, ST14 8NS 01889 562083

St Bede’s Preparatory School Stafford, ST17 0XN 01889 881277

Vernon Lodge Preparatory School

Yarlet School

Stretton, Nr Brewood, ST19 9LJ 01902 850568

Yarlet, ST18 9SU Saturday 13th October Call 01785 286568

St Josephs Preparatory School

Edenhurst Preparatory School Westlands Avenue, ST5 2PU Friday 28th September Wednesday 7th November Call 01782 619348

Dates not yet confirmed by

Rookery Lane, Trentvale, ST4 5RF 01782 417533

Please note that the dates will be published on our website as soon as we are made aware of them. www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

News, Views & Reviews

NEW for 2012 –

‘Little Foodies’ zone’

Inspiring the next generation of food lovers...

We want visitors of all ages to enjoy the Stone Food and Drink Festival, so this year they are introducing a dedicated area for kids on the main Westbridge Park site, with the aim of nurturing a healthy interest in food and drink for life.

Get ‘hands on’ with food

It’s never too early to start cooking, and at this year’s festival Kate from Kiddy Cook North Staffs will run a series of classes over Saturday and Sunday that aim to get kids thinking about their food. First will be an introduction to the five basic tastes - sweet, salty, sour, umami and bitter using common ingredients like sugar, salt, citric acid and tonic water; followed by experiments that will help to introduce the role our senses play in distinguishing flavour and help kids to discover their taste buds.

Following this fascinating introduction to the science of food, the kids will get the chance to work as a group to cook a delicious, healthy tomato soup from scratch – before tasting the fruits of their labours with bread and some butter they have just churned by hand. To round each session off, a carbon dioxide rocket will be launched to show them what makes the bread that they’ve just eaten rise!

In between Kiddy Cook sessions there will still be plenty to keep youngsters entertained; Melanie from Melody Time will host sessions packed with songs, rhymes and musical games, a face painter will help transform little ones into their favourite animal and there will be fairground rides to enjoy. Following its success at last year’s festival, Treasure Trails Staffordshire will once again set a cryptic trail of food-themed clues to guide families around the Westbridge Park site, with the chance to win a great prize once all the clues have been solved.

Kiddy Cook class times will be displayed at the ‘Little Foodies’ marquee on the day, with the chance to reserve spaces to ensure your little ones don’t miss out.

This Month’s Mum in Business This issue we have been chatting to Sarah Capewell from Lazy Daisy Staffordshire who has been telling us all about herself and her great new job. Here’s what she told us...

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i I’m Sarah, I’m 31 and have two children, a boy aged 7 and a girl aged 5. I’ve lived in Staffordshire for several years and I’ve been married for 7 years to my husband Paul. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, spending time in the Lake District and trying to train our Newfoundland puppy!

I teach pregnancy classes with Daisy Birthing which are unique active birthing classes that combine elements of pregnancy inspired yoga, movement, relaxation and self hypnosis. I am also a sector manager for Lazy Daisy which involves recruiting new teachers and planning workshops, road shows and retreats.

Lazy Daisy was founded by mum of 5 Julie Long in Ipswich and over the past 9 years has grown to become a respected national brand offering unique movement based and yoga inspired pregnancy and baby classes. In the future I intend to carry on building my classes locally and build a great team of teachers around me flying the flag for Lazy Daisy in Staffordshire!

The best bit about doing what I do is seeing mums embracing classes and looking forward to their births, especially the ones who are initially filled with trepidation. I am passionate about helping mums to be.

So far there have been no bad bits. I’m lucky in that everyone I have come across, either in a professional capacity or as a mum to be have been really enthusiastic about daisy birthing.

I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve had a huge amount of support from HQ and as they undertake a great deal of advertising campaigns nationally a lot of the hard work has been done for me so that I can focus on building my classes locally. My advice to someone thinking of working for themselves is to think about taking on a franchise because you don’t start from scratch and can turn to people who have been running a successful model for some time.

To contact Sarah call 07805260851 or email sarah-capewell@lazydaisybirthing.org.uk www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Want to be your own boss?

To access an extraordinary lifestyle, exceptional income and flexible hours. With ongoing training and support.

Contact Ruth Law on 01782 514836 ruthlaw836@btinternet.com Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products.

Aloe vera drinks, supplements, skincare and personal care products.

Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick CV34 6RB Members of the Direct Selling Association

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News, Views & Reviews

FREE books for schools!

Panto gives a modern twist on a classic tale...

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lena Cobb, a composer and a publisher who lives in Staffordshire has kindly agreed to link up with Families Staffordshire and donate 100 of her music books to local schools in the hope that she will help encourage the next generation of budding musicians.

alented pupils the Pop School & Stage Academy (PSSA) at Stone’s Rooftop Studios will take to the stage at Hanley’s Mitchell Arts Centre in November to perform their fun take on the traditional Panto tale; ‘Robin Hood & His Merry Crew’.

Schools will be chosen at random from those who currently distribute Families Magazine as a thank you from us. These will be delivered to the schools this September.

The show has been penned by PSSA’s Head of Drama, Stafford-born Nick Earnshaw, who has carved a fantastic career as a stage actor, and who will direct the production before heading off to take up the role as a dame in a professional Panto in the South East.

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Elena’s Higgledy Piggledy series books: for piano with play-along CD, for alto sax with play-along CD and classical guitar ensemble are already hugely popular here in the UK, as far as in USA and have fans in Hong Kong.

“Elena Cobb’s Higgledy Piggledy Jazz books are a very useful resource for those of us teaching jazz to the young and not-so-young. Highly recommended.”

- Snake Davis, prolific Jazz musician, recording artist and educator

Mixing the traditional storyline with modern cultural references and energetic dance routines that range from Disco to Hip Hop, promises to provide entertainment for the whole family.

Children aged 3-18 years who sign up for Rooftop Studios’ Little Luvvies or PSSA classes in September will still get a chance to perform on stage.

For more details visit www.rooftopstudios.co.uk or call Elaine on 01785 761233.

For more information visit www.elenacobb.com

Staffordshire tops the rankings Family Investments’ new Childcare Affordability Report reveals the British Towns with the most affordable childcare for working families. It examined the average cost of childcare relative to earnings across Great Britain and the report found that Staffordshire is the best county for childcare affordability, as illustrated by the following statistics: Average cost of childcare (childminder and nursery - 52 weeks): £2,925 Average hourly care costs: £2.25 Number of hours work required to meet care costs: 272 Average proportion of earnings required to meet 52 weeks of care: 13.7% In addition to establishing local care costs, Family Investments wished to understand how modern working families organise themselves and adapt to the various pressures that full time and part time work can create. More than 500 parents with children under the age of sixteen were surveyed to inform this process.

When asked what the main incentive for working was whilst bringing up a child, 76% of parents said that additional income and the resource it provides was the main driving factor. Working life comes with sacrifices. However, as most parents said that they are able to find only around 1.25 hours of quality time for their children during the average working day.

Illustration courtesey of Family Investments.

Eighty six per cent of respondents said that they had adapted their working routine to accommodate childcare in some way. The most common change was a move from full time to part time hours [51 per cent] followed by a shift to a four day week [30 percent]. Many parents have adapted their working routines in more subtle ways with 21% reporting increased use of flexible working arrangements and 9% stating that they stick more closely to their contracted hours. A clear majority of parents [66%] believed that their employer understands their needs as parents, which seems to reflect the fact that the majority have been able to adapt their working day.

Combining work and childcare is a difficult balancing act and parents reported a variety of associated issues. The most widely reported was the lack of time it provides parents for themselves [69%]. Other commonly reported issues included managing when a child is sick [65%] and getting children ready in the morning before work [62%].  For more information on the Family Investments Childcare Affordability Report,

visit www.family.co.uk/childcare to download a full PDF copy of the report

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www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Birth Story

& Beyond

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ums and Dads, these workshops will stimulate your curiosity, answer many questions and relieve anxieties you may have been left with about your birth experience.

‘This is a once in a life time opportunity to be truly heard, because being truly heard is to be healed.’

Sessions being held in Stone during September/October 2012.

For more information call Su Guest on 07707 668710 or Nicola Brough on 07960 946853 Email: justbeyoga@hotmail.com or nicola@nicolabrough.com

Thursday 20th September 2012 Starts 8pm

A 10km sponsored ladies walk starting in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre To register contact Mary on 01782 600 433 or mary.rose@caudwellchildren.com All proceeds to Caudwell Children, raising money for sick and disabled children across the UK caudwellchildren

caudwellchildren.com

Changing Children’s Lives

caudwellkids

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Advertise Here from only £48

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Education Calling all Schools - Make Friends with a Spud Bud Have a smashing time with The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Spud Bud Challenge.

St Dominic’s Priory School is Fun-tastic!

St Dominic’s Priory School in Stone is an outstanding Independent Day School and Nursery educating Girls from 18 months to 18 years and Boys to 11 years.

Make sure you don’t miss out on our Spud Bud Challenge. Children create their own Spuddy Buddy by decorating a potato, giving it a name and then caring for it for a week in return for sponsorship.

The scheme is open to all local primary schools and there have been some very creative designs from super heros to monsters using a whole range of arts and craft materials from colouring pens through to feathers and sequins.

To download a leaflet with a sponsorship form

go to: http://www.donnalouisetrust.org/template.php?page=555 Spud bud has been so successful, it is now being rolled out across nurseries and pre-school groups who can Get Movin’ and Grovin’ with Spud Bud in a new colouring and dancing activity.

heir school Nursery operates 51 weeks of the year, and TNursery’s benefits from being part of an independent school. The Ofsted Inspection (2012) stated that “children are happy, confident and enjoy their time at the Nursery.”

Dedicated staff and excellent facilities ensure each child will spend their day in the best possible care.

To find out more go to www.donnalouisetrust.org

We have been told that the Reception and Primary children had a busy summer term - Building an Eco Garden, burying the school time capsule, presenting their Olympic themed play, holding the Olympic Torch, participating in a hurdling session with an ex-Olympian, visiting Chester Zoo and enjoying lots of sport.

Sports at St Dominic’s High School for Girls The research was conducted by Loughborough University, which found big differences in the attitudes of girls and boys towards doing sport. Eight-yearolds did similar levels of activity: about 60% of those questioned, both girls and boys, said they did regular exercise - at least an hour, five days a week. But among 14-year-old girls, that figure had halved - only 31% said they exercised regularly, compared with 50% of 14-year-old boys. The research found most girls wanted to do more physical activity, but many were put off by PE classes. Some saying that they did not like exercising in front of boys. In conclusion the WSFF is writing to schools offering advice on how to make sports more attractive to girls.

New research for the Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation finds a gap between the amount of exercise girls and boys do at school.

Head teacher Mrs Pat Adamson told us, “Our pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school for varied, engaging lessons and an exciting range of extra-curricular and sporting activities. Our small class sizes offer your child the maximum support they need to grow in ability and self-esteem. Each child is cared for in a family environment where they are recognised and valued as an individual, and leave school with friends for life. When the time comes to progress to the Senior School and Sixth Form, our pupils have the confidence to manage the transition seamlessly.”

Join them at their Open Days on 13 October, or book a taster day at your convenience.

At St. Dominic’s High School for Girls we buck the trend of these released figures. We are pleased to offer a packed timetable of sporting activities not only during the school timetable, but before school, at lunchtime and after school. Competitive and non-competitive sports are offered including trampolining, netball, golf, cheerleading, swimming, street dance, hockey, athletics, tennis, table tennis....the list goes on and on

Mrs Adamson says, “We would love to share our school with you.”

Our girls love their sport and there’s always an activity for our girls of any ability to get involved in at school!

Please visit www.stdominicspriory.co.uk for more information or call 01785 814 181

For more information about St Dominic’s High School for Girls visit www.stdominicsschool.co.uk

Get a HEAD start

Our head teachers’ column written by Harvey Trump Head Teacher at St Dominic’s High School for Girls and St Dominic’s Prep School, Brewood.

Learning outside the classroom Research suggests that children learn best when they are excited about what they are learning; this involves making it real, relevant and practical. Nowhere is this more in evidence than when children from EYFS to teenagers get the opportunity to learn outside the traditional classroom environment where everything comes to life. Key to success, is knitting it all together so not only will our pupils learn about the great outdoors at school, but also then proactively taking their experiences home to involve the family/carers at weekends. The impact is lifelong and in this day and age we can truly develop our children to become even more environmentally aware citizens.

In a carefully designed programme the outdoor environment can be become your third teacher. It enables pupils to develop their senses and therefore the many different ways in which we all learn through touch, sound, sight and smell. At the Foundation Stage it could well be a trip across the school grounds to a wooded corner as part of the Forest Schools Programme or just a ‘Muddy Monday’ or a ‘Wellie Wednesday’ where there is a trip to the allotments or local park or maybe planned trips which take you further afield to rural farms, country estates or botanical gardens and parks. The real links that they make can then reinforce what has been introduced in the classroom or it just simply begins to develop their self-confidence and self-awareness of the world around them. As importantly, we begin to enhance their practical skills at school, whether these are team work related or just the experience of managing risk or developing challenging opportunities or simply just getting dirty! As the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom suggests, ‘the only barrier is your imagination’!

Set within 8 acres of beautiful countryside, our own outdoor classroom will be launched this year and we look forward to achieving the LOtC badge.

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www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Education

Supporting your left handed child 1 in 10 children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. Experts say teachers aren’t given the proper training and schools don’t have the right resources. Sarah Butters is mum to a left handed daughter. She takes a look at some of the most common problems faced by left handers and some tips for helping them out.

The right to

MESSY HANDWRITING

ols!

I f you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write. Most are simply allowed to use their left hand.

As the right handed parent of a left handed child I admit to having that same attitude. I now know that I was completely wrong.

Left handers push the pen across the page, whereas their right handed friends will pull. This can lead to smudging and untidy work which in turn leads to anxiety on the part of the child. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems as the writing assignments increase. The paper should be rotated to 45 degrees with the hand and wrist below the writing. Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3 point grip. In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil.

HOOK GRIP

Some left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would. This causes more problems than it solves. The hook grip becomes more uncomfortable the more you write. It leads to an overtight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting. The wrist should always be below the writing line. If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introducing a sloped surface to resolve the problem.

ELBOW COLLISION

At some point your child will have to share a desk and if they’re left handed this can be a problem.

“I always end up banging elbows” explains my 9 year old daughter. “That makes my writing messy.”

Your child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knocking elbows with a right handed neighbour.

WHITE BOARDS

They’re a teacher’s best friend but a left handers worst nightmare. White boards and chalk boards are a great learning tool in the modern classroom - pupils can get rid of mistakes easily without using endless pieces of paper. However, if you’re left handed you can end up erasing as you write. Good grip and placement of the board gives left handers half a chance. However if your child isn’t completing white board work quickly or neatly enough, it may not be their fault.

COMPUTERS

Most ICT rooms are set up with the computer mice on the right hand side of the keyboard. This gives left handed children an automatic disadvantage because they either need to move the mouse or attempt or use their right hand. Don’t presume the teacher knows your child is left handed. Be sure to let all the staff involved with your child know they’re a left hander and will need a different workstation set up.

MIRROR WRITING

I remember being hugely concerned when I discovered that my daughter had completed a Reception assignment using mirror writing.

She had begun her words on the right hand side of the page and written from right to left. It’s common in left handed children and when you think about it, it makes sense. If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work. Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder.

THE ‘RIGHT’ EQUIPMENT

Many left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. It means the child has less control and think of themselves as messy. This can be a real problem in the Early Years.

Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child. Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist – trust me!

LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

As a right hander, I never appreciated the challenges faced by my daughter. Until she mastered left handed writing, she was labeled untidy in her written work and lost enthusiasm for putting pen to paper. It wasn’t until I began researching this piece that I realise how much of her attitude is linked to the hand she writes with. The bad news is she’s had a more challenging time than her right handed pals. The good news is she’s in good company. Barack Obama, Leonardo Da Vinci and Bill Gates are all lefties. Now that’s not a bad club to be in!

USEFUL RESOURCES

www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk has some great left handed guidance sheets for parents and teachers.

It’s also a super source of left handed equipment. www.lefthandedchildren.org another great website with some top tips for parents looking to support their left handed child.

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

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Education, Clubs & Classes

Choosing after-school activities

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s the new school year starts, so does the time to choose after-school activities, but take a quick look and you will find a whole range of classes available, from Scouts to Ballet, from French to Karate. How can we know which ones are the best for our child, offer value for money, and critically, which ones they will enjoy!

After-school activities definitely offer value to your children. Reports indicate those who participate in after-school programs have better school attendance, higher grades and loftier aspirations. They’re less likely to get into trouble and are at lower risk of obesity. It is also a great opportunity for children to develop social and leadership skills. The benefits are there, but under which classes?

Help your child to choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn, don’t impose your preferences. Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so including a sport would be a good start. Extracurricular activities are ideal for children to explore and practice what it means to be a group leader, e.g. Brownies.

Remember logistics. The afterschool programme affects you too. Avoid signing on to too many activities that leave you scrambling from one to the next. No one will have fun doing anything if it means arriving late, leaving early, and going without dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Look hard for places you can walk to, it reduces your carbon footprint while keeping you fit for free! Finally do build in some downtime. Children need to have independent play as well as the structured activities, so ensure time is built in for dinner, watching T.V. and relaxing. Leave some activities perhaps for the summer, when different interests can be tried, without the pressure of school demands.

A few ideas for local classes Sporty Activities GUST Swim School www.swimteaching.co.uk Tel. Balance and Beam Gymnastics Etruria www.balanceandbeam.co.uk Soccer Lions www.soccerlions.com Tel. 07747867745 Little City Strikers Tel. 01782 235030 Mid Staffs Little Kickers www.littlekickers.co.uk Tel. 01785 856694 Four of Clubs Fencing Club www.fourofclubs.weebly.com Tel. 07828588143

Dance and Drama

“Rooftop studio has given my 2 children the experience to grow in confidence on and off the stage.

All the professional staff have my girls respect as they are just so hugely helpful to them.

Rooftop Studios, Stone www.rooftopstudios.co.uk Tel. 01785 761233

Happy children learning something they have a big heart in, instead of hanging around the streets makes happy proud parents.”

www.bluebranchesdramaacademy.co.uk Tel. 01902 851682

Mrs T Finney – Trentham

Stagecoach www.stagecoach.co.uk Blue Branches Drama Academy Brewood

Dance Nuvo, Stafford www.dancenuvo.eu Tel. 07973498251 Dragonfly Dance Centre Stafford Tel. 01785 223610

Pregnancy/Baby/Toddler Classes

Happy Feet P.A. Hanley www.happyfeetpa.co.uk Tel. 07968997001

Cherish Baby/Rhythm Kids www.cherishbaby.co.uk Tel. 07932896929

Marye Humphreys School of Dance Newcastle Tel. 01782 623155

Kindermusik with Shelly www.kindermusikwithshelly.co.uk Tel. 07725105413 Sing and Sign www.singandsign.co.uk Tel. 07967286271

Educational

Musical Bumps Tel. 01785 286070/07966156451

Kumon Educational UK Co Ltd www.kumon.co.uk

Just Be Yoga www.justbeyoga.org Tel. 01785 850507/07707668710

A Star Tuition Centres Ltd www.astar2topoftheclass.co.uk

Katy Warren Health & Fitness www.kwhf.co.uk Tel. 01785 813077/07752840909 Lazy Daisy Staffordshire Tel. 01785 815485/07805260851

Tel. 01782 619065

For details of other classes visit www.familiesstaffordshire. co.uk/Local-Directory Exceptional sports, music & performing arts facilities Small class sizes ‘Teaching is excellent & often inspirational’ ISI inspection 2011 Non-denominational Superb academic success

OPEN EVENTS Friday 9th November 2012

‘When I grow up, I want to be a fashion photographer’ Grace Thomas, Reception

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Saturday 10th November 2012

Bargate Street, Brewood, South Staffordshire, ST19 9BA Tel 01902 850248 www.stdominicsschool.co.uk

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

• Swimming Lessons Stone Trentham Uttoxeter Newcastle Hanley

• Parent & Toddler • Rookie Lifesaving • Snorkelling • Seascooters • Birthday Parties

Contact GUST Swim School Ltd: Tel: 01785 817534 Mob: 07999 237846 E enquiries@swimteaching.co.uk W www.swimteaching.co.uk

In Partnership with

TRENTHAM COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTRE A l l e r t o n R o a d T r e n t h a m S t o k e - o n - T r e n t S T 4 8 P Q Te l . 0 1 7 8 2 2 3 4 5 3 4

Kids Holiday Clubs During school holidays we run holiday clubs for children aged between 4 and 14 years. Activities running include childrens sports, art & craft workshops, discos, inflatable fun, animal man, magic man and much more!

20 metre indoor swimming pool Why not come along and use our swimming pool? We have a timetable in place for public swims, adult only swims and we also run childrens swimming lessons and swim parties.

Facilities to hire With a recently refurbished state of the art sports hall, why not hire a full hall or simply a court for a game of badminton, netball or football?

We also have outdoor tennis courts and football pitches available to hire.

Classes We have a range of popular classes running including Zumba Fitness, Judo, Trampolining, Rugby, Trentham Tigers Cheerleading Squad, Boot Camp, & Football Development to name a few.

Mob: 07725 553639 or Tel: 01782 234534 after 5pm E enquiries@trenthamcommunitysportscentre.co.uk W www.trenthamcommunitysportscentre.co.uk

Education, Clubs & Classes

The Girls Can! So you think football is just for boys, well think again! Walsall FC will be hosting the England Women’s Senior Team (the best players in the country) on Wednesday 19th September 2012. KIDS GO FREE at this England party.

There is an early kick-off of 5.00pm to attract families and a free goody bag for all Under-12s. There will be a football festival outside the stadium from 4.00pm where children can have a go at a number of activities and there will also be pre-match music and fun. Everyone is invited to come dressed for an England party with face paint and wigs and be prepared to make some noise! Spot prizes will be awarded for the best outfits!

Ticket prices are £5 per adult, £10 a family of four or free for Under-12s and £2.50 concessions.

To purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, contact Walsall FC on 01922 651416 or visit www.eticketing.co.uk/walsallfc

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t’s a crucial match for us and we really need some vocal support. We want the fans to really enjoy the day – especially all the kids invited – from the party atmosphere outside to the skill and entertainment we can provide on the pitch as one of the best teams in the world. This is top class football coming to you!

H o p e P o w e l l , E n g l a n d ’s N a t i o n a l C o a c h

Kaz’s Kicking Stats Karen Carney Height 5’3” Age 25 Birthday 1st August Club FA Women’s Super League Side Birmingham City Ladies www.birminghamcityladiesfc.co.uk Position Striker/Winger Favourite Teams: Birmingham and Arsenal Favourite player: David Beckham England Caps: 75 England Goals: 13 England Debut: v Italy 17.02.2005

England will face Croatia in a UEFA Qualifying match for Euro 2013 in Walsall.

England are currently second in the table but a win will take them to the top of the group and automatic qualification for the UEFA European Finals in Sweden next summer. England reached the last finals in Euro 2009 losing eventually to Germany but Kaz did score a goal! When they played Croatia away in March England won 6-0.

DID YOU KNOW? Football is a brilliant way of keeping fit, making friends and having fun – boys have known this for years and now it’s the girls’ turn to get involved!

The FA has run women’s football since 1993 and since 2002 girls’ and women’s football has been the biggest female team sport in England.

The FA website at http://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football is a one-stop shop to find out information on the game and opportunities to play, coach, referee and volunteer.

England Women are number 9 in the official FIFA world rankings FA WSL was launched in 2011 and is the first women’s professional league in England supporting our best athletes and raising the profile of the game.

1.38 million women and girls play some form of football in England with more joining the fun every year!

Girls and Women’s Football in the Staffordshire Area The Staffordshire F.A. aims to provide the best possible environment and infrastructure to help football flourish in Staffordshire for everyone throughout the game. The opportunity for more females to get involved in the game is greater than before with opportunities for players, volunteers, coaches and officials.

Within Staffordshire there are over 65 girls football teams and over 20 adult women’s teams offering players aged from as young as 5 with the opportunity to get involved within fun weekly coaching and league programmes. Skills Centres, a Centre of Excellence, Coach Mentoring and Young Leadership are just a few of the other projects we deliver and support.

If you are interested in joining a girls or women’s football team or for further information, please visit our website: www.staffordshirefa.com or contact Kevin Staples on 01785 256994 or email: kevin.staples@staffordshirefa.com

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www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

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11

Bumps & Beyond

Birth Story

T

hree local mums Nicola, Margaret and Su are all actively involved in the ‘kingdom of the baby’, and they have been in touch with us to tell us all about how they are coming together to bring a new perspective on the experience of pregnancy and giving birth.

& Beyond

From their own experiences and through talking to other parents they identified that there was a lack of emotional support for mums and dads who have been left unsatisfied with their experience of giving birth.

Classes in Stafford, Stone and Cannock For details of local classes contact

Leese Mott 07967 286271 leesemott@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk

They wanted to meet this need by providing a safe nurturing environment in the form of 4 ‘gatherings’ where mums and dads are able, along with other parents, to tell their story. They felt that being together in a group at regular intervals would sustain this process.

This is what th

e

t their great y told us abou

new sessions.

..

Your story may initially be about the way you gave birth to your baby. It may also or alternatively be about how your baby was unable to settle after birth e.g. sleeping or feeding.

These sessions will stimulate your curiosity, answer many questions and relieve anxieties you may have been left with about how you gave birth.

Our understanding of what can happen during the development of the baby in the womb and during the process of being born is stored as a memory in every cell of the body. The creation of this space is for these memories to be heard and acknowledged not only by the therapists attending but by the rest of the group.

image courtesey of WillfordPhotographic.com

Our skills are based on trainings and therapeutic experiences in the field of pre and perinatal life, craniosacral therapy, active birth experience and pregnant mothers.

Pre and perinatal life - Can be inclusive of thousands of experiences prior to birth.

Birth processes – Even in the ideal birth, it is still going to be the most difficult thing a human being is going to experience and any sort of intervention whether it is drugs or manual has an effect. These effects can be heard in this space. Therefore our intention is to invite you to bring your babies for the last two sessions so that we can hear their stories too.

Sessions to be held in Stone: Sunday 16th & 30th September, 14th & 21st October 2012.

Contact us for more information.

So who are they?

Remember...

“To be truly heard is to be healed”

Su Guest

- www.justbeyoga.org/email:justbeyoga@hotmail.com – 07707 668 710 Su is a specialist Pregnancy Yoga, Active Birth and Mums & Babies Yoga teacher, and also offers Doula support at Birth. She is a mum to two little boys.

Nicola Brough

- www.nicolabrough.com/email:nicola@nicolabrough.com – 07960 946 853 Nicola’s training as a craniosacral therapist supports her knowledge and therapeutic experience of the birth process. She is a complementary medicine practitioner, working with individuals, pregnant mums and families. She is also a mum of one and is expecting baby number two.

Margaret Baldwin

– 07871 404 728 Margaret has practised as a craniosacral therapist for 17 years and has trained for three years in pre and perinatal trauma resolution and three years in baby body language. She has been married to Fred for 50 years, is a mother of two and grandma to three grandchildren.

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Daisy Birthing is a gentle relaxed - active birthing concept created by the Lazy Daisy Team.

Tried and tested since 2004, our weekly class programme really works, helping you to enjoy every step of your pregnancy while looking forward to a natural birth.

Classes now available in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford Contact Sarah on 07805 260851 Email: sarah-capewell@lazydaisybirthing. co.uk

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

What’s on

September Saturday 1st September - Sunday 2nd September 2012 Heritage Weekend at Tamworth Castle 10:00 to 17:00 Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7NA For more information visit www.tamworthcastle.co.uk or call 01827 709 626 RSPB Nest Boxes at the Monkey Forest, Trentham Stone Road, ST4 8AX Join the RSPB at the Monkey Forest where you will learn how to make a nest box and keep it clean for your feathered friends! Included in Monkey Forest Admission.

Call 01782 659845 for more information.

No need to book in advance.

Saturday 1st September - Sunday 9th September 2012 Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX The Trentham Fern is running every Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 21st April - 15th July.

For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX £2 per person, each way. Additional to Garden Admission.

For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Sunday 2nd September 2012 Theatre in the Gardens- The Railway Children at Shugborough Hall Milford, ST17 0XB Enjoy a high quality theatrical performance on the Doric temple lawn. Bring the family and a picnic. Adults £14.50 (£11.50 in advance), Children aged 5-16 £9.50 (£7.50 in advance) Booking details www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk or call 01926 430307

Wednesday 5th September 2012 FREE Parent and Child Make and Bake session at Mitchell Arts Centre 10:00 to 17:00 Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG This is a free drop-in session so no need to book.

For more information call 01782 409307

Thursday 6th September 2012 Heritage Open Day at Newcastle Cemetery Chapel 14:00 to 16:00 Lymewood Grove, ST5 2EH A Victorian municipal burial chapel with original ceramic tiles and oak pews. Grade II listed.

Heritage Open Day at Burslem Park 17:00 to 18:00 Burslem Park Lodge, ST6 1EA For more information call 08443351884

Friday 7th September - Saturday 8th September 2012 Heritage Open Days at Biddulph Grange Gardens 11am - 5:30 pm Grange Road, ST8 7SD For more information visit- www.nationaltrust.org.uk or tel- 01782 517999

Saturday 8th September 2012 Stafford Morris Men at Moseley Old Hall 12pm - 4pm Come and enjoy traditional Morris dancing on the lawn.

For more information call The Property Office on 01902 782808 or emailmoseleyoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 8th September - Sunday 9th September 2012 Autumn Winter Fashion Shows at Potteries Shopping Centre 12:00 - 14:30 Quadrant Road, ST1 1RZ See what’s in for this years Autumn Winter Fashion from the centres’ stores with top name brands.

Saturday shows are at 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm Sunday shows are at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm For more information tel- 01782 289822 or visit- www.potteries.uk.com Rag Rug making for Beginners at Shugborough Hall 10:00am – 4:00pm Milford, ST17 0XB Learn the traditional craft of Rag Rug Making in a beautiful and historic setting. Suitable for ages from 8 – 100 and for absolute beginners – No experience is necessary. The cost is £45 including lunch and refreshments. Places are limited and advance booking is required.

To book please call the Shugborough Estate on 01889 881 388 11am-4pm or call into the ticket office during these hours.

Tudor Costume and Military Dress: Heritage Open day event at the Ancient High House 11.00am - 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Free admission.

For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk Eastern European Car Rally at Foxfield Railway Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG For more information call 01782 259667 / 396210 or visit www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk Victorian Redcoats at Tutbury Castle 11am - 5pm Castle Street, DE13 9JF For more information or to book tickets visit www.tutburycastle.com or tel 01283 812129

Wednesday 12th September Sunday 16th September 2012

Regency Dance Week at Sudbury Hall at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood 1pm - 4pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT For more information call Property Secretary, 01283 585337, or emailsudburyhall@ nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 12th September 2012 FREE Parent and Child Make and Bake session at Mitchell Arts Centre 10:00 to 17:00 Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG Children of any age welcome. This is a free drop-in session so no need to book.

For more information call 01782 409307

Sunday 16th September 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Treasure Days at Shugborough Hall Milford, ST17 0XB For more information tel- 01889 881 388 or visit www.shugborough.org.uk

Sunday 9th September 2012 Heritage Open Day at Burslem Park 14:00 to 15:00 Burslem Park Lodge, ST6 1EA For more information call 08443351884 Open Day - Cecilly Brook 11:00am to 4:00pm South of Ashbourne Road, Cheadle, Staffordshire A fun filled event for all the family including things to make, guided walk and mystery quiz walk with prizes.

It takes place at an area south of Ashbourne Road, Cheadle (B5032). Grid ref SK 014430 Parking nearby at Tape Street car park in the town centre.

Fungi Foray 10:30am to 12:00pm Brough Park Leek, Staffordshire Join Staffordshire Fungi Goup in a hunt for these interesting and colourful toadstools in the woods and grasslands. Meet outside the Leisure Centre at 10.30am.

Village Lacemakers at Moseley Old Hall 1am - 4pm Come to Moseley to see a demonstration from the skilful village lacemakers. Visitors will also have a chance to have a go.

For more information call The Property Office on 01902 782808 or emailmoseleyoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sunday 9th September 2012 Hands on Arms and Armour: Heritage Open Day event at Stafford Castle 11.00am - 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Lords and Ladies, Knights and damsels, try on costumes from the medieval period. Free admission.

For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk

Monday 10th September 2012 Regency Costumes and Manners at Sudbury Hall 2pm - 4pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT For more information call Property Secretary 01283 585337 or email sudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Monday 10th September - Friday 14th September 2012 Stokes Top Talent at The Regent Theatre 19.30 Watch 40 of the most talented contestants battle it out for a place in the prestigious Grand Final.

For more information or to book seats visit www.atgtickets.com

Thursday 13th September 2012 Tour of Britain - Stage 5 finish at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre 14:00 to 15:00 Beginning in the beautiful surroundings of the Trentham Estate’s Italian Gardens, the stage finishes on what has become a popular and recognisable uphill finish into the city centre in Hanley For more information call 01782 234217

Thursday 13th September 2012 Tour of Britain Stage Five at Trentham Gardens 10.30am Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Friday 14th September 2012 Upstairs, Downstairs Tour (Cloned) at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood 11am - 12:30 pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT For information call Property Secretary, 01283 585337 or emailsudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

13

What’s on Sunday 7th October 2012 Saturday 15th September 2012

Sunday 23rd September 2012

START: Stafford Arts Festival 2012 at the Ancient High House 10.00am – 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Free admission.

For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk

Meet Ben & Holly at The Potteries Shopping Centre 10:00 - 15:00 Quadrant Road, ST1 1RZ Kids can come and meet Ben & Holly from the hit cartoon series on Nick Jr. Book FREE online from the 10th September.

You will not be able to meet Ben and Holly if you have not booked an appointment in advance. Appearance times are 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm.

For more information tel- 01782 289822 or visit- www. potteries.uk.com

Wednesday 19th September 2012 FREE Parent and Child Make and Bake session at Mitchell Arts Centre 10:00 to 17:00 Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG Children of any age welcome. This is a free drop-in session so no need to book.

For more information call 01782 409307

Wednesday 19th September Sunday23rd September 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Wednesday 19th September England V Croatia UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 Championship Qualifier 5pm Walsall FC Ticket Hotline – 01922 651416 Online Booking – www.eticketing.co.uk/walsallfc

Thursday 20th September 2012 Caudwell Children – Twilight Walk “A Girls NightOut” to raise funds for sick and disabled children across the UK. The Twilight Walk is a 10km sponsored ladies walk, following a circular route from Newcaslte-under-Lyme town centre passing through Stoke-on-Trent and Hanley.

So grab your mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and colleagues and walk to change a child’s life.

Check in will be from 7pm, with the walk commencing at 8pm.

Registrations is just £10 (which includes a special Twilight Walk t-shirt and Tutu) or £6 (registration only) We couldn’t run events like this without the generous help of our volunteers, so why not ask the men in your lives to help marshal the event too?

For more information or to register for this event contact Abi on 01782 600435

Saturday 22nd September and Sunday 23rd September 2012 Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX The Trentham Fern is running every Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 21st April - 15th July.

For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646 Preserves, Pickles & Fruits of the Harvest Weekend at Shugborough Hall Milford, ST17 0XB Enjoy the harvest at Shugborough where we will be cooking up some Autumn delights, making preserves, pickles and seasonal cheese, brewing up a September ale and making lavender scented laundry fresheners. Walsall Spinners will also be demonstrating their unique crafts on the Sunday.

For more information tel- 01889 881 388 or visitwww.shugborough.org.uk

Saturday 22nd September 2012

Staffordshire History Fair 2012 at the Ancient High House 10.00am - 4.00pm Enjoy memories of times gone by with displays,and activities organised by local history groups. Free admission.

For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@ staffordbc.gov.uk

14

Folk Festival & Classic Cars at Churnet Valley Railway Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall, ST10 2HA For more information call 01538 750755 or visit www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk Katherine House 10k Run and Family Fun Run at Shugborough Hall 9:30am Milford, ST17 0XB Fun Run to raise money for Katherine House Hospice. Gates open at 9:30am. Last entries 10:30am Further details and registrations visit www.khhospice.org.uk or call Katherine House Hospice on 01785 270 808

Kinver Colour Walk at Kinver Edge and Rock Houses 10am - 1pm The walk is around 6 miles long and suitable for adults as well as children who are used to walking long distances.

All Tickets £2 For more Information call Community Engagement Officer on 07920181605 or email laura.broadhurst@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 10th October - Sunday 14th October 2012

Wednesday 26th September 2012

Saturday 13th October - Sunday 14th October 2012

FREE Parent and Child Make and Bake session at Mitchell Arts Centre 10:00 to 17:00 Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG This is a free drop-in session so no need to book.

For more information call 01782 409307

Wednesday 26th September Sunday 30th September 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 64664

Saturday 29th September Sunday 30th September 2012 Traction Engine Steam Party at Foxfield Railway Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG For more information call 01782 259667 / 396210 or visit www. foxfieldrailway.co.uk Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

October Wednesday 3rd October 2012 FREE Parent and Child Make and Bake session at Mitchell Arts Centre 10:00 to 17:00 Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG This is a free drop-in session so no need to book.

For more information call 01782 409307

Wednesday 3rd October - Sunday 7th October 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Friday 5th October - Sunday 7th October 2012 Stone Food and Drink Festival 13:00 to 19:00 (Friday) 10:00 to 17:00 (Saturday & Sunday) Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 9DP For more information call 01785 818289

Saturday 6th October - Sunday 7th October 2012 Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort Alton, Staffordshire The 2012 Scarefest promises to offer the most terrifying event yet! There is something for all thrill seekers and families, with tons of terrific rides, blockbusting attractions, amazing live shows, and weird and wonderful costume characters. Join us for our terrifying Scarefest event and ride your favourite rides after dark as the Theme Park will be open until 21:00!

For more information visit www.altontowers.com Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Saturday 13th October 2012 Material World at the Ancient High House 10.00am - 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Displays and demonstrations from experts in embroidery, crochet, knitting, sewing, lace-making, spinning and weaving.

Children’s French knitting ‘drop in’ workshops. Free admission For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk

Wednesday 17th October - Sunday 21st October 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Friday 19th October - Wednesday 31st October 2012 Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort Alton, Staffordshire For more information visit www.altontowers.com

Saturday 20th October - Sunday 21st October 2012 Autumn Steam Gala at Foxfield Railway Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG For more information call 01782 259667 / 396210 or visit www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk Take a ride on Trentham Fern at The Trentham Estate 12.00pm - 4.45pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

Sunday 21st October 2012

Ramble on The Edge at Kinver Edge and Rock Houses 10am - 1pm Join us for an invigorating walk through the stunning countryside around Kinver Edge. The walk is around 6 miles long and suitable for adults as well as children who are used to walking long distances.

For more information call Community Engagement Officer on 07920181605 or email laura.broadhurst@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 24th October Wednesday 31st October 2012 Take a Cruise on Miss Elizabeth at The Trentham Estate On the hour every hour Stone Road, ST4 8AX For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

What’s on Saturday 27 October 2012 Natasha Newton and Elizabeth Pollard at Yellowstone Art Boutique at The Trentham Estate 4.30pm - 6.30pm Stone Road, ST4 8AX Call 01782 657970 for more information.

Monday 29th October & Tuesday 30th October 2012 Half Term Autumn Crafts at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood 12pm - 4pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT Creative arts and crafts for children and families to join in with a seasonal theme For more information call Property Secretary, 01283 585337 or emailsudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 27th October 2012 Halloween at the Haunted High House at the Ancient High House

Saturday 20th October Wednesday 31st October 2012 Halloween at Hoo farm

Shropshire, TF6 6DJ Throughout half term there will be lots of spooky fun and games in the Halloween Barn. On Sunday 28th October the Halloween Fancy dress competition takes place at 2.30pm with prizes for the spookiest costumes.

For more information call 01952 677917 or visit www.hoofarm.com

Wednesday 24th October to Friday 26th October 2012 Halloween Hands on Horror at Stafford Castle

10.00am - 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Children’s ‘drop in’ Halloween workshops. £3 per session.For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk

Saturday 27th October 2012 Ghost Train at Churnet Valley Railway

Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall, ST10 2HA Thrills and family fun in our spooky night-time spectacular` Bookings taken from 1st September For more information or to book tickets call 01538 750755 or visit www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Sunday 28th October 2012 Halloween at Queens Park Longton

11.00am - 4.00pm Newport Road, Stafford Children’s ‘drop in’ pumpkin carving workshops with dastardly delicious refreshments. £3 per session.

For more details contact tel- 01785 257698 or email- heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk

14:00 to 17:00 Trentham Road, Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST3 4AZ Come along in fancy dress and celebrate Halloween at Queens Park, Longton. There will be a fancy dress competition, best pumpkin competition, spooky dips, a ghost train and other scary fun activities for all to enjoy. for more information call 07717 714101

Saturday 27th October Wednesday 31st October 2012 Halloween and the spooky tunnel at Biddulph Grange Gardens

Sunday 28th October 2012 Halloween Steam Cream Land Cruise Train at Foxfield Railway

11am - 3:30 pm Grange Road, ST8 7SD Venture down the spooky tunnel if you dare!

Marvel at the marvellous pumpkins carved by the Biddulph Grange gardeners and tread cafefully along the transformed Woodland Walk.

For more information tel- 01782 517999 or visit-www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG Come and enjoy a majestic Sunday afternoon steam hauled train journey while enjoying a cream tea on board. For more information call 01782 259667 / 396210 or visit www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

Saturday 27th October - Sunday 4th November 2012 Halloween at the Monkey Forest (Trentham)

Milford, ST17 0XB Autumn Activity week at the farm with spooky crafts, pumpkin carving and fun quizzes and trails.

For more information tel- 01889 881 388 or visit www.shugborough.org.uk

Stone Road, ST4 8AX Ghoulish activities at the Monkey Forest all week including spooky story-time, competitions and terrifying treats in the Banana Cafe.

For more information visit www.trentham.co.uk or tel 01782 646646

www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk

Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd November 2012 Half Term Family Fun at the Farm (Shugborough Hall)

Wednesday 31st October 2012 Outdoor Halloween Hunt at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood

1pm - 4pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT Are you up to the challenge of our Scary Trail in the Wicked Woodland Play Area? Weather permitting For more information call Property Secretary, 01283 585337, or emailsudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 31st October 2012 Terrifying Toddle for Tiny Tots at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood

1pm - 4pm Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT Bring your families and join us on Halloween for a spooky stroll around the grounds of Sudbury Hall, if you’re brave enough to follow the trail?!

For more information call Property Secretary, 01283 585337, or emailsudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 31st October 2012 Halloween Geocaching at Kinver Edge and Rock Houses

10am - 3pm Take part in this hi-tech treasure hunt, using family friendly gps units. Search the Edge for our hidden boxes and have a go at the activities inside them. Group Ticket £30.

For more information call Community Engagement Officer on 07920181605 or emaillaura.broadhurst@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 31st October 2012 Pumpkin carving workshop at Biddulph Grange Gardens

10am - 11:15 am, 12pm - 1:15 pm, 2pm - 3:15 pm Grange Road, ST8 7SD Halloween pumpkins to carve and take home.

Create your own fabulous carved pumpkin ready for Halloween. The gardeners at Biddulph Grange Garden will pass on their tips and suggestions for designs. Everyone gets to take their pumpkin home with them.

For more information visit- www.nationaltrust.org.uk or tel- 01782 517999

15

Competitions

n i W

Win a Cussons Mum & Me Bump gift pack!

CUSSONS LAUNCH NEW MOTHER AND BABY RANGE TO SHAKE UP THE MARKET Becoming a mum isn’t easy. There’s so much to learn, and sometimes the pressure to be the ‘perfect mother’ can be overwhelming. That’s why Cussons have launched Cussons Mum & Me - an effective range of products designed to help with the amazing realities of becoming a mum. The range addresses three key needs of mum and baby – sleep, skin, and hair and has been designed to help with every stage of the journey – from bump, to new mum, to baby.

Cussons Mum & Me is available in all major supermarkets and chemists including: Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ASDA. For your chance to win, enter online at www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk/Competitions Terms and conditions apply.

Closing date Wednesday 31st October 2012

Win a Kindle with Metanium!

Win!

Reading can be the perfect way to unwind after a busy day with your baby. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has teamed up with Families Magazine to give away a Kindle which can store over 1000 of your favourite books. 3 runners up will win a specially designed set of 7 babygrows – one for every day of the week (RRP £28 a pack).

Reading can be the perfect way to unwind after a busy day with your baby. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has teamed up with Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to help guard Families Magazine to give awayseal a Kindle can store over 1000 favourite against nappy rash.

It helps in thewhich skin’s natural moisture andofisyour gentle enoughbooks. to use 3 runners up will win a specially designed set of 7 babygrows – one for every day of the week (RRP £28 a pack). every day.

Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to help guard against nappy rash. It helps seal in the skin’s In a Metanium Everyday product test with Mumsnet, most mums said they would be likely to natural moistureMetanium and is gentle enough to use every day. recommend to other mums.

In a Metanium Everyday product test with Mumsnet, most mums said they would be likely to recommend Metanium to other mums.

Metanium Everyday canBoots, be purchased fromSainsbury’s, Boots, Asda, Tesco,pharmacies Sainsbury’s,and leading Metanium Everyday from Asda, Tesco, leading www.boots.com pharmacies and www.boots.com www.metanium.co.uk To www.metanium.co.uk enter visit www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk/Competitions Terms and conditions apply To enter visit www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk/Competitions Closing 31st October 2012 Termsdate andWednesday conditions apply Closing date Wednesday 31st October 2012

Win! Your little one could WIN A ‘Kiddy Cook’ equipment pack that includes:

Bowl Coloured whisk Coloured spoon Wooden rolling pin Kiddy Cook apron Kiddy Cook recipe cards.

One for the Kiddy’s Stone Food and Drink Festival are on a mission to inspire the next generation of food lovers and we thought that we would give them a helping hand by encouraging the kids to get thinking about their favourite food.

Simply pop over to our website www.familiesstaffordshire.co.uk/Competitions to download our ‘Dinner Plate’ colouring sheet and get your child to draw us their favourite meal.

Then the sheet can either be emailed to editor@familiesstaffordshire.co.uk or posted to Families Staffordshire, PO BOX 3501, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 9JX. If you don’t have internet access, don’t worry you can pick up a copy of the sheet from the Little Foodies Marquee at the Festival.

The winner will be judged by Kate from Kiddy Cook on Sunday 7th October 2012.

Also up for grabs is a free term of Melody Time classes in Stone, suitable for children aged 6months to 5 years.

For more information on the Stone Food and Drink Festival visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk For more information on Kiddy Cook North Staffs visit www.kiddycook.co.uk