Little Tigers Magzine Chester issue 4 summer 2015

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Issue 4 Summer 2015

This Issue:

Plus:

Summer Days Out and Events

Clubs, Classes & Tuition

Ups and Downs of Parenting

Shopping for Children

A Dad’s Eye View

Childcare at Home

Adventures of a Guilty Mum & Her Son

Child Nurseries

On the Road Holiday Review

Party Planner

Summer Reading & Competitions

Baby & Toddler Diary

Father’s Day ‘Man-cakes’

Notice Board

Blacon • Bromborough • Chester City Centre • Dodleston • Ellesmere Port • Eccleston • Handbridge • Heswall • Hoole Huntington • Lache • Mickle Trafford • Neston • Newton • Sealand • Tarvin • Tattenhall • Upton • Vicars Cross • Waverton • Whitby

Issue 4: Summer 2015 ADVERTISING SALES AND DISTRIBUTION: Susie Harding Tel: 01925 730989. Email: chester@littletigers.co.uk

Features

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION: Tiffany Henry Tel: 01625 522237. Email: info@littletigers.co.uk

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A whole new world of fun

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Win a family pass to see The Tiger who came to tea

ADDRESS: 4 Chetwode Mews, Street Lane, Lower Whitley, WA4 4EN. www.littletigers.co.uk

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Book Corner – What’s that Noise?

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Much ado about lunch

FREE LISTINGS: email: lists.littletigers@googlemail.com

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A Dad’s Eye view on Water Fun in the Garden

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Man Cakes

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Twin Tales – Getting outdoors

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Win a pass to the magical new world of fun at Cheshire Ice Cream Farm

DESIGN: Stuart Eaton Design Tel: 01625 426 299. Web: www.stuarteatondesign.com ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS: Nicola Foster, John Freeman, Kate Nield, Victoria Pollitt, Olivia Gunson, Ellie Pennington, Kate Brinklow, Laura-Louise Cheers & Andy Cruikshank.

14 Play King of the Castle this summer 15 Top Tips for Party Success

CIRCULATION: 10,000 copies are given FREE to parents, grandparents, carers and anyone else who looks after or works with children.

16 Six tips to shoot some great summer photos

PUBLICATION DATES: 4 times a year: SPRING (9 March), SUMMER (8 June), AUTUMN (21 September) and WINTER (30 November). For advertising or editorial, please get in touch by the end of January, April, July and October respectively.

22 On the Road – Disney Land Europe

LISTINGS: Listings are free if they fit into one of the categories we cover: ‘Days Out & Events’ and ‘Baby & Toddler Diary’.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: If you can’t be sure to pick up a free copy, please send a cheque for a year’s subscription for £10 with your name and address, to the postal address shown above.

NOTICE TO READERS: Our aim is to bring free information to local families and carers, and provide a means to find local providers of relevant goods and services.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure that articles, adverts and listings are true, fair and accurate, much of the information is taken on good faith from one or more sources. As with every publication, readers should take their own steps to assess the suitability of products, services and events for themselves and their families.

The publisher is not liable for any statements or opinions given.

21 Oh we do like to be beside the Seaside!

23 Make a “five sense” container

Directory 6

Clubs, classes and tuition

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Childcare and nurseries

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Cheshire Ice Cream Farm Competition

10 Days out and Events throughout the Summer Holidays 15 Summer Festival Fun 16 Party Planner 17 Baby & Toddler Diary 23 Notice Board

© 2015 Little Tigers Magazine. Nothing may be reproduced without permission.

A whole new world of fun at The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire Cheshire Farm Ice Cream has been creating award-winning ice cream for over 30 years. Set to be unveiled this summer, The Ice Cream Farm tourist attraction will boast possibly the world’s largest purposebuilt ice cream parlour and Europe’s largest sand and water play.

The new ice cream parlour will be the shining beacon at the epicentre of this exciting new development, with the fun open plan design, jaw-dropping serving counter and plush seating areas. The famous blue building that houses the current parlour is being transformed into a 180 seater food and drink area, providing a bright and contemporary environment, as well as an exciting new menu.

The new attractions offer a whole new flavour of activity, including ‘Honeycomb Hive’, a sensational sand and water play area that will allow children of all ages to play, engage and explore whatever the British weather brings.

Moving outside,‘Daisy’s Garden’ provides a free play experience with a difference. Delights include; a flavour forest, a toddler farm and adventure play areas filled with tunnels and towers.‘Strawberry Fields’ is a stunning ice cream themed adventure golf course, whilst the ‘Silvercone’ quad bike track will add to the entertainment, along with much, much more. To top it all off, Fudge Farm, the ranch-style rehoming of the farm’s beloved animals will complete the Ice Cream Farm experience.

Keep up to date with the latest news at www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk

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Editor’s Diary

Welcome to Summer Dear Reader Yippee! Summer has arrived in Little Tigers Chester Region and there is so much fun and adventure to be had this season, regardless of the Great British weather!

It might be Summer but we don’t forget one of the most important days of the year, Father’s Day on 21 June. The Mini Makery have excelled themselves this issue with a wonderfully creative “man cake” for all Dad’s out there. I’m off to stock up on satsumas now for our kids to make their Dad’s! Happy Father’s Day to all you Dad’s out there, enjoy your day.

Laura-Louise at CaptureMy gives advice on taking great pictures and capturing those summertime memories whilst our baby and toddler diary is full of daily activities to keep your child/ren and you entertained. A few classes do stop throughout the summer holidays so it’s always worth giving them a call before you go along.

Days Out and Events are split into family activities, summer festivals and big days out. There is plenty to keep everyone in the family entertained this Summer. For many years, a staple day out in our region has been to the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall. Much investment and development has gone on throughout recent months and we are delighted to not only offer the chance to win an exclusive pass to its magical world of fun but also to share exactly what developments have been made in preparation for a Summer 2015 of fun.

Whilst our magazine is a handy handbag size we know it’s not always possible to carry it everywhere with you and with so much on it can be tricky to stay informed so like our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/littletigersmag follow us on Twitter @littletigersmag and check out our website,www.littletigers.co.uk, for up to the minute news on events in your area.

Enjoy the sunshine and the raindrops, see you again in the autumn.

Susie Harding

WIN a Family Pass to see The Tiger Who Came To Tea The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!

This charming musical play, based on the book by Judith Kerr is adapted by David Wood OBE one of the country’s leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children. His many successes include Fantastic Mr Fox, The Gingerbread Man, BFG, The Witches, Meg and Mog, Spot and Babe the Sheep Pig. The Tiger Who Came to Tea is at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe between 7 – 9th August 2015, suitable for ages 3+. For tickets to www.crewelyceum.co.uk To win a Family Pass (four tickets one of which must be an adult) to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Crewe Lyceum on Saturday 8th August at 11am send your name, address, email and a day time contact number to Little Tigers, The Tiger Who Came To Tea Competition, 4 Chetwoode Mews, Street Lane, Lower Whitley, WA4 4EN, Entries to be received by 19th July 2015.

Competition Rules. 1. No Cash alternative shall be offered to any prize. 2. Only one entry per household and family. 3. Winner(s) will be drawn from the prize draw bucket. 4. Incomplete or illegible entries will not be accepted. 5. The editor’s decision is final no correspondence will be entered into with Little Tigers or The Crewe Lyceum. 6. The winners will be notified by telephone or email with details of how they will receive their prize. 7. Responsibility is not accepted for entries lost/delayed/damaged in the post. 8. Entries should be clearly marked with the competition name, your name, address and telephone number and sent to: Little Tigers Magazine Chester Region, 4 Chetwoode Mews, Street Lane, Lower Whitley, WA4 4EN. 9.

Little Tigers and prize suppliers will not be responsible for any transport or accommodation costs incurred in the fulfilment of the prize. 10. The act of entering the competition will be taken as acceptance of these rules. 11. The tickets cannot be exchanged for another performance or production.

12. Extra tickets are not permitted but can be purchased at the usual outlets or box office subject to availability. 13. Winner’s seating includes seats in ALL areas of the theatre including stalls, circle and gallery and cannot be exchanged pre show or on the night. 14. Replacements will not be offered for lost or stolen tickets. 15. Your personal information will not be shared with external organisations outside Little Tigers unless a third party is issuing a prize directly. 16. Little Tigers magazine may use your information for marketing purposes, if you do not wish your details to be used please write this clearly on your entry. 17. The names of winners can be obtained by writing to Little Tigers Magazine

@LittleTigersMag

www.facebook.com/littletigersmag 3

Book Corner

What’s That Noise?

A new book by local mum Jackie Hallmark What’s that noise? is a beautifully illustrated book inspired by Jackie’s own family and her love of nature. It describes the way five children dress up as woodland creatures and discover the hidden world around them.

But don’t just take our word for it, Little Tigers Chester has 10 copies to give away to our readers on a first come, first served basis, strictly, on the understanding that you will provide us with your review by 31st July 2015.

Local Mum of two Jackie has had a passion for drawing since she was a young child, a self taught illustrator she owns a successful illustration business. “I am always drawing I find it so relaxing, I just drift off into my own world. I am lucky enough to spend a lot of time with my two children, my three nephews and their friends, it’s an honour to be able to see the way they view the world as children are an endless source of inspiration, they have inspired me to write and illustrate my own children’s picture book” explains Jackie. “I love the way that children can be whoever they want to be and create their own characters. In doing so they start to understand the personalities and attributes of the woodland animals and watching them play together is magical. Each one is an individual with their own likes, dislikes and personality, but they work together, play and have fun. My wonderful little creatures are based on them and I hope they make children smile, be inspired to learn, grow and most of all enjoy life” If you or your little one is interested in reviewing - What’s that noise? by Jackie Hallmark, and would like a copy please send your name, address, date of birth and contact number to Little Tigers Chester Region, 4 Chetwode Mews, Street Lane, Lower Whitley WA4 4EN. Happy Reading Kerry Terms and Conditions 1. No Cash alternative shall be offered to the prize. 2. Only one entry per household. 3. Winner(s) will be first 10 entries received. 4. Incomplete or illegible entries will not be accepted. 5. The editor’s decision is final no correspondence will be entered into with Little Tigers Chester. 6. The winners will be notified by telephone with details of how they will receive their prize. 7. Recipients will send their book review to Little Tigers Chester at the above address by 31 July 2015. 8. Your personal information will not be shared with external organisations outside Little Tigers unless a third party is issuing a prize directly. 9. The names of winners can be obtained by writing to Little Tigers Chester Magazine.

The Ups and Downs of Parenting

Much ado about lunch By Nicola Foster If there is one thing I could change about my son’s days at Primary School, it is that I would have managed to give him something other than a lunch of ham sandwiches for practically every day of his school life. I don’t know if this is normal, or even legal but somehow it is a fact.

I’m not sure what the long-term effects (if any) of eating a ham sandwich every day for so many years are, although I take comfort from the fact that, as a child, my brother seemed to survive quite adequately on a curious combination of chocolate pudding, corned beef and Extra Strong Mints and has grown to be 6ft 3 and never had a filling.

Bad habits are easily formed and I think my reliance on ham sandwiches stems from the time when I had three packed lunches to make and ham was the only sandwich filling that was acceptable to everyone. A more forward thinking and organised person would perhaps have thought to make them up the night before and therefore be able to offer a wider selection of sandwich filling. However, my “nights before” were invariably spent catching up on things I had failed to do during the day. Lunch-box assembly would therefore take place in the morning whilst barking out spellings, serving up a breakfast that nobody liked and hunting frantically for clean uniform and missing shoes.The type of slapdash operation I run here allows little margin for any form of lunch-box creativity and therefore three identical and unimaginative lunch-boxes would be prepared each day, consisting of a ham sandwich, yoghurt, cheese string, a box of raisins, a drink, a piece of fruit and a biscuit and that is how it all began.

Over the years I have, from time to time, tried to introduce some variation into this monotony. If the children were given the opportunity to speak here, they would probably point out that very few, if any, of these culinary experiments have been successful. For example, when I saw Jamie Oliver wringing his hands about the state of the nation’s school dinners and packed lunches, the children suddenly found their lunch boxes filled with pitta, humous, sliced cucumber and carrots. This looked very fresh and appetising when I packed it but, by the time it had spent a morning sweating away in a plastic lunchbox, the humous had curdled and the cucumber shriveled. In short, it looked like something you would try to step over on the pavement.

I have also dabbled with ham salad wraps. I thought I was onto a winner here as I wasn’t straying away from the ham theme, but one that at least looked a little healthier. These were popular at home but we found that, without a cocktail stick holding them together, they had an unfortunate tendency to fall apart. Understandably, schools do not tend to look favourably on cocktail sticks. When brandished by a gaggle of lively 9 year olds, they could be the trigger of a midday revolution. I made one last ditched attempt to liven things up a bit, by scribbling little notes or jokes on bits of paper and popping them in their lunchbox. This could have been fun had I not caused sibling uproar and some rather serious allegations of favouritism by inadvertently putting two notes in one lunchbox and nothing in another.

I fear the boy cannot be saved. For his homework last week, he had to write a story about a school day. I couldn’t help but notice that other than the child’s name, there was something very familiar about it; “Charlie was on a packed lunch. He preferred them to hot dinners. He always had a ham sandwich, cheese string, a Frube, a chocolate bar, grapes and a carton of either apple juice or orange juice”. Looking on the bright side, I suppose if he hadn’t written his name on the homework, it wouldn’t have been very difficult to identify to whom it belonged…

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Clubs, Classes and Tuition

Make ‘man-cakes’ for Father’s Day This summer Kate and Ellie from Mini Makery tell us how to create a ‘man-cake’ especially for Dad this Father’s Day We love summer time with warm sunshine, flowers in full bloom and huge choice of delicious fruit and vegetables available.

What an exciting time of year and those lucky daddies get to celebrate Father’s Day and we’d love to help make your dad’s day an extra special one. We thought you’d enjoy creating him an alternative pancake which we call the “man-cake”. You can create a man-cake that looks like your dad! We have lots of ideas for ingredients you can use to create the perfect face. Everybody knows that food made with fun and love always tastes especially delicious, so your dad is in for a treat. We had fun making our own faces, and you could use these as a guide or use your imagination to dream up your own masterpiece.

What to do Make a basic pancake (or if you are short on time a tortilla will do) and prepare some fruit or vegetables for his features.

Below you’ll find some suggestions and you can pick your favourites or you may have some great ideas of you own.

Eyes and glasses • Blueberries • Raspberries • Satsuma segments • Kiwi slices • Banana slices • Pomegranate seeds • Raisins, sultanas & dried fruit • Cucumber • Olives • Carrot rounds • Celery slices • Tomatoes

Nose • Apple • Pear • Strawberry • Carrot • Broccoli • Baby sweetcorn • Cucumber

Hair or beard • Blueberries • Raspberries • Satsuma segments • Slices of apple • Mango slices • Carrot sticks or peelings • Olives black or green • Peppers red, green or orange • Salad leaves or cress • Scrambled egg

Don’t forget to add extra details like a tie, bow tie, hat, glasses, moustache, ears to make it just like your dad. We would absolutely love to see your creations, especially with your dad in the picture! Share images on social media - #theminimakery or upload them to www.faceboook.com/theminimakery and we’ll try to share as many as we can.

And finally, one of our very own creations make it onto CBBC! Our Koala Bear made out of pear, sugar snap peas, pumpkin seeds and dried blueberries won a competition for the best healthy dinner! We were very proud.

For more fantastic ideas on fun food, come find us on www.theminimakery.co.uk

A Dad’s Eye View On: Water fun in the garden By John Freeman It’s a tradition: as soon as the sun comes out and the temperature creeps anywhere near 20 Celsius, families across the nation take to their gardens - and, what’s more than likely if they have small children, is that the first thing they will do is set up a paddling pool.

Everyone remembers the paddling pool of their childhood. Mine was blue-and-white and made of rough, tough plastic.

It didn’t need to be inflated - a very good thing I’d come to learn in adulthood – but was so unforgiving that small limbs would be grazed and bruised just by trying to navigate a way in.

And then there was the water. In Manchester in the 1970s, it seemed that all paddling pools were filled with water harvested from gently melting glaciers. Cold doesn’t even begin to describe the sensation of being six-years-old and sat in freezing water (usually trying to see if the worm you’d just found could swim) but I remember the experience as being brilliant.

Therefore, it has been wonderfully reassuring to find out that, almost 40 years later, my kids also find huge pleasure from any water-related garden fun in summertime. The paddling pool is now bigger – and requires rapid inflation while being watched by impatient eyes – and even cosseted 21st century kids can seemingly cope with hypothermia-inducing water.

And my kids can vouch for the fact that worms still cannot swim.

However, compared to my paddling pools days, our garden now harbours even more watery fun. In an age of Nintendo, Xbox and wall-to-wall TV, it’s mightily heartening to discover that chasing your kids around the garden with a hosepipe and soaking them from head-to-toe appears to be the best fun ever. Especially if, at some point, the hosepipe is accidentally dropped and the kids seek revenge on their ‘helpless’ parents.

Even better are slides – several metres of plastic sheeting that, once covered in water, can propel a small child at speeds Lewis Hamilton would be proud to achieve, while comically endangering the safety of other small children, elderly relatives or family pets who have inadvertently gotten in the way.

Nevertheless, those slides cannot compete with the untold hyper-giddiness induced by Water Parks. A couple of years ago we took the kids to a water-themed amusement park in Mallorca. They spent the day splashing in huge activity pools and careering down bigger and faster water slides until their legs turned to jelly. My daughter still refers to it as ‘The Best Day Ever’. I am happy to admit their dad thought it was hugely enjoyable too.

It would seem that summer plus water equals fun.

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Childcare and Nurseries

Twin Tales

By Olivia Gunson

They say time flies when you are having fun! Well the girls are now one year old and I have no idea where this past year has gone! I can think of a few more words other than fun to describe this past year‌. enlightening, challenging, stressful, rewarding, motivating, empowering and above all immense! The list could go on! But we have all made it and we are all still in one piece, so my objective is achieved!

I have always wanted the girls to spend quality time outdoors, so with the arrival of the warmer weather and hopefully some more on the way, we have been heading outside for some adventures!

We recently visited Greenacres Animal Park www.greenacresanimalpark.co.uk.

Having been told about it by friends we went along for an afternoon in the sunshine.The girls loved it, as there is a really varied range of animals, birds and reptiles!

They fed kid goats and stroked rabbits, owls, a skunk and even a snake!!! They were big fans all the animals until the skunk suddenly wriggled while Jemima was stroking him and scared her out of her skin! This was much to Mummy’s amusement but certainly not Jemima’s!

Good weather also attracts creative and wise ideas, mine was that I would give the girls their evening bath in the paddling pool (in the garden), it was a beautiful day and I thought it would make a lovely end to what had been a rather testing day!

The girls are normally in bath seats when they have a bath and I am on my own so need to ensure that they are safe. This thought completely passed me by as I confidently filled the paddling pool with warm water, bubbles and lots of toys! However it became very apparent, very quickly that they loved their new found freedom in the water, crawling and scrambling about! So there I was with a semi flooded patio, two giggling naked babies crawling in and out of the paddling pool and their mother hopping around trying to keep the towels dry, as I had only brought two outside with me #fail! Nonetheless they had a whale of a time and I was rewarded with the girls almost falling asleep before their heads hit the pillow!

Having said all this I think the biggest challenge of the warmer weather is trying to get them to keep their hats on and learning how to get sun cream of out their clothes! This will prove interesting with our summer holidays fast approaching on top of all the other challenges of coping with two little ones on planes and long car journeys to the coast! Roll on summer, we are ready for you!

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Days Out and Events

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Days Out and Events

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Days Out and Events As always there is so much going on locally over the summer months, with plenty for families to enjoy come sunshine or rain! The follow pages are full of great things to see and do with your children.

We have listed the events in date order, and there is a section on places that offer plenty of family activities throughout the summer holidays, as well as a section on festivals, carnivals, shows and big days out. As always please call ahead or visit websites to check details, prices, times and age suitability.

Throughout the School Holidays: Forest Explorer events at Delamere (July & August) Den building, Mini beast hunts, Native American Day, Junior Explorers, Bush Craft & plenty of other events planned for the summer – please check the website for dates.

Forest Explorers, Delamere Forest, Linmere, Northwich, Cheshire Tel: 07808 506308 www.forest-explorers.co.uk Brimstage Maze 18 July – 30 August The Brimstage Maze has been getting people lost since 2003, the site has grown and improved over the years so that there is now a whole range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy as well as the maize maze 10.30am – 6pm Brimstage Hall, Brimstage Lane, Birkenhead Tel: 07709 339 490 www.brimstagemaze.co.uk Chester Zoo From 13 July - Islands at the Zoo They recreating the amazing tropical environments of six South East Asian islands to explore on your own unique wildlife expedition Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester Tel: 01244 380 280 www.chesterzoo.org.uk Apple Jacks Adventure Park Giant maze & corn cannon 10.30am – 5pm Stretton, Warrington Tel: 01925 268495 www.applejacksfarm.co.uk Norton Priory 27 & 28 July - It’s Summertime!

3 & 4 August - Rabbits Rule 10 & 11 August - Big Den, Little Den, Cardboard Box 11am – 4pm Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Rd, Manor Park, Runcorn Tel: 01928 569895 www.nortonpriory.org Summer Activities at Tatton’s Farm 28 July - 28 August Milking demonstrations, meet the newly born chicks & ducks, watch the sheep compete in the daily sheep hurdle challenges, follow the Little Baa Trail, with storytelling at the weekends 12 – 5pm (last entry 4pm) Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk

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Summer time at Stockley Farm Park With different themes each week: Feed the baby animals & watch the milking, groom the ponies, tractor & trailer rides, birds of prey demonstrations, visit pets corner, indoor & outdoor play areas 11am – 5pm Stockley Farm Park, Arley, Northwich Tel: 01565 777323 www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Grosvenor Museum Summer activities at the museum 28 July - Roman Helmets and Shields 30 July - Sailing Boats 4 August - Seaside Collage 6 August – Prehistoric Axes 11 August - Magnificent Minerals 18 August – Tudor Pastimes 25 August - Prehistoric Camping!

27 August - Fabulous pinwheels 2 – 4pm (drop in) Grosvenor Street, Chester Tel: 01244 972197 www.westcheshiremusuems.co.uk Crafternoons at the Museum!

Free craft activities for kids every Saturday from 12pm! There’s something different to try at the Museum every Saturday afternoon!

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Museum St, Warrington Tel: 01925 442396 www.warringtonmuseum.co.uk World Museum – Liverpool Hands on activities throughout the summer William Brown St, Liverpool Tel: 0151 478 4393 www.liverpoolmuseums.org Merseyside Maritime Museum Hands on activities throughout the summer Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool Tel: 0151 478 4499 www.liverpoolmuesums.org Saturdays in the Amphitheatre Activities for young audiences including mad hatters tea parties, giant board games, bicycle bingo, dressing up and story telling Roman Amphitheatre, Chester www.chesterperforms.com Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre Holiday & weekend workshops, backpacks to explore the centre (age 3 - 7), family trails (age 5 – 12) & the alchemy theatre Mersey Road, Widnes Tel: 0151 420 1121 www.catalyst.org

Llangollen Railway 18 July – Fish & Chip Special 1 – 9 August – Day out with Thomas 22 August – Steam & Jazz Train 29 August – Peppa Pigs Visit The Station, Abbey Rd, Llangollen Tel: 01978 860979 www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

13 & 14 June Medieval Fayre at the Old Hall With hundreds of re-enactors & over 40 authentic traders & artisans 11am – 5pm Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk

One Magnificent City Join the city of Liverpool in a series of magnificent events this summer to celebrate 175 years of transatlantic travel

13, 20, 27 June, 4 & 25 July & 1, 8, 15 & 29 August Pedal Power Take part in a pedal power challenge.

This wonderful cycling series of 21 organised rides will take you through the heart of Liverpool incorporating everything the city has to offer, from natural green space, off-road cycle routes and Speke Hall. All rides are family friendly Gates open at 11am (meet at the Stable Tea Room) Speke Hall, Estate and Gardens, The Walk, Liverpool Tel: (0151) 427 7231, rachael.hanlon@nationaltrust.org.uk

Liverpool 8 & 9 June Liverpool Duck Trail Fancy being a “ducktective”? Liverpool Duck Trail features 20 larger than life ducks, each duck will be themed on an event in Liverpool’s history, sponsored and can be found nesting throughout the City Liverpool Tel: 07702 509227 www.aquaducked.co.uk

Summer Events 11 & 25 June Chester Zoo Mums and Babies Coffee Morning Our keepers are used to welcoming new mums and babies but we’re equally delighted to welcome human mums and your new charges to our coffee mornings 10am – 12pm Bembe Coffee Shop, Chester Zoo, Upton

By Chester www.chesterzoo.org 13 June Chester Regatta 2015 This annual rowing competition is the oldest event of its kind in the world, including Henley, and was first established in 1733. Prepare for over 200 crews to battle it out in a knock out style series of fast-paced races, for all ages and racing boat sizes The River Dee, Chester 13 June Roman Day at Chester Races Roman Day will bring history alive with a celebration of the City of Chester’s Roman past. Always a popular raceday with lots of Roman themed fun to keep kids entertained.

Chester Racecourse, Chester www.chester-races.co.uk 13 June Dragon Making Workshop Green, black or red, friendly or scary, come and make your own dragon and take part in Chester’s famous Midsummer Watch Parades The Grosvenor Museum, Grosvenor Street, Chester Tel: 01244 972197 www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

13 June Sing-a-long-a-Frozen 11am, 3 & 6.30pm (pre book) Liverpool Empire, Lime St, Liverpool Tel: 0151 702 7320 www.atgtickets.com 13 June Fun Dog Show, Ty Mawr This event is supported by the’ Friends of Ty Mawr’ 11am – Judging at 1pm Ty Mawr Country Park, Cefn-Mawr, Wrexham Tel: 01978 763140 14 June Archery Taster Challenge Come and take part in archery taster sessions at Speke Hall, run by Bridgefield Archers Club. It’s the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family so take the opportunity to learn a new skill and enjoy a family challenge. Who will be the champ?

Speke Hall, Estate and Gardens, The Walk, Liverpool Tel: (0151) 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 14 June Badge Making at Greenfield Valley You can never have too many badges to wear come and make a Bonza Badge for yourself.

Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com

Days Out and Events 17 - 21 June Horrible Histories – Groovy Greeks or Incredible Invaders!

Using actors and 3D special effects, these two world premieres are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton Various times, age 5 + (pre book) Tel: 0151 666 0001 www.floralpavilion.com 20 June Summer Fair, YsgolPlas Coch A fantastic day for all the family, including a fairground, pony rides, our Wrexham Lager tent & BBQ, a large craft market & all the traditional fete stalls 11am – 2pm YsgolPlas Coch, Stansty Road, Wrexham Tel: 09858 394061 20 June Inter-village 5 a side tournament The PlasPentwyn Inter-Village 5-a-side Football Tournament is the first of its kind.

If you have any sons or daughters who would like to enter a team, either with their friends or as part of their local or school teams, please get in touch today!

Kick off 10am PlasPentwyn, Coedpoeth, Wrexham Tel: 01978 722980 20 & 21 June Fergie at the Farm Meet Little Grey Fergie, the live action tractor with soul! Three performances a day at the Farm 12.30, 2 & 3.30pm Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk 20 & 21 June Father’s Day at Gullivers World Dads who visit on Fathers’ Day get free entry when accompanied by two full paying people Gullivers World, Warrington Tel: 01925 444888 www.gulliversfun.co.uk 21 June Survival Cookery Come and forage for food and cook it on the open fire with the Wardens 2pm (pre book) Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 21 June Father’s Day and National Gardens Scheme Open Day Support the National Gardens Scheme, by bringing your dad to enjoy the gardens for free. As well as free entry for everybody, the Garden Kitchen will be serving a special Pie and Pint menu for all Dad’s. In the honour of fathers everwhere, there also be a classic British BBQ for all the family to enjoy 5pm onwards Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Rd, Ness Tel: 0845 0304063 www.nessgardens.org.uk

21 June Father’s Day Kite Making & Den Building Make a kite & see it fly before exploring the grounds to build a den 11am – 5pm Beeston Castle & Woodland Park, Beeston Tel:0370 333 1181 www.englishheritage.co.uk 21 June Wirral Bikeathon The Wirral LLR Bikeathon will raise sponsorship money for the charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research (LLR) so why not set yourself a new challenge!

Age 8+ Arrowe Country Park, Upton, Wirral Tel: 0151 327 3129 21 June Father’s Day at Burleydam Dads can enjoy beer tasting and enjoy fresh burgers and pizzas made by our Orchard Cafe Chef, Ian. 10am -4pm Burleydam Garden Centre, Chester Road, Little Sutton, South Wirral Tel: 0151 339 3195 www.burleydamgardencentre.co.uk 21 June & 19 July Sunday afternoon Band Concert Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington Tel: 01925 601617 www.waltonhallandgardens.com 26 June – 1 August MAM! I’m ere!

The family disco musical is back in town.

Brilliantly funny Various times (pre book) Royal Court Liverpool, Roe Street, Liverpool Tel: 0870 787 1866 www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk 27 June Run or Dye At Run or Dye, you become part of the rainbow. As you run/walk/dance through the course, you will get showered in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye at every kilometre...turning you into a technicolour canvas of fun!

Cholmondeley Castle & Gardens, Malpas Tel: 01829 772432 www.cholmondeley.co.uk 27 - 28 June Jamboree Weekend If you are a brownie, beaver, rainbow, cub, scout, boys brigade, girls brigade or guide group, then this is the event for you Gullivers World, Warrington Tel: 01925 444888 www.gulliversfun.co.uk 28 June Build a Bug Hotel Do you like Bugs - but nowhere to put them, come and build your own bug hotel with the Wardens 2 - 3.30pm (pre book) Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com

28 June Theatre in the Garden – Taming of the Shrew A classic comedy by William Shakespere adapted for film and television over seventy times Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Rd, Ness Gates open 5.30pm, age 5+ (pre book) Tel: 0845 0304063 www.nessgardens.org.uk During July Wind in the Willows “There’s nothing- absolutely nothing – half as much worth doing as messing about in boats” Various times & dates (pre book) Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk 3 July Toddler Day at the Seaside There’ll be drawing and colouring and something to make to take home.

Techniquest is buggy-friendly, with nappy-changing facilities, and lockers Techniquest, Mold Rd, Wrexham Tel: 02920475476 www.techniquest.org 4 July Weird and wonderful creatures North Wales Reptile and Raptor Sanctuary will be here with rescued animals, come and learn more about the exotic animals that they will have on the day 2 & 3pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 4 July Independence Celebrations with Departure of Queen Mary 2 The world’s biggest ever ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary 2, leaves the Mersey for North America on US Independence Day 2015 Coburg Dock, Liverpool 4 July Birds of Prey at Gordale Get up close and take a good look at the Birds of Prey at Gordale 11am - 4pm Gordale Garden Centre, Chester High Rd, Burton www.gordale.co.uk 4 & 5 July Yucky You! Let’s face it, our bodies are yucky! We make all sorts of slimes, mucus and mess. But have you ever wondered why?

Techniquest, Mold Rd, Wrexham Tel: 02920475476 www.techniquest.org 11 July Mini Diggers Come and dig like a real archaeologist, experience the excitement of discovering ancient artefacts and learn about objects and people from the past 2 - 3.30pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com

11 & 12 July History Fun Day See history re- enactors from over 1,000 years of history 10am - 4pm National Waterways Museum, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port www.canalrivertrust.org.uk 11 & 12 July Paw Prints in the Summer Izzy loves animals and her mum tells her that there are loads of animals in the dot-to-dot pictures in the night sky!

Techniquest, Mold Rd, Wrexham Tel: 02920475476 www.techniquest.org 11 & 12 July Rare Breeds at the Farm The Farm is Rare Breed approved conservation centre meet Myrtle the Middle White, all her piggy friends & help raise awareness of these endangered breeds 12 – 5pm (last entry 4pm) Tatton Park, Knutsford, Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk 12 July Theatre in the Garden – Iolanthe Enjoy Illyria’s open air performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s magical comic opera about Iolanthe, a fairy, who falls in love with a mortal.

Gates at 5.30pm, age 5+ (pre book) Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Rd, Ness Tel: 0845 0304063 www.nessgardens.org.uk 12 July Victorian Fun Day Traditional games, stalls and summer fun in the Walled Garden with the Norton Priory Victorians!

11am – 4pm Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Rd, Manor Park, Runcorn Tel: 01928 569895 www.nortonpriory.org 12 July Disability Awareness Day Independent living exhibition & family day 10am – 5pm Warrington Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton Tel: 01925 240064 www.disabilityawarnessday.co.uk 17, 24, 31 July and 7, 14, 21 & 28 August Sporty Speke for All This sports programme is specially designed for disabled children and young people and their siblings, parents and carers. Make the most of your day here and try out some of our fantastic sporting activities and challenges 11am – 3pm Speke Hall, Estate and Gardens, The Walk. Liverpool Tel: (0151) 427 7231 rachael.hanlon@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Days Out and Events 17 July – 9 August Big Butterfly Count The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment. Simply count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather & submit your findings online www.bigbutterflycount.org 18 July & 29 August Kiddy Cook Pick and Cook at Tatton Park Pick seasonal fruit and vegetables in Tatton’s Walled Garden with a servant from the past and then cook in the Victorian mansion 10am – 12pm, age U12 (pre book) Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 07976 619648, www.kiddycook.co.uk 18 July Pond Dipping Come and search for damsels, dragons and other strange underwater creatures in the murky depth of Greenfield’s very own pond. Adult’s must remain with children under 16.

2 - 3.30pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 18 July Visit to Iron Age Poulton The fascinating multi-period site at Poulton, just outside Chester, is well known for its Medieval chapel and burials but it has more recently turned up evidence of Iron Age settlement. Join Poulton Project archaeologist, Kevin Cootes, to hear more about new discoveries and interpretations of this fascinating site Poulton Project, Poulton Tel: 01244 972197 19 July Wirral Historic Vehicle Rally The Wirral Historic Vehicle Rally 2015 on 19th July is one of Wirral’s most popular vintage & classic car gatherings From 11am Manor Rd, Thornton Hough, Wirral www.wirralclassiccarclub.co.uk

22 July Children’s Fun Day Ness annual fun packed day for all the family! Pony rides, falcon displays, garden trails, crafts, games and much more. Bring a picnic or enjoy a BBQ in the Garden (12-3pm). The Garden Grub kiosk will be open and the ice cream bike will be out and about!

10am - 4pm Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Road, Ness Tel: 0845 0304063 www.nessgardens.org.uk 22 July Clay Creatures Come and enjoy creating something to keep out of clay.

1.30 - 3.30pm Alyn Waters Country Park, Mold Road, Wrexham Tel: 01978 763140 26 July Crafty Celts and Rampaging Romans Imagine you’re a Celtic Kid looking after your tribe’s herd of goats on a hill above here and you saw a dirty great rotten Roman down in the Valley - What would you do?

Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 27 – 31 July Stagecoach Summer School – Alice in Wonderland Children can expect a week of exciting, fun filled performing arts activities. Each week is packed full of singing, dancing and acting, where children, in their own age groups, get to experience learning songs, lines and choreography to present a fully costumed show to family and friends at the end of each week Age 4 ½ - 8 years (pre book) Vaughans Lane, Boughton Tel: 01244 316187 www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester 27 July & 27 August Zoo Keeper for the Day Discover what working in the Children’s zoo is really like 9 –10.30am & 11am –12.30pm (pre book) Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington Tel: 01925 601617 www.warrington.gov.uk

28 July Summer Holiday Pony Days Got a pony/animal mad child? Pony fun including quizzes, games, craft, pony ride, grooming and more Age 6 -12 yrs (pre book) Cheshire Pony Parties, Kelsall, Chester Tel: 01829 741919 www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk 1 August Brindley Open Day Family event including workshops, performances, balloon modellers, stilt walkers, static falconry display & more 10am – 4pm The Brindley, Runcorn Tel: 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk 1 August Bobbing Butterflies Butterflies are about! Let us help you create your very own Butterfly.

2 - 3.30pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 1 & 2 August Hansel & Gretel Family Friendly outdoor theatre from the Bookworm Players 11.30am & 1.30pm (pre book) Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, Liverpool Tel: 0151 727 7431 www.nationaltrust.org 1 & 2 August Siege!

See Beeston castle under attack in a mighty siege 11am – 5pm Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Chapel Lane, Beeston Tel: 0370 333 1181 www.englishhertiage.co.uk 1 & 2 August Summer Craft Fair With a variety of activities for all the family Keynon Hall Farm, Warwick Lane, Warrington Tel: 01925 763646 www.keynonhall.co.uk 2 August The MBNA Family Funday Take your BBQs and picnic hampers and make your way onto the open course for a fabulous day of fun Chester Racecourse, Watergate Street, Chester Tel: 01244 304600

TO ADVERTISE IN

Call: 01925 730989 or email: chester@littletigers.co.uk 12

2 August Fun Dog Show Great fun for you and your dog 11am Port Sunlight, King’s George’s Drive, Wirral Tel: 0151 644 4800 www.portsunlightvillage.com 3 – 7 August Stagecoach Summer School – Busgy Malone Children can expect a week of exciting, fun filled performing arts activities. Each week is packed full of singing, dancing and acting, where children, in their own age groups, get to experience learning songs, lines and choreography to present a fully costumed show to family and friends at the end of each week Age 7 -16 yrs (pre book) Vaughans Lane, Boughton Tel: 01244 316187 www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester 4 August Mr Stink Open air production of David Walliams’ funny tale 7.30 -9.30pm (pre book) Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington Tel: 01925 601617 www.warrington.gov.uk 4 & 5 August Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Various times (pre book) Liverpool Empire, Lime St, Liverpool Tel: 0151 702 7320 www.atgtickets.com 7- 9 August Game On! Make the most of your day and try out some free and fantastic sporting activities and challenges. No experience needed - just come and join in 11am – 4.30pm Speke Hall, Estate and Gardens, The Walk, Liverpool Tel: 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 8 August Creepy Castles and Terrifying Tudors Want to be a princess or a knight like in the old days? Get real kid! Life wasn’t really like that, would you like to find out who you’d be in those Medieval and Tudor Times? Go along a let Ruth Moore-Williams interview you 2 – 3.30pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com

Days Out and Events 8 & 9 August Weekend of Fun Face painting, donkeys, paint ball, crazy golf, toys, fire engine, children’s rides, trade and charity stalls Ferry Road Eastham 9 August Egremont Festival Festival Funday for all the family, with stalls, donkey rides, competitions, attractions, music, dance and displays & more Egremont Promenade, Wallasey 9 August Fun Dog Show at the Farm 10 novelty classes including, Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail, Scruffiest Dog plus a fun agility course 12 – 5pm (last entry 4pm) Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk 11 August Robin Hood Go along in your best Sherwood fashion to enjoy a fun-filled musical performance in the open air theatre 6pm (pre book) Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Rd, Manor Park, Runcorn Tel: 01928 569895 www.nortonpriory.org 11 August Children’s Cycling Boredom Busters Fundamentals of off-road skills, including a bike-safety check 10am – 1.30pm, age 8+ (pre book0 Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk

16 August Horses at Work Working horses giving a unique demonstration of horse drawn canal boating 10am - 4pm National Waterways Museum, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port www.canalrivertrust.org.uk 16 August Teddy Bears Picnic Fun filled day to raise funds for The Donna Louise Hospice Trust, with treasure hunt, Punch & Judy, face painting, children’s play area & more 11am – 5pm (treasure hunt 1 – 3pm) Cholmondeley Castle & Gardens, Malpas Tel: 01270 626330 www.teddybears-picnic.co.uk 16 August Theatre in the Garden – The Three Musketeers The final performance in this year’s Theatre in the Garden season is Illyria’s brilliant retelling of the classic Three Musketeers - all for one, one for all!

Gates open 5.30pm, age 5+ (pre book) Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Rd, Ness Tel: 0845 0304063 www.nessgardens.org.uk 18 August Boredom Busters Nature Day Hunt for mini-beasts in the park’s ponds & woodlands. Take a trailer ride to get a close look at Tatton’s deer 10am – 1pm, age 5+ (pre book) Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk

22 August Jungle Book Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents its open-air Garden Theatre Tour at Exchange Flags – magical theatre in magical surroundings Exchange Flags, Liverpool Tel: 0151 7070729 www.exchangeflags.com 22 & 23 August Clash of the Knights!

Feel the heat of battle as four teams of knight compete in the contest of skill & strength 11am – 5pm Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Chapel Lane, Beeston Tel: 0370 333 1181 www.englishhertiage.co.uk 23 August Wildlife Walk Ever wondered what Wildlife lives in the woods? Come and follow the tracks and trails with the Greenfield Valley Wardens and find out 1.30 & 3pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 27 August Summer Kid’s Gardening Club Little gardeners can learn about growing vegetables and flowers 11.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 2.30pm (pre-book) Cholmondeley Castle & Gardens, Malpas Tel: 01829 720383 www.cholmondeleycastle.com

29 August Falconry Friends Meet the handlers and get up really close to the beautiful birds from the Medieval Bird of Prey Centre on Conwy, Sharpen up your combat skills with the single handed swordsmen 1 – 3pm Greenfield Valley, Greenfield, Holywell Tel: 01352 714172 www.greenfieldvalley.com 29 – 31 August English Country weekend at the Farm Traditional country crafts, food and drink plus demonstrations and a daily programme of activities to enjoy Tatton Park, Knutsford Tel: 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk 29 – 31 August Scarecrow Festival Follow the clues to discover our funny scarecrows, bring along your own scarecrow creations for display in August, and vote on your favourite scarecrow and win a lucky dip prize 10am – 4pm Burleydam Garden Centre, Chester Road, Little Sutton, South Wirral Tel: 0151 339 3195 www.burleydamgardencentre.co.uk 30 August Eaton Hall Garden Open Day 88 acres of gardens, 400ft Camellia Walk, falconry displays & much more All proceeds to local charities.

Eaton Estate, Eccleston www.eatonestate.co.uk Tel: 01244 684400

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Days Out and Events 30 & 31 August The Battle of Chester To be staged on the afternoons of August 30th and 31st at the Roodee ,the UK’s biggest re-enactment of the year is being staged The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote, Chester Racecourse, Grey Friars, Chester www.earlofmanchesters.co.uk

Play king of the castle this summer

8 September Time for Tots Meet some of the animals in the zoo & make some animal crafts 10 -11am (pre book) Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington Tel: 01925 601617 www.warrington.gov.uk 13 September Walton Hall Gardens Summer Fair Live entertainment, rural crafts, children’s fun fair, stalls & more 11am – 4.30pm Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington Tel: 01925 601617 www.warrington.gov.uk 20 September Tree-Mendous Family Fun Day Great alternative day out for all the family, activities for all to bring out your little tree-huggers! Make pine cone men, learn the ancient art of tree measuring, & help make the Hyprion Line 11am - 5pm Cholmodleley Castle & Gardens, Malpas Tel: 01829 720383 www.cholmondeleycastle.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE IN

Call: 01925 730989 or email: chester@littletigers.co.uk

For a summer time-travelling adventure the whole family will love, look no further than Beeston Castle and Woodland Park near Tarporley.

The ‘Castle of the Rock’ is famous for its spectacular views, which take in no less than eight counties on a clear day. But that’s not the only reason why Beeston Castle is one of the best-loved visitor attractions in Cheshire. There are beautiful woodlands to explore around the castle, wildlife trails for the children to follow, and even the chance to find the lost treasure of Richard II. And throughout the summer months a programme of events will really bring history to life.

Father’s day in June is the perfect opportunity to make the most of Beeston’s woodland setting. Bring your dad along, and together you can make your very own kite and see it fly above the woodland park, and climb to the top of the castle and have fun building a den amongst the dramatic ruins. With plenty of natural materials to hand you will be able to explore the grounds in search of making that perfect den.

On 1st and 2nd August visitors will be transported back to the age of the English Civil War as the castle is under attack in a mighty siege! Smell the smoke rising from muskets and experience the fear and anticipation of battle as the opposing forces prepare for the fray.

With a living history encampment, live music, and hands-on children’s activities alongside the battle, this will be a great way to step into Cheshire’s past.

English Heritage’s no-holds-barred medieval battle Clash of Knights will be a suitably fitting finale to the summer season on 22nd and 23rd August. Visitors will be transported back to this chivalrous age as four teams of knights battle it out on foot, fully armoured in chain mail and helmets to be crowned victorious. Step back in time as you visit the knights’ encampment, buzzing with the activity of everyday medieval life, and enjoy merry music while your budding young knights test their bravery on the field and burn off energy in battle drills. This will be a really fun, action-packed day out.

Beeston Castle is open from 10am – 6pm every day throughout the summer. Refreshments are available from the Sandstone Café, and dogs are welcome throughout the castle and grounds.

For full details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/beeston

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Days Out and Events Summer Festival Fun Festivals, shows and carnivals come in all shapes and sizes, with something for everyone, whether it is a long weekend camping, events celebrating a town, village or community or simple a day of summer fun. Here are some of the festivals, shows and carnivals to be enjoyed by all ages, most happening locally and some slightly further afield. As always please call or visit websites to check details and ticket availability.

12 - 14 June Cholmondeley Pageant of Power Car racing, speed boats, air shows & plenty of family friendly activities 8am – 6pm Cholmondeley Castle & Gardens, Malpas Tel: 01829 772433 www.cpop.co.uk 13 June Caerwys Agriculture Show Rescued birds of prey, poultry, shire horses, Shetland ponies, light horses, private driving, vintage tractors & classic cars Gatehouse Fields, Babell www.caerwys-show.org.uk 13 & 14 June Wirral Farm Feast Claremont Farm in Bebington will host this popular Food & Drink Festival with lots of specialist food suppliers, local producers, cookery demos, music and fun for the kids 10am – 5pm Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Rd, Bebington Tel: 0151 334 1133 18 - 21 June Bolesworth International Plenty of family entertainment & activities from indoor caving to land and lake Zorbing, plus large equestrian event and this year you can camp too!

20th June Scouting for Girls concert plus gladiator contest Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall Tel: 01829 782210 www.bolesworthinternational.com

20 & 21 June Midsummer Watch Parade Chester’s Midsummer Watch Parade is one of the oldest and most colourful events in the country 2pm Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester Tel: 0845 6477868 www.midsummerwatch.co.uk 20 & 21 June Arley Garden Festival Family day out with face painting, children’s rides, trampolines, adventure play zone with zip wire & picnic area 10am – 5pm Arley Hall and Gardens, Arley, Nr Northwich Tel: 01565 777353 www.arleyhallandgardens.com 23 & 24 June Cheshire County Show Show about appreciating the sights, characters and flavours of Cheshire, plenty for all the family to enjoy 8am – 6pm Cheshire Show Ground, Tabley, Knutsford www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk 27 June – 12 July Wirral Festival of Firsts In various venues in and around Hoylake and Wirral bringing together hundreds of artists, performers and musicians to celebrate the power and diversity of the Wirral art and music scene Tel: 07716 0933670

4 July Offa Carnival Community carnival with a wide range of attractions 11am – 3pm Bellevue Park, Mold Road, Wrexham Tel: 01978 763140 10 - 12 July Mid-Cheshire Scooter Charity Rally & Beer Festival The second festival of all things scooter!

With live music, camping, DJ’s and Northern Soul tent, food outlets, custom & classic scooter show, children’s rides & entertainment Blakemere Village, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich www.mid-cheshire-charity-scooter-rally. co.uk 11 & 12 July Cheshire Steam Fair 10am – 5pm Daresbury, Warrington www.warrington.gov.uk 17 - 19 July Foodies Festival Part of the UK’s largest celebration of food and drink. A day out for the family with the chance to meet Michelinstarred chefs & learn to cook their own favourite dishes 10am – 6pm Tatton Park, Knutsford www.foodiesfestival.com

22 - 26 July RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park 10am – 6.30pm (Sunday until 5pm) (pre book, 22nd – RHS members only) Tatton Park, Knutsford www.rhs.co.uk 2 August South Cheshire’s Big Day Out A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in aid of Macmillan and Luke’s Hospice is the setting for this community celebration for all the family. Organised by Redshift Radio & Little Tigers Magazine 11am - 4pm Dorfold Park, Nantwich www.innantwich.net/bigdayout 21 - 23 August Just So Festival A magical weekend of camping for children and their families, with art, music, stories and adventure all set in a magical landscape Rode Hall and Gardens, Scholar Green, Congleton www.justsofestival.org.uk 20 – 23 August Southport Flower Show The event will feature stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist foods and books, celebrity guests and much more Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport Tel: 01704 547 147 www.southportflowershow.co.uk

Top Tips for Party Success!

• Check the suitability of the date, avoiding school holidays and special days such as Easter also check that your child’s best friends can make it.

• Don’t make the party too long 1 ½ - 2 hours is fine (its quality of time not quantity!) Always have a specific end time.

• Ask for an RSPV on the initiations and specify by when.

• Make sure to enrol the help of family and friends, so there’s good grown up to child ratio.

• If the parties not at home always make sure you have plenty of kitchen roll and wipes as well as dustbin liners, a bag to take home the presents, a knife for the cake and matches.

• Consider sharing your party with one of your child’s friends, this helps reduce the cost and halves the workload.

• Name the party bags and have a couple spare just in case.

• Tie up any balloons – balloons on the floor are just to tempting not to pop!

• You don’t have to have expensive gift bags, depending on the time of year a selection box or Easter Egg are great to take home or simply a big bar of Chocolate works wonders.

• If you’re planning an outdoor party always have a contingency in case of bad weather.

• Plan a few extra games (better to have too many than to few) and have some extra prizes.

• Try and have some games (eg pass the parcel) where everyone can win a small prize.

• Make sure you have the camera on hand and give someone else the responsibility of take the photos.

• If the party is for very small children (under 4) state on the invitation whether on not you need parents to stay for the party (if parents are staying you may want to provide refreshments).

• From the age of about 4 most children will stay on there own. It’s a good idea to get a contact number from parents who are leaving their children.

• Don’t forget to relax and enjoy the party.

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Party Planner

Six Tips to shoot some great summer photos

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Laura Louise from local photography studio CaptureMy gives us some simple tips on how to get the best results when photographing our little ones over the summer.

1. Be Spontaneous!

Just Shoot! You might take 30 photographs, but that way you’re guaranteed to have “action shots” and catch your child in their most natural state.

Make sure you select the right settings for quick movements, to ensure the photographs aren’t blurred.

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2. Get Down Low! Be at their level and get down and dirty if necessary! This will give you better angles and more interesting backdrops.

3. Get Up Close!

By getting in close, you can pick up all the important details. The further away you are, the more background you will pick up.

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4. Frame Them....

If you want your little ones to be the focus, keep the background to a minimum and centre them.

Why not add a funky prop and try out some colour pop too? These can be fun and creative!

5. Indeed They Are The Centre of Your World....

However, to make more interesting ‘arty’ photographs, try making your subject (child) off centre. Try cropping with them to the left and then the right, have fun trying something new!

6. Colour or Black & White?

It’s all down to preference and suitability. Colours show vibrancy and energy, but black and white can make a photograph a “classic”. Black and white photographs work well with high contrast (dark and light). Experiment and have fun!

Have a wonderful Summer and fun taking some great photographs.

For more information go to www.capturemy.co.uk

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If you would like a listing here, email: lists.littletigers@googlemail.com

Blacon MONDAY Trinity Drop in Centre, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9.45-11.45am (every other Monday) Blacon Playbox, Blacon United Reformed Church, Saughall Road, Blacon. Mon & Fri 9.30-11.30am.

(01244) 371843 Blacon Stay and Play, St Theresa’s Nursery, Kipling Road, Blacon, 3-4pm. (01244) 398644 Antenatal clinic, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 9am-4pm. (01244) 976225 Baby Sign, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 10-11am. (01244) 976225 Twins and Multiples Births, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 9.45-11.45am. (01244) 976225 The Sensory Room, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 8.30am-5pm. (01244) 976225 TUESDAY Antenatal Clinic, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9am - 4pm. (01244) 976225 Breastfeeding support group, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9.30-11.30am.

(01244) 976225 The Sensory Room, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 8.30am-5pm. (01244) 976225 WEDNESDAY Matthew Henry Toddlers, Matthew Henry Blacon Evangelical Church, Nevin Road, Blacon. 10am-12 noon.

(01244) 370144 Blacon Parents & Toddlers, Highfield Infants School, Blacon Point Road, Blacon. 1.30-3.30pm. (01244) 377453 Play and Weigh, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9.30-11.30am. (01244) 976225 Antenatal clinic, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 1-4pm. (01244) 976225 The Sensory Room, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 8.30am-5pm. (01244) 976225 THURSDAY Antenatal clinic, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9am-4pm. (01244) 976225 Drop in session, Blacon Community Centre, Blacon Point Road, Blacon. 9.30-11.30am. (01244) 390344 Tickle and Giggle, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 10am-11am. (01244) 976225 Rhyme Time, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 11.15am-11.45am. (01244) 976225 Young Parents Group, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 12.30-2.30pm. (01244) 976225 The Sensory Room, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 8.30am-5pm. (01244) 976225 FRIDAY ADHD Support Group, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. (01244) 976225 Foster Carer’s Support Group, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon. 9.30-11.30am (first fri of month).(01244) 976225 The Sensory Room, Blacon Children’s Centre, Carlise Road, Blacon, 8.30am-5pm. (01244) 976225

Boughton, Vicars Cross & Huntington MONDAY Toddlers Art Club,Totally into Art, 21 Queens Road, Vicars Cross, 10-11am. Wynne (01244) 319239 Huntington Under 5’s, The Village Hall Butterbache Rd, Huntington. 9am-3pm. Rosie 07503 779834 TUESDAY Chatterbox Tot’s Group, Vicars Cross United Reformed Church, Oldfield Drive, Vicars Cross. 1.30-3pm Kinnerton Baby & Toddlers, Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Kinnerton. 9.30-11.15am. www.kinnertonunderfives.co.uk Little Acorns, Grosvenor Garden Centre, Wrexham Road, Belgrave. Various times, see website for information Huntington Under 5’s,The Village Hall Butterbache Rd, Huntington. 9am-3pm. Rosie 07503 779834 WEDNESDAY Under 5’s Storytime, Great Boughton Library, Green Lane, Vicars Cross. 2.30-3pm Toddlers Art Club,Totally into Art, 21 Queens Road, Vicars Cross, Various times. Wynne (01244) 319239 First Steps Adult & Toddler Group, St Luke’s Parish Church, Chester Road, Huntington, 1.30-3pm (term time only). (01244) 371902 Tumble Tots, Caldy Valley Centre, Great Boughton, (pm). Paul 07873 114596 Huntington Under 5’s,The Village Hall Butterbache Rd, Huntington. 9am-3pm. Rosie 07503 779834 THURSDAY Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes, Caldy Valley Neighbourhood Church and Centre, Caldy Valley Road, Boughton, (pm). (01244) 372304 Under 5’s Storytime & Rhymetime, Bishops High Library, Vaughan’s Lane, Great Boughton, 2.15-2.45pm, (term time only) Kinnerton Baby & Toddlers, Higher Kinnerton Village Hall, Kinnerton, 9.30-11.15am. www.kinnertonunderfives.co.uk Totally into Art, 21 Queens Road, Vicars Cross, Various times. Wynne (01244) 319239 Huntington Under 5’s,The Village Hall Butterbache Rd, Huntington. 9am-12pm. Rosie 07503 779834 FRIDAY Totally into Art, Art Club, 21 Queens Road, Vicars Cross, (am+pm). Wynne (01244) 319239 Tumble Tots, Caldy Valley Centre, Great Boughton. Paul (07873) 114596 Huntington Under 5’s,The Village Hall Butterbache Rd, Huntington. 9am-12pm. Rosie 07503 779834

Baby & Toddler Diary

Central Chester MONDAY Under 5’s storytime, Chester Library, Northgate Street, Chester. 11.15-11.45am (01244) 977380 Hospital Playscheme, Countess of Chester Hosptal, Liverpool Road, Chester. 8.30-12pm & 12.30-6pm, (Mon-Thurs). (01244) 365000 Aqua Natal, Northgate Arena, Victoria Road, Chester. 10am-11am. (01244) 380444 Baby Discovery, The Scout Hut,Tower Road, Chester. 11.15am-12pm.(5mths-14 mths).

Jen 0844 8747362 Little Explorers, Hobbycraft, Sealand Retail Park, Chester. 10-10.50am, (15mths-5 years).

Jen 0844 747362 Antenatal clinic, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester, 9am-4pm. (01244) 976220 Waterbabies,The Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester, (am). (01244) 641989 Russian Speaking Parent & Toddler Group Koloblok, Chester Victoria’s Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester. 9.30-11.30am. (01244) 682863 Under 5’s Storytime, Chester Library, Northgate Street, Chester, 11.15-11.45am. (01244) 977380 Waterbabies, Mill Hotel, Milton Street, Chester. 1.30-2.30pm,Tracy (01244) 641989 Funky Town Toddler Coffee Mornings, Unit 5 Grange Park Industrial Estate, Grange Road, Chester,10am12pm. (01244) 377229 Antenatal Clinic, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre, Chester, 9am-4pm. (01244) 981120.

Childminders stay and play session, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre. Chester. 9.45am - 11.30am.

(01244) 981120.

Baby Yoga at Fun4All, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate. (07861) 769764 TUESDAY Turtle Tots, Crown Plaza,Trinity Street, Chester, (pm). 07793 743678 Diddidance, Fun4all Play Centre, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate, Chester, (am) (1 1/2-4 yrs).

Danielle 07870 664734 Time2train Mums Baby & Buggy Outdoor Exercise Class, Earl’s Port, South View Road, Chester, 10.3011.30am. Claire 07834 494818 Topsy Tumbles, Northgate Arena, Victoria Road, Chester, 9.30-11.30am. (01244) 380444 Antenatal Clinic, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre, Chester, 9am-4pm. (01244) 981120 Infant advice and baby weigh, Cherry Grove Children’s Cenrte, Chester. 2pm - 4pm. (01244) 981120 Wesley Toddler Group, Wesley Centre, St John’s Street, Chester. 10-11.30am, £1.50 per family and booking essential. (01244) 976220 Russian parent and toddler group, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester, 10am12pm. (01244) 976220 Fun4All Activity Time, Fun4All Play Centre, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate, Chester. (01244) 379458 WEDNESDAY Under 5’s storytime, Chester Library, Northgate Street, Chester. 10.15-11.45am. (01244) 977380 Chester Down’s Syndrome Support Group, Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester. 1-2.30pm.

Toddlers, Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester. 10-11.30am. (01244) 976220 Baby Clinic, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester. (01244) 976220 Jo Jingles, Fun4All Play Centre, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate Chester, (am). Cheryl 07713 565486 THURSDAY Waterbabies,The Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester, 12.30-3pm. (01925) 243643 Sprogs, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester. 12.30-2.30pm. (01244) 976220 Antenatal clinic, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester. 9am -4pm. (01244) 976220 Topsy Tumbles, Northgate Arena, Victoria Road, Chester. 9.30-11.30am. (01244) 380444 Baby Massage, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester, 12.30-1.30 & 2-3pm.

(01244) 976220 Rhyme Time, Chester Library, Northgate Street, Chester, 10.15-10.45am & 11.15-11.45am.

(01244) 977380 Tiddlers, Northgate Church Hall, Upper Northgate Road, Chester. 10-11.30am Tickle and Giggle, Chester Victoria Children’s Centre, Cheyney Road, Chester, 1.30-2.30pm.

(01244) 976220.

Beth Tweddle Academy,The Queens School, City Walls, Chester, 9-10am (2-3 yrs) 10-11am (4-5 yrs).

(0161) 7630959 Antenatal clinic, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre, Chester. 9am - 4pm. (01244) 981120 Baby cafe and breastfeeding advice drop in, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre, Chester. (01244) 981120 Rhythm Time classes for tiny babies to toddlers, various times. Julia 07789 867589 Crawlers and Explorers, Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester. 1-2.30pm. (01244) 976220 Fun4All Activity Time, Fun4All Play Centre, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate, Chester. From 11am.

(01244) 379458 Puddleducks, Days Hotel Chester North, Welsh Road, Garden City, Sealand, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825 FRIDAY A-Star Sports, Pen-y-ffordd & Penymynydd War Memorial Institute, Penymynydd Road, Chester, (pm).

Sharon (07932) 182148 Beth Tweddle Gym Stars, Northgate Arena, Victoria Road, Chester, (am). 2-4.5 years. (0161) 7630959 Waterbabies, Holiday Inn, Wrexham Road, Chester. 1.15-2.15pm. (01244) 641989 Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Chester Library, Northgate Street, Chester. 11.15-11.45am. (01244) 977380 Hospital Playscheme, Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, 8.30-12pm & 1-3pm.

(01244) 365000 Rhythm Time, St Thomas of Canterbury, Parkgate Road, Chester, (am). Julia 07789 867589 Rhythm Time, Christleton Parish Hall, Village Road, Christleton, (pm). Julia 07789 867589 SHOUT!, Northgate Church Hall, Chester. 6-7.30pm. (01244) 400827 Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes, Fun4all Indoor Play Centre, Hartford Way, Sealand Industrial Estate, Chester, From 10am. Rachel (01244) 372304 International Mum’s of Chester, Cherry Grove Children’s Centre, Cherry Grove Road, Chester, 10.30am12pm. (01244) 981120 Puddleducks, Days Hotel Chester North, Welsh Road, Garden City, Sealand, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825

17

Baby & Toddler Diary

If you would like a listing here, email: lists.littletigers@googlemail.com

Ellesmere Port, Elton MONDAY Stay and Play, Chester Rural Children’s Centre, Elton Primary School, Elton. 9.45-10.45am. (0151) 338 2227 Messy Rascals, Stanlaw Abbey Children’s Centre, Alnwick Drive, Ellesmere Port. 1-2.30pm. (0151) 337 6425 Beth Tweddle Total Gymnastics, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, (am). (2 - 4 1/2 yrs).

(0151) 763 0959 A-Star Sports, Hope Farm Community Centre, Hope Farm Road, Great Sutton. Sharon 07932 182148 Puddleducks, Woodhey House Hotel, Berwick Road, Little Sutton, (pm). Kerry (01829) 740825 Children’s Dance Class, Willsher Dance Academy, Ellesmere Port. 6.30-7.30pm. 07889 293145 Stage School, Little Sutton Community Centre, Little Sutton. 6pm - 8pm. (0151) 356 6761 Stars Dance Academy, Thelwall Road Community Centre, Ellesmere Port, 4-8.30pm. (0151) 356 6761 Tots Music and Dance, Little Sutton Community Centre, Little Sutton. 9.30-10.30am. (0151) 356 6761 Storytime, Neston Library, Neston. 2.15-2.45pm, (term time only). (0151) 337 4670 Childminder’s Drop In, Portside Children’s Centre, Egerton Street, Ellesmere Port. 9.15am-12pm.

(0151) 337 6365 TUESDAY Rose Bank Stay and Play, (first Tues of month), Chester Rural Children’s Centre, Elton. 10am-12pm.

(0151) 338 2227 Twins and multiple birth group, Chester Rural Children’s Centre, Elton, 10am-12pm. (0151) 338 2227 Breastfeeding Group, Stanlaw Abbey Children’s Centre, Alnwick Drive, Ellesmere Port, 12.30-2.30pm.

(0151) 337 6425 Waterbabies, MacDonald Croxton Wood Hotel, Parkgate Road, Ledsham, (am) (01244) 641989 Caterpillar Music, St Johns the Evangelist Church Hall, Church Road, Great Sutton, (am).

Mel or Tracey on (0151) 345 8691 Tiger Tots, Bethany Church Hall, Flatt Lane, Ellesmere Port, 9.30-11.30am (0151) 355 3208.

Puddleducks, Woodhey House Hotel, Berwick Road, Little Sutton, (pm). Kerry (01829) 740825 Children’s Dance Class, Willsher Dance Academy, Ellesmere Port. 6.30-7.30pm. 07889 293145 Kids Kickers, Shushinkai North West Karate Academy, Ellesmere Port. 5.30-6pm (4-5 yrs).

Steve (0151) 356 8767 Jo Jingles, Little Sutton Community Centre, Little Sutton, (am).(walking - 2 yrs). Diane (0151) 606 8177 Tuesday’s Toddlers, St Paul’s Church Hall, Chester Road, Ellesmere Port, 1.30-3pm. (0151) 329 2020.

Baby & Toddler Rhythm Time, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, Julia 07789 867589 Twins Group, Parklands Children’s Centre, Little Sutton, 1-2pm (first Tues of month). (0151) 337 6324 Little Rascals Stay and Play, Neston Youth and Community Centre, Neston, 9.30-11am (term time only).

(0151) 336 7805 WEDNESDAY Rhythm Time, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, (am). Julia 07789 867589 Topsy Tumbles, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, (am). (0151) 355 6432 Puddleducks, Woodhey House Hotel, Berwick Road, Little Sutton, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825 Dance Fever, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, (pm), (3-6 yrs). (0151) 355 6432.

Kids Kickers, Shushinkai North West Karate Academy, Ellesmere Port, (pm) (4-5 yrs). Steve (0151) 356 8767 Stars Dance Academy,Thelwall Road Community Centre, Ellesmere Port, 4-8.30pm. (0151) 356 6761 Baby Massage, Parklands Children’s Centre, Little Sutton, 1-3pm (pre book). (0151) 337 6324 Rhyme Time, Ellesmere Port Library, Ellesmere Port. 10.30am-12pm. (0151) 337 4684 Stay and Play,The Acorns Primary and Nursery School, Pooltown Road, Ellesmere Port, 1.15 - 2.45pm.

(0151) 337 4650 THURSDAY A-Star Sports, Hope Farm Community Centre, Hope Farm Road, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, (pm).Sharon 07932 182148 Family Learning Courses, Elton Primary School, Elton. (0151) 338 2227 Health Visitor Baby Clinic, Stanlaw Abbey Children’s Centre, Alnwick Drive, Ellesmere Port, 9.15-11am.

(0151) 335 6425 Stay and Play, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, 9.30-11am. (0151) 355 6432 Little Hopefuls Toddler Group, Ellesmere Port Salvation Army, Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, 9.30-11.30am.

Clare (0151) 355 1400 Waterbabies, MacDonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Parkgate Road, Ledsham, 9.30-11am (01244) 641989 Tom’s Tots, St Thomas & All Saints Church, Ellesmere Port, 1-2.30pm. (0151) 356 8351 Kids Kickers, Shushinkai North West Karate Academy, Ellesmere Port. 5.30-6pm (4-5 yrs). Steve (0151) 356 8767 Littleones, Footloose Academy of Performing Arts, Elton. 5.30-6pm (2 1/2- 6 yrs). 07960 186454 Comets, Starlight Youth Theatre, EPIC Leisure Centre, Ellesmere Port, (pm) (3-5 yrs). (0151) 342 2706 Stay and Play, Silly Billy’s, Merseryton Road, Ellesmere Port, 9.30-11.30am. (0151) 337 6324 Elton Baby & Toddler, Elton Church Hall, Ince Lane, Elton, 11am-12pm. (0151) 339 8136 FRIDAY Rainbow Babies, Chester Rural Children’s Centre, Elton Primary School, Elton. (0151) 338 2227 Waterbabies, MacDonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Parkgate Road, Ledsham, 9-11am (01244) 641989 Topsy Tumbles, EPIC Leisure Centre, McGarva Way, Ellesmere Port, (am). (0151) 355 6432 Puddleducks, Woodhey House Hotel, Berwick Road, Little Sutton, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825 Mums & Tots, Great Sutton Village Hall. 9.30am. 07864 518162 Rhyme Time, Neston Library, Neston. 2.15pm-2.45pm, (term time only). (0151) 337 4670 Breastfeeding support group and Sling library, Portside Children’s Centre, Egerton Road, Ellesmere Port, 9.30am-12pm. (0151) 337 6365

Gresford & Wrexham MONDAY A-Star Sports, Gresford Memorial Hall, Off High Street, Gresford, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Puddleducks, St Christophers, Stockwell Grove, Wrexham, (am). Jess or Emma 07429 892774 Turtle Tots, DW Fitness, Plas Coch Road, Wrexham, (pm). Kim 07793 743678 Gresford Playgroup, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 9.30am - 11.45am.07840 380135 FDCS Toddler Group, Flying Start Centre, Prince of Wales Ave, Flint, (Fornightly), 1-2.30pm.

Vicky (01352) 761569 Little Fishes Parent and Toddler Group, Parkfields Church Hall, Elm Drive, Mold, 9.30am (term time only). clare.hollis@yahoo.com TUESDAY Jo Jingles, Runaround@Bluebear Playbarn, Unit 106, Coed Aben Road, Wrexham Industrial Estate. (am) Natasha 07793 937322 Gresford Toddlers, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 9.15am -11.30am. 07840 380135 Rainbow Tots, Flint Evangelical Church, Cornist Road, Flint, 9.15a-11am. Helen (01352) 730610 Northop Toddlers, Edith Bankes Institute, Northop, 10-11.30am. Sue 07795 691429 Gwernymynydd Parent & Toddler, Gwernymyndd Village Centre, Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd, 9.3011.30am. Claire (01352) 757041

18

WEDNESDAY Gresford Playgroup, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 9.30am - 11.45am. 07840 380135 Cake and Chaos,The Annex, Corporation Street, Flint, 10-11.30am. (01352) 732082 Ti a Fi Welsh Language Playgroup, Town Hall, Flint. 9.15-10.45am Gwernaffield Mums and Toddlers, Community Centre,Ysgol y Waun, Gwernaffield, 9-11am. Elizabeth (01352) 741834 Playcorner Parent and Toddler Group, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Glanrafon Road, Mold, 9.45-11.15am.

(01352) 754341 Sychdyn baby and toddler group, Sychdyn Memorial Hall, Sychdyn, 10-11.30am. Carolyn 07930 757591 Tots to Teens Toddler Group, New Brighton Community Centre, New Brighton, Mold, 9.30-11.15am.

(01352) 754027 THURSDAY Tumble Tots, Acton Community Resource, Wrexham. (am). Paul 07873 114596 Gresford Playgroup, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 9.30-11.45am. 07840 380135 FRIDAY Turtle Tots, Level 4.Ysgol Pen Coch, Prince of Wales Avenue, Flint, (pm). Kim 07793 743678 Advanced Toddlers, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 1-2.45pm. 07840 380135 Gresford Playgroup, Memorial Hall, Lakeside, off High Street, Gresford, 9.30-11.45am. 07840 380135 Little Dragons, Bilingual Mums and Tots,Ysgol Maes Edwin, School Lane, Flint, 1-3pm. (01352) 730361 Cake and Chaos,The Annex, Corporation Street, Flint, 10-11.30am. (01352) 732082 Playcorner Parent and Toddler Group, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Glanrafon Road, Mold, 9.45-11.15am.

(01352) 754341 Tiny Tots, Rhosemor Village Hall, Rhosemor, Mold. 9.15am - 11.15am

Handbridge, Lache and Eccleston MONDAY Handbridge Parent & Toddler Group,Youth Community Centre, Handbridge. 1-2.30pm (term time only) Rhythm Time, St Mary’s Without the Walls, Overleigh Road, Handbridge. Various times. Julia 07789 867589 Kindermusik, Lache Community Centre, Hawthorn Road, Lache, (am) (18mths to 3 yrs) Stay and Play, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Hawthorn Road, Lache. 9.15-10.45am Tot’s Group, Saltney Methodist Church, High Street, Saltney, 10-11.30am. (01244) 674734 TUESDAY Japanese Baby & Toddler Diary Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Overleigh Road, Handbridge, 1-3pm. www.facebook.com/pages/Japanese-Mums-Tots-Group-Chester Baby Ballet (ages 2.5-4yrs), Eccleston Village Hall, Church Road, Eccleston, 3.50-4.30pm.

Emily 07971 021366 RAD Pre- Primary Ballet (age 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 yrs), Eccleston Village Hall, Church Road, Eccleston, (pm).

Emily 07971 021366 Antenatal clinic, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Lache, 1-4pm. (01244) 977791 WEDNESDAY RAD Pre-primary Ballet, St Mary’s Church Hall, Handbridge, (pm) (age 4-5 yrs) Antenatal clinic, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Lache. 9am-4pm. (01244) 977791 Play and Weigh, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Lache. 9.15-11.15am. (01244) 977791 Munchkins, St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Road, Saltney. 1-2.30pm THURSDAY St Mary’s Mum’s & Tots Group, St Mary’s Church, Overleigh Road, Handbridge, 10-11.30am.

(01244) 671202 U 5’s Storytime, Lache Library, Lache Park Avenue, Lache. 2.15-2.45pm, (term time only) Play to help speech and language, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Lache.

Ann-Marie (01244) 976225 FRIDAY Wiggle and Jiggle, Lache and Handbridge Children’s Centre, Lache, 10-11am. (01244) 977791

Hawarden, Buckley & Mold MONDAY Jo Jingles, Mynnyd Isa Community Centre, Mynydd Isa, Mold. From 9.30am. Cheryl 07713 565486 Hawarden Preschool Group, Mon,Tues, Wed and Thurs, Groomscroft Youth Centre, Hawarden.

Kate 07752 693251 Baby Tap, Mynydd Isa Community Centre, Mynydd Isa, Mold, (pm) (age 2 1/2-4 yrs). 07904 290893 TUESDAY Mums & Tots Dance (U3’s), Mynydd Isa Community Centre, Mynydd Isa, Mold, 9.30-10.15am.

07904 290893 WEDNESDAY Jo Jingles, Hawarden Institute, 31 Glynne Way, Hawarden, (am). Cheryl 07713 565486 Diddidance, Hawarden Insititute, Hawarden, (am). Danielle 07870 664734 Baby Ballet, Westwood Centre, Buckley, (pm) (age 2 1/2 yrs). 07904 290893 THURSDAY A-Star Sports, Sychdyn Memorial Hall, Main Road, Sychdyn, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Jo Jingles, Bethesda Chapel, New Street, Mold, (am). Cheryl 07713 565486

Hoole, Upton, Kingsway and Newton MONDAY Kindermusik, Hoole United Rerformed Church, Hoole Rd, Hoole, (pm). Stephanie 07739 104147 All Saints Dinkies, All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Rd, Hoole, 1-2.30pm (term time only)(pre-book).

(01244) 322056 Excercise with Baby, Upton village Hall, Heath Rd, Upton, (pm). Jessi 07792 618716 A-Star Sports, Upton Holy Ascension Church Hall, Demage Lane, Upton. (pm) Sharon 07932 182148 Wiggle and Jiggle, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway, 1-2pm.

(01244) 976100 All Saints Minis, All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Road, Hoole. 10-11.30am. Helen (01244) 322056 Kindermusik Village, Hoole United Reformed Church, Hoole Road, Hoole, (pm) (0-18mths).

Steph 07739 104147 Kindermusik Family Time, Hoole United Reformed Church, Hoole Road, Hoole, (pm) (0-7yrs). S teph 07739 104147 Little Stars, Stardust Drama Workshop, Hoole United Reformed Church, Hoole, (pm). Steph 07739 104147 Antenatal clinic, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway, 1-4pm. (01244) 976100 Musical Tots (Babies), Holy Ascention Church, Demage Lane, Upton, (am). 07896 614397

If you would like a listing here, email: lists.littletigers@googlemail.com Musical Tots (Toddler), Holy Ascension Church, Demage Lane, Upton, (am). 07896 614397 School’s Out, Dad’s Out, Hoole Lighthouse Centre, Westminster Road, Hoole, 5.30-7pm. ben.waugh@hotmail.co.uk Tiger Tots, Upton Baptist Church, Flag Lane South, Upton. 10-11.30am. 07977 164410 Soda Club, for dads, male carers and their children. Hoole Lighthouse Centre, Hoole (first Mon of month), 5.30-7pm. (01244) 312037 One year developmental clinic, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Cente, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway, 9am - 4pm. (01244) 976100 TUESDAY Parents/Carers, Babies & Toddlers, Hoole united Reform Church, Hoole Rd, 9.30-11.30am (term time only). Marie (01244) 303232 Kindermusik Our Time, Hoole United Reform Church, Hoole Rd, Hoole,(pm). (0-18mths).

Steph 07739 104147 A-Star Sports, Upton Holy Ascension Church Hall, Demage Lane, Upton. (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Tiger Tots, Upton Baptist Church, Flag Lane South, Upton. 10-11.30am. 07977 164410 Hoole URC Parent & Baby Group, United Reformed Church, Hoole Road, Hoole. 9.30-11.30am (term time only). Marie (01244) 303232 Antenatal clinic, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. 9am - 4pm.

(01244) 976100.

Home birth group, last Tuesday of the Month, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. (01244) 976100 Sunshine Tots, Upton Holy Ascension Church, Demage Lane, Upton. 1.15-2.45pm. sunshinetots@yahoo.com Cheshire Asperger’s Parents Support Group (every 3rd Tuesday), Patrizio’s, 79 Weston Grove, Upton.

(01928) 722384 Baby Massage, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway.(am+pm). (01244) 976100 WEDNESDAY Sparks, Hoole Baptist Church, Westminster Rd, Hoole, 9.45-11.30am. Ali (01244) 312037 Polish Stay and Play, every other Wednesday. Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus.

Kingsway. (01244) 976100 A-Star Sports, Upton Holy Ascension Church Hall, Demage Lane, Chester, (pm).Sharon 07932 182148 Dance Cheshire, Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, Hoole.www.dancecheshire.co.uk Stay and Play, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. (01244) 976100 Tiger Tots, Upton Baptist Church, Flag Lane South, Upton. 10-11.30am. 07977 164410 Baby Sensory, Upton by Chester Village Hall, Upton, (am) (Birth-13mths). Steph (0151) 6788560 Pre Primary Ballet, Hoole Community Centre, Hoole, (pm). Clare 07958 477386 Rhythm Time, Hamilton Street Methodist Church, Hoole, (am). Julia 07789 867589 Hypnobirthing, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. (01244) 976100 Newton Toddler Group, St Michaels Church, Devon Road, Newton. For Under 3’s THURSDAY Jo Jingles, All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Rd, Hoole, (am). Cheryl 07713 565486 Play and Weigh, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. (01244) 976100 Messy Church, All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Rd, Hoole, (1st Thursday of each month),3.30-5.30pm.

(01244) 345649 Tiger Tots, Upton Baptist Church, Flag Lane South, Upton. 10-11.30am. 07977 164410 Stay and Play, Chester Community Toy Library, Hamilton Methodist Church, Hoole. 10-11.30am.

Stay and play for children with disabilities, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. (01244) 976100 Trackers Kids Club, Hoole Lighthouse Centre, Hoole. 6-7pm. (01244) 342955 Cookery Class, Kingsway Chapel, Kingsway, (pm) (pre book) (01244) 314995 NCT prenatal parenting group, Kingsway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway.

(01244) 976100 FRIDAY Rhymetime Under 5’s, Upton Library, Wealstone Lane, Upton, 2-2.30pm. (01244) 973700 All Saints Minis, All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Rd, Hoole, 10am-11.30am (term time only, pre book).

Helen (01244) 322056 A-Star Sports, All Saints Church, Vicarage Road, Hoole. (pm) Sharon 07932 182148 Under 5’s Storytime, Upton Library, Wealstone Lane, Upton, 2-2.30pm. (01244) 973700 Baby Rhythm Time, Upton Westlea School, Weston Grove, Upton. 10.45-11.15am (pre book) (01244) 976100 Tiny Stars, Stardust Drama Workshop, Hoole United Reformed Church, Hoole, Steph 07739 104147 Tiger Tots, Upton Baptist Church, Flag Lane South, Upton, 10-11.30am. 07977 164410 Kingsway Chapel Stay & Play, Kingsway Chapel, Kingway. 9.30-11am. (01244) 314995 Newton Park Toddler & Carer Group, Newton Primary School, Kingsway West, Newton, 1-3pm, (term time only) Antenatal clinic, Kinsgway and Upton Children’s Centre, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway. 9am-4pm.

(01244) 976100

Kelsall, Delamere & Ashton Hayes MONDAY Fitmamas Outdoors, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere Forest, 1-2pm. Claire (07968) 077180 TUESDAY Diddidance, Kelsall Community Centre, Kelsall, (am). Danielle 07870 664734 Pilates, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere Forest. 11am-12pm. Claire 07968 077180 Ashton Hayes Baby & Toddler Group, Ashton Hayes W.I. Hall, Church Road, Ashton Hayes. 10.30-12pm WEDNESDAY Kelsall Baby & Toddler Group, Kelsall Community Centre, Kelsall, 10.30am-12pm.

Katy 07865 063057 or Simone 07944 841873 Fitmamas, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere Forest, 1-2pm. Claire 07968 077180 THURSDAY Postnatal Pilates, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere. 12.15-1.15pm. Claire 07968 077180 Ashton Hayes Baby & Toddler Group, Ashton Hayes Primary School, Church Road, Ashton Hayes.

1.15-3pm (0-4 yrs). (01928) 740257.

Kettlercise, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere. 11.15-12.05pm. Claire 07968 077180 FRIDAY Pilates, Delamere Outdoor Fitness, Delamere. 9.15-10.15am. Claire 07968 077180 A-Star Sports, Kelsall Community Centre, Chester Road, Kelsall, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148

Baby & Toddler Diary

Mickle Trafford, Guilden Sutton and Great Barrow MONDAY Tumbles Tots, Guilden Sutton Village Hall, Guilden Sutton,(am). Paul 07873 114596 TUESDAY Guilden Sutton Parent & Toddler Group, Guilden Sutton Village Hall, Guilden Sutton, 10.30am-12pm (term time only). Cherry (01244) 300932 Daisy Baby Tinies, Mickle Trafford Preschool, School Lane, Mickle Trafford, 10.45am-12pm.

Jennie 07875 534768 Daisy Baby Wriggles, Mickle Trafford Preschool, School Lane, Mickle Trafford, 10-11.15am.

Jennie 07875 534768 Mickle Trafford Parent & Toddler Group, Mickle Trafford Village Hall, Mickle Trafford, 10.30am-12pm THURSDAY Guilden Sutton Parent & Toddler Group, Guilden Sutton Village Hall, Guilden Sutton, 1.30-3pm (term time only). Cherry (01244) 300932 Jabberjacks, Mickle Trafford Preschool, Village Lane, Mickle Trafford, (am) (term time only).

Wendy 07519 238 263 FRIDAY Toddlercise, Mickle Trafford Village Hall, Mickle Trafford, 9.45-10.30am.(walking-5 years). Karen 07957214126 Daisy Baby Movers, Shrewsbury Arms, Warrington Road, Mickle Trafford, 10-11.15am (7-9mths). Jennie 07875 534768 Daisy Baby Tinies, Shrewsbury Arms, Warrington Road, Mickle Trafford, 10.45-12pm Jennie 07875 534768

Mollington, Saughall and Capenhurst MONDAY Diddidance, Danielle’s Dance & Theatre School, Mollington Grange Business Park, Mollington. (am).

Danielle 0787 066 4734 Mollington Baby & Toddlers Group, Mollington & Backford Village Hall, Station Road, Mollington, 10am12pm. Laura 0792 975 5096 Rugby Tots, Mollington and Backford District Hall, Station Road, Mollington, (pm). 0845 313 3242 Groove ‘n’ Move, Vernon Institute, Saughall, (am) (2-4 yrs). Leanne 07956 191088 WEDNESDAY Baby Ballet, Mollington Village Hall, Station Road, Mollington, (pm). (2 1/2 -4 years). Emily 0797 251 0012 Tiny Tots Ballet, Mollington Village Hall, Station Road, Mollington, (pm) (16mths-2 1/2yrs).

Emily 0797 251 0012 Caterpillar Music, Danielle’s Dance & Theatre School, Mollington Grange Business Park, Mollington, (am).

Mel or Tracey (0151) 3458691 THURSDAY Diddidance, Danielle’s Dance & Theatre School, Mollington Grange Business Park, Mollington, (am).

Danielle 07870 664734 Swim Success, (pm).

Saughall Toddler Group, Funky Monkey, Chester. 10-11.30am FRIDAY Diddidance, Danielle’s Dance & Theatre School, Mollington Grange Business Park, Mollington, (am).

Danielle 07870 664734

Tarporley, Tarvin & Tattenhall MONDAY Toddler Morning,The Ice Cream Farm,Tattenhall, 9.30-11am (term time only). 07570 774491 Stay & Play, Fardon Primary School, Fardon, 10-11.30am, (01244) 967157 Rhythm Time,Tarporley Community Centre,Tarporley High St,Tarporley, (am). Julia 07789 867589 Stay and Play, Barbour Institute,Tattenhall, 10-11.30am. (01244) 976158 Mothers and Toddlers, Broxton and Bickerton Village Hall, Bickerton, 9.30-11.30am Cheshire Ice Cream Farm toddler morning, Newton Lane,Tattenhall, 9.30-10.45am TUESDAY Tattenhall Toddler Group,The Sports Pavilion, Flaccer Field,Tattenhall, 9.30-11.30am.

Mandy (01829) 771664 Stay and Play,Tarvin’s Children’s Centre Activity Room,Tarvin, 9.30-11am. (01244) 976100.

Jo Jingles, Tarporley Community Centre,Tarporley High Street,Tarporley, (am). Cheryl 07713 565486 First Steps & Next Steps Ballet, Pointe Works, Jessie Hughes Village Hall, Eaton, (pm).

Nicolle 07900 303966 Parent & Toddler Group, Tarporley Baptist & Methodist Church,The Chapel, High St,Tarporley, 10-11.30am.

Catherine (01829) 733697 Weigh and Play, Malpas, Farndon and Tarvin Children’s Centre, Meadow Close,Tarvin, (1st &3rd Tues in the month), 9am-11am. (01244) 976158 Clutton Parent & Toddler Group, Clutton Primary School, Clutton. C Rouse 01829 771434 WEDNESDAY Duddon Toddlers, Duddon & Clotton Memorial Hall, Duddon, 9.30-11.30am. Alex 07791 585556 Jacappella Music,Tarporley Community Centre,Tarporley High Street,Tarporley, (am).

Mel (01606) 333244 A-Star Sports, Tarporley Community Centre, High Street,Tarporley, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Jacappella, St Andrews Church, Church Street,Tarvin, (am). Holly 07525 498508 THURSDAY Diddidance, Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane,Tattenhall (am). Danielle 07870 664734 Stay & Play, Farndon Primary School, Churton Road, Farndon. 10-11.30am. (01244) 976158.

Oopsadaisy Doodle,Tarporley Community Centre,Tarporley High Street,Tarporley, 9.30-10.30am. Karen 07825 834732 Baby Discover Shimmy Shapes,The Barbour Institute, High Street,Tattenhall, 10-10.45am (5-14mths).

Jen 0844 8747362 Huxley Parents and Toddler Group, Huxley CE Primary School, Church Lane, Huxley, 10.30-12 noon term time only. (01829) 781296 FRIDAY Tarvin Babies and Toddler Group,Tarvin Community Centre, Meadow Close,Tarvin 10-11.30am, (term time only). (01244) 976100 Rhythm Time, Farndon Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farndon (am). Julia 07789 867589 Mid Cheshire NCT,Tarporley Baptist and Methodist Church Hall, 10-11.30am.Tracey (01829) 733207 Stories & Rhymes U5’s,Tarporley Library, High School, Eaton Rd,Tarporley, 10-10.30am. (01829) 731794

19

Baby & Toddler Diary

If you would like a listing here, email: lists.littletigers@googlemail.com

Waverton, Christleton & Littleton MONDAY A-Star Sports Waverton Village Hall, Common Lane, Waverton, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Little Fishes Toddler Group, Burley Memorial Hall, Waverton, 10am-12pm (term time only). Kim (01244) 336763 Chester Sling Library,The Cheshire Cat, Christleton, 11am-2pm. 07904 956293 Christleton Preschool, Christleton Parish Hall, 9am-3pm (term time only). Carol 07890 105395.

Dancing Tots, Chester Rugby Club, Hare Lane, Littleton, (pm) (2-4 yrs). Claire 07801 478548 TUESDAY Christleton Toddler Group, Christleton Parish Hall, Christleton, 10-11.30am. 07890 105395 Puddleducks, Mecure Chester East Hotel, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825 WEDNESDAY Mums and Tots, Waverton Village Hall, Waverton, 10am-12pm. 07876 403253 Dodleston Parent & Toddler Group, Dodleston Village Hall, Pulford Road, Dodleston. 10am-12pm.

07704 659251 THURSDAY Waverton Under 5’s Toddler Group, Waverton Village Hall, Waverton. 10am-12pm. 07876 403253 Puddleducks, Mecure Chester East Hotel, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, (am). Kerry (01829) 740825 FRIDAY Rhythm Time, Christleton Parish Hall, Christleton, (pm). Julia 07789 867589

Wirral MONDAY Puddleducks, Kingsmead School, Bertram Drive, Hoylake,(am). Kerry (01829) 740825 Puddleducks, Stanley School, Greenbank Drive, Pensby, (pm) Kerry (01829) 740825 Beth Tweddle Gymnastics, Neston Recreation Centre, Raby Park Road, Neston, (am). (0161) 763 0959 Topsy Tumbles (U5’s), Neston Recreation Centre, Raby Park Road, Neston, am+pm. (0151) 336 5741 Diddi Dance, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough. (am). Suzie 07887 597924 Active Tots, Bromborough Children’s Centre, Wirral, 1.30pm - 3pm.(0151) 334 1381 Aqua Tots, Guinea Gap Baths, Riverview Road, Wallasey, (am). (0151) 639 5426 Homestart Breastfeeding Support Group, Seacombe Childrenís Centre, St Paul’s Rd, Wallasey, Merseyside. 10am-12pm. (0151) 630 1845 Stay and Play, Park Primary School, Woodstock Rd, Wallasey, Wirral 10am-11.30am. (0151) 638 6008 Open Door Young Parents group,Liscard Children’s Centre, Liscard Primary School Site, Withens Lane, Liscard, 2pm-4pm. (0151) 638 7530 Sensory Play, Bromborough Children’s Centre, Gratrix Rd, Wirral, 9.15am-10.15am (0-12 mnth).

(0151) 334 1381 Breastfeeding Group, Eastham Children’s Centre, Willington Ave, Birkenhead, 10am-11.30am.

(0151) 327 3174 Baby Massage, Eastham’s Children’s Centre, Willington Ave, Birkenhead, 1.30-2.30pm (pre book).

(0151) 327 3174 Discovery Play, Bebington Children’s Centre, Bebington, 9.30am-11am. (0151) 608 7013 Bumps to Babies, New Brighton Childrenís Centre, Mount Pleasant Road, New Brighton, 9.30-11am.

(0151) 630 2731 Indoor playground fun, Neston Civic Hall, Neston. (U5’s). (0151) 336 1077 Wallabies Crafts, Colouring, Story & Rhyme, Wallasey Central Library. (U5’s) (0151) 639 2334 Jo Jingles, Heswall Hall, Brimstage Room 111 Telegraph Road, Heswall, (am). Diane (0151) 606 8177 Tumble Tots,Thornton Hough Village Hall,Thornton Hough. (am). Sam or Moira 079804 10265 Sing and Sign, Pensby Children’s Centre, Pensby, Wirral, (pm). Rachel (01244) 372970 Holy Joes Mums and Tots, St Josephs Social Club, Green Bank Rd, Birkenhead, 1 - 2.45pm. louise.doiley@btinternet.com Sandbrook Community Centre Mums & Tots, Sandbrook Community Centre, Moreton, 10am - 12pm TUESDAY A-Star Sports,Thornton Hough Village Hall,Thornton Hough, Wirral, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 A-Star Sports, Heswall United Reformed Church,Telegraph Road, Heswall, (pm). Sharon 07932 182148 Puddleducks, Barnacre Farm Pool, Barnacre Lane, Saughall Massie, (am) Kerry 01829 740825 Fun4A Activity Time, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough, (am), (0151) 334 9149 Comets, Starlight Youth Theatre, Starlight Studios, Heswall, (pm). (0151) 342 2706 Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Seacombe Library, Liscard Road, Seacombe, 10am-11am (0151) 606 2305 Health Visitor Drop In, Seacombe Childrenís Centre, St Paul’s Rd, Wallasey, 9.30-10.30am.

(0151) 630 1845 Little Ducks, Guinea Gap Baths, Riverview Road, Wallasey. 11am-12pm. (0151) 639 5426 Story Times, Seacombe Library, Liscard Road, Seacombe. 2.30-3.30pm (0151) 606 2305 Makaton, Eastham’s Children’s Centre, Willington Ave, Birkenhead. 1.30-2.30pm. (0151) 327 3174 Little Explorers, Seacombe Children’s Centre, St Paul’s Road, Wallasey, 1.30-3pm (18mths-3yrs incl PEEP). (0151) 630 1845 Messy Play, Bromborough Children’s Centre, Wirral, (0-5yrs). 9.30am -11am. (0151) 335 1381 Neomates (2nd Tues of month), Bromborough Children’s Centre, Wirral, 2-3.30pm. (0151) 334 1381 Tea and Toast, Bebington Childrenís Centre,Town Lane Bebington, 9.30ñ11am (0ñ5yrs). (0151) 608 7013 Diddidance, Westbourne Hall Community Centre - Westbourne road, West Kirby, (am).

Suzie 07887 597924 Jo Jingles,Thingwall Recreation Centre,Thingwall. (am), Diane (0151) 606 8177 Baby Sensory, St Michaels and All Angels Church Hall, West Kirby,(am & pm). Steph (0151) 6788560 Gymbabes, Hoylake Community Centre, Hoylake, (pm). Sam 07980 410265 Tumble Tots, Hoylake Community Centre, Hoylake, (am). Sam or Moira 07980 410265 Christ the Kings Mums & Tots, Christ the Kings Church Hall, Bromborough, 9.30-11.30am Little Fishes, St Peters Centre, Village Rd, Heswall, 1.30-3pm. Janey (0151) 342 7606 Parent & Toddler craft mornings, Reef Coffee Lounge, Pensby Rd, Bebington. Laura (0151) 648 8557 WEDNESDAY Topsy Tumbles (U5’s), Neston Recreation Centre, Raby Park Rd, Neston, (am+pm). (0151) 336 5741.

Jo Jingles, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough, (am). Diane (0151) 606 8177 Waterbabies, Stanley School, Greenbank Drive, Pensby, (pm). (01244) 641989 Childminders Drop in, Seacombe Childrenís Centre, St Paul’s Rd, Wallasey. (0151) 630 1845 Dinkies, St David’s Church Hall, Millpark, Eastham, 1-2.30pm. Judith (0151) 513 0764 Jigsaw Dance (Zumba Mums & Tots) The Barn, Rock Ferry, Ionic Street, Rock Ferry, 11.30-12.15pm.

(0151) 644 5500

20

Ready, Steady, Play, Brassey Gardens, 2 Brassey Street, Birkenhead. 3.30pm - 4.30pm (0151) 652 1916 Diddidance,The Parade Community Centre - Hoyle road, Hoylake, Wirral. 9.30am. Suzie 07887 597924 Tumble Tots, Pensby Recreation and Bowling Club, Pensby. (am). Sam or Moira 079804 10265 Christ Church Tots Spots, Christ Church, Prenton. 10-11.30am Wirral Natural Parenting Group,The Green Community Shop, Christchurch Rd, Oxton Village, Birkenhead.

11am-1pm Wirral Natural Parenting Group, The Owl Tree, Market St, Birkenhead. 1-4pm Mum Stuff is Tough, PND Support Group, West Kirby Children’s Centre, 10-11.30am THURSDAY Puddleducks, DW Sports Fitness, Bromborough, (pm). Kerry (01829) 740825 Puddleducks, Stanley School, Greenbank Drive, Pensby, (pm). Kerry (01829) 740825 Fun4A Activity Time, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough, (am). (0151) 334 9149 Playmakers, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough. (am) (U5’s). (01625) 415151 Pop Dance Tots, Bromborough Civic Centre, Bromborough,(pm). Claire 07835 233694 Pop Dance Kids, Bromborough Civic Centre, Bromborough, (pm). Claire 07835 233694 Baby Bees, St. Laurenceís Primary School, Birkenhead, 1-2pm. (0151) 647 758 Child Health Drop In, Bromborough Children’s Centre, Wirral, 9.30-10.30am. (0151) 334 1381 Little Stars, Wallasey Village URC 10am - 11am. (0-5yrs) Christine 07581 071 979 Mini Artists, Cathcart Street, Dover Street, Birkenhead. 9.30-10.30am. (0151) 647 4445 Coffee Morning, Tam-O-Shanter Farm,Boundary Road,Bidston, Wirral, (term time only), 10-11am.

(0151) 653 9332 Stories & Rhymes for under 5s, Higher Bebington Library, Bebington. (0151) 608 3430 Jo Jingles, Wallasey Marlowe Road United Reform Church, Marlowe Road, Liscard, (am).

Dianne (0151) 606 8177 Baby Sensory, Christ Church Community Centre, Kings Road, Higher Bebington, (am).

Steph (0151) 6788560 Gymbabes, Bromborough Tae Kwon-do Centre, Bromborough, (am). Sam 07980 410265 Tumble Tots, Bromborough Tae Kwon-do Centre, Bromborough. (am). Sam or Moira 07980 410265 Sing and Sign, St Peter’s Centre, Lower Heswall Village. (am). Rachel (01244) 372970 Christ Church Tots Spots, Christ Church, Prenton. 10-11.30am COGS Toddler Group, Church of the Good Shepherd,Telegraph, Heswell. Janice (0151) 342 8229 Bumps & Babies Group, Lower Bebington Methodist Church, Bromborough Rd, Bebington.

Carol (0844) 243 6329 Sing & Sign, St Peters Centre, Lower Heswall Village, (am). Rachel (01244) 372970 Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Birkenhead Children’s Library, Borough Rd, Birkenhead. 10-10.30am.

(0151) 606 266 FRIDAY Puddleducks, Foxfield School Pool, Douglas Drive, Moreton, (pm). Kerry (01829) 740825 Cheerleading, Neston Recreation Centre, Raby Park Road, Neston, (pm). (0151) 336 5741 Topsy Tumbles (U5’s), Neston Recreation Centre, Raby Park Road, Neston, (am+pm). (0151) 336 5741.

Fun4A Activity Time, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough. From 10.30am. (0151) 334 9149 Playmakers, Fun4All Play Centre, Bromborough.(U5’s) (am) From 10am (01625) 415151 Baby Sensory, St Peters Church, Village Road, Lower Heswall, (am+pm) (birth-13mths). 07814 941048 Teddy Bears Story Time, Liscard Childrenís Centre, Wallsey. 2-3pm, (Age 12ó24 months including PEEP).

(0151) 638 7530 Little Fishes,Hebron Evangelical Church, Egerton Grove, Liscard, 9.15am - 11am. Liz (0151) 630 2450 Hester Hedgehogs Active Tots, 111 Telegraph Road, Heswall, (term time only). (0151) 342 2614 Indoor playground fun, Neston Civic Hall, Neston. (U5’s), 9.30-11.30am. (0151) 336 1077 Toddler Group, Willaston Primary School, Neston Road, Willaston, 9.30- 11am. (0151) 338 2421 Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Heswall Library, Heswall 10.30am. (0151) 606 2665 Diddi Dance,The Good Sheperd Hall,Telegraph road, Heswall , Wirral, (am). Suzie 07887 597924 Jo Jingles, Bebington Civic Centre, Civic Way, Bebington, (am). Diane (0151) 606 8177 Rugby Tots, Newton Village Hall, 47 Grange Cross Lane, Newton, Wirral, (am). 0845 313 3242 Baby Sensory, St Peter’s Church Centre, Village Road, Lower Heswall,(am). Steph (0151) 6788560 Rugby Tots, Westbourne Road, West Kirby, Wirral (am). 0845 313 3242 Tumble Tots, Oxton Trinity & Palm Grove Church, Oxton, (am). Sam or Moira 07980 410265 Baby Bounce & Rhyme, Heswell Library, Heswell, 10.30am. (0151) 606 2665 Mums & Tots, St Michael’s Primary School, Kids Club, Wirral, 1.05-3.30pm. (07708) 868023

Oh we do like to be beside the Seaside!

We are lucky enough to live really close to some really wonderful beaches and whilst most you could do as a day trip it might worth a slightly longer stay if you’re travelling further afield – given the nature of summer holiday travelling and traffic.

These suggestions are just a guide and as usual please do check all the details before setting out. There is plenty of information available at local Tourist Information Centres and on the internet.

West Kirby This a smaller beach which lies between sand dunes and vast sand flats which are exposed during low tide – so care is needed not to get caught out – it’s important to check the tide times. Parking is available along the promenade and car park near to the beach. Refreshments and toilet facilities are near to the main entrance. The Hilbre Island Nature Reserve can be found a meter offshore which you can walk to during low tide. www.visitwirral.com Talacre Beach A great place whatever the weather! The beach is deservedly popular, with miles of golden sand lapped by the clean waters of the Irish Sea. The views to the west, north and east are extensive. Even though the beach is popular, parking is easy and the beach rarely feels crowded.

Located on the beach is the Point of Ayr lighthouse, built in 1776. The lighthouse fell into disuse in 1884. At 18 metres high, it’s not particularly big, but nonetheless it is quite impressive. At high tide, it is cut off from the beach by about 40 yards of water, so don’t get stranded! Not only that, the area around the beach a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The dunes house a rare collection of natterjack toads, and the Dee estuary is a vital haven for wintering birds. More information from the RSPB website and www.discoverflintshire.co.uk Old Colwyn A vast golden sand might have had some help over the years but with its sweeping promenade with lots of benches and refreshment kiosks there is enough here to keep any family happy for a whole day. If walking or playing on the sand isn’t enough seabirds. wading birds. and the occasional seal and dolphin can be spotted. Parking is available.

Llandudno This resort which still retains its Victorian and Edwardian charm. There are two beaches: the traditional North Shore with its promenade and Victorian pier, it’s a great for sandcastles, picnics and paddling and there are shops, refreshments, facilities and parking all close to the sea front. Then there is the quieter West Shore with sand dunes and views over to Anglesey and Snowdonia. You can take the Victorian Great Orme Tramway to the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve and visit the Great Orme Mines. www.visitllandudno.org.uk Southport Found 20 miles north of Liverpool, Southport is a traditional seaside resort with a large expanse of beach and large tidal reach which is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. There is a recently resorted Victorian Pier which is the second oldest and second longest in Britain, which hosts a plenty of family events, and cycle hire and freewheeling (cycle loan), with car parking with toilets by the beach. Whilst there you could visit the New Pleasure Land theme park with rides and funfair, Splash World for some water fun, and the Marine Lake where you can take a ride on the Southern Belle a Mississippi Style Steamer. The Southport Flower Show is on 19-23 August 2015 (www.southportflowershow.co.uk) www.visitsouthport.com Ainsdale-on-Sea A few miles south of Southport, this is a sandy beach with dunes, which was awarded the Quality Coast Award 2011 by Keep Britain Tidy. There is a Discovery Centre with information about the coast line, local animals and plants and cycle hire. It’s a great beach for kite flying. At the beach entrance there is a car park and toilets. www.visitsouthport.com Formby A long stretch of beach that is popular with kite surfers. Good for lose to Liverpool this beach is managed by the National Trust and is well known for its population of Red Squirrels. It is an area of unspoilt coastline with a large, flat, sandy beach with dunes and pine woods. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months. The National Trust often hold family events here, and there is a visitors centre, refreshments, picnic areas and toilets. www.nationaltrust.org

21

On the Road By Victoria Pollitt Victoria and her family recently visited Disney Land Europe to celebrate a family birthday and tells us all about their magical adventures.

The USA can sprinkle Disney magic over France but I wish it could have stopped the rain from hammering down as well. I was with 12 of my family for a special birthday celebration at Disneyland Paris. Relentless downpours for five days could have dampened the mood but good humour and the excitement of being at this fantasy world won through.

The first fast-paced ride we encountered was Eurostar. From Cheshire there are several ways to travel - plane, train, ferry, or by driving all the way. We were travelling with our two young children so chose the comfort and speed of the train. And as we relaxed at our four-seat table, I knew we’d made the right decision. Eurostar starts at St Pancras but we opted to join at its next stop, Ebbsfleet - it was easier to drive to and cost only £5 a day to park. We took the buggy and as much luggage as we could carry and only had to check in 30 minutes before its prompt departure.

The journey took us right into Disneyland, where we hopped on a shuttle bus to our hotel.There are seven Disney hotels in the park and we stayed at the middle-priced Sequoia Lodge Hotel. Unfortunately, the only magical part about it was the 10-minute walk into the park.The rooms were basic and dated and there was nothing to say “Disney” except for a lone Bambi picture in the room.

So much time at Disneyland is spent queuing so it was frustrating to also have long queues to check in and for breakfast. However it didn’t matter too much as most of our time was spent at the two parks - Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. Highlights included any ride we could all do together (our ages ranged from 11 months to 68 years) like the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast and Peter Pan’s Flight. Thrilling roller coasters gave a great adrenaline rush, especially the memorable Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster, where the senses are heightened by 100km per hour speeds, flashing lights and music by Aerosmith. It makes you want to go straight back on again but I’m glad I didn’t as it broke down half way round with my husband on it.

Be prepared for ridiculously long queues for everything - you can wait up to an hour for younger children’s rides similar to those you could find at a funfair, dressed up with a Disney theme. Cut your wait on a few of the rides using a Fastpass service, where you take a ticket and return at an allocated time to skip the longer queue. But plan ahead and use this early in the day - there are limited Fastpass tickets and you can only use one at a time.

Another way to beat the queues is by using Extra Magic Hours, which we had as part of our hotel package and gave us access to the park two hours before its opening. This felt brilliant at first but in reality there were not many rides open so we didn’t use it more than once.

During our visit we tried to take refuge under cover when the rain became too much by enjoying some of the fabulous shows at Walt Disney Studios Park.They really made the experience value for money, including a spectacular car and motorbike stunt show.

The uplifting street parades and music were also a hit, although children not at the front can’t see unless they are on an adult’s shoulders so it’s best to get there early.

If your children are keen to get even closer to some of the Disney favourites then one of the best ways is character dining. We booked Cafe Mickey for our first night where Mickey, Pluto, Goofy and an amorous Tigger went from table to table, signing autograph books and posing for photos. This was a great start to the holiday and the children loved it.

For all of us, this was a holiday we will never forget - the music, the laughs, the rides, the magic, the shows and even the rain. We hope to return when our children are older and big enough to go on every ride and remember it all. But we will be sure to plan every day carefully and will be keeping all our fingers crossed for better weather.

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Notice Board

Have fun making a ‘five senses’ container with your children For a great ‘outdoors’ summer activity this month we’ve asked Andy Cruikshank from Burleydam Garden Centre to give us some tips on container planting with little ones.

Teach your little ones all about the senses by planting a five senses garden container! This lovely activity will not only teach them about gardening but allow them to explore the five senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch and Taste.

You’ll Need: • • • • • •

A container with holes in for drainage Some stones Quality potting compost A small trowel Selection of sensory plants Watering can

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

Get your little gardener to place a layer of stones in the pot and then fill with your chosen compost leaving a 2cm gap from the rim. Children will love getting their hands dirty here!

Next let your child take the plants out of the pots (they may need a little help here) and arrange the sensory plants in the pot or container. Here are some recommendations for plants for each sense: Sight: Bright and colourful bedding plants. Try Begonias and Marigolds Sound: Rustling oriental grasses – try Carex Bronze Form Smell: Mint for a fresh, minty smell!

Touch: Feathery Lavender – smells good too!

Taste: Trailing strawberry plant for yummy sweet fruit Now show your little one how to fill in the gaps with compost and press down firmly.

Finally it’s time to give your 5 Senses Container a good watering!

Burleydam Garden Centre, Chester Rd, Little Sutton, South Wirral.

Tel: 0151 339 3195 Visit: www.burleydamgardencentre.co.uk

Magical Moonlight Movies Over the summer months Chester Performs is showing a magical movie season of cult, classic and crazy films for all ages and tastes. From classic comedy such as Some Like It Hot, to the romance of Roman Holiday, with family favourites Paddington and The Wizard of Oz which everyone can enjoy and Mama Mia for those that love a good musical!

So why not grab your deck chairs and blankets, pack your picnic and go along to enjoy this open air cinema experience which uses wireless headphones to deliver great sound quality. Movies will be screened from 7th July to 29th August, tickets are £8.50 (U16’s & students £7.50) and as with all Chester Performs events under 12’s are free with a full price paying adult (PG and U certificate only).

You’ll find the open air cinemas at Chester’s Roman Gardens, Castle in the Park - Frodsham, Marbury Country Park – Northwich and Stanney Fields Park – Neston.

For more information go to www.moonlightflicks.co.uk

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