Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 6)

York for kids Issue 06

FREE Easter 2015

Š National Trust Images/Rob Stothard. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Family activities whatever the weather plus Cadbury sponsored trails over the bank holiday weekend.

Easter holidays

Members and under 5s go free.

Beningbrough 01904 472027 Treasurer's 01904 624247 nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough or /treasurershouse

St Leona

Welcome Hello and welcome to our Easter issue!

Spring is in the air and what better excuse to get out and about with the kids? From egg trails to fluffy lambs, there’s lots to do in and around York for families over the next few weeks.

Whatever you get up to, have fun and try not to eat too much chocolate. We’ll see you again in a few weeks with lots of ideas for things to do for May half term and those lovely long bank holiday weekends.

Little Vikings is brought to you by a York family on a mission to help other families enjoy the city

What’s On This Easter There’s lots for families in York to do this Easter, and this is our pick of the best.

Hot cross buns, cosy eggs and creativity at York Castle Museum Easter themed family art and crafts activities run at York Castle Museum, and you can have a go at the egg and spoon obstacle course too (28th March to 12th April - 10am to 5pm - normal admission charges; small charge for some activities). There’s an Easter egg trail as well – see our feature on the best egg trails for more details. Meanwhile, hot cross buns are cooking in the Castle Kitchen as they try out and compare versions of this Easter classic using Victorian and modern recipes (28th March to 12th April - 10am to 4pm).

And how about making an Easter themed egg cosy to take home? Keep your egg warm while you butter your soldiers!

(Wednesday April 1 and April 8 - 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm).

Medieval fun at the Yorkshire Museum The Yorkshire Museum’s Easter celebrations have a medieval slant, with a medieval Easter egg hunt (March 28th - 12th April, 10am to 5pm), stained glass window workshops (make your own every day, www.little-vikings.co.uk www.little-vikings.co.uk

11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm) and a weekend of medieval activity (Friday April 3rd to Monday April 6th, 11am – 4pm) showing how people celebrated festivals and special occasions, including Easter. There’ll be special demonstrations including cookery, dancing, tournament training and sword fighting.

Egg-citing Bank Holiday Fun at Nunnington Hall There’s lots of bank holiday family fun at Nunnington Hall: meet some cute spring animals and maybe have your face painted like one too. There’ll also be a bouncy castle, races and other activities. Why not combine it with a visit to nearby National Trust property Rievaulx Terrace? It’s a beautiful place for a walk.

Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April – 11am to 5pm Playing Trains at the National Railway Museum Head to the National Railway Museum for their fab Playing Trains exhibition, aimed firmly at families. Make your own toy train and build a railway track.

28th March to 12th April - Free

O fr

Ap

Clif 3–8

2

STP Lit

What’s On - Issue: 05

The Easter Adventure at Stockeld Park Embark on the giant egg hunt and help Little Bo Peep find her sheep in the Maze Mission. Extra events during bank holiday weekend include an egg and spoon challenge and Easter bunny showtime.

28th March to 19th April - normal admission charges Poisonous Pasts: Death by Chocolate at York Dungeon Will it be a treat this Easter, or will you fall victim to a sweet poison? Will you be lucky with the sweet roulette or will it be something else? The pop-up Victorian sweet shop might look tempting, but all is not what it seems…

28th March – 12th April – normal admission charges

Welcoming spring at Askham Bryan College’s Lambing Sunday One way that Yorkies like to welcome in the new season is to head to Askham Bryan College’s annual Lambing Sunday. It’s a fun-packed day in the great outdoors, with lots for families to enjoy, and this year it takes place on Sunday 22nd March. As well as meeting the lambs, there’ll be a children’s activity zone, a market full of tempting produce, tractor and trailer rides and more.

Lambing Sunday – Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York YO23 3FR – 10am to 4pm – Sunday 22nd March – £5 per adult, under 16s free

Outstanding education from age 2+ Apply now for entry in September 2016

Clifton St Olave’s St Peter’s 01904 527361 3–8 8–13 13–18 www.cliftonyork.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1141329

STP Little Vikings Ad Dec 2014 AW.indd 1

10/12/2014 15:39

Mums go free and an Easter egg-stravaganza at Piglets Going to Piglets at Easter has become a bit of a tradition for our family. There’s plenty to keep all of the kids happy for hours – they spend ages collecting the eggs on the Great Easter Egg Hunt and looking at the sweet baby lambs. This year they’re also looking forward to stroking some little chicks and entering the egg decorating competition. The usual Piglets favourites are always popular too, like the crazy golf, bouncing pillows, ride-on tractors and barrel ride. It’s a bonus that they like the food from Truffle’s Trough, and we sometimes pick some provisions up from the Farmer’s Cart on the way home too. Loads of local delicacies to choose from, and some very tempting homemade cakes.

The Farmer’s Cart is offering a free bunch of daffodils to mums who have lunch in their café on Mother’s Day, and they also get free admission to Piglets that weekend. I’m sure we’d all be happy with a homemade card, but a trip out of town, some flowers and a nice lunch sound pretty good too.

Mother’s Day at The Farmer’s Cart and Piglets Adventure Farm Park – Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th March 2015; Easter Eggstravaganza at Piglets Adventure Farm Park - 28th March to 12th April – 10am to 5.30pm – child £7.50, adult £5.95, family ticket £25

THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT / COME AND SEE OUR SHEEP LAMBING LIVE / BOTTLE FEED OUR LAMBS / EGG DECORATING COMPETITION / CHICKEN FLAPPIN’ / STROKE OUR BABY CHICKS / HOOK-A-DUCKLING / TRUFFLES TROUGH / FARM YARD TRAIL / GIANT SAND PIT / BARREL TRAIN / RIDE ON TRACTORS / ANIMAL PETTING BARN / CRAZY FARM GOLF / OLYM-PIGS ASSAULT COURSE / TRAILER RIDE / BOUNCING PILLOWS / GO-CARTS. Easter Hi, Egg-stravaganza I am Truffles, activities are all included welcome to my farm park. This in the entry price, so come season we will and spend the day. Entry be open everyday Price: Children £7.50, Adults from 14th March £5.95, Family Ticket £25. to 2nd Nov. Save with our annual membership scheme.

PIGLETS AT THE FARMER’S CART, TOWTHORPE GRANGE, TOWTHORPE MOOR LANE, YORK YO32 9ST T: 01904 499183 WWW.THEFARMERSCART.CO.UK WWW.PIGLETSFARMPARK.CO.UK

EED ABY IT / IGS

What’s On - Issue: 06

We love York in the Springtime!

Everyone goes on about how lovely Paris is in the springtime, and we’re sure it is. But we reckon York’s the place to be when the sun comes out after its extended absence. These are some of our favourite places to see the seasons change. Who needs the Eiffel Tower anyway?

The City Walls: Daffodils Yorkies don’t check the calendar or the weather forecast to work out whether it’s spring yet, they look at the banks of the city walls. If they’re carpeted with beautiful yellow daffodils then spring has officially sprung. It doesn’t last long, so take a walk on or around the walls while they’re in bloom.

Pond life at Askham Bog We’ve never met a child who doesn’t love a tadpole, or pondlife in general. Askham Bog (just off the A1036; YO32 2UB) is on the site of an ancient lake and is a great place to see the change of seasons. You’re certain to see a host of lovely birds and, if you’re lucky, might even encounter a fox, water vole or roe deer.

Ducklings at the University of York and the parks Who doesn’t love a baby creature to coo over? Spring’s the time to get broody at the sight of dozens of ducklings cuddled up with their mum or taking the plunge one after the other into the water. The lake at the University of York is a good place for ducks (and very buggy and scooter-friendly), as is the pond at Rowntree Park.

The gardens at Beningbrough Hall Not all children are very interested in gardens unless they’ve got a swing or slide, but the garden at Beningbrough Hall is an exception.

It’s fairly self-contained and the combination of familiar and unusual but interesting plants gets our kids asking what’s what. Luckily for us, everything is also well labelled.

Sunrise and sunset over the Millenium Bridge Marvel as the days finally get longer by heading for the river around sunrise (some of us are unfortunately awake at that time) or sunset. The view from the Millenium Bridge between Fulford and South Bank is gorgeous as the sun wakes and sets.

Lambs at the farms (Farmer’s Cart/Askham Bryan lambing day).

Having had to miss out on hanging out with last year’s batch of woolly lovelies – lambs and pregnant women aren’t advised to spend time together – we’re looking forward to seeing them this spring at Piglets Adventure Farm Park and Askham Bryan’s annual lambing day.

5

@LittleVikingsUK

ON THE TRAIL OF THE EASTER BUNNY Eggs, eggs and more chocolate eggs! Tis the season of the Easter egg hunt, and there are plenty to choose from, as you’d expect from the home of chocolate. Here’s our pick of the best trails in and around York.

The Lord Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt Set out on a quest for chocolate in this annual city-wide egg hunt which features new attractions and games for 2015. Solve the puzzles to visit historic locations around York. Play games and gather treats, and there’s a special prize when you reach your final destination!

Saturday 4th April - 10am to 3pm (participants to start no later than noon) - Collect your treasure trail sheet from JORVIK Viking Centre £2.50

Bunny hunting at Treasurer’s House Children of all ages will be able to explore the historic rooms of Treasurer’s House, solving clues and spotting bunnies. Successful bunny hunters will be able to take away a chocolate treat.

28th March to 12th April – 11am to 5pm - normal charges plus small donation Great Easter Egg Hunt at Piglets If you head to Piglets’ Easter Eggstravaganza, don’t miss the Great Easter Egg Trail. We do it every year and the kids love hunting for the giant eggs.

28th March to 12th April – 10am to 5.30pm – Normal admission charges

A royal Cadbury egghead trail at Beningbrough Hall Join Beningbrough’s trail fit for a Prince or Princess this Easter bank holiday weekend. Find the clues, solve the problems and claim your Egghead prize. High five the Easter Bunny or decorate an egg in the artrageous workshop.

Beningbrough Hall - Good Friday 3rd April to Easter Monday 6th April - 11am to 4pm – Normal admission charges (small charge for some activities)

www.little-vikings.co.uk www.little-vikings.co.uk

Easter Egg Trail at The Balloon Tree The Balloon Tree Farm Shop holds its annual Easter Egg Trail between 28th March and 12th April, and it’s just £3 per child and £1 per adult. Combine with a trip to say hi to the animals or a pot of tea and slice of cake from the café. Younger kids will enjoy the small play area – just look out for arguments over who gets to ‘drive’ the tractor.

6

Nu

Eas Sat Apr

Com worl hous inter the e

£2 pe

01439 natio

What’s On - Issue: 06

Easter Trail at York Castle Museum Follow the Easter Trail around the museum and solve the clues to be in with a chance to win a special chocolate egg.

Lots more special Easter activities too – see our what’s on feature for details.

28th March to 12th April - 9.30am to 5pm - 50p per trail plus normal admission Easter Egg Hunt at York’s CHOCOLATE Story Discover why some York children once enjoyed solid Easter eggs and watch as the chocolatiers recreate ornate Easter eggs from the past. Little ones can embark on an Easter egg hunt (no extra charge).

28th March to 13th April

The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Nunnington Hall From 28th March to 12th April, head to the Howardian Hills to explore Nunnington Hall’s international links and earn yourself a Cadbury egg. £2 per person.

Easter Holiday Trail at Fountains Abbey It’s all go on the estate as Holy Henry and Gorgeous Georgia get ready for the hustle and bustle of the Easter period.

Can you follow the clues around the estate and help them make this Easter the best that’s ever been?

Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April - 10am to 4pm

sneaking a bite Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 28 March - Sunday12 April

Come to Nunnington and explore the world! Hunt high and low around the house and gardens to discover the many international links. Finish the trail and the egg is yours. £2 per person

01439 748283 nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington

© National Trust Images/©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Nunnington Hall

Food & Drink Breakfast at Bill’s, family-friendly afternoon teas and a classic Easter recipe

Food - Issue: 06

Family Food & Drink Special: Afternoon tea Afternoon tea is one of life’s little luxuries, and there’s no reason that kids can’t be introduced to this lovely English tradition too. Most places are more family-friendly than they look, and your children always sound far louder to you than to everyone else!

Here are some of the best places in York to enjoy a pot of tea (or glass of juice) and some cake.

Bettys and Bettys Stonegate

For world famous cakes, teas and coffees in a glorious setting, look no further. A trip to Bettys is like stepping back in time – expect silver teapots, fine white china and faultless, friendly service. Families are welcomed; staff will even bring out toys to keep babies

entertained. It’s a wonderful place at any time of day, but the afternoon tea is very special. Children can enjoy a scaled down version, complete with cakes, sandwiches and juice rather than tea. We thought we were taking a bit of a risk when we went there with our kids, but they loved it and weren’t half as noisy as they usually are.

Good to know – You can only book a table in the Belmont Room; if you’d like a table in the tearoom itself then you’ll need to take your chances with the queue.

The booths in the downstairs tearoom are great for comfortable breastfeeding. If the queue’s too long, you could try Bettys Stonegate (the smaller sister cafe). The café is upstairs so it’s not really set up for buggies, but it’s fine for older children.

Bettys, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8PQ; Bettys Stonegate, 46 Stonegate, York O1 8AS

99

@LittleVikingsUK

The Grand Hotel & Spa

The Grand is one of York’s most luxurious hotels, and it’s so keen to welcome children to the restaurant that they have their own afternoon tea menu complete with gingerbread people and fairy cakes.

The old classic, the jam sandwich, even gets an outing. With colouring books to keep them entertained, there’s a chance the adults might just get a few minutes of peace to enjoy their own teatime treats.

Best for - a special treat.

The Grand Hotel & Spa, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD

The Café 68

A hidden gem on Gillygate, The Café 68 is worth the short stroll from the city walls for its vast selection of cakes,

The Lord Mayor's

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 4th April 10am onwards | £2.50 per entry Starting from JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate Set out on a city-wide quest for chocolate, solving puzzles to visit locations across York! www.thejorvikgroup.com www.thejorvikgroup.com

This is a fundraising event for York Archaeological Trust, York Merchant Adventurers’ Hall & York Mansionwww.little-vikings.co.uk House.

hot drinks and light meals. Buggy drivers will need to negotiate a few steps to get in, but once you’re through the door this is a family-friendly place. The fact it’s packed with babies in highchairs tells you all you need to know. There’s also a small garden if the weather’s good or your children are in particularly shouty mood. The kids’ menu is usually a hit and dads tend to enjoy the full English breakfast.

Best for – A relaxed brunch with family or friends.

The Café 68, 68 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ

Bistro Guy

Anyone looking for somewhere interesting to eat in York must take a trip down Gillygate, a street that’s positively groaning with excellent independent bistros and cafes. A case in point is Bistro Guy, a sweet little bistro that serves fresh, tasty, modern food at a reasonable price.

During the day, sandwiches and soups sit alongside more substantial dishes.

There’s also a great selection of cakes that often feature in a very reasonable afternoon tea offer after 3pm. In the evening, it turns into a bistro serving more elaborate meals. There’s a kids’ menu that most parents would approve of, and it’s a good spot for Sunday lunch too. The small walled garden and patio is a godsend for those with noisy kids who need to (quietly!) run off some steam.

Best for – relaxed lunches on the patio or in the garden when the weather’s good.

Sunday lunch.

Bistro Guy, 40 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ

10

Food - Issue: 06

Rowntree Park Room and Cafe

Reading Other places that we love for tea and cake – and you If there’s one thing that might persuade do too! the kids to leave the play area at Rowntree Park, it’s the promise of a drink or something to eat at the Reading Room and Cafe. There are kids’ books to browse (and borrow, if you have a YorkCard), park views and top coffee and cake. Look out for occasional children’s activities and special events.

Best for – a well-earned reward for half an hour’s swing-pushing Rowntree Park Reading Cafe, Rowntree Park Lodge, Richardson Street, York, YO23 1JU

We asked our lovely Facebook and Twitter followers where they like to take their children for tea and cake, and here’s what they said….

“We love Me & Mrs Fisher (18 Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7HA). Lovely atmosphere and great that it’s independent. The kids’ parties are fab too” “Let’s face it, you can’t beat The Pig & Pastry (35 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA). Have you tried one of their donuts?

Legendary. Worth sharing a table for”

“The Balloon Tree (Stamford Bridge Road, York YO41 1NB) is always a winner - good homemade cakes and nice outdoor play area (enclosed but smallish) to entertain Café Concerto kids (probably suits the younger This café, with its music-lined walls and walking kids rather than older views of the Minster, is a firm favourite ones).” with locals. The mismatched chairs, jazz soundtrack and friendly staff create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. And the cakes are delicious. There’s not a huge amount of buggy space but staff will try to accommodate you if they can.

Best for – Tasty cakes, lovely daily specials and hot drinks in a lovely atmosphere; a treat for older children.

Café Concerto, 21 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN

“Kafeneion (39 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS) has amazing cake. Cake that defeats even cake monsters and has to be finished off by their mothers. This can only be good.”

“Cakes d’Licious (61 Clifton, York YO30 6BD) every time delicious food, lovely staff, great atmosphere, lovely with children.”

1111

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Food - Issue: 05

Little Vikings Eat Out Breakfast at Bill’s Mr Viking turned thirty-something recently. Once upon a time we we’d have gone for a boozy meal to celebrate, but the best we could hope for this year was breakfast out with the kids. Bill’s is a relative newbie to the York eating scene so we took the opportunity to check out its family-friendly credentials.

The concept Bill’s bills itself as a restaurant ‘from breakfast to bedtime and everything in between’. What started out as an independent greengrocer and café in Sussex is now a national chain where you’ll be served dishes with national and international flavours in cool, casual surroundings by friendly staff.

The lowdown Bill’s is open all day, so the menu you’ll pick from depends on whether you’re up and out early with the kids or enjoying a rare date night. We found plenty to like about the breakfast menu, with lots of meat and veggie options, and something to satisfy the dieter and the couldn’t-care-less-about-calories diner. There’s one menu for adults and another for children. We grown-ups opted greedily for the Bill’s breakfast (one with meat and one without) while the kids, predictably, chose pancakes and porridge. We’d heard gripes about slow service so we were pleasantly surprised that the kids didn’t have to wait long to dig into their food. The pancakes were a hit and the porridge was some of the best we’ve had (The Pig & Pastry and Rowntree Park Reading Café are our other porridge frontrunners). As for the adults, we enjoyed our cooked breakfasts very much, although the jury is still out as to whether hummus should feature in any meal before midday.

The juices and smoothies are lovely, but the effect on your heart rate when you see them itemised on the bill might undo any benefit!

Why it’s family-friendly Small, quiet restaurants are not the friend of the noisy family. We like places that are relaxed, serve good, fresh food and have enough space for us to spread out a bit and not have to worry about our kids’ toys or limbs straying into other diners’ soup.

Bill’s ticks these boxes: it’s big, bright and serves a wide enough range of food to satisfy the faddiest eater. The staff are clearly used to dealing with children and are more than happy to help with buggies, highchairs and so on.

Fa n

ev

C jo

The verdict In a sea of pizza and burger restaurants, Bill’s stands out as a chain that’s a little bit different. The variety of food on offer is good if you’re trying to please a range of tastes and the atmosphere is lovely. It might not be the cheapest option, but for a family meal out, Bill’s fits the bill.

Bill’s, 12 Coney Street, York YO1 9NA Monday to Saturday: 8am to 11pm; Sunday and bank holidays: 9am to 10:30pm www.little-vikings.co.uk

12

@LittleVikingsUK

To w

Food - Issue: 06

Little Vikings Cook

Chocolate Easter nests Confession time: we’ve still got chocolate eggs left over from last Easter. It turns out that even small children can have too much of a good thing. No points for nutrition or originality, but these nests are great for using up the chocolate mountain.

Method

1. Put fairy cake size paper cases into a 12-hole muffin/Yorkshire pudding tin.

2. Gently melt the chocolate, golden syrup and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water and melt it slowly or it won’t work!

We speak from bitter experience.

3. Stir your chosen cereal carefully into the melted chocolate. Try not to break it up too much.

4 & 5 ye ar ol ds Fa nt as tic fu n fo r

e v e r y S a tu r d a y !

Co m e al on g an d jo in th e fu n at pq a

4. Fill each case with the mixture and some eggs. Leave in the fridge to set for at least an hour, longer if you can resist.

5. Eat. Brush teeth. Run around park several times

Ingredients

(for about 10)

•225g leftover chocolate, broken into pieces. We used milk but you could use dark or white or a mixture • 2 tbsp golden syrup Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9WT Saturdays from 10 till 11.30am To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022

• 50g butter

• 75g Cornflakes, All-Bran, Shredded Wheat or Rice Krispies

• A big bag of Mini Eggs (or similar) to fill You’ll need a 12 hole fairy cake or Yorkshire pud tin and paper cases

Flutterbabies have started baby swimming classes at the Goosewood Holiday Park in Sutton-on-theForest. There’s a cafe so you can sit and feed your baby afterwards. More info: www.flutterbabies.co.uk

Hola! Do you have a little one who wants to learn French or Spanish? Check out the classes by York Petits Amis and York Little Amigos, perfect for budding little linguists (2 - 11 year olds).

More info: www.yorkamis-amigos.co.uk

Mmm... Bettys bunnies!

Do Ch Mon old s

ww

Tread The Boards teaches dance, drama and singing to children and young people aged 3-16. They’re holding Easter holiday workshops on March 30th & 31st. See www.treadtheboard s.org

www.little-vikings.co.uk

14

Issue: 06

En Pointe Classical Dance School has 40 classes across York every week for everyone from walking babies to adults! There are now classes on a Tuesday at The York Steiner School with Miss Rebecca. More info: www.enpointeyork.co.uk

The toddlers we hang out with love their Song Box music classes. Sessions across York; prices are per family, not per child: www.york-songbox.co.uk

Do you have a preschooler? m Check out the FREE Museu ar ye Monkeys session s for 2-5 and old s at York Castle Museum: the York shire Museum rg.uk www.yorkmu seumstrus t.o

15

Competi Win one of five family passes to the York Dungeon!

A visit to The York Dungeon promises an exciting adventure this Easter holiday as it launches its Death by Chocolate event for unsuspecting visitors. There’s a new interactive pop-up show that’s guaranteed to trick those taste buds. On arrival you’ll be greeted by a pop-up Victorian sweet shop and its dubious owners. Be on guard and prepare for darker twists.

WIN! To win one of 5 family passes worth £49.95, just email info@little-vikings.co.uk by midnight on 30th March 2015 with your name and address and the answer to this question: Which gunpowder plotter was born in York?

Winners chosen at random. Each prize is a one family day pass for 4 people for the York Dungeon subject to availability. Non-transferable and no cash alternative.

The prize can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion, or on the day of any special event at the attraction. The prize must be redeemed by 30/6/15 after which it’s invalid. More terms & conditions on the Little Vikings website.

BOOK A DANCE CLASS NOW!

EASTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS March 30th and 31st at The Poppleton Centre 9-10am for ages 3-6 10am-5pm for ages 6-16 Sibling Discounts

CATS WAR HORSE GREASE SUPERHEROES STREET DANCE INTO THE WOODS

H

Email evolutiondancewhp@yahoo.com For more information visit our website www.evolutiondance.net

NEW! Freestyle Dance classes for children & young people of all ages are coming to your area from 12th January 2015!

Dance Drama Singing

See full details at www.treadtheboards.org Phone 01904 693661 or email alison@treadtheboards.org for bookings and enquiries. www.little-vikings.co.uk

Call Hayley 07800 865 214

with rick Pat ayley

16

Mondays Elvington Village Hall

09.30am 10.30am 16.00pm 16.45pm 17.30pm

– – – – –

10.15am 11.15am 16.45pm 17.30pm 18.15pm

Boogie Babies (6m – 18m / walking) Mini Movers (18m /walking – 3 years) Junior Freestyle (4 – 7 years) Senior Freestyle (8 – 12 years) Teen Freestyle (13 – 18 years)

Thursdays Oaken Grove Community Centre – Haxby

12.45pm 13.45pm 15.30pm 16.15pm 17.00pm

– – – – –

13.30pm 14.30pm 16.15pm 17.00pm 17.45pm

Boogie Babies (6m – 18m / walking) Mini Movers (18m /walking – 3 years) Junior Freestyle (4 – 7 years) Senior Freestyle (8 – 12 years) Teen Freestyle (13 – 18 years)

Friday – mornings Oaken Grove Community Centre – Haxby

09.15am – 10.00am 10.00am – 10.45am

Boogie Babies (6m – 18m / walking) Mini Movers (18m /walking – 3 years)

Friday – afternoons Orchard Park Community Centre – Huntington

13.00pm – 13.45pm 13.45pm – 14.30pm

Boogie Babies (6m – 18m / walking) Mini Movers (18m /walking – 3 years)

petitions!

Competitions - Issue: 06

Win a swimming place with Flutterbabies worth £95!

One lucky baby or toddler is in for a splashing good time courtesy of Flutterbabies.

The prize is a 10 week swimming course with Flutterbabies worth £95. Classes are held at The Goosewood Holiday Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest on a Monday and Tuesday. If you don’t win, don’t despair : the first 10 people to enter will be notified that they are entitled to a £10 discount on a 10 week course starting in April.

WIN! To enter, just email info@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and address and the answer to this simple question: Which of the following isn’t a swimming stroke (1) pike, (2) butterfly or (3) breast stroke?

The competition closes at midnight on April 14th 2015 and one winner will be chosen at random and notified by us. The winning child must be between 12 weeks and 2.5 years old to be eligible for the free course. The place must be taken during the summer term, which starts in April (subject to availability). No cash alternative.

ung

alking)

3 years)

s)

)

alking)

3 years)

s)

)

alking)

3 years)

alking)

3 years)

17 17

@LittleVikingsUK

Little Viking

Postnatal Yoga at The S When we told people last year that we were expecting Who: The littlest Viking our third baby, they all said (12 weeks old) & Mrs that she’d be the easiest of Viking the lot because she’d have What: Postnatal yoga to fit in with family life. I Where: The Stables hoped they were right, but didn’t want to bank on it. Thankfully it turned out to be true: she’s only been with us since October but it already seems as though she’s been here forever. She’s more than happy being dragged to our eldest’s swimming lessons or the middle one’s ballet classes, but I wanted to try something that was just for her. She’s used to being surrounded by a lot of noise, so I thought that something calmer would make a nice change for her, so we signed up for postnatal yoga at The Stables Yoga Centre.

I’d done the yoga classes at The Stables throughout my pregnancy and knew it was a lovely place to hang out. The teachers are wise and welcoming, the atmosphere’s relaxed and I’m sure the yoga and breathing techniques I learnt helped create a really positive labour (three hours start to finish – I’ve spent longer watching a DVD box set!). So I wasn’t surprised that the postnatal yoga sessions are an extension of that.

Alison Goodwin, our lovely teacher, has worked hard to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The class www.little-vikings.co.uk

1818

kings try….

Try - Issue: 06

he Stables Yoga Centre has a nice informal structure that encourages the mums to get to know each other. First off, there’s tea and cake. It’s a great chance to chat and compare notes on the latest parenting challenges over a welcome brew. Once the cups are cleared, everyone introduces themselves to the group and says a bit about what’s been happening with them and the babies that week. We are a group with a one-track mind. To say that we are all slightly obsessed by whether our babies are sleeping or not is an understatement.

And then it’s onto the yoga. Alison takes us through a gentle routine that’s suitable for all, whether you’ve recently had a C-section or are a few weeks on from giving birth and feeling more energetic. Either way, the stretching and breathing makes us feel revived. The babies aren’t forgotten either: those who aren’t feeding, sleeping or crying (that’s usually mine – sorry) enjoy a few stretches, strokes, tickles and soothing hums. By the end of the session we both feeling rejuvenated – me by the yoga and the chat, my baby by flirting with the other babies and taking in the atmosphere. If there’s a better cure for a sleepless night, I’d love to know. Alison also does active baby yoga for older babies and free range yoga for mums with toddlers. Sign us up.

Cost: £7.50 for 1hr45 mins Address: The Stables Yoga Centre, 10a Nunmill Street, York YO23 1NU More info: info@stablesyoga.co.uk/01904 623 960

19 19

@LittleVikingsUK

Other great services for bumps and babies

For health and wellbeing: acupuncture and Chinese tui na medical massage. Whether you have ongoing or acute health concerns, or just want to pamper yourself, boost your energy levels and feel great, acupuncture and tui na can help you. acupuncture & chinese tui na massage

We offer a range of support for pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-natal care, including support with assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF and IUI; care for healthy pregnancies; and help with pregnancy-related conditions such as nausea, hypertension, anxiety and musculoskeletal issues. Please get in touch for a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation.

“Thank you so much for your caring, informed support during my IVF cycles. I think acupuncture has played a major part in our success!” – Janie, 38

Pregnancy and post-natal acupuncture The benefits of acupuncture for aiding conception and helping reduce pregnancy symptoms are well known, and we’ve seen them first-hand ourselves. Karen Charlesworth at the Acutu clinic in South Bank (www.acutu.net) works with many women at the pre-conception stage and then supports them throughout their pregnancies and beyond.

9 Norfolk Street (entrance on Richardson Street) Bishopthorpe Road York YO23 1JY

07582 234578 or book online at www.acutu.net

Treasure Chest Breastfeeding Support This friendly breastfeeding support group has been supporting and encouraging breastfeeding in York for a decade. They do free drop-in sessions at venues such as children’s centres and libraries. Visit www.treasurechest.org.uk.

Family Information Service Baffled about your childcare options? Got a question about raising your family in York? York Family Information Service may well be able to help. This councilrun service is staffed by a friendly and responsive team who’ll endeavour to answer anything you ask. Visit www.yorok.org.uk for more info.

lSong Box Family music groups for 0-4 year olds All over York Mon-Fri “It's the best thing we've tried. Izzy sings all the way home!” Sara Mair

07855 126 408 www.york-songbox.co.uk www.facebook.com/SongBoxYork www.little-vikings.co.uk

Children’s Centres York’s children’s centres provide an invaluable service to families of underfives across the city. Services include access to the health visiting teams, sessions on issues like weaning and various support and other groups. They also have scales for weighing your baby.

Visit www.yor-ok.org.uk for more details.

20 20

Fun Amuse your friends with our egg-scellent jokes and find out how well you know York with our fun quiz.

Jokes and a quiz!

Fun stuff for little Vikings What do you call a rabbit with fleas?

Bugs Bunny!

Why was the Easter Bunny so upset?

He was having a bad hare day!

What did the rabbit say to the carrot?

It’s been nice gnawing you.

How do you know carrots are good for your eyes?

Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing glasses?!

What do rabbits do when they get married?

Go on a bunnymoon!

What kind of books do bunnies like?

Ones with hoppy endings.

Joi wit frie

Word Search Can you find: Easter bunny hop basket bonnet hunt egg www.little-vikings.co.uk

22

eas?

Fun - Issue: 06

So you think you know York? Test yourself with our quiz!

1. Which gunpowder plotter was born in Stonegate?

2. Which of these is not a former name for York: (a) Jorvik, (b) Yorkum or (c) Eboracum?

3. Which highwayman is buried in York?

4. Which York street is so old that it was mentioned in the Domesday book?

5. What are the two rivers that flow through York called?

6. York Minster has its own police force: true or false?

7. Which York museum has the world’s largest collection of trains?

8. Which James Bond star was born in York?

9. Who founded York: (a) minions, (b) Romans or (c) aliens?

10. What sweet treat is York famous for?

Answers on page 25

Come on in,the water’s lovely!

Join our family of Puddle Ducks and enjoy baby and pre-school swimming with the most caring and highly-trained teachers around. Contact our friendly team today to find out about our classes across York.

FREE taster session

puddleducks.com E. york@puddleducks.com 07825 269146

23

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Craft: Salt dough Easter decorations Christmas has all the luck: tons of special recipes, songs, traditions and rituals that Easter can only dream of. Poor old Easter. So we’re starting a campaign for the introduction of Easter trees. Or twigs at least. Make a few of these salt dough decorations and hang them on the latest sticks that have snuck in from your last trip to the park. Or if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, make sure you seal them well and then hang them outside for all to see.

1. Pre-heat 250F/120C.

the

oven

to 5. Decorate to your heart’s content! We used poster paints and jazzed them up with some 2. Make some salt dough. Stir glitter glue (never need an excuse together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt to get the glitter glue out). If you and 1/2 cup warmish water to like, once dry you can seal them make a smooth dough. Knead using watered down PVA glue for a few minutes until smooth, or similar. adding a little more water if necessary.

6. Loop twine or ribbon through the holes and hang.

3. Roll the dough out to about ½ cm thick and then use biscuit cutters to cut out shapes, the more Eastery the better. Use a straw to make a hole in each one for hanging.

4. Put the shapes on parchment covered baking trays. Bake for 2 hours, turning half way through. Cool on a cooling rack.

www.little-vikings.co.uk

24

Fun - Issue: 06

Egg Hunt!

Start here

Start here

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW!

Quiz answers

With outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 to 18 year olds, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West End show - what are you waiting for?

(1) Guy Fawkes, (2) (b) Yorkum, (3) Dick Turpin, (4) The Shambles, (5) Ouse and Foss, (6) True!, (7) National Railway Museum, (8) Dame Judi Dench, (9) Romans,

PQA York is enrolling now.

Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York YO32 9WT Academies run on Saturdays from 9.45am until 1pm

(10) Chocolate.

25

To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022

Grand Day Out Stockeld Park

What it is If you aren’t familiar changing programme of events and with Stockeld Park, here’s the deal: activities aimed firmly at families. it’s like a stately home without what the kids might think of as the boring bits, i.e. the house. Instead it has some of the best outdoor bits of places like Castle Howard and Beningbrough Hall– fab adventure playgrounds, fun activities and lovely scenery. It opens for the school holidays and there’s always something new to do, with an ever-

The Place to Buy, Sell & Trade Your LEGO® Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH (near Creepy Crawlies) www.minifigsandbricks.co.uk / MinifigsAndBricks

www.little-vikings.co.uk LEGO is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group who do not sponsor, endorse or authorise Minifigs & Bricks (York).

It’s What’s in it for kids Everything at Stockeld Park is designed with kids in mind, and the selection of activities changes with the seasons.

We visited during February half term when one of the highlights was the outdoor ice rink (thank goodness for the push-along penguins to keep us upright). But the main attraction for the kids was the Enchanted Forest, a trail that winds its way through ancient woodland. It’s fine for buggies and not too far for older

26 26

Grand Day Out - Issue: 06

polished off their locally sourced chicken dipper meals without any of the usual encouragement from us. If it’s a nice day, it’s a good place for a picnic. There’s loads of space to spread out your kids blanket and you can always pick to walk. Along up provisions from Wetherby on the way you’ll encounter many your way through. magical and mythical creatures from owls to ogres, flamingos, Our verdict Stockeld Park is a princesses and dragons. It might great option for outdoor holiday seem a bit Disney, but I’ve yet to fun. We’ve been a few times now meet a child who doesn’t like a because there’s plenty for our two Disney movie. The route is broken oldest children (5 and 2.5) to enjoy up by some fantastic play areas, and they’re always happy and tired with something to suit most age on the way home. And because groups. This is a day out that’s best the range of activities changes so if the weather’s good, but there is a often, they never get bored. small indoor play area if it takes a turn for the worse.

Good to know: Some activities Where to eat There’s a café serving hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. It has a short and simple kids’ menu or they can put together a picnic box. Our little Vikings - often picky eaters -

have age restrictions; children under 2 go free; there’s no loo in the Enchanted Forest! There’s lots on at Stockeld Park over Easter.

See our What’s On Guide for more details.

The damage £12 day pass; family passes available.

Stockeld Park - The Easter Adventure – 28th March to 19th April - Stockeld Park, Wetherby, Yorkshire, LS22 4AN

27

@LittleVikingsUK

STOCKELD

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

Fresh air & Spring-time family fun awaits!

See website for Easter activities & Egg-stra’ special events!

The Easter Adventure Bunny & Giant Egg Hunt!

Open daily 28 March - 19 April

Located between Harrogate & Leeds. LS22 4AN

www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.little-vikings.co.uk

28

me

ts!

l

Grand Day Out - Issue: 06

The Guide: Places to go, things to do Star attractions The National Railway Museum Lots of train-related fun for families, all for free.

NRM, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ DIG Fantastic hands-on archaeological fun for budding Indiana Joneses.

DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN York Minster The city’s most famous landmark. Kids can borrow an Explorer Backpack to make their visit even more fun.

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH Jorvik Ride through a reconstructed Viking village and meet ‘real’ Vikings.

JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT The Yorkshire Museum Dinosaurs, fossils, intriguing Roman artefacts and much more. Plenty of hands-on activities for children.

Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR

City Walls Almost 3.5km of medieval walls with fantastic views, all for free. Not a great option for buggies or wobbly toddlers.

Cliffords Tower An iconic landmark with picture-perfect views of the city. Tons of steps, so not one for buggies.

Cliffords Tower, Tower St York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA

Sport and Leisure Energise As well as a 25m pool, there’s a gym, crèche, climbing wall, dance studio and outdoor pitches.

Swimming lessons, birthday parties and classes and courses for kids.

Energise, Cornlands Road, York YO24 3DX York Sport This new £9m facility has a 25m pool, 18m learner pool, football pitches and gym. There’s a café too, and plenty of swimming lessons.

York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York YO10 5FG Yearsley Step back in time at this 50 yard Edwardian swimming pool, with poolside changing cubicles. No-frills: don’t expect wave machines or

29

slides!

Yearsley Pool, Haley’s Terrace, York YO31 8SB Tenpin Out-of-town bowling alley with plenty of lanes and a fun atmosphere. Pool tables, arcade games and a small café.

Tenpin, Stirling Road, Clifton Moor Centre, York YO30 4WZ

Cinemas and Theatres City Screen Picturehouse Kids’ Club, Toddler Time and the Big Scream screenings are weekly favourites for children at this fab riverside arthouse cinema. Good cafe.

City Screen, 13-17 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL Vue A 12-screen out-of-town cinema complex with lots of free parking.

Vue York, Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, York YO30 4XY Reel Fairly small, no-frills cinema often showing a good selection of family films.

Reel Cinema York, Odeon Buildings, Blossom Street, York YO24 1AJ

@LittleVikingsUK www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

York Theatre Royal The city’s oldest theatre.

Lots of family shows and a world-famous panto. Classes for kids and a very popular youth theatre. Close York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD Grand Opera House A theatre specialising in touring shows, including family favourites like Peppa Pig and the Gruffalo.

Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW Joseph Rowntree Theatre This community theatre opened early last century and is still going strong. The ever-changing programme has a strong family-friendly slant.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA York Barbican Former leisure centre-turnedarts-venue that plays host to touring artists and family shows.

York Barbican Centre, Paragon Street, York YO10 4NT

Parks and Open Spaces Museum Gardens This ten-acre botanical garden plays host to the Yorkshire Museum. Its riverside location and stunning medieval ruins make it a special place.

Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR

www.little-vikings.co.uk

Rowntree Park A beautiful place with lots going on. Two wellequipped play areas, a small lake with ducks and geese, tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court and gardens.

And a great café.

Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ Homestead Park Beautiful gardens, grassy areas for ball games, well stocked play areas and a pond. Lots of benches for picnics.

The Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP Askham Bog Woodlands, meadows and flocks of birds just outside the city. A good option for a short, buggy-friendly walk thanks to the boarded path.

Just off the A1036, York YO23 2UB

Adventure Playgrounds and Soft Play Creepy Crawlies/The Web Adventure Park Almost 2 acres of indoor and outdoor activity for children of all ages.

The Web Adventure Park, Wiggington Road, York YO32 2RH

30

Piglets Adventure Farm Park Lots of farm-based outdoor fun, open seasonally. Slides and ropes, crazy golf, gocarts, barrel rides, farm animals and much more.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST Wacky Warehouse A fairly small but selfcontained soft play centre based just outside York, next to the Flying Legends pub.

Flying Legends, Clifton Moor Retail Park, York YO30 4XY

Beyond the Walls Harewood House Stunning stately home near Leeds with a fantastic adventure playground and bird garden with flamingos, penguins and much more.

Seasonal opening.

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG Beningbrough Hall Fab National Trust destination for families with great gardens and adventure playground.

Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD Stockeld Park A fantastic seasonal attraction.Activities vary but can include nordic skiing and ice skating. The Enchanted Forest is truly enchanting.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AW

Grand Day Out - Issue: 06

Helmsley Castle The ruins of this ancient monument are a great excuse to visit the pretty market town of Helmsley.

Helmsley Castle, Castlegate, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AB Newby Hall

A favourite day out for York families because of the impressive adventure playground, miniature railway and magical gardens. Seasonal opening.

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE

Castle Howard A beautiful grand house and gardens in the Howardian Hills. Walks in the woods, great adventure playground and regular kids’ holiday activities.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA Nunnington Hall An attractive National Trust manor house 45 minutes from York. Gorgeous gardens but no playground.

Giant garden chess and peacocks, and regular events for families.

Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, Near York, YO62 5UY Royal Armouries Museum Huge collection of all things armour-related, with loads of

31 31

hands-on stuff for kids.

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT Yorkshire Sculpture Park A stunning open air gallery; world-class sculpture set in gardens and woodland.

Perfect outdoor day out when the sun shines.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG Eureka!

The national children’s museum, and a real treat of a day out.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

Viking Voice Puddle Ducks, York This issue’s Viking Voice is Sarah from York who tells us how much Ella likes her Puddle Ducks swimming lessons!

“We really look forward to our lesson. We’re so pleased with my daughter’s progress - we’ve noticed a huge increase in confidence. She absolutely loves bath time now and loves kicking and splashing away which she never used to!”

Want to be the next Viking Voice? Tell us what you enjoy doing in York.

Email us at info@little-vikings.co.uk

www.little-vikings.co.uk

32

e.

7 use

Š National Trust Images/Rob Stothard. Registered Charity Number 205846.

S

E DI

!

Y L

N

O

LA

Saturday 20th June 2015 The University of York REGISTER TODAY AT www.stleonardshospice.org.uk St Leonard’s Hospice is a registered charity no 509294, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales, number 01451533

Kids Go

FREE

in 2015*

Easter Extravaganza • 28 MARCH – 12 APRIL 2015 • Celebrate a

Celebrate a

Victorian Easter at York Castle Museum Join in the fun and get ‘eggstra’ creative with a whole host of Easter themed activities including: Egg Decorating, Easter Trails, Egg Cosy making, and Hot Cross Bun making demonstrations.

OR

Medieval Easter at the Yorkshire Museum Come and discover how festivals and holidays were celebrated in the 15th century with a fortnight of Medieval activities including: Medieval Egg Hunts, Stained Glass Window workshops and a Medieval Weekend full of cookery, dancing, tournament training and sword fighting demonstrations.**

Activities Daily from 10am to 5pm

For further information about event times, and prices, find out more at

www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk *Kids go FREE – Children 16 and under go free with a paying adult; maximum 4 children per adult. ** We cannot guarantee that all activities will be available every day.

Please see our website for event dates and times.

18741 YMT Easter 2015 Little Vikings.indd 1

20/02/2015 09:27