Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 10)

York for kids Issue 10

FREE Xmas 2015

Gift Guide - Santa - Pantomimes -@LittleVikingsUK Days Out 1

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festive stories Christmas is on its way and someone very special is coming to visit. Enjoy a festive story and a gift to put under your Christmas tree.

Head to Beningbrough Hall and Nunnington Hall.

Booking essential for all Father Christmas visits. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough | 01904 472014 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington | 01439 748283

Š National Trust Images/ Arnhel de Serra little-vikings.co.ukThe National Trust is a registered 2 charity, number 205846.

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Ho ho ho!

Maybe it’s the twinkling lights or one too many mulled wines at the school Christmas fair, but this time of year makes us all feel warm and happy. You just can’t beat it.

Our kids have been writing their lists for Santa since about, well, December 26th last year, so we’ve got a good idea what they’d like.

But if you’re in need of ideas for your kids, our gift guide should help.

And you’ll get lots of inspiration for things to do together in York this Christmas, from visiting Santa to the best shows. And please take a few minutes to vote for your favourite finalists in the Little Vikings Awards. The winners will be announced in our next issue.

Have a very merry Christmas, and see you in the New Year!

Polly Editor & Founder This magazine is published by Little Vikings, c/o 31 St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ. Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family.

Since our last issue....

• we’ve been highly commended by industry experts for two O2 Media Awards (Yorkshire): Specialist Publication and Team of the Year.

• we’ve been giving away lots of lovely prizes on our website (little-vikings.co.uk) • our kids have laughed their heads off at York Maze’s Phantomime.

• we took the kids to York Art Gallery and they loved it.

• we’ve signed up to the Bloodaxe Book Challenge.

• we’ve had a tour of the newly renovated Bar Convent which is fantastic.

• we’ve been tweeting @LittleVikingsUK. Follow us for the best of York for kids as it happens!

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Chill out on York’s ice trail!

The most contact our kids have with ice is the boring cubes they try to fish out of their drinks while we’re out for lunch.

So we reckon they’ll be blown away by the 30 fantastic ice sculptures that are planned for York’s first ever Ice Trail.

Follow the trail around York during the weekend of 12th and 13th December to see the fantastic ice sculptures dotted around the twinkling streets. If you need an extra incentive, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate and street food too.

Keep your eye on the Little Vikings website for details of where to find the sculptures, or drop into the Visit York Information Centre (opposite the library on Museum Street) for more details.

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Every Friday at Briar House, Museum Street, York • 8am to 5pm www.lovecommunityacupuncture.com hello@lovecommunityacupuncture.com

@LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 06:59

Visit Father Christmas...

Our top ten places to see Santa in York this Christmas When Father Christmas comes calling in the small hours of 25th December, the kids will be snoring (in theory at least). So if they want a one-to-one with the big man himself, your best bet is to get along to one of the Father Christmas experiences on offer in York this year (hope he’s stocking up on mince pies – he’ll need all those extra calories). Plan ahead, book early and remind yourself about all the reasons you’ve been good this year. SEE SANTA AT.......

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. York Castle Museum for a Victorian Christmas experience

There are two fab Christmassy choices at York Castle Museum. First, for the full-blown festive experience, book onto the Victorian Christmas Experience for a magical tour of the museum’s Victorian street with characters, songs, a meeting with Santa and a lovely gift (we’ve been and loved it). Book early – it’s popular (19th December to 23rd December – 4pm to 7.30pm – £6/£8.50). Or go along to the museum between 17th and 23rd December (11am to 4pm) when Santa will be making special appearances and giving out little treats for the tree (included in admission fee). While you’re there, do the special Christmas trail too. Christmas activities run 17th to 23rd December; normal admission charges apply (additional 50p for the trail). yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 4

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What’s On - Issue: 10

. DIG for a Little Diggers Christmas

There’ll be a very special visitor at this seasonal session of Little Diggers at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure. Aimed at 2 to 5 year olds, there’ll be stories, activities and Santa and it’s just £3.50 per child.

DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN - 19th December 10.30 to 11.30am – digyork.com

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. Barley Hall, for Christmas in a medieval setting

Costumed hosts will welcome you into this hidden gem for a festive breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea followed by fun and games, seasonal stories and Christmas crafts. Father Christmas will deliver a personalised present for each child to keep until Christmas (or rip open in the car/bus/buggy on the way home).

Barley Hall, 2, Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR - 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th December (10am, 12.30pm and 3pm) - £12.50 per child, one adult free - barleyhall.co.uk

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. King’s Square for sweet festive fun with York’s Chocolate Story Visit Santa’s grotto in King’s Square outside York’s Chocolate Story from 19th November to 24th December. As well as sharing their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas, there’ll be arty activities and a special festive photograph to take home.

An exciting new addition to the York Santa scene that we’re looking forward to.

King’s Square, York - 19th November to 24th December - £9.95 child/siblings £7.95 – no booking required (first come, first served) - yorkschocolatestory. com

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@LIttleVikingsUK @LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 06:59

Lapland at Piglets Adventure 5.Farm Park In this immersive experience, board the sonic sleigh for a ride through Lapland and Santa’s magical twinkling woodland village. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto and then use a magic key to unlock an amazing toyshop and choose your own gift.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST - 5th December to 24th December 2015 - from £8.95/£4.95 – book online only - more details at pigletsfarmpark.co.uk

6. The Deep in Hull, to wish the fish a Merry Christmas!

Combine a meeting with Santa with a visit to The Deep, Hull’s fab aquarium. Ticket price includes entry to The Deep, Santa visit (including a small gift), ride on Hull’s land train and free car parking. Sounds like a fin-tastically festive day out.

Santa Special at The Deep in Hull, HU1 4DP, runs at various times on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd December 2015. Book online through the website (thedeep.co.uk)

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. The library at Beningbrough Hall

Be one of a small group to join Father Christmas for stories, gift and a photograph in the Hall’s lovely library. Combine with a bracing walk around the gardens.

Beningbrough Hall, York YO30 1DD- weekends only, 5th to 20th December - £7 per child with one adult including grotto gift (normal admission price applies) booking essential – call 01904 472014 - nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall

8. Onboard a YorkBoat

Meet Father Christmas and his friends while enjoying views of the Ouse during this hour-long cruise. Price includes personalised gift from Santa, refreshments, face painting, activities and more. Always sells out – book soon.

Various dates in December - £12.50 child/£9.50 adult - yorkboat.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk

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Argh! Too much choice!

How to choose which Santa to see...

Decide if you’d like….

- To be indoors or outdoors (or on the water!)

- To be in the city (combine with Christmas shopping or a meal out) or in the country (no parking worries and . Stockeld Park’s Grotto make it into a full family day out) - To have a fully immersive experience From 14th November, you’ll find Father or a quick drop-in Christmas in his cosy grotto at Stockeld . In the 1920s at Park. There’ll also be nordic skiing, ice Nunnington Hall skating and walks through the Enchanted Nunnington’s stepping back in time – Forest. It’s a fun festive day in the Yorkshire countryside - wrap up warm and check the it’ll be decorated as it would have been on Christmas Eve in the 1920s. Father weather forecast!

Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN – Christmas will be there as he is every year, prices vary by activity (Santa from listening to Christmas wishes. Receive a personalised invitation and a festive gift. £8 per child/£2 adult) Nunnington Hall, YO62 5UY - 21st stockeldpark.co.uk November to 13th December (weekends only) - £6 per child plus normal admission fee – booking essential (01439 748020) nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall

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Grand Day Out The Deep

For our littlest Viking’s first birthday we wanted a day out that ticked a few boxes: we were after something we’d not done for a while and that would be fun for all five of us (but most of all the birthday girl). Ideally it would be somewhere warm and dry too, coming as it did at the end of a very soggy half term, and within an hour’s drive (if you’d ever travelled in a car with us you’d understand why we avoid long journeys). Presents ripped open and boxes played with, we headed off to The Deep in Hull for a birthday day out to remember.

The concept - The Deep is one of the UK’s biggest aquariums, with over 3500 fish (and a colony of penguins) to its name. If there’s something worth knowing about the underwater world, you’ll find out about it here. There are sea creatures galore, from minuscule molluscs to scary sharks and big old stingrays. It’s all been thoughtfully laid out so everything is accessible: buggy-pushers, wheelchair users and visitors little and large should all get a clear view of the displays. It was very busy when we visited but rarely felt crowded.

Things to do and see - Being an aquarium, there’s obviously an awful lot of fish. But The Deep is much more than a collection of marine life swimming around in circles.

For a start there are the penguins, which are seriously cute and look as though they’re having a brilliant time. We all agreed that the coral was cool too. There’s also a lot to learn here, from the history of the seas to an entire section on slime. Everything is very hands-on, with plenty to engage even the youngest of visitor. There are often special activities especially during the holidays (there was a pirate theme when we little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 8

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Grand Day Out - Issue: 10

were there, with hat-making and face painting among other things). Parents of under 5s (ish) will appreciate the small soft play area towards the end, perfect for letting off steam.

Eating and drinking - for the first time in ten issues of Little Vikings, we were organised and took our own food. Yep, it was ‘mum’s special cheese sandwiches’ all round. We ate in the dedicated picnic area about half way around, which is pretty big and well-stocked with high chairs (and normal ones, obviously). There’s also a cafe at this point where you can pick up anything you may have forgotten (I was not that organized after all, it turns out). The alternative is the big self-service restaurant near the main entrance which has a decent selection of hot and cold food and impressive views of the Humber.

Our verdict - this was pretty much the perfect birthday trip for a one year old. She could get close up to the tanks and press her face up to the jellyfish and penguins to really see what was going on. And there was plenty of space for practising her newly acquired walking skills too. The older two (5 and 3) enjoyed themselves as well, and might even have learnt a thing or two (they’re now experts on slime). It was a great day out, although the less said about the journey home the better...

The Deep, Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP - open daily from 10am until 6pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - from £10.57/£8.77 (under 3s free) - parking from £2

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www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK @LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 06:59

Boo! Hiss!

We catch up with David Leonard, the best and baddest baddie in Pantoland Infamous York Theatre Royal villain David Leonard will be striding onstage in this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington (and his meerkat), at the National Railway Museum. We went over to the dark side to hear his views on York, Wagon Wheels and what makes a good baddie.

What do you think makes a good villain?

Well Berwick writes the best villains in panto land! They are not just scary you can also laugh at them!

How’s the panto going to differ this year with it being at the National Railway Museum? And are you excited about the move?

We are all very excited!!! Ideally panto is suited to a proscenium stage and particularly our beautiful Theatre Royal’s but this will be the first time a panto has been performed on a traverse stage which makes for lots of exciting possibilities.Our young talented designer, Mark Walters, has come up with some brilliant ideas and some big surprises!

If you had to be stuck in a lift with your co-stars Berwick, Suzi or Martin, who would you choose?

I always use the stairs (just in case!)

If you had one superpower what would it be?

Flying!

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David Leonard - Issue: 10

No, they come up to me and boo and hiss... No one loves me in ye olde York(sob)!

Do you have any advice for budding actors?

Well, join the youth theatre at the Theatre Royal. It’s brilliant.

As an honourary Yorkie, what do you love most about the city?

The snickleways and a fat rascal!

On a scale of 1 to 10, how evil are you in real life (1 being Mary Berry, 10 being Simon Cowell)?

I think I’m a 9! (George Osbourne)

Photograph: © Anthony Robling

Tell us a joke!

Deep sea divers with chicken pox - do they come up to scratch?

ORGANISING A CHILDREN’S PARTY?

Finally, any tips on how to get a wagon wheel? We’ve been coming to the pantomime for decades and haven’t got one yet (sob!).

It’s only a cheap chocolate biscuit!!!!!!

Come to CLEMENTS HALL

(opposite Scarcroft School)

Dick Whittington (and his meerkat) runs at the National Railway Museum from 10th December 2015 to 24th January 2016. Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk to book.

All ages will have fun in the light, spacious hall and secure enclosed garden. Book in a bouncy castle or an entertainer, play games and have a great tea party!

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Tel: 01904 466086 @LittleVikingsUK Web: www.clementshall.org.uk 9/11/15 06:59

Behind you!!

Festive family shows

For our family, going to the pantomime is as much a Christmas tradition as our garish tree decorations, too-big turkey and the 4am awakening on December 25th. It’s not just panto though – there’s festive magic and carols too.

Here’s our pick of the best for kids.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL’S DICK WHITTINGTON (AND HIS MEERKAT) York’s oldest pantomime moves to a purpose-built theatre at the National Railway Museum for one year only. We can’t wait to see what’s new, but we’re sure the old faves will be there too: bad gags, silly storylines and the best dame in the land. It runs from 10th December to 24th January and you can book at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. We’ve got a family ticket to give away - visit little-vikings.co.uk to enter.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT YORK’S GRAND OPERA HOUSE Jack and the Beanstalk comes to York’s Grand Opera House, with live music, crazy costumes, silly jokes and festive, familylittle-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 12

pleasing entertainment. Stars of stage and screen will bring this classic tale to life between 11th December and 3rd January. Book at atgtickets.com/york. We’ve got a family ticket to give away. Visit little-vikings.co.uk to enter.

MAGIC HATTER’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER One for the littlies, York’s magic man, The Magic Hatter, is back with his Christmas Cracker. There’ll be

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seasonal magic, comedy and special guests including Santa. It runs at the HIVE Studios at Manor Academy, York, on December 12th and 13th. Buy online at magichatter.co.uk

SILENT NIGHT? CAROLS AT YORK MINSTER For parents with young children, the closest they’ll get to a silent night is singing the famous Christmas carol.

If you’ve still got the enthusiasm for a carol service after the numerous school and nursery Christmas shows, York Minster has a range of wonderful, memorable services. For a really child-friendly event, don’t miss their Crib Service at 1pm on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition for many York families – religious or not - and it’s lovely. Arrive early to bag a good spot near the front and feel free to dust off your best nativity outfits for the occasion.

For more details of York Minster’s services, visit yorkminster.org

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A Cocoa House Christmas...

Join us in December for our festive menu, Christmas gifts & treats, lollipop making & festive model making. @LittleVikingsUK

www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk

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All they want for Ch

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Gift Guide ... - Issue: 10

or Christmas is....

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Give the internet a breather and head to our lovely York shops to stock up the stockings...

1. Road removable sticky tape, from £7.99, modelmatic.uk (York based).

2.Collage kit, £10.99, Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop, Bishopthorpe Road.

3. Food face plate, £11.50, Snowhome, Gillygate 4. Darth Vader car, £4.99, modelmatic.uk (York based).

5. Jack Skull figure, £6.99, Corkys (Museum Street) 6. Wooden maraca, £4.99, Corkys (Museum Street) 7. Musical box, £14.99, Blossom and Walker (Lord Mayor’s Walk) @LittleVikingsUK

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And for a sweet treat or two...

1. Marshmallow melts, £1.49, Oxfam (High Petergate).

2. Chocolate lolly, £2.50, York Cocoa House (Blake Street) 3. Chocolate pudding, £4.95, Bettys little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 16

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K 1. Woodland Adventure Handbook, £9.99, thewoodlandadventurecompany. co.uk 2. The Pig and Pastry Cookbook, £20, The Pig and Pastry (Bishopthorpe Road). All proceeds to The Candlelighters Trust.

3. Make your own crackers kit, £3.99, Oxfam (High Petergate) 4. Roald Dahl bookmarks, £1.99, Rowntree Park Reading Cafe little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 18

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Gift Guide ... - Issue: 10

Kids Love Cars!

We have a massive collection of toy cars, play mats and accessories.

Trucks, transporters, police cars, diggers, tractors and more!

www.modelmatic.uk

Free Delivery! within York’s outer ring road.

Free delivery within York’s outer ring road. Use discount code: ‘NOPOSTYORK’ @LittleVikingsUK LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 19

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Little Vikings Awards 2016 THE FINALISTS!!!!!

Hundreds of you nominated your best things to do and places to go with kids in York for a Little Vikings Award - thanks so much. The quality was outstanding and we had a really tough job deciding on the finalists. It really did confirm that York is a brilliant city for kids (and that we are very lucky!).

Without further ado, here are the all-important shortlists. It’s now up to you to vote for your favourites to win! You can vote by visiting the Little Vikings website (little-vikings.co.uk) and completing our form. You’ve got until midnight on 31st December 2015. The winners will be announced in our new year issue. PLEASE VOTE NOW! Best gory experience • York Dungeon • York Castle Museum • Ghost Walk

ATTRACTIONS Best attraction: • York Castle Museum • York Maze • York Minster • DIG: An Archaeological Adventure • Beningbrough Hall Best chocolate experience: • York Cocoa House • Goddards • York’s CHOCOLATE Story little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 20

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Awards - Issue: 10

CLASSES FOR KIDS Best baby/toddler swimming class • Waterbabies • Turtle tots • Puddle Ducks • York Sport (ducklings) • Mini Swimmers

Best music class • Song Box • Music at Heart • Mini Musicians • Kindermusik • PQA York

Best swimming class (aged 4+) • Bootham Swim School • York Sport • Carol Saunders Swim School • Froggy Legs • Swimming with Linzi Best active class (not swimming) • Rugbytots • Tumbletots • Heworth Gym Club • GoGet Riding • Bushbabies/Woodland Adventure Co. Best drama class • Hoglets • PQA York • Tread the Boards • York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre • Stagecoach York Best pregnancy class • Puddle Ducks Aquanatal • Pregnancy yoga at The Stables • Turtle Tums with Paula Stewart • National Childbirth Trust • Birth Preparation Class at The Stables

DAYS OUT Best day out with…an adventure playground • Beningbrough Hall • Castle Howard • York Maze Best day out with…rides • Lightwater Valley • Flamingoland • Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland Best day out with…animals • Piglets Adventure Farm Park • Monk Park Farm • Yorkshire Wildlife Park Best festival for kids • JORVIK Viking Festival • Little Feet Festival (York Theatre Royal) • Deershed Festival

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@LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 07:00

OUT & ABOUT Best toy shop • Corky’s • Minifigs & Bricks • Fenwick

ENTERTAINMENT Best cinema • City Screen • Reel • Vue

Best shoe shop for kids • Hopscotch • Watkinsons • Footloose (Pocklington)

Best theatre • York Theatre Royal • Grand Opera House • Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Best hairdresser for kids • Fresh at Creepy Crawlies • Bang Hair • Kuki spa Best rainy day destination • National Railway Museum • Rainbows Ceramics • The Web Adventure Park BIRTHDAY PARTIES Best birthday party provider • The Web Adventure Park • Woodland Adventure Co. • Rainbows Ceramics Best birthday party entertainer • Magic Hatter • Adam Dove, Woodland Adventure Co. • Wonderphil

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ACCOMMODATION Best family-friendly self-catering accommodation • Goosewood Holiday Park • Yew Tree Cottage, Westow • Sunset Cottages, Grimston Manor Farm Best family-friendly B&B • Monkgate Guest House • The Fort Boutique Hostel • Carlton House, The Mount Best family-friendly hotel • Novotel • The Grand • Premier Inn

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Awards - Issue: 10

Best hot chocolate • York Cocoa House • York’s Chocolate Story • Cafe Concerto

FOOD & DRINK Best family-friendly breakfast • The Pig & Pastry • Brew & Brownie • Betty’s • The Star Inn the City • Bistro Guy Best family-friendly lunch • Cosmo • Café No 8 • Trinacria • The Spurriergate Centre • Jamie’s Italian Best family-friendly dinner • Bill’s • Ambiente • Wagamama • Frankie and Benny’s • The Fox and Roman Best family-friendly pub • The Fox and Roman • The Woodman • The Duke of York • The Golden Ball Best ice cream • Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat • Trinacria • LICC • La Cremeria • Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato

CHILDCARE Best nursery • Little Green Rascals (Elvington and Tadcaster Road) • Little Bugs at the Web Adventure Park • York Childcare (Scarcroft Green Nursery & Joseph’s) • The Mount Pre-School • York Montessori (Fulford and Strensall) Best pre-school/after-school club • St Paul’s Out of School Club • Bishopthorpe Preschool Playgroup • Funfishers • Wheldrake Out of School Club • Headlands After-School Club, Haxby

To vote, visit: little-vikings.co.uk Good luck everyone 23

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@LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 07:00

Get your skates on at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland This ever-popular event returns to York Designer Outlet from Saturday 21st November 2015 to 3rd January 2016 and there’ll be skating at The Ice Factor, a new-look apres-skate cafe and bar, traditional funfair and wooden cabins with winter scenes. If you can drag the kids away from all that, you could even get some Christmas shopping done at the Outlet while you’re there (good luck!). Book skating tickets in advance at yorkshireswinterwonderland. com.

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Academies run on Saturdays from 9.45am - 1pm and 1.45 - 5pm Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York YO32 9WT Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282

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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

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Baby & Pre-school age 0-4

Your child has the potential

FREE taster session *T&Cs apply

tel: 07825 269146 visit:www.puddleducks.com/york york@puddleducks.com

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We have the expertise Puddle Ducks classes are designed by baby swimming experts.

Our teachers are especially trained to identify your own child’s stage of development, nurture confidence and unlock their potential to swim.

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RUGBYTOTS classes are great fun for 2 to 7 year olds. They run Monday (Thorganby Village Hall), Wednesday AM at Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, Friday AM at Haxby Memorial Hall, Saturday AM at All Saints Roman Catholic School, Nunnery Lane & Joseph Rowntree School on Haxby Road and Sunday AM at The Mount School (Driffield Terrace).

Thor’s Tipi is coming to Parliament Street from 19th November to 2nd January, with hot chocolate bar (and something stronger for the adults) and winter fodder.

More info: rugbytots.co.uk/ viewclasses

Word to Answers Scramble on page 32: 1. Tree 2. Christmas 3. Present 4. Bauble 5. Tinsel 6. Stocking 7. Carol 8. Snowman 9. December

Independent family-run performing arts school Dance, Singing and Drama For Ages 3-16

BabyBallet holds classes across York for babies, tots, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school starters: Tuesdays - Woodthorpe Wednesdays - Roko, nr Clifton Moor Fridays - Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road Saturdays - Manor School, Poppleton New Monday and weekend classes starting January 2016 More info: babyballet.co.uk

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Find out more about our fun, friendly classes on 01904 693661 or at alison@treadtheboards.org @LittleVikingsUK www.treadtheboards.org 9/11/15 07:00

Food: Little Vikings Cook Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser: knock up a tray of these and you’ll have friends for life.

This fantastic recipe is taken from The Pig and Pastry Cookbook by Steve Holding (photography by Karen Turner). It’s a brilliant book and you can buy it from The Pig and Pastry (35 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA) and the Candlelighters website. All profits go to the wonderful Candlelighters charity.

Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 C. 2. In a bowl, over simmering water, set the chocolate to melt. When melted, add the espresso and the water (or, just make an espresso measure of fairly strong instant coffee).

3. Meanwhile, get the butter and sugar creamed together until pale and fluffy.

4. Slowly start adding the eggs (it may start to look curdled, don’t worry, it’ll come good).

5. Fold in the sifted flour, baking powder and salt.

6. Fold in the chocolate until well mixed.

7. Spread out into a lined baking tray (mine is 30cm x 42cm – just right to go into a regular oven).

8. Into the oven, top shelf for 10 mins. Turn the tray around, then 10 more minutes.

9. (They should have a nice crust and look slightly paler than before they went in).

10. Leave to cool for several hours – ideally you need to fridge these before portioning up.

11. 180 C 15 – 20 min approx. little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 28

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Makes 24 (ideal for a birthday party or Christmas get together) Ingredients •

250g soft butter 500g sugar

•

1 tsp vanilla extract 4 eggs

•

4 yolks

•

420g dark chocolate

•

1 double espresso

•

60mls boiling water

•

330g plain or Doves GF flour

•

1/2 tsp ground sea salt

•

1 tsp baking powder

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w En o

Ballet Contemporary / Lyrical Modern Jazz Musical Theatre Street Dance Tap Zumba WE OFFER FREE TRIAL CLASSES

Fun, Friendly, Disciplined.

Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance

Tel: 07891 004850 Email: info@yrad.co.uk Web: www.yrad.co.uk

CHI LDREN’S PA RT IES r p tou grou tory e t a eS priv colat g oy a w Enj ork’s Cho tertainin of Y a fun en y led b a with guide s-on ocolated n a op ch th w Ge onalised g worksh in k ive pers a m xclus oy e j n E w f the afé use o on and c i t c a r att tions g op t a b ty lo w Par a whole and available more

“The children have talked of nothing else since, they enjoyed every minute of it”

www.yorkschocolatestory.com call 0845 498 9412 or events@yorkschocolatestory.com for more details

29 LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 29

“My daughter described it as the best party ever”

@LittleVikingsUK

9/11/15 07:00

Food: Little Vikings Eat Out Lunch at The Yorkshire Meatball Co. Sometimes we find ourselves in a bit of an eating-out rut, often taking the kids to the same fail-safe options to avoid the risk of a full-on meltdown at the sight of unfamiliar food. But it’s great to try somewhere new and we were delighted to head to Walmgate to check out the first franchise of Harrogate’s homegrown meatball success story, The Yorkshire Meatball Co. What’s on the menu? No prizes for guessing that meatballs dominate the menu.

There’s a huge variety, with meat, fish and veggie options galore, and there are lots of ways to enjoy them. Choose a meatball sub, slider, burrito or, if you’re feeling virtuous, salad. But the combos are the most popular option: decide on your balls then choose a sauce and side (or bed and blanket as they’re called – our eldest girl got a bit confused at this point and thought she was expected to have a nap!).

The kids stayed traditional, opting for the Yorkshire meatballs, mash and gravy from the kids’ menu. Everything’s freshly cooked, so you can justify a couple of starters to enjoy while you wait: the two eldest kids fought over the crispy

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tortillas while the baby shared my warming onion soup (I’d come back just for a mug of this – it’s amazing). The mains were a hit, too, with our pickiest eater tucking in with gusto (admittedly after we’d removed all the onions from the gravy).

The baby gave the chickpea balls a sticky thumbsup, so clean plates all round. The free Yorkshire puddings – just ask - were like the ones we make at home but, well, nicer. Despite apparently being full, the kids managed to squeeze in a bowl of Yorkshire Dales ice cream each before we rolled back onto the street.

What’s it like for families? Lots of space for buggies? Tick. Highchairs? Tick. Kids’ menu? Tick. Relaxed atmosphere? Tick. Background music to drown out shouting children? Tick. Colouring sheet and crayons for the kids? Tick. There’s a lot for families to like at the Yorkshire Meatball Company. Just plead ignorance if the kids ask about the innuendos on the menu…

What’s the verdict? A very hearty York welcome to the Yorkshire Meatball Company.

It’s a great addition to what’s already a great eating street in York.

The Yorkshire Meatball Co, 88-96 Walmgate, YO1 9TL Open everyday from noon until 10pm – theymco.com A TRULY MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

ON L LIM INE B ITE OOK DA AT VAIINGS LAB ONL ILIT Y Y

EVERYDAY FROM THE 5TH TO THE 24TH DECEMBER

FOR PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND TO BOOK

TICKETS VISIT WWW.PIGLETSFARMPARK.CO.UK

SLEIGH RIDE WITH

MAGICAL EVENING SLEIGH RIDES WILL BE RUNNING ON SELECTED DATES PIGLETS, TOWTHORPE GRANGE, TOWTHORPE MOOR LANE, YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 @LittleVikingsUK 31 LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 31

9/11/15 07:00

Fun

Christmas fun and jokes

Word scramble Unscramble these festive words!

1.

EERT 2. CASRIHSMT 3. NRSEETP 4. UBBLAE 5. IESTLN

6. IKTNCSOG 7. ALCOR 8. MNWOSAN 9. CEBEMDRE Answers on page 27 (noticeboard)

ON

LY

AT

Festive Fun with Father Christmas

5th, 6th, 12th & 13th December 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm | £12.50 per child Make this Christmas special for your children with a personal invitation from Father Christmas himself to join him for games, seasonal stories & festive crafting!

BOOK TODAY Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

TheJORVIKGroup

www.barleyhall.co.uk/christmas or call 01904 615505

@TheJORVIKGroup

JORVIKYork little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 32

Barley Hall is owned by York Archaeological Trust, a registered charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (No. SCO42846)

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Fun - Issue: 10

Christmas craft How to make an elf face With Christmas coming up fast, what better way to make sure you’re on the ‘nice’ list than to become one of Santa’s little helpers!

• A pair of scissors • Sticky tape What to do....

1. Take the scissors and cut out the centre of the paper plate, leaving just the circular edge. Colour in your ring with the felt-tip pen.

2. Next take the piece of paper you have chosen as your skin colour and cut out two very large pointy ears and then using the glue, stick them to your ring.

ard)

YA

T

ha f to ting!

With Christmas coming up fast, what better way to make sure you’re on the ‘nice’ list than to become one of Santa’s little helpers!

You’ll need....

• 1 paper plate • 1 lollypop stick • 3 pieces of paper - 2 in Christmassy colours and the 3rd in your choice of skin tone • A felt-tip pen the same colour as your third piece of paper (ie the skin colour)

3. Then take one of your Christmassy coloured sheets of paper and cut out a large triangle to use as the Elf’s hat.

4. Next take your other sheet of paper and cut out a zig-zag strip to fit onto the bottom of your hat. Take your newly made Elf hat and stick it to your ring.

Put this to one side for five minutes to let everything dry.

5. Once your Elf face is dry turn it over and, using LOTS of tape, stick the lollipop stick to the bottom of your ring.

And voila, you have your very own Elf face. Why not hold it up to your face, peep through and take an Elfie Selfie!

• Glue © Gemma - Hoglets. Gemma is the founder of Hoglets: Theatre Fun For Little Folks. Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes in York for babies and toddlers from 0-4 years.

See www.hoglets.org.uk for more info.

33 LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 33

@LittleVikingsUK 9/11/15 07:00

How do snowmen travel?

They ride an icicle!

Who says ‘Oh-OhOh’?

Santa walking backwards!

How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?

Nothing - it was on the house!

LIGHTWATER VALLEY’S SANTA EXPERIENCE 5 & 6, 12 & 13 and 19, 20, 21 & 22 December

Jump aboard the Lightwater Polar Express as it takes you to Santa’s cabin for a fireside story and a sing along with Santa and his elves.

There’ll be refreshments for everyone and of course a very special Christmas present, and even a little something for the adults!

Enjoy our festive UV Puppet Show and all of your favourite fairground rides.

Adults £10 and Children £12 (under 12) Children under 1 year: Free

lightwatervalley.co.uk/santa Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3HT. Tel: 0871 720 0011* *Calls will cost 13 pence per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge.

little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 34

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Fun- Issue: 10

What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?

Who hides in a bakery at Christmas?

Horn-aments!

A mince spy!

Why are Christmas trees bad at sewing?

They drop their needles!

Little Vikings 2015 Xmas Advert.pdf

1

21/10/2015

13:56

CE

Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio, 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW. (You can find us on the corner of Bootham & Gillygate).

Tel: 01904 675533 www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pm. Sun 11am to 5pm.

35

LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 35

@LittleVikingsUK

9/11/15 07:00

Viking Voice

Jump into a Story with Mud Pie Arts

Matilda (aged 4) from York tells us what she enjoyed about Mud Pie Arts’ Jump into a Story session at York Explore Library, where she jumped into The Magic Bed.

Matilda: ‘ I flew off to the zoo on my bed. I like dressing up and dancing.’

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

Email us at info@little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 36

36 9/11/15 07:00

RESTAURANTS YORK

£8.99

£14.99 To book call 01904 633 800 or visit cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

19 Bridge Street, York, YO1 6DA @LittleVikingsUK 37 LV Issue 10 - complete.indd 37

9/11/15 07:00

Kids Go

FREE

in 2015*

Christmas at the Castle 30 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER 2015 at York Castle Museum

Victorian Christmas Experience Saturday 19 December – Wednesday 23 December A unique and magical Christmas evening for all the family.

Take a lantern lit Christmas shopping tour of our recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, with a special chance to meet Father Christmas. For further details and prices, visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

l’ brought to life in See ‘A Christmas Caro Victorian street. our beautifully decorated and present in Discover toys of the past Museum.

Father Christmas’ Toy ristmas Trail Follow the Children’s Ch er. che tive fes e and enjoy som

Special Victorian Christmas Evening Friday 18 December, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Join us us as we celebrate a Victorian Christmas.

For further details, including event times and prices, please visit

www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk little-vikings.co.uk

38

FREE Admission with your YMT Card

*Kids go FREE – Children 16 and under go free with a paying adult; maximum 4 children per adult. Offer does not apply to organised groups.

19939 YMT at the Castle 2015 Little Vikings Ad.indd 1 LV Issue 10 Christmas - complete.indd 38

Information correct at time of print.

29/09/2015 11:55 9/11/15 07:00