Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 11)

York for kids Issue 11

FREE New Year 2016

AWARD WINNERS - THINGS TO DO - REVIEWS - OFFERS @LittleVikingsUK 1 LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 1

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Š National Trust Images/Paul Harris. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Nunnington Hall and Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens

getting my hands dirty little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 2

Get stuck in this February half term be a servant for the day at Nunnington or help to plant bulbs at Beningbrough.

Members and under 5s go free.

01439 748283 (Nunnington) 01904 472027 (Beningbrough) nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington or /beningbrough

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Happy New Year!

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© National Trust Images/Paul Harris. Registered Charity Number 205846.

After a sad and soggy end to 2015 for York, we’re hoping for a happier and drier 2016. The floods took us all by surprise we’re used to our rivers misbehaving but this was something else - and lots of homes and businesses will be dealing with the aftermath for months. But the good news is that York’s open for business and there’s a ton of great stuff for kids to look forward to this year. Stick with us and you’ll hear it first.

Contents ........................................................

4. Top things to do this season

31. Little Vikings cook

What’s coming up for kids

32. Little VIkings eat

Cheese soda bread buns

Royal York Hotel

7.Competition

Win a family pass to Beningbrough Hall

34. Jokes

8. JORVIK Viking Festival Best bits for kids

35. Offers

10. Coming up in 2016

36. Viking Voice

Dates for your diary!

12. York Residents’ Festival A weekend of fun for locals

13. Little Vikings Awards

Celebrating the best of York for kids

24. Little Vikings try...

Storymakers

28. Post-Christmas Pep-Up for Parents 29. Noticeboard 30. Date night The Rattle Owl & Cafe No8 At Home

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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

STP Little Vikings Ad Dec 2014 AW.indd 1

10/12/2014 15:39

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 little-vikings.co.uk

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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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Little Vikings Awards

You voted in your thousands, and now it’s time to announce the wonderful winners of the very first Little Vikings Awards.

Each and every one of them offers a great experience to kids living in and visiting York: huge congratulations to them all.

In this issue we’ve also got the lowdown on February half term, the JORVIK Viking Festival and lots more.

See you at Easter!

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....

• Our eldest has been designing his beard for the JORVIK Viking Festival beard contest • We’ve been on a fantastic Bushbabies park adventure with the Woodland Adventure Co. • We’ve met Father Christmas at Barley Hall, York Castle Museum and in King’s Square. Santa-tastic!

• We’ve laughed our Christmas socks off at York Theatre Royal’s pantomime • We’ve been moved by how York’s community pulled together to deal with the terrible flooding

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Our top things to do with kids this season It’s sad packing away the decorations, especially after the strange flood-ridden Christmas of 2015, but thinking about the year ahead is cheering us up. There’s lots to look forward to in York for kids in 2016, starting with lots of lovely activities during February half term and beyond. Go to a show, see Punch and Judy squabble or make a competition-winning fake beard - just some of the best things to do with kids in and around York in the next few weeks.

See Snow Child at York Theatre Experience Edwardian life at Royal’s Studio York Castle Museum Set in a wintry landscape where the snow foxes, wolves and bears hide among the trees, Snow Child is a magical story about family, love and the power of dreams.

With atmospheric music, beautiful movement and an inspired design, Snow Child promises to be a winter wonderland of poignant, inventive storytelling to enchant children and families. Suitable for kids aged 3+.

It’s all about Edwardian entertainment this February half term at York Castle Museum, with Punch & Judy shows, fun photos and Edwardian crafts. Make your own model beach hut or donkey puppet, do the entertainment trail or have an Edwardian style photo taken (small extra charge).

13th to 21st February 2016 – normal admission charges (free for under 16s and YMT Card holders) – yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Tuesday 23rd February to Saturday 5th March 2016 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am & 1.30pm; Fridays at 1.30pm & 6pm) - £12/£10 concs/£6 under 16s yorktheatreroyal.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 4

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Try life in service at Nunnington Hall

Discover a life in service at Nunnington Hall (just remember your place and mind your manners). It’s 1922 and the renovations at Nunnington Hall are nearly complete. The time’s come for the Fife family to move in and they’re looking for hard working, reliable staff to run the house. Apply to the butler and turn your hand to household chores to prove your worth.

20th February & 21st February 2015, 11am to 4pm - normal admission charges nationaltrust.org.uk/ nunnington-hall

Viking Sagas at the Yorkshire Museum

Journey into the Viking world, listening to stories from the Viking giant, learning about their adventures and writing your own exciting Viking saga. Perfect timing with the JORVIK Viking Festival also going on – have a real Viking family day out.

13th to 21st February 2016 – normal admission charges (free for under 16s and YMT Card holders – yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Pictures Tell Stories at York Art Gallery

Lots of lovely things are happening at York Art Gallery this half term. Discover more about the characters in the gallery through storytelling (13th and 14th

Chocolate Workshops for Little Vikings!

- Create your own Chocolate

Lollipop & enter our hall of fame - Design & create your own Chocolate Bar - Make your own Chocolate Model

@LittleVikingsUK 55 www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk

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February), make puppets inspired by the paintings on display (15th – 18th February, 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm, drop-in) or enjoy the ‘billions of buttons’ family workshop with local potter Karen Thompson (20th February, 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm, book on 01904 697979).

Normal admission charges apply – yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

you’re invited to join the first event in the yearlong celebrations. They’re going to try to plant 300,000 spring bulbs in a new walk along the ha-ha to mark the anniversary and would love your help. They’ll provide snowdrops ‘in the green’, gloves for big and little hands and any tools you might need. Bring family and friends and leave your mark for the next 300 years. Throughout the rest of winter they’re open weekends with a new winter Beningbrough Buddies trail and indoor options if the weather isn’t kind, like dressing up and sitting for your very own digital portrait.

For full details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/beningbrough (also @NTBeningbrough and facebook. com/NTBeningbrough)

Get planting at Beningbrough Hall

Happy birthday Beningbrough Hall! You don’t look a day over….300. Yes, one of our favourite family day trip destinations is 300 years young this year (finished in 1716) and you can help celebrate.

During February half term, Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 February (closed Monday),

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NORSE-THEMED EVENTS DURING HALF TERM

FOR ALL THE FAMILY TO ENJOY Highlights include:

En Wi Fin

Have-a-Go Sword Combat 15th to 21st Feb | £3.50 per child Viking Kids’ Film Club: How To Train Your Dragon 1 & 2 19th Feb | £7 per person PLUS: living history encampments, crafting activities and much more!

www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

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Facebook “f ” Logo

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JORVIKVikingFestival

little-vikings.co.uk JORVIK Viking Festival is managed by York Archaeological Trust

#JORVIKVikingFest

a registered charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846).

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WIN a family pass to Beningbrough Hall!

We’ve got one family day pass (for 2 adults and up to 3 children) to give away. You can use it to visit Beningbrough Hall for a lovely day out on one day of your choice up until 31st May 2016. To enter, just email us at competitions@little-vikings. co.uk by 29.2.16 with your name, address and the year that Beningbrough Hall was finished. We’re giving away ANOTHER family pass on our Facebook page – visit facebook/littlevikingsuk to enter!

Good luck!

We’ve just raised the barre...

En Pointe has now opened its very own dance studios.

With parking, mirrors, sprung floors and ballet barres.

Find us at: Unit 2, Rose Ave, York YO26 6RU Join our creative and vibrant dance school, all ages welcome.

/enpointeyork

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info@enpointeyork.co.uk | �.enpointeyork.co.uk @LittleVikingsUK 7 06/01/2016 22:52

JORVIK Viking Festival 2016 The best bits for kids

A festival? Celebrating all things Viking? What could be better, or more York, than that? The annual JORVIK Viking Festival takes place during February half term (15th-21st Feb) and it’s a firm favourite for families, with lots on the programme for little Vikings. Horned helmets optional.

Meet Vikings in the flesh: see exciting artefacts and hear tales from the Vikings themselves at the Coppergate Camp or head to the City Camp in Parliament Street for craft and play the Viking way. Daily, 10am to 4pm, free (small charge for some activities). Visit Parliament Street from Monday to Thursday to meet the animals that the Vikings hung out with. Fancy getting your war wounds painted? Head along on Saturday to prepare for the Festival battle finale.

Have-a-go Sword Combat: little Vikings can try their hand at sword fighting at this great workshop. What could possibly go wrong?! Very popular, so book ahead.

Monday to Sunday (various times), Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, £3.50 per child.

Visiting Vikings at Little Diggers: kids aged from 2 to 5 can dig, delve and discover the past in special Little Diggers sessions at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure (St Saviourgate) throughout the week (Monday to Friday, 10am to 11am, £3.50 per child including one adult). There’s a different Viking theme each day.

Poo Day: Yep, that’s right, a day dedicated to poo. Hilarious! What more could a child ask for? Visit DIG to make a replica historic poo and find out how poo can even solve mysteries. 17th February, 12noon to 4pm, DIG, normal admission charges apply. little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 8

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Jorvik Viking Festival - Issue: 11

Kids’ Film Club Double Bill: Enjoy a screening of fab films How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2 at DIG on Friday 19th February at 1pm (£7 per person; price includes squash drink, Haribo sweets and take-home craft activity).

Best Beard Contest: This now infamous beard contest is back for its 8th year. No beard? No problem! Get busy with the cotton wool and make your own! 20th February, 3pm to 5pm, Parliament Street Viking Warrior Challenge: Test your strength and dexterity with a series of Viking themed games and challenges.

15th February, 12 noon to 4pm, DIG, normal admission prices apply.

Visit little-vikings.co.uk and jorvikviking-festival.co.uk for more details of what’s on at the Festival. Things can change so check before you travel.

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Coming up this year: The best of 2016 in York for kids Here are just some of the brilliant things families can look forward to in and around York this year.

Jorvik Viking Festival (February) A week of Viking fun for all ages (more details in this issue). jorvikviking-festival.co.uk

and of course the pantomime, back in its rightful home. The building will be much more family-friendly too.

Keep an eye on our website, and York Theatre Royal’s, for what’s coming up for families.

York Chocolate Festival (Easter) Did someone say chocolate? Celebrate York’s chocolate heritage, or just eat some, this at this annual Easter festival. yorkchocolatefestival.co.uk

Re-opening of York Theatre Royal We can’t wait to see our lovely theatre after its makeover. Kids can look forward to Snow Child (Feb/March), the Little Feet Festival (June), The Hound of the Baskervilles (summer) little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 10

Geronimo Festival 2016 (1st & 2nd May) This new festival at Harewood House is every preschooler’s dream, with Mr Bloom, Swashbuckle and CBeebies’ Andy (of Dinosaur Adventures fame) making appearances. There’ll also be lots for older kids too including

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Coming up this year - Issue: 11

Illuminating York (October) – As the nights draw in, see the city lit up in new and original ways, like disco balls down the Shambles in 2015. illuminatingyork.org.uk

ferrets, motorbike displays, live music, workshops, animals, dancing, soft play, craft tent. geronimofest.com

For the most up-to-date info on what’s on in York for kids in 2016, follow Little Vikings on Twitter (@ littlevikingsuk), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/littlevikingsuk) and visit our website (little-vikings.co.uk).

Show In the Park (30th & 31st July) A fun-packed two-day family festival on the Knavesmire, with live music, animals, stunt shows, workshops and much more. showinthepark.com The Great Yorkshire Fringe (15th31st July) After a storming first year, York welcomes back the Great Yorkshire Fringe, which promises lots of fab shows for families and a carnival atmosphere in the city. We’ve heard a few secret things about the bill on the grapevine and all we can say is that we think families will be very pleased. greatyorkshirefringe.com York Food & Drink Festival (September) Taste, learn and explore all things food (and drink) related at one of York’s most popular festivals.

We loved hosting our Little Vikings kids’ activity zone last year and look forward to being part of it again this year. yorkfoodfestival.com

"Great specialist teachers with proven experience"

STARTING "Very professional set up. dedicated to bringing out the best in every child"

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NEW CLASSES 4-6PM TUESDAYS

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE

www.treadtheboards.org

JANUARY 12TH

DANCE DRAMA SINGING for ages 6-16

"My son loves every second. he has made new friends and increased in @LittleVikingsUK confidence so much "

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York Residents’ Festival 2016 Be a tourist in your own town Visitors, look away now. York Residents’ Festival is the annual thank you from Make it York to York’s residents for the warm welcome they show to visitors all year round. It’s a great chance for locals to visit some of the world-class attractions on our doorstep: try something new or revisit some old favourites, lots of which have brilliant things for kids. There’ll also be discounts at some great places to eat as well as offers from some retailers.

Get organised by booking in advance (where necessary) and finding/buying your YorkCard (available from York libraries).

York Residents’ Festival takes place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st January 2016. New offers are coming through all the time so visit the Little Vikings website for all the latest details of what’s on.

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:little-vikings.co.uk 07891 004850 Email: info@yrad.co.uk Web: www.yrad.co.uk 12 LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 12

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Awards You voted in your thousands and we can now announce the very best of York for kids in 2016, as chosen by you. Huge congratulations to all our winners and a very well done to all our finalists.

Whether you’re living in or visiting York, if you’re looking for great things to do or places to go with your kids, a Little Vikings Award winner is well worth seeking out. Without further ado...

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Best Attraction

Best Chocolate Experience

York Castle Museum

York’s CHOCOLATE Story

Highly commended

Highly commended

Goddards, York Cocoa House

Beningbrough Hall, DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, York Maze, York Minster

Best Gory Experience

Best Rainy Day Destination

York Dungeon

National Railway Museum

Highly commended

Highly commended

Ghost Walk, York Castle Museum little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 14

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Rainbows Ceramics, The Web Adventure Park

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Awards - Issue: 11

Best Day Out with Rides

Best Adventure Playground

York Maze

Flamingoland

Highly commended

Highly commended

Beningbrough Hall, Castle Howard

Lightwater Valley , Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Best Day Out with Animals

Best Festival for Kids

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

JORVIK Viking Festival

Highly commended

Monk Park Farm, Piglets Adventure Farm Park

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Highly commended

Deershed Festival, Little Feet Festival (York Theatre Royal)

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Best Nursery

Little Green Rascals

Highly commended

York Childcare, Little Bugs at the Web Adventure Park, York Montessori (Fulford and Strensall), The Mount Pre-School

Best Pre-School/After School Club

Bishopthorpe Pre-School Playgroup

Highly commended

Funfishers, Headlands After-School Club, Paul’s Out of School Club, Wheldrake Out of School Club little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 16

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Awards - Issue: 11

Best Toy Shop

Best Shoe Shop For kids

Fenwick

Hopscotch Shoes

Highly commended Corky’s, Minifigs & Bricks

Highly commended

Footloose (Pocklington), Watkinsons

Best Hairdresser for Kids

Bang Hair

Highly commended

Fresh at The Web Adventure Park, Kuki spa

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Best Swimming Class 4+

Best Active Class

York Sport

Bushbabies (Woodland Adventure Co)

Highly commended

Bootham Swim School, Carol Saunders Swim School, Froggy Legs, Swimming with Linzi

Highly commended

GoGet Riding, Heworth Gym Club, Rugbytots, Tumbletots

Best Baby/Toddler Swimming

Best Drama Class for kids

York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre

York Sport (Ducklings)

Highly commended

Mini Swimmers, Puddle Ducks, Turtle tots, Waterbabies little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 18

Highly commended

Hoglets, PQA York, Stagecoach York, Tread the Boards York

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Awards - Issue: 11

Best Pregnancy Class

Pregnancy Yoga - The Stables

Highly commended

Birth Preparation Class at The Stables, Puddle Ducks Aquanatal, Turtle Tums with Paula Stewart, National Childbirth Trust

Best Music Class

Best Dance Class

Song Box

En Pointe

Highly commended

Kindermusik, Mini Musicians, Music at Heart, PQA York

Highly commended

Baby Ballet, Jazzy J’s Dance Academy, Lisa Marie School of Dance, Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance

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Best Party Provider

Best Party Entertainer

Rainbows Ceramics

The Magic Hatter

Highly commended

The Web Adventure Park, Woodland Adventure Co.

Highly commended

Adam Dove, Woodland Adventure Co., Wonderphil

Best Cinema

Best Theatre

City Screen

York Theatre Royal

Highly commended Reel, Vue

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Highly commended

Grand Opera House, Joseph Rowntree Theatre

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Awards - Issue: 11

Best Self-Catering for Families

Best B&B for Families

Sunset Cottages, Grimston Manor Farm

Monkgate Guest House

Highly commended

Highly commended

Goosewood Holiday Park, Yew Tree Cottage (Westow)

Carlton House, The Mount The Fort Boutique Hostel

Best Hotel for Families

Premier Inn

Highly commended The Grand, Novotel

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Best Lunch

The Pig & Pastry

Cosmo

Picture: copyright Karen Turner Photograhy

Best Breakfast

Highly commended

Betty’s, Bistro Guy, Brew & Brownie, The Star Inn the City

Highly commended

Café No 8, Jamie’s Italian, The Spurriergate Centre, Trinacria

Best Family-Friendly Pub

Best Dinner

The Fox and Roman

Wagamama

Highly commended

The Duke of York, The Golden Ball, The Woodman little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 22

Highly commended

Ambiente, Bill’s, The Fox and Roman, Frankie and Benny’s

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Awards - Issue: 11

Ice Cream 1 Lick Halloween Best Loyalty Card:Layout

16/4/14

LICC

Highly commended

La Cremeria, Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato, Trinacria, Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat

Chocolate

York Cocoa House

Highly commended

Cafe Concerto, York’s Chocolate Story

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Little Viking

Storymak

I didn’t think there was much of an art to telling a story until I took our three year-old and one yearold along to a session of Storymakers at York Theatre Royal’s De Grey Rooms.

We’re a bit late to the Storymakers party: their multi-sensory craft and drama sessions for 2-5 years have been running for five years and are so popular that they’ve had to add extra sessions. And after an hour or so in their company we can see why.

We stepped out of the cold into the warmth of the De Grey rooms - where Storymakers has relocated while the theatre has its makeover - to be greeted by the sight of lots of children happily building their own robots at the well-stocked craft table. Parents were equally happy as the pop-up café was open and serving very welcome hot drinks and cake to fuel the Blue Peter-style making fest. If, like me, your artistic side is a bit lacking and you don’t know one end of a pipe-cleaner from another, don’t panic.

Jenna, who runs the sessions, is on hand with good ideas for what to stick where. Even our robot looked pretty cool in the end.

Robots finished, we headed downstairs to the studio (I’ll gloss over the part where the girls and I got stuck in the lift and just say thank you to the kind person who let us out. Never a dull moment, unfortunately). As Jenna and her helper performed in front of us - with props, music and costumes - it wasn’t long before we worked out why we’d been little-vikings.co.uk little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 24

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Little Vikings try... - Issue: 11

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making Who: The girls (1, 3 and robots (the craft always 30-something) relates to the story that What: Storymakers at York week). The story was Theatre Royal The Trouble with Dad, an When: Wednesday mornings everyday tale of a dad who term-time creates crazy robots in his shed, and the children were all encouraged to get involved in acting out the story. They helped to catch a robber and to work out what might happen next in the story. It was great fun and even the shyest kids - and their robot creations - joined in. After all that excitement, the session ended calmly with everyone sitting down and listening to Jenna read the book.

The girls really enjoyed Storymakers; the 3 year old loved hearing a new story and getting involved in creating it through craft and drama, while the 1 year old proved that you’re never to young to enjoy a bit of theatre. And I learnt that there’s more than one way to tell a story. Bedtime will never be the same again (we might just hold off on the pipe-cleaners though).

Storymakers runs from 10.15 to 11.30am on Wednesdays during term time in York Theatre Royal’s De Grey Rooms, St Leonard’s Place. It’s £5 per child. Book online or in person at the York Theatre Royal Box Office (yorktheatreroyal.co.uk)

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Post-Christmas pep-up for parents Vikings try Love Community Acupuncture It’s dark and cold (and it’s been pretty blooming wet too), so it’d be easy to feel pretty gloomy as the year kicks off. Although it’s tempting to rely on tea and cake to see us through to the lighter months, we’ll be dropping into York’s first multi-bed community acupuncture clinic for a bit of extra zing when we’re flagging.

I’ve been an acupuncture convert for a few years, having used it for various pregnancy-related things with great success. It’s now my go-to therapy for specific ailments or if I just want to give my immune system a boost (vital with three kids bringing home new germs all the time). It’s not always the cheapest of treatments, making it hard to justify the cost sometimes. So I was excited to be invited along to the new multibed clinic at Briar House, Museum Street over the road from the Museum Gardens.

The idea’s simple: a small number of patients are treated in the same room by two highly trained acupuncturists. The trade-off for the lack of privacy is a hugely reduced fee (just £12 for a 45 minute session; excellent value). Having only ever had private treatments, I wondered if I’d feel embarrassed or inhibited in a room of other patients, but it was a lovely experience.

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Karen and Elaine, the acupuncturists who run the clinic as a not-for-profit venture, have created a warm and relaxing atmosphere where I felt instantly at ease. I chose a reclining chair by the window and had a brief chat with Elaine about what I’d like from the treatment before she worked her magic with the needles. I was left for 20 minutes to relax before skipping out onto the street feeling energised, ready for the day and figuring out when I could go back.

The clinic runs on Fridays from Briar House, Museum Street, York YO1 7DN. For more details and to book online visit lovecommunityacupuncture.com. You can also drop in without an appointment, but you may have a short wait. little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 26

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To w

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.

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

THE PAULINE QUIRKE

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

ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

IS ENROLLING

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

NOW IN YORK! Outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 - 18 year olds.

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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

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Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282 or visit www.pqacademy.com @LittleVikingsUK 06/01/2016 22:52

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EN POINTE is one of York’s most popular and well-regarded dance schools, and it’s moving to its own purpose-built studios in Nether Poppleton in January.

There’ll be sprung dance floors, mirrors, barres, kitchen area and plenty of parking. With classes six days a week for children aged from a year upwards (including adults), there’s something for everyone. For more details visit enpointeyork.co.uk

RUBGYTOTS is a great active class for kids aged 2-7. Sessions run at All Saints RC School (Saturdays), Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre (Wednesdays), Haxby Memorial Hall (Fridays), Joseph Rowntree School (Saturdays), The Mount School (Sundays), Heworth Church Hall (Mondays). They’ll also be running at Fulford School from spring 2016. Visit rugbytots.co.uk for more information.

n THE MYST ERY PL AYS ru to for 5 week s from 26th May t 30th June 2016 and for jus0 the second time in their 70 ce year history they’ll take pla s of in York Minster. Hundred work ll community per formers wi or to act l na sio fes with one pro nce create an amazing per forma celebrating York’s cultural heritage. Tickets go on sale in January through the York Theatre Royal box office.

Tuesday 23 February Saturday 5 March BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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@LittleVikingsUK 06/01/2016 22:52

Date night dinner The Rattle Owl If one of your new year’s resolutions is to have more time as a couple, we hear you. As lovely as it (usually) is to go out as a family, there’s a lot to be said for being child-free once in a while.

New for 2016, we’ll be bringing you some date night inspiration: places to go and things to do in York on those rare nights off.

First up, a recommendation for The Rattle Owl (104 Micklegate, York; www.rattleowl.co.uk) where we celebrated that we’re still speaking to each other after 11 years of marriage. This gorgeous independent restaurant is a perfect date night destination, with twinkling lights and an intimate, beautifully designed dining room. The menu focuses on seasonal, local produce and you know you can’t go wrong with the wine list as it’s all been hand-picked with care. The vegetarian dishes were outstanding, and the carnivore half of the couple was very happy too. It was one of the best meals we’ve had for ages, and not just because we were able to talk without being constantly interrupted.

Can’t get a babysitter? Ever-popular bistro, Café No 8, has launched a new Café No. 8 At Home range so that you can enjoy their delicious dishes in your own kitchen from £15 per person for 3 courses. Design a bespoke menu from a selection of seasonal dishes, collect from one of the delivery points and follow the simple instructions to create a restaurant experience at home without worrying about what you’re going to wear. Sounds delicious. For more details, visit cafeno8.co.uk/at-home little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 30

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Little Vikings Cook

Food - Issue: 11

Cheese soda bread scones These savoury scones are a doddle to knock together. Our little Vikings love making and eating them. Best warm from the oven with a bowl of soup. Customise as you like, depending on how adventurous you’re all feeling. Makes 6.

Method 1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C and grease a baking tray.

2. Mix all the ingredients except a handful of the cheese in a large bowl until it forms a dough. Save your wrists and use a food mixer if you have one.

3. Knead gently for a minute on a lightly floured surface, then divide the dough into six balls (more if you’d like them to be smaller).

4. Brush tops with a little oil then scatter cheese.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re golden and cooked through.

6. Cool a little then dig in.

This recipe is from Eat Vegetarian by Sam Stern, proud Yorkshireman and author of seven cookbooks (samstern.co.uk).

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Ingredients •

110g plain bread flour

•

110g wholemeal bread flour

•

½ tsp flour

•

1sp bicarbonate of soda

•

1tsp cream of tartar

•

110g cheddar (grated)

•

150ml milk

•

Optional extras: 1/2tsp English mustard, pinch chilli, chopped black olives, chopped sundried tomatoes @LittleVikingsUK 06/01/2016 22:52

Food: Little Vikings Eat Out Lunch at The Refectory, The Royal York Hotel While commuters have been daydreaming on the platform at York Station for the past few months, behind them at the Royal York Hotel it’s been all systems go for a multimillion pound refurb. The station hotel has been completely transformed with stylish new bedrooms, a very swanky new bar (with cracking cocktails) and a brand new restaurant: Refectory Kitchen and Terrace. We were invited along with the kids to check it out.

What’s on the menu? There’s a British slant to the Refectory’s all-day menu, with Yorkshire strongly represented in dishes like Bridlington scampi and tartare sauce. Carnivores are spoilt for choice but veggies aren’t forgotten either: our roast pumpkin barley risotto with crisp sage leaf was really good and there wasn’t a mushroom in sight. Try to keep the kids’ menu out of the sight of adults or they’ll attempt to order from it: who doesn’t love a cheese toastie with Branston pickle (£4) or sausage roll with ketchup (£4)? Our kids polished off the (rather posh) sausage rolls in about three minutes flat, declaring that they loved them. For more adventurous kids than ours there’s butternut squash hummus and flatbread (£3.75) or parsnip soup (£3.50). Cottage pie, cod, mash and peas and burger and chips will fill little bellies for between £6 and £8. The adult set menu is good value at £16 for two courses, £21 for three (12 noon to 7.30pm daily); roasts with all the trimmings are available on a Sunday.

What’s it like for families? A lot of the time, the success or failure of eating out with kids (especially young ones) boils down to practical stuff as much as the food. Is there room for a buggy? Will little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 32

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Food - Issue: 11

they provide a highchair? Is there enough background noise that other diners don’t have to listen to every round of I-spy? The Refectory ticks a lot of our boxes. It’s a large, light and airy space that still managed to feel cosy on a late Sunday afternoon.

It’s smart without being intimidating either; we didn’t feel out of place with small, loud children. Although you feel as though you’re in a separate space from the hotel, the hotel lobby is worth a visit to see what an amazing job they’ve done of the refurb (our kids were stunned by the enormous Christmas tree).

What’s the verdict? For delicious, beautifully presented food in relaxed surroundings, The Refectory fits the bill. It’s a treat for adults and children alike (we’d go back for the puddings alone). It’s lovely to see the hotel brought to life again and we’re sure the restaurant (and bar) will prove a big hit with locals and visitors.

Our kids even wanted to stay over but as we live around the corner we’re struggling to justify that one...

The Refectory, The Royal York Hotel, Station Road, York YO24 1AA - therefectory.co.uk

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@LittleVikingsUK 06/01/2016 22:52

Ha ha ha!

Have a laugh this Valentine’s Day What did one volcano say to the other?

Why did the girl put the boy in prison?

I lava you!

He stole her heart!

What do you call two birds in love?

Why did the boy put chocolate under his pillow?

Tweethearts!

He wanted to have sweet dreams!

What did the boy squirrel say to the girl squirrel on Valentine’s Day?

What did the girl sheep say to the boy sheep?

I’m nuts about you!

I love ewe!

little-vikings.co.uk LV Issue 11 - complete.indd 34

34 06/01/2016 22:52

Offers FREE TASTER VOUCHER

VALID AT THE PAULINE QUIRKE

ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

IN YORK

To arrange your free taster session contact Principal James Aconley on 07753 179 070 or email james@pqacademy.com

Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW ONLY VALID WITH THIS COUPON

20% off final bill, exclusive to Little Vikings readers.

Free Taster Session with En Pointe

Make 2 chocolate lollipops for the price of 1 at York Cocoa House Blake St, York YO1 8QJ

To book your place email: principal@enpointeyork.co.uk

Valid until 29 February 2016

Subject to Availability

Join in January Pay No Fees until February

Call or email to book 07932 751003 yorksouth@firstclasslearning.co.uk

One Free Trial Class Get in touch to book: york@rugbytots.co.uk 0345 3136716

Expires 31/3/16 Subject to Availability - New Customers Only

10% Discount

Valid until 29 February 2016

To reach thousands of families through Little Vikings, contact polly@little-vikings.co.uk

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@LittleVikingsUK www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK 06/01/2016 22:52

Viking Voice Beningbrough Hall and Gardens Eleanor Hall (3) from York tells us why she likes to visit Beningbrough Hall

“I love running around at Beningbrough, chasing my sister and having fun in the play area�

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 11 - complete.indd 36

36 06/01/2016 22:52

W w y

What will you find?

Discover ancient artefacts!

Explore 2,000 years of history!

Experience amazing archaeology!

St Saviourgate | York | www.digyork.com

10% discount with this ad DIG is owned by York Archaeological Trust, a registered charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (No. SCO42846) @LittleVikingsUK

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06/01/2016 22:52

Kids Go

FREE

in 2016 *

February Half Term 13 — 21 FEBRUARY 2016 at York Museums Trust Viking Sagas

Pictures Tell Stories

Journey into the Viking world, listening to stories from our Viking giant, learning about their adventures and writing your own exciting Viking saga.

Discover more about the characters of the gallery through storytelling, puppet-making, and a ‘Billions of Buttons’ artist workshop.

at the Yorkshire Museum

at York Art Gallery

Edwardian Entertainment at York Castle Museum

That’s the way to do it! Enjoy traditional Edwardian entertainment with Punch and Judy shows, fun photographs and Edwardian crafts. nch & Judy Pu

For more information on event times and prices, visit

www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk little-vikings.co.uk 20226 YMT Half Term LV Issue 11 February - complete.indd 38 2016 Little Vikings Ad ART.indd 1

38

*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.

Information correct at time of print.

08/12/2015 22:52 14:27 06/01/2016