Free!
Summer 2013
Kids Direct Liverpool
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Education & Childcare
Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Editors Note
Hello and a very warm welcome to our Summer issue of Kids Direct Liverpool. The school holidays are upon us and we have lots of great days out for you and your family in this issue. In this issue we are proud to support Claire House Children’s Hospice. The work they do is so important to families and they have given us lots of ideas on how we can all help to raise vital funds for them and details about their very popular annual duck race (pg 30). Jessie J is in the house! We bring you the low down on this very popular diva (pg 10). As always we love competitions and we have quite a few for you: Win a family ticket to Cadbury World (pg 6), a family lunch for 4 with Olive Restaurant & Bar, (pg 20), a hugely popular and addictive game of Racing Demons, seriously great fun for all ages (pg 22), personalised reward charts for your little ones (pg 6), an ‘Off to School’ set from Easy2name (pg 21), a family ticket to Greenwood Forest (pg 21) and a yummy cake from Hours of Fun (pg 14). Also look out for the money off vouchers for the Aintree Hot Air Balloon Festival and Easy2name are offering our readers 10% discount on their products.
Summer 2013
our facebook page for the latest events, even more competitions, great offers and lots more fun. Have an amazing summer everyone.
Anna x
Visit the Creepy House, this years summer reading challenge (page 9).
Looking for something to do? Check out our calendar (pages 16-18). Win a delicious family lunch for 4 at Olive Restaurant (page 20).
Win this great card game. Fun for the whole family (page 22).
Our next issue will be out in the winter. In the meantime keep up to date with us on Kids Direct is owned by Megan Kneale. Registered trademark no. 1468409. Kids Direct Liverpool is a franchise owned, operated & published under licence by Anna Taylor. We believe all information to be correct but do not endorse any products or services. The views expressed in Kids Direct are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from artwork supplied by its contributors and clients. Reproduction, in whole or in part, of any of the text, illustrations or photography without the express permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Competitions: Prize winners will be drawn at random, no cash alternatives will be offered. Personal information will not be shared with organisations external to Kids Direct unless a third party is issuing the prize.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Education & Childcare
Summer 2013
Jean Robb and Hilary Letts, the acclaimed authors of the Creating Kids Who Can series, offer tutoring with a difference. Successful Learning are experts in and achieve amazing results in : ● ● ● ●
helping children learn how to learn. changing children who feel they can't into children who know they can! creating an environment where children learn more effectively. creating confident parents.
Teaching all ages from pre-school to secondary, their methods work with all children including those diagnosed as having dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD and ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism. Single days and 3 or 4 day schools available, dates for summer are : Sat 24�� Aug, and 29�� Aug to 1�� September. Contact 0151 625 2619 for lots more details.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Education & Childcare
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Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Education & Childcare
Summer 2013
Literacy Solutions offer expert bespoke dyslexia and consultancy services to schools and parents including SENCo administrative support, examination access arrangements, specialist teaching, English tuition for all key stages, Irlens’ screening & Dyslexia assessments. Contact Sara for details about a free 30 minute consultation with no obligation on 07899 757139.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Education & Childcare
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Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
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Book Review
Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
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Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
Summer 2013
Jessie J -
Singer songwriter Jessie J has had phenomenal success around the world. She is the first British female singer to have 6 top ten singles on one album, and has won numerous awards and critical acclaim for her work. She recently caught the imagination of children and adults across the nation when she so selflessly shaved off her hair on Comic Relief in March this year, raising £500,000 for the charity. She said “ I feel exhilarated to be able to have the opportunity to raise money for people that aren't fortunate enough to say something and be heard." Jessie J was born Jessica Ellen Cornish in 1988 and was born and raised in London, she studied at the BRIT School before becoming a singer songwriter. Jessie attended Colin's Performing Arts School and as an 11-year old-was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production of Whistle Down the Wind. She then joined the National Youth Music Theatre. Jessie has two older sisters, who were both head girls at school but Jessie says she was "never really that good at anything". She said, "At school they were like 'oh, you're
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a Cornish girl' and they kind of expected me to be the same as my sisters. Give me something to draw or an outfit to pick for someone, or hair, make-up, acting, write a song, I'm fine with it, but anything to do with sums – it was never my thing." She also said she never based her intelligence on her exam results. She said she was always good at singing - that was her "thing". In 2003, aged 15, she won Best Pop Singer in the TV show Britain's Brilliant Prodigies, performing as Jessica Cornish. At the age of 16 she began studying at the BRIT School and at 17 she joined a girl group named Soul Deep. A year later at only 18, she suffered a minor stroke as a result of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition that had been diagnosed when she was 11. Jessie still has an irregular heartbeat, which she says is the reason she doesn’t smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs. Her hospital stays were the inspiration for her song "Big White Room" from her debut album “Who
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
Summer 2013
- the lowdown.. You Are” although she wrote the song at age 17, in hospital, where a ward mate, a little boy, died. Jessie J says the album's title track, "Who You Are", is one of her proudest creations, she said the song is a "positive role model for young people" and "I always say that I'm half-artist, half-therapist". Although Jessie began recording her debut studio album “Who you are” when she was just 18 in 2005, it was 5 years before this was released, and there were various changes of record company before she signed with Universal, as her first record company Gut Records went bust before they released any of her music. Jessie just kept going though, and wrote songs for other artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, including "Party in the U.S.A." Jessie’s real shot to fame when her first single "Do It Like a Dude", got to number two on the UK Singles Charts. Her next song “Price Tag” topped the charts in nineteen countries and was on the lips of children around the world as well as everyone else! “Who You Are” was Jessie’s hugely successful first album which went to number 2 in the UK charts and included another massive single "Domino" peaking at number 6 in the US, and becoming her second UK number one. She’s now sold over 11 million singles and 2 and a half million albums worldwide with her own mix of soul singing and R&B, pop and hip hop beats. Jessie J is also famous as a coach and mentor on the popular television show, The Voice UK and her second album may include collaborations with her fellow coaches. "Wild", the first single from this, which
features Dizzee Rascal and Big Sean, was released to iTunes in May this year. Jessie said of her second album "It's still tough, it's still rebellious, it's still hard hitting but it's definitely more grown up, but it's definitely more thought through," she said. Entertainment Weekly's music critic Adam Markovitz said of Jessie: "The 23-year-old Brit has all the tools, from a monster voice to an ear for hooks '— and a manic persona that's equal parts Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, and Alice Cooper." Jessie J calls her fans "heartbeats", after her Heartbeat Tour. Of her fans, she has said, "They're amazing, and they're the only reason people know who I am," she told me. "They support me and buy my albums and singles, and they stand outside hotels, and they come to shows, and they get tattoos of my lyrics and they cut their hair like me. You have to love your fans. That's why I call them my Heartbeats, because without them I wouldn't be here".
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Music, Drama & Dance
Summer 2013
Exciting dance classes for children aged from 6 months to 6 years. The babyballet Song and Dance Academy is an exciting educational movement to music programme for preschool boys and girls. It encourages young children to enjoy the benefits and joys of song and dance. The classes provide a fantastic mix of education and enjoyment for both boys and girls and unlike other dance schools children can join from the age of 6 months. Children up to the age of 6 can now take advantage of “babyballet” classes here in Liverpool at various venues throughout the city. For more information please call Christine on 0800 840 3122 or email liverpoolcentral@babyballet.co.uk or visit www. babyballet.co.uk Little Actors Theatre Company is a social enterprise offering performing arts activities for children aged 2½ - 11. A grant from the John Thaw Foundation enables them to offer discounts to low income families. Based in the L15 area, they are offering DramaTots for preschool children and their parent/carers with singing, dance and drama and Theatre Club for ages 5-11 with two hours of drama and musical theatre. All facilitators are professionally trained and experienced actors. Participating in the performing arts improves health and well being and also builds children's confidence, communication skills and self-esteem. For further details contact Samantha Giblin on 0151 336 4302, email: mail@littleactorstheatre.com or visit www.littleactorstheatre.com.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Parties
For lots of fun in a safe environment, where parents can relax whilst the kids safely run wild visit Funtown. They offer a wide range of indoor play activities for children from 0 - 12, with something for everyone! There are fabulous slides, a ball pool, specially constructed climbing areas, and even a dedicated toddler area. Their cafe has been awarded 5 stars for food hygiene by the local council and offers everything from a quick snack to a hearty hot meal and overlooks the play area so parents can relax and enjoy a cuppa whilst keeping an eye on their children. Their in-house team of chefs prepare delicious, healthy food on the premises so you can rest assured that your family is eating good food of the highest quality. Funtown is available for parties and can cater for up to 45
Summer 2013
children at a time. As well as the play time fun and the great food and drink, the children can be greeted by one of Funtown's many great characters who will ensure everyone is enjoying the party. A party for 10 children costs as little as ÂŁ75 and summer season tickets are now available. Funtown is open every day from 9.30am until 6pm. So, for guaranteed fun, pay a visit to Funtown - you'll never want to leave! Call 0844 567 9677 or visit www.funtownliverpool.co.uk.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Parties
Summer 2013
Gabby goo parties was set up by a mum for mums. Having been to fancy parties and play centres they felt the purpose of a children’s party was being lost. They believe a children’s party should be magical and personal to each child. Therefore, Gabby goo parties specialise in listening to what families want and tailoring each party to suit their child. They do themed parties such as princesses and pirates, first birthday parties with Igglepiggle, princess pamper parties and superhero crazy parties to name but a few. They can provide extras such as face painters, special guests like Snow White and Spiderman as well as providing food, party bags and actually, if they haven’t got it they will endeavour to get it to ensure your child's birthday party is special. Call them on 07584 416840.
Every occasion deserves a cake and at Hours of Fun they can make you an extra special cake, working with you on the design and flavour. Hours of Fun have grown over the last six months with their online craft shop flourishing , they have turned their love and hobby of cakes into an exciting business and they have been working with Kurt Wilson (as seen on The Apprentice) on a new range of protein snacks. It is a very exciting time for them and they want you to join them on their adventure. Simply sign up to their newsletter and they will enter you into their competition to win a cake voucher worth £40 to spend on an Hours of Fun cake. www.hoursoffun.co.uk/blog
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Parties
Summer 2013
1 green apple, cut into slices 1 Babybel cheese Method:
A piece of Fruit Winders.
1. Place the cheese onto a plate for the head. 2. Place the apple slices in a line to form the body. Leave one slice for the eyes. 3. Cut two small eyes from the apple slice and place onto the cheese. 4. Carefully cut the fruit winders to make the legs, antennae and mouth. Recipe inspired by Chantelle Ellem.
Party Bliss and CoverStar Experiences have come together to create the Ultimate Pop Star Party offering you and your friends a private recording session in a professional music studio in Liverpool. Party extras include a photo shoot, music video, vocal coaching, personalised framed discs and goody bags. The can even arrange a limousine to take you and your friends to the party! Call Louise on 07774 822228.
Would you like a FUN packed memorable party? The Creepy Crawly Show is enjoyable for all ages and great for home parties, children's birthdays, christenings, holy communions and other family celebrations. Everyone can join in from toddlers to teens and the adults are entertained too. From party games, music to ‘Get Me Out of Here’ style challenges and don’t forget the animals, with snakes, tarantula, scorpion, lizards, giant African snails, hissing cockroaches, turtles and many more. It offers great photo opportunities and is all presented by their comical ‘Explorer’ style entertainer who’ll ensure your occasion is a fun and memorable one. Available throughout Merseyside, Wirral & Cheshire. Book your adventure now: 01244 646045 www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk
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Kids Direct Calendar Regular Events Every Saturday 2-4pm, Capoeira Club at The International Slavery Museum. If your interested in martial arts, dance or acrobatics go along to one of their friendly classes. All ages and levels of fitness welcome. Free event. Prebooking is essential. Visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/Ism. Daily from 20th July 1st September, Donkey Rides at Croxteth Hall and Country Park. (Subject to weather). The donkeys will be near the children's adventure play area. A small charge is payable. www.croxteth.co.uk Daily from 20�� July to 1�� September. Croxteth Hall, Lord Sefton's Teddy Bear Hunt. 10.30am -5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm). Popular annual summer event. Count the Teddies you find in each room, add up the total number and enter their prize draw. Normal Hall admission prices apply. Visit: www.croxteth.co.uk.
July 12��-20�� July, Brazilica. A week of Carnival on the streets of Liverpool ending with the Carnival day parade. Visit www.brazilicafestival.co.uk for locations and times. 13�� July to 3�� November, MindBogglingly Big Bugs, Chester Zoo. New exhibition of robotic creepy crawly giants. www.chesterzoo.org. 14�� July to 31�� July, Museum of Liverpool. Hands on activities for under
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7’s. Free by timed ticket collected from the welcome desk. Each session lasts 30 minutes. Visit their website for details www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol. 20��, 21��, 27��, & 28�� July, Dig like an archaeologist , World Museum. Drop in from 1-4pm suitable for the whole family. Free, no need to book. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml 20�� July 12-10pm & 21�� July 12-6pm, Hot Air Balloon Festival with funfair and circus acts, fireworks display and lots more for a great family day out. Aintree racecourse. Entry £3, children under 1m go free. See pages 28 & 29 for more details and money off vouchers. 21��-23�� July, Annie the musical at The Epstein Theatre. Popular musical performed by the Chiltern Youth Theatre, tickets £9. Visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk 22ⁿ� July to 2ⁿ� August, Family Activities, Martin Mere (see pg 26). Lot’s of great activities including: Pond Dipping, Mini-beast safari, family crafts, make mini-crafts, build a nest, den building, hand feed the birds & create a habitat. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere. 27�� & 28�� July, Bhangra Dance, World Museum. Join in the fun and energy of Bhangra at their North Indian dance Workshop. No booking required. Free. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml 27�� & 28�� July, 10-5pm, Summer Arts Market, St. Georges Hall. The very first ever Summer Arts Market celebrating the artists and makers of Liverpool and
Kids Direct Calendar the North West,. With lots of stalls, arts and crafts workshops for adults and children, music, and a cafe. Entrance £2, children under 16’s go free. www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk.
Fairytale Forest, Church Farm, Wirral. Join Prince Charming on his trip through the magical Church Farm Forest to find his bride with lots of fairytale fun. www.churchfarm.org.uk (see page 31).
30�� July -1�� August, Hatters Tea Party. Join the Walker Art Gallery for a magnificent tea party. Take part in tea time crafts and listen to terrific tales. Free, drop in event 1-4pm. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.
7��, 14�� and 21�� August. Join the Walker Art Gallery for workshop Wednesdays. A different themed workshop each week. Free, drop in event, no need to book. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.
August
17�� August, 12-4pm, Hilbre Island. Take tea on Hilbre Island with the RSPB. Make your own way across the sands to Hilbre Island where the RSPB will be serving tea and cakes and staffing the bird hide overlooking ‘Niffy Bay’. Contact 0151 648 4371 to book for this event. Or email wcp@wirral.gov.uk.
1��-4�� August, Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show, at the Echo Arena, Contact the box office 0844 8000 400. 3�� to 18�� August, History Weeks at Martin Mere. Visit the Roundhouse village to step back in time and live like a viking. Activities include creating a shield wall, watch fire lighting demonstrations, historical face painting and lots more(see pg 26). Visit their website for times and entrance fees. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere. 3�� August, 11am and 2pm. Walker Art Gallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year olds who love arts and being creative. Free, must be pre booked. Email emma.devlin@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or call 0151 478 4171. 4�� August, 11am-5pm. Knowsley Flower Show. Court Hey Park, Knowsley. Great family day out with lots of exhibits, demonstrations, attractions and entertainment. Free. Visit : www.knowsleyflowershow.com Sundays 4��, 18��, & 25�� August,
13�� & 14�� August. The Gruffalo’s Child at the Floral Pavilion, Wirral. The Tall Stories Theatre Company brings Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s awardwinning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation. All adults must be accompanied by a responsible child. Bookings: www.floralpavilion.com 19�� August to 8�� September. Family Activities, Martin Mere (see pg 26). Lot’s of great activities including: Pond Dipping, Mini-beast safari, family crafts, make mini-crafts, build a nest, den building, hand feed the birds & create a habitat. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martin-mere. 27�� , 28�� & 29�� August, Walker Art Gallery. Free event, no need to book just drop in 1-4pm for seaside themed
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Kids Direct Calendar arts and crafts with your little ones. Visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker. 30�� August, Family Fun Day, 11am3pm, Wirral Rugby Club, Clatterbridge. In aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice. Bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, games and much more. Tickets £9, all proceeds go to Claire House. Under 2’s and adults go Free. Call Rachel for tickets 07545 144 449.
September 1�� September, Postman Pat at the Floral Pavilion. New Brighton. Premier Stage Productions are delighted to present a brand new, fun filled, all action show featuring everyone's favourite postman. Family Tickets available. www.floralpavilion.com 8�� September, 11am& 2pm. Walker Art Gallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year olds who love arts and being creative. Free. Booking essential. Email emma.devlin@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or call 0151 478 4171. 14��-15�� September, Southport Air Show, Southport beach. This great aviation show has something for the whole family. Tickets £7, under 5’s free. www.visitsouthport.com. 21�� September, Duck Race, 12-4pm, Pier Head, Liverpool. £2 per duck for a chance to win £1000. To adopt a duck visit www.radiocity.co.uk/duckrace or call Helen on 0151 236 2933 (See pg 30)
October 5�� October, 11am& 2pm. Walker Art Gallery. Art Club for 7 to 12 year olds
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who love arts and being creative. Free. Booking essential. Email emma.devlin@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or call 0151 478 4171. 13�� October, Bananas in Pyjamas, The Auditorium Liverpool. Join B1 & B2 for an all singing and dancing performance. Contact the box office 0844 8000 400. 25�� & 26�� October, Charlie and Lola's Extremely New Play at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be on stage with their Extremely New Play, and they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog. Based on the well-loved BBC series and characters created by Lauren Child. www.floralpavilion.com 26�� October, 1-3pm, Halloween Horrors, National Widflower Centre Knowsley. Join their Rangers for a spooky afternoon of family fun making ghostly ghouls, batty bats and wicked witches! Free. Contact: Knowsley rangers on 0151 443 3114 or 07771 550843. For lots more family friendly events, services, competitions and of course oodles of fun, come along and join us on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/kidsdirectlpl. Please note: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may change. Please phone the venue concerned or visit their website to check dates, times, prices and if booking is required before setting out.
Kids Direct Liverpool
Just For Fun
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Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
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For Parents
Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
For Parents
Summer 2013
Easy2name solve all your labelling problems. With waterproof stickers for labelling shoes, lunchboxes and equipment, and a choice of clothing labels, including Stick-Easy (the no sew, no iron option) you won’t lose anything! Their "Off to school" set is great value as it includes stickers, iron on labels, a shoe bag and bag tag and you can choose from red, blue or lilac sets. The innovative range of labels can be used on every single item of children's belongings from socks and shoes to stationary, sports kit and mobile phones. Easy2name give 10% discount to Kids Direct Readers - simply enter the code KD2013 at the checkout to automatically get 10% off. For a chance to WIN an Off to school set email us what colours they come in by Fri 19�� July 2013, along with your contact details to: kidsdirectcompetition@hotmail.co.uk
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Kids Direct Liverpool
For Parents
Summer 2013
Verabella Boutique is a gorgeous family run boutique in the heart of Liverpool bringing beautiful designerwear to children at affordable prices. They stock a great range of designer clothes and accessories for boys and girls aged from 0-12 and now include brands as SarahLouise, Me too, Boboli, Foque, Mimpi, Usb2, Butterscotch & Bonnie Jean. They pride themselves on giving outstanding customer service and have a global customer following. Their customers are their number one priority and they go out of their way to help you find the perfect outfit for your child. So, for great designerwear and outstanding service visit: Verabella Boutique, Norton Street, Liverpool, L3 8QA. Tel: 07861 706250.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
For Parents
Summer 2013
Behind the statistics: parents need 1. Seek advice early and be aware of your guidance during summer holidays rights and responsibilities. Ignoring what
is happening initially could cost you more Summer holidays often result in disputes long term. between separated parents about 2. Be prepared to compromise and childcare. negotiate the best outcome for your When these disputes arise, it is preferable family. for parents to agree arrangements. Of 3. Focus on what is in the children’s best course, sometimes, it may be necessary interests. for a parent to make an application to 4. Get organised, plan ahead and do not leave discussions until the last minute. court. 5. Don't panic - professionals are available It is hard to know how to proceed in this to assist you and explore alternative ways unfamiliar territory – but practical advice to resolve disputes. is essential to ensure that contact To find out how Hill Dickinson can help arrangements are agreed amicably. you, contact: Tricia Cottrell, Head of If you are contemplating summer holiday family law, on 0151 600 8412, contact arrangements with your former tricia.cottrell@hilldickinson.com. Follow partner, here are some initial practical us on twitter @amyfamilylaw. points to consider:
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Sporting Fun
Liverpool Watersports Centre offers a wide range of watersport activities. Their aim is to open up watersports to the whole community at affordable prices. They provide quality instruction in water and land based activities for adults, children and groups. Lessons can be hourly, half day, full day or as a course and taster sessions are available too. Children will also love celebrating their birthdays at Liverpool Watersports Centre. Parties can be from 1 to 2 hours and includes a choice of activity from kayaking, rafting, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sailing, windsurfing & water rollers. There is a room available to hire where you can bring your own food or alternatively they have great facilities in their coffee bar not to mention its stunning views.
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Summer 2013
For something different, why not book yourself onto one of their Albert Dock Canoe Tours, where you can paddle from the centre in Queens Dock through the South Liverpool Docklands up towards the Albert Dock and return. The tour is taken with one of their instructors who will guide you and tell you about the history of the docks and give you some handy tips on your paddling technique. The staff at Liverpool Watersports Centre are friendly, very experienced and are always happy to help. Contact them on 0151 708 9322 or email them at lwc@localsolutions.org.uk www.kidsdirectliverpool.com
Kids Direct Liverpool
Sporting Fun
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Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Summer 2013
WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Spring and summer are fantastic times to visit the centre as new life develops allowing you to see the cute sights of ducklings, goslings, cygnets and flamingo chicks spring up around the reserve and gardens. Seasonal attractions include the award winning duckling nursery open from late May to end of July, take to the water and get a close encounter with nature on our award winning canoe safari and boat tour experience, get creative and have a go at den building, delve in and see what creatures you can find on bug hunts and pond dipping sessions every weekend and each day of the summer holidays. Every day you can also see the cute sight of our family of otters as Thai (mum) and Ned (dad) play with their three young cubs, Belle, Flick and Penny. You can watch their feed everyday at 11.30am and 2.30pm and hear all about Asian Short-clawed otters and why they have their home at Martin Mere. For young adventurers, a new imaginative play area was opened in June 2012 were you can swing, climb, balance, slide and clamber as well as joining in the waterplay to have fun. There is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed, a family of beavers in residence, an inspirational eco-garden and a rolling programme of events, walks and talks including Toddler Thursday, every Thursday during term time.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Summer 2013
Spend a summer’s day at Speke Hall. With their Victorian maze, children’s play area, family tracker packs – not to mention outdoor ping-pong, indoor billiards and woodland walks: Speke Hall is a great place to take the kids this summer. Speke’s a top place to explore and enjoy the outdoors: try some of their ’50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities including tree climbing, stone skimming and bird watching. Make sure you tick off the activities you do in their special ’50 Things’ scrapbooks available at Speke Hall and download a ’50 Things’ planner at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest. Try the new kids menu in Home Farm Restaurant or stop by their new Stables Tea Room for a lighter bite, delicious cake, ice cream or hot and cold drinks. Then head out for a walk along their estate walk with great views across the Mersey or take a wander through Speke’s ancient woodlands. On the way back pop into the newly restored Victorian kitchen garden and see their busy bees at work. Step back in time with their costumed guides to hear tales of times gone by or explore the house to discover the Priest’s Hole, the Victorian kitchen and the fantastic Great Hall. For more information please call 0151 427 7231 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall for opening times and admission prices. Post code L24 1XD. National Trust members enjoy free admission to the property. Additional charges may apply to certain events throughout the season.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
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Great Days Out
Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
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Summer 2013
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Feature
Summer 2013
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Summer 2013
Church Farm is a fantastic day out for all the family. There are lots of friendly animals to meet, a fun play area with go-karts, maze and swings and a farm walk with beautiful views over the River Dee and North Wales. At weekends and holidays, join in with tractor rides, pat-a-pet and animal feeding, plus the new barrel train. Don’t forget to come and watch our sheep racing too! Fairytale Forest is a special summer event on Sunday 4, 18 and 25 August. Join Prince Charming on his trip through the magical Church Farm forest to find his bride. Meet the witch, the three little pigs and the gingerbread man and boo the big bad wolf. Using a mixture of live action, storytelling, puppetry, song, dance and audience participation, Fairytale Forest presents your favourite stories like you've never seen them before. Suitable for boys, girls and adults who love a good story. The ticket also includes entry to the farm for the day. Book a children’s party or a school visit; you’ll meet all the animals and help harvest the organic fruit and vegetables. You can even take some produce home with you. The farm shop stocks a variety of home-grown, locally-produced and luxury food and the cosy Munch coffee shop is a lovely place to sit with a posh coffee, cake or light lunch. Church Farm is open EVERY DAY from 17 July – 1 September 10am – 5pm (usually open Wed – Sun). www.churchfarm.org.uk To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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