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Find out what Sid Sloane of CBeebies is up to now.
Meet the group that bake cakes for children for free. Win a family ticket to see CBeebies live! The Big Band.
Kids Direct Liverpool
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For Parents
Spring 2014
www.kidsdirectliverpool.com
Kids Direct Liverpool
Editors Note
Spring 2014
Anna x
FREE CAKES FOR KIDS UK
Read about this great community service who make cakes for children that may not otherwise get one ( page 4).
Yummy Hot Cross Cookies to make (page 24).
We are recruiting!
We are looking for an Advertising Sales Person to work from home on a part time basis each school term. Previous experience preferred. Ideal for someone looking for part time work to fit around their family commitments and wanting to enjoy the school holidays off. Access to a computer and phone essential. Please email your CV and cover letter to recruitment@kidsdirectliverpool.com
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.
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
Spring 2014
FREE CAKES FOR KIDS UK Free Cakes for Kids UK is a community service for families and organisations who find it difficult to provide a celebration cake for their child and they have been baking for the children of Liverpool for the last 18 months. Kelly Hyde, decided to set up the service for the city of Liverpool after reading about the national scheme Free Cakes for Kids UK on the Internet which started in Oxford in 2008 and now stands at around 78 groups across the UK. This community service receives no funding and relies entirely on volunteers, who pay for the ingredients and bake the personalised birthday cake in their own time to help make a child’s birthday that bit more special. Kelly says, ‘I read about Free Cakes for Kids UK after moving to Liverpool with my partner and little boy. I had started to bake after having more time on my hands but wanted to put my baking to some use. I think it’s a service that’s needed in the area. Families often struggle to provide birthday cakes for all sorts of reasons, and at the moment its especially difficult for families who simply can’t afford it. Currently, we have around 17 volunteer bakers and a delivery driver to help us ensure the cakes reach the child in time for their special day’. Free Cakes for Kids Liverpool works via a referral system. Interested families are asked to submit an application via local groups such as Foodbanks, Children’s Centres, schools, churches, debt advisory clinics or similar. ‘We are always looking for referral partners throughout Liverpool to refer children to us’, explains Kelly. ‘We need to ensure we reach the correct children, the children who will really benefit from our service. Some of the children are from very difficult backgrounds, with health problems, financial or social issues. When they receive a birthday cake they have an experience to talk about and share with others. They feel they are worthy of someone’s time.’ If you would like more information on Free Cakes for Kids or to offer your support to the Liverpool group, go to www.freecakesforkids.org.uk or you can follow Free Cakes for Kids Liverpool on Facebook and Twitter @FCFKLiverpool.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Music, Drama & Dance
Spring 2014
Little Actors Theatre Company offers performing arts activities for children aged 2½-11. Now with Charitable Status they are developing their access for all policy. A grant from the John Thaw Foundation enables discounts for low income families. LATC offers DramaTots for pre-school children (singing, dance and drama), plus Theatre Club for ages 5-11 has two hours of drama and musical theatre. All facilitators are professionally trained & experienced actors. Participating in the performing arts improves health and wellbeing and also builds children's communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. For 2014 the children will work on a WW1 themed community theatre project. Contact Samantha Giblin on 0151 336 4302, or email: mail@littleactorstheatre.com
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Parties
Spring 2014
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. Their parties offer great photo opportunities and are 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
Happy Hippo’s bring the perfect tea party to your location of choice! The party prince or princess is seated at the head of the table on their own throne with friends dressed up all around them on their own gorgeous chairs. Together with pristine china and tiered cake stands this is truly a party with panache! Happy Hippo’s offer a whole range of themes and boys themes are also available such as pirate parties. Parties include fancy dress, games, food, entertainment, prizes and there are lots of extras available too such as face painting and party bags. Sharon, the head fairy, is now hiring costumes from home so she can spend more time with the Happy Hippos! Do give her a call to arrange your child’s dream party on 0800 074 8651 www.happyhippos.co.uk.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Parties
Spring 2014
Hours of Fun parties are fun, exciting and activity packed. They work hard to ensure the moment you walk through the door you are submerged into the theme of the party, whether it be superheroes, fairies or jungle animals you will definitely know the birthday fun has begun. Choose to do cupcake decorating where you will decorate 4 cupcakes, learning how to roll out icing and to do a frosting swirl with a piping bag or take on the craft activities, making some pieces for your party outfit and accessories and having a lot of fun with glue and stickers. Hours of Fun make the birthday boy or girl feel extra special and make sure everyone heads home with lots of fantastic goodies. Currently 10% off bookings made before 31�� March. Contact Rachel for your child's perfect party on 07549 430879 or email rachel.hoursoffun@yahool.com
Take the stress and hassle out of your Birthday Party arrangements and enjoy a party to be proud of at Bubbles’ World of Play. Choose from their Underwater, Jungle or African Savannah themed party booths, each of which creates a fantastic party atmosphere where the children eat together and sing Happy Birthday. Their parties last 2 hours and include 80 minutes of play and 40 minutes in their dedicated party area with a choice of hot and cold buffet or toddler lunch boxes. Also, choose from a range of party extras available including party bags or a visit from Bubbles the Panda. All parties include invites and a party host to ensure you too have a great time on your child’s magical day. 0151 691 6030 To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
Kids Direct readers will recognise CBeebies presenter Sid Sloane, as one of the most well known faces on TV, whether they’ve now grown up a bit and graduated to CBBC or if they are parents who remember watching Sid as part of the original CBeebies line up of familiar and fun faces. Sid, a.k.a. Gary Gibson gave up a successful career in sales to train as an actor and got his first big role starring in a theatre adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Sid then went on to become the last member of the original CBeebies line up to leave the safety and popularity of his job as one of the faces of the channel after 11 years at the helm. Sid jokes “If I didn’t leave I was afraid the exec’s might forget to ask me to!” During his time as a presenter for CBeebies Sid had some incredible experiences “I traveled on Safari in Africa (twice), had picnics in wild animal parks, learnt circus skills, swam with Rebecca Adlington, sang with Noddy Holder, played keepy uppy’s with John Barnes and even met the Queen. There have been so many weird, wonderful and ultimately fantastic experiences and all in the name of children’s entertainment. ” Sid, who grew up in South London with three brothers and one sister, now lives in Brighton. He has a 16 year old son – someone who has had to cope with the
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Spring 2014
demands of having a TV personality for a father. “He went through a phase when it wasn’t cool having a dad on CBeebies because he became too old for it all,” explains Sid, of his son’s growing pains. “It didn’t last too long because all his mates really liked CBeebies. They all come up to me and say, ‘are you Josh’s dad, Sid from CBeebies?’ “And I think they’re winding me up because they’re teenage boys and they’re nearly the same size as me. Then they run off and come back with a piece of paper saying ‘Can you sign this for me?” Sid has also said “being on CBeebies has completely changed me and the strong sense of responsibility I feel towards our children and more importantly those I’m in direct communication with. Every child matters. I believe the innocence and wonderment and possibilities that they show to us is totally amazing.” So, we haven’t seen the last of him! “I will be influencing children for a long time to come with lots of plans to enlighten, enliven and inspire through my love of theatre and performance. Sid's Show is now touring the UK and is aimed at families with children aged 3+ and has been wowing audiences all around the UK since opening in October 2012 and it is coming to Merseyside on Saturday 26�� April at The Floral Pavilion, www.kidsdirectliverpool.com
Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
New Brighton (Box Office 0151 666 0001). CBeebies viewers know what to expect with Sid and he does not disappoint. Sid transfers naturally from television to stage as a performer bringing alive an already colourful set with music, songs, imaginative play and lots of audience interaction, all equally vital elements to enthrall his audiences of all ages. Fans of CBeebies will be pleased to hear that in April Sid goes into recording with Rebecca Keatley for a new series of “Let's Play“ and then after an expected run up at the Edinburgh fringe, Sid's Show II will go into rehearsals before taking to the road this autumn, just about leaving enough time for a quick panto run in...(sshh we can’t say yet) before returning to his tour for 2015. Sid’s other new venture is Oscar Stardust Ltd, which aims to bring theatre to children of all ages with the idea that the earlier children are engaged creatively, the more rounded confident little learners they will help to create. Lots of parents mentioned to Sid that his show was their child’s first experience of theatre, and with that in mind, it gave him the idea to launch a short workshop, “Introduction to theatre for nursery children”, showing and telling what goes
Spring 2014
on behind the face of the stage and helping to enrich their experience when they see the live performance. Nurseries can now book a personal visit from Sid for the introduction to theatre workshop though places are limited. You will need to make a group booking to see the show first if you would like a visit, find out more at enquiries@oscarstardustltd.com. Sid’s company have also embarked on the launch of a curriculum focused empowerment programme aimed at raising self-esteem and confidence at key stage 2 level, with the aim of facilitating children to produce a theatre show from scratch! This is a community led project for disadvantaged children with the focus on personal development through workshops. The final project will be a theatre performance with opportunities for learning in all aspects of a show’s production e.g. sound and lighting, set design etc. since not everyone wants to be in front of the audience. The aim is to launch in summer 2014 and roll it out throughout the UK. If you think your school would benefit from this scheme please look on Sid’s website sidsloane.org for more information. (Photo’s: Leanne Edwards, copyright to Oscar Stardust Ltd.)
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Book Review
Spring 2014
0-4 Years
This Moose Belongs To Me by Oliver Jeffers A charming and brilliantly silly story about Wilfred who owns a Moose. He hasn't always owned it but one day someone else claims the Moose as their own and thus starts a discussion on who really owns him. A witty and thought provoking story about whether any of us really own anything from award winning author of The Way Back Home and Lost and Found. The Storm Whale by Benji Davies. Noi and his father live by the sea and one day Noi finds a baby whale stranded on the beach and so he decides to take him home to care for him. Eventually Noi knows he has to return the Whale to the sea but the arrival of the Whale has changed his life forever. A lovely story beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, perfect for a bedtime read.
5-8 Years Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman. A wonderfully funny and charming tale about one Father's trip to the corner store and the wacky adventure he ends up on. A laugh out loud book that both adults and children alike will love and you'll want to read again and again. The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy. The Worst Witch is back and in an exciting new adventure. When Mildred see's a shooting star she decides to make a wish never imagining that it could possibly come true. When Mildred ends up with a small dog that she has to keep secret it causes more trouble and mayhem then ever before. Mildred is one of the best friends you could ever ask for.
8-11 Years The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. A dark and enchanting fantasy adventure perfect for girls who prefer their fairytales with a twist. Every four years two children are stolen away and taken to the school of good and evil never to return. An epic page turner that will keep you reading late into the night. The World of Norm: May be Contangious by Jonathan Meres. For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and David Walliams. Following his first 4 unfair adventures Norm knows its never going to be his day and before he knows it, he has hurt his wrist, been banned from riding his bike and been ditched by his best friend. If you are new to this series than start at May Contain Nuts. Book review by Ashley Armstrong, Waterstones Liverpool One
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Education & Childcare
Spring 2014
HOMES NEEDED FOR FRENCH CHILDREN The students are out at organised activities A group of French children aged between 14 - 17 yrs are coming to South Liverpool in July for a 13 day visit to learn English. We have groups arriving July 3rd – 16th and July 17th – 3oth. We are desperately looking for friendly families to welcome a young French girl or boy into their home as we still have students without homes. Have you a spare bed or beds in your home? Some students come over and want to be the only student in the home but many come and want to be hosted with a friend. The students have all been learning English for several years and are able to communicate effectively. The whole aim of the holiday is to improve their speaking of English and to allow them to experience English Culture.
all day Mon – Sat and are expected to join in family activities during the evenings and one day of the weekend. All students have travel passes and will be able to get to and from teaching locations after a little initial help. The majority of students will be having their lessons at the Liverpool John Moores University, I.M.Marsh campus, Barkhill Rd, Aigburth This contact with a French teenager can give them and your family help with speaking a foreign language but can also lead to lasting friendships. Each family will receive £186 hospitality fee for the 13 nights for one student and £352 for hosting 2 students. Anyone who would like to help by hosting a French student should contact Jenny Rowland Tel.No. 0151 336 1694.
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Spring 2014
Single and 3 day schools available for Easter: Thurs 24, Fri 25 and Sat 26 April.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
SPRING AT SPEKE HALL Speke Hall, set in its own gardens and estate, is a stunning 16�� century Tudor house with Victorian interiors nestling on the banks of the River Mersey. This historic gem on the outskirts of Liverpool offers a great family day out: Try their Victorian maze climbing bridges and towers with views across the river, or the new children’s playground where kids can burn off energy. Bring a picnic or eat their locally sourced home cooked food in their Home Farm restaurant. Get into the sporting spirit with a game of family ping pong or head out for a bracing walk along their new coastal trail bordering the Mersey Estuary. There’s a new woodland trail opening soon and acres of space to simply run
Spring 2014
around in. They also have some great events this spring: try their Alice in Wonderland week, bonnet making and Easter trails supported by Cadbury. Take Mum to Speke on Mothering Sunday and enjoy a walk around the garden followed by afternoon tea in the Stable Tea Room (booking is essential) – or join them in celebrating a Tudor May Day bank holiday. For more information on what’s happening at Speke Hall this spring go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall or call 0151 427 7231. Speke Hall is free to enter for all National Trust members. There is an admission charge for non-members to the house and grounds. Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool, L24 1XD.
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Spring 2014
The National Football Museum in Manchester is the perfect day out for football fans young and old. It’s the place to rediscover what made you fall in love with the beautiful game, or to share stories with the next generation of supporters. The museum has family friendly interactive games and displays, a Discovery Zone for under 5’s and fun Football Plus+ experiences including a Penalty Shoot Out to encourage those competitive grown-ups to show the youngsters how it’s done! Open daily in Manchester city centre, admission is free and the café and shop have plenty of pocket-friendly deals. For opening times and lots more details, visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
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Spring Calendar March 2014
April 2014
Sat 22nd Mar 2014, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Morse code challenge. Join the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, to test your skills at sending messages without the use of a mobile phone! Free, drop-in event. Tel: 0151 478 4499
Sat 5�� Apr, Southport Pleasureland is open! Lots of fun and excitement. Free entry. www.southportpleasureland.com
Sat 29�� Mar 11am-4pm, Florrie Arts and Craft Market at the Florrie. Free. www.theflorrie.org. Sat 29th Mar, 1pm-4pm, Carnival Crafts at the International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock. Learn more about carnival and make your own colourful headdress to take home. Free, drop-in event. 0151 478 4499. Sat 29th Mar, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, Polar the Titanic Bear at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock. Visit and listen to the adventures of Polar the Titanic bear, based on a story originally written by Titanic survivor Daisy Corning Stone Spedden for her son Douglas. 0151 478 4499. Sat 29�� - Sun 30�� March, 1-4pm, Magical world of science at World Museum, William Brown Street. Lots of hands on activities for an interactive event looking at the magic of chemistry and physics. Free, booking not required. 0151 478 4393. Sun 30�� Mar from 12pm, Mothering Sunday High Tea, Speke Hall. Join their Head Gardener for a walk around their beautiful spring gardens followed by a delicious high tea. £15, Booking essential 0151 427 7231. Usual entry fee applies.
Sat 5�� and Sun 6�� Apr, 10am - 4pm, Boat show, Martin Mere. Lots and lots of model boats on display indoors and outdoors. Have fun with boat themed crafts and see how wooden boats are constructed. Admission prices apply. 01704 895181. wwt.org.uk/martinmere Tue 8th Apr, 2pm Start, Family Bike Ride with Pedal Away, National Wildflower Centre. Meet in their main courtyard by the Cornflower Cafe. Join Pedal Away for a ride around the park and enjoy the great outdoors. For more information call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk. Wed 9�� to Sun 13�� Apr, 11.30pm 4pm, Alice in Wonderland, Speke Hall. Celebrate the opening of their new Wonderland Trail by joining them for a week of Alice in Wonderland themed events. Usual entry fee applies. Tel: 0151 427 7321. Sat 12�� Apr all day from 10 am. National Learn to Play Day. Free taster lessons available on musical instruments at Dawsons Liverpool on Williamson Street (see page 5 for more details and a chance to win a guitar). Sat 12�� Apr, 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm, Funky Roller Disco, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park. Limited spaces so booking essential. Tickets £6, including roller skates, or £20 per family ticket (2
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Spring Calendar adults/2 children). Tickets available at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park or by calling 0151 443 2200. For further details call 0151 443 5749. Sat 12�� Apr, 11.30am and 2.30pm, Yummm, Unity Theatre. A highly imaginative celebration of food using dance, live music, quirky design and amusing eating utensils for children aged 4 to 8 years and their families. Adults £8, Children £6. Box office 0844 873 2888. Wed 16�� - Fri 18�� Apr, 12pm-4pm, Easter Bonnet Making, Speke Hall. Create your Easter Bonnets and enter the parade at 4pm. Prizes awarded for the most creative bonnets. Usual entry fees apply. 0151 427 7231. Thurs 17�� Apr, CBeebies Live! The Big Band at the Echo Arena Liverpool. Great Big Band themed show full of all your favourite CBeebies characters. www.cbeebieslive.com (see page 14 for our competition). Sun 20�� to Mon 21�� Apr, 11am-4pm, Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trail, Speke Hall. Fun and games in the orchard. Complete the Easter trail and receive your Cadbury’s Eater Egg reward. Trail £2. Usual entry fee applies. 0151 427 7231 Sat 26�� Apr, Sid’s Show, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Children will love Sid’s Show performed by Sid Sloane as seen on Cbeebies (see page 9 for your chance to win a family ticket to this show). Sat 26�� Apr 7.00pm & Sun 27�� April, 1pm and 5.00pm, The Wizard of Oz, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park.
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Join Dorothy Gale as she befriends a brainless Scarecrow, a loveable Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion on their quest to thwart the evil powers of the Wicked Witch of the West. Adult tickets £10, children/ concessions £8. Sun 27th Apr, 11am. Gory Stories at the Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head. Join their education team for this chilling tour and a cold look at the darker side and hidden horrors of Liverpool. Booking not required. Free. 0151 478 4545. Sun 27�� Apr, 10am -5pm, Great Hall in St. George’s Hall. St George's Festival. A fun day for all the family in and around St Georges Quarter! Including free activities for children and great offers and discounts from participating businesses. Free admission. For more details visit www.stgeorgesquarter.org
May 2014 Sat 3�� May, 11.30am and 2.30pm, Rubbish, Unity Theatre. Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish; where, at the touch of a puppeteer's hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before your eyes. A visually stunning and playful production, exploring the unexpected value of discarded objects, for everyone over the age of 5. Adults £8, Children £6. For tickets call the box office on 0844 873 2888. Sun 4�� to Mon 5�� May, Tudor May Day Festival, Speke Hall. Celebrate spring in Tudor style. An authentic May Day festival with music and entertainment. Usual entry fees apply. Donations for crafts. 0151 427 7231.
Spring Calendar Sun 4�� May, 11am-1.30pm, Art & Philosophy for Children at The Bluecoat. Family workshop to encourage children to question what they see, make imaginative connections between art and the world. Free event but booking is required. Suitable for ages 8-12; children must be accompanied by an adult. For more details or to book visit www.thebluecoat.org.uk Sat 10�� May, 11.30am and 2.30pm, Luna, Unity Theatre. An enchanting theatre experience for 2 - 5 year olds and their families. Luna is bored and lonely up in the sky by herself with nobody to play with, until she slides down from the sky and begins an adventure where she helps a boy overcome his fears of night-time. Adults £8, Children £6. Box office 0844 873 2888. Fri 16�� May, 4pm till late, Light Night, Venues all across Liverpool. Arts and Culture festival over one night for visitors of all ages. For details visit www.lightnightliverpool.co.uk. Most events are free. 31�� May to 1�� June 10.30am-5pm, The Millenium Viewcon at the View Function Suite, 73-75 Everton Road. Liverpool’s 1st sci-fi convention held over 2 days with special guests, stalls selling various sci-fi memorabilia and comics plus much more. This event is designed for all ages. 1 day ticket is £6 for adults and £3 for children. Weekend passes available at £10 for adults & £5 for children. For more details or to book visit www.si-phi-entertainment.wix.com
June 2014 Sat 7th Jun, 10am-4pm, The Liverpool Vintage Fashion & Textiles Fair, St George’s Hall, Lime Street. Lots of fabulous stalls selling an eclectic mix of all things vintage from the 1890’s1980’s. Expect lots of original vintage & period fashions & accessories along with traditional & antique, textiles, jewellery, hats & shoes . Admission £3. Wed 25�� Jun. Liverpool RSPB’S Birdwatching and Nature Discovery Cruise. Popular Wildlife Discovery & Heritage Cruises on the River Mersey and out into the bay. Perfect for all the family and for both experienced and new watchers. Cruise with a running commentary and experts to answer your questions. Bring your own binoculars. The cruise departs Seacombe at 1.00pm, Pier Head at 1.10pm and Woodside at 1.20pm. Cruise duration approx 2.5 – 3 hours. Ticket prices are £14 for adults and £7 for children (3-15yrs). Advance booking is necessary: T: 0151 330 1444. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/Liverpool/eve nts/ Keep up to date: 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.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Just For Fun
Spring 2014
Q. What do you get if you pour hot water down a rabbit hole? A. Hot cross bunnies! Q. What do you call a rabbit with fleas? A. Bugs Bunny! Q. Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? A. It might crack up! Q. How did the soggy Easter Bunny dry himself? A. With a hare-dryer! Q. How does the Easter Bunny stay fit? A. Eggs-ercise and hare-robics!
BASKET BUNNY CANDY CELEBRATION CHICKS CHOCOLATE DAFFODIL EASTER EGGS FAITH FAMILY FLOWERS HOLIDAY HUNT RABBIT SPRING SUNDAY TULIPS
R S C B X X F L O W E R S E N
S M P B D G L U P V U C Z I O
J G N I R P S D R T G A Z Y I
O W G B L Q R A C E J N G S T
M X P E M U B U C K Z D U U A
M I D T R B T Y H S V Y J N R
O L S A I W A O I A E B U D B
F Y C T F D C K C B T E S A E
V A C I I F B A K G A L Q Y L
H R I L S U O K S S L S K L E
V W O T N Z B D T R O B I Z C
F H L N H E Z E I W C S T G E
F E Y C D Z R C R L O K D G M
W T Y L I M A F X W H S I L R
Q L Z S H U N T N T C M K E Z
How many Easter eggs can you see? There are 12 more of these bees hiding in this magazine. Can you find them all? 18
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
Spring 2014
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
Bubbles' World of Play is the ultimate Children's Entertainment Centre offering a whole new concept of Play that is both fun, educational and fitness enhancing. Housing one of the largest play frames in the UK (if not the largest), children are encouraged to learn and explore over 30 different countries and zones, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to their city role play area comprising of a police station, vets and shop to name a few. With interactive projectors, their very own talking penguin maze, ball cannon zone and numerous time challenge games; Bubbles' World of Play is the most innovative play centre around. Parents can relax in the comfortable seating areas enjoying quality food and drink and free WIFI whilst knowing that
Spring 2014
their children are safe and secure thanks to their extensive CCTV system, alarms on all exit doors and secure check in/check out processes. Parents can also explore the play frames with their children. Babies and toddlers are also well catered for with a large baby sensory area, separate secure baby feeding room with bottle making facilities and passcode access, baby change facilities on both floors and plenty of high chairs. Toddlers have the benefit of their own Toddler frame and a 'New York' themed play area. Located in Marine Point, New Brighton, it has its very own 90 space car park and a further 600 parking spaces within the Marine Point complex and just a 5 minute walk from New Brighton train station. www.bubblesworldofplay.co.uk
Get out and about in the Lake District with help from these gorgeous characters: The Felltarn Friends. Children will fall in love with Robyn the Red Squirrel, Hatty the Sheep, Bertie the Mouse and their friends throughout the 96 beautifully designed pages of the Felltarn Friends activity book. There's so much to learn about, from the Countryside Code to wild swimming, pond dipping and William Wordsworth. Get hands-on and creative with crafting pages and try out some new Cumbrian recipes. Decorate and colour in pictures and discover fun facts about new places to visit. This book is truly full to the brim with everything you need to inspire your children to get enthusiastic about the Lake District. Kids Direct readers can purchase the book at an Easter special price of ÂŁ8.99 by using code KDEGG. www.felltarn.co.uk
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Great Days Out
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
Spring 2014
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
This time of year the days are slowly getting longer and the temperature is gradually getting warmer (we hope), so let’s get outside with our kids! Benefits of getting outside We’ve all heard that getting outside is good for you, well it’s true - and it’s good for your kids too. This time of year we don’t get enough sunlight, which can leave many of us feeling a little bit down. However, getting out in the day time, even when it’s often cloudy, will give you a lot more sunlight than sitting inside, and studies have shown how getting more daylight can improve our spirits and make us more alert. Of course, we may all be carrying a little extra after Christmas (…and I suspect not many of us have kept
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Spring 2014
up with the New Year’s resolution diet!), so getting out for regular walks is a bonus on that front too. Why not start a new resolution now, and try to get out for a family walk whenever you can at the weekends? Encouraging your kids As any parent knows, distraction is the greatest tool in getting your kids to do something they don’t want to and the outdoors is full of distractions. At this time of year, set them a challenge of trying to spot the first signs of Spring. Look for things like snowdrops, the shoots of bluebells, and even blackbirds starting to gather a few items to make a nest - yes, they do start this early. Geocaching is another great way to keep kids amused when going on a walk. Register for free on Geocaching.com and download one of the many Geocaching apps onto your phone. You can then do a www.kidsdirectliverpool.com
Kids Direct Liverpool
Feature
treasure hunt just about anywhere. Keeping warm and dry Wet and cold kids won’t have fun and this time of year it’s important to be prepared for all weathers. Putting on layers of clothing is a lot better than just a single warm coat. Remove or unzip layers if they get too hot and add layers if they get cold. We always take a back-pack to hold hats, scarves and jumpers for when the kids get too hot. Keep dry too. Waterproof trousers for kids work well this time of year and saves on a lot of washing too! Stay away from cotton fabrics like jeans if it’s wet. As you know from washing jeans, they can take ages to dry by themselves. The same goes for anyone wearing wet jeans, who will get very cold (and dangerously cold this time of year), so stay away from jeans when out and about. Snacks also help. When it’s cold kids can burn more calories, and if they run out of fuel, they get cold. So take a few snacks, both as a reward for walking, and to keep them warm. If your kids like hot chocolate, take a little flask of that along too. Get some disposable hand warmers and put them in your bag. These are great at reviving anyone who’s starting to feel the cold. Where to go walking You can find loads of places to walk. If you can get on the hills and into the countryside, that’s great. But if not, there will still be walks near you. Even getting down to the local park and back is a start, but you could set you family more of a challenge. One of our goals this year is to try and complete one of the long distance walks that passes through the area. We shall do
Spring 2014
it in bits, at the weekends in between other family life. The aim is to do it as a family, though there will be times that not all of us will be able to do it together, but between us, we will work together to finish the walk. There are lots of long distance walking routes across the country, and you could set your family a similar challenge. A great walk for Sundays are places run by the National Trust. In fact, after visiting a few, we invested in a National Trust Family Membership Card, which works out a lot cheaper after just visiting a few properties, enabling us to get in free to places up and down the country (and also free parking at many of the National Trust countryside car parks). The National Trust often have selection walking routes available for different abilities, and there’s usually trails for kids with activities or finding things. Some places also have geocaching you can try, and will lend you a GPS to find the treasure caches. It’s always nice to end up in the tea room afterwards too (….though it doesn’t help with losing those Christmas pounds)… Your local council may have also printed some leaflets of local family walks too, so pop along to your local tourist information office see what’s available.
Wherever you go, get out and enjoy the outside.
www.getoutwiththekids.co.uk
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Recipe
Spring 2014
Ingredients:
Method: 1. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. 2. Grease 3 or 4 baking trays. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar and egg until smooth. Next, add the flour, cinnamon and baking powder. Combine the mixture to form a dough. Add the cranberries and the chunks of white chocolate and mix. 3. Make about 18 balls and flatten them onto the trays leaving spaces in between. Bake for 1012 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and wait a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. 4. Melt the 100g white chocolate in a microwave on a low heat for 20 seconds at a time. Use a piping bag or drizzle with a teaspoon to make a cross on each cookie. Enjoy!
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Eating Out with the Kids
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
Spring 2014
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Kids Direct Liverpool
For Parents
Spring 2014
A fantastic competition courtesy of:
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Kids Direct Liverpool
For Parents
Spring 2014
Newborn and baby photography Family and Children portraits Maternity sessions Cake smash sessions
Call Claire on 07852 924451
Email: insightimages@ymail.com
www.facebook.com/InSightImgs InSight Images offers a high quality and professional service throughout Liverpool, Wirral and the Merseyside area. Claire is the photographer behind InSight Images and undertakes all areas of portraiture including Newborn and Children's portrait sessions. She provides mobile studio and location sessions throughout Merseyside all year round. Her aim is to capture beautiful, timeless images that capture your child's personality and create lasting memories of such a precious time. There are a number of
packages available that have been designed to suit all budgets, starting from just ÂŁ125. Packages include prints and products as well as a selection of digital images ensuring you have a collection of stunning high quality images for years to come. A very popular package they offer includes 3 sessions: Bump, Newborn and Baby's 1st Birthday, which beautifully documents the special milestones during your baby's first year. They are also happy to price up any bespoke requests that you may have. Contact Claire on 07852 924451 or email insightimages@ymail.com.
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Sporting Fun
Spring 2014
Think you have what it takes to be the next Tae Kwon Do champion? Or looking to get fit in a friendly club then look no further. Juniors and Seniors can train with multiple World and European champion Roger Lawrence also a former Team Scotland coach. He has won unprecedented success that led Scotland to be ranked number 3 in the World. Call Roger on 07973 195 301 or email therogerlawrence@yahoo.co.uk. Also, Liverpool Tots Kwon Do for toddlers aged 2 to 4, use merit badges to mark your child’s progress. Tots Kwon Do can improve balance, coordination and give your child confidence in the art of learning, whilst having fun. Parental participation is required! So go along and have some fun. Friendly female instructor. For bookings or for further details call Claire on 07507 720 040 or email suzanne_claire@yahoo.co.uk.
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Kids Direct Liverpool
Sporting Fun
Spring 2014
Airborn Academy is a state of the art urban sport centre based close to Liverpool City centre on Boundary Street, in the Liverpool Film Studios Complex and less than 10 minutes walk from Sandhills railway station. This unique and exciting new venue is the first of its kind in the UK and unites an array of urban sports under one roof; freerunning, cheerleading, trampolining, tumbling, break dancing, aerial skills and martial arts. Their facilities include an urban obstacle training space, competition size cheerleading floor, aerial equipment, dance studio and innovative raise training zone with freerunning bar space, sunken trampolines and fast track, all leading to the central foam landing pit. Their professional and fully qualified coaches offer the highest quality of instruction in a safe and inspiring environment. Regardless of age, ability, or fitness level, Airborn Academy has something for everyone and is the perfect place to get active, explore the progression of movement, participate in upcoming, exciting urban sports and also meet some awesome people in the process. Open every weekday evening and from 10:00am -9.30pm at weekends, classes are offered for complete beginners right through to those with a high level of skill and experience. Parties and private bookings can also be accommodated and keep a check on their website for extra daytime activities during school holidays. For lots more details visit: www.airbornacademy.com. To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
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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 include a choice of activities from kayaking, rafting, canoeing, stand up paddleboards, sailing, windsurfing & water rollers. Food can also be arranged for your child's party in their coffee bar with its stunning views at an additional cost of ÂŁ5 per child and you are welcome to bring your own birthday
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Spring 2014
cake. For something different, why not book yourself onto one of their Albert Dock Canoe Tours? 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
To advertise in Kids Direct Liverpool email: anna@kidsdirect.org
Spring 2014
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