Your guide to the first five years April - June 2015 Issue 8
Free!
d e L y Bab ing n a e W
Win Win Win Tickets to My First Ballet
Take a
copy
Win Tree Fu T om tick ets
Spark Arts Festival
Everything parents in Leicestershire need to know Tel: 07866 551151
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Contents Classes and Win My First Ballet Tickets .... 4 Baby Led Weaning .... 5 Win tickets to Tree Fu Tom at De Montfort Hall .... 6 What’s On .... 7 Tots Groups ..... 10 Cover story: Playground photo shoot by www.beaphotography.co.uk
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ummer is coming, things are slowly warming up and we are spending more time outside. This time of year can be an expensive one so we’ve tried to come up with many ways you can entertain your little ones for not much money. Whether it’s groups, events at a museum, crafts, theatre or dressing up that floats your little one’s boat there is something in here for you. The Spark Festival of Children’s Arts is growing every year, the timing means it falls across the summer half term making it an ideal hunting ground for parents in search of activities for their kids. Remember Father’s Day too this year on Sunday 21 June and is a brilliant opportunity to allow your kids to show off their creative side. We have Pinterest boards with loads of ideas pinned for you and our Facebook page has lots of interesting articles and events on there. Follow us and you’ll never be short of ideas and inspiration. You can find them all through www.totstimes. co.uk Baby Led Weaning has become very popular recently and we’ve pulled together some advice and recipes to help you if you are about to embark on the exciting journey that is solid food with your little one. Enjoy the longer evenings and I hope you get the chance to kick back and relax at least once in a while. Helen Knapton-Knott Editor
All rights reserved. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information provided in print and on the website is as up-to-date and accurate as possible at the time of publication. No responsibility can be taken by Tots Times for any errors or omissions contained herein. Responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this guide/website is not the responsibility of Tots Times. Readers are advised to check listings information with event providers to avoid disappointment. Copyright of all text, pictures and advertisements designed or authored by Tots Times and its officers remains with the publisher. If you are supplying artwork under copyright we assume you have the right to do so. All advertising copy must be accurate, truthful and ASA compliant. You need our permission to reproduce any part of this magazine or associated website content. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily the views of Tots Times and services and goods advertised are not necessarily endorsed by Tots Times. Our office is 394 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0WA. Copy deadline for next issue: June 5th 2015.
To contact Tots Times call 07866 551151 or e-mail info@totstimes.co.uk
Father’s Day Facts Father’s Day is Sunday 21st June Top Five Father’s Day Facts The Stevie Wonder song ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ is about his newborn daughter, Aisha. If you listen carefully you can hear her crying during the song. Seahorse daddies get to carry the eggs and birth the babies. In Thailand, the King’s birthday also serves as National Father’s Day. The celebration includes fireworks and acts of charity and honour. It takes place on December 5th. We send 32 million Father’s Day cards and spend an average of £10 on presents but Dad’s aren’t that bothered about cards! Father’s Day was the idea of American woman, Sonora Smart Dodd. She decided to found a day in honour of her father, who, after becoming a widower, raised six children on his farm.
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The Spark Arts Festival celebrates 13 years of entertaining kids
The Spark Festival is the largest children's arts festival in England & Wales. Now in its thirteenth year the festival presents 13 fantastic festival days jam packed with the very best theatre, dance, music, visual arts and digital media events for young people aged 0 - 13 years. Spark Festival runs from 18 - 30 May 2015 and will be visiting lots of venues, schools, libraries, parks and community venues across Leicester, offering children and their families a chance to play, create, dance, make great art and see fantastic theatre. There are lots of free events and workshops taking place, whilst those parents with pre-school children should look out for our ‘first spark’ events, created especially for under 5s. One show coming to Leicester is the Musical Rumpus, Spitalfields Music’s award-winning, interactive and multi-sensory show for babies and toddlers. In Fairy Queen in the Forest you will discover a magical world of fairies, mystical creatures, sounds, colours, storytelling and play. Set to music from Purcell’s much loved opera The Fairy Queen, this enchanting musical adventure is for you and your baby to enjoy together. To win a family ticket to see Musical Rumpus: Fairy Queen in the Forest on Friday 29 May at 10.30am, answer the following question:
How many years has the Spark Festival been running for? E-mail your answer to info@totstimes.co.uk by Friday 15 May, 2015 putting Spark in the subject line. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct answers. No cash alternative or substitution is available. For full details of The Spark Festival visit the website www.sparkfestival.co.uk, or call 0116 261 6893 for a brochure, or pick one up from Visit Leicester, 51 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester.
18 - 30 May 2015
Adult & Toddler Outdoor Sessions EXPLORING ACTIVITIES STORIES & PLAY
Mondays 10am ~ 12 Noon
Brocks Hill Country Park Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester
Especially for children 0 - 13 years
Booking & Information w w w. w o o d l a r k . o r g . u k �e � t � � � � � � � � � � �
www.sparkfestival.co.uk call 0116 261 6893
Woodlark Forest Schools
or pick one up from Visit Leicester
In Association with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
for a brochure
51 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester
Facebook/SparkArtsFestival
Twitter @thesparkarts
Tel: 07866 551151
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Classes For Mummies
Buggy Bootcamp, Braunstone Hall, Braunstone Park, Leicester 10am every Thursday, session finishes 11am. Bosom Buddies Antenatal Workshops. 7-9pm Second Monday of every month. Huncote Children’s Centre, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, LE9 3BN For pregnant women who live in the Blaby, Oadby & Wigston District Carry My Baby sling library dropin. Every Friday 9am - 12pm at 552 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6EP. A free drop-in session for sling advice. Browse over 50 slings and carriers available to hire for 2 or 4 weeks, £6-8 hire fee for 2 weeks, deposit payable (£35-£100). My Fitter Mama fitness for mums with babies – Mon 10.30am Neve Shalom, 24 Avenue Road, Stoneygate, LE2 3EA 10 Week Tummy Flattener Postnatal Exercise Tuesday 10.45am at Neve Shalom, 24 Avenue Road, Stoneygate, LE2 3EA My Fitter Pregnancy prenatal exercise Thursday 6.45 Jewish Hall, 24 Avenue Road, Stoneygate, LE23EA. Female Fitness Class, Thursday 8pm Neve Shalom, 24 Avenue Road, Stoneygate, LE2 3EA Outdoor Buggy Fitness Brocks Hill Park Wednesday 1pm
For little learners
Dance and Movement with Melody Bear Baptist Church Hall, Buckminster Road, Leicester, LE3 9AT. Tuesday and Saturday. Dance and Movement with Melody Bear Broughton Astley Village Hall, LE9 6PT. Wednesday Dance and Movement with Melody Bear - Trinity CHurch Hall, Oadby, LE2 4LA. Friday Little Larks Woodland School, pre-school and toddler classes Tuesday from 10am, Bradgate Park and Thursday from 10am at Burbage Common. Baby Signing, The Porta Cabin, Evington Leisure Centre, Downing Drive, Evington LE3 6LP. Tuesday from 1.30pm - 2.30pm. Toddler Signing, The Scout Hut,
Katy Lou’s Music and Movement Monday 9.30am and 11am Market Bosworth Free Church, Barton Road, Market Bosworth. Wednesday 9.30am St Nicholas Church, Vicarage Rd, Nuneaton Friday 10.15am and 10.45am Sport in Desford, Peckleton Lane, Desford. Contact Leigh-Ann 07950 676588, Leighann@katylous.co.uk. Stamford Street, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8DL. Friday from 10am. Baby Signing, The Scout Hut, Stamford Street, Glenfield, Leicester, LE38DL. Friday from 11.15am. Baby Signing, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, LE4 4DH. Friday from 1.30pm Rhythm Kids 0-5 years 10.45am Friday, The Oat Hill Bar, 31 Kettering Rd. Market Harborough. Baby Beats, 9.30am Wednesday, URC, George Street, Lutterworth. Toddler Tempo, 10.30am Wednesday URC, George Street, Lutterworth.
Baby swimming
Aqua Vie Infant Aquatics Kirby Muxloe Primary School Pool,Barwell Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2AA. Saturday 10.30am. Aqua Vie Infant Aquatics Birkett House School, Launceston Road, Wigston, Leicester. Various days. Baby/preschool swimming. Westfield Junior School, Westfield Road, Hinckley LE10 0LT. Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 am. Baby/preschool swimming. Kirby Muxloe Primary School, Barwell Road, Kirby Muxloe LE9 2AA. Mon and Fri from 9am. Baby/preschool swimming. DeMontfort University QEII Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre, Leicester LE1 9BH. Tuesday from 10am. Baby/preschool swimming. John Cleveland College, Butt Lane, Hinckley LE10 1LE. Saturday 12pm. Baby/preschool swimming lessons. Winstanley Community College, Kingsway North, Braunstone Town LE3 3BD. Sunday 9am.
Competition: My First Ballet: Swan Lake
Win tickets to see My First Ballet: Swan Lake at Curve, Leicester on May 22nd. English National Ballet and English National Ballet School bring the enchanting My First Ballet series to Curve with a childrenfriendly adaptation of the classic Swan Lake. The performances are created to make classical ballet accessible and enjoyable to children aged 3 upwards. With a narrator to help children follow the story, and Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music, this is the perfect way to introduce children to the magic of ballet. To win, answer this question: Which composer wrote the music to the ballet Swan Lake? E-mail your answer to info@ totstimes.co.uk by Friday 8 May, 2015 putting Swan Lake in the subject line. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct answers. No cash alternative or substitution is available. The family ticket is for the performance on Friday 22nd May at 1pm and admits a family of four. My First Ballet: Swan Lake runs from Fri 22 May - Sat 23 May. For more information or to book tickets call 0116 242 3595 or visit www.curveonline.co.uk
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Baby Led Weaning Weaning babies is a testing time for mums. You are subject to a lot of ‘advice’ from all different directions and very often, most of the advice is contradictory. The guidelines have changed several times even in recent years and sometimes it can be hard to stop people from giving your baby ‘treats’, especially when they are around 5 or 6 months. The current NHS guidance is that babies should be exclusively breast or bottle fed up to six months and then other foods introduced slowly. It sounds easy. It often isn’t. Babies come with their own timetable, their own likes and dislikes and their own special ability to get rid of an offending foodstuff! Baby led weaning is popular because you don’t need to cook and freeze purees, there is no feeding from jars and pouches and it allows babies to use
their natural curiosity to discover food and its benefits. At six months babies are still learning how to use their mouths. They are discovering making noises, using their tongue and learning to move things around in their mouth. They have a gag reflex to stop big pieces of food from going too far back until they have been properly chewed up. One of the most important things to remember is babies are not going to be reliant on food other than breastmilk or infant formula for many months to come so what they eat is actually not as important as what they drink - there is a saying - ‘Food is for fun until they are one’. If you want to try baby led weaning then there are some basic rules to get you going: Honey should not be given to a baby until they are one, even cooked honey. Continued over
Trostisar is an imaginative range of healthcare and toy products to soothe and comfort children from an early age. Trostisar are magical characters, who comfort and spread love. They don't judge or compare and are very curious of what children are afraid of! The exclusive product range includes our cuddly plasters, which are soft velvety plasters which adhere to normal plasters or straight onto the skin to calm and soothe. They are available in our 6 Trostisar characters and also the ever popular Angry Birds. Our night-time plasters feature a glow-in-the-dark heart which fades gently as your child falls asleep to help ease fears of the darkness. Our award winning Bumpsicle is a re-fillable ice pack which can be used to soothe a sore, bump, sting or bite and can then be opened up to be eaten as an ice-pop. Our Gentle Sleep Range includes BedBlocks, making it easy for parents to raise the pillow end of the cot when a child has cold or colic. Children love our cute cuddle blankets and soft toys of our characters and can easily relate to them and their protective powers. For more information on Trostisar please visit our website.
www.trostisar.co.uk
Tel: 07866 551151
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Milk feed before offering food so they don’t get frustrated when learning to eat. Beware of the choking risk from small round shaped foods like blueberries, slices of sausage, grapes, cherry tomatos and nuts. Cut round food in half. Start off with finger or chip shaped foods. Carrot, parsnip, potato, sweet potato, red and yellow peppers and broccoli can be steamed or roasted, while cucumber, big strawberries and banana are all good to start with. Keep your baby upright while eating solid foods. Get a big stack of flannels for cleaning up your baby after they have enjoyed their meal. Don’t leave your baby on their own with foods. Offer every type of food even if you don’t like it. Be prepared to offer cold food and foods with strong flavours like olives, gherkins, lemons and limes. Get a highchair you can hose down easily and put a plastic shower curtain on the floor underneath it. Consider eating outside in the summer months to limit clean up. Watch online videos of gagging and choking - there is a difference and they may gag a lot at the beginning. If you are really concerned, do a pediatric first aid course. St John’s Ambulance offer courses to parents in Leicestershire.
The NHS say signs that babies are ready to start weaning include: - They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady. - They can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at the food, pick it up with good pincer grip and put it in their mouth all by themselves. - They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push the food out of their mouth so they get more on their face than in their mouths.
Win Tree Fu Tom Tickets
Easy Baby Led Weaning recipes. Porridge pancakes. Make thick porridge without salt or sugar according to the packet instructions. spread onto a plate and leave to set. Slice into fingers and serve cold. You can add berries, cinnamon, or cheese to vary the flavour. You can also do this with thick dhal. Cut vegetables like carrots, parsnips, courgette, sweet potato and butternut squash into sticks or chunks, toss with olive oil and roast for an hour at 180C or until soft inside. Allow to cool and serve. French toast . Mix 1 egg with a little water or milk, soak a slice of bread in the liquid. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and when it is hot, add the eggy bread and fry on one side until golden. Flip your french toast and fry on the other side until golden and cooked all the way through. Cool, slice into fingers and serve. Easy tomato sauce. Fry a small onion in olive oil until translucent. Add one tin of chopped tinned tomatoes, a teaspoon of dried oregano and a teaspoon of sugar and cook until thick, about 20 minutes. You can then either allow it to cool and blend until smooth so it becomes a homemade tomato ketchup, or use it as it is as a sauce for pasta like spirali and penne.
Tree Fu Tom is coming to De Montfort Hall and you could be there with your family to see the show.
Follow Tom, Twigs, Ariela and friends on an action packed adventure through the magical world of Treetopolis. Tom finds a map and follows it to see if it reveals any hidden treasure. The friends must travel through wild weather and catch the mischievous Mushas who are making trouble along the way. The show is full of fun, music and laughter and Tom will need your help with his Tree Fu moves to help save the day. You can win a family ticket to see the show at 1pm on Saturday 6 June by answering this question: What is the name of the magical world Tom and his friends live in? E-mail your answer, name, address and telephone number to info@totstimes.co.uk putting Tom in the subject line. Closing date is Friday 22nd March. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct answers. No cash alternative or substitution available. Conditions may apply. For more information and to book tickets contact De Montfort Hall Box Office on 0116 2333111.
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What’s On Guide
Monday 6 April The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Curve, Rutland Street, Cultural Quarter, Leicester until Saturday 11 April. Tickets cost £14, contact the box office 0116 2423595.
Wednesday 8 April Springtime magical forest: Daffodils & daisies, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Make some springtime flowers to brighten up our woodland. £2.50, suitable for all ages. Contact 0116 225 4900 The Belgrave Picture House, 11am - 4pm Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Watch cartoons, eat popcorn and follow the film trail. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). T: 0116 229 8181. Friday 10 April Mini Dino Models at Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, 10.15 11.15am and 11.45-12.45pm. Make a mini dino in the clay modelling workshop. £2.50, pre-booking essential. Contact 01509 233754. Sunday 12 April Hobbies and Pastimes Steam Day 1pm - 5pm Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester. Our collection of historic transport will be on display and at least one of the mighty beam engines will be in steam, as will the museum’s site railway. Refreshments available. Admission: Family £8, adults £3.50; children/concessions £2.50 (small charge for train rides). T: 0116 299 5111 Kite Flying Day, Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire from 11am. The Midland Kite Fliers will thrill with their skills. Bring your own kite or make one. Free event, normal admission charges apply. Saturday 18 April St George and the Dragon drop in activities, 11.30am – 3.30pm, Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester. New activity pack and hands-on activities. Free admission, £1.50 per activity pack. T: 0116 225 4971 Also on Sunday 19, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April.
Tuesday 21April Tiny Tuesdays Special: A Right Royal Day! Charnwood Museum, Lougborough. It’s the Queen’s birthday so have a go at making your own royal crown to wear. Free for under 5s. Contact 01509 233754. Thursday 23 April St George! Charnwood Museum, Loughborough. Have a go at the free gallery game to celebrate St George›s Day. Free entry. Contact 01509 233754. Saturday 25 April St. George’s Festival, Orton Square and Cultural Quarter, 12noon 5pm. Featuring a special appearance from the Octonauts. There will be a parade of knights and princesses and a dinosaur trail as well as music, dance and live performances on the square and in venues across the Cultural Quarter. Friday 1 May Small Space Toddler Day, National Space Centre, Leicester. Stories, astronaut presentations, sing along sessions, trails and a chance to see a special show featuring the planets and Astronaut George. Adults and children over 5 must purchase a day pass to the National Space Centre, children under 5 go free.
puppetry, songs and opportunities to join in. Tickets £9 or £7 for concessions. Contact 01509 231914. Emergency Services Railway Day 11am - 4.30pm Abbey Pumping Station. Come and meet the Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance and other emergency services. Refreshments available. Admission free (small charge for train rides). T: 0116 299 5111 Sunday 3 May May day madness! 11.30am – 3.30pm Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester. Egg and spoon race, three-legged race, extreme croquet, Roman coin die, gingerbread house and lots more. Free admission and activities. T: 0116 225 4971 Saturday 9 May Vintage Tractor Weekend, The Battlefield Line Railway, Shackerstone. See tractors, stationary engines, vintage lawnmowers and cars. Camp-
Saturday 2 May Duck in the Truck, Loughborough Town Hall, 11am. Based on the bestselling book by Jez Alborough, we join Duck and his friends on an adventure with
Tel: 07866 551151
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ing available. Event runs Sunday as well. Contact www.battlefield-linerailway.co.uk Saturday 16 May Secret Egypt activities New Walk Museum & Art Gallery 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm. Includes craft activities, performances to launch the new Secret Egypt exhibition (performance at 1pm). £2.50 for activities, suitable for all ages. T: 0116 225 4900 Moira Canal Festival, Moira Furnace, DE12, 6AT, 10am - 5.30pm. Visit Moira Furnace Museum, take a boat trip and see the restoration works. Contact 01530 515273. Runs Sunday as well. Merlin, The Sword in the Stone, Loughborough Town Hall 2pm. Follow Arthur on his adventures guided by Merlin to pull the sword from the stone and become King. Audience participation, beautiful costumes and magical puppetry. Tickets £8, £6 concessions, contact 01509 231314 Sunday 17 May Secret Egypt activities at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm. Today’s craft activity will be the Book of the Dead. £2.50 for activities, payable at the museum shop, suitable for all ages. T: 0116 225 4900
Monday 18 May Stick Man, Curve Leicester, performance at 2pm of the adaptation of the Julia Donaldson classic. Suitable for age 3+. Tickets £10-£14 plus transaction fee. Contact 0116 2423595 Tuesday 19 May Stick Man, Curve Leicester, performances at 11am and 2pm of the adaptation of the Julia Donaldson classic. Suitable for age 3+. Tickets
£10-£14 plus transaction fee. Contact 0116 2423595. Runs until Thursday 21st May. The Boy who bit Picasso, Attenborough Arts Centre, 11.30am and 2.30pm. Colourful and exuberant show. Suitable for 4-8 year-olds. tickets £7 or £25 for a family of four. Contact 0116 2522455. Diversions: Journey’s End, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, 10am-11am, suitable for 0-1 years; 11.30am-1pm Suitable for crawlers to 2 years; 2pm-3.30pm for families. Fun Family workshops. Free event. Wednesday 20 May The Boy who bit Picasso, Attenborough Arts Centre, 11.30am and 2.30pm. Colourful and exuberant show. Suitable for 4-8 year-olds. tickets £7 or £25 for a family of four. Contact 0116 2522455. Hercules: A Dance Cabaret, Curve, 11am and 7pm. The story of Hercules as you’ve never seen it before. Suitable for 5+. Tickets £10-£16 plus transaction fee. Contact 0116 2423595. Friday 22 May My First Ballet: Swan Lake, Curve, Leicester. Classic ballet recreated for young children. Performances at 1pm and 4.30pm. Suitable for 3+ years. Tickets £8 - £25 plus booking fee. Contact 0116 2423595. Saturday 23 May Curve Family Day, 10am - 6pm at Curve, Leicester. Backstage tours, storytelling, dressing up and choir workshops. Free entry, just drop in. contact 0116 2423595. My First Ballet: Swan Lake, Curve, Leicester. Classic ballet recreated for young children. Performances at 10.30am, 1pm and 4.30pm. Suitable for 3+ years. Tickets £8 - £25 plus booking fee. Contact 0116 2423595. One Little Word, Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester, performances at 11am and 1pm. Beautiful story told with original music and ONE spoken word. Suitable for age 5+. Tickets £7 or £25 for a family of four. Contact 0116 2522455. Static, Curve, Leicester. Hilarious visual comedy about breaking the mould. Performances at 11am and 2pm. Suitable for age 5+. Tickets £6 - £10 plus booking fee. Contact 0116
2423595. Spark Arts: The Wonderful World of Mr E, Knighton Park, 12pm and 3pm. Interactive Show with puppets, music, clowning and storytelling. Suitable for age 3+. Free event. Bedtime Stories, The Y Theatre from 4.30pm. Bedtime stories, lullabies, warm drinks and cookies. Suitable for under 8s and families. Tickets £2 including cookies and hot chocolate. Contact 0116 2557066. Sunday 24 May Baby Disco, Underwater, Attenborough Arts Centre, 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Underwater themed disco. Suitable for age 6 and under. Tickets £5 per child, accompanying adult free. Contact 0116 2522455. Monday 25 May Medieval madness fun day 11am 3.30pm The Guildhall, Leicester. Celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Dress as a princess or knight! See the replica Magna Carta in the new Medieval galleries, crafts include golden clay coins, create scrolls, feather quill pencils plus face painting! £2.50 for crafts. T: 0116 253 2569 Spark Arts: The Wonderful World of Mr E, Spinney Hill Park, Leicester, 11am and Abbey Park, Leicester at 4pm. Interactive Show with puppets, music, clowning and storytelling. Suitable for age 3+. Free event. Tuesday 26 May Spark Arts Festival: Digital Sparks, Phoenix, Leicester, 11am-5pm. Learn, play and create with the latest digital technology around. Suitable for 2+ years. Free event. Spark Arts Festival: Enchanted Forest, Attenborough Arts Centre, 10am-3pm. Play, create and spark your imagination. Suitable for all the family. Free event. Spark Arts Festival: Little Red Riding Hood, Attenborough Arts Centre, 11am and 1.30pm. Retelling of the classic story with exquisite visuals, pantomime silliness and some spooky moments. Suitable for 4+ years. Tickets £7, family of four £25. Contact 0116 2522455. Also runs Weds 27 May. Peter Pan, Loughborough Town Hall, 2pm. Join the Darlings on their
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journey to Neverland to visit the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and Captain Hook. Tickets £12.50, £10.50 concessions. Box office 01509 231914. Make a Magnet, Charnwood Museum, Loughborough. 10.15 - 11.15 and 11.45 to 12.45pm. Create your own fridge magnet to display. Cost £2.50, pre-booking essential. Contact 01509 233754. Ancient Egypt Week 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Explore the life and afterlife of this ancient civilisation. Take part in the pyramid build and create your very own death mask £2.50 for activities, suitable for all ages. T: 0116 225 4900 Pretty pencils children’s day 11am 4.30pm Abbey Pumping Station. Decorate a pencil and pencil holder with a little help from us, or create your own design. Themed trail around the museum. Refreshments available. Site railway running subject to weather. Admission free, £2 for activities (small charge for train rides). T: 0116 299 5111 Wednesday 27 May Ancient Egypt Week 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Take part in the pyramid build and create your very own revered crocodile god ‘Sobek’. £2.50 for activities, payable at the museum shop, suitable for all ages. T: 0116 225 4900 Stamps Galore 11am – 4pm Belgrave Hall. Celebrate 175 years of the postal service and design your own Belgrave Hall postcard. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). T: 0116 229 8181 Thursday 28 May Mosaic Madness, Charnwood Museum, Queen’s Park, Loughborough. Learn about mosaics and have a go at decorating your own tile with different materials. 10.15-11.15am 11.45-12.45pm. Pre-booking essential £2.50. Contact 01509 233754. Spark Arts: Diversions: Journey’s End, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. 12pm-3pm suitable for families, free event. Spark Arts: Kazzum presents Nana’s Jumble 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm The Guildhall, Leicester. Join in with Nana’s riotous storytelling
performance for children. Explore together as a family at the most exciting jumble sale you’ve ever been to! Pre-booking recommended, tickets £5 Contact 0116 253 2569. Friday 29 May Ancient Egypt Week 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Activities exploring the life and afterlife of Egypt. £2.50 for activities, suitable for all ages. T: 0116 225 4900 Musical Rumpus: Fairy Queen in the Forest, Attenborough Arts Centre, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Award-winning interactive, multi sensory show for babies and toddlers. Suitable for 0-3 years. Tickets £7, family of four £25. Contact 0116 2522455. Spark Arts: Diversions: Journey’s End, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. 12pm-3pm suitable for families, free event. Saturday 30 May Hop, Curve, Leicester 1pm and 4pm. A poetic physical dance theatre production by the critically acclaimed Nevski Prospekt from Belgium. Suitable for 4+ years. Tickets £7 plus booking fee. Contact 0116 2423595. Ancient Egypt Week 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Create your own funery boat to guide you to the afterlife and take part in the pyramid build. £2.50 for activities, suitable for all ages. Contact 0116 225 4900 Spark Arts Festival: Show Off! LCB Depot, Cultural Quarter, 11am-4pm. Free activities including DIY photography, print making, building in Minecraft and video game making. Suitable for all the family. Free event. Sunday 31 May Ancient Egypt Week 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Make jars for a mummy’s innards using paper and help build our New Walk Museum pyramid. £2.50 for activities, suitable for all ages Saturday 6 June Riverside Festival Leicester, 10am 5pm, Bede Park, Castle Gardens and the Mile Straight. Watery events. Leicestershire Sausage and Cider
Family Festival, Cattows Farm, Leicestershire, LE67 2RF, 11.30am until Sunday 9pm. Live music, stalls, sausages and cider. Camping available. Tickets from £7 per adult. Teddy bears picnic railway day 11am - 4.30pm, Abbey Pumping Station All children who bring their teddies along with them to the event will get a free ride on the museum’s railway train. Refreshments available. Admission free (small charge for train rides). T: 0116 299 5111 Music in the Park at Wistow Hall. Charity concert and fireworks display for LOROS and Leicester Charity Link. Bring a picnic and enjoy local covers band Krisis and Hathern Brass Band. Adults £15 in advance, £17.50 on the day. Under 10s free. Free parking. Gates open 5.30pm, concert 7.30pm, fireworks 10pm. Contact 0116 2593756. Sunday 21 June Father’s Day at the National Trust’s Stoneywell, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire. Grab dad, bring a picnic and get comfortable in the garden. 10am - 5pm, booking in advance essential on 01530 248048, normal admission charges apply. Saturday 27 June Leicester Vintage Festival Abbey Pumping Station 1pm - 5pm and Sunday 12noon - 5pm. Steam and vintage vehicles, live music, craft, stalls and a ride on the museum’s narrow gauge railway. Adults £3.50, accompanied children free. T: 0116 299 5111 Sunday 28 June Picnic in the Park, Coalville, 12noon to 5.30pm. Live entertainment, children’s area and food. Contact 01530 454603. Plant Sale & Family Day Leicester Botanic Garden. Stalls, entertainments, Specialist plant nurseries, refreshments. Time:11am-5pm. Admission: £4.00, children free. Melton Mowbray Country Fair, Town Estates Park, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. 10am - 5pm. Attractions include the Knights of Nottingham, rural crafts, local food, dance, livestock and more. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2 for children, family ticket (2A 2C) £10.
Tel: 07866 551151
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Mother, baby and toddler groups
Hinckley & Bosworth
Monday Little Crofters, 1.30pm-3pm, Community Hall, Croft Church of England Primary School, Brookes Avenue, Croft, LE9. Costs £1 for adults, babies free, children over 12 months 50p. Crazy Babes Parent and Tots Group, St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE19 0EW. Session runs from 9.30am to 11.30am. Contact 01455 617185. Tuesday Toys and Story time for under 5s. The Hub Cafe, Newbold Rd, Barlestone. Session 9.15am-1pm. Make and take craft table during school holidays for ages 4-10. Highham Way Baptist Church Parent and Toddler Club, Baptist Church, Higham Way, Burbage, LE10 2PX. Session runs from 1.30pm to 3.15pm. Contact 01455 631325. Wednesay Desford Rainbows, 10am-12pm (term time only), St Martins Church Centre, 14 Church Lane, Desford, Leicester, LE9 8DG. Costs £1. Contact 01455 444927. Lots for Totz 10am to 11.30am and 1pm to 2.30pm at Hope Community Church and Family Centre, Deveron Way, Hinckley, LE10 0SS. Term time only. Cost £1.50 per family. Contact 01455 233798. Thursday Sunshine Club, Barlestone Village Hall, Barton Road from 1.30- 3pm. Toys and chat for mums. Hinckley Methodist Chruch Mums and Tots, Albert Road Methodist Church (next to Holliers Walk School, Albert Road, Hinckley LE10 1PL. Session runs from 1.15pm to 3pm term time only. Costs £1 for parents and carers, 50p per child. Contact 01455 440697 for details.
Do you run a group and want to tell the world about it? Send the details to info@totstimes.co.uk
Friday Chatterbox Mums and Toddlers Group, Newbold Verdon Primary School, Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire LE9 9PT. Session runs from 9.15am – 11.15am. Contact 01455 822736. Busybodies, St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE19 0EW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm. Contact 01455 617185.
Harborough District Monday Geli Tots 9.30am-11.30am Evangelical Church Hall, Market Harborough. £1 per family. Contact 01858 434906. Monday Tots Parent and under 5’s 1.30 - 3pm Methodist Church, Northampton Rd, Market Harborough £1.50 per family includes refreshments. Contact: Susie 07789 816835 Tuesday Snuggs, 9.30- 10.30am, St Nicholas Church, Market Harborough. Cost £1 per child. Contact 01858 462926. Fleckney Toddler Group 1.15pm3pm (term time only) Fleckney Village Hall, The Parade, Fleckney, LE8 8AY. Contact Pia Odell 0116 2402795. Leire Parent, Baby and Toddler Group, 1pm-2.30pm (term time only), Village Hall, Main Street, Leire, LE17 5HE. Birth to school age. Costs £1. Contact Caroline O’Connell 07719 600179. Wednesday The Teddy Bear Bunch, St Mary’s Church, Main Street, Broughton Ast-
ley, Leicestershire LE9 6ES. Sessions run from 10.30-12pm (term time only). Contact 01455 283150. Parent and Toddler Group, 1.30pm3pm (all year), Methodist Church Hall, Bitteswell Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4EX. Cost £1.50 per child, £2 for two or more children. Thursday Angels and Monsters Toddler Group, Sutton Elms Baptist Church, 80 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire LE9 6QF. From 9.30 – 11.15am (term time only). Cost £1.50 and 50p for each additional child. Contact Sue Hill 01455 554221. Broughton Astley Tots, Broughton Astley Village Hall, Station Road, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, LE9 6PW. Session runs from 9.30am – 11.30am (term time only). Costs £2 for child over 6 months and carer, £1 for baby under 6 months and carer. Contact Becky Clarke 01455 283369. Claybrooke Parents and Tots group, 10am-12pm all year round, Claybrooke Magna Village Hall, Main Road, Claybrooke Magna, Leicestershire, LE17 5AJ. £1 per family. Contact Jill Fisher 01455 208153. Friday Friday Toddlers Parents/carers and under 5’s 9.30 - 11.30am Jubilee Hall, Congregational Church, Bowden Lane, Market Harborough, £1.50 per family. Toys, craft, singing, storytime. Contact Susie 07789 816835 Lubenham Mums and Tots Group, 10am to 12pm, Lubenham Village Hall, Laughton Road, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Cost £2 per family, first visit free. Contact Debbie Fairlie 07772 486503. The Friday Coffee Club, 9.45am – 11.45am, The Pavilion, The recreation ground, Coventry Road, Lutterworth. Cost £1.50 for one child, £2 for two or more children. Contact Sue Atkins 01455 556805.
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Oadby & Wigston Monday Kibworth Methodist Pre-School Parent and Toddler Group, Kibworth Methodist School Rooms, School Walk, Kibworth, LE8 0JB. From 1pm to 3pm. Music and Movement, Salvation Army Hall, Ladysmith Road, Wigston. Starts at 10am. Contact 0116 2774114. Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding Group, Wigston Magna Sure Start Children’s Centre, 30 Long St, Wigston, LE18 2AH. 1.30pm - 3pm. Contact 0116 305 5282. Tuesday Tots Kids and Carers, 9.30am10.45am (18 months to 4 years) 11am-12pm (babies) The Kings Centre, 56 Bull Head Street, Wigston, LE18 1PA. Contact 0116 2886090. Little Angels at St Paul’s Church, Oadby. Toys, stories and crafts with refreshments. Cost 50p. Contact Anita 0116 2714465. Toddler Town soft play session for all children aged 5 and under- 1011:00am at the Freer Centre LE18 1HQ £2 per child, £1 additional sibling and 50p for babies. To book please contact Health and Leisure Service 0116 272 7703 or leisure@ blaby.gov.uk Wednesday Mums and Tots 9.20am – 11am St Thomas’s Church Hall, Blaby Road, South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 4SB, Cost £1 per child, (50p for each child thereafter). Contact Kim Bowers@hotmail.com Great Glen Baby and Toddler Group, Community Centre, The Chase, Great Glen, Leicestershire, LE8 9EQ. Open 2pm -3.15pm (term time only) £2 per family per session, first session is free. Contact Aimie Spencer 07590 929114. Thursday Little Conkers, 10am – 11.30am (term time only) Salvation Army Hall Leicester South, Ladysmith Road, off Saffron Road, South Wigston, LE18 4UZ. Free admission, donations accepted. Contact Gail Potts, 0116 2774114. Little Angels Parent and Toddler
Group, 10.30am – 11.30am, Blaby Road Methodist Church Lounge, Blaby Road, South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 4PB. Contact Margaret Edwards/Pat Cadney 0116 278 6616. Poppets Play-Time, Kibworth Grammar School Hall (The Lounge), School Road, Kibworth, Leicestershire, LE8 0EW. Open 11am-Noon (term time only) for children aged 0-4 accompanied by an adult. Costs £3 (brother or sisters £1 each) per session. Contact Claire Cole 07806 094453. Inclusive Bean Club- A session for children with additional needs- Runs 1st Thursday of month 1:30-3:00pm at Wigston Magna Children Centre contact Ellis Stretton 0116 272 7523 or ellis.stretton@blaby.gov.uk Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Kibworth Grammar School Hall, School Road, Kibworth, Leicestershire, LE8 0EW. 12.30pm -2pm (term time only) for ages 0-5 years. £2 for first child, additional siblings 50p. Friday Jellytots, 1-3pm Oadby Evangelical Free Church, North Memorial Hall, Stoughton Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4FL. Admission free, open all year. Contact Rosie Gray 0116 2713805. Sparklers at St Wilfrids Church, Kibworth. Starts 2pm . Contact Eunice Hayes on 0116 2796154.
Blaby Monday Twins at Totstime, Sapcote Scout Hut, Church Road, Sapcote, LE9 4FG. Runs from 9.45am – 11.15am, aimed at families of twins or multiples Cost £2 per family. Contact Jacqui Dixon 07841 047485. Bosom Babies Breastfeeding Group, 1pm-2.30pm, Huncote Sure Start Children’s Centre, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, LE9 3BN. Contact 0116 275 0246. Huncote Mums and Tots Group, 1.45pm – 3.15pm, Huncote Community Centre, Denman Lane, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3BS. . Costs £1.50 per session. St. Peter’s Tiddlywinks, St. Peter’s Parish Centre, High Street, Whetstone, 1-3pm. Suitable for 0-5 years. Admission £1 per family is sug-
gested.Contact Katherine Yates 07593700046. Tuesday Cosby Parent and child group, Cosby Village Hall, Park Road, Cosby LE9 1RL. Sessions run from 9.30am – 11.30am for children aged 0-5. Contact 07748413486. Blaby Tiddlers, Blaby Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Blaby, Leicester, LE8 4HL, Session 1.30pm3pm (term time only) for under fives, costs £1 per family. Contact Gill 0116 2771803. Wednesday Huncote Mums and Tots Group, 1.45pm – 3.15pm, Huncote Community Centre, Denman Lane, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3BS. Suitable for 0-5 years. Costs £1.50 per session. Creative Children’s Group, Village Community Hall, (opp The Star pub) New Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4LQ. Session runs from 9.30am -11.30am. Term time only. Contact Kerry 01455 271778 Sparklers Baby and Toddler Group. The Bunning Hall, Main Street, Cosby. £1. Bosom Babies Countesthorpe Sure Start Centre, Winchester Rd, Countesthorpe, LE8 5PR. 10am - 11.30am. Contact 0116 3055170. Thursday Totstime, Sapcote Scout Hut, Church Road, Sapcote, LE9 4FG. Runs from 9.45am – 11.15am. Cost £2 per family. Contact Jacqui Dixon 07841 047485. Inclusive Bean Club A session for children with additional needs- Runs 3rd Thursday of month 1:30-3:00pm at Huncote Children Centre. Contact Ellis Stretton on 0116 272 7523 or ellis.stretton@blaby.gov.uk New Scramblers, All Saints Church Parish Rooms, Church Street, Blaby, LE8 4FA. Sessions second Thursday of each month, 1.30-4.30. Contact 0116 2772588. Whetstone Baptist Church Parent and Child Group, 1.30pm – 3pm (term time only) Whetstone Baptist Church, King Street, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6LS. Costs 50p per family. Contact Pat Kenney 0116 2864508 or Church Office 0116 2863145.
Tel: 07866 551151
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Friday Sparklers Congregational Church, Park Road, Blaby, Leicestershire, LE8 4ED. Sessions from 9.30am – 11am. Contact Mrs Julie Newitt (Pastor) 0116 2753689. Toddler Town soft play session for all children aged 5 and under- 1011:30am at The Pavilion Huncote LE9 3BN £3 per child, £1 additional sibling and 50p for babies. To book please contact Health and Leisure Service 0116 272 7703 or leisure@ blaby.gov.uk Badgerbrook Toddler Group, 10am-11.15am (term time only), Badgerbrook School, Badger Drive, Whetstone, Leicester. Activities for birth to 4 year-olds. Costs £1.80 per family. Contact Mrs Tipton 0116 275 2353. Mumstop, Living Rock Church, Station Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4LU, 10am-11.30am. Costs £2 per family. Contact 01455 270840. Narborough Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am (term time only) Narborough Parish Centre, Desford Road, Narborough, LE19 2EL. For children aged 0-5. Costs £1.50 per child plus 50p per additional sibling. Contact Tamyka Stewart 07805 680022. The Ark, United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Enderby. 9.30am 11.30. Contact 0116 2862625. Tots R Us Thurlaston Village Hall, Desford Road, Thurlaston. 1.30pm 3pm £1.50.
Melton Mowbray
during term time. Contact 01664 482535. Come and Grow Club, Thorpe Arnold Village Hall. 10am to 11.30am. Contact Carol Parker on 01664 857526. Wednesday Little Gems, St Mary Magdalene Church, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4AJ. 10am to 11.30am. Costs £1 per session. Contact Christine Alexander tel 01664 464802 or email wee3alexander@ btinternet.com Melton Baptist Parent and Toddler Group, Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0FA. Suitable for 0-5. 9.30am to 11.15am. Costs £1 per family. Includes Roundabout Clothing Exchange (good quality, clean children’s clothes for a small donation). Contact Denise Smallridge 01664 850290. Thursday Bumps and Babes, Woodlands Nursery, Asfordby Road Sports Ground, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0HR. Session runs 10am to 11am. Contact Sam Faulkner on 07726953124. Tiny Tots 10am-11am Thursdays in term time, St Mary’s Church, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Contact Catriona on 01664 503533. Friday Stay and Play at The Cove, Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray. Session from 1-2.30pm. For children aged 0-5 years old. Contact 01664 502429
Monday Little Fishes, 40-44 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1NW. For children aged up to 4 years six months. Session runs from 9.30am to 11.30pm. Costs £1.50 per family. Contact 01664 564022. Pram Club at the Samworth Centre, 8 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am for parents and careers of children from birth to four years. Contact Carol Parker on 01664 857526. Tuesday Sandy Lane Tuesday Toddlers Group, Sandy Lane Methodist Church, Sandy Lane, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0Wa. 9.30am to 11.30am
Coalville Monday Little Dragons Den Soft Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, 85 Belvoir
Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. Session runs from 9.30am to 3pm. Cost: under 12 months £1, 1-5 years £3. Tuesday Noah’s Ark Parent and toddler group, The Full Gospel Mission (Pentecostal Church), James St, Coalville, LE67 3BX. Session from 10am to 11.45am term time only. Cost £2 per family. Contact Sharon Ellison 01530 817061. Wednesday Agar Nook Mother and Toddler Group Agar Nook Community Centre, Coalville, LE67 4TN. Session runs from 12.30 to 2pm. Contact 01530 813818 Little Cherubs, St Wilfrids Church, Fr Balfe Room, 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB. Session from 10.30 to 12 noon term time only. Contact Lynda Durcan 07730 141714. Thursday Sunshine Toddlers, Christchurch Hall, London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JA. Session from 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Contact Tom Ringland 01530 838287. MRC’s Messy Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville, 12.30pm 2.30pm. £2.50 per child. Contact 01530 510515. Friday Little Teapots, Worthington Pre-school, Worthington Primary School, Main Street, Worthington. Parents and tots group with indoor and outdoor play equipment. Cost £2 for first child, 50p for siblings. Session runs from 10am - 11.30am. Contact 07972271824. Little Dragons Den Soft Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. Session runs from 10am to 3pm. Cost: under 12 months £1, 1-5 years £3. Hall Lane Methodist Church Toddlers, Hall Lane Church (next to the rugby club), Coalville. Session from 10am to 12 noon. Suitable for 0-5 years. Cost 50p per person.
Loughborough Monday Emmanuel Church Little People,
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Emmanuel Church Centre, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm term time only. Costs £1. Contact Cathy Threlfall on 01509 261773. Park Road Tiny Tots, Beacon Christian Centre, Park Road, Loughborough, LE11 2HL. Session from 10 to 11.30am term time only. 50p per family. Contact Paul and Dawn Garner 07885243682. Little Stars Loughborough Baptist Church, Baxter Gate, Loughborough. Starts 1.30pm. Knightthorpe Parent and Toddler Group Knightthorpe Methodist Church, 106 Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough, LE11 5JU. Starts 1.30pm, term time onlyl. Contact Anne tel: 01509 502994. Tuesday NCT Early Days Drop-in, Gorse Covert Community Centre, Maxwell Drive, Loughborough, LE11 4RZ. Session from 10.30 - 12pm term. £2.50 suggested donation. Contact 0844 2436193. Playtime, The Schofield Centre, Greenclose Lane, Loughborough, LE11 5AS. 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for 0-4. Costs £1-£2 per family. Smiles Mother and Toddler Group, Elim Church, Burleigh Road, Loughborough, LE11 3BA. Session from 10am to 11.30pm. Parents and carers of 0-5s welcome. Costs 50p per family. Contact 01509 234306. Baby Song followed by Tiny Tots Loughborough Salvation Army opposite St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ashby Road. Start 1.30pm. Contact Joyce Boswell on 0116 220 9779 Wednesday Toddlers’ Church, All Saints’ Church, Thorpe Acre with Dishley, Thorpe Acre Road, Loughborough. LE11 4LF. 10am to 11.30am term time only. Contact www.astad.org or Chris Milner 01509 236789 Thursday Playtime, The Schofield Centre, Greenclose Lane, Loughborough, LE11 5AS. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for children from 0-5. Costs £1-£2 per family. Jumping Tots, Fearon Hall, Rectory Road, Loughborough, LE11 1PL. Sessions run from 10-11am and 11-12pm term time only. Suitable
Leicester
Little Angels, St Christopher’s Church, Samworth Acadamy, Trenant Rd, Leicester, LE2 6UA. 9.15am11.15am. Contact 0116 2830510 Stay and Play Braunstone Children’s Centre, Gallards Hill, LE3 3BD. 1pm2.45pm. Contact 0116 3737150. Little Treasures Parents and Tots Group, 9.30am – 11.30am (term time only). All Nations Centre, 10 Frog Island, opposite Slater Primary School, Leicester, LE3 5AG. Cost 50p per family. Contact Rachel Barford/ Liz Carvell All Nations Church Leicester 0116 2623222. Family Play and Learn, 9am-11am term time. Caldecote Primary School 164 Hallam Crescent East, Leicester. Child’s Play Parent and Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Lidster Close off Main Street, Humberstone, Leicester LE5 1AD. Children aged 0-5 years, £2 including refreshments, 9am - 11am (term time only). Breastfeeding support and Baby Stay and Play. Rowlatts Hill Children’s Centre, Balderstone Close. 1.30pm to 3pm All babies under 12 months welcome. Stay and Play, Northfields and Humberstone Children’s Centre, Gypsy Lane, 1.30pm to 3pm. Scraptoft Valley Stay and Play, 1.10pm – 3pm Scraptoft Valley Primary School, New Romney Crescent, Leicester LE5 1NH. Contact 0116 2413444. Thurnby Lodge Surestart Stay and Play, 1.15pm – 3pm, Thurnby Lodge Primary School, Dudley Avenue, Leicester, LE5 2EG. Contact Shelley Marsden 0116 2924590.
Monday Playbreak. Robert Hall Church Hall, Narborough Rd, Leicester, LE3 0PD. 10 until 11.30. £2 per family per session. Mondays in termtime. Refreshments provided for children and adults. Lots of car parking. Contact Caroline on 07933 768679. Mini Movers West End Neighbourhood Centre, Catesby Street, 9.30am10.30am. Stay and Play at Lansdowne Sure Start Children’s Centre. 9.30-11am (Free for all preschoolers, bump to 5). Lansdowne Children’s Centre, 70 Knighton Lane, Aylestone, Leicester, LE2 8BE. 0116 2298555.
Tuesday National Childbirth Trust Bumps, Babies and Beyond group, 10am – 12pm, Leicester Unitarian Chapel Hall, East Bond Street, City Centre, Leicester, LE1 4SX. Suggested donation £2.50. Contact Miriam Stevenson 0116 2895648. Stay and Play Parent and Toddler Group Avebury Meadows Children’s Centre, Avebury Avenue, Leicester from 9.30am -11am. Free entry. Knighton Nippers, Knighton Free Church, Brinsmead Road, Leicester, LE2 3WB, 10am-11.30am (term time only). 0-4 years. Contact 0116 2704101.
for 0-4 years. Costs £1 per family. Contact Zoe Wheterley on 01509 230629. Trinity Toddler Group, Trinity Methodist Church (Upstairs), Royland Road, Loughborough, LE11 2EH. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am term time. Costs £1 per family. Contact church office 01509 807411 Friday Emmanuel Church Little People, Emmanuel Church Centre, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm term time only. Costs £1. Contact Cathy Threlfall on 01509 261773. Good Shepherd Parent and Toddler Club, Church of the Good Shepherd, Park Road, Loughborough, LE11 2HJ. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am for children from 0-4. Costs 50p per family. Contact Katie Schad on 01509 212642. Refuel Hathern Play and support group for parents/carers and under 5s. From 10am, Hathern Village Hall, Dovecote St. Cost £2 per family. Contact refuelhathern@gmail. com or www.facebook.com/refuelhathern
You are advised to contact the organisers before visiting any of the groups in these listings
Tel: 07866 551151
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To have an event included in these listings please contact info@totstimes.co.uk or call 07866 551151 Babytime, Sure Start children’s Centre, Winstanley School, Kingsway, Braunstone Town, Leicester 10-11.30am. For babies and parents/ carers from birth to 6 months. Free. Open all year. Babies and Toddlers, 9.3011.30am Term Time.Aylestone Baptist Church, Lutterworth Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8PE. £1.50 per family, drinks and biscuits provided. Contact Church Office 0116 2832527. Parent and Toddler Group, Leicester Apostolic Church, Sanvey Lane, Aylestone, Leicester. 9.30- 11.30am (term time only). Contact Pastor Richard Forman, 0116 275 2582 Baby and Toddler Group Christchurch, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester LE2 3AH. Children up to 3.5 years. 9.30-11.30am (term time only) £1.50 per family. Baby and You, Community Cafe, Cort Crescent, Braunstone, Leicester 11am - 1pm. Meet new mums and get support. Contact Tiziana 07505257032. TLC Tots at Trinity Life Church, 9.45am - 11.30am. Toddler gym time, toys, singing. Contact Tom 0116 2558672. Tots Time @ St Hugh’s, St Hugh’s Church, Sturdee Road, Leicester. 9.15-11.15am during term time. 0-4 years old with a parent or carer. Baby Stay and Play, West End Children’s Centre, Catesby Street, 9.30am - 11.30am. Contact 0116 2252225. Stay and Play, St Saviours Children’s Center, 10 St Saviours Rd, Leicester. 9.30am-11.30am. Contact 0116 2211774. Muffins family playgroup, Hope Hamilton Church, Hope Hamilton Primary school, Sandhills Avenue, Leicester, LE5 1LU. £1. Contact Jola 0116 2619121. Tots and Dots at St Andrew’s Church, Leicester Forest East, 1.30pm - 3pm. Play and refreshments. No charge.
Stay and Play for under 1s, Rowley Fields Children’s Centre, LE3 1AH. 1.30pm - 3pm. St Chad’s Stay and Play, 1.15pm – 2.45pm all pre-schoolers and carers welcome. £1 per session includes tea/squash. St Chad’s Parish Centre, Coleman Road, Leicester LE5 4LH. Scraptoft Valley Stay and Play, 9am – 11.30pm Scraptoft Valley Primary School, New Romney Crescent, Leicester LE5 1NH. Contact 0116 2413444. Rowlatts Hill Stay and Play, 1pm -3pm. 0-8 years. Balderstone Close, Leicester LE5 4ES. Contact 0116 2924500. Hamilton Stay and Play, 9.30am11.30am, 0-8 years. Hamilton Children’s Centre, 75 Maidenwell Ave, Hamilton, Leicester, LE5 1TG. Contact 0116 2946134. Wednesday Parent and Toddler Group. Braunstone Civic Centre, 209 Kingsway, Braunstone. £2 joining fee then £1.50+20p for additional children or adults. 9.15 to 11.15 term time. Contact Karen 0116 2892357 or Joe 07885 200537. Glenfield Methodist Church Toddler Group, 1.15pm - 2.30pm, toys and refreshments. Contact Liz 0116 2879183. Kids and Carers, £2. The Big Shed, Covenant Life Church, 93 Commercial Square, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7SR. Parking permits can be collected from reception. Contact Deborah 07816 252995 Kids & Co Friends Meeting House 16 Queens Road (near Victoria Park) Leicester LE2 1WP. For under fives, meets 9.30-11.30 £2.20 per family Little Hands Stay and Play, Braunstone Frith Children’s Centre, 9.30am-11.30am. Contact 0116 2298750. Cafe Mama 10am-12pm Unitarian Church Hall, East Bond Street, Leicester. Peer supporters, La Leche League consultants Bosom Buddies breastfeeding group, Braunstone Town Sure Start Centre, Kingsway North, Braunstone Town, LE3 3BD, 10am - 11.30pm. Contact 0116 305 4217. Happy Families, 10am-11.30am (term time only) Robert Hall Memorial Church, 147 Narborough Road,
Leicester, LE3 0PD. Costs 80p per session and first session is free. Contact 0116 2855379. Stay and Play, Manor House Community Centre off Haddenham Road, pm-2.30pm. Stay and Play at North Evington Children’s Centre, 315 Gwendolen Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 5FS, 1.15pm-3.15pm, free. Contact Debbie Harris, 0116 2924556. Tiny Tots at Holy Apostles Church, Fosse Rd South, Leicester 10am - 11.30am. Tiny tots to 5 years. Admission £1.50 per family including refreshments. Contact Louise 0116 2515741. Stay and Play, Northfields and Humberstone Children’s Centre, 343 Gypsy Lane, Leicester, LE4 9DD, 1.30pm to 3pm. Health visitor on site. Contact Julie Allen 0116 2924580. Nic’s Nappy Library 10.30am-12pm at Summers Community Cafe Cort Crescent Community Centre Cort Crescent, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1QJ Thursday Pram Club, St Anne’s Church Hall, Letchworth Road, Leicester 1.30pm to 3pm, Admission £1 including refreshments. Twinkling Stars, Holy Trinity Church, Regent Road, Leicester 9.30 -11.30am (term time only) 50p per family. Contact Frances Watts wattsfrances@tiscali.co.uk Shake Rattle and Roll, Church of the Martyrs, Westcotes Drive, Leicester 10am to 11.30am. No charge. Activities, songs, refreshments and play. Baby Stay and Play, New Parks Children’s Centre, 9.30am-11am. Stay and Play, New Parks Children’s Centre, 1pm-2.45pm. Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre Parent and Toddler group 1-3pm, 50p. Contact Pravin Ruparelia 0116 2221004. Kids & Co Friends Meeting House 16 Queens Road (near Victoria Park) Leicester LE2 1WP. For under fives, meets 9.30-11.30 £2.20 per family (plus 20p for refreshments). Father’s Only Toddler Group Highfields Library, 98 Melbourne Road, Leicester LE2 0DS. Starts at 2pm. Free. Contact 0116 2995494 Moat Under Fives, Moat Com-
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munity College, Maidstone Road, Leicester, LE2 0TU. 1pm to 3pm. Contact 0116 2625705 Scraptoft Valley Stay and Play, 9am – 11.30pm Scraptoft Valley Primary School, New Romney Crescent, Leicester LE5 1NH. Contact 0116 2413444. Breastfeeding Group, Braunstone Children’s Centre, Gallards Hill, 12.30pm-2.30pm. Contact 0116 3737150. Friday Tots ‘n’ Toys Manor House Neighbourhood Centre, Haddenham Road, Leicester 10-11.30am term time. Baby and toddler group for the under 5s run by Mosaic Church. Emma Else 0843 289 2562. Discovering Babies (0-6 months) 9.30-10.45am Peek-a-boo Babies (612 months) 11am -12.15pm at Lansdowne Sure Start Children’s Centre, Lansdowne Children’s Centre, 70 Knighton Lane, Aylestone, Leicester, LE2 8BE. 0116 2298555. Stay and Play, West End Neighbourhood Centre, Andrewes Street, LE3 5PA. 9.30-11am. Bumps Babies and Toddler Group, 10am -12pm The Exchange Bar, 50 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD. Free to attend from 9.30am to 12 noon. Breastfeeding counsellor Dana on hand to help. Contact 0116 2513434. Little Angels, Samworth Academy, Trenant Road, Leicester, LE2 6UA 9.30am-11.30am. Contact 0116 2830510 Spinney Hill Mothers and Toddlers, 1pm -3pm Community Centre, Spinney Hill, Ventnor Street, Leicester, LE5 5EZ Contact 0116 2734836. Thurnby Lodge Surestart Stay and Play, 9.15am – 11.15am, Thurnby Lodge Primary School, Dudley Avenue, Leicester, LE5 2EG. Contact Shelley Marsden 0116 2924590. Stay and Play Braunstone Children’s Centre, Gallards Hill, 9.30 - 11.15am. Baby Stay and Play, Braunstone Children’s Centre, Gallards Hill, 1pm-2.30pm. Stay and Play Netherhall children’s Centre, 10am-12pm. 0-8 years. New Romney Crescent, Leicester, LE5 1NH. Contact 0116 2924540
Leicester and Leicestershire Libraries toddler times and under 5s sessions alternate Saturdays after. Leicester
Aylestone: 10am - 12pm, Tuesday Beaumont Leys: 9.30 11.30am, Thursday Belgrave: 10am - 12.00pm, Tuesday Braunstone: 9.30 - 11.30am, Wednesday Leicester Central: 10am 12.00pm, Friday Evington: 10am – 12pm, Tuesday Fosse: 1pm – 3pm, Monday Hamilton: 10am - 12pm, Wednesday Highfields: 10am - 12pm, Tuesday Knighton: 10am - 12pm, Wednesday New Parks: 9.30am - 11.30am, Thursday Rushey Mead: 10am - 12pm, Friday Southfields: 10am - 12pm, St Barnabas: 10am - 12pm, Thursday St Matthews: 1.30 - 3.30pm, Saturday The Brite Centre, Braunstone: 9.30am - 11.30am. Westcotes: 10am - 11.30am, Wednesday
Leicestershire Blaby: 10.30am - 11am First Saturday of the month and
Glenfield: 2.15 - 2.45pm Monday, 1st and 3rd Monday of the month Braunstone Town: 2.15 - 2.45pm Wednesday every week. Birstall: 10am - 10.30am Monday, every other Monday Loughborough: 10.30-11am Monday, every week Shepshed: 10am - 10.30am Thursday, every other Thursday Syston: 10am - 10.30am Thursday, every other Thursday Broughton Astley: 10am 10.30am Monday, every first and third Monday Lutterworth: 10am - 10.30am every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Market Harborough: 10am 10.30am Thursday, every week Earl Shilton: 10.30am -11am Monday, 1st and 3rd Monday of the month Hinckley: 9.45am - 10.15am Tuesday. Tickets from helpdesk from 9.30am on Tuesday. Melton: 2pm - 2.30pm Wednesday, every week Ashby: 10.30am - 11.30am Friday, every other Friday Coalville: 9.45am - 10.15am Thursday, every week Oadby: 2pm - 2.30pm Wednesday, every week Wigston: 10am - 10.30am Tuesday, every week
Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 15
16 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk