Your guide to the first five years July - Sept 2015 Issue 9
Win Win Win Nat ure’ Pure s Ragd st oll Free!
Take a
What’s new in classes for kids? Animal Magic
copy
Win W in Tick Win ets t o Wist ow Maiz e Maze
Everything parents in Leicestershire need to know Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 1
tnirp tamrof llams - sehsalpS Splashes - small format print
Learn to swim with Puddle Ducks! Splashes - car window livery yrevil wodniw rac - sehsalpS
FREE taster session swimmer, From newborn to independent
our unique programme develops water confidence and vital life saving skills with the most caring, highly trained teachers around.
Aquanatal The classes take a holistic approach to mums’ physical and mental well-being, combining relaxation with cardiovascular exercises to help prepare the body for labour.
Small format printing For the outer Blue border we have used Pantone 312c at 70% and for the inner blue, we are using pantone 311c at 100% Converted to CMYK
yrevil wodniw rac - sehsalpS
Small format printing For the outer Blue border we have used Pantone 312c at 70% and for the inner blue, we are using pantone 311c at 100% Converted to CMYK
tnirp tamrof llams - sehsalpS
Jump in at any age from 0-10, at any point in the term!
Baby & Pre-school
Carefully structured classes full of fun activities & songs with highly trained, caring teachers, experts at adapting activities within classes to nurture confidence & get the best out of every child.
Splashes - small format print
Swim Academy Suitable for primary school aged children, we teach a natural and smooth swimming style, starting with simple skills that we build on in line with your child’s physical ability and confidence.
Contact us on Tel: 07975 918 908 Email: southleics@puddleducks.com Visit: www.puddleducks.com
Splashes - car window livery 2 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
W
e have a packed edition for you this time with lots of useful advice and information about things to see and do. If you have a new baby it’s a good idea to take classes to help get you out of the house and build your confidence with your new arrival. It can be hard to know which classes to take though so we’ve had a look at what’s available out there starting in September. Remember to book up in the holidays to secure your place. Classes fill up fast! The school summer holiday is a week longer than normal this year so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to do so you should never struggle to fill the weeks ahead. We’ve also pulled together a list of some of the local attractions which focus on animals and there are some very cute pictures of little ones, human and animal, which melted our hearts! Nature’s Purest in Kibworth have given us three beautiful award winning ragdolls to give away in our competition on page 6 and there’s also a chance to win an amazing family day at Wistow Maize Maze. My family went last year and had a brilliant day out with lots of getting lost, climbing towers and generally larking around in the maze. Here’s hoping the weather is warm and you can relax this summer.
Contents Back to school - classes for you and your baby .... 4 Win a Nature’s Purest doll.... 6 Walk with the animals .... 8 What’s On .... 9 Win tickets to Wistow Maize Maze .... 12
Small format printing For the outer Blue border we have used Pantone 312c at 70% and for the inner blue, we are using pantone 311c at 100% Converted to CMYK
Cover story: At Stonehurst Family Farm, Mountsorrel www.beaphotography.co.uk
Helen Knapton-Knott Editor
• From 1st walkers to teens • New for BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 Lelli Kelly. Geox. Dr Martens • Nearby parking We’re committed to offering a great fitting service, only fully trained staff will measure and fit shoes at Stomp.
t: 0116 319 0606 e: shoes@stompfootwear.com Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 3
Back to
Skool
When you bring your baby home from the hospital no-one really mentions that you are going to start taking classes just a few months after they arrive. It turns out it is never too early to start learning. There are classes for babies and pre-schoolers to help with every area of their development and there is a lot of fun to be had for the grown ups too, not to mention cake and meeting new people. Communication is a key skill for mum and baby. There is nothing more frustrating than listening to your baby cry and have no idea why. Maxine Andrews from Tiny Talk baby signing classes in Market Harborough explains how the classes can help: “Baby signing allows pre-verbal children to express their needs and thoughts; the babies are so happy and the Mums are over the moon as frustrating guesswork becomes a thing of the past. “From an early age a baby’s understanding often outreaches their ability to communicate. UsTiny Talk classes in action! ing signs based on British Sign Language, we teach methods to help parents and babies communicate together before they are technically able to speak. “It’s beautiful to see a baby communicate for the first time and it’s extremely special when they realise they’ve been understood. It’s not magic, but the results are magical!” One of the new classes available in Leicester is Sling Swing with Lauren Obie. She says: “Baby wearing promotes a deeper connection with your baby; the ability to be hands-free whilst holding your child; it reduces colic and
Woodland fun with Woodlarks
crying and promotes independence in toddlers. A Sling Swing class allows you to wear your baby and enjoy a gentle movement class together.” If you are love the outdoors then Little Larks sessions run by Woodlarks Woodland School could be for you. A wander through Bradgate Park or Brocks Hill Park, Oadby with your little one can be a glorious adventure. Group leader Kate Easton says that apart from being a lot of fun, free play outdoors allows children to explore at their own pace. “The children are exploring, taking risks, learning about nature in all seasons and weathers. They gain in confidence and self esteem through the activities they take part in.” “It also benefits their physical development, their co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills and their understanding of the world.” If you like the idea of exercise but not being outdoors then perhaps swimming is for you. Donna Taylor runs Puddleducks classes. “Taking your baby to structured swimming class is a wonderful way to bond with your child. It will help you and your baby feel relaxed in the water and is a fun and socially stimulating activity for
Baby wearing at Sling Swing classes
4 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
Adult & Toddler Outdoor Sessions EXPLORING ACTIVITIES STORIES & PLAY
Mondays 10am ~ 12 Noon
Brocks Hill Country Park Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester
both of you.” “It will help them develop crucial higher brain functions, core muscle development and coordination far earlier than they would otherwise be able to. So all in all it’s a fantastic activity with great benefits the whole family can enjoy.” Whatever your interests, it’s clear there is a class in Leicestershire you can both enjoy.
Booking & Information w w w. w o o d l a r k . o r g . u k �e � t � � � � � � � � � � � Woodlark Forest Schools
In Association with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 5
Classes For Mummies
Birth and Beyond Fitness Outdoor Fitter Mamas / Buggy Fitness Class Wed 1pm, Brocks Hill Country Park, Oadby Prenatal Exercise Class Thurs 6.45pm, Stoneygate Fitter Mama Class Thurs 8pm, Stoneygate Postnatal Exercise Classes run through the day on different days with babies welcome, enquire about the next date. Call Versha at BB Fitness on 07939097067 for enquiries. 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. Over 50 slings and carriers available to hire for 2 or 4 weeks, £6-8 hire fee for 2 weeks, deposit payable (£35-£100).
Sling Swing Leicester and South Leicestershire area Tuesday 1-2pm Pre-school Learning Alliance 70, Knighton Lane LE2 8BE 07936669924 www.facebook.com/slingswingleicester Wrap your baby or toddler close to you whilst you dance to fun and funky music.
For Little Learners Aqua Vie Infant Aquatics Kirby Muxloe Primary School Pool,Barwell Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2AA. Saturday 10.30am. Baby, preswim and swim classes.
Babyballet Classes for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Monday 9.30am, 10.15am, 11am My S2udio, George St, Hinckley Wednesday 9.30am, 10.15am Wildkidz, 18-20 New Buildings, Hinckley Friday 9.30am, 10.15am St John’s Church 351 Coventry Rd, Hinckley Saturday 9am, 9.45am, 10.05am Burbage Millenium Hall, Britannia Rd, Burbage. Contact Shelley 07503 732444, e-mail hinckleyandburbage@ babyballet.co.uk or visit www.babyballet.co.uk ActiveStart swimming Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30-11am (term-time only) at Beacon Academy, Woodthorpe Rd, Loughborough, LE11 2NF. £4.50 per family.
TinyTalk Baby Signing Tuesday classes at 10am and 11.30am Mini Mischiefs, Market Harborough. Friday classes at 10am and 11.30am, Gallones Ice Cream Parlour, Market Harborough. £6 per class Contact Maxine on 07730 484565 or visit www.tinytalk.co.uk/maxinea Little Ducks Swimming School Est. 1999 Professional and safe swim school based at Kirby Muxloe Primary School. Classes are Monday and Thursday evenings also Saturday mornings for children aged 3 plus. For further information please contact Juliet on 0775 263 2311 or on facebook through Littleduckswimschool. To have a class included in these listings please contact info@totstimes.co.uk or call 07866 551151.
WIN WIN WIN
Kibworth based organic and ethical babywear company Nature’s Purest have just launched two beautiful brand new doll friends Naomi and Nathan, to join current best seller, Natalie. The dolls are suitable from birth and come gift boxed in recycled card with a hand tied bow, retailing at £25. When she was launched in 2013 Natalie won several major awards for best doll/soft toy and best gift under £50 and she has also featured in the Independent and Guardian Best Gift guides. We have three beautiful dolls to give away and you could win one of them just by answering this simple question: What are the names of the three Nature’s Purest dolls? Send your answer, name, address and a telephone number via email to info@totstimes.co.uk putting Doll in the subject line. Three winners will be randomly selected from the correct answers. Closing date for entries is September 4th. No cash alternative or substitution is available.
6 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
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: Sept 11th 2015.
To contact Tots Times call 07866 551151 or e-mail info@totstimes.co.uk
Ten Tiny Toes Top Five Foot Facts There are 26 bones in one foot. Our feet do not fully develop until around 18 years. Our toes help us find our balance. Where possible bare foot is best until your child is walking confidently. There are around 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet. STOMP children’s shoe shop in Narborough offer a range of shoes from first walkers through to adult size 8. Trained to measure and fit shoes team stomp are there to help look after growing feet.
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
Tots Times 7
Summer Fun
Walk with the animals! Summer is the time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. It’s also the time when new babies in the animal kingdom start taking their first steps into the world. Leicestershire is home to a wide range of animals from the primates at Twycross Zoo to little chicks and rabbits at local farm parks like those at Stonehurst Farm in Mountsorrel. These attractions can be a valuable educational experience for your little one. At 12-18 months toddlers may not be saying much yet, but their ears are wide open and they are eagerly absorbing all kinds of information. They begin to comprehend the world they live in. Many toddlers love to learn the names of different animals and the sounds they make. When they hear “duck” they immediately think “quack”. Twycross has a number of new arrivals including Mokonzi the Bonobo and Esha the Asian Elephant which can help bring alive story books you may be using. Little ones from birth onwards are learning to experience the world through their senses and holding, stroking, smelling and interacting with animals are all important ways a child can relate to their environment. Child development experts agree that kids in general are not spending enough time outdoors and summer provides a brilliant opportunity to meet and experience animals from all over the world with your family. Whether it’s sheep, lizards, meerkats, tarantulas or pigs that float your boat there is something here for you.
Where to find the animals Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX. Tel: 0844 4741777. Stonehurst Family Farm and Museum, Bond Lane, Mountsorrel, LE12 7AA. Tel: 01509 413216. Manor Farm Park, Castle Hill, East Leake, LE12 6LU. Tel: 01509 852525 West Lodge Rural Centre, Back Lane, Desborough, NN14 2SH. Tel: 01536 760552 Oak Farm Park, Heath Road, Bagworth, CV13 0JD. Tel: 01530 230939. Tropical Birdland, Lindridge Lane, Desford, LE9 9GN. Tel: 01455 824603. Twinlakes Park, Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1SQ. Tel: 01664 567777. Feeding sheep is fun!
Pictures: Lucy Ray - primates, Chris Simpson elephant, Bea Bujtar-Barath - children.
Jacob Dakin at Stonehurst Farm
8 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
What’s On Guide
Saturday 4 July Railway gala day. Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester. Open 11am4.30pm. Admission free, small charge for train rides. Contact 0116 2995111. NCT First Aid Course, Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW, 10am - 12.15pm. Cost £18 per person. A short course organised by the Loughborough NCT to provide parents, grandparents and carers with the confidence to know how best to react in an emergency and deal with minor injuries. The course covers CPR for babies and children, choking, febrile convulsions, head bumps and meningitis. For more information and to book email firstaid@nctloughborough.org.uk Hugless Douglas, Loughborough Town Hall. Blunderbus Theatre company’s production of the well loved story book. Starts 11am. Tickets cost £10 adult, £5 child. 01509 231914. Sunday 5 July Hinckley Soap Box Derby - Hinckley BID’s 6th annual Soap Box Derby. Enter your own soap box cart aand race it down Castle Street against the clock. Starts at 10am, first race 11am. Contact 01455 6984947. Saturday 11 July Rempstone Steam and Country Show at Turnpost Farm, Six Hills Road, Wymeswold, Loughborough, LE12 6ST. Aerobatic displays, re-enactments, US civil war encampment, steam games, tractor displays, stalls and entertainment. Tickets cost £7 Adult £4 Child, Under 5s free. Free parking. Open 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday 12 July The Ashby Show Cattows Farm, Heather, Leics, LE67 2TD. See Titan the Robot, the Shetland Pony Grand National, Gun Dog training and the Region’s Best Show, shopping, craft and agricultural suppliers. Tickets cost £12.50 adults, children £5, family ticket (2A +3C) £35, under 4s free. Parking is free, gates open at 8.30am.
Tuesday 21 July Tropical Wild Scapes! New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Recreate the rich colour and diversity of nature’s tropical forests with a landscape art work. 11-1pm, 2-4pm, also Weds and Thurs. £2.50 for activities. contact 0116 2254900.
Friday 17 July Secret Egypt activities, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Free, dropin activities. Contact 0116 2254900.
Wednesday 22 July What Grows in the Garden, Belgrave Hall and Gardens. Open 11am4pm. Build a tray garden to take home and learn about birds. Free admission, activities £2.50. Contact 0116 2298181. Joseph Jay All Round Children’s Entertainer. Market Place, Hinckley. One of the UK’s premier children’s entertainers performing comedy magic shows, games, balloons adn lots more. Shows of 25 minutes duration start at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Saturday 19 July Wistow Maize Maze, Kibworth Rd, Wistow, LE8 0QF opens to the public. This year the maze has a rugby theme to to celebrate the Rugby World Cup which comes to the county this autumn. Entry 10am- 6pm, last admission 4.30pm. Tickets cost £6.50 adults, £5.50 child, families (2A+2C) £22. Open seven days a week until Sunday 6 Sept.
Thursday 23 July Medieval Mayhem at The Guildhall Leicester from 11am to 3pm. Create a coat of arms, dress up and follow the trails. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2532569. Go Potty at Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, 10.15am - 11.15am and 11.45am - 12.45pm. Make clay pots inspired by the museum’s archaeology collection. Age 3+, cost
Wednesday 15 July Dr Zoolittle Brings the Zoo to you on Castle Street, Hinckley outside of the Co-op. Wildlife presentation showing animals and insects to delight children. Photo opportunities. Event runs 10am - 4pm.
Saturday 11 July Calke Abbey Garden of Imagination opens for the summer. Natural play for kids in the walled Kitchen garden. 10.30am-4pm daily until Sept 6. Normal admission charges. Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 9
£2.50 per child. Pree Booking essential. 01509 233754. Saturday 25 July Awesome Archaeology at Charnwood Museum, Loughborough. Have a go with a real metal detector and find Charnwood treasure. Sunday 26 July Vikings! and the Borough of Leicester: Re-enactment and living history 11.30am - 3.30pm. Jewry Wall Museum. Full Viking encampment amidst Roman ruins of Leicester. Make a coin, try calligraphy. Adults £2, children £1. Contact 0116 2254971. Monday 27 July Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party (for 0-5s), Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW 10am to 11.30am. Cost £3.50 per family including refreshments. A fun morning raising funds for the Loughborough NCT with a TinyTalk session, monkey arts and crafts and stalls. Tickets must be booked in advance at www.bit.ly/1JjxdNU or email enquiries@nctloughborough. org.uk for more information. Tuesday 28 July Teddy Bear’s Holiday Express, Great Central Railway, Loughborough Central Station, Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW. Ride steam trains on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to meet Billy and Beatrice Bear. Craft market, face painting and funfair rides. Contact www.gcrailway.co.uk Ancient Egypt Travel and trade, New Walk Museum and Gallery from 11am - 1pm and 2pm-4pm also Weds and Thurs. Discover how ancient Egyptians travelled miles to bring home treasures. £2.50 for activities. 0116 2254900. Wednesday 29 July The Rapide Brothers children’s entertainers outside Co-op, Castle Street, Hinckley. Izzo and Malteser entertain kids with unusual and comical props using clown, cabaret and circus skills. Free shows are 20 minutes and start at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Belgrave Hall and Gardens, 11am -4pm. Bring
your teddy and join in with games, storytelling and crafts. Free admission, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2298181. Design-a-saur Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, 10.15am11.15am and 11.45am - 12.45pm. Design and make your own Dinosaur to take home. Age 3+. £2.50 per child, pre-booking essential on 01509 233754. Friday 31 July Secret Egypt activities, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Free, dropin activities. Contact 0116 2254900. Beautiful Bugs, Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, 10.15am11.15am and 11.45am-12.45pm. Create your own brilliant bug in an art and craft workshop. Age 3+, cost £2.50 per child. Pre-booking essen-
The Rapide Brothers, Hinckley July 29
tial on 01509 233754. Glorious Glass painting, Newarke Houses Museum 11am - 3pm. Learn how to make your own glass paintings. Drop-in event, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2254980. Saturday 1 August Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Victoria Park and city centre, from 11am. This year celebrating 30 years of carnival with the theme the Americas. Official opening ceremony at 12.30pm followed by street carnival. Animal Carnival Railway Day, Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester 11am - 4.30pm. Dress as your favourite animal and take a trip on the train. Free event, small charge for
train rides. 0116 2995111. Monday 3 August Snapdragon Children and Family Festival, Hinckley. Events in Argents Mead and Hollycroft Park from 3 - 7 August inc. British Seaside Day. Contact Sherrilee Fahey 01455 255893. Tuesday 4 August Ancient Egyptian divine animals, New Walk Museum and Gallery, Leicester, 11am-1pm and 2pm -4pm. also Weds and Thurs. Make your own clay divine animal. £2.50 for activities. 0116 2254900. Lift Off, Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, 10.15- 11.15am and 11.45-12.45pm. Make a junk rocket and lift off from Charnwood Museum. Cost £2.50, age 3+ pre-book on 01509 233754. Wednesday 5 August Circus Whiz interactive circus skills workshop, Church Walk/Castle Street Entrance, Hinckley. Event runs 10am to 4pm. Meet the Beasts, Belgrave Hall and Gardens 11am - 4pm. Meet exotic animals, do crafts and get your face painted. Free admission, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2298181. Thursday 6 August Crime and Punishment Fun Day, The Guildhall, Leicester, 11am-3pm. Crafts, trails, face painting and police cells and stocks! £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2532569. Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories at Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester, 2pm. An afternoon of storytelling and crafts. Admission free, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2254971. Wednesday 12 August The Great Parrot Show, Market Place, Hinckley. The Dinosaur is tempted out of his paddock to meet the children. Dr Flint the Paleontologist and Prof Stone have their work cut out to share their dino knowledge. Shows at 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Free. Belgrave Garden Party, Belgrave Hall and Gardens, 11am - 4pm. Garden games, ice-cream and picnics on the lawn. Punch and Judy show, Kinder Falconry and more. Free admission, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2298181.
10 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
Thursday 13 August Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories at Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester, 2pm. Storytelling and crafts. Admission free, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2254971. Hand Power Beam Engine, Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester 11am3pm. Visit the engine house and join a workshop to build your own beam engine. Admission free, £2.50 for activities. Knights and Princesses, The Guildhall, Leicester, 11am-3pm. Make crowns, shield and sword. Come in fancy dress and defend the medieval Guildhall. £2.50 for activites. Contact 0116 2532569. Tuesday 18 August Ancient Egyptian dolls, New Walk Museum and Gallery, Leicester, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm also Weds and Thurs. Learn what ancient Egyptians used to wear and make a doll. £2.50 for activities. Wednesday 19 August Melton By the Sea, Melton Town Centre 10am-4pm until Saturday 22 August. All the fun of the seaside in Melton town centre. Sand pits, pony rides, art and crafts tent, face painting, funfair, stalls, seaside trail and competitions. Fairies and Superheros, Belgrave Hall and Gardens, 11am-4pm. Dress up and fly down to join the parade. Make a magical creation to take home. Free admission, £2.50 for activities. Thursday 20 August Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester, 2pm. An afternoon of storytelling and crafts. Admission free, £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 2254971. Castles, Gargoyles and clay fun day, The Guildhall, Leicester, 11am-3pm. Create castles from clay to keep gargoyles at bay. Dress up as a knight or princess. Quizzes, facepainting and more. £2.50 for activities. Saturday 22 August Battle of Bosworth Anniversary re-enactment, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Children’s medieval games, archery
and fancy dress competition. Tickets cost £7.95 adults, £4.75 children 3+. Contact ww.bosworthbattlefield.com.
George. Sunday 30 August Hinckley Carnival
Sunday 23 August Market Harborough Summer Fayre, Market Harborough Rugby Club. Annual summer fayre with cake decorating competition judged by Great British Bake Off ’s Frances Quinn. Music , teddy bear’s picnic, funfair and flypast by the Lancaster bomber. Gates open 11am. Tuesday 25 August Wizarding wonders, Abbey Pumping Station, 11am-4pm. Make your own broom stick and wand. Follow Magical trails around the museum and have a picnic. Admission free, £2.50 for activities. Wallace’s Wonders, New Walk Museum and Gallery, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, also Weds and Thurs. Celebrate the discoveries of Alfred Russel Wallace by creating your own exotic creature. £2.50 for activities.
Monday 31 August Leicester Belgrave Mela, Leicester City Centre, 11am-6pm. Shop at the Mela Bazaar, eat and enjoy a whole range of South Asian arts and activities in a free, fun filled day. City Festival: Raucous Romans! Jewry Wall Museum, 11.30am3.30pm. The Romans are back, join them and dress up, create Roman objects and explore the museum trail. Free admission and activitites. National Forest Wood Fair, Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, LE12 8SP. An action packed day with lumberjacks, chainsaw carvers, wood mizers and horselogers. Tickets £9 Adults, concs £6, under 5s free, family ticket £25 (2A + 3C).
Rosie’s Magic Horse Photo: Pamela Raith
Saturday 29 August Stapleford Miniature Railway Open Weekend, Stapleford Park near Melton Mowbray, 10am onwards through to Bank Holiday Monday. Featuring the Stapleford Park miniature railway, showman’s engines, fairground organs, exhibits and refreshments. Tickets £3 adults, children under 12 free. Contact 01664 851614. City Festival: Teddy Bear’s picnic, Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester. Come and meet the Newarke Houses bear, bring your own friend and picnic and join in. £2.50 for activities. Meet Peppa and George at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough Central Station, Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW. Steam train trips, fun fair rides and photo opportunities with Peppa and
Saturday 5 September Shackerstone Family Festival, Shackerstone, from 10am Saturday and Sunday. Racing pigs, lawnmower races, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team, Wild West arena, narrowboats on the Ashby Canal, vintage vehicles and more! The Victory Show, Foxlands Farm, Cosby, gates open 9am Sat and Sun. The 10th Anniversary of the Victory Show opens a window on the fabulous 1940s with the help of reenactors, heavy armour, tanks, 1940s vehicles, air displays and more. This tribute to WWII has something to entertain and inform all ages. Tickets cost £15 adults, £5 children. Sunday 6 September Seaside Special Steam Day, Abbey Pumping Station, 12 noon - 5pm. Join the 7th Seaside day and relax on the beach in a deck chair, ride on a donkey, see Punch and Judy and ride a vintage bus. Adults £3.50, Children £2.50, Family £8. (Small charges for attractions). Aladdin’s Sunday Funday, Loughborough Town Hall, 10am. Free event, build your own magic carpet, try Chinese Lion Dancing, see backstage at the Panto. Contact 01509 231914 to book.
Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 11
WIN WIN WIN
Saturday 12 September Discover Rutland Day, Rutland Water, Sykes Lane. Local performers on the main stage, food market, sports zone and family activities. Rosie’s Magic Horse, Loughborough Town Hall, 11am. Peaceful Lion Productions show based on the book by Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake. A tale of aspiration, friendship and mischief. Age 3+. Tickets cost £9 adults, £7 concs. Saturday 26 September Belgrave Hall Good Food Fair, Belgrave Hall and Gardens 11am-5pm. Entry £3.50 adults, £2.50 children. Singalonga Frozen, Loughborough Town Hall. 11am and 3pm. Full film screening with on screen lyrics and live host. Dress up and sing. Cost £16 adults, £11 concs. Sunday 27 September Wallace’s Wonders, New Walk Museum and Gallery, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Creating your own exotic creature. £2.50 for activities.
Win a family ticket to Wistow Maize Maze and relax and enjoy one of the best visitor attractions Leicestershire has to offer. The award-winning maze has a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst 3 miles of intricate pathways, with high level bridges & towers giving stunning 3D panoramic views. It also includes an Activity Fun yard with games and mini mazes for all the family. Each year the maze is grown in a different shape and this year with England hosting the Rugby World Cup and some matches at the Leicester Tiger’s ground, there is a sporting theme and the maze is designed in the shape of a rugby player. This year the Wistow Maize Maze re-opens on Saturday 19th July. It will be open 10am - 6pm, seven days a week until Sunday 31st August and then weekends only until Sunday 21st September. Visitors should be aware the field is in agricultural use. The maize is harvested for cattle feed in the autumn and the maze paths are uneven and can be muddy in wet weather. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. To win a family ticket for two adults and two children or one adult and three children, answer this simple question. Which animal is associated with rugby in Leicester? E-mail us with Wistow in the subject line and your answer along with your name, address and a phone number to info@totstimes.co.uk by August 14. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct answers. No cash alternative or substitution available. Conditions may apply. For more information about the Maize Maze visit www. wistow.com or call 07884 403889. The Maze is 5 miles south of Leicester opposite Wistow Rural Centre, signed from the A6 at Great Glen and Kibworth and the A5199 at Kilby.
Meals on heels
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust has launched a new campaign to support and empower breastfeeding mums. A series of e-postcards are being shared on Facebook and Twitter with images of real mothers breastfeeding their babies in shops, bars, at Curve and New Walk Museum. You can follow the campaign either via Twitter @LPTnhs or on Facebook and mums are being encouraged to share, like and tweet inspiring messages with the hashtags #myrightofway #mealsonheels to show support for mother’s rights to breastfeed in public. You can also download the Meals on Heels mobile app for local venues, rate them or add your own? “Meals on heels’ is all about helping women to feel empowered and supporting them with their infant feeding choices. We know that not all mums feel they are comfortably able to breastfeed in public, however they have the legal right to do so. The hashtag #MyRightOfWay is all about celebrating this choice and urging the public to support mums about where and how they feed their baby.” Carole Fishwick, LPT infant feeding lead
12 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
Mother, baby and toddler groups
Hinckley & Bosworth
Monday 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. Thursday Sunshine Club, Barlestone Village Hall, Barton Road from 1.30- 3pm. Toys and chat for mums.
Harborough District Monday 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 Wednesday 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. 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.
Oadby & Wigston Monday 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. 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 Thursday 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 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. Wednesday 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. 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
Tel: 07866 551151
Tots Times 13
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 Mumstop, Living Rock Church, Station Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4LU, 10am-11.30am. Costs £2 per family. Contact 01455 270840.
Melton Mowbray 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 Get up 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.
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 Wednesday Agar Nook Mother and Toddler Group Agar Nook Community Centre, Coalville, LE67 4TN. Session runs from 12.30 to 2pm. Contact 01530 813818 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 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. Friday Play Day sessions at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville. For children aged 4-12. Morning session, 10am-12.30pm, £4.50, afternoon 12.30-3.30pm, £4.50, all day 10am3pm, bring packed lunch, £9. Prebooking essential on 01530 510515.
Loughborough Tuesday 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. 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. 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.
Leicester Monday Little Angels, St Christopher’s Church, Samworth Acadamy, Trenant Rd, Leicester, LE2 6UA. 9.15am11.15am. Contact 0116 2830510 Family Play and Learn, 9am-11am term time. Caldecote Primary School 164 Hallam Crescent East, Leicester. 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. 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. 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. Muffins family playgroup, Hope Hamilton Church, Hope Hamilton
14 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
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. Wednesday 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 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. 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. Nic’s Nappy Library 10.30am-12pm at Summers Community Cafe Cort Crescent Community Centre Cort Crescent, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1QJ Thursday Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre Parent and Toddler group 1-3pm, 50p. Contact Pravin Ruparelia 0116 2221004. Father’s Only Toddler Group Highfields Library, 98 Melbourne Road, Leicester LE2 0DS. Starts at 2pm. Free. Contact 0116 2995494 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. 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. Contact 0116 2513434.
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