Your guide to the first five years
y b a b 5 Top ets g d a g Find a mum & baby group
Oct - Dec 2015 Issue 10
Free ! Ta
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Win W in Wi n Ticke Snow ts to Whit e
Your baby’s teeth and the Dentist Everything parents in Leicestershire need to know Tots Times
Tel: 07866 551151
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2 Tots Times www.totstimes.co.uk
Autumn is a busy time. If you haven’t already realised, everything to do with children is based around the school year. This can be quite a shock if you haven’t thought about term starting since you left school yourself! Getting into classes, finding a group to take your baby to and finding your feet as you grow into being a parent is a tough, organisational operation and that’s before we mention the ‘C’ word. It comes round faster every year. Finding time for the ordinary things, like visiting the dentist, can seem like an impossibility but it is really important to look after yourself. Take your baby too! We interviewed Oral Health Promoter Laura (p4) and she says taking baby with you is a great way to get them into the swing of things. One of the things you can do early is book up trips to pantomimes and shows for your little one. There are lots on across the county. Check out our What’s On guide and get your tickets booked so it isn’t a mad dash at the end of the year. Enter our Pantomime competition to win a pair of tickets to see Snow White starring the wonderfully wicked Sherrie Hewson at De Montfort Hall. Enjoy the mists and mellow fruitfulness this time of year brings and have fun in the run up to Christmas.
Contents Baby teeth, the dentist and you ... 4 Classes for you and baby... 6 Win Tickets to Snow White at De Montfort Hall... 6 What’s On .... 8 Find a mum and baby group .... 12 Cover story: www.beaphotography.co.uk
Helen Knapton-Knott Editor
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Tots Times 3
Baby Teeth and you
A five year-old in Leicester is over five times more likely to have tooth decay than a child of the same age in West Sussex according to a recent report from the National Children’s Bureau. For a number of years studies have shown Leicester children have the worst teeth in the country and the problem starts when the children are still babies according to local Oral Health Promoters. The NCB report found that 51 percent of children aged five in the city have active tooth decay and recommends that alongside government initiatives, local councils and health agencies should review the overall system of provision for children aged 0-5 across health, education and early years in their area as a whole. Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council took over responsibility for Public Health from the NHS in 2013 as part of a national change to the way services are delivered. This means they now have responsibility for tackling health inequalities like dental health. In the county, all babies are given a free dental health kit at their four-month health visitor contact. The packs include a baby toothbrush, toothpaste and a leaflet and parents are offered advice on good tooth care habits. Leicester City Council has put together a team of Oral Health Promoters who work out of the Children’s Centres to get the message about dental health across.
Laura Watkins is one of them and she works to provide parents and carers with information to help get them information and advice to prevent the need for unnecessary treatment. She revealed that starting in November children in the city will get five free oral health kits between birth and five, the first three given out by health visitors. This is to help improve dental health amongst children and educate parents on what they need to be doing and help that is available. Laura said: “It’s important that baby teeth are brushed as soon as they come through. Baby teeth are important, people think they aren’t but we have teeth to help us with speaking, smiling, playing and communicating with others.” Brushing teeth regularly is necessary to remove the plaque and the acid build up in the mouth. Laura explained: “Children’s teeth should start to be brushed as soon as teeth come through. Health visitors support this at the 3-4 month check and as soon as the teeth appear you have to get the brush in there and get them used to having their teeth brushed.” She said it was important to use fluoride toothpaste made for little ones but a lot of people did not know there is a fluoride varnish which is free and can be applied twice a year on children aged 3 and above.
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“Have a chat with your dentist and say ‘I’ve heard about fluoride varnish’ and they should do it for you free up to the age of 18. She said parents need to know they should be taking babies and children to the dentist for check-ups, even if there is nothing wrong. “Babies should have their first dental visit by the time they are one. You can register a 4-6 month old and if you are registered then you will be able to get that appointment easily before they are one. The equipment you buy for your baby can also make a difference to their dental health. Laura explained that babies should not have bottles after one year old and parents should introduce a free flowing, valve less sippy cup from about six months. “These allow drinks to drip down into the mouth.” “A sippy cup with a valve in is exactly the same as a bottle. When we talk about a free flow cup we mean one where you turn it upside down and water flows out. “ What children eat and drink and when is also important says Laura. Three regular healthy meals and two snacks is recommended, along with still water or milk only between meals. Every time your child eats or drinks a liquid other than water, it boosts the acid levels in their mouths and this starts to erode tooth enamel. Water dilutes the acid and longer periods without food allow the mouth and teeth to recover. “Not having snacks between meals helps and what they are drinking is important. If we drink constantly between meals, formula, squash, juice, even drinks with no added
sugar will all still cause acid to build up. Fizzy water also does it because it’s carbonated and it causes acid build up which can wear the teeth down.” New information leaflets, oral health promoters and the oral health kits are all part of a coordinated plan across the city to improve children’s oral health and Visit the dentist! help Leicester ditch the ignoNHS dental care is FREE minious honour until the age of 18 of having the FREE NHS dental care for ALL pregnant mothers worst child denAND for 12 months after birth tal decay figures Take children to see the in the country. dentist as soon as the first baby If you are havtooth shows in the mouth ing difficulty Take your child to the dentist finding a dentist regularly, not just when in pain you can search Ask your dentist to brush the NHS on fluoride varnish for added protection against tooth decay Choices website (for children aged 3 and above) or, if you are - IT’S FREE! in the city call Leicester Health on 0116 2518313. and county residents can call 0116 2574999.
Fun classes in warm pools, promoting skills and water confidence in small classes taught using the principles of the alexander technique.
Parent & Baby Classes
Swimming and water confidence for newborn babies upwards.
Various locations across Leicestershire, Rutland & Warwickshire.
2712004 www.aqua-vie.com 0116 anita@aqua-vie.com
Tel: 07866 551151
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Classes For Mummies
Bosom Buddies Antenatal Workshops. 7-9pm Second Monday of every month. Huncote Children’s Centre, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, LE9 3BN For pregnant women 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).
For Little Learners
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 Swim Works Classes 7 days a week and 10 minutes away from Lutterworth. Contact info@swimworks.co.uk or call 01788 568503 AquaStar baby and preschool swimming lessons Mondays at Omega Health Club, Ramada Leicester Stage Hotel LE18 1JW hello@aquastarswim.co.uk www.aquastarswim.co.uk 07969442454
AquaStar baby and preschool swimming lessons Saturdays at West Gate School, Glenfield Road, Leicester LE3 6DG hello@aquastarswim.co.uk www.aquastarswim.co.uk 07969442454 AquaStar baby and preschool swimming lessons Fridays at Omega Health Club, Ramada Leicester Stage Hotel LE18 1JW hello@aquastarswim.co.uk www.aquastarswim.co.uk 07969442454 To have a class included in these listings please contact info@totstimes.co.uk or call 07866 551151.
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. Little Splashers Westfield school in Hinckley. Classes on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 weeks to 4 years of age. Contact Jo@ littlesplashers.co.uk or call 07968015292
WIN WIN WIN
Pantomime Season is coming and this year at De Montfort Hall in Leicester Snow White will be trying to avoid the wicked queen and marry the handsome prince with great songs, fun and slapstick along the way. Chidlren and adults alike will be delighted by veteren actress and star of Benidorm, Sherrie Hewson as the wicked queen, BBC Radio Leicester’s Martin Ballard as the dame and a pre-recorded appearance from CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher as the magic mirror! This year the show is written by Will Brenton and children’s television producer and veteran panto dame Ian Laughlan who created the Tweenies. We have two pairs of tickets to give away and you could win one of them just by answering this simple question: Which fruit is associated with poisoning Snow White and putting her to sleep for 100 years? Send your answer, name, address and a telephone number via email to info@totstimes.co.uk putting Panto in the subject line. Two winners will be randomly selected from the correct answers. Closing date for entries is December 1st. No cash alternative or substitution is available.
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4 WEEK FREE TRIAL
Reusable nappies can benefit your baby, your budget and the environment.
Give them a go for FREE!* www.leics.gov.uk/nappies or call 0116 305 7005. *Terms and conditions apply. Leicestershire residents only (excludes Leicester City residents). Tel: 07866 551151
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What’s On Guide
October Saturday 10th NCT Leicester Nearly New Sale, Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Lane, Leicester from 12.30pm. Tickets cost £1, children free.
Tuesday 13th Tiny Tuesdays Special: The Little Big Draw, 10.15am – 11.15am Charnwood Museum, Queen’s Park, Loughborough. Art and craft workshop part of The Big Draw aimed at under-fives to create artwork for display in the Loogabarooga Festival. Booking essential. £1.50 per child Saturday 17th Snow Child, Loughborough Town Hall. As autumn leaves fall we tell you a magical story about a family, love and the power of dreams. Suitable for age 3-7, 55 minutes. Tickets cost £8. Contact 01509 231914 Monday 19th Happy Hedgehogs at Brocks Hill Park with Colleen Powell from Leicester Hedgehog Rescue. Times: 10:30 to 11:30am; 11:45am to 12:45pm or 2 to 3pm. Cost £4.00 Suitable for families (3 years plus). Tuesday 20th Half-Term Halloween Howl, Melton Carnegie Museum, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray. Make a spooky candle with mouldable wax, have a go at the horse anatomy game and try the wild hunt trail based on British Legends. 3 - 11 year olds. Small charge. Event runs daily until Saturday. Let’s go Batty at Brocks Hill Park, Oadby. Find out about bats and make your own clay bat. Times: 10:30 to 11:30am or 12:45 to 1:45pm. Cost £4 Under 5’s welcome but will need a lot of help. Ghouls and ghosts Halloween children’s day 11am - 3pm Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester. Come dressed for Halloween and make ghouls and ghosts. Site railway running subject to weather. Admission free (a small
charge for train rides). £2 for activities. T: 0116 299 5111
Illuminate, Charnwood Museum, Queen’s Park, Loughborough, 10.15 – 11.15 and 11.45 – 12.45. Create an Illuminated Letter for our community display in the ‘Loogabarooga’ Festival. Suitable for 3+, £2.50 per child, booking required. Wednesday 21st Children’s Michaelmas Street Fair, Melton Town Centre, 11am onwards from Wednesday to Friday. Celebrate Apple Day at Brocks Hill Park, Oadby with a variety of apple based craft activities from 10:30 to 11:30am or 12:45 to 1:45pm. Cost £4 per child 3 years and over Minions, Century Theatre Kids Cinema at the Century Theatre, Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN 01530 278444 Thursday 22nd Bear Wear Biscuit Decorating at Palmers Garden Centres in Enderby and Ullesthorpe. Decorate a winter bear with warm clothes. Sessions from 3pm. Booking essential Ullesthorpe contact 01455 202144, Enderby contact 0116 2863323. Horrors at the Haunted Hall 11am - 3pm The Guildhall, Leicester. Join the witches and wizards for creepy crafts and treacherous trails around the building. Drop-in event, £2.50 for activities. T: 0116 253 2569 Illustrate, Charnwood Museum, Queen’s Park, Loughborough, 10.15 – 11.15 and 11.45 – 12.45. Art and craft workshop all about illustration. Part of the ‘Loogabarooga’ Festival. Suitable for children aged 5 and up, £2.50 per child, booking required. Friday 23rd Inside Out, Century Theatre Kids Cinema at the Century Theatre, Snibston Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN. 01530 278444 Rugby fun days 11am-3pm Newarke Houses Museums, Leicester. Design and make your own rugby shirt, try
your hand at rugby games. Exhibi-
tion tours available. Free event. Telling Tales! Join Charnwood Museum staff for these fun storytelling sessions on gallery. FREE Activity for all ages Please book to get a space. 1.30pm – 2.00pm and 2.30pm – 3.00pm. Contact 01509 233754. Sunday 25th Sid’s Show! Melton Theatre, Melton Mowbray 11am and 2pm. Join Sid from CBeebies live on stage for an adventure to knock your socks off. Perfect for age 3+. Tickets from £510. Contact 01664 851111. Thursday 29th Annual Wakes Fair, Castle Donington, 6pm - 10am Thursday and Friday, 2pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday. Rides, games and stalls for all ages. Friday 30th Melton Bonfire Party, Egerton Park, Melton Town Centre, 6pm onwards. Hinckley Halloween Hunt, Hollycroft Park, Hinckley, meet at the Bowling Green entrance from 4pm5pm. £1 per person. Fancy dress. Contact Emma Hopkins on 01455 255875. Halloween family fun at Moira Furnace. Spooky boat trips, ghost walk, apple bobbing and crafts. Tickets cost £3.50 adults, £2.50 children, £10 family ticket 2A+2C. Tickets from Ashby Tourist Information Centre 01530 411767. Saturday 31st My Pregnancy Day, Woodhouse Community Hall, LE12 8TZ from 9.30am. Useful talks, practical workshops, pampering, socialising, dining and relaxation organised by zest4lifeuk. Tickets cost £89, from www.zest4lifeuk.com November Sunday 1st Diwali Lights Switch On, Belgrave Rd, Leicester. For more
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Monday 21st December 12-2 & 3-5
Aylestone Park FC, LEICESTER, LE2 6GT Christmas disco Fun & games Face painting
Crafts
Meet the MAIN man himself…
...SANTA!!
Capture the magical meeting with a professional portrait!
Tickets Children - £12 Under 1’s FREE Adults - £3
Family tickets - £25
Meet
Elsa & Olaf AND Batman & Spiderman
TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS Call ;07935964522 Email; lucy@minimees.me
Tel: 07866 551151
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details www.visitleicester.info/diwali Wednesday 4th Toddler art and story session 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Create your own art work and settle down for story time and a snack. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 225 4900 Sunday 7th Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks, gates open at 5pm, last admission at 7.30pm. The fireworks at 8pm. Live music and entertainment, children’s fireworks and Star Wars characters earlier. Tickets from www.visitleicester.info Lutterworth Golf Club Fireworks, Rugby Road, Lutterworth LE17 4HN. Gates open 5.30pm. Thursday 5 Giant peacock Rangoli 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. £2.50 for activities. T: 0116 225 4900 Friday 6th Mallory Park Fireworks and Bonfire Spectacular featuring music from Frozen. Advance tickets £5 adults, £3 Children, £15 family 2A+3C. Gates open 5.30pm, entertainment 6.30pm, fireworks 8pm. www.malloryparkcircuit.com. Saturday 7th The Midlands biggest bonfire, fireworks and laser show, Cattows Farm, Normanton Lane, Heather, LE67 2TD. Children’s characters, laser light show, fairground and food. Gates open at 5pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost: adults £8, children £6, under 3s free, car park £1, available at www.eventbrite.co.uk Diwali railway day 11am-4.30pm Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester. Join us for the Diwali express around the museum’s site railway. Admission free (small charge for railway rides). Contact 0116 299 5111 Sunday 8 November Diwali stories 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Create your own Divali puppets.
£2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 225 4900 Tuesday 10 November Toddler art and story session 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Create your own art work and settle down for story time and a snack. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 225 4900 Wednesday 11th Diwali Day, Cossington St, Recreation Ground and Belgrave Rd, Leicester, 6pm - 8.30pm. www. visitleicester.info/diwali Saturday 14th Curve Theatre Family Day, Rutland Street, Leicester. Diwali themed day including Hindu folk tales, shadow puppet workshops and dressing up. Friday 20th Hinckley Christmas lights switch on and Tin Hat Fair, Hinckley Town Centre from 4pm. Entertainment from 5.50pm, lights on at 6.30pm followed by fireworks display over St Mary’s Church. Santa’s grotto, reindeer, market and late night shopping. The Tin Hat Fair will be in Regent St on Friday and Saturday night. Saturday 21st Make a million pounds 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Runs daily until 25 November. Make some money, count coins and notes, and see money from around the world and through the centuries. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 225 4900 Coalville Food and Drink Festival, Belvoir shopping centre, Coalville from 10am. Food from all over the world and just next door, children’s rides and Filbert Fox and Leicester City FC. Nearly New Sale, Loughborough NCT at Shepshed High School, Shepshed from 11am. Entrance £1, children free. Brocks Hill Christmas Craft Fair, Brocks Hill Park, Oadby, 10.30am to 3.30pm. Santa’s Grotto, free entry and free parking. Sunday 22nd
Leicester Christmas Lights switch on, Humberstone Gate West, Leicester from 2pm. Lights on at 4.30pm. Musical entertainment in Town Hall Square from 2pm-5pm. Leicester’s Winter Food Festival featuring Christmas Crafts, Leicester Market from 11am to 5.30pm. Over 150 stalls of tasty food and drink. Friday 27th Lutterworth Christmas Lights Switch on and Christmas Market, the George St car park opposite the Wycliffe Rooms, 3pm-8pm. Saturday 28th Ashby Christmas Fair, Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, 10am4pm. Christmas market, craft fair, Santa, choirs, brass bands and children’s rides. Kipper’s Snowy Day, Curve Theatre, Leicester, on until Weds 2nd Dec. A magical world of puppets and mischief for children age 3+ based on the books by Mick Inkpen. Tickets cost £8-£12. Contact 0116 2423595. Aladdin, Loughborough Town Hall. Aladdin flies into Loughborough this Christmas for Panto. Times vary, tickets from £12. Shows until January 10. Contact the box office for details on (01509) 231914
Sunday 29th The Singing Ringing Tree at Attenborough Arts, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. For audiences 3-7 years, 50 minutes. Tickets cost £7. Family of four £25. Contact 0116 2522455. December Thursday 3rd Sleeping Beauty Century Theatre,
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Snibston Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN. Tickets cost from £7.50, various performances until Sunday 6th. Box office 01530 278444 Friday 4th Melton Mowbray Christmas Tree Festival, St Mary’s Parish Church, Melton Mowbray. Largest Christmas tree festival in the country with over 900 magical trees. 9am - 9pm Friday, 9am - 4.30pm Sat, 9am-5pm Sun, 9am-9pm Mon, 9am-4pm Tue. £2 adults, children free. Victorian Christmas Market and Christmas lights switch on, Melton Town Centre. Entertainment from 10am, Santa’s Grotto from 4-7pm, late night shopping and fireworks. Lights switched on at 6.45pm. Castle Donington Christmas Cheer, St Edwards Churchyard 5pm for lantern procession led by Santa and his reindeer to the Market Place. Late night shopping until 8pm. Wrap up warm and bring lanterns and torches. Saturday 5th Victorian Street Fayre, Melton Town Centre with live music and Christmas Fayre from 8am to 4pm. Festival of Cribs, Sage Cross Street Methodist Church, Melton Mowbray, 10am-4pm and Sunday 10.30am 4pm. Sunday 6th Victorian Christmas Fayre, Melton Town Centre, 10am - 4pm. Enjoy a slice of Dickensian Britain. Baby Disco: Winter Wonderland, Attenborough Arts, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. For 0-6 years, lasts 1 hour. £5 per child, adults £1. 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Christmas toys and steam day 1pm – 5pm Abbey Pumping Station Christmas tunes in the engine house as the mighty beam engines turn. Family £8, Adults £3.50, Children/ concession £2.50. (Small charge for train rides. T: 0116 299 5111 Friday 11th Aladdin, Little Theatre, Dover St , Leicester. Chinese laundry boy Aladdin tries to outwit the evil Abanazar
and marry the beautiful Princess. Tickets £14.50 and £12.50. Shows until 3 January. Box office 0116 255 1302 Saturday 12th Snow White, De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Wickedly funny pantomime starring Sherrie Hewson and a pre-recorded appearance by CBeebies Justin Fletcher as the magic mirror. Tickets from £15 for adults and from £10 for children. Show runs until 4 January. Box Office 0116 233 3111. Sunday 13th A Traditional Christmas Belgrave Hall & Gardens 11am - 5pm. Seasonal entertainers and mini-gift fair. £3.50 adults, £2.50 children and concs. Family ticket £8 (up to 5 people). T: 0116 229 8181. Wednesday 16th Peter Pan, Melton Theatre, Melton Mowbray. Second star to the right and straight on til morning with an all star cast. Tickets from £9 various shows until Sunday 20th. Box Office 01664 851111
Sunday 20th Drop in Christmas Crafts at Brocks Hill Park, Oadby. A choice of Christmas crafts to make and do to celebrate this time of year. No advance booking required. Times: 11 to 2:30 p.m. Cost per craft from £1 to £3. All ages Tuesday 22nd The Nose that Nobody Picked, Attenborough Arts, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. A ripsnorting yarn with songs and snot. For age 4+. Tickets £7, party of 4 £25. Contact 0116 25 Salt Dough Christmas Decorations at Brocks Hill Park, Oadby. Create some special decorations for your tree or give them away as presents! Times: 10:30 to 11:30 am or 12:45 to 1:45 pm. Cost is £4. All ages. Wednesday 30 December Scratch art 2016 calendars 11am - 4pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Scratch your very own shiny art creation as your 2016 calendar for the New Year! £2.50 for activities. T: 0116 225 4900
Saturday 19th Sorry! Christmas is cancelled.. Katie Saves the Day, Curve Theatre, Leicester. Join Katie as she helps Santa save Christmas from the thieves. Puppets and storytelling for ages 2-7. Contact 0116 2423595. Curve Family Day, Rutland Street, Leicester. A Christmas themed extravaganza. Biscuit decorating, craft workshops and dressing up.
Tel: 07866 551151
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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. Wednesay 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. Friday 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.
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 email: suehill_popav@yahoo.co.uk. 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.
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
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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 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 suggested.Contact Katherine Yates 07593700046. Tuesday Cosby Parent and child group, Cosby Village Hall, Park Road, Cosby LE9 1RL. Sessions run from 9am – 11.30am for children aged 0-5. Contact 0116 2863034. 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 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 Friday 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 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.
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. 10am to 11.30am for parents and careers of children from birth to four years. Contact Carol Parker on 01664 857526. Tuesday 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 Thursday Tiny Tots 10am-11am Thursdays in term time, St Mary’s Church, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. Contact Catriona on 01664 503533.
Coalville Monday Little Dragons Den Soft Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. 9.30am to 3pm. Cost: under 12 months £1, 1-5 years £3. Also Thursday and Friday. Tuesday Noah’s Ark Parent and toddler group, The Full Gospel Mission
Tel: 07866 551151
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(Pentecostal Church), James St, Coalville, LE67 3BX. 10am to 11.45am term time only. Cost £2 per family. Contact Sharon Ellison 01530 817061. Thursday Sunshine Toddlers, Christchurch Hall, London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JA. 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Contact Tom Ringland 01530 838287. 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. 10am - 11.30am. Contact 07972271824.
Loughborough Emmanuel Church Little People, Emmanuel Church Centre, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. 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. 10 to 11.30am term time only. 50p per family. Contact Paul and Dawn Garner 07885243682. 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. 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. 10am to 11.30pm. Parents and carers of 0-5s welcome. Costs 50p per family. Contact 01509 234306. Baby Song followed by Tiny Tots
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: Dec 11 2015.
To contact Tots Times call 07866 551151 or e-mail info@totstimes.co.uk
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. 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for children from 0-5. Costs £1-£2 per family. Trinity Toddler Group, Trinity Methodist Church (Upstairs), Royland Road, Loughborough, LE11 2EH. 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. 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. 10am to 11.30am for children from 0-4. Costs 50p per family. Contact Katie Schad on 01509 212642.
Leicester Monday Playbreak. Robert Hall Church Hall, Narborough Rd, Leicester, LE3 0PD. 10 until 11.30. £2 per family per session. Mondays in termtime. Contact Caroline on 07933 768679. Little Treasures Parents and Tots Group, 9.30am – 11.30am (term time only). All Nations Centre, 10 Frog Island, Leicester, LE3 5AG. Cost 50p per family. Contact Rachel Barford/Liz Carvell All Nations Church Leicester 0116 2623222. Purple Parenting Support Mum and baby group. The Red Cow, Hinckley Road, 9.30-11.30am. Arts and Crafts at 360 Play, Meridian Leisure Park, Leicester. 9.30am11.30am. 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. Knighton Nippers, Knighton Free Church, Brinsmead Road, Leicester, LE2 3WB, 10am-11.30am (term time only). 0-4 years. Contact 0116 2704101. 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. TLC Tots at Trinity Life Church, 9.45am - 11.30am. Toddler gym time, toys, singing. Contact Tom 0116 2558672. Tots and Dots at St Andrew’s Church, Leicester Forest East, 1.30pm - 3pm. No charge.
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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, 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 Cafe Mama 10am-12pm Unitarian Church Hall, East Bond Street, Leicester. Peer supporters, La Leche League consultants 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. Thursday Pram Club, St Anne’s Church Hall, Letchworth Road, Leicester 1.30pm to 3pm, Admission £1 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. Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre Parent and Toddler group 1-3pm, 50p. Contact Pravin Ruparelia 0116 2221004. 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.
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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
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