Your guide to the first five years
Find a playgroup or class near you Summer fun days out
Tips for travelling with tots FUN TOYS EDUCATION FOOD HEALTH FASHION HOME
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Contents Perfect Picnics..... 3 Travelling with Tots..... 4 Class directory.....5 Daily Activity Planner..... 6 Farmers Markets..... 11 Library Times..... 13 Summer Events..... 14
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eed a push to help kick start your post baby fitness
Hello and welcome to the first edition of Tots Times. I’m very excited about this new venture and I’d love to hear what you think about it. You can always e-mail us at info@totstimes.co.uk Summer is a strange time. The normal mother and toddler groups seem to shut down and everyone is away on holiday at odd times. It can be a bit isolating but if you plan carefully with friends you can really make the summer events calendar work for you. Even simple things like picnics in the park or garden are a great way to get little ones outside and having fun. We have a feature on travelling with tots packed with tips from real parents. There is a picnic food special with easy ideas and our extensive listings of mother and baby groups, events and classes. Have a lovely summer! Helen Knapton-Knott
Country Park, the Big Buggy
gorgeous goody bag – perfect for
Push promises to be a fantastic
carrying around baby gear!
morning out with entertainment
To help get your fitness levels up
for everybody.
before the big event, postnatal exercise expert, Joanna Helcké,
September in aid of Alex’s Wish,
“four week nutritional and fitness plan for everyone who signs up”
a local charity raising money for
All your little one’s favourites
everyone who signs up for The
research into Duchenne Muscu-
will be there, from Tiny Talk to
Big Buggy Push.
lar Dystrophy which affects 1 in
Water Babies and all mums who
Sign up at
every 3,500 boys.
take part will be taking home a
www.thebigbuggypush.co.uk for
regime? Come and join the East Midlands’ first ever Big Buggy Push on Thursday 12th
has put together a four week nutritional and fitness plan for
The disease is
a fantastic morn-
a progressive
ing out raising
neuromuscular
your heart rate
disorder which is
and money for
eventually fatal.
charity at the
Taking place
same time.
in the beautiful Beacon Hill 2
Perfect Picnics
oolproof picnics that can be eaten by little people and enjoyed by adults are easy when you know how. Remember to take hats and sun cream along with wipes and a blanket to sit on as well as your tasty morsels. We have gathered hints and tips from real mums and dads who have packed a few picnics in their time. Sarah in Loughborough said: “I always try and pack things that are easy for a child to hold and that don’t disintegrate after one bite.” “Don’t stress too much about it.” said Thom in Oakham. “They don’t eat much because they are so excited and it is a rule of parenting that anything you spend time and effort making will be
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ignored.” Alex in Leicester offered up his family dip. “Guacamole made with avocado, cream cheese, garlic, pepper and lemon juice with carrot sticks and plain nachos to dip.” Gillian from Sileby warned of the dangers from choking and gave us her tips: “Cheese Straws, cherry tomatoes, cold cocktail sausages or small pieces of pizza, small scotch eggs, chopped fruit (chocolate melts and biscuits go soft). We like to dip the fruit in Angel Delight. Never nuts, sharp crisps or anything else that is dangerous to eat running around (because they will) and always Tupperware collapsible dishes and baby wipes.”
We also liked Angeli in Leicester’s suggestion of taking care of the grown ups too: “Cheese straws, chocolate anything, sausage rolls, tuna wraps, oh and lots of wine and cake for parents. Happy everyone.” Lyndon in Nottingham: “Cocktail sausages, small pork pies, dinosaur shaped sandwiches, cheese straws, juice - orange and blackcurrant, carrots, chicken nuggets.”
Our Top 10 picnic foods Breadsticks Hummous dip Cooked cocktail sausages Carrot sticks Grapes Cheese chunks Jam sandwiches Strawberries Biscuits Cheese straws
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Travelling with tots our experience of flying with tots depends very much on your tot. Whether you are travelling half way around the world or just across the UK, it can be a minefield for parents. Some babies are happy to travel around, are very portable and forgiving when things like nap times change and you put them down to sleep in an unfamiliar room. Other babies will signal their displeasure at top volume until they are in surroundings they deem suitable. The good news is that there are things you can do to help make the experience easier. Although these tips are mainly for flying, some work equally well on train or car journeys. Feeding Taking formula with you can be difficult thanks to the 100ml of fluid limit in force at airports. You are allowed to take enough formula or food for your baby’s journey in your hand luggage and this can be over 100ml. This includes powdered/breast/ carton milk of all kinds and baby food of all consistencies and packaging. The rest must be in your checked in baggage. Most security points will accept tamperproof seals on cartons and a taste of a made up bottle as proof of good intentions. If you are concerned about carrying cartons of formula through security you can arrange and pay for it to be available airside for you to collect. Boots offer this service. Many Mums take powdered formula ready dispensed into portions. Boiled water is available in flight but it will be very hot so remember to ask for
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it a while before a feed to allow for cooling. Bigger children will need snacks. Get them sucking on a bottle, breast, dummy/pacifier or lolly in good time for take off and landing as young children’s ears are much more sensitive to changes in pressure. Take heart in the knowledge that crying actually relieves the pressure. Carry on luggage Pack a small emergency bag within each big item of carry on luggage. Include 1 measured sachet of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen, 1 nappy, wipes, a change of clothes, disposable changing mat and a big sealable plastic bag. This bag can be stowed at your feet and makes it easier to get a child cleaned up in an emergency when the big bag is in the overhead locker.
“Pack a change of clothes for yourself and your partner in case either of you get vomited on” Distribute nappies, clothes, medicines and wipes between all carry on luggage in case something goes missing. If you are travelling long haul,
pack a change of clothes for yourself and your partner in case either of you get vomited on. A sling can be helpful in case your buggy goes missing or is not available during stop overs. It can also be a long walk to baggage reclaim to get your buggy. Most airlines allow you to take one extra item of luggage - the buggy or car seat. Some airlines allow you to take two - a car seat and a buggy and some (Quantas) allow you to take three. Please check with your airline before you travel as they do charge for extra items. Seats Book a bulkhead or an aisle seat. Children up to 2 years-old fly free although you are usually obliged to bounce them on your knee for the entire flight. You can book a ‘sky cot’ or bassinette but check with your airline for availability. Getting on first and spreading out a bit might help the passenger in the third seat in your row to see the light and ask to be moved! Although many airlines board children first it can be good to enjoy those extra moments of mobile freedom, especially if your seats are pre-allocated. Paperwork Scan everything you need for your trip, tickets, insurance and passports, and e-mail them to yourself. Should anything go missing they are much easier to replace when you have all the details. Entertainment/Sleeping Pack a rucksack full of little toys, colouring, stickers and snacks. Raid the pound shop and wrap things like presents to cont. p5
Baby swimming
Aqua Vie Oakham. Friday afternoon, Saturday morning. Contact 0116 2712004. Aqua Vie Kirby Muxloe Primary School Pool, Barwell Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2AA. Friday am, Saturday am. Contact 0116 2712004. Aqua Vie Ridlington.Wednesday am. Contact 0116 2712004. Aqua Vie Thurnby, Tuesday am, Wednesday am. Contact 0116 2712004. Aqua Vie Birkett House School, Launceston Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2FZ. Monday afternoon, Friday Afternoon. Contact 0116 2712004. Puddle Ducks Westfield Junior School Pool, Westfield Road, Hinckley, LE10 0LT, Monday, 9.45am - 11.45am. Classes cost ÂŁ11. Contact 07975 918908. Puddle Ducks General Hospital Hydro Pool, Physio and Rehab Dept, Gwendolyn Road, Leicester LE5 4PW. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 12.30pm. Classes cost ÂŁ12. Contact 07975 918908.
Classes Puddle Ducks Riverside Primary School, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4JU. Monday 9.30am - 11.30am. Thursday 9.30am 11.30am. Contact 07975 918908. Puddle Ducks Roundhill Academy, 997 Melton Road, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8GQ. Saturday 1.30pm to 4pm. Baby, pre-school and swim academy. Contact 07975 918908. Puddle Ducks Church Hill Junior School, Church Hill Road, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8DE. Thursday 4pm to 5.30pm. Babies and pre-school swim. Friday 9.30am -11.30am Babies and pre-school swim. 3.45pm - 5.15pm Swim Academy. Contact 07975 918908.
Aqua Natal
Puddle Ducks Harpers Fitness, Wigston Swimming Baths, Station Road, Wigston, LE18 2DP. Tuesday 6.45am.
LE2 4LA. Tuesday from 10.3011.30am. Contact 0116 2928904. Tiny Talk, Evington Leisure Centre, Downing Drive, Evington LE3 6LP. Tuesday from 1.30 - 2.30pm. Contact 0116 2928904. Tiny Talk, Waterstones, Leicester, 26 Market Street, LE1 6DP. Wednesday 10 - 11am. Contact 0116 2928904. Tiny Talk Toddlers Class, The Scout Hut, Stamford Street, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8DL. Friday 10 - 11am Tiny Talk, Glenfield Scout Hut, Stamford Street, Glenfield, Leicester, LE38DL. Firday 11.15am - 12.15pm. Contact 0116 2928904. Tiny Talk, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, LE4 4DH. Friday 1.30 - 2.30pm. Contact 0116 2928904.
Football
Cheeky Monkeys football summer clubs. Mon 29 July to Weds 28 August, various locations. Contact Michael on 07852 232 773
Baby signing
Tiny Talk, Oadby Trinity Methodist Church, Harborough Road, Oadby,
prolong the excitement. Buy one really good new toy, whatever they have been longing for, and keep it for the low point of the trip. Draw a rough map of the journey and use stickers to track your progress. Buy a cheap pashmina and take pegs with you to make a den or cover a sky cot if the light is overhead. Take a sleep bag and a muslin that smells of home. Keep nap times the same. Do not assume baby will sleep longer at night if they miss a nap. DO NOT forget their favourite toy in your hand luggage. If possible buy multiples in case they lose their loved one. Download their favourite TV show onto your smartphone or tablet. Download apps with nursery rhymes and age appropriate games. On the other side Depending on where you are going, take enough mosquito repellant, sunscreen, bed nets with insecticides, clothes for covering up in the evening, any medicines your child needs and leave enough formula for the return journey. Happy landings!
To have a class included in these listings please contact info@totstimes.co.uk or call 0116 2246898.
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
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Mother, baby and toddler groups
Leire, LE17 5HE. Suitable for children from birth to school age. Costs £1 including refreshments. Contact Caroline O’Connell 07719 600179.
Hinckley and Bosworth Monday Little Crofters, 1.30pm-3pm, Community Hall, Croft Church of England Primary School, Brookes Avenue, Croft, LE9. Lots of activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers, access to an outside play area, regular cake sales and social events for mums too. Costs £1 for adults, babies free, children over 12 months 50p. Crazy Babes Parent and Toddler Group, St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE19 0EW. Session runs from 9.30am to 11.30am. Contact 01455 617185. Tuesday 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. Lots of toys, craft table and singing. Costs £1 per family including drink and a biscuit for little ones and tea/coffee for carer. Contact the church on 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. Sessions run in term time only. Cost £1.50 per family including refreshments for adults and children. Contact 01455 233798. Organisers recommend you call before your first visit as sometimes there is a waiting list. Thursday Hinckley Methodist Chruch Mums and Tots, Albert Road Methodist Church (next to Holliers Walk School, Albert Road, Hinckley LE10 6
1PL. Session runs from 1.15pm to 3.00pm term time only. Costs £1 for parents and carers, 50p per child. Squash and biscuits, tea and coffee available. Contact 01455 440697 for details. Friday Chatterbox Mums and Toddlers Group, Newbold Verdon Primary School, Newbold Verdon, Leicstershire LE9 9PT. Session runs from 9.15am – 11.15am. Contact 01455 822736. Busy Bodies, St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE19 0EW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm. Contact 01455 617185.
Harborough District Monday Adventure Gym, 9am-11am (term time only), Walton Village Hall, Walton, Lutterworth, LE17 5RR. Ball pools, balancing beams, climbing frames and more. Refreshments available. Cost £1.50 for one child, £2 for two or more children. Contact Joanna Hill johill57@yahoo.co.uk Tuesday Fleckney Toddler Group 1.15pm3pm (term time only) Fleckney Village Hall, The Parade, Fleckney, LE8 8AY. Lots of toys, craft activities, space to run, singing, juice and biscuits. Coffee and tea for adults. Contact Pia Odell 0116 2402795. Leire Parent, Baby and Toddler Group, 1pm-2.30pm (term time only), Village Hall, Main Street,
Wednesday The Teddy Bear Bunch, St Mary’s Church, Main Street, Broughton Astley, 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. Structured activities, toys and singing, tea and coffee for adults, juice and biscuits for kids. 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. Sessions run from 9.30am – 11.15am (term time only) and include play with sit and rides, climbing equipment, puzzles, books, designated baby area, craft table, song time. Refreshments provided, cost £1.50 for one child, 50p for each additional child. Workers CRB checked. 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) and there is free play with toys, a baby area and craft table. Costs £2 for child over 6 months and carer, £1 for baby under 6 months and carer, additional children/adults 50p, snack and drink included in admission price. 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. A good range of toys
for all ages, crafts and singing. Costs £1 per family. Contact Jill Fisher 01455 208153. Friday Lubenham Mums and Tots Group, 10am to 12pm, Lubenham Village Hall, Laughton Road, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Baby area, outdoor space, refreshments provided. Cost £2 per family, first visit is free. Contact Debbie Fairlie 07772 486503. The Friday Coffee Club, 9.45am – 11.45am, The Pavilion, The recreation ground, Coventry Road, Lutterworth. Lots of toys for children. Cost £1.50 for one child, £2 for two or more children. Contact Sue Atkins 01455 556805.
Oadby and Wigston
Monday NCT Bumps Babies and Beyond 1-3pm (term time only), Oadby Baptist Church, Leicseter Road, Oadby, LE2 5BD, for under 5s, toys, chat and chocolate biscuits. Cost £2. Contact Sarah Woodford 07792 056018. 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. Parents and preschool age children welcome for singing, stories and play on the soft equipment. Starts at 10am. Contact 0116 2774114. 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. Wednesday Mums and Tots 9.20am – 11am St Thomas’s Church Hall, Blaby Road, South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 4SB, Free play and messy play, toys and activities provided, refreshments available. 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. Toys and craft activities are available along with refreshments for children and adults. Contact Aimie Spencer 07590 929114.
Grammar School Hall, School Road, Kibworth, Leicestershire, LE8 0EW. Sessions run from 12.30pm -2pm (term time only) for ages 0-5 years. Craft table, story time, baby area, juice and biscuits, tea and coffee. Every Teddy Bear must bring a child, a grown up and a packed lunch. £2 for first child, additional siblings 50p.
Thursday Friday Little Conkers, 10am – 11.30am Jellytots, 1-3pm Oadby Evangelical (term time only) Salvation Army Free Church, North Memorial Hall, Hall Leicester South, Ladysmith Stoughton Road, Oadby, Leicester, Road, off Saffron Road, South LE2 4FL. Play area, time to chat and Wigston, LE18 4UZ. Ride on toys refreshments, admission free and and soft play for toddlers, baby we are open all year round, not just corner, craft activities, singing time, term times. Contact Rosie Gray 0116 drink and biscuits provided. Free ad- 2713805. mission, donations accepted. Contact Blaby Gail Potts, 0116 2774114. Little Angels Parent and Toddler Monday Group, 10.30am – 11.30am, Blaby Twins at Totstime, Sapcote WorkRoad Methodist Church Lounge, ing Men’s Club, 19 Hinckley Road, Blaby Road, South Wigston, LeicesSapcote, Leicestershire, LE9 4FS. tershire, LE18 4PB. Care and support Runs from 9.45am – 11.15am, aimed for parents, carers and children. at families of twins or multiples to Toys, games, messy play and craft provide advice, support and in a safe and entertaining environment for work along with story time and children aged 0-12 years. Refreshsinging. Birth to 3 years-old. Contact ments are available. Cost £1.50 per Margaret Edwards/Pat Cadney 0116 278 6616. Poppets PlayTime, Kibworth Grammar School Hall (The Lounge), School Reaching The Parents Road, Kibworth, Other Magazines Cannot Reach... Leicestershire, LE8 0EW. Open 11am-Noon (term time only) for children aged 0-4 Contact info@totstimes.co.uk accompanied by an adult. Music based group with action songs, instruments, bubbles, games and toys. Free juice and biscuits for all. Costs £3 (brother or sisters Heather Avul heathera@tinytalk.co.uk £1 each) per www.tinytalk.co.uk/heathera session. Contact Claire Cole 07806 094453. Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Kibworth
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family. Contact Jacqui Dixon 07841 047485. The Weaniboos Parent and Tots group, Sapcote Pavillion, Hinckley Road, Sapcote, LE9 4JF. Tots group designed to help parents get children eating healthily and moving around more. Session runs from 9.45am to 11.45am term time only. Costs £1.75 per child with 50p discount for siblings. Includes craft activities and refreshments for parents and children. Mini Dribblers, 10.30am-11.15am, Huncote Children’s Centre, The Pavilion, Huncote, LE9 3BN. Football themed activity sessions for ages 3-5 years. Must book. Contact Ryan King 0116 2727523. Huncote Mums and Tots Group, 1.45pm – 3.15pm, Huncote Community Centre, Denman Lane, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3BS. Toys for little ones aged from birth to five years old and coffee and chat for mums and carers. Costs £1.50 per session. Tuesday Cosby Parent and child group, Cosby Village Hall, Park Road, Cosby LE9 1RL. Sessions run from 9.30am – 11.30am and include climbing play, tunnels, baby corner, painting and crafts for children up to five years-old. Contact Sarah Fura on 0116 2863034. Baby Time, 10am-11.30am, Huncote Children’s Centre, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, LE9 3BN. For babies from birth to crawling. Support from a Family Outreach Worker for issues like breastfeeding, weaning and sleep routines. Contact 0116 2750246. Blaby Tiddlers, Blaby Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Blaby, Leicester, LE8 4HL, Session 1.30pm3pm (term time only) for under fives, costs £1 per family to include coffee or tea, squash and biscuits. Stay and play with toys for babies and games for older children, outdoor area for warmer weather, singing and storytime and craft activities available. Contact Gill 0116 2771803. Wednesday Enderby Skills School, 10.1511am, St John’s Community Centre, Enderby, LE19 2RN. Multi skills and multi sport session for toddlers aged 8
2-5 years-old. Must book. Contact Ryan King, 0116 2727523. Huncote Mums and Tots Group, 1.45pm – 3.15pm, Huncote Community Centre, Denman Lane, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3BS. Toys for little ones aged from birth to five years old and coffee and chat for mums and carers. Costs £1.50 per session. Whetstone Ducklings, United Reformed Church, High Street, Whetstone, Leicesteshire. Session from 1.30pm-3.15pm for 0-5 year-olds. Contact Rachel on 07752 686000. Creative Children’s Group, Community Hall, New Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4LQ. Session runs from 9.30am -11.30am. Toddler group for under fours. Contact Sue Taylor 01455 273039. Thursday Totstime, Sapcote Working Men’s Club, 19 Hinckley Road, Sapcote,
Toddler Town, 10.30am-11.15 (walking – 3 years), 11.30-12.15 (3-5 years), Huncote Children’s Centre, The Pavilion, Huncote. Soft play for under 5s, must ring and book. Contact Ryan King 0116 272 7523. Badgerbrook Toddler Group, 10am-11.15am (term time only), Badgerbrook School, Badger Drive, Whetstone, Leicester. Activities for birth to 4 year-olds include baby area, slides, tunnels, cars and trikes, kitchens, garages and singing. Refreshments available, costs £1.80 per family includes coffee/tea, juice and biscuits. Contact Mrs Tipton 0116 275 2353. Mumstop, Living Rock Church, Station Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4LU, 10am-11.30am. Toys and games, tea and coffee served with biscuits for all, singing to finish. Costs £1.50 per family. Contact 01455 270840. Narborough Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am (term time only) Narborough Parish Centre, Desford Road, Narborough, LE19 2EL. Toys, books and equipment for babies up to four year-olds. Craft table every week. Costs £1.50 per child plus 50p per additional sibling. Contact Tamyka Stewart 07805 680022.
Melton Mowbray Leicestershire, LE9 4FS. Runs from 9.45am – 11.15am, free play with a variety of toys, craft corner and refreshments are available. Cost £1.50 per family. Contact Jacqui Dixon 07841 047485. 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. Lots of toys to play with, activity tables and refreshments available. Costs 50p per family. Contact Pat Kenney 0116 2864508 or Church Office 0116 2863145. Friday Sparklers Congregational Church, Park Road, Blaby, Leicestershire, LE8 4ED. Sessions from 9.30am – 11am. Contact Mrs Julie Newitt (Pastor) 0116 2753689.
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. Session runs from 9.30am to 11.30am during term time. Contact 01664 482535. Come and Grow Club, Thorpe Arnold Village Hall. Sessions run from 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. For parents and carers of babies and toddlers. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am. Costs £1 per session. Refreshments available. Contact Rachel Sharp on 01664 464292. Melton Baptist Parent and Toddler Group, Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0FA. Each session has free play and a craft table with singing to finish for children aged from birth to five. Session runs from 9.30am to 11.15am. Costs £1 per family including refreshments. May occasionally be extra charge for special events like bouncy castle and ball pool. 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. For mumsto-be and new parents with babies. Session runs 10am to 11am. Contact Sam Faulkner on 07726953124. Down by the Riverbank, Riverbank Day Nursery, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HN. Session runs from 1.30pm to 3pm for children from birth to five. Costs £1.50 per family, including milk for children, tea/coffee for adults and biscuits for all. Contact Carol Cartwright on 01664 857027. 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 for details.
Loughborough Monday Emmanuael Church Little People, Emmanuel Church Centre, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm term time only. Baby corner, craf t area and free play for children as well as activities, songs and stories. Costs 75p including refreshments.
Contact Cathy Threlfall on 01509 261773. Park Road Tiny Tots, Beacon Christian Centre, Park Road, Loughborough, LE11 2HL. Singalong session, craft activities, free play and action songs to end. Session runs from 10 to 11.30am term time only. Costs 50p per family including coffee, tea, squash and biscuits. Contact Paul and Dawn Garner 07885243682. Tuesday Early Days Drop-in, Gorse Covert Community Centre, Maxwell Drive, Loughborough, LE11 4RZ. Session runs from 10.30 - 12pm and is for parents with young babies. Contact 0844 2436193. Playhour, Loughborough Baptist Church ToddlerGroup, Baptist Church, 12 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1TG. Session runs from 10am to 11am. Fun and friendship for 0-5s and their parents and carers. Contact 01509 215642. Playtime, The Schofield Centre, Greenclose Lane, Loughborough, LE11 5AS. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for children from birth to five. Costs £1-£2 per family. Smiles Mother and Toddler Group, Elim Church, Burleigh Road, Loughborough, LE11 3BA. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm. Parents and carers of 0-5s welcome. Drinks and snacks available. Costs 50p per family. Contact 01509 234306.
Thursday Jumping Tots, Fearon Hall, Rectory Road, Loughborough, LE11 1PL. Soft play with trikes and dancing. Sessions run from 10-11am and 11-12pm term time only. Suitable for children from birth to four years. Costs £1 per family. Contact Zoe Wheterley on 01509 230629. Playhour, Loughborough Baptist Church ToddlerGroup, Baptist Church, 12 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1TG. Session runs from 10am to 11am. Fun and friendship for 0-5s and their parents and carers. Contact 01509 215642. Knighthorpe Mums and Toddlers Group, Ashby Hall, Rear of Methodist Chapel, 106 Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough, LE11 5JU. Session runs from 10am. Playtime, The Schofield Centre, Greenclose Lane, Loughborough, LE11 5AS. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for children from birth to five. Costs £1-£2 per family. Trinity Babies and Toddlers, Trinity Methodist Church (Upstairs), Royland Road, Loughborough, LE11 2EH. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am term time. Play and crafts
Wednesday Playtime, The Schofield Centre, Greenclose Lane, Loughborough, LE11 5AS. Session runs from 10am to 11.30am. Suitable for children from birth to five. Costs £1-£2 per family.
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along with refreshments and songtime. Costs 60p per family per week including refreshments. Contact Rachel Thorpe 01509 239087. Friday Emmanuael Church Little People, Emmanuel Church Centre, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. Session runs from 10am to 11.30pm term time only. Baby corner, craft area and free play for children. Costs 75p including refreshments. 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 birth to 4th birthday. Costs 50p per family. Contact Katie Schad on 01509 212642.
Coalville Monday Little Dragons Den Soft Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. Soft play and bouncy castle. Refreshments for children and grown ups. 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. Craft activities, indoor and outdoor play and singing time to finish. Cost £2 per family including refreshments. Contact Sharon Ellison 01530 817061. The Big Blue Playbus 10.30am -12 noon Coleorton, The Moorlands, LE67 8GA. The Big Blue Playbus 12.30pm to 2pm Donisthorpe, Ramscliffe Avenue, DE12 7QA. Wednesday Agar Nook Mother and Toddler Group Agar Nook Community Centre, Coalville, LE67 4TN. Session runs from 12.30 to 2pm. There is a lift for parents and carers with pushchairs. A tuck shop operates at the group. Contact 01530 813818 10
The Big Blue Playbus. Ravenstone, The Plough Pub Car Park, Leicester Road, LE67 2AQ. Session from 10.30am to 12 noon. The Big Blue Playbus. Ellistown, The New Ellistown Pub Car Park, Ibstock Road, LE67 1ED. Session runs from 12.30pm to 2pm. Little Cherubs, St Wilfrids Church, Fr Balfe Room, 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB. Session from 10.30 to 12 noon term time only. Art and craft table, music and story session. Outdoor area in good weather. Contact Lynda Durcan 07730 141714. Thursday Sunshine Toddlers, Christchurch Hall, London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JA. Session from 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Baby area and toys. Contact Tom Ringland 01530 838287. The Big Blue Playbus. Kegworth, Village Hall, Nottingham Road, DE74 2EH. Session from 10.30am to 12 noon. The Big Blue Playbus. Oakthorpe, School Street, DE12 7RE. Session from 12.30pm to 2pm.
Friday Little Dragons Den Soft Play, The Marlene Reid Centre, 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. Soft play and bouncy castle. Refreshments for children and grown ups. 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 any age up to preschool. Refreshments available including snacks. Cost 50p per person.
Leicester Monday Watershed Stay and Play, 9.30am11.30am, free for all (term time only)
The Watershed, Upperton Road, Leicester. Planned activities and toys for under 5s. Milk and fruit provided for children. 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. 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). Friendly welcoming group, lots of toys and activities for the children. Breastfeeding support and Baby Stay and Play. Rowlatts Hill Children’s Centre, Balderstone Close. 1.30pm to 3pm All babies under 12 months welcome. Meet new mums and enjoy activities to promote development. Allexton Under 5s Parent and toddler group, 9.30am – 11.30am Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Bringshurst Road, Leicester, LE3 6LP. Contact 0116 2238280. 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. All pre-school children welcome for fun, play, craft activities and singing, cost 50p per family. Contact Rachel Barford/Liz Carvell All Nations Church Leicester 0116 2623222. Stay and Play, Northfields and Humberstone Children’s Centre, Gypsy Lane, 1.30pm to 3pm. Little Angels, Samworth Academy, Trenant Road, Leicester, LE2 6UA 9.30am-11.30am. Contact Rita on 0116 2830830. 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. Toys, play and activities for small babies and toddlers, juice and fruit available, singing time at the end of sessions. Contact Shelley Marsden 0116 2924590.
Tuesday National Childbirth Trust Bumps, Babies and Beyond group, 10am – 12pm, Leicester Unitarian Chapel Hall, East Bond Street, City Centre, Leicester, LE1 4SX. A chance to meet others with young babies in a relaxed setting with toys, baby changing facilties and refreshments. Suggested donation £2. Contact Rachel Pepa0116 210942 or 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, play mat area with toys, craft activities, singing, fruit for the children and health visitor weighing clinic. Knighton Nippers, Knighton Free Church, Brinsmead Road, Leicester, LE2 3WB, 10am-11.30am (term time only). Large range of toys and a craft activity. Refreshments are available. 0-4 years accompanied by parents or carers. Contact 0116 2704101. 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. Chat, play, sing and planned activity every other week. Free. Open all year. Mums and Tots, 9.30-11.30am Term Time.Aylestone Baptist Church, Lutterworth Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8PE. £1.50 per family, drinks and biscuits provided. Contact Beth 0116 2992179 or 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. Free refreshments. Judgemeadow Toddler Group Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington Leicester LE5 6HP. Meets 10am to 12pm. Contact 0116 2128759. Tots Time @ St Hugh’s, St Hugh’s Church, Sturdee Road, Leicester. Crafts, toys, painting and playdough. Drinks and toast available for a small charge. 9.15-11.15am during term
time. 0-4 years old with a parent or carer. Muffins family playgroup, Hope Hamilton Church, Hope Hamilton Primary school, Sandhills Avenue, Leicester, LE5 1LU. Baby corner, café corner, crafts, stories and toyos. £1. Contact Jola 0116 2619121. St Chad’s Stay and Play, 1.15pm – 2.45pm all pre-schoolers and carers welcome. Play, crafts, bible stories and songs. £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. Wednesday Parent and Toddler Group. Braunstone Civic Centre, 209 Kingsway, Braunstone. £2 joining fee then £1.20+20p for additional children or adults. 9.15 to 11.15 term time Mrs Dexter 0116 2330840 Talking Tots (Babies 1+ 9.3010.45am or toddlers 2+ 11am – 12.15pm at Lansdowne Sure Start Children’s Centre, Lansdowne Children’s Centre, 70 Knighton Lane, Aylestone, Leicester, LE2 8BE. 0116 2298555. Kids and Carers, Craft/messy play and refreshment (hot/cold drinks, cake and fruit) £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 (plus 20p for refreshments). Crafts, singing and toys. Baby changing and disabled toilet. Outside space and play equipment. Discovering Babies at Eyres Monsell Children’s Centre, Hillsborough Road, Leicester LE2 9PT. 9.3011.30am (term time only). A session about learning together with your baby including listening, talking, playing, singing and sharing books. Contact David Chadwick 0116 225220 Tot Zone – New Trinity Church, Upper Tichborne Street, Leicester,
Farmer’s Markets in Leicestershire Market Harborough First Thursday of the month, The Square, 8am-3.30pm. Castle Donington Second Saturday of the month, St Edward’s School, Dovecote, Castle Donington, 9am-2.30pm Loughborough Second Wednesday of the month, Market Place, 9am-2.30pm. Ashby de la Zouch Third Saturday of the month, Manor House School, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BR, 9am-2pm Market Bosworth Fourth Sunday of the month, Market Place, 9am2pm. Burbage First Saturday of the month, Methodist Church Car Park, Windsor Street. 9am-1.30pm. Leicester First Thursday of the month, Humberstone Gate, 10am to 4pm. Lutterworth Second Saturday of the month, Town Hall car park, 9am-1.30pm. Hinckley Third Thursday of the month, Market Place, 9am-1.30pm. Earl Shilton Third Saturday of the month, Wood Street, 9am-1.30pm. Blaby Fourth Saturday of the month, Blaby and District Social Centre car park, 9am-1.30pm. 11
LE2 1GL. 10am-11.30am (term time only) for 0-4 year olds. Admission 50p for first child and 10p for further children, this includes refreshments. Lots of play for children, a craft every week along with song time and active time. Contact Claire Prestwich 0116 2339161. Allexton Under 5s, Parent and toddler 9.30am – 11.30am Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Bringshurst Road, Leicester, LE3 6LP. Contact 0116 2238280. West End Sure Start Children’s Centre Stay and Play, 1pm -3pm, West End Sure Start Children’s Centre, Catesby Street, off Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 5PB. Free sessions of planned activities, toys and fun. Fruit and milk provided for children. Contact 0116 2252225. 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. The group is run by volunteers and the cost includes tea or coffee and a biscuit and d drink for older children. Singing at the end of the session. Contact 0116 2855379. Splash and Play, New Parks Leisure Centre, Saint Oswalds Road, Leicester, LE3 6RJ. Swim, crèche time, bouncy castle, drink and biscuit from 12pm – 14.30pm. £3.20, contact Linda 0116 2333080. Shama Women’s Centre Mother and Toddler Group, 39-45 Sparkenhoe Street, Highfields, Leicester, LE2 0TL. Open 1pm -3pm, £1 admission. Contact 0116 2514747 The Baby Circle, informal social group for new mums, new babies and new mothers to be to explore motherhood and birth. Held on the second and fourth Wednesday every month from 10am – 12 pm. Admission £5 to include coffee and cake. Contact Rocky May and Pam Farmer 0116 2702592. Stay and Play at North Evington Children’s Centre, 315 Gwendolen Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 5FS, 1.15pm-3.15pm, free. Please bring children in clothes suitable for messy play and a change of clothes in case they get wet.. Contact Debbie Harris, 0116 2924556. Stay and Play, Northfields and Humberstone Children’s Centre, 12
343 Gypsy Lane, Leicester, LE4 9DD, 1.30pm to 3pm. Health visitor on site. Contact Julie Allen 0116 2924580. Spinney Hill Mothers and Toddlers, 1pm -3pm Community Centre, Spinney Hill, Ventnor Street, Leicester, LE5 5EZ Contact 0116 2734836. Thursday Pram Club, St Anne’s Church Hall, Letchworth Road, Leicester 1.30pm to 3pm, Admission £1 including refreshments. Lots of toys for babies and toddlers, craft activities, visits from the Book Bus and more. Twinkling Stars, Holy Trinity Church, Regent Road, Leicester 9.30 -11.30am (term time only) 50p per family. Play, craft table with weekly theme, baby area, stories and songs from 11am. Contact Frances Watts wattsfrances@tiscali.co.uk Step by Step Messy Play Session, 9.30am – 11.30am, St Aidan’s Church Hall, St Oswalds Road, Leicester LE3. For children up to the age of 5. Painting, sticking, water, sand, jelly, pasta, beans, colouring, playdough and more. Spare set of clothes advisable. £1.50 per child. Contact Janine Gibson, 07875 465297.
Sunflowers Amy Street Base, Leicester City Vineyard, 64 Amy Street, Braunstone, Leicseter LE3 2FB - 10-12pm term time. 0-4 yearolds. Free but waiting list. Call before attending. 0116 3678211. Shake Rattle and Roll, 10am – 11.30am (term time only) The Church of the Matyrs, Westcotes Drive, Leicester, LE3 0QT. Creative play and chat plus a simple Bible story, action songs and a prayer. Refreshments available. Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre Parent and Toddler group 1-3pm, 50p with kids juice and a biscuit. 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). Crafts, singing and toys. Baby changing and disabled toilet. Outside space and play equipment. Father’s Only Toddler Group Highfields Library, 98 Melbourne Road, Leicester LE2 0DS. Starts at 2pm. Free. Toys, puppets, storytelling and crafts. Contact 0116 2995494 Moat Under Fives, Moat Community 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. 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. Playing, singing and crafts. Emma Else 0843 289 2562. Thrive Community Group, 10am – 12pm, £2.50 plus bring a healthy snack to share on the snack table. Naturdal Play, craft and learning opportunities. Stoneygate Baptist Church, London Road, Leicester. Contact Bianca thriveleicester@ gmail.com 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. Minikinderkreis Leicester, 10am to 12noon every first third and fifth Friday morning throughout the year. Evangelical Free Church, Knighton, Leicester, LE2 3WB. A parent and baby/toddler group for German speakers. German games, songs, rhymes and play for 0-5 year-olds. Contact Eva Rahman, minikinderkreis@googlemail.com Lets Play 10am -12pm The Exchange Bar, 50 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD. Bumps, babies and toddler group. £5 entry per adult including hot drink and cake. Toys will be
available and the session runs in the basement. A qualified breastfeeding councellor is available at the session should you need information or support. Contact 0116 2513434 St Aidans Mothers and Toddlers Group, 9am to 11.30am St Aidan’s Church Hall, St Oswalds Road, Leicester, LE3 6RJ. Contact 0116 2878731. Hop Stay and Play, 1.30 – 3pm. Church of the Matyrs Church Hall, 19 Westcotes Drive, Leicester LE3 0QT. In association with Hopscotch Playgroup, toys for babies an dtoddlers plus an ABC Music and Me session. Cost £1.50 per family, tea and coffee for grown-ups, milk and biscuits for toddlers. All ages welcome. Contact Lorraine Pointon 07909 948943. West End Sure Start Children’s Centre Stay and Play, 9.15 – 11.15am, West End Sure Start Children’s Centre, Catesby Street, off Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 5PB. Free sessions of planned activities, toys and fun. Fruit and milk provided for children. Contact 0116 2252225. Little Angels, Samworth Academy, Trenant Road, Leicester, LE2 6UA 9.30am-11.30am. Contact Rita on 0116 2830830. Spinney Hill Mothers and Toddlers, 1pm -3pm Community Centre, Spinney Hill, Ventnor Street, Leicester, LE5 5EZ Contact 0116 2734836. Little Tykes Parent and Toddler Group 9.30am – 11.30am Thurnby Lodge Children’s Centre, Dudley Avenue, Leicester, LE5 2NG. Contact 0116 2412616. Thurnby Lodge Surestart Stay and Play, 9.15am – 11.15am, Thurnby Lodge Primary School, Dudley Avenue, Leicester, LE5 2EG. Toys, play and activities for small babies and toddlers, juice and fruit available, singing time at the end of sessions. Contact Shelley Marsden 0116 2924590.
To have a group included in these listings please contact info@totstimes. co.uk or call 0116 2246898.
Leicester and Leicestershire Libraries toddler times and under 5s sessions Glenfield: 2.15 - 2.45pm MonLeicester
Aylestone: 9.30 - 11.30am 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 St Barnabas: 10am - 12pm, Thursday St Matthews: 1.30 - 3.30pm, Saturday Westcotes: 10am - 12pm, Wednesday
Leicestershire
Blaby: 10.15am - 10.45am Thursday, first Thursday of the month 10am - 10.30am Saturday, third Saturday of the month
day, first and third Monday of the month 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 other Monday Lutterworth: 10am - 10.30am Tuesday, every other Tuesday Market Harborough: 10am 10.30am Tuesday, every week Earl Shilton: 10.30am -11am Monday, first and third Monday of the month Hinckley: 9.45am - 10.15am Tuesday. Tickets from library 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 13
July
Things to do
Saturday 13 July – Sunday 1 September LEGO Summer at the National Space Centre. Use your imagination to build something spacey and enter weekly competitions to see if you can win LEGO to take home. Wednesday 24th July, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, 11am – 3.30pm, Belgrave Hall Gardens. Bring your favourite teddy and a picnic. Listen to stories and find the teddies hidden around the garden. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). Contact 0116 266 6590. Monday 29th July – Friday 2nd August, Magic Worlds, 11.00am 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm New Walk Museum & Art Gallery This weeks theme is Fairies with stencil painting of fairies, elves and magical creatures. Activities £2.50 per person. Contact 0116 225 4900. Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July Mr Bloom and Friends Big Day Out at Abbey Park in Leicester. 10am to 5pm. Come and build dens, make music and share stories. Ticket only show When Julian Lost his Wiggle. All other activities are free. Tuesday 30 July,Make a Paper Plate Pig, Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. £1 per child from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. Contact 0116 2537582. Wednesday 31st July, Fun & Games Playdate at Belgrave Hall Gardens, 11.00am – 3.30pm, Belgrave Hall Gardens. Storytelling, puppets, pastimes and rhymes led by costumed play leaders. Ride our hobby horses around the gardens or make your own to take home. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). Contact 0116 266 6590. Wednesday 31 July Knights, Castles and Fairytales at Donington le Heath Manor House. Discover life in a castle, meet knights in armour, fancy dress, crafts and stories from 2-4pm. Admission free, small charge for craft activities. 14
Wednesday 31 July Funny Bones at Charnwood Museum. Turn an ordinary skeleton into a funny character which moves in a craft workshop. £2.50 per child. Sessions at 10.15-11.15am, 11.45-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm. Contact 01509 233754.
Monday 12th – Friday 16th August Magic Worlds, 11am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Leicester, Clay Dragons - make your own mythical monster to guard your hoard. Activities £2.50 per person. Contact 0116 225 4900.
August
Wednesday 14th August The Secret Garden, 11am - 3.30pm, Belgrave Hall Gardens. A family day filled with storytelling, crafts and trails. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). Contact 0116 266 6590.
Thursday 1 August Make a Farm Animal Mask, Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. £1 per child from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. Contact 0116 2537582. Friday 2 August Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom at the National Space Centre, Leicester. They make appearances through the day from 11am – 4pm. Standard admission prices. Contact 0845 605 2001. Saturday 3rd August Animal Rescue Railway Day, 11.00am - 4.30pm, Abbey Pumping Station. Dress up as your favourite animal and take a trip on our train. Free /small charge for train rides and exotic animal handling. Contact 0116 299 5111 www. meetthebeats.com
To have an event included in these listings please contact info@totstimes.co.uk or call 0116 2246898. Monday 5th – Friday 9th August Magic Worlds, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Protect yourself from the fates with your own personalised clay amulets. Activities £2.50 per person. Contact 0116 225 4900. Thursday 8 Auguast, Arty Party, 11.00am - 3.00pm, The Guildhall, Leicester. Bring along a t-shirt and have a go at jazzing up your old tops with fabric crayons, glitter and sparkles! Or bring a jam jar or glass and try glass painting. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 253 2569
Thursday 15th August Mediaeval Funday: Knights, Castles & Princesses, 11am - 3.00pm, The Guildhall, Leiecster. Come dressed in your best princess and knight costume. We’ll be making swords and shields so you can defend us against the opposition and create crowns and princess hats. Quizzes and trails and a face painter too. £2.50 for activities. Contact 0116 253 2569 Medieaval battle re-enactment to celebrate teh 528th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth Field Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Ambion Lane, Sutton Cheney, Market Bosworth CV13 0AD. Contact 01455 290429. Tuesday 20th August, Frog Prince & Princess, Abbey Pumping Station, 11am - 4.30pm. Come along dressed as a prince or princess, learn the story of the Frog Prince, make a frog puppet and princess. Refreshments available. £2.00 for activities. Contact 0116 299 5111. Tuesday 20 August, Make a Paper Plate Chicken, Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. £1 per child from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. Contact 0116 2537582. Wednesday 21st August, Fairies & Superheroes, Belgrave Hall Gardens, 11am - 3.30pm. Fairies and superheroes are invited join our parade,
make magical creations to take home and follow the special fairy trail. Free admission (£2.50 for activities). Contact 0116 266 6590 Thursday 22 August - Make a Farm Animal Mask, Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. £1 per child from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. Contact 0116 2537582. Monday 26 August, National Forest Wood Fair at Beacon Hill Country Park, 9am to 6pm. Have a go wood craft sessions, children’s fun and games, exhibitors and demonstrators. Entry costs £9 per adult, £6 Concessions, Families £25 including parking. Contact 01283 551211. Saturday 31 August Great Glen Whellbarrow Race and Summer Fete, Recreational Ground, Bindley’s Lane, Great Glen. Starts at 12pm, Junior
race (under 16) at 2.15pm, adult race at 3.15pm. Race entry fee £10 per adult team, £5 per child team. Prizes for winners and best decorated barrows. Side stalls and licensed bar. www.greatglenwheelbarrowrace. co.uk
September
Friday 6 September, Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September The Victory Show, Countesthorpe. Reenactment camps, miniature steam train rides, 1940s vehicles remote controlled aircraft and an air display subject to weather, serviceability and availability. Tickets £15 for adults, children £5. Sunday 8 September, Seaside Special Steam Day, Abbey Pumping Station. Enjoy sun, sea and sand, relax on the museum beach, enjoy fairground rides and the beach cafe. Tickets cost
£8 for families, children/concessions £2.50, adults £3.50. Contact 0116 2995111. Saturday 12 September Big Buggy Push 10am Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse Eaves. Entry costs £20 plus additional sponsorship. To sign up visit www.thebigbuggypush. co.uk or call 07903 349475. Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September 10am to 5pm. Return of the Garrison, National Space Centre Leicester. A family weekend of Star Wars fun to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi. Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September. The Belgrave Hall Good Food Fair, 11am – 4pm, Belgrave Hall and Gardents. Eat drink and take home tasty treats. Adults £1.50, under 16s free.
Puddle Ducks Baby Swimming Tips Advertising feature
B
aby swimming is one of the most amazing experiences you can share with your baby! Babies have a real affinity with water. They spend nine months in the womb, and more and more expectant mothers are now choosing a water birth as the most natural introduction to the world.
Babies can be taken into the water from birth - Puddle Ducks welcomes babies in their classes from as young as a few weeks and very young babies love the freedom, massage and gentle exercise that the water offers. The benefits to both parent and baby of swimming together are immense and include: Plenty of eye and skin contact it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby. Fantastic opportunity for working parents to spend quality time with their baby – especially at the weekend! Helping you and your baby feel relaxed and confident in the
water and help to develop a love of swimming for life. Makes swimming a fun and socially stimulating activity (for both you and your baby!) It is the only time your baby can be completely independent, move freely and develop actions they wouldn’t otherwise be able to in their first year of life. This gives “swimming babies” the opportunity to develop crucial
“Classes have a strong emphasis on fun” higher brain functions, core muscle development and coordination far earlier than they would otherwise be able to. Even though gentle, baby swimming classes provide a complete physical work-out: strengthening your baby’s heart, lungs and respiratory system, which again aids development of the brain
Encouraging a baby to take regular exercise from such a young age is also an extremely healthy routine to instil which may prevent childhood lethargy Regular swimming improves eating and sleeping patterns Classes can vary, so take time to find a class that will give you the experiences that you want – whether this is just water familiarity or a more progressive approach. Puddle Ducks classes are full of carefully designed but simple activities, gentle submersions and are packed full of songs and rhymes to provide gentle stimulation to communicate with your baby. Classes have a strong emphasis on fun, but are also progressive with many children are able to swim 10m independently before they start school. For more information about baby swimming and classes in your area, please visit www. puddleducks.com 15
Baby and pre-school swimming classes
FREE taster session
Come on in, the water’s lovely! Join our family of Puddle Ducks and enjoy baby and pre-school swimming with the most caring and highly-trained teachers around. We love teaching little ones to swim in our carefully structured, fun lessons, where every activity is adapted to each child.
Contact our friendly team today on southleics@puddleducks.com or 07975 918908.
Live life swimmingly
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Join in at any time throughout the year!