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Issue 3 July/August 2013 ÂŽ

The ultimate summer holiday guide holiday clubs & activities Travel tips Great ideas for things to do & places to go

Plus News,Whatâ€™s On and much more!

Currently distributed in Charnwood, Melton, Harborough & South Leicestershire, Leicester City and Rutland... coming soon in other parts of Leicestershire.

Welcome Summer has finally arrived and fingers crossed it will hang around for a bit! The academic year has flown by and the summer holidays will soon be here....again! Whatever you’ve got planned for the summer we’ve got plenty of ideas, advice and suggestions to help your family make the most of the weeks ahead. If you’re jetting off on hols then take a look at ‘Tips for Travellers’ on page 7 and if you’re staying at home then our What’s On section is a bumper one this issue with plenty of ideas for things to do and places to go in Leicestershire & Rutland during July and August. If you have to work over the holidays or you all just need a break from each other for a few hours, then there are some great holiday clubs locally so take at look at our holiday activities feature for some suggestions. Our cover was taken at The Summer Adventure, Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire. Thanks to Yours Truly Photography. To see more of their wonderful work take a look at www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk All content ©Families 2013 Editor: Email: Website: Tel:

Helen Hill editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk www.familiesleicestershire.co.uk 07557 967 727

Next Issue: Deadline:

September / October 2013 12th July 2013 for editorial and booking

Design: Tel: Email: Website:

Aloha Design Ltd 01509 854292 info@alohadesign.co.uk www.alohadesign.co.uk

Printer: Website:

KPE Creative www.kpecreative.com

Disclaimer Families Leicestershire and Rutland is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Don’t forget to keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter. Have a lovely summer!

Helen Hill, Editor

In this issue 03

News

Clubs & Classes

Mums in Business

Holidays activities

Parenting

What’s on

Tel: 0755 7967727

News

From around Leicestershire and Rutland

We love hearing your news! Please email editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk

Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge There’s a spine-tingling adventure waiting for children, aged 4-12 years, when they take part in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from Saturday 6th July until 7th September.They can join the adventurers as they explore the Creepy House, simply by reading six books from the library. Are the children brave enough to explore ‘The Awful Upstairs’,‘The Gruesome Ground Floor’ and ‘The Spine-tingling Cellar’?

- Back In Birmingham For TwoWeeks Only! Don’t miss your chance to see In The Night Garden Live at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham from 25th July - 8th August. See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome.With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action and everyone gets a great view! You really must be quick to get tickets. Seats are limited, and premium tickets have already sold out. Watch the trailer and book online at www.NightGardenLive.com

www.familiesleicestershire.co.uk

Look out for many exciting activities throughout the summer in Leicestershire’s Libraries. Free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Snibston Discovery Museum for children taking part in the Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge. Each child must produce their Creepy House Sticker Poster at reception and be accompanied by a full paying adult. Find out more at www.leics.gov.uk/creepyhouse

The Big Buggy Push has arrived!

We are looking for a telephone sales person, with previous sales experience, to work on a commission only basis. If you live in the Loughborough area and would like a few hours work per week during school hours then please get in touch. Contact Helen on tel: 0755 7967727 or email editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk

Come and join the East Midlands’ first ever Big Buggy Push on Thursday 12th September in aid of Alex’s Wish, a local charity raising money for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which affects 1 in every 3,500 boys. Taking place in the beautiful Beacon Hill Country Park, it’s going to bea fantastic morning out with entertainment for everybody. All your little one’s favourites will be there, from Tiny Talk to JoJingles, and let’s not forget all you lovely mums: you’ll be taking home a gorgeous Big Buggy Push goody bag - perfect for carrying around all that baby gear! And to get your yummy mummy health and fitness storming ahead, postnatal exercise expert, Joanna Helcké, has put together an amazing 4 week nutritional and fitness plan for everyone who signs up for The Big Buggy Push. Sign up at www.thebigbuggypush.co.uk for a fantastic morning out!

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

September/October is our back to school issue and will include a special clubs & classes feature as well as October half term activities. Don’t miss your chance to be included and reach 12,000 local families!

Booking deadline is 12th July. Email: editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk or call 07557 967 727

Mums in Business Feed Me Mummy In February 2013, Marianne Valiente launched ‘Feed Me Mummy’, a company selling a new breastfeeding vest that she’d designed. After having children, Marianne decided against returning to work and became a stay at home mum instead. She never imagined having her own business with two young children to look after as well! Marianne came up with the idea for the Feed Me Mummy Breastfeeding Vest in June 2012, after having her second baby. She struggled to find fashionable, affordable breastfeeding clothes and it was quite a shock to find out how expensive nice breastfeeding tops were, and that many didn’t really help with breastfeeding discreetly. Like many other new mums Marianne felt quite nervous about breastfeeding in public and wanted something that would cover her post-pregnancy tummy and chest too, but she was unable to find anything suitable. So, she dusted off her sewing machine, set about experimenting and the Feed

Me Mummy vest was born. In the following months, she sourced a manufacturer, protected her design, set up a website and learned how to run a business! Since Feed Me Mummy launched, the vest has received great reviews and has been awarded the Bizziebaby Gold award. Marianne also exhibited recently at the NEC Baby Show, which she says was a fantastic experience and a great way of showcasing the vest and brand to thousands of mums. It hasn’t been easy though.Trying to juggle being a full time mum and business owner is hard work, and more often than not means long evenings on the laptop. But of course working from home also means she gets to spend time with her children. Marianne never planned to start a business but she had an idea and felt she just had to see it through. “Knowing that my vests are helping mums to feel

more confident about breastfeeding in public and being able to provide something more affordable for breastfeeding mums is really rewarding” says Marianne. “I hope that one day my brand becomes one that mums instantly recognise and it is my dream to have my vests sold at major retailers” For more information on the Feed Me Mummy vest please visit www.feedmemummy.co.uk or email Marianne on hello@feedmemummy.co.uk

Jabberjacks Franchise Opportunity in Rutland Have you attended a children’s birthday party or toddler group and thought I could do that? Well that’s exactly what Jackie and Verity did and they have never looked back. Like many mums they were both juggling work and family life and when Jackie was made redundant she took time out to reflect on her options.

“I needed a job that gave me flexibility and considered setting up my own business, but I was worried about the risks and how quickly I could earn an income. Verity had been looking into franchising which gives you a tried and tested formula, yet is still your own business. No previous experience was necessary, so it was the perfect solution for both of us.” The duo have had a busy few years, not only running Jabberjacks in Leicestershire, a successful children’s party and pre-school activity 4

classes business, but also selling franchise opportunities since they took over Jabberjacks nationwide franchise business in 2010. Now they are looking for a motivated and confident person, to cover the Rutland area. “We have been so busy in Leicestershire with parties and classes and it shows no signs of stopping, so we have decided to look for someone to take on the Rutland area” explains Verity. “This is a fantastic opportunity if you are looking for a change in career, especially one that fits around family life.” Jabberjacks successfully targets both the education sector through pre-school classes and private nurseries and the entertainment sector with children’s parties for 2 to 7 year olds.With a combination of puppetry, music, dance & movement and a traditional ethos Jabberjacks ensures customer loyalty and a business that has excellent growth potential.

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

If you would enjoy working from home, in a job that’s flexible enough to fit around the school run then Jackie and Verity strongly recommend attending a Jabberjacks Discovery Day this summer. Seeing a class in action is a brilliant way to be introduced to format and meeting a franchisee is especially helpful in understanding how it could work alongside family commitments.There is also lots of useful information and the chance to talk through the set up process and training as well as the day to day running of Jabberjacks. For further details visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/discoveryday or call 01509 413873

Tel: 0755 7967727

1932 Harborough Summer Holiday Ad Families leis and Rut 180w x 85h AW 21/06/2013 11:10 Page 1

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at HARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE and LUTTERWORTH SPORTS CENTRE For full details please visit:

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VISIT US OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AND RECEIVE A A 50% OFF FAMILY SWIM VOUCHER TO USE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS!

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Puddle Jumping! - by Kate Greenaway, Director & Proprietor at Lime Tree Day Nursery

As the sun has finally appeared our thoughts turn to being outside. In true British style though the weather is changeable, so what happens when we experience all four seasons in one day? Children need to play outside. Early years expert Claire Warden (2012) states “The children of today need long grass to run through, muddy holes to dig in, shallow puddles to splash among.They need rocks to clamber over and small pebbles to carry around” In modern day society we often hear, “it’s too cold, wet, muddy” etc. Are the children bothered about the weather or is it us as adults influencing their opportunities because we don’t want to get cold, muddy etc?“There is no such thing as bad weather in Denmark, only bad clothes” as Cath Arnold and Katey Mairs (2011) explain.The attitude in Denmark is vastly different to the attitude in Britain. Depressing ‘wet playtime’ just doesn’t exist! This negative attitude is counter-productive to early years learning.The great outdoors and natural materials such as water and mud are great learning resources.

The importance and benefits of outdoor play are huge: - Physical activity for health and well being - Light exposure which regulates the ‘biological clock’ which is vital to the immune system - Developing gross and fine motor skills - Manipulative skill development - Problem solving and reasoning - Enhancing vocabulary - Cognitive and social and emotional development - Children who play outside are more likely to invent games, express themselves and learn about their world in their own way.This helps to promote autonomy and self esteem. - As children share the values of the important adults in their lives it is imperative that we show an appreciation for the great outdoors in the hope they will follow our lead.

www.familiesleicestershire.co.uk

A few ideas for you to try at home: - A nature walk- ask your child what they can see, hear, smell. Encourage them to feel the roughness of bark, fragility of a dried leaf. - Use a large box with sheets/table cloth, clothes horse, pegs etc to create a den. Problem solving, motor skills, vocabulary enhancement at its best! - Use an old sheet as a parachute outside to shake, go under, over, make waves with and bounce balls into the air with it. - Take a stereo outside and let your child experience the joy of dancing in a natural environment. - Provide your child with a container of water and different sized paintbrushes to paint the side of a building or wall with the water.This is great for developing hand and arm strength as well as larger motor skills which will later support handwriting skills. - Chase bubbles around the garden The great outdoors helps unfold our thoughts, senses and instincts which can often be a closed chapter during ‘normal’ busy lives.Taking time to explore with your children will replenish those natural instincts in order to work out the bigger picture that is our wonderful world! “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing” - George Bernard Shaw. Lime Tree Day Nursery have nurseries in Barrow upon Soar and Loughborough. For further information visit www.limetreedaynursery.co.uk Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

Parenting Is your child ready for school? You’ll know by now which primary school your child is due to start in September, but is he/she ready? Sarah Butters outlines the Top 10 things you can help them with... Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school.The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1. Can they dress themselves? Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up, playtime is over. If your child can put on their coat, they may get some fresh air! Trousers and skirts with buttons can be a problem during the PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands.These will also help during last minute toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days, which can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. Laces and buckles on shoes are a no-no, stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves. 2. Are they used to sharing? Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. It’s Serhiy Kobyakov - Fotolia.com a ©vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the child who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated. Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing. 3. Can they use the toilet on their own? Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. Less confident children can avoid going until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’. Beginning ‘school toilet training’ now will mean less accidents in September. 4. Are they able to eat independently? Dinner halls are noisy places and can be overwhelming. Make sure they are able to use a

knife and fork. If they will be taking packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and peel a banana. Practice, however painful, makes perfect!

they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown ups attention.

5. Are they able to recognise their name?

If your child is able to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get their 5 a day!

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places it will make them feel more in control. 6. Can they use scissors? Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few weeks! 7. Do they understand discipline? It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they go to school.They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make them unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off. 8. Can they communicate with an adult? A child who can communicate with their teacher will get more out of school than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Otherwise how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand something? Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

9. Are they able to count?

10. Can they follow simple instructions? The school day is full of instructions.Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, put things away and sit cross legged on the carpet. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life. Some books you may find useful: * I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child * Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson * S tarting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks *G oing to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi * Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Tel: 0755 7967727

The Big Summer Holiday-

Tips for travellers by Robina Cowan

Yippee! It’s the break we’ve all been dreaming of through the dank winter and spring months – here comes this year’s summer holiday.Who remembers when it was just you and your beloved, grabbing a last minute deal and heading for the sun? Now you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’. Here at Families, the editors have children spanning all ages and we put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you. Happy travelling!

Before you go

Label your child’s clothes, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs – they WILL go missing. www.labels4kids.com/fam and www.easy2name.com stock packs of instant labels - a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items.They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details. - Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions.You can also use it to create a list of places to visit - Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies separately. If the originals go missing, it will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities. - Have up to date pictures of your children on your phone - if they go missing you can show the authorities. - Freeze food for your return - even fresh milk can be frozen - so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers do an online shop for delivery on their first day home. - Lost luggage is a nightmare. Instead of one suitcase per person, pack outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while any missing luggage is traced. - I nvolve your children in the packing. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood.Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

www.familiesleicestershire.co.uk

- Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). - Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’. - Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out.

- Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy. - If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic. Most of the passengers will be either parents or grandparents and will be sympathetic.Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If they have a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage.

- Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

While you’re there

On the way

- When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property for mislaid items (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).

- Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets.Try story tapes - as a family, we are totally addicted to the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ series.The ‘Michelin I-Spy’ activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/ car-knowledge/top-ten/car-games/. - For flights, Usborne’s ’50 Things to do on a Plane’ will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in. - Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time - if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure your child has headphones so as not to ‘share’ their love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane. - Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping. Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

- Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics - you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty.

When you return

- Take your holiday laundry for a service wash - it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

And finally

Work on a 70:30 ratio. Holidays are not effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result. 30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success! 7

Clubs & Classes Our September/October issue will include a special clubs & classes feature to help you and your child choose any after school activities for the new school year. It will include ideas and suggestions to help you decide what type of class they might enjoy and what there is available locally. The new school year may seem like a long way ahead but popular classes do get booked up, so if there is something specific that your child wants to do then it may be an idea to get them booked in early in order to avoid the last minute rush and guarantee their place.

Free taster session at Faces Arts

Uppingham Karate Club

Faces Arts is a young, dynamic Leicestershire based business, providing performing arts opportunities for children of all ages.

Karate is a great form of self defence and can also be a thrilling and competitive sport. Regular karate training can improve physical stamina and suppleness and can also produce a mental calm and assurance.

Central to the Faces Arts portfolio of activities is the Theatre School, currently staged on Saturday mornings in Birstall. Children from all over the County travel to participate in classes of Dance, Drama and Singing, all under the instruction of a team of highly talented and experienced tutors, hand-picked to help develop the talent and confidence of the pupils. Faces Arts also provide a number of after-school clubs in Street Dance, Performance Skills and Drama. All sessions are designed to allow pupils to develop not only their skills in each designated area, but also to improve self confidence, self esteem, co-ordination, fitness, concentration and awareness. In addition, Faces Arts provide Birthday Party options and their special ‘Shake Up’ sessions, designed specifically for Parent and Toddlers. If you are interested in your child sampling a FREE taster session at the Faces Arts Theatre School, or for more information on the current range of sessions or parties, please contact Jody email jody@facesarts.co.uk tel: 07971 423 201 or visit www.facesarts.co.uk

Uppingham TISKA karate club is run by Mr Hogan (3rd Dan), helped by his wife and daughters who are all black belts. “Karate is one of the few activities which all of the family can do together” explains Mr Hogan, “ at Uppingham karate club we have lots of families who train with us and our students range from age 4 years to adult.” TISKA runs competitions once a year in which students from all over the country compete against each other. Uppingham karate clubs train every Monday at Uppingham Sports Centre, with beginners classes starting at 6.15pm. For further details on clubs in Leicestershire and Rutland contact: Mr Hogan (Uppingham area) on 01536 746182 or 07548 784929. Chief Instructor Sensei Sahota 7th Dan (Leicester area, inc Oadby & Enderby) on 08445 610534 or 07885 294418. Mr Bharj 4th Dan (Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Market Harborough & Rushymead) on 0116 2915581 or 07868 726647.

Uppingham Shotokan Karate Club Learn the fascinating art of karate. Beginners welcome from age 4 years to adult Great Family rates. Every Monday, 6.15pm at Uppingham Sports Centre, Contact Mr Hogan on 07548 784929 or 01536 746182 www.tiskakarate-uppingham.co.uk

Jo Jingles Loughborough Music, singing and movement classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Contact Laura Rose on 0844 381 4325, email: jojingles-loughborough@hotmail.co.uk www.jojingles.com/loughborougharea

Lemon Jelly Arts

Dance, drama and musical theatre. After school clubs and academy classes, for further details and class timetables visit www.lemonjellyarts.co.uk tel: 01858 545 599 email: info@lemonjellyarts.co.uk

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

Tel: 0755 7967727

DisCover A worlD of free fAMily fun At Coventry MuseuMs this suMMer!

An exCiting DAy out At two greAt venues At the herbert: Journey to the magical world of the Alice stories in Looking in Wonderland Discover creative play in the interactive Through the Rabbit Hole exhibition and family summer workshops

At Coventry trAnsport MuseuM: Step back in time to World War II with a wide range of Wartime Summer family activities Experience travelling at the speed of sound on the Land Speed Record simulator

Full summer programme at www.theherbert.org and www.transport-museum.com The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Coventry Transport Museum are both FREE admission, situated within a short walk of each other, and offer a wide range of family activities throughout the school holidays.

Holiday activities Summer Holiday Activities The long summer holiday is approaching and endless weeks loom ahead.Why not enrol your child in one of the many clubs and classes running during the holidays - from drop-in groups to week-long camps. From football, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and trampolining to dance, drama, arts and crafts, and science, there are more activities on offer than ever before. Holiday activities can be a great experience for children: classes can play a big role in children’s physical and intellectual growth, whilst working with others helps them learn cooperation and teamwork. Activities can give children confidence and while they learn their new sport or skill they are having fun and, most importantly, making friends.

Top tips - Deciding which activity to choose can be hard - consider your child’s interests and temperament but try not to label them too rigidly. Just because your child is shy doesn’t mean drama should be off the menu. - Don’t limit yourself to the familiar — try something new. Even if your child shows a special talent and interest in one activity, make sure they get exposed to others too, although if you do find something your child is passionate about, don’t hesitate to encourage it. - Check the fees involved – there may be hidden costs such as equipment or costumes. - If your child is a reluctant joiner, find out what activities their friends are doing.With some children, who is more important than what. - It’s important that children have at least some unstructured time at home to play, relax, even get bored. Remember that a little boredom can be the fountainhead of exploration and creativity.

The year you had the best Get crafty at the summer with Lemon Jelly Leicestershire Craft Arts Centre Ever wanted to act dance and sing your way to success? Ever dreamed of recording your own Radio station or making your own film? Ever thought about making your own props and costumes? Well now you can!

The Leicestershire Craft Centre runs courses and workshops for all ages in a wide variety of crafts. Try sewing, jewellery making, paper crafting, knitting, crochet, felting and much much more.

Lemon Jelly Arts would like to invite you and your friends to join them for a summer of fun and laughter at Leicester Grammar School, Great Glen for their annual Summer School. This is their fifth year at LGS and it promises to be the best yet! The summer project this year runs for two weeks starting the 29th July & 5th August, Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 3.30pm, for ages 7-17 years. Learn with fun, inspirational teachers, release confidence, have fun and make lots of new friends. Lemon Jelly is fast growing due to their popular style of teaching and their fun approach to performing arts.They love to see young people learn and grow with confidence and guarantee that every child will walk away having learned new skills and had the most fun time! Contact them now, do not miss out, everyone will be talking about it! Call 01858 545599 or email leicester@lemonjellyarts.co.uk

Over the Summer holidays they have something for everyone! - Machine sewing classes for children aged 7-11 years. Make a party skirt, cushion or bunting. - For older children aged 11+ there are beginners’ dressmaking classes. - As well as sewing, they have daily children’s activities going on including cardmaking, sewing felt animals, decorating t-shirts, and lots more, suitable for all ages. - For those aged 2-4 years they hold a Friday morning Mini Makers messy arty session. This will be open to older siblings as well during the holidays. Adults might like to try out their sewing machines too on a wide variety of courses suitable for both complete beginners and more advanced sewers.They are also holding art workshops, woolly workshops and a weekly craft night with a different crafty make each week. For further information or to book courses or parties visit www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk or call 01858 466692. Leicestershire Craft Centre, 10a High Street (above Monsoon), Market Harborough LE16 7NJ

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

Tel: 0755 7967727

Monarchs in the maze

Local Leisure Centres Most Leisure Centres hold children’s activity sessions during the school holidays. If you haven’t already received details through your children’s school then pop down to your local centre and pick up a leaflet or visit their website. At Market Harborough Leisure Centre the kids club is available for both half and full days for children aged 5-12 years. Activities on offer include dodge ball, bouncy castle, roller skating and much more. Choose from the morning, the afternoon or the whole day. If you need childcare to fit around your working day, then they also offer breakfast and late leavers clubs. Discounts are available when booking more than one child, contact the centre for further details:Tel: 01858 410115 or visit www.harboroughleisure.co.uk Harborough Leisure Centre, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HF

SUMMER

2013

The year you had the best

summer with Lemon Jelly Arts! Ever wanted to act, dance and sing your way to success? Ever dreamed of recording your own radio show or making your own film? Ever fancied making your own props or costumes? What if you could? Well now you can with Lemon Jelly Arts!

Leicester Grammar School London Road, Great Glen, LE8 9FL. 29th Jul - 3rd Aug 9:30am - 3:30pm For ages 7 to 17 years Contact us now, do not miss out, everyone will be talking about it! Call 01858 545599 or email leicester@lemonjellyarts.co.uk

11153 LJ SummerAd Apr13 (87x85)V1.indd 1

10/04/2013 17:01

Art and craft workshops for all ages! Lots of children’s summer crafting activities Fabulously fun childrens parties! ..............................................................................................................

Visit: www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk for details Call us on 01858 466 692 Visit us at 10a High Street (above Monsoon) Market Harborough LE16 7NJ

www.familiesleicestershire.co.uk

With the recent discovery of the bones of King Richard III, Leicestershire’s famous Wistow Maze has a historical theme for 2013. Created in the shape of a ‘boar’ (Richard III’s emblem), this year’s Maze has been designed to intrigue and delight our appetite for all things historical and test visitors’ knowledge of British Kings and Queens. “This year Wistow Maze really has the winning combination of fun and learning, as well as being a celebration of one of the biggest archaeological finds for decades”, explains Diana Brooks, owner of Wistow Maze. Wistow Maze features over three miles of intricate pathways through 8 acres of living corn, with high level bridges and towers giving unrivalled 3D panoramic views. An excellent, family day out, visitors can also take part in a variety of mini mazes, games and table top activities in the Activity Funyard and visit Wistow Rural Centre, which is just across the road. Open 10am-6pm daily from 20th July - 1st September and weekends from 1st - 22nd September. Child £4.95 Adult £5.95 Family Ticket (2+2) £19.95 For more information visit www.wistow.com or call 07884 403889

Pick Your Own Fruit Children love fruit picking and it’s a cheap and fun way to keep them entertained. WHETSTONE PASTURES FARM Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, red currants and blackberries available to pick in July and August. All fruit is outdoors grown. Includes Play barn (for a small charge) and tea room. Open Tues - Sun, 10am - 5.30pm Contact Sandra Herbert on 0116 2774627, sandra@whetstonepasturesfarm.com Whetstone Pastures Farm, Gorse Lane,Whetstone LE8 6LX WYMESWOLD FRUIT FARM Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, red, white and blackcurrants Open daily 10am - 7pm Wide Lane,Wymeswold LE12 6SE Tel: 01509 880230 RUTLAND WATER PICK YOUR OWN Strawberries and raspberries Open daily from 10am - 6pm Contact Nick Makey on 07875479533, Farm shop: 07975751376 Rutland Water Golf Course, Lodge Farm, Rutland LE15 8HB SELDOM SEEN FARM Raspberries, strawberries, tayberries, redcurrants, gooseberries, worcesterberries Billesdon, Leicestershire LE7 9FA.Tel: 0116 2596742 www.seldomseenfarm.co.uk

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

What’s on

Around Leicestershire and Rutland

Whilst we do our very best to be accurate please always check with the venue before you set off just in case details have changed. To include any future events in this section please email: editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk

Museums Coventry Transport Museum

Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD Wartime Summer Holidays Sat 13th July - Sun 1st September, 10am-4pm,War Effort Family Activity Trails (£1.50) War Effort Week Wed 24th & Thu 25th July, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm 3D vehicle kits - vehicles to build and decorate (£3) Fri 26th, Sat 27th & Sun 28th July, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Design and build a simple foam glider (£1.50) Dig for victory week Mon 29th & Tue 30th July, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Decorate a plant pot (£2) Wed 31st July & Thu 1st August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Decorate a seed box (£2) Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd & Sun 4th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Make a spoon scarecrow (£2) Make do and mend week Mon 5th & Tue 6th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Spoon doll making (£2) Wed 7th & Thu 8th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Embroidery squares (£1.50) Fri 9th, Sat 10th & Sun 11th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Weaving activity (£1) Home front week Mon 12th & Tue 13th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Gas masks - make a cardboard gas mask (£1) Wed 14th & Thu 15th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Decorate a first aid box (£3) Fri 16th, Sat 17th & Sun 18th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Decorate a recipe book (£2) War effort week Mon 19th & Tue 20th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Decorate a toolbox (£3) Wed 21st & Thu 22nd August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm 3D vehicle kits - vehicles to build and decorate (£3) Fri 23rd, Sat 24th & Sun 25th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Design and build a simple foam glider (£1.50) Victory week Mon 26th,Tue 27th & Wed 28th August, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm VE Bunting making (£1) Thu 29th August to Sun 1st September, 10am-12 noon & 1-4pm Victory plates - design a mini commemorative plate (£3) Open daily 10am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP

Through the Rabbit Hole Until 8th September, drop in between 10am & 4pm Interactive installation that will delight children all of all ages. FREE 2nd, 8th,15th & 22nd July available only to pre-booked organised groups. Can you dig it? Wed 24th July & Thu 25th July. drop in between 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Fun family-friendly dig activity. FREE, booking not required. Through the Rabbit Hole 29th July - 30th August Fun family workshops to stretch your creativity and provide fun for all ages. Days, times & costs vary - please visit www.theherbert.org for more details

Charnwood Museum

Granby Street, Loughborough LE11 3DU Down to Earth - An exhibition by Loughborough Artspace Sat 6th July - Sun 29th Sept Explore The Awful Upstairs,The Gruesome Ground Floor and The Spine-tingling Cellar? Free, normal opening times Artzone - Sun spots Sat 6th July, 10.30am - 2.30pm Drawing and painting session. £5 per person, concs £2.50. 8-15 years Free Gallery Games Sat 13th July - Sun 8th September A fun free way to explore the museum for all the family.

Quentin Blake - as large as life exhibition 27th July - 3rd November An exhibition of over 50 works by one of Britains best-loved illustrators. FREE

Marvellous medieval hats Tue 16th July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm Come and make Medieval headgear in this fun craft session. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential

Collection Conversations Wed 31st July, 11am - 1.00pm Handle items from the museums natural history, archaeology and history collections. FREE, booking not required

Dangerous Dragons Wed 17th July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm Let your imagination run riot as your Dragons are waiting for you to add Fire, Claws and Teeth. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking advisable

Eating in Wonderland Fri 30th August, 11.30am-1.00pm & 1.30pm - 3.00pm Bring a picnic and join a Mad Hatters Tea Party. Alice inspired art activity to do as you eat your picnic and costumed characters. Fancy dress is welcomed! FREE, booking required, please arrive promptly. To book events please call 024 7629 4774 or visit www.theherbert.org

Hidden Treasure Thu 18th July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm Celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology by creating your own hoard of crowns, coins and other precious things! £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential

Ashby Road, Coalville LE67 3LN

Mosaic Tiles Tue 23rd July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Celebrate Leicestershire’s Roman heritage by making a mosaic image on a clay tile. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking advisable

Silicon Dreams Festival Fri 5 July - Sun 7 July, 10am-5pm A family event including computing workshops, retro computing & vintage gaming. Visit www.silicondreams.org.uk for further details and prices.

What Did the Romans Ever Do For Us? Tue 23rd July, normal opening times Enjoy free Roman games and trails to celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology. FREE. Charge for art and craft activities.

Giant Crabs Ate my Brain! With Tommy Donbavand Fri 2nd Aug, 11am-12noon & Sat 3rd Aug, 2.30-3.30pm From the hilarious author of the Scream Street series. 7-12 yrs £2 per child, £3 per adult or family ticket £8 (2+2), pre-booking advisable.

Hieroglyphic Printmaking Thu 25th July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Write a secret message in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and make it into a collagraph (relief) print. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential

Snibston Discovery Museum

Admission is FREE. Tel: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com 12

Idea Busters with Tommy Donbavand 29th July - 30th August Fun family workshops to stretch your creativity and provide

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

Tel: 0755 7967727

Inclusion in this section is free, please email: editor@familiesleicestershire.co.uk

Funny Bones Wed 31st July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Turn an ordinary skeleton into a funny character. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Animals in Hands - Rainforest Animals Thu 1st August, 10.15-11am, 11.15am-12noon, 12.15-1pm, 1.30-2.15pm, 2.30-3.15pm, 3.30-4.15pm Meet and handle some amazing rainforest animals, featuring big snakes, spiders and a giant millipede! £3.00 per person, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Fab Friday - Naïve Painting Workshop Fri 2nd August, 1.30-3pm; 3.30-5pm Create your own seaside scene. 8-15 years, £5.00 per person, pre-booking essential Pirate Maps and Hats Wed 7th August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Make yourself some pirate garb, and a special map to find your treasure. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Clay Monsters Thu 8th August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Make up your own story by bringing your clay character to life. £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Funny Spectacle Wed 14th August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Make funny glasses to read your next book with! £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Fabulous Fridays: MakeYour own 1940’s Accessories Fri 16th August, 1pm-2.30pm and 4.30pm-6.30pm Create your own 1940s-style accessory. £10 per person, including materials, 12+ years, pre-booking essential Friendly Fun Tue 20th August, 11am-4pm Fun free activities including historic games, fossils & minerals and crafts Haunted Houses Wed 21st August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Make your very own creepy house with a cast of stick puppets £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Spooky Storytelling Thu 22nd August, 10.30-11.30am and 2pm-3pm Spooky storytelling suitable for all ages. FREE

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Fab Friday - Upcycle Printmaking Workshop Fri 23rd August, 1pm-2.30pm and 3.30-5pm Create fabulous repeat prints with a vintage feel. £5.00 per person, 8-15 years, pre-booking essential Seaside Sallies Tue 27th August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.302.30pm, 3-4pm Create a seaside scene with a hole for your face for a fun photo opp! FREE, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Artzone Sat 31st August, 10.30am-12.30pm £5.00 per person, 8-15 years, pre-booking essential To book or for further details contact Charnwood Museum on 01509 233754

Melton Carnegie Museum

Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray LE13 1RB Festival of British Archaeology Art & Crafts: Fun with Fossils! Thu 18th July, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Learn about fascinating fossils and have a go at making your own! £2.50 per child, 5+ years, pre-booking essential Festival of British Archaeology: Burrough Hill Special Event Sat 20th July, 10.30am-4pm Activities for all the family! Adults: £2.50, under 12’s £1.00, some free activities. Summer Reading Challenge Haunted Houses! Thu 8th August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Make your very own creepy house with a cast of stick puppets £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential Special Family Event: Puppet Shows - ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ Thu 15th August, 10.15-11.00am, 11.45-12.30pm, 2.00-2.45pm Delightful family entertainment. £2.50 per person, pre-booking essential Summer Reading Challenge: Creepy Crawlies! Thu 22nd August, 10.15-11.15am, 11.45am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm Art & Craft activities inspired by the Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge! £2.50 per child, 3+ years, pre-booking essential

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA

Fossil Handling Session Saturday 6th July & Sat 3rd Aug, 11.00am - 4.00pm A chance to get up close to an excellent selection of fossils. Free event. Magic Worlds Mon 15th - Fri 19th July, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm This weeks theme is myth and magicians with a chance to make shields and magic wands. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 22nd - Fri 26th July, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm This weeks theme is optical toys with a chance to make a Zoetrope and optical illusions. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 29th July – Fri 2nd Aug, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm This weeks theme is Fairies with stencil painting of fairies and magical creatures. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 5th – Fri 9th Aug, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm Inspired by the fantasy section of the Magic Worlds exhibition. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 12th – Fri 16th August, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm Clay Dragons - make your own mythical monster. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 19th – Fri 23rd August , 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm Create a fairy-tale diorama. Activities £2.50 per person. Magic Worlds Mon 26th – Fri 30th August , 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm Create your own scene from the myths of the Lord Of The Rings. Activities £2.50 per person. For more details contact New Walk Museum on 0116 225 4900

To book or for further details contact Melton Carnegie Museum on 0116 3053860

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

What’s on

Around Leicestershire and Rutland

Abbey Pumping Station Corporation Road, Leicester LE4 5PX

Railway Gala Day Saturday 6th July, 11.00am - 4.30pm Admission free/small charge for train rides. Feather Headdresses and Dream Catchers Tuesday 23rd July, 11.00am - 3.00pm Make a Dream Catcher or a Native American headdress. Admission free / £2.00 for activities. Animal Rescue Railway Day Saturday 3rd August, 11.00am - 4.30pm Dress up as your favourite animal and take a trip on the train. Handle exotic animals with ‘Meet the Beasts’. Free/small charge for train rides and exotic animal handling. www. meetthebeasts.com Frog Prince & Princess Tuesday 20th August, 11.00am - 4.30pm Dress as a prince or princess, make a frog puppet and princess. £2.00 for activities. For more details contact visit www.abbeypumpingstation.org or call 0116 299 5111.

Belgrave Hall & Gardens Church Road, Leicester LE4 5PE

Open Gardens Sat 6th, Sat 13th,Thurs 18th, Sat 20th,Thurs 25th, Sat 27th July, Sat 3rd,Thurs 8th, Sat 10th,Thurs 15th, Sat 17th,Thurs 22nd, Sat 24th,Thurs 29th & Sat 31st Aug 1.00pm – 4.00pm Bring a picnic, play croquet or take a stroll. Free children’s trails and garden games. Free event. Creepy House Wed 17th July, 11.00am – 3.30pm Explore the Haunted Hall and find out about the ghosts that live there. Crafts, stories, trails and fun for all the family. Free event. Teddy Bear’s Picnic Wed 24th July , 11.00am – 3.30pm Bring your favourite teddy and a picnic. Free/£2.50 charge for activities.

Fun and Games Playdate at Belgrave Hall Gardens Wed 31st July, 11.00am – 3.30pm A fun-filled play date of storytelling, puppets, pastimes and rhymes led by costumed play leaders. Free/£2.50 for activities. Who lives in the Garden? Wed 7th August, 11.00am - 3.30pm Join a bug hunt. Crafts and trails. Free/£2.50 for activities. The Secret Garden Wed 14th August, 11.00am - 3.30pm A family day filled with storytelling, crafts and trails. Free/£2.50 for activities. Fairies and Superheroes Wed 21st August, 11.00am - 3.30pm Make magical creations to take home and follow the special fairy trail. Free/ £2.50 for activities. For more details call 0116 266 6590

The Guildhall

Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ Festival of Archaeology - Search for the king in the carpark! Thu 18th July, 11.00am - 3.00pm Family fun day as part of the Festival of Archaeology with a talk about the discovery of Richard lll in the carpark. Adult crafts £2.00 / Children’s crafts £2.50 Cops and Robbers: Crime and Punishment Fun Day! Thu 25th July, 11.00am - 3.00pm See Bill Brookman and Friends! Arts and crafts, trails and face painting. £2.50 for activities. Richard lll: Puppet fun day with Bill Brookman! Thu 1st August, 11.00am - 3.00pm A magical day for all the family! Bill Brookman’s Richard III puppet play. Lots of crafts and quizzes. Drop-in event, £2.50 for activities. Medieval Funday: Knights, Castles and Princesses Thu 15th August,11.00am - 3.00pm Make swords and shields and create crowns and princess hats. Quizzes, trails and face painter. Come dressed in your best princess and knight costume! Drop-in event, £2.50 for activities.

Jewry Wall Museum

156-160 St Nicholas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LB Festival of Archaeology 2013 Sun 14th – Sat 27th July, 11.30am – 3.30pm An action-packed fortnight filled with a variety of activities including talks, displays, re-enactment and craft activities. Festival of British Archaeology: Roman Army Day Sunday 14th July, 11.30am – 3.30pm Military parades, combat and gladiators fighting to the death! Free event. Festival of British Archaeology: Duelling Across the Ages Sunday 21st July, 11.30am – 3.30pm (Fencing 12.30pm – 2.00pm) Witness duelling techniques, have a go at fencing, and take part in craft activities and trails. £2.50 per person / £1.00 per person fencing only. For more details call 0116 225 4971.

Newarke Houses Museum Leicester LE2 7BY

The Battle of Bazentin Sun 14th July, 12 - 3.00pm Make your own toy soldier, trails, and badge making. Free event / £2.50 for children’s crafts. India and Africa – Puppets and Masks Fri 19th July, 11.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 3.00pm Investigate the museum collection of story-telling puppets, then make your own! £2.50 for activities, booking essential Pattern - India, Africa and England Tue 20th August, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 1.30 - 3.30pm Block printing onto fabrics and papers to create your own wall hanging. A family workshop suitable for all ages. Booking essential, £1.00 per child. To book or for further details contact Newarke Houses Museum on 0116 225 4980

Leicester Old Town Festival Food Fair Monday 26th August, 11.00am - 5.00pm A great day for all the family, with children’s trails and entertainment, food demonstrations and talks. Adults: £1.00 / Children: Free. For more details call 0116 253 2569.

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

Tel: 0755 7967727

On Tour Now, Don’t Miss It!

Libraries Things that go bump in the Library! Creepy crafts and spine-tingling stories. Age 4-12 years £1.00 per child, pre-booking essential Melton Library Mon 29th July, 10.30am-12noon 0116 305 3646 Loughborough Library Tue 30th July, 2.00-3.30pm & Tue 6th August, 2.00-3.30pm 0116 3052420 Bottesford Library Wed 31st July, 10.30am-12noon 0116 305 3550

BIRMINGHAM 25 Jul-8 Aug

Cannon Hill Park

Shepshed Library Thur 1st August, 10.15-11.30am 0116 3053678

“The fam biggest this ily even t sum mer The Inde ” pe nden

Sileby Library Thu 1st August, 2.15-3.30pm 0116 3053683 Anstey Library Mon 5th August, 2.15-3.30pm 0116 3053536 Groby Library Mon 5th August, 10.30am-12noon 0116 305 3601 Ratby Library Mon 5th August, 2.30-4.00pm 0116 305 3668 Birstall Library Thu 8th August, 10.30am-12noon 0116 3058019 Syston Library Thu 8th & Thu 22nd August, 10.00-11.30am 0116 3053500

Zoo Lab Creepy House

Loughborough Library Wed 21st August, 2-3pm 0116 3052420 Melton Library Wed 21st August, 10-11am 0116 305 3646

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Oadby Library Thu 15th August, 10-11am 0116 305 8763

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In the Night Garden™ & © Ragdoll Worldwide Limited 2007. * Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, see NightGardenLive.com.

Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

THEATRES In The Night Garden Live

The Showdome, Cannon Hill Park, Queens Drive, Birmingham B12 9QH From 25th July - 8th August, shows at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm daily Ticket includes souvenir activity brochure Book online at www.nightgardenlive.com

Loughborough Town Hall Market Place, Loughborough LE11 3EB

Jeremy Strong’s Literature Lab 6th July 11am & 2pm Adults £7, children £6 Free Book Signing with Jeremy Strong 3.20-4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitability 7years+ An exciting interactive experience for the budding storyteller. ‘Show in a week’ musical workshops 5th - 9th August, 10.15am - 3.30pm daily, based on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (for 6 -11 year olds) 12th-16th August, 10.15am - 3.30pm daily, based on My Fair Lady (for 10-16 year olds) No previous experience necessary but workshops will appeal to young people who like singing, dancing and acting. Ends with a short performance on Friday of each week. £95 for each 5 day session. Box office: 01509 231914 www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Demontfort Hall

Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU Babe 13th July, gates open 11.30am Tickets £12.00, children £6.00, Family (4) £28.00 Suitable for ages 5+ As part of De Montfort Hall’s centenary celebrations they are holding open air theatre in the hall’s gardens. Bring a picnic. Box office: 0116 233 3111 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Barnsdale Gardens

The Avenue, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH Summer Sundays at Barnsdale Gardens in July and August Country crafts, kids’ activities, live music and more. Fun events for all the family, FREE with Garden entry. Garden admission: adults £6.50, concessions £5.50, children FREE! Call 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk for further details

Family Fun with Stories

Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA Saturday 13th July, 2.00-3.30pm Listen to stories and join in creating the crafts, movement and songs they inspire. All materials provided. For 3 - 6 years £7.00 per child, advance booking required. Tel: 0116 252 2455 www.embracearts.co.uk

Wistow Maze

Saturday 20th July - Sunday 1st September, 10am - 6pm daily weekends only 1st - 22nd September Children £4.95 (13 and under), Adults £5.95, Family (4) £19.95 Ticket price includes activity funyard and maze. Free parking www.wistow.com

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National Forest Wood Fair

Monday 26th August, 9am-6pm Beacon Hill Country Park,Woodhouse Eaves A great day out for all the family including loads for children to do and the Food Field with a great selection of local produce and farmer’s market. For further details visit www.nationalforest.org/visit/woodfair On the gate: Adults £9, concessions £6, under 5s free, family ticket £25 (2 adults & 3 children). Free parking and programme Book your tickets online get discounted fast-track entry. Adults £7.20, concessions £4.80, family ticket £20, under 5s free. 16

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Families Leicestershire & Rutland – July / August 2013

fre park e ing No t im limit e s play all d ay

Leicester Meridian Leisure Park Braunstone Leicester LE19 1JZ 0116 2 8 9 4 7 3 1

Tel: 0755 7967727