boo_sheffield_spring10

Issue 3 | Spring 2010 | Sheffield

The free lifestyle magazine for you and yours www.boomag.co.uk

Are you benefiting?

Financial assistance you may be entitled to but are unaware of

Happy holidays

Affordable family-friendly holiday destinations

For you, for mum

Mothers’ Day gift ideas and offers

Easter activities

Events for all the family this spring

+ Around & about, Baby & toddler weekly planner, Kids’ pages, Competitions...

FREE

Thetake freeone lifestyle magazine for you and yours Please

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HOUSE

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With the children back at school are you left with a bit more time on your hands?

Or maybe you are a working Mum (or Dad/carer/childminder) who would like to spend more quality time with your children?

Working alongside myself, with full training and support, many parents have now become Mumpreneurs by building their own home based business, working part time, earning ÂŁ2000 per month or more.

If you are interested in finding out more please call

Linda Frewin 01133 504930

Crescent House Day Nursery High quality, full-time childcare services for children from three months to five years of age.

For more information please contact

0114 250 9784 www.crescenthousenursery.co.uk 64 Crescent Road, Sheffield, S7 1HN

Spring 2010

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Contents Spring 2010

16

24

6

12 28

8

Cover story

Features

Regulars

24 Are you benefiting?

12 Competitions: win Forever Living body toning kit, Cirque du Soleil tickets, and lots more

5 Boo to you

In these difficult economic times, Boo takes a look at what financial assistance is available for families, that you may be unaware of

14 National Year of Music: celebrating the benefits of music

6 Tickety boo health and fitness 8 Boo food 10 You time

16 Happy holidays: family-friendly destinations at home or abroad

15 Dates for your diary

28 National Family Week: bringing the nation’s families together

22 Outdoor activities for school children

29 MMR vaccination: the facts direct from the NHS

18 Baby and toddler weekly planner

23 Dad zone 26 What’s new?

30 Boo kids 32 Around and about 34 What’s on at the theatre 35 Shop till you drop

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Yoga for adults, children and teens Combining traditional yoga with fantasies, story and play to appeal to children aged 4-11 years old. Yoga is a great way to keep children fit, healthy, improve coordination, flexibility, balance and emotional well being. We also run classes for adults, teenagers, schools, businesses and one-to-ones.

Tel: 07816 540 261 jo@yoganaturesheffield.org.uk www.yoganaturesheffield.org.uk Spring 2010

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to you!

Photograph courtesy of Center Parcs

“I have also gone online and looked in more depth at some of the shopping and services advertised within the magazine.

I’m recommending Boo magazine and looking forward to getting my hands on the next issue.

You can read the review in full at www. helphound.com In the meantime, enjoy spring time – see you in the summer!

Jo (& Liz)

Boo magazine Ltd PO Box 236 Pudsey LS28 0DR T: (0114) 360 0111 E: jo.hutchinson@boomag.co.uk www.boomag.co.uk

Well, spring has sprung – at last! In this season of ‘new beginnings’ I am delighted to announce a new addition to the Boo family. Congratulations to my fellow editor, Liz, and her family, following the safe arrival of Lyla. You can read all about the Liz’s recent experience of osteopathic therapy during her pregnancy and for her new baby in this issue’s Tickety boo pages.

As ever, Boo is packed to the brim with useful information and ideas. Our cover story on page 24 ‘Are you benefiting?’ looks at what financial assistance you may be entitled to but are unaware of – from Child Benefit to Working Tax Credits and Child Trust Funds.

Make sure you don’t forget your mum on 14 March! This edition’s You time has gift ideas plus competition prizes to treat you or your mum this Mothers’ Day.

We’ve got pampering kits, the chance to win a family ticket to Cirque Du Soleil’s Saltimbanco at the Sheffield Arena…and lots more!

With holiday time around the corner, there are some cost-effective and fun getaway ideas for you and your family, on page 16. Boo has also teamed up with Keycamp to offer you some great reader discounts.

Thanks to everyone who has sent such positive comments on the first few editions - it is always gratefully received!

We recently had a fantastic online review from one of our readers. Here’s just a taster of what she thought: “I found it full of useful information, my copy is stored under my coffee table and I keep picking it up from time to time.

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Editorial, advertising, distribution & production: Jo Hutchinson/Liz Rhodes Printing: Bond Print, Derbyshire.

Boo magazine Ltd (Leeds): for more information on our sister magazine in Leeds, please email: liz.rhodes@ boomag.co.uk Subscriptions: the magazine is free but if you want to make sure you never miss a copy, an annual subscription is £10. E: subscriptions@boomag.co.uk Disclaimer: whilst every effort is taken to ensure that all editorial, advertising and directory listings are accurate, the publisher is not liable for any errors, omissions, statements or opinions provided. The publishers accept no liability of any nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this magazine. © Copyright: All rights reserved. This magazine may not be reproduced without the express permission of the editor.

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Tickety boo Health & fitness

Osteopathy... how can it help me and my family?

by Liz Rhodes Boo editor, Liz Rhodes, visited The Osteopathic Practice in Sheffield for some hands-on experience and to find out more about osteopathy.

Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practice in the UK.

During pregnancy...

from the general aches and pains of pregnancy as well as more specific conditions such as heartburn, breathing difficulties, swollen ankles and varicose veins.

As a ‘mum-to-be’ your body has to adapt to increases in weight, and a shift in its centre of gravity, as well as making room for the baby to grow. All these factors can lead to increased discomfort or even pain – signs that your body needs help.

Osteopathy can help provide relief

After failing to overcome terrible heartburn and constant coughing through more traditional treatments during pregnancy, I looked at some holistic options.

Christopher Johnson at The Osteopathic Practice in Broomhill,

What is it?

Most people have heard of an Osteopath but are not really sure how they differ from other practitioners, or how they can help us.

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. It is believed that, for your body to work well, its structure must also. So, Osteopaths strive to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible, without the use of drugs or surgery.

Using touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage, Osteopaths can help increase the mobility of joints, relieve muscle tension, enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health, and prevent symptoms recurring. By law, Osteopaths must be registered with The General

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Sheffield offered some hope of relief. I also took the opportunity to have a third trimester ‘mum-to -be’ check up, using my Health in Pregnancy grant.

particular ‘cause for concern’, the free appointment offers a full examination and treatment as appropriate.

Parents will also have the opportunity to make a donation to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

After spending time chatting with Chris about my general well-being, pre-pregnancy health, previous pregnancy and birth history, it was time to for me to experience osteopathy in practice...

Well, I was pleasantly surprised; no big cracks, pulls or pushes, just very gentle checking that all my bones and muscles were in the right place.

Everything seemed to be in good working order for delivery of baby number two but I did wonder if I could ever shift this heartburn.

Then the revelation came that my diaphragm was squashed between two vertebrae! Two gentle manipulations later and Chris thought he had released the tension.... and low and behold that was the end of the coughing and heartburn for me. Quite unbelievable after multiple doctor’s appointments and bottles of medicine! After 35 years I also found out that I have one leg longer than the other – but that’s another issue!

For babies...

With my eyes well and truly opened to the benefits of osteopathy I decided to look into Cranial Osteopathy for babies and children.

Often linked with crying and colicky babies, it can be more wide reaching

including helping with sleep disturbances, feeding difficulties, wind and even recurrent infections.

Most people assume that babies have no stresses and strains in their bodies as they are so young, and have been protected in the womb.

However, the enormous pressures that a baby can be subjected to during pregnancy, and particularly as part of the birthing process, can cause tension that is retained in the body long after birth. So, I went back following the birth of Lyla for a baby check.

Chris and the Practice offer a free newborn check for babies up to three weeks old, accepting voluntary donations for the Special Care Baby Unit at Jessops Hospital in Sheffield. To date, over £800 has been raised.

Building on this success, the Practice has recently extended this offer to parents of babies up to a year old. Whether or not there is a

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The Practice provides consultations right through childhood to aid recovery of some of the bumps and scrapes of childhood, as well as for treating a wide range of conditions including asthma, glue ear, and recurring ear nose and throat infections. It can also be particularly beneficial for children with behavioural issues or special needs, such as autism and cerebral palsy.

For all...

Traditional medical practitioners are learning more about the benefits of osteopathy for babies, children and adults, and are starting to work alongside Osteopaths such as Chris and bringing more holistic treatments into the mainstream. As one who has benefited from osteopathy first hand, I look forward to it becoming more accessible to all.

If you would like general information about osteopathy, visit www.cranial.org.uk or www. osteopathy.org.uk For more information on The Osteopathic Practice, please call (0114) 266 4786 or visit www. theosteopathicpractice.com

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Food

Here are some quick and easy ideas that children can help with and require no cooking!

Ants on a log Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

Easter Egg Bird’s Nests Preparation time 15-30 minutes

Ingredients 225g of chocolate (milk or dark) 2 tablespoons golden syrup or honey 50g butter 100g cereal - Shredded Wheat or Shreddies make great nests but you can also use Cornflakes or Rice Krispies.

Mini Eggs, Jelly Beans , or other ‘eggs’ to decorate.

Ingredients 5 celery sticks Peanut butter or cream cheese Sultanas/raisins

Note: this is not edible, it’s just for playing with!

Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients ½ cup of salt

1 cup of flour 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable/baby – this makes it smell nice!)

1 cup of boiling water (from the kettle) mixed with food colouring of your choice.

Method Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and then mix vigorously with the hot water to form a dough. Keep in an airtight plastic bag or box.

Method 1. After washing, cut the celery sticks into three.

Tip: to make sparkly fairy play dough add glitter to the dry ingredients before mixing.

2. Fill each stick with either peanut butter or cream cheese.

3. Top each stick with sultanas or raisins so they look like ants sitting on a log!

Play dough

Method 1. Break the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and place over a pan or dish of hot water, stirring to melt.

2. Keep the bowl over the water and add the butter and syrup to the melted chocolate, stirring until they are all melted together, 3. Crush the cereal if using Shredded Wheat or Shreddies.

4. Add the cereal to the chocolate mix, stir until all the cereal is covered.

5. Spoon into paper bun cases.

6. Top each nest with 2-3 eggs.

7. Leave to set.

Tip: you could make one giant nest and fill it with eggs to share with friends!

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A real Derbyshire pub with great ales and great food The Robin Hood Inn is a short drive from Sheffield and walking distance from Chatsworth. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District, we welcome families, dogs and muddy boots. The perfect location for a Sunday lunch, an evening meal or just a quick pint.

For further information or to book a table please call us on 01246 583186 The Robin Hood Inn, Chesterfield Road, Baslow, DE45 1PQ

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You time For you...for your mum

The tradition of Mothering Sunday is thought to originate over 400 years ago when people in the UK visited their ‘mother’ church on the middle Sunday of Lent. It was also traditionally the one day of the year when young boys and girls working ‘in service’ were allowed the day off to visit their mothers and families. They often took gifts of cakes, eggs and flowers home with them, and it is now a time when children pay respects to their mothers, often with a card and a gift.

In celebration of Mothering Sunday on 14 March we have teamed up with some local businesses to give you not only some ideas for Mothers’ Day gifts but also the chance to win some too! See pages 12-13 for details of how to enter.

For you..Forever!

Celebrate Mothers’ Day by treating yourself, or your mum to some ‘time out’ at home. Scheduling some space for personal relaxation and body toning can help minimise the effects of stress. To help build this into your lifestyle, why not do it from the comfort of your own home?

Often described as ‘the miracle plant’ Aloe Vera is a rich penetrative moisturiser. A blend of herbal complexes coupled with the natural moisturising and beautifying effects of Aloe Vera together with the rubefacient properties of natural capsicum and cinnamon help stimulate circulation breaking up trapped fluids and fatty tissues which often cause cellulite.

The Aloe Body Toning Kit from Forever Living Products is designed to assist with the battle to trim, tone and tighten up the body. It helps minimise the bumpy texture of the skin due to cellulite in the hip and thigh regions to smooth and flatten fat cells for that firmer look.

After using the kit, it will help your skin feel toned, moisturised, firmed and beautifully soft and conditioned. You will also experience a natural detox effect and inch loss in the upper arm, thigh and lower torso area.

Aloe Vera contains over 75 known vitamins and minerals, including lignins which help penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin, and is the primary ingredient in the Aloe Body Toning Kit. The kit comprises Aloe Body Toner, Aloe Body Conditioning Creme, Aloe Bath Gelee, a loofah and cellophane wrap.

The Body Toning Kit can give amazing benefits when used regularly. For your chance to win a kit worth £68.97, see page 13. *Forever Living is the Aloe Vera Company and grows over 80% of the world’s cultivated Aloe Vera.

All products are unconditionally guaranteed for 60 days assuring you of the finest Aloe from plant to product to you. **Linda Frewin is an independent distributor and can be contacted for further information on 07870 294412.

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Turn your photography into a work of art!

Why not dig out a gorgeous family photograph and have it turned into a canvas by Simon at Colourcurve? With over 25 years experience he can enhance, restore and retouch your pictures making each canvas into something special for you – even matching it to your mum’s favourite colour scheme!

If you want to treat your mum to a memory that won’t fade, visit www. colourcurve.co.uk E: simon@colourcurve.co.uk, T: 07817 016322 You can win: 1 x 16 x 20 inch* gallery wrapped and varnished canvas (worth £32), content of your choice! It can include either your own photograph, one of Colourcurve’s canvas designs or any image you prefer. To enter, see page 13 for details. * Finished dimensions of canvas subject to variation depending on size of original image but will not be smaller than advertised. Size will be agreed with prize winner before completion.

For naturally super mums Super Natural Mummy has some gorgeous pampering products so you can treat yourself or your mum. The company’s range of everyday skincare and luxury indulgences are free from artificial colours, fragrances, parabens and other ‘nasties’ allowing mums (and mums-to-be) to enjoy their ‘me time’ without worrying about what chemicals might be lurking in there!

A full range of skin, body and hair care is available. as well as beauty and nail products. providing the perfect relaxing gift for Mothers’ Day. Super Natural Mummy can even gift wrap it for you.

You can get 20% off your first purchase using the voucher on Boo’s Shop till you drop page or enter our competition on page 13 for a chance to win a Whish gift set worth £20.

All products can be viewed at www.supernaturalmummy.co.uk

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Competitions

Win a family ticket to Cirque Du Soleil’s Saltimbanco The Sheffield Arena is offering Boo readers the chance to win a family ticket for Cirque Du Soleil’s Saltimbanco, on Saturday 22 May at 16.00. Full show details are on page 26.

To enter, just answer the following question.

Saltimbanco is from the Italian ‘saltare in banco.’ What is the literal translation into English? a. ‘To jump on a bench’ b. ‘To step on a beach’ c. ‘To walk in the park’

Competition terms and conditions Winning entries for all competitions will be the first correct answer drawn after Competition terms and conditions 16 April 2010.

The winner will receive a family ticket to Entrants must beMay 16 or over. The No admit 4 people on 22 at 16.00. free ticket cannot be used correspondence can in beconjunction entered with any other offer and the date is non into. No cash alternative can be transferable.

offered.

See www.boomag.co.uk for full terms and conditions. If you do not wish to be informed of offers and events by participating companies, please indicate when entering.

All postal entries to be sent to:

Simply email your answer (including your name, address and telephone number) to: cirquecomp@boomag.co.uk or post to the address opposite.

Boo magazine Ltd PO Box 236 Pudsey LS28 0DR

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Win one of Kiss Katch’s zip-through beach dresses for summer!

Win Aloe Body Toning Kit

Win Colourcurve canvas Treat yourself or your mum to a memory that won’t fade on canvas.

Boo has joined forces with Forever Living Products to give you the chance to win a free Aloe Body Toning Kit, worth £68.97.

Pull it on, take it off, pull it on - you might as well, just because you can. This terry towelling zip-through girl’s beach dress, worth £35, is an absolute must have for holidays by the beach or pool, or even for just playing in the garden at home.

To enter, just answer the following question correctly.

What is the Kiss Katch strapline? a. ‘Easy to love’ b. ‘Fun to play’ c. ‘Fun in the sun’ Email your answer and contact details to kisskatchcomp@boomag.co.uk or send your details by post to the address on page 12.

Win Whish gift set from Super Natural Mummy Whish is a luxury collection of skincare using the finest of ingredients for total indulgence and pampering. To win a Whish gift set worth £20 from Super Natural Mummy, answer the following question correctly.

The kit will help your skin feel toned, moisturised, firmed and beautifully soft and conditioned. You will also experience a natural detox effect and inch loss in the upper arm, thigh and lower torso area. For more details on its properties and benefits, see page 10.

To enter, just answer the following question correctly.

Aloe Vera is often described as the… a. ‘amazing flower’ b. ‘miracle plant’ c. ‘legendary leaf’ Email your answer and contact details to forevercomp@boomag.co.uk or send your details by post to the address on page 12.

a. Rojo b. Rouge c. Rot Email your entry (including your name, address and telephone number), to: colourcurvecomp@boomag.co.uk or by post to the address on page 12. *Content of 16 x 20 inch canvas will be the winner’s choice. Finished dimensions of canvas subject to variation depending on size of original image but will not be smaller than advertised. Size will be agreed with prize winner before completion.

Which of the following are NOT natural ingredients? a. Shea butter b. Parabens c. Aloe Vera Email your answer and contact details to: supernaturalmummycomp@boomag. co.uk or send your details by post to the address on page 12.

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To win a 16 x 20 inch* gallery wrapped and varnished canvas from Colourcurve worth £32, tell us the colour red in French:

13

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National Year of Music September 2009 saw the launch of the first National Year of Music.

With every local authority aiming to provide free instrumental tuition to all primary school children by 2011 just what are the benefits of a musical education?

Many of us have heard of the Mozart effect on children in the womb but it’s never too late (or early) to begin exploring the world of music. A recent study by Professor Susan Hallam reported improvements in both academic and social skills in children receiving musical instruction.

Increased IQ, raised self esteem, enhanced literacy and improved self discipline are only a few of the positive effects of musical training.

Long gone is the childhood image of musical study being a solitary pastime as there are now more opportunities than ever before to participate in musical groups with something to appeal to almost every child.

But unless your child finds music making enjoyable and rewarding all these benefits can pass them by so finding the right class and teacher are crucial. Finding a teacher who is the right fit for each student is not always easy so it is worth taking the time to research the options available to you. Whether teaching groups or individuals, teachers should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and methodology whilst showing creativity, passion and the flexibility to make music inspiring to young minds.

Whether music leads your child to a career within the industry or a greater understanding and appreciation of the music they enjoy, the benefits are undeniable.

by Kat Brown, Tune Tots http://tunetots.katbrown.co.uk

Why do kids love to dance?

Popular TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent, and So You Think You Can Dance? all have mass appeal to the younger audience. If you can dance, you’re cool, that’s why boys and girls nationwide are enjoying everything from Street-dance to Cheer-leading.

Dance is a fantastic way to get your children moving and to have fun. It is also great for: improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness, increasing bone density, improving motors skills such as coordination and balance, improving posture, increasing confidence, energy and motivation .

ActiveB Dance & Fitness for Kids, a Sheffield based company, are dedicated to getting children more active through dance. Imogen Buxton, the director of ActiveB says: “We are always delighted at the response we get from the children we work with, particularly children who have never danced before.

Cheerdance has been particularly popular over the last five years, even with boys!”

ActiveB is now available to host birthday parties in Cheerdance & Street-dance for children aged 5-11 years. Imogen adds: “We always make sure they have great time and leave wanting more!”

For more information on Cheerdance or Street-dance birthday parties for children contact Imogen.buxton@ activeb.co.uk or visit www.activeb. co.uk

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Exciting, fun parties for 5 - 11 years Ideal for: Studio Instructors / PE Teach

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The benefits of learning music from an early age Making music is fun! It also has intrinsic value. It offers unique challenges, provides opportunities for creativity and self-expression in a sociable setting, and rewards with a special sense of satisfaction. All of this, regardless of anything we might label aptitude.

On top of these benefits, research has established that music-making has a positive effect on children’s all-round performance. It improves concentration and co-ordination, develops skills in language and maths, increases self-confidence, and aids social development.

Providing young children with opportunities to develop their musical skills is thus one of the best ways of enabling them to achieve their full potential.

For more information, or to book classes contact Broomhill Music.

T: 05601 611627 E: mail@broomhillmusic.co.uk or visit www.broomhillmusic.co.uk

Activity groups for children of primary age, led by an experienced teacher www.broomhillmusic.co.uk Helen Gaunt: 05601 611 627 (local rate)

Dates for your diary 4 March World Book Day www.worldbookday.com 5 March National Doodle Day www.nationaldoodleday.org.uk 14 March Mothers’ Day Page 10 17 March St Patrick’s Day

23 April St George’s Day 25 April Sheffield Half Marathon and Fun Run www.sheffieldmarathon.com 26 April-02 May RSPCA Week www.rspca.org.uk 1 May May Day

19-21 March Sport Relief www.sportrelief.com

4-10 May Deaf Awareness Week www.deafcouncil.org.uk/daw/index.htm

28 March British Summer Time begins – clocks go forward

10-16 May Christian Aid Week www.caweek.org

1-30 April National Autism Awareness Month www.autismspeaks.org

16-22 May National Smile Week www.nationalsmileweek.org

1-30 April The Toddle Waddle www.meningitis-trust.org/toddlewaddle/Toddle-waddle-UK.html

17-21 May Walk to School Week www.walktoschool.org.uk/content/ our_events.php

1 April April Fool’s Day 2 April Good Friday

31 May-6 June National Family Week www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk/ view.About-the-Week Page 28

4 April Easter Sunday

31 May Spring Bank Holiday

5 April Easter Monday 7 April World Health Day www.un.org/Depts/dhl/health

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Happy

by Jo Hutchinson

home Whether holidaying at home or away this year, we’ve got a few family-friendly ideas that won’t break the bank.

Staycations Over the last few years, the staycation – which involves staying at home and going on short breaks, or taking day trips nearby – has become ever more popular. Shortbreak specialist, Center Parcs, recently announced that its forward booking figures were up 18% – supporting the notion that Britons are once again looking to the UK for their holidays and short breaks in 2010.

So what are the benefits of a staycation?

- Cheaper; often lower accommodation and travel costs.

- Greener; with most people getting there by car and train rather than plane a staycation can be a greener option.

- Less stressful; there’s no need to worry about packing loads of clothes and entertaining your children on long journeys.

- You can also benefit from enjoying good old ‘fish and chips’, avoiding any language barriers, and exploring local attractions right on your doorstep.

The most obvious downside to staying near home is the unreliability of the great British weather! However, many short break destinations, such as Center Parcs (www.centerparcs.co.uk) offer indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, making them suitable for any season or weather conditions. Family-friendly self-catering accommodation and quality restaurants are also often on-site making it all so easy to keep everyone happy.

Holiday parks With accommodation, swimming facilities, activities and entertainment on-tap, holiday parks can offer ‘value-for-money’ destinations in the UK and abroad. When it comes to family breaks away, it’s hard to beat the fun and freedom of a holiday park.

Offering access to some of the most soughtafter resorts throughout Europe, the USA and the UK, plus a wide selection of stylish, well-equipped mobile homes, Keycamp and Eurocamp score highly on the budget front too – with families able to pick the perfect break to suit their pocket.

A selection of Fun Station children’s clubs, plus some top notch ‘on-parc’ activities and the provision of Mini World and Petit Paradis parcs specifically designed to suit those with toddlers, also means there’s something for every member of the family.

For more details, visit www.keycamp.co.uk or www.eurocamp.co.uk

Camping It’s a bit like Marmite; people love it or hate it. But the reality is camping can be great value for money and has moved on from the facility-free camping memories of our childhoods. Whether choosing to take your own tent or hire a ready-constructed one, camping can be fun! From yurts and tepees to treehouses and cabins, enjoying basic essentials to luxury living – whichever you choose, spending time in the great outdoors can be invigorating for the whole family. The fresh air and exercise is sure to get everyone feeling fit and healthy, as well as sleeping well (we can but hope)!

If you’re not sure how the family will get on with camping, why not get the kids to help put up the tent in your back garden, and practise before you go?

If this doesn’t appeal, why not consider staying in a caravan, or taking to the road in a campervan? This will allow you to benefit from some home comforts without spending a fortune. Go to www. campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk for more details on campsites in the UK and what equipment you might need.

Holiday cottages Whether you’re looking to hire a small home for a family of four, or a farmhouse for 30+ people, holiday cottages are an excellent base for families with children of all ages. With locations across the UK throughout the countryside, the coast or the mountains, these offer a home from home option so you can just turn up and enjoy. For more details, check out www.cottages4you.co.uk or www. holidaycottages.co.uk

Getting away needn’t break the bank or necessarily involve going away. Why not take a look at our ‘Around and about’ section on pages 32-33 for some days out ideas? Whatever your budget or holiday plans this year, get out there and have some fun!

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h

holidays away Family Fun in Brittany

Save 20% on your Keycamp holiday with Boo

Close to the beautiful Gulf of Morbihan, and boasting a host of activities including crazy golf, cycling, fishing and football, not to mention an impressive swimming pool complex with chutes, slides and a jacuzzi, Keycamp’s Le Mané Guernehué in Baden, Brittany is a proven family favourite.

A seven night break at May half-term will cost from £581 for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a two bedroom, two bathroom Villagrand mobile home, including a return DoverCalais ferry crossing.

To book, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319 or log onto www.keycamp.co.uk.

Splash Out in Gascony A seven night break at Eurocamp’s Le Vieux Port parc in Messanges, Gascony on the South West coast of France, arriving 30 May 2010, costs just £504 per party, staying in a two bedroom ‘Superior’ mobile home (sleeps seven max), including a return Dover-Calais ferry crossing.

Located in the heart of a large pine forest, with direct access to a beautiful long stretch of sandy beach, Le Vieux Port is an excellent choice for beach lovers, while an adventure playground and range of free kids’ clubs make it a great choice for families.

To book, call Eurocamp on 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

Keycamp has teamed up with Boo to offer readers a special 20% off the base price of its mobile home holidays. So if you’d like to experience the fun and freedom of the parc lifestyle, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319 quoting 10-BOO. The offer is open on holidays of a minimum duration of seven nights, completed on or before 9 July 2010 (excluding May half-term) or started on or after 31 August 2010, and completed by the end of season 2010, subject to availability.

Excludes group B parcs, Prestige, Vista Prestige and The Loft mobile homes, Apartment Resorts, Tree houses, RVs, Motorhomes, Greece, Denmark and UK Escapes.

Terms and conditions apply for subscriber offer. Please call for details (T: 0844 4060319) Bookings must be made direct with Keycamp Holidays before 30 June 2010.

The free lifestyle magazine for you and yours

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Weekly planner

Baby & toddler activities

Monday Otter Tots Swim Classes (B) Esporta Health Club, 1 Archer Road, S8 T: 07944 391362 (Victoria) www.ottertots.com 09.15-11.45 (various classes: 3 months to 4 years) Central Children’s Library Share a Story Surrey Street, S1 T: (0114) 273 4734 Stories and crafts (pre-schoolers) 10.45-12.00 Wisewood Weenies Wisewood Methodist Church, Ben Lane, S6 NB waiting list 09.00-11.15 Carlton Road Parent & Toddler Group United Reformed Church, Carlton Road, Hillsborough, S6 T: (0114) 233 9347 (Wendy) 09.30-11.30 Eskdale Toddler Group Eskdale Community Centre, Eskdale Close (Leppings Lane), S6 T: (0114) 285 2538 09.30-11.00 2by2 Toddlers Praise Memorial Hall, Forbes Road, Hillsborough, S6 T: (0114) 220 7197 10.00-11.00 Hillsborough Baptist Church Toddler Group Hawthorne Road, Hillsborough, S6 10.00-11.30

King’s Kids Community Toddler Group King’s Centre, Union Road, Nether Edge, S11 T: (0114) 250 7277 (Rachel Atkinson) www.kckids.org.uk 09.45-11.45

Hillsborough Library Baby Time Children’s Library, Middlewood Road, S6 T: (0114) 203 9530 Play session (0-3 years) 10.15-11.15 (last Tuesday of the month)

Ecclesall Church Baby & Toddler/Bumps & Babies Group Parish Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: 07814 454503 (Helen) 10.00-11.30

Primrose Children’s Centre Bumps & Beyond Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 For families during pregnancy and the first year 13.00-15.00

Nether Edge Baby & Toddler Group Salvation Army, 12 Psalter Lane, S11 T: (0114) 266 8127 10.00-11.30

Carterknowle Toddlers Methodist Church Hall, Abbeydale Road, S7 09.45-12.00

Nether Edge New Mums King’s Centre, Union Road, Nether Edge, S11 T: (0114) 250 7277 (Rachel Atkinson) www.kckids.org.uk Call before attending as not a weekly group 10.30-11.45 Ecclesall Library Story Time 120 Ecclesall Road South, S11 T: (0114) 203 7222 Stories (3+ years) 14.00-14.45

Tuesday NCT Coffee Groups Held in members’ homes: Broomhill, Crosspool, Crookes T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 10.00-12.00

Mustard Seeds Holy Trinity Church, Grove Road, Millhouses, S7 T: 07956 424262 (Sarah Hills) 12.00-14.00 Chancet Wood Coffee Stop Chancet Wood Children’s Ctr, Meadowhead, S8 T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 09.30-11.30 Meersbrook Playcentre The Pavillion, Meersbrook Park Road, S8 T: (0114) 258 9174 (Becca) 09.30-11.30 St Chad’s Baby and Toddler Group St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats, S8 T: (0114) 281 8894 (Alison Manning) 09.30-11.30 Woodseats Library Baby Time Chesterfield Road, S8 T: (0114) 293 0411 Play session (0-3 years) 10.30-11.30 (first Tuesday of the month)

St Polycarps Church Toddler Group Wisewood Lane, Malin Bridge, S6 10.00-11.30

Kids & Cuddles Hillsborough Trinity Church, Middlewood Road, S6 09.30-11.00

Upperthorpe Library Story Time 18 Upperthorpe, S6 T: (0114) 270 2048 Rhymes, songs, crafts and toys 10.30-11.30

Primrose Children’s Centre Baby Massage Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 For babies 0-6 months. Call as waiting list 10.00-11.30

Baby Buggy Brigade Hillsborough Park Pavillion, c/o Hillsborough Library, Middlewood Road, S6 T: (0114) 232 6048 (Park Ranger) 30 minute walk followed by drinks 13.30-15.00

Primrose Children’s Centre Coffee Morning Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 Informal advice available on benefits, training, debt & employment 11.00-13.00 (first Tuesday of the month)

St Oswald’s Baby and Toddler Group St Oswald’s Church Hall, Abbeydale Road, S7 T: (0114) 255 7995 (Kay Hudson) 09.45-11.45

St John’s Mum & Baby Coffee Morning St John’s Memorial Hall, Forbes Road, S6 T: (0114) 232 5340 10.00-12.00

Ecclesall Church Baby & Toddler Group Parish Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: 07814 454503 (Helen) 10.00-11.30

Meersbrook Playcentre The Pavillion, Meersbrook Park Road, S8 T: (0114) 258 9174 (Becca) 09.30-11.30

Walkley Library Breastfeeding Drop-in South Road, S6 T: (0114) 231 2947 10.00-12.00

Hallam Methodist Church Baby Group Nether Green Road, S11 T: (0114) 230 2851 (Mrs E Eade) 10.30

Greenhill Library Baby Time Hemper Lane, S8 T: (0114) 203 7700 Stories, singing and play (0-2 years) 10.00-11.15 (second Monday of the month)

Mum & Baby Coffee Morning Memorial Hall, Forbes Road, Hillsborough, S6 10.00-12.00

Broomhill Library Baby Time Taptonville Road, S10 T: (0114) 273 4726 Play session (0-3 years) 10.00-11.00 (first Tuesday of the month) Mylnhurst Parent and Toddler Group Mylnhurst School and Nursery, Button Hill, Ecclesall, S11 T: 07971 561875 (Nicola) 09.15-10.45 Bumps and Babies St Andrew’s Hall, Nether Edge, S11 T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 10.00-12.00

St William’s Baby and Toddler Group Roman Catholic Church Hall, Ecclesall Road South, S11 10.00-11.30

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Bradway Toddler Group Bradway Annexe, Bradway Road, S17 T: 01246 451699 (Carla) 09.00-11.00 Totley Library Baby Time 205 Baslow Road, S17 T: (0114) 293 0406 Play session (0-3 years) 10.00-11.00 (second Tuesday of the month)

Wednesday Otter Tots Swim Classes (B) Esporta Health Club, 1 Archer Road, S8 T: 07944 391362 (Victoria) www.ottertots.com 09.15-14.45 (various classes: 3 months to 4 years) Little Sparklers Playgroup for visually impaired children Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, 5 Mappin Street, S1 T: (0114) 272 2757 (Joanne) 10.00-12.00 NCT Coffee Groups Held in members’ homes: Walkley, Crookes, Hillsborough T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 10.00-12.00

Hillsborough Library Story Time Children’s Library, Middlewood Road, S6 T: (0114) 203 9530 Stories (0-5 years) 14.00-14.45 Stannington Library Story Time Uppergate Road, S6 T: (0114) 293 0489 Stories (0-5 years) 14.30-15.15 Trinity Tots 1 & 2 Holy Trinity Church, Grove Road, Millhouses, S7 T: 07956 424262 (Sarah Hills) 10.00-11.30 Udna Tots St Peter’s Hall, Woodstock Road, Lower Nether Edge, S7 T: (0114) 250 7277 (Tamsin) www.kckids.org.uk 10.00-11.30 Mother of God Toddler Group Mother of God Church, Abbeydale Road, S7 10.30-12.00 (fortnightly) Meersbrook Playcentre The Pavillion, Meersbrook Park Road, S8 T: (0114) 258 9174 (Becca) 09.30-11.30

Totley All Saints Parent and Toddlers All Saints Church Hall, Totley Hall Lane, S17 T: (0114) 236 2068 (Ann Mackay) 10.00-11.30 Totley Library Story Time 205 Baslow Road, S17 T: (0114) 293 0406 Stories (0-5 years). Call first as waiting list 14.00-15.00

Thursday Otter Tots Swim Classes (B) Esporta Health Club, 1 Archer Road, S8 T: 07944 391362 (Victoria) www.ottertots.com 09.15-11.20 (various classes: 3 months to 4 years) NCT Breastfeeding Support Group Meet first Thursday of the month T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) NCT Coffee Groups Held in members’ homes: Bradway, Dore, Totley /Nether Edge T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 10.00-12.00 Little Fishes Parent and Baby Group Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, S1 T: 07814 363855 (Hazel Hill) 10.00-11.15

Primrose Children’s Centre Breastfeeding Cafe Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 09.00-12.00

Peekaboo Baby and Toddler Group St Paul’s Church and Centre, Norton Lees Lane, S8 T: 07800 73 66 99 (Beth) www.peekaboosheffield.org.uk 10.00-12.00

Shooters Grove Children’s Centre Stay & Play Under Fives Wood Lane, Stannington, S6 T: (0114) 285 4519 09.00-11.00

Busy Bees Baby and Toddler Group Springfield School, Broomspring Lane, S10 T: (0114) 276 6174 (Claire Warburton) 13.15-15.15

Little Owls Toddler Group Wisewood Community Primary School, Ben Lane, S6 09.00-11.00 T: (0114) 234 3304

Noah’s Ark Baby & Toddler Group Wycliffe Independent Church, Hickmott Road, S11 T: (0114) 230 2139 (Rachel) 09.45-11.15

Teenie Weenies Toddler Group The Shed, Hillsborough School, Park Side Road, S6 T: 07786 861032 09.00-11.00

Bents Green Toddler Group Bents Green Methodist Church Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: (0114) 266 8647 (Mrs Jones) 10.00-11.30 (fortnightly)

ZEST Family Drop-In 18 Upperthorpe, S6 Meet health visitors, midwives, advice workers and children’s centre staff 13.00-15.00

New-birth Drop-in Hillsborough Children’s Centre, S6 T: (0114) 233 5108 09.30-11.30

Sunbeams King’s Centre, Union Road, Nether Edge, S11 T: (0114) 266 7918 (Charlotte) 10.00-11.30

Stay & Play Under Ones Shooters Grove Children’s Centre, Wood Lane, Stannington, S6 T: (0114) 285 4519 13.30-15.30

Hillsborough Baptist Church Toddler Group Church Hall, Hawthorne Road, S6 10.00-11.30

Ecclesall Church Baby & Toddler Group Parish Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: 07814 454503 (Helen) 10.00-11.30

Babies to 1st Steps Foxhill School, Keats Road, S6 T: (0114) 250 3060 (Cheryl Hall) 13.00-15.00

The Crowded House The Crowded House Church, 215 Sharrowvale Road, S11 T: (0114) 258 8339 (Rachel) 10.30-12.00

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Reach Out Parent & Toddler Group Hillsborough House, 104 Parkside Road, S6 09.15-11.15 T: (0114) 281 1152 Carlton Road Parent & Toddler Group United Reformed Church, Carlton Road, Hillsborough, S6 T: (0114) 233 9347 (Wendy) 09.30-11.30 St John’s Baby Group Memorial Hall, Forbes Road, Hillsborough, S6 10.00-11.30

Fairlawns Drop-in Fairlawns Medical Centre, Middlewood Rd, S6 T: 0845 122 3331 13.30-15.00 Carterknowle Toddlers Methodist Church Hall, Abbeydale Road, S7 09.45-12.00

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St Oswald’s Home Education Group St Oswald’s Church Hall, Abbeydale Road, S7 T: (0114) 255 7995 (Kay Hudson) For under 7s but older children can also attend 10.00-12.00 Trinity Tots 1 & 2 Holy Trinity Church, Grove Road, Millhouses, S7 T: 07956 424262 (Sarah Hills) 10.00-11.30

Malin Bridge Toddler Group St Polycarps Church Community Hall, Wisewood Lane, S6 09.30-11.00 Fathers & Family Swim Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Beulah Road, S6 10.00-12.00 T: (0114) 203 9307

Meersbrook Playcentre The Pavillion, Meersbrook Park Road, S8 T: (0114) 258 9174 (Becca) 09.30-11.30

Stannington Library Baby Time Uppergate Road, S6 T: (0114) 293 0489 Play session (0-2 years) 10.00-11.15 (every second Friday of the month)

Beauchief Mother and Toddler Group Beauchief Baptist Church, Hutcliffe Wood Road, S8 T: (0114) 274 6930 (Sarah Cousins) 10.00-11.45

Breastfeeding Support Group Hillsborough Children’s Centre, Catchbar Lane, S6 T: (0114) 233 5108 13.00-15.00

St Chad’s Baby and Toddler Group St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats, S8 T: (0114) 281 8894 (Alison Manning) 13.00-15.00

Meersbrook Playcentre The Pavillion, Meersbrook Park Road, S8 T: (0114) 258 9174 (Becca) 09.30-11.30

Busy Bees Baby and Toddler Group Springfield School, Broomspring Lane, S10 T: (0114) 276 6174 (Claire Warburton) 13.15-15.15

Sheffield Evangelical Church Parent and Toddlers Greenhill Parkway, Lower Bradway, S8 T: (0114) 237 7746 (Sheila Sale) 09.30-11.30

Noah’s Ark Baby & Toddler Group Wycliffe Independent Church, Hickmott Road, S11 T: (0114) 230 2139 (Rachel) 09.45-11.15 Nethergreen Nippers Toddler Group Hallam Methodist Church, S11 T: (0114) 230 2851 (Mrs E Eade) 10.00 Twins R Us! Hallam Methodist Church, S11 T: (0114) 230 2851 (Mrs E Eade) Toddler group for families with twins 13.30-15.00 Christchurch Baby and Toddler Group The Church Hall, Townhead Road, Dore, S17 10.15-11.30 Pushchair Club Totley Rise Methodist Church Hall, Grove Road, S17 T: (0114) 236 2409 (Anne Oles) 13.30-15.00

Greenhill Library Story Time Hemper Lane, S8 T: (0114) 203 7700 Stories (3-5 years) 10.00-11.00 Endcliffe Toddler Group Endcliffe Methodist Church, (use Neill Road entrance), S11 T: (0114) 266 5376 (Helen) 09.30-11.30 King’s Kids Community Toddler Group King’s Centre, Union Road, Nether Edge, S11 T: (0114) 250 7277 (Rachel Atkinson) www.kckids.org.uk 09.45-11.45 Playmates St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Dobbin Hill, S11 T: (0114) 268 3594 (Julie) 09.45-11.15

Friday

Ecclesall Library Baby Time 120 Ecclesall Road South, S11 T: (0114) 203 7222 Play session (0-3 years) 10.00-11.00 (second Friday of the month)

NCT Coffee Groups Held in members’ homes: Fulwood, Nether Green, Ranmoor, Lodgemoor, Greystones T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 10.00-12.00

Ecclesall Library Toddler Time 120 Ecclesall Road South, S11 T: (0114) 203 7222 Rhymes and stories (18+ months) 10.00-11.00 (last Friday of the month)

Central Children’s Library Baby Time Surrey Street, S1 T: (0114) 273 4743 Play session (0-3 years)

Polish Mums Group Polish Catholic Centre, Ecclesall Road, S11 T: 0844 243 6259 (Victoria Penman) 11.00-13.00

Primrose Children’s Centre Coffee Morning Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 09.00-11.30

See & Know Christian Mother & Toddler Group Bents Green Methodist Church Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: (0114) 268 6507 (Ruth) 13.30-14.25

Hillsborough Coffee Morning Hillsborough Children’s Centre, Catchbar Lane, S6 09.30-11.30 T: (0114) 233 5108

Nether Edge Baby & Toddler Group Salvation Army, 12 Psalter Lane, S11 T: (0114) 266 8127 14.00-14.30

Blossom Parent and Child Group (Steiner inspired) The Nursery Room, Handsworth Parish Centre, Handsworth Road, S13 T: 07917 155591 (Becky) 10.00-12.00 St John’s Toddler Group Abbeydale Road South, S17 T: (0114) 235 1141 (Sharon) 10.00-11.30

Saturday Yoga Nature classes (B) Yoga Shala Studios, 224-230 London Road, S2 T: 07816 540261 E: jo@yoganaturesheffield.org.uk www.yoganaturesheffield.org.uk Children’s classes (4-11 years) 10.00-11.30 Art Cart Millenium Galleries, 48 Arundel Gate, S1 Creative activities (3-10 years) 13.00-15.00 Discovery Time Weston Park Museum, S10 Stories, crafts and puzzles 12.30-13.15 /14.00-14.45 Dads’ breakfast Pre-school room, Ecclesall Church Parish Hall, Ringinglow Road, S11 T: (0114) 235 6139 (Matthew) For babies, toddlers and infants 08.30-10.00 Dads’ Noah’s Ark Baby & Toddler Group Wycliffe Independent Church, Hickmott Road, S11 T: (0114) 230 2139 09.45-11.15 (first Saturday of the month) Primrose Children’s Centre My Dad & Me Time to Play Creswick Street, S6 T: (0114) 233 5197 Fun activities for dads, grandads and male carers with children 11.00-13.00

Sunday Family Activity Time Millenium Galleries, 48 Arundel Gate, S1 Metalwork gallery (3-7 years) 11.30-13.30/14.00-16.00 Discovery Time Weston Park Museum, S10 Stories, crafts and puzzles 12.30-13.15 /14.00-14.45

(B): pre-book classes.

Please note, most groups/classes take place during term times only. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that all information is accurate, the publisher is not liable for any errors or omissions provided. Please contact the organisers directly for more information and to check availability.

If you would like to be included in the baby and toddler weekly planner, please email: jo.hutchinson@boomag.co.uk

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The free lifestyle magazine for you and yours

Boo_Spring 10_Sheffield_Final.in21 21

Netmums.com

is a dedicated website for local

parents offering thousands of places to go and things to do in your area, as well as support on parenting, postnatal depression, relationships and more.

For further information visit www.netmums.com/sheffield

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Outdoor activities for school children

Get out and about with The National Trust

Photograph courtesy of the National Trust (N. B-Peach)

Spring is the time of new beginnings, with green shoots popping out of the ground, bird song ringing in the air and animals awakening from their winter hibernation. It’s also the time when the National Trust houses throw open their doors to welcome visitors for the season.

Sheffield’s big spring clean Sheffield’s Big Spring Clean is back for a second year. Come and join us! Dust off the winter cobwebs and spring into action to take part in the biggest clean up Sheffield has ever seen.

Highlights include:

Friday 2 April to Saturday 3 April Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire T: 01246 858400 Easter Funday at Hardwick Park Centre, 11.00–16.00 Enjoy an Easter trail around the ponds, themed crafts and activities. Chocolate prize for all entrants. Price: £4.

Friday 2 April to Monday 5 April

Cocoadance, and enjoy some of their delicious chocolate. Price: £4.

Saturday 8 May and Sunday 9 May Clumber Park, south of Worksop, north Nottinghamshire T: 01909 544917 Hedgehog Weekend, 10.30–16.30pm Join Janet Peto from Hedgehog Welfare at the Conservation Centre, to find out more about these mysterious nocturnal animals. Lots of hedgehog-themed activities for the children.

Clumber Park, south of Worksop, north Nottinghamshire T: 01909 544917 Lambing Time, 14.00–16.00 An opportunity to visit this year’s newborn lambs from our rare breed Jacob sheep and see some other grazing animals at the old Forestry Yard in Hardwick.

Wednesday 2 June

Friday 2 April to Tuesday 6 April

Thursday 3 June

Longshaw Estate, Hope Valley, Derbyshire T: 01433 637904 Easter Egg Trails, 11.00–15.00 Find the painted eggs hidden around the Longshaw Estate and win a prize. Face painting and colouring competition included. Price: £3.

Longshaw Estate, Hope Valley, Derbyshire T: 01433 670368 Badger Watch, 20.00–22.00 A short walk to find some of Longshaw’s badger setts and hopefully to watch some badgers at work and play! Be prepared to sit and be still and quiet for long periods of time and bring a torch. Price: £3.

Sunday 25 April High Peak Estate, Hope Valley, Derbyshire T: 01433 670368 A Taste of Mam Tor Chocolate Walk, 10.00– 12.00 and 14.00–16.00 A short walk to watch a chocolate making demonstration at Mam Farm, home to

Hardwick Park Centre T: 01246 858400 Wildchild Family Funday, 11.00–16.00 Family event, with fun activities and crafts for toddlers to teenagers themed on nature and wildlife. Price: £4.

Sheffield Council Leader Paul Scriven said: “Last year you helped to keep Sheffield shining, by rolling up your sleeves and clearing thousands of sacks full of litter from our streets and green spaces.

“Please get involved again this year too - we would like community groups, businesses, schools, universities and individuals to join in and make a real difference to the city.

“Why not organise a clean up party on your street or in your local area? The City Council will support everyone who wants to get involved. You’ll be provided with plastic sacks, and clean up equipment and help to clear away the rubbish at the end of your event.”

The Big Spring Clean 2010 will take place between 1 March and 30 April 2010.

To find out more about how to get involved call (0114) 273 4221 or visit www.sheffield.gov. uk/springclean Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that all information is accurate, the publisher is not liable for any errors or omissions provided.

Please contact the organisers directly for more information, or to check availability.

Admission charges apply at some properties and some events need to be booked in advance.

For a full list of events visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk and check with individual properties for details.

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Dad zone

The great outdoors

by Sam Shepherd, Boo reader When we first had our daughter, we lived in a back to back house with no garden, in fact no outside space whatsoever. The first thing we knew we wanted in the new house was a garden – a proper outside space. Needless to say, it’s not necessarily always the case that we can actually get out there, not with the competing demands of whatever fad happens to be currently burning a permanent place into our DVD player.

Exciting weather can help. It snowed recently - you may have noticed - and one of the best things about going outside during this was watching daughter and nephew quite literally hurling themselves into the largest possible snow drift, exploring the feel of the snow on their hands and faces.

Then there was building snowmen (well, a snowbear) and throwing snowballs.

It reminded me of how much fun the extremes of weather can be. Think of the sunny days playing in the garden, going to the seaside, even hiking in the Dales. I once met someone who used to take her toddler walking using a combination of babycarrier rucksack and walking. You could go camping; even just in the garden with a tent is exciting – we used to spend half the summer

The role of ‘dad’ is sometimes overlooked. Playing an equally important role in bringing up their children as mums, Boo’s Dad Zone gives fathers a chance to have their say. If you would like to contribute to the Dad Zone, please email: jo.hutchinson@boomag.co.uk

camped out. Then again, even the rain can be fun – splashing in puddles, mud pies and the rest.

“” So think up a (good)

reason to go outside, find something, make something, do something. Try nature trails or pond dipping, a great combination of mud, bugs and just generally being out and about.

The trick is don’t worry too much.

Yes, you may need sun cream/a rain coat/gloves and a hat but getting too panicky takes all the fun out of it for you and for them.

Dirt is pretty much inevitable.

Simply saying “go play outside” begs the question “Why?” And to this there’s no real answer. So think up a (good) reason to go outside, find something, make something, do something. Try nature trails or pond dipping, a great combination of mud, bugs and just generally being out and about. Even if you’re in a city a park will do – you can usually see squirrels (especially now), loads

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Boo_Spring 10_Sheffield_Final.in23 23

of birds, various bugs & spiders (you might be squeamish, but kids don’t need to be). In some urban parks you can see deer and maybe the odd fox or two in the early evening. Even on simple, urban trips outside there are things you can do. I managed to keep my (two year old) daughter interested in a walk up to the shops by saying “Is that a red car?” “No, Daddy, that’s a blue car.” I think she was getting quite fed up with my apparent stupidity by the time we got home!

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Boo takes a look at what financial assistance is available for families, so you don’t miss out on what you may be entitled to

Child Benefit Available to who?

Almost everyone living in the UK with one or more children under the age of 16 – or under the age of 20 if the child is in certain types of education or training.

If you’re adopting a child, you can start the application process before the adoption is complete. If you’re fostering, you may be able to claim Child benefit if no-one else gets it for that child. However, if the council is paying you a maintenance allowance for the child, you won’t be able to claim Child benefit.

How much? £20 per week for your oldest child, £13.20 per week for each of your other children. Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but if you are a single parent or receiving some income-based benefits, you may be entitled to receive it weekly.

How to claim?

Print out a claim form from the www.direct.gov.uk website, fill it in,

and send it off with a copy of your child’s birth certificate.

More information:

How to claim?

Order a claim pack from the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909.

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/ en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ TaxCreditsAndChildBenefit

More information:

Or call the Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444 (textphone 0845 302 1474).

Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

If you are a parent aged 25 and over, work more than 30 hours a week, and earn less than £12,800, you are likely to qualify for Working Tax Credit.

Available to who?

If you are responsible for at least one child who lives with you, you may be entitled. Nine out of ten families are eligible, and you don’t need to be working to claim it.

How much?

Child Tax Credit is made up of different parts, which are known as ‘elements’. If you earn less than £16,040, you will usually get the maximum child element of £2,035 per child. The family element is £545 and you can earn up to £50,000 before this is reduced.

Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits

Available to who?

How much?

The maximum basic element of Working Tax Credit is £1,890, with additional elements available if you are a lone parent or a couple, if you (and your partner) work at least 30 hours a week in total, or if one of you has a disability. If you are eligible for Working Tax Credit, you may be able to claim up to 80% of your childcare costs.

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More information: Visit www.worksmart.org.uk/ money/childcare_vouchers

Child Trust Fund Available to who?

Any child born on or after 1 September 2002 is entitled to the Child Trust Fund – as long as they live in the UK, are eligible for Child Benefit, and not subject to any immigration restrictions.

How Much?

How to claim?

Order a claim pack from the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909.

More information: Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit both involve complex calculations, so if you need more help you should contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or an online forum such as http:// forums.moneysavingexpert.com/ forumdisplay.html?f=139 where trained volunteers can offer some assistance.

Child Care Voucher Scheme Available to who?

Anyone whose employer is participating in the scheme.

How Much?

You can give up some of your salary, in return for vouchers which you can use to pay for childcare. Your tax and National Insurance (NI)

contributions will be calculated on your new, lower salary so you may be able to save up to £1,195 per year.

The tax and NI savings only apply to the first £55 you give up each week, although you can sacrifice more.

There are some things to be aware of: Your taxable salary must still be above the National Minimum Wage (currently £5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 or over).

As you are paying less National Insurance, you may be reducing your entitlement to contributionbased benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance or the State Pension.

You may be better off claiming support for your childcare costs through Working Tax Credit (if you are eligible), instead of using childcare vouchers.

From April 2009, if you get Disability Living Allowance for your child, they will get an annual payment of £100.

If they are severely disabled, they will get £200 each year.

Child Trust Fund accounts are available from banks, building societies, investment trusts and some high street shops. If you don’t open an account within 12 months of receiving the voucher, the government will open one for you.

How to claim?

You should receive a voucher within a month of claiming Child Benefit.

More information: Visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk

How to claim?

This is only available from your employer. If they don’t currently offer vouchers, you can ask if they will consider providing them.

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A £250 voucher at birth – or £500 if your household is getting Child Tax Credit and has an income of less than £16,040. Your child will receive an additional £250 voucher (or £500 if you are in a low income household) when they reach the age of seven.

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What’s new?

Cirque Du Soleil presents Saltimbanco Sheffield Arena, 20-23 May 2010 Cirque Du Soleil has returned to the UK with Saltimbanco – its vibrant signature production, created by Franco Dragone. This timeless Cirque opus hits Sheffield Arena for the first time with five shows from Thursday 20 until Sunday 23 May 2010.

Saltimbanco features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles.

With a cast of over 50 high-calibre artists hailing from 20 countries Saltimbanco is set to enthral. From the seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese Poles or the Russian Swing to the gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze, the crowd pleasing

Kotori Kits - bag one for Easter!

For a unique gift that you can make for, or with, your child this Easter, take a look at the new Chicken Bag from Kotori Kits. The bag is ideal for carrying a few little Easter eggs or a favourite toy. All little one’s love little bags and this one is really special because you have created it.

Made from high quality materials including cotton, linen and vintage fabric, the kit contains pattern templates, thread, needle and pins – and is suitable for a beginner to create.

Other kits range from personalised bags and sewing accessories to dressing up costumes. Using the very best in organic, fair-trade and designer fabrics, Kotori Kits’ step-by-step instructions mean that even an absolute novice can get great results.

For more details, check out www. kotorikits.com

Juggling and Acrobatic Bicycle, to the celebrated and very unique Clowns. Full of colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy.

Saltimbanco — from the Italian ‘saltare in banco,’ which literally means ‘to jump on a bench’— explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers.

If you or your mum would love to see Cirque Du Soleil’s Saltimbanco, book now or enter our competition on page 12 to win a family ticket.

Tickets for Sheffield Arena are now on general sale priced £40 & £50 (subject to booking fee). To book, visit www. sheffieldarena.co.uk call hotline on (0114) 256 56 56, or visit the box office, Broughton Lane, Sheffield S9 2DF.

Congratulations to Boo’s competition winners!

The Little Hen Company’s ‘My Calendar’ goes to: Barbara Chambers Stannington, Sheffield Ruby and Ginger gift sets have been won by: Asmara Ghalib Totley, Sheffield Daphne Rowbotham Shipley, West Yorks Gillian Doyle Sheffield Linda Carter Rodley, Leeds Sarah Malone Morley, Leeds Thank you to all our entrants and look out for more exciting competitions in this issue.

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Close encounters in Yorkshire A new opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Yorkshire’s favourite wildlife destinations has been recently announced. Sheffield’s Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre has formally launched Keeper Experience Days. For the first time, visitors will be able to go ‘back-stage’ and find out what it takes to be an animal keeper.

“This is the first time we’ve invited visitors behind-the-scenes,” says Head Keeper, Chrissie Jackson. “We’ve been testing the service for a few months and the response from visitors has been amazing. Keeper Experiences are proving very popular as gifts,” she added.

Sheffield’s Little Sparklers!

The Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) has recently started the ‘Little Sparklers’ group for visually impaired children at its centre on Mappin Street.

Proving a huge success, the group already has several new members making the most of the service. Children who attend can play with sensory and stimulating toys such as tactile, fibre optics, cause and effect and dark dens.

Trips are also arranged to use other services like hydrotherapy pool sessions.

The group links in with the Visually Impaired service provided by Sheffield Education Authority.

Joanne, one of the group’s organisers, explains “The aim is to provide an environment to encourage learning, creativity, expression and development.

Both the children and their parents/ carers benefit by attending as they can make friends and talk to others about their experiences.”

SRSB has recently moved back to brand new purpose-built premises, which provide a wide range of services and facilities for visually impaired people of all ages. Originally formed in 1860, it is approaching its 150th Anniversary

Haiti earthquake appeal

in 2010 and is committed to providing a high quality programme of welfare, education, training, recreation, counselling and care services.

For further details of the group, see Boo’s baby and toddler weekly planner on pages 18-20.

SRSB is a totally independent local charity which relies on public support from fundraising, donations from individuals, groups and companies in order to finance the day to day costs of providing services. The charity has over 3,000 blind and partially sighted people using our support service and over 300 people attending its day centre.

If you would like to make a donation or get involved in fundraising activities, please contact Sue Coggin, Fundraising Manager. T: (0114) 267 7743. E: sue@ srsb.org.uk or visit www.srsb.org.uk

What your money could buy: • £20 — 3 tarpaulins or plastic sheets to provide basic shelter to protect families • £40 — 24 buckets to help families carry clean water • £50 - 21 mosquito kits to protect children from malaria • £500 — 20 student kits, containing notebooks, plastic water bottles, rucksacks and stationery

As well as spending time with their favourite animals, visitors learn about animal husbandry, food preparation and animal handling from experienced host keepers. The themed sessions range from two hours to a full day and include Tropical Paradise, Furry Friends and Raptors Galore.

Keeper Experience Days are available for visitors aged eight and over, and must be booked in advance. For further information, call the centre directly T: 01909 569416.

Children are in desperate need after the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years struck the country earlier this year. Save the Children are saving children’s lives by providing shelter, clean water, food and medical assistance.

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• £1000 — 80 hygiene kits with essentials such as soap, detergent, toothpaste and toothbrushes • £5000 — shelter repair kits for 142 families whose homes have been damaged by the earthquake

For more information, or details of how you can donate, please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk

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Supporting The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

Bringing the nation’s families together

The NCT is the UK’s largest charity, supporting people going through the life-changing experience of becoming a parent and dealing with the many challenges (as well as joys!) that this presents. The NCT aims to be an inclusive charity and all of its services are available to everyone, regardless of whether they have chosen to become a member.

Whilst many readers will be aware of the ante-natal courses which the NCT runs in Sheffield, the branch, which is run entirely by volunteers, also holds Bumps, and Babes coffee mornings across the city every week, provides a free breastfeeding counsellor service and runs some legendary Nearly New Sales.

Perhaps you joined the NCT when you were pregnant but never got around to renewing your membership, or were not aware of all of the amazing work which membership subscriptions support. To join the NCT or renew your membership go to www.nct.org.uk/support-us/join

The country’s second National Family Week is about to take place, encouraging people to celebrate being part of a family – whatever shape or size. So, get set for more record-breaking excitement, fun, free events and activities, giveaways, competitions and special savings.

National Family Week aims to highlight the important role families play in society and promote healthy active lifestyles and quality time together. It is the largest coalition on family issues and is backed by all major political parties, as well as charities, local authorities, community groups and sporting associations, including the

FA and Rugby Football Union plus a whole host of celebrities including Antony Worrall Thompson, Esther Rantzen, Sally Gunnell and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

Events and activities taking place throughout National Family Week include: Monday 31 May Family Week Picnic Wednesday 2 June Family Week Story Time

NCT Nearly New Sales Quality baby clothes, toys and equipment 20 March & 12 June 2010 11.00 (for NCT members), 11.15 (for non-members) – 12.30 Salvation Army Centre, Psalter Lane, Sheffield Breakfast cafe open during sale Entry fee: £1 (in aid of NCT charity) E: nctsale@googlemail.com

Friday 4 June Family Week House Party Saturday 5 June Family Week Sports Day For more details on events and how to take part in your area, visit www. nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

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Protecting against childhood illnesses Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

It is understandable that parents were concerned by the media reports of the 1990s about the MMR vaccination.

“” There is no link

between the MMR vaccination and autism.

However, parents should be reassured that since the publication of those early studies a significant amount of further work has been done, and there is no link between the MMR vaccination and autism.

What’s more the doctor who first suggested a link between MMR vaccinations and autism has recently been found guilty of unethical research practices.

Ben Anderson, public health specialist from NHS Sheffield said: “It is important to provide children with protection against childhood illnesses, such as measles, mumps and rubella, all of which have the potential to cause serious illness, disability and in some cases death.

Parents offer their children the best protection against some of the major childhood diseases by ensuring they receive the full course of vaccinations at the right ages.

“High rates of vaccination can prevent the spread of diseases and reduce the potential for disease outbreaks to occur. When rates are

sufficiently high to achieve this, above 95%, we can protect others who cannot be immunised (due to a reduced immune system after suffering from another illness such as cancer). In Sheffield, we are currently falling short of this level, meaning that many of our children are unprotected as individuals, and also that the potential for a disease outbreak that could affect those unvaccinated children is high.”

If children have, for whatever reason, missed appointments it is never too late to catch up with vaccinations. For more information speak to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor or visit www. immunisation.nhs.uk Sam from Sheffield has two children Ben (5) who is autistic, and a daughter Ella (2). Sam said of the vaccine “There was never any doubt in my mind that the link was unfounded. Ben had his second (booster) MMR vaccination just after his second birthday and it wasn’t until June last year that signs of autism became apparent to us.

“Ella has also just had her preschool booster last week and is now fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella. It is really important to protect your children against these diseases that can be very dangerous – I think people forget that.”

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Kids Spring arts & crafts, puzzles and games Aboriginal inspired art Now that spring is on its way its time to take some inspiration from the Aboriginal artists down under; get out in the fresh air to find some inspiration then get crafty with our ideas from the Kids Arts Academy

Materials A piece of paper, water based paint, a pencil, a paint brush or stick, a pot for water, 3 or 4 plastic containers for your paints, wax crayons or oil pastels.

How to do it 1 Show your child how the butterfly painting above is filled with dots. Take a walk and look for inspiration for the shape you are going to draw.

Keep your eyes peeled for sticks that you might be able to use in place of a brush, it will obviously need a decent tip for painting with.

2 Draw the outline of your chosen subject onto the paper - a tree, sun shape or flower are all good starting points.

3 Following the outline of your shape, draw lines that divide it up into strips or sections.

4 Draw over the pencil lines in oil, pastel or wax crayon, this will make the lines stand out after you have started to add the paint.

5 Using your stick, fingertips or a brush, start to fill one of the sections with dots of paint.

Continue to fill the sections with different colours until your painting is complete.

We would love to see your finished pieces of work, to feature your child’s work on our website gallery email us at hannah@kidsartsacademy.co.uk

Springtime wordsearch S

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Can you find all 14 Spring related words?

Spring Easter Bonnet Lamb Eggs Fun Bow Daffodil Happy Crocus Bunny Rain Lily Newt

Crafty Lamb!

Here’s how to create a simple Easter lamb that is fun with any age group.

Materials A piece of A4 black card, cotton wool and a wobbly eye!

How to do it: 1 Draw around your child’s hand onto the black card. Cut out the handprint.

2 Turn the handprint upside down so the fingers are pointing downwards.

3 Spread glue across the palm of the handprint and have fun gluing on the cotton wool.

4 Finally add a wobbly eye to the end of the thumb.

These craft ideas were provided by Artybobs offering art and crafts classes and Arty Party birthday party packages for children aged 12 months plus. For more information, call 07725 092759. E: sarah@artybobs.co.uk or visit www.artybobs.co.uk

Top Tip: For bigger children get them to draw and cut the handprint themselves.

Answers to puzzles can be found on our website at www.boomag.co.uk/kids/spring10answers.pdf

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Colour me in The free lifestyle magazine for you and yours

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Picture by Marion Cole. E: marioncolecards@hotmail.co.uk

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Around and about Family-friendly days out Renishaw Hall & Gardens

The Deep The Deep, Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP T: 01482 381000 www.thedeep.co.uk Open daily 10.00-18.00 (last entry 17.00) Adults £9.50, children (3-15 yrs) £7.50.

Family tickets also available. Book online; save 10% and get fast track entry!

Easter Egg Hunt, 4 & 5 Apr, 10.00-17.30 Chocolate fun for children. Take part in a free Easter Egg Hunt to win a chocolate treat.

Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10.30-16.30 (last admissions 16.00) from 1 Apr-26 Sep

Enchanted Fairy Forest, daily during Spring Bank holiday (29 May-6 Jun) 10.00-17.30. Magical fun for all the family. The Enchanted Forest and Magical Fairy Garden will delight visitors young and old. Experience a magical fantasy world as you discover tiny pixie dwellings and fairy hideaways.

Renishaw Hall & Gardens is set in a beautiful 300-acre park, with eight acres of the most important Italianate gardens in England, and a house full of treasures collected over many centuries. It makes an excellent day out for families; you can enjoy walks, the children’s trails and magic garden, and stop for lunch in the cafe.

National Coal Mining Museum

Easter treasure trail, 4-5 Apr, 10.30-16.00; follow the trail around the beautiful Italiante gardens and the children’s fairytale garden searching for hidden clues to the Easter quiz. Adults £3, children £1 (includes chocolate treat).

Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH T: 01924 848826 www.ncm.org.uk Open daily 10.00-17.00 Free admission

Granny Di storytelling, 5 Apr; held in the children’s fairytale garden.

Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WA T: 01433 620 512 www.speedwellcavern.co.uk Open daily, 10.00-17.00. Tours at regular intervals Adults: £7.75. Children (5-15 years): £5.75. Under 5s: free.

Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.

Woodsetts Road, North Anston, Near Sheffield, S25 4EQ. T: 01909 569 416. www.butterflyhouse.co.uk See website for admission prices and opening times.

Mothers’ Day, 14 Mar, 10.00-17.00 Handle amazing owls, cuddle cute chicks, bottle-feed goat kids & get close to lots of free-roaming animals.

Renishaw, Sheffield, S21 3WB T: 01246 432310 www.sitwell.co.uk

Speedwell Cavern

Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre

One of the deepest and most spectacular aquariums in the world.

Easter events; explore the science and adventure behind the classic novel ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’. There will be story telling sessions, art activities where you can create your own super sub and complete the trail for your chance to win prizes to Hull Truck theatre.

Take the underground tour, explore the interactive models at Hope Pit, visit the museum exhibitions, discover the nature trail and meet pit ponies.

Daily events also include daily dive presentation and The Deep’s new 3D film Turtle Vision – where Sammy the green turtle takes you on an amazing adventure!

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Bolsover Castle Bolsover, Nr Chesterfield, S44 6PR T: 01246 822844 www.english-heritage.org.uk Open daily 1 Apr-1 Nov; 2 Nov-31 Mar closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

See website for admission prices.

Magna Science Adventure Centre Sheffield Road, Rotherham, S60 1DX T: 01709 720002. www.visitmagna.co.uk

Weston Whit Fayre Weston Park, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP 23 May, 11.00-17.00 Free admission.

Day out for all the family including; carousel and children’s rides, miniature steam train ride, vintage cars, history and ecology marquee, music in the bandstand, artists marquee, plus food and refreshment stalls.

Set on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover Castle enjoys panoramic views over the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Children will love the fairytale Little Castle, designed as a fantasy entertainment house with magnificent wall paintings.

Legoland Discovery Centre The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA T: 0871 222 2662 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Diggerland Yorkshire Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 5NW T: 0871 22 77 007 www.diggerland.com Admission: £15.00 (ages 3-65 years), £13.00 if pre-booked online. Under 3s: free.

Magnificent Easter, 6-18 Apr; Egg trail around the site for all visitors and family drop-in craft activities in the Water Pavillion throughout weekday afternoons. ‘Aqua-Tek’ re-opens 27 Mar. Museums at night, 16 May; behind-thescenes evening tour and supper.

Spring has sprung, 31 May-4 Jun; garden and food related activities.

A fun filled day where children (and adults!) have the chance to ride in and drive different types of construction machinery including dumper trucks, mini diggers, giant diggers (all under strict supervision).

Highland Fling Country Fair

Chatsworth House

Graves Park, Norton, Sheffield, S8 8PD 3 May, starts at 10.30-17.30 Free admission.

Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP. T: 01246 565300. www.chatsworth.org Easter Eggstravaganza, 2-11 Apr; fun family entertainment, tantalising Easter egg trails and all kinds of ‘egg-citing’ activities throughout the house, garden and farmyard.

Popular country fair. Highlights include; Highland Cattle Show, falconry display, craft stalls and plant sale, kiddies fair rides, Shire Horse cart rides, scarecrow making with the Rangers, animal farm and pets’ corner.

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The first Legoland Discovery Centre in the UK opens at The Trafford centre from 22 Mar 2010. This exciting new indoor attraction is based on the ever popular LEGO brick. The Legoland Discovery Centre offers a fun, highly interactive and educational experience ideal for children 3-12 years old.

Although every effort has been made to ensure that these details are correct, Boo magazine Ltd cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. It is strongly recommended that you check the information with the relevant organisations before setting off. For some special events, it may also be necessary to pre-book.

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What’s on at the theatre Chuckle Brothers

Peppa Pig’s Party

Sheffield Lyceum

Sheffield Lyceum www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk www.peppapiglive.com

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk 1-2 April Box office: (0114) 249 6000

5-6 June Times: 10.00, 13.00 & 16.00 Box office: (0114) 249 6000 Tickets: £13.00-£15.00. Family ticket £50.00

The BAFTA Award-winning Paul and Barry Chuckle interact with fans live in this one-off special, showing clips of their favourite routines and performing some of your favourites live.

This BAFTA award-winning children’s TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets, for first time, from the producers of LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

George’s Marvellous Medicine Sheffield Lyceum

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk 6-10 April Tuesday: 19.00 Wednesday & Friday: 14.30 & 19.00 Thursday & Saturday: 11.00 & 14.30 Box office: (0114) 249 6000 Tickets: £11.50-£15.50 The Birmingham Stage Company presents Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper.

Annie

The Wiggles

www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk www.manoroperatic.com 12-15 May Wednesday-Friday: 19.15 Saturday: 14.00 & 19.15 T: 01709 365108 Tickets: from £7

www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk 23 June: 13.00 & 16.30 Tickets: adults £16, family/group £14.50 Box office: (0114) 2 789 789

Sheffield City Hall

Manor Operatic Society present the timeless tale of the Little Orphan Annie, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope.

Sheffield City Hall

Join Sam, Jeff, Anthony and Murray and their world-famous Wiggly friends for the happiest show in town. Everyone loves a circus, and this Wiggly show has acrobats, gymnasts and dancers! Every second brings a new delight.

Cirque Du Soleil Sheffield Arena

www.sheffieldarena.co.uk

Alice

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk 17 June-24 July Box office: (0114) 249 6000 Tickets: £1-£19 Follow Alice as she escapes her bedroom to find adventure in a topsy-turvy world.

Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice breathes fresh life into a muchloved story about rabbit holes, pocket watches and talking caterpillars. May not be suitable for young children.

20-23 May Thursday & Friday: 20.00 Saturday: 16.00 & 20.00 Sunday: 17.00 Hotline: (0114) 256 56 56 Tickets: £40 & £50 (subject to booking fee) Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city. To win a family ticket, see Boo’s competition on pages 12.

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15/02/2010 08:22:46

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Offer valid from 01/03/10 to 30/04/10. This voucher has no monetary value. One voucher only per customer. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Voucher code: KKBOO3

Offer valid from 01/03/10 to 30/04/10. This voucher has no monetary value. One voucher only per customer. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Voucher code: LHBOO03

Offer valid from 01/03/10 to 30/04/10. This voucher has no monetary value. One voucher only per customer. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Voucher code: SNBOO03

The free lifestyle magazine for you and yours

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20% discount

35

15/02/2010 08:23:09

Little softies is a new company that hires out soft play equipment for your little ones milestone birthdays, christenings, naming ceremonies or weddings.

You can hire the equipment for your home, local village hall or chosen venue. Packages can be tailored to meet your needs.

You could also surprise your little ones with a visit on their party day from Iggle Piggle or Upsy Daisy.

Please contact us for further details and to check availabilty

Spring 2010

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15/02/2010 08:23:15