Family GoLive by Family Go Live

Welcome to... The Essential Directory for Organised Parents Welcome to the summer of the Union Jack. Whether it’s bunting strewn Jubilee street parties, or the excitement of the Olympic Games, for Britain this summer feels like one big event. Here at Family Go Live we don’t like to miss out on anything, so for this marathon edition we have a feast of stories to get you racing through our pages. For starters, we take a look at eBay, and investigate how decluttering your house could help you make a little pocket money for your summer holidays. For mains, it’s our restaurant review, and we’re tucking into Liverpool’s very own Olympic Burger at What’s Cooking? at the Albert Dock. And after our main course, for dessert we have a slice of the latest craze to make its way across the pond from America – the Gender Reveal Cake. We also have a look at a few parenting dilemmas. We know childcare has to be right, so while mum and dad are out working who should look after their precious children? Should it be the structured setting of nursery or the loving

Contents: Contents Bumps & Babies

Education

Clubs & Classes

Out & About

Local Services

Health & Beauty

Parties & Playtime

attention of grandparents? We look at it from both sides to help you make that important decision. Our focus isn’t just on very young children though, we also take a look at how to help your child adjust to secondary school, and how to help them stay safe on their smartphone. Want to be inspired? Read our new feature 60 Second Interview, where we ask inspirational women how they cope with being all things to everyone, giving us a unique insight into how they maintain a work-life balance. With useful info and fascinating features from start to finish we think this issue is a real medal winner. We hope you do too. And don’t forget to check out our website for regular updates for days out and events around the city or get involved on Facebook or Twitter.

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EDITORIAL: Helen Brennan / Sarah Cavin ADVERTISING SALES: Julie Vincent / Clare Vaughan / Anne-Louise Bouffard-Roupe DIRECTOR: Denise Harris ADDRESS: SK Events, The Old Bank 382 Aigburth Road Liverpool L19 3QD TELEPHONE: 0151 432 5651 EMAIL: info@familygolive.com Disclaimer: The information contained within Family Go Live we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions.

BUMPS & BABIES

Bump s & Babies Directory

Chatham Place Nursery School Tel: 0151 733 2899 www.chathamplacenursery.org Church & Mossley Tel: 0151 233 5399 www.mossleyhillchildrenscentre.com High Hopes Nursery 477 8626 Tel: 0151 477 8587 (Parkview): 0151 (Longview) www.high-hopes.org.uk Holyrood Nursery Tel: 0151 227 4345 .co.uk www.holyrood-nursery-princesdock

Honeypot Tel: 0151 494 2373 www.honeypotnursery.co.uk Happy from Home Tel: 0151 220 9490 www.happyfromhome.co.uk ent Classes Baby Sensory - Baby Developm Tel: 0151 639 9253 www.babysensory.com Water Babies Tel: 01925 243 643 www.waterbabies.co.uk Kelton Nursery Tel: 0151 724 5802 www.keltonnursery.co.uk Eastfield Day Nursery Tel: 0151 7274223 The Parent Hub Tel: 07411 014848 Little Explorers Tel: 0151 708 7868 www.parents.info/liverpool NCT Tel: 0844 243 6191 www.nct.org.uk/branches/liverpool PSS Post Natal Support Group Tel: 0151 222 9262 www.pss.org.uk Before The Stork Tel: 0151 280 0543 www.beforethestork.info Puddle Ducks Tel: 01829 739 073 www.puddleducks.com Total Swimming Tel: 0151 764 2224 www.totalswimming.co.uk

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

BUMPS & BABIES

What’s Best for Your Child – Grandparents or Nursery? Many working parents face a real dilemma when it comes to help with looking after their little ones. Should they let their child be looked after by grandparents or opt for the formal care of a nursery? Conflicting studies have left parents confused as they strive to do the best for their child. Recently, two similar studies with different outcomes were published. One suggested care from grandparents is best while another says nursery is. Confusing isn’t it? Research funded by the Nuffield Foundation found that children cared for by their grandparents have a better vocabulary and are more emotionally secure than those in nurseries. This view is backed by Carole Pinnington, a mother of three from Liverpool, who says grandparents are the next best thing to parental care:

“It was definitely best for my children to be in a loving environment with their grandparents. It enabled me to carry on with my career happy that they were with my parents. Also, if one of my children was sick my mother was able to look after them, unlike with a nursery where sick children can not go in until they have recovered.”

However, research by the Institute of Education found that babies in nursery were better off than those looked after by grandparents. Again this research said that for vocabulary granny is better, but for more social skills and being better prepared for school, nursery is superior. Jeanette O’Brien, from Little Explorers Day Nursery, said: “External childcare can offer your child a broader spectrum of development activities, such as; social and emotional skills, physical play and intellectual development. A good start in the right setting can set your child up for their future successes and ease the parents’ reliance on family members, making for an all round benefit.” As the debate rumbles on, one thing is certain - only parents know what’s best for their child and the choice is theirs.

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BUMPS & BABIES

WIN

A BabyBjörn Travel Cot

The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is the perfect travel essential to take with you when going for a family trip away. The travel cot is convenient and makes it so easy for your baby to sleep away from home.

Easy to take along

The BABYBJÖRN Travel Cot Light weighs only 11 pounds (5 kg). The carrying case’s practical handles make it as easy to carry as an ordinary bag. The travel cot’s design is well-conceived and the cot takes up minimal space in the room.

Simple set up

The BABYBJÖRN Travel Cot Light is set up in just one easy movement. When you’re not using it, simply fold it up to take with you or store it in its case.

Safe for your child

The sturdy mattress keeps the travel cot firmly on the floor. The cot’s inward sloping sides create a snug and cosy feeling, and the soft fabrics feel smooth against baby’s skin.

Q: How much does the BabyBjörn Travel Cot weigh? To enter the competition please visit our website – www.familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date 20th of August 2012

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

Baby Sleep Shop: miYim organic toys

Baby Sleep Shop have introduced 5 beautiful plush organic toys from miYim; Andrew Hippo, Victoria Rabbit, Fred Monkey, Annabelle Petite Lamb and Fred Petitie Monkey. miYim are more than just playthings – they aim to teach values and environmental responsibility, all while touching the hearts of children through imagination. The beautiful range of organic toys are not only completely safe for your little one they will become their new best friend. Prices from £11.99 www.babysleepshop.com

BUMPS & BABIES

Summer Gifts

The frank & fischer collection

The frank & fischer collection at Nordic kids offer a wide range of soft toys and accessories from 100% organic cotton. Prices start from £13.99 www.nordickids.co.uk

Green Peoples New Sticky Hand Sanitiser

All Organic hand sanitiz er suitable for children pr one to Eczema, ps oriasis and other skin allergie s. £9.45 for 10 0ml www.green people.co. uk

WIN

A ORGANIC BABY HAMPER This is your chase to win a new born baby hamper packed with top selling products from the Organic Babies certified Organic range, the perfect gift for those expecting or with new arriva ls. All Organic babies products are free from Parabens, SLS , Petrochemicals, phthalates and Artificial Fragrances. They are suitable for those prone to eczema and other skin allergies. To be in with a chance of winning this prize simply answer the following question:

Q: Which Organic baby’s product is certified organic and safe to use during breastfeeding to help soothe sore/cracked nipples? To enter the competition plea se visit our website – www.familygolive. com and give us your anwer. Closing date 20th August 2012

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BUMPS & BABIES

Eczema in Children Top Tips for helping your child According to Allergy UK, 40% of children in the UK have some kind of allergy, and one of the most common is eczema. Also known as dermatitis, this is a skin condition which causes inflammation and intense irritation. If your child has eczema, here are our top tips for easing the condition. • When using emollients at bath time, pat the skin with a towel rather than rub. • Encourage your child to help put emollients on. Getting them involved will help them understand their condition as they get older. • If your child will not cooperate with treatment sing to them, tell them a story or listen to a CD – keep them occupied. • Decorate the tubs and pots of emollients with stickers or personalise them to make using them more fun. • Stick pictures of your child’s favourite characters onto their prescribed skincare bottles.

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

• Make it fun and get them involved by using a doll made from hard plastic. They can put the cream on the doll while you put the cream on them. • Think about using a star chart to reward your child for co-operating. • When involved in physical activity, like sports or playing in a sandpit, cover the affected areas to help avoid bacterial infections. • Take care not to allow skin to become sunburnt, and look for special sunscreens for children with eczema. • When swimming, use emollients which act as a barrier to protect them from chlorine which can irritate the skin. • Keep nails on hands short and try and distract your child from scratching. For more help visit www.allergyuk.org.

BUMPS & BABIES

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

BUMPS & BABIES

Want to know the sex of your baby… buy a cake! Gender Reveal Cakes hit the UK The Americans have given us the prom and the baby shower, and now we have the ‘gender reveal’ party. That’s right, you find out by cutting into your Victoria sponge whether or not your baby is a girl or a boy. It’s the icing on the cake! Or does it just take the biscuit? What’s wrong with asking the sonographer the sex of your baby then and there? Or even waiting until little Britney or Barack arrive in style? So here’s how it works. You drink five gallons of water, present your bulging bump to the sonographer, ask them to see if it’s male or female BUT, and it’s a big BUT, tell them to write down the answer, stick it in an envelope and hand it to you without another word. Then you waddle down the road to your trusty baker, hand them the envelope, tell them to keep schtum and ask them to bake you an iced cake with pink or blue sponge in the middle. And that’s not all. Your guests must wear pink or blue, gamble on the sex and even guess the baby’s name. Cut to the moment of truth. The knife goes in, the crowd go wild and tears of joy (or disappointment) ensue. As your husband drowns his sorrows because he wanted a boy you can sip your non–alcoholic champers safe in the knowledge that years of girlie shopping trips await. Katie Ellison, Director of Hello Baby Boutique, based in St Helen’s, says gender reveal parties are really taking off:

“We have done ten so far and have just taken a booking for another one next week. Some people might think it’s over the top, but having a baby is something to absolutely celebrate. It’s a lovely experience and a real privilege to watch.” Then if you are really brave you can post your party on YouTube. I sat through ten videos, which were bizarrely addictive. Myself and my daughter were betting against each other as to the colour of the sponge. She kept winning, as her favourite colour is pink. There is even one masquerading as a wedding cake, as if the bride and groom’s big day wasn’t enough already. Another video shows a father being unable to hide his distress at having a girl, while the mother jumps around unable to contain her excitement. The devastated dad turns to her and says: “I told you we did it on the wrong day.” While nothing could top the ultimate surprise of finding out at the birth, it looks like this latest U.S. craze is here to stay. So ladies and gentlemen, place your bets – pick pink or blue, it’s up to you.

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EDUCATION

Education Directory

St Hilda’s CE High School Tel: 0151 733 2709 www.st-hildas.com Holly Lodge Girl’s College Tel: 0151 228 3772 www.hollylodge.liverpool.sch.uk The De La Salle Academy Tel: 0151 546 3134 www.de-la-salle.co.uk Enterprise South Liverpool Academy Tel: 0151 294 3150 www.enterprisesouthliverpoolacademy.co.uk Parklands School Tel: 0151 486 2612 www.parklands.liverpool.sch.uk/ Gateacre School Tel: 0151 235 1400 www.gateacre.liverpool.sch.org St Julie’s Catholic High School Tel: 0151 428 6421 www.stjulies.org.uk Notre Dame Catholic College Tel: 0151 263 3104 www.notredameliverpool.com Active TT Tel: 0151 733 4353 www.activett.co.uk Fazakerley High School Tel: 0151 524 4530 www.fazakerleyhigh.org St Margaret’s CoE High School Tel: 0151 427 1825 www.stmararetshigh.com Bellerive FCJ Catholic College Tel: 0151 727 2064 www.bellerivefcj.org Merseyside Society for Deaf People Tel: 0151 228 0888 www.msdp.org.uk Learn Direct Centres Tel: 0151 703 2800 www.learndirect.co.uk Kip McGrath Education Centre Tel: 0151 334 9636 www.kipmcgrath.com Liverpool Council for Education Tel: 0151 233 3901 www.liverpool.gov.uk

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

EDUCATION

From Primary to Secondary School Top Tips The move from primary to secondary school can be a frightening prospect for both children and parents. No more gossiping at the school gates waiting for your child to run to you open armed, grinning. From now on they are more likely to make their own way to school. And once there they have to find their way around, make sure they get to lessons on time and cope with new and frightening situations. This increased responsibility can be daunting for children, but you can help them by building their confidence and talking to them about what to expect. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all new so help them get used to getting organised, keeping out of detention, and having a number of teachers instead of just one. Keep a copy of their timetable to help them stay organised and keep on top of their studies. Practice the journey to secondary school at least once and then let them try on their own. Always discuss an alternative way of getting home in case buses are cancelled etc.

for doing homework and stick to them because the volume of work will increase at secondary school. You know your child best, so when they ask if they can go out with friends alone decide if you think they are mature enough and give them advice on staying safe. Be aware of bullying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; talk to your child about what to do. Tell them to respect themselves and others. Look at the schools bullying policy; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to talk to their tutor or headteacher. Remember as a parent to keep calm, set boundaries, and encourage your child to try their best and enjoy their time at secondary school.

Ask if your child can be put in the same class as a friend from primary school to help them settle in. Have set times

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EDUCATION

Mobile Phones Protecting Your Child -Tips for Parents

Most parents are savvy to the fact that we need to monitor our children’s activity on the internet, but this shouldn’t be limited to merely watching them like a hawk on the family PC. With the advent of the smartphone, children can now access the internet through their mobiles, so making sure that your child knows of the dangers is essential. Following these simple steps will help keep your child safe:

Remember to: -

• Ask your service provider to block potentially harmful content. • Make kids aware of how quickly and easily photographs or video clips can get into the wrong hands. • Teach your child to respect themselves and others.

Tell your child: -

• To use a nickname, not their real name, and not to reveal personal details like their address or phone number on line. • Never to arrange to meet anyone they have met online as

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

people are often not who they say they are. • Not to react to bullies online. Encourage them to talk to you about anything unpleasant and don’t be afraid to report the perpetrator to the police. • Not to use location services which allow people to track where they are. • About their digital footprint – anything they put online now could potentially be on the internet forever. There is also technology available that will help you monitor and curtail your child’s activity on the internet. For example, Norton by Symantec is an App that allows parent’s to keep an eye on their child’s movements online. Also of interest is the Child Defense App, which is designed so children can use it themselves. It enables them to scan webchat to find out the age of people they are talking to using language analysis technology. For further help and advice talk to your network provider or visit Childline or the NSPCC’s website.

EDUCATION

Alternative

Ways to Learn The types of school that parents can choose from aren’t just limited to primary and secondary, fee-paying and state. There is actually a vast range of schools available, each with a different approach to – and impact on – your child’s learning. Whether you’re just curious about home schooling, or interested in schools that offer fewer examinations, we explore a few ‘alternative’ ways for your child to learn.

Montessori Schools - Age: 0 to 6

Dr Maria Montessori founded the Montessori School in 1907, to educate poor children in Rome, Italy. The Montessori method allows children to learn at their own pace and be lead by their own interests. The teacher acts as a ‘facilitator’ rather than an instructor. Great emphasis is placed on the child’s independence, and giving them the freedom to interact with their environment. http://www.montessorieducationuk.org/

Steiner Schools - Age: 2-19

Rudolph Steiner founded the first ever Steiner school in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Great emphasis is placed on artistic and creative activity at these schools, and some of the Steiner methods may seem unusual at first. However, studies show that children at Steiner schools can read just as well as children in other schools by the age of ten. There are 23 Steiner Schools in the UK run on a not-for-profit basis, with fees costing between £1,000 to £4,000 a term. http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/

Home Tuition - Age: Any

For brave parents, there is always the DIY option – home tutoring. While you don’t need any formal teaching qualifications to teach your child at home, it is certainly not for the faint hearted. You will need to have a detailed knowledge of all areas of the curriculum, not to mention an ability to keep your child engaged and focussed on studying. You will also need to arrange entry into formal examinations such as GCSEs yourself. http://www.education-otherwise.net/

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EDUCATION

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

CLUBS & CLASSES

Clubs & Classes Have a look below for some great classes available near you!

Croxteth Riding Centre

Croxteth Country Park, Croxteth L12 0HA www.croxtethparkridingcentre.co.uk This centre offers children the chance to interact with the ponies as well as giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy the great outdoors. Children’s day courses are available were children will learn to ride and groom the ponies, as well as weekend trail rides. Tel: 0151 220 9177 Age: 5+ Date: To be confirmed, call or visit the website for further details. Times: To be confirmed, call or visit the website for further details. Price: Varies

Marsh Sports

Holmefield Road, Aigburth, L17 6BD Marsh Sports offers a selection of summer camps as well as a range of sporting activities for children to get involved in, these include dance, gymnastics, football, Judo, kick boxing, cricket, rugby and many more. www.ljmu.ac.uk/marshsports Tel: 0151 231 5230 Email: ecs-sports@ljmu.ac.uk Age: 5-14 Date: Through July & August Times: Vary, please contact for further information Prices: Each activity and camp priced differently please contact for details

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Rosemary Conley Health and Fitness (Various venues in Liverpool) www.rosemaryconley.com Keep fit with a healthy balanced diet and exercise programme for children, women and men in the Liverpool area. Tel: 0151 287 5103 Age: 18+ or children aged 10 accompanied by an adult Date: Weekly Mon-thurs Time: 5-6.15 6.15-7.30 Price: £6 per class. £10 one-off fee for membership.

Castaway Drama Days

Floral Pavilion Theatre, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, CH45 2JS www.floralpavilion.com The five days of fun will include drama games, theatre skills activities and devising a short production to be showcased at the end of the week on the theme of pirates and castaways. Tel: Box office 0151 666 0000 Date: Monday 13th August – Friday 17th August Time: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs 10am-1pm Friday 10am-3pm Age: 9-13 Limited places book in advance.

Ascenders Rock Climbing Club

The Climbing Hangar, 6 Birchhall Street, Liverpool, L20 8PD www.theclimbinghangar.com This energetic experience offers children the chance to stay active this summer by getting involved in some exciting climbing activities. Children will receive two hours sessions, with all equipment included in the price. Date: Starts 23rd July, ends the end of August Time: 10am – 12pm Age: 4-16 Price: One day sessions £20. Camps available please contact for further details of prices. Tel: 0151 345 0587

Aintree School of Music, Old Presbytery, Aintree, Liverpool, L10 2JJ www.aintreeschoolofmusic.co.uk Join the organisers at Aintree School of Music for a ‘Gleeful week’ of singing dancing and drama. Booking is essential to secure your place. Tel: 0151 531 6821 Date: 6th-10th August Time: 10am-4pm Prices: £90 for the entire week school camp Age: 8-upwards

Summer Holidays Rock School at the Climbing Hangar Perfect for beginners, intermediate and experienced climbers to keep fit throughout the summer with the ultimate indoors experience. Learn new skills over a five day course with a certificate and a week’s free climbing on completion. Birchall Street, Liverpool, L20 8PD www.climbinghangar.com Tel: 0151 345 0587 Dates: 23rd – 27th July Times: 10-12pm Price: £75 Age: 4-12, (primary school)

Lifestyles

Croxteth Lifestyles/Wellbeing centre Altcross Road, Liverpool, L1 0BS www.comuniversity.co.uk There are many activities to get involved with during the holidays. You can join the Robbie Bobbie Football league, or use the Lifestyles suite as well as participating in the various activities – all of whichare great ways to stay active this summer. Tel: 0151 548 3421 Date: Various days please contact for details Age: Each session varies, from 6-17 Price: Each session £1

CLUBS & CLASSES

Glee week summer school

Jumping Jacks Olympics

Jumping Jacks, Dingle Lane Children Centre, Liverpool, L8 9UB www.jumpingjacksabc.co.uk Jumping Jacks have a fantastic selection of age-appropriate games and activities. Qualified staff will organise the perfect party for you. Contact staff for details on what they can do for you. Tel: 0151 487 5757 Date: Various dates Time: Various times

Summer Camps

Active Adventures, 37 Otterspool Drive, Aigburth, Liverpool, L17 5AL www.activeadventuresliverpool.com Activities from across the site include climbing, abseiling, leap of faith, team building games, field games, maze games, rope skills, basic bushcraft and survival, an inhouse awards and achievements scheme and much more! Tel: 0151 494 3044 Date: Starts 23rd July MondayFriday Time: 9:30 - 3pm Age: 5-12 Price: £20 per day - £70 for the week

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CLUBS & CLASSES

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

CLUBS & CLASSES

Pa rent Review

Kelton Nursery

Carol from South Liverpool tells us why her children are saying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gracias mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to her for sending them to Kelton Nursery.

I have been a parent at Kelton Nursery for many years and have three children, all of which have gone right through the nursery from babies to afterschool. Kelton is a lovely nursery, and one thing that really stands out is the Spanish lessons. It has been providing Spanish lessons to the nursery children for over 4 years with the Spanish Teacher, Mark, coming in one day per week. The Manager thought that it would be nice for the afterschool children to try Spanish too, and so in March 2012 they asked Mark if he could provide lessons to the afterschool children and this has been really well received. My girls love the lessons with Mark and being that little bit older now they understand more about what they are learning and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to come home and show me what they have done that day.

Kelton Nursery es Spanish any other afterschool facility that provid more one just is this and n childre the to lessons an excellent reason why we feel that Kelton provides reviewing service for our children as it is constantly n have a the services it provides to ensure the childre there. are they whilst great time http://www.keltonnursery.co.uk/

The lessons are very well structured and Mark makes them fun for the children with songs and games incorporated into the session. Mark also tries to ensure his curriculum is varied and does not just go through numbers and colours he also teaches them the names of animals, the names of different fruits and they sing a lovely hello song and goodbye song amongst other things. To further help the children learn Mark also has a puppet that he uses as a visual aid and the children really enjoy this. Furthermore, the staff join in with the lessons which is really good because they can then carry on talking with the children once Mark has gone thus reinforcing their knowledge. Although it has only been three months since these lessons started I have spoken with other parents who have also given really good, positive feedback about the Spanish lessons which we hope will continue for a long time to come. I do not know of

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Do PE Lessons

Put Children Off Sport for Life? Do you remember being the last one picked for the school team? The only one left as all the other kids with the athletic physiques jogged over to join the line and you desperately tried to look like you weren’t even bothered? Well you are not alone, as recent research shows that adults admit to finding PE lessons the worst part of their school years. And it gets worse; women are so disturbed by the memories of terrible gym knickers and smelly showers that it has put them off exercise for life. Sweating in front of boys is ‘not feminine’ and the pressure from competitive team-mates has made them turn away from exercise, according to The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation. Through a lack of female role models in sport and being ‘worried about their hair and nails’ it seems girls really struggle to keep fit in school and into their adult life. With a quarter of teenage boys doing the right amount of sport, girls fall behind them with only 12 per cent doing enough. According to The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, we need to examine the way society as a whole views women’s sport if we are to encourage girls to get involved. They suggest that currently, our culture places very little value on all-female sporting events. The figures bear this out. Startlingly, female sport accounts for only five per cent of media coverage. Their Chief Executive, Sue Tibballs commented:

“Girls are growing up in a culture which only seems to value men’s sport, and we know that the lack of visible role models is a real barrier. 61% of

The Essential Directory for Organised Parents

girls tell us that seeing women win medals would inspire them to be more active.” So with the problem lying not just in your daughter’s reluctance to engage in a kickaround with her brothers, but the fact that the media and society seems to be actively encouraging her not to bother, it seems that the problem is deeper than just feminine unwillingness to do anything that might mess up ones appearance. Changing society’s attitudes is a slow-burn process, and action is needed now, so many schools are finding innovative ways of making PE lessons more female friendly. Some schools are turning to new ways to exercise; dance classes are more widespread with a choice of Zumba, Bollywood, Cheerleading or Street Dance. Some schools are trying to help young people overcome their fear of the gymnasium by showing them that you don’t have to be getting down and dirty on the hockey pitch to get involved with sport, and are helping more reluctant pupils to learn how to referee a football match, or organise games for other pupils. But while anything that helps demystify sport for girls is laudable, surely the emphasis should be on motivating them to get involved themselves? As a parent you can help by exposing your daughters to female sports role models – the Olympics is a perfect time to do this – and trying to support your local female sports teams. When was the last time you went and watched the Liverpool or Everton ladies teams play? Maybe now is the time to get involved.

Out & About Directory 4th July

6th – 15th July

An Evening of Dance and Drama

The Roy Castle Relay Singathon

Wirral Metropolitan College presents an evening of Dance & Drama. The first part of the show is ‘Us and Them’ a play by David Campton directed by Amanda Newby. The second part of the show involves performances from dance students choreographed by tutors Sarah Norris and Collette Atkins. www.floralpavilion.com 5th July

In a bid to raise money for a worthy cause, groups of singers will unite at Williamson Square for a six hour singathon. Choirs are invited to sing in groups to provide entertainment which will drum up support from the general public for The Roy Castle Foundation. www.citycentralbid.com 7th July

Brazilica

Brazilica is set to be even bigger and better than last year with samba bands from all over the world. Merseyside Dance Initiative will be working to create one mega mass participatory dance performance, bringing together up to 1,500 people in one location. www.brazilicafestival.com 8th July

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Come along between 11am and 2pm at Martin Mere for a giant teddy bears’ picnic. There are lots of activities: story time, face painting, duck hunts, boat tours and many more. To register your place on the picnic, please contact Martin Mere by email or phone. www.wwt.org.uk

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival

Sefton Park Palm House is pleased to welcome back the Arabic Arts Festival, the only festival of its kind in the UK, featuring dance, music and tastes of the Arabic world. Sefton Park Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 1AP www.palmhouse.org.uk

5th July, 12th July and 19th July

Explore the stores

Get a peek behind the scenes at Speke Hall! A guided tour of the archives and stores at Speke, discover what it takes to keep the collection in tip top condition. Please book your place in advance or on the day at Reception, places are limited. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/ 6th July – throughout

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year

‘Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ will feature one hundred astonishing, creative and humorous wildlife photographs that celebrate the drama and splendour of the natural world. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

10th July

Tea Dance amidst the Palms

Enjoy a sizzling summer afternoon of dancing with Neil Allcock at our regular Tea Dance. Due to popularity, we highly recommend booking in advance otherwise admission cannot be guaranteed. www.palmhouse.org.uk

11th July

24th July – 27th August

Grimm Fairy Tales- Outdoor Theatre

Summer Activities – The Farm Athletics

The Brothers Grimm spin tales of witches, talking animals, plucky maidens and dashing adventurers in a deliciously dark, thrillingly inventive show for adults and children alike. Feel free to bring a picnic, your own blankets and portable seating. Unfortunately, umbrellas cannot be used at outdoor performances as they restrict the view of other patrons, so make sure you wear a hooded coat! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/

Come and see our animals take part in their special farmyard sports tournament! The sheep will be doing the 100m sprint, the pigs will be trying out their luck at the hurdles and the ducks will be doing freestyle swimming. Fun for all the family. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. www.tattonpark.org.uk 26th July

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

12th July

Blink 182

Blink 182 will headline their first UK arena tour in over 8 years this July and will be joined by special guests The All-American Rejects and The Blackout when they rock the www.echoarena.com 14th July 2012

Kiddy Cook

Aspiring young chefs pick seasonal fruit and vegetables in Tatton’s Walled Garden with a ‘servant from the past’ and then cook in the Victorian mansion to create a culinary delight to take home. www.tattonpark.org.uk 20th, 21st, 22nd July 2012

Speke Hall Vintage Festival

Join us Speke Hall for its first ever vintage festival! Classic cars, bikes, camper vans and PSVs will be on show. Shop at an extensive range of vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and record stalls or just sit back and listen to some retro sounds with live performances throughout the weekend. FREE parking. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/ 21st-22nd July

The Movies- Starlight Youth Theatre

The Movies is a wonderful theatrical movie spectacular with all your favourite songs from the most popular movies ever including some of your most treasured moments from film and screen. www.floralpavilion.com

Meet the Mad Hatter at The Chocolate Cellar’s summer workshops! Make and decorate your own chocolate goodies, join the Mad Hatter’s tea party for food and face painting, and wrap your chocolates up to take home at the end of the workshop. www.croxteth.co.uk 28th July

Aintree Family Fun Day

Aintree have a fantastic event organised this summer for all the family. The day will include a barbecue, a professional singer, Cheerleaders and dancers and Beat the Goalie as well as many side stalls. robinbaynes@hotmail.com

Diary Planner - July

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4th July An Evening of Da nce and Drama Floral pavilion 8

8th July Liverpool Ara bic Arts Festiva l Sefton Park Palm Hou se

14th July Kiddy Cook Tatton Park

11th July Grimm Fairy Tales- Outdoor Theatre Speke Hal l

26th July Mad Hatter 's Tea Party Croxteth Hal l

21st-22nd July The MoviesSta rlight Youth Theatre Floral Pavilion Theatre

28th July Aintree Family Fun Da y Aintree Racecourse

August 2012

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on For regular updates gs visit tin lis & ts family even www.familygolive.com

1st – 5th August fair Sharla nd's Children Fun Croxteth Hal l

11 11th August Joe McElderry in Concert Floral Pavilion Theatre 10

5 4th – 5th August Victorian Jol lies Speke Hal l

16th – 19th August Southport Flower Show Southport

26th – 27th August Festival Mathew Street Mu sic erpool Liv Various locations across

22nd – 28th August ek International Beatle We 50 yea rs Celebration Liverpool City Centre

Out & About Directory 1st – 5th August

Sharland’s Children Funfair

2nd August

Peter Pan Pirates Party John Hughes story teller extraordinaire brings the story of Peter Pan alive, while your little ones will be kept entertained with DJ Steve, treasure hunts and a fancy dress competition. Underwater Street will be on hand to help create your very own Peter Pan crafts. Refreshments on sale. www.palmhouse.org.uk

Croxteth Hall, Croxteth Hall Lane, Liverpool, L12 0HB Traditional funfair rides from the Sharlands family during the first two weeks of the school summer holidays. www.croxteth.co.uk 1st-31st August

Lord Sefton’s ‘TEDDYLYMPICS’ Teddy Bear Hunt Croxteth Hall, Croxteth Hall Lane, Liverpool L12 0HB This is a popular annual summer event; younger children and parents will love this numeric fun. Count the Teddies you find in each room, add up the total number and enter our prize draw kindly donated by ‘Build-a-bear’ in Liverpool One. www.croxteth.co.uk

4th – 5th August

Victorian Jollies Crafts, entertainment and costumed live interpretation, all inspired by the Victorian passion for fun. A brilliant day out with a twist, for all the family. Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/ 11th August

Joe McElderry in Concert 1st – 27th August

Inside Outside Join us for summer fun exploring artists and art works in this summer show - Turner Monet Twombly: Later Paintings. Come along and try new things together, be creative and make beautiful works of art to take home. Only on selected days. See website or contact for further details www.tate.org.uk 3rd – 24th August

This promises to be a night of great live music, Joe will be on stage with his band for a unique, up close and personal show that will leave you all shouting for more. www.floralpavilion.com 12th August

Fun Dog Show at the Farm 10 novelty classes including Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail and Scruffiest Dog plus a fun agility course (try it if you’re fit enough). ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes to 6th place. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Miss Giggles Entertains

14th August

With puppets, magic, music, singing and dancing this will be a fun filled hour of entertainment for everyone aged between 2 and 8. Miss Giggles performs a full traditional “It’s behind you” style show with lots of interactive elements. www.floralpavilion.com

Boredom Busters Join the Rangers to hunt for mini-beasts in the park’s ponds and woodlands and take a trailer ride to get a close look at Tatton’s deer. Minimum age 5 years www.tattonpark.org.uk

22nd – 28th August

International Beatle Week - 50 years Celebration

16th – 19th August

Southport Flower Show

Located in Victoria Park, which is easy walking distance of the town centre. Featuring stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist foods and books, celebrity guests and much more. www.southportflowershow.co.uk 18th August

This is truly an international event with bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40. As well as live gigs, there are exhibitions, memorabilia sales, guest speakers, video shows, sightseeing tours and a convention. www.citycentralbid.com 25th August

Port Sunlight Summer Festival 2012 Port Sunlight will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Liverpool’s legends. Joining in with the Beatlemania the village will come alive with a collection of producers and exhibitors, a popular dog show, children’s fairground rides and bags of musical entertainment. www.portsunlightvillage.com.

Milkshake Live

Channel 5 and Premier Stage Productions are proud to announce a brand new tour of Milkshake. Starring Milkshake presenter Amy and some of the channel’s favourite characters, this new show is sure to have children singing and dancing. www.floralpavilion.com 21st - 23rd August

Angelina ballerina at Liverpool Empire

Everyone’s favourite ballerina is back in Liverpool for a magical show packed with singing, dancing and pirouetting. Angelina and friends their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite television programme, Dancing with Mice. www.liverpoolempire.org.uk. 21st -26th August

26th – 27th August

Mathew Street Music Festival

Various locations across Liverpool The 2012 festival will make for a great weekend of music for all ages and tastes. The city is providing six outdoor live stages and across more than 40 indoor venues over the two days of festival. www.mathewstreetfestival.org

Birds, Bugs and Blooms

Come along and have some family fun exploring the natural wonder of Speke Hall’s gardens and grounds. A selection of activities is available throughout the week. This is a great day out for families, groups, clubs, childcare providers and holiday play schemes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/ 23rd August

Olympics at the Palm House

The Olympics are coming to The Palm House! Come and join the Liverpool Harriers and Little Kickers in fun activities such as the long jump, mini hurdles and football. Refreshments on sale. www.palmhouse.org.uk

1st – 2nd September

Liverpool Food & Drink Festival At Sefton Park

Come & celebrate the fifth year of the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival at Sefton Park. A great family day out & Children under 14 go free. There is also a Children interactive corner that is sponsored by family go live magazine. www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

WIN

one of Five Family tickets to Croxteth Hall, Farm and Walled Gardens.

WIN

Tickets to Camelot Theme Park

Our friends at Camelot Theme Park have given lucky readers of Family Go Live the chanc e to win one of four family tickets worth £85.00 each. At Camelot you can see the magical sorcery of a wizard one minute and knights battling it out in spectacular jousting tournaments the next.

Just answer this simple question: Q: Which famous magician came from Camelot? To enter the competition please visit our website www.familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date 20th of August 2012

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Fancy winning a great day out for the family? There’s something for everyone at Croxteth Hall and Country Park whatever the weather this summer!

Family ticket admits 2 adults and 2 children - worth £17

Q: What is the family name of the Earls of Sefton, former owners of Croxteth Hall? To enter the competition please visit our website www.familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date 20th of August 2012

OUT & ABOUT

What’s New

at Croxteth Country Park

New for this year is a small animal ‘petting area’, where children (under the careful supervision of the farm staff) will be able to get up close to some of the animals. Staff will be there between 2.30pm and 3.30pm to help hold the animals and answer any questions. Feeding time is always a popular event – but morning visitors miss out, so now they can return to the farm in the same afternoon, represent their ticket and watch feeding time at 3.45pm each day. The Farm attracts thousands of visitors every year and is especially popular for school visits. The Walled Garden is also now home to Liverpool’s famous Botanical Collection. This is one of the world’s earliest botanical collections, based on plants brought back to Liverpool from traders around the world. It was founded by the philanthropist William Roscoe in 1802. Today the collection is in a series of greenhouses in the garden, tended by a specialist gardening team employed the City’s joint venture partner Glendale Liverpool Limited. The greenhouses and Walled

Garden are now open to visit all summer. Other new attractions in the Park are extra fun rides, including a ‘land train’ for visitors and pedal go-karts by the Hall. Mini pedal tractors are also freely available for use by children on the farm with the purchase of a farm ticket. Sharland’s Children’s Fun Fair is also on site every weekend; and every day during the summer holidays. Please note though that these rides will not operate if the weather is bad. There are many events at Croxteth Hall and Country Park throughout the year, whatever the weather, visit www.croxteth.co.uk for details

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OUT & ABOUT

Restaura nt Revie w

What ’s Cooking

A well established name on the Merseyside restaurant scene, What’s Cooking?, has long been synonymous with family friendly food. However, the 21st Century version of this much loved eatery has far more to offer than just chips with everything. The interior is inviting and fun with an American diner feel, open kitchen with locally sourced produce, and a buzzy atmosphere with friendly, attentive staff. We spent a fantastic Friday night at What’s Cooking? gazing out from our window seats at the sun dazzled waters of the Albert Dock, as locals and tourists wondered between the vast terracotta pillars. Then suddenly a shadow formed large over our sunset, like an alien spaceship floating out of the sky. We looked up to see a waiter struggling to carry the famed Olympic burger to a pair of courageous looking diners. This vast platter of colossal burger, chilli, fries and who knows what else costs £24 to share. But if you get through it in 24 minutes you eat for free. Many have tried but no one has yet pulled off the Olympic qualifying time.

What’s Cooking Lawrenson, a hands-on boss, whose enthusiasm for the menu’s he’s created and love of the restaurant he has been involved in the whole of his working life can’t fail to impress. What’s Cooking? has something for everyone at prices affordable to all, and if you’re in a hurry with only 24 minutes to spare you know what to order…

We took the safer option of chicken liver pate (£3.95) and Malaysian prawns (£5.75) to start. The pate was rich and totally moreish, the prawns, plump and fresh in a chilli spiked coconut sauce that had real bite. Our mains took us down Mexico way for a What’s Cooking? favourite of sizzling fajitas (£12.95). Juicy chicken, crisp fresh veg and soft flour tortilla hit the spot proving you don’t have to mess around with a classic. But the highlight was the rib-eye steak (£15.25), perfectly cooked to medium rare, cut from 21-day hung Hereford beef. Avoiding the Olympic burger meant we still just had room for pudding which was helped down with the last of an excellent bottle of Vina Carrasco Merlot at an ultra reasonable £15.25. As we tucked into a lush toffee apple charlotte (£4.75) and a sticky and sharp Eton mess (£5.25), the brave but foolish Olympians who took on the burger challenge staggered past defeated. For us however, the evening was a triumph, topped by coffee and a final glass of wine with owner Guy

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OUT & ABOUT

WIN

A Martin Mere Experience

WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and familyfriendliness combine. Visit over the summer to take part in fun family activities such as den building, pond dipping, bug hunts, visit the roundhouse village, canoe safari and boat tours. But there is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds, a family of beavers and enchanting otters in residence, an imaginative playground for young adventurers and an inspirational eco-garden. Seasonal attractions include celebrations of local history and wildlife gardening, and a rolling programme of walks and talks.

To be in with a a chance of winning an annual family membership to Martin Mere, or 5 runner-up prizes of a family ticket to visit Martin Mere, simply answer this question:

Q: What are baby ducks called? To enter the competition please visit our website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date the 20th of August 2012 Martin Mere, Lancashire, L40 0TA 01704 895181; (e) info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk ;(w) www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere

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L i v e r p o o l F o o d a n d D r i n k F e s t i v a l i s s e t t o r e t u r n t o S e f t o n P a r k o n t h e 1 s t a n d 2 n d S e p t e m b e r . T h o u s a n d s o f v i s i t o r s a r e e x p e c t e d t o f l o c k t o t h e w e e k e n d l a u n c h e v e n t t o s a m p l e t h e m o u t h - w a t e r i n g b o n a n z a o n o f f e r , w h i c h i n c l u d e s e v e r y t h i n g f r o m f a l a f e l t o f e t a a n d a f i n e a r r a y o f f r e s h l o c a l p r o d u c e . C e l e b - s p o t t e r s w i l l b e p l e a s e d t o l e a r n t h a t a n a r r a y o f c e l e b r i t y c h e f s w i l l b e s h o w i n g o f f t h e i r s k i l l s , a n d w h a t ’ s m o r e 7 0 o f t h e b e s t b a r s a n d r e s t a u r a n t s i n t h e c i t y w i l l a l s o b e e x h i b i t i n g . C h o c o h o l i c s w i l l l o v e t h e H e a v e n l y C h o c o l a t e G a r d e n , a n e w a d d i t i o n t o t h i s y e a r ’ s f e s t i v a l . S o m e o f t h e b i g g e s t n a m e s i n t h e b u s i n e s s – i n c l u d i n g D i v i n e C h o c o l a t e s , L a u d e n t s , M o n t e z u m a s , M i n i s t r y o f C h o c o l a t e a n d T h e C h o c o l a t e S e s s i o n w i l l b e o n h a n d t o g i v e g u i d e d t a s t i n g s e s s i o n s f o r a d u l t s a n d i n t e r a c t i v e c h o c o l a t e w o r k s h o p s f o r c h i l d r e n w h i c h w i l l g i v e t h e m t h e c h a n c e t o s e e h o w c h o c o l a t e i s m a d e . B u d d i n g c h o c o l a t i e r s c a n a l s o m a k e t h e i r v e r y o w n c h o c o l a t e . F o r t h o s e w h o w a n t t o g e t s o m e t i p s f r o m t h e e x p e r t s , t h e r e a r e p l e n t y o f c o o k e r y c l a s s e s t o c h o o s e f r o m , w i t h M a l a y s i a n C h e f N o r m a n M u s a r u n n i n g c o o k i n g c l a s s e s i n a y u r t , a n d T h a i c o o k e r y c l a s s e s t a k i n g p l a c e e l s e w h e r e . I f y o u r t a s t e s a r e n ’ t q u i t e s o e x o t i c t h e n y o u c a n e n j o y t h e m o r e m i l d c u i s i n e o f t h e E m e r a l d I s l e w i t h S t e n a ’ s T a s t e o f I r e l a n d a r e a . F e s t i v a l g o e r s w h o j u s t w a n t t o j u s t k i c k b a c k a n d e n j o y a f e w d r i n k s i n t h e s u n s h i n e c a n r e l a x i n t h e L a n s o n C h a m p a g n e m a r q u e e , o r e n j o y m o r e h o m e l y b e v e r a g e s s u p p l i e d b y o n e o f L i v e r p o o l ’ s f a v o u r i t e r e a l a l e p u b s , t h e S h i p a n d M i t r e . W i n e l o v e r s c a n a l s o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e i r f a v o u r i t e t i p p l e w i t h ‘ C o n o S u r ’ w i n e t a s t i n g a n d ‘ a s k t h e e x p e r t s ’ s e s s i o n s .

T h e f e s t i v a l w i l l a l s o b e d o t t e d w i t h f a m o u s f a c e s , w i t h t h e F a b u l o u s B a k e r B r o t h e r s , L i s a F a u l k n e r , T o m K i t c h e n , N o r m a n M u s a a n d A i d e n B y r n e a l l a t t e n d i n g t h e e v e n t . A n d i t w i l l b e r o l l i n g p i n s a t t h e r e a d y , a s M e r s e y s i d e ’ s t o p 1 2 a m a t e u r b a k e r s p i t t h e i r s k i l l s a g a i n s t e a c h o t h e r w h e n P a u l H o l l y w o o d h o s t s t h e l i v e f i n a l o f t h e ‘ G r e a t M e r s e y s i d e B a k e - o f f ’ .

C H I L D R E N U N D E R 1 4 G O F R E E T O S E F T O N P A R K c o u r t e s y o f F a m i l y G o L i v e m a g a z i n e ! T h e r e i s c e r t a i n l y e n o u g h t o e n t e r t a i n y o u n g e r v i s i t o r s , i n c l u d i n g H u g h B a i r d C o l l e g e ’ s c h i l d r e n ’ s i n t e r a c t i v e a r e a , w h i c h b o a s t s a J u n i o r C h e f ’ s A c a d e m y , L e g o , e d i b l e j e w e l l e r y m a k i n g , b i s c u i t d e c o r a t i n g a n d s e e d p l a n t i n g . W h a t ’ s m o r e , t h e f u n d o e s n ’ t s t o p w h e n t h e w e e k e n d i s o v e r , w i t h t h e b e s t b a r s a n d r e s t a u r a n t s a c r o s s t h e c i t y o f f e r i n g d i s c o u n t s a n d o f f e r s t o t h r o u g h o u t t h e w e e k .

L i s a F a u l k n e r

B u y y o u r t i c k e t s O N L I N E T O D A Y a t a r e d u c e d r a t e o f £ 4 ! F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d r e g u l a r u p d a t e s o f k i d s i n t e r a c t i v e s e s s i o n s v i s i t

w w w . l i v e r p o o l f o o d a n d d r i n k f e s t i v a l . c o . u k www.familygolive.com

OUT & ABOUT

WIN

A Family Ticket To See Angelina Ballerina

Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, pirouettes onto the Liverpool Empire stage in her brand new musical from 21-23 August! Angelina Ballerina The Mousical Live On Stage is a magical show packed full of singing and dancing. Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite television programme ‘Simply Mouse Dancing’. But when the girls and boys have very different ideas for the show and just can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina as Dance Captain to ensure that the show goes ahead.

For your chance to win a family ticket (4 people) to see the first performance, answer the following question:

What type of animal is Angelina Ballerina? ITo enter the competition please visit our website – www.familygolive.com and give us your answer. Closing date the 20th of August 2012 For more info on Angelina Ballerina The Mousical at the Liverpool Empire visit atgtickets.com/liverpool

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LOCAL SERVICES

Local Services Directory

Costco Tel: 0151 224 7670 www.costco.co.uk/membership Atlantic Chambers Tel: 0151 236 4421 www.atlanticchambers.co.uk Morecrofts Solicitors Tel: 0151 236 8871 www.morecroft.co.uk Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors Tel: 0151 264 7363 www.paulcrowley.co.uk Chandlers Gardens Tel: 0151 729 0051 Jackson & Canter Solicitors Tel: 0151 282 1700 www.jacksoncanter.co.uk Rest and Relax Airport and Travel Transfers Tel: 0151 493 0555 www.rest-relax.co.uk Plant Design Tel: 0151 722 2700 www.plantdesign.info Dobbies Garden Centre Tel: 0151 728 3070 www.dobbies.com White Cross Vets Tel: 0151 270 1759 www.whitecrossvets.co.uk Plumbing Services Tel: 0151 928 8744 The 24 Hour Plumber Tel: 0151 531 1931 www.plumbersliverpool.org Car Breakdown and Recovery Tel: 0151 424 5871 www.carbreakdownliverpool.co.uk Mersey Cabs Tel: 0151 298 2222 www.merseycabs.co.uk Gleamers Mobile Valeting Tel: 07940 553 222 www.gleamers.info

Ask the expert With Joanne Ritson Family Law Solicitor at Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors

I separated from my husband last year. We have two children aged 8 and 5. My husband sees the children at weekends. However, I work and find it really difficult to arrange child care especially during the 6 week school summer holiday. Can I take my husband to Court to make him have the children for longer periods?

A: Firstly, I would ask whether or not you have attempted

to talk about this with your husband? If you have an amicable relationship, you may find that he would be more than willing to have the children for extended periods during the summer holidays. It is always best to attempt to negotiate matters before even considering making an application to Court. If, however, you are in the unfortunate position whereby you are not able to communicate with your husband without matters escalating to an argument, then you may wish to make an appointment with a local family solicitor to instruct them to carry out these negotiations on your behalf. There may even be funding available to you, so that you do not have to pay your costs. A means assessment would have to be carried out and your solicitor will be able to give you further advice in this regard. Your solicitor will attempt to resolve matters in an amicable way so as not to cause any difficulties in your relationship with your husband, and hopefully, he will respond positively to the proposals put forward. If so, that will bring about an end to your current situation. If not, your solicitor can refer you to mediation. This means that you would have a meeting with an independent third party who would discuss the issues with you both to establish whether any agreement can be reached. Once again, if a resolution can be reached then matters will conclude at that point. Unfortunately, however, if negotiations and mediation fail, there is no application that you can make to the Court to compel the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father to have additional contact with them but if you stopped contact then your husband could make an application to the Court for a defined contact order which means that the Court would set down days and times when you must allow the children to have contact (access) with their father. For further information or help with any Family or Children Law issue call Joanne Ritson on 0151 264 7363 or email joanne.ritson@paulcrowley.co.uk

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60 second interview

Carol Midgley Carol Midgley - Times Columnist, is a 46-year-old mother of one who lives in South Liverpool with her husband and their eight-year-old daughter. An award winning journalist and Columnist for The Times, she has also recently written a novel for teenagers called My Family and Other Freaks.

What does family mean to you?

Family (and friends) are what make life worth living. That, and ice-cold lager.

How do you get a good work/life balance?

I don’t. Unless you call typing at 5.30am with mad hair and a stress-face “balanced”. Like most parents I fly by the seat of my pants.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Always arrive for a job 10 minutes early. Always get your round in. Never wear leather trousers. Be nice to your children because they choose your nursing home.

What do you worry about most?

My family’s safety, health and happiness. Another World War. Losing my marbles. Cellulite.

When are you happiest?

Sitting outside in the sun with kids, family, dog and the aforementioned ice-cold lager.

What’s the most important lesson in life?

Live for the moment. Be able to laugh at yourself because nothing is more hilarious than the person who takes himself too seriously.

Red or Blue?

Well my husband is a fanatical Red while my daughter, just to annoy him, is a Blue. So both I suppose, though to be honest I’d rather watch Corrie.

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Frozen IVF Embryos Rights for Couples at War A woman left infertile after cancer treatment cannot use frozen embryos to have a baby, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled. In Vitro Fertilization, or as it is more commonly known IVF, is frequently a godsend for couples who are struggling to conceive. ‘In Vitro’ means ‘in glass’, and IVF involves adding a man’s sperm to his partner’s eggs in a laboratory in order to produce embryos. After three or five days of being in the uterus, the embryos are implanted into the female partner’s womb, and, fingers crossed, will then grow into a baby. One such woman who thought that IVF would enable her to have a baby was Natallie Evans of Wiltshire. Having been diagnosed with pre-cancerous tumours on her ovaries in 2001, Ms Evans feared that she would be unable to become a mother. However, her then partner Howard Johnston agreed to undergo IVF treatment with her and freeze embryos for use in the future. All being well, Ms Evans would have been able to have a baby as planned, but unfortunately, the couple split up and Mr Johnston withdrew consent for the embryos to be used. Though the law says that once one party withdraws consent the eggs cannot be used, Ms Evans was not prepared to give up easily. She argued that by taking part in the IVF treatment, Mr Johnston had already consented to the creation, storage, and use of the embryos, and that he should not be allowed to changed his mind at this late stage.

A massive court battle ensued, and Ms Evans took her court to Strasbourg after exhausting the UK legal process. However, she lost her right to use the frozen embryos. Speaking after the case an emotional Ms Evans said: “Whilst a lot has been said about the rights of Mr Johnston, what I was fighting for was my right to be a mother and the rights of the embryos.” For Mr Johnston it

was a relief, he said: “I want to choose who I start a family with, and when, and I’m just glad that common sense has prevailed.” The case sparked ethical debate. A representative of the pro-life group, Comment on Reproductive Ethics commented “It’s an inevitable judgement, but a very sad one”. They suggested that Mr Johnston had become a father when the embryos were created, and that he should have had more compassion for the plight of his former partner. We asked two local law firms to shed some light on the legal implications of frozen IVF eggs and the rights of the individual. Carole Brennan, Solicitor from Morecrofts, told us: “Unfortunately here the case went against her. The Court felt that the possibility of withdrawal of consent had been explained to both parties as it always is and that the decision of the clinic was the right one. It’s a heartbreaking case. Couples need to consider what the law says and think very carefully that if things do go wrong in a relationship the consequences can be devastating.” It is a different story in the U.S. as a woman there won her fight to use the fertilized eggs she stored with her ex-husband after becoming infertile through breast cancer. Gwynneth Knowles, QC, from Atlantic Chambers said: “Whilst the decision in this American case is a sympathetic solution to a heartrending dilemma, it should not raise expectations here that English courts will alter their approach to this emotive issue. Once one of the parties to IVF withdraws their consent to the use of the couple’s embryos, the law is clear that those embryos can no longer be used and may end up being destroyed unless special circumstances apply. Should a party be in a similar position to that of Natalie Evans, it is worth seeking out specialist legal advice though the chances of successfully challenging the present law are not high.”

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eBay An Olympic Sport A furor surrounded recent attempts by torchbearers to sell their Olympic Torches on eBay, with many objecting to such a unique memento being sold on an online auction site. But in these difficult economic times people are turning to eBay to make a bit of extra cash and there are stranger things than Olympic torches for sale online. Water from a swimming pool Tom Cruise swam in was on offer. Rebekah Speight of Nebraska recently sold a three-year-old chicken nugget resembling President George Washington for $8,100. Ten-year-old Zoe Pemberton from Essex even put her grandmother up for sale and reached bids of £20,000 before being shut down for breaking ‘strict sales policies’. Famous faces have become fans of eBay. For Paul Daniels’ next trick he managed to make his wig disappear for £1,100. Even David Beckham’s TVR Cerbera supercar sold for a whopping £70K. But we don’t have to spend it like Beckham. Selling unwanted clutter from our little palaces can fetch up to £3,540 each, according to a survey by Gumtree.

So here are our tips for successful selling on eBay: • Register on eBay first. Once you are a member just follow the simple steps to sell items. • To price your item look at similar/same items on the ‘completed listings’ button on the left hand side of the screen. • With 80 characters in your item title, use them all putting key words, good descriptions and brand names in.

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• Use your best photographs. • Use PayPal, the most secure way of buying and selling an item. It’s easy to set up, just follow the instructions online. • Answer bidders’ questions promptly and honestly. Feedback is like a credit rating and if you don’t look after your customers your feedback score will suffer. Try and keep it at 100%, as below 98% is bad news. • Consider keeping postage costs down - the gold standard is Special Delivery but it is also the most expensive. Always get proof of postage even if sending by standard post. • Think about offering free p&p to attract buyers. • Consider sending items using a reliable courier for larger packages. Using ‘pick up only’ keeps costs down but limits the number of people bidding on your items. • Remember eBay is a community built on trust. Don’t risk losing your 100% feedback by being dishonest or providing a poor service. • Be aware of fake items and fraud – look at eBay’s guidelines and the ‘help’ section on their site to protect yourself. • Always be honest and fair. Always send items quickly. Always leave feedback for both buyers and sellers. Always contact eBay to sort out any problems and look at their help pages for more advice.

Remember - one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

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