FGL July/August by Family Go Live

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July /August 2015

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The Essential Directory For Organised Parents

Going up… > Babybels There’s good news for people who like their cheese small, Dutch and covered in wax. The humble Babybel was recently identified by a nutritionist as one of the best lunch box snacks around. Hoorah!

Welcome to... The Essential Directory for Organised Parents Dear reader, Summer is here so slip on a maxi dress, slap on some factor 20 and sit yourself down with the summer edition of Family Go Live. As ever, there’s plenty to keep you entertained from the latest big issues, such as whether children should be having their fitness measured in school to how you can get yourself beach body confident, even if there’s only a few weeks left until you hit sunnier climes. We’re also talking to Liverpool’s very own Jennifer Ellison, who is telling us all about her latest projects and how on earth she unwinds after filming an episode of Dance Mums! As if that’s not enough, we’ve also got our usual mix of competitions, fab money off vouchers and all the best listings of what’s on in and around Liverpool this summer, including a sneaky preview of everyone’s favourite foodie event - The Liverpool Food and Drink Festival. Elasticated waistbands at the ready!

> Competitive Crying Think your baby could win awards for crying? Visit Japan and you’ll get to put your money where your mouth is in their traditional ‘crying sumo’ event. Sumo wrestlers hold babies and try to make them cry to the - apparent - delight of onlookers. Proof that sleep deprivation can send you potty. > Nail varnish You’re never too young for a bit of shellac chic, it seems. The average British parent paints their daughter’s nails from aged three years and nine months.

Going down… < Nutrition A recent survey showed that 1 in 20 parents believes that a packet of crisps counts as one of your 5-a-day. We wish. Another survey showed that 1 in 5 children think oregano is an actor, not a herb. < Your bank balance The average holiday in the UK costs around £1,352. Best raid that piggybank! Stereotypes

Best wishes, The Family Go Live Team

EDITORIAL: Sarah Carlin ADVERTISING SALES: Clare Vaughan / Jo Benmayor / Rebecca Parry DIRECTOR: Denise Harris ADDRESS: SK Events, The Old Bank 382 Aigburth Road Liverpool L19 3QD TELEPHONE: 0151 432 5651 EMAIL: info@familygolive.com

Bambis Breastfeeding Support 0151 702 4411 bambis@lwh.nhs.uk NHS 111 Helpline 111 www.nhs.uk Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 0151 708 9988 www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk PSS Post Natal Support 0151 702 5555 www.psspeople.com

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital 0151 228 4811 www.alderhey.nhs.uk

BUMPS & BABIES

Bumps & Babies directory of useful numbers

National Childbirth Trust 0300 330 0700 www.nct.org.uk UK Birth Centres 0800 3800 579 www.ukbirthcentres.com One to One Midwives 0330 330 9121 www.onetoonemidwives.org Allergy UK Helpline 01322 619 898 www.allergyuk.org National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 212 www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

BUMPS & BABIES

Win! A ten week course of swimming with Water Babies Liverpool Since it was founded in 2002, Water Babies has grown into the world’s largest baby swim school, today teaching more than 44,000 babies. With the support of over 60 franchisees and around 400 teachers, Water Babies has won more than eight national awards over the last few years, including Best Swimming Class, Best Baby Development Activity, and Best Baby & Toddler Development Activity 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 with What’s On 4 Little Ones.

WIN The lessons develop water safety and confidence. Although the primary aim is having fun – so Water Babies rarely feel like they are in a lesson. However because the course is highly structured, most will happily be swimming distances underwater by about 30 months, then naturally start swimming on the surface as their strength increases. Family Go Live has a ten-week course of swimming to give away to one lucky reader.

To enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions

With a recent survey by Settle Stories showing that 41% of parents never read to their children, one Liverpool pre-school is doing its bit to try and get the bedtime story back on the agenda. Little Miracles is an established preschool operating out of the Bridge Chapel Centre in Garston, South Liverpool. It is owned and managed by Jennifer Burgess, an accomplished Early Years Professional who is on a one-woman mission to get kids reading. She explains: “We think that encouraging children to read is one of the best possible ways we can prepare them for school and bring them on educationally. Literacy and communication skills underpin everything. If you haven’t got them, children can’t progress.

BUMPS & BABIES

Meet the Merseyside Pre-School that’s bringing back the bedtime story loved hearing a bedtime story as a child and that he’d definitely keep up the tradition. That’s exactly what I want to hear!” Little Miracles Pre-School is now also working with childcare provider Simply Out Of School to provide wrap around care from 7.30am - 6.00pm.

To find out more visit: www.littlemiraclespre-school.com

“So we’ve dedicated a lot of resources to making books fun. We’ve got props, puppets and storytelling is a big part of our day-to-day activities, whether as a large group or in little break-out groups with a key worker. Reading and stories can be just magic, and our children understand this from an early age. “We also encourage our little ones to read at home. We’ve got our own little lending library and if a child is reading a book at preschool and ‘can’t put it down’, then of course we encourage them to take it home with them and carry on enjoying it at home.” Jennifer’s emphasis on reading is already making an impact. She explains: “I was delighted when a dad whose little boy attends our preschool put a photo of him reading a bedtime story to his son on our Facebook page. He said that reading to his boy at the end of the day reminded him of how much he

EDUCATION

Fulfil your ambition with a 24+ learning loan If you are aged 24 or over, you could join the hundreds of adult learners who are taking advantage of 24+ learning loans at The City of Liverpool College.

If you are over 24, have lived in the UK for three years, and are enrolling on a course at level 3 or 4, including A-levels and access to higher education diplomas, a government learning loan could be for you.

With a 24+ learning loan, you could fulfil your ambition by getting access to the education you need to achieve the career you want.

The loan does not need to be paid back until you earn more than ÂŁ21,000 a year and for some courses, students who progress to university do not have to pay back the loan.

You could also take the next steps in your current job by funding a Skills Boost course with your 24+ learning loan or you could finance a flexible programme of study that fits around your family life.

Former office worker Robyn Comerford, 25, made the most of a 24+ learning loan, studying at The City of Liverpool College. She has now accepted a place to train in midwifery at university.

Alsop High School

Liverpool College

When? Thursday 24th September Time? 4.30pm – 7pm Where? Queens Drive, Walton, Liverpool, L4 6SH www.alsophighschool.co.uk

When? Saturday 12th September Time? 9.30am – 12 noon Where? Queen’s Drive, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, L18 8BG www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk

Archbishop Blanch

St Hilda’s

When? Thursday 24th September Time? 6pm-8pm Where? 80 Earle Road, Liverpool L7 6HQ www.abblanch.com

Childwall Sports & Science Academy When? Tuesday 7th July & Thursday 17th September Time? 4.30-7.30pm Where? Fiveways, Queens Drive, L15 6XZ www.childwallssa.org

Gateacre School

EDUCATION

ESSENTIAL GUIDE To 2015 Open Evenings...

When? Wednesday 16th September Time? School tours between 10am - 12pm and 6pm - 8.30pm Where? Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park, Liverpool, L17 3AL www.st-hildas.co.uk

Notre Dame When? Thursday 1 October Where? Great Homer Street, Liverpool L5 5AF www.notredameliverpool.com

Broughton Hall High School

When? Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 September Where? Hedgefield Rd, Liverpool L25 2RW www.gateacre.liverpool.sch.uk

When? Monday 21 September & 24 September 2015 Where? Yew Tree Lane L12 9Hj www.broughtonhall.com

Holly Lodge

Archbishop Beck catholic Sports College

When? Thursday 9 July & Thursday 17 September Where? 140 Mill Lane, Liverpool, L12 7LE www.hollylodge.liverpool.sch.uk

When? Thursday 24 September 2015 Where? Cedar Road L9 9AF www.archbishopbeck.com

St John Bosco

North Liverpool Academy

When? Thursday 24 September Where? Storrington Avenue, Liverpool, L11 9DQ www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com

When? Tuesday 22 September 2015 Where? Heyworth Street L5 0SQ www.northliverpoolacademy.co.uk

Calderstones School

West Derby School

When? Thursday 24 September Where? Harthill Rd, Liverpool, Allerton L18 3HS www.calderstones.co.uk

When? Thursday 17 September, Tuesday 29 September & Wednesday 30 September 2015 Where? 364 West Derby Road L13 7HQ www.westderbyschool.co.uk

EDUCATION

YEAR 6 SATS - Will changes next year mean more stress for students? This year in the run up to the SATS tests taken in mid-May the national press was full of reports about how stressed our 10 and 11 year olds were feeling. Understandably, schools are under pressure for their students to do well in these tests as the results affect the school’s ranking in the national league tables. As a result it is now common practice for year 6 children to be set significantly more homework than before, with many also encouraged to attend booster classes.

“It surprised me how many comments I heard about how students felt they needed to do well for their school this year. However, our Year 6 students didn’t seem to be showing the stress levels reported in the press, they have been developing their core maths and English skills through their Kumon studies and on the whole they were feeling confident!”

This additional pressure is definitely being felt by students, with 55% of children in a pre-SATS survey saying they “were worried that not achieving a high mark would set them up for failure in life.”Christine Tyrer, who runs the Allerton Kumon centre, agrees that, this year, children were much more aware of the importance of their SATS results, she says:

Perhaps more worrying for parents is the fact that the format of SATS tests is going to change significantly from May 2016. With the new tests considered to be far more rigorous, this could mean yet more pressure on Year 6 students and more classroom time committed to preparing for tests, rather than learning.

EDUCATION

Get the most out of open days ... Attending open days is a great way to get a feel for what sort of school might be right for your child. Make sure you get the most of them by really doing your research. Does it suit your child? Many schools now have particular specialisms, and these are a great way of making sure that your child attends a school that will really allow them to immerse themselves in their interests and blossom. So find out whether the school has a specialism such as sport or performing arts and think about whether this would be a benefit for your child.

The writing’s on the wall Colourful displays of pupils’ work are an obvious way that schools can demonstrate pride in what they’re achieving, so have a good look at what is on display. Are all students’ accomplishments being

celebrated or just those of the high achievers? Does the work on show seem to indicate that children are engaged and enthusiastic about what they’re learning?

Talk to the pupils If you get a chance, there’s no better way to find out about a school than by talking to the pupils and asking them what they like and dislike about the school. Failing that, just watch how they interact, with each other, and with teachers.

13 EDUCATION

Clubs & Classes Activities for children who like to get more out of life! Prototype Makers Summer School @ FACT What? A chance to explore the world of tech and making with artists. Make new friends and learn how to work with networked objects and coding. Suitable for 13 - 16 year olds. When? 5, 6, 7 August / 11am - 5pm Where? FACT HQ, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ www.fact.co.uk

The Summer Reading Challenge 2015 What? The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the long summer holiday. Every time children finish a book they get stickers and a reward and there’s a certificate and medal for everyone who finishes the challenge. When? 10 – 13 July Where? The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB www.theatkinson.co.uk

Summer School at The Everyman What? A week of drama activities, games and creating a performance for children aged 7 to 13 years. Children work together to come up with their own rules, choose a theme for the week and build on it through improvisation and drama games. When? 27 July – 21 August Where? Everyman Theatre, 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BH

Shared Reading Groups @ Calderstones Mansion What? Packed with the funniest stories, thought-provoking poems and tons of crafts and games, these shared reading groups for children and young people are full of energy and excitement. When? Various times and dates. See website. Where? Calderstones Mansion, Calderstones Road, Liverpool, L18 3JD www.thereader.org.uk

Private and group tuition @ Jamm Studios What? A new development providing one to- one/group music tuition, master classes, workshops, rehearsal space and recording studio facilities for drums, guitar, bass, DJ, piano and more. When? Various times and dates. See website. Where? 22 Volunteer Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 2AY www.jammstudios.co.uk

LIPA 4:19 Summer Schools What? Over four weeks this summer, LIPA are running seven separate performing artsthemed activity weeks, carefully designed to appeal to targeted age groups. When? Running throughout August Where? The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Mount Street, Liverpool, L1 9HF www.lipa.ac.uk

Mini Kickers Tae Kwon-do What? Classes teaching your little ones respect, courtesy, self-control, fitness, coordination and discipline through the skills of tae kwon-do. When? Various times and dates. See website. Where? Cardinal Heenan Sports and Leisure Centre, Honeysgreen Lane, Liverpool, L12 9HZ www.liverpooltkd.co.uk

www.everymanplayhouse.com

Soccer Camps @ Hugh McAuley Football What? Football camps for boys and girls of all abilities, aged between 4-16 years of age. Throughout the camps, all young people are faced with challenging and enjoyable skill sessions, penalty shootouts, small sided games and competitions/tournaments. When/Where? July 27 at Redgate Primary School, Formby & August 17 at Formby Play Sports, Altcar Road, Formby.

Trampoline fitness classes What? Ideal for all ages, fitness classes at Velocity Trampoline Park offer the ultimate cardio workout for all ages – a workout without excess stress on the heart or any joints, and burning up to 1000 calories an hour and strengthening your core. When? Several classes throughout the week, including evenings. Where? Unit 1, Easter Park, Bennetts Lane, Widnes, WA8 0GW

www.hughmcauleyfootball.com

www.velocitygb.com

Dance Summer Schools @ MDI Dance What? Two dance summer schools during the holidays: Tingalayo, MDI’s popular weeklong summer school for 5 to 12 year olds to explore African dance, and SPIN, a week of fun and inclusive street dance sessions led by experienced dance artist Paul Doyle. When? Monday 27- Friday 31 July & Monday 3 - Friday 31 July Where? 24 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BX

Summer Kids Snow Camps What? Jam packed full of fun snow activities and are perfect for complete beginners as well as those already competent on the slope. When? Running from 9-5pm during the summer holidays 20th July– 28th August Where? Chill Factore, Trafford Way, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Manchester, M41 7JA www.chillfactore.com

www.mdi.org.uk

Weekly Kids Clubs @ Airborn Academy What? Some action-packed fun classes and clubs at Airborn Academy. Including trampolining, freerunning, cheerleading and more. When? Various times and dates. See website. Where? Unit 3, 105 Boundary Street, Liverpool, L5 9YJ www.airbornacademy.com

Classes at Jelli Studios What? Plays host to The Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy and Jelli Tots, offering the most current classes available in dance, fitness and performing arts weekly. When? Various times and dates. See website. Where? Jelli Studios, The Grange, 142 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 5NA www.jellistudios.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Celebration time at Airborn Airborn Academy is getting out and about into local schools within the community. Staff from the state-of-the-art freerunning, parkour and urban sports facility, have recently worked within St Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Street and Florence Molly schools. It has received some very positive feedback from the pupils and teachers who were wowed by the Airborn experience. They will continue to run workshops at the Academy for schools who wish to award pupils for their hard work especially over this busy exam period, the perfect way to inspire a passion for life. They welcome any enquiries from schools or community projects. Please direct your questions to the Manager via email: marion@ airbornacademy.com or direct on 0151 345 6112.

CLUBS & CLASSES

Parent Review

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ghters “Like most children, my dau ing for form per and love dressing up A 4:19’s LIP ut abo rd hea I en us, so wh seemed it , Summer Schools in August have to m the like the perfect way for mer sum the r ove e fun and be creativ holidays.

LIPA 4:19 Summer Schoo ls LIPA 4:19’s To find out more about ust (including Aug this s ool Sch r me Sum it vis ), ces pri dates, times and er-Schools www.lipa419.co.uk/Summ 9 300 330 1 015 l or cal

term“Growing from LIPA 4:19’s Summer the , ses time weekend clas weekrs offe e mm gra Schools pro cing dan , ing act of s sion ses g lon r olds yea 19 and singing for four to es iviti act The . form who love to per are re the and s litie abi all to are open is ded no auditions – all that’s nee s to have enthusiasm and a willingnes vides an pro k wee iting a go! Each exc develop to ters ngs you for opportunity ged to sta n a performance which is the . day l fina the family and friends on lly looking “Matilda and Poppy are rea away cing forward to singing and dan and – nds frie the summer with new e new we’re hoping they learn som e!” hom at out t bel songs to

CLUBS & CLASSES

Win a place at Jelli Studio’s 1- week Summer School 2015

WIN

There will be singing, dance, drama and Do you think your child is destined for much, much more plus the chance to train stardom? Well, you’ll be well on the way with the principal, Jennifer Ellison herself. to kick-starting their career with this great prize from Jelli Studios - Jennifer Ellison’s The lucky winner can take up their new performing arts school in Liverpool.

place on the 3rd – 7th August 2015 or 10th – 14th August 2015.

They’re offering one lucky winner the chance for their child to attend a one week www.Jellistudios.co.uk summer school at the studio, enjoying a full Jelli Studios, The Grange, 142 five days of tuition with some of the best Edge Lane, Liverpool,L7 5NA teachers in the industry.

To enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions

CLUBS & CLASSES

Family Go Live talks to… Jennifer Ellison Former Brookside babe, Hell’s Kitchen winner, Phantom of the Opera star and dance teacher extraordinaire: Jennifer Ellison has packed a lot into her 32 years.

What’s the hardest part of being a mum for you?

We catch up with her and find out how she juggles her career and motherhood and how on earth she switches off after a busy day refereeing on Dance Mums…

The hardest part of being a mum is being a working mum, finding the balance between working life and home life is one of the most difficult acts I’ve ever had to play and I constantly feel like I’m doing it wrong.

So Jennifer what are you up to at the moment? Currently I have just finished filming the second series of Dance Mums at my own school Jelli Studios. Jelli Studios opened six months ago and is a centre of excellence for performing arts. The idea is that we provide all an aspiring dancer could need under one roof - the best facilities, the best choreographers and, of course, the best teachers. I’m so passionate about teaching the performing arts. Learning those skills changed my life, and it’s great seeing how it’s changing the lives of our little performers too.

And the best? The best is the rewards from the boys, them telling me they love me “The whole wide world” and really meaning it. The cuddles and the unconditional love.

We loved your series Dance Mums, it looked so intense! How do you wind down after a hard day at work? It’s hard to switch off sometimes. I have to turn my phone off and just have family time, watch TV, cook dinner, just do the normal things.

You’re a Liverpool girl. If you had a whole day to spend in the City (and unlimited money!) what would you do?

You had your third son less than a year ago. How do you manage to juggle family life and work?

I’d have a lovely chilled out day, go for lunch at the Docks, bit of shopping in Liverpool One and just switch off and relax with my husband and boys.

It’s very hard! We have a lot of help and both have great families. However it is a juggling act and no matter what you do you always worry you’re not giving everything enough attention.

To find out more about Jelli Studios, visit www.jellistudios.co.uk 19

OUT & ABOUT

Restaurant Review

The Welsford at Liverpool Cathedral ral is the Liverpool’s Anglican Cathed largest fifth largest in the UK, and the utiful bea h suc g in the world. Boastin is a g ldin bui the , ign des architectural h, lunc and perfect setting for afternoon ly inside, tral the Welsford, situated cen did not disappoint! After being shown to our table, we perused the menu, which included everything from salads, soups and sandwiches in the light bites section, to traditional pies, burgers and scouse for the main dishes.

The Welsford at Liverpool Cathedral I’d definitely recommend The can’t Welsford in the cathedral and wait to return. Welsford Find out more about The at l dra the Ca and Liverpool rg.uk www.liverpoolcathedral.o

of the day To start, we chose the soup er. You which was carrot and coriand ; really ade em could tell that it was hom emade hom of e slic nky tasty with a chu . side bread on the e in the I chose a traditional favourit served in was ich wh ’, ‘Welsford Scouse along rd, boa n ode wo a on a deep dish ara sep te with farmhouse bread and us! The icio del red cabbage – it was ty, again tas and h fres e ingredients wer ch mu y ver l fee ade em with the hom ding, I chose pud For . dish the in ent evid ade scone another classic in a homem perfectly ; jam and am with clotted cre rnoon afte al ition trad a off rounding h. lunc

OUT & ABOUT

GO camping with the kids! Summer is here and what better way of bonding with the kids than to take them off camping. We have two family holidays a year, 1 abroad and the other camping somewhere in Britain. Although my kids like to go abroad for the sun they are even more excited about our camping holiday. I was the same. It is an opportunity for kids to be kids and we as a family think that is important. My kids love the freedom more than they ever get on a holiday abroad. The good thing about camping is you can just pack up and go for as little or as long as you want and make memories with the kids. If you are new to camping there are certain essentials that you need and we at Family Go Live have teamed up with Go Outdoors to give you some ideas of what you will need.

The Lake District

Our top 5 campsites Syke Farm Camping Ground, Buttermere

Syke Farm Camping Ground, 01768 770222. Adults £7, children £3 per night. Cars free Fisherground campsite, Eskdale

Fisherground campsite, 01946 723349. Adults £6, children £3, vehicles £2.50, dogs £1 per night. Gillside Farm, Glenridding

Gillside Farm, 01768 482346. Pitch £1, plus adults £7, children £3 and vehicle £1 per night

We are lucky to be so close to one of the natural wonders of the world. Great for a weekend away but even better for a week or longer as there is so much for the family to do.

Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park

Here’s a list of the best places to visit with the kids;

Low Wray Campsite Lakeshore camping

Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport Windermere Lake Cruises, Windermere South Lakes Wild Animal Park Lakeland Miniature Village Beatrix Potter Museum

Amenities; Showers, Toilets, Laundry, Shop, Kitchen, Restaurant 017687 74499

Amenities: On-site Shop, Hot Water/ Showers/WC, Washing Area, Laundry Facilities, Guided Adventure Activities, Bike Hire, Kayak Hire, Children’s Play Area 01539 463862

OUT & ABOUT

. .. ls ia t n e s s E g in Camp Hi Gear Voyager Elite 6 Family Tent A strong, stable and spacious 6-person tent with large windows and generous headroom

£359.99 Retail Price £399.99

Outwell ECOcool 24L Coolbox (240V, 12V) A contemporary style and the latest energy saving technology combined to keep your food in top condition.

£60.00 Retail Price £90.00

Hi Gear Elite Picnic Table Set Easily set up and sturdy when in use, all the elements fold away flat for easy storage and transportation.

£89.99 Retail Price £120.00

Brunton Revolt 9000 USB-optimised re-charger for hand-held electronics like phones, tablets, GPS units and UV water purifiers, it is capable of providing up to 6 full smart phone charges

£72.00 Retail Price £80.00

Hi Gear Spirit 300 Sleeping Bag A lightweight 3 season sleeping bag which is great for camping in UK conditions.

£19.99 Retail Price £35.00

Hi Gear High Rise Flock Airbed A giant and luxurious inflatable airbed with a built-in pump - ideal for camping, or as a spare at home

£54.99 Retail Price £74.99

visit the new Go Outdoors store in Liverpool for these and more amazing camping essentials. 23

Out & About JULY Race for Life 2015 When? 5 July What? Be part of the biggest fight against cancer at Race for Life. Walk, jog or run to help beat cancer. Where? Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside L17 1AF cancerresearchuk.org Basil Brush Show @ Southport Theatre When? 11 July What? The cheeky, charming and quickwitted star is back, still with the outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. Where? Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DZ www.southporttheatreandconvention centre.com Radio City Summer Live @ Echo Arena When? 18 July What? Radio City are coming back to the

arena with their fantastic multi-artist live music event. Previous artists have included Jessie J, Little Mix, Olly Murs, FloRida, McFly, Sam Smith and more. Where? Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP www.echoarena.com Vintage Festival @ Speke Hall When? 18-19 July What? Back by popular demand! See

beautiful vintage and classic cars, grab a bargain in our fabulous vintage market and listen to some retro music. Where? The Walk, Liverpool, Merseyside L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

Meet the Magnificent Mayas @ World Museum When? Daily throughout July & August What? Part of the new Mayas exhibition, go along and find out more about Mayan life in the lively, fun and colourful activities; including storytelling, mask making and pottery. Where? William Brown St, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 8EN www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/ The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time @ Empire Theatre When? 21-25 July What? Based on the award-winning novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre. Where? Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire Summer Family Fun @ Speke Hall When? 21 July 2015 - 30 August 2015 What? A summer of fun at Speke Hall.

There’ll be a different activity every day they’re open. Try den building, crafts, outdoor games, fun family tours and lots more. Where? The Walk, Liverpool, Merseyside L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall Outdoor theatre @ Rufford Old Hall When? 22 July What? On just four bicycles, The

HandleBards will carry all the necessary set, props, costumes and camping equipment to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Where? 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 1SG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ rufford-old-hall

Summer Holiday Nature Explorers @ Martin Mere When? 22 July – 3 August What? Become a Super Nature Explorer this summer at Martin Mere. Collect over 6 stickers from the activities to get your gold badge, including canoe safari, bird feeding, mini-rafts, and wild walk. Where? Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0TA www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ martin-mere Imagine It, Make It, Move It @ the Museum of Science and Industry When? 25 July – 30 August What? Imagine a close-up look with a microscope made from a pop bottle, make working miniatures of the cranes that helped build Manchester and move electricity through amazing circuits with paper and copper tape. You can do it all in these free activities put on by the Museum of Science and Industry. Where? Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP www.mosi.org.uk Late night tower views @ Liverpool Cathedral When? 23 July What? Thursday nights are the night for the best views across Liverpool and beyond, with the tower a popular destination for tourists, amateur photographers and those with a love of a great view. Where? St James Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZ www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

Play it! @ Museum of Science & Industry When? 25 July – 9 August What? Get your game face on this summer and play some of the most popular video games of the past 30 years, from Pong and Pac-Man to Minecraft and Halo. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Where? Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP www.mosi.org.uk My Den @ Museum of Science & Industry When? Daily throughout July & August What? My Den is a pop-up play space in our Textiles Gallery. Little ones can immerse themselves in fabrics and cushions connected to the gallery space and create their very own den. Where? Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP www.mosi.org.uk Shows, talks and feeds @ Blue Planet Aquarium When? Throughout July & August What? Aquatheatre presentations featuring divers and a fish feed taking place daily in the spectacular viewing window. The display will tell you more about the animals in the ocean and what it takes to be a diver! Where? Longlooms Rd, Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port CH65 9LF www.blueplanetaquarium.com

July Sun

Mon

Tues

Weds

Thur 2

Fri 3

Sat 4

Eat At The Atlantic Food festival, Mann Island

Basil Brush Show, Southport Theatre

Meet the Magnificent Mayas, World Museum 19

The Beeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side Knees, Mersy eum us Maritime M

Prototype Makers summer school, Fact

Yellow Submarine s, Hungry Mobile The beatles story

August 2015 Sun 1

Mon 2

Hansel and Gretel, Speke hall 8

Tues

Weds 4

Room On The Broom, Floral Pavilion

Thur 5

Fri 6

Prototype Makers summer school, Fact

Sat 7

Make Fest, MOSI, Manchester

Southport Flower Show 22

Liverpool International Music Festival

Kids Fest, Stanley Park 29

Out & About AUGUST Hansel & Gretel @ Speke Hall When? 1 & 2 August 2015 What? Bring the family for this child-friendly outdoor theatre performance of the classic fairy tale. Meet Hansel and Gretel and join them on their adventures to defeat a very scary witch! Where? The Walk, Liverpool, Merseyside L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall Room on The Broom @ Floral Pavilion When? 2 & 3 August What? A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things and all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up Where? Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, Merseyside CH45 2JS www.floralpavilion.com

Ben & Holly’s Kingdom @ Empire Theatre When? 4 & 5 August What? From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation for the first time ever live on stage! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting musical adventure. Where? Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire

Lolly, Pops & Circus Props @ The Atkinson When? 12 August What? Artful Playground’s interactive musical stories are aimed at children aged 3-7 and suitable for children with special educational needs. Stories are brought to life as the children are invited in to take part and become the characters, sing songs and play games with the story leader. Where? Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB www.theatkinson.co.uk Southport Flower Show When? 20 – 23 August What? Show gardens, floral displays, celebrity guests, bandstand and arena entertainment and much more as the popular Southport Flower show returns. Where? Victoria Park, Southport PR8 2BZ www.southportflowershow.co.uk Waterbeast Quests @ National Wildflower Centre When? 20 August What? Join the Great Outdoors Team and Merseyside Biobank as visitors are invited to get close and personal with the Centre’s waterbeasts! Where? Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L16 3NA www.nwc.org.uk Legally Blonde @ Empire Theatre When? 21 & 22 August What? Liverpool Empire Youth

Theatre presents Legally Blonde the Musical. The all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy Legally Blonde the Musical is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got! Where? Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire

James Bulger Memorial Trust Kids Fest @ Stanley Park When? 23rd August What? This event will not only help to honour James life but will bring communities together in celebration and unity. Kids Fest is unique to Liverpool and will be a celebration of colour, fun and laughter for families and children of all ages, with lots to see and do. Where? Stanley Park, Walton Lane, Liverpool www.forjames.org

Outdoor Theatre @ Rufford Old Hall When? 26 August What? Join the Lord Chamberlain’s Men

this summer to see Shakespeare’s bestloved romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. A joyous tale of love, longing, laughter and mischief, mayhem and mistaken identity, set in fair Illyria. Where? 200 Liverpool Rd, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 1SG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ruffordold-hall/

Liverpool International Music Festival When? 27 – 31 August What? LIMF is an inherently different festival representing the latest chapter of an ever evolving global music city. The five-day programme will take place over several iconic Liverpool venues including Sefton Park. Where? Various locations across the city www.limfestival.com

Family Saturdays @ Victoria Museum & Gallery When? Final Saturday of each month What? Family screenings of films, ‘crafternoons’, holiday workshops, character costumes, storytime sessions, and themed activities. Where? Victoria Gallery and Museum, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR vgm.liverpool.ac.uk Meet the Magnificent Mayas @ World Museum When? Daily throughout July & August What? Part of the new Mayas exhibition, go along and find out more about Mayan life in the lively, fun and colourful activities; including storytelling, mask making and pottery. Where? William Brown St, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 8EN www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

Pongo’s Party @ The Atkinson When? 27 August What? With CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and

Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow, this is a show no CBeebie’s fan should miss. Where? Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB www.theatkinson.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

WIN WIN!! A FAMILY ADMISSION TICKET TO RUFFORD OLD HALL Rufford Old Hall is a fine Tudor building showcasing some 500 years of history. Visitors can be wowed by the Tudor Great Hall with its fantastic furniture, armour, tapestries or see history spring to life in the grand dining room. We’re giving away one family admission ticket to one lucky winner.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ruffordoldhall

For T&C’s and to enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions

OUT & ABOUT

Fun facts about your favourite attractions Planning a day out this summer? Here are some curious facts about some of the North West’s top visitor attractions… Martin mere Visit here, and you’ll also be doing your bit to help preserve our region’s heritage too. The site is a haven for many traditional Lancashire plants, such as the brilliantly named endangered Whorled Caraway and Purple Ramping Fumitory. Speke Hall Think this Tudor house in Speke has always been graced by great and good? Think again! In the 18th and 19th centuries it was very much neglected, and was even used as a cow shed! Rufford Old Hall Want to follow in the footsteps of greatness? Visit Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire. There’s evidence that a certain William Shakespeare stayed here for a few months while still in his teens.

Chill factore This visitor attraction near the Trafford Centre is a record breaker - home to the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope. It’s a whopping 180 metres long! Blue Planet Blue Planet isn’t just a place to be wowed by the creatures of the deep, it’s also doing important conservation work breeding wonderful creatures like the Tomato Frog, which can not only inflate itself in order to warn off predators but also secretes a thick gummy substance that leaves a bad taste if anyone is silly enough to take a bite! Floral pavilion Paris, New York, and New Brighton! Many big names have graced the Floral Pavilion’s stage, including Matt Munro, Diana Dors, Max Bygraves and Ben E. King.

With plenty on offer for foodies young and old, the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival is set to entertain all the family this September 19-20th as it returns to Sefton Park for its eighth year and bigger than ever before.

Family Go Live, as partners to the children’s interactive area will be hosting a marquee just for little ones, giving them the chance to do everything from enjoying live performances, games and dance. There will be the junior chefs academy for children to take part in interactive cookery classes, and for children who want to explore their wild side, there will also be the chance to take part in a bear hunt round the park with healthy snacks brand Bear Nibbles. The little ones won’t be hogging all the fun though. Set to add an air of glamour with a wholesome twist to this year’s Liverpool Food and Drink Festival are hot new chefs Hemsley +Hemsley, who will be headlining the first day of the event. Loved by the food, fitness and fashion industries alike, sisters Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley have a passion for wellness and delicious, nutrient-dense

OUT & ABOUT

Stylish stars signed up for Liverpool Food and Drink Festival cooking. And now they’ll be letting us in on the secrets of their success, and why we should all be ditching pasta in favour of ‘courgetti’ at Liverpool’s favourite foodie extravaganza, which will take place at Sefton Park on the 19-20 September 2015. However, if your own approach to food is a little more naughty than nice, there’s still plenty to tuck into at the festival, which regularly attracts more than 45,000 visitors. Gourmands will be able to enjoy an eclectic range of flavours and tastes from around the world, brought to the park by 160 talented local chefs including Nisha Katona, the talent behind Mowgli on Bold Street, who will be sharing the secrets of making delectable dhals, terrific tikkas and brilliant baltis at her Curry Clinic. Designed to show participants how to make truly authentic Indian street food at home, these masterclasses will run throughout the weekend, with attendance on a first come, first served basis. There will also be areas dedicated to your favourite 60+ local restaurants and bars, the countries coolest street food , over 70+ local producers, cafes, wines and spirits, beers and bangers and children’s activities, cookery demos, foodie masterclasses and of course live entertainment that will keep your foot tapping as you tuck in. Want to keep in touch with what’s happening at LFDF? Follow @LivFoodDrink

OUT & ABOUT

Step into the past, the present and the future, with some of the best museums in the region… Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester Boasting more than 450 interactive exhibits, MOSI is one of the best visitor attractions around. Little visitors can find out what life in space is really like in NASA’s Mission: Moonbase - a simulated permanent lunar base in the year 2070 or, for pintsized adrenaline junkies, there’s MOSI’s Sky Trail® Ropes Course and Zip Line.

Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP www.mosi.org.uk Victoria Gallery & Museum, Liverpool Though most of us will be familiar with the University of Liverpool’s famous redbrick clock tower, how many of us know what’s actually inside the building? The answer is a fantastic museum packed with

curiosities and artefacts from through the ages. We loved their collection of human teeth - ‘Nasty Nashers and Dreadful Dentures’ and getting the chance to see what really went on at a Victorian dentists. Clue: It’s not nice.

Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR vgm.liverpool.ac.uk World Museum, Liverpool It’s official, we love World Museum Liverpool. Where else can you see a meteorite from mars, mummies, Anglo-Saxon relics AND get up close and personal with all manner of creepy crawlies? Don’t miss their Mayas: revelation of an endless time exhibition.

World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN, England www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

35 OUT & ABOUT

LOCAL SERVICES

Directory Costco 01512247675 www.costco.co.uk Renault Liverpool 0151 790 0151 www.renaultretail.co.uk/find-a-dealer/ renault-liverpool/ South Liverpool Plumbing & heating 0151 427 8062 www.allertonplumbers.co.uk Hand built kitchens 07793651229 info@hbkitchens.com J Jones electrical services 0151 545 0610 www.jjoneselectrical.co.uk

KIDS can channel their favourite characters with a new and exclusive range of glasses available at Specsavers in Allerton. The optical retailer has teamed up with The Walt Disney Company UK to launch an exciting range of glasses for children. With classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse to iconic royalty such as Cinderella, this range offers a style to suit every Disney dreamer. Priced at ÂŁ64 and free for under-16s as part of Specsaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NHS offer, your child can also choose an additional free pair of frames in the two-for-one offer.

LOCAL SERVICES

Specsavers teams up with Walt Disney Company UK

Also available is a collection for all action-loving little ones. The Marvel range will feature favourites from the hit movie The Avengers as well as friendly neighbourhood Super Hero Spider-Man. For fans of a certain galaxy far, far away, the new Star Wars collection will feature modern styles that will help your little Star Wars fans take on the whole Empire themselves.

Specsavers: 21-22 Smithdown Place, Allerton, Liverpool L15 9EN

Travel Expert brings specialist services whilst putting the fun back into booking your holidays! Leah Tomprefa a local travel expert from Liverpool is to bring a new travel service to Liverpool. Leah lives and breathes travel, and loves to share her knowledge and expertise. Leah explains “People don’t have time to spend hours searching online or in high street shops, personalised services will enhance the holidaying experience from beginning to end, making it more enjoyable, seamless and most importantly – stress free!”

Giving you piece of mind Leah only sells holidays that are fully financially protected. Plus, being independent means she can source a wide range of travel companies from UK to Worldwide holidays, matching that perfect holiday and at the best price.

LOCAL SERVICES

Passionate Independent Travel Expert brings more to the North West.

Leah added “As a mum of two myself, I have travelled to many family friendly resorts, so I can offer my advice on lots of holiday destinations. Also having little ones I know how important it is to ensure your family holiday meets all of your needs to ensure it is relaxing and stress free.” You can book a holiday in the comfort of your own home, over the telephone or at a location of your choice at a time that suits you. To find out more about Leah and her services contact her at leah@independenttravelexperts. co.uk or via her Facebook page ‘Leah Tomprefa Independent Travel Expert’.

LOCAL SERVICES

Franchising: Fun, freedom and financial success Subway, Costa, McDonalds. The businesses that we see thriving on our high street are proof that franchising works, and it works well. More and more people are recognising franchising as a way to enjoy the freedom and financial rewards of running their own business, while benefiting from the brand recognition and support that comes with being part of a large, well-known organisation. And franchising is very much on the up. Figures from Natwest and the British Franchising Association show that there has been a 20% increase in franchising employment in the last five years. The overall contribution of franchising to the UK economy is £13.7 billion, a contribution that has grown by 20% over the past 5 years, whilst the overall economy has shrunk 2.5% over the same period. One woman who knows all about how to make a success of franchising is Karen Sherr, the founder of Musical Minis - musical classes for babies, pre-

schoolers and toddlers. Her business enabled her to combine fun, family and financial freedom, and now she’s urging other mums to consider whether they could make a success of franchising. She explains: “The autonomy you get from franchising - not being accountable to an unsympathetic boss if you need to go and pick up a sick child from school for example - appeals to many women. However, many of the big-name franchises require you to put in full time hours, or more, in order to make them work. A franchise that offers total flexibility, like Musical Minis, can offer a happy medium. For busy mums looking for a new opportunity, franchising is well worth exploring.”

The Merseyside Musical Minis franchise is now available for purchase as a going concern. To find out more go to www.musicalminis.co.uk/

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health & Beauty directory of useful numbers Urgent Care 24 (Out of hours service) 0151 220 3685 www.urgentcare24.com Pharmacy Service Search www.nhs.uk/service-search St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye Hospital 0151 706 3222 www.rlbuht.nhs.uk Liverpool University Dental Hospital 0151 706 5253 www.rlbuht.nhs.uk Liverpool Community Health Trust 0151 295 3000 www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

Sport England (This Girl Can) 08458 508 508 www.sportengland.org Broadgreen Hospital 0151 282 6000 The Physiotherapy Centre 0151 724 2060 www.thephysiotherapycentre.com Slimming World 0844 897 8000 www.slimmingworld.com Aesthetically You 0151 427 0014 www.aestheticallyyou.co.uk Toni & Guy Allerton 0151 734 3300 www.toniandguy.com

This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England that I’m sure you’ve seen with real women at the heart of it. Women come in all shapes and sizes and all levels of ability. It doesn’t matter if you’re rubbish or an expert. The point is you’re doing something no matter how you look or even how red your face gets, aiming to prove women don’t have to worry about how they look when they’re exercising, liberating women from the fear of judgements that hold them back. It’s had a phenomenal response across all media platforms and has resonated with all

HEALTH & BEAUTY

This Girl Can

women. Women are more inspired by real women; it makes things feel more achievable. So now it’s Liverpool’s turn to show that there really is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy. Check out Liverpool’s This Girl Can on Facebook Twitter Instagram

This Girl Can Liverpool @thisgirlcanliv @thisgirlcanliverpool

PARTIES & PLATIME

Parties & Playtime directory of useful numbers Find A Caterer 0121 603 2524 www.ncass.org.uk Party accessories 0151 345 3817 www.partyzoneliverpool.co.uk Fun Town Liverpool 0151 427 2369 www.funtownliverpool.co.uk Studio 8 Cakes 07917 115798 www.studio8cakes.co.uk Yellow Sub 0844 412 0850 www.yellowsub.co.uk

Just The Cupcake 07765 228009 www.justthecupcake.co.uk Otterspool Adventure Centre 0151 494 3044 www.otterspooladventurecentre.co.uk Sam Mitchell Nails & Beauty Parties 0151 722 3386 Big Red Party Bus 07824 872 159 www.bigredpartybus-liverpool.co.uk

PARTIES & PLATIME

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Chill Factore Presents: READY GO SNOW SUMMER FESTIVAL! Prepare for a summer packed full of adventure and plenty of exciting FREE events! Every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays Chill Factore are running free activities for you to enjoy with your friends and family. Embark on a Mini Snow Trek where you will witness Ski or Snowboard Lessons first hand and see the action unfolding in the exciting Snow Park, before heading off to enjoy a quick go at sledging. You can also enjoy a scramble up the 12m climbing wall! The lovable Mini Moose will be there to delight all the children as well as much more fun…But we don’t want to spoil the surprise, so come on down to find out!