Family Go Live - May June 2016 by Family Go Live

Going up… > Whale Talk: the Nations favourite forgetful fish is back in action this year with the release of Disney’s Finding Dory! Just keep swimming, the release is just around the corner! (July 29th)

Welcome to... The Essential Directory for Organised Parents Dig out that summer dress and release those sandals from captivity in the back of the wardrobe because it’s the May/June edition of Family Go Live, and have we got a packed programme for you. This issue we’re catching up with TV star and allround-inspiration Katie Piper, who tells us all about her beauty secrets and find out all about baby-led weaning and the benefits of trampolining. We’re also digging out our bucket and spade and heading out on a trip to Blackpool, as we explore what’s on offer at SEA LIFE, while closer to home we take a look at what Calderstones Park’s The Storybarn is doing to fire up young imaginations. And of course, we’ve also got our usual mix of listings, competitions and vouchers - all you need to keep you smiling right through summer. Best wishes,

> Mummy Worry: Anxiety and depression are now the most common health disorder in the UK, with rates of anxiety rising by 70% in the last 25 years… No wonder we’re accused of wrapping our kids in cotton wool! > Getting Mindful: Mindfulness classes for pre-schoolers are fast becoming the biggest parenting trend since Jo Frost and the naughty step!

Going down… <Yeezys Bank Balance: Kanye West and the streaming service Tidal are facing a class action law suit for fraud. Following his album surfacing on Spotify and Apple Play after claiming that his new album, The Life of Pablo, would never be for sale anywhere else. <Health awareness: 9% of young adults think that Coeliac is a famous Italian restaurant according to research by UDI Gluten Free. <Deadly Talcum Powder: Johnson and Johnson talcum powder has been has been sued by over 1,200 women who blame the company’s talcum powder products for their ovarian cancer.

The Family Go Live Team EDITORIAL: Sarah Carlin ADVERTISING SALES: Jo Benmayor, Lisa Sutton & Amie Ambrose DIRECTOR: Denise Harris ADDRESS: SK Events, The Old Bank 382 Aigburth Road Liverpool L19 3QD TELEPHONE: 0151 432 5651 EMAIL: info@familygolive.com

Getting started with Baby-Led Weaning…

Antenatal Support

Twilight Scanning

Tel: 0151 538 2998 www.twilightscanning.co.uk

While for decades, weaning a baby from the breast or bottle has involved mushing up food or making purees, many mothers are now trying out Baby-Led Weaning, which essentially means letting your baby begin feeding him or herself with solid foods. We spoke to Amy Fisher, of Orchard Day Nursery, about what you need to know and how to get started.

UK Birth Centres

Tel: 0800 3800 579 www.ukbirthcentres.com

One to One Midwives

Tel: 0330 330 9121 www.onetoonemidwives.org

NCT

Tel: 0300 330 0700 www.nct.org.uk/branches/liverpool Post Natal Support

Association of Breast Feeding Mothers

When can babies start Baby-Led Weaning?

Tel: 0300 330 5453 http://abm.me.uk/contact/

Tel: 0151 702 4411 bambis@lwh.nhs.uk

“Of course, it will differ with all babies and on factors like whether they are able to hold their heads up independently yet, but generally speaking baby-led weaning can begin to be explored at around six months and in conjunction with breast or bottle feeding whichever method you are currently using.”

Health Support

What are the benefits?

Liverpool Women’s Hospital

“There are numerous benefits. The first, and maybe the most obvious one, is the fact that its gets your baby interested in a range of different textures and tastes. It’s also great for their co-ordination and control too.

PSS Post Natal Support Group Tel: 0151 702 5555 www.psspeople.com

Bambis Breast Feeding Support Group

Tel: 0151 708 9988 www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk

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

NHS 111 Helpline Tel: 111 www.nhs.uk

Allergy UK Helpline

“Another benefit is that it allows babies to join in family meal times and one study actually found that babies who are allowed to feed

Tel: 01322 619898 www.allergyuk.org

BUMPS & BABIES

Bumps & Babies directory of useful numbers

themselves from the beginning of weaning are more likely to choose healthier foods as they grow up.” What sort of foods should I be trying?

“As a rule of thumb, it’s best to start with foods that you can easily hold in the palm of your hands and which can be easily chopped up into a stick-like shape. Things like carrots and cucumbers are ideal, for example.” Is there anything else you need to be aware of?

“As you can expect, choking is always a hazard when weaning your baby, so vigilance is required at all times. Always supervise your child when they are eating and ensure that foods are cut up in the correct way. Grapes, for example, must always be cut up into quarters. It’s also sensible to stay away from potentially high-allergen foods like tomatoes. “Another thing to be aware of is that BabyLed Weaning can get very messy so always make sure you have wet wipes and a change of clothes to hand. And because sometimes more of the food they eat will end up on the floor than in their mouth, it’s important to be mindful of how much they’re actually eating, just so you know they’re getting enough nutrients.”

Teaching water confidence and safety techniques from birth, the multi-award winning Water Babies programme is designed to make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water. Established in 2002, Ali Ogden and her team have been running classes across Liverpool since 2005 and now teach over 1500 babies and toddlers every week.

Wooden Rocking Duck Price: £135.00 Crafted solely by hand by our master craftsman, this rocking wooden duck has been finished to an exceedingly high specification. It also comes fully assembled, which means it won’t send you quacking mad trying to set it up!

With progressive training, babies can be taught vital life saving skills such as turning onto their backs or, following a sudden submersion, swimming to the nearest solid object. “And it’s so important that they do,” explains Ali. “Over the years, more than a dozen Water Babies have saved themselves from drowning – most of whom were only two years old at the time.”

Tidy Freaks Litter Bin Price: £14.99 Sick of the kids transforming your backseat into a rubbish tip? Then you need a Tidy Freaks bin. Easily fitted to any car headrest, with a Velcro strap, and with a wipe clean inner lining for stickier items, these child friendly bins make keeping things clean and tidy fun!

BUMPS & BABIES

Teaching water confidence

Take Five… with

The first year of a baby’s life is crucial in terms of development, and swimming with your baby can have an extremely positive effect on this development - all the gentle rocking, reaching for objects, kicking movements and learning to respond to voice commands all provide the perfect stimulation for your baby’s brain. And water allows for a baby’s muscles to move freely without the constraints of gravity, making being in water the perfect exercise for tots. For more information call 01925 243643 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk.

Poncho Toddler Towel Price: £27.95 Heading on holiday this half term? This poncho will be your lifesaver; it can be used for swimming, bath-time and for keeping your toddler cosy on the beach! Highly durable and soft to the touch, the toddler towels come in two fresh and classic colours: red/white stripe and blue/white stripe – striped on the outside and towelling on the inside.

Wooden Ice Cream Sundae Price: £25.00 WALABOO SLING Price: £27.95 Multi-tasking with a baby in tow is made easy with this Walaboo Sling. “Wearing” your baby means that your little one gets to snuggle close to you, while you’ll have two hands free to do everything else. Made of a durable cotton, this adjustable baby carrier is softer and breathes more than polyester baby carriers.

Who doesn’t love an Ice Cream Sundae? This stackable, colourful, wooden educational toy is perfect for imaginative playtime!

visit www.familygolive.com/shop 6

Blowing the birth budget

Monte Bello Tel: 0151 329 3292 www.montebellotraining.com

Liverpool College Ofsted

Tel: 0151 724 4000

Tel: 0300 123 1231

www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk

While how we give birth has been, for many years, something of a one-size-fits-all service, this could all be set to change thanks to a new initiative from NHS England.

National Apprenticeship Service

Active TT

Tel: 0800 015 0400 / 0247 682 6482

Tel: 0151 709 8011 / 07762 875001

Alsop High School

www.activett.co.uk

Tel: 0151 235 1200

Kumon Allerton

www.alsophighschool.co.uk

Tel: 0151 727 2720

Everton Sixth Form

St Margaret’s Academy

Pregnant women will be given their own £3,000 NHS Personal Maternity Care Budget, dubbed “the birth budget” that will enable them to choose the care they’d like during childbirth. Policy-makers hope that this will give women more control over how they give birth, whether that means labour at home, water births or using alternative methods of pain relief.

Tel: 0151 438 2277

Tel: 0151 427 1825

www.evertonsixthform.com

www.stmargaretsacademy.com

Broughton Hall

Genie Tutors

Tel: 0151 541 9440

Tel: 0151 329 3006

www.broughtonhall.com

www.genietutors.co.uk

One aim of the initiative is to pioneer a market-led approach to maternity care, with only the best providers likely to receive funding and inadequate services being forced to raise their standards. However some experts argue that the new provisions are simply a smokescreen to disguise poor levels of maternity care in England and will not increase the ability of the already over stretched health service to meet demand. Alison Edwards, senior lecturer in Midwifery at Birmingham City University explained: “Provision of women’s choice has always been high on the midwifery agenda however, there are a number of blocks that may hinder the implementation of ‘birth budgets’, announced in the news this week.

EDUCATION

BUMPS & BABIES

Education directory of useful numbers

“Just because a woman is given money to access services doesn’t alter the fact that services are already under resourced. Women requesting extra scans for example would mean stretching a resource already at capacity much further. “Independent midwives are also on the decline. Should we see more and more women request home births, there needs to be a dramatic increase in the number of midwives to care for them.” She also raised concerns that women may not be given the proper support in choosing the right birth for them. She continued: “Giving women the option to choose is a good thing, but they will need guidance to what would be appropriate. “It is unclear whether women would just be handed £3000 or whether they would claim it when they request some aspect of care. It is disconcerting that there isn’t a budget to support expanding services but suddenly there is one to give every woman £3000, when there are 800,000 births per year. What happens if there are no resources to provide what is being asked for?”

EDUCATION

Exam Revision Tips! Exam season is upon us and revision is the key word for the term ahead, but how should we revise? Sarah Oakley-Cooke, of Active TT private tutors shares her thoughts on what makes for successful revision… Revising to Music: “Your child needs to be really truthful with themselves and decide whether you can concentrate with music in the background. I am great at revising with classical music, but up to date music and I find myself singing to it rather than revising…” Flash cards: “Encourage your child to write notes from school notes onto flash cards –then revise from the flash cards. Always encourage them to read their flash cards just before you go into their exam for last minute checks. Protein Led Breakfast/lunch: “This is an easy one, you need to feed the brain!” Regular rests: “Try to aim for a 45 minute revision sessions with at least a 15 minute break after. If your child tries to do too much at once, your brain will switch off because it’s too tired!” Revision timetable: “We all have busy lives, even in exam season- so plan in advance revision you and your child can do in each subject. I recommend two subjects per night, and one day off completely from revision a week.”

Peer Revision: “Do this in a small group or even just a pair, get your child and their friends to ask each other revision questions and study together to get the best results!” Stay Behind: “Most schools offer tuition after school through exam season-stay behind and improve grades - take advantage of this.” Tuition School: “Tuition schools offer revision programmes in a variety of different ways. For example, here at Active TT we offer Wednesday evenings with tutors in a number of subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History, Business Studies and French available. Regular breaks/exercise: “Advise your child to go for a walk and get some fresh air…they’ll come back in a much stronger frame of mind to start revision again.” Revision Text Books: “Make sure you get the correct book for each subject (Higher or Lower Tier) and the correct exam board (AQA, Edexcel, Welsh Board to name a few), and work through all the guidance and exercises. If your child still isn’t getting everything correct-ask your subject teacher in school or your tutor, if you have one.”

It’s a tale heard all too often – talented children can often find themselves unmotivated to succeed in school. “Potential” is a word that gets uttered often in education, but realising a child’s true potential can be a challenging task. However, this is a task that the staff at Genie Tutors say they revel in. Luke Scrutton, Founder of Genie Tutors, explains how they help to foster a love of learning. “One of the ways in which Genie Tutors gets children to love learning is by emphasising the power of learning in small groups. When children are in small groups, we find they are more likely to bounce ideas off each other, compete with each other, interact with each other and support each other.

EDUCATION

Fostering learning with Genie Tutors

the fridge, in that rewarding a special effort gives children a reminder that their efforts are valued by the people who care about them. “Rewarding a child’s efforts encourages them to see the joy in working hard. We love our jobs, and we love how we help children too.”

This can make learning more enjoyable and productive than it may otherwise be in a large classroom or in a one to one situation. By sitting across the table from their tutor in an informal setting, children can’t help but share the enthusiasm of our tutors when they are teaching, and in turn the tutors can easily see what makes each individual child excited. “We also try to create a culture where we reward the hard work that our children put in to their education. We try not to use them as a bargaining tool (we aren’t training puppies!), but use rewards to foster a genuine appreciation of the effort that a child makes. It’s similar to putting a child’s work on

EDUCATION

Phonics not necessarily the best way to teach reading, says study Although phonics - breaking words down into their constituent parts - has been one of the main ways in which parents and teachers have taught children to read for many years, new research from the London School of Economics (LSE) has shown that the method is not demonstrably better than other ways of learning to read. The study looked into the impact of phonics on pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attainment in teacher assessments and tests atÂ age five, seven and 11. They found that while those taught to read using the phonics method tended to have a higher reading age at the ages of five and seven, by the age of 11 the gap between phonics-taught children and those taught to read by other methods had closed.

However, the study did find that the use of phonics could help particular groups of pupils who may be more likely to be disadvantaged in learning to read, such as those from deprived backgrounds or children who have English as a second language. The study also gave phonics as a teaching method its broad approval, noting that it was a simple and cost-effective way of teaching children to read.

Activities for children who like to get more out of life! Performing Arts @ Liverpool Theatre School Academy What? Performing arts classes for ages 3 - 16 in dance, drama, singing, musical theatre, gymnastics and new cheerleading classes too! When? Saturdays Where? Liverpool Theatre School, 19 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 4JR 07515282877 / 0151 728 7800 www.liverpooltheatreschool.co.uk

Holiday Active @ David Lloyd What? Full day of sports, tennis,

May Half Term Drama Fun @ Everyman Theatre

Tuesday’s Disability Sessions @ Yellow Sub

What? Run by experienced workshop leaders, 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. The fun filled week culminates in a performance completely of their own creation – in the Everyman’s studio space on Friday afternoon When? 30 May – 5 June Where? Everyman Theatre, 5 – 11Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BH

What? Catering for children with a range of disabilities. Unlimited spaces. Normal admission price. When? 2nd Tuesday of each month Where? Yellow Sub, Dempster Buildings, Atlantic Way, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool, L3 4BE

www.everymanplayhouse.com

What? Open to all children aged 4 – 11 years of age. The dedicated, enthusiastic and energetic team of sports coaches deliver a range of recognised sports and a variety of play and recreation activities within its indoor sports hall and dance studio, tennis courts and grass pitches and private swimming pool. When? 31 May – 3 June Where? Ian Robinson Sports Centre, Merchant Taylors’ Boys School, Liverpool Road, Crosby, L23 0QP

Everton Soccer Camp @ Various Locations What? For the best time with a football outside of Goodison Park, why not sign your child up to take part in Everton in the Community’s Soccer School? Run by trained coaches from Everton, the Soccer Schools offer young people the chance to develop their skills and learn new techniques in a safe, fun environment. When? See website for dates and further details. www.evertonfc.com/soccer-camps

www.yellowsub.co.uk

Sporting Land Children’s Holiday Programme @Ian Robinson Sports Centre

www.merchanttaylors.com/ianrobinson

Children Swimming Lessons @ University of Liverpool

swimming and healthy snacks and meals. £30 per day or £120 for 5 days. Holiday active is available to non-members. To find out more info or to book a place please call 0151 494 4001 or email sport.speke@davidlloyd. co.uk When? 30 May – 3 June Where? 6 The Aerodrome, Liverpool, L24 8QD Sport.speke@davidlloyd.co.uk

ages 5-16 years such as football, trampolining and dance When? 31 May – 3 June Where? Childwall Sports Centre, Childwall Sports and Science Academy, Fiveways, Queens Drive, Liverpool L15 6XZ

What? The University of Liverpool has been delivering swimming lessons in Liverpool City Centre for over 10 years and has seen thousands of children and adults develop their swimming ability through its programmes. When? Various times (see website for details) Where? University of Liverpool,

0151 494 4001

www.childwallsportscentre.co.uk

www.liverpool.ac.uk/sports/swim-school

Half Term Holiday Programme @ Childwall Sports Centre What? A range of activities for children

Junior Golf @ Liverpool Golf Centre What? Liverpool Golf Centre has run many successful junior programmes for Golf Foundation and Sports UK including an inner city schools grass roots initiative to give children from deprived areas the opportunity to learn how to play golf and get them into local clubs. In addition to the weekly group lessons the organisation also runs junior golf days during the school holidays. These are either run over one or two days and include a range of activities including driving, chipping, putting, competitions, games and prizes. When? Wednesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm & Saturdays 11am – 12pm Where? Caldway Drive, Netherley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L27 0YB www.liverpoolgolfcentre.co.uk

Tiny Liverpool @ Museum of Liverpool What? Join the Museum of Liverpool’s popular parent and baby mornings. It is a chance to meet other parents, and for you and your baby to take part in singing, story and play sessions. Free tickets available at the Welcome Desk. When? Various dates and times Where? Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DG www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Clubs & Classes

Think that trampolining is just for fun? Think again. According to NASA, “rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man.” The scientists as the world famous space agency made this statement after discovering that rebounding (that’s the technical name for trampolining) was the quickest and safest way of helping astronauts rebuild their lost bone mineral quality after time spent in the gravity-free environment of space. But you certainly don’t have to be an astronaut to benefit from trampolining… It’s better for your joints than many other types of physical activity The problem with many forms of exercise is that the benefits to your cardiovascular system are offset against the damage done to your joints, especially in pursuits which involve a lot of running, such as jogging, or football. In contrast, using a trampoline takes up to 80% of the stress of your weight bearing joints, meaning the chance of doing long-term damage is greatly reduced. It’s a full-body workout Don’t be fooled by how much fun it is, trampolining also gives your body a serious workout. In fact, some studies show that you burn the same number

CLUBS & CLASSES

Bouncing is better: 5 things you may not have known about trampolining

of calories in just ten minutes of bouncing as you do in a 30 minute jog. Trampolining also stimulates your metabolism, increases oxygen capacity, improves your cardiovascular health and helps to firm and tone the muscles. It improves the strength of your bones Every time you jump on a trampoline, the bones are put under slight stress (but not too much). This helps your musculoskeletal system build up, which in turn could help prevent conditions such as brittle bone disease or osteoporosis. It’s good for your mental health Unsurprisingly, a pursuit that’s as much fun as trampolining is also thought to be pretty good for your mental health too, especially as those allimportant mood-enhancing endorphins start being released. You can do it at home, or away Another big benefit of trampolining is the convenience factor. If you have adequate outdoor space, for a modest outlay you can buy your own trampoline and just head out to the back garden whenever you fancy a bounce. Or if you fancy really hitting the high notes, just head down to a trampoline park such as Velocity in Widnes, which boasts more than 90 interconnected trampolines.

Out & About May Mattel Play!

What? Inspire your child’s imagination

with over 13,000 square feet of interactive adventure play across three uniquely themed zones. Where? Mattel Play! Liverpool, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AA www.mattelplayliverpool.com

hours of safe supervised fun with highly experienced practitioners! Where? 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

Swinging 60s Sing-a-long Murder Mystery @ Croxteth Hall

When? 7 May What? Come to Croxteth Hall and join in

the fun while solving the murder mystery. Sing your favourite 60s songs then enjoy a meal whilst you decide “who did it”. Where? Croxteth Hall, Liverpool, Merseyside L12 www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/ singing-murder-mystery

the top of The Blackpool Tower Eye and experience the thrilling SkyWalk. Take in the best views across the North West of England from the top of the iconic Blackpool Tower. Where? The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 4BJ www.theblackpooltower.com/ attractions/the-blackpool-tower-eye. aspx

Splatterdays @ Unity Theatre When? Saturdays What? Learn new skills, gain self

confidence, make friends and have fun. Splatterday’s arts workshops for 5 - 13s at Unity are filled to the brim with making, acting, storytelling and play sessions.2

winning spin on the Spielberg classic Jurassic Park that will make you laugh out loud! It’s going to be a theatrical celebration of cinematic nostalgia. The perfect parody for those waiting anxiously for the next film, and an enjoyable entertainment for everyone else! Where? The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB www.theatkinson.co.uk

When? 24 – 28 May What? Retelling the biblical story of Joseph

When? 13 May What? Follow your own exciting trail of

What? Take a trip 380ft into the sky to

When? 22 May What? Join the Atkinson for this award-

Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat @ Floral Pavilion

Light Night Liverpool

Blackpool Tower Eye

Dinosaur Park @ The Atkinson

light projections, exhibitions, performances, talks, walks, tours, dance and hands-on activities for all ages. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll uncover the flourishing creative underbelly that makes Liverpool such an extraordinary place. It’s a Friday night out with a difference. Where? Various Locations www.lightnightliverpool.co.uk

(Joe McElderry), his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door to Me. Where? Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS www.floralpavilion.com

Peppa Pigs Surprise @ Empire Theatre When? 28 – 29 May What? Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and

The Piermasters House @ Maritime Museum

When? 21 May What? Travel back in time to the 1940s

and learn about life in Liverpool during the Second World War with rationing, blackouts and ‘make do and mend’ in the Piermaster’s House. 1-4pm, at intervals. Free drop-in event, no need to book Where? Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AQ www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ maritime

their friends are back in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Liverpool Empire Where? Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpoolempire

Liverpool Sound City

When? 28 – 29 May What? The largest international music,

digital and film festival and conference in the UK, taking pride every year in bringing some of the most exciting breakthrough artists in the city. Where? Liverpool Waters, BramleyMoore Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool, L3 0AP www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

Ice Cream Festival @ Brimstage Maze

When? 28 May – 5 June What? Come and experience some of the

best ice cream around! Yum! Of course we will have all the indoor and outdoor play open too! Where? Brimstage Maze, Behind Brimstage Hall Courtyard, Brimstage Road, Brimstage, Wirral, CH63 6JA www.brimstagemaze.co.uk

Don’t Dribble on the Dragon @ Epstein Theatre

When? 31 May – 1 June What? Based on the fabulous new book

by Steven Lee and with magic designed by Paul Daniels, this spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults and loving little ones alike. Where? The Epstein Theatre, Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

Out & About June Blackpool Dungeon

What? Journey into the belly of the

theatrical Blackpool Tower for the trip of a lifetime; a full cast of brilliant actors, ten shows backed with laughs and frights as well as a whole host of authentic sets, amazing special effects and an exciting drop ride making The Blackpool Tower Dungeon the best attraction for those who like a mix of fun and fear. Where? The Blackpool Tower, Bank Hey St, Blackpool FY1 4BJ www.thedungeons.com/blackpool/en

Tudor Half Term Fun @ Speke Hall

When? 1 – 5 June What? Join the team at Speke Hall for Tudor

fun, games and activities during half term. Where? Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool,

Merseyside L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

The Giants Loo Roll @ Floral Pavilion When? 3 June

What? Look out for the biggest loo roll ever on stage in this GIANT of a children’s musical. Watch out for some frightened sheep, lots of excited children and a fantastic amount of toilet paper in this riproaring new show. Where? Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS

Swinging 60s Sing-a-long Murder Mystery @ Croxteth Hall

Wave @ Unity Theatre

When? 3 June What? A rich and colourful multi-sensory

play for ages 11 - 26s with autism, profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), and severe learning disabilities (SLD) and their companions. Join the cast on the island where Dad is a weather scientist. Explore the sensory world of the weather, the workshop and the beach and help Miranda with her dilemma. Where? 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG

When? 4 June What? Come to Croxteth Hall and join in the fun while solving the murder mystery. Sing your favourite 60s songs then enjoy a meal whilst you decide “who did it”. Where? Croxteth Hall, Liverpool, Merseyside L12 www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/ singing-murder-mystery

www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

Southport Food and Drink Festival @ Victoria Park When? 3 – 5 June What? The annual Southport Food and

Drink Festival is a three day culinary delight featuring Chef Demonstrations, street food traders, cocktails, local and regional beer, family activities in the Children’s marquee, local and continental producers, food challenges and much more. Where? Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BZ

International Mersey River Festival 2016 @ Liverpool Waterfront When? 3 – 5 June What? The International Mersey River

Festival is a celebration of Liverpool’s wonderful and historic waterfront in a completely free three day extravaganza of family fun, amazing music and entertainment along the iconic River Mersey. Where? Liverpool Waterfront www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/ international-mersey-river-festival-2

Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament 2016 @ Liverpool Cricket Club

When? 16 – 19 June What? The Tournament has been running

as a warmup event to Wimbledon since 2002. Over the years, the event has attracted players such as Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer and Caroline Wozniacki. Where? Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L19 3QF www.liverpooltennis.co.uk

Africa Oye Festival @ Sefton Park When? 18 – 19 June What? The countdown is on until

Africa Oyé will be taking centre stage in Liverpool’s Sefton Park yet again in 2016. With another stellar festival set to take place, it is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture taking place annually in Liverpool. Where? Sefton Park, Aigburth, Liverpool, Merseyside, L17 1AP www.africaoye.com

Manchester Children’s Book Festival: Pugs of the Frozen North @ Manchester Writing School When? 25 June What? Festival favourites Philip Reeve

and Sarah McIntyre - creators of the popular sea monkey mascots - back to headline our 2016 festival and can’t wait to find out more about this enchanting, beautifully illustrated story - and welcome the Pugs of the Frozen North to Manchester! Where? MMU Geoffrey Manton Building Rosamond Street West Off Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6LL.

Cheeki Monkeys BIG baby and children’s market/Fun Family Morning @ Enterprise Soulth Liverpool Academy

When? 25 June (10.30am – 12.30pm) What? With plenty to keep your little ones

amused, comfy seats where you can relax and have a coffee after bargain hunting and fabulous toddler entertainment, this is a great day out for anyone in need of a little retail therapy. Where? 51 Horrocks Avenue, Liverpool, L19 5NY 0151 230 2570

Jackie the Musical @ Empire Theatre

When? 28 – 30 June What? Once there was a time with

no mobiles, no online dating and no Facebook, when teenage girls waited with bated breath by the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine. In Jackie The Musical we revisit those heady days, and tell the story of a recent divorcée who seeks advice once more from the pages of her old Jackie annuals. Where? Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire

www.floralpavilion.com

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International Mersey River Festiv al 2016 @ Liverpool Waterfront

Tudor Half Term Fun @ Speke Hall

Light Night Liverpool

Thur

s Swinging 60 ng lo Sing-atery Murder Mys Hall @ Croxteth 8

Weds

International Mersey al River Festiv 2016 @ Liverpool Waterfront 12

Africa Oye Festival @ Sefton Park 22

e Joseph and th r ou ol Technic Dreamcoat on @ Floral Pavili 29

Liverpool Sound City

GERONIMO FESTIVAL, Tatton park, Cheshire

Liverpool Sound City

Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 26

OUT & ABOUT

Under the sea at SEA LIFE Blackpool While oceans might cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, chances to explore the marine life that live beneath the waves are understandably few and far between, meaning most children can only see sea creatures in picture books or TV programmes. That is, until they take a trip to SEA LIFE Blackpool, where they can get up close and personal with more than 2,000 weird and wonderful aquatic creatures including tropical sharks, colourful reef fish, octopus, sting rays and sea horses. I headed down there with my friend and her five-year old son over the Easter break. First we explored the underwater tunnel. Here, shark species of all shapes & sizes swim only centimetres from the end of your nose in the cool blue water that surrounds you. My friend’s little boy’s favourite was most definitely Boris the Bowmouth Guitar Shark. He might not be set to win any beauty pageants but his ridiculous appearance certainly made us laugh. We could have quite happily spent all day just watching the spectacular creatures in the underwater tunnel, but there was much more to see and do.

So next, we headed down to SEA LIFE’s Interactive Rockpool Experience, where visitors can actually do things like hold a crab or touch a starfish! Moving on, we caught one of the centre’s many ‘Feeding Time’ experiences, where we watched many different breeds of stunning ray tuck into their lunch. We loved our visit to SEA LIFE Blackpool and will most definitely be back, not least because in May, they’ll be introducing a new Mister Maker themed attraction. And as my friend’s son is shark-mad, we’re confident he’ll be pleading for a return to SEA LIFE Blackpool because of the range of amazing shark experiences they have on offer, such as snorkelling with sharks, shark feeding, a ‘Shark Keeper for the Day’, and even a shark sleepover! To find out more about SEA LIFE Blackpool, please visit: www.visitsealife.com/blackpool/. You can also find them on Twitter (@sealifecentre), Instagram (@ sealifeblackpool) or Facebook (Facebook.com/ sealifeblackpool) Parent + Toddler Midweek Ticket available. Special offer only available outside of school holidays (termtime only). Includes standard admission to SEA LIFE Blackpool and admits one adult and one child aged 5 years or younger. Offer valid from Monday to Friday to visit at any time from 10am until last admission. Children under 3 years can visit the attraction for free.You must have a child of 5 or under in your party to book this ticket option.

OUT & ABOUT

Restaurant Review

TriBeCa

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WIN! A Merlin Blackpool family BIG TICKET!*

WIN

The Merlin Blackpool Big Ticket gives you access Jubilee Circus Show. to all of Merlin Entertainments eight attractions in • Jungle Jim’s adventure playground where kids Blackpool which includes the following: can play and explore the lost city • The world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom. • The Blackpool Tower Eye with superb views • Madame Tussauds Blackpool getting you up across the North West at 380ft in the sky. close and personal with Britain’s best-loved • The Blackpool Tower Dungeon where fear is a personalities; from music mogul Simon Cowell, funny thing and a whole cast of brilliant actors singing sensation Olly Murs to loveable TV will take you on a storytelling journey through personality Paddy McGuinness! 1000 years of Lancashire’s dark history • SEA LIFE Blackpool showcases more than 50 • The Blackpool Tower Circus where incredible dazzling displays and over 2,000 spectacular acrobats from across the globe perform jaw aquatic creatures including tropical sharks, dropping skills in Mooky and Mr Boo’s Silver colourful reef fish, rays and sea horses.

To enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions OR 1 adult and 3 children. *Family BIG TICKET allows entry for 2 adults and 2 children

As far as former librarian and reading fanatic Holly Wagstaff is concerned she has the best job in the world. She is the Developer for The Reader’s Storybarn at Calderstones The Storybarn, an interactive story-centre for young people to explore, share and discover their love of books. A thrilling world of imagination where children can embark on a literary adventure. We caught up with her and found out more about this brilliant local attraction. Why do you think there’s a need for things like The Storybarn?

Have you had any particular success stories?

OUT & ABOUT

We talk to… Holly Wagstaff of The Storybarn

WIN

Yes. One that always really stands out for me is a little boy who was very reluctant to get involved at the start of his visit. He didn’t like reading and he wasn’t at all engaged. By the end of the session, he’d dressed up in the most wonderful combination of costumes and just become this amazing hybrid of all the different characters he’s read about. He loved it! Following feedback from its first ten weeks in operation, Storybarn has made some changes. Storybarn sessions will last 75 minutes, and will run at the following times:10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.

WIN! a family pass to The Storybarn The Storybarn at Calderstones is an interactive storycentre for young people to explore, share and discover their love of books. A thrilling world of imagination where children can embark on a literary adventure, The Storybarn features live-reading from our Storysharers, crafts and a giant slide!

We have one family pass to give away (2 adults, 2 children) to visit The Storybarn every Saturday morning for the month of August.

Tickets are only £3 – to find out more, visit thestorybarn.org.uk

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

Here at The Storybarn one of our main goals is to give children what we believe to be a life-long gift- a love of reading for pleasure. We want to create amazing opportunities for children to fall in love with reading and to make lasting, positive connections to books. The Storybarn is an imaginative environment where children can feel happy and relaxed in the company of books, while exploring the different worlds inside their heads through imaginative play and creative crafting. This is a rare chance for so many children.

What’s new at The Storybarn for summer? Loads! We’re going to start introducing themes for sessions and make the whole experience much more multifaceted, with lots of opportunities to interact with the texts we’re exploring in different ways. We’re also hoping to make the most of our beautiful surroundings by holding some sessions outside. This is all alongside our usual mix of fun, which includes plentiful stories, crafting and a giant slide.

OUT & ABOUT

WIN! a family ticket to Shrek’s Adventure! London Shrek’s Adventure! London is the capital’s newest family attraction, combining live action, stunning iconic sets and exclusive DreamWorks animation, all in the heart of the capital. Guests of all ages are whisked away on a 4D magic bus tour with Donkey as their driver before crash-landing in Shrek’s swamp where a fantastic, immersive adventure awaits. Meet all your favourite characters, such as Puss, Donkey and even the Muffin Man, before being welcomed back to London by Shrek himself! It’s time to laugh, touch and even smell the adventure as you step into the action and star in this unique experience. Can you help find Shrek and save the day?

WIN We have one family ticket to the attraction to give away (2 adults, 2 children). www.shreksadventure.com

To enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions om/shrek

For full terms and conditions, please visit www.familygolive.c

With summer on the way, it’s time to get that garden ready for warm summer days and long light nights, and where better to stock up than Liverpool institution TJ Hughes… Disney Frozen Patio Set Price: £29.99 Let Disney’s most successful movie ever carve out its own little corner of your back garden with this Disney Frozen Patio Set, which includes a table with umbrella and 2 folding patio chairs all featuring your child’s favourite Frozen characters.

Kingfisher Contemporary BBQ Fire Pit Price: £24.99 As every Briton knows, just because its summer doesn’t mean the weather is going to play ball. You can make sure that grey clouds don’t stop play with this barbecue fire pit, which burns all solid fuels and comes with a mesh safety lid to prevent burning embers blowing away. Kids Picnic Bench Set Price: £84.99 Perfect for pint-sized picnic fans, this set is ideally sized to allow little ones to lunch outside in the warmer months. The wooden picnic bench comes with a UV-protective and weather-resistant umbrella, so children can enjoy eating al fresco whether the sun is out or behind clouds.

Rattan Effect Table and Chairs Bistro Set Price: £69.99 The perfect prop to a tête-à-tête on a balmy summer evening, this Rattan Effect Table and Chairs Bistro Set is ideal for smaller gardens or patios.

120” x 30” Prompt Set Pool & Pump Price: £59.99 Make a splash this summer with this monster self-supporting swimming pool. The pool assembly is as easy as ABC & becomes ready to fill with water in within 15-20 minutes. Who says that paddling pools are just for kids?

LOCAL SERVICES

Turn your garden into a summer paradise

We all know the struggle, you’ve just had a baby, you’re torn between wanting to binge on everything you couldn’t have when you we’re pregnant (9 months without wine is a hard feat!) and wanting to get back to your pre-baby body. So we’ve come up with some tips to get you back on track.

1) Exercise in the mornings, after a day tending to a crying child the last thing you’ll want is to put on the gym gear and work up a sweat! 2) Walk with the pram, instead of the car, to those endless postnatal appointments. 3) Want to step it up a notch? If that doesn’t feel like exercise, pull in your tummy and tense for a count of 5. 4) Take advantage of picking up toys and turn into your own squat challenge! 5) Can’t fit in the time? Make it into a game and incorporate the baby.

WIN! a spa day for two Win a spa day for two at eforea spa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool - Spabreaks.com is Europe’s largest spa booking agency working with more than 800 venues in the UK and overseas and helping more than 4500 people to find the perfect spa day or break each week. Spabreaks.com has a London based call centre of spa experts ready to tailor your spa experience to you. From hen parties and girly getaways to family breaks, detox retreats, afternoon tea with a manicure or pedicure, and specialised retreats for anyone

WIN being treated for or recovering from cancer Spabreaks.com has a spa break for everyone. Family Go Live has teamed up with Spabreaks.com to offer a spa day for two at the eforea spa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool, valid from Sunday - Friday within three months of being told that you’ve won the competition. The experience will include a

60 minute massage, afternoon tea and full use of the facilities for three hours with robes, towels and slippers.

To enter, visit www.familygolive.com/competitions 36

Family Go Live talks to… Katie Piper

HEALTH & BEAUTY