Issue 19 winter 2015

issue 19 • Winter 2015

for parents & carers

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOICE Tips to help you decide your child’s next step

IT’S BIRTHDAY ND TIME AT RA K FARM PAR

HOME ‘TWEET’ HOME Building nest boxes with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

their Celebthratingday th ir b 0 2

TREASURE TRAILS Get out and about this Winter

GETTING CRAFTY THIS CHRISTMAS C reating Ch decoration ristmas s wit the kids h

Festive Fun Days Out & Activities for the whole family this Winter www.mollysguide.co.uk

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E E R

All weather r attraction fo le o h w the family

Lots of animals to feed, touch, hold and cuddle Bottle feeding every day at 11.30am 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Tractor Rides

LOTS OF ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS FOR THE FEBRUARY HALF TERM HOLIDAYS

Indoor and Outdoor Adventure Play Areas

Adults & children £9.95 each Under 2s go FREE Senior Citizens £7.25

Tel:

01673 858904

(only 8 miles East of Lincoln on the A158)

Email: kay@randfarmpark.com FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

www.randfarmpark.com

Open every day from 10am Follow us:

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

There are pantomimes and festive theatre to watch, Christmas light switch ons to ooo and ahhh to, Father Christmas visits to prepare for and trips to choose your tree.

Do we actually have time to fit in the gift buying and wrapping too?

You’ll find lots of ideas for seasonal days out in the following pages as well as learning about the Lincoln Christmas Sack Project (p17) which it’s definitely worth making time to shop for.

BREAST CANCER CARE

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PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOICE

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LINCOLN DRILL HALL

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BRANSBY HORSES

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WILDLIFE TRUST

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Don’t get too caught up in the festivities to forget to apply for a primary school place (p14) for your child if they’ve reached the right age though – the deadline is January 15th.

The importance of spending time with family and friends takes centre stage at this time of year and something that will take on an even more poignant meaning for one member of the Molly’s Guide team this Christmas. We have been very distressed to learn of our publisher Sarah’s breast cancer diagnosis and hope that she will be able to give us the much happier all clear news soon after her treatment.

Meanwhile she’s urging readers to be aware of the signs that something’s not right and make sure that, if there is anything worrying, it’s detected as early as possible, so please take time to read about what to look out for (p6).

It will soon be 2016 and new years bring new beginnings – we hope yours will be a fit and healthy one as well as full of fun.

stevensgreenmedia Editorial & Advertising: Stevens Green Media Ltd 63 Bunkers Hill, Lincoln LN2 4QS T: 01522 535068

E: info@mollysguide.co.uk

Design: Dandelion Design Print: www.buxtonpress.com Photography: www.stuartwildephotography.com Cover image: MNStudio. Shutterstock.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS ©2015 While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. Inclusion in the directory does not imply an endorsement of the service or product. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. Or stored in any retrieval system - without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

Copyright ©Stevens Green Media Ltd - All rights reserved.

www.mollysguide.co.uk

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NEWS

ST BARNABAS HOSPICE

ST BARNABAS STRICTLY KIDZ

The search is on for Lincoln school children to show off their ballroom skills for charity.

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is searching for 40 junior dancers, age 8-16 (year 4 and above) from schools across Lincoln to take part in its fun Strictly Kidz dance event.

Training for the live show commences on Sunday 17th January, where children will be put through their paces by local dance teachers, Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker.

Registration is only £5 per child; each pair will learn the Tango and Balmoral Blues with the glitzy grand final to be held on Sunday 3rd April at The LPAC Lincoln, in front of a live audience and judges.

17th January – 20th March, 4pm-5pm ST JOHNS BAPTIST CHURCH HALL, SUDBROOKE DRIVE, LINCOLN LN2 2EF

Children are encouraged to sign up in pairs. St Barnabas will try to match individuals but this is not guaranteed.

If you would like further information please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/ strictlykidz2016 or contact Becky Otter: T: 01522 559516 E: becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Isla Perkins, aged 11, winner of Strictly Kidz 2015, said: “I loved the whole experience from the weekly dance lessons to performing at the finale at the LPAC, I will treasure the moment forever.”

St Barnabas is looking for dazzling dancers for its adult competition - make it a family affair!

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LEARN TO DANCE AND TAKE PART IN OUR FUN DANCING COMPETITION FOR KIDS 8 YEARS UPWARDS

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STRICTLY KIDZ

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Over 10 weeks learn the Tango and the Balmoral Blues.

Lessons start Sunday 17th January, 4pm - 5pm Only £5 to take part For further information contact Becky T: 01522 559516 E: becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk W: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/strictlykidz2016

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Winter 2015

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NEWS

IT’S PANTO TIME! Join us this Christmas for our magical, fairytale treat of a Pantomime, ‘Sleeping Beauty’!

LINCOLN THEATRE ROYAL

Lincoln Theatre Royal presents the traditional, family pantomime, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ from Monday 7 December until Sunday 10 January 2016.

Starring Vicki Michelle, (From BBC’s ‘Allo, ‘Allo’ and survivor of the Jungle, ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’) as Maleficent, together with Peter Amory, (Chris Tate from ‘Emmerdale’) as the King and comedian, magician and all-round entertainer, Martin Daniels as The Jester. Our fantastic, local actor, Steve Barclay returns for his 5th year as our Dame together with the handsome West End performer, Aston Dobson as the Prince, the beautiful Emily Childs as Fairy and lovely Lucy Lavelle is playing The Princess, ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

This year we will once again enthral and delight with a fresh, new re-telling of this best-loved fairy story staged and directed by Ian Dickens with the energy and passion that Lincoln audiences have come to expect, together with live orchestra, terrific professional dancers, the talented ‘Babes’ from The Janet Ashton School Of Dance together with the fabulous special effects, stunning sets and gorgeous costumes.

For further info: www.lincolntheatreroyal.com or Tel: 01522 519999

‘Sleeping Beauty’ has all the ingredients of a classic family pantomime with Book written

by Pantomime veteran, Chris Moreno.

Expect music and mayhem and magic! Sword-fights and sorcery and sparkle. Spinning wheels. Dark, glittering, forests.

Side-splitting jollity and jokes galore, the thrill of the evil Maleficent and the triumph of good over evil. All this comes brightly - wrapped up in our beautiful chocolate-box Victorian Theatre!

Come and fall in love with the fairy-tale all over again at Lincoln Theatre Royal. A fantastic Christmas present for all the Family! Probably the best pantomime in the whole of Lincolnshire!

SPECIAL RATES APPLY TO SCHOOLS AND GROUP BOOKINGS. TEACHERS GO FREE! www.mollysguide.co.uk

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NEWS Photo: Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

BREAST CANCER CARE

Boobs, knockers, jugs, melons, whatever you call them, checking your breasts for any noticeable changes is one of the most simple and effective things you can do to look after your health.

October was Breast Cancer Awareness month. You may have joined in with an event, worn a pink feather boa in the office, or baked some cupcakes to help raise funds for one of the various charities involved.

It was also the month life took a twist for a member of the Molly’s Guide team after publisher Sarah Green was diagnosed with the disease.

She now faces an operation and radiotherapy treatment at Lincoln County Hospital after finding a lump in her breast while taking a shower.

The team at Molly’s was in shock at the news, as was Sarah.

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Winter 2015

But after what she admits were a very dark few days, imagining the worst possible outcome, she is now steeling herself for the weeks ahead and hoping to make a speedy recovery.

“But I knew, even before I went to see my GP, this didn’t feel like a cyst. It felt different, like a mass.

I wasn’t surprised when doctors at the hospital’s breast clinic told me it was cancerous.”

Far from seeking sympathy, Sarah’s overriding desire is to highlight the importance of being breast savvy, as she is more than aware that Having been diagnosed with identifying cancer early cancer, Sarah says: “It’s life. on can make a massive Hundreds of people face the difference to the degree same thing every day. of success of a patient’s “But not everyone has a platform treatment.

like Molly’s Guide they can use to get the message across about how vital it is to check your breasts regularly.

And not just ladies, men, too.”

“I check my breasts every month, having had a few cysts removed over the years. I am almost obsessive about it.

“I count myself lucky in many ways. My lump has been found early.

It doesn’t seem to have spread anywhere else in my body and the prognosis is positive.”

SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

FACTS AND STATISTICS 2015

For more information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

• Every year nearly 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, that’s the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes • 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime • Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in women in the UK • Nearly 12,000 people die from breast cancer in the UK every year • Breast cancer also affects men, but it’s rare – around 400 men are diagnosed each year.

• More than eight out of 10 (85%) people survive breast cancer beyond five years.

THE THREE MAIN RISK FACTORS: • Gender - being a woman is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer.

• Getting older - the older the person the higher the risk, more than 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60.

Sarah Green, 51, has worked in the media industry for many years, including regional newspapers The Lincolnshire Echo, Leicester Mercury and The Nottingham Post, before launching Molly’s Guide in 2011.

• Significant family history – this isn’t common, around 5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have inherited a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

A born and bred Lincolnian, she lives with her lifelong partner Darren, 52, and their son Jacob, who turned 18 in the summer.

For FREE, confidential support and information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call the Helpline on: 0808 800 6000

The Molly’s team wishes Sarah well and is looking forward to having her back at the helm in the new year. www.mollysguide.co.uk

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NEWS

VIRTUAL RUNNER

Karen Malpass speaks to an enterprising mum who has turned her hobby into an award-winning business, and raised thousands of pounds for charity in the process…

VIRTUAL RUNNING GAINS REAL ACHIEVEMENT An opportunity to take in some fresh air along with countryside or urban sights, get fit and healthy and to find a new community or enjoy some alone time, all at a relatively low cost – it’s not surprising that the popularity of running has taken off in recent years.

But road miles haven’t been the only achievements her new pastime has led to.

Mum and newspaper sales director Susan Wheatcroft definitely “caught the running bug” two-and-a-half years ago having run at least three times a week ever since, clocking up 29 half marathons and three full marathons along the way.

“I got caught up in the race scene and was regularly entering organised races including getting a place in the London Marathon.

“I took part in the Robin Hood Marathon to raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Care when a colleague died and discovered I loved running,” explains Susan.

“It was when I couldn’t find a race I could take part in one month due to work and family commitments that the idea for Virtual Runner came to me.”

Bringing together an online community, Virtual Runner UK allows you to enter a race via its website with 20% of the entry fee being donated to charity.

There are different distances to choose from, you can then complete it in your own time before the race’s finishing date and, on submission of proof you’ve completed it, you’ll be able to see how your time fared against your fellow runners and receive a medal to mark your achievement.

Just eighteen months later and it’s clear that Susan’s new venture hit the ground running itself. Not only can Virtual Runner already boast thousands of signed up members with thousands more joining each month, winning a national running award for its website and receiving a certificate of appreciation from The Royal British Legion when 2,000 race places were signed up to in just one week fuelled by the beautiful poppy medal design – but Susan’s hard work has also raised a staggering more than £44,000 for a variety of charities.

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Winter 2015

“Our original fundraising target was £10,000 and I thought that was ambitious,” says Susan.

“We quickly raised it to £50,000 which we hope to have reached

by Christmas so now the fundraising thermometer on our website rises to £75,000.

“People have joined in Virtual Runner UK’s races for lots of different reasons. Some because they’re overweight or just starting out and too embarrassed to join public races yet and they can complete these races in their own time with no stress. Many are mums with young children who don’t have the spare hours to commit to a live race that would include travelling to and from as well.

We have members who are ill with cancer who don’t want to commit to a set time but who can go out on the days they feel better on instead. It’s very inclusive.

“They may be completing the races individually but Virtual Runner has created a very strong community. We have a Facebook group for our members to talk about running and it’s very interactive, they are very loyal and supportive and it’s great to read the stories that people share – when they’ve completed their first 10k or lost two stone through running for example.

Saturday night,” says Susan, revealing another string to her bow, or lace to her trainer.

“Sometimes they’re seasonal, sometimes they are linked to “We accept any the charity like sort of proof “As some of the the poppy and – a Garmin watch, charities we’ve raised sometimes it’s screen shot of a just because I running app, Fitbit money for have been wanted to such – and you can even children’s charities as one butterfly complete them at we’ve even had medal. the same time as entrants as young “One medal doing a normal as two take part on awarded for a park run or an race targeted organised race.” their trikes.” at mums was a A quick glance at Susan’s bottle opener as I felt it was website and, if you’re a important for busy mums seasoned medal collector, fitting in races around their you’ll find plenty to covet. families to sit down and relax with a bottle of something “The medal designs come afterwards too!” from me getting creative on a

Find out more at www.virtualrunneruk.com www.mollysguide.co.uk

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NEWS

WHAT’S ON IN LINCOLN THIS CHRISTMAS...

LINCOLN BIG

Lincoln businesses and organisations have lined-up a cracker of a fun-filled festive season for local families and visitors.

Lincoln BIG and Visit Lincoln have unwrapped a sparkling programme of events and activities and this year there’s an extra surprise – a Mini Barons’ Festival!

Readers can look forward to being really spoilt, as the countdown to Christmas gathers momentum, with everything from fabulous shopping to sparkling ice skating, visiting reindeer and twinkling fairy lights to get them in the festive mood.

Shopaholics will be unable to resist the city’s late night shopping deal.

It is on offer every Thursday, from November 19 to December 17.

Stores will stay open until 8pm on the November dates and until 9pm in December.

Cheers will ring out on November 19, when the Christmas Lights are switched on at St Marks Shopping Centre and in the city’s High Street.

(5pm to 7.30pm). The lights will be switched on at St Marks at 6.30pm and in the High Street at 7.10pm.

Lincoln Christmas Lights

November 20 brings more excitement, because Lincoln BIG and Visit Lincoln have announced a special Mini Barons’ Festival.

The Lincoln Charter Barons’ Trail was one of the highlights of the city’s Magna Carta 800th Anniversary celebrations this Summer. Now their smaller cousins are about to wow families, by getting their own share of the limelight in this fun initiative.

©Lincolnshire Echo

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Winter 2015

Lincoln BIG is giving its 800 levy payers a Mini Baron sculpture, a guide to painting their figurine and a template to practice on.

Lincoln Ice Rink

Lincoln Christmas Lights

Businesses and organisations have been encouraged to decorate their Baron and pop it in their shop window, office reception or another prominent place. Families are being urged to look out for them, photograph the cute characters and post them on the Lincoln Barons’ Facebook page.

See www.visitlincoln.com/baronschristmas On November 26 there’s an opportunity to meet visiting reindeer, either by going along to a display at St Marks Shopping Centre (from 2.30pm to 4pm) or catching them in the Reindeer Parade. It will leave Bailgate at 6pm and wind its way down to the city’s Cornhill.

Lantern Parade

Saturday, November 28 is another unmissable date, with the return of the Ice Rink to City Square. It will stay in place until January 3 and offer skating sessions from 10am to 9pm daily. (except Christmas Day). More than 15,000 people enjoyed this experience last year.

Lincoln BIG is also bringing back its traditional Lantern Parade and Nativity on Thursday December 17. The parade will set off from the Cornhill at 6pm and make its way to Castle Hill.

The above is just a snapshot of a packed programme of Christmas events and entertainment – which will be complemented by the Lincoln Christmas Market (Cathedral Quarter) which runs from December 3 to 6 and many more attractions in different parts of the city.

Reindeer Parade

Get the bigger picture by going to: www.visitlincoln. com/christmas www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION

BOOK HEADER REVIEWS

EXPLORING GREAT READING IDEAS Rosie Self, Library Assistant at Boston Library, introduces us to four of her favourite reads for young people…

Guinness World Records 2016 (ISBN 978-1-910561-01-0) Following on from this summer’s national Library Reading Challenge, teaming up with the Reading Agency and Guinness World Records, I have chosen the Officially Amazing 2016 annual. Find out how tall the tallest man is in the world today? Or when the first 3D bionic ear was printed? These Annuals are a firm favourite with all ages of readers and fly off the shelves at the Library. Find out what is new in record-breaking from forensics to Minecraft.

Devil You Know

by Cathy MacPhail (ISBN 978-178250-179-4) This has been on my request list for a while as Cathy MacPhail is one of the best writers out there. Even Julia Donaldson agrees that anything by her is unputdownable. Recently arrived on a Glasgow council estate, Logan is grateful to have made any friends at all. But will his best friend Baz be there when he really needs him? This is stand-out teen thriller with a sensational twist.

Wish by Emma Dodd (Nosy Crow, ISBN 978 0 85763 456 6) Pre-schoolers and their grownups will love this doggy tale.

Wish is a beautifully illustrated book that encapsulates all the hoped for wishes that the adult dog, the reader is never told if it is a mummy or daddy dog, has when a puppy enters their life. Emma Dodd use of paper craft and colour give this book unique a tactile quality. Young children will love following the shimmering silver which flows throughout this book.

The Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper (ISBN 978-1-4088-1371-3) One of my firm favourites, this book is classed as TJ and aimed at those readers aged 9+ who want a more challenging read.

It is 1665 and Hannah is full of excitement at the prospect of her first trip to London. She is going to help her sister, Sarah in her sweetmeats shop.

However, Sarah isn’t so pleased to see her and horrified that her message home did not reach Hannah in time.

Plague is threatening London and the girls need every bit of luck to survive. Mary Hooper took inspiration for Sarah’s sweetmeat shop after reading a 17th Century Court Record that detailed what a young girl did for a living. The book also contains sweet recipes from the period for you to try.

Find out what’s happening at your local library at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/discover-libraries/ 12

Winter 2015

EDUCATION

FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING: START EARLY! Foreign languages practitioner, Vicky Payne is the founder of Minilinguals, which teaches Spanish to babies, toddlers and children (and their parents and carers!)

The course she has designed is based largely on music, singing and baby sign language. We asked her about her journey and how she has come to use music as a primary tool in her classes.

With an MA in Translation and Linguistics, and a degree in French & Spanish, Vicky started her career by spending 5 years translating and interpreting in France and Spain before returning to teach in UK secondary schools in 2004.

It wasn’t until her two young children were born that she began to re- evaluate how languages are learned in youngsters. As her children developed through their early years, she spent a lot of time with them singing songs and noticed a direct impact on their linguistic development.

“I saw how the children quickly responded to the rhymes and how they seemed to learn to speak as

MINILINGUALS

a direct result of exposure. The musical element became really important in our household, so I decided to research the idea and apply it to foreign language lessons for toddlers. Have you ever wondered why a melody gets ‘stuck in your head’?

Music stimulates memory like nothing else and song lyrics also expose you to a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, which you don’t find in other language learning contexts.

In class we use signing, our snail glove puppet, and other toys to enrich the learning environment.

We also use the minilinguals activity book and CD to support learning at home.

Although the sessions started out as a small parent and toddler group once a week, they became increasingly popular and now run from primary, preschool and early

year’s settings. Lincolnshire classes include Ellison Boulters Academy (from Jan 2016), Hackthorn School, Heath Farm Day nursery in Dunholme and Burton Hathow Preparatory school. You can also join a class at Manor Park sports pavilion in Welton and Witham St Hugh’s village hall.

Minilinguals classes are fun and stimulating, let’s face it, the best way to learn is by enjoying yourself!

If you are interested in joining a class, or would like to work with Vicky:

T: 07979 503269 E: hello@minilinguals.co.uk

Exciting, engaging, musical Spanish classes for ages 3 months to 7 years.

Learning through movement, music, fun and games.

Welton Tues: 09:45-10:15 and 15:45-16:15 Dunholme/Nettleham/Scothern Thurs: 11:00-11:30 Witham St Hugh’s Fri: 10:45-11:15 For more info: minilinguals.co.uk/lincoln.html For bookings: Call Vicky on 07979 503269 hello@minilinguals.co.uk

No time for classes?

No problem!

Give your child the gift of language with a minilinguals Spanish Volume 1 CD and activity book!

Order your copy NOW minilinguals.co.uk/shop.html Connect with @minilinguals

www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION Photos: Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOICE

SCHOOL JOURNEY STARTS WITH DIFFICULT DECISIONS My son has only just turned three but it’s a discussion we’ve been having for some time now – it was even brought up by a friend as early as when we were celebrating our sons’ second birthdays.

Have you thought about what school he’ll go to?

I may not want to accept it quite yet – he’s still so little!

– but the time when we will have to decide which schools we’ll be applying for will arrive all too soon.

And – with headlines such as the Mail on Sunday’s “House prices ‘to soar 10 per cent’ in areas with controversial new grammar schools as wealthy parents are prepared to pay a premium to educate children for free” (October).

Also, The Telegraph’s comment “Buying a home in the catchment area of a top state school can cost as much as privately educating a child, with house prices in the postcodes of the best-performing, non-fee-paying schools around 28pc higher than their surrounding area (August).

Clearly parents who relocate in order to try to gain access to the schools of their choice are weighing up the options far in advance of the application deadline date.

And previous research published by the Economic Journal found that primary school quality contributes even more to house prices than secondary schools – a relative increase of 34% in average house price compared to 19% –“because there is much more variation in the performance of primary schools”.

Many parents, of course, don’t have the luxury of such an expensive solution and, for those in rural areas, the one local school will still make the most sense for their family.

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But, if you are in a position of choice, how do you decide?

Louth mum-of-two Lynsey Bolsover began by seeking advice from parents who already had children at school but, for Lincoln mum-of-two, and fellow Molly’s Guide columnist, Samantha Curtis, this was a less important factor – “Take advice from other parents with a pinch of salt,” she says. “Their experience is just that, their take on their child’s experience. However, do listen if you receive overwhelmingly bad feedback. No smoke without fire and all that.”

Samantha started by reading the Ofsted reports instead which, after all, are published as a guide to a school’s performance but many teachers would urge parents to consider that they only provide a snapshot of a the school based on a particular cohort and are very results-based rather than reflecting a more holistic approach to the welfare of its intake.

But, where everyone agrees, is the importance of taking a look for yourself.

“I asked parents who already had kids at the schools we were interested in and then visited the schools,” says Lynsey. “One school I visited with a friend lied to us twice in the space of five minutes and I didn’t like the feel of that school. I’ve found it’s a bit like dating, there has to be some sort of spark.”

“I think having a look around is crucial to get a feel for the place.

Look at how the children interact with each other too, not just how the teachers interact with the kids.

Gut instinct plays a big part.”

– Samantha Fortunately for me, Luke was born five days after the cut-off point for next year’s intake, otherwise we’d be making those difficult choices now – but that means that Molly’s Guide readers have a whole year to let me know about their own experiences of applying and attending schools to help inform our decision. Unless, of course, we’ve somehow discovered how to increase our mortgage by 34% in that time.

A former journalist who lives in Lincoln, Karen Malpass writes the #LukesGuide blog for Molly’s Guide’s website and juggles a variety of jobs but she’d rather be spending most of her time becoming better at being a mum of two and wife to one. Email her at karen@mollysguide.co.uk – she’d love to have the adult conversation!

HOW TO APPLY If your child was born between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012 they can start school from September 5, 2016.

If you will be applying for a place at a state school (rather than paying for a place at a private school or choosing to home educate) you can do so from November 16 until the deadline of noon on January 15, 2016.

You can apply online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions, where you can also find more information about the process, or by phone on 01522 782030.

For further advice, email schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk or ask your local primary school headteacher.

Parents/carers will find out which school their child has been offered on April 18th, 2016. www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION WASHINGBOROUGH ACADEMY

FOOD EDUCATION AT WASHINGBOROUGH ACADEMY Here at Washingborough Academy we have been raising the profile of Food Education within our school for some time now. We are passionate about providing children with the opportunity to learn about healthy food choices and essential life skills.

We are lucky to have enough outdoor space to have our own vegetable plots on site as well as our own Lincolnshire Heritage Orchard. This has meant that the children from our Nursery right through to the end of Key Stage 2 are learning how their food grows and where it is sourced.

Another addition to our school, which has increased the amount of cooking we do, is the teaching kitchen. This has been specifically designed with the children in mind; bright and colourful and in ‘smaller’ person proportions!

The addition of our very own School Chef at the start of this academic year means that we are able to provide our children with outstanding, freshly prepared food on a daily basis.

Chef Callow’s inspirational menus celebrate locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and having our own chef means we are able to build purposeful curriculum links across the school. By regularly posting photos and feedback on social media about the meals, parents have been able to see what’s on offer and as a result, school dinner uptake has increased steadily as word has spread of the quality of the meals.

By recording the number of portions sold, and how much profit they have made, they can ascertain the best sellers! (a fantastic enterprise project).

Some of our most popular snacks have been fruit smoothies, home made ice lollies and crumpets. By exposing the children to a wide variety of foods we encourage them to try new foods and take the recipes home for the rest of the family to try. Parents and grandparents are enthusiastic about the idea of joining their children to share lunch in the school hall on theme days like our recent ‘National Roast Dinner Day’, a planned VE day ration meal and Diwali.

Another one of our successful Food Education projects is our healthy ‘Snack Shack’.

Each week, the children make healthy snacks to sell for 50p.

With so much research, cooking and growing going on at our school we are proud to have made Food Education an integral part of our school curriculum.

T: 01522 801355 16

Winter 2015

www.washingboroughacademy.org

EDUCATION

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS SACK PROJECT...

BISHOP KING CE SCHOOL

Generosity is one of the school values at Bishop King CE School in Lincoln.

For the last two years they have shown this by fundraising for the Lincoln Christmas Sack Project.

An assembly at Bishop King explained the project to children ahead of a non-uniform day to raise funds to purchase gifts for the project.

Nine years ago, Bridge Church Lincoln set up a project called Christmas Sacks to provide sacks of Christmas gifts for Lincoln families who are struggling financially. This project has grown ever since and last year with support and donations from businesses, schools, churches, community groups and individuals 142 gift sacks and food hampers were distributed to families across Lincoln! The team expects to reach even more families this year.

The project works in partnership with the Council, and Children & Family Centres, schools and churches who deal with some of the poorest families in Lincoln. These organisations help identify families who would really benefit from additional help, and the project arranges a Christmas sack full of suitable (and age-appropriate) gifts and goodies.

“Last year we were also able to offer a food hamper from Lincoln Foodbank alongside the gifts.”

The project is provided entirely by donations from organisations or individuals to supply the gifts, chocolates, wrapping paper and gift bags needed, and volunteers to sort and wrap thousands of gifts!

More info on how to get involved, donate or ‘adopt’ a family can be found at: www.facebook. com/christmassackprojectlincoln?fref=ts E: info@bridgechurchlincoln.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION

ST GILES ACADEMY

A SCHOOL ON A JOURNEY...

St. Giles Academy is a large (two and three form entry) primary school, situated in the uphill area of Lincoln.

As a school, we believe that ‘being better never ends’ and this is true for both pupils and adults. In the same way that we empower our pupils to take charge of their own learning, we also empower our staff to take charge of their own development.

Through innovative practices, such as lesson study and peer review, staff are encouraged to explore 21st century pedagogies that have a REAL impact on learning. Children learn through REAL projects for an authentic audience in immersive environments.

Through peer critique, they improve their work and produce world-class outcomes. Using cutting edge technology, pupils and staff share their work and ideas with the world; collaborating with professionals, businesses and schools across the globe.

St Giles Academy is a school on a journey, with a clear vision and mission.

Addison Drive, Lincoln, LN2 4LQ T: 01522 785760 E: Office@stgilesacademy.co.uk Twitter: @stgilesacad www.stgilesacademy.co.uk 18

Winter 2015

EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL VISITS AT SOUTHWELL MINSTER

SOUTHWELL MINSTER

People are often pleasantly surprised by their discovery of Southwell Minster. The cathedral church of Southwell and Nottingham Diocese sits in a beautiful part of Nottinghamshire in the small, historic town of Southwell. As you approach the building you will see the warm Mansfield sandstone with which the cathedral is built and inside you will find an equally warm welcome.

Our thriving education department loves to welcome children to Southwell and have lots of interactive activities on offer. We work hard to support the curriculum requirements of schools as well as offering occasional informal family events too. Our busiest events of the year are our well-known Time Travelling events which attract over 3,000 children each year in March and June. Managed by the staff team and led by our wonderful volunteers, the children are taken on a journey of discovery around the cathedral exploring our faith stories, aspects of worship including music and vestments, art and architecture in the building and Christian organisations at work in the wider world.

Annually we celebrate Christmas and Easter festivals; with learning days, using drama, story and art we focus on the festival stories and related customs and symbols to discover why these times are important to Christians. Children will join the wise men on their journey to the baby Jesus, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. On the way they meet King Herod and an angel. At Easter they can play in our Easter garden in the Chapter House.

Foundation age children can join us for themed trails around the building as we look at shapes, colours, opposites, nursery rhymes and story. Aside from these events we work with schools on bespoke programmes for their visits and draw on our collection of resources and expertise of our team to deliver the required activities.

In addition to the Minster we have the newly refurbished archbishops’ palace. Once one of the homes of the archbishops of York, it is a building steeped in history, some of its more famous visitors being Cardinal Wolsey and King Charles I. Behind the palace is a beautiful garden designed to complement the history of the building with Tudor knot garden, a labyrinth and wooded pathways. We have a range of activities for Foundation, primary and secondary school groups including a Mini Beast day and Medieval Mystery.

The minster, palace and gardens are open to the public most days and in the minster we offer trails for children including an interactive ‘Explorer Ted’ pack of items to help you as you look around our wonderful building. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers to our friendly team so if you love working with children this could be for you.

For more information and our full programme for schools - T: 01636 817993 E: education@southwellminster.org.uk E: archbishopspalacesouthwell.org.uk www.timetravelling.co.uk Twitter: @minster_ed www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION

NEWTON ACADEMY

Newton Academy – the Science Club for Girls A new academy aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science & technology has been launched in Lincoln.

The Newton Academy – the Science Club for Girls was set up by the University of Lincoln in June 2014 to take girls on a 3-year scientific voyage of discovery. Sixty Year 6 girls from across Lincolnshire enrolled into its first cohort, and have attended the first year of Saturday Club events.

The Saturday Club is a series of Saturday morning science and technology-themed workshops consisting of hands-on activities and projects, designed to work alongside the National Curriculum, that will inspire and enthuse the next generation of female scientists and engineers.

The 2014 Programme included the Robotics Big Launch; Spud Science; The Chemistry Christmas Cracker; and a visit to the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, Birmingham.

The Academy has been created as part of the University of Lincoln’s Athena SWAN project, acknowledging the Institution’s commitment to improving the representation of women in

science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM). To improve the representation of female academics in some STEM areas (particularly in physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science) we have to attract more girls to these subjects at School level (e.g. currently only 20% of Physics A-level students are female).

We believe that early engagement is the key to increasing the popularity of STEM subjects among our girls.

The Academy, therefore, aims to inspire 10–14 year olds in STEM subjects – subjects that research shows they are less likely to pursue – opening their eyes to the possibilities of what they can achieve, and encouraging them to consider post-16 study in STEM subjects... and ultimately, of course, to pursue science and technology careers. But most of all, the Newton Academy is all about showing young girls that science can be fun!

Girls enrol in the Academy at the end of Year 6 and stay

until the end of Year 9. During their three years, ‘Newton Girls’ will take part in projects that develop their confidence, their enthusiasm for STEM, and essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They will develop leadership skills and the confidence to challenge any preconceptions that may prevent them from pursuing and being successful in any STEM field.

Lincoln University Technical College and the region’s science and technology-based industries are also involved in the Academy.

For more on the Newton Academy and details of how you can sign up for future years please go to http://newton.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/ YouTube: Newton Academy the Science Club for Girls www.mollysguide.co.uk

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EDUCATION

NORTH KESTEVEN SCHOOL

SPORTING DEVELOPMENTS AT NORTH KESTEVEN SCHOOL North Kesteven School, already renowned for its confident, creative and academic students has made the decision to embrace its sporting strengths, successes and facilities by becoming a specialist academy for Sport which will run alongside its existing specialism of Performing Arts.

The enthusiastic and highly motivated PE staff deliver an inspirational curriculum which includes traditional sports alongside golf, aerobics, yoga, dodgeball, handball, circuit and weight training to name a few!

To complement their learning, students are also offered a variety of educational trips including visits to top European football clubs, the Manchester Velodrome, the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and top sporting universities.

During lessons and the extensive extra-curricular programme, students use brand new state of

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the art facilities at the £3.6m redeveloped One NK centre located at the school which include a full size floodlit 3G Astroturf; three brand new fitness studios with surround sound and climate control, a large multipurpose gym, a purpose built spinning studio, four full size football pitches, nine-a-side pitch, three mini pitches, seven tennis courts, a full size sports hall with four badminton courts, refurbished changing rooms and a 25m swimming pool which itself is undergoing a £1 million update!

Head of PE, Gary Walters is keen for students of all ability to get involved in sport and consider the associated career paths. Students develop not only the skills, health and fitness from taking part in physical activity but life skills such as resilience, perseverance and teamwork which can be utilised across the curriculum. Indeed, many of our top sporting students

also achieve great academic success! Mr Walters said, “Our students and staff work very hard and are incredibly passionate about what they do. We have a fantastic curriculum which caters for everyone and involves working with departments across the school to ensure delivery of areas such as Sports Science, Sport and Business and Coaching and Leadership”.

As part of its transition programme, NK School will be running Sporting Master Classes from early 2016. These will incorporate intensive practical and theory classes designed to stretch and challenge children in Years 4 and 5.

Keep up to date with NKS news follow them on Twitter @northkestevenPE.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

COULD YOU CREATE ARTWORK COMMEMORATING MAGNA CARTA? Pupils at primary and secondary schools across Lincolnshire can apply their artistic talents in a fun competition to create artwork which commemorates this year’s Magna Carta celebrations.

This year has marked 800 years since the sealing of the historic charter, which established the rule of law in England and provided the foundation for democracies around the world.

It has launched a new competition inviting schoolchildren aged either between 59 years or 10-17 years to create artwork commemorating the sealing of Magna Carta, liberty and the celebrations of 2015.

The city of Lincoln possesses one of only four remaining originals of the 1215 Magna Carta.

Shortlisted entries will be curated in an exhibition to be hosted at the University next summer and featured in the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper. Winners in two age categories will also receive a £50 Amazon voucher. The deadline for entries is 30th December 2015.

Having declared 2015 its Year of Liberty, the University of Lincoln has partnered with local, national and international organisations in a range of educational activities which encourage young people to reflect on the meaning of Magna Carta and its significance 800 years on.

The University has now secured a grant from the Magna Carta Trust’s 800th Anniversary Commemoration Committee to run two art competitions: one aimed squarely at artistic young people in our schools.

A parallel competition will challenge the University’s own staff and students to create a sculpture to stand in perpetuity as a piece of public art on the University’s main Brayford Pool Campus (pictured).

More details & T&Cs for the Magna Carta school art competition can be found at: www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/magnacarta/create/ www.mollysguide.co.uk

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SPORT & HEALTH

LINCOLN CITY YOUTH ACADEMY Jenk Acar

FA YOUTH CUP

SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING Wednesday 7th October 2015

Jenk Acar helps battling Lincoln City see off Boston United Jenk Acar capped a thrilling extra-time 3-2 victory as Lincoln City fought back from behind to book their place in the FA Youth Cup third qualifying round at the expense of Boston United.

Leon Loftus, following good play from Lewis Millington and Acar, equalised in the 24th minute.

An unmarked Liam Harris then converted Loftus’ cross early in the second half and after Millington missed a glorious chance to double Lincoln’s advantage, United levelled with a near-post strike against the run of play.

The Pilgrims nearly won it when a deflected strike hit the crossbar, and at the other end Jack McMenemy’s goal was disallowed.

But Acar neatly finished in the first half of extra time to send Lincoln through.

Next Youth Team game v Burton Albion 14/11/15 at Lincoln Utd, Ashby Ave, Lincoln LN6 0DY

Leon Loftus

THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING Wednesday 21st October 2015 Youth’s come from behind to beat Oadby Town 3 goals in a 10 minute spell towards the end of the second half saw the Imps through to the First Round of the FA Youth Cup. Oadby had taken a 21st minute lead when the ball was bundled into the net following a corner, this gave the home side the edge in a keenly contested first half.

The Imps started the second half well putting Oadby under pressure but against the run of play Oadby doubled their lead close to the hour mark.

With just 13 minutes remaining in the tie an own goal got the Imps back in the game, then Liam Harris equalised with 6 minutes left to play, would there be a winner?

3 minutes from time Leon Loftus completed the come back and secured the Imps a well fought win against a tough physical side.

The Imps welcome Port Vale in the next round. www.pitchero.com/clubs/lincolncityfcyouthacademy

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Winter 2015

LINCOLN CITY YOUTH ACADEMY PLAYER PROFILES

Hi, I’m Leo Priestley and currently play for the Under 13s in the Lincoln City Youth Academy.

My position is centre midfield and this is my 5th season with the Academy.

I really enjoy the training twice a week and matches on a Sunday.

This season we are doing self evaluation work on the challenges that are set before matches. This helps in my development as I can see what I have done right and importantly what I have done wrong therefore I can improve.

I look forward to a successful season for both me and Lincoln City.

I’m Danny Horton, a member of the Lincoln City Academy U16s squad.

I have been with the academy since I was 8 and a Lincoln City supporter all my life.

The last couple of years have become more challenging as the coaches prepare us for the possibility of a being awarded a scholarship which will see us playing for the Youth Team.

Recently I was asked to join the Youth Team in their FA Youth Cup match against Matlock. I was on the team sheet as a substitute and 15 minutes before the final whistle I was brought on - I had dreamt of playing on Sincil Bank in a Lincoln City shirt many times and it finally happened!

My name is Luke White and I play for the U16 team for Lincoln City Football Academy.

This is my sixth season at the club and I enjoy playing football more every season.

I play upfront and like to play on the shoulder of the opposition. I also play midfield sometimes showing my versatility by playing in both positions.

I am very passionate about playing and watching football and wear the Lincoln City shirt with pride. In addition to playing for Lincoln I also support Liverpool FC and it would be great if Lincoln City was a platform to one day wearing a Liverpool shirt.

ENJOY A PAMPER EVENING OF PURE INDULGENCE AND RELAX WITH FRIENDS...

Kindly arranged for the Youth Academy by Sarah Moyses, the Ladies Pamper & Shopping Evening provides an opportunity to treat yourself to a range of beauty, make-up and relaxation products and treatments. It is also a great opportunity to do some of your Christmas shopping.

The Pamper Evening takes place in the Travis Perkins Suite at Lincoln City FC from 6pm until 10pm on 12th November.

The licensed bar will be open so why not relax a little more with the drink of your choice.

Entry to the Pamper & Shopping Evening costs £5 which includes your first pamper taster. Further treatments cost £5.

There will also be a raffle packed with great prizes including a Linx 7 tablet, wine, store vouchers and beauty products.

Lincoln City Youth Academy would like to thank Sarah and all the beauticians and retailers who will be at the evening for their generous support. www.mollysguide.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

EYES DOWN FOR A FULL HOUSE THIS CHRISTMAS...

FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Here at Molly’s Guide we love the season of goodwill but we know the festivities don’t always go to plan. Sam Curtis has devised a game of Calamity Christmas Bingo.

Why not play along? If you get a full house you could win a family trip to Florida.

Just kidding. There isn’t a prize but it might mean you have just had the worst Christmas, ever.  FLU A week before the festivities start you’ll notice that tell-tale tingle inside your nose and your throat will feel scratchy.

By Christmas Eve your symptoms will have developed into full-blown flu with streaming eyes, a throbbing head and a raised temperature. Stock up on Vicks, honey and Beechams Powders, just to be on the safe side. *Mark off a bonus square if the virus lingers long enough to ruin New Year’s Eve, too.  OVER-EMOTIONAL

 BAKING

At the time of writing, the theme of this year’s John Lewis advert was still a closely-guarded secret but if the Snowman’s love story, Bear and Hare or last year’s Monty the Penguin is anything to go by, we will need a box of tissues at the ready. Grab a square if you cry at the schmaltzy ads.

At some point you will be required to bake the following: Cupcakes; cookies (which your children will then decorate with a festive theme); mince pies; a chocolate yule log.

 CHOCOHOLICS Take a gamble and purchase a chocolate-filled advent calendar. If anyone utters the phrase: “I opened the little doors and ate all the choc chocs and now I feel sick”, you’ve got yourself a square.  NATIVITY In the same way the John Lewis advert tugs at the heart-strings, nothing quite prepares you for seeing children dressed up as snowflakes, singing Christmas carols. Tick off a square if your camera/mobile phone battery goes dead at the exact moment it is your offspring’s time to shine. www.artsmudge.com

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Winter 2015

Bonus square if you make your own Christmas pudding and granny breaks a tooth on the ‘lucky’ sixpence you hid inside it.  THE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR I love attending the fair at my daughter’s school, I just wish I didn’t have to go at the same time as all of the other parents and their children.

Get your dabber out if you spend £10 on four cupcakes (you baked yourself); a handmade Christmas card and a bauble decorated by your child.

 GETTING CRAFTY The Christmas break is usually around ten days long and by then it’s a bit chilly for youngsters to play outside all day. You may have to engage in some indoor activities to keep them busy (that’s code for ‘away from the iPad’).

I enjoy crafting projects that involve wine bottle corks. You will need to put in some preparation to earn this bingo square. Invite some mummy friends around to watch It’s A Wonderful Life and to share a few drinks and nibbles (optional). Once you have downed several glasses (bottles) of Pinot Grigio you will be ready to make cork reindeers with the kids. Earn a square if you plan the crafting session the morning after the night the mums came around.

 VISITING A GROTTO Lincoln has several grottos worth visiting. The one at Pennells Garden Centre in South Hykeham, is always popular. But no matter where you manage to catch up with Saint Nick, it may not go to plan. When it is your child’s turn to whisper in Santa’s ear, they will either freeze, or run screaming from the scene, as if they have just trapped their fingers in a door.

You know the drill by now. Take a square if this is how your child responds. Bonus square if they utter the following phrase: “His beard isn’t real mummy”.  THE TOY YOU CAN’T FIND ANYWHERE If Santa tips you off, following a more successful grotto visit, you will then have to scour the shops and/or internet to track down whatever your little darling has requested.

Dab off a square if you pay three times the retail price on eBay for any toy that is Star Wars-related.  DRINKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING You’ve been up since 5am and that turkey’s not going to cook itself. You have eaten half a round of toast and drank a swig of cold tea. You are tired from all the shenanigans with Santa and his elves the night before. You should NOT partake of that second glass of port as you peel the Brussel sprouts.

Cross off a square if you are slightly tipsy by the time the roasties are cooked.  TEST YOUR CONSTRUCTION SKILLS Hands up if you always end up building a toy that requires the use of a screwdriver and takes more than three steps to complete.

Cross out an entire line if you have the job finished by 5.30am.  SLEEPING THROUGH THE QUEEN’S SPEECH This is a free square. Everyone falls asleep during the Queen’s speech, don’t they? Sorry ma’am.

Good luck with avoiding the pitfalls of the silly season and remember, there is no trip to Florida if you get a full house.

Newspaper columnist Sam Curtis, 45, lives in Lincoln, in a house that’s not as clean or tidy as she’d like, with her husband Leigh and their two children, Lottie, 10, and Louie 2.

Merry Christmas!

Twitter: @sammanfa www.mollysguide.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

LPAC

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS...

It truly is a magical time of year! Decorating the Christmas tree, leaving a mince pie out for Santa, going out as a family to see the big show at the theatre; these are the moments that make childhood so special and memorable.

This year’s Christmas family show at Lincoln Performing Arts Centre is the heartwarming, classic tale about the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan, based on the original play by J.M.Barrie.

What really sets this Christmas show apart – aside from it being a refreshing alternative to the numerous seasonal Pantomimes on offer in the city – is that The Lincoln Company have changed the shape of the space entirely and staged the theatre in-the-round.

This creates an incredible, immersive world, where the children really feel like they’ve stepped into Neverland!

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre is such an inspiring place for children to visit, especially if it is their first experience of theatre. And it’s not just in the theatre that the magic happens, it’s from the moment you step through the doors!

Every year the warm and friendly Zing Café Bar is festively dressed with Christmas trees, fairy lights and lots of lovely little details to reflect the Christmas show.

This year their Front of House and Bars Manager, Holly Cox is very excited about what they have to offer, “We’re bringing the

magic of the stage into the café area. We’ve got a ‘Treasure Chest’ stall stocked up with toys and goodies (including my favourite – Tinkerbell’s wand!) And our bar will take on a jungle feel as we transform it into a ‘Lost Boys Camp’.

“All of our team will be wearing pirate hats and animal ears. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We hope you get dressed up too when you come to see the show!”

Running from Friday 11th to Thursday 24th December, advanced booking is highly recommended.

You can book your tickets online via www.lpac.co.uk, over the phone: 01522 837600 or in person at the box office in Zing Café Bar within Lincoln Performing Arts Centre. www.mollysguide.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

NEW YOUTH THEATRE

‘Peter Pan’

CHRISTMAS COMES BUT TWICE A YEAR! Yes it’s true – New Youth Theatre is super excited to be one of the first youth theatre companies to secure the rights for ‘Elf The Musical’ in the UK.

‘Peter Pan’ ‘Annie’

The Musical is to be performed at the Lincoln Drill Hall in early 2016 by young students aged 3-5 and 6-11 years.

This hilarious fish-out-ofwater comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

With fabulous shows like Hairspray, Oliver!, Grease and many more, young people from Lincolnshire get their chance to tread the boards and see what show business is really about.

If you’re passionate about starring in your very own production and learning the craft of theatre, then here is your chance.

Sessions available for young people aged 3-5, 5-8, 6-11 and 9-16 years.

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Winter 2015

New Youth Theatre, established in 2001, has gone from strength to strength; it have numerous successful franchised centres in several counties. The founders themselves still teach 450 children aged three to sixteen each week and put on shows three times a year at local Theatres.

New Youth Theatre also offer Holiday Camps, School Workshops and LAMDA acting classes too.

So whether it’s a fun time or a career in show business, New Youth Theatre is the place to be.

To join the cast & book your place, call New Youth Theatre Head Office on 01522 787601 or alternatively, visit: www.newyouththeatre.co.uk

JOIN THE CAST!

A production for young people aged 5-8 & 9-16 yrs

A production for the younger performer aged 3-5 & 6-11 yrs

To join the cast call 01522 787601 or visit the web site for your local centre

www.newyouththeatre.co.uk Centres in Lincoln & Newark

Rehearsals commence JANUARY 2016 - Book your place online today

LAMDA classes also available - Call us for full details nytlincoln nytnewark

nyt_lincoln nyt_newark

ENTERTAINMENT

LINCOLN DRILL HALL

EXPLORE THE ARTS AND HAVE FUN AT LINCOLN DRILL HALL THIS WINTER! Lincoln Drill Hall is a great place to introduce children to the arts. The venue hosts a year round programme of live shows, theatre groups, workshops and creative sessions specifically aimed at younger audiences – from tiny tots to teenagers – plus events the whole family can enjoy together.

Fishtank Youth Theatre (with groups for ages 7-11 and 11 upwards) runs in term time throughout the year, providing budding young actors and producers with the opportunity to create and perform their own show, while on Monday mornings the Happy Monday Club offers creative play sessions in music, dance, making and storytelling for under 5s.

There’s a packed programme of great live shows through the Winter too, kicking off with the spectacular panto Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs (7 December - 3 January). Packed like a Christmas stocking with fantastic characters, stunning costumes, sing-along song and

dance routines, oodles of daft jokes and sensational special effects, this is a classic festive treat for all the family.

Into 2016, Shiny (Saturday 23 January, 2pm) is a new piece of dance theatre that encourages young children and their parents or carers to get involved in the action while Digitopia (Thursday 18 February, 2.30pm) uses dance and new technology to take children aged 5+ on a journey from a simple straight line to the world of 3D shapes.

On Friday 19 February at 2pm, celebrate Pongo’s Party with a host of loveable puppet characters and take part in the biggest ever game of pass the parcel and perform in the largest children’s band.

This show, for 2-7 year olds features the voice of CBeebie’s Justin Fletcher (‘Mr Tumble!!!’) as Pongo the Pig. On Saturday 20 February (10.30am – 12noon) it’s time to dust of those dancing shoes for the first Diddy Disco of the year for under 7s.

Finally, as Spring starts to arrive, on Thursday 31 March at 2pm join Theatre Of Widdershins with their adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker. Featuring beautifully crafted set and puppets, original music, the simplest of dialogue, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse, this is a magical must-see for ages 3+.

For further information about these events and activities pick up the Drill Hall’s Spring brochure or visit www.lincolndrillhall.com. www.mollysguide.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE!

THE TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

Described as a ‘hidden jewel’ by BBC Radio Lincolnshire, The Terry O’Toole Theatre at North Hykeham is a family-friendly arts venue which offers a fantastic programme of shows for the young and young-at-heart!

On the third Saturday afternoon of each month at 3pm, the theatre presents some of the very best children’s theatre companies in the UK. Tickets are very affordable at just £6, or £20 for a family of 4, with shows usually running for around an hour.

All performances are suitable for youngsters aged 3 years upwards, but all the family are warmly invited and the theatre offers free ‘Babes in Arms’ tickets for Under 2s sitting on Mum [Or Dad’s!], knee, so that the whole family can come along and enjoy the fun!

This season’s shows include a heart-warming story about friendship in ‘Bear and Butterfly’ by Theatre Hullabaloo on Saturday 21st November and a special pre-Christmas treat, with the return of popular Blunderbus Theatre, with their delightful festive show for all the family ‘I’ve Seen Santa!’on Saturday 12th December at 12noon and 3pm.

Why not discover The Terry O’Toole Theatre for yourself?

Visit: www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk or call the friendly Box Office staff on 01522 883311 to request a theatre programme or book tickets.

www.mollysguide.co.uk

35

ENTERTAINMENT

TRINITY ARTS CENTRE

FORTHCOMING SHOWS...

Santa in Love – People’s Theatre - Monday 21st December, 1.30pm Have you ever wanted to know a secret? A Christmas secret!

Maybe you’d like to know where the fairy on top of the Christmas tree comes from, or why you never see a Christmas elf, or what exactly happened to Frosty the Snowman?

Or maybe you’d like to know the greatest secret of them all... the one about Santa Claus and the thing he secretly loves best. Could it be presents? Could it be reindeer?

Could it be snow?

You’ll never guess, so if you want to find out then join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs.

Santa will be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the smiles!

All tickets: £8.50

Pongo’s Party - Wednesday 21 February, 2pm A brand new show with CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow! Today is the day that Pongo the Pig has been waiting for, that’s right, it’s his birthday! He’s been dropping hints to his friends all year, so is looking forward to a fantastic party... but the trouble is, nobody seems to remember!

Molly-Moo the Cow is making a mess baking, Sheena the Sheep is rehearsing with her band, Sally the Scarecrow is in the middle of decorating and even Marty MacDonald is tied up with his parcels - whatever can they be up to?

Come and help make Pongo’s Party a day to remember, by joining in a show full of fun, songs and laughter – come dressed for the Best Party Clothes competition, join a huge children’s band take part in the town’s biggest ever game of pass the parcel!

Pongo’s Party is a family show particularly suitable for 3-7 year olds. Songs include: The Hokey Cokey, Wheels On The Bus, The Grand Old Duke Of York, Pat-A-Cake, I Am The Music Man, Old MacDonald Had A Farm, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and more!

Tickets: £9.50, £8.30 (Family of four £31) (Please note that Justin and Nicole do not appear in person) Trinity Arts Centre Box Office: 01427 676655 E: tac@west-lindsey.gov.uk www.trinityarts.co.uk 36

Winter 2015

DAYS OUT

FREE, FESTIVE FUN WITH DISCOVERNK!

DISCOVER NK

If you’re looking for somewhere to go with the family this Christmas then DiscoverNK has the answer!

Take a trip to Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, just off the A17 near to North Rauceby. Learn about the fascinating history of RAF College Cranwell as well as trying your hand on the flight simulator; can you land on the runway before you run out of fuel! You can help Santa to find his reindeer who have hidden around the centre and enjoy some free festive refreshments.

Visit Cogglesford watermill and Navigation House in Sleaford on Sunday 13 December as they celebrate Christmas with a special Victorian theme. There will be lots of christmassy things to do and you can help to add to their Christmas trees with your own hand made decorations – you can make some for your own tree too!

There will be delicious festive refreshments to try and you can see the watermill milling for the last time this year. Watch the huge waterwheel turn and the millstones produce the mill’s very own flour.

If you’re feeling the chill, why not visit Welbourn Forge in the heart of Welbourn on Saturday 5 December. The forge will be fired between 10am and 1pm and you can see how metal was forged a hundred years ago.

For more information on all of these venues, visit: www.heartoflincs.com or call 01529 308102

As the National Centre for Craft & Design celebrates with their annual Gifted Contemporary Christmas Market, pop into Navigation House to make a beautiful mosaic decoration.

Mosaic s Decoration th Saturday 28 November

CRANWELL AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE

NAVIGATION HOUSE Sleaford NG34 7TW

Join in with the Christmas festivities.

Enjoy mince pies and mulled wine and help Santa find his reindeer.

Christmas at Cranwell 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December

Traditional Victorian Christmas Sunday 13th December

NAVIGATION HOUSE and COGGLESFORD WATERMILL Celebrate Christmas the Victorian way with traditional decorations and fayre.

Try your hand at our Christmas Carol themed trails to win a prize and join in with lots of Christmas crafts & fun.

You can also see the watermill working for the last time this year.

For more info please call us: 01529 308102 or email: discovernk@n-kesteven.gov.uk

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.heartoflincs.com www.mollysguide.co.uk

37

5

Winter 201

mily a f e h t r o f n Fu orses H y b s n a r B at

rk we do here rewarding wo e exciting and th n Centre. t io ou at ab uc rn Ed DON’T d lea tional Visitor & ira Come along an sp nkeys in r do , ou es in ni rses s, po MISS at Bransby Ho rescued horse r ou eir of th 0 th 35 an t fall in love wi OUT ub Meet more th do no d an ! and mules ky personalities ee ch d an g in charm

There are more reasons than ever to visit Bransby Horses!

Saturday 12th December, 1pm-4pm - Christmas Fayre Join us for our fabulous Christmas Fayre! Watch Santa arrive on his special pony-driven sledge, enjoy mince pies and mulled wine in a truly special setting while supporting the work we do for our rescued animals. Santa will be meeting the children and giving out some early gifts in our grotto while the donkeys greet you with cuddles galore!

Friday 18th, 1.30pm – Guided Tour - FREE Our Fun-Filled Christmas Holiday Monday 21st, 10.30am-2pm – Kids Craft Make a special plate for Santa - £3 Activities this Tuesday 22nd, 1.30pm – Weighing Demo - FREE December...

For more information visit our website, or give us a call!

Thursday 24th, 11am – Mini tour - FREE Tuesday 29th, 1.30pm – Rehoming Demonstration - FREE

Fri 18th Dec – Mon 4th Jan 2016 inclusive – Christmas Hunt - £3 Don’t forget, admission at Bransby Horses is completely FREE so you can enjoy a day out with your family without worrying about the cost. We hope to see you very soon!

For fun activities and competitions, join our Juniors Club! Just click ‘Juniors‛ on our website and follow the instructions!

Please visit our website www.bransbyhorses.co.uk as we regularly add events throughout the year Charity Registration Number 1075601

BRANSBY, LINCOLNSHIRE LN1 2PH

01427 788464

Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare @BransbyHorses Bransbyhorses

DAYS OUT

BRANSBY HORSES

CHRISTMAS AT BRANSBY HORSES It is a fantastic occasion for the whole family to enjoy – even dogs are welcome! This year’s event takes place on Saturday 12th December from 1pm to 4pm and incorporates the Twilight Memorial Stroll.

Come along and watch Santa Clause arrive on his very special sledge, pulled by one of our rescued ponies! Then visit him in his grotto and take home a great little gift from the man himself!

With Christmas carols and a fantastic brass band filling the atmosphere with heart-warming festive melodies, there will be activities for everyone including children’s crafts and a cheeky mulled wine for the adults!

If you plan to do some special Christmas gift shopping, there will be some fantastic opportunities with fabulous homemade crafts, gifts and homewares and mementos of the day! Our well-stocked and reasonably priced gift shop offers something for everyone including fashion, homewares, Christmas trinkets, preserves and quality toys!

Festive food will be in plentiful supply with beautiful seasonal

Don’t forget, Friends of Bransby Horses also receive 10% off in our Gift Shop when they produce their membership card! roasted chestnuts, fudge, mince pies and much more to fill those hungry bellies! The Feedroom Café will be offering their popular hot turkey and stuffing baguettes and homemade Christmas pastries and desserts including our delicious mince pies (even if we do say so ourselves!)

Not to mention the hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules on site waiting to meet you! 2015 has been a very busy year for welcoming donkeys in to our care that now live on our Visitor Centre yard. New foals Nipper and Ronnie are growing quickly now and we are sure that they will be very popular with visitors at our Christmas Fayre!

Nipper is our newest adoption animal and you can adopt our cheeky youngster for just £10 a year in our Visitor Centre. You will get your very own certificate and can visit him for free whenever you want during our opening hours!

With 13 other wonderful animals on our adoption scheme, there is guaranteed to be at least one you fall in love with and choose to support!

Please bear in mind that car parking for the Christmas Fayre is limited but please see our calendar at: www.bransbyhorses. co.uk/calendar as we have lots of Christmas activities throughout the holidays, including meeting Santa!

For further information T: 01427 788464 www.bransbyhorses.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

39

DAYS OUT

CHRISTMAS AT BELTON

BELTON

Saturday 21 November 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016 Come and enjoy some of your favourite Christmas traditions at Belton this year, and possibly start a new one!

Christmas is often a time when loved ones return home, friends are reunited and families come together to celebrate the festive season.

It’s a lovely tradition and one that has existed for centuries.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Have you got any very special guests coming this Christmas, or maybe you’re travelling a long way to be with loved ones?

This Christmas at Belton you can find out what life was like below stairs in the mansion, for the servants that were preparing for the Brownlows’ festive homecoming. Pick up a Yule trail and search the gardens for jingle bells. Sing carols, find the perfect Christmas present and of course, visit Father Christmas!

Find out more about everything you can do at Belton this Christmas at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house

After the Christmas festivities have ended, Belton is a great place to enjoy a new year walk, stop by for a bite to eat and take the kids to enjoy the play areas.

The indoor and outdoor play areas, restaurant, shops, park and gardens are all open every day except Christmas Day. The mansion is open for basement tours. Don’t forget to look out for half term activities in February too!

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www.mollysguide.co.uk

41

DAYS OUT

RAND FARM PARK

CELEBRATING OUR 20th BIRTHDAY! It doesn’t seem possible but on Wednesday 17 February 2016, Rand Farm Park will be celebrating its 20th Birthday.

Following the outbreak of Blue Ear Disease in the pig industry in 1994, it was obvious that Richard and Kay Waring would need to diversify from their Pig Breeding Business in order to survive and retain the workforce they had.

With a 6 month old baby, Kay needed to make a decision about returning to work and with the Pig Industry once again in the doldrums many hours were spent discussing the way forward. Following a flippant remark over supper one evening during the Christmas holidays of 1994 when options were considered and rejected, the idea of a Farm Park began to take shape.

Months were then spent visiting other tourist attractions, sampling scones and reviewing toilets, selling pigs to make room for a selection of different animals and turning the grain store into a tea room before the doors were finally opened on Saturday 17th February 1996 and what happened….. it snowed!

42

Winter 2015

Richard has kept records of takings, weather conditions and visitor numbers since that very first day and is proud to report that although most of the visitors were family and friends, the grand total of £101.78 was taken!

“We identified our target market was aged 18 months to 11 years and it was a bonus to have a young son to take out, to see what other attractions were doing and probably it would be fair to say that Rand Farm Park has grown along with him”, Richard confirmed.

“Each time we have looked to expand, it has been important for us to provide something educational as well as something fun” said Kay who has become responsible for developing the group bookings and educational visits. It was obvious from the beginning that day visitors during term time would need to include school trips and since 2005, this has expanded again to include residential visits with that same grain store being revamped again to include a dormitory within the roof space.

As an all-year-round tourist attraction, the weather is a main consideration when looking for a venue for a family day visit so a 30m x 15m Indoor Family Playbarn was added in 2003 and further investment into outdoor play equipment has taken place this year with the addition of the Kangaroo Bouncers as well as “Skyrider” – an outdoor Activity Centre with a difference But not everything has been a success, a Farm Shop was added in 2007 which was busy when the Farm Park was busy but not so during termtime and as the “Considerable investment has been made So “What’s next” and Residential Visits on a regular basis to continue to provide a “Would we do it again?” are two questions that are became more fun but educational day out for visitors of asked on a regular basis popular, it was decided this area all ages and abilities whatever the weather said Kay. “There have been – the ethos that still survives today.” many changes over the could be better years and it’s not possible used as the main to stand still. After a couple of difficult years, entrance to the Farm Park and allow other significant investment has been made again areas to be developed for group visits. during 2015 and there are many plans in the pipeline for next year; starting with a Celebration on 17 February- in the middle of the Half Term holidays, so we very much look forward to meeting up with friends old and new and discussing what’s in store for the years ahead.

For more information for activities and additional attractions for the Birthday Celebrations and throughout Half Term visit www.randfarmpark.com www.mollysguide.co.uk

43

DAYS OUT The team at Marshall’s Yard are working with West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough Town Council this year to organise a fantastic Lights Switch On event on Saturday 21st November – starting off the festive season in the town.

MARSHALLS YARD

The town centre and the Marshall’s Yard Christmas decorations will also be colour co-ordinated for the first time with a stunning festive theme across the whole of Gainsborough. A packed day of activities and entertainment is planned for the Switch-On including a fantastic Christmas Market.

There will also be two stage areas - in the Market place and at Marshall’s Yard – showcasing some great local talent throughout the day from 1pm.

THE BIG SWITCH ON...

The lights will go on at 5pm in the Market Place and 6pm in Marshall’s Yard with Lincs FM’s John Marshall hosting the two countdowns.

There will be a Fun Fair, free face painting, horse and carriage rides and lots of fantastic street entertainment, the event will close with a stunning fireworks display at 6pm at Marshall’s Yard.

The popular ‘Titan the Robot’ with be returning again this year. He can be found in the town centre at 2pm and in Marshall’s Yard at 4pm. The headline act The Torn, headed by Damien Smith who featured on BBC’s The Voice, will perform just before the switch on at Marshall’s Yard.

Christmas Lights Big Switch On Event Saturday 21st November

At Marshall’s Yard and throughout the town in Market St and the Market Place. Two stage areas with entertainment from 1pm-6pm!

Titan the Robot Lincs FM hosts Live music Live dance performances Craft market

Free face painting Free horse and carriage rides Street entertainment Food stalls Fair ground

Lincs FM, John Marshall, hosts the count down in the Town Centre at 5pm and at Marshall’s Yard at 6pm finishing off with

Santa’s Spectacular Firework Display

Christmas Food & Craft Market Live music and real reindeer plus a visit from the Disney Frozen princesses Marshall’s Yard, Sat 12th December.

Town Centre and Marshall’s Yard stores will be open throughout the Christmas period staying open until late on Thursday’s. Individual store opening times do vary so please consult their websites for more information.

www.discover-gainsborough.co.uk www.marshallsyard.co.uk 44

Winter 2015

Alison Hall, Centre Manager of Marshall’s Yard, said: “It’s going to be an unmissable event, having both stages and two switch-ons means double the festivity and fun. This is our biggest event in the year and we really want to start off the Christmas season with a fantastic celebration.”

The festivities don’t end there!

To coincide with our December Farmers’ Market on the 12th we will have a range of Christmas craft stalls which will provide everything needed for your perfect Christmas gifts.

We also have carol singing round our famous reindeer, real reindeer to come and see as well as Santa keeping a close eye on them over lunch time.

For the Frozen fans out there Elsa and Olaf will also be on the Yard to wish everybody a happy Christmas.

With late night shopping on Thursdays during December and parking from as little as 50p for 2 hours there’s something for everyone at Marshall’s Yard this Christmas.

DAYS OUT

NEWARK & SHERWOOD

Palace Theatre Panto

FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL IN NEWARK THIS CHRISTMAS...

Get into festive spirit in Newark with a variety of family friendly events.

Join Radio Newark and Beaumond House at Newark Castle on 19 December as The Salvation Army play Christmas Carols for you to sing along to. No Christmas is complete without a good sing-along!

The Palace Theatre is hosting its annual pantomime from 9 December until 3 January.

With spectacular scenery, breath-taking costumes, fabulous songs and hilarious knock-out comedy, Cinderella is not to be missed.

Newark’s Christmas lights will be switched on 29 November Newark lights switch on

with the usual music and funfair to keep everyone entertained.

A Christmas fair will be held at Sconce and Devon Park on 28 November from 11am.

Watch live fire performers throughout the day and see Saint Nic on stilts, live music and choir with carol singing.

There will also be a selection of food and craft stalls providing an ideal opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts as well as a chance to make your own willow Christmas Wreath.

There is a Christmas tree festival at Newark Parish Church where you can see an array of trees decorated by local schools, organisations and businesses. The setting of the church is perfect for displaying these beautiful trees.

Newark Town Hall Christmas Lights

Join the Eaton Avenue Growers Association for a Christmas willow wreath workshop at Sconce & Devon Park on 5 December at 10am. The workshop costs £5 and booking is required by calling 07971486301.

For further information www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

45

What you see

What he sees

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It’s estimated that 1 million UK children suffer from an undetected vision problem.

Don’t let your child suffer with impaired vision that can affect him at school.

A FREE* eye test at Clear View Opticians will ensure your child doesn’t struggle with reading. *Children 16 or under receive free NHS eye tests

169 Burton Road, Lincoln LN1 3LW email: enquiries@clearviewopticians.co.uk We have free car parking

01522 542121 www.clearviewopticians.co.uk 46

Winter 2015

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DAYS OUT

ROSIE THE REINDEER’S TREASURE HUNT & PICK YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE...

FILLINGHAM TREES

Be part of a unique festive experience at Fillingham Trees by taking a tractor and trailer ride into our plantation to hand pick your perfect Christmas tree.

Wander among the trees and take time to choose your festive centrepiece – attach a label and it will then be cut for collection on a day to suit you.

Rosie the Reindeer will once again be taking visitors on a trail to discover Father Christmas among the trees, adding a touch of magic to your family’s festive preparations. Follow the clues to receive a gift from Santa and look out for penguins and polar bears along the way and there’s even a chance to win your perfect Christmas tree!

If you need a winter warmer why not enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake in our café and don’t miss the chance to bag a bargain from our Christmas decoration clearance range. Once again Bruno the donkey will be on hand to greet you.

Don’t miss this exciting Christmas experience at Fillingham Christmas Trees on the weekends of November 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th from 9am to 3.30pm each day. Find us 8 miles north of Lincoln on the B1398.

After this year our Pick Your Own operation will be taking a break. We realise that for many people this

has become a family tradition but we have no alternative as we have been planting trees on another of our farms at Fillingham, where it is not possible to pick your own tree. Rest assured we will continue to offer our full range of fresh home grown trees in our shop at Castle Farm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause and thank you for your loyalty in continuing to choose a Fillingham Tree.

Freshly cut Christmas trees, including pot grown, and a selection of decorations will be available daily until Sunday December 20th with the café open at weekends.

For more information - T: 01427 667014 www.fillingham-trees.co.uk

We are open for fresh cut & pot grown Christmas Trees from 21st Nov -20th Dec

First 20 ed e tr es pick d re ve li de free*

Festive for the wfun ho family! le

PICK YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE!

Choose your own tree from our plantation.

Take a trip on a tractor and trailer, choose your tree and collect it at a later date to suit you.

Join Rosie the Reindeer on our fun Christmas Family Trail and find Father Christmas - WITH A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR TREE

Christmas shop open 9am-5pm

• Undercover Christmas shop with a huge range of decorations • Meet our resident donkey Bruno

*Within a 10 mile radius

Castle farm, Fillingham, Gainsborough DN21 5BX

• Cafe serving hot & cold refreshments

Tel: 01427 667014 www.fillingham-trees.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

47

DAYS OUT

THE NATURAL WORLD CENTRE

FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! Have a Crackin’ Christmas at the Natural World Centre on Sunday 13 December from 10am to 4pm.

A fun filled day for all ages including local crafters and artists market as well as a programme of festive performances featuring ‘A Christmas Carol’ by ACTion Community Theatre. The Centre this year is excited to be working in partnership with the Country Crafts Association providing high quality local crafted items; great gift ideas for all the family!

Kids can get stuck in to fun craft activities including face painting and making Christmas decorations. Santa will also be making a special visit too so make sure you’re being good...he’ll be watching!

The Boardwalk Cafe will be transformed in to a Mini Food Fayre with various tasty treats available from many of the cafes local suppliers including Belvoir Drinks, Pipers Crisps and Welbourn’s Bakery.

The Centre is also holding its annual Christmas Crafts event in their ground floor exhibition area open until Tuesday 5 January 2016! The event hosts a number of local crafters and artists from across Lincolnshire including embroidery, wood crafted items, jewellery plus much more! The Natural World Centre is proud to support Lincolnshire’s finest crafters and artists making this year’s Christmas Craft event a must; it’s the ideal place to find unique Christmas gifts for all your family and friends.

Make a visit to the Centre’s Cave in Little Darters Adventure Area where you can discover what life is like for animals that live underground.

Have a go at its new Cave Trail which will have children exploring the cave to answer questions in a chance to win prizes. The trail costs £2.50 each which also includes a head torch, pencil and rubber.

Last but certainly not least, Santa will be stopping on for another visit on Saturday 5 December and would like to invite everyone to breakfast from 10 to 11am. Booking essential please call the centre for more information.

There’s so much to do at the Natural World Centre it’s only natural you’ll want to stay!

For more information T: 01522 688868 E: whisby@1life.co.uk. www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk 48

Winter 2015

THURSDAY 24th DECEMBER Enjoy a personal meeting with Santa in a warm cosy tea room over breakfast or lunch

Enjoy a warm Belgian waffle this autumn/winter with a scoop of your favourite ice cream flavour and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, toffee sauce or Nutella.

£11.99 per person

which includes entry to the park and gifts for genuine believers Breakfast - 10am, Lunch - 12.30pm

Nov-Feb Open 10-5 Tue-Sun Closed Mo

ndays • Farm-themed Crazy Daisy Golf All for just • Children’s play area £2.75 • Meet our animals in the paddock

Tel: 01522 693757 Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln LN6 5SA FREE ENTRY FREE PARKING

www.daisymadeicecream.co.uk

Seated café serving hot drinks, cakes and snacks

Booking is essential

Schools, pre-schools ps & nursery grou y by da welcome any nt prior arrangeme ts un - groups disco are available

• Tearoom • Childrens parties • Free parking • Schools welcome

Louth Road, North Cockerington, Louth LN11 7DY T: 01507 327184 E: info@rushmoorpark.co.uk

www.rushmoorpark.co.uk

A purpose-built local authority school serving the families of Birchwood and surrounding areas. Well-equipped inside and out with a fully enclosed spacious outdoor area.

All children are welcome, their abilities, gender, cultural and ethnic background are celebrated.

We take

2-4

year olds

• 15 free hours per week of part-time education • Morning, afternoon or full-day places • Option to buy additional sessions • Before and after school care and a lunch club

KINGSDOWN ROAD, LINCOLN LN6 0FB

T: 01522 684335 E: enquiries@kingsdownnuseryschool.co.uk

www.kingsdownnurseryschool.co.uk

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49

ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

HOW ON EARTH IS IT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN?!

RUDDOCKS OF LINCOLN

To the retailers and advertisers who say that Christmas is their busiest time of the year, we can all empathise with you on that one!

It only seems like five minutes ago since we were last running round like headless chickens, throwing last minute presents into the trolley and feeding the children sweet after sweet to try to keep them occupied.

We really should have learnt by now that sugar increases hyperactivity…

In reality finding the time to actually go shopping becomes a mission in itself! By the time we have driven back and forth, dropping off and picking up the children from carol service and school play rehearsals, the day has vanished. This is where online shopping becomes our number one friend… click, click, click and it’s done!

We love internet shopping so much, and know what a life saver it can be, we have been working our Christmas Elves extra hard this year to have a brand new website.

Take a look at www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk and don’t be afraid to let us know what you think!

Despite all of the stress, the festive months do have their bonuses! Christmas carol singing, mince pie baking, Christmas crafting…what’s your favourite? With the pantomime season approaching as well, “oh no it isn’t” “oh yes it is”, there really is plenty to look forward to! Snow White will be starting at Lincoln’s Drill Hall on Monday 7th December along with Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal the very same day.

“He’s behind you!”

With all of this excitement, don’t forget about the Lincoln Christmas Light Switch On, November 19th, where we will be staying open until 7pm for some late night shopping - and lots of fantastic offers for one night only!

The festivity continues into the first weekend of December for the ever magical Christmas Market.

If you’re worried about the children getting bored or misbehaving don’t forget that we have plenty of toys and games, for babies, toddlers and older children, in-store that you can pick up on route – or instead give our website a go!

We really do wish you a very Happy Christmas and advise you all to take a seat, enjoy a (large) glass of mulled wine & forget about the hundred and one jobs left to do… Please note, if anybody does know of any tips to make the day last longer, please do share them as they would be most appreciated.

T: 01522 528285 www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

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ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

CHILDREN’S CRAFT IDEAS

GETTING CRAFTY WITH THE KIDS THIS CHRISTMAS...

Home style writer, Katie Lewis talks to Molly’s Guide about creating Christmas decoration with the kids....

Christmas is always an exciting time for families especially those with children. It is a magical time of year where imaginations and beleifs run wild. There is so much to prepare from food to decorations, so why not get the children involved in the decorations as children just love to get messy and creative.

BON & RIB TWIGORATIONS DEC

PINECONE OWLS This time of year you can pick up pine cones, conkers, acorns from any park or wood. So use these to get creative by making these colourful, playful owls.

CH BRANAS TREE TM CHRIS

GINGERBREA D MEN GARLA ND Gets the kids to help with edible decorations, these gingerbread men would be lovely hanging over the fireplace or on the christmas tree as an alternative to chocolates.

MADEDARS HOME LEN C NT A E V D A

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Winter 2015

I have to admit I do find the traditional advent calendars a little unimaginative, so I created my own for my daughter using vintage papers and charms. She loves it!!!

I’m sure if you have children like mine, you will have plenty of beads, ribbons, paints etc. Make use of them by making some of these beautiful tree decorations. Get your children foraging for twigs, cutting ribbon and getting messy with glue!!!

Love these simple Button tree decorations, and so easy for any age to make.

Get Crafty!!

BUTTON TREE DECORATION S

If you don’t have room for a traditional Christmas tree then why not make one out of sticks and decorate it with beautiful sparkly baubles and battery fairy lights.

EL GE PEAND N A R O GARL STAR

Creating nice smells around the house is key at Christmas, make these orange peel stars to hang around the home.

Keep up to date with my latest finds and ideas by visiting ellmoointeriors.com

ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

A BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING TO BALLET AND DANCE....

PASSION 2 DANCE

We provide dance classes in Ballet, Tap and Jazz and we welcome students of all abilities and ages – starting as young as 18 months old with our Mummy & Me classes.

We treat each child individually and whether they just want to have fun or focus on exams, we can help them achieve their goal. We understand that the social aspect of dance lessons is just as important as the technique!

Our teachers are accredited and qualified with governing dance bodies including BBO and IDTA and dancers are able to take graded exams but we offer other opportunities to gain recognition for their hard work and dedication.

We have more than 35 classes per week which are provided at convenient times, both mornings and afternoons in the week and Saturday mornings.

Make wishes come true with a perfect princess themed party… Offering a bespoke party planning service, each party we provide is personalised, beautiful and we endeavour to ensure every birthday girl has a party to remember.

For further information T: 01522 691292 E: info@passion2dance.co.uk www.passion2dance.co.uk

• Children dance classes

Ballet & Dance from 18mths

• Adult classes

Signature Pilates & Ballet Barre Workouts

• Enchanting and stylish childrens themed birthday parties • Holiday Workshops & Princess Events • Onsite Boutique

“Dance-inspired fitness and fun for all the family”

• Café Lounge • Free onsite car park

Passion2Dance Studios

Follow us

6 Farrier Road, Lincoln LN6 3RU Accessible just off the A46

T: 01522 691292

E: info@passion2dance.co.uk

www.passion2dance.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

53

ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Photo: Nest box building

by Amy Lewis

HOME “TWEET” HOME Spring may seem a long way off but it’s never too early to start planning for the season ahead.

For birds, Spring is about nesting and rearing young and they start planning surprisingly early.

Photo: Blue tit

by Amy Lewis

Blue tits may start investigating possible nesting sites as early as February and March. They fly from one tree to another searching for a cosy space for bringing up their young. Hollows and crevices in dead tree branches and entirely dead trees are ideal. The traditional style of nest box, with a small round hole on the front, imitates a hollow tree and blue tits readily build their nests inside them.

Instead of nesting in hollow trees, robins and wrens make their nests deep inside shrubs and bushes. They will use nest boxes that have an open front and that are well hidden in vegetation.

Most birds are quite territorial and won’t want other birds nesting nearby (about 2 to 3 pairs per acre is the normal density for blue tits).

House sparrows are unusual in their liking each other’s company. They nest in close proximity in small colonies. Nest boxes for house sparrows copy this by providing a terrace of three nesting compartments.

“Nest boxes are easy to make and a great way to get children involved with wildlife and conservation.”

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Winter 2015

Throughout the spring, you can watch the comings and goings of any birds that nest in your box. Factsheets with simple plans for a variety of boxes can be found on the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website (www.lincstrust.org.uk).

You can also help birds build their nests!

Try putting out nesting materials, such as pet hair and wool, for birds to find and use during the nesting season. Create a nesting bundle by making a ball of your materials and hanging them from a tree. You can use an old whisk to hold it all together, or tie it together with wool.

Suitable materials are wool, straw, dry grass, feathers, down from old pillows, hair from combs and brushes, shed hair from cats and dogs, and small thin strips of cloth.

Don’t forget, young birds are fed literally thousands of insects (mostly caterpillars) while in the nest. So if you are encouraging a feathered family into your garden, remember that this goes hand in hand with gardening for insects too. Make sure your garden has flowers that attract insects such as bugle and primrose in Spring and in Summer: buddleia, lavender, any daisy-like flowers as long as they aren’t double e.g. marigolds. Sunflowers are also good and later in the year; birds will feed on the seeds. Going chemical free in the garden will also be hugely beneficial.

Once you’ve got a nest box in your garden, you can leave it up all year. After the end of each breeding season, all nest boxes should be taken down and the old nesting materials removed, and the box should be scalded with boiling water to kill any parasites (there is no need to use insecticides or flea-powders - boiling water is adequate. Annual cleaning is best carried out in October or November.

Under the terms of the “Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981”, if unhatched eggs are found in the box, they can only legally be removed from October to January inclusive, and they must be destroyed! It is illegal to keep them.

In bad weather over the winter months, bird boxes may be used by birds as a roosting site, somewhere they can huddle together to keep warm. There have even been reports of fifty wrens roosting inside a single box.

For further information www.lincstrust.org.uk

TOP: Great tits nestling in a box by Suzsanna Bird ABOVE: House sparrow by Geoff Trinder

Seasonal activities over the festive period at Hartsholme Country Park...

BUILD A BIRD FEEDER Sunday 10th January 1pm-3pm (£3.50)

WILLOW WEAVING

Tuesday 16th February 1pm-3pm (£3.50)

BUILD A BIRD FEEDER AT THE ARBORETUM

Wednesday 17th February 12pm-3pm (£3.50)

KITE MAKING

Booking essential for this activity

Thursday 18th February 1pm-3pm (£3.50)

To book please contact the Park Rangers: 01522 873735 Email: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln LN6 0EY www.mollysguide.co.uk

55

ELLMOOINTERIORS presents:

Come Design

With Me....

Please come and join us on 22nd November, 12noon-5pm at Reepham Village Hall, Lincoln There will be interior design demonstrations, stalls and ideas & advice given.

Tea, coffee & delicious homemade cakes will also be available

ellmoointeriors.com

58

Winter 2015

Follow us on

ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

TREASURE TRAILS

Stuck for things to do with the kids?

Then try a treasure trail & discover something new together...

If you’re looking for something new to do with the children this winter – and want something to encourage them outdoors - then why not try a Treasure Trail; an imaginative and fun way to explore. Treasure Trails are selfguided themed walking treasure hunts, ideal for discovering more about where you live or for taking on holiday. And at just £6.99 each, they offer a great value activity that everyone, whatever their age, can enjoy doing together.

There are more than 1,100 different Treasure Trials available, covering towns, cities and rural areas across the UK. All Trails are listed on the website so you should easily find somewhere you would like to explore.

You can choose between three themes; a Treasure Hunt, a Spy Mission or a Murder Mystery.

At the outset of each Trail the ‘mission’ is given – to find the treasure, crack the spy code or discover the ‘whodunnit’.

Treasure Trails are available online You then follow an easy route at http://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/ and answer a series of clues lincolnshire/things-to-do.html involving some interesting, scenic and historical sights along the way to find the answers.

Treasure Trails are neat A5 booklets that are light and easy to carry. They vary in length, but most average two miles and take a couple of hours to complete. Clear symbols on the front of each Trail will tell you at a glance the length of the

Trail, how long it should take you and whether it is pushchair and wheelchair friendly. There are also some longer driving & cycling Trails. One Trail booklet is enough for a family of 4-5.

Each Treasure Trail also has a ‘Trail Trouble Textline’ that offers instant help with the clues in case you get stuck – so no Trail should remain unsolved. When you have completed the Trail you can submit your answer online for the chance to win up to £1,000.

Treasure Trails are a great way to encourage children to get out in the fresh air, explore a new area and most importantly…have great fun doing so.

For further information please contact Sam Willsher at Treasure Trails - T: 01872 263692 E: enquiries@treasuretrails.co.uk www.mollysguide.co.uk

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