UNLEASH FUN AND IMAGINATION AT AN ARTS EXPERIENCE DAY AT NORTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Working with young children is one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do. It can be hard work, but it certainly is rewarding. Every day is different and every child unique. You play a key role in their learning and development from when they start nursery to the day they graduate for ‘big’ school. At Childbase, their success is rooted in a commitment to the individual, professionally and personally, because they have proven that employee well-being, engagement and retention is critical to consistently high provision. There are a variety of roles within their nurseries from Apprentices, qualified and unqualified practitioners, to Team Leaders. In addition to competitive salaries, they have a range of financial and wellbeing benefits via Perkbox and Thrive to support colleagues. To see their latest vacancies or colleague profiles, please visit them online.

W: www.childbasecareers.com

Health Advice And Support Whenever And Wherever You Need It

Did you know that if you or your family need urgent health care you can get help and support whenever you need it, even if you are away from home?

NHS 111 is free to use and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and because it’s available online, you can leave your child to rest while you get the advice and reassurance you need. If needed, a healthcare professional will call you straight back. And the best part is, if your child does need to see a health professional, NHS 111 will offer you a timeslot* at the local health service which is best placed to treat themthat could be an Urgent Treatment Centre, a General Practice, pharmacy or emergency dentist. Saving you time and the stress of hanging around waiting areas. All you need to do is answer a few questions.

Easiest way to use NHS 111 is by logging onto 111.nhs.uk.

* A time slot is an allocated time for you to arrive at a service and does not mean you will be seen at that time

A WHOLE YEAR OF FANTASTIC EVENTS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE!

Rushden Town Council has been working hard to create a whole range of entertaining events for families to look forward to throughout the year. It kicks off with the King’s Coronation, celebrating this great historical occasion with a Big Lunch in Hall Park on Sunday 7th May. Racing ahead, you can get ready for the exciting Annual Soapbox Derby on Sunday 4th June. They will once again host an action-packed Party in the Park on Saturday 8th July in Hall Park, plus the ever-popular Proms on the 2nd September, and Bark in the Park on the 3rd September. Pop the dates on your calendar - and to find out more, simply follow them on social media or check their website.

W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

Does your daughter have a passion for Art or a flare for Drama? Does she fizz with creativity each day or perhaps she would like to explore her creative side further? Then why not head along to Northampton High School’s exciting Arts Experience Day on Saturday 13th May. Not wanting to leave the smallest imaginative explorers out, the same day will also host an Early Years Fun Morning with a range of fantastic activities for girls aged 1-5, with their parents. You are also welcome to go along to the whole school Open Morning on Friday 28th April, where you can explore the school on a guided tour, meet the staff and learn about the opportunities on offer, for girls aged 2-18 years. Contact them today and book your place.

T: 01604 765765 E: nhs.admissions@nhs.gdst.net

W: northamptonhigh.co.uk

The Old Station Nursery Nurtures Happy Children Ready For Their Next Step

Located in Harpole, Little Houghton and Wellingborough, The Old Station Nursery provides full time and part time care for children aged 0-5 years old, with available sessions all year round. What matters most across all the nurseries, is that children feel safe and happy and leave nursery with a love for learning, and the possibility to succeed in all that comes next. Each nursery is truly unique, with a rich and diverse curriculum, ensuring no two days are the same. The qualified and passionate nursery team aim to inspire, innovate, and nurture, to Create Brighter Futures Together for children and their families. There are available spaces for spring, summer and beyond. Secure your place today. Please visit their website to book a tour.

W: www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk

March 19th

Mother Sunday Cream Teas

April 8th, 9th & 10th

Easter Egg Specials

April 29th, 30th & 1st May

Brampton Bear Specials

May 6th, 7th & 8th

Coronation Weekend

With British Summer Time only a heartbeat away, we can look forward to the long-awaited arrival of the events season once more! Get ready to celebrate by planning some top entertainment for the troops – take a look at these familyfriendly events coming your way!

MONDAY 13TH – MONDAY 27TH MARCH SPRING IS CALLING, WILL YOU ANSWER?

You could WIN a National Trust annual membership for your family in Weston Favell Shopping centre’s latest giveaway!*

From Monday 13th – Monday 27th March, discover the Spring phone box located on the lower mall and snap a photo before sharing on social media to enter, tagging @westonfavellshopping and using ‘#WFSpringisCalling’.

*Family annual pass consists of 2 x adults (aged 18+) living at the same address and their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Terms and conditions apply. Please visit them online for more details and how to enter.

W: westonfavellshopping.com

SATURDAY 8TH, SUNDAY 9TH & MONDAY 10TH APRIL ENJOY A WONDERFUL DAY OUT BY STEAM ON AN EASTER EGG SPECIAL

Clamber aboard the Northampton & Lamport Railway and celebrate Easter with a relaxing, fun steam train ride, made extra special with a chocolate treat! All children will receive a free, delicious Creme Egg together with entry to an “Easter Bunny Hunt” competition and meeting the friendly Easter Bunny on the platform when you join them for an Easter Egg Special! Enjoy a tranquil, cosy journey, in fully heated coaches, through the attractive Northamptonshire countryside and take time to browse around their souvenir shop, stocked full of nostalgic memorabilia as well as a wide range of toys. When refreshments are needed, head to their buffet coach serving hot and cold drinks, tasty snacks and freshly prepared hot food. Trains run on the 8th, 9th and 10th April between 10am-3pm and there’s free parking.

W: www.nlr.org.uk

Saturday 10th June

FRIDAY 7TH – SUNDAY 9TH APRIL

SEE ALL THINGS MIGHTY AT SANTA POD’S FESTIVAL OF POWER!

Santa Pod Raceway presents Festival of Power, an Easter weekend extravaganza. Headlined by the famous Jet Car Shootout with five fire breathing jet vehicles, plus, 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters and the first round of the National Drag Racing Championships. Off track there’s just as much excitement with stunt shows on two and four wheels, and you’ll see two mighty Monster Trucks do battle! For younger guests, other side attractions include a family circus and children’s entertainment. There really is something for all the family at the Festival of Power, 7th – 9th April. Day tickets from £33 (booking fees apply) for the full line up visit them online. W: www.santapod.com

SUNDAY 9TH & MONDAY 10TH APRIL HOP ACROSS TO ROCKINGHAM CASTLE FOR A BASKETFUL OF FUN THIS APRIL!

There will be plenty of egg-citement at Rockingham Castle as the Castle & Gardens opens this Easter Bank Holiday! Taking place on Sunday 9th & Monday 10th April from 12 noon – 4pm, it will be their first open day of 2023, with both the Castle and grounds open to explore. Collect your leaflet and start exploring the Gardens to seek out the Nursery Rhymes Easter Trail. Don’t forget, once you’ve completed your booklet, you can collect your Easter Egg! Meet Billy the Bunny, indulge in delicious refreshments, and enjoy stunning views across the Welland Valley, perfect for picnics! Tickets are available to purchase on the Rockingham Castle website.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

NORTHAMPTON CARNIVAL 2023 – “CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE WHO CAME ”

Northampton Carnival & Cultural Arts Ltd are well underway with plans for this year’s spectacular annual event. On Saturday 10th June, the town comes alive as the streets of Northampton are packed with flamboyant costumes, creative floats, troops, and a host of exciting activities at the Racecourse Park from 12 noon. The theme “Celebrating The People Who Came” coincides with Windrush 75 as it marks the anniversary of when the first influx of Caribbeans arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948. The theme lends itself to a variety of interpretations as everyone can get involved and create a costume, float, devise a dance piece or even write a song that reflects their culture. So if you’re a community group, school, troupe, singer, dancer or individual that would like to get involved in the free Carnival workshops or perform on the main stage, then visit www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk or email northamptoncarnival@yahoo.co.uk for an application form.

Easter is just around the corner, bringing bunnies, chocolate and smiles all round! We’ve rounded up the absolute best things to do this spring from exciting outdoor adventures to hands-on creative crafts, and everything in-between! Read on to discover the destinations and family entertainment on offer, all geared up to make this Easter holiday an eggstra special one.

JOIN DEENE PARK THIS EASTER FOR LOTS OF EGG-CITEMENT!

Children visiting Deene Park can take part in their Garden Easter Egg Trail. Explore the Gardens in search of our colourful eggs, find the letter on each egg to uncover the secret Easter word, then collect your Easter prize!

The Easter Bunny will also be on the hunt for eggs so make sure you stop and say hello. Visitors wishing to explore the house can do so on a self-guided tour of up to 15 rooms, all decorated with family portraits and possessions. Gardens are open 1pm-5pm, House 2pm-5pm.

Visit www.deenepark.com to book your tickets! Sunday 9th and Monday 10th April

DO YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR TODDLER’S WEEKEND MORE FUN?

Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby-based play programme for girls and boys aged 2 -7 years old. Our fun-filled, energetic and high-tempo classes take your Rugbytot on a journey of discovery and imagination.

Our classes use the principles of rugby to develop hand-eye coordination, key motor skills and teamwork in a secure and friendly environment. Whether it is protecting your ‘egg’ from pirates, exploring the world with amazing discoveries or running through Rugbytots valley avoiding ‘boulders’ our classes have children and parents grinning from ear to ear. Our motto is simple – ‘Make it more fun’.

Free taster sessions are available where space in class allows, please email vince@rugbytots.co.uk for details

ENJOY A MAGICAL DAY OUT AT HOLDENBY HOUSE WITH ALICE AND FRIENDS THIS EASTER!

Running 9th – 10th April

GET YOUR BONNETS READY FOR WICKSTEED PARK’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA!

Why not give yourself a treat this Easter that’s even sweeter than chocolate? This year they have some eggciting fun hatching at Wicksteed! Hop around the park and try out their brand-new ride, The Garden Wheel! Want to have some extra fun? Why not join their Easter Egg hunt where you can win a delicious treat –not only that, but you could also be in with a chance of winning an amazing prize where you get to feed the Meerkats!

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Spark Imaginations And Have Fun With Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre

Hop! to Holdenby House and join them for a Magical Easter Weekend with all the family. Alice will lay the trail for the Easter Egg Hunt in the gardens, each day she will hide her Golden Egg, containing £100. Her friends will be on hand with lots of fun and activities for all to enjoy from egg painting, egg rolling, face painting, traditional fete games, and croquet. Alice loves the birds and animals in the Falconry Centre; here you will be able to enjoy the magnificent collection of birds of prey and experience flying displays on the lawn. Although the growing wildlife wing does not have a March Hare, you will be able to meet Roxy the Fox, Norma the Hedgehog along with other fascinating wildlife members.

W: www.holdenby.com

Let your children enjoy the great outdoors and a whole basketful of fun this Easter with a trip to Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. There will be games, crafts and activities followed by a delicious homemade afternoon tea, including sandwiches and cake! These events take place from 3-5pm on Monday 3rd April (SEN event only); Tuesday 4th April; and Wednesday 5th April. Spaces will be limited, so early booking is recommended. Led by an experienced Ranger, new outdoor sessions are available this spring, specifically aimed at 2–4-yearolds, to introduce them to wonderful, nature-based crafts and activities including bug hunting, minibeast shelters, and small den building. Home educators and their children are also invited to special sessions to include campfire and cooking, treasure trails, woodland games, tracking and more. For dates, locations, costs, and times, please see the advert on page 10. For more details and to book your place on all the above sessions, please email everdon@westnorthants.gov.uk.