mumpreneur Aug 2014
Not Perfect? Join The Club! The musical Celebrating our maternal failures
Perfect Family Days Out
Mumpre neur Aw ard 2014 Nomine es Spotl ight
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Contents
Pg 4 The Mumpreneur Conference & Awards 2014 Pg 6 Mumpreneur Award Nominees spotlight Pg 11 Award Winning Websites Spotlight Pg 13 Not the Perfect Mother? Join the Club! Pg 15 Keeping the Kids Entertained this summer Pg 20 A Cast Of Future Stars
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The Mumpeneur Conference & Awards 2014
Conference and Award time is upon us yet again and we cannot wait for 2014 to be our best event yet! We have some amazing speakers lined up but at the end of the day it’s all about YOU and YOUR business! We want to take this opportunity to showcase some of this years award nominees - but don’t worry, if you haven’t nominated your business yet, there’s still time as the deadline isn’t until Friday 26th September!
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Treasured is the brainchild of Amy Scott. After taking a career break from her career in financial technology, the idea for Treasured came to Amy when her little girl was two years old. She has family and friends who live all over the world, and wanted to be able to share photos and milestones of her life and her children with them in an easy and secure way. And so, Treasured was born - a safe and secure way to collate and share all of those special moments of your child’s life. It allows you to store your scan pictures, first baby pics, first words, memorable dates and all those memories from bump to birth and toddlerhood to adulthood in a private online memory box. It is simple and easy to use, and means that if your phone or computer is lost or stolen, your photos and memories are never lost with it.
Whilst on Maternity my little girl was about 4/5 months. All I seemed to do was pull her dresses/shirts down as she was always showing her tight gusset. I thought there must be something on the market, something making a feature of that gorgeous crawling nappy bottom so started looking… and found nothing of premium quality with cute funky designs, so this idea escalated something maybe I could do. So I started creating designs and contacting manufacturers. I sent them some designs basically funky leggings with something cute on the bottom. I started with a couple of designs Cupcake, Strawberry & Daisy, had the samples sent. I did lots of research at baby groups and shops everyone likes the concept, quality and price. Many samples later as I had to ensure these were top quality and durable, I was ready to place my 1st order. Very nervous as I had just committed to 3000 pairs of leggings!! I had a year on maternity so in that year spent lots of quality time with both by children, however still managed to fit in developing the brand Blade & Rose (My children’s middle names) I went to a few trade shows, the leggings had a huge response and I came home very happy with a good number of accounts.
With Treasured, you can choose to share your memory boxes with When I returned to work, I worked full time grandparents and friends, who can and also worked in the add in their pictures and memories evenings / weekends too - great for families who live away to find stockists for the from each other. The best bit is that it leggings. It was very is totally safe and secure and you are hard working full time, the house full of in control of what goes in. You will soon also be able to use all the contents of your “box” to create gifts such as calendars, memory books and photo albums! Treasured is simple to download from the Apple App store, or online at www.treasured.com. The app is free (first 250mb and then payment plans from £2 per month are available).
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www.treasured.com
leggings, two babies in nursery, however the feedback about the products was fantastic so knew if I put the effort in I would see the results. I now work for myself, I have more time with my family, I can work around them – perfect work/ life balance. I am proud of finding a niche product and having the confidence to launch it. I am in year 4 of the business, we are now a Limited company and have over 250 accounts in the UK, 100 plus throughout Europe, Distributors in USA, New Zealand & Taiwan. I am so very proud of that, especially hearing all the fantastic feedback. I hope to continue to grow, bring out new fresh designs, ideas and of course still enjoy plenty of family time. www.bladeandrose.co.uk
At diddi dance we enhance children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of fun 45 minute dance sessions that build confidence, co-ordination and creativity. diddi dance offers unique sessions that engage and inspire children’s own creativity by using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons to their own original, funky pop songs. Classes change themes every half term exploring 14 different dance styles including salsa, country, bollywood, hip hop and tap - catering to all tastes. diddi dance classes follow a structured plan yet are taught in a relaxed atmosphere where children can learn at their own pace as their confidence builds.
The diddi dance Franchise Package offers a rewarding work/life balance that fits around your life & family. Whether you’re an ex-business employee/mother/ex-dancer, the franchise can suit anyone. The success of the themes & lesson plans offer great reward as a teacher and the financial returns are high for low set up costs. So, if you want to run your own business, have fun while doing it, and still be done in time for school pickup then why not try diddi dance today and join our mission to get children moving! www.diddidance.com
Having set up a business consultancy at home in 2004, when her twin daughters were only 2 years old, Jayne Graham realised that although self-employment was definitely for her, there was one thing missing when you work for yourself – other people - so she decided to build the missing link into her work-life by setting up Colleagues on Tap. Colleagues on Tap helps people who work for themselves to no longer need to work by themselves. First Jayne introduced ‘Coworking Days’ – one day events held in a ‘pop-up office’ which give people who usually work at home ‘a day at the office’ now and again. The events proved to be such a hit she introduced an Associate Scheme so other small business owners across the North East of England could run them too. With on average 10 events now taking place a month, and 100 Coworking Days celebrated in March of this year, hundreds of small business owners are now enjoying new networks, inspiration, camaraderie and learning opportunities that they were missing out on before while they ran their businesses from home.
Colleagues on Tap has gone on to develop a whole range of services for people who work for themselves, including Coffee Chats pay as you go coaching – online and face to face - for people who need a soundboard, new ideas or some advice on where to go next in their business; UnBoard Meetings which are peer support sessions to drive forward business change; Colleague Finder which is an online business directory so people can easily keep in touch and locate the full spectrum of small business suppliers.
/ColleaguesonTap @colleaguesontap www.colleaguesontap.com
Irish born and bred, Maryanne and her husband had their first child while living abroad and as first time parents, and without any family support, good sleeping plans and patterns did not feature heavily in those early years. After a move to London (and a course of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), child number two arrived, and feeling somewhat smug that second babies were great sleepers, Maryanne assumed that good sleeping patterns would be much more of a feature this time around. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that this was not going to be the case, and after the baby was diagnosed with silent reflux, negative sleep habits set in, making proper sleep yet again a rare commodity. A few years later, and following surgery and more chemotherapy, this time for breast cancer, Maryanne’s next miracle baby arrived. Determined to breast feed despite having had a mastectomy, and even more determined to establish good sleep habits from the beginning, this time she achieved it all, while at the same time training to become a Certified Child Sleep Consultant. And then her last ‘baby’ was born… Child Sleep Works, a business she is truly passionate about - helping families with their children’s sleep problems – sympathising and empathising with them, supporting them, advising them, building personalised sleep plans to get their child, and indeed them, the sleep they all need. www.childsleepworks.co.uk
Nicola Huelin is not just a successful Mumpreneur herself; alongside her biggest passion of being a proud Mum to four children, Nicola dedicates her time, passion and expertise to helping other mothers achieve the business success they deserve AND create a family lifestyle they LOVE! Following a 20 year career, living and working all over the world, as both an executive and entrepreneurial mother, building on her background in Business Consultancy, Marketing, P r o j e c t Management and Coaching, Nicola founded the CEO Mums Business Club, with her big vision and big heart, to help her growing community of professional mothers start and grow their own businesses, whilst creating a lifestyle to enjoy motherhood every step of the way. N i c o l a believes that every mother has a right to personal AND professional fulfilment, to live life feeling at the top of their game, without having to experience any of the three life-sucking S’s: Struggle, Self-sacrifice or having to become Superwoman! Nicola (aka “The Lifestyle-Business Coach”) helps professional mothers across the UK to become their own boss, whilst truly being the Mum they want to be, and bring greater fulfilment, balance, control and flexibility in to both their professional and personal lives. www.ceomums.co.uk
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MamaBabyBliss is dedicated to pampering and nurturing mums, babies, mums-to-be and dads everywhere through the different services we offer.
Christina Gabbitas is a children’s author, poet and voiceover artist, who always loved to read rhyming books and poetry, when she was in her early years. Always having a desire to write and work for herself, Christina’s first children’s book Felicity Fly, was published in May 2012 and addresses fears. A second followed in quick succession, Felicity Fly meets Veronica Vac. (addresses teamwork and friendship) this book was voted into the final of the Peoples Book Prize 2014. The latest addition to the series is Felicity Fly in the Garden. The Felicity Fly series teach children about the environment around them, as well as learning to read. The stories are narrated on a CD with different character accents, which also helps children with speaking and listening skills.
Christina runs a national UK initiative, for children to write a rhyme with an opportunity of having some of their work published. This initiative got support from Education Secretary, Michael Gove (see above) in 2013 and proved very successful.
Having put myself through college and partway through university as a single parent, I always thought my dreams of selling my own work were just that - a dream. Following the birth of my youngest child, and a course of therapy to overcome a difficult upbringing, I decided not to return to university and instead focused on turning my hopes into a reality.
I now work from home in Berkshire designing & selling original Papercut Art, all of which is cut by hand. Having only registered as self-employed in February of this year, I’ve mainly been building my online presence, however I look forward to a couple of craft fairs which I have booked in for the end of the year. I also have products approved to be sold via a handmade gift website and by the end of the year I hope to have some of my products in bricks & mortar shops.
Christina has also written a small collection of poems entitled, Thoughts and Feelings. Also with a love for writing bespoke poetry, has written for Sue Ryders, Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards over the past three years. www.poemsandpictures.co.uk
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www.notjustpaperboutique.co.uk
Founded in 2007 by Justina Perry, after running successful baby and pregnancy massage and yoga classes and workshops in London and Hertfordshire, she branched out nationwide in 2010 with an accredited Baby Massage & Baby Yoga Teacher Training Programme. Today, she trains over 50 people each year and there is a growing network of MamaBabyBliss Associate Teachers across the UK, who are running their own flexible business to fit in around their family needs. Classes have since expanded to also include workshops and classes for dads, pregnancy yoga and MamaBabyBliss pregnancy pampering treatments offered by a network of salons and beauty therapists nationwide. This is all supported by an award-winning natural product range and gifts specially developed by Justina, including the popular Tummy Love Stretchmark Oil and the Mummy Baby Balm – an all round fantastic wonder balm for all manner of ailments! More recently, we have launched a new birthing/fitness ball due to demand from mums in our classes. Today MamaBabyBliss is the only brand in the UK and in the world to offer this full spectrum of products, classes and treatments. Justina has also become a wellbeing expert in her own right, often seen out and about and in magazines as a guest speaker or writer on a variety of topics. For more information on all our services, products and career opportunities, visit www.mamababybliss.com
www.mamababybliss.com
Back in 2010, sisters, Stephanie Clarke and Fiona Clarke, who had a passion for making & decorating cakes, decided to develop their own brand of exciting and innovative cake decorating equipment and cupcake supplies. The business which started by selling handmade cakes, teaching cake decorating, and selling a range of specially sourced cake making equipment turned to the design and manufacture of a new range of products under their new brand ‘impressit™ This new range of unique embossing tools were launched at Cake International in November 2012, which marked a turning point for the business which is now focused on innovation, quality and unrivalled customer service.
Purple Cupcakes designs and manufactures a range of unique cake making tools and equipment that make life for the professional and amateur baker easier, and ensures excellent results that are certain to impress. The business also sources a handpicked range of cake making sundries, including around 300 items from cake cases and boards to a range of high quality edibles including an unrivalled selection of ready-touse sugar pastes in a vast range of colours for every occasion, to beautiful sugar-coated balls and decorations. Their website provides a user-friendly ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ containing everything the baker could wish for, and things they hadn’t even thought of and also shares fabulous tips and ideas for amazing cake making results. www.purplecupcakes.co.uk
Robyn and Claire are not your typical gym-obsessed personal trainers. They both have young children and know that finding time for fitness can be challenging. That’s why they launched the Female Fitness Academy, providing workouts that work around women’s busy lives. A key focus of the business is on pre and postnatal fitness, but new mums are legendarily short of time. So how do they explain their popularity? Robyn says that’s actually one of the reasons for their success.
“We travel to our clients’ homes so they don’t waste time driving or finding parking at the gym,” she explains. “We provide a fast-paced, hour-long workout. We even run ‘Mummy and me’ classes where the babies come too.” “Women know that being fit and active makes it more likely their children will be healthy adults,” adds Claire. “Being good role models for their kids can really motivate mums.” The Academy has expanded rapidly since Claire and Robyn first created it, but their ambitions stretch even further. Claire explains: “We want to help mums and mums-to-be really focus on their health. We’re working with community midwives to support a strategy for reducing obesity in pregnancy, and we’re developing an online fitness programme.” www.thefemalefitnessacademy.co.uk
KiddyUP, the award winning locationbased real-time marketplace for parents, was founded by two mums – Zoe Bermant (a global marketing manager) and Charlotte Pickering (a barrister). They met at antenatal classes in 2010; had sons on the same day; daughters due on the same day two years later; went into business together in 2013; and launched KiddyUP to the App Store in February 2014. Within four months they have 50,000 locations inside the App, 1000s of users from all over the world, have entered into collaborations with multiple industry leaders including Mumsnet and have closed a round of funding giving the company a £1m valuation.
But that’s not all - in 2013, Charlotte and Zoe also set up Fancytotz, an innovative baby product company. Fancytotz filed its first patent in early 2014 and aims to license its debut product - a parent safety device - to a major brand by the end of the year. Fancytotz also became the exclusive UK distributor of Amiya baby bedding, which, along with KiddyUP, has been shortlisted for a Loved by Parents award. Their successes have seen them interviewed for Forbes, feature in numerous national publications and be nominated for multiple business awards.
www.kiddyup.co.uk
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Curvaceous Inc is an award winning, UK based, monthly online fashion magazine which celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. They have been awarded the ‘Best Magazine’ at the British Plus Size awards and are one of Jacqueline Gold’s #WOW winners. The magazine has also been recognised internationally and has gone from strength to strength in a short time by working with inspirational women such as Gemma Collins, Sherry Lee Meredith from Go Curvy, Hayley Hasselhoff and many more. Curvaceous Inc promotes body confidence through the magazine and encouraged young ladies and women to love who they are and to not be pressured by the media to be a certain size. The name 'Curvaceous Inc' represents women as a whole and encourages everyone to ‘Be Beautiful, Be Proud, Be Curvaceous.'
Little Pickles Markets were started in September 2010 by Jessamine, Mum of Five Little Pickles of her own, that was looking for a new challenge. Nearly four years on the business is still going strong, covering a wide area in the South of England.
Little Pickles Markets organise and promote baby and children's nearly new sales in several counties. Saving parents much need money on kitting out their ‘Little Pickles’ at the fraction of retails prices. The markets also help parents recoup some of the thousands that they have spend on their young family, quite often meaning that they can spend the money on other clothes and equipment as their family grows. Plus Little Pickles promote care for our environment too, with people reselling items through the markets it means that they are being recycled and not dumped in landfill. All of our markets are held in indoor, pushchair accessible venues. In February this year we were recognised as by Theo Paphitis as one of his Small Business Sunday winners.
www.curvaceousinc.com
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www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk
Hi my name is Genevieve, the sparkle behind MoonBow Toys, lover of all things Creative, Toys and Travel. MoonBow Toys was established in January 2013 in Rugby, Warwickshire. Having lived in a small town with limited shopping experiences, I was always looking for something a little bit different. I wanted to bring unique and engaging products to the town, collections that would be difficult to find on the high street. Top brands include: Alimrose, Doudou et Compagnie and Milestone to name a few.
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hen they say first impressions are important, they aren’t kidding. Your website is the first impression yoand checkout or make tu give to your customers, they use your home page to judge your company.
Imagine being invited for coffee. You arrive at your friends house and as soon as you walk through the door, sales people start jumping in front of you, or there are overbearing, flashing fairy lights everywhere and there is mess and chaos everywhere. You’d make your excuses, leave and probably decline all future invitations. This is exactly the impression that websites with pop-ups, extreme flashing adverts and difficult navigation give. Those businesses that recognise the importance of that forst impression and know how to make their guests feel at home and comfortable enough to fill their basket or place those enquiries, deserve to be recognised for the ongoing dedication it takes to keep their sites updated, relevent, and inviting. The Mumpeneur UK Website awards, offer those hard working, dediated website owners to get just that!
MoonBow Toys is a family run business, created to indulge our passion for traditional wooden toys from bygone eras. We have researched and sourced a mix of exciting toys on our travels, which will both inspire and educate. We sell an array of colourful, tactile products that will intrigue those curious imaginations that children have. Our diverse collections range from award winning wooden toys, innovative colouring-in products and luxurious soft gifts. All the hard work over the past 18 months has paid off by being awarded this amazing ‘Gold Award’ by Mumpreneur. This has been a real high point for our business! Use code NC10 to receive 10% discount on your first order and look out for more products coming soon!
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www.moonbowtoys.co.uk
We are a family run online business selling personalised baby and toddler clothing and accessories across the UK and Europe.
Sian Richardson is mum to Tom aged 10 and founder of Career Management and professional CV Writing companies www.careermaster4military.co.uk and Calling all geeks, mini-geeks and www.careermaster-cvs.co.uk.
people who love geeks!
Nottingham based Mini Geek Boutique We started off printing personalised creates products that are fun for both baby t-shirts as well as t-shirts with kids and adults focussing on cultures and themes funny slogans, all inspired by our that make own Cheeky Baby (now promoted to you and your Cheeky Boy). It’s such fun coming up friends laugh new designs! We and smile. then added new products, It is official, such as bow ties are customised cool but so is PE bags, all the stuff on swimming bags and our website! baby bibs and we’re We offer a always looking for new fun range products to print. Our of products sizes now also go up including, to 4-5 years, so we can cater for big clothing and brothers and sisters too! If you’re ever apparel, gifts, in need of larger sizes, we are happy home wares, to order them in for you – just send us stationery and a message! accessories covering all One of our most exciting achievements the geekiest is our personalised pirate t-shirt being stuff in featured in Glamour Magazine earlier s c i e n c e , this year. We can now officially say “As movies, fi lms, games, books, comics Seen in Glamour Magazine”! and music. We do justice to the geek community. Established in 2013 by our Head Geek, Tracy Clarke, Mini Geek Boutique is always innovating, creating and reacting. A lot of the products the Mini Geek creates are hand crafted, and are as unique as the person who buys them!
As a former army wife, Sian identified the need to help Service Leavers & veterans moving from military into civilian life to translate and market their transferable skills - and so CareerMaster4Military was born.
Sian has helped hundreds of people to secure their next job. She works in partnership with British Forces Resettlement Services, training companies such as Syracuse Managed Solutions recruitment companies and attends careers events across the UK, giving FREE CV advice and guidance. With Sian’s help, her clients have achieved great results and are always happy to recommend her services; ‘I sent my new CV out on Friday and got an interview on Monday - Amazing!’
Our personalised baby and toddler t-shirts are priced at £8.99 each with free UK delivery. We know mums love a bargain, so use the discount code MUM10 for 10% off your next order at www.cheekybabytees.co.uk
After 23 years in financial services and having helped many friends to write their CVs, perform well at interviews and find jobs, Sian decided to use her management, HR and recruitment experience to help others, by setting up Career Master CVs from her home in Wales.
‘You will be glad to know I got the job. That’s now 2 jobs out of 2 for the CV. Worth every penny, thanks again!’
www.minigeekboutique.com
www.careermaster4military.co.uk
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Not Perfect? Join The Club!
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ew British musical The Good Enough Mums Club will tour venues in South London in July as part of an initiative to improve child and parent health and wellbeing, it was announced today. Tickets are on sale now, with 20% of all tickets being given away to community and support groups for mothers in South London. The musical has received significant funding as part of a Design Council initiative supporting projects aimed at improving child and parent healthcare in South London boroughs. Performances in July will test the impact of the production on mothers in order to combat feelings of low self-worth, loneliness, isolation and depression often experienced in the stages of early parenthood. If successful, the project will be rolled out across London and nationally. A hysterical, heartbreaking and honest new musical, The Good Enough Mums Club toddles through the highs, lows and sleep deprivation of five women who are thrown together by motherhood. With enough wet wipes on hand to mop away the tears and clean away the snotty laughter, they overcome their isolation, loneliness, judgment and desire for perfection to discover that they are stronger as a group than as individuals and that sometimes,
being good enough, is best. From peeing on sticks to drooping tits, The Good Enough Mums Club shares the love and dispels the myths of motherhood. The Good Enough Mums Club is conceived, produced, directed and performed by mothers who have all experienced the highs and lows of earlyparenthood. Its creator Emily Beecher, who swapped her career as a producer for a new life as a mum, is committed to helping parents overcome some of the mental health issues that can be related with becoming a parent: “We are incredibly proud of The Good Enough Mums Club. Not only are we able to provide mothers with family friendly work in the arts but through our work with the Knee High Project we’re able to prove that simply seeing the show lowers anxiety whilst increasing self-worth and general wellbeing in mothers. At a time of serious budget cuts, to both the Arts and community support services, it’s wonderful that the Design Council and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity are looking at creative and innovative ways to help our communities.” The Knee High Project is a funding programme created by The Design Council, in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity and the London
Boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth supporting the development and testing of new ideas that will improve the health and wellbeing of children in their early years. The Good Enough Mums Club is one of the final six shortlisted projects helping to fundamentally improve the health and wellbeing of under fives and their parents, living in South London and beyond. There will be a press performance at The Three Stags, Kennington on 16 July at 8pm. To secure tickets please email mark@ markseniorpr.com. Any community groups, charities, social workers, mental health organisations or support networks working with mothers in Southwark, Lambeth, Merton or Wandsworth who are interested in receiving free tickets should contact tickets@goodenoughmumsclub.com. The Good Enough Mums Club is produced by Emily Beecher and Sarah Shead for Spin Arts. It is directed by Helen Eastman, whose credits include Bridgetower (Hackney Empire and Tour), Red Shirt (Royal Festival Hall), Wild Raspberries (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow) and Hansel and Gretel (Cork Opera House). The cast of mothers includes Katherine Toy, Michaela Ellis, Rebecca Bainbridge, Jade Samuels and Anna Byworth.
When and Where? THURSDAY 10 AND FRIDAY 11 JULY 2014 THE BEDFORD 77 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HD Performances: 12.30pm and 8.00pm Tickets: £12, £10 (matinees) Box Office: www.thegoodenoughmumsclub.com/book-tickets
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WEDNESDAY 16 TO SUNDAY 20 JULY 2014 THE THREE STAGS 67/69 Kennington Road, London SE1 7PZ Performances: 12.30pm (18 and 20 July) and 8.00pm (except 20 July) Press Night: Wednesday 16 July Tickets: £12, £10 (matinees) Box Office: www.thegoodenoughmumsclub.com/book-tickets
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Summer Fun
We are constantly contacted by parents who feel guilty about working during the summer holidays and not spending enough time with their children. We realise how hard it is but there is a balance to be found! How about the odd family day out to help ease your guilt and keep the kids happy? We’ve put together a selection of ideas based on recomendations from other Mumpreneurs. Pack those lunches, load up the car and start having fun... you deserve it!
Ideal for a day or for a weekend, with its on-site hotel it’s versatile enough to allow for both. This is the dream day trip for all lego enthusaiasts, full of fun, inspiration and imagination boosters. Just watch their jaws drop when they see some of these fabulous creations!
Legoland Windsor Resort
If like me you have a ‘Lego Addict’ seven year old then believe me this is the place where dreams come true... it’s definitely on our ‘Must Visit’ list for summer 2014. In fact, he’s already been on the website so often that he’ll be the one giving us the guided tour instead of the adults leading the way!
How much?
The websites states that booking and printing your tickets online will save you 30% so you’d be a fool not to...
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One Day Pass Adults £46.80 Children £41.40
Two Day Pass Adults £68.40 Children £57.60
It may be dark, spooky, a little scary and unnerving but it’s defintely interesting! Give the kids a fantastic day out whilst educating them in the process - does it get any better? With exhibits, interactive displays and rides there’s something for all the family. You can visit The London Dungeons as part of a trip to the Capital or you can make an entire day of it. Either way, satisfaction and screams are pretty much guaranteed! How Much? There are some great discounts for online booking with adults costing £17.50 and kids just £15.95
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Drayton Manor Theme Park in Tamworth, really does have an attraction for everyone. For those adrenalin junkies and thrill seekers amongst you there are some of the best rollercoasters in Europe. The little ones can join in the fun on the smaller rides in Thomas Land and if you’re just not that into the rush of a rollercoaster, you can take a l;eisurely stroll through the jam packed Zoo.
How Much? 17
I may be a little biased as this was our annual summer family day out whilst we were growing up but even now many, many years later it still brings back some of my fondest memories of childhood. They also do some great family offers if you can keep your eyes peeled online!
Online Age 12-59 £25.00
Online Age 4-11 £20.00 Same price for OAP
Online Age 2-3 £5.00 (Under 2’s free)
B est Family Value How Much? (Online Exclusive) Adults £22.50 Children £19.29 Family* £83.69 *Family tickets are essentially for four people i.e. 2 adults and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids.
No matter what anyone says there’s that one celebrity we would all like to meet, well now’s your chance...kind of. Madame Tussauds is world famous for their waxwork models. Again, this is a place I visited as a child and was completely overwhelmed and stunned even at such a uyoung age, at the quality and likeness of the models. Where else would you get the chance to stand this close to Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Daniel Craig and Bruce Willis and openly drool your appreciation? Madame Tussauds also gives you the opportunity to be openly jealous and judge the likes of Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet with no come back (We love you really ladies). For the kids, there’s Captain America, Wolverine, Spiderman and much more. It really is an awesome place to visit!
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With a theme park, wildlife centre, a zoo, a hotel, a sea life centre and shows this really is a fantastic option with something everyone can enjoy. One day ticlets start from ÂŁ25 and there are options for two day tickets which include overnight hotel stay from just ÂŁ37.35pp.
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F A Cast of Future Stars
or the last 15 years Vanessa Buckley has coached her husband and children for auditions and performances both professional and amateur. Her son James Buckley has appeared on The One Show, Junior Dragons Den, Children and Need and BBC1 series of Robin Hood. Last year she decided that there was a gap in the market and opened her own academy of dramatic arts offering lamda examinations. “I felt the time was right to pass my knowledge and skills on. There are many drama schools but no one in our area offered qualifications. Lamda examinations provide a great foundation and ucas points. My aim isn’t just to give children a voice and encourage talent on the stage and screen, it’s to equip youngsters with confidence and life skills too,” she says. Vada’s teaching team provides first class training encouraging youngsters to aim high and to be the best they can be. Combined with a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion, their method of teaching instils invaluable qualities in the youngsters that extend beyond their training promoting self-confidence, respect, work ethic and a sense of tradition. Ultimately, their classes are designed to develop well-rounded and balanced individuals by offering exceptionally high quality training in voice production, oral communications, theatre and the performing arts. Lessons are taught using the LAMDA syllabus ensuring the best teaching methods. The principal Vanessa Buckley has trained through LAMDA and has performed in the theatre and TV from the age of 6. "I believe passionately in the importance of the performing arts, it can help to enrich a child’s life and develop their confidence and selfesteem. Self-expression, confidence and creativity expands, hereby enhancing young imaginations and vital communication skills. Children and young adults who study performing arts at VADA have their creativity nurtured and encouraged. They will go on to lead the most fulfilled lives. From my own experiences as
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a performer, director, teacher and practitioner, participation in the arts can provide a valuable foundation for young people’s lives. Every child is fighting their way forward in this world, at VADA we give them a leg up the ladder of success, and give the stars a chance to shine." Within a few months of setting up VADA, Vanessa decided to add a casting agency. “I could see the pupils had so much to offer. I had contacts within the TV, modelling and film industry and knew I could offer the children more.” Within weeks of opening Vada casting management the Buckley family pet was gracing
the pages of one of Britain’s best loved newspapers, The Daily Mail, after landing a leading role in London Fashion Week. Ebbie found stardom on the Mulberry set working alongside Cara Delavigne. Many of the VADA children have been lucky enough to find work, look out for Sam who will be gracing our screens appearing on the Eureka children’s museum advert in the summer. Vada opened its doors in September 2013 welcoming just 6 pupils. The school has grown rapidly and Vanessa now employs 4 staff and has over 70 pupils.
Frozen musical theatre class and Glee Club are by far the most popular classes. Children as young as 3 come along and dress up as the characters from Frozen and spent three quarters of an hour belting out those well loved tunes. It is a great introduction to the arts. Children have fun whilst learning mime, singing and movement. “I have seen some children who start off sucking their sleeves and not saying anything but the lessons really bring them out of themselves and they’re soon performing in front of 30 or 50 people.” Workshops are provided in the school holidays. Every workshop is devised to equip the learners with theatrical skills. Teachers are brought in from all over the country. The most popular workshop has beenThriller. At this workshop every child learnt prosthetic application and created Zombie make up on themselves. They then performed a scene from Thriller. Which included dance, mime and drama. They learnt to age clothing; all skills which are invaluable in the theatre. One of the most important things about VADA is its inclusive program. Every class, and every opportunity is open to every child. The classes started in a mill complex however Vanessa realised that disabled access was almost impossible and within 3 days found new premises. Vada is now situated at a fantastic complex in the centre of Halifax accessible to all. The venue has a restaurant, dance studio and recording suite. Vada already offers piano and singing lessons however Vanessa plans to add to this offering guitar and woodwind lesson. The next twelve months looks very exciting with great opportunities for the stars of the future.
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