Time for Tots Magazine Northamptonshire Winter 2014

Winter 2 0 14

The local guide from bump to 5 Babies and Sleep Deprivation

Top Tips from a Baby Sleep Expert

free

Pause for Thought:

A Christmas Story for Parents

as m t s i r h C s & Events Activitie Inside!

Guide

Plus...

News, Reviews, Articles, Classes, Weekly Activities Timetable Competitions, Money Saving Vouchers and plenty more...

Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Rushden, Thrapston and Surrounding Areas

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Join us this Christmas as we go on an adventure with Pinocchio, the mischievous puppet with one big wish. Will he become a real live boy? Find out in our magical retelling of this much loved fairytale!

Mon 8 - Tue 30 Dec Tickets £15 (£13) Family £48 for 4

This February half term, join us for a festival of live shows as part of our GO! Children’s Festival!

3 Wise Monkeys

Thu 19 Feb, 11.30am & 2.30pm Adults £5, Under 16s £7 Special Offer: 1 adult free with every Under 16 ticket purchased

Hercules

A Dance Cabaret for all Ages!

Thu 19 Feb, 2pm & 7pm

Wed 18 Feb, 11am

£15 (£13) Special Offer: 1 adult free with every Under 16 ticket purchased

£12 (£10); Family Ticket £35 for 4

Three Keepers

Fri 20 Feb, 11.30am & 2.30pm Adults £5, Under 16s £7

Sun 22 Feb, 1pm & 3.30pm

Adults £12.50, Under 16s £10.50 Family Ticket £42 for 4 Special Offer!

Jurassic Adventures Special Offer: 1 adult free with every Under 16 ticket purchased

Sat 21 Feb, 1.30pm & 6pm £15 (£13); Family Ticket £48 for 4

Book a Family Ticket

by Mon 22 Dec & pay just £40

Box Office 01933 270 007 www.thecastle.org.uk Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

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Winter 2014 Hello and Welcome to the Winter Issue!

Our favourite issue to compile as we get a heads up on all the fun activities and shows taking place this festive period! Our Christmas calendar is all planned now - turn to our guide on page 11 and you can start planning yours too. Whether you’re looking for a full day out, a visit to Santa or a show or pantomime there is so much to choose from. One show we’re particularly looking forward to this Christmas is ‘Dear Santa’ at The Core in Corby. Based on the book

by Rod Campbell, we were fortunate to get a sneak preview of the show at the Press Launch and it looks fab!

We’re delighted to include another super article from Rachel Bridgeford this issue. Did you read her ‘Pause for thought’ in our autumn issue? Rachel’s brought us another thought provoking article and poem, this time on the theme of Christmas. A highly recommended read on page 48 to 49.

This issue isn’t just about Christmas though of course with plenty of classes to choose from in our Clubs & Classes section for the new year and a super week of live shows in The Castle Theatre’s Go! Children’s Festival in February half term - see pages 2 and 6.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Until the spring...

Vanessa

How to contact us:

Tel: 0845 6439687 E-mail: info@timefortots.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/timefortotsmagazine www.timefortots.co.uk Meet the team: Vanessa Simpson - Editor Leanne Houghton - Sales & Admin Support

Contents 4 6 8 11 25 30 33 34 35 36 38 40 43 44 44

Tots News Unmissable Events in 2015 Christmas Gift Ideas Christmas What’s On Guide Clubs & Classes Baby Signing Classes with Sing & Sign Events Diary Time for Mum Top Beauty Tips for Busy Mums Meet our Mum in a Million Think well..Feel Better..

Childcare Business Opportunities Pregnancy & Birth Birth Announcements

46 Babies and Sleep Deprivation 48 Pause for Thought: A Christmas Story for Parents 50 Party Services 52 Weekly Activities Timetable 58 Special Offers 60 WINter Puzzle Page 62 Bumper Christmas Wordsearch 63 Index of Advertisers

Our front cover photo was taken at the Press Launch for The Royal & Derngate’s panto ‘Peter Pan’. Read all about it on page 18....

Whilst every effort is taken to ensure the content of this magazine is up to date and accurate, ‘Time for Tots’ cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Neither does ‘Time for Tots’ endorse any of the companies, products or services that are advertised. Copyright on all written material and artwork produced by the ‘Time for Tots’ team remains with ‘Time for Tots’.

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Tots News

Santa comes to Corby!

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he cast of Dear Santa brought some early Christmas magic to The Core at Corby Cube in October when they came to town for the official launch of this year’s delightful festive production.

The show, which has been adapted from the acclaimed author Rod Campbell’s (best known for Dear Zoo) popular Christmas book “Dear Santa”, features Peter Edbrook playing Santa.

After giving local press a taster of the show, Santa went off into Corby Town Centre to bring some early Christmas cheer to passers-by and also made a trip to the Corby East Midlands International Swimming Pool stopping for photos as he went.

Find out more about the show in our Christmas What’s On guide on page 19.

We thoroughly enjoyed the taster, which had us adults captivated so is bound to be a huge hit with children! Santa was absolutely marvellous and if you’re thinking he looks familiar, it could be because he also stars in the current Toys R Us advert!

Dear Santa will be delighting audiences from Friday 5 December 2014 to Saturday 20 December 2014. Tickets can be booked on 01536 470470 or online at www.thecorecorby.com.

Peter Pan comes to Northampton!

J

oe Pasquale, Alex Giannini and Ceri Dupree brought a touch of early Christmas magic to Northampton in October as they officially launched Peter Pan, this year’s swashbuckling Royal & Derngate family pantomime, meeting children and their families at Riverside Hub. After a photo call the stars of the show wandered around the children’s play centre posing for more photos and signing autographs.

We took a couple of little friends of Time for Tots along for the event and managed to nab a few good shots - as you will have seen from our front cover!

Peter Pan will be captivating Northampton audiences from Friday 5 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015. You can read more about the show in our Christmas What’s On guide on page 18.

Tickets can be booked on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Under 5s Eat For Free Midweek At West Lodge Farm in January

You will receive one free under 5s meal with every adult meal purchased. Offer available Monday to Friday throughout January.

www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

New Premises for Barbara Hooton School of Dancing

After over 45 years at the same venue, the Barbara Hooton School of Dancing has seen it’s old premises demolished to make way for new state-of-the-art studios; scheduled for completion next year. Read more about this story on page 28.

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Baby2

Fre e sh ipp ing

Good as new

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY HAND & FOOT PRINTS KEEPSAKES GIFTS WORKSHOPS PARTIES FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

on all o rde rs

www.baby2goodasnew.co.uk

Designer and high street baby and childrens clothes.

Hugely discounted prices. New & Pre-loved items.

Quote ‘WINTER14’ at checkout for 10% discount.

PERSONALISED INVITES, CARDS & FRAMED PRINTS lovingly hand-finished with diamantes, pearls or buttons

Upstairs, 43 St Mary’s Rd Market Harborough, LE16 7DS www.thepaintpottle.co.uk claire@thepaintpottle.co.uk

contemporary childrens collections in 6 stunning colours baby shower invitations, birth announcement cards, new baby cards, christening invitations & cards and birthday invitations & cards framed print collections - new baby, family and our popular ‘likes...’ design

www.pinkinkcreative.com | pinkinkcreative@gmail.com

Professional home & location photography

Specialist maternity, baby and family portraiture.

Candid, natural pose for beautiful artistic imagery.

Fine art printing, photography books, framing, canvases, acrylics and digital purchase.

For information and details please visit: www.firetreephoto.co.uk

Tel: 01858 810038 Mobile: 07773 280492 email: info@firetreephoto.co.uk 108 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9DA

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Tots News Continued

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Unmissable Events in 2015!

See more events in our Events Diary on page 33

GO! See a show this February

at Wellingborough Children’s Festival!

Mon 16 – Sun 22 Feb 2015

T

his February half-term, The Castle plays host to a series of films, live shows and chances to take part in our new GO! Children’s Festival From Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd February, children and family can head down to the Wellingborough venue fun-filled events; from Dinosaurs to Lighthouse keepers, Pirates to Monkeys, Greek Myths to Fairies, Penguins to a certain bear from ‘darkest Peru’ there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Starting on Monday 16th February and running through the half-term week, families can enjoy the latest family film classics, including Penguins of Madagascar, Paddington, Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Never Beast and the brand new, allsinging, all-dancing Annie (PG).

On the live stage, families can enjoy an encore screening of the National Theatre’s Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island; 3 Wise Monkeys, a journey with 3 cheeky monkeys – Seeno, Hearno and Sayno – on their journey to wisdom; Three Keepers, a play without words taking place on Flounder Rock Lighthouse; a trip to the Jurassic ages with huge dinosaurs and fun, thrills and screams with Jurassic Adventures; and loads of your favourite friends from TV’s Milkshake in their all new adventure Milkshake Party Party Live!

As well as all of this excitement, Hercules – a dance cabaret for all ages – bursts on to the stage! A cast of stunning professional performers and talented local performers presents the tale of one extraordinary superhero with 12 impossible tasks, resulting in bucket loads of hilarious dance acts ensues.

The Northamptonshire Baby & Toddler Show

N

orthamptonshire Baby and Toddler Show is coming to Franklin’s Gardens (Weedon Road, Northampton) on Sunday 8th March 2015.

The Show is the biggest and best parenting event in the county with over 70 fantastic companies all under one roof, celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool.

There’s great shopping, a fantastic demonstration programme, activities, refreshments and fun filled family entertainment. We also have amazing Goodie Bags for the first 500 visitors!

And we haven’t forgotten the little one’s there is a large soft play area, and special guest appearances, meet and greets and photo opportunities with Princess Anna from Frozen, Rapunzel and Fireman Sam, throughout the day!

We have a jam packed programme in our Demonstration Area with a whole range of different activities, and taster sessions for you to try, including: hypnobirthing, baby massage, baby yoga, baby and toddler music and movement classes, pre-schooler dance classes, baby signing and much more.

Best-selling author of The Blissful Baby Expert, Lisa Clegg will also be speaking at the Show on a range of sleep issues including: what is enough sleep for your newborn, all the way through to transitioning from a cot to a bed. Lisa will also be available to answer your questions throughout the day.

You can also enter your little one in our Face of the Northamptonshire Baby & Toddler Show competition, with a chance to win a fantastic prize package worth over £300 courtesy of Serendipity Photo!

Whether you are expecting your first or are a seasoned pro, this is the premier parenting event in the county, celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool Northamptonshire has to offer!

Early bird discounted tickets are just £2.50 (plus online booking fee) and are available now at: www.northantsbabyshow.com, or buy them on the door for £3.50.

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest Show news, special offers and giveaways www.facebook.com/ northantsbabyandtoddlershow Sponsored by:

Head to The Castle for all the information about GO! Wellingborough Children’s Festival, including dates and ticket prices!

www.thecastle.org.uk Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

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The Pixie Gallery

www.thepixiegallery.co.uk

thepixiegallery@yahoo.co.uk

w ww.facebook.com/thepixiegallerynpton

Fine Art and Framing Services Celebrate a new birth with a beautiful, original and personal, handmade Frame or Portrait Give a present to someone that will keep the memories alive forever Scrabble Tile Names.....Handprints.....Footprints.....Hand drawn Portraits.....Professional Box Frames Made to Order Remember......All products are HAND MADE FROM SCRATCH in our local worshop

The Pixie Gallery 37 Parkside, Northampton NN3 5EW

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Tel: 01604 371425 Mob: 07838 976777 Email: thepixiegallery@yahoo.co.uk

h c a o c e tag Theatre Arts “Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts”

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Kettering are now enrolling!

Call: 01234 828878 kettering@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/kettering

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....

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Bearly Worn

Christmas Gift Ideas

Childrens Boutique

26 High Street Thrapston NN14 4JH

01832 732405

Shop local this Christmas, supporting local businesses and bagging a unique gift that can’t be found on the high street!

Come & see all our fab Christmas gift ideas.

We have a great selection of brand new & pre-loved clothing, toys, essentials & accessories. Check our

Handmade Gifts For All Occasions

facebook page for opening times, offers & competitions.

www.fb.com/conistoncrafts conistoncrafts@gmail.com 07887 926833

BearlyWornChildrensClothingAgency

Wooden letters & names * Personalised family trees Funky crayons * Christmas themed gifts Prices from £2.50

Bear With Me

Market Street, Kettering

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Pete’s Personalised Toy Boxes Gorgeous childrens furniture, hand-made locally from solid wood and personalised with your child’s name. Choose from either a cream, white or wood finish.

The perfect gift for birth, christenings or birthdays!

Bears for all ages “All Better Now” teddy bear hospital Rehome an orphan bear ...and so much more

Come and visit!

Free £5 voucher with first purchase

To order or for more information contact us on:

01933 276144 or email: pete@wellboards.co.uk

Find us on Facebook: petes-personalised-toy-boxes

www.bearwithme.me

Please allow up to 14 days for the manufacture of your item as they are carefully made to order.

Handmade locally by a joiner with over 40 years experience!

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

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Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....

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To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....Christmas Gift Ideas....

Gift Ideas from Pink Ink Creative

These cute NEW personalised cards (£5) are available in three colours and come with a free matching gift tag.

The framed prints (£30) are available in twelve colours and make a unique Christmas gift for someone special.

All items are lovingly handfinished with your choice of diamantes, pearls or cute buttons.

Voucher Valid for

One Standard Photoshoot Family & Pet Photography Professional Quality Prints, Acrylics, Panels and Canvasses To book your photo session contact Andy: andy@amcphotos.co.uk 07446 329053

Trostisar is an imaginative range of healthcare and toy products to soothe and comfort children from an early age. Trostisar are magical characters, who comfort and spread love. They don't judge or compare and are very curious of what children are afraid of!

The exclusive product range includes our cuddly plasters, which are soft velvety plasters which adhere to normal plasters or straight onto the skin to calm and soothe. They are available in our 6 Trostisar characters and also the ever popular Angry Birds. Our night-time plasters feature a glow-in-the-dark heart which fades gently as your child falls asleep to help ease fears of the darkness.

Our award winning Bumpsicle is a re-fillable ice pack which can be used to soothe a sore, bump, sting or bite and can then be opened up to be eaten as an ice-pop.

Our Gentle Sleep Range includes BedBlocks, making it easy for parents to raise the pillow end of the cot when a child has cold or colic. Children love our cute cuddle blankets and soft toys of our characters and can easily relate to them and their protective powers.

For more information on Trostisar please visit our website.

www.trostisar.co.uk

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Christmas 2014 Your local guide to what’s on for families this festive season Family Days Out - pages 12 to 15 Activities & Grottos - pages 16 to 17, 22 & 23 Pantomimes & Shows - pages 18 & 19 Fairs & Markets - pages 20 & 21

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Family Days Out The Christmas Experience

at West Lodge Rural Centre Sat 29th Nov to Wed 24th Dec Children and families of all ages can experience the magic of Christmas at the farm this December. Families can enjoy taking part in the live Nativity Play, with children from the audience starring alongside the farmyard animals. You can take a walk through the Elves village and make some magic reindeer food to take home and sprinkle on your lawn on Christmas Eve. Pause for a photo in our ‘Christmas Photo Booth’ The highlight of your trip will be a visit to Father Christmas who is waiting to receive your Christmas lists, he’ll also be able to tell you if you are in the Good Boy and Girl book or the Naughty Boy and Girl book! You will receive a gift to tide you over until the big day.

The regular piglet race gets festive with all piglets wearing a seasonal jockey on it’s back.

Pre race, parents are invited to ‘show’ the pigs to the expectant audience who have all chosen their favourite jockey to win. The pigs then race around the obstacle course cheered on by excited children and adults alike. The Rickyard restaurant is the perfect place to warm up in front of a log burner with a hot chocolate and mince pie.

On the 16th, 17th, 18th & 22nd Dec join everyone at West Lodge at 4.30pm for a Christmas Sing-A-Long! You must book in advance for this event.

www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

Winter Wonderland

at Twinlakes Family Theme Park Sat 15th Nov to Wed 24th Dec Discover a truly magical family experience as Twinlakes Family Theme Park is transformed into an enchanted Winter Wonderland!

There’s something for everyone with 70 acres of attractions (including 125,000sq foot of heated indoor venture zones!), 100s of birds and animals and round the clock activities.

Christmas attractions include a 25ft high toboggan run, the magnificent Winter Wonderland Express Train, the Winter Mirror Maze and Candy Cane Maze.

In the farm meet Twinlakes Real Reindeer and join the in feeding sessions. In the festive workshops, children’s imaginations flow creating special surprises to take home plus lots of fun and games!

New for 2014: Join the naughty elf and Rudy the reindeer for fun and games at snowball masterclass and race through the snow at sledging school.

There are yummy treats for everyone in the Gingerbread decorating workshop and last, but by no means least, the visit to Santa. This extra special Santa visit includes a walk through the magical winter woodland trail before boarding the train to the North Pole which pulls up at Santa’s Workshop.

There you will meet Mr Claus himself and every good boy and girl will receive a Golden Ticket to exchange in The Crooked Elf’s Workshop (located in the gift Shop) for an extra special gift.

Standard Day Admission starts from £8.49 and includes FREE Parking, Reindeer Dust, entrance to £250,000 Grotto and gift from Santa.

www.twinlakespark.co.uk

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CALLING ALL CHILDREN:

HELP SAVE CHRISTMAS!

The naughty Christmas gnomes have cast a spell on the elves and Bernard needs reindeer food making urgently or Christmas will be lost!

Come along to Greentrunks Garden Centre this Christmas and answer Bernard’s urgent call for help to make reindeer food to take home to feed the reindeer on Christmas Eve. All helpers will get to visit Father Christmas and receive an early Christmas present and candy cane!

Only ÂŁ7 per child.

Booking advised.

Greentrunks Garden Centre Loddington Road, Gt Cransley, Kettering, NN14 1PY Tel: 01536 799778 www.greentrunks.co.uk Tel: 01536 799778 Home to

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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The Magic of Christmas

The Magic of Christmas

at Thurleigh Farm Centre

at Sacrewell Farm & Activity Centre

Sat 29th Nov to Wed 24th Dec

Sat 29th Nov to Wed 24th Dec

Did you know that Santa chooses Thurleigh Farm & Adventure Playground for a little holiday rest before the big push on Christmas Eve Night? While he is relaxing away the days and fine-tuning his strategic planning with the Elves and Rudolf, he loves nothing more than meeting visitors and having little chats about life.

In fact, you might like to be one of his visitors whilst he’s at Thurleigh. He is very approachable, quite funny as well apparently, and by the comments received he’s obviously on good form whilst there which is partly explained by his pleasant surroundings.

The Elves decorate out his little holiday let so that he does not get too homesick. The reindeer are also well looked after and you can visit them as well, as they practice their routines to get all the presents to the right homes. I bet if the kids play their cards right they may even leave with a present from Santa himself!

There are lots of other activities to pass the time with a full schedule of usual activities including a short train ride through Santa’s Toyland Tunnel! Also explore the Nighttime Labyrinth that takes you through the wonder of Christmas scenes.

This adds up to the Magic of Christmas at Thurleigh Farm Centre with quality time spent with Santa. Plus you can take your own photos or video for those lasting memories!

It’s also worth noting there is no long queuing at Thurleigh Farm Centre - Santa’s helper will find you when it’s your turn to visit Santa. How Christmas should be!

Thurleigh Farm looks forward to welcoming you all this Christmas and whilst there why not enjoy a hot lunch, a slice of homemade cake and a delicious hot chocolate!

Prices: Children £12 (including gift from Santa), Adults £8. No need to pre-book. Entrance is all inclusive. Babies not walking are free but there is a charge of £5 if they wish to receive a gift from Santa.

How does Father Christmas get around while his reindeer are resting up for Christmas Eve? By Shire horse and carriage, of course.

Father Christmas himself will once again be arriving at Sacrewell in style on Saturday 29th November, the first day of the centre’s Christmas event. To see him arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, get to the farm for about 10.30am and he might even stop for a chat.

Sacrewell’s traditional Father Christmas, who won the accolade of “best Father Christmas ever” from one enthusiastic visitor, will meet and greet all visitors by the fireside as he takes time to talk to each child about what they would like for Christmas, gives presents and poses for family photographs.

For an all-inclusive price, visitors will be dropped off for the first time ever at the Georgian farmhouse after taking a shuttle sleigh ride on the rosy-nosed tractor, where Father Christmas will be greeting his guests in the cosy sitting room.

He’ll be there every weekend and then daily from the 13th to 24th December.

Sacrewell’s photographer, Vanessa Barton, will capture a fireside family portrait if you’d like one, and you’ll be able to take it home with you that day.

Afterwards you can visit the donkeys in the living Nativity scene in the Animal Village, try your hand at traditional Christmas decorations, browse craft and gifts from local traders and of course, make the most of the winter by exploring Sacrewell.

Prices also include entry to the new Play barn where children can let off some steam and parents can enjoy a soothing hot drink from the kiosk, served by Origin8 @ Sacrewell.

An all-inclusive price of £9 per child covers all day entry to Sacrewell, a tractor ride and a present, or normal admission applies to those who don’t want to pay a visit to Father Christmas this time.

Sacrewell’s low season prices apply to adults.

www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk

www.sacrewell.org.uk

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15 wondrous * magical * memorable * nostalgic

The Santa Express

Present, Refreshments & a Steam Train Ride

01780 784444

www.nvr.org.uk Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Peterborough, PE8 6LR Registered Charity No. 263617

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Activities & Grottos Santa Claus at Stanwick Lakes

Christmas Party at Cheeky Monkees

Visit Santa in his magical grotto (on the dates listed, 11am to 4pm) and receive a present. £3.95 per child, including a present. While you are at Stanwick Lakes why not explore the playground or come inside and make lovely Christmas crafts.

On Saturday 6th December, 10am to 4pm, visit Stanwick Lakes for a Christmas celebration that includes festive food, arts and crafts, music and merriment!

To celebrate the start of the festive period, Cheeky Monkees are hosting a Christmas Party on Friday 12th December, 6.15pm til 7.45pm. The fun includes tree decoration making, a treasure hunt, biscuit decorating, a visit from Santa and a visit from Anna and Elsa from Frozen!! The cost is just £6 per child.

Booking is essential.

6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st Dec

www.stanwicklakes.org.uk

Help Save Christmas!

At Greentrunks Garden Centre For a Santa visit with a difference, visit Greentrunks Garden Centre this December. The naughty Christmas gnomes have cast a spell on the elves and Bernard needs reindeer food making urgently or Christmas will be lost!

Come along to Greentrunks Garden Centre and help Bernard to make reindeer food that you can then take home to feed the reindeer on Christmas Eve. All helpers will get to visit Father Christmas and receive an early Christmas present and candy cane! Only £7 per child. Booking advised. Call for dates.

www.greentrunks.co.uk

Santa at The Newlands Centre 27th Nov to 24th Dec

Visit the Ice Palace at the Newlands Centre, Kettering this Christmas where you will be met by the Ice Princess. Jump onto the sleigh to have your photo taken! Santa’s Grotto is filled with magic and excitement. During their visit with Santa, each child will be given a gift and a free child voucher to see ‘Aladdin’ at Kettering’s Lighthouse Theatre.

Pre-booking essential. Only £2.50 per child online, or £3 per child in person.

www.santainnewlands.co.uk

Friday 12th December

www.cheeky-monkees.co.uk

Ride the Santa Express at Nene Valley Railway

Selected dates between 30th Nov and 24th Dec Your Santa experience starts with a welcome from the station staff - entertainment is provided at busy weekends. This is followed by an enjoyable visit to Santa’s log cabin where each child receives a special present from the man himself.

Following a short wait families then join the steam hauled, decorated train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and back. During the journey the train staff serve the children with a drink and chocolates.

Parents and other adults are not forgotten with a serving of a mince pie with either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink. Santa walks through the train to see the children and to wish everyone the compliments of the season.

Booking essential. View dates online at:

www.nvr.org.uk

Festive Bowling Fun

at New York Thunderbowl, Kettering Christmas and New Year are only around the corner and so are your celebrations! Come join the New Years Eve party from £19.99 per adult and £14.99 per junior. With unlimited bowling from 7pm till late, a generous buffet and Disco with Corby FM’s Des Barber and the first drink is on the house! For other festive holidays: Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve day you can have 2 games of bowling at £6.50 per junior and £7.50 per adult, bring the whole family for some festive fun. Look online or call 01536-414004 for more information.

www.newyorkthunderbowl.com

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Santa Claus at The Swansgate 6th, 13th & 20th December

Santa is coming to The Swansgate Shopping Centre in Wellingborough! Head down on Saturday 6th, 13th or 20th December between 11am - 4pm to meet Santa in his Grotto. Best of all, the grotto is completely free and you receive a free gift!

www.swansgateshoppingcentre.com

Santa, Reindeer, Penguins & Ice Skating at Willow Place Santa Claus is coming to Willow Place and Corby Town Shopping Centre on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 23rd & 24th Dec from 10am to 3pm. He’ll have his own grotto so you can visit him and hand him your wish list. He may even give you a special gift!

There will also be real reindeer in town on the 7th, 14th, 21st & 23rd December and real penguins on the 22nd!

From the 15th to the 20th there will also be an ice rink located outside Lloyds Bank. Open from 10.30am to 5pm daily. Fun for all ages!

www.willowplace.co.uk

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To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Pantomimes & Shows Peter Pan

at The Royal & Derngate 5th December to 4th January

Television presenter and all-round entertainer Joe Pasquale leads the cast in Northampton’s premier pantomime: Peter Pan, in the role of Smee.

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division and Executive Producer of Peter Pan, said: “We are thrilled that Joe Pasquale, who has smashed pantomime box office records wherever he has performed, will be leading the cast of Royal & Derngate’s pantomime. Joe’s high-energy comedy, along with a superb cast, means that audiences will be hooked during this production of Peter Pan. It will be without a doubt one of the most impressive pantomimes ever staged in Northampton.”

Making his glamorous Royal & Derngate debut is international cabaret artist and variety legend Ceri Dupree in the role of Ms Smee. Over his 30 year career in show business, Ceri’s impressive stage and TV career has seen him impersonate almost every major female star you can think of.

Peter Pan guarantees a treasure-chest full of comedy, seasonal silliness along with stunning flying sequences. You’re guaranteed to be hooked by the swashbuckling pantomime adventure which has enthralled audiences for decades and is the perfect festive treat for all the family.

There are even more lower priced tickets available for the pantomime this year, with prices starting from just £9. Tickets can be booked on 01604 624811 or online at:

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Magical Mishaps!

at The Royal & Derngate Theatre 13th December to 9th January

Inspired by the world of Merlin, which can be seen in its Royal auditorium this festive season, Royal & Derngate presents a playful, interactive adventure called Magical Mishaps!, ideal for children under five to enjoy with their family or school. Taking over the theatre’s Underground Studio for the Christmas period, Magical Mishaps! runs from Saturday 13 December to Friday 9 January.

Join two best friends, a boy who wants to be a wizard, and a girl who wants to be a knight, as they embark upon a magical mission this Christmas. Determined to master some exciting new tricks and prove how grown up they are, their hopes of an action packed adventure don’t quite go to plan!

Exploring what it means to be truly brave, this journey of mischief and mayhem shows the intrepid pair that the best magic in this world cannot be found in any spell book, but is created by friendship itself.

Tickets for family performances (weekends and holiday time) are just £8* each. Performances on school days can be booked by groups of up to 60, at a cost of £360 for the group. Magical Mishaps! is designed particularly for children under five, but can be enjoyed by all children and their families. The performances on Friday 2 January have been created especially for families with children who have special needs. For a full schedule of times and dates, or to book, call the Box Office on 01604 624811 or look online at:

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Win a family ticket to see Magical Mishaps!

See page 60 for how to enter

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19

Dear Santa

at The Core at Corby Cube 5th to 20th December From the author of one of the most well-loved books for children, Dear Zoo, comes a special treat for Christmas, Dear Santa, which can be seen at The Core at Corby Cube from Friday 5th to Saturday 20th December.

Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to our little hero Sarah. But he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’ just in time for Christmas Eve. All the ingredients of Rod Campbell’s ingeniously simple and charming style are brought to life on stage at The Core, in a show packed with music, laughter and plenty of audience participation.

Ideal for those aged 2 to 7 years old, this is sure to be a Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. The show runs for approximately 50 minutes.

Before family performances there will be the change to join in a free, fun craft session to write a letter to Santa, and afterwards to visit the magical Elf workshop when Santa himself will arrive to take all the letters back to the `north Pole.

Tickets are prices at £10 with concessions at £8 and school tickets at £7. For information about performance times and to book, call the ticket office on 01536 470470 or visit:

www.thecorecorby.com

From the author of Dear Zoo

LIVE ON STAGE

Dear Santa

IDEAL CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR AGES 2-7

Fri 5 – Sat 20 December

Performance times vary. Please check website for details.

Ticket Office: 01536 470 470 www.thecorecorby.com

Win a signed copy of the book “Dear Santa” by Rod Campbell See page 60 for how to enter.

Pinocchio at The Castle Theatre 8th to 30th December

When Gepetto, a lonely old wood-cutter who longs for a son, receives a piece of wood he sets about making a brand new puppet in his studio. When his new creation magically comes to life, Gepetto is astonished and delighted! Pinocchio must learn to be good and honest, brave and generous if his dream of becoming a real boy is to come true, yet he is a mischievous rascal with a well-known habit of not always telling the truth!

As he trips and tumbles from one adventure to the next, joining the circus and visiting the land of toys on his way, Pinocchio encounters a collection of characters from a magical fairy and a charming cricket to a sly fox and many, many naughty donkeys. However, no matter how far his adventures take him from home, his desire to become a real human boy never leaves his side.

Will Pinocchio achieve his dreams and become a real boy? Find out this Christmas in our magical, all-new re-telling of this much loved fairy tale!

Tickets are priced at £15 each (£13 concessions) or £48 for a family of 4. For performance times or to book, call the box office on 01933 270007 or go online at: www.thecastle.org.uk To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Fairs & Markets Christmas at Farndon Fields

German Christmas Market in Northampton Town Centre 21st November to 21st December

Christmas at Farndon Fields is a feast for all the senses. The farm shop is your one stop for the best quality local food that your Christmas table deserves. Locally reared Free Range Bronze Turkeys are available to order from the Butchers along with the Christmas Dinner Essentials Box for only £25. It has all those extras including pigs in blankets, gammon joint, streaky bacon and cranberry sauce. To accompany we’ve got the best sprouts on the stalk, potatoes, cabbages, leeks and carrots all grown on our farm.

Have you tried our locally baked mince pies?

Fantastic warmed in the oven and devoured with a blob of brandy butter or local cream. Delicious cheeses, home-baked pork pies, home-cooked hams, pickles, local pates and chutneys for Boxing Day are all available at the Deli.

If you’re looking for a special food inspired gift, why not make your own hamper? Pick out your favourite foodie treats and we will wrap them all in a beautiful basket for you. The Gin Hamper is a great gift and features the fantastic locally distilled Warner Edwards Harrington Dry Gin. Come along with friends and enjoy our NEW Winter menu in the Kitchen @ Farndon Fields.

Everything is cooked to order by our Chef using the fresh ingredients from the farm shop and grown on our farm.

Visit Farndon Fields to make sure this Christmas really does taste amazing!

Christmas Trees will be available from 1st December. We’ll have a great range of Nordman Fir and Norway Spruce trees freshly cut on the farm as well as some freshly cut locally grown Blue Spruce and Douglas Fir. Beautiful locally made holly wreaths will also be available in a range of sizes.

www.farndonfields.co.uk

A traditional German Market selling traditional food, drinks, gifts and crafts. All 24 stalls will be open from 10am to 9pm daily until 21 December.

There’s also plenty of other entertainment to look forward to in the run up to Christmas, with performances on Abington Street and the Market Square on most days.

www.lovenorthampton.co.uk

Corby Christmas Market 1st to 24th December

This unique Christmas market features 10 market stalls selling festive produce, gifts and decorations.

The market will be on from the 1st December until Christmas Eve in Queens Square, Corby.

www.willowplace.co.uk

Christmas Shopping Market at The Plaza, Thrapston Saturday 6th December

Annual Christmas Shopping Market at The Plaza, Thrapston, 10am to 1pm.

Organised in support of Aldwincle Pre-School, this busy, annual event will this year run alongside the hugely popular Thrapston Farmers’ Market.

Added attractions will include Santa’s grotto, warm refreshments and a Christmas choir.

For further details please contact Hilly Horton on 07530 404511.

Vintage Frost Fayre with Most Marvellous

Market Square, Northampton Sunday 14th December

Stalls galore featuring vintage, antique and retro items and handcrafted, locally-made gifts. 11am– 5pm. Also includes include a full programme of entertainment sponsored by Most Marvellous.

www.mostmarvellous.com

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

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CHRISTMAS

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

Farndon Fields Farm Farndon Road Market Harborough, LE16 9NP Tel: 01858 464838

www.farndonfields.co.uk

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @FarndonFieldsFS

Kettering Late Night Shopping Late night shopping every Thursday at the Newlands Centre: 27th Nov, 4th, 11th & 18th Dec from 8am to 8pm. Then from the 15th to the 23rd Dec inclusive from 8am to 7pm and Christmas Eve 8am to 5pm.

FREE town centre parking in council owned car parks, Thursdays 4th, 11th & 18th Dec after 3pm, Saturdays 6th, 13th & 20th Dec all day and all day every Sunday.

Christmas Opening Times 2014

www.newlandsshopping.co.uk

Corby Late Night Shopping

The shops will be open from 9am to 8pm on the 11th, 18th, 22nd and 23rd December. Then from 9am to 5.30pm on Christmas Eve.

www.willowplace.co.uk

Thursdays 27th November 4th December 11th December 18th December

8am – 8pm 8am – 8pm 8am – 8pm 8am – 8pm

Extended Opening 15th December 16th December 17th December 19th December 20th December 22nd December 23rd December

8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm 8am – 7pm

24th December

8am – 5pm

25th December

CLOSED

26th December

10am – 4pm

31st December

9am – 5.30pm

1st January 2015

Northampton Night Shopping

10am – 4pm

Every Thursday from the 20th Nov the shops will be open from 9am to 7pm. Then from 9am to 8pm on the 15th to 19th and 22nd and 23rd Dec, and 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve.

www.grosvenorshoppingcentre.co.uk

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

23

Â

Â

Shed your winter coat by shopping at the

Newlands Shopping Centre where you can find everything all under one roof

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Specialist equipment for children and young people used in nurseries, paediatric departments, hospices and schools.

The Jolly Back PosturePad™ Mama & Me is a multi-use antenatal support and baby development wedge. It provides abdominal muscle support, helps reduce back and pelvic pain and improves comfort and sleep for mums to be. For babies, it helps control reflux, encourages early movement skills and body awareness and promotes health back development.

The ErgoKneeler™ is a kneeling system that can provide comfort, support and ease of movement for people such as nurses, midwives, podiatrists, orthotists, therapists, care workers and educational staff who undertake tasks at a low level. It can assist the user in managing the postural stressing associated with kneeling, helping to reduce the cumulative strain and promote musculoskeletal health.

Find out about these and more products on our website: www.spectrumhealthcare.co.uk www.facebook.com/SpectrumHealthcare.UK Email: info@spectrumhealthcare.co.uk Tel: 01793 762928

ErgoKneeler™

Jolly Back PosturePad™ Mama & Me

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Clubs & Classes

Emma’s Dance Studio Childrens Freestyle Dance Classes Kettering Mondays

at Buccleugh Academy Sports Hall

Wellingborough 7 to 11 years: 5.15pm to 6pm 11+ years: 6pm to 7pm

Tuesdays

Contact Emma Green on: 07787 828532 emmaatgrn@hotmail.com

at Ise Lodge Community Centre

3 to 8 years: 5.30pm to 6.15pm 8 to 12 years: 6.15pm to 7pm 12+ years: 7pm to 8pm

Rugby fun for 2 to 7 year olds

Friendly, fun, exciting lessons Ideal for the less confident child

Contact Nick on 07720 430798 or e-mail: nickbinder@ntlworld.com www.punchinpandas.org

Fully qualified CRB checked

Now in Desborough

Only £3 per class

Classes in Kettering, Burton Latimer, Corby, Desborough & Wellingborough For ages 3 to adult

Fridays

at St Barnabas Church Hall

3 to 8 years: 4.45pm to 5.45pm 8+ years: 5.45pm to 6.45pm

6th Dan Chief Instructor - Part of S.K.E. England

Real karate at realistic prices. No hidden costs or direct debits

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Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming Lessons

ScrumKids offers fun non-contact rugby-based sessions for girls and boys aged 2 to 7 years Visit www.scrumkids.co.uk to book your FREE TRIAL SESSION

Follow us on Twitter @scrumkids Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/scrumkids

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Find us on Facebook

See our ‘Weekly Activities Timetable’ in the back of the magazine for class times and venues

PUNCHIN PANDAS

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1 to 1 tuition available Thursdays at 12pm in Geddington

Instructor in the water Average of 6 children per class Classes in Rothwell and Geddington Prices start from £6.50 for 30 minutes

Call: 07821 646451 Email: jennysdolphins@live.co.uk www.jennysdolphins.co.uk

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes

Pick up a Under 5 Activities booklet which lists all fun ac tivities for Under 5’s taking pla ce at Corby East Midlands Inter national Pool and Lodge Park Sp orts Centre.

Available to downlo ad from www.corby.gov.uk

(Age 4 - 19 years old) Classes in Tap, Ballet and Modern Dance. Classes are held at

various community centres around the Borough. We also run adult tap classes. For more information please email: julie.cardwell@corby.gov.uk or view the webpage: www.corby.gov.uk/shapedance

Contact us Lodge Park Sports Centre Tel: 01536 400033 www.corby.gov.uk/lodgepark Find us on Facebook Lodge Park Sports Centre

Corby International Pool Tel: 01536 464643 www.corby.gov.uk/corbypool Find us on Facebook Corby East Midlands International Pool

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Clubs & Classes

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Timetables for most of the classes in this “Clubs & Classes� section can be found in our Weekly Activities Timetable at the back of the magazine.

To advertise here call

0845 6439687

KIDDIE RUGBY is a play programme for 2-5 year olds which introduces key rugby related skills.

Classes run on Sundays during term time at Kettering RFC, Waverly Road.

For more information and session times contact:

Louise@KiddieCoaching.co.uk www.KiddieCoaching.co.uk Tel: 07854 540419

or email info@timefortots.co.uk

Infant Aquatics Baby & toddler swimming courses

Small, friendly classes from six weeks to four years. Building life long safety skills using our holistic approach in a fun environment.

Kettering area call 01858 565 713 Wellingborough area call 01933 674 505 www.infantaquatics.co.uk

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes Out with the old, in with the new..

F

or well over forty five years the Barbara Hooton School of Dancing has used The Studio, Earls Barton as its headquarters for ballet, tap and keep fit.

I took over from The Audrey Gale School of Dancing in 1972, and she had been there for at least thirty years before that.

Dancing and music have been part of that building for decades; in the walls, the floor, the barre and the mirrors. Hundreds of pupils have passed through the green doors and learnt to dance, to do plies, arabesques, shuffle hops and leg changes. There are so very many happy memories locked inside the walls. I first danced there when I was four years old, and took many exams there, and indeed qualified to teach there.

Having finished dancing professionally as a Tiller Girl, I bought the school from Audrey Gale and have run it ever since, holding classes in the studio and other venues throughout the area.

Bubble Babies are holding an Underwater Photoshoot on Saturday 29th November.

Call for details: 01604 780244

So it was a sad day for me, when this October, the studio was demolished. It was very strange to watch the roof come off and see the walls come down until there was nothing left.

However it is to be part of a very exciting redevelopment, consisting of houses and a brand new studio. We hope to be back in out state of the art dance studio this time next year, we can’t wait to pirouette across the new floor and do fouettes at the barre. We do, of course, have to be patient, and in the meantime we are using The Baptist Church Hall in West Street, for all our Earls Barton Classes. We had a great party in the studio to say goodbye and look forward to a celebratory opening of the new studio next year.

Barbara Hooton

School of Dancing

Ballet and Tap Classes Burton Latimer, Earls Barton, Finedon, Irthlingborough and Wellingborough

Keep Fit Classes for Mums Principal: Barbara Allebone M.N.A.T.D

Telephone: 01933 663225 07788 710144

www.barbarahootonschoolofdancing.co.uk

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Clubs & Classes

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Parents - take a well deserved time-out!

01604 211249 eogden@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk

Spaces now available in Market Harborough

Fun football training from 2 years - 7th birthday

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To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

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Multi-Award Winning Baby Signing Classes:

S

ing and Sign baby signing classes are multiaward winning classes for hearing babies from 0 to 3½ years.

The Sing and Sign curriculum was developed with Speech and Language Therapists and music professionals in 2001 and was the original Baby Signing company in the UK. The signing system we used is based on Makaton, which is a system based on BSL and some of you may be familiar with it as this is the system that Justin Fletcher uses on Something Special.

Sing and Sign is split into three differentiated curricula, appropriate to your little ones stage of development.

Babes is from 0 to 6 months. This introduces a few of the basic signs and focuses on the foundations of early communication.

Stage 2 is from 6 to 15 months and looks at the basics of baby signing, covering many of your everyday routines.

Stage 2 is 15 months + and looks at colours, phonics and toilet time among other things.

All courses involve music, song, puppets, props and of course our favourite Jessie Cat! V

Sing and Sign is Britain’s original, longest running and best loved baby signing programme, taught through music and song.

Developed with Speech and Language Therapists to provide a progressive curriculum in 3 stages.

We help you and your baby enjoy the process of learning to talk with • Less frustration • Better communication • And more fun!

Classes running across East Northants Local classes and availability listed on our website www.singandsign.com

Amanda first joined Sing and Sign as a parent 10 years ago, when she took her elder daughter, Amy, to classes in Hertfordshire. Then, 8 years ago she moved to East Northants and started up classes herself, teaching her younger daughter Lily as she went.

Amanda’s classes are fun, friendly and easy going, with lots of laughter and cuddles along the way. She is a qualified primary school teacher and through Sing and Sign has won Best Pre-School Classes in North Northamptonshire 2013 from Netmums and was a finalist in the What’s on 4 Little One’s awards 2014 in the category Most Outstanding Activity Leader Under 5s East of England. She really loves her job, especially meeting all the gorgeous little people and seeing them grow and develop over time. She often gets siblings follow through, which is lovely too.

What the parents say…

“Amanda is very approachable, friendly, enthusiastic and makes the session very fun. I have recommended the group to friends and family.”

“Very pleased with it. My daughter picked up the signs really quickly and it has enabled her to make her wishes known even before she has the words to tell me. Excellent.”

“Really good – friendly and enjoyable – keep it coming! Wish I’d never taught him the sign for ‘more’ though!”

“Sing and Sign is the highlight of our week!”

For further details and to reserve your space, please call Amanda on 07939 092134, email amandawalker@singandsign.co.uk, visit: www.singandsign.com or find her on Facebook, search for Sing and Sign East Northants.

Classes are very popular so early booking is advised.

ONLINE BOOKING NOW OPEN

Email amandawalker@singandsign.co.uk or call Amanda for more information 07939 092134 search for Sing and Sign East Northants

TM

TM

TM

4 INTERNATIONAL What's On 4

Classes currently running in Kettering, Rushden, Aldwincle, Wellingborough, Great Oakley and Wollaston!

Babes – 0-­‐6 months Stage 1 – 6-­‐15 months Stage 2 – 15 months +

Junior

AWARDS

2014

Finalist

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Clubs & Classes

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Tuition given in Ballet, Modern and Tap dancing at The Masque Theatre Dance Studio, Barton Seagrave.

From ages 3 years and upwards.

Exams and shows held periodically.

Contact us now for a free trial lesson! t: 07794 413 630 www.modedance.co.uk e: enquiries@modedance.co.uk

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To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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The Northamptonshire Baby and Toddler Show, sponsored by Water Babies and Bambo Nature, is coming to Franklin’s Gardens (Weedon Road, Northampton) on Sunday 8th March 2015.

The Show is the biggest and best parenting event in the county celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool Northamptonshire has to offer!

With over 70 stalls, great shopping, fantastic demonstration programme, activities, and fun filled family entertainment, including a large soft play area, and special guest appearances from Princess Anna, Rapunzel and Fireman Sam! The first 500 visitors will also get an amazing FREE Goodie Bag! You can also enter your little one into our Face of the Northamptonshire Baby & Toddler Show competition, with a chance to win a fantastic prize package worth over £300 courtesy of Serendipity Photo!

For more information or to buy your early bird discounted tickets for just £2.50 (plus online booking fee) go to www.northantsbabyshow.com, or buy them on the door for £3.50 Follow us at: www.facebook.com/northantsbabyandtoddlershow

Sponsored by:

Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Events Diary December Wed 3rd Nature Tots at Irchester Country Park, 10 to 11.30am. £3.50 per child. Must book. Call: 07703 160878 Sat 6th Christmas Celebration at Stanwick Lakes. Festive food, arts and crafts, music and merriment!

33 See pages 11 to 23 for Christmas activities and events The Christmas Coca Cola truck arrives in Northampton. For 1 day only! www.cokezone.com.

Thu 18th Nature Tots at Sywell Country Park, 10 to 11.30am. £3.50 per child. Must book: 01604 810970

“Polar Express” Big Screen Movie Night in Kettering’s Market Place.

5pm to 7pm.

Sat 20th Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale Baby & Children’s Nearly New at The Pemberton Centre, Rushden Sale at The Pemberton Centre, Rushden. 10am to 12pm. Entrance AND The Corn Market Hall, Kettering. 10am to 12pm. Entrance £1. Children free. £1. Children free.

Christmas Shopping Market at The Plaza in Thrapston. 10am to 1pm. Living Nativity in Kettering’s Market Place. 11am to 3pm. Watch Sun 7th the story of the nativity come Santa at Barnwell Country Park.

10.30am to 3.30pm. £3.50 per child, alive! includes a gift. No need to book.

Charity Christmas Fun & Shopping Day. 11am to 4pm at The Venue @ Billing Aquadrome. Free entry!

Wed 10th Nature Tots at Barnwell Country Park, 10 to 11.30am. £3.50 per child. Must book. Call: 07703 160878 Fri 12th Christmas Party at Cheeky Monkees in Corby. 6.15pm to 7.45pm. Meet Anna & Elsa from Frozen! Booking essential.

Sun 14th Santa at Barnwell Country Park.

10.30am to 3.30pm. £3.50 per child, includes a gift. No need to book.

Tue 16th Nature Tots at Sywell Country Park, 10 to 11.30am. £3.50 per child. Must book. Call: 01604 810970 Wed 17th Nature Tots at Brixworth Country Park, 10 to 11.30am. £3.50 per child. Must book. Call: 07703 160878.

“Miracle on 34th Street” Big Screen Movie Night in Kettering’s Market Place. 3pm.

Sun 21st Winter Solstice Lantern Walk at Stanwick Lakes. Enjoy a walk round the lake, on the shortest day of the year, followed by carols in the outdoor theatre. Must book.

Wed 31st News Years Eve Unlimited Party at New York Thunderbowl. Bowling, pool, buffet and disco.

January Sat 17th Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale at The Corn Market Hall, Kettering.

10am to 12pm. Entrance £1.

Children free.

Sun 18th Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen at The Derngate Theatre. 3pm.

Sat 24th Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale at The Pemberton Centre, Rushden. 10am to 12pm. Entrance £1. Children free.

February Fri 13th Schools close for half term Sat 14th to Sun 22nd Lambing and half term fun at West Lodge Farm. Bottle feed the lambs Wed 18th “Treasure Island” at The Castle Theatre. 11am.

Wed 18th & Thu 19th Build a bird box or feeder at the popular family event. Birdy crafts also available in the Discovery Zone. Modest Charges apply.

Thu 19th “3 Wise Monkeys” at The Castle Theatre. 11.30am & 2.30pm “Hercules” at The Castle Theatre.

A Dance Cabaret for all Ages! 2pm & 7pm.

Fri 20th “Three Keepers” at The Castle Theatre. 11.30am & 2.30pm.

Sat 21st Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale at The Pemberton Centre, Rushden. 10am to 12pm. Entrance £1. Children free.

“Three Wise Monkeys” at The Core at Corby. 11am and 2pm.

“Jurassic Adventures” at The Castle Theatre. 1.30pm & 6pm.

Sun 22nd “Milkshake Party Party Live!” at The Castle Theatre. 1pm & 3.30pm Mon 23rd Schools re-open.

Mon 23rd to Sat 28th “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” at The Royal & Derngate Theatre.

Sat 28th Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale at The Corn Market Hall, Kettering.

10am to 12pm. Entrance £1.

Children free.

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

34

Time for Mum Because a happy, healthy Mum is a better Mum!

Little Beauty Treats Mobile Nails & Tanning

Acrylics * Gelish Manicures * Pedicures Suntana Spray Tans Mobile Across Northamptonshire Also based at Nicci Welsh, Kettering

Contact Lauren to book an appointment:

07790 060640 www.facebook.com/littlebeautytreats V

Start getting hair free now IPL Laser Hair Removal for men and women from as little as ÂŁ15 by a certified technician.

Friendly home based salon in Kettering.

Call now for a consultation and test patch for only ÂŁ15, which is redeemable off your 1st treatment.

Ultra Blitz 01536 481241 07846 377583 www.ultrablitz.co.uk

Mobile Holistic Therapist Feeling tired, stressed, run-down?

Then why not treat yourself to a holistic therapy in the comfort of your own home:

Reiki Reflexology Aromatherapy Massage Hot Stone Massage Baby massage Indian Head Massage Gift Baskets - Natural health & beauty products tailor made to your individual needs using essential oils and herbs

Gift Vouchers also available Contact Vicky, IIHHT, on: Tel: 01604 780505 Mob: 07821 937336 Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Time for Mum

35

Top Beauty Tips for Busy Mums!

By Samantha from Sanctuary of Beauty Winter skincare... we are now entering the cool winter months our skin needs 1 As extra care. Going from the warmth of your home to the cold

outside our skin has to work harder to keep us warm which results in dry, cracked and chapped skin. Make sure you are cleansing, perfecting and moisturising the skin twice daily. skin can also suffer from broken capillaries, which are broken 2 Our red veins that appear on the face. To prevent these a SPF 30 should be worn daily. Even when the sun isn’t shining!

3 And pop your hand cream in your bag to make sure you keep those hands in good condition too. We don’t want to reverse all your hard work since the last issue!

Have a lovely Christmas with your little ones; I hope you get everything you wish for.

Lots of love Samantha

x

Mum in a Million....

Nominate a Local Mum for a FREE pampering

D

o you know a local Mum that really deserves some time to themselves with a relaxing pampering? Perhaps they’ve been through a rough time recently, been struggling on their own or are always doing things to help others. It could be your partner, sister, friend or even your own Mum. We’ve teamed up with Time for Me in Wellingborough to offer one local Mum a FREE “Relax & Unwind” package - consisting of a prescription facial, back, neck and scalp massage and a pedicure.

Most Mums do a wonderful job but if you know a local Mum who you think really deserves to win this fantastic prize, please e-mail us with their name and story to: info@timefortots.co.uk.

Closing date is the 31st January 2014.

This will be the last of these competitions we will run for a while so if you’ve been meaning to nominate someone all year and not done it, now’s the time!

Turn the page to find out the winner of our Autumn ‘Mum in a Million’ Competition and read her story.

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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Time for Mum

Meet our Autumn

‘Mum in a Million’ T

hank-you once again to everyone who wrote in to nominate a local mother for our Autumn ‘Mum in a Million’ competition. We wish we could treat all the nominated Mums to a free pampering but we can’t unfortunately and we do have to pick just one.

Our winner this issue is Belinda from Wellingborough who was nominated by her friend Colleen.

We’re delighted to be able to treat Belinda to a facial and file & polish, courtesy of Sanctuary of Beauty in Desborough, and an Earth Works Cosmetics goody bag.

Thank-you to the wonderful Sanctuary of Beauty and Earth Works Cosmetics for supplying the prizes, to Colleen for nominating Belinda and to Belinda for letting us share her story.

Here’s why Belinda is a Mum in a Million (in Colleen’s words):

}T

he lady I want to nominate really is a Mum in a million. I first met Belinda a few years ago as she runs a Mums and Tots group on the estate that I started attending. Straight away she was so warm-hearted and nothing was too much for her.

When my own Mum got the heart breaking news that she had cancer, Belinda became my second Mum. Nothing was ever too much for her. She let me cry on her shoulder, she looked after my children and treated me as part of her family.

Belinda’s family have problems of their own. She’s home-schooling her 14 year old daughter who suffers from anorexia and mental health problems, and her husband is reliant on her too as he’s had a stroke and problems with his heart.

Belinda does all this and also helps the community. She’s organised fund-raisers, still runs the Stay and Play sessions and so much more.

Two weeks ago though Belinda got the devastating news that she herself has cancer. But instead of worrying she has sorted everyone else out. She never puts herself first no matter what. I don’t know anybody like her. She is totally selfless and totally deserving of a treat.

}

Since being nominated, Belinda was diagnosed with womb cancer and has undergone a hysterectomy.

We’re told she’s looking forward to claiming her prize once she is back on her feet.

Sponsored by

We wish you a full and speedy recovery Belinda. You certainly sound like a Mum in a Million to us!

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Time for Mum

37 V

Party Package

Perfect Xmas GIft

now £60.00

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Express Lashes Gelish File & Polish Hi Impact Brows

2 Hour Pamper in the New Year choice of 3 treatments

Call Now Tel: 01536 760 222 or book at reception www.sanctuaryofbeauty.co.uk

3 The Oaks, Braybrooke Road, Desborough To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

38

Think Well . . .Feel Better . .

Beat those Winter Blues...

By Harshani Curbishley-Brown of Mind & Body Wellbeing

W

e all have those days during the colder, duller, Winter days, when we just crave to see the sunshine or feel brighter within.

The sunshine has an incredible way of simply brightening how we perceive the world around us and also how it affects our inner world within us too.

Luckily for us we are not living permanently in Countries such as Norway, who can have that twilight effect and darker days 24/7 deep into their winter months. It is quite common for Norwegian Doctors to prescribe getting away for some winter sun to help lift spirits & increase wellness. So even when we think we’re hard done by our weather, just spare a thought for them!

Winter is a natural time when our bodies and energies need to slow down and go into a gentle almost hibernation mode. It is a time for rest.

Just think how we are drawn towards cosy fires, snuggling up, hearty soups. Take some time to enjoy those moments and let our bodies naturally rest and recuperate.

But also remember to wrap up warm, get outside and enjoy a brisk refreshing walk, cycle or jog as much as you can too. Fresh air does us the world of good and if you’ve been stuck indoors for a few days you’ll need that escapism for your soul too!

Always know that the sun is always present - even on a dull/wet/cloudy day. Up above the clouds the sun is always shining - it is always there and you

can see that if ever you’ve taken a flight on a plane and when it gets up above the clouds we see the sun! How amazing is that.

So to connect with the sunshine, bringing it into your life more and more, try practising this technique: • Close your eyes and visualise or imagine a beautiful sun above your head • Imagine it’s golden radiance • Imagine it’s warmth • Imagine it shining down upon you • Let it flow down through the crown of your head and fill your Solar Plexus (just beneath the diaphragm). Your Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra, is your sun centre within. A golden, radiant ball of energy.

• Fill your sun centre with golden light, warmth and radiance, breathing deeply into this area.

• Imagine you can store this within to support you throughout your day!

Harshani Curbishley-Brown Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Confident Childbirth Practitioner & Reiki Master Tel: 07941 841 485 www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk Follow Me on Twitter: Harshani_MBW And Facebook: harshanicurbishleybrown

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39

Inspired Learning From Nursery to Sixth Form (3-18 years), outstanding success is achieved through a broad and challenging curriculum.

In a happy, friendly environment, girls visibly grow in confidence and ability, emerging as fully rounded, educated young women.

Come and see for yourself.

Open Week Junior School & Nursery Mon 26 - Fri 30 January 2015

www.northamptonhigh.gdst.net

Give us a call

01604 765765 V

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40

Childcare Nursery Schools, Pre-schools & Childminders

Oak Tree Day Nursery Cecil Street, Rothwell Tel: 07810 661757 Email: oaktreedaynursery@hotmail.co.uk

A small family-run nursery caring for children aged 3 months -11 years • • • • • • • • • •

OFSTED Registered Open all year (except one week at Christmas) Open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Full day sessions or flexible hourly rate sessions.

2/3/4 yr old free entitlement sessions Competitive fee prices Separate baby area “Great oaks from little acorns grow” Secure outside area Ran by qualified and experienced staff Before and after school club available on-site or at our fully established out of school club facility in Desborough

Rectory Nursery School

Hightrees, The Nook, Corby Old Village, Corby, NN17 1XA Tel: 01536 877980 E-mail: contact@rectorynurseryschool.co.uk www.rectorynurseryschool.co.uk • Open 51 weeks of the year (excluding bank holidays) • Open plan baby room with self-contained areas including a purpose built changing area, milk kitchen, separate dining area and a sensory room • Spacious outdoor area with natural habitat grounds which all age groups can access throughout the day • The toddler and pre-school room provide a range of stimulating activities with the pre-school room having free-flow access to the outside • State of the art interactive smart boards to stimulate learning and development • All food freshly prepared on site daily by our qualified cook • Ample off road parking on site to allow safe drop offs and pick ups • Funded places available • After School Club and Holiday Club

“Children are welcomed into a warm, friendly nursery, where they are highly valued and included. The leadership of the nursery strive for excellence, ensuring the nursery continues to develop the highest possible standards.

Children’s good health is promoted as they eat a varied range of nutritious foods to extend their tastes” - OFSTED

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Childcare

Come and join the fun at Brigstock Playgroup

Brigstock Playgroup is a small, caring and happy playgroup providing pre-­‐ school care and educa<on to 2 to 5 year olds.

It provides a safe and s/mula/ng environment where children can develop to their full poten/al by learning through play. It plays a key role in the community, and has very strong links with the village primary school.

Brigstock Playgroup is rated as Good by Ofsted.

It is run on weekday mornings during the term /me.

For more details contact Lisa Meagan on 07772 251863 or email brigstock_playgroup@yahoo.com

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

41

42

Childcare

The Perfect Start

Set within the attractive and spacious walled gardens of St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, Kettering, Sunnylands Nursery offers a safe, stimulating and supportive environment where children are inspired to learn and play within a caring family atmosphere.

Sunnylands Nursery at St Peters School 52 Headlands, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6DJ

Please call us to arrange a visit: 01536 512066 Email: sunnylandsnursery@btconnect.com

Aldwincle Pre-School Aldwincle Pre-school is a small village pre-school set in beautiful rural surroundings within the grounds of Trinity Lower School.

Sessional places and full days available.

Now taking admissions for September 2015 To make an appointment to look around or for more information call Alison on:

01832 720566 Please mention Time for Tots when responding to an advertisement

Childcare

Business Opportunities Looking for work?

Want something that will fit in with family life?

Then check out the opportunities featured here...

V

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43

44

Pregnancy & Birth Congratulations if you are expecting! Our pregnancy and birth section is just for you.

To advertise here call

0845 6439687

or email info@timefortots.co.uk

Babytime Massage Baby massage classes in Market Harborough and Kettering area with a qualified Infant Massage Teacher and experienced Health Care professional in behaviour, sleep and baby friendly feeding.

1:1 sessions also

Contact Clare on:

07875 954427 E-mail: clare@babytimemassage.co.uk or find me on Facebook

Birth Announcements Welcome to the World...

Joshua

Born on the 5th August weighing 6lbs 4oz.

A lovely little brother for Jack and Holly

If you would like to announce the arrival of your little bundle of joy, e-mail their name, date of birth, weight, a photo and a special message (optional) to: info@timefortots.co.uk

Leo Alan Knight

Born on 13th August at 4.07pm Weighing 7lb 14oz.

A gorgeous little brother for Charlie

Dylan James Frank Waters Born on 19th September at 8.13pm to proud parents Kelly and Ian. Weighed a healthy 8 pounds 8oz

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Pregnancy & Birth

Top Baby Names Every year the Office of National Statistics publishes the top 100 baby names in England and Wales.

Here’s the top 10 from the last published list, for 2013. What changes will the 2014 list bring?!

Girls

Boys

1. Amelia 2. Olivia 3. Emily 4. Ava 5. Isla 6. Jessica 7. Poppy 8. Isabella 9. Sophie 10. Mia

1. Oliver 2. Jack 3. Harry 4. Jacob 5. Charlie 6. Thomas 7. Oscar 8. William 9. James 10. George

45

NEWBORN FINE ART PORTRAITS

W

NE

by Debbie and Andy ANDY NICKERSON PHOTOGRAPHY Hunt Cottage Studio | 4 Spratton Road Brixworth | Northampton | NN6 9DS 01604 882 945 WWW.ANDYNICKERSON.COM

Cognitive Hypnotherapy & Reiki Supporting you through birth & parenthood. . .

• • • • • •

• • •

Confident Childbirth (hypnobirthing) Fertility Post-Natal Depression Stop Smoking Weight Loss & Eating Issues “Wishing All a Very Confidence & Self-Esteem Issues Joyful Christmas Phobias, Fears & Anxiety &a Stress Management Healthy New Year!”

Emotional Issues

Harshani Curbishley-Brown Cog Hyp HDP MP.NLP MNCH CNHC Private practice based in Islip, Northamptonshire

Tel: 07941 841 485

harshani@mindbodywellbeing.co.uk www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Call today for a FREE confidential consultation.

Find me on:

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

46

Pregnancy & Birth

Babies and Sleep Deprivation

Tops Tips from Baby Sleep Expert, Jo Tantum

A

poll last year found that sleep deprivation was one of the causes for post-natal depression and that it played havoc with the relationships and working lives of new parents.

The survey found: • 56% of working mothers said weariness left them in a “state of despair” • 82% admitted a lack of sleep affected their performance at work • 88% felt fed up, exhausted and pulled in too many directions • 70% said their tiredness was so debilitating they felt unable to function properly • 61% said their boss was not understanding Tiredness also put the mother’s relationship with their child under strain - 55% said lack of sleep made them irritated with their baby.

When you become a parent for the first time it can be very exciting, but it can also be daunting.

There is so much preparation before your baby is born, all the classes the advice from family and friends, usually all different! And of course all the books that you buy to read, which sometimes just gather dust. All of this never really prepares you for the massive impact this gorgeous little person will have on your life.

Sometimes what happens, is you decide a method you want to parent by, and your baby may have other ideas. You may be a strict routine mum who plots her day to the minute, but then your baby doesn’t stick to the plan!

Some Mums start demand feeding and cosleeping and then decide for whatever reason that they actually want a routine.

As the months go on, and the sleep deprivation gets worse, you ask anyone who you think might help for advice. You will get so much conflicting advice, from friends , health visitors , Mum to Mum in law, and you and your baby end up more confused, as you start using different methods that you’ve been told about.

This is how my Sleep Angels can help you. As the UK’s leading Baby Sleep Expert I’ve been working with babies and parents for over 25 years. My Sleep Angels are all experienced with babies, either as Maternity Nurses, Nannies, Paediatric Nurses and Midwives. They work with each baby individually working out a routine based on their natural patterns. Using my Spaced Soothing Technique to teach babies to love sleeping without distress.

Top Tips for getting more sleep: 1. Keep a 48 hour sleeping and feeding log to help you see if there are patterns in your baby’s day. Then you can write a personalised routine based on YOUR baby.

Parents tend to do lots of different things once they become desperate for sleep, this means both you and your get confused and stressed.

2. Stick a routine for 7-10 days/nights then if it doesn’t work move on. Be consistent.

Babies only have one long sleep in 24 hours, so it makes sense that it is when we have our long sleep between 11pm- 7am.

Otherwise your baby will just nap all night after waking around 12.30/1.30am.

3. Introduce a dream feed - a calm, dark feed before you go to bed at 11pm. Then settle your baby and you can all fall asleep at the same time.

Babies make lots of different noises before they go to sleep. This is normal, and it can sound like you have a little animal in the Moses basket - snores, squeaks, shout outthen quiet.

4. Try not to rush to them at every sound as it may disturb then settling to sleep by themselves. If they wake after a 30/45 minutes sleep cycle, leave them a few minutes to see if they resettle themselves.

We offer workshops, Skype, home overnight Rescue Packages with the Sleep Angels, and we are also looking for more potential Sleep Angels to train through my website: www.JoTantum.com For any enquiries please contact: HelenPA@JoTantum.com We also offer Childcare and Household staff through our agency at: www.Prestigeparenting.com For any enquiries please contact: info@Prestigeparenting.com

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47

Lunch now free for every child in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2!

For healthier, happier children

Find out how to order nutritious meals for your child:

www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals NCC115207_Nourish Free Meals 136x94_AW.indd 1

01/07/2014 15:11

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48

Pause for Thought..

A Christmas Story for Parents

M

any classic Christmas stories carry messages largely featuring love within the family. I hope you will see that this one is no different. In telling it I intend it as my gift to you. A gift that you are free to take or leave or even take and modify to your own purposes.

It is the story of my Christmas, last year, 2013. It wasn’t an easy year to say the least. I’d separated from my husband the year before and life had been a rollercoaster with more ups and downs than I’d ever known before. 2013 was also the year that we started splitting Christmas up, because the previous year we’d made the effort to spend Christmas day together for the children. So it was a big deal.

The plan was that I would be picking them up from their dad a few days before Christmas and taking them up to my mums in the North East (bear with it, it gets more interesting). Their presents had been delivered to Nana’s house by ‘Santa’ a few weeks earlier. There were some special ones including a story I’d written for my daughter so I was very excited. I was due to bring them back down for Christmas with their dad on Boxing Day. Three weeks before ‘the day’ I got an email from my childminder. ‘Please be aware that one of the children in our setting has been diagnosed with Chicken Pox’. My son was only 2 and had not had chicken pox. My brother in the North East has a chronic and serious condition which makes him extremely susceptible to infections. Equally my own grandmother had been suffering from longterm ill health and was equally at risk. A nervous wait ensued during which I obsessively watched for signs of the Pox in Luke whilst trying to work out where the end of the incubation would fall in relation to my travelling plans.

The parameters seemed to just about work out in my favour and by the day we were due to leave he was still showing no signs of illness so, off we went. It was three days before Christmas. Now I ask you…guess when the morning was that Luke woke up covered from head to foot in spots?? It was Christmas Eve morning. As a precaution I had kept Luke away from both of my vulnerable family members secure in the knowledge, that by Christmas day, I’d then be completely relaxed to have him in their presence.

Sadly it wasn’t to be. After lots of tears and several lengthy conversations it was decided that the kids and I would eat Christmas dinner and open a few

presents with my parents that afternoon and then leave so that my brother and Nana could visit them on Christmas day. An emergency email was sent to Santa to warn him to drop the presents off at Mummy’s house instead of Nana’s (I really could have done with that magic sleigh to get the presents home..)

Luke was the well-est child with Chicken Pox ever to have lived I reckon. They had such a great time that day. I would share the pictures but, of course, Luke was mostly naked and covered in Calamine. We packed up and left with the children happy and exhausted and excited that Santa was going to read their email. I had taken the remains of the roast dinner and lot of yummy snack foods from my Mum’s cupboard (I don’t know to this day what they had for their own Christmas dinner).

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49 The children slept in the car as I made my way home towards a Christmas day with no-one but me and them. I didn’t know how to feel except for very very sad that I hadn’t managed to see my brother Mark or my own Nana at all.

It wasn’t until I got home and plugged in all the Christmas lights that I realised that what I had was a beautiful opportunity. I had ready-made food, a sack full of presents and, most of all, two beautiful sleeping children in their beds.

On Christmas day we took from 7am to 5pm to open their presents and we played with every single one on the spot. They ate crisps, cheese, cold turkey, the occasional cherry tomato, and made me feel like I was a child right along with them. I can honestly say that I haven’t enjoyed Christmas so much since I was probably 8 or 9.

Whilst I’m not advocating that anyone should ignore their wider family on Christmas Day I do have just one point to make that I believe all parents owe it to themselves, as a gift, to consider. How many Christmases will your children be touched by the same magic? How many was it for you? 8? 9? 10? Maybe more if you were lucky. Well you have the chance of one more. It need only be one out of those 9 or 10 you have to choose from. I will freely admit that I may never have chosen a day like that in the entirety of my children’s young lives had circumstances not so conspired to bring me to it. But conspire they did and I am deeply thankful, now, that I have that memory. It will be the one I remember. The dusk settling, the children happy, snuggling together in our pyjamas, slightly smelly but with no-one there to care, reading stories, talking, cuddling. The real magic of Christmas permeating every moment, and all coming from a source that I was obliged to neither share nor dilute with tasks.

When I told my friend Steve about this experience he wrote me a lovely little poem which I’d also like to share with you as it illustrates my point quite nicely. That is to say…if any part of the following poem rings bells with you then, maybe, if you listen very carefully, you’ll hear that those bells are telling you something. I mean, there can’t be anyone amongst us that can deny that beans on toast is the food of kings, surely.

By Rachel Bridgeford a.k.a, Dale Darrah of ddexpressions.wordpress.com

T

he children are tucked up, safe in bed, with thoughts of Santa, filing their head.

Stockings are hung, by the fireside, with gift wrapped treasure, sat inside.

Presents hidden, beneath the tree, Square ones, round ones, what could they be?

As church bells herald, Christmas morn, and hoof prints are revealed, upon the lawn Mummy and Daddy, are rudely woke, by tiny fingers, that prod and poke.

“You won’t believe what we have seen.

Come downstairs, cos Santa’s been!”, “Just ten more minutes” Daddy says, His eyes tight shut, in a sleepy haze.

“But Santa’s been!” the kids both yell, “There’s loads of gifts, we’ve all done well”!

With heavy limbs and tired eyes, Mummy and Daddy, are forced to rise.

The children are downstairs, in the blink of an eye, as tired parents, yawn and sigh.

The children giggle, as their excitement lifts, to see the abundance, of exciting gifts.

Presents are opened, with joy and glee, beneath the sparkling, Christmas tree.

At last the unwrapping, is finally done, And now it’s time, to have some fun!

“Mummy, can we make this..it needs some glue?”, “Not now darling, I have things to do”.

“Daddy, will you come and play?”, “Not now darling, it’s a busy day”.

“Play this game Mum, it looks really fun!”, “Not now sweetheart, things must be done”.

“Dad play this game, it’s called Guess Who”, “Not now son, I’ve things to do”.

So the children are forced, to play alone, As their parents text, and use their phone.

Then off to the kitchen, to prepare and cook, As kids run in, shouting “Mummy look!”.

“Not now darling”, you will say, “Run along, and go and play”.

“Please play with us!” the child shouts, “Tomorrow darling, I’m peeling sprouts”.

Four hours later and dinner’s done”, “Daddy now, can we have some fun?”.

He gives his child’s head, a loving tap, and says “Not now, I need a nap”.

“Mummy, mummy, will you play too?”, “Not now my darling, I have pots to do”.

Kids don’t need, a family roast, make Christmas dinner, just beans on toast.

They want a day, that’s filled with fun, it’s a day when jobs, should not be done.

Believe these words, for I know they’re true, their greatest gift, is time with you.

They’ll remember the days, you stopped and played, And all those precious, memories made....

By Steve Wild

To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

50

Party Services Planning a party? Check out our party pages for local providers of party entertainment, equipment and supplies...

To advertise here call

0845 6439687

or email info@timefortots.co.uk

Fully licensed mobile bars for any occasion Birthdays Weddings Christenings Anniversaries Fêtes & Fairs Corporate events All occasions covered No hire charges * Friendly and efficient service Competitive drinks prices Tel: 01933 678540 Email: enquiries@cheersmobilebars.co.uk www.cheersmobilebars.co.uk Find us on Facebook: CheersMobileBars

Teenie Boppers Crazy Faces

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Entertainment for Childrens Parties 1 to 2 hour or 2 to 3 hour party packages with your choice of the following entertainment:

Soft play equipment, tents and balls (suitable for ages 2 to 6 years) Disco lights, face painting and prizes (for ages 5 years and up) Boys street dance parties with exercise and learning of acrobats and dance techniques Cat walk and dance disco with party games and exercise, including Zumba and Street dance Dressing up parties with many costumes, hair styling and nail art Just Jhoom Bollywood parties For Children of all ages!

We can also provide party bags for £3 per child and birthday cakes starting from £10

Call Leisa on 01933 625012 or 07736 418726 for more information

Children’s Parties

A variety of party packages and venues for hire.

Lodge Park Sports Centre

Tel: 01536 400033

Sports Parties—various available Pre-school Gym Party Creche “Fun Play” Party Party Room Hire

West Glebe Pavilion

Tel: 01536 204217

Offers a warm, spacious community room for up to 75 people, large enough to house inflatable and soft play equipment.

Corby International Pool

Tel: 01536 464643

Hazelwood N/Hood Centre

Tel: 01536 443171

Aquatic Parties - Swim or Water polo Creche parties also available.

Offers a spacious hall for up to 150 people, kitchen available. Inflatable play and soft play equipment is permitted to be used within the centre.

For further information on all parties/venue hire please view the website: www.corby.gov.uk/partyhire

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Party Services

01536 310 520

sales@es-promotions.com www.es-promotions.com

Indoor Games Entertainers Fun Days Theme Parties Outdoor Fun Promotions

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51

Weekly Activities Timetable

52

Weekly Activities Timetable Corby and District Mondays

wednesdays

FRIDAYS

Lodgy’s Little Lions 9.30am to 11.25am at Lodge Park Sports Centre. A ‘stay and play’ parent and toddler session including arts and crafts, messy play, sensory room, fun and games.

Parents & Tots (Corby Old Village) 1.30-2.45pm at Corby Old Village Primary School. Open to all. Costs £1 per child (max charge £2). Call 01536 202359 for more details.

Friendly group for parents/carers to have a natter and a cuppa while the children play.

Little Angels 9.15-11.30am at The Baptist Church Hall, Rowlett Road. Contact Ann on 01536 394824

Parent & Toddler Swimming 10am to 11am and 11am to 12pm at Corby International Pool. Drop in. Pay as you go.

Adult & Child Swimming Lessons Mornings at Corby International Pool. For children aged 2 years 9 months to 4 years. Must book.

Wilbarston Tots & Tiddlers 10am-12pm at Wilbarston Village Hall. Diane: 07761 957825. TT Street Tots (Nene Valley Dance Academy) 4.30 to 5pm at Elizabeth St Dance Studios. Ages 18 mths to 3 yrs Street Rainbows (Nene Valley Dance Academy) 5 to 5.45pm at Elizabeth St Dance Studios. For ages 3.5 to 6 years.

tuesdays Baby Ballet (Nene Valley Dance Academy) 9.15 to 9.45am at Elizabeth St Dance Studios. For ages 18 mths to 3 yrs.

Little Angels Tots Group 9.15 to 11.30am. The Baptist Church Hall, Rowlett Road. Contact Ann on 01536 394824.

Parent & Toddler Swimming 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am at Corby International Pool. Drop in. Pay as you go.

Little Angels Playgroup For pre-school children with additional needs. 9.30 to 11.30am at Lodge Park Sports Centre.

Sing and Sign Babes At Great Oakley Village Hall. 10am.

Stage 1.

Primary & Pre-Primary Ballet & Tap

(Nene Valley Dance Academy) 4.15 to 5.15pm at Elizabeth St Dance Studios. For ages 2 to 6 yrs.

THURSDAYS Tots & Tiddlers (Pre-school Gymnastics) At Lodge Park Sports Centre.

10am to 10.45am for under 2s 11am to 11.45am for 2 to 3 years 12pm to 12.45pm for 3 to 4 years 1pm to 1.45pm for 3 to 4 years 1.45pm to 2.30pm for 3 to 4 years First Moves Movement & music for under 5s. 10.15 to 11.15am & 11.30 to 12.30am at The Core at Corby Cube. Free. TT. Little Angels Tots Group 12 to 3pm at The Baptist Church Hall, Rowlett Road. Contact Ann on 01536 394824

Swimming

Adult & Child Swimming Lessons Mornings at Corby International Pool. For children aged 2 years 9 months to 4 years. Must book.

Hartbeeps 10am Happy House (toddling to 4 years, younger siblings welcome) 11am Babybeeps (babies sitting to toddling) At Corby Masonic Complex Twinkle Tots Freestyle Dance (Nene Valley Dance Academy) 4.30pm to 5pm, Elizabeth St Dance Studios. Ages 18 mths to 3 yrs.

Punchin Pandas 5 to 5.45pm at The Scout Hut, Occupation Rd. For ages 4+ Punchin Pandas 6.15 to 7pm at Kingswood School.

For ages 4 to 7 years.

SATURDAYS

Parent & Toddler Swimming 1.30pm to 3pm at Corby International Pool. Drop in. Pay as you go.

Baby Ballet and Little Tappers (Nene Valley Dance Academy) 9am to 10am at Elizabeth Street Dance Studios. for 2 to 3 year olds.

Adult & Child Swimming Lessons Afternoons at Corby International Pool. For children aged 2 years 9 months to 4 years. Must book.

Little Kickers At Lodge Park Sports Centre.

“Junior Kickers” for 2 to 3.5 year olds, 10.10 to 10.55am.

“Mighty Kickers” for 3.5 years olds to 5th Birthday, 11.05 to 11.50am

If no contact details are provided, an advert for the class can be found in our Clubs & Classes section starting on page 25.

Toddle Time 10 to 10.30am & 11 to 11.30am at Corby Library. Free. Term Time only Key:

Parent & Toddler Swimming 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am at Corby International Pool. Drop in. Pay as you go.

Music, Dance & Drama

Physical classes

Rhymetime 10.30am to 11am at Danesholme Library throughout the year. Free.

sundays Bounce & Rhyme 2.30pm to 3pm at Corby Library throughout the year. Free.

Arts & Crafts

Parent & Tot Group / Other

53

Wellingborough and District wednesdays

FRIDAYS

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 9am and 12pm at Diana’s Health & Fitness Club.

Irchester Babies & Toddlers (BATS) 9.15-11.15am at Irchester Village Hall. £1 1st child, 50p thereafter.

Nichola: 01933 410866. TT

“Conversation Group” 9.30-11am at Croyland Children’s Centre. Free. Drop in. 01933 279681

Little Fishes (Little Harrowden) 9.30am-10.30am in Little Harrowden Church. A group for carers and tots that meets every Monday in term time for: a Bible story, songs, prayers, craft activities, toys, refreshments and a chat with other carers. Contact Mary 07766 957413

Rhymetime 10-10.30am & 11-11.30am at Wellingborough Library. Free.

Storytime Interactive story-telling session for > 5s and their parents at The Castle Theatre. 1pm to 2.30pm. Free.

tuesdays Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 9am and 12pm at Diana’s Health & Fitness Club.

Mucky Pups Messy Play 9.30-11am at St Andrews Church Hall, Berrymore Road. £3 for 1st child, £1 thereafter. Contact 01933 272119 Story Stomp 10-10.30am fortnightly at Wellingborough Library. A story followed by activities based on that story.

Free. 01933 225365 Mini Gym 10-11am at Croyland Children’s Centre. Free. 01933 279681 Harrowden Baby & Toddler Group 10am to 11.30am at Little Harrowden Village Hall, Main Street. Call 07787 165990

St Mark’s Buggy Club 1.30-3pm, St Mark’s Church Hall, Queensway. Voluntary 50p donation. Contact Joy: 01933 676368.

Rhymetime (Earls Barton) 2.30pm to 3pm weekly at Earls Barton Library. Free.

Infant Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School of Dance) 3.45 to 4.45pm at The Studio, Earls Barton. For ages 3 to 5 years.

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 9am and 12pm at Diana’s Health & Fitness Club.

Mini Champs Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Everyday Champions Church, Havelock St. Call 01933 225525.

Tumble Tots At The Hindu Community Centre Gymbabes (from 6 mths): 9.30am Walking to 2 years: 10.30am 2 to 3 years: 11.30am Rhymetime (Irchester) 9.30am to 10am weekly at Irchester Library. Free.

Jigsaw Toddler Group 9.30am to 11am at Compass Church, Commercial Way.

Rhymetime (Finedon) 10.30am to 11am in term time at Finedon Library. Free.

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 3.45pm and 5.45pm at Rowan Gate Primary School.

St Mary’s Thursday Club Finedon 1.30pm to 2.30pm at The Mission room, Well street, Finedon. Toddle Group. £1.50 per family.

Beginners Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School Dance) 4 to 5pm at Vicarage Farn Community Centre

Beginners Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School of Dance) 3.45 to 4.45pm at The Studio, Earls Barton.

Physical classes

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 10am and 12pm at Diana’s Health & Fitness Club.

Little Fishes 1.30-3pm at Our Lady’s Infant School Hall, Henshaw Road. £1/ family. Nancy: 01933 381168

SATURDAYS Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School of Dance) Infant Ballet & Tap 9 to 10am Beginners Ballet & Tap 10 to 11am at The Mission Room, Finedon.

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 9am and 12pm at Rowan Gate Primary School.

Rhymetime (Wollaston) 10am to 10.30am weekly at Wollaston Library. Free.

Music, Dance & Drama

Sing and Sign At Salem Hall. Stage 1 (6 to 15 mths) 10am.

Sing and Sign At Busy Bees Nursery, Enstone Ct Stage 1 (6 to 15 mths) 1.30pm

Rhymetime (Wollaston) 10am to 10.30am weekly at Wollaston Library. Free.

Swimming

The Rascals Music Session 9.45-10.45am at St Andrews Church Hall, Berrymore Road. £2 1st child, £1.25 2nd child.

Castle Youth Music For 0 to 3s and their parents at The Castle Theatre. 1.45pm to 2.15pm. £2 per child.

THURSDAYS

Sing and Sign At Wollaston Methodist Church.

Stage 1 (6 to 15 mths) 10 to 11am

Key:

Little Cogs (Irchester) 9.30-11.15am at Reachout Community Church, Irchester. £1 st child, 50p thereafter. Contact Nicola on 01933 225525

Mini Dribblers Football 9.30 to 10.15am for 18 months to 3 years and 10.15 to 11am for 3 to 5 years at Redwell Leisure Centre.

Punchin Pandas 9.30 to 10.30am at Redwell Leisure Centre. For ages 4+ Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 minute classes between 3pm and 5.30pm at Scott Bader Pool, Wollaston.

Arts & Crafts

Parent & Tot Group / Other

Weekly Activities Timetable

Mondays

Weekly Activities Timetable

54

Kettering and District Mondays

tuesdays

Kettering Gym Tots At Kettering Olympic Gymnastics Club, Brunel Road. 45 minute sessions between 9.15am and 2.30pm. Call 01536 415444

Kettering Gym Tots At Kettering Olympic Gymnastics Club, Brunel Road. 45 minute sessions between 9.15am and 2.30pm. Call 01536 415444

Giggles & Wiggles Counties Community Centre. 9.30 to 10.15am for ages 15mths to 3 yrs, 10.30 to 11.15am for ages 3+

Rhymetime 9.30-10am & 10.30-11am at Kettering Library. Free.

Hawthorn Berries 9.15-11am. Hawthorn Primary School. £1/family.

St Botolphs Tots Group St Botolphs Church Hall. 9.30am to 11am.

Music Makers 10am, 11am and 2pm at Grafton Underwood Village Hall. Fun music and movement for 0-5 years. £4 Per child and £2 for siblings.

Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com

Tumble Tots At Arena Sports, Kettering Conference Centre.

Gymbabes (from 6 mths): 9.30am Walking to 2 years: 10.30am 2 to 3 years: 11.30am 3+ years: 12.45pm www.tumbletots.com/kettering

Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 min classes between 10am and 12pm at Balance Health Club. For children aged 3 mths to 4.5 yrs. Call for details.

Infant Aquatics Swimming 9.30am-1pm in Geddington. Each class 30 minutes. For children aged 3 months to 4.5 yrs. Call for details.

Jungle Tots At Greentrunks Garden Centre, Gt Cransley. From 11am. £4 for 1 child & 1 parent

Sing and Sign At The Woodcroft Scout Centre, London Road Stage 1 9.30am to 10.30am Stage 2 10.30am- 11.30am

Children’s Freestyle Dance Class Pytchley Mums & Tots (Emma’s Dance Studio) Tuesdays 10-11.30am. Pytchley 4.45 to 5.45pm at Kettering School Hall. Sally: 01536 799541 Buccleugh Academy. For 3 to 8 years.

Toybox Mums & Tots, Broughton Punchin Pandas 1.30-3pm, Broughton Village Hall.

6.30 to 7.15pm at St John’s £1.50 per family. Julie 01536 790152 Ambulance Hall. For ages 4 to 9. or Bex 07803 755546. Term time only Burton Latimer Beginners Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School of Dance) 3.40 to 4.40pm at The Britannia Club Desborough & Rothwell Rhymetime (Rothwell) 2.30-3pm at Rothwell Library. Free.

01536 711880 Swimming Lessons 30 minute lessons between 4pm and 6pm at Montsaye Sports Centre. For ages 3+. Call 01536 713708.

Children’s Freestyle Dance Class (Emma’s Dance Studio) 5.30 to 6.15pm at Ise Lodge Community Centre. For 3 to 8 years.

wednesdays St Edwards Mums & Tots 9-11am. St Edwards RC Primary School, Eastleigh Road. £1.20 for 1st child, 30p thereafter. 01536 391581 Sing and Sign Babes At The Woodcroft Scout Centre, London Road. 9.30am. Babes.

Songs & Stories 10 to 11.15am, Ss Peter and Paul Parish Church Rooms, The Market Place. Free. Margaret 01536 310611 Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 min classes between 10am and 12pm at Balance Health Club. For 3mths to 4.5 yrs.

Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming in Geddington. 30 minute lessons between 10am and 12pm.

The Little Ones 1 to 2.50pm, Church of Christ The King. £1 per family. 01536 517553 Infant Aquatics Swimming 1pm to 3pm in Geddington. Each class 30 minutes. For children aged 3 months to 4.5 yrs.

Music Makers 1.45pm at Barton Seagrave Community Centre. £4 Per child and £2 for siblings. Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com Ballet, Tap and Modern Dancing (With Mode Academy of Dance) At the Masque Theatre, Barton Seagrave for ages 3+. Call for times: 07710 403573.

Punchin Pandas 5.30 to 6.15pm at Melton Street Community Centre. For ages 4 to 8.

Desborough & Rothwell Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming At Montsaye Sports Centre. 30 minute lessons between 9.30am to 12pm. Call for details.

Swimming Lessons 30 minute lessons between 4pm and 6pm at Montsaye Community Sports Centre. For ages 3+ Call 01536 713708

Desborough & Rothwell Salvation Army Parents & Toddlers 9.30-11am, term time only. New Street, Rothwell. 07726 580187.

Building Blocks Wednesdays 2-3pm in term time.

Free. Desborough Baptist Church, Station Road. Call: 01536 760149. mawsley Music Makers 10am and 11am at The Centre. £4 Per child and £2 for siblings.

Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com

55 Key:

Swimming

Music, Dance & Drama

The Little Ones 9-11.15am & 1-2.50pm, Church of Christ The King. £1 /family. 517553 Edentots 9.15-11.15am, Eden Centre, Montagu St. £1/family, 01536 484800 Hopscotch (Loddington) 9.15-10.15am in term time at the Village Hall. Jo: 07742 664604 Giggles and Wiggles ‘Our time’ for 15 mths to 3yrs, 9.30 to 10.15am at the Counties Community Centre Mini Dribblers Football 9.30 to 10.15am for 18 months to 4 yrs at Crescents Community Centre.

Sing and Sign Babes At The Woodcroft Scout Centre, London Road. 10am. Stage 1 Rhymetime 10.30-11am at Kettering Library.

Jungle Tots At Greentrunks Garden Centre, Gt Cransley. From 11am. £4 for 1 child.

Ballet, Tap and Modern Dancing (With Mode Academy of Dance) At the Masque Theatre, Barton Seagrave for ages 3+. Call for times.

Punchin Pandas 5 to 5.45pm at Ise Lodge Pavilion. For ages 3 to 6 years.

Burton Latimer Toddle Time and Bounce & Rhyme Bounce & Rhyme 10.30 to 11am for babies. Toddle Time 11 to 11.30am for toddlers. BL Library. Free.

Desborough & Rothwell Salvation Army Parents & Toddlers 9.30-11am in term time. New Street, Rothwell. Contact 07726 580187.

Braybrooke Tiny Tots 10am-12pm. Braybrooke Village Hall. £2/family.Contact Jo 07565 783128.

Swimming Lessons 30 minute lessons between 4pm and 6pm at Montsaye Sports Centre. For ages 3+. Call 01536 713708 mawsley Mawsley Baby & Toddler Group 9.30-11am at The Centre £1.50 first child, 50p per child thereafter. Sarah: 01536 790517

Arts & Crafts

FRIDAYS Giggles and Wiggles At Counties Community Centre.

‘Our time’ for 15 months to 3 years, 9.30 to 10.15am ‘Rock-a-bye-baby’ Class for 0 to 15 months, 10.30 to 11.15am Geddington Parents & Tots 9.30-11.30am, Geddington Village Hall. £2 per family. Contacts Siobhan 01536 743756 Infant Aquatics Swimming 30 min classes between 10am and 12pm at Balance Health Club. For 3mths to 4.5 yrs.

Alleycats 10-11.15am in term time at Praise Community Church, Alexandra St. £1.20 for 1st child, 60p thereafter. per family. Rebecca: 01536 484777 Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming in Geddington. 30 minute lessons between 10am and 11am. Call for details Hartbeeps Happy House 10.15am at Mocha Mama, Glendon Farm. £5per session. £2.50 siblings.

See ad.

Building Blocks Drama 5 to 6pm at Starlight Dance, High Street. For 2 to 6 year olds. £3.50 Desborough & Rothwell Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming At Montsaye Sports Centre. 30 minute lessons between 12.15pm and 1.15pm. Call for details.

Rhymetime (Desborough) Every Friday in term time. 2.15 to 3pm at Desborough Library. Free call: 0300 126 1000.

Parent & Tot Group / Other

SATURDAYS Bubble Babies Swimming 8.45am to 1.15pm at Kingsley School Hydrotherapy Pool. 30 min classes for 0 to 5 year olds Little Kickers At Southfield School for Girls Junior Kickers for 2 to 3.5 year olds, 9.15 to 10am Mighty Kickers for 3.5 to 5 years, 10.10-10.55am.

Mega Kickers for 5 year olds to 7th Birthday, 11.05 to 11.55am.

Kettering Music & Performing Arts Music lessons, Musical Theatre, Dancing, Singing, Acting. 9am to 12pm at Latimer Arts College, Castle Way. For ages 3 to 18 years.

Swimming Lessons 30 minute lessons between 9.15am and 12.15pm at Montsaye Sports Centre. For ages 3+. 01536 713708 Stagecoach Theatre Arts School At Brambleside Primary School.

Early Stage Class for 4-6year olds, 9.30 to 11am or 2 to 3.30pm.

Under 5 Activity 11am to 12pm at Desborough Library. Throughout the year. Free.

sundays Little Kickers At Bishop Stopford School Junior Kickers for 2 to 3.5 year olds, 9.15 to 10am Mighty Kickers for 3.5 years olds to 5th Birthday, 10.10 to 10.55am Mega Kickers for 5 year olds to 7th Birthday, 11.05 to 11.55am.

Kiddie Coaching (Rugby) At Kettering RFC 2 to 3 years - 10am to 10.30am 3 to 5 years - 10.45am to 11.30am 2 to 3 years - 11.45am to 12.15pm Desborough & Rothwell

If no contact details are provided, an advert for the class can be found in our Clubs & Classes section starting on page 25.

Scrum Kids (Rugby) At Ironwood Avenue.

Various classes between 10.15am and 11.45am. Visit scrumkids.co.uk for details.

Jenny’s Dolphins Baby & Pre-school Swimming At Montsaye Sports Centre. 30 minute lessons between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Call for details.

Weekly Activities Timetable

THURSDAYS

Physical classes

Weekly Activities Timetable

56

East Northamptonshire Mondays

tuesdays

wednesdays

Irthlingborough

Higham Ferrers

Raunds

St Peter’s Under Fives 2-3pm. St Peter’s Church, Church Street. Contact 01933 650278

Rhymetime 9.30-10.15am at Higham Ferrers Library. 01933 314842. Free.

Rhymetime 1.30-2pm at Raunds Library. Free.

RAUNDS

Irthlingborough

Pre-Primary Ballet (Hayley Nadine Dance Academy) 4pm at Manor School. For 3 years+

Beginners Ballet & Tap (Barbara Hooton School of Dance) 4.15 to 5.15pm at the Methodist Church Hall

rushden Parent & Tot Swimming 8 to 9.30am at Splash Leisure Pool.

For 0 to 5 years. Call 01933 410505 Rhymetime 10 to 10.45am at Rushden Library.

Free.

Bumps & Babes @ Church 10am at St Mary’s Church. Short lively service followed by playtime. £1 per family. 01933 358218. TT thrapston & villages Community Stay & Play 9.30am to 11.45am at Thrapston Library. With snack and crafts.

Tel: 01832 730524.

Tumble Tots At The Plaza.

Gymbabes (from 6 mths): 9.30am Walking to 2 years: 10.30am 2 to 3 years: 11.30am 3+ years: 12.45pm www.tumbletots.com/kettering Family Lunch Club 11.45am to 12.30pm at Thrapston Library. Bring along a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic with others.

Titchmarsh Babes 1.30pm to 3pm. Clubroom, High Street. £1.50/family. Contact Sarah on 01832 735182 or TitchmarshBabes@live.co.uk Games Zone & Craft Club 3.15pm to 4.30pm at Thrapston Library. For children from birth to 5 years and siblings up to 8 years. Tel: 01832 730524.

oundle Rhymetime 10 to 10.30am at Oundle Library.

Free.

RAUNDS Musical Theatre (Hayley Nadine Dance Academy) 4pm at Manor School. For all ages

rushden Hartbeeps Happy House 9am at Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Wymington. £5.50 per session. £2.50 siblings. See ad.

Jelly Babes 9.30-11.30am at Queen Street Church Hall. £1 per family. Contact Jeanette on 01933 391457. TT Hartbeeps Happy House 11am at My Flourpower, High Street. £5 per session. See ad.

Stanwick

Parent & Tot Sessions Join in in an activity inspired by the surroundings until 11am at Stanwick Lakes, then sing and dance your way through to lunch with Lisa from rushdeN Music and Movement. Children Café Specials available. £2 per child.

Mugs and Beakers (Mums & Tots) 9-11am at The Bridge (in the grounds Parking charges apply. of Whitefriars Junior School). 50p per family. Emma: 01933 411393 thrapston & villages Mums & Tots Talk, Toast & Play 10-11.30am at Rushden Full Gospel 9.15am to 10.15am at Thrapston Church & Christian Centre, 60 High Library.

Street South. Linda: 07904 638612 Tel: 01832 730524.

Stanwick Stanwick Mums & Tots 1.45-3.15pm. Stanwick Village Hall. £2 per family. Contact Lucy 01933 461384. thrapston & villages Music Bus Baby & Toddler Music Classes 9.30am to 10.30am at St James’ Church Hall.

Childminders Group 9.30am to 11am at The Plaza. For childminders and their minded children. Tel: 01832 730534 Lets Get Active 10am to 11am at St John’s Hall.

Tel: 01832 730534 Fit For You Buggy Walk 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Meet outside the library. Tel: 01832 730534

Rhymetime 10.30am to 11am at Thrapston Library. Free. 01832 733251 Bookstart Bear Club & Story Sack 11.30am to 12.15pm at Thrapston Library. 01832 733251 Little Angels (Ringstead) 1.30 - 3pm in term time. Ringstead School Hall. £1.30 per family.

If no contact details are provided, an advert for the class can be found in our Clubs & Classes section starting on page 25.

57 Key:

Swimming

Music, Dance & Drama

oundle Bounce & Rhyme 10 to 10.30am at Oundle Library.

Free.

Music Makers 11.15am at the Joan Strong Centre.

Fun music & movement for 0-5 years. £4 per child, £2 for siblings.

Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com Raunds Rhymetime 11.30am to 12pm at Raunds Library.

Little Treasures 9.30-11am. St Laurence Church.

Donation optional. TT

Arts & Crafts

Baby Talk 10am-12pm at Green lane clinic For birth to crawling Free. Contact 01832 275889 villages

Rhymetime 2pm to 2.45pm at Rushden Library.

Stanwick Music Makers 2pm at Stanwick Village Hall. Fun music & movement for 0-5 years. £4 per child, £2 for siblings.

Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com thrapston & villages

Music Bus Baby & Toddler Music Classes 9.30am to 10.30am at St James’ Church Hall.

Sing and Sign At Aldwincle Village Hall, Main Street Stage 1 (6 to 15 mths) 9.30 am to 10.30am.

Stage 2 (15mths to 2.5yrs) 10.30am to 11.30am

Bounce & Rhyme 2.30pm to 3pm at Rushden Library.

Free.,

FRIDAYS Irthlingborough Rhymetime 2-2.30pm at Irthlingborough Library.

Free.

St Peters Parent & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Saxon Hall. £2 per family. Sarah 01933 622116. TT rushden Parent & Tot Swimming 8 to 9am at Splash Leisure Pool. For 0 to 5 years. Call 01933 410505 Sing and Sign Park Road Baptist Church, Rushden.

Stage 2 (15mths to 2.5yrs) 9.30am to 10.30am.

Stage 1 (6 to 15 mths) 10.30am to 11.30am

Tiddlers 9.30-11am, term time only.

Thrapston Baptist Church, 33 Huntingdon Road. £1/family. Contact Tina: 01832 730297 Music Makers 9.30am at Titchmarsh Pavilion. Fun music and movement for 0-5 years. £4 Per child and £2 for siblings.

Contact Naomi on 07815 293893 or musicmakersnorthants@gmail.com

Saturdays rushden

Jolly Totz Parent and Toddler Group 1 to 3pm, Easton on the Hill thrapston & villages Preschool, New road. Term time only.

Dads Matter Contact Rebecca on 07805 021169 10am to 11.30am at The Plaza.

Monthly. 01832 730524

Raunds rushdeN

Parent & Tot Group / Other

thrapston & villages Little Explorers 10am to 12pm at Thrapston Library.

From birth to crawling. Free. Contact 01832 275889

Sundays oundle Bounce & Rhyme 2.15pm to 2.45pm at Oundle Library.

Free.

Weekly Activities Timetable

THURSDAYS

Physical classes

58

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60

WINter Puzzle Page All entries will be put into a draw, and the winner(s) will be the first correct entries drawn at random in each competition.

Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number with your entry.

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Email your answer, together with your name and address, to: info@timefortots.co.uk “Dear Santa” can be seen at The Core at Corby Cube from Friday 5th to Saturday 20th December. Read more about the show on page 19.

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Then email the page number it’s on, together with your name and address, to: info@timefortots.co.uk Magical Mishaps! runs from Saturday 13 December to Friday 9 January. Turn to page 18 to find our more about the show.

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61

Win 1 of 3 Family Tickets to Twinlakes Family Theme Park To be in with a chance of winning, spot the differences between the 2 Christmas scenes pictured below. How many differences are there? a/ 4 b/ 6 c/ 8 Email your answer, together with your name and address, to: info@timefortots.co.uk

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62

Bumper Christmas Wordsearch Find the words listed on the right in the grid. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found them, some of the unused letters will spell out a hidden message. Pick them out from left to right, top to bottom, to reveal a hidden message!

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Index Activities & Days Out

Cheeky Monkees Christmas Charity Fun & Shopping Day Greentrunks Garden Centre Nene Valley Railway New York Thunderbowl Northamptonshire Baby & Toddler Show Royal & Derngate Theatre Sacrewell Stanwick Lakes The Castle Theatre The Core at Corby Cube The Paint Pottle Thurleigh Farm Centre West Lodge Rural Centre

Business Opportunities

Partylite Virtual Sales Team

63

17 23 13 15 22 6 & 32 18 15 17 2 19 5 15 13 43 43

Clubs & Classes Corby Borough Council - Activities for Under 5s

Dance Schools

Barbara Hooton School of Dancing Emma’s Dance Studio Mode Academy of Dance

Music & Movement

Giggles & Wiggles Sing & Sign

Physical Activity

Kiddie Coaching Little Kickers Mini Dribblers Punchin Pandas Scrum Kids Tumble Tots

Swim Schools

Bubble Babies Infant Aquatics Jenny’s Dolphins

Theatre Schools Stagecoach

Health & Beauty

Little Beauty Treats Mobile Holistic Therapist Sanctuary of Beauty The Earthworks Cosmetics Company Ultra Blitz

26

28 25 31 29 30 27 29 31 25 25 31 28 27 25 7 34 34 37 34 34

Independent Schools

Northampton High School

39

Nurseries, Pre-Schools & Childminders Aldwincle Pre-school Brigstock Playgroup National Childminding Association Oak Tree Day Nursery Rectory Day Nursery Rushden Day Nursery Sunnylands Nursery Titchmarsh Pre-school West Lodge Day Nursery

42 41 43 40 40 42 42 40 41

Party Services

Bouncy Wouncy Children’s Parties - Corby Borough Council Cheers Mobile Bars ES Promotions Teenie Boppers & Crazy Faces

Photographers

AMC Photography Andy Nickerson Photography Firetree Photography Precious Moments Photography Serendipity Photo

Pregnancy & Birth

Babytime Massage Mind & Body Wellbeing

64 50 50 51 50 10 45 5 24 32 44 45

Services

The Pixie Gallery

Shopping & Gifts

Farndon Fields Baby 2 Good as New

Footwear & Clothing

Baby 2 Good as New Bearly Worn Bleachers Clothing Padders For Kids

Gifts

Bear With Me Coniston Crafts Pete’s Personalised Toy Boxes Pink Ink Creative

Useful Products

Spectrum Healthcare Trostisar

7 21 21 & 23 5 8 9 39 8 8 8 5 24 10

Thank-you for reading! The next issue will be out week commencing 2nd March 2015 To advertise call 0845 6439687 or e-mail info@timefortots.co.uk

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