Doncaster Allsorts Winter 2012

allsorts

FREE

Winter 2012

for families in Doncaster

Your local guide Family days out What’s on Young cooks Fun things to do and make..

allsorts

...and more!

Something for the whole family!

See page 14 for our great competition to Win a ÂŁ20 Toys R Us voucher See pages 11 & 12 for a listing of Christmas Fairs, Fetes, and special events happening over christmas in and around Doncaster

allsorts...

Welcome to the winter 2012 edition.

I hope that you enjoy your handy, free

magazine. It is packed with what I hope you will find to be useful information and great ideas.

Allsorts reaches 7500 families in the Doncaster area, most of them with children aged 0-12 (thank you to all the schools, children’s centres, nurseries and businesses involved in its distribution).

Published ahead of the main school holidays, each issue will be packed with topical features & businesses advertising their activities, products and services.

This is ‘your’ magazine, call me on 01302 744278 or email paula@todaypublications.co.uk If you would like to contribute.

Paula Mickley Editor

Inside Story...

Craft with Mimi Last minute gifts Young Cooks Good reads for kids What’s on for Families Bake your own decorations Toys R Us COMPETITION Christmas Quiz Index of Advertisers

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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions.

Today Publications Ltd does not officially endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher.

allsorts

Is published by Today Publications Ltd 01302 744278 and printed by Warwick Printing Company Limited, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1QD. 01926 883355

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allsorts... Crafty creations cute little Percy Penguin decorations!

MATERIALS NEEDED: Black wool, oddments of orange, yellow, white and red wool (double knitting).

4mm needles, darning needle, stuffing, sewing pins, cardboard if you want your penguin to stand up. (Cereal packet cardboard is fine)

the needle and pull up tightly fasten off. Sew the row ends together. Sew half way down the head. Sew a French knot or just do one crossstitch in white for each eye just above beak.

Feet: (make two)

Using orange or yellow wool cast on 6 sts. Knit 2 rows. Break off wool and thread wool through the stitches. Pull up tightly and fasten off. Attach to penguin just below bottom of Body and Head: white chest.

Using black wool cast on 18 sts.

Knit 28 rows. Break off wool and thread Wings: (make two) Using black, cast on 8sts through the stitches and gather up tightly, and knit 7rows. Cast off. Sew one set of row fasten off securely. Join side seam. ends on each wing to sides of body just below If you want your penguin to stand the neck. up cut 2 x 3cm cardboard circles, Bobble hat: Cast on 22sts. Knit 11 rows break stick them together and place off wool and thread onto the darning needle. centrally on the gathered Thread through the stitches and pull up tightly, part before stuffing firmly.

Gather up cast on edge of penguin fasten off securely. Join side seam and fasten off securely. tightly and sew up securely.

Sew a strand of black wool Bobble: Cast on 4sts. Knit 4 rows. Break off round for the neck approx. wool and thread onto darning needle. Do run3.5cm down from top. Pull ning stitches all round the edge of the piece of up tightly and knitting, pull up tightly to make bobble. Sew sew ends into on the middle of the hat. Pop penguin’s hat in the neck. This makes place, and sew onto penguin. Attach a loop so the neck and shoulder shape. that you can hang penguin on your tree, make sure you take the wool through the hat and Chest: Using white wool cast on 8sts. Knit the head.

10 rows. Cast off leave a long end. Pin Scarf: Cast on 40sts using a bright onto the front of the penguin’s body colour, knit one row. Cast off. Place round having the cast off edge at top and sew in penguins neck, it will stay in place or you could place. stitch it in place.

Beak:

Make a family of penguins with Use orange cast on 4 sts. Knit 1 row break off the wool leaving an end. Using a darn- different coloured hats and scarves! ing needle, thread through the stitches on

snow .. storm

Materials needed: Clean jam jar with screw top lid Distilled water/ de-ionised water Glycerine Washing up liquid Silver or White Glitter Jug and a teaspoon Christmas decorations or a plastic animal Strong waterproof glue

Method:

· Add more distilled water so that jar is full to the very top.

Use a blob of the glue to attach your decoration onto · Carefully place the lid onto the inside of your lid. (Ask an the jar and screw it tightly in adult to do this for you, place. The jar needs to be making sure they put the watertight! decoration where you want it) · You can seal round the edge Allow glue to dry thoroughly . of the lid with a layer of · Use the jug to pour the silicone sealant distilled water into the jam jar. (bought from craft shops.)

Fill to near the top. · Add two teaspoons of Give your decoration a Glycerine, half a teaspoon of shake and wow your washing up liquid and two or snowstorm looks three teaspoons of glitter brilliant! to the water.

Take care - remember it is made from glass ·

Why not book your lunch or tea with Santa at Time2Play?

See our website for more details of our party packages

The Last Minute?

It’s not too late to find the perfect gift ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? Are you so organised that you bought everything in the January sales for gift-giving twelve months later? If you answered “yes”, then there’s no need to read on. However, if you’re like me, Christmas has once again taken you completely by surprise. I suspect we all go into denial at the point when the first Christmas decorations arrive in the shops around about August!

Normally we’d panic and snatch the first vaguely suitable gift from the nearest available shop. But wait! Last minute gifts are never well thought out, are they? The adage “it’s the thought that counts” is actually incredibly important. People would rather receive a small, carefully chosen gift than a hastily grabbed box of bath products that scream “this will do”!

Don’t panic. Most shops will be open on Christmas Eve, so you can really leave it until the absolute last minute if you plan a little first.

Make a list of who you need to buy for and spend time really thinking about those people.

What do they like? What would they appreciate? Keeping the recipient in mind and choosing a thoughtful gift is the only way to succeed at this late stage.

Donate the gift of your time. Offer to babysit so parents can take a well-deserved break.

Spend a day gardening for someone. Buy tickets for a concert, cinema, sporting event or a play and take the family. Look around these don’t have to cost the earth. Organise a surprise weekend break and present the tickets on Christmas Day. Bring some nostalgia to Christmas with familyfriendly board games. Introduce extra food with a gourmet gift hamper. A beautiful tree ornament will hold memories every year when it comes out again.

If you’re still stuck, there are always gift vouchers. Spa-breaks, restaurant vouchers, experience days, animal adoption and cookery courses are unusual vouchers to give.

Last minute Christmas gifts don’t have to come from the shops. Use your imagination and take a moment to think about what they would really welcome.

Have a happy and stress-free Christmas!

Some people are just downright impossible to shop for which is why you’ve put off buying anything until now. In this case, present them with a written promise to take them shopping for something they really want. For some people it really is better to get their input before buying.

Another heartfelt refrain is “what do I get the person who has everything?” The answer is… a box to put it all in. Whether this is an unusual jewellery box, a useful sewing chest or colourful, personalised storage containers for children.

6 | allsorts

T: 01302 744278

E:: paula@todaypublications.co.uk

allsorts… Young Cooks tutti-frutti rounds Ingredients: 200g white chocolate 125g butter 6 Rich Tea biscuits 4 green glace cherries (or angelica) 50g dried cranberries 2 tablespoons raisins Cling film ...for

top tip

crushing biscuits Pop them into a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin!

Method:  Break chocolate into a bowl.  Cut the butter into chunks and add to bowl.  Microwave GENTLY to melt.  Mix well and set aside to cool to room temperature.  Whilst waiting crush biscuits into  Wrap in the cling film and roll crumbs. Don’t crush too much into a sausage shape the diameotherwise you will be left with ter of a £2 coin. powder!  Repeat with the rest of the mix Cut cherries to the same size as ture, using another sheet of cling the cranberries - use scissors . film. Put in poly bags.  Stir biscuits and all the fruit into  Chill overnight to firm up. the chocolate mixture.  Will keep in the fridge for 3 days  Chill for 2 hours until almost or frozen for 2 months (just pop solid. the rolls in the freezer). Unwrap  Spread sheet of cling film onto each roll and slice into 16 rounds. worktop.

The biscuits are very rich so don’t  Scoop out half of the mixture and cut too thickly! shape into a long roll on top of the cling film.

Everybody loves them, yummy!

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Our facilities include: NEW Beginners Area for under 10’s

r site fo b e w r ou Check holiday s a m t Chris g openin 8 | allsorts

T: 01302 744278

Foam Pit Free Wi-Fi Café Chill out area Party Room Parents Room Viewing Balcony Toilets Coat/Bag hooks

E:: paula@todaypublications.co.uk

Now offering lessons

Family built and ru n

r Fun fo

all

Parties our Speciality Call Greer on 07725 029 388

Visit soon

www.northbridgeskatepark.co.uk

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of reads for kids...

Dear Father Christmas

by Jeanne Willis & Rosie Reeve This picture book follows Mary as she writes her Christmas letter. Her wishes are rather different, as she doesn’t need any more toys – but an everlasting hamster and self tying shoelaces would come in rather handy. Of course, there is a twist in the tale, but we certainly didn’t see it coming, and it has been read over and over again – even at the height of summer.

If you like the Jolly Postman, then you will love

‘The Jolly Christmas Postman’

by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

As you might expect, there are a range of letters to be opened, with cards, games and even a jigsaw puzzle for the lucky nursery rhyme characters on his rounds. An absolute delight.

For many people, ‘The Snowman’

by Raymond Briggs is their Christmas classic of choice. I much prefer

‘Father Christmas’ Eloquently told by pictures and relatively few words, it follows a curmudgeonly Santa on his journey around the globe, dropping off presents, struggling down chimneys, trudging up stairs, through all kinds of weather...Merry Bloomin’ Christmas!

By Kath Bennett

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of days out for families in Doncaster

Christmas fair

Sunday 2nd December from 12noon Rosary Hall, Christ the King, Rossington Stalls, refreshments, Santa, Tombola Everyone welcome

Snow white & the 7 Dwarfs

Monday 3rd—Thursday 6th Doncaster Little theatre A C.A.T.S Production Come and join us with the booing and hissing and help start the Little theatre’s Panto seaons.

The Big Switch On

Thursday 6th December Bawtry Visit Bawtry to see the lights switch on, late night shopping, stalls, Santa & fireworks

Christmas Wreaths

Friday 7 December 10am-12noon Brodsworth Community Woodland Join the Forestry Commission Rangers to make your own Christmas wreath Booking essential on 07768 808432 £5 per person

Christmas Fair Mexborough Children’s Centre

Christmas Concert

Friday 7th December, 7pm Bentley Pavilion The Brass Players £10 to include mince pies.

Organised by Thorne Lions, proceeds to local charities.

An Audience with Father Christmas

Saturday 8th December Brodsworth Hall Dress up warm. Shop for unique gifts and sample food & drink from National Heritage’s own range too

Conisbrough Christmas Market & Fairground Saturday 8th December 10am –4pm Church Street, Conisbrough

Santa Weekend

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th December The Trolleybus Museum Lots happening all weekend, displays, tours, simulators, shop & refreshments For more info see www.sandtoft.org.uk

Friday 7th December 4-6pm Stalls with Christmas goods, tombolas, raffle, mince pies and carols

Carols by Torchlight

Friday 7th December, 6pm Conisbrough Town Centre around the Christmas Tree Bring your torch. Followed by soup and a roll.

Santa Special Boat Trips on the Chesterfield Canal Every Saturday and Sunday from 1st to 16th December, leaving from the Hop Pole, Retford, DN22 6UG There’s a present for every child and a drink and mince pie for every adult £6 per person For bookings contact 07925 851569 or email sethellis@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk Please mention allsorts when contacting an advertiser

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Santa Dash

Sunday 9th December 11am Sandall Park, Wheatley In conjunction with The Aurora Centre, Sandal Park are hosting the annual 1 mile Santa Dash Best dressed dog and best decorated buggy competition Contact 01302 381302 www.theauroracentre.co.uk

Lantern Walk & Carols

Visit Santa in his bird hide grotto and join his elves to make some festive decorations. Normal admission + £1.50per child.

Victorian Christmas

Sunday 16th December 2-4pm Cusworth Hall, Museum and Park Christmas music and carol singing Admission to the Hall £2 (concessions £1)

Sunday 9th December 3.30-5.30pm Puss in Boots Pantomime Potteric Carr Nature Reserve 17th—24th December and 27-31 December Enjoy a majical evening making lanterns and Doncaster Little Theatre singing carols in the evening with your lanterns With matinees and evening performances all lit up! Normal admission + £1.50 per child through out the Christmas period, this is a treat for all the family.

Auckley Christmas Market

Tuesday 11th December 4-7pm Auckley Village Green Variety of goods, crafts, decorations, cakes, toys, jewellery etc.

Snow white and the 7 Dwarfs

Thursday 13th Dec—Sunday 6th Jan Doncaster Civic theatre For full details contact 01302 342349 or visit www.doncastercivic.co.uk

Christmas Craft

Saturday 15th December 1-3pm Cusworth hall Museum & Park A make and take paper craft session for all the family. Normal entry charges apply

An Audience with Father Christmas

Saturday 15th December 12-4pm Brodsworth Hall Dress up warm. Shop for unique gifts and sample food and drink from National Heritage’s own range too

Santas on the Run

Sunday 16th December Keepmoat Stadium Doncaster 8.30am warm up 9am start £10 for adults and £5 for children - includes Santa suit!

In aid of Bluebell Wood For more information contact Rachael on 01909 517367

Santas Grotto

Sunday 16th December 10.30am-12.30pm Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

Victorian Christmas Evening

Wednesday 19th December Cusworth Hall, Museum and Park Seasonal music and Carols with the Cusworth Singers Light refreshments Tickets £8

An Audience with Father Christmas

Saturday 22nd December 12-4pm Brodsworth Hall Dress up warm. Shop for unique gifts and food & drink from National Heritage’s range

Toy & Train Fair

Monday 31st December 10.30am-3.30pm Doncaster Racecourse Yorkshires largest toyfair, over 350 stalls selling all kinds of toys, models, trains and collectables

Mother Goose

Wednesday 2nd—Saturday 12th January Doncaster Little Theatre 2Act Theatre Company

Santa Specials 1st/2nd/8th/9th/15th/16th/22nd/23rd December Elsecar Heritage Railways, Barnsley Ride on the Santa special trains, with a present from Santa for all fare paying children and Mince Pies and Drinks for Mum & Dad! To book please telephone (01226 746746)

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allsorts | 13

starry windows Ingredients:

cook your own !

Christmas decorations

Method 1. Mix sugar and butter together 50g light brown sugar really well using a wooden spoon.

50g butter - softened 2. Break egg into a little bowl and 1 small egg beat with a fork.

115g plain flour 3. Mix HALF the beaten egg into the 15g cornflour sugar and butter mix, a little at a 1 teaspoon ground time. You don’t need the other half of the egg. mixed spice 4. Sift the flour, corn flour and mixed Solid, coloured boiled spice onto the creamed sugar, butter sweets and egg mix. Mix together using Large star shaped the wooden spoon. cutter or other 5. Squeeze the mixture festive cutters using your hands until a Drinking straw firm dough is formed. Shape Small round dough into a ball. cutter slightly 6. Sprinkle a little flour onto a bigger than surface and roll dough until it is sweets Baking trays lined with 5mm thick.

7. Using the large cutter cut out baking parchment stars. Using a fish slice put onto the Heat oven to 180°C (160°C baking parchment lined baking tray. fan) or gas mark 4 8. Make a hole into each star shape by pressing the straw through the Children ask an adult to help you when using the If you hang the biscuits on your oven (to make 12-15)

dough near to the top of one of the points.

9. Using a small cutter cut a hole in the middle of each star. The hole should be a little bigger than the size of the sweet.

10. Squeeze all left over pieces of dough into a ball and roll out to make more stars.

11. Place a sweet into the hole in the middle of each star shape. Place tray onto the middle shelf of the oven.

12. Bake shapes for about 12 minutes until the sweets have melted and the biscuits are golden.

13. Remake the hole in the top of the star using the straw if needed. Leave biscuits on the baking trays until they are completely cold.

14. Thread thin ribbon through holes and tie biscuits onto the tree.

If you don’t want to hang them you can eat and enjoy within a week! tree DON’T eat them afterwards!

Competition Time!

In our last issue we featured a competition to win family VIP experience with the Romans when they visited Doncaster Minster in September as part of the Leger Festival celebrations.

Pictured are the winning family together with Caesar and a couple of his army. Thank you to Doncaster Tourism for looking after our VIP family on the day.

If you didn’t come along to meet the Romans then you should look out for the next event great fun for all the family.

This issue we have a £20 Toys R Us voucher up for grabs!

All you have to do is answer the following easy question

On what date do we celebrate Christmas Day? Email your answer, together with your name, address and contact number to paula@todaypublications.co.uk By Monday 31st December 2012. (please insert 'Competition’ in the subject line) A winner will be randomly selected. No cash alternative or substitution.

allsorts... of advertisers Children’s Activities Hill House Holiday Club Jo Jingles Time2Play Cycles Hudson Cycles Decorating Gelders Painting & Decorating Entertainment Keepmoat Health, Fitness & Leisure Military Training Music & Vocal Tuition Colin Latimer Horn Academy Vivo Music Studio Occasion wear Miss Ella’s Frock shop Skate Park North Bridge Skate Park Solicitors Susan Jubb Family Law Visitor Attractions Boston Park Maize Maze Potteric Carr

3 10 5 7 15 5 3 10 10 15 8 15 2 13

allsorts...

of Christmas Songs quiz

How many of these Christmas songs and carols past and present can you name?

Example G K W = Good King Wenceslas

FTS LIS! LIS! LIS! WC SCICTT SN MCE WWYAMC DDMOH GRYMG AIWFCIMTFT! ISTSCSI TTDOC OLTOB WSWTFBN RTRNR