Toddle About Northamptonshire Oct - Dec 2011 by Toddle About Magazine

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Family picture courtesy of Mango Pictures

Hello!

And welcome to the Autumn issue of Toddle About! We’ve got loads of exciting things to tell you about in this edition of Toddle About, but first we want to let you know that we have teamed up with Royal & Derngate to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (four seats) to this year’s dazzling pantomime adventure, Aladdin, on Sunday 11 December at 5pm (see p.33). To enter our prize draw to win these tickets, simply ‘like’ Toddle About on Facebook and drop us an email to info@toddleabout.co.uk with your name, address and phone number. We will do the draw on Friday 18th November. To find us on Facebook, search for Toddle About - or simply scan in this QR code (right) with your smart phone. We started including QR codes in our last issue and they seem to be going down really well - they link you in an easy and fun way to related content on the internet. Keep an eye out for them as you read. We have more content than ever for you in this edition, with activity ideas for Autumn (p.15), Christmas gift ideas (p.11), tips on staying away and staying slim in our special festive feature (p.30-35), as well as over 45 special offers! (p.27-29). We’re also trialling a new layout for our directory which will hopefully make it easier for you to find the local businesses you want when you need them! As ever, we hope you enjoy reading!

Tim & Ruth

PS. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to Toddle About for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe and we’ll post a copy to your door every quarter. Contact us on 0845 643 2483, or info@toddleabout.co.uk Toddle About, PO Box 1010, Bugbrooke, NN7 3WD

4-7 Shop About 11-12 Activities for Autumn 15 Your Recommendations 16 Toddle Models 19 What’s New?

8,000 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter around South, Central & West Northants.

This furry little fella is Charlie! He’s hiding all over the magazine - why not see if your little one can find him while you read? A special thank you goes out this edition to Water Babies for allowing us to publish the beautiful picture on our cover, taken from one of their underwater toddler photo sessions (See advert on p.38). A huge congratulations to Toddle Models winner Matilda Devenish! (p.19) We’re looking forward to picking our next cover shot from her shoot with Fisher Creative Photography (p.18) later this year. And remember to keep an eye out for the S symbol. It tells you when that advertiser has a special offer in our centre pages.

Contents

22 Controversy Corner 24 Charlie & Lola’s Play 26 Special Offer Pages 27-29 Massage for Health

Special Christmas Feature Section 30-35 Mums Making It Daily Activity Planner Directory

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in Toddle About is accurate and correct, we cannot guarantee that this is so and neither Toddle About nor Tim Freed can accept any liability for loss, damage or problems arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in content, nor from actions taken by readers based on information or opinions presented in advertisements or throughout the magazine. Images and information supplied by 3rd parties have been accepted in good faith and all liability for any legal transgression including breach of copyright remains with the supplying parties.

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What’s New?

Take a

Northamptonshire

Roll Over With Peppa Pig

Tumble Tots, the nationwide physical play programme for children, is partnering with Peppa Pig for its 18th National Children’s Activity Week, from 10th to 17th October. Organised in support of Tommy’s, the UK charity dedicated to finding treatments to prevent problems in pregnancy, the campaign entitled ‘Roll Over with Peppa for Tommy’s’ hopes to raise over £50,000. Together with Peppa Pig, Tumble Tots have created the ‘Roll Over with Peppa for Tommy’s’ Wall Chart. It gives ideas of lots of activities to try at home and informs parents of the benefits of allowing children to roll. See p.42

Northampton Leisure Centre News

Northampton NCT Nearly New Sale

Saturday 22nd October, Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Road, Hardingstone, NN4 6UU Starts 11.15am (members 10.30am). Entry £1.50 p/p. The Northampton NCT Nearly New Sale has just won the Gold Standard Award, meaning it is one of the best in the country. So come on down and grab a bargain or ten - you’ll find everything you need for bumps & babies!!

& Daventry!

Sat 8th Oct 2011 1pm - 4pm; £1 entry William Parker School, Daventry NN11 0QF

At The Royal & Derngate Charlie & Lola: 27 - 29 Nov Alice in Wonderland: 30 Nov - 8 Jan Down The Rabbit Hole: 6 Dec - 8 Jan Aladdin: 9 Dec - 8 Jan

www.royalandderngate.co.uk see pages 26, 31 & 33

NEW Junior Active Membership for <16s for £19.95 This gets you loads of stuff, including a course in either swimming lessons, gymnastics, badminton, trampolining or Gym Tots plus FREE: swimming in all general sessions, Cinema, Off Peak Racquet Sports, Gym and Classes for 14 to 16 years, Soft Play at Danes Camp and other discounts. See p.14 NEW Gym Tots sessions for 1-3yrs at Lings Forum Gym Tots incorporates fun-based gymnastics, soft play and movement to action songs, plus co-ordination activities working towards to badges & certificates. Runs Wednesdays. Soft Play & Bouncy Castle Sessions at Danes Camp, 6m-4yrs 45 min sessions, in term time on Wednesdays, 9.15am & 10am

Mango Pictures

New Yoga Classes for Kids

If the kids are getting Mango Pictures are too hyper try PlaYoga! offering some great Kids classes are fun new products ready and combine dynamic movements with for this Christmas, moments of stillness, utilising dance, including Acrylic postures, stories, songs, games, breathing and Frames and Photo relaxation exercises. They also balance and Blocks. Their new calm emotions, enhance coordination, build photo blocks can be ordered in a range of flexibility and strength, help improve concencolours, even red, yel- tration, imagination, self-esteem and much more! Classes are taught by Heidi Smith who low and blue which look fantastic in chil- recently relocated from London schools & studren’s bedrooms! Call dios. Kids Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Seniors Yoga for more information. and HypnoBirthing are on offer in Buckingham, See p.18 Brackley, Northampton & Oxfordshire. See p.49

GymBugs to continue Wacky Wednesdays

After phenomenal success this Summer, GymBugs will be running a special Wacky Wednesday session again during October half term on Wednesday 26th October. Sessions are at 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Entry £4 per child. See p.41

Find groups and classes in the Daily Activity Planner from page 38

Party Time With The Pampered Chef

Tracey Aldridge is an Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef, who manufacture and sell high quality kitchen products, and she would love to help you host a cooking show for you and your friends. Everyone gets involved in preparing a recipe at a Pampered Chef cooking show, and of course they get to enjoy the results too! It’s a really fun way to spend an evening and find out about new kitchen products. Hosts also receive discounts and free gifts (terms apply). Tracey is also recruiting for new team members. See p.36

New Photographer in Town

Jenny Molloy specialises in baby, child and family photography. She creates superb, professional portraits for families to cherish. Her studio is mobile so she can arrange a session at a location of your choice, or in the comfort of your own home. Jenny is available for private sittings, baby and toddler groups, sports/dance groups, preschools, nurseries, events and fundraising. She doesn’t believe in inflated photography costs so you can view all her prices up front on her website at www.photographyinnorthampton.co.uk. See p.18

Kids Kitchen Christmas Sessions

During December you can come to The Kids Kitchen and Bake Your Own Decorations! Not only a wonderful activity to do with your child, but a wonderful keepsake for years to come. Alternatively book onto a Bake Your Own Gift sessions where we will be making wonderful cupcakes and pies which you can box as gifts or share as proud parents for tasty treats! Classes begin from the 26th November 2011 and run throughout December - check their website for details. See p.44

Cushi Tush Wins Another Award

If you’re a regular Toddle About reader, you’ll know that we are big fans of the Cushi Tush baby seat. So we’re really pleased to report that the Cushi Tush has won another award - the Right Start ‘Best Baby Essentials’ Award. This marks the fourth award for the Cushi Tush baby seat in as many years. The Right Start Awards aim to highlight the very best products for mums-tobe during pregnancy and for children up to the age of two. The Cushi Tush baby seat is a recyclable, floor-based paediatrician approved seat for children from 3-18 months and can be used for feeding and playtime. See back cover

SCBU Charity Calendar

After her son Harrison’s life was saved by the Special Care Baby Unit at Northampton General Hospital earlier this year, Toddle About reader Theresa Wright decided to take action to raise some much-needed funds for this vital service. She now runs regular auctions on Facebook and has raised over £2,000 already. She has also just released a calendar featuring babies treated in the Gosset Ward to raise more funds - so please show your support and help the SCBU save more lives. Calendars cost £5 - order by emailing gossetfundraiser@ hotmail.co.uk., or visit www.facebook.com/ groups/Gossetscbu/

Cycle Round Ethiopia Fundraiser

Two Olney based midwives, Sally Pollock and Lisa Fox, are planning to embark on an incredible journey to raise money for Maternity Worldwide. They will be cycling across Ethiopia and then offering their services within a local maternity unit. Please donate! www.midwives-in-ethiopia.blogspot.com

Give Yourself a Break - Get a Domestique Cleaner!

Little children are hard work and leave little time for cleaning and other domestic chores. You may find that investing in a cleaner for a few hours every week is money well spent, giving you the time you need to focus on the things that really matter. Domestique has been established since 2005 and their expert staff ensure your house looks and feels brand new. They’re dedicated to providing a quality service and are the only local cleaning service to provide a written guarantee. See p.21

New Baby Massage & Yoga Classes

LittleTouch are offering baby massage and baby yoga courses in and around Northampton and MK. Massage and yoga benefit babies by easing colic and congestion, aiding sleep and digestion, encouraging healthy development, bonding and more. LittleTouch classes also focus on the parents by including gentle exercise, relaxation and encouraging new friendships. LittleTouch run 5 week courses, 1-to-1 and ‘Host Home’ sessions and Dad’s workshops. See p.46

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More What’s New!

Well Woman, Happy Baby Classes

Suitable from the first moments after birth these new classes from Mummies Birth Buddy are aimed at soothing mother and baby in those tender early days. Through a combination of structured, gentle movements performed whilst lying down, and deep abdominal breathing, a new mother can start to bring her body into balance whilst her baby rests with her. We aim to gradually and safely draw back in all the muscles that stretched so much during pregnancy. The classes also include essential postnatal health and safety tips, breastfeeding support, tips for soothing your baby and baby massage. See p.46

See our online events listings:

Hartbeeps Classes Launching in Northampton

Designed for babies and toddlers, Hartbeeps classes are multisensory play and music sessions, and offer a completely different experience to traditional music and movement classes. Each week, an everyday environment, such as ‘bath-time’, is explored. Session leaders use music, beautiful lighting effects, puppetry, innovative props and a vast array of multisensory techniques to help support little ones’ Hullabaloo comes to Facebook creative development. Hullabaloo has a new Facebook page. If Classes are available from birth to 4½ years. you ‘like’ it, you will benefit from news of special offers and events. Sometimes inFree taster sessions stant offers are made only on Facebook. available. See p.41 On 1st September we spotted an offer to get a free tub of Gallone’s ice cream tub for every paying child!. See p.17

New Well-Being Centre

Natural Coaching offers a wide range of services that guarantee (yes they really do) to make you feel better! Personal Training, Life Coaching, Massage, Yoga, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Tai Chi, Wellbeing Retreats, Bootcamps, and Meditation are all available. Based on Barrack Road in the Northampton Town Centre, they have a great new facility including Gym, Therapy Room, Studio and an outstanding range of services. If you want to look better, feel better and move forward quickly with lasting results, Natural Coaching could be what you are looking for! Check out www.naturalcoaching.co.uk to find out what you can achieve. See p.45

Yoga Tigers Classes

A new yoga-based exercise class for 2-5s which has been devised by a Northampton based Mum who loves yoga and having fun. At this age, children are still getting to grips with their balance and coordination. Regular yoga practice assists development in these areas, increases a child’s confidence and overall fitness while also promoting healthy sleep patterns. Yoga Tiger classes help your child become more aware of their body and set a foundation for a life long participation in exercise. See p.46

Christmas Treat from Holistic Massage

Christmas can be a very stressful time and finding the perfect presents for our loved ones can be a ‘mission impossible ‘ task. So why not take the stress away and give a really different present this year which relaxes and improves wellbeing and offers much needed ‘me time’ and pampering. Annukka at Holistic Massage Therapies in Towcester is fully trained and qualified and has gift vouchers, pamper packages and special treatments available. Special offer in centre pages. See p.34

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Some Christmas Gift Ideas! Mummy Mitts SHolder Kit The SHolder Kit is a fantastic carry all solution for kids - everything your little ones want close to hand on a trip out can be packed into or attached to the SHolder Kit. It is fun and comfortable to use and lighter than a backpack. It features a reflective strip for safety, a tag with contact details, a zip pocket for valuables, a shower proof poncho in pocket, easy to reach chest pockets and a strap for belongings or that favourite toy plus a detachable bottle holder on the hip. It is available in two sizes - age 3 to 5 and age 6 to 9. £19.99 from www.toddleoff.co.uk.

ELC Snow Queen Palace This palace will inspire your child to create wonderful fairy tale adventures and offers plenty of space for royal hide and seek, big parties and every kind of sparkling adventure your child could ever dream of! Perfect for encouraging them to use their imagination, as well as learning to interact and play with other children. Suitable for 3 years+. £65 from Early Learning Centre, 14 Market Place, Northampton, NN1 2DP. Buy for Christmas and get free Fairy Friends. www.elc.co.uk

Unique, Customised Height Charts Do you find it difficult thinking of a unique gift idea, especially for children? Is there a new arrival to celebrate, a christening, birthday, or do you need an idea for a special Christmas gift? Unique Heights create height charts that are personalised with children’s names using fun and attractive “Alpha-Doodle-Bet” letters, which are packed full of colourful animal characters. Not only can the child’s height be recorded over the years, the chart can be rolled up and stored as a great keepsake later on. Buy from www.uniqueheights.co.uk for just £19.99 (FREE P&P) or email uniqueheights@ymail.com.

Bosch Workbench Every young DIY enthusiast’s dream, this sturdy and realistic workbench has tools, a vice, nuts and bolts to inspire play building and fixing projects. A great Christmas present for the little boy in your life. Suitable for 3 years+. £55 from Early Learning Centre, 14 Market Place, Northampton, NN1 2DP. Currently comes with free Tool Box. www.elc.co.uk

The FLATOUT Bear Soft, cuddly and flat, the FLATOUT Bear is made of 100% pure Australian sheepskin, shaped like a teddy bear. They are just gorgeous. They’re natural, plush and luxurious - perfect for babies, kids, grannies... and celebrities! Brooke Shields, Hugh Jackman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Garner are all self-proclaimed fans! And because FLATOUT Bear is so flat, he fits perfectly under your little one’s tummy & head while she is in the land of nod. They can even be used as a pillow from one year. Buy for £34.99 plus FREE P&P from Butterflies & Dinosaurs. Get 10% off with code TAW11! www.butterfliesanddinosaurs.co.uk

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Memories & Lace Keepsake Pictures This is another really lovely Christmas gift for loved ones - and yourself! Memories & Lace take your photographs and little mementos and combine them to make a beautiful framed picture decorated with ribbons, lace and Swarovski crystals. Each picture is totally unique and you can have as much or as little input as you want in the creative process. First Christmases, birthdays, christenings, first day of school, hand prints, children’s artwork - all can be caught and preserved in these timeless pieces of art. Buy from www.memoriesandlace.co.uk for £65. Special offer in our centre pages.

All prices shown are accurate at time of going to print, but are subject to change.

Le Toy Van Wooden Toys Le Toy Van are an award-winning manufacturer of high quality, painted wooden toys. With a beautiful range of toys from majestic dolls houses and castles to farms, garages and wooden food, they have something that every child will enjoy. Shirelings Toy Shop in The Heart of The Shires Shopping Village, near Weedon, NN7 4LB, are proud to be stocking the full Le Toy Van range, so grab your 10% off voucher in our centre pages and pop down for a browse!

Precious Memory Bunnies These unique keepsakes have built up an enormous following on Facebook and it’s easy to see why! They can be crafted from your own special clothing, or bought pre-made, and are just gorgeous. The bunnies are made from 3-4 baby gros (or other items of clothing) and can be personalised with name / date of birth. They are lovely to treasure or they make wonderful gifts to family members (though they are not intended as toys). Much better than leaving those treasured memories folded up in a box! A bargain at £15 per bunny, get an extra 10% off with the voucher in our centre pages. Cards, Memory Boxes & 3D Calendars Order from Facebook: www.facebook. It’s the new season for Phoenix Trading who have com/handcraftedespeciallyforyou just launched their fabulous Christmas range. Their Christmas cards are great value for money and a donation is made to charity for every pack purchased. The Baby Jogger City Mini Buggy Cancer Research, MacMillan Cancer Care and ChilThe Baby Jogger City Mini 3-wheeler has dren’s Hospices UK are just three of the charities they a light weight frame, stylish design, and support. They also have lovely gifts, gift wrap, gift easy manoeuvrability. But perhaps it’s boxes, innovative advent calendar cards and larger best feature is Baby Jogger’s patented advent calendars, one of which is a 3D house! IncludQuick-Fold Technology, which lets you ed in the new product release are 4 memory boxes fold the buggie in one for weddings, babies, Christmas and a general ‘usesimple move. You have to ful’ box. At £10 they are perfect for presents. see it to believe it! It also Buy from www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/charlotte has a near flat reclining seat, multiple or use the ‘contact me’ button to arrange a get storage compartments and a suspentogether with your friends and earn free products! sion system for a smooth ride and a Christmas is also a great time to become a Phoenix useful storage basket. Please note: This Trader as you reap the benefits of their key selling pushchair is not suitable for jogging. season and you can enjoy a minimum £195 (RRP £225) from Pink & Blue Baby discount of 30% on your own orders all World on the Daventry High Street. for a joining fee of just £30. Full details are Get 10% off with the voucher in our available online - click the ‘join now’ button. centre pages. www.pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk

12 Find groups and classes in the Daily Activity Planner from page 38

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Don’t Get Bored This Autumn! Fun Activity Ideas For Little Ones

By Nancy Thackwray and Natasha Reboul

e all know just how difficult it can be to keep our little ones entertained as the nights draw in and the opportunity for them to go out to play becomes more limited. So here are a few ideas of activities that we enjoy in our Nursery at Akeley Wood that will help to ensure your little ones are happily engaged and stimulated this Autumn.

Bird Pudding Ingredients: 1lb of lard 1 cup of hot water 2 cups of oatmeal 1 cup of flour 4 cups of wild birdseed Large microwavable bowl Mixing spoons

1 2 3

Soften the lard in the microwavable bowl in the microwave. Heat slowly on a low heat till liquid. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well with the spoons. Be careful as the lard may be hot. Put the pudding out for the birds! You can put it straight on a bird table, or put it in a container to hang from a tree or rest on the ground. Yoghurt pots, pine cones, plant pots, bits of wood... all work fine.

Leaf Printing You will need: Some fallen Autumn leaves Some Old newspaper An Old Plate Paint, Glue & Brushes Paper

1 2 3

Pour some paint onto the old plate.

Lay a leaf on the old newspaper, with the veins on the underside facing up. Brush a thick layer of paint onto the leaf until it is completely covered. Press the leaf onto a piece of paper to make a print. Brush the leaf with paint again and do another print. Make lots of prints, then leave them to dry. Different colours make some beautiful pictures. To extend this activity you can make an autumn collage with the leaf prints using twigs, feathers etc.

Pipe Cleaner Bugs You will need: Corrugated cardboard Pipe Cleaners Paints, Pots & Brushes Scissors & Glue Tissue/Crepe Paper

Draw a spider’s body on a piece of corrugated cardboard. Cut it out and paint it. While the paint is drying, cut four pieces from the pipe cleaners for legs. Push one of the pipe cleaners through a zigzag gap in between the layers of the cardboard, near to the head. Add the other pipe cleaners further down the body, then bend them. For the eyes, spread glue on pieces of tissue paper. Scrunch them into balls, then roll them between your hands. Glue them on and paint a dot on each one. Make a flying insect by using three pipe cleaners for the legs and two bits of crepe paper for wings!

Minibeast Hunt You will need: Minibeast Tick Chart Felt-tip pens Garden area Magnifying glasses

1 2

Download and print a Minibeast Word Mat to use as a tick chart from www.sparklebox.co.uk. (Use link http://bit.ly/qiD1vK to go straight there) Go for a walk in the garden or woodland area. Using your magnifying glasses, see how many bugs you can find and then tick them on your minibeast tick chart. Afterwards talk about the bugs you found on your hunt!

Nancy Thackwray and Natasha Reboul are Nursery Nurses at Akeley Wood Junior School & Nursery in Wicken, near Deanshanger. For more info on their nursery, call 01908 571 231 or nikki.gowton@akeleywoodschool.co.uk. (See p.6)

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Reader Recommendations Free or Cheap Places To Go

Thank you to all of you who sent us your recommendations of the free and cheap places that you love to go to with your children - we hope this gives you some new ideas for places to try out this Autumn! We’ve marked our favourites as ‘Editor’s Choice’ and, as promised in our last issue, Lisa & Laura will be receiving a set of Fold Out Floor Books worth £9.98, courtesy of Priddy Books as a thank you.

Editor’s Choice

Lisa from Northampton... Wyvale Garden Centre in Wootton, Northampton is a great place to take under 8s as they have a new soft play zone that is FREE! It is situated at the rear of the cafe, so ideal to grab a cuppa while the little ones play. It’s not massive but definitely worth a visit in school hours when it is quieter. I would suggest taking a drink for the children though, as the children’s drinks are quite pricey. Also recommended by Lucy Coales

Lucinda & Imogen (4 mths) from Towester... Stowe Landscape Gardens near Buckingham. With lovely walks around the lakes and temples and plenty to see and do as well as a tearoom and shop it is a really beautiful and relaxing place to take a newborn (and let older children run off steam) and it’s the perfect place for a family picnic. Adults have to pay, but children under 5 years are free. Andrew, Helen, Erin,4 + Poppy, 1 Everdon Stubbs woods. Especially beautiful in April and May when the bluebells are out but gorgeous woods all year round. Great for secret paths, grassy areas for kicking a ball, throwing a frisbee or having a yummy picnic, log swings from trees, and beautiful views over the valley. We go rain or shine, so whether you put on wellies and pack a change of clothes, or pop on a sun hat and pack a picnic, you just can’t fail to have fun at Everdon Stubbs woods!

Editor’s Laura from Rugby... Choice Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX. You only have to pay for parking and you could easily spend half a day there. There are three different walks you can take and a tree top walk that my children said was fantastic! The walkway is suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs which rises up to 15 metres then there are some stairs up to a tower which is 20 meres high from which you can view the surrounding area. There are toilets and a cafe on site and a children’s play area. My daughters are 4 and 6 and we took our nephew who is 2 in his pushchair, there was something for each of them. Also recommended by Tracey, Laura, Andrea & Nikki. Catherine from Towcester... Rookery Farm in Stoke Bruerne. It is absolutely brilliant for all ages. There are loads of animals for the children to hold and touch, including lots of friendly goats. There is also a huge indoor play area and outside there is a bouncy castle and mini tractors. It is really reasonably priced, I went with my 4 month old daughter and she loved it. Samantha from Lings... My partner and I will often stop off on a nice day at the lake next to the shops near Birds Hill Road in Lings to feed the swans who allow you to hand-feed them. We have great fun there and our 3 month old little girl was amazed to see the big swans come so close followed by all their babies!

Visit the articles page on the Toddle About website to read all the recommendations.

Recommend and Win!

For the Reader Recommendations feature in the next edition of Toddle About, please send us recommendations of your favourite bump, baby & toddler groups! They could be mums and tots groups, Sure Start sessions, music, dance, swimming or other classes... any kind of group that you have loved and want to recommend to our readers. And this time we have four personalised Letters From Santa to give as prizes to our favourite recommendations! (see p.29) Please email your recommendations to rec@toddleabout. co.uk by midnight on 30th November with your name and the town you live in.

16 Find groups and classes in the Daily Activity Planner from page 38

You also recommended... Irchester Country Park (3 recs) - walks, picnics & play area Stanwick Lakes (2 recs)Fab playground with water play, lake, walks, zip wire, picnics, cafe. Castle Ashby - Play Area, petting farm & Cafe Hamerton Wildlife Park - good for the money Danes Camp, East Hunsbury Wicksteed Park, Kettering - lots of rides inc. free rides & open areas. Abington Park (2 recs) - Aviary, ducks to feed, playground & cafe Brixworth Country Park - picnics, walks and playground Willen Lake, MK - walks and play area

Delapre Abbey - free walks, lake and gardens Harlestone Firs - lovelywood walks Wacky Warehouse, Bedford Rd, Northampton The Navigation Pub at Stoke Bruerne - nice pub, food and play area Bliss Lane Nursery Farm animals & lamb feeding (seasonal) Kislingbury Play Area - enclosed so good for those with siblings Miniature Railway at Delapre Park - 50p rides, starts again in May Sywell Country Park fab sand-pit play area Roobarb & Kustard, pottery painting in Northampton centre Rugrats & Half Pints

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Make us smile! Sponsored by:

1 Matilda Devenish, 16 months

Alfie James Hirst, 3 yrs

Amelia Holland, 11

Darcey Fearnle y, 2 yrs

Evelyn Barford, 4 mths

wks

argetts,

, 8 weeks

Cecilia Ross

Emily Johnston,

Edan, 1 year

Frazer M

A huge thank you to everyone who entered this Toddle Models competition - as you can see from all the adorable entries we received, it was nearly impossible to pick a winner. Our panel of judges took a long time to agree! But agree they did - finally - and a gorgeous winner they picked too! So the cover of the next edition of Toddle About will feature Matilda Devenish, her image taken by our wonderful Toddle Models sponsors Fisher Creative Photography. Needless to say parents Alison and Daron are very proud! Of course, you and your family can still experience a location shoot with Fisher Creative Photography to get some very special pictures - call them on 01327 353058 or visit www.fc-photography.co.uk. See their special offer in our centre pages for details of their £20 gift vouchers.

2 yrs

Fred Walters, 15 mths

Corey, 2 years

Ethan Hughes, 2 yrs

Freya A melia S 11 mths haw,

Corey Archer, 10 mths

Eva Nash, 16

George

In our last edition, we also invited you to send in funny videos of your little ones to add another dimension to the smiles your children give the people of Northamptonshire. And you didn’t disappoint! Scan these QR codes with your smart phone to see a couple of the videos we received. They’re good fun.

Horne,

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mths

3 years

www. Grayson

.co.uk

Gartland

, 10 wks

Hayden Gardiner, 18 m

Jasper Williams, 6 mths

Kara Burgess,

Joshua Bickne

ll, 9 m

Hanry England, 10 mths

Imogen Young, 4 mths

icz,

Julia Trzaska, 20 mths

Jake Nash, 22 mths

Julia Wojnarow 3 years

Junior Johnson, 10 m

Laila Phillips, 21 mths

Lewis, 14 months

5 mths

Kerris Ann-Marie, 19 m

Mateo Cook e, 13 mths

s tings, 2 yr Noah Has

eson, 8 Kierra Wad

Noah Williams, 2 yrs

Oliver, 3 year s

weeks Ryan Green, 6

Szymon Wojnarowicz, 1 year

Taylor-Dean, 3 years

Yvie, 12 months

Owen,

4 month

Zavannah Frost 15 months

Enter the next Toddle Models Competition and win

Your Child on our Front Cover!

The winner of the next Toddle Models competition will get to enjoy a free professional photo shoot with local photographer Mango Pictures. They will get a 16”x12” box framed picture from the shoot AND they will be the front cover model for Toddle About! And as if that isn’t enough, Mango Pictures are also offering 10 runners up prizes of a free studio photo shoot PLUS a free 5”x7” print! To enter the next Toddle Models competition, please email your favourite pic of your little one (along with their name, age and your phone number) to toddlemodels@toddleabout.co.uk by midnight on Friday 11th November. The winners will be decided by a panel of judges and we will print as many entries as possible in our next issue.

Send us your videos too!

Email us at info@toddleabout.co.uk with a funny video of your little one (or a link to it on YouTube) and you may see it featured in our next edition as a QR code!

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by Vivienne Titmuss

Massage for Health & Vitality

Vivienne is a Remedial, Sports and Therapeutic Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher. She practises at The Maple Tree Clinic in East Hunsbury and works with both adults and children. During a weekend away with girlfriends many years ago I had my first opportunity to discover the benefits of massage and an insight into what relaxation actually felt like. Several years later I was advised to take up yoga to cope with the stress of working in a high-pressure business environment which helped enormously. This focussed me on my own physical and mental unwinding and gave me insight into how to help people to release stress and general dis-ease in the body and mind to promote better health and vitality. These two experiences stayed with me and led me to retrain in massage, and subsequently yoga, and I have been involved in manual and movement therapy since with a particular interest in the body-mind connection.

What Is Massage?

Massage is a hands-on therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and wellbeing. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques.

How It Works

When the soft tissues are massaged, electrical signals are

transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. This process not only relaxes tight muscles but can also help heal damaged muscle tissue, stimulate circulation, reduce pain and tension and boost the immune system. The stimulated release of endorphins (natural pain-killers and mood elevators) enhances the overall sense of wellbeing.

The Benefits

In addition to the treatment of many musculoskeletal problems such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension and joint mobility, massage is a great way to help alleviate stress and its related conditions. This in turn enhances sleep quality, improves concentration and reduces fatigue, resulting in greater energy which busy parents and children can all benefit from. My treatments are based on Remedial, Sports and Therapeutic massage techniques with influences from yoga. This includes utilising the breath and calming the mind to promote a greater sense of wellbeing and to enhance the body’s healing potential. All treatments are specifically tailored to the individual, depending on their needs. Advice and complementary techniques to enhance the treatments are

also provided with referrals to other practitioners at The Maple Tree Clinic if appropriate. Treatments cost £40 per hour for adults and £30 per hour for children (shorter treatments also available). For bookings, vouchers and further information please contact reception or email info@themapletreeclinic.com. Brief explanations of the therapies mentioned in this article:

Sports Massage

A treatment for anyone who exercises or is physically active; dealing with injury prevention and management by monitoring the condition of soft tissues to promote recovery, flexibility and quality of performance.

Remedial Massage

A corrective based massage to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues arising from causes such as postural, muscle imbalance, injury, surgery or medical conditions.

Therapeutic Massage

A deep tissue massage which helps to promote relaxation by reducing anxiety, tension and stress and thus helps restore a person to a state of balanced wellbeing.

Yoga

Yoga is a way of living - physical postures, breathing and relaxation are just some of its practises that assist a move towards and connection with a point of inner calm so that thoughts can be better managed allowing a therapeutic process to be realised.

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The Home Birth Debate The safety of home births is a subject of frequent debate, and the vast majority of mothers-to-be err on the side of caution with a hospital birth. Yet the numerous studies that have investigated birth safety have not drawn up any conclusive evidence that having a hospital birth is safer for low risk pregnancies. On the contrary, a British Medical Journal study in 2005 showed that home birth is as safe as hospital birth for healthy women with a low risk pregnancy. The Department of Health is currently “carefully considering” a report published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which calls for a third of women to have babies at home or in midwife clinics. The number of women going into labour is 20% higher than just ten years ago, and they feel that by restricting hospital births to only those women who are at risk from complications, vital resources would be freed up for those requiring emergency and specialist care.

For Home Births... One to one midwife care At home, the same midwife will usually stay with a woman in established labour until the baby is born, and a second midwife will also be present for the birth. This makes the experience much more personal and reassuring for the woman and also means the midwife is more likely to notice any potential problems before they become an emergency. Familiar surroundings and home comforts Not only do most women feel more comfortable in their own home, but at home you have everything you might need to drink, eat, wear, or to distract yourself between contractions - and there are no strangers to break your concentration. After the birth you can have a shower in your own bathroom, have tea and some biscuits, and snuggle up in your own bed with your new baby. Fewer interventions In hospital women are often given “just in case” interventions, or time limit interventions to speed up the process. One intervention unfortunately often leads to another. Research has shown that women who have home births are less likely to have medical interventions, and one study showed that planning a home birth halved the incidence of both assisted delivery and Caesarean birth.

Did You Know? Currently about 3% of women in the UK give birth at home, and about 7% in midwife units where there are no hospital doctors. In the US, only 1% of births take place at home, but in the Netherlands, home births make up a third of the total. In the 60s, around one in three women gave birth at home. This fell to a record low of one in a hundred home births by the late eighties. Around 40% of first-time mothers who plan to deliver their child at home end up being transferred to hospital; 10% of women who have already had at least one child. There is, however, no evidence that emergency transfers put the mother or baby at any risk.

... and Against Full range of pain relief The downside to having a home birth is that the only pain relief available is gas and air, or the warm water of a birth pool. In hospital there are many pain relief options including a spinal epidural which can take the pain away completely. Medical staff and equipment If anything were to go wrong in a hospital birth there are doctors and all the medical equipment you could need. With a home birth if a mother or baby needs medical help beyond the capability of the midwife, an ambulance would transfer them to hospital. Security Many women feel more relaxed and secure knowing that they are in a hospital. Labour usually progresses better when the mother is relaxed, since stress hormones tend to slow down labour.

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C sy er ov r tr ne on or C

For...

...and Against

No drugs to artificially speed up labour Syntocinon is often used to induce or speed up labour, which increases the risk of various complications for mother and child - e.g. it increases the risk of the baby going into distress, and of the mother finding labour too painful and needing an epidural. No separation from your partner Women who give birth in hospital often have to stay overnight either during labour or after the birth, and their partner usually has to go home. With a home birth your partner can stay with you the whole time and when the midwives leave a few hours after the birth, both parents are left alone to bond with their new baby together. Less risk of infection Far from being a sterile environment, hospitals are full of bacteria and ill people. Mother and baby are not exposed to any unfamiliar pathogens at home. The rate of postpartum infection in women who give birth in hospital is about 25%, compared to about 4% in home birth mothers. There is also less risk of infection to the baby. More likely to have an active birth Keeping mobile during labour helps women to manage labour without needing heavy-duty drugs or interventions. It’s easier to remain active in your own home, and this can make the pain more manageable. It is also more likely that a woman will give birth in a physiologically advantageous position, rather than lying on her back. Labour often progresses better at home Transferring to hospital interrupts the woman’s labouring and also the production of labour hormones, which make labour quicker and easier. Many women find labour slows down once they find themselves in the unfamiliar hospital environment. Being in control Many women describe feeling out of control during a hospital birth, with things being done to them, drugs administered, and not really understanding or being able to influence what happens. In their own home, women naturally feel much more in control of the whole situation and tend to report a much more positive birth experience.

Labour can be managed effectively In hospital there are drugs and procedures to deal with whatever might happen. Labour can be speeded up if it is taking its time, pain relief can be given, or doctors called upon for a second opinion. Safety Since women have been giving birth in hospital, birth has become a lot safer for women and their babies. In the past women frequently died in childbirth, and thanks to medical advances this is mostly a thing of the past.

Myth Busting!

Some people think that home births are a drain on NHS resources - this is a myth! Although home births require a midwife to attend to women individually in their homes, labour usually progresses well at home and ambulance transfers only occur in 16% of all planned homebirths. The lower caesarean rate for planned home births means less theatre time and staff, plus no hospital beds or postnatal care in hospital are required, freeing up resources for women who really need the extra help. No mess in your house Although midwives who attend home births bring large disposable pads to catch everything, and they clear up everything before they leave, for some people the idea of giving birth on their cream carpet or their new mattress is too much, and they’d rather do the whole thing in hospital! Enforced rest after the birth In hospital it’s easy to rest after the birth as there’s nothing to do. After giving birth at home it can be tempting to start doing jobs around the house! Birth is not straightforward According to Philip Steer, professor in obstetrics and gynaecology at Imperial College London, the reasoning that ‘giving birth is natural’ is not something women should put all their trust in. He says that over the last half a million years, the human pelvis has become much smaller, to adapt to our upright posture. And because being brainy is such an advantage, our baby’s heads have become much bigger. As a result, Steer says, human birth is not as straightforward as many claim, and not all women can achieve a natural labour.

For more information, visit: www.homebirth.org.uk www.northamptonhomebirth.co.uk

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Charlie & Lola’s Best Bestest Play

Royal & Derngate, Thurs 27th to Sat 29th October

ere’s a wonderful chance to take little ones to a theatre show designed especially for them - when everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their extremely ever so wonderful stage show, come to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 October! Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play is an ideal treat for half-term week.

Charlie is 7 and Lola is 4. She adores her older brother and has an imaginary friend, Soren Lorenson. Find out if Lola will ever tidy her room or if Charlie will get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed. The Tigers want their bedtime milk, the Dancing Dogs have borrowed Lola’s pyjamas – not to mention the Ogre in the wardrobe! Who’d have thought there were so many problems to overcome? Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play is presented by four puppeteers, with specially made puppets and the voices from the TV series. Charlie and Lola appear as cut-out cartoon characters in the same magical world they inhabit in the books and TV series. From music to magic tricks, from pink

milk to party rings, everything you expect is there! There’s also an activity pack designed for teachers and parents, available to download, free of charge – just follow the links from www.watershedtheatre.com. Based on the characters of the hit BBC TV series and books by Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes and is ideal for ages 3 and upwards. Performances are in Royal auditorium at 11am and 1.30pm on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October, and at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday 29 October. Tickets are £13 each, and family tickets are available at £44 for four people (maximum two adults). To book, call the Box Office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Charmed by Children in Need S

mallprint, the silver keepsake company, is delighted to announce the launch of its 2011 Charity Charm, which this year will be helping to raise money for BBC Children in Need. Maggie and Jane of Smallprint in Northamptonsshire will be donating £5 from the sale of each Charity Charm purchased to the BBC Children in Need appeal. This year’s chosen charity was selected in order to further Smallprint’s commitment to supporting charities dedicated to improving the welfare and care of children in the UK. The charm, which is designed in the shape of a child’s teddy bear, will be on sale from September through to December 2011 and is the perfect, beautiful accessory to adorn any necklace, bracelet or Christening gift.

The teddy bear’s cuddly tummy will be imprinted with your child’s own, unique fingerprint, and will be handcrafted by Maggie or Jane. Not only will your Smallprint Charity Charm be a bespoke keepsake for you to treasure forever, it will also allow you to show your support for a truly great cause. For more information on Smallprint’s 2011 Charity Charm and to view Smallprint’s exciting range of unique keepsakes, log on to www.smallp. co.uk. Maggie and Jane can come and visit you at your home or alternatively you can visit them at their workshops. Maggie covers Brackley, Towcester, Daventry and the surrounding areas, whilst Jane covers Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering and surrounding areas. Contact Maggie on 07403 973285 and Jane on 07909 913468 to book your appointment. (See inside front cover).

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Successful Sleeping Away If you’re staying away from home this Christmas (or any time of the year for that matter), you’re going to want your little darlings to settle to sleep with the minimum of fuss to give you a few hours of peace and quiet at the end of the day. Who knows, Santa may even need the extra wrapping time! Achieving a routine that works at home can be hard enough, without everything being disrupted by new surroundings, not to mention having the most exciting day of the year just round the corner. Years of staying away with little ones in campsites and hotel rooms has given Amy Jenkins some valuable experience in this arena, and inspired her to set up Toddle Off, an online store dedicated to supplying all the amazing gadgets and doodahs that she’s discovered along the way that make staying away with children a doddle. So we asked her to put together a few tips and recommendations to help you enjoy your time away from home this Christmas, and hopefully give you the chance to put your feet up and relax.

Routine

Familiar smells

Even if the environment is different, try to keep as much of your usual ‘at home’ routine as possible. Try to put your child to bed at the same time as home, don’t be tempted to keep them up, as an overtired baby will struggle to settle.

Taking your own bedding or sleeping bag can help to make the travel cot smell more like home.

Bath time Bath time can be a great way of relaxing little ones and giving them the hint that it is time to sleep. Travel baby baths can be a lot of fun and can be used in a shower. When camping I’ve even warmed water in a kettle and given my little boy a bath in the middle of the field with our Flexibath!

Familiar sounds Even if the surroundings are different, a sound that plays at bedtime at home can work wonders to soothe and relax an unsettled baby. I have used a sleep sheep since my little boy was tiny. It is a cuddly toy that plays a heartbeat and other relaxing sounds. These days I just take out the bit that plays the noise and leave the rest at home when we want to travel light. Lullaby music or white noise on your smart phone or on a baby monitor can also work well.

Favourite toys and books A bedtime story is another really good cue that it is time for sleep. Also, when you leave the room and say good night, it is nice to leave your little ones with a favourite toy.

Black out blinds Darkness is a pretty good signal to little ones that it is time to sleep! There are lots of black out blinds out there and we’ve tried a few. We favour the Lights Out Black Out Blind. It is compact when packed away and covers a variety of different window shapes and sizes. It attaches with just one sucker so it is really quick to put up. We also like the Magic Blackout Blinds because they are so compact. If you can’t black out the entire room, there are clever designs out there that black out just your travel cot.

Travel sleeping bags If you go out for the evening with your baby the last thing you want to do once you have settled them to sleep is wake them back up again! Getting a sleeping baby from a travel cot into a car seat and then into their cot at home can seem like a military operation! We’ve discovered the

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Slumbersac which has pockets that let you pass the straps through the sleeping bag, making the whole experience a lot easier.

Travel cot Choosing the right travel cot can really help make bed time less stressful for mum and dad. You need to have a really good think about which style is best for you – the traditional rectangular style or a tent style. Whichever you choose, it needs to be easy to put up.

Bed guards If your little one is old enough to sleep in a single bed it can really reduce the amount you have to pack. There are different types of travel bed guards, from a traditional metal frame to foam bumpers and inflatable tubes. All of which help to keep your little one secure in bed while they sleep.

“AN IDEAL EARLY THEATRE EXPERIENCE” THe GUARDiAN

Daytime naps Even though it sounds counter-intuitive, a good daytime nap can help your little ones to sleep at night by preventing them from getting overtired. Just make sure that the nap isn’t too late in the afternoon otherwise they won’t be ready to sleep at bedtime. When you are out and about there can be lots of distractions to prevent babies from nodding off. We have found that pushchair black outs are brilliant for reducing these and also offer sun protection during a nap. Finally, things are different away from home and that’s half the fun! Sometimes no matter what we do, it just doesn’t work for us so I give up and let the little monkey stay up for a bit longer! Good luck! All the products mentioned in this article are available to buy at www.toddleoff.co.uk. See p.10

JOURNEY DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE IN THIS CURIOSER AND CURIOSER EXPERIENCE

charlie and Lola’s Down The Best Bestest Play Rabbit Hole IDeaL haLF-TeRM TReaT

an InTeRacTIVe STORY-TeLLInG eVenT FOR unDeR 5S

Thu 27 – SaT 29 OcT Box office

Tue 6 Dec – Sun 8 Jan

01604 624811

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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32 Find groups and classes in the Daily Activity Planner from page 38

Tasty Treats For The Tree!

Christmas is a great time for cooking, so why not get the kids involved. Anna Oliver from Crafty Cooks has given us a recipe for these tasty Stained Glass Biscuits. Not only are they delicious but they will also look lovely hanging from the tree.

Ingredients 50g/2oz sugar 75g/3oz butter 100g/4oz Plain flour 2tsp orange juice Boiled sweets This recipe comes from Anna Oliver, the founder and owner of Crafty Cooks, the national kids’ cooking classes company. Find out about starting a Craft Cooks franchise at craftycooks.co.uk Voucher in centre pages.

1. Cut the butter into chunks and add to the flour in your mixing bowl. 2. Using your fingers ‘squidge’ together the ingredients and stir in the sugar. 3. Add the orange juice and using your hands mix it up until you have a nice ball of dough. If it’s too dry just add a bit more juice, too wet and ad a bit of extra flour.

4. Roll out the dough until it is about 1cm thick and cut out large shapes. 5. From the large shapes cut out a smaller hole in the centre, a bottle lid is

good for this, place on a baking tray (it is best to use greased proof paper or Teflon for these) and place a boiled sweet inside the hole. The hole must be slightly bigger than the sweet as it will spread when cooked to fill the area

6. If you’d like to hang them from the tree add a hole at the top to attach the ribbon.

7. Cook at 190 C / 375 F for 12 – 15 minutes. Leave to cool completely before o

moving to allow the sweets to reset.

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Kitchen Must Haves This Christmas Christmas is a time for treats, so why not treat yourself to some proper tools in the kitchen this year? Just like a set of new clothes, these Pampered Chef products will make you feel happier than ever preparing the Turkey!

1. The Rectangular Stoneware Baker Bakeries and pizzerias line their ovens with baking stones and bricks to absorb moisture and produce even heat. That’s why their cookies, breads and pizzas always have that perfect golden colour. In the same way, this rectangular baker works to give you a lovely, juicy roast by distributing heat evenly and drawing moisture away from the surface. Stoneware also retains heat incredibly well, so it will keep your turkey warm for longer.

£49.95 - Cranberry Glaze. 33 x 23cm, 3.3L

2. Forged Cutlery Carving Set This carving set gives you the precision and sharpness needed to carve meat and poultry, making the thinnest slices picture perfect. The set tucks neatly into a metallic black, wooden storage case trimmed with the elegant look of brushed nickel. £115.00 - Blade 21cm, Fork tines 10cm

3. Trifle Bowl Great for salads, desserts and as a centre piece. Clear glass shows off recipes elegantly. A unique, removable stem helps you conveniently transport, store and refrigerate the bowl. Unlike most trifle bowls, the base is flat which keeps layers from sinking in the centre. Straight walls show decadent recipes perfectly. Includes lid. Dishwasher safe. £35.00 - 3.6L capacity

4. Dots Stemware As well as being attractive, the generous bowls on these glasses allow wine to breathe. Long, slim stems are the perfect height for casual and formal entertaining. £32.00 - 425ml. Set of four. To buy any of these products or to view the full catalogue, visit www.pamperedchef.biz/bicesterkitchen. Get 10% off all prices with exclusive code 181097. See p.36

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Have a Slimming Christmas Local Slimming World consultant and busy mum, Carrie King is on a mission to change the image of losing weight in Northampton. It’s no surprise to find out that we are less active than generations before us, and with easy convenience foods and takeaways on our doorsteps, it’s harder than ever to be healthy. Slimming World isn’t about counting calories or intense exercise regimes, it’s about learning how to make small changes that will not only benefit you, but also those around you. You learn tips on how to make tasty meals for the whole family and how to make activity a part of who you are without sacrificing your favourite treats. Most importantly, you form habits you can have for life. I joined Slimming World whilst pregnant with my second child. After a 5 stone weight gain during my first pregnancy, I felt panicked. I had to face not only what effect my weight was having on me, but also my son

After Before and my unborn baby too. The support of the group and consultant has always been fantastic and I only gained 15lbs over my second pregnancy, which I lost the week I gave birth. The labour was so much easier as I had learnt how to fit in bumpfriendly exercise and the food had been so much healthier, so I felt full of energy. After Leah was born last April, I carried on with the great habits that I had picked up and I have now lost over 4 stone and shrunk from a size 24 to a size 14. I love Slimming World’s ethics, we look at who you are, not how much you weigh, and I’m happy to be spreading the word that you can lose weight and feel great without ever needing to go hungry.

Carrie’s tips for a delicious and healthy Christmas Have a hearty breakfast of lean bacon, poached eggs, mushrooms, beans and grilled tomatoes, or a refreshing fruit salad, to give you plenty of energy for the big day and keep you full while you prepare dinner. Remove skin or fat from your meat and poultry before cooking - it’s less tempting than being on your plate once it’s cooked. Using low-calorie cooking spray on your part-boiled spuds will give your roasties a nice, crispy taste, without

harming your waistline. Add a peeled & quartered onion to the tray to add a caramelised colour and flavour. It’s all about proportions. Fill at least a 1/3 of your plate with vegetables, cooked any way you fancy. They’re all low in energy density, saving calories. Make saintly gravy! Pop a few veggies in a pan with stock cubes and water, simmer it down until very soft and blitz, stirring in a tablespoon of mashed potato will help thicken it too.

Carrie’s Slimming World group meets on Thursdays at 9.30am in Duston and Tuesdays at 7.30 in St James. Contact Carrie on 0775 215 1751. See p.21 for more details.

Christmas Times I remember that first Christmas morn, A few short weeks after you were born. Tiny small, like a delicate toy, My perfect, wondrous, bundle of joy. The next Christmas you began to talk, And soon after you started to walk. Smiling and laughing and having fun, Quiet nights and days they were all done. By the Christmas when you had turned three, It was all about gifts: Santa was key. We had made cake and puddings and pies, Snow fell, and you watched with wondrous eyes. Then you were four, and then you were five, And the magic of Christmas came alive. You loved the smells, the sounds, the lights, Even those dark cold wint’ry nights. This Christmas is another year on, I’m hoping the allure is not yet gone. But as your excitement builds for the day, I grin: I know, the magic’s here to stay. This Christmas always remember the magical times with a truly unique gift from Handprintz: their tiny hand or foot print miniaturised and stamped into a piece of beautiful silver jewellery that you can wear and treasure forever. For more details go to www. handprintz.co.uk or call 01582 833903.

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36 Find groups and classes in the Daily Activity Planner from page 38

Starting a Nursery

Business Lessons

Mums

Sharon & Scott - still smiling!

Making it

What does it take to get a new business off the ground? Mother-of-two, Sharon Peach, shares the lessons she has learned from setting up Little Houghton Day Nursery with her partner, Scott Roberts.

Lesson 1: Children

Planning a new business is so much easier in hindsight. If only some clever Dragon’s Den type had thought to mention to us that it was probably not the best idea to open our business in September, straight after the Summer holidays! Seven weeks of caring for our own children at the same time as working round the clock at the new nursery premises left us feeling somewhat frazzled. On the first day of term at the school gates, I was greeted with an array of Summer tans and stories of weeks spent by the pool. What had I been up to? Oh, I replied airily, mainly building flat-packed furniture. So my first tip is to make sure your plans fit in with your children.

Lesson 2: Support

I don’t know how we’d have managed if it weren’t for our ultra-supportive families. A strong support network surely has to be the bedrock of any successful businesslaunch and I can’t overemphasise the importance of being able to ask for help, whether with childcare, DIY or a shoulder to cry on when faced with a delivery of three tonnes of the wrong kind of play sand for the sandpit. (Precisely 55 wheelbarrow loads, since you ask).

Lesson 3: Challenges

Costs spiralling, we had a pretty bad couple of days when we received a solicitor’s bill for more than £24,000 (someone had added an extra ‘0’ by mistake). And things looked bleak at the point we learned that the original, perfectly

good nursery furniture in the building had been sent to landfill weeks before we signed the contract. Oh yes, and there was the time we realised our eight beautiful and heavy railway sleepers were completely unsuitable for the sandpit. You’ll gather that our lovely, glorious sandpit has been something of a challenge! So lesson three – expect unexpected challenges. So our journey to the opening of our new business hasn’t been all that smooth And yet, parents that we show round comment on the sense of calm and warmth around the nursery. Is there a lesson to be learned here? I think there is. Because in amongst the chaos of the summer, the financial stresses and worries about completing on time, we’ve never lost sight of our business goal. For us, this was to open a childcare setting where children would want to play and parents would feel comfortable. So my final tip is to have a focus. Set a goal, write it down and then make all your next steps a way of achieving your aim. That, to me, puts you well on the way to business success.

The sand pit coming together

Calm, warmth.. and fun!

www.littlehoughtondaynursery.co.uk. See p.39

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Daily Activity Planner

Search online!

Northampton Borough

MONDAYS

Abington Abington/Kingsthorpe NCT Meet Up

10:00 -12:00; Members’ houses; 50p donation Rachel: 01604 403766 or 07867 521411 For bump - 4. Everyone welcome!

Breastfeeding Support Group

9:45 - 11:45. Abington Avenue United Reform Church, NN1 4QA. 07964 971200; Free

Baby Weighing Clinic

Abington Children’s Centre, United Reform Church, NN3 4QA; 13:30 - 15:00: 01604 750233; Free Health Visitor baby weighing and advice

Blackthorn Stay n Play: 9:30 - 11:30 Childminders: 13:00-15:00 (2nd of mth)

Blackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Ct, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504; Free

Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming Cripps Recreation Centre, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 10:00 ; prebook 6-wk term Denise - 01604 826066 Swimming classes for 18 mths - 4yrs.

Collingtree Water Babies Swimming Classes

Esporta, 91 Windingbrook Lane, NN4 0EB

14:00 - 15:30; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed, progressive classes

GymBugs

Duston Duston & Villages NCT Group

56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY 10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00: <2s; 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrs. Tracey: 01604 859412 Enjoy ladders, beams & climbing apparatus.

Duston Mums & Tots

St Mary’s Church, Abbey Road, NN4 8EY 9:15 - 11:00. For 0 - 5s. Termtime only

Kidz ‘n’ Co Mums and Tots Group

14:00 - 15:00; The Rec Centre, Far Cotton 2nd & 4th weeks of mth; 01604 762251; Free Breastfeeding Support Drop In Group

Various members’ houses for bump - toddler 10:00 - 11:30; 50p; Lucy - 07940 368828 Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Rd 9:30 - 11:30; Termtime only 13:30 - 15:00; Term time only. Harpole Baptist Chapel, nr Turnpike Pub NN7 4DD. Rosemary: 01604 588116; £1 per family Everyone welcome, esp. Duston new build.

St Marys Tiddlywinks Group

Breastfeeding Support Group

Grange Park Musical Minis

Duston Rhymetime: 10.30 - 11.00 Tea & Toast: 11:00 - 11:45 Baby Weigh: 14:00 - 15:00

The Pavilion, Foxfield Way, NN4 5BE 10:00 - 10:45; £4.25 (book termly) Amanda Perkins: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Slimming World

Grange Park Community Centre, School Lane 9:30- 11:30; £2.00. Angie - 07816 484851. Free 1st session. Runs all yr.

Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891

19:30: St Crispin Social Club, Berrywood Road Liz: 07951 890069; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Ecton Brook Breakfast

9:00 - 9:30; Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY; 01604 409280

Far Cotton

Grange Park Tots Group

Hardingstone Cheeky Monkeys

Hardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA 9:30 - 11:30; £2; Gwen - 01604 762954; 0-4s

Harlestone Natural Bootcamp

19:00 at Harlestone Institute, Upper

38 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Northampton Borough Nursery School, Acre Lane, NN2 8DF 9:00 - 11:00; 01604 750233 Fun session with toys and resources for 0 – 5s

Headlands Headlands Children’s Centre

Little Billing Active Baby Company Swimming

Parents & Babies Group: 10:30-11:30* Come & Play!: 11:00 - 12:00 Family Support: 13:00 - 15:00 (confidential) Breastfeeding Group: 13:00 - 15:00 Bushland Road, NN3 2NS; 01604 411440 *P&B: Drop in for 0 - 12 mths. Starts 7th Nov.

Hunsbury Slimming World

9:30, 17:30 & 19:30 at Camp Hill Centre, Dayrell Road. Sylvia: 07525 469283 Friendly and supportive slimming group

Water Play Session: 9:00 - 10:30

Tots go free; Maximum of two children <8 £3.00 (£2.50 with leisure card); 6 mths to 4 yrs Danes Camp Leisure Ctr, Clannell Rd, NN4 0RX 01604 837200; Term time

Northampton Multiples

14:00 - 16:00; Camp Hill Comm Centre, Dayrell Rd, Camp Hill, NN4 9RR Claire: 07587 154104; £5 p/m + £1 per session

Kings Heath Stay and Play Drop in

‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA 10:00 - 18:00 (all ages) Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term 30-min swimming classes. Booking essential.

Kingsthorpe Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre 9:15-11:00: Messy Play 12:30-14:30: Health Visitor Drop In

St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Tots Session

Penfold Children’s Centre at Whitehills

10:00 - 11:30: Run by Spring Lane Children’s Centre at Alliston Gardens; 01604 620484

Spencer Bumps, New Babies & Breastfeeding

Camrose Sure Start, Streatfield Rd, NN5 7DF 9:00 - 12:00 ; Free; 01604 585219

St James St James Parent and Toddler

Northampton Centre Northampton Baby Cafe

St. James Com. Centre, St.James Rd, NN5 5LQ 10:00 -12:00 ; £1; Sarah - 01604 456231

Mini Springers Parent & Toddler

The Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts 14:00 - 15:30 ; Tots are free; 01604 837400. Max of two children under 8.

10:00 - 12:00; Friends Meeting House, Wellington St, NN1 3AS; Free; 07780 672939 Breastfeeding support + drink & biscuit! Springs Family Ctr, Spring Boroughs, NN1 2SN 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Robyn - 01604 630457

Stay & Play Drop In: 9:30 - 11:30 Music is Fun: 15:15 - 16:00

Chatterbox

9:30 - 11:15; Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS For 0 - 5s. Termtime only. United Ref. Church, Abington Ave, NN1 4QA 13:30 - 15:00. Toys available for 6 m-5 years.

Me & My Dad: 18:00 - 19:00 Antenatal Class (for <25s): 16:30-18:30 Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE. Free; 01604 633894. Drop in sessions

Semilong Bangladeshi Mums and Tots

The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup

Thorplands Thorplands Children’s Centre

9:30 - 11:30: Midwife Drop-in Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ; 01604 741131

Spring Lane Children’s Centre, Spring Lane, NN1 2JW; 01604 620484

Toy Library

Camrose CC, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ 9:30-11:30 & 13:00 - 15:00; 01604 757694

Ducklings Baby Weighing Clinic

Upton Hartbeeps

Mornings; The Elgar Centre Eilidh: 07854 295972; Original sound play classes for babies/children

Whitehills St. Mark’s Parent & Tots Group

10:00 - 11:15, St Marks Church Hall, St, Mark’s Crescent, NN2 8EG; £1.50 + 20p p/c. For 0-4s Sue - 01604 715342. Term time only.

Wootton Yoga Tigers

Gateway Centre, Mill Rd, NN2 6AX 13:00 - 15:00 ; Free; Kulsuma - 01604 624930

9:30 at Yeoman of England, NN4 6LP (not bank holidays); £4 per family Sam: 07875 024 301 - Please book A fun introduction to yoga for 2 - 5 yr-olds.

A small, rural nursery for 0-5s�

5 mins from Brackmills and the hospital.�

A warm welcome to all the children� who’ve joined us since September,� for our first, exciting days of opening!� www.littlehoughtondaynursery.co.uk� Bedford Rd, Little Houghton, NN7 1AB� 01604 899338�

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 39

Daily Activity Planner

Harlestone (2 mins from the Firs) Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Natural fitness sessions - guaranteed results!

Daily Activity Planner

Northampton Borough

TUESDAYS

Abington The Kids Kitchen Classes

10:00 at 44 Beech Avenue, NN3 2HE Catherine: 01604 710102 Book in 3 week blocks.

Natural Bootcamp (Outdoor)

10:30, Abington Park, opposite Christchurch Rd Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Outdoor fitness sessions - guaranteed results.

Abington Tots Group

St Gregory’s Church, 22 Park Ave N, NN3 2HS 9:00 - 11:00; £1.00; Sarah - 01604 712347 Crafts, toys, books and puzzles for 0-5s.

Blackthorn Tots Play Session

13:00 - 15:00; Blackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Ct, NN3 8QD. 01604 413504; Free

Briar Hill Your Baby & You

Upton Children’s Centre at Briar Hill Community Centre, The Springs, NN4 9SX 10:00 - 11:30: 01604 750233; For 0 - 8 months.

Chapel Brampton The Bramptons Parent & Tots Group

10:00 - 11:30 (term time); The Bramptons Primary School, Harlestone Road, NN6 8AW Amy: 07540 373357; £1.00 Toys, crafts & themes with sing-song at end.

Duston Natural Bootcamp (Urban)

Meeting at 19:00 on the corner of Quarry Rd & Harlestone Rd; Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Outdoor fitness sessions - guaranteed results

Ecton Brook

Breakfast: 9:00 - 9:30 Creative Crafts Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:00

Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, Ecton Brook Rd, NN3 5DY; 01604 409280

Far Cotton Gloucester Parent and Tots Group

Gloucester Nursery, Camborne Cl, NN4 8PH 9:00 - 11:00; Rachael - 01604 762251

GymBugs

56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY 10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00, 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrs Tracey: 01604 859412 Enjoy ladders, beams, & climbing apparatus

Goldings Rainbows Childminding Group

9:00 - 11:00; Old Barns, The Obelisk Centre

Grange Park Little Touch Baby Yoga & Massage

Foxfield Pavilion, Foxfield Way, NN4 5BE 10:15-11:45; Laura: 07531 170205; 5-week course. Baby Yoga from 31st Oct - 29th Nov, then Baby Massage following 5 weeks.

Baby Ballet

14:00 - 14:30: Grange Park Community Centre, School Lane, NN4 5FZ Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy: 07791 852891 Baby Ballet for 2.5 years+

Stepping Stones

Music Bugs

Hardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA 10:00 - 10:30 & 11:00 - 11:30 Fiona - 0844 5781017 to book Fun music sessions: Book a taster session!

Headlands Health Visitor Drop In

10:00 - 11:30; Headlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS; Free; 01604 411440

Hunsbury Aqualight Baby Yoga

The Maple Tree Clinic, Overslade Cl, NN4 0RZ 9:45 & 10:40. Emie - 01604 83 04 05 45 min yoga sessions for parent and baby

Hunsbury Rhymetime

Hunsbury Library, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ 10:30 - 11:00 & 14:00 - 14:30; 01604 702830

Kingsley Mums & Tots

13:30 - 15:00; Kingsley Park Meth. Church, Milton St, NN2 7JF

Kingsthorpe Aqualight Swimming

Fairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN 15:00 - 17:30; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook!

Tuesday Tots - Mums and Tots Group

9:15 - 11:00, every 2nd & 4th wk, Grange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ Charlotte: 01604 875188. For 0 - 4s Includes breakfast!

All Saints School, Boughton Green Rd 10:00 - 11:30; £1 + 50p p/c (<9mths free). Stacey: 07917 205544. Term time only.

Child Health Clinic

Wallace Road Nursery School, NN2 7EE 9:30-10:30; 1st Tues of mth. 01604 713422

9:00 - 11:00, 1st Tues every month; Grange Park Community Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ Health Visitors - 01604 742420

Hardingstone

Health Visitor Drop In

Kingsthorpe Children’s Ctre Drop Ins

9:00 - 11:00: Voice 4 Autism Group (referral) 16:00 - 17:30: Twice as Nice Twins Group

40 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Northampton Borough Little Billing Active Baby Company Swimming

‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA 10:00 - 14:00 (10 wks to school age) Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term 30-min swimming classes, Booking essential.

Northampton Centre St Giles Toddle In

Stay & Play Family Health: 13:00-15:00 Toy Library: 9:30 - 13:00

Camrose CC, Tenby Rd, NN5 7DF 01604 585219; Family Health runs fortnightly

St James St. James Rhymetime

St James Library, 138 St James Rd, NN5 5LQ 10:00-11:00 (term time); 01604 751037

Slimming World

10:00-12:00; St Giles Church Centre, NN1 2BN; 50p/family; Sue - 01604 230360 Termtime only - crafts, play and singing

Northampton Central Rhymetime

19:30 at St James CEVA School Carrie: 07752 151751 Friendly and supportive slimming group

Thorplands Thorplands Breastfeeding Group

10:30 - 11:00; Central Library, Abington Street, NN1 2BA. Free; 01604 4620403

Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ 12:30 - 13:30; Free; 01604 741131

Studio 105 ‘Multi- Sensory Babies’

Health Visitor Drop In: 14:00 - 15:30; Thorplands Children’s Centre, NN3 8AQ 01604 741131; Advice & baby weighing

11:00 - 11:40; 105 St. Michaels Rd, NN1 3JT Rachael: 07878 766955; £4 Sensory materials & music for your Baby!

Netmums Meet Ups

11:00 - 13:00 (2nd Tues of mth); Various locations; Sarah: 07739 007027; Year round Informal meet up for mums & mums-to-be.

Young Parents Lunch Club

11:30-14:00, Alliston Gardens Youth and Community Centre, Semilong. 01604 633894 For under 19s, free lunch included

Stay & Play Drop In

13:00 - 15:00; Spring Lane Children’s Centre, Spring Lane, NN1 2JW; 01604 620484

Wootton Little Acorns Toddler Group

Wootton Trinity Church, High Street 9:30 - 11:30; £2; For 0-5s, term time only Mandy: 01604 764605

Little Stars Group

St George the Martyr Church, Church Hill 14:00 - 15:00; Free; Toddler praise service.

WEDNESDAYS

St Michael’s Church, Perry St, NN1 4HL 10:00 - 11:45: 07837 829113; Free

Blackthorn A Bit Crafty: 9:30 - 11:30 H’ Visitor & Music Time: 13:00 - 15:00

Spencer Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:30

Collingtree

Breastfeeding Support Group

Blackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504

Water Babies Swimming Classes

Esporta, 91 Windingbrook Lane, NN4 0EB 14:00 - 15:30; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Duston Baby Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:00 Bookstart Bear Club: 13:00 - 13:30

Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891

Slimming World

St Frances Church, Eastfield Road 5:30pm & 7:30pm; Liz: 07951 890069 Friendly and supportive slimming group

Earls Barton Earls Barton Rhymetime

Earls Barton Library, Broad Street, NN6 0ND 14:30– 5:00; Free; 01604 810726; Term time

Ecton Brook Breakfast: 9:00 - 9:30 Tiny Tots: 13:30 - 15:00

Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY; 01604 409280

Far Cotton Far Cotton Rhymetime

Far Cotton Library, Towcester Rd, NN4 8LG 10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 762192

GymBugs

56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY 10:00: 2-3 yrs; 11:00: 3-4 yrs Tracey: 01604 859412; Enjoy ladders, beams, & climbing apparatus.

Grange Park Seedlings

14:00 - 15:00 (term time); at Kairos Centre Angie: 07816 484851; Free; Stories, songs, craft

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 41

Daily Activity Planner

15:00 - 16:30: Story Play St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Daily Activity Planner

Northampton Borough

Dance Classes for Preschool to Adult

Grange Park Community Centre, NN4 5FZ 16:00 - 20:30: Baby Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Cheerleading & Street Dance classes Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy: 07791 852891 Dance classes for ages 2.5 yrs to adult

Tumble Tots

Community Centre, School Lane, NN4 5FZ Gymbabes: 9:30: Toddlers; 10:30; 2-3yrs; 11:30; 3yrs+: 13:00 Naomi - 07779 785166 Structured Play for 6m to 5 yrs all year. Book!

Kings Heath Stay and Play Drop in

Moulton Library, Doves Lane, NN3 14:30-15:15; Free; 01604 646796

Kingsthorpe Slimming World

11:00 - 11:40 ; 105 St. Michaels Road, NN1 3JT Rachael: 07878 766955; £4 Fun tots session with Songs, Dance & Drama!

Baby Weighing

ELC, 14 Market Walk, Abington St, NN1 2DP 9:30 - 11:30; Free; Sharon - 01604 626256 Drop in to play with ELC toys!

Explorer Tots

11:00 - 13:00 (4th Wed of mth) Various locations; Call Sarah: 07739 007027; Informal meet up for mums & mums-to-be.

Camrose Sure Start, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ 13:00 - 15:00; 01604 757694

18:00 ;Pastures Community Centre, Welford Rd Jennie: 01604 843363; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Music Bugs

9:15 - 10:15: Penfold Children’s Centre, Penfold Close, NN2 8AP; 01604 750233; Baby weighing and advice from Health Visitor

Harlestone Natural Bootcamp

Penfold Children’s Centre at Whitehills Nursery School, Acre Lane, NN2 8DF 9:15 - 10:45: 01604 750233; A focused play session for 0 - 5s.

Kairos Centre 10 - 10:40; Fiona Bayliss: 0844 5781017 Music session for 0-5s. Book a taster session!

19:00 at Harlestone Institute, Upper Harlestone (2 mins from the Firs) Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Natural fitness sessions - guaranteed results!

Headlands Childminders Support Group

9:30 - 10:30 (1st Wed of mth); Headlands Children’s Centre, NN3 2NS; 01604 411440 A play session with advice, support and training.

Hunsbury The Abbey Centre Toddler Group

The Abbey Centre, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ. 9:30 - 11:30; £2 (1 or 2 children), 50p p/sib.

Water Play Session: 13:15 - 14:45; Tots are free. Max two children under 8.

Pre School Gymnastics: 11:00 - 11:45

£5.50 (£4.95 with leisure card); For 3 - 5s Soft Play & Bouncy Castle: 9:15 & 10:00 £3.00 (£2.50 with leisure card); 6 m to 4 yrs Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Rd, NN4 01604 837 200; Term time only.

Northampton Centre Studio 105 ‘Pre-School Performing Arts’

Early Learning Centre Playtime

Netmums Meet Ups

Spring Lane Baby Cafe: 9:30 - 11:30 Dads’ Group: 13:00 - 15:00 (venue changes)

Holy Trinity Church Mums & Tots

Spring Lane Sure Start, Spring Lane, NN1 2JW. 01604 620484 or 07795 110109 Free Breastfeeding support drop In group

Tiny Time

Chatterbox

Stay & Play

Park Inn, Northampton 10:00 - 12:30; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook

10:00 - 11:45; Church Hall, Edinburgh Road 15:00 - 16:30: Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre, St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537 Free drop in play session for babies 9:15 - 10:30: Green Oaks Primary School, Whiston Rd, NN2 7RR; 01604 791537

Little Billing Active Baby Company Swimming

‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA 10:00 - 13:00 (10 weeks - school age) Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term 30-min swimming classes. Booking essential. Lodge Farm

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kettering Rd. 9:30 - 11:15; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only.

Aqualight Swimming

Messy Play: 15:30 - 16:30; £1 Baby Grow Drop In Group: 14:00 - 16:00 Breastfeeding Support: 14:00 - 16:00

Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE 01604 633894

Toy Library

Play Sessions for 0-5s

United Reformed Church, Abington Ave, Northampton, NN1 4QA; 10:00 - 11:30 Range of toys available for 6 mths-5 years

Moulton Moulton Rhymetime

Parklands Slimming World

The Barn, Community Ctr, Crestwood Rd 9:30 - 11:30; Free; 01604 785969

42 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Northampton Borough 10:00 - 11:30; £1; Maureen - 01604 402150 Relaxed atmosphere & safe playtime

Spencer Bumps & Breastfeeding: 9:00-12:00 Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:30 Toy Library: 9:30 - 11:30 Baby Massage: 9:30 - 11:30

The Salvation Army, Penistone Road 10:00 - 11:30; Mrs Pitt - 01604 404891

Camrose Sure Start, Tenby Rd, NN5 7DF Free; 01604 585219

St James Stay & Play & Mini Music Makers

St James Health Clinic; 13:30 - 15:30; Free drop in; Spring Lane-01604 620484

Tots Group

Image Gym, Brackmills, NN4 7EE 19:30 - 21:00. With Mummies Birth Buddy Claire Morrow-Goodman: 07966 288236

Weston Favell Rhymetime

Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming

Weston Favell Library, Shop Centre, NN3 8JZ 10:15-10:45 & 11:15-11:45; (10:30-11:00 in hols) Free group; 01604 403100

THURSDAYS

19:00; Church Rooms, St Michaels & All Angels, Perry St.; Jennie: 01604 843363; Friendly and supportive slimming group

The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup

19:30; Vale Bridgewater Pimary School, Bridgewater Dr.; Jill: 07795 098541 Friendly and supportive slimming group

The Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8.

Upton Talking Point

16 Mill Pond Drive, Upton, NN5 4EW 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Marilyn: 01604 454243 Bump - 8 mths. Meet other new mums!

Weston Favell Gym Tots

Lings Forum Leisure Centre, Billing Brook Road, NN3 8JR; 01604 837 300; 10:00 (1-2 yrs) & 11:00 (2-3 yrs) Fun-based gymnastics, soft play, action songs.

Emmanuel Family Tots

Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre.

In the Water

Cripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 10:00; Book as 6-week term Denise - 01604 826066. Booking essential. 30 min swim sessions for 10 wks - 5 years.

Duston Make it Messy

Abington Slimming World

Mums ‘n’ Tots

Gospel Hall, Spencer Bridge Road, NN5 7DP 9:30 - 11:00: donations; Gill: 07749 520588 Wide range of toys & singing session at end

Brackmills Birthing Lightly with Yoga

9:30 - 10:30: Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891; Free

Slimming World

9:30St Frances Church, Eastfield Road Carrie: 07752 151751 Friendly and supportive slimming group

Museum Toddler Craft Session

St Luke’s CEVA School, NN5 4BL 14:00 - 15:15 ; 01604 592008

St Luke’s Mums & Tots

Abington/Northampton Museum (alternates) 13:00 - 15:00, twice monthly; Free Liz or Lucy - 01604 838111

East Hunsbury East Hunsbury Toddlers

Blackthorn Tots Play Session

9:30 - 11:00; East Hunsbury Primary School £2 per family; For 0 - 4s. Term time only

Boothville Well Woman, Happy Baby: 9:30 - 11:00 Pregnancy Yoga: 11:30 - 13:00

Ecton Brook Breakfast: 9:00 - 9:30 Childminders Group: 9:15 - 11:15 Baby Clinic: 13:00 - 15:00 Toddler Music: 9:30 & 10:00

13:00 - 15:00; Blackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504

Mummies Birth Buddy, Boothville, NN3 6PA Claire: 07966 288236. Booking essential Well Woman - Postnatal course with yoga Pregnancy yoga - from 14 weeks onwards

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY; 01604 409280

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 43

Daily Activity Planner

19:30; Community Centre, Devon Way Jill: 07795 098541; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Daily Activity Planner

Northampton Borough Grange Park Talking Point

10:00 - 12:00; 10 Foxglove Close; Charlotte-01604875188 or H/V-01604 742420 Bump - 8 mths. Free. Meet other new mums!

Hardingstone Music Bugs

Hardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA Sessions at 9:30 - 10:00 & 10:00 - 10:30 Fiona - 0844 5781017 Music for 0 - 5s. Book a taster session!

Hunsbury Under 8s Water Play Session

Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Rd 9:00 - 10:30; Tots are free; 01604 837200 Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Kings Heath Stay and Play Drop in

9:30-11:30; Camrose (Kings Heath), 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ; 01604 757694

Kingsthorpe Northampton Homebirth Group

Whitehills Nursery School, Acre Ln, NN2 8DF 19:30 - 21:30, 1st Thur of mth; Free Kelly - 07716 017366 Discuss home birth options with midwives.

Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre 13:00 - 14:45: Stay & Play Drop-in 15:30 - 17:30: Breastfeeding Drop In 19:00 - 20:30: Dads’ Football Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre, St David’s Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Time 2 Play Messy Play Baby Group

Wallace Road Nursery, Wallace Rd, NN2 7EE 9:15 - 11:00; £1.00; 01604 713422

Little Billing

Active Baby Company Swimming

‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA 11:00 - 18:00 (10 weeks - school age) Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term 30-min swimming classes. Booking essential.

Moulton Toddle Inn

Carey Baptist Church, 34 West St, NN3 7SB 10:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 15:00. For 0 - 4s.

Boothville & Moulton NCT Group

Various parents’ houses - call for location! 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Carolyn - 01604 790496

Moulton Park Pregnancy Yoga Class

19:15 - 21:00; Mummies Birth Buddy: 07966 288236; Booking essential.

Rectory Farm Rectory Farm Toddler Group

9:30: Rectory Farm School, NN3 5DD

Spencer Camrose Stay and Play: 13:00 - 15:00 Toy Library: 13:00 - 16:30 Children’s Centre, Tenby Rd, NN5 7DF 01604 585219. Drop in session.

Spinney Hill Parklands Mums & Tots Group

13:15-14:45; Community Centre, Devon Way, NN3 6DX; £2; emma.kippen@googlemail.com. Snacks, different activity each week & a raffle!

St Crispin Little Bundles Group

Northampton Centre Aqualight Aqua-Natal Courses

10:00; 22 Berrywood Drive, NN5 6GB Rev Andrew: 01604 948255; Free; Coffee, cake, chat & advice for new mums

Northampton Central Rhymetime

St James Health Clinic, St James 10:00 - 11:00 (baby massage) & 13:30 - 15:30 Free Drop in; 0-5s; 01604 620484

Barry Road Pool, Covington Street, NN1 5JU 20:00 - 20:45. Emie Kitson: 01604 83 04 05; Fitness classes for pregnant & postbirth mums

10:30 - 11:00; Central Library, Abington Street, NN1 2BA. Free; 01604 4620403

Stay and Play: 9:45 – 11:15

Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE. 01604 633894.

Song Time

10:00 - 11:00; Castle Primary School, St Georges St, NN1 2TR Spring Lane Children’s Centre: 01604 620484

Bumps & Babies with H/V: 13:00 - 14:30 (2nd & 4th of mth)

Mums & Tots Drop In: 13:00 - 15:00 Spring Lane Children’s Centre, NN1 2JW 01604 620484; Drop in sessions

St James Stay & Play Drop in

Lyncrest Primary Parent & Toddler

Lyncrest Primary School, NN5 5PE 9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family; 01604 751336 0- 5s, inc. snack & drink. Termtime only.

The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup

The Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts 11:00 - 13:00 ; Tots are free; 01604 837400. Max of two children under 8.

Thorplands Les Canetons French Singing Group

Lodge Farm Barn, Crestwood Rd, NN3 8JJ 10:00 - 11:00; £3.70 + 70p per sibling

44 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Northampton Borough Drop-in Sessions

Child & Parent Ctr (NSPCC), 48 Waterpump Ct 10:00 - 12:00; Free; 01604 493336 For 0 - 4s. Toys, arts & crafts, music, etc.

Weston Favell Tumble Tots

St. Peters, Church Hall, High Street, NN3 3JX Babes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2-3 yrs: 11:30 Naomi - 07779 785 166 Structured Play for 6m-5yrs all year. Book!

Wootton Fields Wootton Fields Rhymetime

Wootton Fields Library, Wooldale Rd, NN4 6TP 10:15 - 10:45; Free; 01604 669213; Term time

FRIDAYS

Abington Natural Bootcamp (Outdoor)

10:30; Abington Park, opposite Christchurch Rd; Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Outdoor fitness sessions - guaranteed results.

Musical Signers

Abington Children’s Centre. Abington Ave United Reform Church, NN3 4QA 9:30 - 10:00: 01604 750233; Free Action songs & rhymes supporting language

St Gregory’s Toddler Group

9:30 - 11:30; St Gregory’s Church, Birchfield Rd East; Term time; 50p; Activities every week

Abington Library Rhymetime

14:15 - 14:45; Lindsay Ave, NN3 2SJ Free; 01604 401402; Termtime only

The Kids Kitchen Classes

Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891

10:00 at 44 Beech Avenue, NN3 2HE Catherine: 01604 710102 Book in 3 week blocks.

Earls Barton Earls Barton Rhymetime

Music Bugs

Earls Barton Library, Broad Street, NN6 0ND 14:30 – 15:00; Free; 01604 810726; Term time

Abington Parish Rooms, Ashburnham Road 10:00 - 10:40; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Music sessions for 0-5s. Book a Trial!

Boothville Pregnancy Yoga: 11:30-13:00; 18:00-19:30 Well Woman, Happy Baby: 9:30 - 11:30

& 13:00 - 15:00. Booking essential. Mummies Birth Buddy, Boothville, NN3 6PA. Claire: 07966 288236; £36 for 6 weeks Pregnancy yoga from 14 weeks onwards. Well Woman: postnatal for mother & baby

Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming

Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY; 01604 409280

Hardingstone N H S Toddlers Group

9:00 - 12:00, Cripps Recreation Centre, Northampton Hospital, NN1 5BD Denise - 01604 826066; Book 6-week term 30min swim classes for 10wks-4yrs. Pre-book

Collingtree Active Baby Company

13:30 - 15:00; Hilton Hotel, Collingtree Denise Wesson: 01604 826066 30-min swim classes. Book per 6-week term.

Delapre Water Babies Swimming Classes

Marriott Hotel, Eagle Drive, NN4 7HW 10:00 - 13:30; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Duston Stay & Play: 9:15 - 10:30 Healthy Walk: 9:30 - 10:30 Young Parents: 12:00 - 13:30

Ecton Brook Breakfast: 9:00 - 9:30 Baby Babble: 9:30 - 10:45 Movers & Groovers: 11:00 - 12:00 Toy Library + Stay & Play: 13:30 - 15:00

13:30 - 15:00: Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Rd; 01604 667979 £1.50 per session; For 2 - 3 yrs. Termtime only

Headlands Aqualight Swimming

Headlands Primary School, Northampton 11:30-12:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0-4yrs. Prebook!

Headlands Parent and Tots Group

Headlands School, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS 9:00 - 11:00; £1; Julie - 01604 413462 Activities for 0 - 4s. Term-time only.

Hunsbury Little Kickers

The Abbey Centre, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ 10:00 - 10:45: Little Kicks; 01327 310373; Football classes for 18 months to 2 yrs 3mths

Abbey Centre Baby & Toddler Group

Abbey Centre, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury 12:30 - 14:30; Karen: 01604 760194; £1.50

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 45

Daily Activity Planner

07985 712339; www.speaktheirlanguage.co.uk French Singing Group for Little People. All year.

Daily Activity Planner

Northampton Borough Kings Heath Stay and Play Drop in: 9:30 - 11:30

Camrose CC, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ; 01604 757694

Kingsthorpe Musical Minis

10:00 - 10:45; Kingsthorpe Amanda: 01908 259914; £4.25 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Tots Session

Penfold Children’s Centre at Whitehills Nursery School, NN2 8DF; 13:15 - 15:00; 01604 750233; Fun session with toys and resources for 0 – 5s

Wiggles & Giggles: 9:15 - 9:45 Books & Fun: 10:00 - 10:30

Penfold Children’s Centre at Sunnyside Primary School, Reynard Way, NN2 8QS; 01604 750233 Join in with a story and creative activities

Fun and Fitness Soft Play: 9:30 - 10:30 Young Parents: 13:00 - 15:00. Under 25s

Kingsthorpe Children’s Ctre, St David Rd, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Kingsthorpe Rhymetime

Kingsthorpe Library, Welford Road, NN2 6AG 10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 714021; 0-5s

Aqualight Swimming

Fairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN 12:30 -15:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 3s. Prebook!

Northampton Centre Northampton Baby Cafe

10:30 - 12:30; Friends Meeting House, Wellington St, NN1 3AS; Free; 07780 672939 Breastfeeding support + drink & biscuit!

Baby Massage

Spring Lane Children’s Centre, NN1 2JW 10:00 - 11:00 (term time): 01604 620484

Chatterbox

Wiggles & Giggles

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS 9:30 - 11:15am; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only

14:30 - 15:00; Upton Children’s Centre, Barring Street, NN5 4DD. 01604 750233 Nursery rhymes, action songs & instruments

Spencer Bumps, New Babies & Breastfeeding

Weston Favell Tumble Tots

Camrose Sure Start, Tenby Road, NN5 7DF 9:00 - 12:00; Free; 01604 585219 Discuss the bible in a baby-friendly environment

St Crispin Bible Discussion Parent & Tots Group

10:00-12:00; 22 Berrywood Drive, NN5 6GB Rev Andrew: 01604 948255; Free; Coffee, cake, chat & advice for new mums

St James Stay & Play Drop-In

St Peter’s Church Hall, High St, NN3 3JX 9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 13:00: 3yrs+. Naomi - 07779 785166 Structured Play from 6m to 5 yrs. Book!

Wootton Wootton Trinity Toddler Group

9.30 - 11.30; Wootton Trinity Church, High St. £2/family; Mandy: 01604 764605; 0-5s. Term.

Preston Hedgehogs

9:30-11:30; St James Clinic; 01604 620484

Elim Mums and Tots Group

Elim Christian Centre, Gladstone Rd, NN5 7EG 10:00 - 11:30; £1 per family + 50p per sibling Michelle: 07799 314241. Term time only. Crafts, food and fun in happy, safe environment

The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup

The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Thorplands Thorplands Children’s Centre

9:00 - 10:30: Health Visitor Clinic 9:30 -11:30: Midwife Drop In Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ. 01604 741131 TT is for walking to 3yrs. Little Stars for preschool children with additional needs.

Upton Hartbeeps

Mornings at The Elgar Centre; Eilidh: 07854 295972; Original sound play classes for babies/children.

Wootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill 9:30 - 11:30; £2.50/family; Nicky-07854 441062 Play time & songs. Term time only.

Slimming World

9:30; Yeoman of England, High Street Alicia: 01327 354315; Friendly and supportive slimming group

SATURDAYS

Abington The Kids Kitchen Classes

10:00 at 44 Beech Avenue, NN3 2HE Catherine: 01604 710102 Book in 3 week blocks.

Natural Bootcamp (Outdoor)

11:30; Abington Park, opposite Christchurch Rd; Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Outdoor fitness sessions - guaranteed results

Harlestone Natural Bootcamp

10:00 at Harlestone Firs, Harlestone Rd Scott: 07812 973562; £4.60 Natural fitness sessions - guaranteed results!

Ecton Acorns Pre-School (for 2-4 years) Open: Mon - Friday, 9:15 - 12:15 at Ecton Village Primary School, West Street, Ecton, NN6 0QF 01604 409213 | www.ecton-pri.northants.sch.uk Proviiding a high level of care and education. Studio 105

105 St. Michael’s Rd, Northampton, NN1 3JT 07878 766955 | studio105.ronnies@gmail.com Website: www.studio105.org.uk Baby Sensory & Pre-School Performance Arts Classes

Yoga Tigers

Yeoman of England, Wootton, Northampton, NN4 6LP. Contact Sam on 07875 024 301 www.yogatigers.co.uk A gentle introduction to yoga & an emphasis on fun

Hackleton Pre-School Playgroup

Open: Mon - Friday; Morning, Lunch & Afternoon Add: Hackleton Village Hall, Chapel Ln, NN7 2AH 07561509635 | Welcoming pre-school children from 2½ www.hackletonpreschoolplaygroup.co.uk

update theselistings listings every issue, butfrom recommend you call before attending - just in case. 46 We Search these by distance your house: www.toddleabout.co.uk

Hunsbury Children’s Centre, Overslade Close. 10:00 - 11:30; 01604 750233; Discussion group

Kings Heath Dad’s Stay & Play

10:00 - 12:00, last Sat of Month: Camrose Children’s Centre, 16 Park Square, NN5 7LQ. 01604 757694

Kingsthorpe Aqualight Swimming

Fairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN 8:30 - 12:30; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 3s. Prebook!

Lings Kids Screen Films

Forum Cinema, Lings Forum Leisure Centre 22/10/11 at 2.30pm & 24/10/11-28/10/11: The Lion King 2-D(U) 12/11/11, 2.30pm: African Cats(U) 26/11/11, 2.30pm: A Dolphin’s Tale(U) www.forumcinema.org.uk

Northampton Centre Move, Make & Do

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Rd, NN1 1DP 14:00 - 15:00. 01604 624811; £5 per child Drop in for stories, drama, dancing and music

Aqualight Swimming

Barry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS 14:00 -18:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 7yrs. Prebook.

The Mounts, Northampton Mounts Baths Family Swimming

The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 17:00; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Messy Church

11:00 - 13:00; Duke Street Evangelical Church, 4-8 Duke Street, The Mounts, NN1 3BA Moyra: 01604 635535; Free Next dates: 17th Sept & 3rd Dec 2011

Wootton Tumble Tots

Wootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill. Gymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2 - 3 yrs: 11:30; 3yrs - school: 12:45 Naomi - 07779 785 166 Structured play for 6m-5yrs. Book a trial.

SUNDAYS

Duston Little Kickers

The Duston School, Berrywood Rd, NN5 6XA 9.30 - 10:15: 2 - 3½ yrs & 3½ - 5th b’day 10.30 - 11:15: 2 - 3½ yrs & 1½ - 2yrs 3mth 11.30 - 12:15: 2-3½yrs & 5-6 yrs Lynne: 01327 310373 Football classes for 18 months to 6 years

Northampton Centre Aqualight Swimming

Barry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS 15:00 -17:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 4s. Prebook.

The Mounts Mounts Baths Family Swimming

The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 8:00 - 15:45; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.

MONDAYS

Bicester Sing & Sign

Breastfeeding Group

Salvation Army building, Hart Place, Bicester 9:45 (advanced), 11:00 (beginners & imprvers) £66.00 per 11 wk term. Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props

Brackley Preschool Gymnastics Club

Brook Health Ctre, Swinneyford Rd 11:00 - 12:30; Free; 01327 323900 Very informal and open to all mums

Mighty Atoms Soft Play Sessions

Towcester Centre for Leisure 14:00 – 15:00; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480

TUESDAYS

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields 13:45 - 14:45; Booking essential: 01280 701789 For 3 - 5 years. Term time only.

Banbury Rugrats Twins and Multiples Group

Noah’s Ark

Methodist Church, High St, NN13 9:30 - 11:30 Parent & Toddler group for 0 -5s

Tiddlers Stay & Play: 10:00 - 11:30 (1-2 yrs) Book Club: 18:30 - 19:30 (pre-book)

Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Rd Free Drop ins groups; 01280 841674

Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Rd, OX16 1QY; Fortnightly meeting - in hols too 10:30-13:00; £4/family; Simone: 07921 460086

Brackley Musical Minis

Leisure Centre, Springfield Way, NN13 6JJ 10:30-11:15; £4.25; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Childminder Support Group

Run by Brackley Children’s Centre, at Women’s Institute Hall, Manor Rd, Brackley; 9:30 - 11:30, monthly. 01280 841674 Free Drop in session for childminders

Mighty Atoms Soft Play Sessions

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child 01280 701787

Little Fishes

Buckingham Musical Minis

Baptist Church, Waynflete Close, NN13 6AE 9:15 - 10:30 or 10:45 - 12:00; For 0 - 5s

Well St. Centre, Well St, MK18 1EN 10:00 - 10:45 & 11:00 - 11:45; £4.25; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in offers

Brackley Children’s Centre 9:30-10:00: Baby Rhymetime (0-6m) 10:00-10:45: BABS Breastfeeding Group 10:45-11:15: Baby Rhymetime (6-12m) 13:30 - 15:00: Chill & Chat (for <23 yrs)

Cosgrove ‘Out and About’ Playtime

Deanshanger Children’s Centre at Cosgrove Village Hall; 10:00 - 11:30: 01327 350272

Brackley Library, Manor Road; 01280 841674

Crafty Play

Greens Norton Tots Own Toddler Group

13:45 - 15:15; Greens Norton Village Hall, Towcester Rd; £1 p/c; Sacha - 01327 351864; For 0-5s. Story, crafts & sing-song. Term time.

13:30 - 14:45; Run by Children’s Centre at Brackley Baptist Church. For 2-5yrs, please book your place

Bugbrooke Bugbrooke Stay & Play

Middleton Cheney Stay & Play

Bugbrooke Children’s Centre, Primary School, High Street, NN7 3PA 9:30 - 11:00; Free. 01604 931575 Drop in play session inc crafts & singing.

Roade Slimming World

14.30pm - 15:15; Bugbrooke Church Singing & story service then toy-time

Silverstone Out & About Playtime

Deanshanger Children’s Centre, Community Centre, Little London, MK19 6HT 10:00 - 11:30; 01327 350272 Drop in play session inc crafts & singing

Middleton Cheney Children’s Centre, Library. 10:00 - 11:30; 01295 714143; Free. Drop in; Crafts, games & toys.

19:30; The Willison Centre, Roade School Sports College, Stratford Rd Anna: 07547 724880; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Tiny Treasures Baby Group

Deanshanger Holy Trinity Church 10:30 - 11:45; 01327 811426; Free For 0-6 months, 4th Jan to 22nd Feb

Towcester Little Turtle Swim Company

Denton Village Tots

9:30 – 12:00; Gateway School, Tiffield Zara - 01908 543384; £54 for 6 weeks 30-min swim sessions for 2mths–5 yrs.

Baby Bumpkin (music & yoga)

Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DL 14:00 - 16:00; Lucy: 07919 185149 £1.50; 2nd Tues of mth =baby weighing.

10:00 - 10:45; Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Road, NN12 6HD Reanne: 0845 6804981 or 07580 131842; £5 Yoga-inspired classes for babies

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Tiny Tots Service

Deanshanger Deanshanger Stay & Play

St Michael’s Church, Silverstone 10:30 - 11:30: 01327 350272; Not on 10th & 24th October. Run by Towcester CC. A play session for 0 - 3 years.

Childminder’s Drop In

In the Water

9:30 - 11:00 (fortnightly) Towcester Children’s Centre, Islington Road, NN12 6AU; 01327 350272

Litchborough Litchborough Play Time

Village Hall, Northampton Rd, NN12 8JA; 13:45 - 15:30; £1.50 per family Vanessa - 01327 830823; For 0 - 5s Crafts & singing, term time and hols

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 47

Daily Activity Planner

South Northants District

Hunsbury Men’s Zone

Daily Activity Planner

South Northants District Middleton Cheney Bumps & Babies: 10:30 - 11:45 Health Visitor Drop In: 10:00 - 11:30 (1st

& 3rd Tues of mth) Story Sacks: 14:15 - 15:00 Middleton Cheney Children’s Centre, Library 01295 714143

Potterspury Potterspury Under Fives

Village Hall, Church End, NN12 7PX 13:00 - 15:00 (Term time only) Cathryn: 07961 587236; £1.50 per family Family stay and play for 0-5

Roade Creative Play

Roade Children’s Centre, Stratford Rd, NN7 2LP; 14:00 - 15:00 (term time): 01604 863319;

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy

St Mary’s Church Hall, Butlins Lane, NN7 2PU 16:00 -20:30: Ballet, Tap, Modern & Salsa classes for 2.5 yrs to adults. Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy: 07791 852891;

Towcester Water Babies Swimming Classes

The Gateway School, Tiffield, NN12 8AA 11:00 - 13:00; Tamsin: 01295 709221; Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Sing & Sign Baby Signing

Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Road 13:45 - 15:15: Beginners + Improvers Booking essential. Corma: 01280 704705 Fun baby Signing classes with music & props

Parent & Baby Swimming

Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, 9:00 - 11:00; £25.20 for 6-week course 01327 322480; Swim lessons for 6 mth+

Bumps & Babies: 10:30 - 11:45 Creative Play: 14:00 - 15:00

Cogenhoe Out & About Playtime

Towcester Children’s Centre, Islington Road Term time only: 01327 350272; Free

14:00 - 15:00 (term time); Cogenhoe School. Free; Children’s Centre: 01604 863319

Mighty Atoms Soft Play Sessions

Deanshanger Deanshanger Toddler Group

9:30 - 11:30; Towcester Centre for Leisure, Springfields; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480

WEDNESDAYS

Holy Trinity Church, Deanshanger 13:30 – 15:00; Free; Jennie - 01908 564725

Creative Play

Brackley Preschool Football Sessions

Deanshanger Children’s Centre, Little London, MK19 6HT; 10:00 - 11:00: 01327 350272 14th Sept - 14th Dec (no on 26/10)

Brackley Story Time

Deanshanger Community Centre 9:30 - 11:30; £2 per childminder Rachel: 01908 261864

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 16:00 – 17:00; Booking #: 01280 701790 Termly football course for 4 yr-olds. 11:30-12:00, Brackley Library, NN13 6AJ Free Storytime sessions open to all

Brackley Children’s Centre Drop Ins

Toy Library Ordering: 9:00 - 12:00 monthly Baby Massage: 13:30 - 14:30 (book) Outside Fun: 10:00 - 11:30 (2nd & 4th Wed) Job Centre Plus: 14:30 - 16:00 (2nd Wed) Grandparents Group: 13:30 - 15:00 (1st & 3rd wks of mth) Brackley Library, Manor Road; 01280 841674

Kids PlaYoga

13:30 - 14:10; Bumblebees, Oxford Rd, NN13 7DY; £4.75 (inc. entry to soft play) Heidi: 07789 910694 Kids’ yoga sessions. Term time. Please book.

Bugbrooke Bumps & Babies: 10:30 - 11:45 Story Sacks: 14:15 - 15:00

Bugbrooke Children’s Centre, High St, NN7 3PA; 01604 931575; Term time only

Childminder Support Group

Kings Sutton Sure Start ‘Out and About’ Playtime

Kings Sutton Memorial Hall 14:00 - 15:15 (term time): 01295 714143

Middleton Cheney Love Ballet Dance Company

Scout Hut, Midway, OX17 2QW 15.50 (4-6yrs); 16:20 (7-10yrs); 16:50 (11yrs+) Miss Lorraine: 07711 010404 Street Dance classes for children 4 years+

Middleton Cheney Rhymetime

Middleton Cheney Library, Main Road, OX17 10:00 - 10:30, 1st Wed of the mth; Free

Creative Play

Middleton Cheney Children’s Centre,Main Rd, OX17 2PD; 10:00 - 11:00: 01295 714143

Pattishall Pattishall Mums & Tots

Pattishall Parish Hall, School Lane

48 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Roade Roade Storytime

New Baby & You: 10:00 - 11:30 (6-12m) Fit to be Mum: 13:30 - 14:30 (book) Brackley Library, Manor Road. 01280 841674 New Baby & You runs weekly. Free drop-in.

Winslow Musical Minis

Roade Library, High Street, NN7 16:00 - 16:30; Free; For 4 - 8s. Free

Bumps & Babies

Roade Children’s Centre, Stratford Rd, NN7 2LP; 10:30 - 11:45 (term time): 01604 863319

Stony Stratford Tatty Bumpkin (music & yoga)

Whitespace Yoga, High St, MK11 1LJ 10:30 (6wks-1yr), 16:00 (2-5yrs) & 16:45 (4-9 yrs). £7 (siblings £3.50) Book: Reanne: 0845 6804981/07580 131842 Yoga-inspired sessions for babies/children.

Towcester Young Parents: 10:30 - 12:00 Musical Movers: 14:15 - 15:00

Towcester Children’s Centre, Islington Road, NN12 6AU; Term time only; 01327 350272

Wednesday Tots Group

St John’s Ambulance Hall, Islington Rd, NN12 9.30 – 11:00; £1.40; Jane - 01327 352321 For 0 – 5s Inc. sing-song. Termtime only

Baby & Me Group

Upstairs Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd 14:00 - 15:30; Donation for tea; 01327 350182 For new babies up to 6 months

Turweston Pregnancy PlaYoga

18:00 - 19:15; Turweston Village Hall Heidi: 07789 910694; £9.00 Starting 5th Oct, please book

Weston Weston Tiny Tots

South Northants District

10:00 - 11:30; £2; Rosemary: 01295 760720 Term time only

Weston Baptist Chapel, High St, NN12 8PU

Winslow Public Hall, Elmsfield Gate, Bucks 9:45 & 10:45; £4.25; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

THURSDAYS

Women’s Institute Hall, Manor Road 10:15 - 11:00 Free; 01280 841674 For children from toddlers to 5 yrs

Bugbrooke Bugbrooke Parent & Tots

9:00 - 11:00; Sunday School, Church Lane Free; 0 – 4s; Toys , painting & crafts activities.

Ashton Ashton Parent & Toddler Group

Bugbrooke Stay & Play: 15:00-16:15 Creative Play: 9:30 - 10:30 (term time) Parent Info & Advice: 13:00 - 15:00

Ashton CE School, Roade Hill, NN7 2JH 13:30 - 15:00; £1; Laura - 07825 371624

Banbury Sing & Sign

Action Kids (with Children’s Centre)

Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Road. 13:30 - 14:30 (beginners + improvers) £66 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props

Bugbrooke Children’s Centre, High Street, NN7 3PA; Term time; Free. 01604 931575

Deanshanger Bumps & Babies: 10:30 - 11:45 Musical Movers: 13:15 - 15:00

Brackley Mighty Atoms Soft Play Sessions

Deanshanger Children’s Centre, Little London, MK19 6HT; Term time only; 01327 350272

First Steps

Evenley Village Hall, Broad Ln, NN13 5SD 9:45 - 10:45 (adv), 11:00 - 12:00 (beginners) £66 per 11 wk term; Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child. 01280 701787 St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Rd, NN13 7BZ 9:15 - 11:30 (10:00 -12:00 in holidays) Val: 01280 701864; £1.50 per family Breakfast, chat, songs, bible stories, crafts.

Sparrows Toddler Group

9:30am - 11:30; St Peters Church, Church Rd

Brackley Rhymetime

Brackley Library, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ 14:15 - 14:45; Free; Cathy - 01280 703455 Free singing sessions open to all

Brackley Children’s Centre

Evenley Sing & Sign

Kislingbury Kizzle Tots

Kislingbury Baptist Church, Mill Rd, NN7 4BB 9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family; For 0 – 4s. Heather - 07962 157669; Term time only.

Middleton Cheney Musical Movers: 9:15 - 10:00 Parent Info & Advice: 13:00 - 16:00

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 49

Daily Activity Planner

13:30 – 15:00; £1.50; Term time only.

Daily Activity Planner

South Northants District

Middleton Cheney Children’s Centre, Main Road, OX17 2PD; Term time; 01295 714143

Roade Roade Stay & Play: 10:00 - 11:30 Parent Info & Advice: 13:00 - 16:00

Roade Children’s Centre, Stratford Rd, NN7 2LP; 01604 863319; Free drop in Activities include crafts, games & toys.

Dance Classes

St Mary’s Church Hall, Butlins Lane, NN7 2PU 16:00 - 17:00: Ballet, tap and modern dance classes for 2.5 yrs+ Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy: 07791 852891

Silverstone Musical Monkeys

Silverstone Pavillion, Church St, NN12 8XA 10:30 - 11:30; £3.50 (£4 for family). Vanessa - 07917 683330 Drop in for music, parachute and cake!

Silverstone Tiny Tots

9:15am; St Michael’s Church; Open to all.

Silverstone Tiggers

Methodist Church Rooms 13:30 – 15:00: £1.50; Catherine: 07854 309241 Puzzles, books, toys & trampoline.

Stony Stratford Musical Minis

York House, London Road, Stony Stratford. 9:30 - 10:15; £4.25; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Croughton Croughton Mother & Tots Group

Towcester Children’s Centre, Islington Road, NN12 6AU; 14:15 - 15:00: 01327 350272

Slimming World

Croughton Village Hall 10:00 – 12:00; £2; Beckie – 01869 819734 From birth - school. Term-time only.

Bumps & Babies Group

Story Sacks: 14:15 - 15:00 Deanshanger Children’s Centre, Little London, MK19 6HT; Term time) 01327 350272;

Towcester Toy Library

9:30 - 11:30; Community Centre, Deanshanger Rachel: 07710845865; £2 per family. Toys and crafts/activities

9:30; St John’s Ambulance Alicia: 01327 354315; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Deanshanger

The Chantry House, Watling Street. 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 0844 2436299 Relaxed with baby toys and soft mats.

Deanie Tots

Towcester Community Centre, Islington Road 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50 per family. 01327 860437 Toy hire from 50p.

FRIDAYS

Banbury Sing & Sign

Grimsbury Community Hall, Burchester Pl. OX16 3JT. 9:45-10:45 (advanced); 11:00-12:00 (beginners & improvers) £66 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props

Blakesley Blakesley Mums & Tots

Blakesley Village Hall; 10:00 - 11:30; £1.50 For 0 – 5s. Includes drinks and biscuit

Brackley Tadpoles Toddler Group

Stony Stratford Storytime

Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ; 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01280 841674 Advice and support for babies 0 - 6 mths

Stony Stratford Library, 5-7 Church Street 14:00 - 14:30; Free; 01908 562562

Towcester Story Sacks

Chacombe ‘Out and About’ Musical Movers

Chacombe Primary School 9:15 - 10:00 (term time): 01295 714143

Nether Heyford Nether Heyford Little Fishes Group

Old Stratford ‘Out and About’ Play Bus

Water Babies Swimming Classes

New Baby & You

Greens Norton Music Bugs

Greens Norton Community Centre, NN12 8BL 10:00 (6-18 mths) & 11:00 (18 mths- 4 yrs) Michelle Dixon: 0844 822 1158 Fun music sessions for 6 mths to 4 years

Church rooms, The Green, NN7 3LE 11:00 - 13:00; £1 (free first session) Lia: 07709 020378; Bring sandwiches for lunch.

10:00-11:30, St Peters Church, Church Rd

Watling Way Centre, Galley Hill, MK11 1PA 14:30 - 17:00; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Deanshanger Rhymetime

Deanshanger Library, Little London, MK19 14:00 - 14:30, 4th Friday of mth Free singing sessions open to all

Deanshanger Children’s Centre at Old Stratford; 10:30 - 12:00: 01327 350272

Roade Musical Movers

Roade Children’s Centre, Stratford Rd, NN7 2LP; 9:15 - 10:00 (term time): 01604 863319

Stony Stratford Musical Monkeys

York House Centre, London Rd, MK11 1JQ

Yoga inspired classes/parties to aid creativity and development in your baby and child from 6 weeks to 6 years

www.miltonkeynes.tattybumpkin.com classes@miltonkeynes.tattybumpkin.com 0845 6804981• 07580131842

Musical Monkeys -

Miss Tickle Magic Children’s Entertainer

Alison Williams, 43 Oaklands, Bugbrooke, NN7 3QU Tel: 01604 831483 / 07915 699322 Website: www.missticklemagic.co.uk Children’s Parties Silly Magic, Balloons and lots of fun!

Entertainment & refreshments

Silverstone Pavilion, Church St., Silverstone, NN12 8XA Thursdays, 10:30-11:30. www.musical-monkeys.co.uk Tel: 07917 683330 e: ness@musical-monkeys.com Music, parachute, bubbles, stickers, drinks & cakes!

Towcester Scout Hall Preschool

Open: Mon - Friday, Mornings and Lunch clubs too Add: Baden Powell Crescent, Towcester, NN12 6DS 07890 525116 | contact@towcesterscouthallpreschool.co.uk Established, friendly preschool in the heart of Towcester

50 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Towcester Towcester Twins Group

Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd 14:00 - 15.30 fortnightly; Free Melanie - 01327 351097; Ring for dates

Parent & Baby Swimming Lessons

Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 9:00 - 11:00; £25.20 (6 weeks); 01327 322480; 30-min swim classes for 6 mths+

Towcester Rhymetime

Towcester Library, Richmond Road, 10:00 , 10:45 & 11:30, 2nd & 4th wks of mth Free 30-min singing sessions for 0-5s

Towcester Stay & Play

Children’s Centre, Islington Road. 10:00 - 11:30 (term time); Free; 01327 350272 Activities include crafts, games & toys.

Wicken Akeley Wood Baby & Toddler

Akeley Wood Nursery, MK19 6DA 10:00 - 11:30; Free; Nicola - 01908 571231 For 0 - 3s. Free play with lots of activities.

SATURDAYS

Brackley Kids & Co. for Dads: 10:00-11:30

Runs monthly - free for male carers & kids. Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road Please call for info & to book: 01280 841674

Mighty Atoms

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way, 10:30 – 12:30; £3.20 per child; 01280 701787 Drop in soft play sessions for 0-5s

Swimming Lessons

Brackley Pool, Manor Rd, NN13 6EE 9:00; £4.20; Booking essential: 01280 704906 Termly swim lessons for 6 mths - 3 yrs

Roade Roade Rhymetime

MONDAYS

Ballet for 2 - 5yrs & adults (no exp. necessary)

TUESDAYS

Braunston Little Fishes Toddler Group

Boddington Boddington Toddler Group

All Saints Church, High Street. 14:00 – 15:00; Sarah: 01788 890298; 0–5s; Term time; Free

9:30 - 11:30; Boddington Village Hall, CV47

Catthorpe, Leicestershire Music Bugs

Braunston Braunston Toddler Group

Manor Farm Cafe, Catthorpe, LE17 6DB 10:00-10:40; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Fun music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book a Taster!

13:30 - 15:00; Braunston Village Hall, NN11

Daventry Tumble Tots

Crick Crick Tots

The Saxon Suite, Leisure Centre, Lodge Rd. 9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 12:45: 3yrs - school Call Naomi to book - 07779 785166 Structured Play for 6m to 5 yrs. Runs all year.

10:30 - 12:00; Crick Village Hall £2/family; Cath: 01788 824344 Includes fun activities, snack and drink

Daventry Love Ballet Dance Company

Love Ballet Dance Company

Nene Hall, Tamar Sqre, The Grange. Acting, Performance & Singing: 16:00 (3-5 yrs), 16:45 (6-8yrs) & 17:45 (9-12yrs) Tap Dance: 17:15 (3-5yrs) & 17:45 (5-8yrs) Adults: 18:15-Tap; 19:15-Street; 8pm:ZUMBA Miss Lorraine: 07711 010404

Nene Hall, Tamar Square, NN11 4RB Mon: 16:00 & 16:30: 3-5yrs; 17:00: 5-6yrs Lorraine: 07711 010404 Dance classes for children 3 years - adults.

Acorn Parent & Toddler Group

United Ref. Church, Foundry Place 9.30 – 11:00; £1; Rosemary - 01327 872650 0-5s. Story time 10.30 & singing 10.45.

Middlemore Mums & Tots (NCT)

Breakfast Club: 9:00 - 10:00 Freedom Programme: 10:00 - 12:00 DABS Breastfeeding Group: 13:00-15:00

Daventry Sure Start Centre, 14 Benbow Close 01327 313861: Free

Adventure World Soft Play

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:30 – 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144 Indoor soft play area For up to 8 yrs

9:45-11:15; Middlemore Farm Pub, NN11 5JZ; £1 donation; Kiran: 07714 767867 For bump - 3 yrs. Hot drink, biscuit & crafts.

Toddlers Group

Holy Cross Church, Church Walk 13:30-14:45, 2nd Tues of mth; Free Paula: 01327 877979 Termtime only. Fun find teddy game!

Adventure World Soft Play

Health Visitor Clinic

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:30 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144 Soft play area for up to 8 yrs

Harlestone Harlestone Tiny Tots

Numeracy Course: 9:00 - 11:30 Stay n Play (inc Messy Play): 12.30 - 14.30 Weaning Party: 10:00 - 12:00 (last Tues)

Danetre Hospital; 13:00-15:00; 01327313861

Roade Library, High Street, NN7 Free singing sessions open to all Call for details

10:00 - 11:30; Harlestone Village Hall £1.50 + 50p p/c 1yr+; Janet - 01604 843991. For 0 – 4s. Term time & holidays.

Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close, Free; 01327 313861

Towcester Mighty Atoms

Kilsby Kilsby Playtime

Danetre Hospital; 13:30-15:00: 01327701604 Baby weighing and advice

Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 9:00 - 10:15; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480 Soft play drop in sessions for 0 – 5s

9:45 - 11:45; Kilsby Village Hall, Rugby Road £1.50 + 50p p/c; Term time; All welcome Susan: 07845 751449 or 01788 823079

Little Turtle Swim Company

Long Buckby Yoga for Pregnancy

10:45–16:15; Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield; Zara: 01908 543384; £54 for 6wks 30-minute swim sessions for 2 mths - 8 yrs

Parent & Baby Swimming Lessons

Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 8:30-10:00; £25.20 for 6-wks; 01327 322480 30-min swim classes for 6 mths+

SUNDAYS

Stony Stratford Water Babies Swimming Classes

Watling Way Centre, Galley Hill, MK11 1PA 10:30 - 16:45; Tamsin: 01295 709221 Fun, action packed, progressive classes

Towcester Active Baby Company Swimming

Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN12 8:30 – 13:00; Book as 5-week term Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim classes for 10wks–7y. Book.

In the Water

Long Buckby Community Centre, NN6 7WB 18:15 - 19:45; £42 for 6-week course Lizzy Giles: 07950 573719 Physical & emotional pregnancy support

Long Buckby Mums & Tots

Community Centre, 41 Station Rd, NN6 7QB 9.30 – 11:30

Stay and Play

Long Buckby Children’s Centre, 41 Station Rd 14:00 - 15:30. 01327 701604; Free Drop in

Scaldwell Scaldwell Mums & Tots

Scaldwell Village Hall, School Lane, NN6 9LD 10:00 - 12:00; £1.50; Kathryn - 01604 882786 Friendly group. Termtime only.

Upper Boddington Love Ballet Dance Company

Upper Boddington Village Hall, Warwick Rd 9:30 (Nursery Ballet) & 10:20 (Adult Ballet) Lorraine: 07711 010404;

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Health Visitor Clinic

Daventry Rhymetime

10:00 & 10:30, fortnightly; Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130 Free singing & music sessions open to all

Long Buckby Long Buckby Mums and Babies

Baptist Church, on Market Place 10.30 – 12:00; Free; Jane - 01327 843453 For 0 - 4 years. In school holidays too!

Sparkles

9:30 - 11:00 at Long Buckby Children’s Centre, 41 Station Rd, NN6 7QB. Referral only - please call 01327 701604 Group for children with additional needs

Naseby Brixworth & Villages NCT Group

10:00 - 12:00; Naseby Methodist Church £1.50 per family; Jo - 01604 881344 Non-members welcome

Rugby Little Kickers

Dunchurch Village Hall, Rugby Rd, CV22 6PN 14:00 - 14:45: “Junior Kickers” Lynne: 01327 310373 45-minute football sessions for 2 - 3.5 years

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 51

Daily Activity Planner

Daventry District

10:00 - 11:00; £3.50 (£4 for family). Vanessa - 07917 683330 Drop in for music, parachute and cake!

Daily Activity Planner

Daventry District Music Bugs

Run by Daventry NCT - call for location 8pm (last wednesday of month) Kiran: 07714 767867; An excuse for an evening out & extra calories

Weedon Goslings Stay & Play

Guilsborough Breastfeeding Drop In

Bilton Church, Main St, Bilton, CV22 7NB 9:30 & 10:30; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book trial!

Weedon Village Hall, West St, NN7 4QU 13:00 – 15:30 (term time); For 0-5s Woodford Halse CC: 01327 264809 Toys, crafts, song time + outside play.

Guilsborough Surgery, High Street, NN6 8QE 11:00 - 13:00; 01604 740210

Fun with Music: 10:00 - 10:45 Massage to Music: 11:00 - 11:45

Afternoon, various houses. Call for location! Angela - 07973 659092.

Weedon Chapel Rooms; Free; 01327 264809

Woodford Halse New Babes Group: 10:30 - 12:30 Toddles Group: 14:00 – 16:00

Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809; Free New babes 0 - 12 mths & Toddles 12 mths+

Woodford Halse Rhymetime

Woodford Halse Library 14:30 - 15:00 (term time); Free drop in

WEDNESDAYS

Badby Badby Mums & Tots

9:30 - 11:30 Badby Village Hall, The Green

Barby Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group Barby Village Hall, Barby, Rugby, 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50; Inc drink & biscuit

Brixworth Nature Tots @ Brixworth Country Park

10:00-11:30 (3 Wed of mth); Northampton Rd, NN6 9DG; 01604 883920; £3 - bookl A parents and tots group with a difference! rd

Byfield Mini Music Beats

Byfield School Hall, Bell Lane, NN11 6US; 10:45-11:45; Free; 01327 264809; Pre-book

Daventry Daventry Story Time

10:15 - 10:35 (fortnightly); Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130; Free drop in

Young Parents Group

Abbey Centre, Market Square, NN11 4BH 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 01327 313861

Toddler Time

10:00–12:00; Methodist Church, Golding Close

ADHD Support Sessions

Run by Daventry West Children’s Centre at Rainbow Playworld; 17:00 - 19:00 (monthly): 01327 701604; Drop in session

Slimming World

The Rugby Club, Stefen Hill, Western Row 9:30am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Lou: 01327 857209; Friendly and supportive slimming group

Adventure World Soft Play

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:30 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144

Mend (2-4 yrs): 9:30 - 11:00 Itsy Bitsy (Baby clinic): 13:00 - 14:30

Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close Free; 01327 313861

Active Baby Company Swimming

Barcélo Hotel, Sedgemoor Way, NN11 0SG 9:15 - 12:15; Book as 6-week term Denise - 01604 826066. Booking essential. 30 min swim class for 10wks - school age.

Pudding Night

Hellidon Hellidon Baby & Toddler Group Long Buckby Love Ballet Dance Company

Long Buckby Baptist Church, Market Pl., NN6 Street Kidz: 17:15 (5-10yrs); Gymnastics: 17:45 (all ages); Cheerleading: 18:30 (10yrs+) Lorraine: 07711 010404

Post Natal Yoga Classes (Mum & Baby)

10:00 - 11:00; Long Buckby Lizzy: 07950 573719; £30 for 5-week course For all mothers and babies up to crawling

Pitsford Pitsford Toddler Group

Pitsford Village Hall. 9:30 - 11:30, term time £2 per family. Great selection of toys!

Priors Marston Priors Marston Toddlers

9:30 - 11:30; The Priors Hall, CV47

Southam Boogie & Bounce Classes

The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, CV47 1QA 11:00 - 12:00; Lorraine: 07711 010404 Introduce your child to dance (from 18mths)

Upper Boddington Boogie & Bounce Classes

Village Hall, Warwick Road, NN11 6DH 13:30 - 14:30; Lorraine: 07711 010404 Introduce your child to dance (from 18mths)

Weedon Musical Minis

Weedon Village Hall, West Street, NN7 4PQ 9:45 - 10:30; £4.25; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Stay n Play

9:30 - 11:00 & 11:30 - 13:00: Daventry Family Centre. 01327 701604; Free drop in

Literacy Course: 9:30 - 11:30 Time for Us: 13:00 - 15:00

Daventry East Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close, NN11 4JP; 01327 313861; Free

Stay ‘n’ Play

Run by Daventry Children’s Centre at The Abbey School; 9:00 - 11:00: 01327 313861 Free drop in play session for 0-5s

East Haddon East Haddon Toddler Group

10:00 - 11.30; The Pavilion, East Haddon Playing Fields, (turning opp. Red Lion Pub) £1.50 per family; Melissa - 01604 770024

Flore Flore Little Stars Stay n Play

Flore Millennium Hall; 14:00 - 15:30: 01327 264809

Great Brington Brington Mums & tots

The Reading Rooms, Great Brington, NN7 4JB 10:00 - 11:30; £2; Chrissie – 07984 444556 For 0 – 4s. Friendly group, open all year.

Kelmarsh Parent & Tots Group

Nagarjuna Centre Cafe, Kelmarsh, NN6 9LZ 12:00 - 14:00; Sarah - 01604 686778 Free drink with every panini order!

Long Buckby Story & Rhyme Time

10:30 - 11:00, Long Buckby Library 01327 701604; Free drop in music session.

Moulton Yoga for Pregnancy

The Old Cart Barn, NN6 9BB 18:30 - 20:00; £48 for 6-week course Lizzy Giles: 07950 573719 Physical & emotional pregnancy support

Overstone Aqualight Swimming

West Haddon Caterpillar Club

Overstone Park, Northampton 9:45 - 10:45; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 6m-3yrs. Book!

Woodford Halse Breastfeeding Support

7:00pm at Sports & Social Club, Recreation Field, Smith Street; Nicola: 07817 780840 Friendly and supportive slimming group

9:15 - 11:15: West Haddon Village Hall, The Green, NN6 7AN; £1.50; Sarah: 01788 510760; Term time. Craft corner and singing

10:00+ at Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809; Drop in. With trained members of staff

THURSDAYS

Spratton Slimming World

Staverton Staverton Mums & Tots

10:30 - 12:00; Village Hall, Croft Ln, NN11 6JE

Weedon Breastfeeding Baby Cafe

Brixworth Olive Shoots Tots Group

The Village Hall, West Street, NN7 4PQ 10:30 - 11:30; 01327 264809; Free Breastfeeding Support Drop In Group

Byfield Byfield Toddler Group

9:45 - 11:15, Welton Village Hall Lee: 07977 191054. £1.50 With road safety themed ride on area!

10:00 - 11:30, Brixworth Library, Spratton Rd £1 per family; 0-3 yrs; Term only Margaret & John - 01604 646300

10:00 - 11:30; Byfield Village Hall

Daventry Hot Tots Soft Play: 9:30 - 13:00 Adventure World Soft Play: 13:00-17:30

Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP. 01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s; MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90 Soft play fun! Inflatables and frame equip.

Welton Welton Parent & Toddler Group

Woodford Halse Adoption Support: 15:30-17:00 (mthly)

Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809

FRIDAYS

Brixworth

52 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Brixworth Library, Spratton Road 9.45-10.20 & 10:30-11:00; Free; Term time Jill - 01604 882153. Free singing session.

Stay and Play

10:30 - 12:00, Brixworth Community Centre 01327 701604; Drop in

Daventry Love Ballet Dance Company

Nene Hall, Tamar Square, NN11 4RB Funky Dance: 17:00 (4-7yrs) Gymnastics: 17:30 (3-6yrs) & 18:00 (7yrs+) Street Dance: 18:30 (8yrs+); ZUMBA: 19:15 Miss Lorraine: 07711 010404 Dance and Gymnastics classes for 3yrs+

Timken Tots (NCT)

10:00 - 12:00; Mayfield Park Sports Club, Royal Star Drive, NN11 5FZ. Pippa: 07715 558185; £1 per family donation Inc. drink, biscuits and arts and crafts

Hunny Bees

10:00 - 12:00; The Family Centre, Staverton Rd; Free; Sally (H/V) - 01327 708819 Group for under 5s with special needs

Hot Tots Soft Play: 9:30 - 13:00 Adventure World: 13:00 - 17:30

Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP. 01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s; MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90 Soft play fun! Inflatables & frame equipment

Two or More Group (Twins+)

The Grange School, Staverton Rd, NN11 4HW 9:30 - 11:30, once a month; Free Liz: 07881911464, Jo: 01327700459 Bump-3yr. Once a month - call for details plse.

Music & Singing

9:30 - 11:30: Daventry Children’s Centre at Falconers Hill School; 01327 313861; Free

Daventry District

Positive Parenting

9:30 - 11:30: Run by Daventry East Children’s Centre at St James; 01327 313861; Free

Long Buckby Long Buckby Rhymetime

Long Buckby Library, Station Road, NN6 7QB 14:30-15:00, 2nd & 4th Fri of mth; Free singing sessions. Termtime only.

Weedon Stay ‘n’ Play

Adventure World Soft Play

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:00 - 17:30; £1.65 <5s. 01327 871144 Please call to check open on weekends

Long Buckby Story & Rhyme Time

11:15 - 11:45, Long Buckby Library 01327 701604; Free drop in. 1st week of mth.

Upper Boddington Love Ballet Dance Company

13:30 - 15:00 (1st Fri of Mth); Piglets of Weedon, Bridge Street, NN7 4PN Woodford Halse CC: 01327 264809; Free

Upper Boddington Village Hall, Warwick Road Ballet: 9:00 (3-5yrs), 10:15 (5-7yrs), 11:30 (7-9yrs), 13:15 (9-11yrs), 14:00 (11yrs+), 15:00 (11-12yrs), 15:30 (12 yrs+) Gymnastics: 9:45 (4-6yrs); 11.00 (6-8 yrs), 12.45 (8 yrs+) Street Dance: 12:15 (6-8yrs), 14:30 (9yrs+) Lorraine: 07711 010404

Welford Welford Babes & Tots Group

Welford Community Centre, West St, NN6 9:30 - 11:00; 07981 197855; £2 + 50p p/ sibling Open all year. Warm welcome. 1st Session Free

Woodford Halse Dads/Grandads/Uncles Morning

Woodford Halse

Woodford Halse Children’s Centre

Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Plse Book: 01327 264809 One Saturday p/month - please call for details

Family Morning with H/V: 9:00 11:30

Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809 Free drop in group

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

Daventry Little Kickers

Adventure World Soft Play

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Rd, NN11 4FP 9:15: 2-3½ yrs; 10:15: 3½-4yrs; 11:10: 5-6yrs Lynne: 01327 310373 Football classes for 18 months to 6 years

Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:00 - 17:30; £1.65 <5s. 01327 871144 Please call to check open on weekends

Dads Sessions

Various times & locations: please call for info 01327 313861

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 53

Daily Activity Planner

Brixworth Rhymetime