Two Point Four magazine, issue 2, December 2014/January 2015

ISSUE TWO DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 South Leicestershire

Dear Santa The ultimate Christmas list

SAFE & SAVVY Protect your children online

Easy Living 2015: your family’s best year yet

LOCAL • FAMILY • LIFESTYLE

WIN!

dinner for two

CONTENTS ISSUE TWO 2015 DECEMB ER 2014/JA NUARY

South Leicestershire

014

Editor’s welcome Welcome to the new issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dear Santa…

The ultimate Christmas list

SAFE & SAV VY Axel Scheffler 1999, All illustrations copyright © Books. published by Macmillan Children’s

Protect your children online

Easy Living 2015: your family’s best year yet

Warwick Arts Centre The University of Warwick Coventry, CV4 7AL

• LIFEST YLE LOC AL • FAMILY

News and reviews

Our round up of essential stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

WIN!

dinner for two

twopointfourmagazine.co.uk Two Point Four is a bimonthly magazine devoted entirely to family life, available freely in print and online. With highquality original features aimed at parents, carers and guardians of all pre-school and school-age children, it has a distinctly local focus and is a magazine to read, share and keep. Two Point Four covers essential topics including children’s interests, activities, education and health, and lifestyle interests for parents.

If your pre-school, nursery, school or business would like to receive free copies of each issue to distribute to parents and carers or to make available to your customers, please contact us using the details below.

Published by Full Stop Communications Ltd Contact: 01455 273281 For editorial queries, email: editorial@twopointfourmagazine.co.uk For advertising queries, email: advertising@twopointfourmagazine.co.uk Designed by Come Hither Design

© Full Stop Communications Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Full Stop Communications Limited (company number 9185239) is registered in England and Wales. All content in this magazine is for information only and was correct at the time of going to press, as far as we are aware. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies herein and readers are advised to contact the advertisers with regard to the pricing and availability of any products or services they offer in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to the magazine you grant Full Stop Communications a licence to publish your submissions, if we choose to do so, in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including any other future versions, in any print and digital format. Any material you submit for publication is at your risk and although we will take every care, neither Full Stop Communications, its employees, subcontractors or agents shall by liable for any loss or damage.

Must-have products: home Give your home a festive feel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

grown-ups Christmas essentials for the big kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

little ones

Dear Santa, we’ve been very good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

I t’s the most magical time of the year…

Ideas for the lead up to the big day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Safety on the net How to protect your children online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Change for the better New year’s resolutions for the whole family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Win! An Amazon Kindle Fire HDX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day …

Get an easier life for 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Spotlight on…

Workshop Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Win! Dinner for two at Hercules Revived . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The one stop shop for sweets We found sweets heaven deep in Broughton Astley!

Go to Nelly B in Main Street for a big surprise in the range of sweets and their wonderful presentation.

A complete range of party bags to suit all pockets and perfect for every occasion.

Check us out on facebook.com/pages/Nelly-Bs-Sweet-Shop/ 70a Main Street, Broughton Astley LE9 6RD Tel: 01455 286927 Mobile: 07836 618417 e-mail: info@totally-serene.co.uk www.totally-serene.co.uk

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WELL, HELLO

Hello and welcome to Two Point Four magazine : F In december, we’ve been: READING: we grown-ups have been immersing ourselves in thrillers as cold, wintery nights are perfect for a classic whodunnit.

Harlan Coben’s The Woods is an easy-reading page turner.

avid Stephenie and D

editor@twopointfourmagazine.co.uk T: 01455 273281

facebook.com/twopointfourmagazine Web: twopointfourmagazine.co.uk

WATCHING: thanks to Netflix, the little ones have been embracing retro kids TV. A particular favourite is Care Bears which they’d happily watch from dawn until dusk. Er, no…

EATING: we escaped for a precious child-free meal at Hercules Revived in Sutton Cheney. Delicious food, especially the desserts!

PLANNING: we’ve been getting a head start on our To Do list for 2015, planning changes, big and small, that hopefully will make life that little bit easier and a whole lot less stressful.

what’s at the top of our christmas list? s Earring forS tep h r (toy)Jag ua for Dave

Xbox One forWill

lls F ro zen do lie for A m e

oh P layd op h CakeS ence r o l for F

EARRINGS, £39.99, WORKSHOP JEWELLERY

Er, where did 2014 go? It only feels like yesterday that it was summer and we were planning day trips and picnics and yet, here we are in December, getting ready for the magic and mayhem of Christmas. Whether you’re planning to escape it all or embrace everything festive, this issue has something for everyone.

We have the low-down on the best places to go to see the big man himself as no Christmas would be complete without a trip to Santa’s grotto. We also have a terrific gift guide to solve those present-buying nightmares. Turn to page 13 for inspiration for all those tricky-to-buy-for friends and relatives.

And no sooner has Christmas arrived than it passes by in a blur of wrapping paper and turkey and we’re hurtling into the new year. On page 25 we explore the best resolutions you can make, and keep, as a family for 2015.

As we all know, Christmas is a time to be thankful, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch after we launched the magazine in October. We were thrilled to be inundated with messages, emails and calls telling us how much you’d enjoyed the last issue. We hope you can grab time over the busy festive period to put the kettle on and grab a few quiet minutes to enjoy this issue too. Watch out for issue three which will be out in February and don’t forget, there is a digital version of Two Point Four available on our website so you can read it at any time. Check us out on Facebook (and give us a like while you’re there) or visit our website.

Until then, merry Christmas and happy new year!

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NEWS & REVIEWS

READY, STEADY

BAKE! A

long-held festive tradition of ours is to make and decorate cookies on Christmas Eve. Not only does it fill the house with amazing smells but it helps to focus overexcited little minds on something other than Santa’s imminent arrival. It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours as a family, giving you something delicious to nibble on throughout the day before choosing which of the edible creations gets left out for Santa.

These are so simple, and so tasty, so go on, get baking!

INGREDIENTS: 225g butter at room temperature 110g caster sugar 275g plain flour plus any additional extras, like a sprinkling of chocolate chips, spices or a grating of orange zest.

D Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan or gas mark 3. ream the butter in a large bowl until soft and DC creamy, add the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy (or be smart and use a food processor) D S ift in the flour and spices, chocolate chips or zest, and mix to form a firm dough D Either create lots of walnut-size balls and flatten slightly or gently roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters to make shapes. Pop them on a baking tray, slightly apart, and cook for 13–15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden and slightly firm on top.

D When cooked, move to a wire rack to cool.

Resist the urge to nibble, just to ‘check they’re OK’.

D When cool, use icing, glitter, sprinkles to ‘decorate’.

Eat and enjoy, but remember to leave one for Santa…

t Let i go, let it go…

For the Frozen lovers in your family, head down to The Living Rock in Stoney Stanton on 12 December at 6.30pm for a free sing-along showing of Disney’s hit movie.

E T! D O N 'T F O R G

If your little ones are due to start school in September, don’t forget to complete the online form by 15 JANUARY 2015 to secure their place.

This can be done online: admissions@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 6684 for information. You will find out the results in 16 April 2015.

TH E CA RD’S IN TH E PO ST…

Make sure you leave enough time to ensure your lovingly written Christmas cards, presents and packages reach their destination with our guide to Royal Mail’s last recommended posting dates within the UK. 18 December: last post for 2nd class and Signed For 20 December: last post for 1st class and Signed For 23 December: last post for Special Delivery guaranteed Royal Mail will carry out normal deliveries throughout December with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

18 Dec 2nd class 20 Dec 2nd class 23 Dec Special Delivery

Get STUCK in!

If your little one fancies having fun and letting off some steam, Rugby Tot has now come to Leicestershire.

Rugby Tots is the world’s first rugby-specific play programme for young children, designed to develop motor skills and build confidence while having fun in a team environment. It offers energetic and dynamic weekly play sessions for girls and boys aged 2 to 7. All classes are led by qualified and fully trained coaches.

Classes are held at Brockington College, Enderby and Hastings High School, Burbage and will be coming to Market Harborough after Christmas.

For more info, contact Jon Saunders on 0845 3130131 or jon.saunders@rugbytots.co.uk

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Tel: 0845 313 0131 jon.saunders@rugbytots.co.uk 190x118_2point4Mag_artwork

6/11/14

08:54

Page 1

rugbytots.co.uk

joyful Choose from a magical selection of jewellery for a season full of joy

GOLDSMITHS DESIGNERS & MAKERS OF FINE JEWELLERY SINCE 1962

Call 01455 632 642

tompaynegoldsmiths.co.uk

140 Upper Castle Street, Hinckley LE10 1DD Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

NEWS & REVIEWS

l a st mi n u t e

? m e l b o r p e i s s pre

We know that picking the perfect gift for that special someone, big or small, can be a minefield.

We caught up with Narborough Hall’s buyer Sophie to find out her suggestions for great gift ideas for even the trickiest friend or relative:

FLEUR SCARF HANGER, £9.99 Just pull scarves or belts through the loops of the hanger and hey presto, a neat, accessible storage solution.

‘NAIL IT’ SIX-IN-ONE HAMMER SET, £7.99 Perfect for any handyman or handywoman, there are five screwdrivers stored inside the handle of the hammer.

CORDY ROY FOX The ideal cuddly companion for any mini Leicester City fan, this cute cord fox comes in three sizes: small (£12.99), medium (£19.99) and absolutely huuuuuuge (£42.99)

BOUNCING off the WALL! A brand new soft play destination has opened up just a few miles away in Nuneaton offering an ideal setting for kids to let off steam while parents enjoy a well-earned cuppa.

Offering an impressive soft play frame, bouncy castle, toddler area, sports zone, outdoor play area with climbing galleon, cafe and children’s parties, Bermuda Adventure Soft Play World has more than enough to keep most little ones on the go for hours at a time.

Two Point Four went along to put it through its paces

W E WA N T YO U R R U B B IS H Twins at Totstime, a fabulous local mum and toddler group for those with twins, triplets or more, is asking you to donate your rubbish to support its amazing fundraising project.

Twins at Totstime are creating information and support packs for families who are expecting a multiple birth in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire as well as supporting ALPHABET CROCODILE PUZZLE, £19.99 the families that use the group.

With 25 lettered pieces to help children recognise To raise funds, Twins their ABCs, this brightly-coloured puzzle is at Totstime have been ideal for little ones aged one and over. approved to be a collector for used babywipe packs, biscuit wrappers, ink cartridges, baby food pouches, old mobile phones and stamps.

If you have any of these items, you can drop them off to Twins at Totstime play sessions (Mondays 10–11.30 Sapcote Pavillion) or to Jacqui All items are available from Narborough Hall, Dixon at 5 South Drive, Stoney Coventry Road, Narborough LE19 2GD. Stanton, Leicestershire LE9 4JP.

VERDI

CT

and came away impressed.

Our little ones had a ball and weren’t overwhelmed by the size, despite the scale of the play frame. And, for us parents, well, it scores a big thumbs up. With the entrance and exit secured electronically, it felt safe and well run. Our lunch was great value and tasty and the young staff were friendly, professional and helpful. What’s not to like?

Bermuda Adventure Soft Play World, Bermuda Park, St David’s Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7SD.

FOLLOW THE

BAND

It’s all too easy to assume a brass band would only get a few gigs playing traditional carols in the run up to Christmas, but for Enderby Youth Band, you couldn’t be more wrong. Busy all year round with street fairs, concerts and contests, this year they even performed at EuroDisney as part of a French tour.

The Band is always looking for new members, and if you know of a youngster who fancies a new challenge or would like to learn to play an instrument, here’s the perfect chance – they don’t even need to have their own instrument. For further details contact Dave Smith on 0116 286 5698 or email Catherine Owen on catherine@snaefell.plus.com.

9

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Try our sport programmes for children of all ages and abilities Wide range of sports from football to gymnastics Spaces available now

Join our innovative

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Qualified coaches Plus holiday activities, parties and more...

GET KIDS active! * Ages may vary between leisure centres.

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Why not kickstart yours and your family’s activity with one of our fantastic swim lessons?

NO WAITING New spaces always available START YOUNG Learn from four months old FLEXIBLE CHOICE Available up to 7 days a week HIGH QUALITY Qualified teachers GREAT VARIETY Try other water-based sports ADULT SWIMMING LESSONS Build your confidence or improve stroke technique - spaces for all abilities *Selected sites only, ask at your local centre for details.

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enrol now!

12

MUST HAVES: HOME

SEASONAL

Greetings Update your home’s festive feel with the latest trends

Mercuried glass light-up dove,

£12.50, Cox and Cox

Glass Christmas Tree Jar, £40, Cox and Cox (filled with decorate snow, lights and Christmas tree decorations) Mulled Wine Pot Warmer, £35,

House of Fraser

Silver Goblet tea light holder, £27,

House of Fraser

Spice Orange and Cinnamon-scented Heart Wreath, £12,

Sainsbury’s Home

Glitter Cutlery decorations, £10

for set of three, House of Fraser Textured faux fur throw, £140, Next

London decoupage baubles, £7 for four,

Paperchase Battery-operated gold star lights,

£10, Tesco

‘All is calm’ cushion,

£12, M&S

Sparkle wall-mounted light, £49.50, M&S

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MUST HAVES: GROWN UPS

AND FOR THE

BIG KIDS… While we grown ups might say that Christmas is just for children, it’s always lovely to receive the perfect gift. Here are our suggestions for under- the- tree treats to make everyone smile

Delta Shirt, £59.99, Superdry

Canvas holdall,

£55, White Stuff

Silver snakeskin tote,

£15.99, New Look Freshwater pearl lariat, £95, Jaeger

Grey dog-tooth waistcoat, £20

Gents watch,

£169, Rotary

F&F at Tesco

Pearl and stone drop earrings, Sequin and lace sheer kimono, £13, Primark

£50, Workshop Jewellery

Embellished Hat,

£29, Mint Velvet

Metallic pleat skirt, £45, Next

Burst shoes, £85, Dune

14

Lexi Hardcase Clutch, £45,

Accessorize

Cocktail jar, £5, Paperchase

15

MUST HAVES: LITTLE ONES

a t , n a r S e a D , VERY We’ve been very, very

good this year…

Frozeninspired hair clips, £4.50,

My Pick ’n’ Mix,

£17.95, Red5

facebook.com/ madebyolivy Festive hats, £7.50,

Pettiskirt Tutu, £25,

Paperchase

Candy Bows (Not On The High Street)

Paddington boot soaps, £5, M&S

Novelty Pens, £2.75,

Play shop and theatre, £135,

Great Little Trading Company

Paperchase Kids joke book set, £5, Next

Pan sledge,

£5, Early Learning Centre Make your own doll kit, £18.50, Sarah

& Bendrix (Not On The High Street)

16

J by Jasper Conran bunny slippers, £11, Debenhams

Keep Out door sign,

£4.50, Cox and Cox

Soap Crayons,

£4, M&S

Whoopee cushion, £3.95, Hello Kitty watch, £13,

DotComGiftShop

Build your own cardboard rocket, £65, Cox and Cox

woolworths.co.uk

Paint job stickers,

£4.50, Cox and Cox

Toy Story time-teacher watch, £12,

woolworths.co.uk

Jamie Oliver milkshake glass, Transformers Mega One Step Bumblebee figure,

£10, Debenhams

£35, Debenhams Peter Rabbit treehouse, £30,

Debenhams

Three boats in a box, £18,

joannawood.co.uk

Dasher the reindeer, £7,

Hotel Chocolat

17

PARENTING

It’s the most

magical time of the year

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With fairy lights and tinsel everywhere, the possibility of snow and writing letters to Santa, it’s not difficult to see why Christmas is such an exciting time for all kids, big and small

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hile the lead up to Christmas can be utterly fabulous, for the smallest members of the family it can also be fraught with overexcitement, confusion and impatience. Finding fun, festive family things to do in the weeks building up to the big event is crucial to keep the magic going without overloading alreadyfrazzled brains. Here’s our top picks of the trips and treats on the doorstep as well as a few that are worth defrosting the car for…

OUT AND ABOUT

PALMERS GARDEN CENTRE, ENDERBY Get into the festive spirit by meeting Santa and Mrs Claus in their cosy grotto, and as you leave, there’s also the chance to meet Santa’s trusted reindeer helpers. Each visit lasts up to 30 mins and other families will be present too. £7.99 per child & £1.00 per adult.

*

PALMERS GARDEN CENTRE, ULLESTHORPE Little ones can tell Santa what’s on their list as they see him in his grotto, before meeting his reindeer friends afterwards.

There’s also the £6.50 per child opportunity to have breakfast & £1.00 per adult with Santa (£9.99 for children To book Enderby and £7.99 for adults) which or Ullesthorpe, includes a cooked breakfast visit the and a wrapped gift for Palmers website: the children. palmersgardencentre. co.uk/Events

*

*

WOODLANDS GARDEN CENTRE, STAPLETON It’s hard work delivering presents to every child around the world so Father Christmas needs more elves to help. So, he’s set up an elf-training workshop for boys and girls with festive crafts to make and take home, and a special ‘Elf Graduate’ certificate presented by Father Christmas himself. £7.00 per child and free for adults.

At Woodlands you can also go along to have breakfast with Santa, or if mornings just aren’t your thing, they also offer teatime with Santa.

Each provides a meal, or for adults, just a coffee and pastry if you prefer, and a gift. Prices vary.

To book, visit the website: wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/christmasgrotto-and-winter-wonderland

DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE, ATHERSTONE A huge hit in previous years, Dobbies Santa’s Suppers are back on 13 December, right through until Christmas Eve. Taking place each afternoon from 4.30pm until 6.00pm, all children are guaranteed to meet Father Christmas one-to-one. Held in a decorated private area with personalised family seating and party gifts, there will be party games

and storytelling leading up to Santa’s arrival. £9.95 per child, including a gift.

To book, visit the website: dobbies.com/whatson/upcoming-events/supper-with-santa/

NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE, LEICESTER Fancy something a little different this year?

Well, you can enjoy an out-of-this-world run up to Christmas at the National Space Centre.

You can discover the science of Santa, such as how he delivers all those gifts in just one night, and how he travels so far and so fast.

The Space Centre’s very own space elves will be running games and competitions with prizes galore, as well as providing craft tables to get creative.

20–23 December, 11am-4pm.

To book, visit the website: spacecentre.co.uk/special-events/spacemas

MARKET HARBOROUGH Santa will be in his grotto in the Gallones Ice Cream Parlour, Adam and Eve Street, on some Saturdays and Sundays in December and during late night shopping evenings in the town.

Market Harborough and Welland Valley Rotary Clubs are arranging for Santa to visit, with the support of Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity.

Just £5 per child, with all proceeds going to Rotary charities.

Santa will be there on:

Friday 5 December 6–8pm (late night shopping) Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December 11am–3pm Friday 19 December 2–5pm Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 Dec 11am–3pm

HINCKLEY ISLAND HOTEL, A5, BURBAGE Before Santa’s work really starts in earnest, grab the chance to enjoy a leisurely lunch with him at the Hinckley Island’s Brasserie. Enjoy a three-course carvery meal Two Point Four went and entertainment by a along to this a few magician before Santa arrives years ago and it to say hello and present all was brilliant fun. youngsters with a Christmas gift.

A great way to get together with the family before Christmas, and even better, if your little ones are five and under, they’re completely free!

19

OUT AND ABOUT

;

GRANGE FARM CHRISTMAS BARN, THORPE LANGTON, MARKET HARBOROUGH The Christmas Barn has something for the whole family. A chance to meet Santa in his grotto, choose your tree, browse traditional decorations, wreaths, mistletoe and ivy and as the Langton Brewery is on site, the more mature members of the family can get into the Christmas spirit by sampling and purchasing locally-brewed beers.

Santa will be in his grotto every weekend in December, from 10am – 4pm. Dorcas the Donkey is also on hand to clear up any dropped carrots or treats. For more information, call 01858 545109

SANTA STEAM TRAINS BATTLEFIELD LINE, SHACKERSTONE The combination of Santa and steam train may just be enough to tip already-excited little ones over the edge, and maybe the odd grandad too.

The Battlefield Line, Shackerstone, offer standard and deluxe services throughout weekends in December, so this is the chance to do something different in the lead up to the big day. Prices start at £12 per person, rising upwards as you get closer to Christmas.

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY

20

CONKERS WATERSIDE CHRISTMAS WINTER WONDERLAND After arriving at the Waterside, Santa’s chief elf and his team will lead you throughout the enchanted forest and valley of Christmas lights to Santa’s woodland grotto.

While the grown ups sample some mulled wine and mince pies, little ones can take a trip on the Santa Special.

You can visit on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December, every half hour from 11.30am until 7.30pm.

Adult £8.95, child £9.95, family (2 adults and 2 children) £32.80 (you can upgrade to the Discovery Centre at £2.50 per person) To book, visit visitconkers.com Come to see me

TW YCROSS ZOO at Twycross Zoo Have breakfast or soft play and this Christmas! supper with Santa at Twycross Zoo. At breakfast, you’re welcomed by elves before meeting the man himself.

The cost includes a cooked breakfast, a chance to meet Santa and his elves, as well as a small gift to take home.

You can visit on 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December, from 9am-11am. £10 per person.

Or, come at teatime instead which includes an hour of soft play, followed by a cooked meal before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a small gift to take home. Held on 11 and 18 December, 4.30–6.30pm, £12.50 per person.

To book, visit twycrosszoo.org TWINLAKES WINTER WONDERLAND, MELTON MOWBRAY Twinlakes has really gone all-out to create a winter wonderland. As well as attractions like Running Bear Summit Plummet, a 25ft high toboggan run, there’s a brand new magical Winter Wonderland Express Train for all the family to enjoy. Excited youngsters can join the naughty elf and Rudy the reindeer for fun and games at snowball masterclass and race through the snow at sledging school. You can feed real reindeer as well as meeting Santa, Mrs Claus and the mischievous elves.

Open 10– 4pm daily, and now open on Christmas Eve. Tickets are reduced to £14.49 for children and adults, while toddlers are £8.75.

To book, visit twinlakespark.co.uk

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Great Central Railway is running its Santa Specials again this year and families can enjoy an hour-long trip where they meet Santa and his helpers. Travel from Loughborough to Leicester Two Point Four visited North and back, receive an gift the Battlefield Line last from Santa, a drink, sweets Christmas Eve for what we’d hoped and a visit from the main man would be a real festive treat but left himself. For those wanting disappointed as for us, it just didn’t something even more exciting, deliver. Plenty of other families seemed the Santa Deluxe train has to enjoy it but if we fancy a trip on the an extended journey time tracks again, we’ll be trying out and less passengers plus a the other local options. really special present, cookies and chocolate toys for the children, refreshments for adults and an entertainer on board. Prices start at £12, rising upwards as you get closer to Christmas.

worth the drive

;

Adults £19.95, children aged 6–12, £9.95.

Lunch is served from 12.30–3pm.

To book: call 01455 898500 or email hinckleyislandevents@thehotelcollection.co.uk

21

PARENTING

Safety

net

on the

•

While kids may have a talent on a tablet or be a whizz on the web, it’s our responsibility to protect them from the internet’s hidden dangers

T

his Christmas will see lots of children gasp with delight as they tear the paper off brand new smartphones, laptops and tablets. While the internet is packed full of fantastic information and ways for our children to explore the world from the safety of their home, it’s down to parents to ensure it’s as safe as it seems.

The risks have changed over recent years.

Families used to have a computer, usually in a living room, where parents could introduce children to the internet and keep an eye on what they were doing. Children started by using the net for homework and then playing games and it was down to parents to allow and encourage them to explore further.

However, as tablets and smartphones are fast becoming more common than bikes and boardgames, our children are smart and savvy when it comes to visiting sites, buying and using apps and socialising on social media. However, what they don’t have is the life experience and wisdom to handle all of the situations they may encounter online.

22

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Latest Ofcom research shows that 91% of 5–15 year-old children live in a house with internet access, while a third of 3–4 year olds are accessing the net at home.

The internet has a very dark side and our children are vulnerable and more trusting which could lead to them being explosed to inappropriate sites, sexually explicit, racist or violent material or having contact with people who may wish to abuse, exploit or bully them.

We’ve put together some simple checklists to ensure your child’s safety, whatever their age:

PARENTING

Under 5s

ing, such as time limits. kk Set boundaries from the beginn ch. or PINS and keep them out of rea kk Protect devices with passwords set up on all devices your child kk Ensure parental controls are has access to. games, check the age rating. kk When downloading apps and so n’t have in-built parental controls wo Fi Wi lic pub t tha ber em Rem k le k a few moments of peace, your litt while you relax with a coffee and opriate content. ones may be able to access inappr . ropriate website such as Cbeebies kk Set your homepage to an app

6-9 yeeeara lists of websites your child is allowed to visit and discuss kk Agr y shouldn’t reveal about the kind of personal information the name of their school. or the themselves, such as their address for using kk Stick to the agreed time limits games consoles and the internet. ing age-appropriate kk Ensure your child is only access apps, TV and movies. content when it comes to games, at they shouldn’t kk Discuss with older children wh be showing younger siblings. g your child view cer tain kk Don’t feel pressured into lettin hnologies or games content online or use par ticular tec e enough. tur if you don’t think they are old or ma

10-12 years (This is where it starts to get tricky)

kk Agree boundaries before they get their first device. kk Explain the importance of kee ping pho tablets out of sight when out and nes or about. kk Discuss what is safe and app ropriate to post and share online.

Written comments, photos and vid eos all form par t of their digital footprint which lasts forever and could be seen by anyone. kk Talk to your child about the kin d of content they see online.

They might be looking for informa tion about their changing bodies and exploring relationships. They also need to understand the importance of not sending other people – whoever they are – pictures of themselves. kk Remember that services like Facebook and YouTube have a min imum age limit of 13 for a reason. Don’t bow to pressure, talk to other parents and school to make sure everyone is in agreement. kk Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they should n’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face.

d trickier still…) s n (a r e v o d n a 13 ost adult, it’ ay think they’re alm

how they h your child about it w ly en op lk Ta k k e impact ards others and th w to ve ha be m t how, hurtful, untrue kk While they rce boundaries abou llying and posting fo bu in of re to l ia nt se es . ts online. ey use the internet misleading commen or gy lo when and where th no ch s: t social media site know more about te ou to ab n s gi on be ti ay es m qu ild sk kk A ds’ list? date kk Your ch yone on your ‘frien to you to stay up to – Do you know ever than you, so it’s up know with your child. acy and u ow how to set priv kn u yo o and discuss what yo D , – ng ei lb el th, w ur child about heal security settings? ers? kk Be open with yo xuality information online. essages from strang Do you ever get m body image and se g inaccurate or dangerous – s to an erin who has made pl ne yo an ow kn u e yo They may be discov tim – Do they’ve only ever credibly vulnerable meone offline that information at an in to know that some so t ee m need in their lives. They t reflections of reality. spoken to online? mean to no oup of friends ever gr ur things they see are yo in le in op ls pe ro re cont –A on phones? ttings on parental to others, online or ey or Th r, y. he kk Review the se it ot ur ch at ea m d ’s age an Has anyone at your y? sa ey th line with your child em off completely but do t ha w If so, th n ‘sexy’ else you know, take may ask you to turn you do and agree in ne yo an or , ol ho sc re le, think carefully befo able online behaviour. them to other peop nt se d an os pt ot ce ph ac advance what is like that? ing or received photos the dangers of sext of e ar aw em th e kk Mak use of webcams. and inappropriate

These are just a handful of ideas, so if you’d like to find out more, visit the following websites: Get Safe Online, NSPCC, Internet Watch Foundation and Childnet.

23

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LIFESTYLE

Change better for the

E

As the new year lies ahead like a fresh new canvas, it’s time to make those wretched New Year resolutions.

Here’s Two Point Four’s guide to some family-friendly resolutions you stick a chance of achieving

very year it’s the same. We resolve to change our lives and make improvements, such as getting slimmer, healthier, fitter or more organised, and all too often, we aim big and it just peters out. Instead of focussing on changing your own behaviour or lifestyle, why not aim wider and think of ways to include the whole family?

and encourage more open communication between children and their parents. It also promotes healthy eating and can encourage even the fussiest of little eaters.

Aiming for meals together seven days a week is a big ask, so why not aim to eat together at weekends when you’re less time-pressured and meals can be savoured and enjoyed as a family?

Eat together

Take responsibility

These days, for many families, sharing a meal together is something to aim for than a reality.

With so many after-school activities to shoehorn into the week, it can be tricky to all be in the same place at the same time, let alone to find time to sit at the table together. And, when children are young, they eat so early that most of us would be hitting the biscuit tin by 8pm.

But, eating together as a family doesn’t just give you a Bisto-family feel-good glow, it’s also proven to promote a feeling of closeness

Encouraging your children to take more responsibility is a win-win situation. They become more aware of their actions and, in an ideal world, you have a little less to do. Start small and ask them to put their toys away, remember their homework or make their own bed. Help them by buying them a calendar and sit with them marking up key days such as when library books need to be returned, or when PE or other activities take place. As they get older, encourage them to tackle more

25

LIFESTYLE

substantial tasks, such as remembering their PE kit, packing their own swimming or sports kits or household jobs, such as loading or unloading the dishwasher. Give them praise where it’s due, and then hope they keep it up.

Switch off And no, this isn’t just aimed at the younger members of the family. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are an ever-present part of family life, and we’re all becoming more dependent on tech, whether it’s for chatting with friends, using recipes or checking the news. Dedicate one day, or just an evening, to being unplugged.

Instead, lose yourself in a book, play a board game, cook a meal together or watch a movie.

Get fit No list of resolutions would be complete without ‘getting fit’. Rather than join the gym or pound the pavements, why not look at improving the whole family’s fitness? This could be regular walks in the park, bike rides, a five-mile geocache or a trip to the pool. However you want to improve your family’s fitness, do it together and make sure it’s something you all enjoy and you’re more likely to keep it going.

Or, if your little ones are happiest tucked up on the sofa watching TV or reading books, find an activity that you think they’d like to get stuck into. This could be ballet, football, rugby, gymnastics, street dance, ice skating… the list goes on and on.

It’s good to talk

26

We all know how reluctant children can be to talk about their day, regardless of whether they’re awkward teenagers or much younger.

Let’s face it, for them, the day’s been and gone and they either want to focus on fun stuff like toys or TV, or they want to share the detail with their friends, not their parents. If you’re asking questions that are continually met with ‘I can’t remember’ or ‘Nothing’, give them their downtime and then try a different approach.

A sure-fire winner can be asking questions such as ‘Name the best thing that happened’ or ‘Tell me three interesting things about today’ and you could be amazed by some of the tiny details you discover.

Me, me, me Factoring yourself into the list of priorities isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you schedule in your children’s activities, family days out and other obligations, also pencil in time for you. Whether you go out for dinner with your other half, grab a drink with friends or head to the gym, pool or the shops, everyone will benefit from a happier, more relaxed you. Especially you.

Chill out Pick your battles. We all get to the end of some days when it feels like we’ve argued, squabbled and bickered with our kids from dawn ’til dusk which leaves everyone feeling wrung out and exhausted. Accepting that some things really aren’t that important can be hugely beneficial for everyone. Save the battles for the things that really matter and work out your boundaries and stick with them. By creating a more laid-back atmosphere, everyone benefits. Fingers crossed.

the tricky bit: how to stick to them!

Regardless of what your resolutions are, here’s our quick tips to keeping them going past February.

H IT’S ALL ABOUT NUMBERS

Don’t list too many or it’s harder to keep your focus. Choose the ones that mean the most to you and the ones you think have the greatest chance of success.

U BE SPECIFIC

It’s hard to stick to something that’s woolly and vague. If you want to lose weight, great, but give yourself a realistic target and a time frame. ‘I’d like to lose a stone by March’ is far more realistic than ‘I want to be skinny’. The same goes for ‘I want more time for me’. Make your goal specific, such as ‘Once a week I am going to see friends, have a swim or see a movie’.

D CHECK IN DAILY

Continually review your resolution. Are you making progress? Keep revisiting it and reminding yourself why it’s on your list. What difference will it make?

J WRITING IT DOWN ALWAYS HELPS

If you want to really be successful, share your list with friends. Declaring them to others dramatically increases your chance of success. No one likes to admit they’ve given up.

O REWARD YOURSELF!

For every tough resolution, think about adding a lovely one such as booking a massage, discover a new author or try a new recipe every week. Hell, make it really simple. How about ‘watch more TV’ or ‘sleep more’.

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PARENTING

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day…

And are you feeling good? If you’re fed up of fretting, stressing and shouting and want an easier, calmer, better 2015, then you’ve come to the right place

S

o how was 2014 for you? Nice and calm or a smidgen stressful? For a lot of families, perfecting the balancing act of work, life and family is tough.

Keeping all of the plates spinning and not hurtling to the ground is hard. Really hard.

So, we’re pledging to make life easier for 2015.

Less stress, less tension, less frayed tempers.

More smiles, more fun and feeling much better. Sounds good, eh? Yep, we think so too.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING… It’s true that a tidy house equals a tidy mind, or something along those lines. Dedicate just a few hours to decluttering each room in the house and be as ruthless as you can bear. When everything looks calm and ordered, you feel calm and ordered. Invest in storage so everything has a place and

finding essentials such as matching socks, a PE kit or a tupperware lid all becomes so much easier. This way, you find what you need and waste less time harumphing and emptying out cupboards when you could be drinking wine and watching Breaking Bad..

’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE By putting in half an hour’s graft the night before, you can save yourself, and the rest of your brood, untold stresses and strains the next morning. If packed lunches are made, clothes are ready, children’s bags checked and shoes polished, the process of getting everyone out of the door is closer to clockwork than carnage. Make a checklist of everything that needs to be done, work your way through and buy back peaceful, stress-free mornings.

29

PARENTING

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

PLAN AHEAD

Multi-task where you can. Whether it’s cleaning the bathroom while the kids are in the bath, or whacking a casserole in the oven while you’re cooking the Sunday roast, banking an extra job here and there means you’re a step ahead. And inject some fun where you can. If you’re on a long journey, at the gym or stuck on your daily commute, make the most of it and listen to an audiobook or podcast. Soak in the bath with a face pack, magazine and a bar of chocolate. Multi-tasking at its best.

Have a number of tried-and-tested family favourite meals that you can rustle up on rotation. Plan the week’s meals ahead, factoring in activities and time available for cooking, and then order online. Write up the menu and pop it in full view in the kitchen so at least you can be spared the endless questioning about what’s for dinner every evening.

LEARN TO SAY NO Stop answering the calls you don’t want to answer, replying to texts you’d rather ignore and saying ‘er, OK’ to invitations you’d really rather yell ‘over my dead body’ to. Listen to your instincts – if you don’t want to do something, there’s probably a great reason for that. Saying no isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly liberating and the joy at getting out of something you knew you were going to loathe is enough to make you punch the air in triumph.

COLOUR CODE While it might have a hint of The Wiggles about it, colour coding can be your secret weapon in the fight against clutter if you have more than one child. For each child invest in coloured tubs, laundry baskets and plastic folders so all their laundry, toys, books and essential ‘stuff’ can be sorted quickly to go upstairs or into school bags.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME Keep a pot of petty cash ready for last-minute dashes for milk, school trips, charity donations or just to pay the window cleaner. Top it up weekly or monthly and you’ll be quids in.

If you have two identical keys or two bank cards you’re always getting muddled up, put a blob of nail polish on one to tell them apart.

No more confusion at the door, the ATM or the supermarket checkout.

Make your family mantra ‘Don’t put it down, put it away’ and bark it at your children every time it looks like they’re about to abandon something where it shouldn’t be.

Never leave a room empty-handed – there’s always something to be put away.

Put a whole set of bed linen into one of the pillowcases then you won’t lose time and energy searching for the different elements when you want to collapse into bed.

Organise your wardrobe into section – work, home, gym, etc.

Use online calendars and sync with your other half – that way everything is shared and you can see who’s doing what and when.

Look at your diary and buy cards, gifts and wrapping paper for the month ahead. One visit to the shops will save you countless panic-shopping trips.

Keep a plastic bag in the car and, once a week, fill it with the rubbish small children always leave behind.

FEELING GOOD YET? NO? TRY THESE… Get to the root of it If there’s something big that bothers you, what steps can you take to tackle it? It’s never too late to start again. If something made you miserable or stressed today, try something different tomorrow.

Don’t stay stuck and unhappy, find a way to move on and move forward.

If things are outside your control then find ways of accepting things or dealing with them differently. If people are rude, 30

dismissive or just push your buttons, practice coping mechanisms so it doesn’t bother you in the same way. Remember, when other people behave badly, it’s not about you, it’s about them. Rise above it. You’re better than them. Fact.

Keep a ‘wow, look what I’ve done’ list Don’t continually focus on all the things you still have to do, instead remind

yourself now and then about the things you’ve already achieved and bask in the glow of how brilliant you are.

Be picky If there’s someone who drains your energy, makes you doubt your decisions or makes you feel bad about yourself, then distance yourself. Time is precious, spend it with people who boost you and make you feel good.

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SPOTLIGHT ON… WORKSHOP JEWELLERY

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend Striking the perfect balance between family and work is essential when you run your own business and one local mum has achieved just that

F

or so many parents struggling to strike the right balance between work and home, starting your own business seems like the ideal solution. For jeweller Jo Thorpe, starting her own business has been the best career decision she’s ever made.

Jo, who owns Workshop Jewellery, started the business in October 2012 when her children, Bailey and Mia, were very young. “Working for myself had always been my dream,” says Jo. “It was something I’d longed to do, but it was always a question of timing and it needed to work not just for me, but for my whole family.”

And her timing couldn’t have been better. “I’d heard that if you could start a business and make it succeed in the depths of a recession, you could really make a success of it,” says Jo. Having spotted what she felt was the ideal premises in Burbage, she opened her store just three days a week initially, just her, her workbench and a shop window to The Workshop Jewellery team, from left, Jo, Caroline and Rachel

showcase her work. Since then she’s grown her team to include manager Caroline Mould and apprentice, Rachel Bromley, and her business has gone from strength to strength.

While the shop carries out many of the traditional elements you’d expect, such as repairs and selling ready-to-wear silver and gold jewellery, where Workshop Jewellery really stands out from the competition is its sensational commissioned pieces. “I knew I needed to offer something a little different, so the majority of our work is creating bespoke items such as engagement and wedding rings.

We work closely with our customers to ensure they have something they’ll cherish, but we pride ourselves on knowing we offer something for everyone, regardless of their budget.”

So, as the business grows, how does Jo keep her work/life balance in check? “I have to be very regimented with the hours that I spend at the shop which leaves me time to spend real quality time with my children,” she admits. “I know that I could work longer hours and take work home with me, but I know my children are only small for a short period of time and their needs have to come first.”

And Jo’s tips for other parents who are keen to start up on their own? “Start small,” she advises. “If you’re juggling work around other commitments make it clear when you’re available and when you’re not. Customers will be flexible and work around you, so don’t let logistics get in the way of what you can offer.”

Workshop Jewellery www.workshopjewellery.co.uk 1b Strutt Road, Burbage, Leicestershire LE10 2EB. Tel: 01455 635088

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COMPETITION

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Book a babysitter and head out, footloose and fancy-free, to enjoy a delicious three-course meal for two and bottle of wine, at Hercules Revived in Sutton Cheney

H

ercules Revived puts on a comfort food night every Tuesday evening, which is bound to satisfy the hungriest of diners. Each week, chef Chris Peasgood (formally of the George at Stamford) designs a menu for a Tuesday night that encompasses the best of British comfort food.

The menu is perfect for those cold winters’ evenings and Chris uses only the best ingredients and takes real pride in making everything fresh. The menu changes every week but previous dishes have included pies, casserole, stews and a whole variety of delicious dishes.

Previously a tired 17th century inn, Hercules Revived was

*COM PE TITION TER M S A ND CONDITIONS 1. To enter a competition you must be a United Kingdom resident aged 18 years old or over at the time of entry. 2. No purchase necessary. 3. Only one entry per person. 4. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed. 5. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and Full Stop Communications Ltd reserves the right to amend the competition end date at any time. 6. If you win a competition, we will notify you by email, or

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bought back to life in 2012 when a team of heritage people and craftsmen totally reformed it.

Hugely popular with diners and drinkers alike, it now offers a wonderfully relaxed bar and simple dining on the ground floor with a large open fire, and a series of elegantly decorated, cosy restaurant rooms on the first floor.

The prize is valid on a Tuesday night only. To enter, just send your name and telephone number to comp@twopointfourmagazine. co.uk with the word Hercules in the subject line and we’ll select one lucky winner at random.

All entries must be received by 31 January 2015 and the winner will be notified after this date.* social media if you entered the competition on a social media platform, within one week of the closing date. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into. 7. You can find out who has won a particular competition by sending a stamped addressed envelope, marked with the name of the competition to Full Stop Communications Ltd, 48 Brindley Close, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire LE9 4GL after the closing date.

8. By entering the competition the winner agrees to participate in such promotional activity and material as Full Stop Communications Ltd

Keep an eye out for the next issue of Two Point Four which will be available in February.

As the snowdrops emerge and signs of spring start to appear, Two Point Four will have the the round-up of the best family activities right here in Leicestershire as well as covering those things that matter most to you as a family. If there’s something you’d like to see included or places you’d like featured or would like to send a review of somewhere you’ve visited, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re always interested to hear what people have been up to, so find us on Facebook and give us a like. That way, you’ll be the first to hear about any offers or discounts from advertisers and of course, be part of the conversation about whatever family or parenting issue is burning brightest that day.

You can also follow us on Twitter @2Point4leics or read the issue on our brand-new website: www.twopointfourmagazine.co.uk

may require. 9. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 10. If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

11. Full Stop Communications Ltd reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. 12. We will endeavour to send prizes within a month of the competition end date but cannot guarantee this delivery time.

13. The competition is governed by English law. 14. When entering our competitions by email, text or post, you agree to our competition rules and that you are happy to receive updates from Two Point Four magazine.

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CHRISTMAS 2014 Tall Stories’ hit stage adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Sat 29 Nov 2014 – Sun 4 Jan 2015 “A fIne pIeCe of CHIldRen’S THeATRe”

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 1999, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

hhhh Sunday Times

Age 3+

Warwick Arts Centre @warwickarts

Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre The University of Warwick Coventry, CV4 7AL