Toy Story 3
July 21, 2010
It’s finally hitting the UK big screens. The eagerly anticipated third instalment in arguably the best film trilogy of all time. Receiving rave reviews Toy Story 3 from the Pixar stable is now showing at a cinema near you. The toys are back!
It is ten years since Toy Story 2 and Andy, now 17 years old, has outgrown his old toys. About to depart for college he decides to take Woody with him as a reminder of his childhood days and packs the rest of the toys away with the intention of storing them in the attic.
Unfortunately, Andy’s Mum things the bag is rubbish to be thrown out and she puts it out for collection. Without giving too much away, the toys end up at a daycare centre where things are not as they first appear.
The film features all of the old favourites from the previous two Toy Story films – Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse, Bullseye, Clinky, Ham, Mr Potato Head and Rex together with some new toys. Watch out for a great turn by Michael Keaton voicing Ken!
Toy Story 3 has received universal acclaim and is that rarest of things – a second sequel that is as good if not better than it’s predecessors.
Family Staycations
March 2, 2010
More and more of us are choosing to spend our well earned ‘downtime’ enjoying a staycation with the family. The current state of the economy is certainly putting the squeeze on many travel plans.
In the USA a staycation generally means to spend one’s vacation (that’s holiday to you and me) either at or near to home. Here in the UK the meaning seems to have expanded to also include taking holidays in the British Isles.
There are some great places to visit with kids in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland whether you are looking for a short city break, fun filled days out or getting closer to nature under canvas.
For families the choices for a memorable staycation have never been better. There are many family friendly holiday parks run by well know names such as Haven, Hoseasons, Pontins and Parkdean offering breaks to suit all tastes and budgets. For a short hotel stay, Superbreak have a wide selection of choices and you can even add rail travel into the package.
Or you could simply decide to have a relaxing, stress free staycation in your very own back garden. Put out those comfy chairs, light up the barbecue, crack open a couple of cold beers, set the kids to play on various garden games and lay back and enjoy.
Just a shame about the British weather……
Kids Love To Read
March 1, 2010
Sales of children’s books have seen a healthy increase with a rise of almost 5% with picture books sales increasing to 13% on 2008 figures. In the UK last year more than 60 million books were sold generating more than £293m to the book industry.
Taking the top 5 spots for best selling books were Stephenie Meyers Twilight series of books contributing £29.3m in sales. Her series of books of modern day vampires have been a massive hit.
National Year of Reading and World Book Day usually held in March are now regular events with schools participating in after school book sales. Children usually receive a £1 book voucher as encouragement to buy a new book. Also many campaigns have encouraged parents to read to their children from an early age particular introducing babies and toddlers to to picture books.
Anthony Browne, Children’s Laureate says “The best picture books leave a tantalising gap between the pictures and the words, a gap that is filled by the reader’s imagination”.
Library lending is also on the increase with children borrowing more books than 3 to 4 years ago. Libraries are also playing an important role in encouraging children to read by staging more events for children to join in on such as meet the author sessions.
The best selling young children’s books were
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Tyrannosaurus Drip Song by Julia Donaldson
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sandak
The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson
On a footnote my 5 year old read a book to me yesterday for the first time. We were waiting in the car for his big sister when he proudly read Hide and Seek to me. What a joyous and rewarding expereince that any parent can relate to – sharing quality reading time is truly one of the most pleasurable moments of the day.
The Princess and the Frog
February 25, 2010
The Princess and the Frog is Disney’s latest offering and a return to old style animation. The plot is loosely based on novel by E D Baker – The Frog Princess.
It tells the story of Prince Naveen from Maldonia who arrives in town to deal with voodoo magician Dr Facilier who turns Prince Naveen into a frog. Needing a kiss on the lips from a beautiful princess Prince Narveen mistakes Tiana for a princess and kissing her on the lips turns her into a frog too! Tiana is a waitress aiming to fulfill her late father’s dream of opening a restaurant. What follows is an adventure through the bayous of Louisana, the banks of the Mississppi and the colourful spectacle of New Orlean’s Mardi Gras in search of the good voodoo queen.
Filled with memorable characters, wonderful music Disney have done it again! A wonderfully animated musical with lots of new characters that children and adults will love.
Now showing at Showcase and Cineworld cinemas around the country.
It’s Showtime!
February 24, 2010
With the Easter holidays fast approaching there’s some fabulous family shows on around the country. Have a look at the list we’ve put together with details on how to book.
Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales – Laugh, clap and sing along to Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast in this fantastic show. With spectacular sets and costumes, heroes and villains and humour and romance your little ones and you will love the very best Disney has to offer.
Peppa Pig’s Party – Live on stage. A sure hit with youngsters Peppa Pig has catapulted to super stardom over the last few years. The BAFTA Award winning TV programme is transported to a live stage show where it’s a very special day – Peppa’s birthday. Join in the fun and songs with Peppa and her little brother George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant.
Postman Pat – Newly promoted to Head of the Special Deilvery Service or SDS Pat brings a brand new show called “A Very Royal Mission” With only a short time to prepare for a visit from someone special to open the brand new SDS sorting office Pat and Jess have their work cut out. What will go wrong………..
Noddy Live – Noddy and Tessie Bear have invited everyone to join in their sing-a-long, dance-a-long party in Toy Town. Celebrating 60 years of Noddy children will love this fun filled adventure.
This is just a selection of the family shows available on Ticketmaster.
Pottery Parties For Kids (and Adults)
February 22, 2010
Pottery parties are great for all ages and artistic ability and you come away with a unique momento of a happy, fun time. Adults can join in too – you don’t need to be an expert!
Firstly choose an item to paint from a wide range of plain ceramics usually there’s plates, bowls mugs, animals etc. You choose the design and colours and once you’ve finished painting leave it to be glazed and fired. Call back in a few days to collect the finished article or arrange for it to be posted to you.
Parties vary from studio to studio, some can arrange a party at home, via the post or by visiting a studio but whatever you choose you can be sure that this is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion.
Here are a few links to pottery parties from around the country. If your link isn’t here let us know and we’ll be pleased to add you.
Doodlepots, Whitby
Splat, Hampshire
The Mustard Seed, Gwent
Kidz Craft, Swindon
Barefoot Ceramics, Newport
Clayworks Pottery, Shropshire
Espression, Kent
Pottery in Motion, Devon
Crackpots, Warrington
Crazy Glazy, Huntingdon
Gone Potty, Merseyside
Tumble Tots
January 28, 2010
Since 1979 Tumble Tots have provided more than a million children with a fun, physical play programme.
Tumble Tots promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, confidence and the challenges of developing new skills. Exercise should be fun that’s why Tumble Tots have an exciting range of fun activities to encourage a healthy way of life that will follow the children throughout their lives.
Each 45 minute session is run by specially trained staff and is carefully structered to combine fun, axcitement and challenges. All of this takes place in a safe and caring environment. Children develop skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing using brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment. There are 3 programmes Gymbabes, Tumble Tots and Gymbobs.
Tumble Tots have a great website where you can find your local centre, read about the programme and browse the online shop. There is also an informative parent and tots resource, competitions and much, much more.
Pantomimes – What’s on in your area?
October 8, 2008
It’s that time of year for awful jokes, plenty of audience participation and seeing your favourite television stars if they’re brave enough! Pantomime season is nearly upon us again and offers something all the family can enjoy or endure.
A site called The big Panto Guide provides an excellent resource for finding out what’s on in your area with listings of both professional and amateur productions. Click here for more information.
Center Parcs Winter Wonderland Breaks
October 8, 2008
From 5th November each village at Center Parcs will have its own unique way of celebrating the festive season and with prices starting from just £206 what better way to enjoy a fabulous break with your family.
Center Parcs have four villages situated in the United Kingdom – they are Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Longleat Forest. To be sure you have a fantastic time each village has a range of activites to suit all.
Whinfell Forest will completely transform the heart of the village into a unique Lapland experience. Along with Santa’s Woodland Workshop their will be carriage rides, a reindeer hunt and naturally a pantomime – Sleeping Beauty.
At Sherwood Forest you can enjoy the Family Christmas Ice Party with its own white chocolate snow fountain, carriage and woodland pony rides, the Snow Queen’s Lantern Procession. and Aladdin pantomime.
Elveden will have a magical firework display along with fancy dress competitions, jewellery making and festive treasure trails. Great fun for the whole family will be Bjorn the Polar Bear and singing reindeer.
Last but not least Longleat will have roaming choirs to help get everyone in the festive spirit. For the children there will be live reindeers and horse and carriage rides to visit Santa. The pantomine at Longleat will be Cinderella.
So for a fun, festive break with your loved ones check out Center Parc’s website here