Celebrate National Libraries Day - 8th February 2014

National Libraries Day is a celebration of libraries and library staff. It takes place on Saturday 8 February 2014 and will round off a week’s worth of events and activities in public, school, college, university, and workplace libraries celebrating their work promoting learning, literacy and the enjoyment of reading to all.

National Libraries Day at Oswestry Library:
Come down to your favourite library and enjoy loads of free activities to celebrate National Libraries Day. Our library is the cultural hub of our town - with thousands of books, computer access, history hub, children's castle and events throughout the year.
Come and celebrate National Libraries Day 2014 with us between 10 am and 3pm - you know we love to see you!

National Libraries Day at Wrexham Library:
Wrexham Library staff are going continental with their latest fundraising effort for Cancer Research UK. From 12 to 3pm on National Libraries Day, Saturday 8th February 2014, Café Europa will be open for sale of cakes with a European twist. The event will be fun for children and parents alike, with live European folk tales, a children’s fancy dress competition and prize raffle as well as lashings of scrummy cakes, tea and coffee, supported by Europe Direct Wrexham. The Library’s cake makers are well renowned for their skill, with the last event raising over £530 for Comic Relief.

Local actor Gwyneth Marshman will be presenting European folk tales for children in two sessions at 12.30 and 1.30pm, each one featuring different tales. The fancy dress competition will be judged at 2pm - the best entry, with the emphasis on a European theme, being awarded a certificate and prize from VIP guests.

Venue: Wrexham Library
Date: 08/02/2014
Time: 12-3pm
This is event is suitable for All welcome
Contact Eleanor Staple on 01978 292090 or email europedirect@wrexham.gov.uk
Ticket Price: FREE
Information found on: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/WhatsOnAction.cfm?Event_ID=7629

Jungle Book at the Marches School, 22nd March 2014

For children and families, Image Musical Theatre return with a fun-filled family participation musical production of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. 
 

On: Saturday 22nd March
Time: 2:30pm until 3:30pm    
At:
Marches School
Morda Road
Oswestry
SY11 2AY                           

£8 Adult/ £4 Child

BOOK EARLY as it sold out very quickly for last years performance.

Tickets from Booka Bookshop, 01691 662244
or online at: oswestrylitfest.eventbrite.com

Two-thirds of under 13 yr olds read on digital device

Goodereader website reported on the Annual Digital Book World Conference in New York.

One the news items was the results of an in-depth study on the digital reading habits of some of the youngest ebook consumers which found that two-thirds of children under 13 now read on digital devices.

Some of the findings of the study demonstrate that:

• Kids’ e-reading continues to grow sharply, with two-thirds of children 13 and under now reading digital books—and with 92% of those kids doing so at least once a week.
• Weekly e-reading increased among this age group, but daily e-reading has increased across all ages as well, with 50% of e-reading 2-5 year olds now enjoying digital reading daily, and 44% of older kids doing the same.
• Almost half of parents (48%) say that their children have expressly asked to purchase a print version of an ebook they own and have read; with 54% of kids asking for an ebook of a physical book they own.
• Tablets remain the preferred e-reading device for kids overall

Read the full article at: http://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/digital-book-world-kids-and-ereading-study-data-released?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digital-book-world-kids-and-ereading-study-data-released&utm_reader=feedly

Active Kids (Sainsburys) 2014 - we need your vouchers!

Now in its tenth year the Active Kids initiative with Sainsbury's is back!

If you or your family members shop at Sainsbury's in the next few weeks, please say 'Yes' to the Active Kids vouchers, and bring them to deposit in the Active Kids postbox near the nursery office.

You can also collect vouchers when you shop in Sainsbury’s petrol stations or buy groceries online.

We have been banking the last couple of years vouchers (you need quite a few to get anything!) so please help us to save up some more so that we can buy sporting or cooking equipment.

For more information about Active Kids 2014 visit: https://activekids.sainsburys-live-well-for-less.co.uk/

Thank you!

Bizykidz Wrexham Nearly New Children's and Baby sale - 1 Feb 2014

Bizykidz Wrexham is holding a Nearly New Children's and Baby Sale

On: 1st Feb 2014, 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.

At: Wrexham Memorial Hall (by Waterworld).

FREE entry and items on sale include toys, clothes, prams, cots, games, etc. Refreshments and cakes will also be available.

If you are interested in selling items you can book £10 per stall

For more information visit the Facebook page

I'm ready to spell - Ladybird books app

'I’m Ready to Spell' is a great new app from Ladybird which supports children’s phonics and spelling learning. Take a look at the app in action. http://youtu.be/AHnZI5JMKrs

Available from the Applestore or Google Play Android Store

Or visit the Ladybird Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ladybird-Books/7232317037

Charlie and Lola's extremely new play - at Clwyd Theatr Cymru 28/29th March 2014

Charlie and Lola's extremely new play will be performed at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold on:

• Friday 28th March 2014 at 10:30 and 4:30
• Saturday 29th March 2014 at 10:30, 1:00 and 3:30

Tickets: Adults £12 & £10, Children £10 & £8

Box Office: 0845 330 3565
http://www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk/en/whats_on/event/28142

From the advert:

Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! If you liked Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, you will love this extra special, brand new show. Enter a magical journey through the seasons, as Charlie and Lola discover that everything is different and not the same. What happens when Lola and her best friend Lotta say they will honestly and promisedly look after Sizzles? And follow Charlie and his best friend Marv on a Pirate Squidbones adventure! Playful, funny and full of surprises, this extremely new play about friendship and adventures is a treat for everyone. This magical mix of puppets, live action and music is based on the much-loved books by Lauren Child and the ever popular BBC TV Series.

Tots Time at Wrexham Museum & Archives - Fri 24th Jan 2014

It's Tots Time at Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives

On: Friday 24th January 2014 at 11am - 11.45am

Tots Time is a hands-on creative session for grown-ups and their babies or toddlers, aged from 0-3 years. Two children per adult. Booking essential through Wrexham Museum. £1 per session.

This is event is suitable for 0-3 years - advanced booking is required. Contact Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives on 01978 297480 or email museum@wrexham.gov.uk

In the Night Garden Live 2014 - Facebook Pre-Sale Comp

Announcing the 2014 Pre-Sale Competition

Enter now to win Premium Tickets worth £160 - and get pre-sale access with a unique discount code!
In the Night Garden Live 2014 is coming to London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Tour dates will be announced on 27th Jan, and tickets will go on sale 31st Jan.

This year they’re running a new competition for Facebook friends with £2,240 worth of premium tickets to be won.

Please read on to find out how you can win, and save money in their exclusive 48 hour pre-sale.

Click here to Enter


Every day from 14th to 27th Jan, you could win premium family tickets worth £160. Earn points by sharing posts, playing games, and inviting your friends.

High scorers can win daily ticket prizes. But even if you don’t win, you'll get a unique discount code to access our exclusive 48 hour pre-sale just for taking part. And the more you play, the earlier you'll get to access the pre-sale on 29th Jan!

The competition closes at 10am on 27th Jan and the exclusive 48 hour pre-sale begins 29th Jan. To make sure you get your discount code and pre-sale access - enter now before it's too late.

If you have any questions about the show, you can find out more on the In Night Garden Live website, or email at: helpdesk@nightgardenlive.com.

What do you do with all that art / craft work?

Do you have a stash of all your child's art /craft or feel guilty that you don't keep it all?

Here are some ideas from other people's blogs that might help:

• Create a mini gallery area in your home

Establish a dedicated gallery space in your home where child's art is displayed and admired. Regularly change old pieces for new ones and then decide which will be kept or binned.

• Put together a folder of work

You can use plastic sleeves in a ring binder to keep it nice and store strange shaped items! Leave the book somewhere your child can look at it or for you to show off to visitors!

• Take photographs

If you don't have space in your home to store what you would like to keep, capture it on camera instead! You could do it in different stages and at each stage hang it up and ask your child to stand in front of it. Digital images also mean you could have a screensaver or powerpoint display or online gallery to share.

• Scrapbook it

Creating scrapbook pages can be fun to do with your child as they can stick things in.

• Laminate it

Keep special items nice by laminating them or to turn them into placemats for the kids to use. Only works for flat items though!

• Use for other craft projects

Small pieces can be cut up to make cards to send to family and friends who will appreciate it. Use craft punches to create different shapes, add glitter etc. See how to make cards using scribbles and painting: http://www.thefairyandthefrog.com/2012/06/fathers-day-card.html and special hole punchers: http://www.thefairyandthefrog.com/2013/02/hole-punch-rainbow-cards.html

• Make art bunting

Follow step-by-step easy instructions at: http://www.playfullearners.co.uk/2013/02/childrens-artwork-bunting.html

• Turn it into a cushion (!)

If you are good at embroidery or cross stitch this could be for you, see this: http://www.plus2point4.co.uk/2012/05/14/get-crafty-fairies-and-elves-embroider-your-kids-drawings/

Legoland Discovery Centre - Manchester Trafford Centre

Does your child love LEGO® or maybe you do?!

The LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is a world of colour, creativity and fun for children aged 3-10.

With over 2 million LEGO® bricks under one roof, there are lots of attractions!:

• 4D cinema, Kingdom Quest laser ride, Merlin’s Apprentice, LEGO City: Forest Pursuit Driving School and more!
• See all of Manchester’s top attractions made from LEGO in our MINILAND®!
• Learn building tips from our Master Model Builder Workshops.
• With a café and our LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Shop

Open 10am - last admission 5pm; a typical visit takes 2-3 hours..

Pre-booking tickets online gets the best deals. Tickets from £8.25. Free entry for children aged 2 and under.

Located within The Trafford Centre, which offers lots of free parking, great transport links, and a useful public transport journey planner. The closest car park to the attraction is at Barton Square.

There is also a café for food and drink.

Visit the website at : http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester/

View a video tour : http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester/about-us/video.aspx

Treat Yourself Better without Antibiotics' campaign launches

A new health campaign urges people to self-treat minor winter ailments, as research exposes nearly half the UK adult population still think antibiotics can treat cold and flu.

New research has uncovered a distinct lack of awareness around the appropriate use of antibiotics for winter ailments like cold and flu, with almost half the population (45%) believing these can treat symptoms and slightly more (48%) admitting to visiting their GP with an expectation of being prescribed them.

Treat Yourself Better without Antibiotics is a new campaign from Pharmacy Voice and the PAGB which aims to educate people on normal symptom duration and provide advice on self-treatment with pharmacy support, in order to help people avoid unnecessary visits to their GP surgery, which costs the NHS £35.2 million a year and countless practice hours.

The reasons for these often unnecessary GP visits is largely down to people not knowing that antibiotics are not an effective treatment for colds and flu, but also because they don’t understand how long their symptoms should last  -  two in five people see a GP for cold symptoms significantly too early.

To understand better the symptom duration of cold and flu a new informative website, www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk, has been developed that features a symptom checker and warning signs support material, to help people understand how long symptoms could last for and when it is appropriate to get medical help.

Supported by a wide range of public health organisations including the Department of Health and Public Health England through European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the Treat Yourself Better without Antibiotics campaign urges people to better self-treat winter ailments such as coughs and colds rather than going to the GP and asking for antibiotics. www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk

Old MacDonald had a farm at various theatres in 2014

Old MacDonald Had A Farm - By Steven Lee

Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O.

But Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing!

Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him?

Presented by the team behind There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly and written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs including Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes, She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain and of course Old MacDonald Had A Farm.

So come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales told with a captivating combination of live action, puppetry and animation by one of the UK’s leading theatre companies: http://ptc.org.uk/

“A brilliant production that adults and older children will love just as much as the young ones.” – The Guide.
“PTC productions are fast, slick, colourful, thoroughly entertaining and above all brilliant fun” – What’s On Stage.

Current Event Listing in the local area:

• Wrexham - William Aston Hall, Glyndwr University, Tuesday 8th April 2014, 1.30 pm.Book now and more information
• Shrewsbury - Theatre Severn, Sunday 11th May 2014, 2pm and 4pm shows Book now and more information

Stargazing week with CBeebies starts Mon at 5.30pm

The stars of CBeebies take part in a special week of stargazing in tandem with BBC2 Stargazing Live, exploring the amazing spectacle of the night sky. Chris Jarvis from 'Show me Show me' presents, with space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

The series starts Monday 6th January 2014 at 5.30pm for 15 mins on the CBeebies channel with The Moon and how craters are made.

Visit the webpage: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/stargazing/ to sing along with the theme tune, download stargazing maps and get tips from Mr Bloom and Gem from Swashbuckle.

Let's hope the weather improves so we can see some stars!

Words for Life - Rhymes, Stories and Activities

As a parent you can make all the difference to your child’s communication skills. Helping your child learn to communicate will help them develop good relationships, do well at school and be confident and happy. You can help your child more than anyone else as you know them best, care about them and want to give them the best start in life.

This new website Words for Life (a spin-off from the National Literacy Trust) gives you an idea of what communication milestones your baby and child might reach as they grow. There are ideas for fun activities you can do together to help your children develop their skills.

You can look for rhymes, stories and activities by age:

Visit: Baby to 3

Check out the 'Fun stuff' section where you can download a 'Going on a bear hunt' or 'Maisy' activity sheet: http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk/baby/fun

Visit: 3 to 5 years

Check out the 'Fun stuff' section where there are Paddington or Charlie & Lola activities like finger puppets and wordsearch: http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk/3-5/fun

There's also 5-7 and 7-11 for those of you with older children.

The Rhymes section might also be good if you need to look up some words to join in with your child! : http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk/songs

Time for school - CBeebies documentary series starts Monday 6th Jan 2014

CBeebies welcomes a brand new show, Time for School at 4.30pm on Monday 6th January 2014.

It's a fly-on-the-wall first for CBeebies as they follow a group of Reception children through their very first term at 'big school'.

Executive Producer Sallyann has written a blog about how the team filmed such an important journey in a child's life: http://bbc.in/19Mhg1E

There's also the 'Time for School' pages to look at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/time-for-school