mum’s the word 1

mum’s the word

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cooking with kidswin! family ticketsmum’s kitchen

Christmas 2015 a magazine by mums for mums

free

puzzling times

crafty creations

what’s on - local fun

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Contents 8 Hannah’s Sky Dive Read about Hannah’s brave deed to raise money for charity...

10 Crafty Creations Loads of Christmassy crafts to have the house looking amazing this year...

12 Mums Kitchen Try this ‘no waste’ Potato Peeling Soup that’s easy to cook and Uber tasty!

13 Kids Kitchen Let the kids make yummy Biscuity Chocolate Truffles as gifts or just to munch with the Christmas movies!

14 Puzzling Times Christmas Themed fun - Spot the Difference, a Crossword and more..

17 Just a Suggestion... Gift ideas for Mum, Dad or the kids from some of our lovely local peeps

22 What’s On Guide Packed with ideas for all the family to enjoy together over Christmas and where you can pop and see Santa!

mum’s the wordMagazine

email: info@mumsthewordmag.co.uktel: 01952 461345mob: 07549 946852facebook.com/mumsthewordmagtwitter: @mumsthewordmag

mum’s the word

magazineWelcome

to

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

I’m hoping you’re all excited and getting ready for Father Christmas to pop in for his annual cuppa! I think I’ve been a good girl this year but we’ll have to wait and see...

Welcome to the Christmas edition. We’re packed full of things to do and crafty ideas - I adore some of the ideas in this one so will be putting my own little elves into production pretty soon. Snowmen families, tasty truffles and don’t turn your nose up at the potato peeling soup it’s supposed to be really yummy!

I ran out of space to mention them in the mag but if you’re new to the little one’s Christmas, you can see if they’re on Santa’s Good or Naughty List at www.portablenorthpole.com and don’t forget to watch Santa on Christmas Eve to make sure you’re all asleep in time at www.noradsanta.org - no peeking!

We can’t deny Christmas isn’t a far more magical place with children around so I really do wish you all an amazing Christmas and New Year with loads, of love, laughter and a heck of a lot of fun! See you on the other side!

Loads of festive love!

Nik x30 StoryTime Together Sit down for some family time together with this cute Christmas story.

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NURSERIES ASSOCIATION

Winner of the Employerof Choice award

O OPEN TO ALL.

O Day nursery in the beautiful grounds of Birchfield Prep School.

O Quality day care for children from a few weeks to five years old all day and all year round.

O Benefits from Birchfield’s extensive facilities.

O Highly qualified staff.

O Awarded National Day Nurseries Association level 3 “Exemplary and Outstanding”.

O Employer of choice award winner.

Please Telephone:

01902 375611www.prepcaredaynurseries.co.uk

Birchfield PrepcareDay NurseryHarriot’s Hayes Lane, AlbrightonNr. Wolverhampton, WV7 3AF

Prepcare - Birchfield A5 Advert Flyer NEW_Layout 1 05/08/2015 11:24 Page 1

This winter, local childcare expert Penny Shevyn, manager of the local independent, Birchfield Prepcare Day Nursery, answers some popular questions regarding young children and reveals some of her top tips on how to help. With over 20 years’ experience and with two children of her own she knows just how important it is to help your precious young.

My 4 year old won’t settle at bed time. what can I do to help them go to sleep?

This is a common complaint at this age, especially before they’ve started school. I always recommend winding down with a regular bed time and a regular routine. Screens of any sort just before bed time are a really bad idea as they keep the brain buzzing and make it harder to settle. Many of our children at the lovely Birchfield Prepcare nursery have early starts – we’re open from 7am – so a good bedtime is essential.A bath is a really great way for little people to stop, relax and wind down so I would always recommend introducing a bath as part of the bed time routine. Once out and dry a cup of warm milk and a bed time story will help enhance tiredness. Brush teeth and then settle in bed with dim lights depending on what your child is comfortable with. 4 is a classic age for this problem – once they start school they are usually so tired from their school day bed time becomes a breeze!

I can’t get my 3 year old to eat fruit and vegetables. Help! What do you suggest to make her change her mind?

Firstly, don’t make an issue of it – if it becomes too much of a focus getting her to eat what you want can be even harder! Try to increase the variety on offer and introduce them throughout the day. Casually doing a Frozen jigsaw? A perfect opportunity to offer a fruit snack – chopped up apple, cut up grapes, carrot sticks - when they’re not thinking about it they’re less likely to protest! Fresh smoothies are easy to make and are a great fruit boost at breakfast. Another tip is friends who are ‘good eaters’. Invite them for tea, if they see their friends happily eating fruit and veg it’s amazing what the influence can be!

I am thinking of returning to work. What are the best childcare options available?

There are many options available and the best advice is to pick what suits and works for you and your family – that’s so important. Here at Birchfield Prepcare Nursery we offer a home to home environment in wonderful surroundings at Birchfield Prep School. As well as the highest quality of staff the children all have plenty of friends and enjoy playing and learning all day long. For further information on Birchfield Prepcare Day Nursery please call Penny Sheyvn on 01902 375611 or visit:

www.prepcaredaynursery.co.uk For further nursery advice please email Penny on psheyvn@birchfieldschool.co.uk and she will endeavour to answer any queries you may have.

Q&As from Childcare expert, Penny Shevyn

Penny’s Parenting Tips

www.prepcaredaynurseries.co.uk

mum’s the word 5

I would be fibbing if I didn’t say that I’ve been accused of being just a bit of a hippie on the odd

occasion but with my love of the great outdoors and generally choosing to still see the good in people, it made me realise those two traits are possibly the reason I adore Christmas so much.

It’s never been about huge piles of presents for me it’s always been that you can create a lovely feeling in the home again that isn’t matched during the rest of the year. Yes it’s all terribly old fashioned and possibly a little cheesy but it’s all about going back to basics again isn’t it? In our relentless rush these days I don’t feel we get chance to be just ‘mum’ like we’d like to be - Christmas gives us the chance to take some time out with our loved ones.

Over the Christmas season we manage to make time for family and friends that our schedules keep us away from during the rest of the year. We put some thought into giving people we care about something that we think will enhance their life albeit briefly and give them something that will make them smile, feel thought about and important to you.

We actually get to sit down together for meals in a sociable manner with chatter, lovely food and yes you know it’s Christmas when you may even get some help tidying the kitchen after the Christmas Dinner!

I always end up bringing half of the garden or local hedgerow into the house to decorate it as it costs nothing and seeing what you can make with a few painted twigs and some holly or ivy really is amazing.

My children HAVE to give some gifts that they made themselves - my teenage daughter is writing me a novel - every christmas or birthday I get another instalment and I promise this is far better than anything from any store and I have it forever.

We hear it all of the time that we should be grateful for our health, our homes and our loved ones - we hear it so often we negate it. But if you spoke to any person that didn’t have good health, any family or a home they’d be a powerful reminder of just how amazing it really is just to have those basic needs met.

Apparently the average UK family spends over £500 extra over Christmas and often get into debt to do this. But here’s the uber cliche - our most memorable Christmases are rarely based on the receipt of a particular gift - it will often be who we spent it with and what we did - memories really are utterly priceless.

Maybe the gift this year could be a new legacy or tradition for our children - get really creative and work out what you could make or do for someone - you could even get them to make a voucher of their gift. If my children gave me a voucher that said once a week they’d instigate a family walk or wash the dishes the gift of ‘thought’ and ‘time’ would mean so much more than a gift from a store.

So after writing that it makes me realise - my friends are absolutely right - I am a soft hippie but blinking eck do I love my christmases if for just a few days everyone knows how much ‘I love them man’...

KEEP CALMNo! let’s make a HUGE Fuss!

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01588 676060 discovery.centre@growcooklearn.co.uk School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9RSRegistered Charity No. 1158795 Registered Company No. 8755152

ShropshireHillsDiscoveryCentre @SH_DiscoveryCen

Group bookings available any day of the week (min. 15 people)Booking essential, please see a member of our catering team in the Discovery Centre or call 01588 676060

Available every Thursday and Sunday lunchtime starting Thursday 26th November 2015

ChristmasMenu

2 courses

£12.50 pp

3 courses£15.00 pp

Christmas at

Open Daily 10am – 5pm (Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th December & New Year’s Day)

Christmas menu Local, home-cooked festive fayre

Available every Thursday and Sunday lunchtime,starting Thursday 26th November 2015

Get your Christmas presents here!Discover a unique range of quirky gifts and artisan crafts in our shop,

made by local craftspeople inspired by the Shropshire Hills

Santa Saturdays5th, 12th & 19th December 12-2pm

Come and meet Santa and do some Christmas shopping at the same time! Music and merriment will all be supplied,

Christmas Farmers Market also on 5th December

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01588 676060 discovery.centre@growcooklearn.co.uk School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9RSRegistered Charity No. 1158795 Registered Company No. 8755152

ShropshireHillsDiscoveryCentre @SH_DiscoveryCen

Group bookings available any day of the week (min. 15 people)Booking essential, please see a member of our catering team in the Discovery Centre or call 01588 676060

Available every Thursday and Sunday lunchtime starting Thursday 26th November 2015

ChristmasMenu

2 courses

£12.50 pp

3 courses£15.00 pp

Christmas at

Open Daily 10am – 5pm (Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th December & New Year’s Day)

Christmas menu Local, home-cooked festive fayre

Available every Thursday and Sunday lunchtime,starting Thursday 26th November 2015

Get your Christmas presents here!Discover a unique range of quirky gifts and artisan crafts in our shop,

made by local craftspeople inspired by the Shropshire Hills

Santa Saturdays5th, 12th & 19th December 12-2pm

Come and meet Santa and do some Christmas shopping at the same time! Music and merriment will all be supplied,

Christmas Farmers Market also on 5th December

elp develop your child's creativity, co-operation, listening, communication and

language.

Musical Steps is a fun-packed, high-quality, educational experience for babies from 4 months old, toddlers and their parents/carers. Music-making is great fun and is good for you too. It plays a vital role in children's social, emotional and neurological development and there is a wide body of research that confirms the benefits of music-making from a very early age.

Why not check out The Toddler Troupe? They love the Musical Dip!

The Musical Dip gives the children an opportunity to play a variety of instruments and to learn that different instruments make different sounds (timbre). They learn to name these instruments and the terms associated with playing them - 'tap', 'scrape' and 'shake'. The Musical Dip also encourages turn-taking and cooperation.

Classes are currently being held in Horsehay, Jungleland, Wellington and Newport and are not just for the toddlers – the babies love it too! Bring your little ones along to meet the other little music makers and see for yourself just how much fun we all have!

Take a look at my Facebook page too where you can see plenty of great pictures of the lovely little ones in action at Eleanor's Musical Steps.

For more information or to book your free trial, contact Eleanor on 07708 754216, email at eleanor.pittam@musicalsteps.co.uk or check out my website www.musicalsteps.co.uk.

Eleanor’s Musical Steps

Eleanor’s Musical Steps @MusicalStepsEP

H

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When my mum was first diagnosed, none of us knew anything about the condition as there is no record of it in our family and we had no idea of just how much it was going to change our lives. My mum had to leave the RAF after nearly 20 years of service and we had to move from the married quarters I had known all of my life and find a new home, which ended up being a bungalow as my mum cannot manage stairs very well. Since her diagnosis, her condition has worsened over the years and she is now forced to walk with a crutch around the house and use a mobility scooter when we want to go out. Because of her MS, my mum can no longer walk much without getting tired which is the complete opposite of how she used to be as when she was younger, she constantly went on walks and hikes; she even got the Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh.

Hi there, my name is Lauren Hughes, I’m 16 years old, I’m in year 11 at Idsall School and in 2007, my mum was diagnosed with MS. MS is short for ‘Multiple Sclerosis’ which is the Latin term for ‘Many Scars’

It is a long term condition that affects your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your eyes and can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control and other basic body functions. The effects are often different for everyone who has the condition.

The sky is the limit mum...

...or is it?After working with Ellie and Amy in my last edition I found it amazing to see what’s inside our teenagers that we don’t always see. As a result I got to hear of Lauren’s story as Lauren is at school with Ellie and Amy and is doing such a brave thing for her mum. As mum’s too, we can all relate to the powerful emotions that underpin what family love is all about but ultimately that as parents we expect to be the ones caring for our children and often have very pre-conceived notions of motherhood. So without further ado I’ll hand you over to Lauren who must be making her mum very proud - I’ll definitely be sponsoring her!

“

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As to how it’s affected my life, well I can’t really say it has. My mum has had MS since I was 8 so it’s all I’ve really known so I never really notice any difference. I guess we don’t go out to as many places as she is usually too tired and we can’t go to certain areas if they have too many stairs or somewhere is not disable friendly. There may be more things that other people notice, like my friends, that I just don’t.

My dad has most likely been much more affected than me as they have been married for over 17 years and has seen my mum when she has been at her lowest with her MS. My dad quit his job 2 years ago and is now a full time carer to my mum so he sees the side of my mum that she hides from me so it must have been hard for him. It has also greatly affected my mum of course as she is the one who was diagnosed and has had to live with it for nearly 8 years along with everything that has happened with it.

My parents have always taught me to be positive and to look on the bright side of things and that’s just what I do; I take a bad situation and make it okay. Yes my mum does have MS and yes our lives have changed since my mum’s diagnosis, but she is still alive, she can still talk and she can still smile which is something that keeps me going. It’s made me realise that if my mum can be that brave in the face of MS, then so can I which is what led me on to THE IDEA...

“ “

In the summer holidays, me and my dad came up with said idea. On April 8th next year, I will be doing… A SPONSORED SKYDIVE! I would love to be as brave as my mum and this is a pretty scary thing to be doing! I feel that MS is not as well known and doesn’t get the recognition it needs or should have so I want to do this also to raise awareness. I have set up a webpage below dedicated to my jump and I would be really grateful if you would sponsor me so I can raise money to hopefully provide better medication, further research and more importantly, find a cure to MS once and for all. Thank you J

www.jusgiving.com/Lauren-Hughes-Jump

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Thread Wrapped TreesSo brightly coloured yet simple to make these trees look great wherever you put them! To make them take a piece of card cut into a triangle of the size you’d like (if making multiples it’ll be easier to have all the card shapes cut first) then wrap wool, ribbons or thread around the whole shape until completely covered.

Use beads on some of the threads on the top layer for little decs if you wish. Hang them from your tree or make garlands with them or even just pop them onto the front of card to make simple but stunning Christmas cards.

These are just too cute and so easy! Take a white sock and fill it with barley or rice. Tie the end with an elastic band and tie another band around the neck to make the head. Then decorate with buttons, goggley eyes or just pen or paint if easier to make their faces and buttons on their tummies. You can cut up old socks or gloves to make stripey scarves and hats for more colour or just use ribbons for scarves. You can even make lots of them for a whole snow family!

No Sew Snowmen

Button Wreaths & DecsI couldn’t choose between these button decs so I included both of them! For the trees simply thread your buttons in size order with beads on the top as the star and for the wreaths it’s easier to use thin wire to keep it’s shape. Once you’ve finished the circle tie some ribbon to hang and a bow and you have these lovely little button decs!

Crafty CreationsChris

tmas

It wouldn’t be a kids Christmas without home made decs made with lots of glue, paint, feathers stuck in everyone’s hair and a tremendous amount of mum’s patience (oh and fun of course!) so here’s a selection I’ve hand-picked that I can’t wait to make with my own little peeps! Hope you have fun guys and feel free to post your pics on facebook...

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What a lovely way to reminisce over the years by creating a new time capsule ornament every year for each child. Invest in some nice quality glass baubles (if it’s a set don’t worry you’ll use them over the years) and then be as creative as you like with the fillings. Obviously the idea is to have a think about some of the major events over the past year and store them in the capsule.

Don’t put too many in as you won’t be able to see them when you shake the bauble to look inside at the various events. Pop a picture in of your child taken this year and maybe even a small picture they’ve drawn or painted and make sure you put the year in there too. A nice idea is to get some nice scrap

Time Capsule Christmas Ornament

paper with a white back and then cut it to a size your printer can use and print the events on the back then cut them into strips (or just write on the back of the strips). Attach a pretty ribbon to hang it with (maybe one your child has picked) and you’re ready for the tree.

Cute Hand Print Snowmen BaubleSo simple but effective - the brilliant thing here is that it doesn’t require ‘perfect prints’ to look great. Dip your child's hand in white paint, then press their hand against the ornament and allow to dry. Once the paint has dried, transform the fingers into snowmen by drawing faces, hats and scarves onto the snowmen. Spray the ornament with acrylic sealer to protect the paint, then allow it to dry before hanging on the tree.

Winter Wonderland JarsA great way to use your old jam jars simply glue cotton wool to the lid of the jar. Choose little trees, painted twig bundles or any Christmas decorations you like and add to the cotton wool. Then screw the glass jar back on over the lid and you have a lovely Winter Scene. Make a few together for a complete wonderland.

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kitchenmum

s

20g butter, or rapeseed or sunflower oil1 large or 2 medium onions, diced

1 bay leafAbout 200g potato peelings (about as

much as you’d get from preparing a decent-sized tray of roast potatoes)

500ml whole milk500ml chicken or veg stock

Optional extras....2 tbsps finely chopped parsley leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fried sage leavesCrisp-grilled bacon

MethodHeat the butter or oil in a medium saucepan over a medium-low heat and add the onions, bay leaf and a good pinch of salt. Sauté gently, until the onions are soft but haven’t taken on much colour, about 10 minutes.

Add the potato peelings and give everything a very good stir for a minute.

Pour in the milk and stock, season well with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the peels are very tender – another 10 minutes or so.

Remove from the heat and cool slightly, then purée in a food processer, blender or using a stick blender until very smooth.

Return the soup to the pan and reheat gently. Season well with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped parsley, if using.

Serve in warmed bowls, topped with fried sage leaves and shards of crisp-grilled bacon, if you like. Finish with a generous grinding of pepper.

Ingredients

With all of the delicious food about at Christmas time it’s tempting to opt for a lavish recipe but with us being busy bees plus all of the leftovers we get, I thought I’d suggest something useful and easy!

Potato Peel Soup

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kitchenkids

Truffles are so easy to make with the kids and they make fab gifts too. We used to make a selection of truffles for the teachers at my daughters primary school as their prezzies and pop them in tiny cake cases, in some coloured tissue paper in hand made gift boxes - they always looked lovely and were so cheap!

Biscuity Chocolate TrufflesIngredients

20 digestive biscuits125g (4oz) butter200g (7oz) condensed milk2tbsp cocoa125g (4oz) desiccated coconutchocolate flavour strands, chopped nuts or desiccated coconut (for rolling balls in once made)

Put the digestive biscuits in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin until you have crumbs. Put the butter and condensed milk in a pan over a low heat, until the butter melts. Allow to cool slightly. Add the biscuit, cocoa powder and desiccated coconut to the melted butter mixture and stir to combine.

Form the mixture into truffles about the size of ping pong balls (dipping your hands into water between making each ball will help prevent the mixture sticking to your fingers). Put the chocolate strands (or desiccated coconut) into a plastic bag, then gently drop the truffle balls in a few at a time and carefully roll around until they’re completely covered in the strands (or coconut). Chill the truffles until ready to serve.

Method (makes 35 Truffles)

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Puzzling TimesChris

tmas

1-The bobble on the yellow hat, 2-The girl’s fringe, 3-The colour of the star, 4-The blue bauble at the top of the tree is missing, 5-Four snowflakes missing in top right hand corner, 6- Three snowflakes missing from the tree on the right of the big tree 7 - The shadow on the middle girl is missing 8 - The colour of the girls clothes on the left 9-The third candle up is missing 10-The windows on all the houses are missing

Spot the DifferenceThese two pictures look the same but a naughty elf changed one of the pictures! Can you find the Ten differences between them?

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Can you solve this crossword? Look at the pictures to see what they are and write their description in the grid by their number.

Christmas Crossword

Can you help poor Santa

choose the right path to

get to the Christmas

Tree?

16 mum’s the word

Shropshire-based wedding florists Big Little Things opened their floristry and giftware

shop at Apley Farm Shop in October.

Run by business partners Sarah Knowles and Fran Robinson, the shop offers a wide variety of floristry services including fresh cut flowers, ready-made flower arrangements and customised services such as wedding flowers. Mrs Knowles, 38 from Telford said: "Our shop will stock gifts for big and little people, such as our personalised gifts which are already popular in our online shop, www.biglittlethings.co.uk. In addition, we will stock items by talented local Artists such as Amanda Hillier and Just Gemma.

"We are really looking forward to being at Apley Farm Shop; it's a great destination with lots to offer from the café and play barn to existing retail outlets and the farm shop itself." Mrs Knowles added:

“ Christmas is a great time for our shop to open and we have lots of Christmas decorations and present ideas to excite the

Apley customers ” The opening weekend arrived in time for the Christmas Launch at Apley Farm Shop; events will include Christmas food and craft fairs, Santa's Grotto and Breakfast and Afternoon tea with Santa. For the future, Big Little Things will offer floristry courses for those who want to develop a new skill or build on an existing ability.

Big Little Things was established in 2010 by former Sales & Marketing Executive Mrs Knowles and Graphic Designer turned florist Mrs Robinson. The company’s aim is to bring creative designs and original products to those seeking them. They have established a local reputation for creating stunning wedding flowers over the last 5 years and are looking forward to welcoming all of their new customers to their new store this Christmas.

Further details can be found on our website: www.biglittlethings.co.ukor find us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/BigLittleThings.co.uk

Big Little Things are in Store at Apley Farm Shop

mum’s the word 17

As you can see opposite, Big Little Things have just opened at Apley Farm Shop so will be well worth a visit as they have some truly gorgeous presents and their flowers are stunning - you can’t beat flowers to make you feel special can you!

Gifts for Mum..

The perfect way to capture the special moments these silver pendants for bracelets, keyrings or necklaces make utterly adorable presents!

If you’re anything like me you’re so busy sorting everyone else out that it feels like a chore even thinking about what you’d like from Santa for Christmas - and as corny as it sounds I’d always prefer something the kids have made. But here’s some suggestions for some prezzies just in case you’re a bit stuck...

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MUCH WENLOCK, SHROPSHIRE

www.theedgeadventure.co.uk

The Edge Adventure Activities, Newtown House Farm, Shrewsbury Road, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, TF13 6DB.T: 01952 727 491 E: info@theedgeadventure.co.uk

At the Edge we offer everything for your adventure needs from corporate events to children’s parties.

10% OFF

all vouchers this

Christmas

mum’s the word 19

Anti Lego SlippersThe perfect weapon for dad in the Arsenal of Parenthood - for protection during night-time dashes across a Lego strewn floor - thumbs up Lego!

Ok so maybe dad isn’t always so difficult to buy for as let’s face it - there’s a reason we end up buying pants and socks for them most years as the ‘Holy Smalls’ would look like a family of mice had dined out if we left it to dad! But here’s a few ideas for something a little different...

Gifts for Dad...

Fancy WrappingWhen I saw this I just loved it! It’s the difference between a present looking pretty normal and it showing how much thought has actually gone into it. Simply use an old shirt (or a bargain basement one) and cut off the sleeves to a length that covers most of the bottle and give it a good ironing for best effect. Pop the bottle in and secure with ribbon. Perfect with bottled beers too though make sure you don’t steal dads best shirt!

As you can see on the opposite page The Edge

in Much Wenlock looks great fun!

You can specify an activity and book

accordingly or pay for a session where your

recipient can decide from a huge range of

activities including Segway, Adult and Junior

Quad Biking / Trekking, Mountain Boarding,

Grass Boarding, Sniper shooting, Clay Pigeon

Shooting, Archery, high ropes and wait for it (this

is my favourite bit!) Shropshire’s longest (180m)

and fastest (35-40mph) zip line! I’m going to get

this one onto my Santa’s List - I’m hoping Santa

has remembered I’m a bit of a tomboy on the

odd occasion....

20 mum’s the word

Give a different type of

gift this Christmas

Make a Mini Star at Casey’s Stage

School or join Casey’s Street Dance Crew!

t never gets any easier does it! With Christmas happening every year you’d think we’d have it

all sussed but then we get to March and see some of those long deliberated over toys still in their wrappers.

But fear not mums! Here are a couple of suggestions for the kids that are always popular. Teeny Beanies have such a fab range and kids always love having their name on their own stuff (especially if there are siblings debating what belongs to who!) and that’s before we mention nicknames that dad has christened us with!

One suggestion I always find helpful though is for any relatives searching for ideas to maybe pay for a term of fees in an activity the children would like to

try. This way the kids get to try something new and you’re not permanently out of pocket.

Casey’s have got it absolutely sussed though – they have a great course of 7 weeks of lessons at Stage Show School or Street Dance, with a show at the end that the whole family can watch – so nanny and gramps get to come along and see what they’ve paid for if they bought the course for their prezzie. If the kids love it you simply book again the following term (that’s Easter and birthday presents sorted now too folks!)

I really do love the simplicity of this and better still the kids won’t be able to break this one before lunchtime!

q 7 Weeks of classes with a Performance Show at the end (with free family tickets) and a Show T Shirt

q Suitable for ages 4 -14 years q £65 for the full course (Sibling Discount available) q Voucher’s Available - a great way to plan future courses if they love it! q Starts Monday 4th January for Stage Show School or Thursday 7th

January for Street Dance 

Casey’s Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road, Telford Shropshire TF2 8JSt 01952 606588  | m 07971 413789 | w www.caseysvenues.co.uk

I

Gifts Kids

F O R T H E

mum’s the word 21

Give a different type of

gift this Christmas

Make a Mini Star at Casey’s Stage

School or join Casey’s Street Dance Crew!

t never gets any easier does it! With Christmas happening every year you’d think we’d have it

all sussed but then we get to March and see some of those long deliberated over toys still in their wrappers.

But fear not mums! Here are a couple of suggestions for the kids that are always popular. Teeny Beanies have such a fab range and kids always love having their name on their own stuff (especially if there are siblings debating what belongs to who!) and that’s before we mention nicknames that dad has christened us with!

One suggestion I always find helpful though is for any relatives searching for ideas to maybe pay for a term of fees in an activity the children would like to

try. This way the kids get to try something new and you’re not permanently out of pocket.

Casey’s have got it absolutely sussed though – they have a great course of 7 weeks of lessons at Stage Show School or Street Dance, with a show at the end that the whole family can watch – so nanny and gramps get to come along and see what they’ve paid for if they bought the course for their prezzie. If the kids love it you simply book again the following term (that’s Easter and birthday presents sorted now too folks!)

I really do love the simplicity of this and better still the kids won’t be able to break this one before lunchtime!

q 7 Weeks of classes with a Performance Show at the end (with free family tickets) and a Show T Shirt

q Suitable for ages 4 -14 years q £65 for the full course (Sibling Discount available) q Voucher’s Available - a great way to plan future courses if they love it! q Starts Monday 4th January for Stage Show School or Thursday 7th

January for Street Dance 

Casey’s Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road, Telford Shropshire TF2 8JSt 01952 606588  | m 07971 413789 | w www.caseysvenues.co.uk

I

Gifts Kids

F O R T H E

Teeny Beanies

eeny Beanies is a local business based in Telford created by Textile Designer Kerry

Mears. Started in 2007 originally with just six character BeanBags, the range has grown to 14 characters and lots of innovative and fun products for children. Teeny Beanies is a high quality Handmade UK product and is proud to support and use local suppliers and sewing outworkers.

For those of you who haven’t encountered the very funny looking characters, such as Melvin Monkey, Digby Dog and Florence Fairy please, take a look online where you will meet them all. The characters are available in the form of Bean Bags, Cushions, Nursery Bags, Toys and Wheat Hotties. They can also be personalised with your child’s name. Teeny Beanies also offer personalised Baby Bunting in blue or pink which makes a great Christening or New Baby present. Teeny Beanies are available online. If you would like to place an order with Teeny Beanies you can call us on 01952 405721 or visit our website www.teenybeanies.co.uk

T

/TeenyBeanies

Rodney Reindeer bean bags are exclusive

to our website and available in red and

green. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

to win one this Christmas!

22 mum’s the word

A family ticket to see Dick Whittington at Theatre Severn!

To enter simply visit the panto page on www.theatresevern.co.uk to answer the following question and email to info@mumsthewordmag.co.uk before 5pm on Monday 21st December when the lucky winners will be drawn from Mum’s email hat.

How many people saw last year’s Panto?

T’s & C’s Apply – Tickets are for the showing on Friday 8th January 2016 at 17:30 and entitle you to 4 Full reservations at £17.00 each.

WITH MORE GAGS, MORE MAYHEM, AND MORE SHOW-STOPPING SCENES!!!

This spectacular pantomime will star Shropshire’s favourite Dame BRAD FITT, as Dolly the Cook, and will be produced by the team who brought you recent Box Office record-breakers JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, SLEEPING BEAUTY and PETER PAN.

DICK WHITTINGTON is a thrilling tale of good against evil, the search for true love and exciting adventures to far-off lands. There will be stunning sets and costumes, big musical numbers and hysterical comedy.  Not to mention lots of audience participation, and a few BIG surprises!

’ve been doing my usual digging again mums and wow! There’ s so much going on for us locally it’ s great! It’ s the perfect excuse

to get the kids all wrapped up and outside, do a bit of Christmas Shopping or take the little ones to see Santa so I hope this helps! Have an amazing time folks and feel free to get in touch with any that you or the kids particularly loved!

Nov to 22nd DecFrankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market 2015 Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market, now having run for over a decade, has become a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe. With over 180 stalls, we claim it as the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the Britain, and is the centrepiece of the city’ s annual Christmas events calendar.

Running from 12 Nov to 22 Dec, 10:00am - 9:00pm. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and knoblauchbrot will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer, mulled cider, or tasty hot chocolate. And whilst you’re here why not pick up some presents for your family or indeed yourself in the form of the ever-favourite crystal lamps, Sounds of Nature, hand-crafted leatherwork, rugs, and much more besides! Again this year the outdoor ice skating rink will be in front of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Broad Street until 4 Jan. www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket

Nov until 24th Dec Santa Safari The annual Santa Safari event at West Midland Safari Park opens weekends from 14th Nov, then daily from 28th Nov and runs right up to Christmas Eve!

During this time, the Park’s Discovery Trail will be decked in festive splendour and the most delightful elves make this event even more special. It’s an ideal Christmas family treat for children and adults alike! This amazing Santa experience includes: Adults - Visit to Santa, Hot Drink & Mince Pie. Children (aged 3-15 yrs) Santa Visit, Photo with Santa to take home, own choice of Present, Santa Trail with WMSP gift, Drink & Cookie. Under 3’s Santa Visit, Photo with Santa to take home, own choice of Present, Santa Trail with Sticker. West Midland Safari Park, www.santasafari.com

2nd Dec to 10th Jan Dick Whittington Panto DICK WHITTINGTON is a thrilling tale of good against evil, the search for true love and exciting adventures to far-off lands. There will be stunning sets and costumes, big musical numbers and hysterical comedy.

WHAT’S NMUM

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mum’s the word 23

A family ticket entrance ticket to a Blists Hill Victorian Christmas Weekend!

Includes 2 tickets to see Father Christmas - Choose from 12th or 13th December so be quick!

Experience the atmosphere of a bygone era as you explore Blists Hill Victorian Town! Children can try a wide range of traditional activities in the Goods Shed such as printing Christmas cards, making paper-chain decorations, writing letters to Father Christmas and fun quizzes about fascinating Christmas facts. A ‘perfect Victorian Christmas card scene’ will be on display centred on a beautifully decorated Christmas tree surrounded by presents.

Listen to stories of life more than 100 years ago in the cosy cottages, enjoy seasonal music from bands and choirs; ride on a horse drawn cart and watch a magician perform amazing tricks, then visit Father Christmas in his wonderful grotto and meet his reindeers. Mr Morton’s Christmas Celebrations will once again see the magnificent Iron Rolling Mill transformed into a place for a ‘workers Christmas party’. Here you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal entertainment such as Christmas songs and a mini-pantomime.

To enter simply answer the following question…

How many Ironbridge Gorge museums are there in Shropshire?

Email your answer to info@mumsthewordmag.co.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 8th December when we’ll draw the answer out of Mum’s email hat!

Not to mention lots of audience participation.Will Tommy the Cat vanquish the evil King Rat? Will Dick become Lord Mayor? And will Sarah the Cook fit in all her frocks? Find out next Christmas, as the adventures of DICK WHITTINGTON returns to Shrewsbury for the first time in 20 years! Theatre Severn, www.theatresevern.co.uk

4th to 6th DecHawkstone Santa Safari After a warming festive drink you’ ll be whisked off in one of our Land Rovers across the Park, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’ s spectacular network of caves. Santa’ s elves will keep you entertained as you wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you finally arrive at your destination – the magical grotto itself! Every child will receive a gift from Santa. You’ ll have the opportunity to meet Santa’ s reindeer and enjoy the illuminated woodland fantasy. Hawkstone Park, www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

5th to 6th Dec Christmas Fair Christmas fair with lots of stalls. Cakes, books, vintage table, various crafts, jams and chutneys. There will be carols around the tree, mulled wine

and a visit from Santa. Holy Trinity Church, Oakengates, Telford, TF2 7AH 5th to 24th Dec Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas – Albrighton Come and enjoy our special Christmas event, a treat for kids of all ages (and grown ups too!). Meet Father Christmas and choose your very own present, Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared tea, Decorate your own Christmas cookie, have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfast-or-tea-with-father-christmas

5th to 6th Dec Natural Christmas Crafts Create an abundance of Christmas crafts using natural materials. This will include: Christmas Wreaths Candle Holders Present toppers, Table Decorations Nature inspired gifts, For £5 you can make your Christmas personal, natural and unique. This is an absolute bargain! Places are limited, so book now! Chasewater Innovation Centre, Pool Road, Brownhillswww.forestofmercia.com

5th to 24th Dec Santa Steam Specials Take an exciting steam train ride from Kidderminster to meet Santa in his grotto at Arley Station. Santa’

s elves will welcome visitors and after meeting the big man himself, each fare-paying child will receive a present. Soak up the truly festive atmosphere at Arley station –enjoy seasonal brass band music and try some of the tempting treats on offer including hot roasted chestnuts, before boarding your return train. Severn Valley Railway, www.svr.co.uk

5th to 26th Dec Santa Claus & Grotto - Victorian Arcade Victorian Arcade in Walsall is delighted to announce that their ever popular Santa’ s Grotto will be open every Saturday in the in the run up to Christmas from 10am until 3pm. Children and their families will be able to visit Santa in his Walsall wonderland and let him know exactly what they would like to receive this year for being good throughout 2015. What’ s more, all of the entries from the centre’ s ‘ Design a Christmas Tree’ competition will be displayed within Santa’ s Grotto up until Christmas, allowing entrants to proudly see their work exhibited in public. Santa’ s Grotto is situated in between The Parlour restaurant and Peacocks Tailoring (opposite Vito’ s Hairdressers) within Victorian Arcade. Entry costs £2.50 and includes an

24 mum’s the word

A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE PETER PAN AT THE GRAND THEATRE!

The Chuckle Brothers and John Altman lead the cast of the Grand Theatre Panto this year – Peter Pan! One

lucky winner will receive a family ticket for the show on Tuesday 5th January at 7:15pm.

Join comedy legends Paul and Barry, the Chuckle Brothers on a swashbuckling adventure to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy

and the Lost Boys as they fight against a team of pirates and the dastardly Captain Hook, played by Eastenders bad boy - Nasty Nick, John Altman!

As Wolverhampton audiences have come to expect, Peter Pan will feature an abundance of comedy, fabulous costumes, live music and spectacular special effects!

To enter simply email info@mumsthewordmag.co.uk with the answer to the following question...Which soap opera is John Altman famous for playing Nasty Nick in?  

A) Coronation Street B) Hollyoaks C) The Bill D) EastEnders

The winner will be drawn from Mum’s email hat at 5pm on Monday 21st December. (T’s & C’s apply)

WHAT’S NMUM

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exciting early present from Santa. The Victorian Arcade The Arcade Walsall

5th Dec 10am - 4 pmChristmas Tree And Holly Sale Be unique and give a wild Christmas tree, straight off of one of our nature reserves, a home whilst helping to restore heathland habitats in the process. All proceeds to Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Free entry, Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor www.oaktreecentre.org.uk

5th Dec 1.30pm - 6pmFrozen Fayre A day and evening full of festive, frozen fun. Full of fantasy and free crafty activities for kids!There will also be a selection of Christmas Craft Stalls so you can stock up on all your Christmas Presents! You will find something for everyone here and find that special gift no one else has. Hot Food and Mulled wine! Maws Craft

Centre, www.mawscraftcentre.co.uk

7th Dec 7.30pm - 9pmSevern Singers - Christmas Concert Join us for an evening of Christmas carols and songs. Enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled wine as you help us celebrate Christmas through song! Booking essential. Please call 01746 781192. Tickets £5 adults £3 children. Severn Valley Country Park, www.shropshire.gov.uk/severn-valley-country-park

8th Dec to 3rd Jan Snow White Pantomime This much loved fairy tale of evil and vanity in battle with youth and innocent beauty sees a host of colourful characters brought to life as we discover what can go wrong with a bite of a poisonous apple! Will Snow White avoid the old lady offering an apple, or will we be relying on true

love’ s kiss to seal our happy every after ending? More pantomime fun and frolics at Oakengates Theatre! Oakengates Theatre @ The Place, www.theplacetelford.com

08th Dec 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Tile Decorating Workshop Join a drop-in tile decorating workshop held at Jackfield Tile Museum in Shropshire’ s Ironbridge Gorge (other dates available see website for details) Suitable for all ages from pre-school children to adult, the workshops use the Victorian tube lining technique to produce ceramic pieces; perhaps a collection of coasters, a circular door plaque or a gift for a loved one on a heart shaped tile. It takes up to 1½ hours to decorate your tile so last admission to the workshops is 2pm. Jackfield Tile Museum, www.ironbridge.org.uk. 10th to 13th Dec Hawkstone Santa Safari See 4th Dec for full info 12th to

23rd Dec Meet Santa in Birmingham at SEA LIFE! Santa Claus is coming to town! Well to The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham to be exact, and the attraction is encouraging families to come and meet him in Birmingham this Christmas. From 12th to 23rd Dec 2015, the magic of Lapland will be brought to the underwater themed attraction during its special Merry Fishmas event. Visitors can meet Father Christmas* in his Antarctic Grotto that’s situated alongside the attraction’s coolest residents, the charming and cheeky Gentoo penguin colony. Little ones can also receive a gift from Santa too and what’ s more, there’s no extra cost for this fun and festive experience. If all that wasn’t enough, visitors can board The Polar Express in the 4D Cinema, where it will depart throughout the day from the 1st to the 23rd Dec and will be helping visitors enter the festive season full steam ahead! This heart-warming film, combined with 4D special effects of falling snow and the smell of hot chocolate, makes a memorable experience for all the family. www.visitsealife.com/birmingham

12th to 20th December 17th Century Christmas Join in the celebrations of a 17th century Christmas at Moseley Old Hall. Taste traditional Christmas recipes, see the house decorated with traditional greenery, toast bread over the open fire in the hall, toast the season with spiced drinks and play games from the past. From 11am-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/moseley-old-hall/things-to-see-and-do/events

12th to 13th December Christmas Network Funday Come and enjoy fun filled day with the family. Free Entry. Visit Santa and get a present. £3 advance booking gets you a time slot so no queuing or £4 on the day. Come and enjoy the fun fair and Christmas Market. We also have live performances throughout the weekend. If you would like a stall or want to book a time slot for Santa Grotto please contact us on 07896 844520 Priory Park, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4EU12th to 20th DecemberFather Christmas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens Father Christmas will be visiting on the 12 & 13, 19 & 20 of December between 11am and 4pm. You will need a timed ticket to visit the grotto, which can only be purchased on the day from our Visitor Reception. £6.50 per child, all accompanying non-members need to pay garden entry

fee.Whilst you are waiting for your time slot, we have free family craft activities - make your own William Morris Christmas tree decoration. wightwickmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk12th to 24th December Breakfast & Afternoon tea with a visit from Santa Christmas is coming & we are so excited to welcome Santa back to Apley Farm Shop. Visit us for Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with a visit from Santa. See website for more details. Booking is essential. Apley Farm Shop www.apleyfarmshop.co.uk/news/breakfast-visit-santa/

12th December to 13th December Shrewsbury Christmas With a free Santa’ s Grotto, hands on workshops to learn new foodie and craft skills, carol singing, and lots of festive fun (including an ice rink in the Quarry!) plus a charity homeless area for the less fortunate. £5 Adults, £10 Families per day. www.shrewsburychristmas.co.uk

12th to 13th Dec 10am - 4pm Victorian Christmas This Christmas join the residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town as they get in to the festive spirit and enjoy a magical day out with your family and friends. Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto Enjoy entertainment at Mr Morton’ s Christmas Party including a mini-pantomime performance, Watch a Punch & Judy show and a Magician, Listen to the Brass Bands and Carol Singers, Shop for presents in the Town’ s shops, Take a donkey ride on the Green, Ride on a horse and carriage around the Town, Take part in a Victorian school lesson Blists Hill Victorian Town, www.ironbridge.org.uk.

15th to 23rd Dec Hawkstone Santa Safari Please see 4th Dec for full info 20th to 26th Dec Dear Santa From the author of one of the most well-loved books for children ‘ Dear Zoo’ comes a special treat for Christmas, Dear Santa. Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to our little hero Sarah. But he doesn’ t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘ perfect’ , just in time for Christmas Eve. All the ingredients of Rod Campbell’ s ingeniously simple and charming style are brought to life on stage, plus a whole lot more... with music, laughter and plenty of audience participation. Plus the opportunity to meet Santa himself and after the show! A perfect introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 7 years old, this is sure to be

one Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. Theatre Severn, www.theatresevern.co.uk

3rd Jan Snow White (Relaxed Performance) This year’ s pantomime at Oakengates Theatre will be accessible to even more people with a special ‘ relaxed performance’ for children and adults who may not be comfortable in a traditional theatre setting. Relaxed theatre performances are open to all but have been specially designed to welcome families and groups who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. Theatre lighting, special effects and sound levels can sometimes be unsettling this showing will be adjusted to reflect the audience’ s needs. Panto producer Paul Holman said: “The house lighting will be left on as darkness can often be frightening and we will be removing any special effects, such as strobe lighting and noises that could be too loud and alarming. “Theatre can sometimes be perceived as a stuffy experience when people have to sit still and be quiet during the performance but it is the complete opposite at a relaxed performance. If anyone needs to move around or react vocally, they are free to do so.”There will also be a quiet zone where people can unwind and then return to the auditorium when they are ready.

3rd Jan 7pm - 9pmRain Or Shine Theatre Company Presents Charles Dickens’ ‘ A Christmas Carol’In the spirit of Pantomime, you are invited to share in the journey of the miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, as he travels with the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. Taken back to view forgotten images of his life and what might have been, Scrooge discovers a hidden side to himself, and begins to realise the meaning of Christmas and a new understanding of humanity. With surprises throughout, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is set in Victorian costume with a cast of five playing a whole host of characters. You can be sure of an entertaining evening with a generous sprinkling of Bah – Humbug!” A family show, suitable for everyone aged 7 to 107. Severn Valley Country Park, www.shropshire.gov.uk/severn-valley-country-park Santa Saturdays

mum’s the word 25

23rd Dec Meet Santa in Birmingham at SEA LIFE! Santa Claus is coming to town! Well to The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham to be exact, and the attraction is encouraging families to come and meet him in Birmingham this Christmas. From 12th to 23rd Dec 2015, the magic of Lapland will be brought to the underwater themed attraction during its special Merry Fishmas event. Visitors can meet Father Christmas* in his Antarctic Grotto that’s situated alongside the attraction’s coolest residents, the charming and cheeky Gentoo penguin colony. Little ones can also receive a gift from Santa too and what’ s more, there’s no extra cost for this fun and festive experience. If all that wasn’t enough, visitors can board The Polar Express in the 4D Cinema, where it will depart throughout the day from the 1st to the 23rd Dec and will be helping visitors enter the festive season full steam ahead! This heart-warming film, combined with 4D special effects of falling snow and the smell of hot chocolate, makes a memorable experience for all the family. www.visitsealife.com/birmingham

12th to 20th December 17th Century Christmas Join in the celebrations of a 17th century Christmas at Moseley Old Hall. Taste traditional Christmas recipes, see the house decorated with traditional greenery, toast bread over the open fire in the hall, toast the season with spiced drinks and play games from the past. From 11am-4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/moseley-old-hall/things-to-see-and-do/events

12th to 13th December Christmas Network Funday Come and enjoy fun filled day with the family. Free Entry. Visit Santa and get a present. £3 advance booking gets you a time slot so no queuing or £4 on the day. Come and enjoy the fun fair and Christmas Market. We also have live performances throughout the weekend. If you would like a stall or want to book a time slot for Santa Grotto please contact us on 07896 844520 Priory Park, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4EU12th to 20th DecemberFather Christmas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens Father Christmas will be visiting on the 12 & 13, 19 & 20 of December between 11am and 4pm. You will need a timed ticket to visit the grotto, which can only be purchased on the day from our Visitor Reception. £6.50 per child, all accompanying non-members need to pay garden entry

fee.Whilst you are waiting for your time slot, we have free family craft activities - make your own William Morris Christmas tree decoration. wightwickmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk12th to 24th December Breakfast & Afternoon tea with a visit from Santa Christmas is coming & we are so excited to welcome Santa back to Apley Farm Shop. Visit us for Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with a visit from Santa. See website for more details. Booking is essential. Apley Farm Shop www.apleyfarmshop.co.uk/news/breakfast-visit-santa/

12th December to 13th December Shrewsbury Christmas With a free Santa’ s Grotto, hands on workshops to learn new foodie and craft skills, carol singing, and lots of festive fun (including an ice rink in the Quarry!) plus a charity homeless area for the less fortunate. £5 Adults, £10 Families per day. www.shrewsburychristmas.co.uk

12th to 13th Dec 10am - 4pm Victorian Christmas This Christmas join the residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town as they get in to the festive spirit and enjoy a magical day out with your family and friends. Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto Enjoy entertainment at Mr Morton’ s Christmas Party including a mini-pantomime performance, Watch a Punch & Judy show and a Magician, Listen to the Brass Bands and Carol Singers, Shop for presents in the Town’ s shops, Take a donkey ride on the Green, Ride on a horse and carriage around the Town, Take part in a Victorian school lesson Blists Hill Victorian Town, www.ironbridge.org.uk.

15th to 23rd Dec Hawkstone Santa Safari Please see 4th Dec for full info 20th to 26th Dec Dear Santa From the author of one of the most well-loved books for children ‘ Dear Zoo’ comes a special treat for Christmas, Dear Santa. Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to our little hero Sarah. But he doesn’ t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘ perfect’ , just in time for Christmas Eve. All the ingredients of Rod Campbell’ s ingeniously simple and charming style are brought to life on stage, plus a whole lot more... with music, laughter and plenty of audience participation. Plus the opportunity to meet Santa himself and after the show! A perfect introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 7 years old, this is sure to be

one Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. Theatre Severn, www.theatresevern.co.uk

3rd Jan Snow White (Relaxed Performance) This year’ s pantomime at Oakengates Theatre will be accessible to even more people with a special ‘ relaxed performance’ for children and adults who may not be comfortable in a traditional theatre setting. Relaxed theatre performances are open to all but have been specially designed to welcome families and groups who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. Theatre lighting, special effects and sound levels can sometimes be unsettling this showing will be adjusted to reflect the audience’ s needs. Panto producer Paul Holman said: “The house lighting will be left on as darkness can often be frightening and we will be removing any special effects, such as strobe lighting and noises that could be too loud and alarming. “Theatre can sometimes be perceived as a stuffy experience when people have to sit still and be quiet during the performance but it is the complete opposite at a relaxed performance. If anyone needs to move around or react vocally, they are free to do so.”There will also be a quiet zone where people can unwind and then return to the auditorium when they are ready.

3rd Jan 7pm - 9pmRain Or Shine Theatre Company Presents Charles Dickens’ ‘ A Christmas Carol’In the spirit of Pantomime, you are invited to share in the journey of the miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, as he travels with the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. Taken back to view forgotten images of his life and what might have been, Scrooge discovers a hidden side to himself, and begins to realise the meaning of Christmas and a new understanding of humanity. With surprises throughout, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is set in Victorian costume with a cast of five playing a whole host of characters. You can be sure of an entertaining evening with a generous sprinkling of Bah – Humbug!” A family show, suitable for everyone aged 7 to 107. Severn Valley Country Park, www.shropshire.gov.uk/severn-valley-country-park Santa Saturdays

26 mum’s the word

Public skating sessions will take place 10.30am-3.30pm on weekdays over the Christmas period. Opening Times for Telford Ice Rink: Monday - Sunday - 7am to 11.30pm The ice rink is closed on Christmas day, Boxing Day, New year’s day and closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Telford Ice Rink was given a £4m refurbishment in 2012 including major internal and external improvements carried out by contractor Morgan Sindall as part of the broader £250m redevelopment of the Southwater area of the town centre. It also included the opening of a new soft play area. The rink, which first opened in 1985, is one of only 56 in the UK and is a facility of regional importance. It’s ice pad is just under Olympic size and is open all year round for all ages and abilities. Activities available include ice skating clubs, public skating sessions, birthday parties, crash courses, hockey training and disco sessions.

Santa Skate takes place on:12th December 2015 1-3pm 19th December 2015 10.30-12.30, 1-3pm23rd December 2015 1-3pm 24th December 2015 10.30-14.30

Make your child’s dream come true at Telford Ice Rink this year where they

can glide around the ice with Santa at our exclusive Santa Skate. Yes that’s right! During the Christmas countdown to help you get in the festive spirit Santa will be making a very special visit to boys and girls who wish to meet and skate with Santa.

Set within the perfect winter location with Shropshire’s biggest foam cannon our Santa Skate experience captures the joy of both children and parents with professional photographs being taken on the day. DJ Paul Shuttleworth will be present for Santa Skate sessions playing Christmas and current disco music.

Santa will also be visiting Telford Soft Play for lucky children 6months – 8 years who wish to burn off some energy with tunnels, slides and swings.Join us at Telford Ice Rink for this truly magical experience.

Saint Quentin Gate, Telford TF3 4JQ 0845 155 9966www.telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk

Telfordicerink @icerinktelford

Santa Skate

at Telford Ice Rink

mum’s the word 27

Dear Santa,I’ve been very good this year and have done some very nice things to be kind to others. If I am on the Good List again these are my wishes that I hope you can make come true this year...

I hope you love the cookies and milk we will leave for you on Christmas Eve and I’ll make sure

I’m fast asleep when you arrive! I love you always Santa! From.................................... ............................. Age.......................

1....................................................................................... 2.................................................................................. 3..............................................................................

28 mum’s the word

Unfortunately, there are currently thousands of unwanted cats out there, so it's extremely important to get your feline friends neutered, and help to reduce the amount of potentially unwanted kittens being born.

Why neuter your cat?

Below are some interesting and useful facts that serve to highlight the many merits of neutering!

Neutered cats are happier, and healthier! They are also less likely to stray far from home. A female cat can become pregnant from the age of four months. She could have up to three litters a year, with five or six kittens in each litter. This means that in just five years, she could be responsible for 20,000 descendants! A neutered cat is less likely to catch some of the most dangerous cat diseases. Many cats killed on the road are un-neutered males. Neutered cats are less likely to wander, protect their territory, or get into fights with other cats. Cats should ideally be neutered from four months of age.

For more information about neutering, please visit the Telford & District Cats Protection website at www.cats.org.uk/telford or call our Neutering Officer on 08453 711 859.

Can you help raise cash for the kitty? Shop volunteers required

No previous shop experience is needed, as full training will be given, but we need people who love cats and have bags of enthusiasm. By sparing just a few hours a week it can make a huge difference to needy cats. It’s also a great way to make new friends – both human and feline!

For further information please contact:

T: 01952 305 645

E: catsprotectiontelford@gmail.com

W: www.telford.cats.org.uk/

: Telford & District Cats Protection Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

mum’s the word 29

Christmas Wreaths & Table Decorations individually created

Prices from £10Call Debbie on 07891 598030 for details

Floral & Hardy

Orders now being taken for

Christmas!

It’s Only Natural...Every year seems to bring with it it’s own colour

scheme for Christmas decorations, be it bright crazy colours, recycled home made decs even edible decs.

But there’s always something so special about what Mother Nature produces every year - the excitement of going as a family to pick your own tree, the smell of the Christmas tree in the house and the traditions often incorporating holly, ivy and not forgetting good old Mistletoe!So don’t forget you can get a lovely tree from Hoo farm as well as pay Santa Claus and the nativity cast a visit and for just a tenner you can get a stunning wreath from Floral & Hardy!

30 mum’s the word

In the middle of London, there lived a brother and a sister called Andy and Kate. Andy and Kate were happy children that were always laughing and playing all kinds of games. Since Andy was older, Kate always listened to him, so they were usually playing boy’s games. The little brother and sister were running around the apartment all the time and their mother would have to apologise for the noise to old Mrs. Jackson downstairs.

Mrs. Jackson was an old lady that lived alone and often wanted to praise the children and she loved them very much. For their birthdays, she would give them the best presents.Mrs. Jackson loved the little children and it pained her that they would have to leave soon.

The family of Andy and Kate were moving closer to the countryside where they could run as much as they want to and not disturb anyone. They were moving to a rural village with lots and lots of space for all their toys and games that they wanted to play. The children couldn’t wait to start packing and go to the new house.

Andy and Kate felt bad about leaving Mrs. Jackson alone, but she always told them that she would be fine with the other children and her cat. Andy and Kate were very happy to finally be moving to a house with a big garden but something bothered them.

They were afraid that Santa Claus wouldn’t be able to find them and not leave them any presents. That is why from two months before moving, they had been writing lots of letters to Santa Claus, telling him their new address. Andy and Kate were getting the best presents every year and didn’t want this year to be skipped because they have been looking forward to Christmas the whole year.

Andy, Kate and their Christmas Presents

mum’s the word 31

In a land far, far away from the outside world and where Andy and Kate lived, there is a little house where all the magic happens. There, Santa Claus is making lists of all the children in the world and what they want for Christmas. The elves are making and packing the beautiful presents and preparing Santa’s sleigh for his Christmas journey around the world, and Mrs. Claus… Mrs. Claus bakes the most delicious cookies, cupcakes and delights!

Mrs. Claus loves helping the elves and spending time with all of them. The elves are always helping Mrs. Claus with the cooking and baking sweets. With Christmas on the horizon, Mrs. Claus is baking all kinds of treats for the elves and the children from all around the world. She baked cookies, cupcakes, candy canes and many others.

One morning, the elves got a letter that was addressed to Santa Claus. They called him and asked him to read it aloud. It said:

Santa Claus smiled and told the elves to change the address for Andy and Kate and send them the best bike hey have and the prettiest doll and dolls house. After a few weeks, Andy and Kate moved to the new house and they were waiting for Christmas. The children had a lot of fun in the new house, but they just wanted Christmas to come and get their presents. They were a bit scared that they might not get their presents, but they hoped that all those letters were not for nothing. When Christmas morning came, Andy and Kate ran down the stairs and into the living room. They saw the presents and immediately went to open them. Andy’s bicycle was so big he spotted it right away. They saw the bitten cookie on the table and knew that Santa Claus found them after all.

Andy took the bike outside and rode it the whole day and Kate played with her doll until bedtime. It was the happiest day of the little brother and sister’s life. And that is how a little hope and a strong will for something to happen can bring us a lot of joy and happy times. That is why you should trust in the magic of life and your wishes will come true.

Dear Santa Claus,My name is Andy and with me is

my sister Kate. How are you? I

hope you are well and that you

don’t have trouble packing all

those presents. Anyway, I wanted

to tell you that we are moving

before Christmas and we will be

living outside of London from now

on, in a big house with a red door

and a large back garden. It’s

easy to find it. I wish to get a

new bicycle and my sister wants

a new doll. We hope that you get

this letter and the other few we

sent you. Travel safe.

Lots of love, Andy and Kate X X

32 mum’s the word

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