Top Ten Pancakes from Riverford Organics
16th February is Pancake day this year and is a lovely opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, with children having great fun making the batter and flipping the pancakes, you can then fill with a variety of fillings both sweet and savoury, either sticking to the old favourite - sugar and a squeeze of lemon or try something more imaginative; fruit, chocolate and cheese all make great bases to add other ingredients.
Independence Day by Alison Stodolnic
I feel a warm glow of pride every time one of my children surprises me with a flash of independence – a sense of “job done, now where's my medal?” But at the same time, I can't ignore a little pang of sadness, buried deep somewhere between my womb and my heart, that one day my baby will be all grown up and won't need me anymore.
A Fresh Start by Nicola Foster
I have never been one for New Year resolutions. I am usually far too overindulged to muster any “get up and go” to revolutionise my life. Instead, my annual epiphany coincides with the beginning of the autumn term in September.
Ready Steady Sleep by Sarah Clark
We can help our children learn about the animal kingdom at this time of year, as we watch what they do to prepare for winter and try to relate it to our own human lives.
Fire Fiasco by Nicola Foster
When I switched the oven on to self-clean, as the children and I pottered about on the first day of the holidays, I could not have predicted how quickly my day would deteriorate and for once it was in no way the fault of the children. About 40 minutes into the cycle, an unmistakable orange flicker caught my eye in the oven. As I tried not to panic, I recalled the instruction manual mentioning that as the temperature can exceed 1000C, there is a small risk of fire. It should have mentioned that if some fat from one of the best pieces of crackling ever made should fall onto the oven floor, you should clear that away before embarking on a self clean.
Lets All Learn To Swim
Jon Keating works for the ASA (the national governing body involved in every element of swimming) as their Schools Swimming Advisor covering the North West and North East helping primary schools in the area manage and improve swimming lessons for children. Tiffany Henry talked to Jon about his role with the ASA and the development of children's swimming in the region.
Little Tigers Meets Mister Maker
The recent “Turrets and Tiaras” day organised by Pyjama Drama at Peckforton Castle, was a huge success with plenty for all the children to enjoy. One of the most popular events was the arts and craft sessions with Phil Gallagher the man behind the successful CeBeebies series Mr Maker. Dany Whittaker managed to grab a few moments with Phil for a chat afterwards.
Help at the Start by Sarah Clark
When raising small children, we need all the help we can get. Often parents live away from their extended family, or both go out to work, or one parent is coping alone … and we can't always get the help we need. The national Sure Start scheme is led by the government and delivered locally. It was launched 10 years ago, with the aim of improving the lives and prospects of small children.
Bags of Ideas by Alison Stodolnic
Now that Woolworth's has vanished, where can we go for party bag fodder? Instead of being sucked into the nearest supermarket, take this opportunity to think up something new and unusual for your little guests to grab and hold on to as they leave the party.
Fund Raising At The Farm
Helen Crowther is the Senior Trust Fundraiser at the Children's Farm Adventure Trust (CAFT). CAFT is based in a beautiful 17th century farmhouse, in the heart of Cheshire countryside and provides free adventure breaks and activities to children who are disadvantaged by illness, disability and poverty, from all over the Northwest. There are 16 members of staff at the farm both full and part-time who are supported by a team of 50 volunteers. Tiffany Henry talked to Helen about her role and life at CAFT.
