ALL-NEW TOY STORY PLAYLAND OPENING 17TH AUGUST

In the all-new Toy Story Playland opening 17th August, guests will feel as though they’ve been shrunk to the size of toys as they embark on family-friendly adventures with Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, the Green Army Men, RC Racer and the rest of the gang from the Disney•Pixar Toy Story films.

Dwarfed by giant blades of grass and oversized toys, guests can descend 27 meters on a simulated parachute drop, race round-and-round on a zany coaster and zoom through a 25-meter half-pipe Hot Wheels® track aboard a remote control car.

http://new-generation-festival.disneylandparis.co.uk

Special Note: Images Courtesy of Disneyland Paris

SUMMER FUN FOR ALL AT WESTFIELD LONDON SHOPPING CENTRE THIS AUGUST
Westfield London shopping http://uk.westfield.com/london centre is the family leisure destination this summer, with six weeks of fabulous summer events and a dazzling line-up of fun activities for mums, dads and little ones too.

Kids will be entertained by their favourite characters and shows, and with our amazing Kids Eat for Free offer there’s never been a better time to indulge in delicious summer dishes from our restaurants and eateries. Not forgetting the grownups, summer sales in many of our 275 stores and a line up of blockbusters at Vue cinema, make Westfield London the destination for the family this summer with something for everyone.

Throughout August, the kids will be spoilt for choice at Westfield London. Some of the highlights of the summer events include:

Face Painting at Butlers Chocolate Cafe

A trip to Butlers Cafe is as much of a treat for parents as it is for kids! So indulge in some luxurious truffles while the kids have their faces painted every weekend throughout August.

Mister Maker Arts & Craft Workshop

Come and meet the CBeebies star Mister Maker live at Westfield London! Kids will love being part of this event, as they draw along with Mister Maker and learn how to create their very own masterpiece to take home. Mister Maker is the ultimate children's arts and crafts show which teaches and entertains in fun and imaginative ways! Get involved at The Atrium at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm on Tuesday 17th August.

Waybuloo Yoga sessions

Waybuloo is a unique exploration of emotions and relationships, especially created for pre-school children. At its heart it is a philosophy for a happy life with uplifting themes of happiness and harmony. Join us this summer for fun Waybuloo-themed activities and a chance to win some Waybuloo goodies! Come along on 19th August at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Peter Rabbit Puppet Show

Hop along to this charming interactive puppet show where The Tale of Peter Rabbit is brought to life. Help Peter escape from Mr McGregor's garden and send him on his journey. Collect your wristband from Concierge in The Atrium from 9am, ready for the shows in The Atrium at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm.

Despicable Me

Join in a treasure hunt and meet the star characters from Universal Pictures’ first 3-D animated movie! Events will be taking place throughout the day on Thursday 26th August.

Little Gym Throughout the Summer

During the summer holidays, come rain or shine, The Li–ttle Gym Westfield London http://uk.westfield.com/london/find/detail/store?retailer=35735 will be providing holiday camps for children aged three to eight years. A fabulous variety of fun, activity, learning and creativity will be on offer. The themed sessions will also change each week and stimulate physical-skill development with games and gymnastics, all in the care of a qualified team of dedicated instructors.

Gymnastic classes are also available throughout the summer for children aged four months to 12 years. Call The Li–ttle Gym team on 020 8735 0817

For more information on all summer events at Westfield, visit http://uk.westfield.com/london

MEDIEVAL MAGIC ADDS THRILL TO THE MONTHS OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER IN ALNWICK!

This month, indulge in the wonders of medieval magic as Hogrid and Dumbledare return to their favourite 1,000 year old castle, enticing everyone with their mystical charms.

As well as our favoured guests, The Castle and The Garden have a whole host of events for all the family to enjoy. Engage your artistic side with some of our fascinating workshops or treat your taste buds with the culinary delights of our medieval food festival.

In late August, the infamous Poison Garden will welcome visitors for a special one-off art workshop. Visitors will be able to discover more about the ‘wicked’ poisonous plants that lurk in the popular feature which is kept under 24 hour surveillance because of the type of plants grown. When it’s not in use, the garden is locked securely behind 8ft wrought-iron gates and even has a Home Office licence!

Full details of all summer events are listed below.

The Garden & the Castle’s summer opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admissions 5.15pm). Visit: www.alnwickgarden.com or http://www.alnwickcastle.com/ for details.

Thursday 12th August
Castle – Magic with Hogrid and Dumbledare. Hogrid and Dumbledare return to their favourite castle to check if you have kept the magic alive in Alnwick
- Medieval Scriptorium Workshop – Learn the skills used by medieval artists to make beautiful illuminated books and create your own illuminated painted alphabet letter to take home and frame.

Garden – Kid’s gardening in the Roots and Shoots vegetable garden

Friday 13th August
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick
- Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later.

Garden – Bug-house making workshop

Saturday 14th August
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick
- Medieval crafts
Garden – Animal encounters

Sunday 15th August
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later.

Monday 16th August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Tuesday 17th August
Castle - Medieval Scriptorium Workshop – Learn the skills used by medieval artists to make beautiful illuminated books and create your own illuminated painted alphabet letter to take home and frame.
- Medieval Master Falconer and his Birds of Prey

Wednesday 18th August
Castle – Medieval Master Falconer and his Birds of Prey
- Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Garden – Wall art workshops inspired by wicked plants

Thursday 19th August
Castle - Medieval Magic Show- Watch out for Martin the Magician's new Medieval Magic Show.
- Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Garden - Fairy House-making workshops

Friday 20th August
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Sat 21st August
Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later

Sunday 22nd August
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Mon 23rd August
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later.

Garden – Wall art workshops inspired by wicked plants

Tuesday 24th August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Garden – Roots and Shoots veggie workshop

Wed 25th August
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick
- Medieval Magic Show - Watch out for Martin the Magician's new Medieval Magic Show.

Thursday 26th August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Garden – Butterflies and Bees workshop

Fri 27th August
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later

Garden – Outdoor art school

Sat 28th August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.
- Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Sunday 29th August
Castle - Medieval Scriptorium Workshop – Learn the skills used by medieval artists to make beautiful illuminated books and create your own illuminated painted alphabet letter to take home and frame.
Garden – Fairy House-making workshops

Monday 30th August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Tuesday 31st August
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Wed 1st September
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick
- Medieval Magic Show - Watch out for Martin the Magician's new Medieval Magic Show.

Thurs 2nd September
Castle - Medieval Scriptorium Workshop – Learn the skills used by medieval artists to make beautiful illuminated books and create your own illuminated painted alphabet letter to take home and frame.

Fri 3rd September
Castle - Medieval tile-making workshop- Learn about the art and history of medieval tiles while making a mini-tile in air-drying clay to take home and keep to paint later.

Sat 4th September
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later

Sunday 5th September
Castle – Meet with characters from Pride & Prejudice
- Special evening performance of Pride and Prejudice from Chapterhouse Theatre Company
- Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Garden – Family teddy bear’s picnic

Sat 11th September
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Sunday 12th September
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Saturday 18th September
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September
Castle - Medieval Food Festival - Taste some of our ancestors favourite foods.

Sunday 19th September
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

Saturday 25th September
Castle - Gargoyles and Demons- Create your own Alnwick medieval gargoyle or medieval dragon in plaster to take home and paint later

Sunday 26th September
Castle - Medieval soap-making workshop - Make your own irresistibly fragrant soap balls using herbs and flowers grown in Medieval Alnwick

THE ULTIMATE TREASURE HUNT!

So, it’s the summer holidays. For all those parents out there slowly losing their: patience, marbles, fridge contents;

Galler would like to suggest a distraction method/opportunity to: regain patience, find marbles and restock fridges.

Let us introduce the Galler Chocolate Treasure Hunt. Visit www.gallerchocolates.co.uk, and get chocolate gifts www.gallerchocolates.co.uk/

from Galler delivered straight to your door! Take ten clues, liberally spread said clues around your garden, house, or, even better, someone else’s house; throw in a handful of Galler’s delicious chocolate Cats Tongues, add some unruly children and let the games begin.

Individually wrapped and available in milk, dark and white chocolate, Galler’s Cats Tongues Refill Boxes (£7.90), contain 18 chocolates which make great clue markers; whilst the Cats Tongues Mini Tin (£3.50), containing 6 plain milk chocolates, makes the perfect treasure.
To order award winning Galler chocolate online visit www.gallerchocolates.co.uk, alternatively call 0207 351 1668 to order over the phone or visit the Galler retail outlet at Harrods.

For up to the minute information from Galler you can now follow us on Twitter!

You can also follow us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Galler-Chocolate-UK/34079031442?v=info&ref=search

GREEN TOYS™ TUGBOAT
There is no end to the Good Green Fun™ young sailors can have! This colourful craft can be floated on the water surface, or used to scoop and pour water using its wide spout. Perfect for water tables and bathtubs! Suitable for ages 6 Months+ and priced around £11.69.

Green Toys have been created to offer parents and teachers an environmentally friendly and safe alternative to traditional plastic toys, while making an effort to improve and preserve the world around us. Green Toys’ award-winning classic toys are derived from 100% recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. Green Toys’ innovative products promote recycling; reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and, just as importantly, children love playing with them!

A friend of the environment…

Green Toys use plastic milk containers that are collected through consumer recycling and reprocessed into super clean fresh plastic. This high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around.

Using recycled plastic for Green Toys saves energy, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, keeps items out of landfills, and conserves natural resources; and (naturally) Green Toys are 100% recyclable!

Green Toys’ environmental mission also extends to packaging. Boxes use as little material as possible. All Green Toys are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. Not only are Green Toys packages earth-friendly and ready for your recycling bin, they are easy for both children and adults to open.

Safety is paramount…

Green Toys’ products are produced with safety in mind. Green Toys contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates, Bisphenol-A (BPA), or PVC based upon third-party independent laboratory tests. Also, the products were intentionally designed without external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint. All Green Toys conform to the requirements of EN-71

Background…

Green Toys Inc., based in San Francisco, California, launched its first line of products, The Original Green Toys™, in March 2008. My First Green Toys™, a line designed for babies and toddlers, was released in spring 2010.

Green Toys will be available in the UK from August 2010, being exclusively distributed by educational toy manufacturer Learning Resources® who have provided parents and teachers with high quality, hands-on toys for over twenty five years.

Available from Learning Resources, visit www.LearningResources.co.uk or call 0845 241 0484.

HERE ARE A COLLECTION OF FABULOUS CHILDREN’S BOOKS, PERFECT FOR SUMMER READING:

Polar bears
Author/Editor Fiona Watt, Illustrator Francesca di Chiara.

Synopsis: A delightful touchy-feely book filled with simple facts about polar bears, where cubs are born and how they keep warm.
The colourful illustrations include touchy-feely patches that highlight the polar bears’ soft tummies.

Warmly illustrated by Francesca di Chiara.

http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/catalogue.aspx?cat=1&area=B&subcat=BTF&id=3881

Hide-and-seek baby animals
Author/Editor: Fiona Watt, Illustrator: Lesley Danson

Synopsis: Where are the baby animals hiding? This delightful touchy-feely flap book encourages children to lift the flaps and find the baby elephants, penguins, rabbits, koalas and lion cubs hidden in the scenes, learning to count as they go. With surprises galore hiding under each of the robust flaps.Full of touchy-feely patches, sparkly foil and a wide variety of textures for babies and toddlers to enjoy.

 
http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/catalogue.aspx?cat=1&area=B&subcat=BTF&id=4219

 
Hot Brands, Cool Places Verdict
These two books are absolutely adorable, our junior reviewers loved them, particularly the chance to touch the very soft patches, utterly charming, the stories are delightful and the illustrations magical. A perfect gift for any child, we loved them!

Highly Recommended!

Synopsis: Herve Tullet pursued a successful career in advertising before switching to creating childrens books. Herve Tullet is one of the best-known and best-loved childrens authors and illustrators working today. He has enchanted devotees of his unique style in previous, award-winning books, including Night and Day, The Five Senses and Imagine.

The Scribble Book is an entirely new venture, one in which his young readers are invited to participate!

Encouraged by Herve to pick up a crayon and scribble alongside him, they will lose all inhibitions and unlock their own creativity. They will feed scribbles to a hungry monster, scribble water to put out a fire, scribble flames coming out of a volcano, spaghetti for lunch and ski-tracks in the snow.

The Scribble Book does away with the traditional rules of the pre-school colouring book, encouraging children to cross boundaries and experiment for themselves. Gradually, as the book unfolds, the scribbles evolve into puzzles to be solved and finally into genuine drawings. Full of wit and humour, irreverent and enchanting, The Scribble Book is destined to become the latest success from the colourful mind of Herve Tullet.

http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/do/Books/Scribble-Book/product/34702

Hot Brands, Cool Places Verdict
Imagine being told as a child, it’s okay to scribble in a book and what’s more being encouraged to scribble over the Mona Lisa! The Scribble Book is a wonderfully inventive book, encouraging creativity and imagination. Our junior reviewers were delighted with the freedom to experiment in a fabulously free uninhibited way. They and we loved it! Highly Recommended!

Please Note
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