Raring2go! Sheffield & Rotherham

L k inside f a chance to win tickets! Proudlly Presents... e family pantomime adventure SHEFFIELD CITY HALL • 27TH DEC 2023 - 7TH JAN 2024 WWW.MANOROPERATIC.COM • 07533 021 407 SHEFFIELD & ROTHERHAM WHAT’S ON AND PLACES TO GO P2-17 CLUBS AND CLASSES P18-21 20% OFF ADVENTURE GOLF P16 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2023

What is the name of Robin Hood’s friends? A. Merry Men B. Jolly Men C. Silly Men Please send your answer and contact details to manoroperatic@gmail.com Closing date is 30th November 2023 and the winner will be announced on our Facebook page on 1st December 2023 *A family ticket is 2 adults and 2 concessions. SHEFFIELD CITY HALL • 27TH DEC 2023 - 7TH JAN 2024 Proudlly Presents... e family pantomime adventure YOU COULD WIN A FAMILY TICKET! WWW.MANOROPERATIC.COM • 07533 021 407

Copyright © 2023 by Mojo Publishing Ltd No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Publishers. Published by Raring2go! Sheffield Tel 07515 397248 sheffield@raring2go.co.uk Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. As such Raring2go! Sheffield accepts no legal responsibility for loss arising from the use of services featured or any of the information published. Printed by Gemini Print 01273 464884 Twitter - @raring2gosheff www.facebook.com /Raring2goSheffield Kerry Goding- Editor Welcome to the Winter edition of Insta - Raring2goSheffield Goodbye Ghouls, goblins, witches and fireworks! Hello, dark night, hot chocolate and a good Christmas family movie! For me the best thing about winter is being able to wrap up warm and sit down to watch a classic family movie like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street or The Santa Claus. This issue has lots of ideas for What’s On for your family and friends this winter. We are also aware that there are still lots of events still to be confirmed at the time of us printing this issue, so be sure to check out our What’s On website pages for more ideas. Don’t forget to enter our competitions online at www.raring2go.co.uk we have some fantastic prizes. Remember you have to be in it to win it, so jump online and make sure your enter! Why not sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter on our website to make sure you don’t miss out on any competitions & vouchers between issues. Have fun and remember, wherever you visit, be sure to mention you found them in Raring2go! Kerry Goding, Editor of Raring2go! Sheffield and Rotherham PS - Please check with venues before setting off as sometimes things can change or events can be cancelled - we don’t want you having any wasted journeys or upset kids! Have a great couple of months with the family and remember, wherever you visit and wherever you go, make sure you tell them you found them in Raring2go! Look out for our January digital only edition published around the 11th January 2024. Kerry x

Raring2go! What’s On 4 raring2go.co.uk Full details for all the events we mention can be found in our What’s On guide at www.raring2go.co.uk/ sheffield Bright Nights (Barnsley Town Centre) – 24 & 25 Nov Join us as Barnsley town centre is lit up with free fun for all the family. On Friday 24th November, we’ll switch on the Christmas lights in style. Enjoy and explore light installations at venues across the town centre. On Saturday 25th November, join the Barnsley Bright Nights parade. Visit Barnsley.gov.uk/ events for more details. Christmas Fayre (Scout & Guide HQ, Salt Box Lane, Grenoside) – 2 Dec (11am4pm) BBQ, Stalls, Tombola, Lucky Dip, Mulled Wine, Festive drinks and more. www. raring2go.co.uk/event/ grenoside-scout-guidegroup-christmas-fayre Christmas Fayre (Sheffield Mencap & Gateway, Norfolk Lodge) – 2 Dec (11.30am-2pm) The countdown is on! Join us at our Christmas Fair to celebrate the festive season and support Sheffield’s learning disability community. There are activities and treats on offer for everybody, so bring the whole family and get ready for Christmas! All funds raised at the Christmas Fair go straight into our services for children and adults with a learning disability and their carers. Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, Norfok Lodge, Park Grange Road, S2 3QF. Free entry and free parking. See you there! MENCAP & GATEWAY FACEBOOK PAGE Christmas @ Caphouse (National coal Mining Museum Seasons Greetings! Travel 140m underground to find Santa in his atmospheric grotto, join our Lantern Parade and see Caphouse lit-up, and enjoy a fun-filled programme of events over the Christmas period. Illumine: Light Up Festival 24 Nov - 4pm-8pm 25 & 26 Nov – All day Join us for our Christmas launch as we light up the Museum for a bumper weekend of festive fun. Enjoy pop-up activities, brass band and choir performances, plus plenty of festive treats including Santa himself! Santa Underground 25 Nov 2023 to 24 Dec £12-13 per child (£10-11 per adult), pre-bookable Before Santa goes down your chimney he is going down the mine! Travel 140m underground to join Santa in his unique and atmospheric underground grotto where he will be waiting to meet a few select children. Will the bell place you on the naughty or nice list? Christmas Storytelling Every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) starting at Light Up, from 24 Nov to 23 Dec 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm & 2:30pm - Join Peggy as she chats about Christmases past and hosts parlour games in Parkinson’s Yard. Makers’ Shed Light Up special – 24-26 Nov Make your own lanterns ready for the Sunday evening Lantern Parade! Every weekend – 2 to 23 Dec 11:30am – 4pm Get crafty this Christmas and make your own wrapping paper and Christmas decorations. Caphouse Creators Christmas Special (7–12-year-olds) Sun 3 December £5 per child, pre-bookable Construct your own personalised Christmas crackers and their crafty contents in this hands-on, festive workshop. www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/ christmas-at-caphouse/

Raring2go! What’s On 5 On Friday 24 November, we’ll switch on the Christmas lights in style. Enjoy and explore light installations at venues across the town centre. On Saturday 25 November, join the Barnsley Bright Nights parade. Visit barnsley.gov.uk/events for more details. Join us as Barnsley town centre is lit up with free fun for all the family. BRIGHT NIGHTS IS BACK!24-25 NOV

Raring2go! What’s On 6 raring2go.co.uk Caphouse Creators: Crafty Christmas Crackers (National Coal Mining Museum) – 3 Dec (11am12pm & 2pm-3pm) 7-12 year olds are invited to get creative at our hands-on club, working with authentic materials to learn practical techniques! Construct some personalised Christmas crackers and their crafty contents in this handson, festive workshop. £5 per child. www.ncm.org. uk/whats-on/caphousecreators/ Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated:Starlight (Sheffield Cathedral) – 5-9 Dec Follow the ‘Starlight’ to Sheffield Cathedral this Christmas with the return of Luxmuralis spectacular lightshow. There’s no better place to start your Christmas celebrations than at the cathedral’s stunning lightshow, Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated created by Luxmuralis. This year we will be opening up the forecourt so everyone passing can watch the beautiful projections across the ancient walls of the cathedral and listen to the uplifting soundscape. This will be our ‘gift to the city’. Starlight will guide you on a journey following the three wise men. Contemporary light and sound artwork will bring to life stained-glass windows and beautiful paintings, taking you to the heart of the Nativity story which will unfold before you across the West End of the cathedral. Your ticket will then allow you to venture inside to see this sacred place come alive through a dazzling display of light artwork and bespoke sound composition. Enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, take time to enjoy seasonal treats in 1554 Coffee and Gift shop and say a prayer and light a candle next to the famous Sheffield Steel Nativity. www. sheffieldcathedral.org Archer Project Carol Service (Sheffield Cathedral) – 8 Dec (12.30pm-1.30pm) Support the Archer Project by taking part in their annual carol service! We would like to invite you and your friends, families and colleagues to our annual carol service, taking place at Sheffield Cathedral. Soup and bread will be served after the service and, as ever, any donations will be gratefully received. No tickets needed. ww.sheffieldcathedral.org St Luke’s Christmas Service (Sheffield Cathedral) – 10 Dec (2pm-3pm) Join St Luke’s Chaplain Mike Reeder for a special Service of Celebration and Remembrance at Christmas. The service will be a chance to reflect on the past years and remember loved ones with some special readings and, of course, favourite Christmas music. Taking part in the service will be the Choir of Abbey Lane Primary School, Stannington Brass Band and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus. If you would like to book your place to attend this years’ Service of Remembrance and let St Luke’s know how many people will be attending, book online here www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/ service-of-remembranceevent-booking. For more information, please email St Luke’s fundraisingevents@ hospicesheffield.co.uk or call them on 0114 235 7553 / 0114 235 7554. Sheffield Music Hub: Christmas Extravaganza (Sheffield Cathedral) – 11 Dec (6pm-8.45pm) The students of Sheffield Music Hub are here to get everyone in the festive spirit with their Christmas concerts! Sheffield Music

Raring2go! What’s On 7 www.sheffieldcathedral.org Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: Starlight 5 – 9 December Book your ticket today Created by Luxmuralis Supported by

Raring2go! What’s On 8 raring2go.co.uk Hub will be holding their Christmas Extravaganza concert’s inside Sheffield Cathedral. There will be fantastic performances from the combined choirs, the award winning senior orchestra and combined wind bands. The performance will end with carols at end for the audience to join in with for a fabulous Christmas concert. Sheffield Music Hub work with 15,000 school children a week and believe that every child, regardless of race; gender; where they live; their levels of musical talent; parental income; whether they have special educational needs or disabilities; and whether they are looked-after children; deserve the very best music education. www. sheffieldcathedral.org Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas (Sheffield Cathedral) – 15 Dec (7.30pm-9.30pm) The Piccadilly Sinfonietta return to the Cathedral for their performance of Vivaldi’s timeless classic. Featuring some of the UK’s most exceptional performers, The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will treat you to a feast of classical masterpieces in the beautiful surroundings of a candlelit Cathedral. Including a performance of Mozart’s famous piano concerto in C Major, a favourite with audiences around world and Corelli’s exquisite Christmas Concerto, the perfect additions to their festive programme. Book your tickets below and start your festivities with the classics. www.sheffieldcathedral.org Family Time with Santa! (Showroom Cinema) – 16 & 23 Dec Join Santa for a very special family storytime with a cookie, hot chocolate and festive film. www. showroomworkstation.org. uk/family-time Manor Operatic presents Robin Hood (Sheffield City Hall) – 27 Dec to 7 Jan Follow Robin Hood and his hilarious band of Merry Men on a magical adventure through Sherwood Forest. Our brand new script is packed to the brim with laughter, amazing music, spectacular special effects and dazzling dancing; plus Manor’s iconic dough throwing, bucket game and Tiddly Winky Woo. This is sure to be our most spectacular panto ever! Win tickets, see page 2. www. manoroperatic.com The Vikings are coming! (Royal Armouries, Leeds) – 30 & 31 Dec The Vikings are returning to spend the Yule festival at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds again this mid-winter. Join us for an actionpacked programme of demonstrations, have-ago activities, battle stories and much more. www. royalarmouries.org/leeds/ whats-on Free Taster session with Razzamataz Sheffield – 6 Jan Give the gift of confidence this Christmas! Dance, drama and singing lessons for ages 2-18 and a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun! www.sheffield.razzamataz. co.uk Caphouse Creators: Book Binding (National Coal Mining Museum) – 7 Jan (11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm) 7-12 year olds are invited to get creative at our hands-on club, working with authentic materials to learn practical techniques! Have a go at traditional bookbinding techniques to build your own personalised 2024 diary. £5 per child. www. ncm.org.uk/whats-on/ caphouse-creators/

Raring2go! What’s On 9 Spend some quality Family Time at Showroom Cinema! Every Saturday at 11am, Family Time welcomes all ages to experience the most beloved modern and classic cinema on the big screen. From unforgettable Hollywood musicals to beautifully-animated fairy tales, Y2K nostalgia trips, to the best new releases - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Films in the Family Time programme will be suitable for varying ages, so we encourage you to read the guidance on the film page if you are unsure about suitability for your little one. With tickets at £5 for all ages, and a relaxed, accessible atmosphere (including subtitles and low-level lighting), Family Time is the perfect way to introduce the kids in your life to old favourites and the magic of cinema in a comfortable, welcoming environment. And remember - everyone is welcome! Though Family Time is aimed at families, Showroom believes that these come in all shapes and sizes; grown-ups and friends are welcome too. Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. showroomworkstation.org.uk/family-time FAMILY TIME WITH SANTA! Join Santa for a very special family storytime with a cookie, hot chocolate and festive film. Saturday 16 and 23 December, £12 each.

Raring2go! What’s On 10 raring2go.co.uk Together, let’s make it count The RSPB is a registered charity in Eng and and Wales 207076, in Scot and SC037654. Robin by Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com) Every birdwatch ma ers Join hundreds of thousands of others and take part in Big Garden Birdwatch - the UK’s argest citizen science wildlife survey. Sign up, connect with nature and make your birdwatch count. P ay your part at www.rspb.org.uk Big Garden Birdwatch 26-28 January 2024 BGBW24_A5 Portrait_English_RSPB URL_AW_v1.indd 1 09/11/2023 18:19 Caphouse Creators: Engraving (National Coal Mining Museum) – 4 Feb (11am12pm & 2pm-3pm) 7-12 year olds are invited to get creative at our hands-on club, working with authentic materials to learn practical techniques! Learn the ancient art of engraving onto natural and man-made materials to make a personalised coaster out of glass or slate. £5 per child. www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/ caphouse-creators/ Caphouse Creators: Circuits (National Coal Mining Museum) – 14 & 15 Feb (11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm) 7-12 year olds are invited to get creative at our hands-on club, working with authentic materials to learn practical techniques! Experiment with negative and positive images while wiring and soldering a circuit board to illuminate your own illustration.. £5 per child. www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/

Raring2go! What’s On 11 Free admission | 10am - 5pm | Leeds Combat Demos | Sagas | Crafts | Living History Displays FIND OUT MORE AT ROYALARMOURIES.ORG THE VIKINGS ARE COMING! 30 AND 31 DECEMBER 2023 1458 Viking Yule Raring 2 Go Advert (62x89mm).qxp

Raring2go! What’s On 12 raring2go.co.uk Winter is here bringing lots of fun family times, events, awareness days and laughs. Here’s our top pick of things to do and get involved in this Winter. DECEMBER 4th- Tree Dressing Day- For those who haven’t put theirs up already, today’s the day! 7th Christmas Jumper DayA great reason to get those Colourful Christmassy jumpers out and stand proud in aid of Save the Children charity, learn more about it here, savethechildren.org.uk 9th-11th – Illumination Street Week- an annual event of celebration of festive lights, decorations and all things for the Christmas season to spread the festive cheer. 20th – Festival of Winter Walks- One for all the family that gets you out and about to enjoy the beauty of the Winter season. 24th-26th Christmas Time. All the build up to the big day, it’s time to celebrate the big man’s arrival… 31st New Years Eve/ Hogmanay. As we wave goodbye to 2023 and embrace the New year making resolutions and plans for the year ahead. Visit raring2go.co.uk for some suggestions for you and the family! JANUARY 2024 1st- Veganuary- The popular annual campaign and movement that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January… 4th – National Trivia DayDid you know that the fingerprints of koalas are so similar to humans that they can sometimes be mistaken for each other! Just like how humans have unique fingerprints, each koala’s fingerprints are also distinct… 17th Museum Selfie Day- A great reason for a family day out, why not visit your local museum and whilst you are there, take a Museum Selfie! 20th National Cheese Lovers Day- A cheesy day for all you cheese lovers out there! 25th Burns Night- A celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, 25 January. 27th National Chocolate Cake Day - We all love Chocolate Cake am I right? Need a chocolate cake recipe visit here, raring2go.co.uk or want to learn what other National Chocolate Days there are, visit here… www.chocolatier.co.uk FEBRUARY 4th British Yorkshire Pudding Day- who’s recipe is best? Mums, Grandmas or Chef James Martin… The answer is they all are, enjoy the celebration of the great old Yorkshire Pud! 13th Pancake Day- One of the nation’s favourite traditions making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. If you need a recipe visit https://raring2go.co.uk/ activities/basic-pancakespancake-day/. 17th Radom Acts of Kindness day - Well this is just a day, we should all be kind every day of the year. Visit an elderly neighbour, donate to charity, post positive messages, whatever it is be kind… 17th Real Bread Week- you can’t beat home made bread and to celebrate Real Bread Week, why not try your own. For a great bread recipe, visit raring2go.co.uk.

Raring2go! After the Festivies 13

Raring2go! Get Fit 14 raring2go.co.uk 1 Set Clear Goals: Define your fitness objectives, whether it's losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or just staying active. Having specific goals will keep you motivated. Create a Workout Routine: Develop a structured exercise plan that includes a mix of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Consistency is key, so aim for at least 3-5 days of exercise per week. Find an Accountability Partner: Team up with a friend or family member who shares your fitness goals. Having someone to exercise with and hold you accountable can make a big difference. Try New Activities: Make fitness fun by exploring different activities like hiking, dancing, swimming, or martial arts. Experimenting with new workouts can keep things exciting. Join a Gym or Fitness Class: If you prefer a structured environment, consider signing up for a gym membership or fitness classes like yoga, spinning, or HIIT. Use Technology: Download fitness apps or invest in wearable fitness trackers to monitor your progress, set reminders, and stay motivated. Prioritise Nutrition: A healthy diet is crucial for achieving your fitness goals. Focus on balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Get Adequate Rest: Rest and recovery are essential for muscle growth and overall wellbeing. Ensure you're getting enough quality sleep each night. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting your workouts. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Track Your Progress: Keep a fitness diary or use a fitness app to track your workouts, nutrition, and how you're feeling. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated. Remember that getting fit is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Start small, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, and stay consistent. Consistency is key to long-term success in achieving and maintaining your fitness goals. Get Fit for 2024 Getting fit for the New Year is a great goal, and there are many ways to achieve it. Here are 10 ideas to help you get started on your fitness journey:

Raring2go! Places to go 15 PLACES TO GO 1. What type of attraction often features lifelike replicas of prehistoric creatures and is a popular destination for families? a) Science Museum b) Zoo c) Aquarium d) Dinosaur Park 2. Which type of recreational facility is designed for children to jump on trampolines and play in a safe environment? a) Ice skating rink b) Bowling alley c) Trampoline Park d) Art gallery. 3. In which type of venue can kids typically watch the latest animated movies on the big screen? a) Library b) Water park c) Cinema d) Supermarket. 4. What kind of outdoor space allows children to interact with and learn about various animals and plants? a) Botanical Garden b) Shopping Centre c) Amusement Park d) Theatre 5. Where can families go to learn about history through interactive exhibits and artifacts? a) Cinema b) History Museum c) Petting Zoo d) Car wash 6. Which type of establishment often features hands-on science exhibits and experiments for kids of all ages? a) Toy shop b) Science Museum c) Ice cream Parlour d) Gym 7. What kind of venue offers a wide range of books and often hosts storytelling sessions for kids? ) Sweet shop b) Bookshop c) Bowling alley d) Pizza place a 8. Where can kids enjoy slides, swings, and other playground equipment in a public setting? a) Hospital b) Park c) Cinema d) Airport 9. What type of establishment is known for serving ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes, making it a favourite among children? a) Petrol station b) Pet store c) Ice cream Parlour d) Hairdressers 10. Which of the following places often offers swimming pools, water slides, and other aquatic attractions for families to enjoy? a) Library b) Water park c) Bowling alley d) Post of ce ) Library b) Water park c) Bowling alley d) Post of QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! lley ANSWERS: 1. Dinosaur park 2. Trampoline park 3. Cinema, 4. Botanical garden 5. History museum, 6. Science museum 7. Bookshop, 8. Park 9. Ice cream parlour, 10. Water park

GOLF COURSES TWO 8 HOLE ADVENTURE SET AMIDST A TROPICAL PARADISE ATVALLEY CENTERTAINMENT - SHEFFIELD 20% OFF ONE ROUND Simply enter R2GWNTR23 when you book online t&c’s apply Offer is valid until Jan 19th 2024, online booking only, not valid on our already discounted Family Ticket or 2 course prices, PIAG t&c’s apply

THE PAR-FECT FAMILY DAY OUT! BOOK ONLINE Under 5’s £5.00 5-16yrs £8.00 Student £8.50 (Valid Student ID with expiry date) Concession £8.50 Adult £10.00 Family of 4 £32.00 (Maximum of 2 x Adults) Set sail for Valley Centertainment in She eld! We've got two 18 hole Adventure Golf courses taking over 14,000 sq/ft over 2 levels! Your adventure takes you from the boat at the Caribbean Quay, through mysterious sea caves before being marooned on a desert island full of exotic palm trees and mystical jungle ruins! This truly is an adventure like no other! Walk ins are welcome, but why not make life easier by pre booking online via our website www.paradiseislandgolf.com Call us: 0114 256 0950 Email: sheffield@paradiseislandgolf.com KIDS PARTIES We provide an excellent setting for children's birthday parties. Book golf with us recive 20% O food at Frankie & Bennies. For full details visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com 17

18 raring2go.co.uk CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs and classes are a valuable resource in building your children’s con dence, growing their social skills and so much more. To get them thinking which kind of club they would be interested in joining, here’s a bit of fun with suggestions included… Here are 10 quiz questions for your kids to answer… 1. What type of kids’ class focuses on teaching children how to paint using various artistic techniques? a) football b) Dance c) Painting d) Math 2. Which of the following is a popular coding language often taught in kids’ coding clubs? a) French b) Python c) Spanish d) Guitar 3. In a drama club for kids, what do participants typically do to improve their acting skills? a) Solve math problems b) Sing songs c) Perform scenes and plays d) Play video games d plays d) Play video games 4. Which of the following is a science-based club that allows kids to explore and conduct experiments? a) Cooking Club b) Science Club c) Gardening Club d) Music Club 5. What is the primary goal of a kids’ sports club? a) Learning to cook b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork c) Building robots d) Writing poetry 6. Which type of kids’ club often involves learning and practicing martial arts techniques? a) Chess Club b) Science Club c) Karate Club d) Cooking Club 7. In a kids’ astronomy club, what do children study and observe? a) The behaviour of ants b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky c) How to make paper airplanes d) Geography 8. hat type of kids’ club might involve learning to play musical instruments the piano or guitar? a) Gardening Club b) Coding Club c) Music Club d) ketball Club 9. Which club encourages kids to explore and appreciate nature through tdoor activities? a) Video Game Club b) Outdoor Adventure Club Chess Club d) History Club 10. What is the main focus of a kids’ language club? a) Learning to juggle b) earning a new programming language c) Learning and practicing a foreign anguage d) Playing board games QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! C Clubs and classes hildren’s con de h ANSWERS: c) Painting, b) Python, c) Perform scenes and plays b) Science Club, b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork, c) Karate Club b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky c) Music Club, b) Outdoor Adventure Club c) Learning and practicing a foreign language a c) Wh like t Bask W out c) C 10 Le la

Raring2go! Razzamataz Sheffield 19 It is a sad fact that performing arts is declining in England’s schools with a recent report by the Department for Education stating that the most commonly withdrawn subjects are drama and performing arts, which had been dropped in nearly a quarter of schools. Performing arts stimulates all children’s creativity, from the shyest student to the most outgoing. It helps them make sense of their emotions, develops their ability to understand, allows them to face their fears in a safe environment, challenges their preconceptions and develops their language and communication skills. Part-time theatre schools Razzamataz Sheffield prides themselves on offering children and young people a strong platform in which to express themselves and gain confidence. They offer exceptional tuition in dance, drama and singing together with exciting opportunities to perform. Classes are for children from age 2 to 18 and allow students to experience a range of performance styles from classic West End musical theatre to current Commercial and Street Dance styles. Performing arts give children the skills in which to better express themselves today and in the future, leading to increased confidence and selfesteem. Join the Family! We have a very limited number of spaces left for the new term. We are offering free sessions in selected classes on 6th January 2024, to reserve your child a place simply get in touch. To book a FREE trial session at Razzamataz Sheffield, contact their team on 07979 189177 or sheffield@razzamataz.co.uk You can also find out more about them at: Website - sheffield.razzamataz.co.uk Facebook - www.facebook.com/razzshef Instagram - @razzsheffield Boosting children’s self esteem and confidence with performing arts Give the Gift of Confidence this Christmas! FREE TASTER SESSIONS Saturday 6th January Visit us: sheffield.razzamataz.co.uk Contact the Razz Team on 07979 189177 or sheffield@razzamataz.co.ukfor more information

Sheffield Central. 2 London Road, S2 4LN 0114 2700 303 sheffieldcentral@kipmcgrath.co.uk Sheffield South West. 215 Oakbrook Road, S11 7EB 01143 223444 sheffieldsouthwest@kipmcgrath.co.uk Sheffield East. 570 Attercliffe Road, S9 3QP 0114 438 1471 sheffieldeast@kipmcgrath.co.uk Sheffield South. 656c Chesterfield Road, S8 0SB 07514 482862 sheffieldsouth@kipmcgrath.co.uk

Raring2go! Clubs & Classes 21 Little Kickers have four different football classes each tailored to a different age group. However, they have two core beliefs that we take into every session. Firstly, they believe in something we call “Play not Push”. It means teaching football in a fun, pressurefree environment. They want to give children a positive introduction to sport as a whole, not just football, so they’re more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives. Secondly, they believe football can be educational. Coached in the right way it can stimulate imagination and aid early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team. It’s an approach that has bagged them numerous awards and helped them expand globally over the last 16 years. And like all their Kickers, they never stop learning. They’re continually improving and updating classes, based on feedback and input from child health specialists as well as their network of over 2,250 football coaches worldwide. If you’d like to know how Little Kickers started you can read more them here www.littlekickers.co.uk For more details about local classes call 07532180852 Email bmorton@littlekickers.co.uk

Raring2go! Parties 22 22 raring2go.co.uk 22 .co.uk age to purge the toys they’re not playing with and to give them to someone in need. is for Others. Remind the birthday kid that they will be sharing their special day with other kids, and teach them how to be a good host. is for Photographs. The night before – charge the cameras and the video camera. Also ask other Mums to capture the fun and you can get copies later. is for Queen (or King). The birthday kid is the queen or king of the day, so be sure to make them feel special. is for Resources. Use the resources you have at hand – your family and network of friends, your abilities, and your creativity. is for Silliness. Find ways to incorporate silliness into the festivities. Silly hats or funny songs lead to giggles, which always means a great time is being had by all. is for Thank-you notes. Keep a list of gifts received and then incorporate the birthday kid into the note writing process. Have them design, or at least sign, the card. is for Uncomfortable. At least one awkward situation will occur during the party – someone will wet their pants or someone will make the birthday child cry. The successful hostess manages to deflect the situation and make the best of things. is for Venue. Thankfully in Barnet we are not short of great venues to hold your party – that way you can turn up and leave the entertainment and tidying up to someone else. is for Weather. We can have 4 seasons in one day so if you are planning garden/outdoor fun – ALWAYS have a Plan B. is for eXpectations. Keep your expectations of the event realistic. Things will go wrong, but as long as everyone has a great time, the party is a smashing success. is for Yes If someone offers to help (bring food, chairs, etc.) take them up on it. Delegate where you can. is for Snoooozzzzzzz After a great party you should have a very tired kid. Sit back and relax, you can always tidy up tomorrow. y ys tidy PARTY is for Appetizers. Kids love finger food, so plan accordingly. When The Baby celebrated her fourth birthday, we kept things simple by only serving finger foods: sandwiches sausage rolls, vegetable sticks, fruit dippers, and cupcakes. is for Birthday Kid. Keep the Birthday Kid happy. If they’re little, make sure to plan the party around their usual nap time and make sure they’ve had a snack ahead of time. Bigger kids, meanwhile, will need lots of stimulation during the party to keep them entertained. is for Cost. A kid’s party doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Keep the Birthday kid in mind and plan a special day they can share with their friends. is for Decorations. Kids generally don’t care about elaborate decorations since they’re too busy playing with their friends to care. A clean house and a few well-placed balloons usually do the trick. is for Effort. Have a running order in mind that way your party will run to time and you won’t be like me and get to the finishing time and you have forgotten to cut the cake! is for Food. A seven-year-old will not care what you serve. Serve food that the birthday kid likes and save yourself the aggravation. is for Goodie Bags. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that you will need to hand out goodie bags to your guests when they leave. Small toys and gifts are a big favourite. is for Hostess. Don’t get so bogged down in minute details that you forget the real reason for the party: your baby is celebrating a birthday! is for Invitations. Send them out at least a month in advance. People get busy and they always appreciate having plenty of notice. is for Justin. How would Justin Bieber or Selena Gomez throw this party? Forget about them and everything else you’ve read in magazines. The party is about the birthday kid. is for Kitchen. Yes, it’s true: every good party ends up in the kitchen. Make sure your kitchen is immaculate and have a few mummy-friendly snacks on hand. is for Love. Not being able to afford to throw an elaborate party, complete with pony rides, caricature artists, and pricey gift bags doesn’t mean you love your child any less. is for Money. Don’t let lack of money get between you and a great party. Any kind of party is do-able, so long as you’re creative in your execution. is for New Toys. One of the best things about a birthday is getting new toys. Teach your kids at a young age to purge the toys they’re not playing with and to Raring2go! Party A-Z

Sleepovers & Celebrations • Over 20 themes to choose from • Everything provided & set up • Glamping under the stars • Balloon Displays • Picnic Parties Call 07460 433176 Follow on socials @justjimjams 23 Parties Raring2go! Hello! I’m Sarah, owner and creator of Just JimJams Sleepovers South Yorkshire. I am mum to Annabelle and Charlotte who are the source of my inspiration for the themes for the sleepovers. Carl, my husband stands by my side cheering me on even though I am taking up the house with the business! I first started looking at creating my own business in June 2019, trying to find something to occupy my time once my youngest went to school. After seeing an ad for sleepover parties I fell in love with the concept and set about creating my own business. I launched in September 2019 and have loved every minute since. I am passionate about creating the ultimate birthday party for your child. With my sleepover tents I transform your space to host a wonderful experience for your child and their friends. Everything is done for you, from setting up to taking away and cleaning. Our sleepovers start from £135 for three tents with options to add on tents, cinema, sweets and balloons. You can take the party outdoors and use my belltents for a sleepover under the stars! Belltents start from £250. I also do balloon displays and pop up celebrations with my luxe soft play and picnics. So if you are wanting a unique and intimate celebration do get in touch. Everything is bespoke to your needs. Get in touch to find out more and to book Website - www.justjimjams.com Instagram - @justjimjams Facebook - www.facebook.com/ justjimjams Tel - Sarah 07460 433176 Sleepovers and Celebrations

Raring2go! Make 24 raring2go.co.uk 24 .co.uk Make a beanie hat with Red Ted Art Materials need for finger knitting a beanie: Super Chunky Wool (works best to make the beanie nice and chunky), Pair of scissors, Your fingers Step 1 : How to Finger Knit Hold the wool comfortably with your thumb. Wrap the wool behind your index finger and in front of your middle finger, then behind your wedding finger and around your pinky. Then bring the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and around your index finger. You need to do it again. Wrap the wool in front of your middle finger, behind your index finger, and around your pinky. Continue bringing the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and then around your index finger, so that you will have two loops on each finger. Now you need to pull the bottom loop up and over the top loop. Do this with each finger in turn, so that you are left with one loop on each finger. Then start again, starting in front of your middle finger, making the loops, and pulling the wool over. Keep repeating these steps until you have a long enough piece that will fit around your head. Step 2 : How to connect strands of your beanie hat Now we are going to connect the two ends together. Run your thumb through the ridge on the back. The ridge is the back and the reverse side is the front. Face the ridged side in towards the centre, making sure you don’t twist it. Connect the two together by hooking your little finger first into the bottom loop, and then into the top loop of the end of the knitted piece. You will have three loops on your little finger. Then start knitting again as normal, wrapping the wool around your fingers. When you start to pull loops off your finger, just one thing... On your pinky finger, pull each loop up and over individually, starting from the bottom, leaving one loop on each finger again. Leaving one loop. Give it a tighten by pulling on the wool. Step 3 : How to add a row to your finger knitted beanie hat DIYThis time we only need to hook into one loop on the knitted piece. Find your next loop and hook your little finger into it. Then knit another row. Once again, on the little finger pull each loop off individually. Pull to tighten. Find your next loop and hook into it. Knit another row across. Keep knitting until the hat covers your head. Remember to keep trying on the hat for measurements. Step 4 : How to decrease Next stage is to make the top of your hat. We need to start decreasing. This time you need to pick up two loops from the knitted piece, so you have three loops on your little finger. Then start to knit another row. Keep repeating these steps until the top of your hat is almost closed. Leaving a small gap. Step 5 : How to decrease and finish your beanieStart casting off your fingers. Pull the first loop off and onto your next finger. And pull the bottom loop up and over the top. Do this on all your fingers, until you have one left. Then pull the wool through the last loop. Get scissors and cut the loop. To close off the top I laced through each loop across the top keeping it nice and tight, closing the top off completely. Make sure you keep pulling tight. You then just need to tie a knot in the wool to finish. If you’d like to see a video , here’s the full tutorial here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=p4IoOa_SMUE Many thanks to RedTedArt for sharing this fabulous Beanie creative. If you’d like to see so much more on crafting, visit redtedart.com

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Raring2go! Something New 26 raring2go.co.uk 1 Family Cook-Off Night: Host a weekly or monthly family cook-off night where each member takes turns selecting a theme or cuisine. Everyone can work together to plan, shop for ingredients, and then prepare their chosen dishes.This not only promotes teamwork but also allows everyone to explore different culinary traditions. Outdoor Adventure Challenges: Plan a series of outdoor adventures or challenges like hiking to a scenic spot, geocaching, or orienteering. Create a "Family Adventure Passport" to track completed challenges and encourage friendly competition.This activity promotes physical activity and bonding in nature. Family Book Club: Start a family book club where you pick a book to read together and then have regular discussions about it. Choose a diverse range of genres and themes to cater to different interests within the family.You can even create a mini-library at home to keep all your family book club selections. DIY Home Improvement Projects: Undertake DIY home improvement or decoration projects as a family. Decide on a room or area to renovate or redecorate and involve each family member in the planning and execution. It's a productive way to improve your living space while learning new skills together. Language Learning Night: Dedicate one evening a week to learning a new language as a family.You can use language-learning apps, online resources or enrol in a course together. This not only enhances communication skills but also opens doors to exploring different cultures and travel opportunities in the future. Remember that the key to introducing something new for the family is to ensure that it's engaging, inclusive, and adaptable to everyone's interests and abilities. These activities can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Something New for You and the family… Things can get very samey once the festive season is over, so we have put together a few creative ideas to introduce something new for your family to do together:

Raring2make! Raring2go! 27 Raring2make! FUN IDEAS FOR MAKING THINGS TOGETHER ‘Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a small slice’ Mary Berry www.raring2go.co.uk Christmas Pudding Recipe Ingredients •225g/8oz golden caster sugar •225g/8oz vegetarian suet •120g/4oz, plain flour •340g/12oz sultanas •340g/12oz raisins •225g/8oz currants •60g/2oz flaked almonds •120g/4oz chopped candied peel •120g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs •Zest of 1 lemon •1level tsp ground cinnamon •5 eggs beaten•1level tsp mixed spice •1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg •Pinch of salt •150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum Method Mix together all the dry ingredients. Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix through well.Turn the mix into 4x1pint or 2x2 pint lightly-greased pudding basins. Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely with string. Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it's easier to pick the basin out of the pan after cooking. Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time if necessary. If you don't have a steamer, put the basins in a large pan on inverted saucers on the base. Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as before. Cool. Change the baking parchment and foil covers for fresh ones and tie up as before. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. To serve the pudding on Christmas Day, steam for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter, rum sauce, cream or home-made custard. For more great recipe ideas please visit our website: www.raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! Gift Ideas 28 raring2go.co.uk 1 Experience Gifts: Consider gifting experiences such as tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a spa day, or even a hot air balloon ride.These create lasting memories. Personalised Gifts: Personalised items like custom-made jewellery, monogrammed towels, or a photo book filled with cherished memories can add a personal touch. Subscription Boxes: There are subscription boxes for almost every interest, from gourmet food and wine to books, skincare, or even a monthly flower delivery. Homemade Gifts: Get creative and make something special like homemade candles, hand-knit scarves, or a batch of your favourite cookies. Charitable Donations: Donate to a charity or organisation that is meaningful to the recipient in their name.This is a thoughtful way to give back during the holiday season. Outdoor Gear: Consider gifts like a high-quality hiking gear, items of outdoor equipment, torch, rucksack etc or if you have a big budget, even a new bike. Digital Gifts: Gift them a subscription to a streaming service, an e-book or audiobook subscription, or a digital art class. Board Games and Puzzles: Encourage family time with a selection of fun board games, jigsaw puzzles, or brainteasing escape room kits. Remember to consider the recipient's interests and preferences when choosing an alternative Christmas gift to make it truly special. Different gift ideas for Christmas 2023 for your family and friends. If you haven’t considered it, there are different ways to give a gift… We have come up with 8 alternative gift ideas that can help you think outside the ‘Christmas box’ and find something special for your loved ones:

1 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! 1. Voxblock boosts literacy skillsListening to stories helps develop a child's vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. 2. Voxblock is ready-to-play as soon as it's unwrappedFree from Wifi and with no set-up - just press play! 3. Voxblock has hundreds of audiobooks Introduce children to a world of stories through a huge audiobook library. 4. Voxblock develops independence The player is easy-to-use and with no need for grown-ups, children can take control. 5. Voxblock is a gift that keeps giving Children enjoy Voxblock for years, not hours. This Christmas unwrap a Voxblock Starter Pack, it includes a Voxblock player, 3 audiobooks, and a protective bumper for £59.99. Buy at voxblock.co.uk reasons Voxblock makes the perfect Christmas gift Meet Voxblock: the easy-to-use screen-free audiobook player for children 3-12. Designed by parents, it empowers children to listen to audio stories independently. starter pack 99 £5 p £59. b aud the 00% connectivity free ong battery life build your child’s literacy as it's unwrapped ready-to-play as soon diobook player e screen-free voxblock.co.uk 1 lo a r 29 Gift Ideas Raring2go!

Avoiding Christmas Crises for your Pets CHRISTMASis a happy time, but some dangers may arise causing potential problems for your pets. Here are some safety tips to ensure you can all enjoy a stress free (ish) Christmas! • CHOCOLATE– Not a myth, and fortunately much more recognised these days, chocolate contains Theobromine, which at best can make your dog very sick, and at worst can unfortunately kill them. The higher the cocoa content or the smaller the dog, the higher the risk, and any dog that eats chocolate MUST be taken to a vet as soon as possible. • OTHER TOXIC ITEMS– Onions, garlic, grapes and raisins (and mistletoe and poinsettias) are all around at Christmas, and are toxic to pets; do not feed them to your pets, even in small quantities, and seek veterinary advice if they get hold of them. • TURKEY BONES – Take care when storing and disposing of turkey carcasses and other bones, as if eaten they can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, or even worse to the internal digestive tract. • TINSEL – Tinsel and other decorations can prove very interesting to inquisitive pets, especially cats and young kittens and puppies, and can cause choking or internal blockages. • ANTIFREEZE – Antifreeze tastes sweet and is tempting for cats to drink. It is TOXIC and will KILL a cat that has ingested it. Take care with storage and mop any spillages immediately. Call the vet immediately if you suspect your pet has drunk Antifreeze. • SALT/GRIT ON PAWS – It is a good idea to wash your dogs paws after walks in the winter, as the frozen ground and grit can cause soreness and irritation. • FOREIGN BODIES– Small toys and batteries are often left lying around and can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed. They can cause obstructions, or in the case of batteries, chemical burns, so ensure everything is picked up off the floor. • DIARRHOEA – Remember when you are tempted to give your pet their ‘Christmas dinner’ or treats, they are not used to such rich food, so may have some vomiting or diarrhoea as a consequence. • STRESS – There are many potential causes of stress for your pets at Christmas, such as lack of routine, crowds and fireworks. They may may just want to hide away from it all so make them a den in a safe area where they can escape if need be. Hopefully these tips will help towards a happy Christmas for all. Anna Tilley RVN Raring2go! Pets 30 raring2go.co.uk

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For family fun ideas, find a selection of ideas that are happening in your area and across the country this winter! www.raring2go.co.uk/whats-on

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