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Tinnitus Awareness Week 2014

Did you know it’s Tinnitus Awareness Week 2014? It happens every year and this year runs from the 3-9 February. The aim is to bring the condition of noises heard in the head and/or ears to the attention of thousands across the UK.

Tinnitus Awareness Week 2014

Tinnitus Awareness Week 2014 is this week. Tinnitus affects at least one in 10 of the UK population, a massive 6.3 million, and is the unseen condition which can cause distress to individuals of any age. Tinnitus can be mild to severe and can affect sleep and concentration. It can also lead to anxiety and depression and at this time there is currently no cure. Being someone who has had it for over eight years now, being told ‘learn to live with it’ isn’t the most ideal of solutions but is often the one we’re told.

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) believes this is not acceptable or true, and works tirelessly to provide support, advice and management techniques to reduce the impacts of tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition which is heard but not seen – but the BTA wants to hear from people with the condition, to offer the help and support which is so vital in the early stages. The charity, based in Sheffield, works to support anyone with the condition and during Tinnitus Awareness Week the BTA will be raising awareness by encouraging people to talk about tinnitus and highlight the help that is available.

In the ‘BTA Survey 2013’*, feedback from members of the public about help they’d received for the condition highlighted that 77% of those completing the survey consulted their GP about tinnitus, but only 13% were told about the BTA on doing so. During Tinnitus Awareness Week, the BTA will again be encouraging GP’s, to refer onto secondary care where appropriate and to inform people of the BTA’s freephone helpline 0800 018 0527 and website www.tinnitus.org.uk.

One respondent to the BTA survey said “I was given invaluable support in the early panic-stricken stages of the condition. The helpline was practically a lifesaver”. And another said “The BTA has completely changed my views of tinnitus and talking to them has changed my life. I no longer live in fear that my tinnitus will ruin my life”. The sooner someone can talk about their tinnitus and be heard, the sooner they can come to terms with it and start moving forward.

Most importantly of all, it does get better. Studies have indicated that, over time, the noises disappear completely or at least diminish to a tolerable threshold level in the majority of cases, as the brain loses interest and stops surveying the signal. This process is called ‘habituation’. The length of time this takes varies from person to person – but it does happen.

Hospitals across the UK will be getting involved during Tinnitus Awareness Week by displaying information, local tinnitus support groups will be holding meetings and events will be held across the UK to highlight the support that is available.  Anyone wishing to get involved in Tinnitus Awareness Week 2014 should contact Emily Broomhead at the BTA on 0114 2509933 or by email to emily@tinnitus.org.uk.  All events and information displays will be listed on the BTA’s website at www.tinnitus.org.uk/TAW2014.

* Copies of the BTA’s Survey 2013 are available from the BTA upon request.

Kidproof ear defenders

My Tinnitus Story.
It was gigs. Too many, too loud, too often. I know the gigs I saw that week. Guided by Voices and Seachange at ULU, when it was so loud for the support nobody could hear themselves in the bar. I used earplugs for the first time that night as the ringing in my ears after gigs had stayed a little bit longer than usual, I thought wearing earplugs for gigs would spoil it. More fool me. By the time GbV were on the earplugs stayed – they were fantastic, but loud, so very very loud.

Two days later I saw Mojave 3 at Dingwalls, and stood right near the front, right by Rachel and her bass guitar. Near the bass isn’t the best place to stand when you *may* have hearing issues, and sure enough, the following day the ringing hadn’t gone. Nor the day after that. In fact, it never left.

At first it was hard. You want to cut off your ears to make the ringing stop (not the most rational of thinking there), then you find ways of dealing with it. Mine was a speaker pillow plugged into my clock radio, tuned off-channel – the white noise made a difference. But it doesn’t make the ringing go – it never goes.

So my coping techniques. Learn to lipread. That made a huge difference. Tell people you have a hearing problem. Always wear earplugs for gigs. Don’t expect anyone to remember. They’ll probably think you’re weird when you’re looking at someone’s mouth when you talk to them. When you’re in a pub with a group of people, don’t expect to hear a thing, though expect to hear background music which is probably quieter than the people around you. My tinnitus is odd like that – a bit like being in a bubble that can’t be popped.

I was referred to the ENT department back when I was first diagnosed, and it was confirmed I have hearing loss and tinnitus. The way it was described was the lower frequency letters – vowels. So when someone speaks to me, I’m not hearing the vowels, just the other sounds. Sounds kind of weird doesn’t it?

The worst it is right now is when I can’t tell what someone is saying (usually Shaun as he’s quite softly spoken), he’ll get a bit frustrated with me when I can’t understand him. H understands and will often repeat things to me. My most important thing with my hearing right now is making sure H learns to respect her ears and cover them appropriately – hearing problems run in my family and I’m determined she will have proper protection when exposed to noise so she can still enjoy herself. That’s my happy ending. That’s the only ending until they find a cure.

British Tinnitus Association on Facebook

British Tinnitus Association on Twitter

by jo

Backlife. How To Improve Back Pain at Home.

Backlife is a device which has been clinically proven to relieve back pain. I’ve had a lot of trouble with back pain these last couple of years. I’ve been using my Backlife daily for over a month now, and this is my review.

Backlife is a device which is clinically proven to relieve back pain. I have back pain daily, hourly – all day and every day. I jumped at the chance to review this, and was intrigued – could a device like this really make a difference?

Backlife

It works in a really simple way. Firstly, set the height of the leg rest according to your height – it’s set in 5cm increments using the blue button on the top of the machine. I’m five foot ten so 177cm – which rounded to 175. Plug it in, get comfortable and make sure you have a cushion or two for your head, simply press the button near the base and lie still for twelve minutes.

Backlife

Backlife lower back

In that time your lower back will have gentle exercise – a bit like when a chiropractor rotates your legs to get the joints moving without the clicks that usually come with it. It lifts your legs up and down in a really gentle way, and not so you’d notice. This is called Continuous Passive Movement (CPM) and is used to work your muscles and mobilise your spine.

You lie on the ground with your legs draped over the Backlife and it gently rotates your knees which in turn rotates your pelvis, which gets the vertebrae of your lower back working. And this gentle motion loosens up the stiffened muscles which cause bad backs. Backlife uses accepted clinical techniques and is clinically proven to work.

It’s really relaxing too. My legs have felt tingly afterwards in a good way. I’ve found that it works best for me in the evenings (the guidance recommends twice daily but I don’t have time in the mornings) and it is making a huge difference to my life. I do still have minor back aches from time to time but nothing like it was a month ago.

Backlife

I am taking Devil’s Claw to help with my pain (one a day) and am now swimming several times a week. However, using the Backlife machine made things feel ‘normal’ again – a feeling I’ve not had in my back for a long time. I feel like I can swim better as well as move around much smoother – it has helped me to feel normal again.

The Backlife machine retails for £299 and is currently on offer for £235. I have a code to share with you which will take £70 off the Backlife as well – please use BACKTU

Please note – I am aware of what my back problems are so felt like this was a good option for me. I have disc problems, where some are being squeezed by my lower back giving me pain, so doing pilates, swimming and now this have proved beneficial. My pilates instructor is a physiotherapist and had heard of the Backlife machine, and lots of really good things about it too. What’s more, if you buy from JD Harris they offer a lifetime guarantee if it makes no difference. It’s a lot of money to pay, but so are appointments with chiropractors.

by jo

Morden Hall Park Dig It!

On Sunday we headed to Morden Hall Park to check out a new event, ‘Dig It’ – a free one designed for younger children to help them learn about things humans have left behind, and what they did with them in their lives.

Morden Hall Park Dig It

For H, this was tons of fun – objects range from tiles to bits of pottery, a thimble, a CD or even a large shell. We haven’t had the sandpit out since the weather was warmer so having a good dig for things kept her occupied for a while. Afterwards you can draw pictures of the things you’ve dug up (which are of course put back into the sandpit for someone else to dig up).

It’s simple stuff, but ties in with Morden Hall Park’s current Archaeology exhibition to make it interesting for younger children. To join in (it runs until early March), head to the Stable Yard where you’ll find it within the visitor centre.

Morden Hall Park floods

Afterwards of course there’s plenty to do around the grounds – we headed to the Natural Play Area which unfortunately was flooded! If you go, take wellies. Instead we had a wander around the grounds. It’s also worth pointing out that Morden Hall Park is a cycle and scooter friendly National Trust place if you wanted your child to have a go (although also be aware the River Wandle runs in several places through the grounds!).

We’re lucky, Morden Hall Park can be visited (for us) by bus, and has many happy memories whenever we go. There are lots of activities planned in the coming months, head over to the National Trust website to find out more.

H Loves Morden Hall Park

by jo

Baking With Fruit

Baking With Fruit is the latest book we were sent as a Parragon Book Buddy. With a tagline of ‘Delicious cakes, pastries and desserts’ we were won over immediately!

Baking With Fruit

Baking With Fruit comes from Parragon Books Love Food range, and is a collection of classic and new recipes using fresh fruit in all seasons. Actually, the best thing about the book was getting it out at the table with Shaun and H and watching them both coo over it, they look delicious!

We did a spot of foraging last year, and this year I want us to do some Pick Your Own from local farms. There are plenty of recipes in here which will cover the various fruits we can get too – from the complicated looking to ones which look quite simple.

We haven’t had a chance to try any recipes yet, but on the list is the Lemon Sponge Roll (although it includes gelatine so I need to find a vegetarian option), the Mandarin Cheesecake looks especially good, and I know it’s almost time, we need to buy a ring tin as the Cherry Marble Cake looks divine!

Oh and don’t get me started on the Lime and Raspberry Tart… yum!

As we head out of the post-Christmas slump, we’ve been inspired by the Great British Bake Off. H loves it too thanks to them repeating it over Christmas and the Comic Relief version in the new year. I think H fancies herself as a bit of a Mary Berry, and this book features the kind of recipes I know H will like to do too. There’ll be no soggy bottoms around here!

Baking With Fruit will sit perfectly alongside the Higgidy Cookbook which we bought and reviewed last year. While we’re still being very weight-conscious, I’d like to think these recipes aren’t going to be too fattening – plus it’s all down to portion size!

Baking With Fruit is available now, published by Parragon Books and has a rrp of £8.

We were sent the book for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own. The book image at the bottom contains an affiliate link.

by jo

Recipes from an Indian Kitchen

We received Recipes from an Indian Kitchen last year as part of our Parragon Book Buddies programme – and this is a book which has made me excited. With over 100 recipes from across India with photographs to accompany them, this is the kind of book I’ve been waiting for – we love curries in this house!

recipes from an indian kitchen

Recipes from an Indian Kitchen is part of Parragon Books Love Food range. Way back in time someone told me the perfect curry recipe with the correct blend of herbs and spice. I forgot it immediately, but it opened up a new world to me, how to make a good spicy blend without going for the shop-bought option.

Since then I’ve fancied trying it out, but never got around to getting the elusive cookbook, instead using passata and various blends but not getting it right. Which is where Recipes from an Indian Kitchen comes in – while it doesn’t break down each stage, the instructions are easy to follow. We tried Garlic & Chilli Flavoured Potatoes with Cauliflower – which has ten minutes prep time, 30 minutes cook time.

The Tomato Kachumbar salad has been an easy one to make as well – though we substituted peppers for the tomatoes – this has a 10-15 minute prep time.

One we haven’t tried yet but is ‘on the list’ is the South Indian Yoghurt, Pomegranate and Peanut Raita – which looks delicious and again a very simple dish to prepare.

The pictures on each page make you want to try the dishes – though there are a lot of meat and fish ones, they’re easily substituted with vegetarian options.

Recipes from an Indian Kitchen is broken into easy colour coded chapters – with Basic Recipes, Raitas, Chutneys & Pickles, Snacks and Appetizers, onto Main Dishes, Pulses, Rice & Breads and finally Desserts & Drinks. There’s a good large selection – and actually if I’d had a book on Chinese food for the recent new year, which was laid out like this I think we’d have had a great healthy feast.

This is a book I know we’ll use a lot and indeed is something which has dishes H can help with! We love it, and would recommend buying.

We were sent a copy for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own. The final image is an affiliate link.

by jo

Never Talk to Strangers by Irma Joyce

First published in 1967, ‘Never Talk to Strangers’ by Irma Joyce is as relevant these days as it was back then. The title says it all really.

‘Never Talk to Strangers’ tackles stranger danger in a way a four year old won’t find scary. With simple rhymes to show the difference between knowing someone and how to behave, versus not knowing someone that a four year old would understand, this is a good place to start when the subject arises.

If you are swimming in a pool
and a crocodile begins to drool,
Paddle away and repeat this rule –
Never talk to strangers.

Each rhyme is based around a character (usually an animal) and always finishes with ‘Never Talk to Strangers’. It introduces someone who isn’t a stranger by being someone that someone else knows, with the book finishing in a positive way.

The illustrations are nice, bright and colourful and most importantly of all, H enjoyed reading it (and joined in with me).

Our version of the book was published by Random House Children’s Books in 2009 and bought via The Book Depository for £2.49 via Amazon.

(this post contains an affiliate link)

by jo

Moments That Matter

Back in 2007 Shaun made a decision, a big decision. He’d often fancied studying something again (something I could never do) but didn’t know quite what. Then an opportunity with his work came along – to study for the ACCA qualification.

We knew it would be a hard slog, but we really weren’t prepared for what kind of a slog it would be. The first exams were straightforward enough, multiple choice on a computer which we found out he’d passed straight away. Phew, I guess we thought at this point it would be a breeze.

BUT.

We knew the exams would be hard too. You always hear that. We weren’t prepared for just how hard they’d be. Working on an assumption that he’d be finished in three years (taking twelve exams, sometimes two at a time) it felt achievable. However, things never quite go to plan – H appeared along the way in 2009 which ate into his study time, as well as failed exams which you have to wait for the next cycle of exams to retake.

It almost got inconvenient at one point. We’ve only really been able to go to Australia at Christmas time – getting out there in early December when flights are still cheap. However, the December exams are usually mid-month. Lucky for us ACCA exams are the same all over the world, and after a few emails we found it it was possible for Shaun to take the same exams in Perth – so H and I spent two weeks doing fun things with Shaun’s family while he stayed home (in Perth) and studied. Fortunately he had a nice place to do his study.

Shaun also missed H meeting Santa for two years in a row – first in Australia and second at Painshill Park. The following year we made sure he could go as he’d missed so much – but study was more important and we could show him photos.

By 2011 things were dragging, getting to the point it was painful thinking about sitting (or re-sitting) a further exam. Any retakes came out of our own pockets and they don’t come cheap. But we knew he was well over half way done and it was just a case of getting on with it. There were crazy ideas like taking three lots at once (he failed two) and having weekends away on study seminars. H and I would find things to do but you can’t help but wish you could share the time with Shaun too (who’d be at home studying while we went to watch Peppa Pig or The Wiggles live or went for daytrips to fun places).

My blogging was pretty active as essentially for the best part of six years I had a husband upstairs studying for large chunks of the year.

His last exam was December 2012. Every event our friends invited us to we cancelled, he HAD to study. We couldn’t pay for another re-take, he had to pass the exam. February 2013 we finally got the good news – he’d passed his final part. RELIEF. It was over – no more studying, freedom!

ACCA exams are hard. There is a lot of study involved. It took Shaun six years to get there, but he’d done it. The relief in our house as we finally got our time as a family back – we could do things at weekends whenever we wanted to.

Realising that was our moment that mattered. Possibly more than H starting school. Anyone who takes up studying when they’re older gets my admiration – it’s tough, especially when things don’t go to plan. Especially when you have a baby mid-way through it all.  I am SO glad it’s all over!

Here’s a selection of our moments, and finally the moment that mattered when his exams were passed and we got our family time back.

Moments that Matter

(pictures – H meeting Santa in Australia, at Painshill Park a year later, at our local fair, at Painshill again, Shaun studying in Australia (lucky thing), water play without daddy, meeting Yellow Wiggle (you can just see her hand) without daddy, meeting Dora, playing at Wakehurst place and finally some quality time with daddy)

 

by jo

February Half Term with the National Trust

Have an activity packed half term this February with the National Trust!

If the children have been stuck indoors this winter, then February half term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get outside and create special memories at some of our places.

Across the country, many National Trust places will be hosting fun family events during the half term week, from trails and craft activities to building dens! You can even tick off some of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ with cooking on a campfire and wild art making on offer.

Here are the top family places for a fun day out this half term:

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
The household returns: half term trail, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 4pm
Join in some half term fun with trails and craft activities around the castle as the Bodiam household comes to life again after the winter. Our half term activities centre around the re-opening of the castle as it would have been in medieval times, when the family returned from their winter residence.
Normal admission charges apply: a small additional charge applies for activities.
For more information, please call 01580 830196

Carding Mill Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Shropshire
Kite chaos! 17 – 21 February, 11am– 3pm
Come along and make a kite to fly in the valley. Watch it soar over the heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Normal admission charges apply – ticket price £2 per item
Booking is not required
For more information, please call Emily Knight, 01694 725000

Cherryburn, Northumberland
Bewick’s boredom busters! 24, 25, 27 & 28 February, 11am – 3pm
Discover the birth place of Thomas Bewick, perhaps one of Northumberland’s greatest artists. Enjoy Cherryburn as Thomas Bewick did as a young lad with free outdoor adventures, including toasting marshmallows at the campfire!
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For further information, please call Cherryburn on 01661 843276

Claremont Landscape GardensClaremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
February half term children’s trail, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 3.30pm
Have fun in the outdoors this February half term. Join us for some activities suitable for children of all ages and guaranteed fun, whatever the weather! Get some fresh air as you walk around this green oasis in the heart of Surrey and enjoy the garden with our children’s trail during the half term holiday. Remember to look out for the thatched cottage, a Victorian refuge filled with fun toys, games, picnic rugs and dressing up clothes.
Normal admission charges apply – trail price 50 pence
Booking is not required
For further information, please call 01372 467806

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Winter wassailing craft activities, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 February, 12pm – 3pm
Help us prepare for our winter wassailing in the walled kitchen garden. Make a wassailing wand or a rosy red robin to hang in our orchards, then come back on Sunday 2nd March and help us bless our orchard trees with a traditional Wassailing ceremony. Everybody is welcome!
Normal admission charges apply
For more information, please call 01909 511092

Cotehele, Cornwall
50 things: make some wild art, 18 February, 11am – 3pm
Join us at Cotehele this half term and explore the Tudor house and gardens, perched high above the River Tamar. Get creative by gathering natural materials from the garden and woodlands to create some wild art. Not only will you have lots of fun, you’ll be able to tick off number 18 of your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’. Why not create a visual diary and collage to remind you of your trip to Cotehele.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01579 351346

Cotehele, Cornwall
February half term fun, 18, 19 & 20 February 11am – 3pm
Join us at Cotehele this half term and explore the Tudor house and gardens, perched high above the River Tamar. Pull on your wellies and have some fun in the outdoors during half term. You’ll be able to tick off some of your ‘50 things’ with wild art making, cooking on a campfire and bush craft activities. For cooking on a campfire: bring your own food and help make a fire to cook a campfire feast for yourself.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking not necessary for art & campfire
For more information, please call Cotehele 01579 351346 press 0

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
School holiday fun, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 4pm
Follow the clues around the abbey, water garden and medieval deer park to find out about the simple life of the monks who used to live here – could you have followed their strict rules? Then be a grand guest in the water gardens, following clues and finding out about the glamorous Georgian times when the gardens were made. Solve all the clues and you could win a prize!
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01765 608888

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Funky flying things, 15 – 22 February, 10am – 4pm
Get your craft hats on as we give you all the necessary materials to make your own pet dragonfly! Make it as simple or as fabulous as you like and whizz them home when you’re done.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01765 608888

Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Spring into spring: half term family fun, 17 – 21 February, 11am – 3pm
There’s lots going on this half term at Gibside, a stunning landscape park and nature reserve nestled on the edge of the city. Take part in the free springtime family activities and outdoor escapades every day of half term. Join us for explorer Monday, foodie Tuesday, wild Wednesday, adventure Thursday and fab Friday.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call Gibside 01207 541820

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Bird box building, 11 – 13 February, 11am – 3pm
Bring all the family to Kedleston Hall this half term and enjoy this spectacular mansion and parkland. Make a bird box with our outdoors team for the feathered friends visiting your garden this spring. All materials provided.
Normal admission charges apply – £7.50 per bird box
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01332 84219

Knightshayes Court, Devon
Family fun whatever the weather, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 5pm
Knightshayes Court is a country estate on a grand scale. Enjoy the glorious gardens surrounding the gothic revival house over the February half term as we celebrate the great outdoors. Fancy a gander at golf? A dabble in croquet? Find out about the unusual sports linking to Knightshayes in our trail and take the chance to give a couple of them a go. Round everything off with a locally sourced lunch in our café, as we do our best to help you eat well, move more and live longer.
Normal admission charges apply – ticket price £2 per child
Booking is not required
For more information, please call Knightshayes 01884 254665

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Wiltshire
Dark sky discovery day, 17 February, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Lacock Abbey is looking to the stars this half term. Discover the wonderful world of space and star photography with experts from the Science and Technologies Facilities Council. This is a drop in event with lots of hands-on exploration and fun craft activities. Plus, meet Nick Howes, an award winning star photographer and find out how to look at the skies with Wiltshire Astronomical Society. This event is inspired by the ‘Earth and Sky’ photographic exhibition currently showing in the Fox Talbot Museum. The exhibition displays pictures of beautiful starry skies, close-ups of planets, and breath-taking images taken by the Hubble telescope.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call visitor reception on 01249 730459

Mottisfont, Hampshire
Wildlife week, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 11am
Join us this half term and learn about the hard work local groups do to look after our wildlife. See what you can discover amongst the crystal clear river, babbling brook and ancient trees. Pick up a trail from visitor reception and meet the wildlife experts each day in the stables.
Normal admission charges apply
For more information, please call 01794 344020

Newark Park, Gloucestershire
Snowdrop week, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 February, 11am – 4pm
During this half term week come and have fun as a family. Newark has a fantastic show of snowdrops in a lovely setting. Take a walk through the glade to see spectacular snowdrop displays, then grab a hot drink and warm up with a walk around the house. With real snowdrops and other flowers carpeting our woodland, there will also be a snowdrop trail for children. The Cotswold estate has three marked trails to explore too. The house will be open, so come inside to warm up and enjoy our quirky interiors and spectacular views.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01793 817666

Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire
Half term fun, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 5pm
Discover Nunnington’s beasts among the Yorkshire manor house and gardens. Themed family activities will be happening throughout half term, including a children’s trail to keep all family members entertained.
Normal admission charges apply – ticket price £8.25 per adult
Booking is required
For more information, please call 01439 748283

Packwood House, West Midlands
Family fun days – February half term, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 3pm
Take the family to this Tudor house, park and gardens for half term. Pull on your wellies and head off on the welly walk through the woods – build a den, play hoop-la, splash in the puddles and have your own family adventure. Take a stroll around the lake and see if you can spot our Canada geese.
Normal admission charges apply
For more information, please call 01564 782024

Polesden-under-snow-©National-Trust-Images-Nick-MeersPolesden Lacey, Surrey
Half term activities, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 4pm
Come and have fun at Polesden Lacey this half term. The whole family can enjoy this country retreat with fine views across the rolling Surrey Hills. There’s a lot to explore with garden trails, adventure play area and loads of wide open spaces to run free.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £1 per child
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01372 452048

Rievaulx Terrace, North Yorkshire
Half-term fun!, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 3pm
Take part in our children’s trail amongst one of Yorkshire’s finest landscape gardens, tick off activities on the ’50 things’ list, take a walk through the woodland or discover our natural play area.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For further information, please call 01439 748283

Rufford Hall, Lancashire
Half term: tudor games, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 3.30pm
Bring your little lords and ladies to try their hand at Tudor games in the Great Hall. They can follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare as it was believed he performed here as a young lad.
Normal admission charges apply
For more information, please call 01704 821254

Saltram, Devon
February half-term, 15 – 23 February, 12pm – 3pm
Get out this half-term and explore Saltram – a magnificent Georgian house in the Devonshire countryside. Make the most of half-term and join us at for games, activities, trails and tours inside and out. See if you can spot the snowdrops that have just woken up from winter.
House activities at the weekends only.
Normal admission charges apply
For more information, please call 01752 333500

Studland Beach, Dorset
Go wild, 15 – 23 February, 10am – 3pm
Join us on Studland beach, a vast area of golden coastline and heathland for a self-led den building, wild art, orienteering and geocaching this half term. Get your ‘50 things’ list out and start ticking off those activities!
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call Studland Office 01929 450500

Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
February half term ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge, 27 & 28 February, 11am – 1pm
There’s nothing quite like fresh air, exercise and family time spent on this beautiful stretch of coastline with sandy beaches, wooded valleys and lily ponds. You can’t beat the fun you’ll have in the great outdoors, creating memories that will last a lifetime. But sometimes convincing your kids to get outside can be a bit of a struggle. We want to encourage kids to get mucky, discover their wild side and most of all enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer! Join us on Stackpole court site to get your ‘50 Things’ challenge started.
Normal admission charges apply – ticket price £2 per child
Booking is not required
For more information, please call Stackpole Centre reception 01646 66142

Standen, West Sussex
Half term family fun, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 4pm
Come and join us for fun family trails and activities in our Arts and Crafts house and hillside garden.
Normal admission charges apply, small charge for some activities
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01342 323029

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
February half term holiday fun! Gruesome graves tour, 17, 19 & 20 February, 2pm – 3.30pm
Explore an Anglo-Saxon royal burial site this half term. Join a special tour of the burial mounds for youngsters but don’t forget to bring an adult! Walk around the ancient land and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king. Have an adventure and meet the King lying in state surrounded by his treasure or dress up as an Anglo-Saxon for the day.
Normal admission charges apply
Book on the day
For more information, please call 01394 389700

Tudor Merchant’s House, Pembrokeshire
Half term Tudor fun, 15 February – 02 March, 11am – 2.30pm
If you’re visiting Tenby during half term week, why not call in and play our Tudor Family Fortunes game? Will you be the merchant or the scullion? Find out about the ups and downs of daily life for this busy Tudor family in the year 1500.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01834 842279

The Vyne, Hampshire
The big tree climb comes to The Vyne, 20 February, 11am – 5pm
Join us to climb some very big tree indeed! As part of ‘50 things to do before your 11 and 3/4’, we bring you The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. Two friendly instructors help all ages reach new heights at an oak tree deep in our woodland. They will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness. Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can’t be found on the ground and if you’re feeling brave you take the zip wire back down! Suitable for ages 6 to 100! For details about how we can adapt activities for those with special needs please contact adam@bigtreeclimbing.co.uk in advance.
Booking essential, please call 07584 088662 or please book online: http://thevynetreeclimbing.eventbrite.co.uk/20/02/2014
Ticket Price: £15 each

Tyntesfield, Avon
Fab Feb half term fun 2014, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 4pm
Follow our Fab Feb trail around the Victorian country house and gardens, take part in some family orienteering through the parkland and join in all of the outdoor activities on offer, there’s a lot to keep you busy! The trail runs every day during half term and costs £2.50 per trail (includes a prize).
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For further information, please call 01275 461 964

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Family cookery school, 20 & 21 February, 9.30am – 1.30pm or 2pm – 5.30pm
Waddeston Manor is the ideal place to become a master chef this half term .Have fun creating a selection of goodies with our team of chefs. The course will include lunch or afternoon tea, all cookery ingredients and a goody box to take home. Suitable for children 7-11 years of age. Choose from two sessions 9.30am – 1.30pm – with lunch or 2pm – 5.30pm with afternoon tea.
Places limited to 15 adults and 15 children for each session – ticket price £20 per person
Booking advisable, please call 01296 653226

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Knights’ and princesses’ week, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 4pm
Join us during February half term for knights and princesses week; make your own swords, crowns and tiaras in the coach house at the stables. Hunt for the hidden shields on our trail around the gardens.
Normal admission charges apply – ticket prices £2 per child
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01296 653226

Winchester City Mill, Hampshire
Terrible Tudor’s half term fun at Winchester City Mill, 15 – 23 February, 11am – 4pm
This year we are celebrating the 460 year anniversary since Queen Mary Tudor made a Royal gift of the City Mill to the people of Winchester. Family activities include – quizzes, trails and make and take sessions. Discover how our freshly milled stone-ground flour can be combined with a wide variety of locally grown produce to make Tudor period bread, cakes and other treats.
Normal admission charges apply
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01962 870057

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
Den building, 23 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 4pm
Come along to a fun family event and have a go at building your own den in our woodland belts. Guided by our staff and volunteers utilise fallen branches, leaves and other natural materials to build your den, and then watch it be ‘tested’ at the end of the session.
Booking is essential, tickets £2.50 each
For more information, please call 0844 249 1895

Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Ilfracombe, Devon
Family bash & burn day, 18 February 11am – 3pm
Bring your kids and join the Woolacombe rangers at Mortehoe to clear the bushes which threaten the grassland flowers. We will then build a bonfire and use it to toast marshmallows. We will provide you with child friendly equipment and show you how to have fun whilst working safely. This is a great way for active families to let off a bit of steam during the half term break!
Booking is not required
For more information, please call 01271 870555

by jo

Travel Money Using a PrePaid Debit Card

So we’re heading to Australia this year and I’m looking for a good prepaid debit card.

Aussie Dollar

Prepaid debit cards are ideal for overseas travel – and it’s something we need to look into. Previous visits to Australia have had us use our Nationwide cards as they offered 0% on cash withdrawals from ATM’s (though the less said about the last time the better when my faulty card was eaten by a machine in Toodyay) – not any more though.

These days Nationwide have a set fee – not huge but I’d rather save money where I can. So we’re looking at what’s out there to see if there’s something which suits us.

The main things I’m looking for are :

0% for ATM withdrawals
0% on purchases
something which will control my spending and that I can monitor online when I need to.

At the moment the only card which seems to suit my needs is the Travelex Passport – I can order a card with minimal currency and put a little in there each month until we go, then spend it anywhere which has a Mastercard symbol on our travels.

If I need to transfer more money into my account I can do it online and don’t need to be in the UK to do so which is essential.

In fact, as far as I can see the only thing which could go wrong is forgetting to take the cards with us!

There’s a Post Office prepaid debit card but you’re charged $3 per ATM transaction. I always like to carry a good amount of dollars with me so this isn’t the end of the world, but actually those $3 will add up and I may as well use my Nationwide card! The bonus is there are no fees on transactions which is a good thing as I do tend to use cash for eating out and my card to buy when we’re shopping or need petrol.

The other thing I need to consider – I need a visa to enter the country. Shaun and H both have Australian passports so don’t, but if I buy using my Nationwide card I’ll be charged an additional interest fee which isn’t ideal. If I use a prepaid debit card which can be used for online purchases that’s a good thing too.

So I’m asking on this rainy Saturday night, what have you used when you’ve travelled? The Travelex card sounds ideal for us, and especially for online purchases and gets a good writeup and Money Saving Expert too.

by jo

It’s Snowdrop Time with the National Trust

Roll out the white carpet, it’s snowdrop time with the National Trust!

Nymans snowdrops ©National Trust Images Stephen Robson

For that first glimpse of spring, the places cared for by the National Trust have beautiful displays of snowdrops across the country. The delicate white flowers transform woodlands floors in early spring and are the first signs of life after the winter months.

Matthew Oates, Nature and Wildlife expert for the National Trust, said “In the garden, the pinnacles of snowdrop leaves provide the very first sign of spring. The flowers themselves arrive later in pure white glory and, on mild, late winter days, are beloved by honey bees. They are best seen in half-light and, of course, amidst the winter snow.”

From stunning bulb meadows to the UK’s largest winter garden, here are the special National Trust places to enjoy a family day out surrounded by snowdrops:

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire

Anglesey’s garden has 240 different varieties of snowdrop scattered across 114 acres. Meander through the paths and soak up the fabulous show that the garden offers during this time. But snowdrops will not be all that you see: the winter garden shows coloured tree barks, winter flowering shrubs, ground cover plants and even the first signs of daffodils.

Special snowdrop tours, weekdays from 3 February – 9 March, 2pm

Join a special weekday tour at 2pm to uncover Anglesey Abbe’s fascinating snowdrop story and gain expert advice from the gardening team.

Booking is advisable on 01223 810080.

General admission charges apply, free tour.

Booking advisable, please call 01223 810080.

The Argory, Co. Armagh

This spectacular riverside estate has a stunning display of snowdrops and other beautiful spring bulbs throughout February. Snowdrop self-guided walks run every Saturday and Sunday in the month, where the scenic walk shows off the garden as the frost thaws, with stunning backdrop of sweeping vistas. There are also delicate snowdrop plants available to buy in the shop and children can enjoy the adventure playground.

Snowdrop walks, 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 February 12pm-5pm

After a self-guided walk through the blankets of wonderful snowdrops that cover the estate, enjoy a warm refreshment in the courtyard coffee shop.

Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required

For more information, please call 028 8778 4753

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Watch the woodland floor transform into a stunning carpet of snowdrops during Attingham’s snowdrop season. Stroll around this great estate near Shrewsbury, look out for deer and see sprinkles of the delicate swowdrops in beautiful parkland, designed to impress.

Snowdrop evening walk, 21-23 February, 5.30pm – 8pm

Walk up to the bothy along the mile walk and follow the candles and fairy lights through the woods to experience the park and snowdrops in a different light. At the end, step into the warmth of the Bothy and enjoy a cup of mulled wine.

Booking is not required for this event.

Park and grounds admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01743 708123.

Belton House, Lincolnshire

With delightful gardens, a luxuriantly planted orangery and lakeside walks, Belton is a pleasure to explore all year round and never more so as the early signs of spring creep in. Don’t miss the delicate displays of snowdrops that melt away all your thoughts of winter.

Normal admission charges apply.

For more information please call 01476 566116

Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Chase away those winter blues with a bracing walk around the beautiful gardens and woodland at Chirk. Glimpses of the spring bulbs can be found throughout the garden, scattered between clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens, as well as drifting along the woodland floor.

Snowdrop days, 1-28 February, 10am-4pm

See the pleasure ground wood carpeted with delicate snowdrops, a sure sign that spring is on its way. Explore the medieval tower and dungeon and then warm up with homemade soup or a delicious slice of cake in the tea-room.

Normal admission charges apply.

Booking is not required for this event.

For more information, please call 01691 777701.

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Thousands of snowdrops will bloom in Britain’s largest winter garden at Dunham Massey. The garden contains almost 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs specifically bred for the seven-acre wonder. January heralds the first signs of spring, where clusters of over 100,000 double and single snowdrops and 20,000 narcissi bloom amongst the trees.

Garden admission charges apply.

For more information, please call 0161 941 1025.

 Attingham snowdrops, credit Harriet Clarke

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Yorkshire
Set in 323 hectares of beautiful countryside, this World Heritage Site offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate Britain’s heritage and natural beauty. Early spring is the perfect time to explore the picturesque abbey ruins and amble through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden, surrounded by white carpets of snowdrops. This is a stunning sight that dates back to the 19th-century, when Earl de Grey planted snowdrops to spell out his name along the backs of the river Skell.
Normal admission charges apply.

For more information please call 01765 608888.

Make a weekend of it: Turn a visit to this magnificent site into a long weekend in a unique cottage. With eleven holiday cottages on offer, including apartments in the luxurious Fountains Hall and five cottages converted from a group of 18th-Century farm buildings, there’s something for everyone.

Ickworth, Suffolk

Throughout Ickworth Park, along the oak walk and the trim trail, snowdrops are complemented by the golden glow of aconites. Geraldine’s and Erskine’s walks are woken from their winter sleep by Galanthus‘s arnott, a relatively large snowdrop with a strong honey scent providing a feast for the eyes and nose. Discover amazing views of the estate or warm up in the west wing restaurant with delicious food and drink (Friday to Tuesday).

Garden admission charges apply.

For more information please call 01284 735270.

Make a weekend of it: Stay at the heart of the estate in one of Ickworth’s four cottages: there’s the quirky round house set in an enchanting woodland glade, two redbrick Victorian cottages in the parkland and the former head gardener’s cottage with its own walled garden.

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Kingston Lacy welcomes a dazzling blanket of snowdrops each year. The garden wakes up to spring in January and February when thousands of bulbs burst through the soil, transforming the garden into a sea of white. Special snowdrop openings are a tradition at Kingston Lacy so visitors can wander through the displays and salute this first welcome sign of spring.

Park and garden admission charges apply.

For more information please call 01202 883402.

Make a weekend of it: With pink walls and a thatched roof, 524 Pamphill Green Cottage is a delightful semi-detached cottage tucked away in a quiet part of the Kingston Lacy estate.

 Kingston Lacy, Lady walk snowdrops©National Trust Images Richard Pink

Mottisfont, Hampshire

Snowdrops thrive along the banks of the Font stream, where the warmer water creates its own microclimate, teasing them into bloom a week or two before their companions in colder corners of the garden. Elsewhere, the open acres of the river garden are magically transformed by drifts of purest white.

Snowdrop walks, 15-16 and 22-23 February 10.30-11.30am, 12.30-1.30pm and 2-3pm.

Take a walk through the grounds with Mottisfont’s knowledgeable guides and witness the beauty of the wild snowdrops that carpet the woodland, heralding that spring is finally on its way.

Normal admission charges apply.

Booking is not required for this event.

For more information, please call 07769301992.

 

Newark Park, Gloucestershire                   

At Newark Park there are snowdrop drifts throughout the garden and they mingle with aconites and cyclamen to give a very impressive show. There are six varieties and Newark is a haven for Gloucestershire galanthophiles.

Snowdrop week, 15-16 & 19-23 February, 11am-4pm

During half term week, why not have fun as a family at Newark Park, following the snowdrop trail around the estate. Get the children to have a closer look at the flowers and take a photo to create a special snowdrop memory.

Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required for this event.

For more information, please call 01793 817666.

 

Nymans, West Sussex

This 20th-century garden is famed for its amazing collection of rare and important plants. At the start of spring, spot wonderful displays of snowdrops as well as camellias and magnolias underplanted with a host of daffodils and grape hyacinths. The bulb meadow in the walled garden is full of snowdrops and early narcissus and there are rare hellebores all around the garden.

By Valentine’s Day, over 150 different types of plant are flowering at Nymans and our snowdrop drifts offer cool contrasts to fiery witch hazel oranges and the rich red stems of our dogwoods.

Garden admission charges apply.

For more information please call 01444 405250.

Make a weekend of it: For people who love being close to nature, a stay at Woodlands Cottage is a great way to discover Nymans. The perfect retreat, the pretty cottage is surrounded by beautiful lakes and woodland walks.

 

To plan a family day out with the National Trust visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

To book a holiday cottage visit: www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk