Tuesday 2 September 2014

Stoke City Big Motor Show

6-7 September, Britannia Stadium.  Free entry.

The Stoke City Big Motor Show returns this September, after a good show last year.  I highly recommend this - there's lots to see and some stuff to do as well.  There'll be cars - new, used and vintage - as well as some emergency vehicles (last year, the fire service and police force attended); there were various sideshows and a funfair, and various stands with freebies - mugs, pens, hats, and all that stuff.  Yes, there may be a few attempts to sell you a new car, but if you're pushing a pushchair or holding your child's hand, you're unlikely to get too much of a hard sell.  The car park at Britannia Stadium is huge, and most of it was filled with cars of one type or another.  There's also plenty of visitor parking, and access is easy.

According to the Stoke City FC website, Staffordshire University have also confirmed their attendance at the event, commenting, "Staffordshire University Racing will be in attendance at the Big Motor Show held at the Britannia Stadium on the 6th and 7th of September.  On display will be several students prepared race cars and the stunning Mosler GT900 currently heading the championship in Britcar. Come along to the race truck and pit garage display where you can talk to staff and current students about our activities, discuss career aspirations, University courses or just have a look at the stunning cars on display."




The Stoke Sentinel website also has an article on the motor show.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Cannock Chase Military History Day

Cannock Chase Military History Days - website 1
Cannock Chase Military History Group - official web page

On 16-17 August 2014, Cannock Chase Military History Group will be holding an open weekend with a number of activities that should appeal to all ages.

It's described as a free multi-period, living history event, which will have static and arena displays (which means plenty to look at as well as events and re-enactments to watch), and will cover periods from the English Civil War through to modern day.


There will be encampments and a genuine Great War hut, which will be manned over the weekend by re-enactors, along with experts and veterans who will be on hand to educate and inform.

There will be a range of hands-on activities for children of all ages:
*  Dress in replica kit
*  Man weaponry
*  Childrens' pike drill
*  Build and fire an air rocket
*  Archery
*  Many more.

The group are raising funds for Help for Heroes over the weekend, through collections and wristband sales. There's a cafe and visitor centre, BBQ area, picnic sites, and children's play area, all on site, which is good news if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Location:  Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Brindley Heath Road, Cannock Chase, WS12 4PW
Dates: Saturday 16 Aug 2014 and Sunday 17 Aug 2014
Time:  10:00-16:00

Thursday 10 April 2014

intu Potteries - Thomas The Tank Engine

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE CHARACTER APPEARANCE

VENUE: RIVER ISLAND
DATE: 16 APR
TIME: 11:00 - 15:30
Wednesday 16th April
Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller will be meeting and greeting our younger shoppers at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.


FREE Thomas the Tank Engine meet & greet tickets will be available to book online or from the Customer Services Desk from the 2nd April on a first come, first served basis.


You will need to bring your booking email or ticket along with you on the day.

Don’t forget your camera!

http://intu.co.uk/potteries/event/thomas-the-tank-engine-character-appearance

Star Wars Characters at Kidsgrove Tattoine Studio

Not to be missed!  Saturday 12 April 10-4 at Tattoine Tattoo Studio, 4 Heathcote Street Kidsgrove, ST7 4AA

Facebook Event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/479041985555567/

I wouldn't advocate getting a tattoo, but it should be a good day, and a great chance to see some Star Wars characters without having to go to Manchester, Birmingham or Leicester.

The team from the 99th Garrison will be there, so there'll be Darth Vader, Stormtroopers and more.



Monday 6 January 2014

Keele University Stargazing 7-9 January

Keele University Observatory - Stargazing
7-9 January, 7:00 pm onwards
Full website and more information

In conjunction with the BBC Stargazing event which is on at the same time, Keele University's Astronomy department is hosting a series of open evenings, starting at 7pm and going on through the night.  These events are extremely weather-dependent, and at the moment the weather forecast is blustery with possible showers, but there's much to see and do indoors, and this is highly recommended.  Also - there's no charge, and it's a great chance to see the observatory's telescope (even if you don't get chance to look through it).  Very young children may not find it interesting, and you'll need to wrap up warm, but it is sure to be a good night for anybody with even the vaguest interest in astronomy.




Football Coaching - Staffs University

Football Coaching - Every Saturday Afternoon

Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2DE
Every Saturday afternoon, from 4:00pm - 6:00 pm.

If you like to kick a ball about and want to play football matches in a fun environment? Looking for trials at professional clubs? Join Engage every Saturday where you can enjoy 2 hours of free football with professional coaches to give you top tips on your footballing skills and possibly get scouted.

Perhaps not for younger children (which is what I usually like to post here), but intended for 11-16-year-olds, this may be a useful diversion for a couple of hours while you look after younger children!



Friday 3 January 2014

Noddy and Tessie Bear - intu Potteries

Noddy and Tessie Bear, Sunday 26 January

Noddy and Tessie Bear will be meeting and greeting our younger shoppers at 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Noddy and Tessie Bear meet and greet tickets will be available to book online or from the Customer Services Desk from the 12 January on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will need to take your booking email or ticket along with you on the day, and don’t forget your camera!

A word of advice:  we've been to these events before, and unless you want a picture of your children directly with the character, you're best not bothering to book and queue (and queue and queue and queue).  Younger children will get bored of waiting, and you'll still be able to see the character as he meets those children who booked and waited.

Intu Potteries - Mike the Knight

Mike the Knight Character Appearance

Sunday 19 January, Potteries Shopping Centre

Mike the Knight will be meeting and greeting younger shoppers at 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm, near River Island.

FREE Mike the Knight meet & greet tickets will be available to book online or from the Customer Services Desk from the Saturday 5 January on a first come, first served basis.

You will need to take your booking email or ticket along with you on the day; don’t forget your camera! We've been to these events before, and unless you want a picture of your children directly with the character, you're best not bothering to book and queue (and queue and queue and queue).  Younger children will get bored of waiting, and you'll still be able to see the character as he meets those children who booked and waited.

North Staffs Traction Engine Club 2014 Events

This club are planning ahead, and have already decided their 2014 diary.  They've planned three events next year, at their club house at Klondyke Mill Preservation Centre in Draycott in the Clay.

7-8 June 2014
June Steam Party
Time isn't given yet, but probably 10:00 - 4:00
Adults £4.50
Children £1.00

This will have all the usual items for the steam rallies:
Engines in steam; workshop; open tractors; stalls; hot and cold refreshments - basically, something for the whole family

18-19 October 2014
October Steam Party
10am - 4pm -
Adults £6.00
Children £1.50
You should get slightly more for the increased cost - so it's the same as the June party, plus:
Vintage tractors; Stationary engines; Cars; Bikes; Lorries and miniatures

I would mention the November bonfire party in 2014 but that just seems way too far ahead!  More information is on the Traction Engine Club website.

Location:  Klondyke Mill Preservation Centre, Draycott in the Clay, DE6 5GZ

Approximate Location Map - the North Staffs and Cheshire Traction Engine Club are a little vague with their map.