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!

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.