Nature Tots, Westport Lake, 18 October

Join the toddler group for some pre-school nature inspired fun.  This activity will including going on a trail near Westport Lake, and finding all the mini-beasts you can.  Each session includes crafts, a snack, an outdoor trail and story time.  I've not been before, so I can't say what it's like, but the target audience is at least up to 5 or 6, reading the Stoke Nature Tots website. It's local, looks like fun, and with a snack and a craft included, is good value at £2.50 per child.

The session lasts from 10:00 - 12:00 and is at Westport Lake (just off Davenport Street ST6 4LG).  Here's a location map.  I imagine if the weather is bad, they'll run most of the activity inside the visitor centre.

SaturDads October 2013

SaturDads is a Stoke-on-Trent initiative to encourage dads, uncles, granddads and father figures to spend time with their children... and it's great.  Based in one of the various children's centres around Stoke, they meet on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:30-12:00 and have various activities.  Sometimes they visit a fire station, but typically it's held in a children's centre, which means lots of craft, outdoor activities (if the weather is good), sand, water... all that stuff.  And there's even a breakfast meal served at about 11:30.  And there's no cost.

The October 2013 meeting will be at Norton's children's centre.  The postcode is ST6 8JW and I also have a location map.  I thoroughly recommend going, it's great.

Klondyke Steam and Vintage Engine Show

On 19-20 October 10:00-4:00, at Klondyke, Draycott in the Clay, there will be a classic steam and vintage engine show.  Some of the engines will be of the stationary kind (used for powering mills and that sort of thing), but the website indicates a general invitation for all sorts of cars, primarily from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Klondyke Steam and Vintage Show

Pricing is a rather strange "£5.50 / £1.50" but I can't say for sure if that's adults/children... probably!

Attractions include engines in steam (i.e. burning coal and producing steam); vintage tractors; stationary engines; cars; bikes; lorries; miniatures; stalls and refreshments.

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.

Alsager Scouts Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale

One for the bargain-hunters and those who like to buy Christmas presents early - Alsager Scouts are holding a coffee morning and table top sale on Saturday 28 September.

There will also be an information stand for anyone wishing to find out more about joining Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and information will also be available for any adults who may be interested in becoming a leader or helper.  A good opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake and grab a bargain.

Alsager Civic Centre
Lawton Road
Alsager
Stoke-on-Trent
ST7 2AE

Location map (I think the civic centre is at the junction between Lawton Road and Sandbach Road, but this is as close as I could get).

Holmes Chapel Toy Collectors Fair

Another toy collectors' event, 13 October 2013, this one is the Holmes Chapel Toy and Train Collectors' Fair.  All the usual trains, Hornby, possible some Meccano, Dinky Toys - all that kind of stuff.  If Crewe is too far for you, and your children are interested, it should be a good place to go.  Entrance is typically £1-£2.

Holmes Chapel
Toyfair / Swapmeet
Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre
Selkirk Drive
CW4 7DZ

Sunday 13 October 10.30am - 3.00pm

Location map

Crewe Toy and Games Collectors Fair

An ideal event for collectors of Meccano, Dinky toys, trains and so on, there will be a Crewe Toy and Model Collectors' Fair at West Street, Crewe, on Saturday 12 October.

There's no indication of admission prices at this stage, but this would suit toy and train collectors in particular - they do seem to gravitate to Crewe, which isn't surprising.  There'll be all the usual Hornby stuff, I'm sure, as well as some of the older and more collectable (i.e. expensive) items.  Good for a browse, especially if admission is free or sensibly priced (I'm sorry I can't find details).  You could go to the Crewe Heritage Centre Event as well (or instead) depending on your preference.

Victoria Oakley Centre, West Street, Crewe, CW1 2PZ
Saturday 12 October 2013
10:30 - 4:00 pm

Location map

Crewe Heritage Centre - Model and Miniature Railway Gala

Crewe's Railway Heritage Centre will be hosting a model and miniature railway gala on 12-13 October.  This should be lots of fun - you'll get to see all the usual outdoor exhibits (there are dozens of trains, engines, coaches and other bits and bobs outside) and additional indoor model railway layouts.  There will also be miniature railways - outdoor ride-on trains, and so on.

This will be their third gala of the year, with a range of steam, diesel and battery electric traction.  They will also be running all their own locomotives as well a mix of visiting locomotives.

The Crewe Heritage Centre
Vernon Way
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 2DB

Location map

12-13 October, 10:00-4:30
Adults £6.00, Concessions £3, children under 5 are free

The Heritage Centre is located behind Tesco Extra.