SaturDads, 2 November - Sandyford Fire Station

On Saurday 2 November, the SaturDads group will be visiting Sandyford Fire Station.  They've visited before, and it's always been a lot of fun.  There can be a lot of sitting around waiting, but once they're up and running, you get a tour of the station, including the changing rooms, the helmets; breathing apparatus and all that kit, and get to see whatever fire engines are in at the station at the time.  Last time we went, the crew actually had to go out on a call, and we saw the fire engine drive off with lights and sirens.  The officer who was showing us round apologised that the crew hadn't been able to stay, but this was a highlight of the visit - later we saw the fire engine return to the station too, and the crew had to tidy up all the fire hoses etc.

There are plenty of fire safety resources provided too - colouring books, stickers, sometimes magnets and that kind of thing.Recommended - and just in time for bonfire night too, making it a useful reminder to stay safe with fireworks.

Here's the link to the SaturDads event website.
Here's the location of Sandyford Fire Station.  Google Maps doesn't show it (it isn't up-to-date) but it's on the wasteland shown on the west of Reginald Mitchell Way.

And here's the address:
Sandyford Community Fire Station, Marlborough Way, off Reginald Mitchell Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5ED

Sat Nav users are advised to use ST6 5NZ

The event will be 10:30-12:00, as usual for SaturDads.

Sneyd Arms Car Boot Sale, 6 October

The Sneyd Arms pub in Sneyd Green is holding a car boot sale on Sunday 6 October from 8:00-12:00.  There aren't many other details - they're advertising with a hand-painted banner on their fence - but it could well be worth a visit if you aren't busy - or if you're on your way to church.

In my experience, car boot sales take a while to become established with regular sellers, and since this is (as far as I know) only the first one here, it may be only lightly populated.  Worth a visit if you're up very early on a Sunday morning (and if you've got young children, you probably will be).

Location map:
Satnav: Sneyd Arms, ~148 Hanley Road, Stoke on Trent ST1 6DB

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