Toys R Us Free Lego? Not today.

Toys R Us are currently hosting a series of make and take events at their stores. You go along, make a Lego model from a small kit, and then take it home - for free.

In theory.

They've published a blog post about it, which is about as vague as it gets, with a link to their store locator. Unsurprisingly,  parents have commented on the blog post asking the obvious question: "when is it at my local store?"  As of now, there are almost a dozen such queries.

No replies.

So I did the next obvious thing: I phoned the local store (using the store locator, naturally). "Let me check...  yes. You come to the store and can make a Lego model and then take it home,  post pictures on the website. It's while stocks last because children take the model home... starts at 9:00 am tomorrow."

Guess who was there with two children at 9:05 the following morning?

No Lego at the front desk. None at the click and collect desk. Two children growing increasingly impatient as we were directed to the front,  the back, the Lego, and even the Star Wars corner. The helpful lady I spoke to you on the previous day was nowhere to be seen and neither was her manager. No, no Lego had come in.

We didn't stay. The children were too upset for me to spend time on the Christmas shopping we had planned and I had to promise them treats on the way home. I'm sorry to say that I won't be revisiting my local store for some time - the extra cost compared to online stores isn't worth it (the expert advice and opportunity to see the toys "for real" are decreasing in value).

The comparison with online brings me to an interesting conclusion: Toys r Us have a deeply flawed online strategy. Firstly,  I found out about the free Lego offer from a Google alert I've set up for Free Lego, which actually found this page from BT.  TRU didn't exactly make an effort to reach out and advertise it.

Secondly - when they did promote it,  it was on their blog,  but 1) they didn't post details of stores, dates and times - parents like these sorts of minor details - and 2) worse still,  they haven't replied to any of the queries about those details. It's a blog - it isn't offline media like a poster;  it's interactive and if you have a blog,  then you really need to respond to comments on it.

And then there is the lack of communication between online and offline - only some of the staff seemed to know about the website promotion. And the execution?  Non-existent, almost. There's a whiteboard at the front of the store promoting upcoming events in coloured pen, but that's about it. My local independent store is doing better at this.

Will I return to Toys r Us? Possibly, but I think it's unlikely I'll be taking my children - assumimg they'll even want to come along.

October Half Term in Stoke on Trent

It's half term soon, so here is a list of activities in and around Stoke on Trent, to keep you sane and your children occupied!

Kicking off the week, I've found a fireworks display on Sunday 25 October at Newcastle Lyme Valley Parkway, starting at 5:00 pm.  It may be early in the year for fireworks, but it's a good way to start the school holidays!

Potteries Shopping Centre (intu Potteries) are having a week of activites themed around Charlie Brown and Snoopy - in advance of the upcoming film.  There are various family-friendly activities, and they're all free!
Quadrant Road, City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1PS
 
If you want to actually meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy, you'll need to go to Hamleys at the Trafford Centre (intu Trafford), which has a meet and greet for the characters on Thursday 29 October (book in advance, get there early).  All the other daily Charlie Brown activities will be taking place at the Trafford Centre too.

If you'd prefer to stay closer to home, then there's a Superheroes craft activity at the City Central Library in Hanley on Tuesday 27 October, from 11:00-12:00.  Mask-making and stories should make this a great morning!
Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3RS

The Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke-on-Trent will be hosting a number of events centred around the theme of birds. The highlight of this will be a 'Meet The Owls' event on Wednesday 28 October where visitors can get up close and personal with owls and falcons

Also close to home is a Frozen sing-a-long at the Mitchell Arts Centre on Wednesday 28 October.  It's £2.00 per child, accompanying adults go free.

Broad Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4HG

 

The Evening Sentinel has their own list of activites - I haven't through checked it, but it's here:

 

Coming up in Autumn 2015

Here are a few recommended activities for the next few weekends...  (and half term!)

Sunday 25 October - Newcastle Lyme Valley Parkway, 5pm onwards - fireworks (early in the year for fireworks, but this will give you chance to do other things that weekend, as we shall see!)

Saturday 7 November - Nanocon - Nantwich's very own Science Fiction convention - featuring loads of activities, and the East Midlands Garrison (Star Wars characters - Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and the gang).

Saturday/Sunday 7-8 November and 14-15 November - Star Wars Garrison at Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester.  The Discovery Centre itself is worth a look, and with the UK Garrison there, it should be doubly good.

Saturday 6 December - South Wigston Christmas Capers
It's not our usual West Midlans region, but this is a major event, featuring (so far)
The Transformers vehicles (Optimus, Bumblebee, Barricade and Old Bumblebee, "Beaterbee")
Lightning McQueen
Olaf
lots of other stalls and activities (worth it just for the Transformers vehicles, which don't get out much)

Stoke on Trent City Council have provided their list of Christmas-related activities (switching on lights, markets and other events), which should be good.  A word of warning - some of them can get very crowded and consequently may not be suitable for very small children.

Potteries Transport Rally

Potteries Transport Rally & Running Day
Sunday 17 May 2015
1000 – 1700
Britannia Stadium, Stoke
Buses (especially vintage buses),coaches, commercial vehicles, classic cars and trade stands.  This is a great show for those who like cars (and especially older cars and buses).  It's not to be confused with the Stoke on Trent show which usually comes around later in the year, where there are car traders with current showroom models on display.

However, there's no admission fee, free parking, and free bus tours around Stoke-on-Trent (in open-top double-decker buses) if the weather is fine.  Recommended, but as I mentioned above, it's not the Motor Show which will probably be coming later in the year.  There isn't quite as much for younger children, but it's worth a wander!

For more information, visit the Potteries Omnibus website.

City Waterside Community Centre Family Fun Day

On 18 February, City Waterside Community Centre are holding their Family Fun Day, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.  They'll have a special visit from the Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, and there will be a range of fun activities - tombola; cake stall, raffle, balloon modeller, candy floss and much more.  The entry cost is just £1 per child. If you're looking for something to do and want to get out and about for an afternoon, this should be ideal. The Community Centre is within easy walking distance of St Luke's Primary School on Wellington Road.

City Waterside Community Centre
Dresden Street
Hanley
ST1 3QG

Messy Church, Salem Methodist Church, Smallthorne

Salem Methodist Church on Smallthorne Bank (Ford Green Road) are holding a Messy Church session tomorrow, 14 February, from 12-2.

Messy Church is a relatively  new initiative that churches nationally have started, where the church opens its hall or play area and invites children and families in.  There's usually lots of space, lots of activities, cutting, sticking, craft and so on, and then a Bible story and a snack (these vary from church to church, so I can't say exactly what will be happening).

Highly recommended for children who like craft activities; you get to make at least one picture or model, and bring it home.

Salem Methodist Church
Ford Green Road
ST6 1NX

Dimensions Leisure Centre Holiday Club, February Half Term

Half term is nearly upon us, and so it's time to start looking for activities for the family.

The first one I've found is at Dimensions Leisure Centre in Burslem.  Dimensions are running a daily holiday club, with a wide range of sporting activities for children aged 4-12.

It's from 9-3 each day, and costs £7.50 per day, or £30 for the full week.  The only activity which requires parental supervision is swimming (so you can have a proper Day out With Daddy); otherwise you'll be able to leave your children there for the full day.

Dimensions Leisure Centre has a wide range of activities, and for their Holiday Club, they're providing
Football
Cricket
Basketball
Gymnastics
Dance
Volleyball
Rounders
Swimming (with parental supervision)

There will be prizes, games and competitions, and it will be run by NGB qualified coaches.  Dimensions is well suited for a day's activity - so you can be sure your children will have a great day.  

Dial 01782 616227 to book!