Author Archives: Abi

UK’s first ever Child Concierge at Drayton Manor

Posted on by Abi

childconcierge2Half term is looming and parents all over the country are asking themselves how to keep their little peeps happy! If that sounds like you then perhaps a trip to Drayton Manor is in order. Too far for a day trip? Never fear, with an onsite hotel the fun can last even longer. Plus this half term you can meet the UK’s first ever Child Concierge at Drayton Manor.

 

ChildconciergeNine year old Noah Reeve-Walters, dressed in a mini concierge uniform will be available to give assistance to the younger guests from 25th-29th May. Any burning questions like:

‘Where should I sit on Stormforce 10 to get the best soaking’

‘How wobbly is the jelly in the restaurant’ or even ‘Where can I get the best ice-cream in the park’.

Noah will be able to answer them all with a smile on his face!

Noah said: “I love Drayton Manor Theme Park, but it’s always the adults who give the advice, so I thought it should be the kids who get to ask their questions for a change. I’m prepared and ready to give my expert kid opinion!”

donutsMeeting Noah at the hotel is only the start to a fun filled day at the park. I recently became an Ambassador for Drayton Manor, so I’ll be sharing posts detailing all our adventures as we explore throughout the year.

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We had a flying visit there last Friday (had to get back for a prior engagement), the Carousel was our favourite ride on this trip. A true classic that’s great for kids of all ages (I include myself in that statement!) My youngest would only brave a sled the first time, but we’ve successfully migrated to a Chicken with Mummy riding on the rear holding tightly!! I believe the Carousel dates all the way back to 1898! Give it a go the next time you visit.carousel

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Scrapbook Wall Art with Bostik

Posted on by Abi

3010I’ve just returned from holiday with my family and we had an absolutely amazing time! We always take lots of photos and it’s great looking back over the memories. Condensing these recollections into one item can be a really useful way of sharing the adventure with family or friends and scrapbooking makes this really easy. With some help from my kids we made a scrapbook wall art picture to showcase one of the best days. I’m a Bostik craft ambassador and Bostik kindly send me a craft box fully of supplies every month. This month we got scrapbooking and if you’d like to join in take a look at the tutorial below.

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What You’ll Need

Blank Canvas

Photos printed onto paper

Bostik Glu Dots

PVA glue

Craft Tape

Fabric scraps

Stickers, ric rac, buttons or other embellishments

 

2999Step 1

Pick an image to be the centre of your canvas, we chose one of our dog frolicking in the sea. Glue this to the centre of your canvas using the Bostik Glu dots. We then added craft tape to the edges to make a frame.

3001Step 2

No one wants to see the plain white canvas peeking through your photos and a great way to cover it up is to use fabric scraps adhered with Glu Dots. Fold the fabric around the edge of the canvas and stick to the reverse.

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Step 3

Start cutting out your photos. I printed these images in a slightly smaller size than my main image. We used special craft scissors which cut patterns (like zig zags) through paper. Lay the images onto the canvas and once your happy with your design secure using Glu Dots.3004

Step 4

Grab a large paint brush and carefully paint PVA glue across the surface of your canvas. This creates a kind of varnish over the pictures and adds a layer of protection to your finished piece.

3005Step 5

Time to add some fun embellishments! Small items like buttons, stickers or ribbons add depth to your design and can also be a great way to use commemorative items. We chose shell shaped sequins, the word fun and a heart shaped button. Stick into place using Glu Dots. Finally we added a piece of yellow ric rac to one of the corners.3009

Hang your artwork proudly on the wall and smile everytime it brings back a fond memory.

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Have You Got The W Factor!

Posted on by Abi

The W FactorThat’s not a typo and I’m definitely not questioning your singing ability, I’m asking if you have what it takes to be the winner of a brand new historically inspired competition held at Warwick Castle! The W Factor allows budding Horrible History actors to take to the stage in the hope of winning a cameo role in a stage performance of ‘Wicked Warwick’ complete with a Glamping break for the overall winner!

Now that you’re champing at the bit to dress up as Henry VIII or Charles II here’s the full details:

‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’ parodies a format familiar to prime-time TV viewers, offering an extraordinary opportunity for budding stage stars and history lovers of any age to ‘audition’ for a one-time cameo in a performance of ‘Wicked Warwick’ this half term.

HH_WickedWarwick_logoWhat will it take to nail ‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’? Participants might take inspiration from the Castle’s role in 1,100 years of English history: founded by a daughter of Alfred the Great; once owned by Richard III; used as a prison for kings and traitors; besieged and burned down; a favourite haunt of flirty Edwardians and even a haven for Hollywood stars, there’s no shortage of gruesome, gory and grotesque tales to tell. Or, maybe their inspiration will come from further afield, as far back as the Savage Stone Age or the Ancient Aztecs. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to come along on the morning of Wednesday 27 May and present their favourite short gory stories to a panel of three judges. 

Entering is easy, free of charge and registrants will receive a 2-4-1 voucher for entry to the Castle on the day. Eager entrants need simply visit the Warwick Castle website to register their intention to audition live for a panel of judges at ‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’ on Wednesday 27 May. Entrants are encouraged to upload their practice videos to the Warwick Castle Facebook page with the tag #thewfactor to draw extra attention to their talents and receive priority placement in the audition queue. Last minute entries may be accommodated on 27 May depending on time available.

The judging panel will select four entrants to perform in live shows at Warwick Castle the following month, on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June. One overall winner will also receive a unique starlit woodland family sleepover in the Mediaeval Glamping Village on 21 June, only 5 minutes from the Castle and located in a beautiful woodland glade.

hh-characterI’ll be taking along some small thespians to try their hand at impressing the judges and it would be great to see you all there, even if it’s just to cheer the entrants on. I’ll be watching (and cheering) from the audience 🙂

 

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