Help Dani - Ride to Conquer Cancer

'Learning that's Fun' Book Launch - Sunday 4th August 2013 at 2pm

Dear readers, you're invited to the 'Learning that's Fun' Book Party Launch at Eastwood Leisure Complex (20 Eastwood Street, Ballarat) on Sunday 4th August 2013 from 2 - 3.30pm.

Written by Louise Jones, this self-funded, self-published book 'Learning that's Fun', is a small book with a BIG message.  A message that we can all find joy & learning opportunities in everyday life. Tutoring can be expensive and every child's needs are different. Sometimes the system just lets us down.  This book tells personal stories, provides real life examples and simple, low cost, easy ideas and activities to make learning fun at home!

On the day of the book launch, enjoy:

Earl Leonard - Music for Kids Show
Raffles
Goodie Bags
Snacks & Drinks
Discounted copies of the book on the day!

For an exclusive 20% off online discount on the book Click here

For more information you can go to:

Website: www.blossomlearning.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/learningthatsfun

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lkbusija/learning-that-s-fun/

School Holiday Idea - Happy Jacks Play World

I had a lovely afternoon at Happy Jacks Play World with the two kids today.  My son quickly made friends and got lost in the playground having a ball.  My youngest daughter had a play in the toddler play area for (0-3 years) and then went head first down the Jumping Castle slide.  Little dare devil.  She laughed all the way down.  Next, I took her down the big slide and the child in me came out.  We had to do it again!

If you want to have some fun with the kids indoors during the winter weather or are visiting Ballarat, it is always nice to pop into Happy Jacks Play World for a play and a bite to eat in their cafe.

Location:  1 Icon Drive, Delacombe

Phone:  (03) 5332 0146

Website:  www.happyjacksplay.com.au

Another day in Ballarat on a quest for discovery - Guest Post by Craig Thatcher

A regular follower of 'Discover My Ballarat', Craig Thatcher was back in Ballarat to visit us again.  What did he get up to this time?

Another day in Ballarat on a quest for discovery

This time around we discovered Kryal Castle. On the rainy day that it was, the jousting was cancelled so a weapons display was set into the program. It was quite good, and all the kids loved it, but I must admit the visit was not quite what I had expected. To be honest, I felt that Kryal Castle is targeted towards children, more than adults. The characters were playing with the kids in sword fights and having a ball doing it I would say. The fun for the adults came in the form of a “pull apart table”.  In fact I had the pleasure of making my best friend several inches taller, by tying ropes to her arms and legs and then yanking. Lots of fun and highly recommend it!

To fill the rest of the day we decided to visit M.A.D.E (Museum Australian Democracy & Eureka). It was absolutely brilliant and the learning experience was just fantastic. The voyage starts with the Eureka uprising, and follows through time looking at the greatest speeches ever spoken including Nelson Mandela, Enid Lyons, Winston Churchill, Paul Keating, Martin Luther King and so many more. Its all based around one single premise and delivers in immensely powerful images and thought provoking words. The original Eureka flag is also on display.  Returned to it’s home and birthplace. It’s quite fitting as M.A.D.E is build on the site the Eureka rebellion, and the flag takes centre stage in a darkened room and glass case. It’s quite humbling to think of what the flag represents and the event that the flag was the centrepiece to. I found myself sitting there just looking at it, thinking of the history and significance of it. It’s quite a powerful thing to be in the presence of. Sadly nearly 40% is now missing. Over the years the flag had been chopped up and the pieces given away like a trophy to friends of the family who owned it. What is left has been preserved quite literally thread by thread and saved for the rest of it’s days.  If you are pondering a day in Ballarat then M.A.D.E must be on the to do list. It’s just brilliant! 

Last but not least we finished the day at the Golden City Hotel in Sturt Street. It's the fifth time I have been there as the food is perfect every time and the atmosphere is just great. Meals range from the “parma” to the most exquisitely presented meat dishes. It’s really hard to beat and it won’t break the bank. The perfect way to end a visit to Ballarat. 

Every time we visit it gets harder to leave and one day we won’t.  With any luck it will be sooner than later. We love exploring the area which is so rich in history and beauty. It is rapidly becoming a place to call home.

 Author - Craig Thatcher - 18 June 13

Next Jack n Jill Children's Market in Ballarat - July 28th (10am - 4pm)

The next Jack n Jill Children's Market is to be held on Sunday 28th July 2013 from 10am to 4pm at St.Patricks Hall, Cnr Sturt & Dawson Street, Ballarat.  Selling high quailty handmade items.  Over 40 plus stallholders for the July market!! Free entry.  Fundraisers from 'Support 4 Cancer' will be there raising money to support children dealing with cancer.  A raffle will also be held on the day to raise money.  Win a cot quilt!

 



Welcome Fairy Bella to Ballarat!

Welcome Fairy Bella to Ballarat!

How did you move into the area of performing at children's parties?
I grew up with my family in Perth and from a young age I developed a love for performing. I started working in a Fairy Shop that hosted parties and was constantly asked by parents about doing 'at home' parties. After discovering that there was quite a big market for this kind of entertainment I decided to start up a little business of my own. After just appearing at a few parties, word began to spread and with very little advertising my name began to grow just through word of mouth. After developing quite a following Perth, this year I moved to Ballarat to continue my studies in Performing Arts, and so Fairy Bella has moved with me!

What do you love about children's parties?
I feel so privileged to be asked into people's homes to help them celebrate their special occasions. The parties I remember most as a child are the intimate parties created at home with love by my parents, and I aim to help make these moments even more special.


What do your parties involve?
A child's imagination is so special and my aim is to help keep the magic real for as long as I can. My Fairy Parties are full of singing, dancing, magic, games and many more surprises. Through years of experience I have developed a program that keeps children entertained, but I will also work closely with each parent to make sure I create a unique party for each special event.  Whilst I specialise in Fairy Parties, I also offer Ballerina Parties for older children (5+) and I offer face painting.

How can parents contact you?
My website is www.fairybellaperth.webs.com 
Contact number:  0430 407 293

Facebook Page - Click Here

Nicole (Fairy Bella)

Photo used with permission from Nicole (Fairy Bella)

Visiting Sovereign Hill by Craig Thatcher

Thank-you to my regular blog follower Craig Thatcher who wrote this post for you all on his recent visit to Sovereign Hill. Enjoy!

Today I had a very special experience at Sovereign Hill Ballarat. We were able to participate in the “Make Cancer History Walk" which was a 2km or 4km walk around Sovereign Hill and Blood on the Southern Cross.  Walking around Blood on the Southern Cross was such a very special experience that very few have ever had the chance to experience by day.  I'm so glad that we were given the opportunity, especially with all the proceeds going towards cancer cures.

I have been to Sovereign Hill twice before and once to Blood on the Southern Cross just a few months ago.  Each time I have had very special experiences for different reasons. This time was different! Not only did we have that very special experience in Blood on the Southern Cross, but also undertook a great amount of learning of where Sovereign hill started and how many volunteers give up two weeks a year of their to be part of it for no other reason than they love to be part of the history behind it, and enjoy the friendships they have made there.

 

During our visit we went into the candle making shop, where young children were learning something that is not commonly taught in schools these days. They had plain candles pre-made for them and were able to learn about prime colours and how when combined, can make another colour. I remember doing this when I was in primary school, and thought it was wonderful that this basic thing was being taught again.  These kids loved every moment. 

I came across “Lizzy” the peacock who found a warm place in front of the fire in the café, much to the delight of the kids that were around, and if I’m honest to my wife and I too. 

I met a volunteer who talked about the costs associated with the day to day running of the site. He mentioned that from the $47 admission fee, only $1 is revenue above the day to day costs which knocked me for six. To be honest, like a lot of people I would have thought it was a money making machine, but the whole thing is run “not for profit” and everything goes towards the cost of preserving history. I know that from today, the next time I visit and hand over my hard earned money I will look at it in a very different manner.

Sovereign Hill to me is a place of history, comradeship, spirit and education. It represents something that should be preserved forever and never to be compromised. The history in this wonderful outdoor museum is very special and to walk through Ballarat, it is obvious that the city has never forgotten and not likely to forget anytime soon. It should be remembered by all Australians as all other fights in history have been, to preserve our freedom and rights in our everyday lives. Sovereign Hill represents all of these things to me and so much more. It will be something I will pass on to my kids when the day comes and hopefully they will do the same with theirs as well. It is the most wonderful experience and a humbling journey of discovery for every person who enters the gates to re-live one of our most important times in our history. 

Author - Craig Thatcher - 26 May 13