Family Portrait

Can you believe my youngest is two and we still don't have a professional family portrait? If you're in the same boat, here's your chance to change things. Campbelltown Halfpints Playgroup is hosting a fundraising portrait session on Sunday the 23rd of November. For only $15 you get a framed family portrait!

Additional packages and products are available including bookmarks, gift cards and calendars. A fantastic opportunity to get some Christmas presents out of the way. To book your session, call Kylie Mannix - Campbelltown Halfpints Playgroup coordinator - on 0423 933146 or contact Advanced Photo direct on 02 4730 3661.

Photos will be taken at Hurley Park Hall, Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown.

Wollongong Science Centre

A little bit outside of Macarthur but only 40 minutes easy drive from Campbelltown, the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium is well worth a visit and makes for a great family day out.

There are lots of hands-on displays and free shows including the popular bubble and balloons show. The laser show is a small additional cost to the entry fee but should be experienced at least once.

The two-level centre is toddler friendly - although some get scared of the dinosaur displays - and suitable for ages 2 to 14 though adults can have fun too. Prams can be accommodated and there is a storage area for bags and strollers. There is also an on-site cafe and outdoor picnic area. Toilets are clean and well maintained. Lots of volunteer staff around to assist with explaining the different displays and answering the neverending "Why?"

Many of the interactive exhibits have been donated from Questacon. We visit at least once a year and there is always something new on display. The Science Centre is part of the University of Wollongong and open from 10-4 most days including public holidays. There is an adjoining shop which is well equipped and sells a range of fun stuff as well as local crafts.

For more information visit: http://sciencecentre.uow.edu.au

A great excuse to go shopping

The Camden Girl Guides are once again putting on their annual pink ribbon breakfast. This is a great way for the family to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday and make a start on the Christmas shopping.

FOR THE KIDS:

J-Jays Jumping Castle
Plaster Painting to do and take home
Tattoos
Sausage Sizzle
Hot & Cold Beverages

And for Christmas shopping that really gives;
Tupperware Partylite
Undercover Wear Nutrimetics
Enjo Scrap Booking
D&K Books Vera May Handbags
Personalised Christmas Baubles
10% of ALL SALES going to BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

Chairs and tables kindly donated by Camden Hire
Gold Coin Entry
LOTS OF LUCKY DOOR PRIZES

WHERE : Camden Guide Hall
Elizabeth St Camden
WHEN : Sunday 26th October
TIME : 10am – 1pm

Spring School Holidays 2008

School holidays are also upon us and I thought you might be interested in this coupon which provides free entry for adults to Lollipops Playland. http://www.smartsaver.com.au/ss-company-profile.php?referer=searchresult&clientid=01642

The Campbelltown Bicycle Education Centre will be open over the school holidays. This is a great venue for kids of all ages. There is a sheltered playground for when kids get tired of riding around the planned section. Helmets must be worn and a ranger is usually on duty to check this rule is complied with. Entry is free. There is no kiosk, shops are within walking distance but best thing is to take a picnic lunch and mat or chairs and find a shady spot.

Food, Wine and Music

As parents, we're often searching for fun events to take the kids so we deserve to enjoy things that aren't tailored for the younger ones once in a while. The Food, Wine and Music Festival this coming Sunday is definately more for the grown ups - there are food stalls offering local produce and wine tasting.

We went a couple of years ago when the event was held at Belgenny Farm. This year the event is being held at a new venue, Belgenny Reserve in Camden. The event promised face painting and kids activities but if that isn't enough to keep them entertained, Belgenny Reserve is right next to the Camden cycleway so take the bikes and the kids can go for a ride. There's also a great little playground nearby. Once the kids are worn out from cycling and playing, pop your picnic blanket down on the reserve and enjoy some entertainment from cabaret showband, Family Von Trapp.

Make sure you take a full wallet and an empty stomach - you'll want to sample all the delicious food. If you're lucky enough to have them, take a couple of oldies along to keep an eye on the kids and your stuff while you browse the stalls.

The Food, Wine and Music Festival is on this weekend, Sunday the 21st of September from 10:30am to 3:30pm. The event is held as part of the Camden Festival, check-out the Camden council link to the left for more info.

Spring Fairs and Spotlight on Careflight

There are some great events planned this weekend. If you are looking for some last minute outings in beautiful spring weather, both St. Peter's and St. John's schools have their annual fetes tomorrow (Saturday 13th). St. Peter's Spring Fair and Open Day advertises market stalls, rides & games, food stalls, displays, music and entertainment for what promises to be a fun-filled day. It's held in Howe Street, Campbelltown from 9am to 3pm. For more info ring 02 4627 2990 or www.stpeters.nsw.ed.au

Unfortunately the St. John's school fair doesn't seem quite as well advertised, however, we attended a couple of years ago and were entertained by rides, food stalls and displays. I am sure this year will be no different.

The Careflight fundraiser on Sunday the 14th promises to be a huge event including free tethered hot air balloon flights (we've done this and it's a great experience). Also advertised are raffles, wheelchair races, jumping castle, petting zoo and all day stage program among others. The event is well supported by the local community and proceeds go towards a good cause. We plan to head out there mainly for our 'wocka' (helicopter) mad toddler but it sounds like a great day for the whole family. Community Careflight is held at Tahmoor Sportsground, Thirlmere Way, Tahmoor. For enquiries contact 02 4683 1386 or 0412 373268.

Thomas and tipples

Have you got a Thomas mad toddler in the house? Well did you know you don't have to travel al the way to Sodor Island to see him? That's right, Thomas and his friends hang out right here in Macarthur! The Train Shed is located within the grounds of Vicary's Winery just south of Luddenham. It's very easy to find and well sign-posted along the Northern Road.

The Train Shed is a popular outing for us. Kids (and parents) can go for a ride on Thomas, Percy, Toby and James. The track has been extended in recent years and there's now even a tunnel. There's also a cafe serving drinks and snacks - they do a great Devonshire tea - plus a shop to stock up on Thomas gear. Admission is free. Train rides are $4.00 per child.

If you haven't been out to the Train Shed before, this Sunday - Father's Day - is a great day to visit because there's free rides for Dads and Grandads and a free sausage sizzle. If you can't make it this weekend, I recommend going on the second Sunday of the month when they have their craft fairs. The kids can go for a train ride, Mum can browse the craft and nick-nack stalls and Dad can do a spot of wine tasting - it makes for a good local day out with something for everyone. The location is stroller friendly and there is usually ample parking.

The Train Shed is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 4pm. For more info visit http://www.thetrainshed.com.au/ or follow the Vicary's Winery link to the left.