Goodbye

Right after much deliberation I've decided to call time on Life in the NN Lane. 

I first started the blog as a creative outlet as I worked with data in an office. I no longer do that job and now work more hours.

Since my blog began more & more people are doing the same/similar things & I don't really feel like my ideas/posts/pictures etc are needed anymore.

Things never grew as I'd hoped and I no longer have the time or desire to move it forward.

I know coronavirus has exasperated this as I don't really feel I have much to say anymore. I'm feeling quite negative about coronavirus now & the limitations this is putting on our lifestyles. The rules no longer make sense to me. I work in a room with 28 people but can't have more than 2 people in my house as we are a family of 4! I don't want to pass this frustration or worry or negativity on so I'm constantly censoring myself. I actually wrote a poem back in April I never shared & it still rings true (I have been debating this decision for a while).

I feel I have nothing to say.

No contribution to make.

I have no words of comfort.

I do not wish to share my worries.

So many questions.

So few answers.

My voice is getting quieter each day.

The world is of it's centre.

We are drifting in the sea.

We watch.

We wait.

We sit.

We listen.

We stay.

I'm not sure there's anything to say.

I've also disliked social media more since coronavirus began & as a blogger I need this for information and sharing my posts so a but of an awkward catch 22. I hate twitter, can take or leave Facebook & love Instagram but would prefer to have it private.

I'm obviously no longer visiting as many places due to covid and as my children are getting older park trips are decreasing.

However, I'm immensely proud of my park guide & the blog will remain for a while. I've already deleted Twitter and Pinterest and the rest will follow.  I have begun deleting posts & haven't decided whether to just leave the park guides up.

As a parting gesture I would love it if you could all sign the lido petition. Tell your friends, kids football team, brownies, scouts, school mums etc and sign & share some more. I really do believe it would be a positive for the town. The petition will remain as it's in my real name & not the blog. This is something I'd love to happen at some point in the future blog or no blog.

http://chng.it/gkWtNM7sCr

P.s remember to sign the petition!!!

Northampton's Missing Lido

**Updated the petition is LIVE.  Please sign & Share**

http://chng.it/gkWtNM7sCr

#northamptonlidopetition

If you follow me on Facebook you will have seen I'm currently a little obsessed with water.  I have been enjoying many River Nene walks with the kids, which are lovely, but the kids want to swim! Every summer I get frustrated by the lack of swimming/splash park venues in Northampton (Northamptonshire). For such a large shire (we have a population of 750,000) and being so far from the sea we have very little in the way of outdoor swimming establishments. I love the idea of resurrecting a lido and putting Northampton back on the outdoor swimming map!

I have googled like a demon and we have nothing! We have the lovely Wellingborough Embankment Splash park and that is it.  There are obviously some private outdoor pools such as Overstone but nothing available to the public.

I honestly believe a Northampton Lido would be a huge benefit to the town.  With careful placement could also entice people to other places and create jobs.  There are 130 lidos in Great Britain which are surviving and some are absolutely thriving. I know it would need a huge cash investment but it could then be a real gem for the town.  Community events could be held, swimming lessons for kids and health benefits for all. Am I selling it to you? Would you be a local customer? 

In my hours of research I found that Midsummer Meadow had a Lido from 1908 to 1983 when it was emptied and demolished.  The old site is now a car park. It would be an amazing place to have a new Northampton Lido.  People could be encouraged to walk into town via the River Nene.  In my wildest thoughts what about the old bus station plot? It would be accessible to all (as obviously not everyone drives).  Wouldn't be the prettiest location but could boost town footfall and actually use the current dustbowl. Another possibility is out of Northampton itself and to Daventry which used to have a popular outdoor pool and was also turned into a car park! Maybe one of our existing venues such as Wicksteed Park or Billing Aquadrome would like to invest and open an outdoor pool.  Billing Aquadrome used to have one and Wicksteed used to have a paddle pool both have sadly been demolished.

A heated pool would secure the most revenue as would be used even on colder days but obviously has a higher running cost.  Most are open from March to October but many, especially in London, operate all year.

I checked the Northamptonshire County Council website and you can petition but you need to be very clear. A full council debate would happen if you get 2.5% of the population to sign (based on 2001 census).  I couldn't find the 2001 population figure and no idea why they base it on those records but based on the current population of 750,000 it would need 18,750 signatures. Do we think we could get that many people interested in a Northampton Lido?

For now with no outdoor swimming pools available I'll leave you with a list of our nearest.  Obviously in the current climate not all are open.

Eversholt Swimming Pool, MK17 9DS. Volunteer run, heated, seasonal, parking on site and snack kiosk.  Approx 29 miles

Woburn Lido, MK17 9QG.  Independent trust, heated, seasonal, parking opposite at village hall and snack kiosk. Approx 29 miles

Credit Woburn Lido

Woodgreen Leisure Centre, OX16 0HS.  Corporate run on behalf of council, heated, seasonal, parking on site and snack kiosk. Approx 33 miles

Hitchin Swimming Centre, SG5 1HA.  Corporate run on behalf of council, heated, seasonal, parking on site and cafe. Approx 43 miles

Chipping Norton Lido, OX7 5BZ.  Volunteer run, heated, seasonal, limited on site parking but several free public car parks in town and cafe. Approx 44 miles.

Peterborough Lido, PE1 1YY.  Corporate run on behalf of the council, heated, seasonal, parking on site and cafe. Approx 43 miles.

Walks & Open Spaces in Northamptonshire

For years I have focused on parks with play equipment as my children love a swing & zip wire! However with coronavirus and lockdown play areas have become out of bounds & many people have stayed closer to home. As we are now able to drive & lockdown is easing I thought I'd share some walks & open spaces in Northamptonshire.

I've been trying to find lesser known quieter spots for our family walks & much needed PlayStation/YouTube breaks.  Often these lesser known places have no cafes/toilets etc so are not recommended for lengthy stays.  Obviously the country parks are great & we all know & love Sywell, Brixworth, and Irchester etc (and they have toilets!) but I've tried to focus elsewhere as there have been reports these places have been very busy.

Northampton Washlands (behind Riverside) is a vast open space with the River Nene flowing along side it.  There's a small marina and often horses, sheep and ducks/swans/geese.

River Nene (Brackmills) further up from the washlands you can walk along the Nene.  We walked in a loop going past Northampton Active.  You can walk all the way to Midsummer Meadow but the 9 year old wasn't quite up to that!

Upton Country Park can be busy but is a big space and the lesser known area away from the car park/football pitch is much quieter. There are currently sheep in one of the fields and is flat & perfect for buggies and bikes. There is a car park available.

Brampton Valley Way. This is a 14 mile stretch taking you all the way to Market Harborough.  We have only visited a small section but loved it.  I can recommend Draughton Crossing car park to Kelmarsh Tunnels.  Last year we also walked from The Windhover for a couple of miles & then had a break at The Brampton Halt which will be open again later in the summer (hopefully!) Several free car parks are dotted long the walk.  

Bradlaugh Fields which is not really so unknown anymore but depending on the day/time can be very quiet. 

Irthingborough Lakes is a lovely quiet spot & you can walk all the way to Rushden Lakes quite easily and grab a takeaway drink & sit on the boardwalk before your return journey (top tip from my sister).

Harlestone Firs is one of my personal favourites grower in popularity you can still easily find pockets of complete solitude and perfect on a hot day as lots of shade from the trees. Free parking is opposite.

Villages we have some beautiful villages in Northamptonshire which are perfect for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle. We visited one yesterday and found a stream for the kids to paddle in & very few people.

A few of these places do not have specific car parks so take care parking, make sure you read the signs and don't obstruct roads/paths etc.

Have fun, take care & stay safe in this crazy new world.

Emma xxx

Gravity Entertainment Northampton Review

Gravity Entertainment in Sol Central is the newest trampoline park to the scene and today we went to see what it is all about.

Located right by Vue Cinema the striking orange & purple colours mean you cannot miss it.  Smaller than I thought it has a brilliant mixture of equipment & quite a few items that it's rival Boost doesn't have.

Upon entry you can complete your waiver at one of the screens and validate your car parking ticket.  Socks must be worn & are £2.50 per pair.  Each child is given a coloured band to correspond with their time slot.  A health & safety video must be watched which included a warm up routine which I thought was good although the teen wasn't so sure.  It is £11.95 per child but online prices are discounted by 15% so £10.16 which is therefore comparable to Boost which is £10. They also operate parent & toddler off peak sessions which is £6.  Family tickets are also available for £39.99 or (£33.99 online!) this is for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

My kids loved the climbing wall & ball bit (this was their favourite section).  The wipe out machine was a big hit and my son liked the mini football zone and befriended a younger child and they happily charged about.

The café has all the usual hot drinks and amazingly has waffles! I love waffles and they are rarely on offer. As we went at 11am I didn't try one but they looked immense.

The kids rated Gravity Entertainment 9/10 and both want to go back. I know there was some early feedback and some improvements have been made.  The slush machines were moved and hand dryers fitted.  The toilets still smelt of fresh paint! I think Gravity Entertainment is a huge positive for Sol Central and it is great to see the building filling up with businesses again.

More picture over on Instagram Instagram - Life in the Mum's Lane

**We were gifted 2 tickets in exchange for this review.  We paid for our own socks & drinks.  All opinions are my own.**

Snowdrops in Northamptonshire

January is behind us and many of us are looking forward to Spring but February brings with it lighter evenings and snowdrops!

Get outside, enjoy the lighter days, wrap up warm and enjoy the snowdrops around Northamptonshire.

Coton Manor is well know for its magnificent bluebells but also has a beautiful display of snowdrops. Open Saturday 15th February to Sunday 1st March 2020 11am to 4pm £8 adults and £3 children NN6 8RQ

Evenley Woods has snowdrops 1st February to 1st March 10am to 4pm.  The café is open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3.30pm £6 adults and £1 children aged 4 to 16.  NN13 5SH

18th February to 21st February there is also half term activities for children.  For a small fee children can make a bird feeder or take part in the bug trail.

Badby Woods (near Daventry) parking is limited especially at weekends recommended to use picnic area on the A361 north of the village. The ancient woodlands have snowdrops on show during February.

Lamport Hall & Gardens is hosting a snowdrop walk Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th February the gardens will be open 11am to 3pm £5 adults and £2 children aged 11 to 18 and under 11's free! To access the house charges increase to £11 and £6. Light refreshments will be available from Saul's of Spratton in the carriage house. NN6 9HD

Many National Trust properties have snowdrops within the gardens Waddesdon & Stowe both have snowdrop walks.

Evenley Gardens 2018

Boost Trampoline Park - Northampton - Review

**Updated February 2020.  Boost Northampton is having a refurbishment and 3 new action stations are being installed.  The new slide is complete and open.  The other zones are under construction and due to be finished soon.  The price is still £10 per hour and the after school club is still £11 for 4-6pm and a childrens meal which is amazing value. The main trampolines, dodgeball, high jump etc is still open as normal. Will be interesting to visit once it is all finished**

Boost Northampton is an indoor trampoline park. There’s over 50 interconnected trampolines, 2 Extreme Dodgeball Courts, Wipe-Out Zone, Battle Beam, Foam Pits and Basketball Hoops.
My kids did the Free Jump which is £10 per person + £2 for the Boost anti slip socks. There is also Boost mini sessions for under 5's and is £5 per session + the socks.

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

I was a little worried my 5 (nearly 6 year old) may get bored but he loved it apart from a slight bump to the nose on the Wipe-Out Zone and wanted to stay when the session was over.  My 9 year old LOVES trampolines so I knew she would enjoy the session. She happily has awarded the new park 9.5 out of 10 so high praise.

The trampoline park is big, clean and has a café area for the parents where you can watch the kids and enjoy a snack/drink. There are lockers plus cubby holes to put shoes or jackets away.  Jumpers are given coloured bands so when each session ends it is clear who needs to leave the area.  It was quite busy but well organised and I would definitely go again.

Boost Trampoline Park

My children where both red faced and happy when we left. I would recommend light clothing and for long hair a plait/ponytail. My son is still wearing his Boost socks and for once seems tired out on the sofa!!!

If you live in the Northampton area and want to tire the kids out I would recommend a visit.  Check out the website for more information and to book.

Boost Trampoline Park

Emma xxx

P.s - Since this visit we've been about 8 times. The kids love it.  They sometimes have vouchers on Groupon but I think there are time restrictions but might be worth a look. Boost now also offers sensory sessions with low lighting and a calm atmosphere £6.95 per person and carer free.   4pm – 7pm the first Wednesday of every month.  They also do Boost Fitness £7.50 per hour and children's parties from £16.99 per child. 

Disclaimer: I was given 2 £10 tickets in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own & 100% honest 2nd August 2016.

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Cuba Holguin Things to do with kids

Whilst the main area is known as Holguin where we stayed was called Playa Blanca.  The resort is mostly known for the amazing beaches!

So what are the best things to do with kids in Holguin, Cuba. Here's my top 5.

Number #1 Swim!
The sea is crystal clear and just beautiful.  Get your sun cream on and dive in. Most of the hotels also have amazing pools which is perfect for cooling off and keeping the kids happy.

Number #2 Water sports
Sticking with the water you can try a Hobi Cat, pedelos, kayaks, snorkelling at most of the hotels in this area.

Number #3 Horse & cart ride
In rural places in Cuba this is still the most popular method of transportation.  We took an hour trip away from the hotel.  It was interesting to see some of real Cuba.  The homes, people and scenery.  Our guide took us to a locals home (described as a zoo) who rescued animals mainly birds.  She was so warm and welcoming.  

Number #4 Visit the Wednesday carnival (opposite Playa Costa Verde Hotel)

In our resort several hotels join forces and put on a weekly carnival.  There is a small shopping centre Bolera de Playa Pesquero, market (larger market is in Guardalavaca) and live music and dancing. Our hotel operated a shuttle train for a small fee but lots of people hired the old 1940's/1950's cars which look incredible. You can even try bowling at Bolera el Pescador.

Number #5 Visit Dolphins at Delfinario de Bahia de Naranjo
This is a small but well looked after dolphinarium. We ummed and ahhed due to animal welfare but it really was a highlight of our trip.

We also took a trip into Holguin city which was very interesting but a little too long and hot for the kids.  It was a great way to see more of Cuba.  Large parts are incredibly rural which I had not expected. Holguin City itself is very built up and busy which after the calm of the countryside was an assault to the senses.  Everyone we encountered on our trip was extremely friendly and great with kids.