HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Strange though it may sound this will be the last blog until the New Year. We will be closed from Christmas Eve and we will reopen again on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012.

Friday night saw us partying!! We had our Christmas bash and a good time was had by one and all. Some were still going strong in the early hours!!!!We are sending parcels out on express carriage, so are still wrapping and packing. The couriers are very busy but we are hopeful they will arrive well before Christmas. On the spares side we are up to date sending parts out as they come in, assuming we have them in stock.

Last Saturday we had the sheep scanned to see if they are in lamb, and how many each one is expecting. Knowing this enables us to ensure that each ewe gets the amount of food they need, particularly in the later stages. Talking of new arrivals, Maureen has become a Great Grandma and is expecting another Great Grandchild any day.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year from all of us at Adventure Toys. Until next year, take care, Julie.

TWELVE SLEEPS LEFT

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Our Christmas party is booked and we are fending off colds with satsumas, anything to keep our vitamin C levels up!!! I thought I'd read somewhere that chocolate has the same properties, or is that wishful thinking!! I did have plans to share a friendship recipe with you, being the season of goodwill and sharing. The idea of a group of friends feeding a base culture,sharing the mix and then making a cake really appealed at this time of year. Spot the fatal flaw in my plan!!! How do I get a starter culture??and how do I get it out to you all??

Last week our boss headed south to Milton Keynes for a meeting with the European Managing Director of Little Tikes. They had an opportunity to see prototypes for new toys in the development stage, as well as those that will be on the shelves come the Spring. They came back quite excited. There are some fantastic products coming through as well as the old familiar ones, so watch this space. We will try and tell you about them as they come through.

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

Saturday dawned, there was no snow and the forecast was not too terrible, so no reason to not to go to Northallerton for market day.

Bright eyed, Lou arrived on the market inspectors doorstep at 7.50am to see if we could have a stall for the day. Rumour had it that if you were there for 8.00 you stood a good chance of getting a pitch. We were third in line, but feeling hopeful. By 8.30 we had been allocated a plot, which was just outside Boys, sandwiched between picture frames and hoovers. Lou, Maureen, Neil, Tom and I sprang into action. We had the gazebo assembled, carpet laid (to protect the toys from being scratched, nothing to do with keeping us warm!) Toys were unloaded out of the van arranged and ready for customers before you could blink. Maureen and Tom departed for breakfast, Neil had some sheep to see, leaving Lou and I to brave the elements.

We were ready to face anything, armed with coffee in one hand and a mince pie in the other. As I have always been told, an army marches on its stomach!! (which is probably why I'm not five foot nine and a size zero).We had brought an assortment of toys, the Little Tikes Mobile was built and was catching peoples eye. One little boy was in the car, safety belt on and being pushed down the high street with his bottle safely tucked away in the bonnet before we could pocket his money. The dolls house was also drawing admiring looks. Every time it rained we ushered people in to keep dry. No, no similarity to a Venus fly trap!! We met some lovely people, some who were local, some who had moved to the area recently, and many who had just come through for the day.

Time flew by and before long it was 4.30pm. We had had gusts of wind, showers, sunshine and several laughs. We had introduced ourselves to the local inhabitants and reminded them that we were just down the road and had they visited the shop? When asked if we would be there next week we were suitably non committal. Our knight in shining armour came to help us pack up as the cold was beginning to set in. All in all a good day!! Julie

THE BEGINNING OF ADVENT

One more day and we will be opening the doors on our advent calenders. If your children are like mine they will want a pretty picture and chocolate, and no they don't want the same one as last year! Which means in 27 days it will all be over!

The Container arrived on Thursday and was unloaded in a record time of 34mins 29seconds. The guys thought they would have the rest of the day to put it all away, but no,they had a wagon load of spares to sort!!! No time to waste, it must have been the promise of the Christmas Party that spurred them on!

Before the end of this week we have a load of tractors from Falk coming in. These will make ideal Christmas presents and as an added bonus they are reduced, which will make them doubly attractive. They will be in all sizes and a selection of colours. Just give an eye to our website for more details, or our facebook page.

This weekend we are embarking on a new venture, entering uncharted waters so to speak. Our nearest town is Northallerton, and it holds a market in the High Street twice a week on a Wednesday and a Saturday. This Saturday we are looking to take a stall, and exhibit a selection of our toys. That's as long as it doesn't snow, otherwise we may have a change of heart, we can't risk the toys getting wet!!

If you don't hear from me next week I have been seconded to help Santa and his elves. Julie

WE'RE IN THE FARMERS WEEKLY

The weeks seem to be flying by at a frightening rate of knots. We are already having to look at forward orders for next year!! Jess, Lou and I shared the Christmas Fayres among us. It was good to see some familiar faces, as well as new ones. The car on both occasions was well and truly laden. It is amaizing what we can fit on a table!!!

On Thursday we are expecting a container in from Poland containing toys from Little Tikes. Hopefully with Thomas The Tank Engine Beds, Rainbow Chairs, Grand Coupe Cars and Push and Ride Walkers to name but a few. It will be all hands to the pump to unload it. Yes we manually unload all the boxes. The guys will then be kept busy putting it all away, hopefully before it gets dark. Some of the items will not be put away, and will be sent straight out to our customers.

I'm saving the best news till last. On Friday we were so excited, ok yes we are easily pleased, but this was big news for us. The Farmers Weekly magazine at the beginning of October decided to compile a Christmas shopping special that would showcase some of the finest products produced on British Farms by British farmers. We submitted a couple of things we thought its readers might be interested in, that we thought could be appropriate, along with no doubt countless other businesses. Low and behold, there we were on page 77, we had been selected along with I think 9 others. The sucessful item was the Big Fork lift Truck. I'm not in on a Friday, and they did not let on if they celebrated, but it was certainly worth celebrating.

Till next week, when we may have news of another container!!! Julie

CHRISTMAS, IS IT REALLY COMING???

We can't ignore it any longer!!! Christmas is coming whether we like it or not. The lights have been switched on in the cities and Friday 2nd Dec, Santa Claus will arrive in Northallerton complete with horse drawn carriage. Hopefully without the snow!! Saying that the weather is usually unpredictable.

On Wednesday 16th of November we are exhibiting at Solberge Hall for their Christmas Craft and Fashion Fayre on behalf of the Conservative Association. So if you are not busy, why not pop down and see us between 1.00pm and 8.00pm. We would love to see you. At the moment we are deciding what to take, baring in mind we cannot fit the whole shop on a display table!! We will no doubt try. Thursday evening we are going to another Christmas Fair, this one is for Scruton Playgroup at Ainderby School from 7pm - 9pm.

We have just got in some ideal stocking fillers, or presents for friends. Safsof, make a selection of soft play sports items. Their rugby ball is dense enough to practise your passes and is good for little hands to catch. There is also a badminton set, bowling set and two balls, one blue and the other green. The added bonus is that these are reduced, so you can't go wrong!!

I will let you know if we manage to fit all the toys in the car, and how the day goes. Till next week, happy shopping. Julie

THERE IS ALWAYS HAPE!!!

The adrenaline has subsided and the shed has been restored to its former glory. We are no longer finding things in strange places so you could say everything is back to normal. Or as normal as it gets. Halloween and Bonfire night have been and gone and we seem to be continually reminded that Christmas is just round the corner. Looking out at the frosty morning I am more likely to believe it is on its way. Nothing like a blast of cold air to focus the grey matter.

Since I have mentioned the dreaded word I may as well continue. Dolls houses make fantastic Christmas Presents. One of my favourites is made by a company called Hape, made out of bamboo and birch plywood.

This one comes with solar panels and a moveable staircase. You buy the frame and then choose the furniture, just like a real home, but a fraction of the price!!

We do have a selection of other houses to suit taste and pocket, some are made by a company called Plan. One that we particularly like is the Victorian dolls house

Here is a bit of information about Plan. Plan create toys that inspire children's imagination as well as promote their physical and intellectual development. Proving that it is possible to maintain superior quality standards while steadfastly following a path of environmental and social responsibility. All Plan Toys are made with clean, natural rubberwood from rubber trees which no longer produce latex. To keep the rubberwood pure, no fertilizer is added to the soil for three years before the trees are cut. To strengthen the wood, Plan Toys use a special chemical-free kiln drying process. They are assembled using a certified E-Zero glue in place of traditional toxic wood glue. Plan use only safe, non-toxic water-based dyes on all of their toys. Soy and water-based inks are used on their printed materials. These inks are more readily biodegradable and can be recycled more efficiently than standard chemical ink.

Have a look and see what you think. Rumour has it they are threatening snow for the end of the month. If you don't hear from me next week I have either hibernated or got a cheap flight some where warm!! Julie

OUR OPEN EVENING, READY OR NOT!!

What a week!

There were fleeting moments when I did wonder if we would be ready in time, but with a colossal effort from everyone we transformed the shed. We built all the kitchens, workshops, two of the beds, and a selection of table and chairs for everyone to see. The walls were adorned by swings and sledges which we suspended from the beams. It was certainly the best makeover I have seen in a long time.

The shop was not excluded, it too received its fair share of pampering. Tables were removed so that guests could circulate more easily, and keep dry if it was a wet night. Toys were moved round so that the new ones that had come in could be easily admired. Goodie bags were filled with toys and either a pen or pencil as well as the leaflets from companies we endorse to be handed out to all the ladies.

Thursday lunch time saw Phil Braithwaite and his team setting up their display. They brought numerous trees, shrubs, cyclamens and some beautiful flower arrangements that could be ordered for Christmas. There was no turning back. By six o'clock all the companies were installed and set up ready for the off , excitement was building. It was setting in for a wet night, would anyone come? Thankfully a little water did not deter those brave, hardy souls who turned out.
Lewis and Coopers quenched our thirst with a choice of six wines, two red, two white, a delightful fizzy one and a dessert wine. There was also Christmas pudding and cake to absorb the alcohol. Roots warmed us with some mulled wine and olives. Nicky had a fantastic array of hats for any occasion. While Anita told us how best to do our makeup, and if we should need our outfit altering Louise was close at hand. In case the stress becomes too much Karen eases us on our way. Finally Jess provided us with stockings for the little ones to hang up.

It was fantastic to see so many new faces, and familiar ones. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the evening a success and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. Julie.

OPEN EVENING THIS THURSDAY!!

Congratulations to New Zealand, Rugby World Cup Winners. Not that I doubted it for a minute, but I was heard to be cheering on the French as they went for their try. You have to encourage the under dogs, and they did put up one hell of a fight. I never expected the score to be so close. Talk of close, our Open Evening is approaching at great speed and all the staff are all beavering away. The weather is so unpredictable that we have rethought the idea of a marquee. No, I'm not saying anything other than you need not worry about your heels getting stuck in the grass and you will not need your thermals!! You'll just have to come along and see.

Coming along on the evening as well as the ones I told you about last week, we have, Roots Farm Shop. They have promised us some festive tasters as well as bringing a selection of festive gift ideas. I hope we have time to nip home for tea first or if you're not there early I can't guarantee there will be many left.

Nicky from Get Ahead Hats, is bringing a selection of hats for us to try as well as a variety of accessories. Dressing up for us instead of the kids!! You never know when you might need one.

Karen Portsmouth, Practitioner of Life Alignment for the past 5 years, and now also a practitioner of Home Alignment. Life Alignment is a means of gently accessing and releasing the effects of unresolved experiences and traumas as well as limiting beliefs and negative programming. She will have her plinth (work bed) with her and will be happy to give short sessions, or to discuss any of the work that I do.Adventure and play are both such vital ingredients in our lives.

We originally had just the six rural businesses coming, but like Topsy it has grown, by half as much again. So we now welcome Louise Drummond, a seamstress. She will do any alterations you want, or make anything from curtains to wedding dresses.

Anita Turnbull is a Beauty Consultant, and has a vast experince working years in the beauty industry. On Thursday she is coming armed with her makeup bag and is happy to do makeovers as well as answering questions. Her husband Howard may be coming along too. He is a joiner and has just set up his own business.

You know where I am going to be on Thursday evening. No excuses, there is nothing of merit on the television, so come and join us. We would love to meet you. A tipple in one hand, a taster in the other, and Christmas presents solved what more could you ask for??

Next week I'll tell you how it all went. Till then I think there will be plenty to do, see you all on Thursday, Julie.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

There has been some debate about my saying the rugby was safe in the hands of the Welsh. Unfortunately we now have a final consisting of the French and New Zealand sides. Wales battled on and very nearly succeeded. There will be the usual lively exchange as to whether the Irish referee, with a French father, should have refered to the fourth referee before sending off the Welsh Captain. Everyone will have their own view, that's what makes us unique. Imagine what it would be like if we all thought the same. Ok, there are those occasions when we can't always make our minds up. For instance when we are faced with the tricky decision of whether to go with a gooey chocolate praline dessert or sticky toffee pudding. Or in the boys case, whether it is a caramel rocky or a penguin. They have had so many they can now guess which joke will be on the packet! Sorry it seems a long time since breakfast!!

In the case of our Open Night it is more likely to be we will try them all, especially Lewis and Coopers wine tasting. There is a rumour that they may just bring some of their prize wining Christmas pudding! So far everything seems to be going to plan. Who else do we have coming? Braithwaite's are a family business based at Leeming Bar......On the evening they will be providing a demonstration of tree grafting, a selection winter baskets and planters, ideas for Christmas door wreaths and Holly wreaths, fresh flower Christmas decorations for tables, a selection of trees, shrubs and roses suitable for gifts and a gardening quiz with prizes! We also have Pink Owl Designs popping in. Jess designs and hand makes a selection of soft furnishings, cards and gifts using unique fabrics. She has just come back from Thailand, and Cambodia weighed down with material, so we can expect something very special and a little different.

Next week I will tell you a little about the other small businesses that are sharing their skills and produce with us. What we all have in common is that we are passionate about what we do. Until then, keep warm and dry, Julie

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Where are the weeks disappearing to? It does not seem five minutes since I was writing last weeks blog. Since then the England rugby team are out of the World Cup and all our hopes are now in the safe hands of the Welsh. Sowing is also finished and our attention has turned to the sheep. The tups (male sheep) have been introduced to the ewes, so hopefully come next spring we will hear the patter of little hooves.
Last Friday the American container arrived bringing a wondrous selection of Little Tikes toys. Some were new things we have not seen before (roll and pop vacuum cleaner), others are firm favourites such as the work benches, table and chairs, and lil wagon. The boys were kept busy for most of the day putting it all away. They certainly didn't have any problem sleeping that night. Today it is a case of remembering where everything is stored. One of the items that is very popular is the original police car complete with light and walkie talkie Talking of which I had better go and prepare one for being dispatched.
Have a good week, until next time, Julie.

PLANS A FOOT

October has arrived, and Harvest Festivals are being celebrated the length and breadth of the Country. We have not quite finished sewing all the fields, but hopefully if the weather stays fine we should not be far from doing so. It does feel strange enjoying temperatures of 28 degrees at this time of the year. Saturday tempted young Alfie-John to have his first visit to the Seaside, I don't think he is up to paddling in the sea or playing in the sand. Rumour has it, his Dad certainly enjoyed tucking into some good old fish and chips! Let's just enjoy the sun, and hope we don't get the snow they are talking about for the end of the month. Talking of the end of the month....

Adventure Toys Open Evening is on Thursday 27th October and plans for it are progressing nicely. We have invited several local businesses who are as passionate about their products as we are about ours, to come along and show you their skills and for you to sample some of their produce. Lewis and Coopers are providing the wine for the wine tasting, and Roots farm shop are promising us some tasters so that should keep body and soul together. W. Braithwaite and Sons are growers of hardy trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous plants and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on prickly issues concerning plants. Get ahead hats will solve the problem of where to get a hat for that special occasion or trip to the races. I have it on very good authority that Pink Owl Designs are creating some masterpieces for you to buy on the night, so don't forget your purse. Last but not least we have Advaita life. All this and the opportunity to see some of the new toys we have got in stock. just put it in your diary, 6.30pm until 9.00pm what more could you ask for???

Fliers and posters are being put up this week so I had better get busy laminating. Speak soon, Julie.

THE NEXT TRAIN APPROACHING............

This weekend and the previous one has seen the Hogwarts Express steaming its way up the East Coast mainline. It is quite a majestic site, fire box ablaze and steam billowing. It even had Jeremy Clarkson waxing lyrical when the Top Gear Team took on the challenge of racing a steam train against a humble car from London to Edinburgh. This got me thinking about boys and their toys. Or hopefully in this modern day it is no longer thought of as being entirely male dominated. How many of you ladies out there didn't have brothers and missed out on playing with trains? I doubt I was the only one......

I am now making up for lost time. We have a new table set up in the shop with a Brio display ready for the train enthusiast to rave over. The only way to know what everything does is to play with it, so you will find us on our knees conversing with the three year old Brio experts. We are only fulfilling our job descriptions!

Marbel have taken over Brio. They are a Cornwall‐based toy distributor specialising in bringing wooden, quality, classic, traditional, innovative and educational toys to the UK market. The firm was set up six years ago by husband and wife team Christoph and Rebecca Bettin, who started the company after spending several years working in Munich, Germany, for American multinational General Electric. Ever since 1907, when BRIO first began selling toys, they’ve built a solid reputation for producing safe, high-quality products. Today, their commitment to quality and safety is stronger than ever.

Over the last year Brio have added quite a few new lines and are trying to combine both road and rail as a concept. For the really young you can go round a simple track and then disappear into uncharted territory on the living room floor and negotiate chair legs. For the older aficionado you can build tracks over two or three levels and link this with a road network that takes goods or people to any destination the imagination creates. It certainly is a toy that will grow with your child, expanding their imagination, improving hand eye co ordination and dexterity to name but a few. Beware you will become hooked!

We have just had a delivery of Brio, so I had better go and play, no I mean put it away. Till next time have a good week. Julie

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Just testing how good your memory is, do you remember in one of the first blogs I wrote I said we had 17.5 children among us? Well we now have 18! Rob is a proud Dad. He has a beautiful baby boy, Alfie-John Michael. Weighing in at 6lb 13oz, arriving early, he obviously heard we had some new baby toys in stock and just wanted to check them out. His first stop on leaving hospital was not home, but Adventure Toys.

The other hot news is that we are having an Open Evening on Thursday 27th October, from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. You are all welcome, please come along, bring a friend. We have invited a number of fellow small businesses to come and show you a selection of their produce as in the case of Roots, and Lewis and Cooper are bringing wine for you to taste. We also have some soft furnishings for sale as well as Hats for every occasion. I will keep you posted, or better still keep up to date with us on facebook. You may just be inspired. Better still pop the date on your calender, or in your diary. All being well we will have some new toys in for you to see.

Talking of new toys. Do you remember Ambi? They are ideal baby and toddler toys. Made of plastic, but with a deep shine that just lasts and lasts. They have stood the test of time, many of you will recognise them when you see them. I still have the sunshine smiley faces that my children had and they don't look like they have been played with, they are still as good as new. Instead of being used as a rattle it is now an executive stress toy!! See what you think. Hazel's grandson is certainly going to find one or two in his stocking.

Till next time, Julie.

PRESERVING (CAN'T LET THINGS GO TO WASTE)

I hope you are all in one piece after the gale force winds yesterday. The wind certainly blew the cobwebs away, as well as a lot of fruit off the trees. Several trees were blown over blocking the road in either direction, and they had to be moved before we could get home. A sleep over in a toy shop may be every child's dream, just think what fun could be had. I doubt there would be much sleep!!

We have finished combining and are starting to work the land ready to sew the crops for next year. The hedge rows are laden with berries. We have a lot of windfalls, great for an Apple Pie or Blackberry and Apple Crumble. Makes my mouth water, better hadn't mention custard, cream or ice cream or I may start to drool. Quite a few of us have been busy making jam and fruit Jelly.

As I promised you in an earlier blog, I would persuade our members of staff to share with you some of their favourite recipes. Here is Belinda's. It is also one that many of us have made after persuading her to part with the recipe, and thoroughly enjoy. Even better if you are able to use runner beans that you have grown yourself. She has been making it for years. It is great with cold meats.

RUNNER BEAN CHUTNEY

2 lb runner beans (when trimmed and sliced)

1.5 lb onions (when chopped)

1 heaped tablespoon cornflower

1 tablespoon turmeric

1 heaped tablespoon dry mustard

1 lb Demerara sugar

1 lb soft brown sugar

1.5 pints of vinegar

Prepare vegetables.

Cook sliced beans in well-salted water until tender.

Cook chopped onions in half a pint of vinegar.

Mix dry ingredients to smooth paste with vinegar.

Strain cooked beans, then add to rest of vinegar and cook for ten minutes.

Add sugar and rest of ingredients and boil for a further fifteen minutes.

Bottle and cover.

This chutney keeps really well. All this talk of food reminds me that lunch is calling.

Let me know if you like it. Till next week, Julie

ENDINGS, BEGINNINGS AND ALL INBETWEEN

Our Yorkshire lass just missed out on a gold medal, but like all good things the athletics came to an end. The same could be said for the summer holidays. The little, and not so little ones are back to school, as are our students who have been helping out over the summer. They are back to University for their final year, but for many this is a new start.

There is still a small amount of combining to be finished, hopefully before we get any more rain. The bailer has been working nearly night and day, and we are leading bails at the moment. As soon as this is finished we will be ready to start ploughing, and the cycle begins again.

I appreciate not all of you will have had the opportunity to visit our shop, and will not have seen what we have on display outside for your little ones to try. Unfortunately my photographic skills are limited, but here is a section of our outdoor display.

I was thinking about the shop and how it varies throughout the year. During March we are busy building our display for outside, often in the snow, wind and rain. We're a hardy lot! The Toy fairs are just before this. Usually we go to London and Germany to see what new toys are going to be introduced over the coming year. We are still getting new products in now, an example of this was the Little Tikes Cozy Cab that we got in for the first time a few weeks ago. Between now and dare I say it Christmas (it seems a long way away) we will be having regular deliveries. The sledges will be ordered, and the debate as to whether we can have another winter like last year will go on until the last possible minute. Santa will have visited, a New Year celebrated, stock taking completed and we have come full cycle.

No time to dilly dally, till next time. Julie

The Athletic World Championships are taking place amidst a certain amount of controversy. We have seen some top athletes being disqualified for false starting. The biggest surprise being Usain Bolt, did his fellow team mate twitch enough to set him off?? One thing I do know is that when it comes to getting out of the starting blocks our new hens are dab hands. They are not afraid of a little pushing. Yes they are enjoying plenty of fresh air and freedom. At the end of the day, like Jessica Ennis after day 1 of competition in the heptathlon, they are ready for bed.

Do you remember those school sports days when there was the good old wheelbarrow race?? Well we have a very good wheelbarrow, made by a company called Tolo. We have recently got it in so I thought I would tell you a little about them.

Tolo, have the catch phrase Trust Tolo. They were established in 1985 and are a British owned company. Their head office is in Hong Kong. The company promote fair labour throughout the supply chain as well as being ethically accountable regarding manufacturing and its social and environmental impact. They also hold certificates for consistent superb quality standards.

We have the wheelbarrow and a selection of garden tools in stock. Tolo’s tools are not only just fun and educational, but they are also real gardening tools that have been custom made to suit children. Each design is lightweight and easy to manage but has all the practicality and durability of high-quality adult gardening tools. Children love to be involved in the garden and see things grow, to be responsible for their own little plot. However big this is. Being outdoors teaches them about nature, the different animals and insects that live there. It is hard work so it will tire them out and there is no greater satisfaction than eating something you have sown, nurtured and harvested. A sense of pride. Just what Jess will feel when she stands on the podium to receive her medal.

Here's hoping, Julie

LET US EAT CAKE

last week it was Jules and Rita's birthdays. We wished them both another year of joy, health and prosperity, quickly followed by, you have brought in a cake? Before the year is out we may need to invest in some new candles. We have those that keep relighting, those that just won't light, and those that melt their wax so fast the cake develops another frosting. The solution has been created, we do sell a wooden birthday cake with candles which are ideal for playgroups, nurseries and young children. A towering inferno and toddlers are not a good mix. Us, we like the real deal. Chocolate cake always goes down well particularly if it is homemade, and has icing or cream on. You can't use the weekend, holiday, or working part time as an excuse, we will still expect our cake, so Jules we haven't forgotten!! Don't get me wrong we are not entirely single minded, but we did wonder if we were like the queen, and had an honorary birthday, how many each of us would need to have, to have a birthday every week!!

This made me think, we all have a recipe that we particularly like, that we are maybe associated with, or that we enjoy making. So why not share them with you. It may tell you an awful lot about us. Mine I can remember making since I was at primary school when I used to go to my Grans and baking days took the best part of the day. There is something about the smell of home baking.

SPONGE CAKE

• Butter to grease


• 4 large eggs


• 4 oz of golden caster sugar


• 4oz self raising flour


• Filling


• 8fl oz of whipping cream or double cream


• 1 dessert spoon of icing sugar optional


• half a jar of strawberry jam or jam of your choice


• Fresh fruit - optional

1. Oven on 180 degrees or 170 for fan assisted


2. Grease and line an 8 inch loose bottomed cake tin


3. Put eggs and sugar in a large bowl, whisk, you can use a hand whisk as I used to do at my grans, but that was maybe to tire me out and it takes ages. Ideally an electric one. Whisk until pale and creamy, thick enough for you to be able to write an initial on the top and it not disappear.


4. Sieve in flour and gently fold until all incorporated.


5. Pour into tin.


6. Bake in the middle of your oven for about 30- 35 mins. It will have risen, be golden on the surface and will be leaving the sides of the tin. The cake will spring back when lightly pressed in the centre. Ovens vary


7. Turn out, cool on a wire rack.


8. Split the cake in half with a sharp knife. On the bottom spread a generous helping of jam. Whip the cream with the icing sugar and place on top of the jam. Add fresh fruit if desired. Place sponge half on top.


9. 
   Enjoy!! You can't help but lick your fingers. There may even be a dash to lick out the bowl.

Julie

THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS OR LITTLE TIKES SPARES

What a week!!

Unless you have hibernated I don't think anyone could possibly have escaped the news that has dominated this week. There have been some high points. Communities uniting to help each other and work together to clean up their streets. England are now three games up in the test match thanks to Alistair Cook who seems to be able to keep his head and achieve "daddy" and "grandaddy" hundreds. ( I did have to check what they meant, double century and triple century) Why it wasn't mother and grandmother I don't know, maybe it's a man thing!! Yes, the football season has officially started so grown men will no doubt be throwing themselves on the floor, while the remainder take up residency in front of the big black box. Saying that we do have our share of female football supporters, so Manchester United, Maureen is expecting you to do well again. We all have our own individual talents, but its maybe when we pull together that we can achieve so much more.

A good example of this is our spares department. There is not one member of our staff who is not involved in one way or another. So I thought I would tell you a bit about it. We are the sole United Kingdom supplier of Little Tikes spare parts. So if you have lost a crucial part while moving house, the dog buried it, it has broken, or you just assembled it the wrong way (it does happen), or it was missing, we will do our best to provide you with a replacement. The prices do vary, and we do ask for proof of purchase, so its best to hold onto those receipts just in case.

We receive requests by e-mail or by telephone, from yourselves, the customer or stores or both. If you know what your toy is called it does speed up the process. If you don't have a look on our web site. If you are not sure which part you need and have lost your original instructions, go to Little Tikes (their American website) scroll down to the bottom of the page, and half way down the column on your right is download instructions. We will invariably have ours out as well, so we are both talking about the same part! We then start to process your order and do all the admin before it goes off to the spares department. The parts are then selected, wrapped, packed and then put on a carrier or prepared for the post. Where it is weighed, measured, stamped and a proof of postage completed before popping it in the sack ready for our friendly post man.

The majority of the spare parts are shipped in from Little Tikes sites around the world, so unfortunately on occasions there may be a delay with our supply.

I'd better go and wrap some spares, speak soon, Julie.

ALL COMBINES GREAT AND SMALL

We have some new additions to the farm, twelve to be exact!! These are of the feathered variety. They have settled in well, but unfortunately for the time being they will have to remain inside. They will be free range and will have the run of the place, so they could turn up anywhere!! As soon as the rape crop in the neighbouring field is combined we will be able to let them out. The foxes are hiding in the rape and are very grateful for an easy, convenient meal, which is why we are keeping our new hens safe inside for now. Not quite your Pizza in front of a film on the television on a Saturday night, but who knows!!
At the moment our combine is tucked up in the shed ready for action after having its annual makeover following a long rest since last harvest time. Not that we want it to look its best; more we don't want it to break down within the first hour. At this time of year you become obsessed with the weather, every waking moment you are either thinking about it, watching the weather forecast or looking at a computer prediction for the next five days. When the sun does shine, (on the law of averages it cannot rain continually) you are truly relieved and ready for action. Here's our Wow, Harvey Harvester Combine, he will not break down, and he does not depend on the right climatic conditions. If only we could all do our combining from the comfort of our living rooms!!!

If the next time you see us we have weather symbols in front of our eyes, you know why!! I will keep you up to date with our progress . Julie

AND THEN THERE WAS BIG

We have recently had a delivery of toys from a company called Big. So I thought I would tell you a little bit about them.

The company logo is the Big Buffalo. You will always be able to recognise any Big toy because it will have a black bull with red horns on the box. Reflecting the toys being strong, robust, and resilient. The toys are manufactured at Burghaslach in Germany. On the front of the factory is the buffalo logo which from horn to horn measures 42 meters.

The main raw material used is polyethylene (PE). It is light in weight, very resistant, so your little ones can really have fun on it, and it will not come to harm if it is left outside in the sun ( I'm hopeful) or rain. It is also environmentally friendly. Big toys promote the development of motor skills, balance and imagination. Several years ago Jurgen Kramer, Professor of Orthopaedics at St. Joseph's hospital acknowledged "The Big Bobby Car promotes healthy development of the hips due to the splayed leg position. After treating a dislocated hip with a spica cast, we recommend placing the child on a Bobby Car."

We have a selection of Bobby Cars, trailers, Bobby Bikes, tractors, go karts and a fork lift truck, to mention but a few. As well as those accessories that make playing on a pretend road as real as possible. Including traffic lights, cones, road signs and security gates. These encourage children to be aware of road safety in a fun way. They can fill up with fuel without it costing you a fortune and you can guarantee they will never run out of petrol. By the end of the day they may hopefully have run out of steam and be ready for bed.

I have a combine to catch, will speak again soon, Julie

ADVENTURE TOYS AT THE GAME FAIR

As you can imagine we have been very busy.

Wednesday we squeezed 3 x Little Tikes 8 in 1 Adjustable Playgrounds, 1 Playground, 1 Classic Castle, 1 Junior Activity Gym, 1 Hide and Slide Climber, 1 Activity School Bus, 1 Rocking Horse and 1 Police Cycle Sounds Rocker (all Little Tikes) into our van ready for an early start.Is this the last bit?

Van unloaded and ready to start assembling! Making sure all the parts were there and the instructions were followed, no short cuts! Showers were dodged by eating our picnic in the van, and eventually the creche was completed ready for our young critics.

Here is the after picture of the Adventure Toys Creche

By the time the Fair opened to the public the rain clouds had vanished and the sun had made a welcome appearance. It was fantastic to see so many eager faces ready to put the display to the test and fun was had by one and all. As is always the case, all good things must come to an end and Sunday evening the display was dismantled. The van was packed and pointed north for its return journey up the motorway. Arriving back safe and sound before the van was changed back into a pumpkin at the stroke of mid-night!!!

CLA GAME FAIR...HERE WE COME!

As promised we have returned!

Thank you to all of you who have commented on and off line. Adventure Toys is based on a working farm. Thanks to the good, but erratic weather we have managed to get the hay-time finished.

At the moment we are selecting the toys to take to the Internationally famous Game Fair that is being held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. From the 22nd to 24th July 2011. We have provided the toys for the creche in the CLA members enclosure for as many years as we can remember (we can't remember!!) Various members of our team will be dotting in and out, if you see us please stop and say hello.

Children giving our toys a thorough testing.

If you have any nice photos that you have taken of us at the Game Fair we would love to see them.

Julie and Philippa

AND SO IT BEGINS; TAKE 2

After receiving the short straw we have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. Welcome to Adventure Toys first blog of 2011.

We are a small family business. The majority of us are parents, grandparents or big kids. Among us we have 17 .5 children (more on that at a later date)!! This puts us in a good position to test out and comment on the toys we have. We will share with you our honest opinion. Through the blog we will keep you updated with what's happening here at Adventure Toys, and some great deals for those of you who can visit the shop - we would love to see you.

At the moment we are running a voucher scheme for our local registered Play Groups, Child Minders and Nurseries. If you spend £20 in the shop you will collect one voucher. Once your playgroup has collected 10 vouchers before the 1st of September they can collect a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car!

First post done!! That wasn't as bad as we thought. We'll aim to be blogging every week or so, and we look forward to your comments.

Promise to write again soon, Philippa and Julie