Tractor Ted Farm Show at Bowood House

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Fiona Martin

Last weekend my children got to meet their favourite tractor. I hadn’t told them in advance of where they were going but I knew they’d be excited and have a fun day! We went to Bowood House, where Tractor Ted’s Farm show was being held and we weren’t disappointed, both in the displays and the weather – it was scorching!!

My children ran through the gates in total amazement at all the tractors and farm machinery ahead of them, more excited than I expected to be honest but they loved it! They’ve watched Tractor Ted’s dvd many times and have been pretty glued, and this showed through here at the show. I half expected them to walk past but they were interested and intrigued and recognised certain vehicles that they saw.

The children were keen to check out everything so we had a walk around, viewing different things in marquees, such as farm animals, including some mega cute baby chicks! There were several Tractor Ted marquees, where we did some colouring, had a go on little ride on diggers and browsed around their shop – which had special prices available just for the show!

We also very briefly met up with the lovely Mary from Over 40 and a Mum to One, a shame we didn’t have time to catch up for longer but there’ll be time for that next weekend at Britmums!

We took a family ride in a trailer, towed by a huge CLAAS tractor around the Bowood estate, saw some sheep being sheared and then watched some amazing JCB displays in the arena. One of our favourite things was the Bowood Lamb National, a race between five sheep, which the children thought it was hilarious!

We took a look at some diggers and tractors close up and the children were allowed to jump inside to try them out – Mister B couldn’t wait to get his hands on the gear sticks!

One thing my children had spotted was the funfair, I don’t normally like paying for them to go on these sort of rides but as we hadn’t paid to go in, and they had been so well behaved, I said they can choose two each. Miss M, the fearless and ever daring girl that she is wanted to try the trampolines in harnesses and the mini quad bikes which she really enjoyed. Mister B whose a bit timid and shy stuck to the bouncy slide and swings.

Last but not least, my children had been requesting all day to have a go on Tractor Ted’s bouncy castle, so we let them have a go before the long drive home. They loved it and it made a great end to a great day!

Tomy Britains Big Farm Toys – Review

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Fiona Martin

Tomy Britains Big Farm Toys are a realistic range of farm vehicles, animals and accessories made to a 1:16 scale and aimed at children aged 3-8 years. Each toy is sturdy, durable, made to a high standard with a good level of detail and feels like it will last. The plastic has a soft flexible feel to it that can withstand little fingers and lots of play, overall the set of toys are impressive and my children were eager to open the boxes and play.

With two excited children it was time to explore the vehicles and try them out. Some vehicles require AA batteries to create lights and realistic sounds on them which gives an added dimension to play, something little ones are particularly keen on.

The first vehicle we looked at is the CASE IH 210 Puma Tractor. I love the deep red colour of the tractor and the removable roof/windows. This comes off in one simple lift off piece to reveal the seat and steering wheel. Mister B loved this feature and used it depending on the weather, if it was sunny the tractor was open top, if it was raining the roof came on.

The tractor requires 3 AA batteries which enable lights to come on and very realistic engine and reversing sounds. These are actioned with two easy to press buttons on top of the tractor. The bonnet also lifts up to reveal the engine. By turning the steering wheel, the wheels move in the direction you are going. This is a well built model, that the children loved playing with.

We also received the Backhoe, a great farming accessory that attaches to the back of the tractor with a simple slot in motion. This is hinged with a scoop on the end and two fold out legs to stabilise it when in use. This added to the play value of the tractor and my two children were continuously driving the tractor around the room then stopping to pick things up with this.

The Land Rover Defender is a great vehicle, very sturdy and has had lots of play. This also requires 3 AA batteries which light up it’s headlights, as well as making realistic engine sounds. The cover over the back of the Land Rover is removable leaving an open storage area that the children loved filling with things during play.

To go with the Land Rover we had a Pig Trailer with Pigs. This was a realistic large trailer with a drop down jockey wheel, fold down ramp and gates at the back – perfect for moving farm animals around in. It’s complete with a family of pigs, 2 large and 3 piglets.

Mister B loved playing with this, he spent ages walking the pigs up the ramp into the trailer before pushing the land rover and trailer around the room. He also enjoyed sitting the pigs in the back of the land rover. These really do have plenty of scope for imaginative play and we found our trailer loaded up with various things to move about.

The whole range of Britains Big Farm Toys are like dream toys for young ones. Both my children are within the suggested 3-8 years age range and they have both enjoyed playing with them, but particularly Mister B who liked imitating the sounds and creating his own imaginative farm world in the front room using lots of animals and figures that we already had. He was keen to sit figures in the driving seats of the vehicles and fill the backs up with animals.

Britains Big Farm Toys are of a fabulous quality, with great detail but really durable for little fingers. They are lovely toys to introduce children to the world of farming and I envisage them providing many hours of play ahead.

I think they are well priced and have lasting value. They are also suitable for outdoor play which would provide great fun during the summer months. I’d definitely recommend these.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the toys in order to write the review.

Tractor Ted Easter Activity Book – Review and Giveaway x 5

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Fiona Martin

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Tractor Ted is a cute green tractor that lives in Tractorland and gives children a great insight into tractors and farming life through a series of books, dvd’s, clothing and more. We were exciting to receive Tractor Ted’s Activity Book 2, a special Easter edition of the series of activity books from Tractor Ted.

My first impressions of Tractor Ted’s Activity Book 2 were really good. Firstly I loved the quality of the book, a high gloss cover and thick, durable pages inside covered in brightly coloured illustrations. Also the size of the book is quite handy compared to usual children’s activity books, as it’s easy to carry around and gives younger children just a one activity per page to concentrate on.It’s aimed at Early Years children and I feel that Mister B who’s 3 and a half next month is the perfect age to carry out the activities within the book. I also feel that the activities have been well thought out and put together, giving a great variety but also being of an appropriate level for Mister B to do.

The book shows children about farming and all things related to Easter time, such as baby animals and Easter themed recipes. There are also counting activities, colours, matching, mazes, recipes, colouring in, writing skills and baby animal recognition. I am really impressed with the variety and quality of this activity book.

Mister B has loved looking through this book, taking in the information from the pictures and really having a good practice of his writing skills. Even big sister Miss M joined in beside him copying the same words on a piece of paper and guiding him through the writing. She’s also keen to try out the recipes at the back of the book, being an eager cook. I can honestly say I’d recommend this book for a 3/4 year old to get to grips with pen skills and learn about animals and farming. Of course Mister B was loving all the tractors and enjoyed picking out his favourite coloured ones.

Tractor Ted have kindly offered 5 copies to give away to my readers, so if you have a little one who’d love to learn more about farming, baby animals and boost their writing skills then why not enter to win one below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UK only
Winners will be selected by Rafflecopter at the end of the giveaway.
Winners will be contacted within 48 hours of the giveaway ending and if I am unable to make contact within 14 days, then I may pick an alternative winner.
Your details will be passed to Tractor Ted who will be responsible for sending out the prize.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the book in order to write the review.