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The Brown family.
Home grown fun in the sun
6/ 8/2008
MUM-of-three Jo Brown has never been so happy to see the sun shine over the past week.
Jo and husband Laurence decided this year, like thousands of families across the UK, to stay at home rather than fly off on a sun-soaked holiday abroad.
And it has meant trying to make sure there is plenty to keep their children, twins Alex and Dalia, aged 8, and Jamie, aged 5, occupied.
To keep costs low, the family have been testing a host of inexpensive treats - and Jo, for one, was delighted that the past week has been largely rain-free.
She says: "To be honest, we've been in the garden a lot because the weather has been so good this week.
"It has made a massive difference because I could potter about the garden doing stuff while they played."
The range of low-cost items included a paddling pool for £9.99 and a £7.99 play castle.
"Good value"
She said: "The items were very good value, and it's been a real surprise.
"I've always said to my husband, do kids really need to go on holiday? When you think about it, holiday for children means it's usually playing in the pool or in the sea.
"So the paddling pool has been a real godsend. They've had such a good time with it, and I'm surprised that more families have not set one up in their gardens, because all the kids and their friends seem to want to do is go in the pool."
Since Jo and her family featured in the M.E.N. last week talking about the new trend for `staycations' she says she's been overwhelmed by comments from other families who feel exactly the same.
Jo says: "Since the article it's been quite interesting, lots of people have now said they're not going away either. The same comments have been coming up about the rising cost of petrol and food and mortgages coming to the end of fixed rates. We're all in the same boat."
Other low-price activities the Browns have enjoyed included walks in the local park, junior swimming sessions, and a family fun day at a local school.
Jo just hopes that the good weather will continue for the coming weeks.
She says: "So far so good, but if the weather takes a turn for the worst I will struggle, and I think it will mean getting out in the car . . . and spending more money."
Jo rates a range of 'Staycation' summer products:
Family Game
Cost: Science Museum 'build your own boat', £15, The Big Discount Store
Fun Factor: 7/10
Comment: "Looks a bit technical, one for daddy."
Paddling pool
Cost: £9.99, Home Bargains
Fun Factor: 10/10
Comment: "Worth every penny and more!"
Barbecue
Cost: £50, The Big Discount Store
Fun factor: 5/10
Comment: "It used gel tablets so you can easily move it about. It would be good for camping but in a garden I prefer charcoal."
Me time
Cost: Wellness stones, £24, The Big Discount Store
Fun factor: A potential 9/10
Comment: "I have not had time this week. But I do plan to use them and they do seem very good quality."
Build a castle
Cost: Play Castle, £7.99, Home Bargains; Disney Princess Table, £30, The Big Discount Store
Fun factor: 8/10 for both
Comment: "Jamie loved the castle and the girls loved the princess table too."
Got an opinion you want to share?Are you having to stay at home this summer holiday?
Poll has now ended
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