As Children's Entertainers, A Bag O Fun cares about the future our little ones are going to live in, so, this year to do our little bit for the environment, we are going 'Paper Free' and we encourage all our clients to do the same, where possible we will take payment electronically and, where possible, all booking forms and correspondence will be sent via Email.

Help us to Help the Environment!

A Bag O' Fun's sister company www.bagabear.co.uk are holding FREE Bear Making Workshops throughout the summer holidays at various shopping centres around the West Midlands, including Chemsley Wood, Tamworth and Walsall centres.

Each child can make and keep their very own teddy bear and decorate a birthday cake for there new best friend too!

For times and availabilty contact 'Bag A Bear' on 08000 438123.

The Bag O Fun Team will be running Easter themed workshops at Ikea, Wednesbury on 6th,7th,9th,10th,11th April.
Children will be able to paint or decorate and egg and make Easter hats and masks.
Lizzie says "Ricky Rabbit will be around the store trying to find his buddy The Easter Bunny"

A Bag O' Fun entertainers Jonti and Ricky will be taking part in BBC Radio Stoke's Happy Appeal.
There are lots of fun filled activities happening throughout the year, go to their websit to find out morehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/happyappeal
Jonti and Ricky will be teaching circus skills to a group of people at Radio Stoke on 4th April 2007.

A Bag O' Fun took part in National No Smoking Day this year in The Wulfrun Centre, Wolverhampton. They made white flower balloon models as this is the symbol of the no smoking campaign.
Jonti says 'We had a great time chatting to the people of wolverhampton, on the day many people took the plunge to committ to giving up and we met many people who were already on the program and had given up successfully'
If you would like help or advice on giving up smoking, go to the website ://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/corporate/whatisnsd.htm

A Bag O' Fun's leading entertainer Dizzy Lizzie appeared on Heart Fms breakfast radio this morning. She was interviewed by Heart's Sinead on Friday regarding the changing face of childrens parties.
Lizzie says 'Moms and children are very competitive these days regarding their childs party. They want their party to be the best ever. Over the last 8 years I have seen a change in attitude over what the perfect party should be. I have worked at parties where the decor, food etc has been better than that of my own wedding!! Of course Moms want the best entertainers to go with such high standards and we are pleased to be able to offer a party of a high standard at a reasonable cost'

Dizzy Lizzie appeared on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire radio offering parents and grandparents advice on how to keep their children entertained during the summer holidays without spending a fortune.
Lizzie says \"I was flattered to be invited to take part in the feature. I just gave general advice on games to play at home indoors and out and reminded moms that children dont need flashy things to be impressed. My top tip though was not to give children sugary snacks and drinks as this causes highs and lows in sugar levels causing mood swings and making moms job even more difficult over the holidays\"

Fast food giant KFC have joined with Marvins Magic for its latest promotion. Kids willbe getting a cool Marvins Magic Trick with their meals. Jonti says 'I am not sure that promoting magic with such an unhealthy food item is a good thing. However, the fact that magic is being promoted to children is great as it is such a brilliant hobby to get into'
Performing magic teaches children confidence in public speaking, in expressing themselves and boosts their self esteem when their peers see them as something special because they appear to have magical abilities.

Healthy eating is currently a major topic on the news and in schools. Moms know what they should be feeding their children to keep them healthy and that their child needs plenty of exercise to stay fit, but getting the children to see things the same way is a difficult task. With this in mind A BAG O FUN has been asked by Sure Start to create a funny, interactive and entertaining show to promote healthy eating and living amongst children.
Before developing the show, Lizzie and Jonti researched into why child obesity is a serious problem. Children who are overweight tend to grow up into adults who are overweight. They therefore have a higher risk of developing serious health problems in later life. Overweight children are often teased about their appearance and this affects confidence and self-esteem. The number of overweight and obese children in the UK has risen steadily over the past 20 years. This is now a major health concern. Most children put on excess weight because their lifestyles include an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity.
Lizzie’s says ‘our healthy eating show is Magic with a Message. It will encourage children to eat a rainbow every day, choose 5 a day and choose the right options at meal times. It will prove that fizzy drinks are bad for us. It will encourage everybody to get active and get healthy in a fun and exciting way.’
The show is suitable for schools, nurseries and educational environments but A BAG O FUN has a range of shows suitable for private parties and other events.

There are many people who lose their full time jobs and decide to set themselves up as 'childrens entertainers', placing an advert in local shops and newspapers and pushing flyers through letter boxes. Lizzie and Jonti warn us 'it takes more than some flashy ad to transform one self into a quality childrens entertainer - choose somebody who entertains for their full time job with experience in working with the age group and the number of children - and a proven track record. Ask your friends who they would recommend.' Anyone who knows Lizzie and Jonti realise that they have spent years training in the art of magic and spent thousands on equipment, much of it to be discarded after deciding it wasnt good enough for the task. Children's entertainment is a vocation for lizzie nd Jonti and not just a way to earn money. Lizzie and Jonti wish to emphasise the importance of bookers choosing an entertainer who will give their child a party to remember for all the right reasons.
NB: This article is not aimed at any particular entertainment company or entertainer.

A BAG O FUN has introduced a range of hands on workshops during which children can learn the basics of a new skill. Balloon modelling is great fun and with a little bit of patience children can be making their own balloon animals.
A BAG O FUN can offer this workshop to schools or as an added extra to her birthday party package. All materials are included within the price and children get to take home their creations. Some children grasp the concept quicker than others and they then help the ones who need a little longer. Jonti says 'Some children are really frightened to twist the balloon at first as they think it wil pop and frighten them - we manage to calm them and encourage them to twist away - the satisfaction on a chid's face when they have made their own animal is priceless'

Shops all around the country stayed open all night to launch the much awaited 5th Harry Potter Book. A BAG O FUN performed wizardry in the Wolverhampton Asda store, accompanied by Hedbig the owl and Marco the dragon. Jonti says "It is illegal to keep a real live dragon so we are hoping that nobody noticed Marco at the Harry Potter book launch. The store was so busy with people buying up their books that it is unlikely we will be reported to The Ministry of Magic for owning such a creature"

The Party Show was held at The International Centre, telford and exhibitors from all around the world were showing the latest ideas and products for the party industry. Lizzie also attended a masterclass in balloon modelling.
Lizzie says 'it is very important to me to keep up to date on the latest techniques for balloon modelling as well as with what is hot and what is not in the world of entertainment. We had a fantastic day and will be looking forward to attending next year'
Lizzie is pictured with a lady in a dress made entirely of balloon models - how long would that take to make?

In one months time on the 15th March, to celebrate the centenery of The Magic Circle, The Royal Mail are releasing a set of magic inspired stamps. Each stamp will perform a simple trick.

We are currently hearing alot in the news about teachers not being willing to take pupils on school trips for fear of being sued should something go wrong. However it is not just school trips that teachers are worried about, the fear of being sued is apparent in school time too with sad consequences for children.

This week A BAG O FUN was told by a nursery school that we could not give balloons to any children due to the concern with latex allergies and choking. According to records, no children had the allergy, the school was simply taking precautions. We were gobsmacked, 'I had to leave the balloons in a separate room and the children were not allowed to touch the balloons until their parents came. I have worked at parties where a child has a latex allergy or has been afraid of balloons but this seemed a very extreme precaution to take. Surely parents would notify staff if there could be a problem. It could be the end of children's entertaining as we know it, which is very sad - most children love balloons - of course the customer is always right and I am always happy to comply with the customers requirements'

Of course for people with a latex allergy the risk is severe. Even after the balloons are out of the way, the fumes they give out linger for some time after and it is the fumes that cause the problems.

It does make you wonder whatever next, banning rubber bands in schools due to the risk of latex allergies or banning pencils due to potential lead poisoning?

There has been serious debating amongst government officials about the suitability of the kids TV show Dick and Dom in the Bungalow. They claim that it is too trashy and not educational enough to be shown on BBC TV to millions of young viewers. Lizzie says 'Of course education is important but so is letting your hair down and having fun. Our kids work so hard during the week at school that they should be allowed to take a break at the weekend and if they want to watch trashy tv like Dick and Dom, they should be allowed. They can always turn over if they don't enjoy it. Personally, I love it, it is my favourite tv show and only have one small complaint, it is on at weekends when I have to go out to work so I only manage to see an hour or so of it. One of my my most popular shows is based on Saturday morning TV Shows with custard pies, crazy challenges and lots of silliness - I say long live daft shows like this - I love it!'
NEWS UPDATE
Dick and Dom are up fo an award at this years BAFTA's. They have been nominated for best presenter and best entertainment show. This proves that kids love the 'lavatorial' content and dizzy lizzie thinks Dick and Dom rule!!!

This is a recipie for the beautiful Dizzy Lizzie cocktail found on the net:

Dizzy Lizzie Cocktail

1.5 oz. Bourbbon
1.5 oz. Sherry
Lemon Juice
Sparkling Water or Club Soda

NOT FOR UNDER 18's!!

Combine the bourbon, sherry and lemon juice in a tall glass filled with ice, stir in a sparkling or club soda

Dizzy lizzie's daughter Emma made her mom very proud today when she performed her first magic show for a real audience. Emma took part in her Entertainers Badge at the Brownie group she attends. Emma produced 3 rope worms of different lengths and proceeded to make them all the same length. She then went on to perform The Vanishing Bandanna. Lizzie says 'It was probably one of the proudest moments of my life - Emma is a natural performer - when she opens the fridge door and the light comes on she does a turn!! - Seriosuly though, I hope she does follow in my foot steps and becomes an entertainer, but whatever she decides to do I will be very proud of her'

A researcher from a Tv Production Company approaced Lizzie to see if she would take part in a new tv series in which 'experts' come into your home and observe you for 48 hours. Then they make a tv show out of showing you how to get your life more organised. The TV show was to be put out on BBC2. Dizzy Lizzie declined to take part in the show. Lizzie says 'Dont they know that it is just an act and in my real life I am not dizzy or disorganised.' It would have created some great publicity and Lizzie could have pretended to be disorganised for a few days but Lizzie still would not agree to take part in the show.

Dizzy Lizzie was approached by Central News to feature in an article on the TV News Programme about local people with unusual jobs. The article was just a few minutes long but it took hours to record and alot of hard work, it was absolutely worth it though as it raised Lizzie's profile even higher. Lizzie says 'It had never occured to me that I have an unusual job, but when you consider that there are less than 70 women in The Magic Circle with a membership of around 1500 and at my local Magic Circle with it's 80+ members,I am the only woman who regularly attends - then maybe it is unusual for a woman to be a magician'

Dizzy Lizzie has decided to retire her beautiful rabbit Trixie after using her in the show for only 4 months. Lizzie says 'Some mums thought it was cruel to use a live rabbit, however I was confident that Trixie was happy in her work and well cared for. However, a child smacked her hard on the back on one occasion for no apparent reason and then I knew that no matter how well I looked after her I could not be sure that she was totally safe - and as an animal lover I decided to stop using the live rabbit. Fortunately bookers know that I have a good show and that they are going to get a top event with or without a live bunny!'
Trixie now lives happily in a 8x10ft wendy house all by herself and is a lady of leisure. Cared for by Lizzie's daughter Emma.

Earlier this year Dizzy Lizzie was asked to feature in an article on women who have become successful in business and who set up their business as a result of having a young family. The article appeared in National Womens Magazine, Bella. Lizzie says 'I hope the article inspires women to set themselves up in business doing something they love. There are many working moms who go to work every day to a job they hate, if they could make their living doing something they love, their families and their own lives would be much happier. I have had various jobs over the years, I even owned my own joke and party shop for a while - but children's entertaining is my destiny'

Dizzy lizzies local Magic Circle is the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. This is a place where local magicians can get together and learn new things and have a laugh. One of the best nights of the year is Alec Powells Film and Video Night, all acts being recorded for prosperity and the best act being awarded with a magic hamper. In 2004 the theme was to perform as another magician, dead or alive, famous or infamous. Dizzy Lizzie and co performed as multi award winning Stage Magic champions Jimmy Carlo and Crystal. Lizzie got dressed as a Sumo wrestler and Jonathan dressed as the gorgeous Crystal. Lizzie says 'The act was our interpretation of an award winning Stage act with big props and no speaking just performing to music - so it was not in our usual style. Although it is difficult for me to perform without speaking it was great to take part and to do something different to my usual style. The other acts were fantastic and we really didnt expect to win, but we did and that felt good. I am looking forward to finding out next years theme'

Dizzy Lizzie was awarded the prestigious William Stevens Sheild for best newcomer by The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. Lizzie says ' I was totally stunned to receive this award. I am especially proud because it goes back to the 1950's and I am the only woman to have received it'. Lizzie will be busy polishing her award and will be sad to see the gap it leaves on her shelf when it is returned to the society.

Lizzie attended a masterclass in magic, tutored by top class, world famous magician Paul Daniels.
Lizzie says ' Paul is a very talented man, not just with his magical ability but with his business skills too. I feel very privelidged to have recieved tuition from such a clever guy' Paul Daniels said of the course he ran "Only the most dedicated of performers come to these classes and they walk away knowing they are the best of the best."

Whilst surfing the net Dizzy Lizzie found that she has a song written just for her by the famous band 'The Beatles'. Here are the lyrics:

Dizzy Miss Lizzie

You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
The way you rock'n'roll
You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
When we do the stroll
Come on, Miss Lizzie,
Love me 'fore I grow too old

Come on, give me fever,
Put your little hand in mine
You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
Girl, you look so fine
You're just a-rockin' and a-rollin',
I sure do wish you were mine

You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
When you call my name
O-o-o-o-oh baby,
Say you're driving me insane
Come on, come on, come on, baby,
I want to be your lover man

Run and tell your mama
I want you to be my bride.
Run and tell your brother,
Baby, don't run and hide.
You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
And I want to marry you.

Come on, give me fever,
Put your little hand in mine.
You make me dizzy, Miss Lizzie,
Girl, you look so fine.
You're just a-rockin' and a-rollin',
I sure do wish you were mine.