Ashley Franklin

2 weeks ago | thecitymoms.org | Ashley Franklin

Fun Things To Do In Chicago For Families:There are so many park options to enjoy. Here are just a few favorites!Maggie Daley Park is basically a kid's dream with giant slides, a splash pad, and skyline views that make you feel like a kid again. Garfield Park Conservatory gives tropical vacay vibes without leaving the city—plus it's free and has bathrooms, so yes, it's a mom win. Oz Park brings Wizard of Oz magic with a yellow brick road and themed playground equipment perfect for imaginative play.

1 month ago | thecitymoms.org | Ashley Franklin

A Guide to Planning Summer Break:I’m all about a good calendar color-coding moment, but also, summer is not the time to schedule every single hour. Leave space for magic and boredom. Because here’s the truth: kids get creative when they’re bored. That’s when cardboard boxes become castles…and your living room? A trampoline park.

Oct 31, 2024 | comicsbeat.com | Heidi MacDonald |Heidi MacDonald |Ashley Franklin

Our pals at Silver Sprocket sent over some art from the upcoming Bloody Mary by animator Nick Winn. Although it features vampires, it’s not exactly a horror story – it’s a story about dating and romance! But there are also vampires:Maria can’t wait to sneak out on her date with Evan, the cute boy she’s been crushing on. But their evening out gets sidetracked by Evan’s cousin, who just needs to stop for “ten seconds” at The Stake — a vampire club.

Oct 1, 2024 | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Ashley Franklin

The charming South Derbyshire village of Etwall dates from the 7th Century AD, with ‘Etewell’ recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Due to its location, it was easy to dig wells here and there are, in fact, over 60 wells to be found in the village, although many are now disused. Since 1970 the annual Well Dressing Festival has taken place on the third weekend in May, attracting visitors from far and wide in what is a major and highly popular community event.

Sep 20, 2024 | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Ashley Franklin

Smalley resident Jan Walker MBE died on June 25, aged 91. We met only once, in 2009, but, in a sense, she’s been a part of my life since 2012, the year I began presenting My Derbyshire Life, a talk chronicling my 15 years (2004-2019) of writing monthly articles about towns and villages. It’s also fitting I make this more than a tribute. The reason Jan features in my talk is that in 2007 she was awarded an MBE for services to the community.