Hey Guys
After searching around for a long time and trying a lot of different options I've cracked it. At least, it works for me!
1. set sims planting something (I always do beans whilst sending the pre-teens off to study/perfect their hobby)
2. double click the home button and close the sims
3. on settings, switch on airplane mode
4. Go to Date and Time settings and set it to April
5. Make sure wifi is turned OFF!
6. Go back and open up the Sims -
It will tell you that you cannot connect because it needs wifi 7. Go back to settings, and, keeping it on airplane mode, turn ON the wifi.
8. Go back to the sims and it's done!
Just make sure you go back and turn off airplane mode and set time to automatic again afterwards.
Hopefully this works for you xxx