Primary Times West Midlands

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for parents, teachers and children

In the Night Garden characters and logo © Ragdoll Worldwide Limited 2007. In the Night Garden is a trade mark of Ragdoll Worldwide Limited. Produced by Ragdoll Limited. Licensed by BBC Worldwide Limited.

WHITSUN 2010 ISSUE

In The Midlands & Black Country

Book today for a spectacular new experience in our amazing show dome! CANNON HILL PARK • BIRMINGHAM 9 - 24 OCT 2010 No booking fees online www.NightGardenLive.com Call 0844 581 1242 0. WM Cover.indd 1

(bkg fee)

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Marvel at the Marvellous Come and celebrate the unique tradition of well dressing in the Peak District and Derbyshire or visit one of our many glorious gardens - it’s the perfect excuse to make a holiday of it and explore more of our spectacular countryside. What’s more, our unique new online accommodation booking service shows instant availability.

www.visitpeakdistrict.com

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Saddle up for Summer Take to two wheels to have fun, get fit and enjoy some fresh air this summer in the Peak District & Derbyshire. You don’t have to be an expert – it’s a great way of seeing the area’s superb scenery and taking advantage of the weekends and long summer evenings. And our network of off-road cycle trails makes it safe and easy for all the family to join in and have a go. Why not make a holiday of it? You’ll find plenty of ideas, last minute accommodation offers and a free booking service at www.visitpeakdistrict.com To find out more about cycle hire, the cycling trails and to download a range of leaflets go to www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cycle

Want to make cycling a regular part of your life? Sign up to www.pedalpeakdistrict.co.uk and you will get loads of information about cycling, route maps and be entered into prize draws for completing small cycling challenges – it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family – so give it a try today! To get started simply cut out the voucher below for half price cycle hire at participating cycle hire centres listed on the voucher. Terms and conditions apply, see voucher for details.

Saddle up for Summer HALF PRICE CYCLE HIRE VOUCHER Cut out and use this voucher at the following Cycle Hire Centres in the Peak District & Derbyshire:

Ashbourne Cycle Hire Tel: 01335 343 156

Parsley Hay Cycle Hire Tel: 01298 84493

Derwent Cycle Hire Tel: 01433 651261

For directions to the cycle hire centres visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cycle Terms & Conditions of use: Offer available on any full day hire during 2010. Not valid on Bank Holiday weekends or during August. Hand in voucher to obtain discount. Valid for up to 9 bikes per transaction. Photocopies of this voucher will not be accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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

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Family Sum me at the Herb r ert

Face up to Summer FREE

Whitsun Half Term Tuesday 1 – Friday 4 June 10:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 3:30pm A week of activities finding out about work, rest and play during medieval times. This is a drop-in event. No need to book but at busy times you may be asked to wait. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Herber t is prou a family friend d to be ly venue. Bu ggy friendly Breastfeeding friendly Changing facil ities Kids menu in the café Buggy park Dressing up are a Family trail Things to touch Interactive ex hibitions

/

Summer

We host regular activities for families on the Last Saturday of every month and also host Reel Parents and baby screenings monthly. Please visit www.theherbert.org for further details.

Amazingly Medieval FREE

k W g.u

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is celebrating its 50th birthday! We have arranged a special programme of events, activities, displays and exhibitions for you to engage with, participate in and enjoy!

27 July - 27 August (Tuesday – Friday only) Join us throughout the holidays for a summer filled with hands-on activities including arts and crafts and storytelling, all inspired by our temporary exhibition Face to Face and our exciting permanent collections. For further information including daily activity details and storytelling times, please visit our website www.theherbert.org.

In the Big Treetop FREE

17 July - 31 August The Big Treetop is waiting to be discovered by children and their families throughout the summer. Search the Big Treetop to discover, create or become almost anything – this is a place where your imagination can take control! This is a drop-in event. No need to book but at busy times you may be asked to wait. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For detailed information about all of our family events check out our website at www.theherbert.org, pick up our family events guide or sign up to join our family events mailing list on our website www.theherbert.org/mailing-list Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Bringing Arts and History to Life! T. 024 7683 2386 www.theherbert.org

Winner of The Guardian m Award 2010 Family Friendly Museu st Officially Britain’s mo m Family Friendly Museu

How important is your child’s education? Maths and English Study Programmes

Blakenhall

Kumon can help your child progress with their maths and English studies, boost their confidence and help them shine.

01902 682451

Edgbaston

Moseley & Smethwick 0121 426 5090

0121 420 2005

Stourbridge

Kumon programmes:

Great Barr

01384 370334

s s s s

0121 378 2130

work at a pace that is tailored to your child’s needs give their confidence a real boost develop invaluable study habits and concentration complement the school curriculum

With over 600 study centres nationwide, it’s convenient too.

Halesowen 0121 550 5864

Wolverhampton West 01543 262054

Harborne 0121 427 3007

Contact your local Instructor today.

0800 854 714 kumon.co.uk

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Every child can shine

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Welcome…

in this issue Lad of the Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pinboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Perking up the Playground . . . . . . 14 Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Great Days Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tooth be Told . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Competitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Hi there,

Bank Holiday and Whitsun Half Term. Two holidays in a month. Don’t you just love May! In this issue’s Prima ry Times we chat to Britain’s Got Talen t winner George Sampson as he makes his big screen debut in Streetdance 3D and Ho llywood star Dwayne Johnson as he pu ts on the wings and tights to become Tooth Fairy. There’s a look at the other great mo vies coming your way, a round-up of what sh ows and events are on around the West Mid lands and a chance to win some fab DV Ds and tickets to see The Gruffalo. Plus, we find out how Mapledene Primary School in Sheldon transformed their playgrou nd. Mike and the Primary Times Team

Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/midlands_homepage

Primary Times in the West Midlands and the Black Country

Don’t Bin It, Recycle It!

Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Mike Davies E: mikedav@ic24.net Advertising Dept: 0121 631 6101 Sales: E: Tracy@modamedia.co.uk, Lin@modamedia.co.uk Agency Sales: E: Leah@modamedia.co.uk Classified sales: E: Daren@modamedia.co.uk Design: Leo Goddard, Shaheen Shah

Primary Times West Midlands and The Black Country is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in The West Midlands and The Black Country. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions.It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in The West Midlands and The Black Country is operated under franchise licence. Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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PRIMARY TIMES

FILM

EXCLUSIVE

D A LTHE

OF

E C DAN

Following his success in West End hip hop musical Into The Hoods, Primary Times checks out the moves of 17 year old Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson as he makes his big screen debut in Streetdance 3D

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FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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CE

ner

I love music. I make tracks in my spare time at home and I often go to a studio with my friend and we make really good songs.

WAS IT HARD WORK BEING IN A STAGE MUSICAL?

Very hard, very tiring, long hours, but soooo worth it!

YOU HAVE A BAD BACK, DOES IT HURT TO DANCE? Not when I’m dancing, but if I get cramp if I stand around for a while.

DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?

Not at the moment, but I am looking!

WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE?

Loads, but particularly football and trampolining.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BAD HABITS? I sleep way too much!

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST EXCITING THING SINCE THE ROYAL VARIETY SHOW? It would have to be Streetdance 3D.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?

I was very good friends with the directors of the film. They directed the Access 2 All Areas DVD I released last year.

DO YOU ACT AS WELL AS DANCE IN IT?

I do slightly more acting although I do dance at the end. I loved acting!

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Streetdancers who need rehearsal space and get offered some at a ballet school, but only if they incorporate ballet dancers into their routines. They have to teach them street and the streetdancers get to do ballet.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BALLET?

I love ballet. I respect ballet dancers a lot because it’s strict and they’re very talented!

BIG

FACTS Born in Warrington, George Sampson auditioned for the first series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007 when he was 14. He got a Yes from Simon Cowell, but No from Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan. He returned in 2008 and went on to win the show with his streetdance performance to the Mint Royale version of Singin’ In The Rain, complete with artificial rain machine. As part of his prize, he appeared in that year’s Royal Variety Show. Streetdance 3D also features performances by last year’s Britian’s Got Talent winners, Diversity and fellow finalists Flawless. The film co-stars Nichola Burley as the streetdance crew leader Carly and Richard Winsor as ballet dancer Tomas. Richard previously played a Liquorice Allsort in a TV version of Nutcracker!

WHEN DID YOU START DANCING?

When I was six I went to stage school and immediately fell in love with dance.

WHAT DID YOUR SCHOOLFRIENDS THINK ABOUT IT?

They weren’t too big on it because it was seen as a female hobby.

It was amazing, not too hard. And the more shots you did, the better you looked on camera, so it was worth getting tired!

YOU’RE GOING TO BE IN THE TV SERIES WATERLOO ROAD? WILL YOU BE DANCING?

DID YOU GET BULLIED?

I don’t dance but I do a lot of acting. I play a character called Kyle Stack who is very naughty and very uncontrollable, but has a decent heart if you can find it.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DANCER?

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL GIVE UP DANCING AND JUST ACT?

Not really. People called me names a few times, but I let it pass and it soon stopped.

Gene Kelly.

Nooo, never. I couldn’t betray dancing, it’s my life!

DO YOU DO ANY DANCING OTHER THAN STREET DANCING?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A DANCE SCHOOL?

I also do breakdance, popping, locking, house, freerunning/gymnastics.

One day, yes. I’m having talks about it at the moment, but I have time yet to decide when, where and how.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE DOING THE ROYAL VARIETY SHOW?

I WANT TO BE A DANCER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

YOU HAD A HIT SINGLE WITH GET UP ON THE DANCE FLOOR, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE ANOTHER RECORD?

WHAT’S THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT BEING FAMOUS?

Amazing! Meeting the Prince, the celebs there, the whole night, the dance, the crowd and everything!

I love music. I make tracks in my spare time at home and I often go to a studio with my friend and we make really good songs. I’d definitely have another go.

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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WHAT WAS IT LIKE MAKING THE FILM?

Just keep practising. The more you practise, the better you get. Don’ let no one get in the way of what you do and just do your best at all times.

The best is the fans. They make you and break you and I love them to pieces. The worst would be, er, nothing!

Streetdance 3D is in cinemas now.

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AVIVA EUROPEAN TRIALS AND UK CHAMPIONSHIPS

KIDS FOR A QUID 25th, 26th, 27th June, Birmingham Alexander Stadium

TICKETS 08000 55 60 56 EVENT INFO WWW.UKA.ORG.UK

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Pinboard. Avon Calling

I Want To R

etell You A

StratfordWhen Shakespeare Country and the were re Cent n matio Infor ist upon-Avon Tour withdrew forced to close because the council left without funding, visitors and locals alike were where or on was what out nding fi of any way Creaky ’s town the that then to visit. Good news rescue with Cauldron museum has come to the stshakespeare. a new tourism website www.notju on Stratford n matio infor ntial esse iding org prov ctions, attra stay, and eat to s including place shops, and parking as well as the event, festivals, theatre, nightlife, espeare. Visitors call also call history of the town and William Shak k to speak to the museum’s wee a days n seve 8600 824 0844 knowledgeable staff.

Well Read This year’s Young Readers Festival takes place at libraries and other venues throughout Birmingham until Jun 5, featuring visits by many celebrity authors. The Book Bash takes place at Aston Hall on May 30/31 with the chance to meet poets, storytellers and authors and join in a Boogie Beebies dance session with Nat from CBeebies. From May 29-Jun 5, half term activities will include dozens of free Family Fun Days at local libraries featuring puppet shows, storytellers, quizzes, animal man visits and music. For details of what’s on near you see www.birmingham.gov.uk/youngreaders

Stor y

How many different w ays can yo tell the stor u y of Cindere lla? Written by independ ent educatio n consultant Alan Peat an d published by Creative Educationa l Press (£19 .99), 50 Way To Retell A s Story: Cinde rella does exactly wha t it says, re telling the favourite fa irytale in fi fty ways! A a text messa s ge, a ghost story, a film script, a diar y entry, a po p song, vari kinds of po ous ems, in code and even as recipe and a from the po int of view shoe! Not of the just a fascin ating, brillia imaginative ntly and clever collection of literacy teac reworks, th hing aid for is is a terrifi both primar that illustrat c y and seco es the diffe nd ary teachers re nt ways lang fresh new ap uage and fo proaches to rm can brin the same st and encour g ory ingredie aging child nts, inspirin ren to flex retelling ot g their writin her stories g muscles themselves and try For more in . fo see www .alanpeat.c om or call 07 789 938923

Kumon Comes To Harborne Already helping over 6000 children in the Birmingham area with after school study programmes in Maths and English, Kumon Educational, the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of supplementary education, has just opened a new centre in the heart of Harborne. Although there 640 study centres across the UK and Ireland catering for more than 60,000 children, The Harborne Study Centre, situated on the High St, is the organisation’s very first branded commercial study centre. Maurice Mullins, Birmingham Regional manager, says: “The opening of the Harborne centre marks a real milestone for Kumon Educational and we hope that this is just the first of many similar commercial study centres in the years to come.”

Sophie (age 8) and James (age 7, Front: and centre In Yanis (age 8) structor Vivi enne Stiles

HERE HERE HERBERT Congratulations to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on being named Best Family Friendly Museum in Britain in the prestigious Guardian Family Friendly Museum award run by Kids in Museums. The national award rewards museums that offer the very best family friendly environments, events, collection displays, accessibility and fun for children of all ages and their carers to enjoy and engage with culture. Re-opened in 2008, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum features free family friendly exhibitions, events and hands-on displays throughout the year along with self-guided trails and resources that enable parents and children to work together.

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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THEATRE S H O W S

FAMILY & CHILDRENS

IN THE MIDL ANDS

WHITSUN 2010

NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING Alexandra Theatre Box Office: 0844 847 2291 Station St, B’ham www.alexandratheatre.org.uk Jul 6-Jul 10

Horrible Science

Why don’t penguins get spots? What are millions of animals doing in your kettle? Join Billy Miller as he finds himself under attack from beastly bacteria, vicious volts and foul fluids! In awesome 3D Bogglevision! Tue 7pm, Wed-Thu 10.30am/1.30pm, Fri 10.30am/7pm, Sat 2.30pm/7pm. £15.50-£11.50, kids £11, family (2+2) £44

a young boy makes a potion to cure his granny’s terrible temper. Tue/Thu-Sat 7pm, mat Wed 10.30am/1.30pm, Thu 10.30am, Sat 2.30pm. Tue £10.50, kids £7.50, £28.50, Thu/ Fri £12.25, kids £9.50, family £34 Sat £14.50, kids £11.50, family £40.50

Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton www.arena.wlv.ac.uk Sat Jul 3

Annie

Cheer as the plucky orphan girl defies cruel orphan manager Miss Hannigan, finds a new family with rich Daddy Warbucks and sings Tomorrow. Youth theatre. 2pm/7pm. £8

Box Office: 0121 454 1860 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Wed Jun 23

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Thu Jun 24-Sat Jun 26

The Gruffalo Journeying through the woods, Mouse scares away hungry animals with tales of a terrifying beast. But what happens when he finds the Gruffalo is very real! Mon 1pm/4.30pm, Tue 10.30am/1pm. £11, kids £7.75, family (4.30pm) £29.75

Box Office: 24 7655 3055 Belgrade Sq, Coventry Tue Jun 15-Sat Jun 19

George’s Marvellous Medicine

Birmingham Stage Company presents Roald Dahl’s tale of the misadventures that occur when

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A magical tale of squabbling fairies, bewitched lovers, bumbling amateur actors and a buffoon with an ass’s head. The perfect play to introduce children to Shakespeare. Take your own seat or rug. 7.45pm. £12, kids £8, family £35

Birmingham Hippodrome Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Mon Jun 28/Tue Jun 29

Belgrade Theatre

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Dance performances by 250 Coventry schoolchildren, from street to Irish to ballet. 7.30pm. £12, kids £10

Westbourne Road, Edgbaston

The stage musical version of the Disney movie as Belle has to teach the Beast to learn how to love and be loved to break the enchanted spell. 7.45pm, mat Sat 2.30pm Thu/Sat mat £17/£15, kids £15/£13, Fri/Sat £19/£17

Box Office: 01902 321321

Time 2 Shine

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Arena

Fri Jul 2/Sat Jul 3

Hurst St. Birmingham www.birminghamhippodrome.com Sun Jul 4

U.Dance England Youth Dance England’s exciting showcase of performances by dancers aged 11-19. 7pm. £7.

Birmingham Library Theatre Box Office: 0121 303 2323 Paradise Place. Birmingham www.birminghamboxoffice.com

Sat May 31

The Giant’s Embrace Watch out, here comes the hungry Giant. He’ll swallow anything to fill his

belly. Even you! Big Brum interactive storytelling for Birmingham Young Readers. 2.30pm/2.30pm. Free. Fri Jun 4

The Ugly Duckling The classic fairy tale of the picked on duckling who discovers he’s really a swan, told using puppets. Young Readers Festival. 2.30pm. £1. Sat Jun 5

Roald Dahl’s Matilda Storytelling session with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Join in the tale or just listen. Young Readers Festival. 2pm. £1.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Broad St. Birmingham www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Thu Jun 3-Sun Jun 6

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play The BBC TV series live on stage with music, puppets and 3D effects as Charlie tries to get little sister Lola to tidy her room and go to bed. Thu/Fri/ Sat 10.30am/1pm/3.30pm, Sun 11.30am/2pm. £11, kids £7.75, family (2+2 4pm) £29.75

Bridge House Theatre Box Office: 01926 776 438 Myton Road, Warwick www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk Thu Jul 1/Sat Jul 3

The Wind In The Willows The classic riverbank tale of Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, the pompous Mr Toad and his motor car. 7pm, mat Sat 2pm. £7, kids £5

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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Watershed Productions present the BBC Worldwide and Polka Theatre production

Charlie & Lola’s Best Bestest Play Based on the characters created by Lauren Child Adapted by Jonathan Lloyd

3 to 5 June Tickets from £7.50 - £10

0121 236 4455

birmingham-rep.co.uk www.laserstation.co.uk

Teatro Kismet

The

Mermaid Princess

BIRT PARTIES

THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Sat 12 – Mon 14 Jun Ages 8+

Once upon a time, in the depths of the ocean, a mermaid princess is singing… This enchanting and hugely entertaining piece of family theatre brilliantly combines the beauty and raw emotion of the fairy tale with earthy humour and magical invention. An adventure for daring children aged 8 to 80!

OPENING HOURS

Everyday 12noon-10pm Warwick Arts Centre - the West Midlands’ award-winning arts and entertainment venue with shops, a café, bars, restaurant and ample secure parking.

box office: 024 7652 4524 / www.warwickartscentre.co.uk Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL (40p per ticket booking fee applies)

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Laser Station Unit 27 Star City Laserstation Watson Unit Road27 Star City B’ham B7 5SA Road Watson Birmingham T: 0121 328 1235

B7 5SA. Everyday 12noon-10pmE: info.brimingham@laserstation.co.uk T: 0121 328 1235 E: info@laserstationstarcity.co.uk

At Laser Station, you don’t just play the game YOU’RE IN IT!

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7237-F

THEATRE S H O W S

FAMILY & CHILDRENS

IN THE MIDL ANDS

WHITSUN 2010

NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING Dream Factory Box Office: 01926 419555 Shelley Avenue, Warwick www.playboxtheatre.com Wed Jun 9-Sun Jun 13

A Necklace Of Stories The North wind gives a young girl and necklace with magical powers. When it’s discovered in Arabia, the quest begins to bring it home across the ocean. Wed-Fri 7pm, Sat/Sun 4pm. £7.50 Thu Jul 1-Sat Jul 3, Fri Jul 9/Sat Jul 10

Sat Jun 26

Arabian Nights: The Lost Tales of Sheherazade Join Theatre of Widdershins on a journey through roasting deserts, sand dunes, scented markets and fish filled seas using puppets, masks, storytelling and music. 11am/2.30pm. £8

NIA Box Office: 0844 3388 000 King Edward’s Rd, Five Ways www.thenia.co.uk Thu Jun 17-Mon Jun 21

Hedbull A journey through the stories of the Ancient Greeks, with puppetry, poetry and terrific tales. Thu/Fri 7.30pm, Sat 4pm. £10.50, kids £7.50

Midland Arts Centre Box Office: 0121 446 3232 Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston

Cirque Du Soleil: Saltimbanco Myth and magic, acrobatics and agility combine in the international colourful circus extravaganza featuring juggling, spinning, jumping, gravity defying trapeze displays and the unique Clowns. Thu 17-Sat 26 8pm, mat Sat/Sun 4pm, Sun 27 5pm. £50/£40.

come and go through folds and flaps of a gigantic dress 2.30pm. £6. Tue Jun 22-Sat Jun 26

Annie See Arena Theatre for details. 7.30pm, mat Sat 2.30pm. £14-£12. WarwickArtsCentre Box Office: 024 7652 4524 University of Warwick, Coventry www.warwickartscentre.co.uk Sat Jun 5/Sun Jun 6

Space Hoppers Journey into space to discover new planets and strange inhabitants with music, puppets and poetry. Sat 1pm/3pm, Sun 3pm. £7.75, kids £5.75

Tue Jun 1-Sat Jun 19

Sat Jun 12 –Mon Jun 14

The Mermaid Princess

Box Office: 0121 704 6962 Homer Rd, Solihull www.solihull.gov.uk/arts Thu Jun 3

The Tell Woman Fantastical storytelling takes youngsters into a wonderful fairytale world as characters

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Box Office: 01902 429212

Hairspray

Twinkle Twonkle

Solihull Arts Complex

WolverhamptonGrandTheatre

Lichfield St, Wolverhampton www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Mon May 31- Thu Jun 3

When her little brother climbs her extending telescope to the stars, Stella follows him and discover there’s confusion in the night sky. Why is a cow jumping over the moon and why is there a Medium Bear as well as a Great and Little one? Stories, songs and silliness. 11am/2.30pm. £8

He just doesn’t know about aliens! A storytelling show for younger children. Thu 1.30pm, Fri 10.30am/1.30pm, Sat 11am/2pm. £7.75, kids £5.75

A very different telling of the classic fairytale about the mermaid who trades her tail and voice for legs when she falls in love with a human prince. Unfortunately, he marries someone else and she takes her revenge! Sat 2pm/7pm, Sun 3pm, Mon 10.30am. £12.50, kids £7.50

Brian Conley is shy Edna Turnblad and Les Dennis her husband Wilbur in this fabulous West End musical where Tracy, the big girl with the big hair and big dreams, defies her conservative 60s town, transforms the local TV dance programme and wins local heartthrob Link. Jun 1-5: Tue-Thu 7.30pm, Wed 2.30pm, Fri 5pm/8.30pm, Sat at 2.30pm/7.30pm, Jun 7-19 7.30pm, mat Wed/Sat 2.30pm. Mon-Thu £39.50-£23.50, Fri/Sat £42.50-£28.50, mat Wed/Fri £34.50-£18.50.

Thu Jun 17-Sat Jun 19

Bob The Man On The Moon Bob looks after the moon and he knows almost everything there is to know about it.

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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Untitled

! 4D IN

C LU TC H

PO W ER S

LANE NDW !

AN O TH ER PL US

* V E A UP TO £53 S

FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR Adult £21.00 Child £18.50 Children under 3 go FREE

To book your tickets call 0871 282 5210 and quote ‘Primary Times’ TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Offer valid for visits from 20 March up to 30 June 2010, excluding 27, 28 April and 4, 5, 11, 12 May 2010. 2. Tickets must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of the visit. 3. All prices are dependent on the date of visit, prices and opening dates are subject to change without notice, please check when making your booking. 4. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion and is subject to availability. 5. Proof of Primary Times readership may be requested. Calls to 0871 numbers are charged at 10 pence per minute at all times from a BT landline. Calls from mobile operators and other networks may vary. *Saving based on walk up adult price of £38 and child price of £28. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and knob configurations, and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2010 The LEGO Group. 7738.

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E H T P U G N PERKI

D N U O R PLAYG

PRIM AR TIME Y S PLAY GRO SPEC UND IAL

After successfully winning a £50,000 bid for the People’s Millions, Mapledene Primary School in Sheldon was able to transform its tired playground into an innovative and inspiring area suitable for both play and learning. Melanie Lynch, a year five teacher at Mapledene, explores the school’s journey. We were keen to overhaul our former playground, yet with it being a costly project we needed to find the funds to do so. We researched various funding routes and decided to apply for the People’s Millions, as winning such a substantial sum would enable us to implement an inspirational play area of our dreams. The People’s Millions is a UK wide programme which aims to improve the quality of life of local communities. In its original state our play area was aesthetically unappealing and not being utilised to its full potential. It consisted of shadows of line markings; it was dull, unattractive and in need of a makeover. We wanted our playground to provide play and educational benefits, as well as the potential to aid health, wellbeing and happiness. To complement our pupils’ indoor learning, we wanted our outdoor play space to nurture and encourage cross-curricular learning. For example, we were eager for the pupils to not only be able to use the area at playtimes, but also extend this so that maths or drama, for example, could be taught outside. In the initial application for our grant, we were able to involve the children in the playground design. In previous years, our geography lessons have covered the topic ‘Our local environment,’ and we have focused on issues such as graffiti, and community improvement initiatives. To tie in with the implementation of our new playground and embrace a cross

curricular approach, we asked the children to create maps of the school grounds and explore its positive and negative points, such as accessibility or uneven surfaces. Providing the opportunity to input towards the playground’s design from the word go increased the children’s excitement and delivered a sense of ownership, whilst also consolidating their learning experience. It meant that the entire process became more meaningful.

An educational stage

Teaming with Playforce, education specialists, outdoor learning has been brought to life; included in our new playground is a staged area and here the children can perform roleplays and dances. Links to drama and also PE are formed and because learning takes place outside of the formal classroom, a new lease of life is delivered making the children really motivated to succeed. They love being able to embrace the fresh air whilst engaging in inspiring lessons. Our school acts as a hub of the community; after the closure of our local community centre, as part of the extended schools services, we now open our facilities to numerous clubs, such as Brownies and the local dance group. Our staged performance zone is particularly popular, and the dance group uses it two times per week for perfecting their latest routines.

All weather play

We have an obstacle course both in the infant and junior playgrounds and again we utilise these for cross-curricular learning. Each year we host an outdoor maths week;

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learners are taken outside to practice skills, such as measuring and counting. The obstacle course in the infant playground links to numeracy, PE, and literacy, and also PSHE since the children can develop relationships and work in teams in a fun yet practical way. Many people assume that outdoor play is suitable for fair weather only, yet our outdoor classroom is perfect for the winter months as well as summer. With a shaded area, all lessons can be taught outside; we are protected from the elements all year round. Imaginative play knows no limit One of our most important aims was to ensure that the children’s creativity would be nurtured and encouraged. As a result we decided to incorporate an imaginative play area. This play zone provides unlimited learning opportunities; a child’s imagination really is the limit. With the power of their minds, the children innovatively transform this area into castles and pirate ship battles, for example, imagining themselves as princesses and pirates. The entire outdoor learning experience is hugely effective and encourages children to be children, however, in addition, and on a par is the added educational benefits gained. Imaginations flourish through play, whilst from an educational perspective, the children are continuously learning new and exciting things; whether this be through independent and explorative play, or teacher-led lessons. For more information visit www.playforce.co.uk

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

17/5/10 17:49:12

FREE TRIAL*

Award Winning 11+ Tuition Benefits of KSOL Structured Learning Courses Daily Online Tests Identifies Weak Areas Small Teaching Groups Allocated Personal Tutor

* Free Week Trial applies to daily online tests only

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Family Fun

Open Event

at mac this summer

Senior School

Indefinitearticles presents Claytime

Sun 16 May, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Ages 3yrs- 6yrs A play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. Indefinitearticles invite you to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations. Truly, interactive theatre at its most engaging.

Thursday 24 June 2010 4.30pm - 7.00pm

BCMG and Stan’s Cafe present Families@4 – I See with My Eyes Closed

Mon 24 May, 4pm - £4 adults, free for under 16s Ages 7+ BCMG, Stan’s Cafe and composer Michael Wolters present a academic andpeople musicand scholarships bite-sized interactive11+ concert for young their families.

16+ academic, music, arts and sports scholarships

11+ Courses Enrolling NOW ! Maths, English, Verbal & Non Verbal

Tall Stories presents Means-tested bursaries Twinkle Twonkle

Handsworth, Sutton, Shirley & Warwick

Sat 26 Jun, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Ages 5+ Theatre of Widdershins take you on an exciting journey through roasting deserts, sand dunes, scented markets and fish filled seas, using puppets, masks, storytelling and wonderfully atmospheric music.

Centres at:

0121 244 8605 Or log on at www.ksol.co.uk/pt Call us now

Mon 31 May – Thu 3 Jun, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Ages 4+ Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, presents its latest show, for everyone aged 4 and up. Inspired by Mother Goose and the Big Bang, stories, songs and silliness lift you up, up and away.

Theatre of Widdershins present Arabian Nights – The Lost Tales of Sheherazade

Edgbaston High School for Girls, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TS www.macarts.co.uk | 0121 446 3232 admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk Tel: 0121 454 5831

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17/5/10 17:49:53

NEW early afternoon pre school dance classes in Sutton Coldfield & Solihull

Buy one get one FREE for a whole year Mondays, Tuesdays Wednesdays & Thursdays

plus 3 for 2 Fridays & Saturdays (5 years & older)

Adult Classes Ballet, Tap, Cheerobics, Freestyle & Jazz

DANCE PROGRAMMES FOR SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Children’s HSM Dance & Cheerleading Parties & Cheerleading Hen Parties

WORLD PREMIÈRE

The Song Contest of the Birds and Beasts Music Mervyn Burtch | Words Simon Rees

Go wild with Welsh era p O N l m m u a a s e t n i o r this Conductor Jeffrey Skidmore Performed by school children from across Birmingham including Ex Cathedra Junior Academy and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera

Thursday 8 July 2010, 7.15pm birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 338 5000 | Tickets £5 – £15 Supported by the Ernest Cook Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and Birmingham Hippodrome

call 0121 745 4007 or email solihull@stagecoach.co.uk

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wno.org.uk Registered Charity No 221538

17/5/10 17:50:34

Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Sat May 29/Sun May 30 OAK APPLE WEEKEND

Celebrate the 350th anniversary of Charles II’s return to the throne. Sat have a go at archery, Sun meet the King and try 17th century dances. Noon4.30pm. £5.70, kids £2.90, family £14.30. Moseley Old Hall, Fordhouses,Wolverhampton, 01902 782808

Sun May 30

GAMES DAY

Try Victorian outdoor and indoor games Noon-4pm. Free. Sarehole Mill, Hall Green. 0121 777 6612

Sat Jun 12

Sun May 30/Mon May 31

Parade, fun fair, stalls and attractions. From 11.45am. Free. Tudor Grange Park.

BOOK BASH

Sat Mat 29-Mon May 31

CALDMORE VILLAGE FESTIVAL

Dance, music, sports and local history. Noon-8pm. Free. Caldmore Community Primary School, Caldmore. 01922 646724

TUDOR FESTIVAL

BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE

Keep your green fingers busy, explore the show gardens, pet animals with Country File’s Adam Henson and get tips from the experts. Celebrate the written word with storytellers, poets, films and events, meet the Gruffalo and Winnie The Witch. Sun: Cows in Action author Steve Cole, and a Vampire vs Werewolves gameshow with Scream Street’s Tommy Donbavand; Mon: Wang Foo the King Fu Shrew’s potty poet Chris White and Guy Bass with Dinkin Dings. Young Readers Festival. 11am. Free, Aston Hall. 0121 303 3368

Mon May 31

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

Experience life on a Tudor farm with music, dancing, and more! 10am-4pm. £8.50, kids £5.50, family £22.50. Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford. 01789 204016

This year’s theme is Past, Present and Future with parade, live music, dance, fairground, displays and family activities and entertainment. 11am-5pm. Free. B’ham City Centre. 0121 303 1999

Sun Apr 4/Mon Apr 5

Wed Jun 2

Experience life on a Tudor farm with music, dancing, and more! 10am-4pm. £8.50, kids £5.50, family £22.50. Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford. 01789 293 455

MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS

Sat May 29-Sun Jun 6

FAIRY TRAIL

Search the magical woodland to find A Midsummer Night’s Dream fairies. 10am-5pm. £7.50, kids £4.50, family £19.50. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage , Stratford. 01789 292 100

SOLIHULL CARNIVAL

Wed Jun 16-Sun Jun 20

SUMMER LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND

See how folk cooked, cleaned, washed and played in the early 1900s. No iPods or mobile phones! 10am-5pm. £13.20, kids £7, u5s free, family (2+3 ) £34.95, family (1+1) £18. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley. 0121 557 9643

Meet Bearemy from Build a Bear Workshop. Free Punch and Judy show. 11am-1pm Olton Jubilee Park, Olton.

PLACES TO VISIT

Avoncroft Museum

Sun May 30/Mon May 31, relive the War of the Roses with the story of two Medieval Bromsgrove knights. Sat Jun 19/ Sun Jun 20, travel back to the 1940s for Wartime Weekend and see soldiers train for battlefield action. Where: Stoke Heath, Nr Bromsgrove. 01527 831363/01527 831886. www. avoncroft.org.uk Open: 10.30am-4pm. Admission: £4.95, kids £2.50, under 5s free, Family (2 + 3) £14.30

See celebrity chefs like the Hairy Bikers in action, watch cook-offs, meet the stars of MasterChef and sample all kinds of tastes. 9am-6pm. Wed-Fri £19, kids £17, u5s free, Sat/Sun £20, kids free. Valid for both shows. NEC. 0844 579 3163

Sat Jul 3

ANTHONY HOROWITZ

Meet the Alex Rider author as he talks about Crocodile Tears, the reluctant young spy’s latest adventure where he’s kidnapped and taken to Africa. Young Readers Festival. 2pm. £2.50, family £10. B’ham Library Theatre. 0121 303 2323

This year’s theme is Science Fact and Fiction. Procession from Archbisop Ilsley School 1pm. Bird show, Fun Dog Show and a Youth Stage performances by local youngsters. 10am-5pm. Free. Acocks Green Recreation Ground 0121 706 0652.

Thu Jun 3

Sat Jul 3/Sun Jul 4

Storytelling in the courtyard 1.30pm-2.30pm. Free. Sarehole Mill, Hall Green. 0121 777 6612

Life in Tudor times. 11am5pm. £8, kids £4, family £20. Baddesley Clinton, Chadwick End. 01564 783294

HANDS ON THE PAST

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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Local dancers, choirs, bands, orchestras, theatre groups, fun fair and workshops. Sat : from 10am, Making Links’ Dance Finale 6.30pm, Sun: from 11am, Last Night At The Proms 6.30pm. £6 (£4) Himley Hall, Dudley 01384 813865.

BBC SUMMER GOOD FOOD SHOW

ACOCKS GREEN CARNIVAL

YOUNG READERS FESTIVAL

DUDLEY PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER FESTIVAL

Barber Institute

Jun 1-4 (10am-1pm), listen to storytellers Annamation and make a banner to represent your family. £9 family. Pre-book. Jun 13, University Community Day (noon-5pm); meet 19th century landscape artist John Brett (12.30pm,2.30pm,4pm), take part in seaside holidaythemed craft activity. Where: Birmingham University, Edgbaston Park Rd, Edgbaston, B’ham. 0121 414 7333. www. barber.org.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Admission: Free

WHITSUN 2010 ISSUE

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Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when

Heritage Motor Centre Black Country Living Museum

Cadbury World

May 31-Jun 6 is World Cup Warm-up Week with football games, a football freestyler and African drummer. Where: Bournville. 0121 451 415. www. cadburyworld.co.uk Open: 9.30am-4.30pm, Jun 7-Jul 4 Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat/ Sun 10am-4pm. Admission: £13.90, kids £10.10, OAP/ Student £10.50, family (2+2) £42, (2+3) £49, u4s Free.

May 29-Jun 6, Bond Week, see cars from the 007 movies, including the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, and solve cryptic clues. Jun 3, free kids Spy School (11am-3pm), make spy gadgets and learn to write secret messages. Where: Gaydon, Nr Warwick. 01926 641188. www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk <http://www. heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/> Open: 10am-5pm Admission: £9 (concs £8), kids £7 (under 5s free), Family (2+3) £28

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Coventry Transport Museum

Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Gardens

Sat May 29-Sun Jun 6, Half Term Activities with Victorian games and craft projects. Sun Jun 20, dads get in free for Father’s Day and have a lesson at Soccer School. Where: Tipton Rd, Dudley. 0121 557 9643. www.bclm.co.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £13.20, kids £7, u5s free, family (2+3 ) £34.95, family (1+1) £18. Extra charge for Canal trips.

Sat Jun 5/Sun Jun 6, Festival of Cycling with Cycle Magic, all kinds of bikes, rick shaw rides, unicyclists,cycle circus and slow bike race. Sat Jun 26/Sun Jun 27, Child Safety Weekend. Where: Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry. 024 7623 4270. www.transport-museum. com Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: Free

Drayton Manor Theme Park Until Jun 15, previously unseen artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard including decorated helmet fragments, eagle shaped plaques and a golden duck’s head. May 29-Sept 5, learn all about the most fearsome dinosaur in T.rex: The Killer Question (Gas Hall) with life-like animatronic models and real fossils. Where: Chamberlain Sq 0121 303 2834. www.bmag. org.uk Open: Mon-Thu/Sat 10am-5pm, Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sun 12.30pm-5pm. Admission: Free. T-rex: £5, kids (3-12) £4, family (2+2) £15

Blist’s Hill Victorian Village

May 29-May 31, celebrate Queen Victoria’s 81st Birthday Celebrations with music and song. Jun 12, join in a Victorian Wedding in the village church (2pm). Where: Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Ironbridge 01952 884 391. www.ironbridge.org.uk Open: 10am-4pm. £13.25, OAP £10.50, kids £8.50, u5s free.

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Sat May 29-Mon May 31, Family festival – puppet shows, falconry, stories and become a knight or Roman soldier (£9.60, kids £5.80, family £25). Tue Jun 1-Fri Jun 4, Time Travellers Robin Hood - become one of the Merry Men. Where: Kenilworth 01926 852078. www.english-heritage. org.uk Open: 11am-5pm. Admission: £7.60, kids £3.80, family £19. Time Travellers - £1

See hit animation Happy Feet in immersive 4D and follow the new Dino Trail in the zoo. Father’s Day, dads get in free with 2 full paying visitors. Where: near Tamworth, Staffordshire. 0844 472 1950. www.draytonmanor. co.uk Open: 9.30am-5pm. Admission: £28, kids £24, u4 free, 60+ £14, family (5) £115, (4) £92, (3) £69.

Hatton Country World

Warwick Castle

Lunt Roman Fort

Until Jun 6, handle Roman armour and weapons and create your own Jumping Jack soldier or Celt. Where: Coventry Road, Baginton. 02476 786142. www. luntromanfort.org Open: Apr-Oct Sat/Sun + Bank Hol, Jul-Sept Wed-Sun 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission: £2.50, kids £1.25 (u5s free), family £7

Herbert Museum & Art Gallery

Selly Manor

WHITSUN 2010 ISSUE

Until Sept 5, go Wild with animal-themed workshops, science shows, and handling sessions. Sat/Sun + school hols, Survival of the Weirdest Science Show reveals the world’s wackiest and most wonderful animals in the world, listen to Meerkat Madness Storytelling. Plus Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 exhibition. Where: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham. 0121 202 2222. www.thinktank.ac Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £11.75, concs/kids £7.95, family (2+2) £36.80. (Image: Robert Friel, ‘Footprints’)

May 29-Jun 6, Wonderful Whitsun with Dog Agility Show, Sheep Shearing and Goat Racing. Where: Dark Lane, Hatton, Nr Warwick 01926 843411. www.hattonworld.com Open: 10am-4pm. Farm Village Admission: £10.75

Tue Jun 1-Fri Jun 4, Amazingly Medieval activities about work, rest and play during medieval times. Where: Jordan Well, Coventry 02476 832386. www. theherbert.org Open: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun Noon-4pm. Admission: Free

ThinkTank

May 29-Jun 6, cheer on the Warwick knights as they joust for honour, fame and the hand of the fairest maiden. Where: Warwick 0871 2652000 www.warwickcastle.co.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £19.95, kids £11.95, 60+ £13.95, family (2+2) £55; with Dungeon £27.45, kids £19.45, 60+ £21.45, family £85. Book online 20% off.

Mon May 31-Fri Jun 4, Terrific Toys - play traditional games and toys, including quoits, marbles and juggling. Where: Bournville, B’ham. Open: Tue-Fri 10am5pm, Sat/Sun/BH Mon 2pm5pm. Admission: £3.50, kids £1.50, family (2+3) £9.50

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

17/5/10 17:51:31

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0121 202 2222 www.thinktank.ac Unleash your wild side this summer and explore the living world, as Thinktank hosts an awe-inspiring showcase of some of the world’s most amazing animals.

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Season 6 May - 5 Sept 2010

18/5/10 09:36:47

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GREAT DAYS OUT

FOR THE FAMILY

Whatever are we going to do with the kids over the Whitsun holidays? That’s not a question you’ll hear Primary Times readers asking. Not when there’s so much going on.

term children’s workshops from Jun 1-3 where you can create a holiday scrap book, make a felt purse or doll’s coat and make and decorate a clay tile. For info and to book call 01902 552507. Over in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Butterfly Farm will be all a flutter as it celebrates its 25th year as the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise. Rain or shine, you’ll discover many of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying free around you in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools.

If the family’s into theatre, then the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry has a fun filled summer of shows to entertain all ages. With all the wit and nostalgia of the original, a brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows that takes you on a rip-roaring musical ride along the road of friendship with Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad. Another classic can be found with Tall Stories’ musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, voted the nation’s number one bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners. Always a favourite with the kids, Roald Dahl’s wickedly funny George’s Marvellous Medicine has been

Gran tries George’s Marvellous Medicine at the Belgrade Theatre

Visit Birmingham’s past at the Back To Backs

transformed into a spectacular, wizzpopping, fizztickling fun family show by the award winning Birmingham Stage Company. Remember, if you book for more than one of the shows in one transaction you save 20% of the total tickets price. (See Theatre listings for dates)

based around it. On Wed Jun 2 you can create a clay figure and place them in your own made-up story, Sat Jun 5 is a make your own story family day and from Mon Jun 14 to Fri Jun 18, It’s Story Time! takes you on a story trip of enchanting tales from around the world .

What child doesn’t like stories! So, pay a visit to Wolverhampton Art Gallery and their familyfriendly exhibition Stories and enter a magical world of storytelling, and discover artworks inspired by childhood memories, fictional stories and fairy tales. The exhibition runs until Sept 4 and there’s loads of child friendly workshop days

If you’re a fan of Hairspray then you won’t want to miss Hairspray Day on Fri Jun 4 when the young stars from the musical at the Grand Theatre will be there to perform and meet you along with a chance to take part in 60s themed workshops. Also part of Wolverhampton’s Museums and Galleries, the Bilston Graft Gallery has half

You can follow the lifecycle of a butterfly in action in the Caterpillar Room where some of the world’s largest and most camouflaged caterpillars are on show with cocoons, giant silk moths and shining pupae hanging on the plants. The Butterfly Farm also has the largest live insect display in the Europe with beetles, giant

Children at Stratford Butterfly Farm

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WHITSUN 2010 ISSUE

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

17/5/10 17:53:37

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millipedes, snails and praying mantids all in residence in Insect City while Arachnoland is home to the world’s largest spider, rainforest scorpion colonies and the deadly Black Widow spider. You can pay individual admission prices, but why not buy family membership to the National Trust and get a year’s free admission to any of their properties. You’re spoiled for choice around the Midlands. Discover the 15th century moated manor house Baddesley Clinton and learn the story behind the bloodstained floor, stroll around the grounds of Charlecote Park and try and spot the deer, explore fascinating Civil War facts at Packwood House and Moseley Old Hall or see how ordinary Brummies lived between 1840 and 1977 with the courtyard of four themed houses at the Back to Backs.

Take a stroll back to Victorian times at the Black Country Living Museum

Theme parks are always guaranteed great family days out. Drayton Manor’s the popular local choice with its new rides, a 4D presentation of Happy Feet and Thomasland for the youngsters, but if you feel like

trying something new then, set in 70 acres of Leicestershire countryside at Melton Mowbray, Twinlakes has unlimited action with its rides and attractions. Take the Dungeon Quest haunted maze challenge, Joust-A-Bout at Excalibur, ride the Gladiators Galleon and Mercury Minicoaster or join in the Monkey Mayhem and watch ferret racing at Red Rooster Farm. Look out for TV characters strolling around the park to meet the children too. Postman Pat’s there on June 27 and Bart and Homer Simpson visit on Aug 2. For more information on TV Character days see www.twinlakespark.co.uk If you’re looking to celebrate Father’s Day, then dads can indulge their inner little boy at Cadbury World where they can take part in a giant Scalextric championship. There’s also plenty of places that will give dads free admission, including Compton Verney Art Gallery (Jun 19/20) in Warwickshire, the Black Country Living Museum and Drayton Manor Theme Park.

ÂŁ17 ÂŁ17(ÂŁ16) (ÂŁ16) 12th June-17th July, 6 sessions @ ÂŁ4 per session in advance

Saturday Art Club Roy Walker Roy Walker for 6-15 years who enjoy Arts & Craft Working with professional artists Comedian ComedianRoy RoyWalker Walkerwas wasalready alreadyaahousehold householdname name using creative skills. Catchphrase, and won a through throughTV TVgame gameshow, show, Catchphrase, and won a whole with his wholenew newfanbase hisCarpark CarparkCatchphrase Catchphrase Thurs 3rdfanbase June atwith 2.30pm, tickets £6 feature featureon onChris ChrisMoyles’ Moyles’BBC BBCRadio Radio11show. show.

The Tell Woman

A magical world of strange and wonderful creatures

live in the skirt of the Tell Woman played by actress

ÂŁ7 ÂŁ7 Nikki Smedley who played La La in TeleTubbies series. For ages 4-10. Optional workshop: Dance, drama and movement for children related Sealey to The Max Miller starring Dave Max Miller starring Dave Sealey TellSealey Womanreveals show a the fun with actress Dave career, contemporaries Dave Sealey reveals theworkshop career,critics, critics, contemporaries Smedley - onpostcard Tues 1st June costsof ÂŁ3Max eachMiller. -Miller. limited to 30 and saucy, seaside world andNikki saucy, seaside postcard world of Max

The The Cheeky Cheeky Chappie Chappie

Sat 17th July at 7pm, tickets ÂŁ7/ÂŁ3 adv. ÂŁ8/ÂŁ4 on gate

(ÂŁ14) Knowle Park Party 10 - 70s &ÂŁ15 80s Night

ÂŁ15 (ÂŁ14)

Fun live family show outdoors with 70s disco Lady Marmalade + Ultimate An with Will 80’sAudience sounds - live and loud. Bring a picnic and Self blanket! An Audience with Will Self Respected Respectedjournalist, journalist,writer writerand andbroadcaster broadcasterWill WillSelf Self isisone the British Tueof 27th July atrespected 7pm in Brueton Park, one of themost most respected Britishcontemporary contemporary authors. May contain swearing. advance tickets £7 (£6) for ages 5+. authors. May contain swearing.

The Secret Garden

Classic family tale beautifully retold in the

lakeside setting of Brueton Park. Bring your

The The Tell Tell Woman Woman A magical world full of strange and wonderful own seat/blanket for both.

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FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4SB

Tel: 01664 567777 • www.twinlakespark.co.uk

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Schools out

so come and enjoy U Family trails and tours U Arty workshops

U Playing outdoors U Free activity packs

All activities included in admission price.

at Compton Verney Compton Verney Warwickshire CV35 9HZ

BOOK NOW T. 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Supported by

Registered charity no. 1032478

Terms & conditions: Free entry valid with one full paying adult or concession per voucher.

Present this ad at Ticket Desk when purchasing admission. Valid on admission only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or membership. No photocopies. Valid 16 May – 20 June 2010.

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PT/WM

*Two children go free at Compton Verney

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H T O TO BE

TOLD

PRIM AR TIME Y S

FIL

EXCL M USIV E

Dwayne Johnson may be big and tough, but in Tooth Fairy, the star of The Game Plan, Race To Witch Mountain and Planet 51 finds himself

Magn

transformed into a tooth fairy … with wings and a wand. Ice hockey player Derek Thompson has lost faith in himself and in everyone else. He’s a good man at heart but dashes the hopes and dreams of children with discouraging words. As punishment, he’s sentenced by the Chief Tooth to work as one of her minions, a task which turns out to be harder than he ever imagined. But also a life-changing experience. CHILDREN ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL NOW SEE YOU AS ‘THE TOOTH FAIRY’, IS THAT A BIG RESPONSIBILITY? It’s a massive responsibility. I’m The Tooth Fairy. It’s very exciting for me because children everywhere will relate to the story because every culture has its own version of the tooth fairy.

TELL US ABOUT DEREK. He is a dream killer. He’s an arrogant guy who fancies himself as an amazing celebrity, when in reality he plays in a minor league hockey team He has the ability to knock out the teeth of his opponents while he’s on the ice so has been nicknamed ‘The Tooth Fairy’. The sad part about Derek is that he doesn’t believe in dreams. He doesn’t believe in possibility. In the film he learns how important the power of belief is and the important responsibility he has to all the children.

WAS IT EMBARRASSING TO BE DRESSED AS A TOOTH FAIRY? There’s going to be a lot of kids wondering what it was like wearing a powder blue, very tight tooth fairy outfit! Well, it was a lot of fun. For things to be funny you can’t always look that cool. And that’s important. So we had this athlete who considered himself to be the toughest, meanest guy in his sport who then becomes a fairy and that’s very funny. For one scene I’m dressed in a pink tutu because of a mix up in the Fairyland wardrobe department. They gave me the female version of the tooth fairy outfit!

A beautiful butterfly at Stratford Butterfly Farm

WAS MAKING THE FILM FUN? Phenomenal. Because a lot of scenes required me to shrink down to a little six-inch tooth fairy running around, being chased by animals and things like that, the sets were built as if I were really six inches tall. So the bed’s a hundred feet tall; and that’s really amazing.

DID YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO SKATE? The egotistical athlete in me said, ‘No problem just give me two weeks. I’ll learn how to skate.’ But skating is pretty difficult and I had to look like I had been skating for thirty years. When I get on the ice for the very first time within ninety seconds, I take a spill and my legs go completely up in the air. I went vertical and landed on the back of my head. I got up and I said, ‘Okay, well great, now I need you to help me over to the side.’ I have a new-found respect for ice skaters.

WHAT IS THE FILM’S MESSAGE? It’s about how important it is to believe in your dreams, to believe in possibilities and believe in yourself. That’s very important for all of us.

FACTS Of Samoan descent, Dwayne Johnson was born in San Francisco and raised in Hawaii. He followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and became a professional wrestler. His nickname was The Rock and he became the first person to win the World Wrestling Federation Championship title six times. He made his film debut in The Mummy Returns playing The Scorpion King. He then starred as the same character in The Scorpion King, only this time as sort of the good guy. His other films include Welcome To The Jungle and Get Smart. He has a 10 year old daughter called Simone Alexandra. The Chief Tooth Fairy is played by Julie Andrews, the star of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.

The Tooth Fairy is in cinemas now.

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

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STAR

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ď€ ď€ ď€ ď€€ 8 8 ď€ ď€ ď€ ď€€ 8 8 18:05:32 17/5/10 10:52:46

COMPETITIONS WIN AN ASTRO BOY DVD When young Toby discovers he’s not a real boy, but a rejected super-powered robot created by Dr Tenma to replace his son, he runs away from floating Metro City and flees to Earth, Here, among the scrapyards, he meets a group of teenage misfits who rename him Astro Boy and invite him to join them and their robot repairer protector, Hamegg. But desperate for Astro Boy’s power source, Metro City’s president has sent his warrior robot to capture him! Starring Freddie Highmore as the voice of Astro Boy, you can buy this thrilling animated adventure about family and discovering who you really from May 31. But we have 5 goodie bags to be won that include an EI Astro Boy DVD, poster, t-shirt, yoyo, and ball. To enter, just tell us: who is the voice of Astro Boy? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Astro Boy, Primary Times, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham, B2 4EU, by Jun 24

WIN A BOLLYWOOD DANCE STAR DVD Ever wished you could dance like they do in Bollywood films? Well now you can learn at home with this 30 min children’s fun instructional DVD. Join teacher Rahki Sood as she demonstrates the moves to her five young students, taking them from basic hand and finger movements right through to a final funky routine set to Deewangi Deeangi from Bollywood smash Om Shanti Om. We have 5 DVDs to be won.

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Just tell us: what is the name of the dance teacher? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Bollywood, Primary Times, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham, B2 4EU, by Jun 24

WIN WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE DVD Comprising just 18 pictures and 9 sentences, Maurice Sendak’s picture book is a children’s classic. This beloved bedtime tale is a now fabulous film too. Angry at being sent to bed, young Max runs away in his wolf costume and imagines himself on an island where he becomes king over its fearsome-looking creatures, declaring ‘let the wild rumpus start’ and promising to keep them safe from sadness. As he spends time with these amazing creatures, Max gradually realizes that although it’s hard to be a family, you shouldn’t stop trying. Available on Warner Home Entertainment DVD with extras that include 4 webisodes, we have 5 goodie bags to be won containing a DVD, t-shirt, colouring pencils, sketch pad, books and posters. To enter, just tell us: who wrote the original book? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Wild Things, Primary Times, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham, B2 4EU by Jun 24

FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

10:52:46

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Can I stay with you at the Weekend? We need people to look after disabled children giving them and their families a break via our Short Term Break scheme. For more information call

0800 923 3706 Email: familyplacementsservices@walsall.gov.uk www.walsall.gov.uk/fostercare

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COMPETITIONS WIN TICKETS FOR THE GRUFFALO The much loved children’s picturebook comes to life in a magical musical production at the Belgrade Theatre as, journeying through the wood, Mouse tells tales of a fierce creature to scare away those who might eat him. But then he discovers the monster of his imagination is actually real! Produced by Tall Stories, you could win a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children to see The Gruffalo at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry at 4.30pm, Mon jun 28.

To enter, just tell us: who produces The Gruffalo? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Gruffalo, Primary Times, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Jun 18

WIN BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES Five years have passed and 15-year-old Ben is living a normal teenage life. Unfortunately for him, the fate of the universe is in his hands. Or rather, on his wrist! Ben discovers his Grandpa Max has gone missing and Ben has to decide if he is prepared to set out once more to battle evil. The Omnitrix goes back on and Ben discovers that the mechanism has reconfigured his DNA and now offers 10 brand new aliens. With the help of his cousin Gwen and old nemesis Kevin, Ben must find the leader within himself in order to save the day! We have 5 Warner Home Video DVDs to be won, each worth £24.99 and featuring all 13 episodes on 3 discs.

To enter, just tell us: what is the name of Ben 10’s Grandpa? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to, Primary Times Ben 10, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Jun 24

DRIVE-THROUGH SAFARI PLUS FABULOUS FUN PARK WITH THRILLING RIDES AND AMUSEMENTS INCLUDING THE AMAZING

FAMILY

SAVER

N

2 CHILDRE

INCLUDES £12. 95 PER AD ULT FREE £11. 50 RETURN PER CH

Rides extra charge. Height restrictions apply.

ON THE A456 BETWEEN KIDDERMINSTER AND BEWDLEY FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET

10. WM Comps.indd 27

TICKET

£24AD4ULT.0S &0

UP TO ILD 15

VISIT

www.wmsp.co.uk

TEL: 01299 402114

OPEN DAILY FROM 10.00am

WHITSUN 2010 ISSUE

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377 NE

ACKERS ADVENTURE Skiing - Snowboarding - Canoeing - Kayaking - Bellboating - Archery Climbing - Abseiling -Tobogganing - Team Challenge - Citizenship & Curriculum Enrichment Schemes - Team Building - Whizz Kids Summer Holiday Club - Jungle Challenge - Charity Abseils - Residentials and much much more....

SMILEYS CHILDCARE AGENCY

Specialists at introducing Nannies ~ Mother’s Helps ~ Maternity Nannies Nursery Staff ~ Babysitters

Opening Times: Weekdays 10am - 9pm (10pm Winter) Weekends: 10am - 5pm (6pm Winter) Please ring reception for more details.

TEL: 0845 117 1001

Tel: 0121 772 5111 E-mail: info@ackers-adventure.co.uk

All staff enhanced CRB checked and vetted REGISTER ONLINE: www.smileys-childcare.co.uk Or E-MAIL: LindseyC@smileys-childcare.co.uk

The Ackers, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook Birmingham, B11 2PY

ackers.indd 1

Give your child a

12/5/09 11:10:47

brighter future

LOCAL QUALIFIED HOME TUTORS Regulated and Police Checked All Subjects, All Levels Primary, SATS, 11+, GCSE, AS, A2

0121 212 4986

Personal, professional tutoring in English and Maths

www.cloisterstutoring.co.uk

Conk the Clown You too can have ‘Conk the Clown’ at your party

Dudley 01384 211007 Walsall 01922 453732 Sandwell 0121 525 3601

01217487862 07711968356 www.conktheclown.co.uk

CRB checked

Learn to look after a pony, groom, ride, feed, tack up. All you need to know!! Ring to book. Ask for Hannah or Toni. Tel: 0121 588 2103

T

sandwell valley.indd 1

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at mac this summer

Classes in Solihull ® REQUIRES AMENDMENTS

Music classes for babies and CUSTOMER young DETAILS children! Action NAMEsongs and rhymes Music and movement COMPANY Fun with percussion Musical games

w

Indefinitearticles presents Claytime

Sun 16 May, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Ages 3yrs- 6yrs A play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. Indefinitearticles invite you to a place where the earth’s natural material meets SIGNinteractive theatre at its most engaging. with children’s imaginations. Truly,

is

BCMG and Stan’s Cafe present DATE Families@4 – I See with My Eyes Closed

Mon 24 May, 4pm - £4 adults, free for under 16s THIS PROOFING FORM IS PRESENTED AS A LOW-RESOLUTION Ages 7+ WILLMichael ONLY SHOW BCMG, Stan’s CafePDF, and THUS composer WoltersLAYOUT, present aNOT FULL IMAGE QUALITY bite-sized interactive concert for young people and their families. IF APPROVED PLEASE SIGN AND FAX BACK TO MODA MEDIA

Mon 31 May – Thu 3 Jun, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Ages 4+ Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, presents its latest show, for everyone aged 4 and up. Inspired by Mother Goose and the Big Bang, stories, songs and silliness lift phone you up, up 0121 631 6101 fax 0121 336 1936 and away.

proofing for m

email

Theatre of Widdershins present web Arabian Nights – The Lost Tales of Sheherazade post

It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!

www.modamedia.co.uk Fifth Floor, White House 111 New Street Birmingham B2 4EU

www.macarts.co.uk | 0121 446 3232

mac 1/4.indd 1

3

contact@modamedia.co.uk

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Sat 26 Jun, 11am & 2.30pm - £8 (£6) Heigh ho – from 12 months Ages 5+ Theatre06064600 of Widdershins take you on an exciting journey through roasting Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year oldscompany registration number: deserts, sand dunes, scented markets and fish filled seas, using puppets, Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds masks, storytelling and wonderfully atmospheric music.

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i

Tall Stories presents Twinkle Twonkle

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

l

Bored? Why not learn to ride? Lessons Everyday 9-4 Camps Own a pony for a day.

Family Fun

d no blues ! all r hythm an and Shirley For your FREE introductory session tel: 01384 374747 APPROVED

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Sandwell Valley Riding Centre

22/3/10 13:34:44 17/5/10 18:11:12

377 NEF A4 poster_Layout 1 08/03/2010 16:20 Page 1

12 and a half hours part-time childcare and early learning for all three and four year olds. To find out more information and when your child is eligible please contact:

0121 303 0267

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379 CC

AT THE MOVIES 1.

SPACE CHIMPS 2: ZARTOG STRIKES BACK 3D (U) FROM MAY 28

1.

The astronaut monkeys are back for a 3D animated sequel as, striving to become a real space chimp, techno wiz Comet travels to the planet Malgor and becomes friends with Killowatt, the alien with the illuminating head. However, feared tyrant Zartog has returned and taken over Mission Control. With the help of fellow chimps Ham, Luna and Titan, Comet has to prove he has the right stuff and save the day.

SHREK FOREVER AFTER 3D (PG) FROM JUL 2

2.

The fourth and final Shrek movie finds everyone’s favourite grumpy green ogre bored with domestic life. Longing to be a ‘real ogre’ again he’s fooled into making a deal with the wily Rumpelstiltskin. Suddenly, he’s transported to a very different version of Far Far Away, where Rumpelstiltksin rules, ogres are hunted, resistance leader Fiona can’t stand him, Donkey has no idea who he is and Puss has really let himself go. Now Shrek has to undo all he’s done to save his friends, put the world to right and reclaim his True Love.

3.

TOOTH FAIRY (PG) FROM MAY 28

When he tells his girlfriend’s young daughter that having a dream is a waste of time and there’s no such thing as the tooth fairy, Dwayne Johnson, a cynical past his prime ice hockey player nicknamed The Tooth Fairy, is sentenced by fairy godmother Julie Andrews to become one for real. Now, complete with wand, amnesia dust, tights and wings, he has to serve his time shrinking in size, slipping into children’s homes and avoiding cats to collect their teeth and leave behind money. Unfortunately, his wings always sprout at the most inconvenient time! Plus the team has a new, younger player stealing all his glory.

WIN! TOOTH FAIR Y GOODIES We can’t promise they’ll turn up under your pillow, but you don’t have to lose a tooth to get these Tooth Fairy goodies. To celebrate the arrival of family comedy The Tooth Fairy in cinemas from May 28, those fairy nice people at Twentieth Century Fox are giving away a first prize pack containing a travel toothbrush, amnesia dust, T-shirt, frisbee, stationery set, tooth-shaped USB, sticker set, door hanger and your very own wings. Two runners up will get a sticker set and door hanger.

Just tell us: who plays the Fairy Godmother? Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to The Whole Tooth, Primary Times, Moda Media, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by June 11.

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CHILDREN’S CENTRES

PROVIDE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE AND THEIR FAMILIES • Information on childcare options • Child and family health services • Family support • Adult learning and training opportunities • Childcare with education • Links with JobCentre Plus

For more information contact Birmingham City Council

0121 303 3521

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lord mayor’s FAMILY SHOW

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