Families23web

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE 23

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Back to school Try a new club or class Octonauts Surviving sleepovers Give Them A Party They Won’t Forget!

in Moseley & Bournville Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy First lesson free We Specialise In Indoor Birthday Parties

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OLD REP THEATRE BIRMINGHAM 13 NOVEMBER - 17 JANUARY BOX OFFICE 0121 245 4455 www.birminghamstage.com

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

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“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Contents In this Issue...

H

ello and welcome to the Autumn issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

It’s back to the classroom and homework, but also a time to find a new club or class for some fun out of school. There’s plenty to choose from; just look through our magazine for where to find art classes, dance classes, ballet classes, drama groups, karate and martial arts, football, rugby, swimming, gymnastics, trampolining, free-running and fun French and Spanish classes. They are all mentioned here.

It’s ‘open season’ for schools too. Are you choosing a primary or secondary school for September 2015 and going to their open days. What research should you do before you go and what should you look out for on the day? Read too about a new free school opening in Birmingham – an International Business School – which will take pupils from 4 through to 19. There is also advice from eleven plus specialists KSOL about the best time to start preparing for grammar and independent school exams.

Read about the top five excuses people give for failing to eat healthily and what we can do to stop making excuses and break the pattern.

Looking ahead to Halloween we take a light-hearted look at some local ghost legends, and we pick our top 13 spooky October half term events. That’s in addition to all our usual what’s on information and theatre listings. And, we give you a sneak preview of the shows that will be on this Christmas, so you can book early and grab the best seats.

, Editor Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes.

Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row.

She specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments.

Contact Abby for more information: 07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our November/December Christmas issue. Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday, October 3, 2014 Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, September 2014.

We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

4 -9 10-13 11 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 30

News Clubs & classes special Brit Youth Theatre Parents’ leave – know your rights Surviving sleepovers School open days Edgbaston High School Education news Eleven plus Breast-feeding Five top excuses for not eating healthily Local tales of the unexpected Christmas show trailers What’s on theatre What’s on out and about

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NEW SOLIHULL MULTISPORT & PLAY CENTRE

every weekday After school classes adult Ages 4-7, 8-12, 13+ &

GYMNASTICS & TRAMPOLINING FREE RUNNING CHEERLEADING MARTIAL ARTS ADULT & CHILD SOFT PLAY &

STAY

CLASSES PRE-SCHOOL INDEPENDENT More information: Call: 07935 317313

or e-mail info@fm-academy.co.uk Unit 37/38 Monkspath Business Park, Monkspath, Solihull. www.fm-academy.co.uk www.facebook.com/fundamentalmovement Issue 23

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News

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New sports and play centre in Solihull

A

brand new multisports and play centre has opened at Monkspath Business Park in Solihull.

FMA - Fundamental Movement Academy – is running after school classes for ages 4-7, 8-12, teens, and adults every weekday in gymnastics, trampolining (following the British Gymnastics Award Scheme), cheer-leading and martial arts. They also offer free running – a fun activity that includes climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, rolling and quadrupedal movement. All the classes follow a 12 week programme.

The new Academy is also catering for pre-schoolers with soft play and stay for children under 5 and their parents which will run every morning in term time. There are instructor-led classes for pre-schoolers, too, where they can build skills and confidence as they earn badges and certificates.

FMA also prides itself on being accessible for every child, and it will offer ‘Rebound Therapy’ for disabled children which promotes movement, balance and relaxation.

To find out more about any of the classes or to book call 07935 317313.

Win a family ticket to Birmingham International Tattoo Nobody does pomp and pageantry quite like the military so Britain’s biggest indoor international tattoo, with over 1,000 performers, is a not to be missed family event.

The spectacular show returns to The NIA in Birmingham at the end of November, bringing together marching bands and exciting displays, culminating in the spectacular Grand Finale featuring all the performers in a spectacle of pomp and pageantry.

This year’s special event will mark the centenary of the start of World War I and the 70th anniversary of D-Day, so is sure to be a fantastic show.

The international musical line-up includes the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Central Band of the Belarus Armed Forces, the Ceremonial Band of the Polish Army, the Royal Naval Volunteer Band, the Lacken Band of Austria, the National Youth

Marching Band and the Centenary Massed Pipes and Drums. Performing with the bands will be dancers from the Belarussian National Folk Dance Academy and guest vocal soloists Tim Pitman, Rebecca Robinson and Vladimir Yaskevich.

The organisers of the Tattoo have kindly given us 3 sets of family tickets (4 tickets in each set) for the Sunday afternoon performance. To be in with a chance to win a set of 4 tickets you need to log on to www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk/win and enter our competition. Just answer this simple question.

This year’s Birmingham International Tattoo will commemorate the centenary of which war?

A) First World War B) Second World War C) The Boer War All entries must be received by the closing date of October 31, 2014.

No-sweat family fun runs Have fun on a run this September – a strictly fun run which is all about relaxed exercise with no pressure, no sweat - just lots of laughs.

The Big Fun run is suitable for all the family – from tiny tots to groovy grans – and it takes place at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, on Saturday, September 20.

There will be no time-keeping or Olympic level athletes charging about – just mums, dads, kids and even pushchairs. Families can set their own

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goals for the 5km mini run, and can opt to raise funds for charity or just take part as a fun way to stay active and keep fit.

Shirley Lions are also holding their charity fun run on Sunday, September 14, at Blythe Valley Park and parents can run with children under 12.

To find out more and to book your places at Edgbaston log on to bigfunrun.com and to find out more about the Shirley run log on to www.shirleylions.co.uk or call 0845 833 9547.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Explore the deep with the Octonauts at SEA LIFE The Octonauts are bringing their mission to The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham this autumn.

The crew of the Octopod enthral legions of young fans with their missions to save sea creatures in trouble. Now children who love watching the show on CBeebies can meet them at SEA LIFE Birmingham!

Fans will have the chance to join their heroes Kwazii and Peso in their discovery of some real live sea creatures and enjoy a host of Octonautical activities; including an all new quiz trail, fresh activity books, stickers, photo opportunities and much more.

The Octonauts are a dynamic eight-member team of quirky and courageous adventure heroes who dive into action whenever there is trouble under the sea. Equipped with a fleet of aquatic vehicles, they rescue amazing sea creatures, explore incredible new underwater worlds, and often save the day before returning safely to their home base, the octopod.

These marine heroes will be at SEA LIFE Birmingham from Saturday, October 11, to Sunday, November 30. Don’t miss them! Visit www.sealife.co.uk for further information and to book. Group rates available.

As well as visiting the SEA LIFE Centre, the Octonauts will also be live on stage at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on the weekend of November 8 and 9 with their new show – Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure.

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The largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the UK.

t Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls t Age appropriate classes for boys and girls from 4 to 18 t Preparation for Trinity Guildhall exams t Qualified CRB checked staff t Excellent facilities including the Octagon Theatre t Builds confidence and develops imagination

Stagecoach Edgbaston Call 01926 651159 edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk

The largest Bollywood Academy in the West Midlands

Fun Bollywood Dance Classes all ages and abilities learn how to dance like your favourite Bollywood film stars!

Join today!

Enrol now courses in your area

Classes in the following areas: Solihull, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Great Barr, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield & Wolverhampton.

For full details and timetable visit

www.bollywooddreamsdance.com t: 0845 226 8210 e: info@bollywooddreamsdance.com

Issue 23

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News

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Potato Shindig

C

heese is made from plants, fishfingers come from chicken or pigs, tomatoes grow underground and potatoes grow on bushes …

Nope, not some fictional topsy-turvy world, but the genuinely held beliefs of many primary and secondary school pupils in the UK. According to a survey carried out on 27,500 children and teens aged 5-16 last year, one third of primary school pupils thought cheese was made from plants and a quarter thought fishfingers came from chicken or pigs. Nearly one in 10 secondary pupils thought tomatoes grew underground.

There was also confusion about dietary staples such as bread and pasta with one third of 5-8 year olds thinking they were made from meat, and one in ten of the same age group thinking potatoes grew on bushes.

The fact is it’s time to reconnect children with nature, visit a farm

(25 per cent of children have never visited a farm) and get them interested in food and cooking.

Hatton Adventure World are holding a potato shindig every weekend in September where children can learn where their food comes from by harvesting potatoes from the Potato Patch as part of their visit to the Adventure World. They can then take the potatoes home and cook them.

Most children want to cook – 85 per cent of all ages surveyed said they liked cooking – but only 9 per cent of primary children and 11 per cent of secondary children did any home cooking.

So pay a visit to the Potato Shindig and let them cook up some cheese and potato pie at home. (Dates dependent on crop so please call 01926 843411 to check before you visit.)

Cartoon characters Ben and Holly If you are visiting Hatton Adventure World, you might also like to know that the cartoon characters Ben and Holly will be making guest appearances on the weekend of September 6 and 7. Find out more on www.hattonworld.com

Theatre for teens

If your child is doing GCSE English Literature you might have tuned in to the furore caused by the changes to the curriculum announced in the last academic year. There was considerable controversy that new stipulations meant American classics like Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird were being sidelined in favour of British authors.

Whatever the truth of that debate, if your child is currently studying either of these texts for their GCSE (or you are concerned they might not get to study them for GCSE

Cartoon classics

Your child probably knows and loves more classical music than either you or they realise.

Bugs Bunny, The Incredibles, the Simpsons … if they have watched any of these they will know the tunes, so maybe it is time to help them get animated by hearing the music played live.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra CBSO is holding a special family concert this Autumn – Cartoon Classics - which will feature many of those much-loved looney tunes, the

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in future years) you can take them to see the novels brought to life on stage this term. A production of Of Mice and Men is on at Birmingham Rep from October 10November 1, and To Kill a Mockingbird is on at the New Alexandra from November 25-29.

And - lest we forget great British authors and playwrights - we should mention that Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is on at Solihull Arts Complex on October 8 and 9, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is on stage at the New Alexandra Theatre between October 21-25.

ones we don’t even know we know.

The concert, hosted by Naomi Wilkinson of Channel 5’s Milkshake and CBBC fame, will feature well-known classics including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, William Tell Overture, Ride of the Valkyries, Blue Danube Waltz and many more.

Cartoon Classics is on at the Symphony Hall during the October half term – Sunday, October 26. Tickets cost £10 or £32 for a group of 4.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

On the dance track Four 11-year-olds from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Dance Track programme are celebrating this September having won places at prestigious dance schools.

Following ballet tuition with the Dance Track programme, Oscar Kempsey-Fagg, Alicia Hoo and Roma Adams are starting in year 7 at Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham, and Amelie Walsh will begin her vocational ballet training at Young Dancers Academy in London. All four students have been on the Dance Track programme for the past five years.

The programme has been operating in primary schools for the past 17 years, allowing pupils in Key Stage 1 access to ballet. Last year the scheme delivered workshops to 1,700 students in 17 schools across the city, and after auditions 41 students in the south of the city and 30 students from the north were selected for ballet classes at Queensbridge School in Moseley and The Lighthouse in Aston.

The Dance Track Plus programme takes talented students for a further 3 years of training as they move to associate programmes. Nineteen students are currently having weekly lessons at the Royal Ballet studios with former company dancer Rachel Hester.

26 NOVEMBER TO 24 JANUARY

birmingham-rep.co.uk Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents

0121 236 4455

Original illustration by Quentin Blake

By Roald Dahl

Adapted by David Wood

Road Dahl’s magical story for all the family COMING SOON Language Alive presents Rainforest Symphony 18 October Ages 5 - 8

BFG Advert 180x85mm.indd 2

Half Moon presents Misunderstood Monsters 15 November Ages 5 - 8

Language Alive presents Under The Stars 9 to 20 December Ages 4 - 9

Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660

Issue 23 07/08/2014 10:30

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News

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Which Disney character is your favourite

W

hatever generation you belong to, you will probably have a favourite Disney character – whether Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Buzz Light Year, Nemo or the Incredibles.

Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic with a show that includes 65 Disney characters from 18 stories spanning a century of stories. From Goofy to the Lion King, and Pinochio to Mulan, relive your childhood and share some magical moments with your children or grandchildren.

The show is on this half term (Oct 22-Nov 2) at the NIA Birmingham.

Tickets from £17.35-£43.99. Call 0844 338 8000.44

Have children lost their sense of adventure?

Did you know that UK hospitals are seeing more children admitted for injuries they got falling out of bed than falling out of trees! Many children will have spent summer on the sofa watching a screen and their only brush with adventure this autumn will be watching adventure movies.

If you are worried about your child’s screen time why not get into a new routine as they return to school? Ban technology even if it is only two days a week, or put a strict daily limit on screen time.

Autumn fun: • Go blackberry picking and apple picking and cook up a blackberry and apple pie when you go home.

• Find conkers and have a conker match.

• Go for a scavenger hunt in your local park.

• Give the children a checklist of things they have to find along the way – some tree bark; moss, three feathers, an acorn, a pinecone ...

• Get the children to plant some bulbs in the back garden for spring time.

• Collect autumnal leaves of different colours and when you get home do some leaf art.

• Go on a welly walk splashing in puddles along the way.

Keep children safe around dogs Young children are more likely to be bitten by a family dog than one they don’t know, and children aged 0-9 are the age group most likely to end up being treated in hospital for dog bites.

Now the RSPCA has put together some advice for children and parents to help them keep kids safe and dogs happy.

The RSPCA’s ‘Six Golden Rules’ are: • Make sure your child is never left alone in the same room as a dog, including your own.

• Do not approach dogs if they are eating or have food; have a toy or something else they really like; if they are sleeping or on their bed; are sick, sleeping, in pain or tired.

• Remind your child to be kind, gentle and polite to their pets.

• Teach your child to play nicely with their dog, by encouraging them to teach fun tricks like shake a paw, play dead and roll over.

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• Always supervise your child when they are with their dog, and look for signs that the dog might be feeling uncomfortable such as yawning, lip licking or avoiding eye contact.

• Teach them not to approach an unfamiliar dog or one which you as parents don’t know to be friendly towards children.

The RSPCA also recommends providing your dog with a cosy spot in a quiet room where the dog can retreat if they need their own space. Teach your child to leave your dog alone when they are in their private spot.

There are plenty of fun and safe games that kids can play with their dog to strengthen their bond with the family pet. These include things like hiding treats in the garden for the dog to find and playing games like fetch or training simple tricks like roll over, high five, give a paw, hide and seek The RSPCA has produced posters, leaflets and a short video to help support parents. For more information please go to: www.rspca.org.uk/safeandhappy

News

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Do you think in words or pictures?

I

f you only think in words maybe it’s time to start thinking in pictures too because, as the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. The Big Draw 2014 event is back with lots of fun, family events being held throughout October to encourage us all to think visually.

The Barber Institute, Birmingham, will be holding a Big Draw Family Drawing Day at half term on October 28 with artist Ruth Turnbull. It’s a free drop-in event from 11am-3pm where you can draw your favourite place, a magical journey or your imaginary world then add your artwork to the Big Draw gallery. There will be live story-telling sessions from around the world too between 12 and 2pm.

There will be Big Draw events every day during half term at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry. Here families are being invited to create portraits with a difference using recycled materials from the landscape; anything from autumn leaves and sticks to bubble wrap and plastic. You can leave behind your pictures in huge frames to help inspire others to

recycle and reuse. The sessions run from 10.30am-12.30pm and1.30-3.30pm and you can drop in any time.

The RBSA and IKON Galleries in Birmingham will host Big Draw events for families on Saturday, October 19, (RBSA) and on November 1 (IKON).

Want to learn to draw?

The Barber Institute in Edgbaston runs Sunday drawing, painting and sculpting workshops for children from 4-7 and 8 plus to teach them to draw like a pro.

Call 0121 414 2261, or e-mail: education@barber.org.uk Art’s Cool in Knowle uses the Gluck method to teach children fine art skills.

Call 07414 630681

Horse of the year Show

See Britain’s top show jumpers and international competitors in action at the Horse of the year Show at Birmingham NEC from October 8-12.

The event features speed and jump off classes including: the Puissance event, which sees horses and their riders negotiate a 7ft high wall; a fiercely contested junior pony jumping of the year event, and the leading show jumper of the year event.

For more information and to book tickets: www.hoys.co.uk

Families

FIRST Learn to draw,

paint, make sculpture and prints

Fantastic & fun

workshops for kids!

Storytelling, drama,

family days and other events for

all ages

For more information, pick up our PEXIWX *EQMPMIW *MVWX PIE¾IX SV ZMWMX www.barber.org.uk 0121 414 7333 The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS

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Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Clubs and classes for all ages and stages

by Liz Bourne

Babies

Babies largely require milk, clean nappies and love, but having a baby can seem isolating. That’s where a regular day in the week when you meet up with other new parents can be a lifeline - plus you will be introducing your baby to the big wide world in a safe, fun setting.

Think about baby music, a baby gym session, baby signing or a physical class such as power-pramming, mother and baby yoga or dancing together.

Pre-school

As babies turn into louder, more mobile creatures, their focus changes and they’re ready to explore. Toddlers thrive on variety so maybe do a term of one, then try another while you’re finding their ‘thing’. These are all worth trying: movement classes, mini ball classes, yoga, crafts, music and dance.

Juniors

Now at school, your child’s fragile mind is susceptible to the influences of the dreaded Peer Group, some of whom may have older siblings and aspire to be just like them. Where before they were quite happy making cupcakes with mummy, then half an hour’s educational TV before bathtime, they now want to have a Frozen lunch box, sing in a mid-Atlantic accent, and aspire to be ‘famous’ when they grow up. Luckily, there are plenty of activities to steer them away from the clutches of commercialism. School life will have given them enough concentration to focus on an interest based around sports, arts, dance, music, drama or discovering another language.

Pre-teens and beyond

OK. So now it gets tougher. They’ve had a good number of years being influenced by their school chums. High School Musical and Harry Potter are joined by the onset of the dreaded hormones. But don’t despair, there are a number of excellent classes to grab their attention and keep them away from social networking, a sofa and a hand-held console. At this age, sports, drama, music and dance are all very useful diversions; and many children pursue interests well into their teens with relish and aplomb, giving them another set of friends outside school.

Rugby-based, fun activity classes for kids aged 3 to 5 years old.

Classes in Birmingham and Solihull

07807 297 511

www.rugbymonkeys.co.uk 10

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Solihull Karate Academy Karate instruction in the Midlands area for children aged 4 and over

by Greg Hegarty 5th Dan, former British Champion For more information 07501

955 953

solihullkarate@hotmail.co.uk

www.solihullkarate.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Brit Youth Theatre

GREASE – get in on the act with The Brit Youth Theatre

B

rit Youth Theatre Director Stephen Paget was one of the original cast members of Billy Elliot in the West End and is now back performing in the musical.

But despite doing eight shows a week in London, he returns to teach young performers every week at The Brit Youth Theatre in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Alongside that, he is also in the process of setting up a professional acting agency to represent talented performers.

As a young professional ten years ago, Stephen founded The Brit Youth Theatre along with Michelle Connolly. He wanted to give young people a chance to experience what it was like to perform on stage in a big production. Michelle is also a professional actress and, like Stephen, has performed in musical as well as straight plays and TV roles.

Stephen says: “We started the theatre school with a view to getting kids on stage, so each year we perform a full-scale musical at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.

“The emphasis is very much on performing. We have students who started with us at 6 or 7 and are now getting ready to move on to university. There is great camaraderie when you are doing a show and it is a great confidence builder.”

Several of their students have been accepted by drama colleges, with others taking part in the X Factor, The Voice or auditioning for Britan’s Got Talent.

But Stephen adds: “It is not all about being a professional actor; we have students who are going off to university to study medicine and other very academic subjects. The Brit Youth Theatre is about passion, drive and discipline which you can take with you into all forms of life.’’

The real point is that Brit Youth Theatre is a great experience and wonderful fun, but it also builds social skills, self confidence and the ability to present yourself – essential life skills which are useful for any adolescent.

This year Brit Youth Theatre will be staging GREASE with rehearsals and casting in the autumn term. If you want to join Brit Youth and get in on the act, call Stephen or Michelle on 0208 537 2020 / 07958 949 858.

Brit Youth Theatre Article

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Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Fun French and Spanish for tots Frenchtastic and Spanishtastic are now running classes in Sutton Coldfield and Solihull for pre-school children and after school classes for ages 4 and above.

The fun classes are a brilliant way of introducing children to a language through games, song, dance and drama at an age where they can effortlessly soak up languages. It will also give children a head start in school where languages are now being introduced at primary level, making them more confident about language skills from the outset.

Parents are amazed at how quickly their little ones start using French or Spanish

words at home, and how they can count up to ten in a second language even before they start school.

Frenchtastic and Spanishtastic teachers are also able to help out in schools with the new National Curriculum requirements and to train teachers to deliver languages to a young audience.

For more information about classes for preschoolers, after school classes or teacher training, call Anna Neville on 0776 777 0687

Come on in – the water’s lovely!

MUSIC ACADEMY

!

FAVOURITE SONG RECORD YOUR R TA TO BE A POPS EVER WANTED E DAY? TH R FO in brand new es rti pa s n’ Childre io st g recordin ud Call 0121 212 9642

www.progess-academy.co.uk

Only £99

DANCE & DRAMA

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

Irish dancing classes for boys and girls aged 4 to adult Classes held in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Redditch Call Louise on 07790 876 345 for information

www.granarince.weebly.com

MUSIC

TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY

MUSIC BIR

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

Help your baby take to swimming like a duck to water with some early swim sessions in warm water pools in Sutton Coldfield.

Puddle Ducks offer swim sessions from birth (Floaties) through to Little Dippers (pre-schoolers who are learning to swim short distances unaided). The classes use rhyme, music, movement and games.

Children become comfortable in the pool, confident in taking their first strokes and learn how to be safe around water – but it always seems like a fun session and never a lesson.

New venues

As well as offering sessions at warm water pools at New Hall Primary School and the Lea Marston Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, Puddle Ducks will also be using a warm water pool at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Walsall, just off junction 10 of the M6, which will be convenient for many parents travelling. To find out more call Puddle Ducks on 07852 985139.

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk

Solihull Young Dancers Ballet and Tap Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL Dance/Drama/Singing/Gymnastics Exams, Shows & Competitions North Solihull. 0121-242-3904 www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

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Award-winning music courses for children aged 4-12.

Harborne and Solihull Tel: 0779 933 2562 www.thestringsclub.org

SPORTS

Club Futsal UK

5-a-side football training Birmingham and Solihull Boys and Girls aged 3 to Adult Tel: 07745 565745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056

FootieBugs scores!

FootieBugs classes (for 3-9 years) are expanding across Birmingham, with new venues starting in September at Archbishop Ilsley Secondary School, Acocks Green, and North Solihull Leisure Centre.

If your child is football mad or if you are just looking for a fun and active class, call today for a free taster! www.footiebugs.com 0121 77 77792

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Auditions for the National Children’s Orchestra The National Children’s Orchestra are holding auditions now at venues across the country, with auditions at mac birmingham scheduled for October 2 and 3.

The Orchestra for ages 7-13 gives talented children the chance to train with top musicians and perform at some of the biggest concert venues in the UK. They also get to spend time with other children who share their passion for music and get to make friends and have fun.

Children are asked to prepare two pieces of music of up to five minutes each for their audition. The chosen pieces should show contrast in speed and style. You don’t have to have taken any musical grade exams to audition.

Following the audition you could be invited to become a full member of the Orchestra or an associate member. Full members will be asked to join one of the NCO’s 6 orchestras: a training orchestra; under ten; under 11; under 12; under 13; and the main children’s orchestra. Associate members will be invited to attend the regional rehearsal sessions held monthly, and to audition again the following year for full membership.

Drama classes in Birmingham

The closing date for applications is September 26 but apply immediately for the best chance of getting your choice of audition venue.

Ability to play is more important than ability to pay and the NCO offers full bursaries, part bursaries and scholarships to help talented musicians take part.

For full details log on to www.nco.org.uk

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Development through Drama for ages 5-100 in: Bournville, Kings Heath, Bearwood, Halesowen, Wordsley, Oldbury.

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Issue 23

13

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What rights do you have t

T

he many different rights to work leave for parents can be difficult to understand, and won’t get any easier when Shared Parental Leave is introduced next year. This article sets out the different types of leave, who qualifies and what rights there are to pay during leave.

Maternity leave

You have the right to up to 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave (OML) and a further 26 weeks additional maternity leave (AML), no matter how long you have been with your employer. To qualify, you must tell your employer the date you want to start your leave at least fifteen weeks before your due date. The first 2 weeks after birth are compulsory maternity leave, when you are not allowed to work.

Qualifying employees are entitled to a maximum of 39 weeks statutory maternity pay (SMP). For the first six weeks you should be paid 90% of your salary; the remaining 33 weeks are paid at either the statutory rate of £138.18, or 90% of your average gross weekly earnings if this is lower. Check your company maternity policy because some employers offer enhanced maternity pay.

Terms and conditions of employment continue during maternity leave,

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except in respect of pay. You should continue to get non-cash contractual benefits such as medical insurance. Holidays accrue during maternity leave and can be taken before or after leave but not during.

You have the right to return to the same job after Ordinary Maternity Leave. After Additional Maternity Leave, employers can offer a suitable and appropriate alternative if it is not practical for you to return to the same job.

Paternity leave

Dads, or the mum’s partner, are entitled to 2 weeks’ Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL) paid at £138.18. Many employers offer this at full pay. Although most men choose to take the leave as the baby is born, it can be taken at any time within 56 days of the birth. To qualify, a dad must have had at least 26 weeks service 14 weeks before the due date.

A father is also entitled to additional paternity leave if he continues working with the same employer. APL cannot be taken until baby is 20 weeks old and no later than the baby’s first birthday.

Dads are entitled to the unexpired portion of the mother’s statutory maternity pay, paid at the same rate.

Parental leave

Both parents are entitled to take up to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave before their child is 5. The leave is calculated in respect of each child, so a parent of 2 children could take up to 36 weeks.

Leave must be taken in blocks of a week and can be limited to 4 weeks per year. Employers can postpone the leave for up to 6 months where the business would be unduly disrupted.

To qualify for leave, employees must have been with their employer for at least a year. Leave can

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

to take leave from work? move between employers, so for example if you had taken 6 weeks leave and got a new job, you could take up to 12 weeks in that new job once you had been there for a year.

Dependants leave

All employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of unpaid leave to deal with dependants who are ill or injured. The leave is also available to cope with unexpected disruption of childcare or to deal with an incident at school.

activity test”, i.e. they must have worked for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the baby is born, and have earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 of those weeks.

Prolegal Ltd 020 7743 6719 www.prolegal.co.uk

Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

Shared parental leave

There has been much publicity around Shared Parental Leave, which will be available to parents of children born after April 2015. Parents will be able to share 50 weeks leave after the 2 week compulsory maternity leave. They can take leave in consecutive blocks or at the same time. They can even ask their employer for leave in non-continuous blocks, though employers will have the right to refuse this. Maternity and Paternity pay will remain at current levels.

To qualify, employees must have 26 weeks service 14 weeks before the baby’s due date. Both parents must meet the “economic

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07789 916278 or email: carolynrose121@gmail.com Issue 23

15

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Are you the Grinch of

A sleepover survival guide for parents

S

leepovers are a misnomer because when it comes to it very little sleeping gets done.

Younger children are usually too hyped for keeping sensible bedtime hours and older children watch teen movies and feast on high sugar treats which they have stashed in their overnight bags along with make-over kits and cuddly toys. And teens, oh my gosh …

Do I sound like the Sleepover Grinch? OK, I admit it, I am. I need my sleep and being in loco parentis to a group of highly-charged 7-13 year-olds is not my idea of fun. Nor is finding older teens out in the snow in bare feet at midnight having consumed between them a half bottle of vodka one of the guests had brought along. (And yes readers, I had been naïve enough to purchase a bottle of coke for the sleepover little realising it had been requested in advance as a mixer for this little escapade).

But, I am not alone in dreading sleepovers. When mumsnet surveyed 500 mothers, 48% of those with 6-12 year-olds admitted that they found the whole experience stressful. Many Families editors have similar tales to tell.

On the plus side, there’s a lot to be said for sleepovers and despite being a self-proclaimed Sleepover Grinch, I readily acknowledge

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this. Knowing how stressful staying away from home can be for some children (one of mine included), I am very grateful to parents who have had my child for sleepovers. Being used to unfamiliar beds and the excitement of sharing a room with a friend makes residential school trips so much easier for sleepover veterans.

Sleepover rules So what are the top tips from sleepover savvy parents to help make your sleepover event – welcome or not - run smoothly. The tips we have gathered include: • Limit sleepovers to weekends or during school holidays, never a school night, even for a birthday celebration.

• Don’t be afraid to limit the number of guests to a manageable number.

• Draw up a list of rules and make sure they are understood.

• Ensure there is plenty of room for invited guests and, even if you have asked children to bring sleeping bags, have spare bedding in case anyone forgets.

• Serve a midnight feast, but before 9pm.

• Arrange a movie to help quieten the kids.

What age are they ready for a sleepover?

Children differ. Some are used to staying regularly with grandparents or other relatives and being away from home comes easily to them.

For others it is more of a challenge. If your child has an elaborate

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

sleepovers? bedtime routine or wakes frequently in the night, clings or cries when you leave, she or he is not yet ready for a night away from home, whatever they might say.

Make the first sleepover a dummy run. Send your child in pyjamas armed with a sleeping bag to the home of a close friend or relative for the early part of the evening so they can join in with the other child’s bedtime routine, then pick them up at an agreed time so everyone can get some sleep.

For the first few sleepovers, stay at home with no commitments in case you have to make a rescue mission to collect your child.

Believe me it does happen!

Your turn to host

Not everyone reciprocates sleepovers but most parents do. At some stage you are going to run out of excuses not to be the host so forewarned is forearmed.

You may want to be Fun Mummy/ Daddy, but ground rules are important. Practise this phrase: “In this house we... (wash our hands before eating/ use cutlery/ don’t jump on the furniture/ don’t play ballgames indoors” etc). Be prepared to put your foot down when you need to, or you’ll be vowing ‘never again’ the following morning.

Survival tips

• Schedule an energetic afternoon activity before the sleepover.

• Have some sitting down games up your sleeve for when it gets a little raucous.

• Ration sweets and veto violent video games or scary movies.

• Encourage the children to at least wash their hands and faces and brush their teeth before bed. (Even if they are intent on getting up

for a midnight feast).

• Try to have an earlyish night yourself. Getting up in the middle of the night is so tiring and too reminiscent of when they were babies.

• Try this chant for falling asleep: “It’s only for one night, it’s only for one night”...

Teens

When it comes to teens: hide the booze, be resolute about confiscating any stash you find among the guests, and if it comes to it, don’t shirk being the responsible adult for the sake of social niceties. Finally, having survived a sleepover, you deserve a break, so make sure you have an arranged pick up time or you could end up with company all weekend!

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Issue 23

17

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The school search season is here!

T

he search is on for good schools for September 2015. Whether you have a child in pre-school or are looking at the move to secondary, the Autumn term is the key time for school open days.

Preparation

If you can, talk to other parents whose children attend the school and get the inside story on what it is really like. Does the reality reflect the school’s prospectus? Go online to check the school’s most recent inspection report. It should indicate the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Research the school’s exam performance on www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance and compare similar schools. You can glean a lot of information from these statistics, drilling down to see whether a school adds as much or more value to the achievement levels of the academic high flyers, middle performers or lower ability levels. Don’t just look at the exam results from one year. Look at the trend.

On the Day

A headteacher can make or break a school. Make sure you are there when they address prospective parents. You expect them to talk about the school’s achievements. Do they also talk about their plans for the school – areas for development? A good school is always looking for continuous improvement.

Look at the school curriculum. If your child loves languages but the school only offers one language option, is that going to be an issue? Or perhaps the school is a centre of excellence for sport or science and it fits with your child’s interests.

Most schools involve pupils in open day visits. Sound them out on what they consider to be the good points and bad points of the school. They can be surprisingly frank.

Get a feel for the school. Is it a well organised machine with a positive vibe and ethos? How does this come across? Are the pupils well behaved? Do the staff seem engaged and enthusiastic?

Do you have confidence in the headteacher? If your answer is no to any of the above, keep searching.

Scholarships and Bursaries

UK Independent schools are world class. Excellent facilities, small class sizes, individual attention, good academic results, sporting achievements, and significantly better chances of getting into elite universities and of getting a top job make them a very good investment. Independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries which can make them more affordable (see www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk), and grandparents will often help out with costs if finances are tight. It is definitely worth checking out the options and visiting on open days.

Where Individuals Matter OPEN MORNING TUESDAY 30th SEPTEMBER 9AM - 12PM

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Issue 23

Edgbaston High School

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

E

The Edgbaston High School Ethos: Education, Enrichment, Excellence

dgbaston High School for Girls is a purposeful and vibrant community, providing a 21st Century education based on traditional values. From our youngest pupils to our most senior, our aim is to encourage, develop and support so that each pupil leaves EHS having achieved the best possible academic results and developed the skills to use her talents wisely.

Our supportive and caring environment allows the EHS girl to sparkle with the enthusiasm, confidence and personality that will ensure she stands out from the crowd. Pastoral care is an integral part of every aspect of school life and works hand-in-hand with academic success. We have a proven record of guiding girls to achieve, and even surpass, their own expectations: at A Level our pass rate was 99.6% with 25% of the cohort achieving three or more A/A* grades.

Recent Year 13 leavers have gone on to study for degree courses as diverse as Architecture, Marine Biology, Law and Medicine, securing places at some of the country’s top universities including Durham, Birmingham and Oxford.

We successfully maintain this pupil-centred approach, considered by many to be a trademark of the School, alongside excellent standards of teaching, state-of-the-art facilities including a 600 seat performance space, new Sixth Form Centre, swimming pool, athletics track and hockey field and a wealth of enrichment opportunities.

Visit us to discover what makes an EHS education so special: Senior School Open Evening on Thursday 25 September, 4.30-7.00pm; Preparatory School Open Morning on Saturday 27 September, 9.30am-12.00 noon.

For further information about admissions, scholarships and bursaries please contact the Admissions Office on 0121 454 5831 or email admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk Article by Edgbaston High School

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Looking to boost your child’s vocabulary ahead of the 11 plus exam? Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to improve children’s verbal reasoning skills and ultimately help them succeed in the 11 plus entrance examination.

The cards are recommended for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham CEM test.

Featuring carefully selected words collated from recognised 11 plus material, they build confidence and vocabulary knowledge at the appropriate level tested in the 11 plus entrance examination.

For more information visit: www. vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Issue 23

19

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

New international business school for 4-19 year olds

A

new free school will open in central Birmingham in September 2015. King Solomon International Business School is an all-through (4-19), non fee-paying free school which plans to open with two Reception classes and three Year 7 classes in September 2015.

It will be Birmingham’s first free school to offer the worldwide prestigious International Baccalaureate.

The school is part of the highly regarded Woodard family of Christian schools. King Solomon’s vision is to create an outstanding education specialising in international business and deliver strong academic achievement and character development for all children.

The admissions policy is city-wide and all faiths are welcome. Applications are made directly to the school, which means pupils may be able to choose between two school place offers, one from King Solomon and one through the Local Authority. The closing date for Year 7 applications is November 14, 2014, and January 30, 2015, for Reception.

Download a prospectus; find out about open days and apply online at www.kingsolomonibs.com or call 0121 358 8620 for more information.

Shanghai-style maths hubs aim to improve standards in England The government’s £11 million programme of ‘maths hubs’ will be rolled out to 32 schools in England this September, aiming to improve maths results by using a Chinese model of teaching. Bishop Challoner Catholic College in Birmingham is among those named as a ‘maths hub’ school.

The programme is to be developed by academics from Shanghai and England.

Central to this will be an exchange programme, where teachers from Shanghai will visit the ‘hub’ schools to run ‘masterclasses’ for local teachers. Two maths teachers from each school will also work in

China for at least a month to learn firsthand some of their teaching approaches, which will then be passed on to other local schools. www.ncetm.org.uk/resources/44071 Bishop Challoner contact: j.coughlan@bishopchalloner.bham.sch.uk

Launch of free school meals for all infants From September all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be entitled to a free and healthy lunch at school. According to Schools Minister David Laws free school meals encourage healthy eating and their pilots have shown that ‘children in schools that offer universal free school meals are academically months ahead of their peers.’

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The move has been welcomed by the Child Poverty Action Group who campaign for the abolition of child poverty in the UK. Alison Garnham, Chief Executive, commented:

‘The cost of bringing up children is rising faster than headline inflation, so a policy like this that saves families hundreds of pounds is going to be a big help.’

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

When is the right time to start eleven plus tuition?

I

f you want your child to sit the eleven plus exam you face the dilemma of when to start preparing them. Start too early and you risk burn-out; start too late and they will be up against a deadline competing with others who have had a head start.

Eleven plus tuition specialists KSOL (Key Stages Online) recommends that you do not start eleven plus courses before Year 4. Children sit the eleven plus exam either at the end of Year 5 (Walsall), or in the September of year 6 (Birmingham and Warwickshire), so that gives them 2 years build up to the exam without putting them under undue pressure.

Anita Dhunna, KSOL Head Tutor, says: “Our research has shown that a child in Year Four displays the right amount of maturity, basic skills and knowledge to be introduced to more complex topics within Maths, English, Verbal Skills and Non Verbal Reasoning.

Y PL AY AP OD T

“It is in Year 4 that a child will consolidate what they’ve learnt at school and eleven plus preparations at this point can help stretch them academically by at least 12 months.”

Places at Grammar and Independent schools are highly sought after here in the Midlands and every year the quality of applicants is raising the bar considerably. It has never been so important to get it right.

Why Year 4?

Anita says: “Some parents ask ‘what does my child gain by starting their eleven plus preparation in Year 4? ‘ The answer is time. Your child will have time to progress steadily over the next 12 months, time to increase their key skills and time to identify their weaker areas and tackle them earlier on.

KING SOLOMON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Education Excellence & Character Development

All-through (4-19) free school opening September 2015

“Our parents certainly agree that after completing their Year 4 programme, children had much more confidence progressing on to Year 5. They had built up a solid foundation that encouraged them to move seamlessly through to the next step of eleven plus preparation.”

When choosing your child’s eleven plus education support, Anita suggests you ask some key questions: • Are they qualified to tutor my child?

• Does their curriculum reflect the most up to date eleven plus topics?

› Christian ethos with an international business focus › Open to all faiths › International Baccalaureate offered in the Sixth Form

• Will my child receive a personalised programme that will target their weaker areas?

› No fees

• Do they provide me and my child with the correct information and support?

› City-wide admissions policy

• Are they as passionate as I am about my child’s education?

› Your child may be offered two places, one from King Solomon and one through the Local Authority.

The answer to these questions should be a resounding YES! KSOL offers award-winning tuition programmes both online and at centres in Shirley, Handsworth and Sutton Coldfield.

See KSOL’s “Back to School” offer for children in Year 4.

Visit www.ksol.co.uk or call on 0121 733 6558.

2015 admissions now open › Apply in addition to the usual Local Authority process for 2015.

Come to our Open Sessions Year 7 › 2nd, 15th and 30th September 2014 › 1st and 2nd October 2014 Reception › 27th November 2014 › 8th and 22nd January 2015 See the website for more details and for further events:

www.kingsolomonibs.com

KING SOLOMON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Register your interest and apply online at www.kingsolomonibs.com

Call us: 0121 358 8620 or 0121 357 1905 • Email us: admin@kingsolomonibs.com Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Issue 23

21

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Breastfeeding – readers’ letters

O

ur article in the July/August issue of Families magazine – Not every mother is a walking milk bottle, which included tips on breast-feeding from author Clare Byam Cook, generated a strong response from a number of readers.

Here, we print two responses:

“I myself have been a midwife and breast fed three children successfully. I agree with Clare Byam Cook’s advice that quite often problems related to breastfeeding are not properly discussed with women and that it may be natural but it doesn’t always go right.

I feel there is a huge amount of discrepancy in the advice women receive on breast feeding which causes confusion. A huge majority of friends and women I know have struggled with breast feeding. It is the first month that can be so challenging and many women feel completely unprepared.

I feel that two of the pieces of advice given were rather unhelpful because a mum reading the article may feel that they are not doing things correctly and this may cause distress and concern where there need not be any. The first piece of confusing advice being that if a ‘baby is latched correctly it won’t hurt’. I agree that it shouldn’t be really painful, however if a breast has never been used for this purpose it may be tender even if the latch is correct.

It is important that women are observed and supported while breastfeeding and that appropriate latch is obtained correctly right away.

The second piece of unhelpful advice being: ‘if a baby is getting enough milk they will feed and fall asleep in their bed and will not need another feed for 3-4 hours’. I have to disagree with this. Every baby is different and although it would be great for them to fit in a neat 3-4 hour box I don’t believe all do. Breast fed babies quite often feed more regularly. In terms of sleeping in their own bed; in the first month quite often, babies do not generally like being put down in their bed/moses basket. They want to be next to mum as that is what they are used to. It can take a lot of effort and time to get them to sleep in their bed so perseverance sometimes is needed. “ Bridget * * * “• Breastfeeding is an innate ability to be able to continue to provide exclusively everything your baby needs for the first six months of it’s life outside of the womb: When breastfeeding your little one, encouraging nose to nipple will allow the baby to stretch up to reach and have a nice wide mouth in order get a full mouth of breast and allow good attachment.

• Attaching a baby to the breast effectively should not require you to manhandle or squash your breasts – if you are finding the need to do this then it would be wise to ask for additional support from a suitably qualified and experienced breastfeeding supporter.

Handling the breasts in this way may lead to damage to the breasts or blocked ducts, both of which are uncomfortable and can affect milk flow.

• Things to look for to know your baby is getting enough breast milk include: wet and dirty nappies; feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours (as a newborn and in the early weeks); baby getting bigger (as the mother you will know this by their clothes). A small baby is not expected to sleep for long periods of time and will wake frequently.

• Babies also have frequent growth spurts in which they will want to feed a lot more and it can be as often as every hour or more. These usually occur at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and between 12 – 14 weeks.”

Michelle Atkins, Breast-feeding expert, who has influenced UK government breast-feeding policies, and also sat on committees drawing up NICE guidelines.

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55346 Pharmaton UK AD 87mm x 130mm AW.indd 1

08/07/2014 12:44

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The top five excuses for not eating healthily Joanne Henson, author of ‘What’s your excuse for not eating healthily’ spends a lot of time listening to people talk about their health, fitness and weight loss goals, and about why they are struggling to achieve them. Joanne has found that the same excuses come up over and over again. Here she suggests some ways to think differently and put excuses behind you.

1. Healthy food is boring

Most people think cottage cheese (particularly the low fat version), rice cakes and low calorie ready meals are healthy foods.

But they aren’t. They are more processed than the normal versions, have less flavour and have more sugar, artificial flavourings and sometimes salt - none of which is healthy. If you find a food boring, don’t eat it. Look around your supermarket and try something new and natural - fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses and lean proteins. Buy a healthy cookbook. Healthy food can be tasty, varied and satisfying if you look beyond the usual (not healthy) suspects.

2. I don’t have time to prepare healthy food!

Food is advertised as “Ready in a few minutes”, “For snacking on the go”. The implication is that we are all too busy to prepare and sit down to eat real food.

Stop believing this and write down how you spend a typical day – getting up, showering, working, drinks after work, watching TV, checking Facebook and Twitter, chatting, painting your nails, gaming…..? What activity could you remove or reduce to make time to prepare real food? And healthy food can be quick; you could do a stir fry, make an omelette, assemble a salad, grill or pan fry some meat or scramble some eggs.

to have everything you like. Instead, try reaching a compromise with yourself. If you want a burger, have it without the bun, ask for salad instead of fries, or share a portion of fries. If you want a dessert, don’t have a starter. If you want a stodgy main course have a salad for starter. Make some healthy choices to give yourself permission to enjoy an unhealthy one. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

5. I just can’t resist…

Many salty and sugary foods are purposely formulated to be moreish. The problem isn’t you, it’s the food. Don’t be duped into feeling you’re powerless to resist!

Remember you only need to resist something if it’s there to be resisted. So whilst you shouldn’t attempt to give up your favourite food totally, neither should you keep it around at all times. Make it an occasional treat rather than a constant temptation. And when you do have it, really savour it, without a side order of guilt.

If you find yourself using the same excuses over and over again, while kicking yourself for not being as healthy, slim, energetic and happy as you want to be, ask yourself if you are accepting your own excuses as insurmountable truths, when really they are just one view of a situation which you can change if you open your mind and get creative with your thinking. Overcoming your excuses is the key to your success.

Joanne Henson is a health and wellness coach, specialising in helping people with a history of failed diets and fitness regimes to change their relationship with food and exercise for good.

3. I can’t stick to diets

Being on a diet will always be hard. You’re following a set of rules devised by someone who doesn’t understand your lifestyle, you’re restricting your food intake and you’re going without foods you love.

That’s never going to feel great. Diets are not the same as healthy eating. Diets are restrictive, and when something is declared off limits, guess what? You can’t stop thinking about it.

In contrast, healthy eating is about improving the quality of your food, rather than reducing the quantity. Eating well improves the way your body functions and changes the way it stores or burns fat, so if you do have excess weight to lose, you will lose it.

4. I’m eating out

Do you see eating out as a break from “normal” eating? It’s not.

Your body doesn’t process the food eaten in restaurants any differently to the food you eat at home.

So whilst you might not want to abstain totally, you don’t have

Issue 23

23

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Local ghost tales of the

L

egend has it that some of the oldest properties in the West Midlands have their very own ghosts. Of course, never having seen a ghost ourselves, we can’t vouch for the accuracy of these stories but as Halloween approaches, we share with you some light hearted tales of the unexpected: Baddesley Clinton, near Solihull

Rumour has it that Baddesley Clinton has experienced more than its fair share of creakings and unexplained bumps in the night. Nicholas Brome, who inherited the house in 1483 is alleged to have murdered the local vicar.

A visible bloodstain is said to remain in front of the library fireplace as proof of this chilling event, and a female ghost is said to have been seen on several occasions. In the late 19th century, Rebecca Ferrers wrote: “I once heard that solemn tread. It had an indescribably awful and mournful sound… It had a very weird effect to hear the handle jerked loudly within a few feet of where you are standing and see no one.”

Well, so the story goes. The house is now owned by the National Trust and you can visit Baddesley and neighbouring Packwood House during the October half term for a fun, spooky Halloween family trail around the house and gardens. Do let us know what you discover!

Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire:

A former resident doesn’t seem to have approved of the National

24

Issue 23

Trust moving her things around. When Alianore Fairfax-Lucy’s hat was found in an old chest, a member of staff displayed it, jokily, on some stags antlers. The next day, it was found back in the chest. He put it back on the stag’s antlers, but the next day it was back in the chest again. Odd, as no one else had touched it and it was through two locked door. After trying to display it one more time on the stag’s antlers, it ended up back in the box again, along with a photo of Alianore which disappeared off the wall.

Upton House, Banbury, Warwickshire.

Heavy footsteps and doors slamming have been heard in a room that was knocked through (so the doors were removed) 80 years ago. Staff and visitors at this National Trust property have also reported smelling tobacco smoke.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

It is said the Castle has seen its fair share of unexplained happenings. Things often go missing or are moved around the office - a former nursery - leading Castle staff to think that the culprits might be naughty children! There is also a cot next door which rocks all on its own...

Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire: The ghost of Emma Vernon is said to haunt Hanbury Hall. Emma ran off from

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

unexpected! her husband with the local curate causing a society scandal at the time (late 1700s). She is said to roam around the hill by the Church as this is where she used to meet the curate.

Witley Court, Worcestershire

The vast and rambling remains of this palatial 19th century mansion once played host to many extravagant parties - and truth be told, no one is entirely sure that all of the guests have gone home! Visitors to Witley are advised to keep both their eyes and ears peeled when exploring the great country mansion, lest they miss the shadowy figure of the man peering out of an upstairs window (despite there being no floor to stand on) or the haunting music of a string quartet coming from the empty ballroom‌

Dudley Castle, West Midlands

Dudley Castle lays claim to more than one ghost, but the most famous is the Grey Lady, said to be the ghost of a woman named Dorothy Beaumont who once lived at the Castle where she gave birth to a daughter who died. Dorothy is reputed to still roam the grounds.

Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire

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There is a well-known tale of the ghost of The White Lady. It is said that she was thrown in the tower by Sir Tarquin, but she then fell in love with him! Unfortunately, Sir Lancelot du Lac who came to rescue her, did not know this because he killed Sir Tarquin. Now the White Lady is said to walk the Castle looking for her murdered love.

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Halloween Funday 30th October, 11am - 3pm Spooky storytellers, live animals & costumed stilt walkers will make sure you have a frighteningly good time this Halloween.*

Free

entry for under 16s

Visit our website for more information

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk /whatson Find us on:

Your support keeps the Gardens growing *Some activities attract a charge

AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY

Issue 23

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Christmas Shows

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Christmas show trailers …

Y

ou can always guarantee a rich selection of children’s shows over the Christmas season. But as most families will go to at least one Christmas show, you can’t always guarantee getting seats at the shows you want when you want them. That is, unless you are quick off the mark.

So here we give you a quick preview of the enchanting children’s shows coming to Birmingham theatres this year, and warn you that it is now open season for booking. What do you plan to see?

Horrible Christmas Birmingham Stage Company has a treat in store for you this year with a festive twist on their Horrible Histories productions.

Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas? From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, Horrible Histories take you on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII, St Nicholas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as they all join forces to save the festive season!

On at the Old Rep Theatre from November 13 to January 17.

Book on 0121 245 4455.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mum are sitting down to tea. There at the door is a big, furry, stripey tiger!

The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town this Christmas in a family show full of magic, singalong songs and clumsy chaos.

Runs at Town Hall Birmingham from December 23-January 14.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt mac birmingham runs two Christmas shows each year with one aimed at pre-school and early primary age groups and one for ages 5 and over.

This year the show for the younger audience is based on Michael Rosen’s delightful book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. A family go on an expedition of a lifetime; what will they find as they run down grassy banks, squelch through the mud, stumble in a dark forest, and peer into a cave …? Whether you have read the book or not, take your little one to see what happens.

Runs from Saturday, November 22-Sunday, December 7. To book call 0121 446 3232.

Under the Stars At Birmingham Rep’s small auditorium, The Door, which seats just 140 people, you can see Under the Stars – a journey into the world of Arabian Nights. Queen Scheherazade has told stories of magic and adventure to the King for 1,000 nights, but she has run out of ideas and needs help to finish her story.

Runs from December 9-20. to Book call 0121 236 4455.

BFG - Big Friendly Giant Roald Dahl is loved by millions of children (and adults) for his naughty sense of humour, vivid characterisation and uninhibited sense of fun. That’s very much to the fore in this production of BFG – at the Birmingham Rep this season. Sophie, snatched by the Big Friendly Giant, soon realises he is not a monster but a dream catcher on a mission to collect sweet dreams and deliver them to children. But wicked giants Bloodbottler and Fleshlumpeater have one thing on their mind – to steal and eat “human beans”.

See Sophie and her new friend hatch a plan to capture the man-eating giants .... A show for all ‘human beans’ - little and large.

Runs from November 26-January 24.

To Book call 0121 236 4455.

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Issue 23

Christmas Shows

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

what will you see this year?

Thumbelina The mac show for children 5 and above is Thumbelina, a child who might be small in stature, but is huge in attitude (no doubt, this will sound familiar to many parents!).

Join Thumbelina, her adventuring granny, a forest full of animals and a whirlwind adventure to the big, bad city. The show features a gangster mole, singing fish, biker beetles, crooning birds and a sprinkling of snow.

Runs Monday, December 1 to Saturday, December 13.

To Book call 0121 446 3232.

Cinderella Malcolm Stentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual family pantomime at Solihull Arts Complex is always popular, (the shows were 92 per cent sold out last year) and as performances during the school holidays sell early, this one should really be booked sooner rather than later. This year the show is Cinderella, always a favourite with families. Meet Cinders, the Ugly Sisters, Buttons and of course Prince Charming in this funny and heart-warming show for all ages.

Runs from Friday, December 12, to Sunday, January 4

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Parenting What’s On Theatre Rainforest Symphony An exciting musical adventure into the Amazonian rainforest to find the home of Acapella, a frog who has accidentally arrived in a fruit delivery to Birmingham.

Explore the rainforest and discover its sounds, songs and stories and decide where Acapella really belongs.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Date: Sat, Oct 18 Time: 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: Adult £8; child £5 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Theatre Wicked

Hit West End show Wicked flies into Birmingham. An untold tale from the ‘Wizard of Oz’, - an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students which sees them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: to September 6 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Wed matinee and Thurs matinee Aug 14 and 28 at 2pm; Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £25-£60 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Arriety - cinema

A movie based on The Borrowers. Tiny’ 14 year old Arrietty lives under the floorboards of an old house with her father and mother. Their peaceful life is dramatically changed when the ever curious Arrietty accidentally allows herself to be seen

by Sho, a sickly but well-

intentioned 12 year old boy. U certificate.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat, Sept 6 Time: 12pm relaxed performance and 2pm. Drop in workshops 11am-2pm Tickets: £3

Star Trek – outdoor cinema

An alien phenomenon of unprecedented size and power is approaching Earth, destroying everything in its path. The only starship in range is the USS Enterprise-still in drydock after a major overhaul. As Captain Willard Decker readies his ship and his crew to face this menace, Admiral James T. Kirk arrives with orders to take command of the Enterprise and intercept the intruder. But it has been three years since Kirk last commanded the Enterprise on its historic five year mission... is he up to the task of saving the Earth? Best dressed costume competition. Themed bar area.

Venue: mac Birmingham Date: Sat, Sept 13 Time:

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk 8pm Tickets: £10 and £8.

To Book: 0121 446 3232

Jack and the Beanstalk

This classic fairytale involves lots of surprises, a gripping story and beautiful images as Jack sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.

It’s a show for the over 3’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!

Venue: The Door, Birmingham Rep Date: Sat, Sept 20 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adult £8; child £5 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

which spirals out of control, the two men, bound together by friendship, face an earth-shattering decision. Twelve plus.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Date: Oct 10-Nov 1 Time: 7.30pm; Thurs and Sat matinee at 2pm Tickets: £7-£35 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Riverdance

Since the show first burst into the public’s heart at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994, Riverdance has gone on to achieve global success- experienced by over 2.9 million people across the UK and TV audiences in excess of 2 billion.

Venue: NIA, King Edward St., Birmingham Date: Sept 23-25 Time: 8pm Tickets: £44 To Book 0844 338 8000

Pride and Prejudice

A witty and inventive new adaptation of one of the most loved novels of all time, calling on two actors to play 21 characters and cramming 400 pages of action into just two hours. Age 11 plus.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Wed and Thurs Oct 8 and 9 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Of Mice And Men

A classic story of the twentieth century written and adapted for the stage

by America’s greatest novelist, John Steinbeck. It tells the story of two migrant farm workers in the USA, who go in search of new pastures, in the hope of attaining their shared dream: settling down on their own piece of land. Reeling from the fall out of an innocent misunderstanding

A Real Fairy Story

Miss Amelia Buttersnap is an expert on fairies but she has never even seen one!

She needs to photograph one for her book but how can she get one? With the help of an assortment of gadgets and her wise cat she finds herself in fairyland where all is not well. Join her on a journey into another realm to find out how she can help the fairies and capture one in a photograph. This is a fun and exciting show full of comedy, magic and shadow puppetry. Age 4 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Sun, Oct 5 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £7 To Book: 0121 446 3232

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’sThe Mousetrap – the longest running production of any show in the theatre – is back in Birmingham after a sell out production in 2012.

Age 10 plus.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham Date: Oct 6-11 Time: 7.30pm; Wed and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £13.90-£35.40 To Book: 0844 871 7615

Beauty and the Beast – Birmingham Royal Ballet A cruel Prince, cursed to spend his life living in a fantastical castle with the animals he callously hunted, finds salvation in the heart of a beautiful girl. David Bintley’s rich choreography brings to life magical transformations, wild waltzes, and a relationship between Belle and the Beast that is at first terrifying, but ultimately beautiful.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Sept 30-Oct 4 Tickets: £16-£50 Family Fun Day – October 4. Free fun for all matineegoers between 12.30pm and 2.30pm To Book: 0844 338 5000

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Dusk

Nestled together in the heart of a forest, a group of creatures with furry tails are watching and waiting for someone to arrive. Their friend has a long way to travel, many things to discover and huge challenges to face. Your child will play a central role in this inventive show, combining film and live performance, that explores the meaning of home, family, change and reunion. So put on your tail, prick up your ears, and get ready for Dusk... Dusk has been created for 4-7 year olds. Older children are welcome. Tails will be provided!

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Oct 15-18 Time: Wed-Fri 10am and 1pm, and Sat

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk 10.30am and 1.30pm Tickets: £8 To book 0121 446 3232

The Importance of Being Earnest

Rosalind Ayres, Niall Buggy, Patrick Godfrey, Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Christine Kavanagh, Cherie Lunghi and Siân Phillips star in this production of Oscar Wilde’s witty and much-loved lampooning of Victorian society.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Date: Oct 21-25 Time: 7.30pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £11.90-£37.90 To Book: 0844 871 7615

Pirate and Parrot

Set on the pirating high seas, the world’s smallest pirate and the world’s largest parrot meet in a strange twist of fate.

Follow this hilarious odd couple as they discover bountiful hidden treasures sailing through giant storms on rough seas, fighting untold scary-things in their journey of discovery and friendship: to find somewhere safe that they can call home. Age 5 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sunday, Oct 26 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 or family ticket for 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Swan Lake by Ballet Theatre UK

An evil sorcerer turns a group of girls into swans and their parents tears form a lake... Swan Lake. Their prince finds the lake, learns about the spell from the swan queen and tries to break the spell by vowing his love. A battle ensues but will he break the curse? Never more than 14 rows from the back, this intimate experience is great for first-timers or youngsters.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road Date: Tues, Oct 28 Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 adult and £12.50 child To book: 0121 704 6962

Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story, take to the ice for a grand celebration in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Produced by Feld Entertainment, this fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes.

Venue: NIA, King Edward St., Birmingham Date: Oct 22 –Nov 2 Tickets: £17.35-£43.99 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Cartoon Classics – Family Concert

What’s up, doc? You might not realise it - but if you’re a fan of The Simpsons, The Incredibles or Bugs Bunny, you’ve probably heard enough classical music to fill a concert! And this is that concert: one hour full of looney tunes, silly symphonies and merry melodies for the whole family.

Well-known classics including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, William TellOverture, Ride of the Valkyries, Blue Danube Waltz and many more are brought to life by Naomi Wilkinson of Channel 5’s Milkshake and CBBC fame and the 80 distinctly animated musicians of the CBSO Venue: Symphony Hall, Birmingham Date: Sun, Oct 26 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £10 and group of 4 £32 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Parenting What’s On Theatre The Princess and the Pea In this new fantastical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Princess and the Pea, Mike Kenny and the inventive tutti frutti team create a funny, original, beautiful retelling of this familiar tale. Not for the faint hearted, fake Princesses or for those who have trouble sleeping at night!

Age 3 plus Venue: mac birmingham Date: Mon, Oct 27 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 or family ticket for 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232 suggests that Plop fly down into the world and find about the dark for himself.

So, Plop climbs out of his nest-hole, peeps over the edge, wobbles a bit, and falls off his branch. And this is where Plop’s adventure begins.... Written especially for small people aged 3-7, and grown ups who still sleep with the light on.

Venue: Solihull arts Complex, Homer Rd. Date: Friday, Oct 31 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Puss in Boots

The Owl who was afraid of the dark Plop, a fat and fluffy baby barn owl is afraid of the dark. One day, Mr Barn Owl

A family feast of fun with MCS Rep’s production of this popular panto favourite. Boo and hiss at Crunchbones the ogre and marvel at how ‘Puss in Boots’ becomes the hero of the day in this laughter packed show.

Venue: Old Rep Theatre Date: Oct 30-Nov 1 Time: 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm Tickets: £9.00 Tel: 0121 245 4455 or email: ticketservices@birmingham-box.co.uk

The Nightmare Before Christmas – cinema

Despite having recently presided over a very successful Halloween, Jack Skellington, aka the Pumpkin King, is bored with his job and feels that life in Halloweenland lacks meaning. Then he stumbles upon Christmastown and promptly decides to make the Yuletide his own. PG certificate.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat, Nov 1 Time: 12pm and 2pm Tickets: £3 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Cats Andrew Lloyd webber’s musical is a blend of fantasy, drama and romance set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Sept 9-27 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Wed matinee at 2pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £17.50-£42.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Tony and Mike (The Country Owl and the City Squirrel)

Tony the Owl lives in the countryside. He’s really happy until Joe and Charlotte move from the city and ruin his peace and quiet.

To make matters worse, they’ve brought Mike the Squirrel with them - he’s loud, cheeky and he likes to party! Age 3 plus Venue: mac birmingham Date: Tues, Oct 28 Time: 11am and 2pm Tickets: £8 or family of 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Issue 23

29

Parenting What’s On Out and About

Time: 12-4pm.

FREE event. Children free to visit hall.

Adults: £4.

Arty Fun

A free drop in event at the Barber Institute’s Community Day. Arty fun, story telling and moon-inspired stories. Wander around the galleries to discover the many mysterious moons in the Barber paintings; then design and build your own rocket.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Date: Sun, Sept 7 Time: 11am-4pm FREE drop in.

Ben and Holly at Hatton Adventure World

Come and meet your favourite cartoon characters Ben and Holly who will be putting in a guest appearance at Hatton Adventure world this weekend. Enjoy indoor and outdoor adventure fun and a full programme of activities.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton, CV35 8XA Date: Sat and Sun 6 and 7, September Time: see website for details of times. www.hattonworld.com

Free Family Taster Weekend

mac birmingham is offering free activities and taster sessions as part of its Family fun weekend. Enjoy painting, craft, ceramics, music, film and digital media, dance, wellbeing, performance, sculpture, textiles and jewellery classes. Sessions will be available for all ages so bring the whole family. Each activity will have a maximum capacity so make sure you arrive in plenty of time to secure your place!

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat and Sun Sept Sat 6 & 7 Time: 10am – 4pm FREE EVENT

Big Brum Buz goes to the Museums

Hop onboard the Big Brum open topped Buz and visit Birmingham’s Historic Aston Hall, Soho House and the Pen Room free (Sept 7) and Blakesley Hall and Sarehole Mill (Oct 5).

Date: Sun, Sept 7 and Sun Oct 5 Venue: Catch the bus at Victoria Square.

Time: see timetable on www.birmingham-tours.com Tickets: Adult bus ticket £5; Children FREE. Everyone has free entry to sites. www.birmingham-tours.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Horse of the Year Show

HOYS 2014 with national showing & show jumping Championships and entertainment such as The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, which will headline this year’s displays.

Venue: NEC Date: Wed, Oct 8-Sun, Oct 12 Tickets: £27.95 - £83.10 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Venue: Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU Date: Sun, Sept 21 Time: 11.00am - 4.00pm Tickets: £1.00 per person and £5.00 for a family (to be confirmed). For more information, contact website www.funinthepark-solihull.co.uk or email info@funinthepark.co.uk

Nature Tots

A series of outdoor workshops and themed creative crafts to encourage an early interest in wildlife. Suitable for preschoolers. Themes: Sept 5, Animal homes; Sept 12 Brilliant Bugs; Sept 19 Clever Caterpillars; Sept 26 Dragonflies; Oct 3 – Excellent Egg Layers; Oct 10 Find a Frog; Oct 17 – Grumpy Animals in the Woods; Oct 24 Hibernating Hedgehogs.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Date: Fridays in term time Time: 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm Tickets: £3. Must be pre-booked.

To Book: 0121 704 0768

Pikes and Muskets

See an English Civil War re-enactment complete with cannon fire, as part of National Heritage Open weekend at Aston Hall. On the same day have a guided tour around Blakesley Hall or Weoley Castle.

Date: Sat, Sept 13 Venue: Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall and Weoley Castle Time: 11am-4pm FREE EVENT

Octonauts

Dive into an adventure with the Octonauts at Birmingham Sealife. The team of undersea adventure heroes from CBeebies. Young fans of the TV show will embark on an exciting mission where they can meet Kwazii & Peso, the undersea adventure heroes from Cbeebies.

Venue: National Sealife Centre, Birmingham, Brindley Place Date: Oct 11-Nov 30 Time: 10am-5pm. Check website for details of Octonaut meet and greet times.

Tickets: included in admission price to sealife centre. www.visitsealife.com

Crazy Science

Soho House launches its Junior Lunar Trail as part of the British Science Festival. Have a go at a hallmarking activity in the Visitor Centre at Soho and try some hands on experiments throughout the day.

Venue: Soho House, Handsworth, B18 5LB Date: Sat, Sept 6 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: FREE for children under 16.

Adults £4.

Circus at the Museum Shakespeare Express

Last chance until next summer to catch the Shakespeare Express and have an old fashioned steam train ride.

Venue: catch the train at Snow Hill, Moor Street, Tyseley or Henley in Arden.

Date: Sun, Sept 7 Tickets: Return fare. Adults £20 prebooked and child £12.50 pre-booked.

Book :0121 708 4960

Shirley Lions Charity Fun Run

Blythe Valley Park, Mini Run with 10k and 5k runs. Distances to suit all ages and fitness levels. starts at 11.00am: 10K and 5K run starts at 11.30am.

Venue: Blythe Valley Park Date: Sun, Sept 14 Time: 11am start for mini-run and 11.30am start for 5k and 10k Tickets: Entry fee is £10 for adults (£12 on the day) and £5 for the under 12’s (£6 on the day). For more information and to register, contact Shirley Lions on 0845 833 9547 or visit www.shirleylions.co.uk

The National Pet Show Knight School

Have you got what it takes to be a knight?

Learn the art of combat, swordplay and the code of chivalry. Fantastic swashbuckling fun for families.

Venue: Blakesley Hall, Yardley Road, Birmingham, B25 8RN Date: Sat, Sept 6

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Issue 23

The National Pet Show launches at the NEC, Birmingham on 20 - 21 September 2014 and promises to be packed full of pets, from the cute and cuddly to the weird and wonderful!

Venue: NEC Date: Sat and Sun Sept 20 & 21 Time: 9.30am-5pm Tickets: Adults £15.30; Child £9.63; Family of 4 £40.72

Family Open Day at the Museums Collection Centre. A chance to see behind the scenes See an eclectic range of objects, from cars and motorbikes to shoes, ceramics and sculpture, there is something of interest for the whole family.

Circus performances from Circus Mash.

Wheel Around the Warehouse.

Venue: Museums Collection Centre, Dolman St., Nechells, Birmingham, B7 4RQ Date: Sun, Sept 14 Time: 11am-5pm. Last admission 4pm FREE EVENT and free parking

Weoley Castle Festival

Community festival with fun activities Venue: Weoley Castle Square Date: Sunday, Sept 14 FREE EVENT

Tiny Tots Creative Play

Themed creative play, stories and songs for ages 0-3 years.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Rd. Date: Every Tuesday from Sept 16 in term time.

Time: 9.30am Tickets: £3 per session (1 tot and 1 carer).

Must be booked in advance. You can book one session or block book.

To Book: 0121 709 6962

Fun in the Park

The annual charity fund raising event organised by Soroptimists International returns. Featuring entertainment including a dog show, classic car show and an arena with shows and displays from talented local groups and artists, this event is fun for all the family! There are also numerous charity stalls.

Apple Day

Blakesley’s annual celebration of the apple. Archery, Morris dancing, plant sales, hunt the golden apple and juice tasting from the Blakesley orchard.

Venue: Blakesley Hall Date: Sun, Oct 19 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: Free entry to grounds. Adults £4 to visit hall and children FREE

October Half Term Lantern Making Workshops

Join a lantern making workshop for all ages at Birmingham Rep and then return on November 8 for the Christmas lights switch on and illuminate the route for the Rep float.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre Dates: Dates: Sun, Oct 26; Tues, Oct 28, Thurs, Oct 30 and Sat, Nov 1 Tickets: £8 adults; children FREE

Boulton goes to Bollywood

Family friendly fun throughout the day as the Boulton goes to Bollywood event returns for 2014. See silk painting demonstrations by Soho’s Asian Women’s Textile Group, take part in rangoli and garland making craft activities as well as other hands on activities throughout the day.

Venue: Soho House Date: Wed, Oct 29 Time: 12-4.00pm FREE EVENT

What’s Parenting On

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Our Top 13 Halloween events (See www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk for full details of these events, more spooky what’s on and where to find a fireworks event.) frightening good fun! Make a ghoulish Halloween Theatrics card, changing zigzag picture and a goblin – Blood and Gore

Halloween at Hatton Have Halloween fun at Hatton Adventure World – picking your own pumpkin from the field and taking part in the daily pumpkin carving competitions. Visit the spooky ‘Pumpkin House’ with creepy crawlies, spiders and snakes, eerie music and ghouls and witches galore. Have a horror-themed meal at The Spinning Jenny served by witches and wizards.

And don’t forget the indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, tractor rides, bird o batics and farm animals.

Spooky Trails Take part in a spooky trail around the house and gardens at Packwood House and the Tudor-moated Baddesley Clinton.

Will you see a ghost this half term?

Ghostly Gaslight The streets, shops and houses at Blists Hill Victorian Town will be transformed into eerie places filled with ghosts, ghouls and monsters. The buildings will be illuminated in spectacular style and fireworks and pyrotechnic effects will light the night sky. What spooky encounter will you meet next - the wicked wizard casting spells, the local carpenter seeking victims to nail in his coffin, ghostly apparitions in the cottages’ windows or zombies looking for brains. A family firework show in front of the old Brick and Tile works and pyrotechnic displays around the Town will also create dramatic scenes.

Plague and Pestilence Meet the wise woman at Blakesley Hall to learn about cures for the plague. Visit a spooky Halloween den and spot the rats hiding in the hall (don’t worry, not real!). Lots of halloween fun activities for families.

Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins Creep along to Selly Manor for

badge. Explore the yucky boxes and create shadow puppets. Plus as part of the Big Draw enter the ghouls’ gallery.

Haunted Castle Week Be prepared for a fun and scary Autumn half-term as a frighteningly great day out awaits. Challenge the Castle hags to a game of eyeball Ping-Pong, seek out the executioner and find out how the butler was drowned! Come along in your own Halloween costume and try out some spooky craft activities during your visit at Tamworth Castle

Spooky Story Time Are you little monsters brave enough for a Victorian spooky story time session? at Winterbourne House and Gardens.

Super Scary Terror Trail Come along in your scariest fancy dress outfit for a chance to win a competition and follow a super scary terror trail around Elmdon park.

Tickets: £1 per child

Halloween Funday Family Fun for Halloween at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens.

Pumpkin Week

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FREE Pumpkin for every child

O FREE ƉŝĐŬͲLJŽƵƌͲŽǁŶ ƉƵŵƉŬŝŶ O Pumpkin Halloween House O WƵŵƉŬŝŶ ĐĂƌǀŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĞƟƟŽŶƐ O Pumpkin Hunt with prize O &ƵŶ &Ăŝƌ ZŝĚĞƐ O JCB Track O ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ^ŚŽǁƐ O &ĂůĐŽŶƌLJ ŝƐƉůĂLJƐ

Haunting Halloween Are you scared of the dark? There are creatures and monsters that could jump out at any time, and the park’s resident witch, Smelly Nelly, will be lurking about at Brueton Park.! Come along in your most frightening fancy dress for a chance to wizn a competition, listen to some spooky stories as you walk round the park and take part in a creepy craft activity.

Ghosts and Ghouls Let your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween with creepy crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore at Kenilworth Castle.

Gore and Grime Trail Horrible histories are set to disgust and delight with a Halloween themed Gore and Grime Trail. Follow the revolting route around the Black Country Living Museum village on the hunt for all things gruesome, discovering putrid props, scary spiders, repulsive rats and a hidden mystery surprise.

10% online discount for open tickets 25% online discount booked 5 days in advance dĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ Ͳ ƐĞĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ

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3 miles outside Warwick Žī ϰϭϳϳ tĂƌǁŝĐŬͲ^ŽůŝŚƵůů ZŽĂĚ

Tel: 01926 843411

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17369A 8/14

The Birmingham REP’s Head of Wigs and Make-Up, Andrew Whiteoak, will introduce you to the wonderful world of theatrical make-up effects. Learn how to create wounds and scars with your kids and take a kit home so you can create them at your own Halloween party!

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