Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield May/June 2013

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MAY-JUNE 2013 ISSUE 13 15 JANUARY-FEBRUARY

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

In the Night Garden SATs & Eleven Plus Why sugar is not so sweet!

Tudor House

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

Preparation for Grammar School

11 Plus

All children in year 3 and year 4 should apply Tel: 0121 709 1200 www.tudorhousetuition.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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Primary Plus provides personal tuition for children of all ages in a quiet, professional learning environment. We offer specialised 11+ preparation, general literacy and numeracy support and help at Secondary School age.

Book a free trial session now to see how easy it is to provide your child with inspiration, fantastic motivation and expert teaching.

Tel: 0845 206 8658 Email:

admin@primaryplus.org.uk

Website: www.primaryplus.org.uk 2

Issue 15

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

Contents In this Issue...

H

ello and welcome to the May/June issue of Families magazine. Is your year 6 child in the throes of SATs revision – or are you planning on a grammar school for your year 5 child. If so turn to our education pages for some timely advice about exam techniques and eleven plus tips.

On page 10, read the toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diets. You will be amazed by the amount of sugar in some everyday foods, including those we would assume are healthy! We tell you what to watch out for to avoid the sugar trap, and in our lifestyle feature read about encouraging your child’s interest in healthy foods and the great outdoors by getting them to grow things.

As usual we bring you lots of what’s on information – and have some special offers for Families readers. Get half price tickets to the Baby Show at the NEC on May 17-19 (see entry on our What’s On pages for how to apply) and get reductions on tickets for In the Night Garden Live at Cannon Hill Park in July (find out how to apply on page 5).

Don’t forget to log on to our website www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk; register for our E-zine and get all the latest what’s on information for school holidays along with other great offers.

You can also follow us on twitter: @familiesbirm.

Wendy Flynn , 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 July/August school summer holidays issue Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Wednesday July 3rd, 2013.

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, May 2013 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 News 8 Clubs and

10 12 14 15 16 18

classes Why sugar is not so sweet Children’s parties Gardening with children SATs survival Eleven plus What’s on

4 8 14 16

11 + Tuition

Intensive courses for all children in Year 5 in preparation for: King Edward Grammar Schools, Queen Mary’s Grammar School Queen Mary’s High School Sutton Cold�ield Grammar School All other Selective School examinations Tel: 0121 661 6330 www.advantage11plus.com Issue 15

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Potter around the Marvellous Medicine Trail Potter around the Children’s Marvellous Medicine Trail at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens and discover the magic of plants. There are no mandrakes and you don’t need ear-muffs, but you will discover ‘magic’ cures for a range of illnesses including travel sickness and coughs.

The Marvellous Medicine Trail, on throughout May, is one of a series of monthly trails designed to create a fun way for children to explore the gardens. In June, families can follow the Brilliant Butterfly trail, visiting the newly-reopened Butterfly House with its colourful and exotic tropical butterflies.

You can also turn ‘explorer’ and pick up a ‘Family Backpack’ for an engaging visit to the gardens. The backpacks come with activity sheets (and an answer sheet for mum and dad!), as well as clipboards and colouring pencils for the children. Depending on the activity, the backpacks also come equipped with binoculars, tape measure, and magnifying glasses for a fun day out. www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Big Brum Buz is back!

High quality dance, drama and singing classes for children 5-14 in Sutton Coldfield.

Regular shows in which all members take part

(Bugsy Malone coming up – watch out for those splurge guns!)

This is a happy, professional and caring group in which the individual child matters most.

Please call to ask for full details and to book your child’s free taster session.

0121 427 3770 077389 52062 mike@bigarenadrama.com www.bigarenadrama.com

Children love receiving their own letters!

Children love receiving their own letters!

The Little Letter Company posts weekly craft kits to children aged 3-6, addressed to them in colourful Just £10 for a envelopes. one month trial!* No more trudging into town to buy two googly eyes and a pipe cleaner, each pack contains everything you need! *£2-£2.50 p/w thereafter

www.littlelettercompany.co.uk 0845 838 2499 (free from most BT landlines)

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Catch the Big Brum Buz for a tour of the UK’s second city and be proud to be a Brummie.

The open-topped bus is back on the beat every weekend from now right through until the end of September, helping young Brummie’s to learn more about their city. The live guided tour takes families through the Jewellery Quarter, Broad Street, Edgbaston and the East Side of Birmingham, taking in the sights en route. Big Brum Buz stops on the corner of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street and Victoria Square next to the Council House. Family Ticket: £20.

The bus can also be booked for educational school tours. Learn some fascinating facts about your home town, like why Birmingham was known as ‘the city of a thousand trades’ in Victorian times. Learn about the city’s heritage from chocolate, custard, cars, whistles and bangles, to science, medicine, education and art. (For information on tailor-made school tours contact 0121 427 2555, or mobile 078051 15998, or e-mail enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk)

Thinktank plays hosts to Pirates!

Take part in a swashbuckling adventure at Thinktank from the May half-term right through the summer holidays. The Birmingham Science Museum has teamed up with Aardman Animations and plays host to The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, based on the Academy Award-nominated movie.

The exhibition brings together the sets and puppets from the film and encourages visitors to become part of The Pirate Captain’s crew. From dressing up in pirate finery to steering a galleon and playing a part in the movie using clever blue-screen technology,

there is a treasure trove of activities for all ages.

Peter Lord, co-founder and Creative Director of Aardman Animations, said: “People will have a chance to get up close to some of the fantastic models and sets that we made.

We’ve got Charles Darwin’s cabin, part of Blood Island, a huge pile of pirate treasure - and of course the magnificent Pirate Ship in all its glory! Have a look at it. Some rather dodgy Pirates must have done a ‘cut and shut’ job on her because the bow end and the stern end don’t match at all. And the figure-head clearly lost her head a long time ago. There’s so much detail and comedy in all these sets.

“And then of course we will take the visitors behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of all the crafts involved in filmmaking – everything from design to model making to animation. So as well as being a visual delight, I also hope the exhibition will inspire young animators to have a go themselves.”

The Exhibition opens to the public at Thinktank on May 23.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Meet Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy A magical summer treat is in store for little ones as In The Night Garden Live comes to Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham.

Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends from the BAFTA winning TV show, are brought to life on stage using full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breath-taking projections.

The show takes place in its own all-weather inflatable showdome in the park – which children will love – and it makes for a

wonderful summer day out. Picnic in the park, then visit the show dome for a day they will remember for years to come. You can even book tickets for the children to meet up with their favourite characters after the show.

For more info, or to book tickets go to www.NightGardenlive. com or call the box office on 0333 300 0023. For special offer for Families Readers quote FAM 74 when booking. See page 2.

Are you an Alpha Mum? Are you an Alpha Mum who strives to have it all? According to a YouGov Sixth Sense report, nearly one in ten British mothers can be classified as Alpha Mums.

You are an Alpha Mum if:

You have an above average drive to succeed in every aspect of your life and are career focused. You say: ‘my work is a career not just a job’ You are significantly more likely than other mums to watch what you eat, exercise regularly and to say ‘I make sure I always look good’ You socialise more than most and have enough money to spend on your own leisure pursuits You have great expectations of your children. They attend at least one, but more than likely 3, out of school activities, and if your children are in secondary school you expect them to do school work in their free time.

If you don’t recognise yourself in all of the above, fear not. You are part of the not-so-perfect ninety per cent of the parent population. On the same note, three cheers to down-to-earth TV presenter and home guru Kirstie Allsopp for candidly acknowledging that behind each Alpha Mum with the haveit-all lifestyle is an army of unseen back-up staff who do the ironing, clean the house, mind the children and sort out the domestic practicalities.

It was time someone busted the Superwoman myth!

Tuition For Grammar School 11 + weekends • Evenings • Holiday courses • Mock Exams For children in year 3, year 4 and year 5.

Centres throughout The West Midlands www.tuition11plus.com

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Cressida Cowell judges National Young Writers’ Award Pens at the ready! This year’s National Young Writers’ Award will be judged by best-selling author Cressida Cowell, writer of the How To Train Your Dragon series which inspired the DreamWorks movie. The prize is a family trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for the winner’s school!

Children aged five to 14 are invited to write a 500 word short story on this year’s theme – “Around the World”. The competition is organised by Explore Learning and is open for entries until Monday, June 3.

It is free to enter via www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters Heather Garrick from Explore Learning says: “Having Cressida on board is a fantastic coup. She is a brilliant author and illustrator who will inspire lots of children to give writing a try. Many children have a gift for writing and it’s so important to nurture this from an early age to build up confidence, have fun and develop their imagination!”

Explore Learning have centres in Harborne, Kings Heath, Yardley, Shirley, and Sutton Coldfield. As part of the National Writing Award, they will be running free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups to inspire children’s love of writing and encourage them to get involved.

Heather adds: “We judge all our entries on their creative approach, ingenuity and use of descriptive language –taking into account their ages. Last year thousands of children from all over the UK entered and this year we hope to attract even more with Cressida on board.”

For more information about Explore Learning tuition and the competition visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Dora The Explorer Live!

Join Nickleodeon’s Dora the Explorer as she embarks on a live musical adventure at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on July 5-7.

Dora, everyone’s favourite explorer, has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him!

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys.

But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. To book tickets visit nickjr.co.uk/doralive”

Welsh steam train visits Brum Sir Haydn, a steam train built in 1878 for use in the slate quarries, will be one of the guest engines on show at the Tyseley Loco Works Open Day this June.

The Sir Hayden was rescued in 1951 by the Talyllywn Railway Preservation Society who bought it for £25, and since then it has spent several decades in service along the Mid Wales route from Twywn to Nant Gwernol, Gwynedd. This year it is on a tour of the UK and it stops off in Brum for the popular family fun days at Tyseley Loco Works (June 22 and 23).

Admittance is free to children under 15. They can enjoy free shuttle rides, see trains in steam, watch turntable demonstrations, and visit the refreshment stalls. Adult tickets cost £10 and can be purchased on the day.

Entry to the Works from 10am with last admission at 4pm, and the event closes at 5pm. For further information www.vintagetrains.co.uk

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Children love Little Letters!

Forget e-mail – children love getting letters – which is why the Little Letter Company is such a brilliant concept!

Think of your child’s delight when a brightly coloured letter plops onto the doormat addressed to them. Opening it up, they will find a Little Letters Craft Kit, based on a different theme each week. One week it could be on the farm; another week in the sky; and the next in the garden.

For children aged 3-6 who love cutting, glueing, sticking and making this is magic and for mums, who want manageable craft activities, this is heaven-sent. It’s such a practical and tidy way of helping your child’s artistic endeavours. No

more being stuck for ideas, or not having googly eyes when you need them, the pack has everything you need on tap.

And it’s all for less than the price of a weekly comic!

It’s great fun, and it is also develops essential pre-school skills.

Some of the crafts are designed to help develop motor skills and require cutting out.

Others are based on assembly and fire children’s imaginations - like the Under the Sea craft which creates a small theatre scene and a 3D shark.

You can trial Little Letters for ÂŁ10 for a month. A three, six month or annual subscription makes for a fantastic birthday or Christmas gift.

And check out their party bag craft kits too. www.littlelettercompany.co.uk

Hide and seek in the yew tree gardens

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Packwood House, near Solihull, is re-opening this month after a winter re-wiring project which involved painstaking work packing up, labelling and storing away the house’s collection of fine textiles and furniture. Now the work is done and the house and parklands are open to families again just in time for the summer season.

After visiting the house, children can play hide and seek in the yew tree gardens, build dens and explore the wonderful woodlands, follow a trail along the ‘Welly Walk’, have fun on the hop-along logs, work out the age of a tree from a sawn log, or make their own sundial.

National Trust Visitor Experience Officer Sarah Kinnersley says: “There is plenty for children to see, do and explore in the house and grounds.

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Clubs and Classes

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

Art for tots

C

heck out Gymboree’s new art classes for tots at Notcutts Garden Centre in Shirley.

Following five years of success with their gym programme, Gymboree have now added the award-winning art classes to their timetable.

The classes aim to inspire each child’s imagination and self-expression with a world of hands-on art activities. Through painting, printing, sculpture, drawing, collage, dramatic play, tactile exploration and more, the classes encourage confidence and support artistic potential.

Gymboree art classes are suitable for preschool children (from walking – 4 years) and are based at Notcutts garden centre in Shirley. A free trial session is available.

Gymboree Solihull 07853 998566 solihull@gymboree-uk.com

For more information call 07853 998566, or e-mail solihull@gymboree-uk.com.

More information can be found at www.gymboree-uk.com or at www.facebook.com/gymboreesolihull

Three-day art summer schools

The Barber Institute is running summer art schools with sessions on three consecutive days for children aged 4-8 and 8 upwards. The themes include creative felt-making and textiles (July30-Aug1); printing techniques (Aug 13-15); and techno junk sculptures (Aug 27-29). It costs £20 for the three sessions and places must be pre-booked. Call on 0121 414 2261 or e-mail: education@barber.org.uk to book a summer school place, or sign up for the regular Sunday painting, drawing and sculpture classes.

your Book

free

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Art classes

for pre-school children

Clubs & ClassesMUSIC DIRECTORY TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL DANCE & DRAMA

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

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

1-to-1 here drum tuition, City Centre To advertise call 0758 352location 6056 Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

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

COMBAT SPORTS

FULL TIME MARTIAL ARTS CENTRE Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Self Defence

classes for all ages and abilities VISIT www.combatsportscentre.co.uk to book a FREE trial lesson

Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761

MUSIC

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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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

TUITION

Primary Plus-The Inspiring Tuition Service 11+, SATs, Literacy & Numeracy support from 7 years In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter

Tel: 0845 206 8658

www.primaryplus.org.uk

Open auditions for Annie There are open auditions for Annie at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on Sunday, May 5. The auditions are for children and teenagers aged from 9 upwards to take part in a Stage Experience summer school in August (9-24). The sessions include ten days of intensive rehearsal and training before five fully-staged performances of Annie, complete with full theatre orchestra. No experience is necessary to take part in the auditions but young people must be prepared to sing, dance and act in front of the panel. To find out more, e-mail stageexperiencebirmingham@ theambassadors.com

Clubs and Classes

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

Beanstalk volunteer readers wanted!

Do you have a passion for reading? Can you spare two afternoons per week during school term time and commit for at least one year?

Beanstalk is a national literacy charity that recruits, vets, trains and supports volunteers to work in primary schools with children who have fallen behind with their reading.

Last year 1 in 8 children left primary school without reaching the standard expected of them. That has knock on effects for them in secondary school and in the work place, but, with individual support, children’s reading skills can improve dramatically.

The Birmingham branch of Beanstalk works in 69 schools across Birmingham and Solihull with 90 reading helpers supporting nearly 300 children.

Volunteer Manager Mary Mellor says: “We are looking for volunteers from all areas of Birmingham and Solihull, but we do have several vacancies in the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington areas.”

Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds,

Water safety

including parents, the recently retired and those looking for experience with a view to teacher training.

Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children and sees each child for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for a whole year. Together, they read, play games and talk. With Beanstalk’s support the child’s approach to learning and enjoying reading is often transformed.

If you would like to know more about the scheme and the training you will receive, please contact Mary Mellor on 0845 450 0336 or 0121 771 2922 or e-mail: Birmingham@beanstalkcharity.org.uk

In 2010, 28 children under 15 drowned in the UK. Three of these children were under one, 12 were between one and four, and four were between five and nine.

The message is clear. The earlier a child learns to swim the better.

Baby swim classes help a child become confident in the water from birth and these classes also help toddlers and pre-schoolers to absorb messages about staying safe around water.

With summer holidays on the horizon and swimming pools a popular attraction at most holiday complexes, camping parks, and private rental properties, booking some advance swimming lessons is a good investment.

Water Hugs in Solihull and Puddleducks in Sutton Coldfield run swim classes from birth. Make A Splash swimschool in Solihull, runs classes for school-age children as does S4 swim school in Sutton Coldfield and most local leisure centres.

ctrh a o c rts e a he e A g T a St

The original, largest and still the best part-time performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples’ potential through dance, drama and singing.

Stagecoach Edgbaston Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls for children and young people aged 4 to 18

Call: 01926 651159 E! AC ANC D !

G SIN

Join our family of Puddle Ducks and enjoy baby and pre-school swimming with the most caring and highly-trained teachers around.

FREE taster session

puddleducks.com

07852985139

E. suttoncoldfield@puddleducks.com

Birmingham Music School

Stretch Your Child’s Imagination In Three Directions At Once

email: edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

Come on in, the water’s lovely!

T NOW!

Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Bass Fully Trained Yamaha Teachers CRB Checked Yamaha Teaching System Accredited Exams Grade 1-8 Instruments Provided Play & Read Music & Have Fun Free Trial Lesson Call: 0121-439-5488

YAMAHA

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Parties

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

It’s party time!

A

birthday party is the highpoint of the year for most kids - so the pressure is on to get it right. The secret, as ever, is in the planning. But how do you find out which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.

The traditional party.

An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, and musical bumps. Great for nursery and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time.

The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict

The action party Football party, paintballing, go-karting, swimming, climbing, kayaking, go-ape, are suitable for older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around.

The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam The cons: It can be very expensive; although some options, eg a football party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value

The activities party Less energetic but equally as engaging: cupcake or pizza parties, artyparties, pottery painting, jewellery making, pamper parties, fashion photo shoots, recording-studio parties. Suitable for children age 7 and over.

The pros - Everyone is likely to be happy to join in unlike some actionbased parties which won’t appeal to all The cons – while all these activities can be uni-sex (even the fashion photo-shoots!) some will have more girl-appeal

The church hall party

By Joanna Moorhead

An indoor party in a hired venue: suitable for children of five plus, who are confident about being left somewhere they don’t know. Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

The pros: A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home The cons: You’ll have to leave the place spotless afterwards, and pay for any damage

BIG BRUM BUZ

The restaurant party

CEVEARYTWECH THE BUS EKEND END APRIL TO END SEP T

BUS STOP Corner of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street

TIMES

10.30; 12.30; 2.30

SPECIAL FAMILY TICKET: £20 for 2 adults and 3 children 15 and under BIRMINGHAM TOURS Call 0121 427 2555 www.birmingham-tours.co.uk 10 Issue 15

A meal-based party in eg a pizza restaurant, where the kids are allowed to help or watch in the food preparation. Suitable for older kids of eight-12; children who enjoy the chance to meet and chat more than the chance to run around The pros: At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table in the restaurant and invite some other parents along, so it’s a meal out for you as well. Children enjoy a sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out with friends.

The cons: It’s expensive; raucous behaviour will upset other diners.

Parties

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

MUSIC ACADEMY

Pick a party:

G! FAVOURITE SON RECORD YOUR R TO BE A POPSTA EVER WANTED FOR THE DAY? w ies in brand ne Children’s part io recording stud

Cupcake and cooking parties: Try Sarah Jane Cakes for

fun cupcake decorating parties at home or at a party venue (0121 704 3399 or mobile 07811 348739), or Becketts Farm Cookery School, Wythall, for pizza-making parties (01564 823402).

Call 0121 212 9642

www.progess-academy.co.uk

Popstar party:

Progress Music Academy offer children’s recording parties at their recording studios in the Jewellery Quarter.

After choosing the song, party-goers have a lesson and then spend 2 hours in the recording studio. The party boy or girl goes home with a printed copy of the CD too. (0121 212 9642)

Only £99

CLASSES IN THE SOLIHULL AREA

High Ropes Extreme and action parties: Try Quest at Merry Hill, (Europe’s highest indoor rope course) for a weather proof action party (01384 261425).

Fun football classes for ages 2yrs – 6yrs.

Birthday parties.

Indoor Rock Climbing: Try rock climbing at Twin Peaks, Star City (0121 328 1235).

Outdoor adventure: For kayaking, canoeing, jungle challenge

or zip wire parties go to Ackers Adventure (0121 772 5111).

TELEPHONE: 0121 744 9730 07775 610322

Sports party: Little Kickers run fun, football parties for ages 2-6 (0121 744 9730) or for older children try Kickin’ Kids parties at Villa Park.

Watersports: Edgbaston Watersports for sailing, canoeing or kayaking (0121 454 1997).

Tipi Tent wigwam party:

Have a Tipi Tent children’s tea party at Umberslade Farm Park, near Solihull. Introduce a fancy dress theme with drum circle, story-telling or face painting (01564 742251).

rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Pamper Parties: At One Day spa at the Western Arcade, Birmingham, offer children’s parties (0121 233 0600).

Photo-shoots: Studio 406 in Sutton Coldfield run mini photoshoot children’s parties (0121 383 3812), as do Wannabe Workshops (0759 399 1960).

Arty parties: Try Alkami Arts, Great Barr, (07505 111 554); Creation

1,500

Station in Solihull (0844 854 9099) and Creation Station Sutton Coldfield (0844 854 9089).

Pottery Painting: Clay and Play in Erdington (0121 373 4527), All Fired Arts in Kings Heath (0121 444 0940) and We Are Mud in Bearwood (0121 429 9345) all offer children’s parties.

Real driving parties: For children aged 11 and over at NEC with Young Drivers (0844 371 9010).

Farm party: Ash End House Children’s Farm in Sutton Coldfield (0121 329 3240), Umberslade Farm Park (01564 742251), and Hatton Park Children’s Farm near Solihull (01926 843411) all offer children’s parties.

Soft play parties: Solihull

Gymboree at Notcutts Garden Centre (07853 998566); Playpod in Shirley (0121 745 7224); Tiny Terrorz, Olton, (0121 706 6588); Funaticz in Stetchford (0121 783 0041); Hickory’s Dickory’s in Kings Heath (0121 443 3939); Treasure Island Play on Bristol Road South (0121 411 1213); Tumble Jungle, Kings Norton, (0121 248 0600) all offer a variety of themed parties.

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KIDS!

Held in your own home or party venue for further details

Please contact Sarah on 0121 704 3399 or 07811 348739

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Issue 15 11

Health

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

Why sugar is not so sweet!

By Elisabeth Dolton

S

The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet.

o you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice. Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past 10 years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains more sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucosefructose syrup produced from surplus corn started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a “just baked” sheen on bread and cakes, makes

everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to months. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste. Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Unavoidable UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-year-olds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods, and not just obviously sweet foods. Glucosefructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing and sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

Increasing addiction Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought. Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

The dangers “Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness stripped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.” She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other autoimmune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a fifty-per cent drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

O stan fsted Nor ding 2 thfi eld 012

Out

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 7.30am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673 12 12 Issue 15 13

• CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability) 19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet. Excess sugar rots teeth and, let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the overconsumption of sugar. The recognisable ‘sugar high’ you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary.

After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness.

Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eat fewer sweets and exercise more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what we are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

Check these out!!

1.5l bottle of Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon and Lime – 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar McDonald’s milkshake - 16 teaspoons Orangina 500ml - 13 teaspoons Tesco Pure Orange Juice Smooth, 250ml - 6 teaspoons Dolmio Bolognese sauce, 500g - 6 teaspoons Walls soft scoop vanilla ice cream, 200ml – 4 ½ teaspoons Serving of Kellogg’s Frosties - 4 teaspoons Two McVities Jaffa Cakes - 3 teaspoons Muller Light Strawberry yoghurt, 175g – 2 ½ teaspoons (Source: Dailymail.co.uk)

How to spot a high sugar food Look for ‘Total sugars’ on the label which include natural and added sugar

Reducing added sugar in your family’s diet Remember natural sugars are good.

Soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods · Ensure every meal includes protein. Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly · Eat from scratch. Eat real food not processed food – Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day · Make your own pasta sauce. Stuff it with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens, make a large batch, then freeze in small portions · Make smoothies using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry. Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand

2008|2009

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Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

Ofsted Outstanding

• Qualified friendly staff.

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• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

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Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter.

A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high

Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

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Care in a homely setting From birth to 8 All staff CRB-checked Low staff turnover Exercise classes and sign language • Open door policy • Ofsted rating Good • Full and part time places

To visit call Amanda on

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Jumping Jacks Day Nursery Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

6 Balaclava Road, B14 7SG Tel: 0121 444 0808

23-25 Grange Road, B14 7RN Tel: 0121 444 0515

We can provide a complete and professional service that meets all your nannying and childcare needs: - Day nannies - Live-in nannies - Night nannies - Maternity nurses - Breast-feeding support - Babysitters - Before and after school care - Corporate and event nanny services

Simply call us on 08000 194518 or go to www.sallysnannies.co.uk

Issue 15 13

Lifestyle

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

How to get the kids to grow things

I

nvolving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age.

Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, than by watching it happen in front of your eyes!

Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Getting Started Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollipop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can. Who would have thought watering the plants could be so much fun.

THE

Opportunity to learn

BIRMINGHAM

BOTANICAL GTURNAOVER R DA NEW E NLEAFS

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow and lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different. Point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs.

liveMusic

every Sunday March to October

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

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There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care.

Make sure they know they need to water regularly and then sit back and watch them grow.

Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten.

They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way. Enjoy!

We do recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009).

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Education

SATs survival guide

T

he pressure is on but the best thing you can do for your child is keep things in perspective. More than likely, your child is coping with lots of extra revision homework and inevitably their year 6 classroom focus is on SATs, SATs and more SATs. But parents - fingers off the panic buttons, please!

Yes, we know you want to get your child off to a good start in secondary school – and we understand that many schools take SATs results into account when putting year 7 pupils into sets - but, and it is a big BUT: Your child will perform better if they are relaxed, and they will only relax if you do Secondary schools nearly always retest children in September and many reset again at the end of year 7, so SATS are not the be all and end all of their education If your child copes well with SATs, they will find it easier to stay calm when the pressure ratchets up for GCSEs and A-levels.

So in the run up to SATs, what can you do?

Bear in mind there are only a few weeks left and it is best to avoid overload. Don’t try to cover 2 years work in 2 weeks, just focus on one or two areas at most where you know your child could use some practice.

Run through exam techniques with your child as sometimes lack of technique trips up a child, however well prepared they are content wise.

Remind them to read the whole question. Many pupils get caught out by not reading a question in full. A good way of doing this is to underline the key words.

Advise them to skip difficult questions and go back later if they have time. Even a confident child can get thrown if they get stuck on an unfamiliar problem. Remind them there is no rule that says they have to answer any question. Moving on to questions they can do will stop the panic setting in, and they won’t waste time and forfeit easy marks elsewhere.

Reinforce the fact that they should show all workings out in Maths because they can pick up marks for method even if a calculation error means they get the wrong answer.

In reading comprehension, remind them that 3 mark questions will mean they should give fuller answers than one mark questions.

This seems obvious to an adult used to sitting exams but is not always to a child.

Tell them if time allows when they have finished the paper, they should check their work. It gives them a chance to correct any silly mistakes and can mean additional marks.

Finally, but most importantly of all, reassure them that you don’t mind what result they get as long as they have tried.

Issue 15 15

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Thinking of Grammar School?

G

rammar school places are much sought after, with at least five times as many children applying to sit the eleven plus exam than there are places available. It means that not all bright, academically-able children secure a place.

This is decision time for parents with children in Year 5. If you want your child to sit the eleven plus, you must register NOW, but, it is also a timely reminder for parents with children heading into Years 4 or 5 that preparation can be the key to success in eleven plus exams. The tuition group KSOL (Key Stage Learning Online) who have a decade of experience in preparing pupils for eleven plus, offers some advice for parents.

Tip 1 – Involve children in decision-making and goal setting Anita Dhunna, KSOL Head Tutor, explains: “I would encourage parents to ensure children are part of the decision-making process for their secondary school as early as possible because this will give them a vision and a goal to achieve. Often we see children who do not understand why they are giving up their evenings or weekends to prepare for eleven plus. Quite often it is the parents’ wish to see their child go to one of these sought-after schools but their child has no understanding of what it could mean for them in the future.”

Tip 2 –When to start preparing Grammar schools do not encourage intensive coaching of children for eleven plus because they believe parents need to be realistic about their child’s ability and whether a Grammar School is the right place for them. A child who struggles to keep up with the fast pace and more pressured environment of a Grammar School risks losing self confidence and feeling like a failure when in fact they are very able academically compared to most of their peers.

That said the reality is that your child will be up against children who have been tutored, and even the brightest children are advised to familiarise themselves with eleven plus style papers to ensure they do well.

KSOL Director Aron Dhunna says they often get asked by parents when they should start to prepare their child, but suggests there is no one right answer because it depends on the individual child.

He explains: “We have done a lot of research and what we have found is that preparation should be tackled in two stages and should never start before a child is in Year 4. During Year 4 parents should be consolidating and expanding on what their child has learnt at school.

During Year 5 a personalised approach to teaching should be taken.

“For the Birmingham and Warwickshire consortium, we have seen in the past that children are normally tested up to and including early Year 7 work.”

Tip 3 – Recommended Reading list In recent years the Midlands Grammar Schools have moved to using exams set by Durham University. With this change, children have been tested more on their literacy skills than the traditional verbal reasoning style questions.

Anita says: “My eleven plus tutors are often asked what they should do to improve their child’s literacy skills. A sure-fire way of doing so is getting your child into the habit of reading on a regular basis. Some children are reluctant readers, but start them off reading books, magazines or even web pages on a topic that really interests them.”

Parents keen to get their children reading can download a list of books recommended to engage children and expose them to vocabulary that is useful for the eleven plus. It is free to download at www.ksol.co.uk/downloads.

16 Issue 15

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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Support with Eleven Plus The following tuition companies offer support to children preparing for eleven plus: KSOL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; offers online tuition for eleven plus, one-to-one tuition and mock exams in halls replicating real test conditions. Tel: 0121 733 6558 www.ksol.co.uk Advantage 11 plus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; offers home courses, online, and classes for eleven plus.

Tel: 0121 661 6330 www.advantage11plus.com Primary Plus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; personal tuition for maths, literacy, SATs and eleven plus. Tel: 0845 206 8658; 078 8999 6472 www.primaryplus.org.uk Academic Excellence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; small group and one-to-one tuition including eleven plus preparation. Tel: 0121 454 2858; 07543 668261 www.academicexcellence.org.uk Explore Learning: offers eleven plus courses and entrance exam preparation.

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Issue 15 17

What’s On Dora the Explorer Live – Search for the City of Lost Toys

Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a live musical adventure across the UK! Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him!

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Date: July 5-7 Time: Friday at 4pm; Sat at 10am, 1 and 4pm; Sun 10am and 1pm Tickets: £17-£19 To Book: - log on to nickjr.co.uk/doralive

Out & About

Chocolate, Custard, Cars and Whistles

Get to know the ‘City of Thousand Trades’ on the open-topped Big Brum Buz. Venue: Meeting point: corner of Colmore Road, Waterloo Road, Victoria Square Date: Every weekend Sat and Sun until September (except first Sunday of the month when it operates as Big Brum Museum Heritage Bus) Time: 10.30am, 12.30 and 2.30pm Tickets: Adults: £12; Brummie residents £8; children £5 and family of five £20.

Spring Event

Family-friendly activities, live music and food at this Spring Event Venue: Martineau Gardens, 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, B5 7UG Date: May 12 Time: 11am-3pm Tickets: £3 adult; £1 child: £6 family

Robert Wilkinson Funfair

Venue: Meriden Park, B37 5SH Date: May 16-19 Time: Weekdays 4-8.30pm; Sat and Sun 1pm-8.30pm Tickets: £1 entrance and 50p rides

The Baby Show

Find all the latest products for babies and nurseries; meet childcare experts including Professor Robert Winston of Child of Our Times; and learn about activities for babies and pre-schoolers Venue: NEC Date: May 17-19 Time: 9am-5.30pm To Book: 0871 231 0844 TICKET OFFER: Tickets from £10.95 when quoting FME5. Offer closes May 15.

Standard ticket cost £20.

Ghost Hunt on the canals

Dudley Canal Boats are running a ghost hunt with fish and chip supper on May

18. To book call: 0121 601 0274. Also two hour through tunnel trip on June 2. Booking required. Daily 45 minute canal boat trips now running.

The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists

Science Museum teams up with Aardman Animations – exhibition includes sets from the blockbuster movie Date: May 23 –September Tickets: Free with Think Tank tickets. Adults £12.25; children £8.40 and family of 4 £39.

Half Term Fun

Challenge the children to tick off the National Trust’s 50 things you should be before the age of 11 and ¾ at the May Half Term Family Fun Days Venue: Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House Date: May 25-June 1 Time: 11am-4pm

Half term – Monster Trail, Monstrous Monarch and Monster Activity days

Who knows what is lurking inside the buildings at Avoncroft. Follow the Monster Trail to find out. Henry V111 drops in for the Bank Holiday Weekend (May 26 and 27) and on May 28-30 make monster masks and horrible hairy feet.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Dates: May 25-June 2 Time: 10.30am-5pm Tickets: Adult £7.70; child £4.00; Family £19.80

Forties Fever - Music in the Park.

Venue: Elmdon Park, B 91 2PP Date: May 26 Time: 2pm-4.15pm FREE

It’s Horrible at the Hall

Celebrate all things horrible at Aston Hall from unusual animals, gory stories, meet the surgeons, and learn about the pests eating the hall today.

Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD Date: May 26 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: £2 per person

Characters at the Castle

Living History Weekends. See the servants at work; dress for battle and help the squire

Rihanna – Diamonds Tour Venue: NEC Date: June 17 (Also July 18) Tickets: £35-£65 To Book: 0844 338 8000

18 Issue 15

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk with weapons drilling Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank Date: May 26 and 27; June 22 and 23 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm. Last admission 4pm Tickets: Adults £7; children 5 and over £4.50.

Under 2-4 £1.50; Under 2 Free.

Family of 4:£21.

Staffordshire Bump2Fives Event

A day jam packed full of great activities and family fun. Stock up on those much needed baby and kiddie essentials and get tips and advice from the experts.

Plantsbrook Pond Dip

Explore a watery world with park rangers and sees what lies beneath the surface Venue: Plantsbrook, off Eachelhurst Road, Erdington, B24 0QL Date: May 28 Time: 11am-12pm and 1-2pm

Dreamcatchers’ Workshop and family crafts

Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse Street, B18 6HA Make a dreamcatcher using beads (May 29 1-3pm); Make and Take Craft Activity (May 30 1-3pm); and Make a corsage (May 31 – 1-3pm) Tickets: £3 for Dreamcatcher and Corsage workshops. Booking in advance essential.

Tel: 0121 554 3598. Make and Take is a drop-in activity and costs £1 per person

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring your teddy along to a picnic and meet a VIP Bear. Entertainment including puppet show. Ages 2-4.

Venue: Meriden Park, B37 5SH Date: May 29 Time: 11am-1pm Tickets: £1 per child for craft activity

Pooh Sticks Race at Sutton Park Decorate your own Pooh Stick and pit it against the best in a Pooh Sticks Race Venue: Sutton Park, meet at Wylde Green Road carpark, B76 1QT Date: May 29 and May 31 Time: 1-2pm (Race starts 1.30pm). Prize for winner FREE EVENT

Sutton Park Pool Dip

Join park rangers and peer into watery world. What goes on beneath the surface Venue: Sutton Park, meet at carpark of Eachelhurst Road, Erdington, B24 0QL Date: May 30 Time: 11am-12pm FREE EVENT

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Meet Alice and friends and follow a treasure trail. Entertainment including face-painting.

Venue: Knowle Park, B93 9HT. Meet carpark off Longdon Road.

Date: May 30 Time: 11am-2.30pm Tickets: £1 per child for treasure trail and craft

Den Building

Build dens with the Edgbaston Park Rangers. Family event.

Venue: Edgbaston Reservoir. Meet at Park Rangers office 115 Reservoir Road, B16 9EE Date: May 30 Time: 1-4pm

Open Day at Museum – Animals and Nature

Free themed family fun day at the Museums Collection centre including visitors from Aninalmania; Hatton Bug Zoo and the Falconry Centre Venue: Museums Collection Centre, Dollman Street, B7 4RQ Date: June 2 Time: 11am-5pm FREE EVENT

Aegon Classic Tennis Tournament

Top women’s tennis tournament Venue: Edgbston Priory Club, Sir Harry Road, Edgbaston Date: June 9-16 To Book: www.aegonclassic.co.uk or call 0844 209 7359

Venue: Fenton Manor Sports Complex, City Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2RR (only minutes from J15 M6) Date: Sat June 15, 2013 Time: 10am - 4pm Tickets: Advance tickets £5 adult and kids under 12 FREE To Book: visit www. staffordshirebump2fives.co.uk

BBC Gardeners World Live

Show gardens, RHS floral marquee; and BBC’s best loved gardeners Monty Don and Diarmuid Gavin Venue: NEC Date: June 12-16 Time 9am-6pm Tickets: 0844 581 1340

BBC Good Food Show Live

TV food shows Master Chef, Great British Bake Off and Saturday Kitchen live on stage, as well as stalls to delight all gourmands Venue: NEC Dates: June 12-16 Time: 9am-6pm Tickets: 0844 581 1341

Vintage Trains Open Weekend

Vintage trains on display and in steam.

Passenger shuttle rides.

Venue: Tyseley Locomotive Works, 670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, B11 2HL Date: June 22 and 23 Time: 10am-5pm. Last admission 4pm.

Tickets: Adults: £10. (cash or cheque only).

Accompanied children under 15 FREE.

Coming Soon In the Night Garden Live Venue: Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham Date: July 25-Aug 8 To Book: www.nightgardenlive.com or call 0333 300 0016.

Ticket offer for Families Readers: Quote Fam74 when booking.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Story-Telling Festival

A Mid-summer storytelling festival for all ages. Arts and crafts for children, music, food Venue: Martineau Gardens, Priory Road, Edgbaston, B5 7UG Date: June 22 Tickets: £6 adults; FREE for children in advance or at gate subject to availability.

Call 0121 440 7430 or log on to www.martineau-gardens.org.uk

Hairspray

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: May 21-June 1 Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Wed and Fri matinee 2pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £19.50-£45 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Race for Life

Cancer Research UK. Walk, jog or run along a 5K route.

Venue: Malvern Park, B91 3DL, High Street and Mell Square Date: June 23 Time 10am-12pm To register: www.raceforlife.org

Mini Beast Mayhem

Event taking place at Elmdon Park, B92 9EY, in conjunction with St Nicholas Church Fete Date: June 29 Time: 11am-3pm Tickets: £1 per child for craft activity

Theatres & shows Chuckle Brothers Meet the Phantom

This comic duo are called on by a Theatre Manager who despairing because a ghostly presence is scaring away his customers.

Can the Chuckle Brothers save the day? Things don’t go quite according to plan.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre,

Birmingham Date: May 12 Time: 2pm Tickets: £15

Incredible Adventures

Music from the movies Pirates of the Caribbean and the Incredibles are included in the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s concert for families. You are invited to bring along a small instrument and children can dress in their favourite superhero costume.

Venue: Symphony Hall Date: May 19 Time: 3pm; free craft workshop in foyer from 1.30pm Tickets: £15 adult; £7.50 child and £32 any group of 4 To Book: 0121 345 0600

What’s On The Lion King

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: June 29-September 28 Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Wed and Thurs matinee 2pm; Sat and Sun matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £25-£60 To Book: 0844 338 5000

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

The Reduced Shakespeare Theatre company – men in tights have a madcap romp through all of the bard’s works in one hilarious show Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: May 22 Time: 7.30pm Age: 12plus Tickets: £15 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Idle Motion - That’s All You Need to Know

Set at Bletchley Park during the 1940’s, this play explores the stories and lives of the code-breakers whose work changed the course of history.

Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park Date: May 23 Time: 8pm Age: 10plus Tickets: £10

Star

A show for 2-5 year olds – join greenfingered Gardener and tidy Tailor as they search for a star that goes missing from the sky.

Venue: Foyle Studio, MAC, Cannon Hill Park Date: May 28 Time: 11am; 1 pm and 3pm Tickets: £7 To Book: 0121 446 3232

My Brother the Robot

Tall Stories Theatre company’s new production. Bobbie’s Dad builds her a robot brother, but will her brother be able to save her when she gets into danger Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: May 29 Time: 1.30pm and 4pm Tickets: £6 To Book: 0121 704 6962

The Girl with the Wrong Crowd Dark fairy tale about a wayward girl who follows her dreams in this coming of age story. Not suitable for under 8.

Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park Date: May 30 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 To Book: 0121 446 3232

A Midsummer’s Night Dream

Venue: Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Birmingham Date: Wed, June 19 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: In advance: Adults £10; Child £8 and family £35 To Book: 0121 454 1860

Alice - An extraordinary Adventure

Ballet Theatre UK and Breakin’ Point

An outdoor production of Shakespeare’s fantasy comedy Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park Date: June 22 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Adults £14 and children £11

A Heartbreak Theatre production of this favourite children’s tale. Fast-paced with engaging dialogue, inspiring music and magical adventure for all the family.

Bring a rug, low seating and a picnic and enjoy!

A fusion of urban hip hop and classical ballet styles Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park Date: June 27 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £15 and £12

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BIG

   Saturday 18 May 11am - 4pm

           

Birmingham Royal Ballet – Coppelia

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: June 4 to 8 Time: Eve 7.30pm (Fri eve at 6.30pm); Wed matinee 2pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £15-£47 To Book: 0844 338 5000

The Wizard of Oz -Queensbridge Musical Theatre Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: 18-22 June Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £13-£15 To Book: 0121 704 6962

0121 414 7333 www.barber.org.uk The Barber Institute of Fine Arts University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TS By train: University station

Issue 15 19

Education

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