Families Warwickshire July-August 2013 Issue 12

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July/August 2013 Issue 12

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News & contents Could you be the next editor of Families Warwickshire?

Exciting business opportunity for an organised mum or dad!

Work from home, fit your hours around your family and benefit from owning a well-loved, established business.

For more details, call Gabrielle on 01789 764667.

Issue 12 | July/August 2013 | Families Warwickshire

This Issue

4 Education 6 Clubs & Classes 8 The Big Summer Holidays

Regular Features

8 2 News r What’s On u Competitions u

Save 10% on labelling your child’s stuff!

7.30am

The summer holidays offer a wonderful chance for children to kick off their shoes and enjoy carefree days – which is great until they mislay their shoes, outer layers, swimming goggles etc.

Ann-Maree, founder of Labels4Kids (pictured), advises parents to label everything, “because kids lose stuff!

Better still, label it twice – once inside a pocket or on the care label, and once on the collar – so there is no doubt who things belong to.”

Contact details

Call: 01789 764667 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Design by Caroline Smith www.carolinesmithdesign.co.uk Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com All content © 2013 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,500 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000 local parents and carers from just £30 a month!

Next issue: September/October 2013 Main features: Back to school/Education/Clubs & classes Deadline: Monday August 5 Families Warwickshire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the content, nor for any consequence.

Twitter: @familieswarks

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www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

Ann-Maree was recently invited to be a member of the No10 Downing Street EU E-Commerce task force, along with ASOS, Google and Marks & Spencer, to give her advice on e-commerce. Labels4Kids’ own re-launched website makes it even easier for you to find your way to the right products. Choose from stick-on clothing labels, easy iron-on labels and woven iron-on labels, vinyl labels for hard surfaces and selection packs.

READER OFFER: Families readers can save 10% when using the code ‘families’ at the checkout: www.labels4kids.com/fam

Compton Verney is voted truly family-friendly Congratulations to South Warwickshire art gallery Compton Verney, which has made it onto the long list of The Telegraph’s Family Friendly Museum award. The 20-strong list was whittled down from 140 nominated museums around the country, and the winner will be announced in early July. Dea Birkett, Director of Kids in Museums, which organizes the award, said “It’s great to see Compton Verney made it to the long-list for the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award. Families particularly pointed out there were opportunities for very young children to enjoy the collection as well as grandparents. It’s a great achievement to welcome all ages. Good luck to the museum for the next stage.”

Visit www.comptonverney.org.uk for more information.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

News & views New baby and toddler music classes come to Stratford

25% off award-winning tuition when you join Explore Learning in July Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that Explore tuition fits easily into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards for the past 2 years running. Families joining in July will receive 25% off their first full month of tuition at participating centres (including Leamington), so now is a great time to join.

Try us for free to find out how your family can benefit!

To book your trial, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk or call your local centre on 01926 422800.

Daniela Hewitt, a former singer, dancer and nursery worker, has set up brand new classes for tiny tots to learn through music. Dani’s Musical Steps differs from most music classes as it doesn’t use commercial backing tracks – instead, voices and musical expertise are used to teach important concepts and skills.

“I witness the benefit of music in my job as a Nursery Nurse,” says Daniela. “I sing to the children in most stressful situations, as well as when I would like them to listen to a particular instruction, such as tidy up time, washing hands, walking instead of running etc. It works almost every time and is so rewarding to watch.”

Baby Band (age 4 months-2 year) and Toddler Troupe (18 months-3 years) classes are running at the Ken Kennett Centre in Stratford, and Daniela will also be running a Musical Steps Summer School every Tuesday between 23 July-27 August. There are also plans to start Musical Steps in Studley in September. For a free trial class and more information, call Daniela on 01527 850024.

POTTY TRAINING LIVE! Potty Training Live! is a free programme of support to help get parents and little ones through the challenge of potty training. It is being run by local potty training experts, Jude and Di who created the award-winning Dry Like Me potty training pads, and it is endorsed by paediatric continence advisor, June Rogers MBE. Register at www.pottytraininglive.com for a six week programme of free support that covers all the key stages of potty training, from changing nappies in the bathroom and learning the ‘bathroom routine’ right through to big boy or girl pants and dry days.

Join parents and toddlers throughout the country taking part in ‘Take Your Nappy Off’ Week which begins on July 15th. With children getting potty trained later than in the past, the week is being held to help parents ‘go for it’ and get their children out of nappies.

Potty Training Live! starts on July 1st, but parents can begin the sixweek programme any time after that. As well as free weekly guidance, there are exclusive tips from Jude and Di, advice videos, web chats and competitions to win goodies. And look out for new Dry Like Me Early Days and Night-Time coming soon!

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Correction The use of the IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage) logo in last issue’s news piece on Baby Massage Week was misleading, as only one of the baby massage companies mentioned is a member of the association.

Apologies to IAIM member Soft Touch Baby Massage.

Contact them via SoftTouchBabyMassage@gmail.com, 07712 045296 or www.facebook.com/SoftTouchBabyMassage

You too could change your life.

Contact Stacey on 07810 820731 or Sharon on 07983 442553 for a FREE information pack or email staciecalder@live.co.uk or sharon@breakthroughgroup.net 2 hours of fun with bouncy castle, games, penalty shoot-out, arts and crafts, face painting and more! Tailor made fabulous party packages to suit your venue and budget.

Traditional and innovative educational toys and gifts for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and children up to the age of 12 73 Clarendon Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4PN Tel: 01926 337700 e: shop@ellaystoys.com

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3

Education

Did you know that children can lose up to three months’ worth of learning, or two to four national curriculum points, simply by switching their brains off for the summer?

This education loss, known as the “summer slide”, can be detrimental to their progress, and can put them at a disadvantage when school starts again.

School stops for summer, learning doesn’t have to

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Leamington Spa Study Centre Joanne Cox 01926 513130 kumon.co.uk

Obviously, we’re not saying children shouldn’t enjoy their summer holidays – in fact, changing gear and kicking back a bit after a busy school year is important. But there are ways of keeping the little grey cells active during the holidays that will deepen their understanding, give them social opportunities and actually add to their enjoyment (while staving off the dreaded boredom), without feeling like a punishment!

Here’s how:

At home: Focus on what they love and explore it in depth. If your child loves, say, dogs, get books from the library and look at all the different breeds. Discuss looking after a dog, and what you need to keep one, from commitment to equipment. Do a doggy craft project, or count how many dogs you can

spot on the High St. Maybe visit The Pet Show at Stoneleigh Park (20-21 July - see the What’s On guide) and enjoy a day out with a pet focus.

If dinosaurs are the obsession, maybe you could go to a dinosaur exhibition or a local museum to see fossils, or even holiday on the Jurassic coast and dig for your own. Whatever project you do, take pictures and scrapbook your findings, with captions – at the end of the holidays you’ll have a great record of your time, and your child will have an impressive Show and Tell subject!

At the library: Encourage reading by

taking the Summer Reading Challenge, running at Warwickshire’s libraries. Children can pick their own books, and need to read six over the six weeks. There are lots of extra events running – most of them free – to support the challenge (see the box on the right).

In the kitchen: Cooking together is fun and incorporates maths and science skills.

Weigh and measure the ingredients to bake some delicious fairy cakes, or whip up egg whites and see how they increase in volume by trapping air. The extra bonus is having meringues at the end!

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week, including during the summer holidays.

• Award-winning tuition - Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Free trial session - book today!

Leamington Spa 01926 422 800 or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk

5%n July!

2 e join i v Sa you en

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Keep writing: Letters are the most exciting things to write – they’re direct and conversational, and all children get a thrill from receiving a reply. Whether it’s via snail mail or email, set up a pen pal for your child – it could be Grandma, a friend from school, even a child overseas. Start with just a small note – it doesn’t have to be much – and send it. Once the reply arrives, that should motivate your child to write back, and the fun has begun!

Another way to promote fun letter writing is to write to a favourite celebrity. Lots of children write fan letters, and most receive replies, sometimes with signed photographs. Let your child write to as many celebrities as they like – maybe they could start a collection of their replies?

Need more help?

Sometimes children need more support than can be received at home.

Maybe they have fallen behind over the school year and need a little push to regain confidence, or have important exams coming up, such as the 11+. In this case, enrol them in a summer programme at one of the local educational centres, where they’ll get individual tuition and help.

This can really help boost their confidence and self-esteem going into a new school year, and it can be fun, too!

Whatever you get up to this summer, have fun and keep learning!

11+ Tuition Finalist 2012

Is your child ready?

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Award winning 11+ tuition for year 5 children Centres in Warwick, Solihull, Handsworth & Sutton Includes daily online tests Personalised tuition 1:5 Teaching Ratio Pay as You Go

0121 733 6558 The theme of this year’s challenge is Creepy House, and it runs from 13 July-6 September. All 4-12 year olds can get involved at their local library, and they need to read six books over the summer holiday, collecting rewards along the way. If they read all six books, they’ll also get a certificate and medal!

ited Limaces sp

! now Call

www.ksol.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk ISI Outstanding 2009 and EYFS 2012

The following events are being held to support the challenge.

They are all FREE, but you’ll need to book. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more, go to www.warwickshire. gov.uk/sharetheword and download the Share the Word booklet.

After Dark Stories and activities related to night-time.

Thurs 24 July at Alcester Library, 2.30-4pm Thurs 1 Aug at Warwick Library, 2.30-4pm Mon 5 Aug at Rugby Library, 2.30-4pm Wed 14 Aug at Leamington Library, 2.30-4pm

Creepy Crawlies Mini-beasts and other wacky creatures.

Thurs 24 July at Warwick Library, 2.30-4pm Wed 31 July at Leamington Library, 2.30-4pm Mon 12 Aug at Rugby Library, 2.30-4pm Thurs 22 Aug at Alcester Library, 2.30-4pm

Night of the Gargoyles! Come and explore Eve Bunting’s creepy poem.

Tues 6 August at Rugby Library, 10.30am12noon and Stratford Library, 2.30-4pm Creepy House Stories and activities.

Thurs 24 July at Rugby Library 2.30-4pm Thurs 8 Aug at Warwick Library 2.30-4pm Wed 21 Aug at Leamington Library 2.30-4pm

Haunted House Stories and crafts.

Thurs 1 Aug at Rugby Library 2.30-4pm Wed 7 Aug at Leamington Library 2.30-4pm Wed 14 Aug at Stratford Library 10.30am-12noon Thurs 22 Aug at Warwick Library 2.30-4pm

Funny Bones Celebrate the skeleton family in the

brilliant books by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

Wed 24 July at Leamington Library 2.30-4pm Wed 31 July at Stratford Library 10.30am-12noon Thurs 15 Aug at Warwick Library 2.30-4pm

Tel: 01789 764667

Whole School Open Morning Co-educational school for children aged 2-11 years

Wednesday 16 October 10am -12 noon For further information, or to book a tour with the Headmaster, please call 01789 293795 or email office@croftschool.co.uk Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7RL

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Mon 19 Aug at Rugby Library 2.30-4pm

Clubs and Classes Dani’s Musical Steps

A wonderful world of music, learning and fun

Educational and inspiring music classes for babies & toddlers at the Ken Kennett Centre, Stratford.

Develop Creativity - Co-operation Listening - Communication - Language

Free trial class - book now!

Tel: 01527 850024

email: daniela.hewitt@musicalsteps.co.uk

www.musicalsteps.co.uk

What Happens at... Calypso Kids?

“The children absolutely love it. Every day they ask “Is it Calypso day today?”– Julie, childminder to Isla and Tristan (2) and Sophie (3).

I’m standing in the foyer of Townsend Hall in Shipston-on-Stour, where happy mums and children are leaving after their weekly session at Calypso Kids. Emmajane Roberts, a former primary school Deputy Head, set up the classes in 2010, and they’ve gone from strength to strength. From one session a week, Emmajane has been able to expand to 5 classes over 2 days at Townsend Hall, and also runs sessions in nurseries, preschools and schools.

The original British baby signing Programme Learn to communicate with your baby BEFORE speech by using simple gestures and reduce frustration – learn to sign through music, rhymes and fun!”

Tel: 01789 415591

www.singandsign.co.uk Email: pippajenkins@singandsign.co.uk www.facebook.com/singandsignsouthwarks

For the budding star in your family!

Sparkle tots performing arts and ballet classes, 2 years plus Boyz Only Street Dance class, 4 years plus Musical Theatre, Ballet Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or and Street Dance classes, 4 years plus email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com

to book a free trial session.

Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years Classes are held at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour CV36 4AE Wednesdays at 9.20am, 10.15am & 11.00am Fridays at 10.00am & 11.00am What’s in the lilly pad today? £3.50 per class when paying for a half-term block in advance or £4.50 a class to pay-as-you-play.

Discounts are available for siblings.

Book a FREE Taster Class.

Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

Like most pre-school classes, Calypso Kids follows a simple formula, helping children to learn through a combination of catchy songs, repetition and fun. Unlike most, though, Calypso Kids classes are all mixed age, so babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers can all join in the fun – great for families with more than one child.

And where Emmajane’s schoolteacher training really shows is in the organisation behind each class. The theme runs right through – the morning I went, it was farming. Before the class even started, early comers were given farm animal hand puppets (rabbits, cows, horses, chicks), keeping them happy while they waited.

Then the children were

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led through an entire farming story, using chicken egg shakers, tambourines that doubled as the tractor’s steering wheel, plastic ducks for a counting song and “flippy floppy pom poms” that made a rousing rendition of Dingle Dangle Scarecrow even more fun!

“It’s really well structured and Emmajane explains how to play the instruments,” says Sylvia, mum to Torin (18months). “She’s really organised and keeps their attention. We’ve been coming since Torin was 9 months, and he’s learning to put things away as well as the instruments.”

The props need a special mention at this point. Emmajane’s talented mother-in-law has hand-made the beautiful story mats and one of the children’s favourite focal points – Calypso the frog’s lily pad. This magical green bag holds the instruments (which can be anything from tambourines and drums to maracas, bells, chime bars and claves), and the children are impressively quiet as they listen and try to guess which is coming out next. I also particularly loved the horses’ heads and tails, which the children put on for a lively canter around the hall to Horsey Horsey, Don’t You Stop.

“The children get so involved,” says childminder Janice, who’s here with Nicole (10 months) and Evie (3). “They just love the music and the repetition. I have a 10 month-old who can play a drum

and a triangle – it’s just brilliant.

Emmajane’s enthusiasm is just infectious.”

“I love coming with my grand-daughter,” agrees Sylvia, Grandma to Isabel (2 1/2).

“She’s usually so lively, all the way through. It’s good value for money.”

As the children say goodbye to Calypso the Frog with a cuddle, collect a sticker and leave beaming, thoughts are already turning to the next adventure – next week, Calypso’s going into space!

When and where: Wednesday and Friday mornings at Townsend Hall, Shipston-on-Stour.

Cost: £3.50 per child, with a 50p discount for siblings, and siblings under 4 months are free. There are also free trials available.

If you’d like to try a Calypso Kids class, see www.calypsokids.co.uk or contact Emmajane on 07890 399162.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Tot-friendly Summer Specials Here’s our pick of the summer’s events that are particularly good for little ones.

Calypso Kids’ Family Fun Day

Townsend Hall, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE. Sun 7 July, 2-4.30pm A free taster of the children’s activities on offer at Townsend Hall, raising money for Queens Avenue Park Action Group. Includes free sessions from Calypso Kids, Mess Around, Little Kickers, Dance with Dash and Shipston Tennis Academy. Plus family-friendly stalls, face painting, glitter tattoos, bouncy castle, craft activities, raffle, photographer and café. Free entry. www.facebook.com/CalypsoKids

Calypso Kids’ Family Storytelling, Music & Craft Workshops

Townsend Hall, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE. Every Wednesday through the holidays, 10.30am-11.15am Classes suitable for pre- and school-age children – the pre-schoolers have a music session, while the older children do a craft activity. There is also a pop-up café afterwards for drinks and cake. www.calypsokids.co.uk

Dandy Development Summer Class

The Open Door Café, Hampton Magna, Warwick CV35 8SA. Weds 24 July, 10.30am DandyLion always has so much fun at The Open Door Café! Experience the baby sign, music and sensory fun for just £2! Suitable for all ages, from 4 months to approx 2 and a half years. As space is limited we will be keeping numbers to just 20, so do call or email Nikki to reserve a place: 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@ hotmail.co.uk www.dandydevelopment.co.uk

In the Night Garden Live

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH. Thurs 25 July-Thurs 8 Aug Magical musical theatre version of the CBeebies TV show, featuring Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and all your child’s other favourite

Combines baby sign, music and sensory fun

characters. There are two shows to choose from and each one lasts just under an hour. See p15 to save money on your tickets! www.nightgardenlive.com/

Nikki Sayers

Little Tots Get Messy

Market Hall Museum, Warwick Mon 5 August, 10am, 11am and 1pm Look at our amazing fossils and create some messy, Jurassic inspired art. Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Sessions last approx 1 hour. Spaces limited – please book in advance. £1 per child, adults free but need to book a place. Call 01926 412501 or 01926 412132.

Award winning NEW baby and toddler classes Classes held in Leamington, Barford, Burton Green and Long Lawford.

Contact Nikki for a free trial session on 07890 241301 nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk

Eating in Wonderland

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. Fri 30 August, Sitting 1: 11.30am-1pm & Sitting 2: 1.30-3pm Bring a picnic to the Herbert to celebrate their Looking in Wonderland exhibition with a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party. There will be an Alice-inspired art activity to do as you eat your picnic, helped along by costumed characters. Each participant will be given a trail linked to the exhibition to take part in afterwards. Fancy dress is welcomed! FREE. Booking is required. Please arrive promptly. To book events please call 024 7629 4774 or ask at Herbert reception. www.herbert.org.uk

Advertise on these pages from as little as £30 per month

ILEAP Charity Summer Fete

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA. Sat 31 August, 10.30 am – 4.30pm Have fun at this traditional summer fete and help raise funds for ILEAP, a local charity working with children and adults with learning difficulties. Have a go on the lucky dip, try your skills at the penalty shoot-out, soak the staff with soggy wet sponges and have fun on the tombola, all in aid of charity. Free admission.

CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES

at the Greig Hall, Alcester Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

(01789) 766884 info@ballet.uk.com

www.ballet.uk.com

Holiday Workshop!

Monday 12th to Friday 16th August, 2013 at: Trinity Catholic School, Guy’s Cliffe Avenue, leamington Spa Main School (6-18yrs) 10am to 4pm Junior Workshop (4-6yrs) 9.30am to 12.30pm The original, largest and STill the best network of part-time performing arts schools in the world.

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

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Holida Worksh y op Enrol Now!

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Stagecoach leamington Spa Call 07976 608574

to book your place NOW! email: leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

CT A !

E C N ! DA G N I S

NOW!

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The Big Summer Holiday

Do you enjoy taking photos?

Ed’s Reading Room The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Monty Wins the Cup

by Jake Sparks (Egmont £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Danny’s birthday begins with an amazing surprise. He receives a shiny silver key for his very own racing car – a car that runs on chocolate milkshake! Danny is very excited and enters Monty in the Tooting Wallop Road Race.

Although a shadow is cast over the race when the sneering Hugo de Horrible arrives on the scene, Danny is determined to show what Monty can do.

‘This is a delightful story for young readers. It is an exciting adventure with colourful characters complemented by fantastic illustrations throughout.’

My Funny Family on Holiday by Chris Higgins (Hodder £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Hooray! It’s holiday time and Mattie’s family are going to Cornwall. As usual Mattie has lots of things on her Worry List – worst of all, what if they forgot somebody?

When they arrive at Sunset Farm there are so many new things to see and do.

Camping is great fun and when it gets dark after the barbecue on the beach, it is absolutely magical sitting by the fire under the night sky. But who is Mattie’s new friend? And what is the story behind the old photograph?

‘This story about Mattie’s family holiday is beautifully told. It can be enjoyed by boys and girls alike, on their own or reading together.’

Here’s a great tip from photographer Linda Scannell, to help you improve your pictures – why not practice and then enter the competition on the back cover?

FOR AGES 7 YEARS+

Most of us take photos because they’re brilliant for reminding you about places you’ve visited or fun things you’ve done and letting you share those memories with other people.

So if you want a great photo to wow your classmates at the next Show and Tell, here’s my top tip, whether you’re taking a picture on your iPod or DS or using a fancier camera:

The Abominators by J L Smith (Little, Brown £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘The Abominators are top of the class for mischief. When Cecil Trumpington-Potts starts Grimely East there is nothing more he would like than to be in the gang.

But they have other ideas – they don’t want to be friends with someone they regard as a namby-pamby toff. They set Cecil three tasks that they think he has no chance whatsoever of doing. But what if Cecil succeeded? Would they have to let him become a member of the gang?

Take several photographs from different positions Most people just take a picture of the view they’re looking at. But if you look at whatever you’re photographing (known as your subject) from different angles you can often find a more interesting view. Think about what you want someone looking at your photo to particularly remember about it and find an angle that shows that best.

For example, if you’re taking a picture of something big, like a tower, crouching down and shooting up at it will emphasise how tall it is. Including people in the picture also gives you a good idea of exactly how tall it is (as in this pic, right).

‘This is a hilarious story that will have boys and girls laughing out loud at Cecil’s attempts to be cool enough to be one of the Abominators. The book is packed full of brilliant illustrations.’

If there’s an interesting beetle crawling in the grass, getting a picture of it from the side will probably show off its legs better than a picture from above. But if you loved the patterns on its back, then taking the photo from above would be better.

The Mystery of Wickworth Manor by Elen Caldecott (Bloomsbury £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Curtis and Paige are two very different people who are thrown together on a school trip.

They are supposed to be mixing with all the other children while canoeing, climbing and taking part in art projects. However, when they find an old painting at the top of Wickworth Manor, they become involved in solving a mystery from years ago to do with the family at the manor. Could dreadful deeds to do with the slave trade have taken place? And can Curtis and Paige solve the mystery using their own different methods?

Moving around can also help make your subject stand out because it can change what’s behind it. For example, I love dandelion clocks. If you take a picture of them against a light background, the delicate fluffy bits won’t show up. But for the picture at the top of this article I moved so that a blue flowerpot was behind it, which meant that all the little strands stood out against the darker background.

So next time you want to photograph something try out different angles until you find one you love.

Linda will be sending out free photography tips for parents and children throughout the summer holidays. Sign up at www.lindascannell.com/freetips.

And turn to the back page to find out about Linda’s exciting summer photography competition!

‘This is a brilliantly written book. There is an underlying serious tone but the story reads as a fun, action-packed adventure.’

BRAMBLES PRE-SCHOOL KENILWORTH Brambles was set up over 30 years ago and is run by a voluntary committee.

As a registered charity any profits are used for the benefit of the children that attend.

Our kind and caring staff are fully qualified, fully trained, CRB checked and very experienced.

We’re situated on the grounds of Thorns Infant School in a secure setting with excellent facilities.

Pre-School

Out of School Club (4-7 years)

Holiday Club (4-11 years)

Aged from 2 years 9 months until school.

Available Monday to Friday.

Free 15 hours of nursery funding each week from the term after their 3rd birthday.

From 8am-8.50am and 3pm-6pm.

Excellent and popular club with a wide range of activities.

Children taken and collected from Thorns.

Various session times (max 8am-6pm).

Morning, lunch and afternoon sessions.

Sessions available from just £4 to £10.80.

Have fun and meet new friends.

Key worker allocated for your child.

Excellent learning through play.

Every child is treated as an individual and prepared to enter school happily, confidently and ready to learn.

High standard of care, learning and fun.

Sessions available from only £11.50.

Please call 01926 854486 or email staff@brambles-kenilworth.com Visit our website at www.brambles-kenilworth.com Brambles Pre-School, Blackthorn Road, Kenilworth, CV8 2DS Charity Number 1071096

8

All major childcare vouchers accepted.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

The Big Summer Holiday

Tips for Travellers

By Robina Cowan (Editor of Familes South West)

Yippee! It’s the break we’ve all been dreaming of and looking forward to through the dank winter and spring months – here comes this year’s summer holiday. Hands up who remembers when it was just you and your beloved, grabbing a cheap deal, filling a backpack at the last minute and heading for the sun? Those were the good old days . . . Now that you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’.

Here at Families (now a mighty group of 40 local magazines), the editors have children spanning all ages from three months to the early twenties, so you could say we’ve been there, done that. We put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you. Happy travelling!

Before you go Label your child’s clothes, towels and backpacks, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs – they WILL go missing. Labels 4 Kids (www. labels4kids.com/fam) and Easy 2 Name (www. easy2name.com) both stock packs of instant labels, so the job’s a breeze and it’s a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items. They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details.

Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions. You can also use it to create a list of places to visit.

Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies in a different place. If the originals go missing, proof that you had passports will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it’s time to come home.

Have up-to-date pictures of your children on your phone – if they go missing (God forbid) you can show authorities what they look like.

Freeze food to await your return – even fresh milk can be frozen – so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that’s organisation!

Lost luggage is a nightmare. Rather than filling one suitcase per person, pack a couple of daytime and evening outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while the hotel/airline tracks down the missing bag.

dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, needle and thread, safety pins, wet wipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh, the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time!

Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’.

Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (I’ve done that just when we were about to leave!)

Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy

a summer of free family fun Join us for a creative summer of fun, an inspiring journey to the magical world of the Alice in Wonderland stories and illustrations. With THREE exhibitions and FOUR full weeks of family activities from Mad Hatter hats, to Queen’s crowns and tea party bunting there will be plenty to stretch your imagination and keep your little Herbots busy!

Creative Family Play Space Through the Rabbit Hole FREE

Summer Holiday Family Workshops Through The Rabbit Hole: FREE

22 June – 8 September

29 June – 30 August

Exhibition Looking in Wonderland FREE

Exhibition Quentin Blake: As Large As Life FREE

22 June – 8 September

27 July – 3 November For full event and exhibition details and FREE downloadable resources go to our NEW website www.theherbert.org

Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

summer! ...Tastic

9

The Big Summer Holiday On the way

While you're there

Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes - as a family, we are all totally addicted to the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ series. The ‘Michelin I-Spy’ activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/car-knowledge/topten/car-games/. I made up some sheets myself for a journey through France and they kept my boys amused for hours.

Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics – you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty.

Not a good idea.

For flights, Usborne’s ‘50 Things do on a Plane’ will keep them occupied (rrp £5.99), while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in.

Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time – if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some child-friendly headphones to hand so as not to ‘share’ your child’s love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane.

Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping.

Pack an extra layer for the flight, even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy.

If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic.

Most passengers on board will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage. It may help calm them and that in turn will calm you.

SUMMER

When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/t-shirts etc (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).

When you return Take your holiday laundry for a service wash – it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

And finally Work on a 70:30 ratio. Holidays are not effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result.

30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success!

www.transport-museum.com at Coventry Transport Museum

Spend quality fa mily time at Coventry Tran sport Museum this Summer – th ere’s loads to en joy:

Friday 12th July onwards

War Effort - Discover the amazing story of how the British motor industry turned over production to the 1940s war effort – and how lives were changed forever.

Saturday 13th July to Sunday 1st September

Summer Holiday Activities - It’s set to be a wartime summer at the museum, but the fun won’t be rationed!

There’ll be heaps of activity trails and crafts for families to enjoy together throughout the school holidays.

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August

Coventry Festival of Motoring - Join us at Stoneleigh Park for a spectacular feast of 1000 vehicles, plus family fun, shopping experiences and much more.

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Families Warwickshire 180w x 130h.indd 1

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 0178916:03 764667 30/05/2013

The Big Summer Holiday

Looking in Wonderland: Sir John Tenniel’s Illustrations to the Alice Books – Sat 22 June-Sun 8 September A selection of the best illustrations by Sir John Tenniel for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the LookingGlass and What Alice Found There (1872) by Lewis Carroll. FREE. Can You Dig It? – Weds 24-Thurs 25 July, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm Join the Herbert’s own experts for a fun family-friendly dig activity – handle real archaeological finds and bring along your own finds for identification by archaeologists. Booking is not required, just drop in and join us. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. Through the Rabbit Hole – Mon 29 July-Fri 30 August Join our popular family workshops, running alongside the Looking in Wonderland exhibition, for an activity that will stretch your creativity and provide fun for all ages. From Mad Hatter hats, to queens crowns and tea party bunting there will be plenty to do! FREE. Eating in Wonderland – Fri 30 August, Sitting 1: 11.30am-1pm & Sitting 2: 1.30-3pm Bring a picnic to the Herbert to join a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party. There will be an Alice-inspired art activity to do as you eat your picnic, helped along by costumed characters. Fancy dress is welcomed! FREE. Booking is required – please call 024 7629 4774 or ask at Herbert reception. www.theherbert.org/

Family Events at the National Trust Houses All National Trust houses are running the “50 Things to do Before You’re 113/4” programme – pick up a free booklet on your way in and tick things off (such as climbing a tree, tracking wild animals, pond dipping or rolling down a hill) as you do them.

Coughton Court, Alcester, B49 5JA. Coughton Village Summer Fete – Sat 3 July, 12noon-4pm.

Traditional stalls, games and competitions on the lawn to raise money for local causes.

Family Fun Days – Thurs 1 August-Sun 1 September, 11am-4pm.

Come and enjoy the outdoor games, play area and nature trails.

Messy Arts – Every Tuesday from 23 July-3 August Families are invited to make some ‘Curious Creations’ in response to our new theme, ‘Cabinets of Curiosities’. Each week we will guide children through a wonderful range of fun and quirky activities.

For more info, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/ and click on Things to See & Do Baddesley Clinton, Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton, B93 0DQ. Family Fun Days – Thurs 1 August-Sun 1 September, 11am – 4pm.

Outdoor games, nature trails and pond dipping, various days, see website for more details. (Please note additional charge applies for Pond dipping).

The Baddesley Book Fair – Sat 2-Sun 11 August, 11am-5pm For more info call 01564 783294 or email Baddesleyclinton@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesley-clinton/, click on Things to See & Do Packwood House, Packwood Ln, Lapworth, Solihull B94 6AT. Family Fun Days – Thurs 1 August-Sun 1 September, 11am – 4pm.

Get outside and explore Packwood’s gorgeous woods, gardens and countryside.

Why not build a den or make your own sundial?

For more info, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood-house/ and click on Things to See & Do Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER. Meet our new pigs, spot the fallow deer and Jacob’s sheep, run around our giant grass spiral or try out croquet. Inside, you can dress up and discover what life was like in a Victorian kitchen. Normal admission charges apply.

Mr Phoebus “The Original Penny Farthing Experience” – Sun 21 July, 10.30am-5.30pm Come and join us for hire of modern, safe, rideable penny farthing bicycles. Charges apply.

Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Summer Spectacular 20th July to 1st September 2013

An A-maize-ing Programme of Spectacular Summer Events! ● A-Maizeing Maze ● Build ‘n Play ● Summer Sports Day Races ● Fun Fair Rides ● Falconry Displays ● Bouncy Castles ● Farmyard Favourites ● Guinea Pig Village ● Snorty's Workout Trail

● JCB Young Drivers Zone

● Daft Duck Trials

● Sheep & Goat Racing ● Children's Shows †

● Tristan the Runaway Tractor

Open 10am - 5.30pm Hatton Country World, 3 miles outside Warwick off A4177 Warwick-Solihull Road

Tel: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com

Programme subject to change. † see website for details.

30% off HATTON ADVENTURE FARM Valid until 30th September 2013 Adult’s Name Adult’s Email

1. Voucher entitles each person to 30% discount off the standard entry price into Hatton Adventure Farm. Up to a maximum of 5 people per transaction/voucher. 2. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, school/group booking or membership. 3. No photocopies accepted.

Hatton Adventure Farm do NOT sell/pass on your details to third parties.

*1686*

www.hattonworld.com

Family Events at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP.

30% off

16173A 05/13

So, enjoy your time away this summer, but there are loads of things to get up to at home, too! Here’s our low-down of the best things running throughout the summer at local attractions for families and children.

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The Big Summer Holiday

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Events at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

Summer Holidays

hide and seek

Enjoy the classic adventures of the great outdoors at your local National Trust properties this summer. A whole host of family activities, games and explorer trails await you at Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote Park, Coughton Court, Packwood House and Upton House & Gardens.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Tractor Rides – Tuesdays 23 July, 13 August and 27 August, 2-2.30pm and 3-3.30pm Join us for a tractor-pulled trailer ride around the park, to see the sheep and deer. All tickets £2.50.

Charlecote Children’s Club – Every Thursday in August, 12noon3.30pm Join us for some fun in the school holidays.

For more info, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/ and click on Things to See & Do Upton House and Gardens, near Banbury, OX15 6HT. Jazz on the Lawn – Sat 27 July, 7pm (gates open 6pm) Bring a picnic, bring your friends and enjoy the jazz. Adults £14, (£16 on the gate) Child £7. To book ring 0844 249 1895 A Millionaire’s House Party! – Sat 3 and Sun 4 August, 12noon-4pm Experience the luxury and entertainment of a 1930s house party. With music, dance and costume and food demonstrations. Normal admission prices apply.

Hobby Horse Activity Day – Sun 25 August, 1-4pm Make a hobby horse and take part in our Hobby Horse trials! Small charge for activities. Normal admission prices apply.

For more info, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house/ and click on Things to See & Do

Events at Hatton Adventure Farm

Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, Warwickshire CV35 8XA. Summer Spectacular – Sat 20 July-Sun 1 September This summer we have a sporting flavour to the event where the children can really let off steam with our Summer Sports Day races. Then head down to our themed A-maize-ing Maze to see how long it takes you to find your way out.

There will also be competitions and shows throughout the day.

SPECIAL OFFER: Take the voucher on p11 and get 30% off the ticket price!

For more info, including prices, see www.hattonworld.com/

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Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth CV8 1NE. Grand Medieval Joust – Sat 13-Sun 14 July A magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too. Let the battle commence!

The Great Kenilworth Quest – Sat 20 July-Sun 1 September Hunt down the clues and put your knowledge to the test to solve the riddles and complete the challenge! A special prize awaits.

Time Travellers Go… Royals & Rebels Challenge for Kids! – Mon 29 July-Fri 2 Aug Prepare for uprising, battles and conflict in our Royals and Rebels event especially for children. Plenty of hands-on activities which will put you to the test!

Time Travellers Go…Knights of the Round Table – Mon 5-Fri 9 August Take part in our knights academy and learn some of the skills you’ll need to compete in a tournament – if you’re bold and brave enough!

Time Travellers Go…Siege Challenge for Kids! – Mon 12-Fri 16 August The year is 1266 and Kenilworth Castle is under Siege! Take part in drills and weapon training to help withstand the attack!

For more info, including prices, see www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Events at Coventry Transport Museum Millennium Place, Hales St, Coventry CV1 1JD. Wartime Summer Holidays To tie in with the new War Effort exhibition, Summer 2013 is Wartime Summer at Coventry Transport Museum. But fear not – the fun certainly won’t be rationed!

War Effort Week – Weds 24 –Sun 28 July Dig For Victory Week – Mon 29 July-Sun 4 August 1940s Hair Workshops – Thurs 1 & Sun 11 August, 11am-1pm: Mums, daughters and friends, come and try out victory rolls, pin curls and pompadours with vintage stylist Sarah Russell. £11 per person. Places limited, so book in advance.

Make Do & Mend Week – Mon 5-Sun 11 August Home Front Week – Mon 12-Sun 18 August Crochet Workshop – Sun 18 August, 11am-1pm: £3 per person. Places limited, so book in advance through the website.

War Effort Week – Mon 19-Sun 25 August Fashion Recycling Workshop – Weds 21 August, 11am-1pm: Bring your own worn out clothes and give them a new lease of life. £3 per person. Book in advance.

Victory Week – Mon 26 August-Sun 1 September For more info and to book, see www.transport-museum.com/events

Events at the Shakespeare Houses These run every day, except where the date is specified. Admission prices apply.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW. ‘Call forth your actors’: Dress up and perform with Shakespeare Aloud!

‘Your presence needs must puzzle’: Shakespeare-related crosswords, word searches and quizzes suitable for all ages.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH. Midsummer Magic: Follow the fairy trail through the woods to discover the secret message.

Sweet Pea Trail: Indulge your senses of hundreds of traditional blooms, which are at their best late June to late August.

Crafty Beasts – Sat 20-Sun 21 July: A weekend of country crafts, farm yard animals and activities.

Puppet Magic – Weds 7, Sat 10, Weds 21 & Sat 24 August, 11am: A series of Shakespeare-inspired puppet shows with a chance to have a go!

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Summer Madness (Except Sat 24-Mon 26 August): See the Tudors take on their daily tasks including washing, brewing, bread making, cooking plus falconry displays, storytelling, Tudor games, dancing and archery.

Nash’s House and New Place , Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. Family fun: Enjoy our family marquee with daily archaeology themed activities including the Rot or Not challenge. Plus Discovery Days every Sunday.

Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG. Children’s Quiz: Discover the secrets of a wealthy Jacobean house..

Concerts in the Garden – 24 August-7 September: A series of musical events by professional and amateur groups including special children’s performances.

For more details see www.shakespeare.org.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Things to do and places to go in Warwickshire Stratford River Festival

Sat 6-Sun 7 July A weekend of family fun in Stratford upon Avon with music, boats on the River Avon, craft and food stalls, family zone, charity stalls, illuminated boat parade and spectacular fireworks. For more info see http://www.stratfordriverfestival.co.uk/

Alcester Town Duck Race

Stratford Road Park, Alcester B49.

Sat 6 July, 4pm Follow the yellow plastic ducks as they bob down the river – whose will win the race? Fundraiser for Alcester’s Christmas lights and bunting.

Shakespeare Hospice Family Leisure Ride

Sun 7 July, from 10am Family-friendly cycle ride and picnic, starting at NFU Mutual in Tiddington. Distances of 10 and 25 miles. The 25 mile route takes in a picnic stop at Walton Hall. Riders must be over 10 years old, with entry £10 for under 16s and £15 for adults. For more info call the Fundraising team on 01789 266852, email info@thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk or see www.thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk/

Warwick Castle Summer Proms

Sat 13 July, 7-10.15pm (gates open 6pm) A spectacular and magical concert experience featuring music from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, an original WW2 Spitfire aerial display, incredible fireworks and much more! This year’s concert also features a special celebration of the music of Les Miserables – featuring London and International performers. Further info and tickets are available from www. warwick-concerts.com

Herbert Illuminations: The Making of the ‘Alice’ Illustrations: John Tenniel

and the Pictorial Vision of Wonderland The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. 16 July, 12.30-2pm Dr Leo De Freitas will give a free illustrated talk on the making of the illustrations to Alice in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There (1871). www.theherbert.org/

Mad Hatter’s Ball

Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sun 7 July, 12noon-4pm Fundraising fun day with fun dog show, training demos, dog dash amd agility, raffle, tombola and stalls. Adult £1.50, Child 50p. www.hattonworld.com/shoppingvillage/

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. Sat 20 July, 8-11pm Join us on a journey into Wonderland. A trip for curious people, in the fantastical world of the museum out of hours. There is no dress code but all our guests are invited to fulfil their sartorial desires and dress as wildly and wonderfully as they like, or not. A bar will be open and we’ll swap the caucus race for dancing. Tickets £5. Booking is required – please call 024 7629 4774 or ask at Herbert reception. www.theherbert.org/

Calypso Kids’ Family Fun Day

CLA Game Fair

Dogs Trust Kenilworth’s Annual Fun Day Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton

Townsend Hall, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE. Sun 7 July, 2-4.30pm A free taster of the children’s activities on offer at Townsend Hall, raising money for Queens Avenue Park Action Group. Free entry. See p7 for more details. www.facebook.com/CalypsoKids

Ragley Hall, Alcester B49 5NJ. Fri 19-Sun 21 July The world’s biggest country sports and outdoor pursuits event comes to Warwickshire! A memorable experience for all the family with over 900 exhibits including falconry, archery, country crafts, guns, fishing, country fashion, food and drink. Free children’s wristbands, baby

What’s On

change facilities and crèches for both children and dogs! Tickets from £21 (adult) and £6 (junior) – Under-10s are free. For more info see www.gamefair.co.uk/

music and sensory fun for just £2! Suitable for all ages, from 4 months to approx 2 and a half years. As space is limited we will be keeping numbers to just 20, so do call or email Nikki to reserve a place: 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk www.dandydevelopment.co.uk

The Pet Show Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ.

Sat 20-Sun 21 July Two-day extravaganza dedicated to the British public and their beloved pets, with celebrity performances from Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey! Indoor and outdoor exhibition covering all major sectors of pets, including dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish and horses. To buy tickets, call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 4965 or go to www. thepetshow.co.uk

Warwick Folk Festival

Walk for Diabetes

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sun 21 July, walk starts at 11am Choice of routes: 3.5, 4.25 or 5 miles. Free entry with sponsorship towards Diabetes UK. To get involved and for further information contact Diabetes UK Midlands on 01922 614500 or midlands@diabetes org.uk.

Alternatively register online at www. diabetes.org.uk/In_Your_Area/Midlands/

Can You Dig It?

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. Weds 24-Thurs 25 July, Drop in between 10am-1pm & 2-4pm Join the Herbert’s own experts for a fun family-friendly dig activity, handle real archaeological finds and bring along your own finds for identification by archaeologists. Booking is not required, just drop in and join us. FREE. Suitable for everyone, but children must be accompanied. www.theherbert.org/

get going this summer • Award winning swimming lessons* • Professional sports coaching* • Holiday activities or camps* • A great range of play activities for under 5s* • Family discounts*

Children’s Workshop: Flowerpot Fun Hill Close Gardens, Bread & Meat Close,

Warwick CV34 6HF. Tues 30 July, 10.30am-12 noon Come and have fun with flowers and flower pots. Enjoy the gardens at their seasonal best, booking essential. Child (3 yrs and over) £3.50, accompanying adult free. To book your place please tel: 01926 498437 or email: educationofficer@hcgt.org.uk www.hillclosegardens.com/education. html

Collection Conversations

Dandy Development Summer Class The Open Door Café, Hampton Magna, Warwick CV35 8SA. Weds 24 July, 10.30am DandyLion always has so much fun at The Open Door Café! Experience the baby sign,

Thurs 25-Sun 28 July Fabulous festival celebrating traditional and contemporary folk music, arts and crafts. As well as great music, there is a comprehensive line-up of children’s activities, including circus skills, face painting, dance and music workshops, crafts and comedy. Evening adult tickets are from £24, all-day adult tickets are from £37, Juniors (11-17 yrs) are half price and Under-10s go free. Camping is also available. www.warwickfolkfestival. co.uk/

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. Weds 31 July and Tues 27 August, 11am-1pm Drop into What’s In Store and handle items from our natural history, archaeology and social history collections. Curators will be on hand to answer your questions. FREE. www.theherbert.org/

Lammas Day Walk

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Rd, Wilmcote, nr Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN.

ENROL

NOW AN EXTRA

25%

OFF YOUR ADULT MEMBERSHIP Come along to our

Shipston Leisure Centre 01608 662354

Studley Leisure Centre 01527 857161

Southam Leisure Centre 01926 817788

Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre 01789 268826

everyoneactive.com Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Open Weekend 27-28th July Register Online

Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Stratford-On-Avon District Council *At participating centres, facilities vary and terms apply, see website for details. EOA4579

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Summer Holiday Courses, Clubs and Activities Fri 2 August, 10am Join the Tudors for a 5 mile walk to Shakespeare’s Birthplace visiting all Shakespeare Houses and Shakespeare’s grave along the way. Meet in the car park and bring a picnic! Call 01789 293455 for more info. www.shakespeare. org.uk

Children’s Scarecrow Workshop

Hill Close Gardens, Bread & Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF. Fri 2 August, 10.30am-12noon Bring along old children’s clothes and make your own dingle-dangle scarecrow! Child (3 yrs and over) £3.50, accompanying adult free. To book your place please tel: 01926 498437 or email: educationofficer@hcgt.org.uk www. hillclosegardens.com/education.html

Playday 2013 Stratford Bandstand, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LT. Weds 7 August, 10am-4pm Free fun and games for all the family, including Mobile climbing wall, Circus Skills workshops, Puppet show, Mobile sk8r’s half-pipe and lots of other free games. For more info, call Helen Slatter on 01789 260606 or email helen.slatter@stratford-dc. gov.uk www.playday.org.uk/ Shakespeare Hospice Summer Fayre Church Lane, Shottery, Stratford-

upon-Avon CV37 9UL. Sat 17 August, 12noon-4pm Held in the Hospice grounds, this promises to be a fun filled day! Browse the stalls, win prizes on the tombola and watch the entertainment. Adults £1.50, children free! For more info please call 01789 266852. www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk/

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Hill Close Gardens, Bread & Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF. Thurs 22 August, 2-3.30pm Come and enjoy our teddy bears’ picnic in the gardens. Bring your own picnic and favourite teddy bear. Child (3 yrs and over) £3.50, accompanying adult free. To book your place please tel: 01926 498437 or email: educationofficer@hcgt.org.uk www.hillclosegardens.com/education. html

Mary Arden’s Folk Festival

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Rd, Wilmcote, nr Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN. Sat 24-Mon 26 August Daytime: Celebrate all ages of music with the Tudors. Children are invited to bring an instrument to perform or sing on the open mic stage. Plus Tudor dancing, make-andtake activities and BBQ. Evening: Sat 24 & Sun 25 August. A line up of local and regional folk bands.

Visit www.shakespeare.org.uk for ticket prices and more information.

Coventry Festival of Motoring

Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ. Sat 24-Sun 25 August, 10am-5pm A two-day celebration of classic, contemporary and future cars. As well as many cars on show there will be a fairground, stalls, stunt shows including the Wall of Death and historic flypasts.

Admission FREE. Car parking £5 per car per day. Free historic shuttle bus will run each day from Coventry Transport Museum. www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk/

Tanks, Trucks and Firepower Show

Dunchurch, Rugby CV23 Sat 24-Mon 26 August, from 10am A must for kids who love tanks! Displays from military vehicle and re-enactment groups, plus food stalls, fairground attractions, mini tank rides and stalls. £22 for a family ticket (2 adults and three children under16), £8 adults, £3.50 kids& senior citizens, under 5’s go free. The show ground is 1 mile from Dunchurch on the A426 Southam Road and five miles from Rugby. Follow the show signs. http://tankstrucksandfirepower.co.uk/

Eating in Wonderland

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP.

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In Stratford District: lots of free and

low-cost childcare and play options. Go to www.stratford.gov.uk/leisure/holidayactivities.cfm or call 01789 260643.

In Warwick District: go to www.

warwickdc.gov.uk/WDC/Leisure/ and click on Young people’s activities, then Holiday activities to download the activity booklet.

Warwickshire County Council’s Heritage and Culture team are running lots of events – details can be found on the website at http://heritage.warwickshire. gov.uk/events-and-activities

Multi-activity Camps and Childcare Brambles Pre-School Holiday Club Brambles Pre-School, Blackthorn

Road, Kenilworth CV8 2DS. Very popular holiday club for children aged 4-11 years. Wide range of activities, from sport and play in the adjoining playground to art & craft, cooking, games, role play, computer use or quiet time indoors. Various session times available at very reasonable rates. 8am-6pm £23; 8am-1pm: £11.50, 9am-3pm: £13.80; 1pm-6pm: £11.50. All major childcare vouchers accepted. For further details please call 01926 854486, visit www. brambles-kenilworth.com or email staff@brambles-kenilworth.com

castle throughout the day). For more info e-mail info@art-base.co.uk, call on 01789 774705 or see www.art-base.co.uk/

Drama, Dance and Circus Godiva Trapeze Summer School 5+ Spencer Yard Studio, Leamington Mon 22 July-Friday 16 August, 10am-4pm 2-week aerial circus skills summer school for ages 5+. £30 per day, £250 full ten days. Booking deadline Sat 13 July. For more info see www.facebook.com/ GodivaTrapeze/events

Godiva Trapeze Summer School 14+ Motionhouse Warehouse, CV34 5XH. Mon 22-Weds 31 July, 10am-4pm Ten days of Aerial Training for ages 14+. Book individual days or the whole ten days. £30 per day, £250 full ten days. Booking deadline Sat 13 July. For more info see www.facebook.com/ GodivaTrapeze/events

Krystle Jayne Dance Academy Summer School

Wootton Wawen Village Hall, Alcester Road, Henley in Arden, B95 6AY. Weds 7-Fri 9 August, 10am-2pm Dance (all styles), acting & singing summer school, suitable for ages 4-11 years. £25 for 3 days or £10 daily rate, plus sibling discounts. Call 07791852891 or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com

Fit for Sport Holiday Camps

Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 Mon 22 July-Fri 30 August Fun camps offering a wide range of sports and arts activities, including swimming, for ages 5-12 years.

For more info or to book, call 0845 456 3233, email enquiries@fitforsport.co.uk or visit www.fitforsport.co.uk/kids-camps/

SuperCamps

The Croft Preparatory School, Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7RL. Multi Activity (ages 4-14), Raw Adventure (ages 7-14) and “A Passion for” (ages 6-16) camps. For more info, go to www.supercamps.co.uk/

Arts and Crafts ArtBase Workshops

Very creative arts and crafts workshops running at The Croft Preparatory School and The Armouries in Stratford upon Avon, and Warwick Space and The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick. £30 per day/ £15 per half-day (at the Armouries, this includes plays in Henry’s 30 August, Sitting 1: 11.30am-1pm & Sitting 2: 1.30-3pm To celebrate the Looking in Wonderland exhibition, bring a picnic to the Herbert to join a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party.

There will be an Alice inspired art activity to do as you eat your picnic, helped along by costumed characters, and a trail linked to the exhibition to take part in afterwards.

Fancy dress is welcomed! FREE. Booking is required. Please arrive promptly. To book events please call 024 7629 4774 or ask at Herbert reception. www.theherbert.org/

ILEAP Charity Summer Fete

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 31 August, 10.30am-4.30pm Have fun at this traditional Summer Fete and help raise much needed funds for ILEAP,

Market Hall Museum, Warwick Tues 27-Thurs 29 August, 10am-3pm A 3-day workshop for young people aged 14-18 years who have a keen interest in photography. £85 for three-day course.

To book, call 01926 412069 or email janecommane@warwickshire.gov.uk

Activities at your local libraries and Market Hall Museum, Warwick Book Magic FREE story sessions with

fun activities every Sunday at Leamington and Rugby Libraries at 2pm.

Heritage and Culture Events

at the Libraries Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £2.50 per child, £1 for under 5s. Tickets must be booked in advance in person.

X Marks the Spot: Pirates and maps Weds 24 July at Rugby, 10.30am-12noon Weds 24 July at Market Hall Museum, Warwick, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm Tues 30 July at Lillington, 10.30am12noon; Weds 7 August at Stratford, 10.30am-12noon Knights & Dragons: Heraldry

Weds 7 August at Rugby, 10.30am-12noon Weds 7 August at Market Hall Museum, Warwick, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm Tues 13 August at Lillington, 10.30am12noon; Weds 21 August at Stratford, 10:30am-12noon

Plants and Potions: Historic remedies Wed 31 July at Market Hall

Warwick School Holiday Activities Warwick School, Myton Rd, Warwick CV34 6PP. Summer Action Weds 17 July-Fri 30 August (excluding Friday Aug 23 and Monday Aug 26). Wide range of fun courses and activities for ages 4-5 years and 6-11 years. Summer Action Plus Weeks commencing 29 July and 5 August Courses for ages 12-14. For more information, and to book, go to www.warwickschool.org/ and click on Community and then Holiday Activities

Picture This: An Introduction to Photography

Museum, Warwick, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm; Wed 31 July at Rugby, 10.30am12noon; Mon 5 August at Leamington, 2.30pm-4pm; Thurs 15 August at Alcester, 2.30pm - 4pm

Beside the Jurassic Seaside:

Stagecoach Holiday Workshops

Trinity Catholic School, Guy’s Cliffe Ave, Leamington Spa CV32 6NB. Mon 12-Fri 16 August A week of the holidays when stars will shine! Stagecoach holiday workshops are open to current and non-Stagecoach students and we perform a show in a week! Our 6-18yr olds will take on Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express – An Amateur Youth Group Production’ (by arrangement with The Really Useful Group). We have a live band to support us too! Our Juniors (4-6 yr olds) will perform ‘Superkids Rock the Planet!’ – a great musical with plenty to make them feel super! Call Jacqui on 07976 608574 to book NOW! www.stagecoach.co.uk/ leamingtonspa.html

Fossils Thurs 25 July at Kenilworth, 10.30am-12noon; Thurs 1 August at Alcester, 2.30-4pm; Wed 21 August at Rugby, 10.30am-12noon; Wed 21 August at Market Hall Museum, Warwick, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm Busy Bugs and Bees Weds 24 July at Stratford, 10.30am-12 noon; Weds 14 August at Rugby, 10.30am-12noon; Weds 14 August at Market Hall Museum, Warwick, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm Mon 19 August at Leamington, 2.30-4pm

Wildlife activities Film and Photography Make it Reel

Helen Martin Studio, Warwick Arts Centre Mon 12-Fri 15 August, 10am-4pm Five-day film-making course for ages 1215. £120. For more info and to book, see www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/ family/make-it-reel-summer-2013 a local charity working with children and adults with learning difficulties. Have a go on the lucky dip, try your skills at the penalty shoot-out, soak the staff with soggy wet sponges and have fun on the tombola, all in aid of charity. Free admission. www.hattonworld.com/shoppingvillage/ hattonevents/

Summer Picnic Proms

Ragley Hall, Alcester B49 5NJ. Sat 31 August, 4.30-10pm Bring a picnic and enjoy this spectacular open air concert, with classical music (with cannons), Spitfire flypasts, battle re-enactments and huge firework finale, all in the fabulous setting of Ragley Hall. Adult £34, Child (5-15 years) £16, Under-5s free. www.battleproms.com/

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust: Really Wild Activities

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry , CV3 3GW Daily workshops running Weds 24 JulyFri 30 August. In most cases, £3.50 per person, £4.50 for non WWT member.

To book call 024 7630 2912. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/

Cottage Garden Festival

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-uponAvon. CV37 9HH. Sat 7-Sun 8 September Demonstrations of rural crafts, market stalls, garden-themed entertainment and children’s activities. £2.50-£5 (tickets cover both days and available on the door).

Stratford Food Festival

Stratford Racecourse, Luddington Rd , Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9SE. Sat 14 September, 10am-7pm & Sun 15 September, 10am-5pm Great British Bake-Off judge Paul Hollywood is headlining this year’s foodie fest. For more info, see www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Please phone before you go, in case details have changed since we went to print.

Due to space restraints, it has not been possible to include all events.

Things to do and placesforto go in Warwickshire Please go to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk more listings.

Exhibitions and Performances As You Like It at Coughton Court

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. 22 June-8 September A selection of the best illustrations by Sir John Tenniel for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There (1872) by Lewis Carroll.

The exhibition introduces an amazing set of characters encountered by Alice – the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the King and Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen and the White Queen – and the strange situations she finds herself in. The works are printed directly from the original wood blocks, showing the skill of both illustrator and engraver. FREE. www.theherbert.org/

Quentin Blake: As Large as Life

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. 27 July-3 November Quentin Blake, one of Britain’s best-loved and most successful illustrators, is known by young and old alike, his name having been synonymous with his illustrations for Roald Dahl’s books. Recently Quentin has been commissioned by hospitals and health centres to produce works which have a therapeutic effect on their residents.

This exhibition brings together over 50 works for visitors to experience the effects for themselves. FREE. www.theherbert.org/ This exhibition was organised by Compton Verney in collaboration with the House of Illustration.

Shakespeare’s Treasures Exhibition Shakespeare’s Birthplace,

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW. Experience the world of Shakespeare through unique items from the Trust’s collections. Normal admission applies. www. shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Top Ten

Nash’s House and New Place , Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. Who is Shakespeare’s most popular character?

We asked the public to vote and now you can discover who the prized heroes and villains are, and learn their stories. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Children’s Theatre In the Night Garden Live

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH. 25 July-8 August Magical musical theatre version of the CBeebies TV show. There are two shows to choose from and each one lasts just under an hour. Save money on your tickets with the advert on the right! www. nightgardenlive.com/

Outdoor Theatre Alice – An Extraordinary Adventure at Charlecote Park

Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER. Sat13 July, 6-8.30pm Heartbreak Productions perform Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic in the grounds by the river Avon. Bring your chair and a picnic. Adult £14, child £7. Booking essential by calling the box office on 0844 249 1895

Tel: 01789 764667

On Tour Now, Don’t Miss It!

Romeo and Juliet at Baddesley Clinton Rising Lane,

Baddesley Clinton, B93 0DQ. Fri 19 July, gates open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.

Heartbreak Productions perform Shakespeare’s greatest love story in the beautiful gardens of Baddesley Clinton.

Bring a picnic. Adult £15, Child £8, Family £38.

Booking essential by calling 01564 783294.

Alice – An Extraordinary Adventure at Packwood House

Packwood Ln, Lapworth, Solihull B94 6AT. Fri 26 July, gates open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Heartbreak Productions perform Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic in Packwood’s glorious Yew Garden, bring a picnic. Adult £15, child £8, family £38. Booking essential by calling the box office on 0844 249 1895

Comedy of Errors at Mary Arden’s Farm Station Road, Wilmcote,

Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. 26-27 July, 7.30pm Bring a picnic and enjoy Shakespeare’s words in a beautiful setting, performed by Oddsocks Theatre Company.

Tickets £10-18 and available on www.oddsocks.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM 25 Jul-8 Aug

Cannon Hill Park

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth CV8 1NE. Tues 13 August, 7.30-10pm Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy.

Picnic with family and friends in the magical surroundings of Kenilworth Castle. Advance booking essential via Kenilworth Castle direct - call 01926 852078; English Heritage Customer Services - 0870 333 1181; See Tickets (0871) 2200260 www.seetickets.com For more info see www.english-heritage. org.uk/

Dracula at Charlecote Park

Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER. Sat 17 August, 7.3010pm Heartbreak Productions perform the scary classic in the paddock next to the house. Bring your chair and a picnic. Adult £14, child £7.

Booking essential by calling the box office on 0844 249 1895

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hall’s Croft Old Town, Stratford-

upon-Avon CV37 6BG Sun 18 August, 7pm The Festival Players perform Shakespeare’s magical summer play. Tickets £11-£13. To book visit www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Coughton Court Alcester, B49 5JA. Fri

30 August, 7.30pm (gates open at 6.30pm) Picnic al fresco and enjoy this Shakespeare classic performed by the Pantaloons. Adult £15, Child £8, Family £38. Booking is essential – call the box office on 0844 2491895.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

BOOK NOW, GET

£5 OFF*

Use Coupon:

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FOR £5 OFF ORDERS OVER £50 AND 5% OFF ORDERS UNDER £50 No booking fee online

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Looking in Wonderland: Sir John Tenniel’s Illustrations to the Alice Books

Alcester, B49 5JA. Fri 19 July, gates open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform this Shakespeare classic in the beautiful gardens of Coughton Court. Bring a picnic.

Adult £15, Child £8, Family £38. Booking is essential. Please call the box office on 0844 2491895.

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Exhibitions

What’sOn On What’s

In the Night Garden™ & © Ragdoll Worldwide Limited 2007. * Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, see NightGardenLive.com.

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y! il m fa r u yo for es iz pr s u lo bu fa in W Win photography training with Linda Scannell!

Win a family day ticket to Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World!

Families Warwickshire has teamed up with Paultons Park, home to the world’s first and UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, to give away a family day ticket for two adults and two children under 12.

Paultons Park has more than 60 rides and attractions for all ages - including a brand new 4D effects cinema - set in 140 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.

Children aged 8-13 are encouraged to enter their best photograph over the summer, with the chance of winning a place for them and a parent on Linda’s new half-day course in the Autumn.

There will be two prizes - one decided by public vote and one by a panel of judges.

For more details and how to enter, go to Linda’s blog: http://bit.ly/fwphotocomp

Good luck!

To win this great prize, go to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk/competitions

GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST Sat 13 – Sun 14 July 11am – 5pm Speed, strength and skill – let the contest begin!

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk