Families Warwickshire November-December 2017

Warwickshire

IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas

Where's Santa? Days out and more!

Education

Help your child with spelling

Issue 38 November/December 2017

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 1

Issue 38 | November/December 2017 | Families Warwickshire

In this issue 2

Snippets

5

Clubs & Classes

6

Pony Rides Children’s Cooking Demos Festive Family Cinema

10

Education

10 Where's Santa?

12 What's on Contact details

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers

Claire Jones on 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Next issue: January/February 2018 Cover by Liittle Beanies Photograpy www.littlebeanies.co.uk Design by www.peninsula-design.co.uk

Saturday 25th November 10am – 5pm Sunday 26th November 10am – 4pm

FREE ADMISSION!

Deadline: Wednesday 6th December

Families Warwickshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently All content ©2017 Families Warwickshire owned and operated under licence. Families Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, magazine for parents, covering StratfordRemenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow on-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,000 Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The copies. Towns covered include Stratfordcontents of Families Warwickshire are fully upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and protected by copyright and none of the Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, editorial or photographic matter may be Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-onAvon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in the smaller villages in between. the preparation of this magazine, but Families Warwickshire; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

FREE

Bespoke gift and craft retailers PARKING Indoor event with everything under one roof Gourmet food and drink available to pre-order or take away Expert-led yuletide workshops Café offering a selection of festive favourites LOCATION: STONELEIGH PARK, WARWICKSHIRE, CV8 2LG www.naecstoneleigh.co.uk/naec-winter-fair @naecstoneleigh @naecwinterfair

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christmas 2017 Kenny Wax Family enTerTainmenT

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“Delightful”

age 3+

hhhh The Stage

“a fun-filleD frolic” The guardian

The region’s biggest arts and entertainment venue with restaurant, bars, café, gallery and Free parking after 6pm and weekends Warwick arts Centre @warwickarts warwickarts

Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

2 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre The University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL

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Snippets

SANDRA ORAM Member of I.F.A., B.R.A., A.R.R.

Clinical Aromatherapy Clinical Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage Massage Reflexology for Fertility

Family Photo Session gift vouchers available this Christmas!

Can’t think what to buy your loved one, family or friends this Christmas? Why not treat them to a photo session with Little Beanies Photography? You can either buy a session or buy however much you would like to put towards a package.

You won’t get stressed out at a Little Beanies Photography session. Lisa Jordan is a documentary style photographer specialising in Bumps, Newborns, Babies and Families, and she loves to work with natural light. This means little posing in your own environment. Just capturing your family having lots of fun.

ation -motion Animrt CREATIVE Stop& thday Pa ies Bir s op sh rk Wo

07581 576 198 ar4health@iCloud.com www.essential-aromatherapy.co.uk

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30 Lawson Avenue, Tiddington Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7BT

Embroidered Baby Products

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Individual and Group Coaching Supporting parents on their personal and family journeys For more information please contact Tina

07932 441 450

07498 575088 Tel. Tel. 0749 857 5088 www.babyhedgehugs.co.uk www.babyhedgehugs.co.uk

yournewwings@gmail.com

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Bespoke seasonal range Baby Hedge Hugs, creators of bespoke embroidered baby products, offer a super seasonal range of gorgeous gifts, including some beautiful monogrammed Christmas Stockings, Drawstring Sacks and fun Baby's Christmas Bibs. Visit the website to find out more about these and other adorable products.

Visit the website for more information: www.littlebeanies.co.uk Follow Little Beanies on Facebook and Instagram and keep up to date with Lisa’s latest work: @littlebeanies MODEL CALL: Would you like your children to feature on a Families Warwickshire front cover? This is an exciting opportunity to sample a session with Little Beanies Photography and become a star. We are always looking for models to keep it local.

Contact lisa@littlebeanies.co.uk

www.babyhedgehugs.co.uk

BL

From the organisers of The Baby Show

2 -3 Dec NEC Birmingham

DEACK F AL RIDA S! Y

Book Tickets Now Save Over 40%

Quote Code FAMILIESW

Courtesy of Kiddiewinkles

babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

A one-stop-shop for everything parents need for their babies and toddlers up to 4 years of age • Prams & pushchairs • Buggies & strollers • Nursery furniture & furnishings • Toys • Clothing • Feeding equipment • Car seats • Travel • Healthcare & wellbeing • Books • Gifts • Bathing & changing • Accessories • Carriers • Safety & security • Maternity • Baby and toddler activity classes • Outdoor play equipment • and much, much more...

Event Sponsors and Partners

Saving is based on the standard on-the-door ticket price of £12. Advance Box Office closes midnight 01/12/2017. £1 transaction fee applies.

J353248_BTT03_Families_N_Advert_Landscape_180x130mm_2017_V4.indd 2 familiesonline.co.uk

16/10/2017 17:14 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3

Snippets

Baby to Toddler event at Birmingham’s NEC The organisers of the fantastic Baby Show are bringing a brand new event to the NEC this winter. Baby To Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents, is a two day shopping event in association with Baby Planet and will give visitors access to exclusive offers and Black Friday deals from some of the biggest baby and toddler brands you know and trust.

Taking place at Birmingham NEC on the weekend of 2-3 December 2017, exhibitors will also include not-on-the high street boutique brands. It is the one-stop-shop for everything parents need for their little ones with the aim of making parents’ lives easier - perfect in the run-up to Christmas!

Attendees will also be given the chance to purchase a Project Baby Goody Bag worth up to £30 for just £1, 50p of which will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On the door tickets are £12 but Families Warwickshire readers can have a 45% discount to £6.50 using the code FAMILIESW via www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk. * Saving is based on the standard on-the-door ticket price of £12.

Advance Box Office closes midnight 1 Dec 2017. £1 transaction fee applies.

Christmas cards for a good cause Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via www.braintumourresearch.org/ fundraise/christmas-cards

Outstanding exam results, auditions and even a theatre trip!

Rutleigh Norris School of Dance (RNSD) has had a busy autumn term and is pleased to announce that its students achieved 100% pass rate for the Royal Academy of Dance summer exams with over 30% at Distinction (above the UK average), and 100% pass rate with a whopping 82% at Distinction for Tap and Modern Jazz exams.

Over 150 RNSD students recently participated in another five days of RAD and IDTA Winter examinations across the school’s wellestablished branches in Alcester, Bournville and Moseley, as well as participating in dance competitions in the region.

RNSD loves giving its students the opportunity to perform and in October the school held an entire day of auditions for the main parts for its upcoming production of ‘Alice’s Adventures’ which will be showing at the Palace Theatre, Redditch in July 2018.

An inspirational backstage trip to The Old Rep is in the pipeline at the end of term to watch their production of ‘Alice’ after the success of last year’s backstage trip to see Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’.

New students are always welcome into this family-like dance school and all RNSD students are invited to participate in the July 2018 production. www.rnsd.co.uk

Photo by Paul Start.

A Christmas treat A festive tale for all the family is coming to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-uponAvon. A brand new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic and one of the most loved short stories ever written, A Christmas Carol, plays from 27 November.

In one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough?

David Edgar returns to the RSC to rediscover the social conscience of this timeless tale, Rachel Kavanaugh, fresh from stunning the West End with her award-winning production of Half A Sixpence, directs a company including Phil Davis as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Suitable for ages seven and over and children go half price. BEST TICKET AVAILABILITY JANUARY. Find out more about ticket prices and discounts at www.rsc.org.uk

4 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Deck your halls at Smith’s Nurseries Many thanks to Mick Smith of Smith’s Nurseries and Garden Centre in Baginton, who kindly let us use his Christmas shop to shoot this issue’s front cover photo. With stunning displays and gorgeous decorations, you can find everything you need to make your house look really festive. As well as decorations and lights, in the run up to Christmas, Smith’s Christmas Store will also stock freshly cut Christmas trees, real wreaths and table top decorations.

On the weekends of 2 & 3, 9 & 10 and 16 & 17 December, don’t miss Smith’s Magical Christmas – take your children to Santa’s Grotto and Family Activity Centre, meet some owls and Twinkle the reindeer, and lots more! www.smithsnurseries.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & classes

G i v ey o urb a b y t h eb e s ts t a r t !

Multi-sensory music classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers C al lR ac h el : 0 7 4 6 9 1 86 0 4 2

DANCE CLASSES Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Stratford, Coventry & Rugby

H Southam Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat

Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

H Leamington Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

H Cawston Mondays and Fridays

Book your FREE Trial Lesson

Call Claire on 07774 518949

rh y t h mt ime .ne t / rt 2 2 8 setas£5 ss te io r n*

NEW Family Swim Centre in Leamington

BOOK NOW! *Offer subject to availability. T&C’s apply.

Swim Works, Queensway, Leamington Spa, CV31 3LU www.swimworks.co.uk • hello-leamington@swimworks.co.uk

mel@bilinguasing.com

claire@loveballet.co.uk

07815 149877

www.loveballet.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com

DANCE WITH DASH

• Quality dance classes in Shipston-on-Stour and Moreton-in-Marsh • From 18 months to adults • Ballet Tap Modern and Jazz • British Ballet Organization (BBO) syllabus • Pre-School Melody Bear class

DDMIX! & Silver Swans classes available

T: 07970 742256 www.dancewithdash.co.uk

Age 3 - Adult | 01789 731 000

principal@rnsd.co.uk | www.rnsd.co.uk

Want the best for your child through music?

Make a splash at Swim Works The team at Swim Works is proud to be different! With their own purpose-built pools in Rugby and Leamington Spa, and classes in carefully chosen pools around Warwickshire under the Little Splashers brand, you’re guaranteed passionate teachers and small group lessons full of safety, developmental skills and serious fun.

The busy timetable has classes for everyone from mums-to-be, babies and toddlers (8 weeks+) to children, adults and elite athletes. Swim Works centres have fantastic, family-friendly facilities and warm, virtually chemical free pools that are perfect for delicate skin. The lovely reception areas have comfy sofas, toys, refreshments and a large viewing window for friends or family to watch.

All Little Splashers venues also have warm pools and the same unique swim programme including elements of Aqua Sensory® (created by the company’s co-founder Jo Wilson!) for something truly special. So go and dive in - and give your child a skill for life! www.swimworks.co.uk

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Warwickshire Music offers: • Instrumental and vocal tuition by fully qualified teachers • Wide variety of after school music groups • Music theatre groups • Specialist groups including Suzuki strings and drum school • Performance opportunities throughout the year “Thank you very much for a great 7 years of music - tours, concerts and weekly practices with various Warwickshire Music Groups form some of my fondest memories and were certainly a wonderful opportunity” Sam - County Windband.

T: 01926 742630 music@warwickshire.gov.uk

www.warwickshiremusichub.org

Warwickshire Promote your club or class and reach over 40,000 Warwickshire parents. Call Claire on 01926 335004 or email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 5

Education

Independent Schools Contact Details and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18) T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 4-13) T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk

PREP AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk Bablake Junior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Weds 22 Nov, 7pm-8pm: Nursery and Reception Open Evening The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry T: 024 7627 1307 E: admissions@khps.co.uk www.khviii.co.uk Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

SENIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com

Helping Your Child with Spelling: A Parent’s Guide

By Andrew Campbell The new school year is well underway, and your child may be bringing home weekly spelling lists to study. As a parent, you may be wondering, how can I help my child become a better speller?

Firstly, it is useful to understand the different ways in which children remember spellings.

Here are some activities you can try at home with your child to help them with their spelling skills.

Visual ‘Does it look right?’ The child responds to the shapes of words and patterns of the letter-strings within them.

• Show your child how words can be broken down into syllables e.g. together = to-geth-er, discovery = dis-cov-er-y.

• Ask your child to draw pictures for each of the spelling words. Get them to write the word below the picture. Take all the pictures and create a spelling reference book.

• Create a word search with your child’s spelling words. You can do this by making a grid of 10 squares by 10 squares, writing the spelling words in the grid, then filling up the other squares with random letters. Keep a list of your child’s spelling words nearby for them to refer to.

• Together, think of ways to remember the words. For example, You HEAR with your EAR; He will be a FRIEND until the END; Big Elephants Can Always Upset Small Elephants. These types of memorisation tricks are called mnemonics.

• Encourage your child to write a story using as many of their spelling words as possible and also include illustrations.

• Trace, copy and replicate. Write the word out on a sheet of paper ensuring that it is spelt correctly and is large enough to trace over. Trace over the word and say it at the same time. Then, move to the word you have just written and write it out as you say it. Turn the page over and write the word as you say it, and then check that it is spelt it correctly.

• Rainbow writing. Using coloured pencils in different ways can help to make parts of words more memorable. Highlight the tricky part of a word or write the tricky part in a different colour.

• Rearrange letters from your child’s name or other known words to make new words.

• Enjoy playing word games with your child eg. Scrabble, Boggle, Hangman and Word lotto.

Auditory ‘Sound it out!’ The child recognises the relationship between sounds and letters or groups of letters and analyses words in these terms.

Kinaesthetic ‘Let the spelling come out of the end of your pencil!’ The child becomes accustomed to making specific handmovements to produce particular words or letter strings.

Linguistic ‘Why is it spelt like that?’ The child learns to be aware of relationships between words or parts of words based on meanings, syntax, derivations etc.

King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 E: admissions@khviii.net www.khviii.co.uk

Next, it is helpful to appreciate that all children have a preferred learning style and by offering your child activities which suit their style, you will help them learn more quickly and effectively.

King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Visual Learners learn by looking at the letter/word as it is said or written. A visual link is created to the manual, oral and auditory channels of their brain.

Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Thurs 2 Nov, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning

Oral Kinaesthetic Learners learn by saying the letter/word as it is viewed or written. An oral link is created to the manual, visual and auditory channels of the brain.

Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

Manual Kinaesthetic Learners learn by writing/creating/modeling/tracing the letter/word as it is viewed or spoken. A manual link is created to the oral, visual and auditory channels of the brain.

6 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

‘All Different, All Equal’ Anti-Bullying Week runs from 13 to 17 November this year and the theme, ‘All Different, All Equal’ aims to promote difference and equality in schools. The idea is to help children and young people celebrate what makes them, and others, unique and help them understand why it’s important that every child feels included at school and able to be themselves without fear of bullying.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance will be supporting schools with a range of free activities to help them take action to prevent bullying and create safe environments for their pupils. Anti-Bullying Week will also see the ‘Power for Good’ award made to teachers, school support staff and youth workers who go beyond the call of duty to help children with issues such as bullying, relationships, family life and mental health. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Visit us during the school day to discover what makes Bablake so special.

To book a tour of the school, please call Admissions on 024 7627 1248

www.bablake.com

An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

• Play the ‘plasticine writing challenge’. Flatten a piece of plasticine and use a pencil to ‘write’ a spelling word in it. Now look at the word together. After a while, smooth over the plasticine and challenge your child to write the word from memory.

When studying spelling, encourage your child to use the ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” method.

Look: first look at the whole word carefully and if there is one part of the word that is difficult, look at that part in more detail.

Say: say the word as you look at it, using different ways of pronouncing it if that will make it more memorable.

Cover: cover the word.

Write: write the word from memory, saying the word as you do so.

Check: Have you got it right? If yes, try writing it again and again. If not start again - look, say cover, write, check. Repeat the process and keep practising until the word has been spelt correctly three times Above all, ensure that your child feels confident that, as a writer, they always have your interest, admiration and support.

familiesonline.co.uk

Open Morning Saturday 3 February 9:30am – 12noon

Entrance Assessments for girls aged 7+ Monday 26 February

Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545

www.warwickprep.com

|

@warwickprep

Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 7

Action-packed childcare this

Christmas Holiday

Ofsted registered EY476056

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD

2nd - 4th January Open from 8am - 6pm

We will also be here for February Half Term and the Easter Holidays. *Offer ends 5pm Friday 15th December 2017 Terms and conditions apply

We accept childcare vouchers

Fantastic early bird offer

3FOR £45 DAYS

*8am-4pm consecutive days only.

Terms and conditions apply

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298 178

Action-packed, Ofsted registered childcare throughout the school holidays for children aged 4-14 Aspire Active Camps provide sports and activity childcare during every school holiday throughout the year for children between 4-14 years old. Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. However, safety is paramount and as an Ofsted registered provider, we go that extra mile giving you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible. All our child protection policies are in place and our coaches are suitably qualified in first aid and safeguarding to ensure your child’s safety at all times.

Foundation schools with a shared ethos The Princethorpe Foundation welcomes children of all denominations and provides co-educational, independent, day schooling with a strong Christian ethos. It supports and nurtures some thirteen hundred children from age two to eighteen years through its senior school and Sixth Form at Princethorpe College, and its two junior schools, Crescent School and Crackley Hall School, which has its own nursery, Little Crackers.

All the Foundation’s schools pride themselves on providing a caring, stimulating environment in which children’s individual needs are met and their talents, confidence and self-esteem are developed.

A high achieving, thriving and happy Catholic school of around 300 pupils aged two to eleven years, Crackley Hall has been described as the ‘next best place to home’ by its pupils. The school and its onsite nursery are located in an attractive former country residence, built for John Siddeley, Lord Kenilworth, on the edge of the town. In this warm, dynamic and engaging environment, children grow and discover at an early age where their talents lie.

The Crescent School, originally established to educate the children of Rugby School masters, merged with the Princethorpe Foundation in September 2016. Enjoying a prime location in Bilton, Rugby, traditional values are at the heart of the school which has some 140 pupils aged four to eleven years on roll, plus an award-winning onsite nursery, Nature Trails, for children aged six months to pre-school.

A little school with big ambitions, the Crescent has just welcomed a new Headmaster, Joe Thackway, and unveiled improved facilities.

To find out what a Princethorpe Foundation education could do for your child, pop along to one of their next Open Events. www.crackleyhall.co.uk www.crescentschool.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk

To provide the greatest affordability, we provide fantastic early booking offers for those booking in advance. We also offer discounts and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. As we are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers.

This Christmas holiday, we will be running Active Camps at North Leamington School from 2-4 January with a range of activities to choose from, including Multi Sports, Football Academy, Dance and Stage Beatz and Active Leaders.

For more information call us on 01926 289178 or visit our website www.aspire-sports.co.uk

Warwick Junior School The success and reputation of the Junior School comes from more than just equipping boys with the skills and knowledge in readiness for senior school entry. A Warwick Junior School education nurtures the whole child, helping boys to develop confidence and character and to be supportive of their peers.

The Junior School is committed to helping boys learn to persevere, have courage to make mistakes and recognise setbacks as learning opportunities. Skilled and experienced staff encourage the boys to be curious about the world and to use their creative energies both in the classroom and beyond. The staff share a restless ambition for the boys in the school. The learning habits they encourage will serve the boys in years ahead, allowing them to make the most of their opportunities.

Warwick Junior School offers Taster Sessions on a date to suit you. You can book your son in for a morning or a full day taster session, enabling him to join one of the classes and see what the school is really like. To book a place please contact Mrs Turner on 01926 776418 or j.turner@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

8 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

d Charity Number 1087124.

Crackley turned my little girl from the one hiding in the corner, to the one standing centre stage, in front of a full house and in the lead role of Joseph in the school play.

All that confidence comes from the school, and it never me ceases to amaze me.

Wendy Farquharson – Crackley parent and PTA member.

Is your child due to start school in September 2018?

Join us for our dedicated Reception and Nursery Open Evening on Wednesday 22 November from 7pm to 8pm. Or pop along to one of our whole school Open Events in the New Year.

A little school with big ambitions The Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby is a little school with big ambitions.

Our dedicated staff pride themselves on really knowing our pupils well and bringing out the very best in all of them.

Since joining The Princethorpe Foundation there have been some exciting developments. Come and see our improved facilities, meet our new Headmaster and hear our plans for the future.

Is your child due to start school in September 2018?

Join us for our dedicated Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 21 November from 7pm to 8pm. Or pop along to one of our whole school Open Events in the New Year.

For information call For information call 01788 523851 or visit Crackley Hall School 01926 514410 or visit An independent school for 4-11 year olds crescentschool.co.uk crackleyhall.co.uk A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

WS 180 by 130 JS At Work Nov 2017_Layout 1 04/10/2017 16:13 Page 1

Crescent School

An independent school for 4-11 year olds

A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

Junior School at Work Tuesday, 7 November 2017 1.30 - 3.00pm

Open Morning

Saturday, 20 January 2018 10.00am - 12.00 noon

Independent boys’ school (7-11 years) For details and a prospectus please contact: The Admissions Registrar 01926 776414 ∣ admissions@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 9

Christmas

Ideas for family festive fun

By Claire Winter

As we get closer to Christmas, children (and adults) get a little bit more excited. Here are some great ideas to get in the festive mood with the whole family.

1. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto and many families make it a tradition to watch a festive show. See ‘Cinderella’ at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry for loads of traditional panto fun! If panto isn’t your thing, there are lots of other family productions to see locally, including ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ at Warwick Arts Centre or the RSC’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. See theatre listings on page 12.

Where’s Santa?

Take your little ones to meet Father Christmas.

Enchanted Christmas Kingdom

Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick Various dates from Sat 25 Nov-Sun 24 Dec Visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto and receive a golden key to unlock his workshop where each child can choose their very own present. A festive family day out with Fun Fair Rides and Children’s Shows – plus, a Reindeer Hunt with a prize for the children.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world

Sleigh Ride

Coventry Transport Museum Coventry CV1 1JD Thurs 24 Nov-Fri 23 Dec, Opens 10am The beloved Coventry Co-op sleigh is back.

Journey to Lapland in this magical moving ride, pulled by two trusty reindeer. Meet Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Child £5, accompanying adult £1.50.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com

Smith’s Magical Christmas

Smith’s Nurseries & Garden Centre Baginton Weekends 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 Dec, 10am-4pm Santa’s Grotto and Family Activity Centre; snowy, tawny and barn owls; Twinkle the reindeer - and more! Wizards and witches welcome! Activity Centre Experience Only £3.

Santa’s Grotto & Activity Centre Experience £8.

T: 024 7630 3382 www.smithsnurseries.co.uk

Breakfast or Tea with Santa

Wyevale Garden Centres at Bournton-onDunsmore (Blooms) and Black Hill, Stratfordupon-Avon Various dates from Sat 18 Nov-Sun 24 Dec Receive a special present from Father Christmas. Biscuit decorating. Fun festive activities. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfastor-tea-with-father-christmas

Festive Family Trail

Upton House near Banbury Weekends 25 & 26 Nov, 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16, 17 & 18 Dec, 12noon-3pm Get in the festive spirit with a visit to Upton House decorated for Christmas. Follow the Christmas trail and meet Father Christmas.

House admission required, timed tickets operate daily, places are limited. £4 a child. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house-andgardens

Breakfast with Santa

Charlecote Garden Centre and Studley Garden Centre 3, 10, 17, 23 & 24 Dec, 9am-10.30am Join Santa and his elves for a magical breakfast feast followed by festive fun, songs and games. £9.50 per person. Booking essential. www.gardenstoreonline.co.uk/static/ charlecote

Santa at Warwick Castle

See website for dates Stories with Santa - included in general admission.

Santa Sleepover - complete with Elf wake-up call!

T: 01926 406660 www.warwick-castle.com

Santa’s Grotto

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Sat 9 Dec, 2pm-4pm Visit Santa in his Alpine grotto. Christmas crafts.

Children’s trail. Gift shop. FREE drop in and join in.

T: 01926 742700 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms

Christmas at Kenilworth Castle

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec, 10am-4pm A weekend of Christmas fun for all the family.

Enjoy crafts and storytelling and meet a very special guest in his grotto.

T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworthcastle

Santa in The Royal Priors

Leamington Spa Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec, 10am-4pm and Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec, 11am-3pm Santa will again be on his sleigh in the Royal Priors this Christmas. Every year the Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa invite Santa to the Royal Priors where he delights youngsters with presents and a friendly Ho! Ho! Ho! www.sparotary.org.uk

Santa Float

Santa’s sleigh aims to visit virtually every road in Kenilworth and Leek Wootton over two to three weeks in December, raising money for charity.

You can also see him at the two town Lights Switch Ons. www.kenilworthroundtable.com/SantaFloat

Father Christmas at the Enchanted Manor and Magic Alley

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 23 Nov-Sun 24 Dec Visit Father Christmas in this magical grotto.

Everyone receives a specially commissioned bedtime story to be read together on Christmas Eve. Then follow the Christmas trail in the Enchanted Manor. £8 per person, under 1s free.

T: 01789 290967 www.stratfordchristmasfestival.co.uk

Christmas at Compton Verney

Sat 2 & 9 Dec, 10.30am-3.30pm Meet Santa and his reindeer. Christmas activities.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

10 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

2. Make festive gingerbread men with the children. The smell of baking, ginger and cinnamon immediately evoke the scent of Christmas. You could be ambitious and bake biscuits to construct a gingerbread house.

Don’t worry, you can also cheat and buy a readymade set from supermarkets like Asda, Aldi and Lidl!

3. Make reindeer food. Generate excitement about the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer by making special food for Rudolf and friends. You can pre-make it and have it ready to sprinkle on the lawn or hallway on Christmas Eve, so Santa and his friends know where to go! Mix oats with edible glitter (don’t use normal glitter as it could be harmful to animals) and cake sprinkles, then pop the mixture in a suitable bag. You can also get the children to design their own festive labels and give the bags to family and friends at school.

4. Visit a Christmas market. Many cities and towns across the UK now have wonderful choice of markets, where you can buy a vast array of gifts, drink mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere. Birmingham hosts the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is the largest market of its kind outside Germany and Austria and will be running through to the end of Christmas Eve. It’s also the only German market in the UK to have a Victorian carousel. www. germanchristmasmarketbirmingham.com 5. Deck the Halls. Put on some Christmas tunes, get the decorations out and have fun making your home all Christmassy. Collect some greenery from the garden or whilst you are on a walk. The traditional holly and ivy looks great draped over a mantelpiece or around a doorframe. You could also get the children to make their own decorations card, glue and glitter is all you need!

6. Go and see the Christmas lights. This a great way to get into the festive spirit without having to spend a fortune. Most towns have a Christmas Lights Switch On event, with rides, stalls and entertainment too. See page 12.

7. Help others. Find out what your local food bank needs at Christmas time. Maybe they are collecting stocking fillers for children or need extra festive food. Get your children to think of someone locally who might like a visit or some extra help during the Christmas period.

8. Watch a Christmas film. Snuggling up with a hot chocolate and watching a festive classic can be just what the doctor ordered after a hectic day of Christmas shopping. It's a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone are just some of the films people love to watch.

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Christmas

Inspire your little ones to get closer to nature this Christmas Open a child’s door to nature by purchasing a child’s membership of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust this Christmas for only £19. Includes four FREE activity sessions for them to enjoy throughout the year!

Why not adopt a species and SPECIAL help save your local wildlife! OFFER Any membership purchased can receive a species adoption for half price - only £12.50. Choice of five species available and all include a cuddly toy.

Image credits: Shutterstock, main image and Ann Scott, wildlife images.

Or why not all get involved? Treat the whole family – you can all enjoy wild days out all year round, for up to 2 adults and 3 children. Free activities and events for all included! Contact us for more information.

www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

T & Cs As a special readers’ offer, membership can be purchased for any non-member of the trust by payment of cash, cheque, card or annual direct debit. To receive this offer you must purchase the membership and species adoption by calling our membership team on 024 7630 8972, quoting FAMSPEC17. Please order by 5pm on Friday 15th December for delivery in time for Christmas. Membership & species adoptions will be sent directly to the payer. Multiple purchases available one half price species adoption per membership purchased. Choice of five species to adopt – hedgehog, badger, bat, owl and peregrine falcon. Available whist stocks last. Offer available until 15/12/2017.

The gift of nature It is widely recognised that children are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. At an urban primary school, children on a nature session were asked to collect conkers - many of the children asked “What is a conker?”

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust believes that connecting children with nature and the great outdoors at a young age not only enables them to understand and appreciate the world we live in and how we can protect it, but it’s also vital for our children’s mental health. 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14.

Why not take out a membership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust? It will not only be a fantastic Christmas gift but will help us inspire the younger generation to get closer to nature! Look out for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s adopt a species offer too! www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Monkey Bingo This family-friendly game is packed with cheeky monkeys and other mischievous primates from all around the world. It features such firm favourites as the ringtailed lemur and the chimpanzee, one of our closest living relatives, as well as more unusual creatures like the mustachioed emperor tamarin and the tiny, carnivorous western tarsier, whose eyes are as big as its brain and whose head can rotate 180° in either direction. Boasting 64 weird, wonderful and beautiful species, Monkey Bingo is filled with fun facts and glorious illustrations that are guaranteed to delight monkey lovers and novices alike. Perfect for lots of family fun this Christmas. www.laurenceking.com/en/gifts/games/

familiesonline.co.uk

Top ways to write to Santa Many children like to use the traditional ‘up the chimney’ method to send their Christmas lists but there are other fun and exciting ways to contact Santa: • Royal Mail. Write to the man in red by Friday 8 December and get a personal letter back. See www. royalmail.com/letters-to-santa for more info.

• Write an email to Santa at www.emailsanta.com and he will send you a reply faster than Rudolph can fly!

• Surprise your children with a personalised letter from Father Christmas whilst helping to raise funds for the NSPCC. All letters are age-appropriate and come with beautiful illustrations. Request your letter delivered via RudolphMail at www.nspcc.org.uk (suggested donation £5).

• Get a personalised video from Santa using Portable North Pole App at www.portablenorthpole.com and Santa will commend those with good behaviour and offer a few words of encouragement for those naughty ones!

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 11

Christmas

Performances and Pantos Warwick Arts Centre

Bridge House Theatre

Coventry Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Box Office: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Where’s My Igloo Gone?

Sun 12 Nov A fun, magical experience for all the family where everyone can see and take part. A friendly, interactive show with enchanting live music. For ages 5+.

The Hunting of the Snark Weds 15 Nov Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs.

The Noise Next Door: Really, Really Good Afternoon Show Sun 12 Nov An epic explosion of outlandish characters, perfect punchlines and awesome songs. For ages 8+.

We're Going On A Bear Hunt Weds 29 Nov-Sun 7 Jan Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on their quest to find a bear. Catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure! For ages 3+.

Snow Mouse Fri 1 Dec-Sun 31 Dec An enchanting winter’s tale for the very young, following two friends on their adventures in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music. For ages 3 months-4 years.

Morgan & West: A (sort of) Christmas Carol Magic Show!

Weds 29 Nov Fun for all the family in this utterly splendid (and totally silly) Christmas magic extravaganza!

The Wizard of Oz Fri 1 & Sat 2 Dec Oddsocks Productions bring another classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy!

The Snow Dragon Thurs 14-Sat 16 Dec Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs for everyone aged 3 and up.

Royal Spa Centre

Leamington Spa Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall. co.uk Mister Maker and the Shapes Live!

Sun 12 Nov This fantastic live show encourages Mini Makers and grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise!

Sleeping Beauty Sat 2-Sun 31 Dec Enjoy the perfect family panto with spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances and bags of slapstick fun!

Stratford ArtsHouse

Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Cinderella Weds 22 Nov-Sat 13 Jan 2018 This Christmas you’re invited to a Royal Ball at the Belgrade Theatre with the nation’s favourite panto, Cinderella. This wonderful rags-toriches tale is guaranteed to delight all the family and bring a touch of magic and make-believe to your festive celebrations.

Santa’s Mixed-up Martian Thurs 7-Sun 24 Dec An unmissable treat for all children up to the age of 6 years. Fun characters, favourite action songs, a great story and a chance to meet Santa and get a present from him.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

A Christmas Carol Mon 27 Nov-Sun 4 Feb 2018 A brand new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic - one of the most loved short stories ever written.

In one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough? A festive tale of redemption and compassion. For ages 7+.

Jack and the Beanstalk Weds 20-Sat 30 Dec Enjoy sensational new scenery, stunning costumes, incredible special effects and plenty of audience participation at this year’s panto.

Playbox Theatre

Warwick Box Office: 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com Wizard of Oz Weds 20-Sun 31 Dec Hear the songs you love and meet all your favourite characters along the way in this thrilling seasonal sensation.

Priory Theatre

Kenilworth Box Office: 01926 863334 www.priorytheatre.co.uk Snow White Weds 13-Sun 31 Dec Enjoy the fabulous Priory panto, with spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances - and bags of slapstick fun!

Talisman Theatre

Kenilworth Box Office: 01926 856548 www.talismantheatre.co.uk Cinderella Fri 22 Dec-Sat 6 Jan All the fun of the traditional family pantomime, with quite a few twists!

Lots of laughs, music, magic and fun.

12 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Christmas Markets Leamington Spa’s Yuletide Market: The Parade on Sundays from 19 November to 24 December Stratford Christmas Market: Waterside on Thursdays from 23 November to 21 December Stratford Victorian Market: Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December Warwick Victorian Evening: Thursday 30 November Shipston-on-Stour Victorian Evening: Friday 1 December Alcester Christmas Street Market: Sunday 5 November and Sunday 3 December Southam Christmas Market: Sunday 26 November

Don’t miss Myton Hospice Santa Dash: Sunday 10 December www.mytonhospice.org/event/ santa-dash Leamington Lantern Parade: Sunday 3 December www.leamingtonlanternparade.co.uk

Christmas Lights Switch Ons Leamington Spa: Sunday 19 November Stratford-upon-Avon: Thursday 23 November Kenilworth Old Town (High Street): Friday 24 November Southam: Sunday 26 November Alcester: Sunday 26 November Warwick: Thursday 30 November Henley-in-Arden: Saturday 2 December Kenilworth Warwick Road: Sunday 3 December

Days Out – places to go and things to do!

Here are a few ideas for fantastic days out. See the What’s On pages of www.familiesonline.co.uk for more!

NAEC Stoneleigh Park Sat 25 & Sun 26 Nov, 10am-4pm (til 5pm on Sat) Winter Fair Get into the Christmas spirit with crafts, family fun, food and drink.

Pony rides, children’s cooking demos and a festive family cinema. Free parking and free admission. www.naecstoneleigh.co.uk/naecwinter-fair St Mary’s Church Warwick Thurs 30 Nov-Sun 10 Dec Christmas Tree Festival All the trees are individually decorated by the community and local businesses. Vote for your favourite and be entered in the prize draw. Admission to the opening night on Victorian Evening is 50p per adult and £1 per adult for the remainder of the festival. Child entry is free. Santa is visiting the festival on Sat 9 Dec at 11am. See website for full details and more info. www.stmaryswarwick.org.uk British Motor Museum Gaydon Fri 8-Sat 23 Dec, 10am-5pm Festive Family Fun Enjoy our Christmas trail. Help Martin the Mechanic fix Santa’s sleigh.

Meet Lady Edwards or William her Chauffeur. Festive family tour with the Christmas Elves at 1.30pm.

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec, 10am-3pm Christmas Craft Weekend Make car shaped Christmas decorations out of salt dough and car shaped Christmas cards.

Tues 2-Fri 5 Jan, 10am-3pm New Year Family Activities Get creative with Lego®. Design a new car for the New Year. Step back in time and meet ‘Torchey Blane’ and her scoop of Journalists. Motoring Treasures Treasure Hunt around the Museum.

All activities are included in normal Museum admission.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon A unique and spectacular family day out. During the Christmas holidays, discover some of the amazing creatures that live at the Butterfly Farm with our popular ‘Meet the Minibeast’ handling sessions. Twice daily from 28 Dec to 7 Jan. Hold a variety of stick insects, African land snails, giant millipedes and even Madagascan cockroaches!

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk Kenilworth Castle Fri 15-Sat 23 Dec, 4.30pm-9pm Enchanted Kenilworth Castle See the castle aglow with magical illuminations this Christmas. See competition on page 14 for more details and see how you can win a family ticket to this brand new festive event.

T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworthcastle The MAD Museum Stratford-upon-Avon The MAD Museum houses an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. A fun place to visit for all the family. Great shop, ideal for Christmas shopping.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick Fantastic day out for all the family.

Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment. Full Christmas programme of events.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld Continued on page 14...

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Christmas

KINETIC ART art in motion AUTOMATA interesting mechanical contraptions

4-5 Henley Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6PT www.theMADmuseum.co.uk

01789 269356

YOU’D BE MAD NOT TO! 4-5 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6PT

10% OFF TICKET PRICE WITH THIS VOUCHER Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Photocopies will not be accepted. Expires 1st Febuary 2018. FW11/17

Visit

AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS Sat 21 Oct - Sun 17 Dec See comptonverney.org.uk for all family activities and fun

Experience the true magic of Christmas with a wonderful ride on the Co-op Sleigh, now at Coventry Transport Museum!

24 November – 23 December Children £5.00 Accompanying adult* £1.50 *Up to 2 adults per child

Adult (without gift) Adult (with gift)

£4.00 £5.00

Entry fee includes a gift per child.

Opens at 10.00am. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For full details please go to www.transport-museum.com

We reserve the right to close the ride early.

65951 CC Sleigh Advert_180x130.indd 1 familiesonline.co.uk

18/10/2017 17:24 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13

Christmas Herbert Art Gallery Coventry See website for regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, as well as sensory play days with SEN sessions.

Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec, 10.30am-3pm Feeling Festive Create festive hanging decorations adorned with glass painted patterns and colourful Christmas trees through the process of tissue paper transfer art. Drop in. Suitable for age 3+, but all welcome. £2, under 2s free.

Weds 27-Sat 30 Dec, 10.30am-3.30pm Winter Wonders Create stunning winter scenes through the art of silk painting AND make a beautifully decorated glass jar. Drop in. Suitable for age 3+, but all welcome. £2, under 2s free.

T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org Coventry Transport Museum Coventry This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Various dates and times from Sat 25 Nov-Sat 23 Dec Christmas Crafts Enjoy ‘car’istmassy craft activities while Santa’s in residence! Make original ornaments, festive boxes and gorgeous gifts - something to treasure before setting off to see Santa! Drop in. No bookings required. £2 per child.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com Compton Verney Nr Warwick A great day out for all the family whatever the weather. Lots of activities and special events to enjoy all year round. Woodland adventure playground, explore the galleries with an ‘art explorer’ backpack or take part in a range of craft activities during the school holidays.

Until Sun 17 Dec Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Enjoy the wonderful creations and charm of Quentin Blake's popular characters from the likes of Roald Dahl and David Walliams.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Discover where William Shakespeare was educated. Lots of fun for the family including dressing up Tudorstyle, Tudor games, Medieval wall paintings and brush up your Latin with our Tudor School Master!

T: 01789 203170 www.shakespearesschoolroom.org Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm Home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.

T: 0870 040 0033 www.redwings.org.uk/visiting Shakespeare Houses In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Various dates and times from Fri 1 Dec-Sun 7 Jan Christmas at the Shakespeare Family Homes Enjoy a Tudor Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, celebrate the Jacobean way at Hall's Croft, and discover how the Hathaway’s celebrated Christmas during their 400 years of living at the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. At Shakespeare’s New Place, make your own Shakespeare-inspired Christmas decorations to take home.

See website for full details and for all other festive activities taking place across the Shakespeare Family Homes.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk Swan Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon The Play’s the Thing Family-friendly exhibition for families and children aged 7+. Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre-making in Stratfordupon-Avon. Immersive, hands on and engaging. www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping. Learn about different animals and have lots of fun!

T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk The National Trust See the local NT houses dressed for Christmas and enjoy festive activities.

Sun 26 Nov, 1pm-3pm Christmas Felt Workshop at Charlecote Park Create and take home hand-made felt for bespoke Christmas presents or felt Christmas decorations. Fun for all ages with festive treats included! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/ warwickshire Ryton Pools Country Park Bubbenhall Every Wednesday, in holidays and term time, 10am-11.30am Toddler Trundle A weekly event for the tiniest of tiddlers! £2.50 per toddler.

Sat 25 Nov-Tues 7 Jan Naughty Elves and T Rex Festive Fun Trail Follow the trail around the park and complete your trail sheet fun for all the family. £2 per trail sheet.

Weds 13 Dec, 10am-12noon Toddler Trundle Christmas Party Christmassy fun on the last toddler trundle of the year. Trail, crafts and party food. £6 per child. Booking essential.

Weds 20 Dec, 10.30am-12.30pm Christmas Felting Workshop Learn the craft of felt making and create a festive felt picture.

All resources and materials supplied. Refreshments included.

Adult £20, Child £10, Adult & Child £25.

T: 024 7630 5592 http://countryparks. warwickshire.gov.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon FREE drop-in activities all year round including Dressing Up Box, Play Cart, Adventure Bags plus special events and workshops during school holidays.

T: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk/families All Things Wild Honeybourne A great day out for all the family, all year round. Lots to see and do indoors and outdoors.

Fri 24 Nov-Sun 24 Dec Elves Go Wild!

Meet Santa and enjoy a magical and fun Christmas experience. See what the elves have been up to and have lots of festive fun.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Welcome to Jungle Town!

An inspiring children’s play experience

encouraging imagination play and development!

Open at Stratford Garden Centre

Visit www.jungletown.co.uk

or call 01789 296637

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open Every Day Except Christmas Day

COMPETITION

Win a Family Ticket to Enchanted Kenilworth Castle Step into a world of twinkling lights this Christmas at Enchanted Kenilworth Castle. As night falls, the grounds and ruins will transform into a fairylit adventure. For the little ones, a traditional fairground awaits with a carousel and swing boats, while mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and market stalls tempt the adults.

WIN a Family Ticket - 2 adults and 2 children, worth £37.60 - to the Enchanted Kenilworth Castle event on a date of your choosing between 15-23 December.

Simply email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Enchanted’ in the subject.

DEADLINE Friday 8 December (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/enchanted-gardenevents/enchanted-kenilworth-15-12-2017/

14 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Butterflies • Birds • Iguanas Leafcutter Ants • The Ancient Maya and so much more….

Please check our website for the latest news, events & last entry times Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY DISCOVER WHERE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WAS INSPIRED TO BECOME THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLAYWRIGHT.

Open daily 11.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm)

WIN

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familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas

ADVENTURE. ANIMALS. ACTION.

Book online early for great savings

Weekends 25th November - 24th December PLUS 18th - 22nd December 2017

Timed Entry and Minimal Queues

A Truly Magical Experience www.hattonworld.com

Christmas Holiday Family Fun

18699A 10/17

Fantastic all day family entertainment programme

Open from 10am every day e xcep Chris t tmas Day a n Boxin g Day d !

Christmas Craft Weekend 9 - 10 December Make your own Christmas cards and decorations

Christmas Family Trail 8 - 23 December Find the clues around the Museum and help Martin the Mechanic get Santa’s sleigh back on the road

New Year Family Activities 2 - 5 January Get creative with Lego®

£39 FAMIL Y TICKET

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 M ONTHS FR EE*

britishmo

tormuse

um.co.uk Gaydon . W arwickshire *see webs . CV35 0B ite for full te J rms J12 M40 .

GET SOCIAL ...

and conditio ns.

The Museum is closed 24 Dec - 1 Jan inclusive

familiesonline.co.uk

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15

BOOK ONLINE to save money

Weds 22 Nov – Sat 13 Jan

kids from £11.75*

26 – 28 Oct

Kids from £13.25*

Sat 4 Nov

Kids from £11.50*

7 – 24 Dec

Kids from £11.50*

20 – 24 Feb

Kids from £16.25*

BOOK NOW 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk Ticket prices include a £1 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online.

* 16 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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