FamiliesWarwickshireMarApr19

Warwickshire

IN THIS ISSUE Supporting your Child with Exam Stress Creative Easter Ideas Places To Go and Things To Do

A BRAND NEW FAMILY MUSICAL IS COMING...

Issue 46 March/April 2019

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

Illustration by arn0. Concept by RSC Visual Communications

A BRAND NEW FAMILY MUSICAL

FROM 8 NOVEMBER 2019 BOOKING OPENS 18 MARCH CHILDREN GO HALF PRICE*

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

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Issue 46 | March/April 2019 | Families Warwickshire Pupdate I have some exciting news to share with you…we have a new addition to our family! The patter of four (extra) tiny feet can now be heard around our home since we adopted little Phoebe in February. A four-year-old Yorkshire terrier who was used for breeding, she was taken in by the wonderful Many Tears Animal Rescue (www.manytearsrescue.org) in South Wales towards the end of last year. She struggled to cope with life at the centre so was fostered by a lovely couple for about six weeks until she became part of our family. She’s a very sweet and gentle soul but, understandably, very nervous of new people and situations.

We don’t know what she was been through – all we know is that from now on, her life will be a good one! Eddie, our cockapoo, has been amazing with her and it’s fantastic to see her Editor confidence growing slowly.

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Workshops & Bi

.uk nimate.coe.c www.letsa o.uk llo@letsanimat

0797 3354567

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Claire

Jigsaw Fair in support of Action for Children Volunteers of all ages have been busy making up hundreds of jigsaws ready for a bumper jigsaw fair to be held at Dale Street Methodist Church in Leamington Spa on Saturday 23 March. There will be an impressive display and sale of second-hand jigsaw puzzles for all ages and interests, to raise money for national charity Action for Children.

Action for Children provides support for disadvantaged children across the UK, helping them through fostering or adoption, intervening to stop neglect and abuse and making life better for children with disabilities.

Jigsaw Fair at Dale Street Church, Saturday 23 March, 10am and 4pm. £2 entry includes £1 voucher towards puzzle purchase. Free for accompanied children. Refreshments available all day.

Photo: Alan Fletcher.

FREE Music Lessons for All Initiative

Beautifully decorated indoor tipi and outdoor bell tents for children’s and adults’ parties. www.boutiquepartytenthire.co.uk M: 07903 670620

Learn to Play Day - a free national event to encourage everyone in the UK to start making music - is coming to Warwickshire this March.

Supported by Jools Holland OBE, and run by charity Music for All, the 2019 Learn to Play Day will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March, and will see music shops, teachers, venues and schools throughout the country offer thousands of FREE music lessons.

So far, Musicroom Stratford (on Stratford-uponAvon’s Rother Street) is leading the way for venues in Warwickshire, but more venues are expected to be announced.

Since being launched eight years ago, the Learn to Play Day initiative has helped thousands of people pick up and play a musical instrument.

Many had never played before, while others played as a child but gave up.

Participating venues across Warwickshire are being added every day. To find your closest FREE music lesson, visit www.musicforall.org.uk/ learntoplayday

New Playgroup in Stratford-upon-Avon The Ken Kennett Community Centre on Justins Avenue in Stratford-upon-Avon is home to Stay and Play every Tuesday from 9am to 10.30am with a variety of play activities aimed at 0 to 5 year olds.

The group is being organised by Parenting Project in partnership with Trinity Tots, the playgroup at Holy Trinity which runs on Thursdays in term time from 1.30pm to 3pm at Holy Trinity Parish Centre in Old Town.

Contact Parenting Project on 01789 266624.

Contact details Claire Jones on 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Cover by Liittle Beanies Photography www.littlebeanies.co.uk

Next issue: May/June 2019 Booking deadline: Friday 5 April

All content ©2019 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-onAvon and Warwick Districts with around 21,000 copies. Towns covered include Stratfordupon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-onAvon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers Families Warwickshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Warwickshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in 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.

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01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3

Parenting

Road Safety for Children Road accidents are a major cause of death and injury among the young, with the risk rising as children reach secondary school age and have more independence.

Danger from traffic is also a big factor dictating whether children and young people are safe to walk and cycle to school, to the park or to see friends, and therefore can impede their ability to be healthy and socially active.

Whatever your child's age, road safety is one of the most important lessons they'll learn but it can take years before they are fully competent as they need to make so many judgements.

The Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen and Think!

Your child may already be familiar with the Green Cross Code from school, but it's up to you to reinforce it. Give them time and

space to practise it, even if it means walking a few yards behind them. Here are some basics:

Social Media Companies Face Government Action

Find the Safest Place to Cross Encourage your child to look out for safe crossing spots e.g. pedestrian crossings, islands and subways. Aim for them to cross at a spot where they can see clearly in all directions and where they can be seen, so not between parked cars.

The government has announced its desire to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Digital minister, Margot James says: “There is far too much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online.”

Stop Just Before Reaching the Kerb Teach your child to position themselves so they're not too close to the edge of the kerb.

This means they are safe to take their time looking around for traffic.

Look and Listen Teach your child to look all around to see if any traffic is coming and check that drivers can see them. Point out that they need to listen carefully for traffic too because sometimes you can hear traffic before you see it.

If Traffic is Coming, Let It Pass Children find it hard to judge the distance and speed of vehicles. Tell them that it is always better to take their time and wait for all traffic to pass, rather than rushing to cross - even if they are feeling impatient or running late!

When it’s Safe, Go Straight Across the Road - but Do Not Run Encourage your child to keep looking and listening as they cross.

The announcement comes after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14, whose parents had found she had viewed content on social media linked to depression, selfharm and suicide before taking her own life in 2017.

Ms James said; “The tragic death of Molly Russell is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short. We have heard calls for an internet regulator and to place a statutory duty of care on platforms, and are seriously considering all options.”

“Social media companies clearly need to do more to ensure they are not promoting harmful content to vulnerable people,” said a Government spokesman. A white paper is forthcoming.

For more information on making the internet safer for your child visit www.saferinternet.org.uk

More info at www.Think.gov.uk

Family Safety Week Accidents are the biggest killer of children and young people with at least one child under 5 killed each week. Every year, over 2 million children under the age of 15 have an accident in and around the home which takes them to A&E and half of the under 5s visiting do so as a result of a preventable accident.

Family Safety Week, which commences on 1 April, is run by the RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to help raise awareness of the “simple things you can do to stop your child becoming an accident statistic.”

RoSPA provides free resources and advice to help families keep children safe in their homes.

Its free Keeping Kids Safe packs also enable schools, nurseries, playgroups and children’s centres to hold child safety session for parents.

More info: www.rospa.com

Want To Be Spoilt This Mother’s Day? Every year is just going quicker and quicker.

Time is passing far too fast and little ones are growing up. Why not ask your loved one for the gift of a lifetime – a photo session with Little Beanies Photography? They don’t need to worry about posey pictures but just having fun. You can either buy an amount of your choice or a session which includes a Free 8 x 10 print.

For more info about Gift Vouchers in time for Mother’s Day or any occasion, please contact Lisa on lisa@littlebeanies.co.uk or visit www.littlebeanies.co.uk

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

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Parenting

Kenilworth Nursery School and Early Years Teaching School “Warwickshire’s hidden gem”

Kenilworth Nursery School is an Outstanding Maintained Nursery School (MNS) nurturing the foundations for lifelong learning for children aged 2-4 years.

It is one of 391 MNSs in the country and, along with its reputation for high quality nursery provision and innovation in research, it has also been recognised for training and support it offers across the sector.

Parenting Quote “I am a strong woman who is raising a strong girl, which is why I need a strong drink.”

Katie Bingham Smith

What makes MNSs different from other early years provision?

MNSs have to meet higher standards than private and voluntary sector providers. They employ a Headteacher, qualified teachers, a SENDCo and staff with level 3 qualifications and are overseen by a Governing Body. Evidence shows that they help close educational gaps for all children, as well as helping disadvantaged children to catch up with their peers.

Kenilworth Nursery School has been judged as an outstanding school in its last 4 inspections. Through careful observation and skilled work beside the child, children here are encouraged to extend their thinking and engagement in learning opportunities to develop lifelong learning skills. Both 30 and 15 hour places are offered along with wraparound breakfast and teatime clubs to enable access for working parents.

What makes Kenilworth Nursery School Outstanding?

The School’s ethos values the uniqueness of every child and has been inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Opportunities for learning are created both inside and outside. Inside environments include sensory and movement studios, and artists atelier. Music, movement and dance experiences are offered each week by a trained Music Teacher responding to research on the relationship between cognitive development and movement. A rich outside environment includes a Forest School and a mud kitchen.

Kenilworth Nursery School is one of just 40 national Early Years Teaching Schools and gained status through high quality teaching as part of a DfE national research project. They provide a hub of expertise and are a vital resource to draw on as local authority Early Years services are being cut. www.kenilworthns.org.uk

Pre-Nups – The Way Forward or Lacking in Romance A lot of people think that pre-nuptial agreements are only for celebrities, but more and more people are considering them as an option when looking at getting married, particularly if you have inherited wealth or have been married before.

Whilst there is still a lack of decided cases in this country regarding their validity and whilst they are not yet binding, they are being considered more and more by the Courts upon divorce. The law as it presently stands is that such agreements should be considered by the Court, but they cannot seek to restrict the discretion of the Courts to make financial orders on divorce.

The agreements, if properly drafted and executed, can be persuasive in Court to show the wishes of the parties when they married.

If you are thinking of protecting yourself prior to marriage by having a pre-nuptial agreement drafted, ensure that you don’t leave it until the last minute! There should be at least 21 days between the final signing of the agreement and the date of the wedding to ensure that there has been no duress involved. Your future spouse needs to have the ability to take independent legal advice before signing and full disclosure of assets and liabilities also must have taken place.

So, if you are thinking that this is something that you might be interested in exploring further, please call Alison on 01926 355636 to discuss or email alison@davidsonmahon.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Alison Rolf, Family Legal Executive, specialising in all aspects of family law being divorce, financial provision on divorce, children, cohabitation and pre and post cohabitation/ marriage arrangements.

Please contact me on 01926 357555 to have a no obligation telephone conversation. I offer fixed fee arrangements as well as evening/ weekend appointments if you prefer at no extra cost.

I am a Consultant Legal Executive with Davidson Mahon Solicitors based at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth.

E: alison@davidsonmahon.co.uk www.davidsonmahon.co.uk

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

Education With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you support your child at this time:

Keep it in Perspective

Supporting your Child with Exam Stress

By Vicky Bellman We have come to the time of year when many children are preparing to face exams or tests at school. These exams or tests vary in their significance for your child’s future. For some, they will be the stepping stone to the next part of their educational journey, for others an assessment of their progress this academic year. Regardless of which category the exams or tests fall into, exam time is likely to be a pressured and overwhelming time for many children and their parents.

Stress and anxiety in young children is particularly heightened at this time of year as they deal with performance-related concerns related to their educational tests.

These tests can often feel like tests of who they are. Their behaviour may suffer during a stress peak and it’s important to do what you can to respond from a place of calm.

Invite them to join you in feeling calm, rather than you joining them in emotional chaos.

Yes, of course exams are important. But everyone involved needs to remember it's not the end of the world if there’s a hiccup and things don’t go as well as expected.

There is almost always another chance.

Help Manage Expectations

Working longer than is advisable for their age or expecting grades significantly higher than their capabilities could well be detrimental to your child’s emotional and mental well-being. It’s important you guide your children appropriately in this area.

Encourage Good Work Habits

Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. It’s important not to schedule too many study sessions in one day - one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.

Remember the Building Blocks

Again, when it comes to the real basics, we can easily forget the building blocks for emotional well-being. Make sure that your child is getting enough good food, water and sleep!

Free Time is Vital

It’s a difficult balancing act, but it’s important to remember that primary school age children need plenty of free time -

Princethorpe is the natural home for our da Vinci initiative. An innovative learning programme that rewards those willing to think creatively, put in the hours and be committed.

The students love it. Just ask me them if you don’t believe me!

Helen Pascoe-Williams – English Teacher and da Vinci Programme Co-ordinator.

Find out what Princethorpe can do for your child, come along to our Open Afternoon on Sunday 24 March 2019 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Or join us for our Open Evening on Wednesday 5 June 2019 from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

Dedicated Year 5 Taster Days available in May and June 2019.

For information call 01926 634201 or visit princethorpe.co.uk #princethorpeandme

Princethorpe College

An independent school for 11-18 year olds Registered Charity Number 1087124

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

structured studying has to be balanced with plenty of unstructured free time. Relaxation and fun are vital. Getting outside to play and spending time relaxing with family and friends are super-important at this time.

A useful analogy to share with your children is that human beings are basically machines. We need fuel, and we also need to switch our engine off every now and again. Otherwise, we risk overheating!

On any long-term journey in a machine, comfort breaks and fuel fill ups would be an accepted and necessary part of the journey.

Humans are no different.

Make Time for You

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your children need more from you when preparing for and going through exams or tests. To be able to give more you need to be able to have more fuel in the tank.

Connection is Important

Make sure you have family downtime; perhaps, watching a movie one night with popcorn, or going for a family walk, or day out. Don't just save the treats for the exam results, as this reinforces to children that they have more value when they achieve more. Let them know that their well-being and enjoyment of life is as vital when they're striving for success, as well as when they're achieving it.

Vicky Bellman is a counsellor at Fegans, a Christian charity which counsels children and provides support for parents. For more parenting advice on stress and mental health, visit www.fegans.org.uk/parent

Science At The Forefront Of Princethorpe’s Vision For The Future Princethorpe is putting Science at the forefront of its vision for the future, with the announcement of plans for a new state-of-the-art Science building. Planning was submitted last autumn for a two-storey, £8 million building, which will see Biology, Chemistry and Physics sited together in one dedicated location. It is hoped that construction will start on the project within the next three years.

This is the latest in a programme of capital investment in the infrastructure of the College, that has included projects such as the refurbishment of the Clarkson Theatre and the Roundhouse for the Performing Arts, the Limes Building for Modern Foreign Languages, English and ICT, and the restoration of the wooded lake area known as Switzerland for outdoor education.

At just over 1,600 sq metres, the building will provide contemporary, spacious and well-equipped accommodation for the three Sciences including ten new laboratories, preparation areas, staff bases and toilets. Comments, Headmaster, Ed Hester, “In a demanding world, where scientific progress is essential across the spheres of discovery, development and innovation, we need to provide the very best facilities for teaching and learning to stimulate the intellect, ambition and creativity of our pupils. This tremendous new building will enable us to do just that.”

The project will also enable the College to redevelop and cluster other departments. Plans are also afoot to provide additional catering and seated dining facilities. This last major phase of the upgrading of the school’s accommodation will benefit all of the College’s 900 pupils. The project has been designed in collaboration with Leamington-based AT Architects.

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Education

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.

Lack of Sleep Damaging For Children More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to research by the University of Leeds. The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The NHS recommendation is that children of that age should get ten hours sleep per night, but the study discovered that out of 1,100 children ages 6 to 11, 36% were getting only eight hours sleep or less on a weekday night. Just under a third of children reported that worrying about school work was keeping them awake, whilst around one in six children reported that they found it difficult to sleep because of concerns about bullying or friendship.

The researchers identified that children who had access to technology in their bedroom were more likely to experience a shorter night’s sleep and recommended that parents consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms.

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

To find out how a Crescent education could benefit your child, come along to our Open Morning on Saturday 30 March 2019 from 9.30am to 12.00pm. Or join us for our Open Evening on Tuesday 7 May 2019 from 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

For information call 01788 523851 or visit crescentschool.co.uk

Crescent School

An independent school for 4-11 year olds

A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

More info: www.leeds.ac.uk

Crackley is wonderfully supportive and nurturing.

Our pupils really care about their learning and each other; they make excellent progress whilst having fun. Working me here is such a pleasure for me.

Susan Glen-Roots – Crackley Hall Assistant Head.

To find out what a Crackley education could do for your child come to our Open Morning on Saturday 9 March 2019 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Or join us for our Open Evening on Tuesday 14 May 2019 from 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

For information call 01926 514410 or visit crackleyhall.co.uk #crackleyandme

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Crackley Hall School An independent school for 4-11 year olds

A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

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

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 Thurs 21 Mar, 9am-10am: Reception Coffee Morning Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 4-13) T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk Mon 25 Mar, 7pm: Early Years Information Evening The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Fri 22 Mar, 9.30am-12pm: Prep School Open House

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 Sat 9 Mar, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning Crescent School Rugby T: 01788 521595 E: post@crescentschool.co.uk www.crescentschool.co.uk Sat 30 Mar, 9.30am-12pm: Open Morning The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Sat 16 Mar, 10am-12pm: Early Years Open Morning 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

Warwick School

Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Sat 9 Mar, 10am-12.30pm: Open Morning

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

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Sat 16 Mar, 9.30am-12pm: Open Morning Thurs 2 May, 1.30pm -3pm: School At Work Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Thurs 2 May, 1.30pm-3pm: Junior School At Work

SENIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 E: admissions@khviii.net www.khviii.co.uk King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Sat 16 Mar, 9am-1pm: Taster Morning Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Sun 24 Mar, 2pm-5pm: Open Afternoon Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Tues 26 Mar, 2pm-3.45pm: Senior School At Work Wed 1 May, 2pm-3.45pm: Senior School At Work

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Education

Open Morning Saturday 16 March 9:30am – 12noon

At Work

Thursday 2 May 1:30pm – 3:00pm 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.

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

Clubs & Classes

Dance - Movement with Purpose

By Andrew Campbell If your child is always prancing around the house practising their moves and can’t be dragged away from Strictly even if chocolate or ice-cream are on offer, signing up for dance classes is a great way to tap into their enthusiasm for music and movement.

As well as being lots of fun, dance classes offer a host of other advantages:

Physical health

Outdoor Sports Clubs that are Ideal for Children As children get older, they get less active.

As they move through primary school, the number of children meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and maintenance of healthy weight drops by 40%. Getting children involved in a sport from a young age can help them keep fit and encourage the development of a lifetime habit of regular exercise.

As spring approaches, here are some outdoor sports options to consider:

Athletics

Athletics offers opportunities for use of the widest range of skill sets of any sport as its various disciplines provide the opportunity to throw, run or jump. It is suitable for all children as different body shapes, skills and preferences suit different activities. Most junior athletics clubs run taster days or tester sessions so that new participants can see whether they like the club before signing up. www.leamingtonathletics.co.uk www.stratfordac.co.uk www.leamingtoncyclingandathletics.org.uk

Cycling

Cycling is an essential part of growing up - it’s great fun, helps children feel independent and keeps them fit and healthy. Local kids’ cycling clubs are fantastic places for children to get out on a bike, with expert coaching, a gang of riding buddies and access to some amazing cycling facilities. Sessions are often weekly and many clubs offer cycling holiday camps at which children can spend the entire day on two wheels. www.britishcycling.org.uk www.rlscyclingclub.com www.leamingtoncyclingandathletics.org.uk www.stratfordcyclingclub.co.uk

Orienteering

Orienteering is an outdoor sport which the whole family can enjoy together. It offers a unique mix of mental and physical challenge and you can progress at your own pace. The aim is to navigate, in sequence, to different control points that are located on a special course, using a specially-drawn map. Clubs hold events in local parks, green spaces and forested areas. www.octavian-droobers.org

Rugby

The first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, non-contact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing.

The focus here is developing passing and running skills. Your local rugby club is likely to have junior and ‘mini’ teams starting at under 6s and there are also a large number of providers which offer rugby classes from toddler age upwards. www.warwickshirerfu.co.uk www.rugbyclubs.info

Football

Many local football clubs run teams for boys and girls starting from age 7 as well as regular community coaching programmes for children from age 3, with the emphasis on skill development and fun and not on winning. As with rugby, there are many providers offering classes and school holiday camps introducing the sport to children as young as 2 years. Search ‘Junior Football Clubs in Warwickshire’ or see www.teamstats.net

Tennis

Children from 3 years of age can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) runs the Mini Tennis programme which uses smaller courts and equipment, combined with lower bouncing balls to introduce children aged between 3 and 10 to the sport. Also run by the LTA, Tennis for Kids offers children ages 4 to 11 an introductory course of six sessions course delivered by specially trained coaches at various locations across the UK. www.lta.org.uk www.warwickboatclub.co.uk/tennis/

Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture.

Self-awareness

Through dance, children develop spatial awareness, become less clumsy and pay more attention to others sharing their space. They can feel more at home in their own skin.

Self-expression

Children struggling with language can express their feelings and creativity with immediacy in a positive way through dance and movement.

Socialisation

Dance is a highly social activity. In a dance class, children learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and co-operation, and make new friends.

Cognitive Development

Children strengthen their cognitive abilities and memory skills through learning and remembering choreography.

Behaviour

Dancing requires intense focus, discipline and co-ordination. This can have a calming effect and help children release pent-up energy.

Self-confidence

Dance helps build self-confidence with each new routine they practice and master.

There is a wide range of dance classes available - for both boys and girls - from pre-school ballet classes to primary ballet, tap, street dance, contemporary dance, pop dance and many more.

Multi-Sports

If you are not sure which sport to choose for your child, look out for multi-sports sessions run by independent providers or local authorities at which kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available both in term time and in school holidays and are a great way for kids to experience a number of sports and find out what they like for themselves.

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

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Clubs & Classes

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

TRY TENNIS MEMBERS FREE Non-members £3 FIRST SESSION FREE! Young person membership from just £4 per month

Family Fun Tennis Sundays 2.30pm-4.30pm

Junior Tennis for Beginners Fridays 4.30pm-5.30pm

To book a place, please email tennis.manager@warwickboatclub.co.uk or call Gavin on 07787 568642.

www.warwickboatclub.co.uk

DANCE CLASSES Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

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

H Leamington Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

H Cawston Mondays and Fridays

Book your FREE Trial Lesson

Call Lorraine on 07921 853773

mel@bilinguasing.com

07815 149877

lorraine@loveballet.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com

www.loveballet.co.uk

Join I All Stars Cricket Today! Fun, educational n t r o d uc ey o ur All Stars Cricket isb ay programme b a t oaaimed at & multi-sensory children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are music classes for w o r l d o fs o un d , babies, toddlers & accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 s o n g s a n d m us i cchild pre-schoolers centres.

All Stars Cricket will help your DANCE WITH DASH

develop key skills in a fun and safe environment Free you’ll both treasure! where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments trial!

Creating a lifelong love of dance sarah@dancewithdash.co.uk 07970 742256 www.dancewithdash.co.uk

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of C al lR ac h el :0 7 4 6 9 1 86 0 4 2 goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips and games, and it’s a great place to keep those weekly Multi-sensory music classes for babies, stickers to celebrate your All Star's achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as sessions begin May 2019.

toddlers & pre-schoolers Call Rachel: 07469 186042 rhythmtime.net/rt228

rh y t h mt ime .ne t / R T 2 6

familiesonline.co.uk

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

Easter

Almost time for the grand opening. Get the kids to stock the café with seeds. Birds especially love sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Let’s Make a Spring Bird Café The Easter holidays will soon be here, and, this being the UK, the sun may not always shine. So why not use one of those rainy or chilly days to celebrate the arrival of spring and get creative making this fun craft project created by our friends at Wonderbly?

You can help your children create a funky spring bird café. It’s great for small fans of nature and Babyccinos. I’ll have one Latte, to fly…

You can make your own (really) small family business with an upcycled milk carton and get to feed the local bird population at the same time. Let’s get ready for the bird café opening day!

You will need:

A milk carton A paper plate A pencil A ruler Scissors or a Stanley knife (for adults only) Paint (use acrylic paint if you want it to go outside but make sure you wear an overall or apron as it doesn’t wash out!).

Bell and paper clip (optional) Decorative tape (optional) Bobbins and mini umbrellas Dowel or BBQ sticks Yummy seeds Flappy customers

Nearly ready! Grown-ups, make a little ‘X’ with the Stanley knife below the seed hole and push a piece of dowel or a cocktail stick through. Finally, pop some tables and parasols outside for your first customers.

Bobbins and mini umbrellas are perfect for this, or you could use corks and leaves if you want more plants.

Take your bird cafe outside for the birds to enjoy or play inside with your own paper birds, you decide!”

Time to get creative. Paint the milk carton and paper plate to make your building and outdoor area. For sharper colour, give your milk carton two coats.

It’s all in the details. Tile your roof by painting them on with the brush, and adorn your awnings. We used decorative tape, but you can paint or colour in with pens and pencils.

Get your bird café customer-ready.

Add a doorbell (obviously) by rolling a paper clip around a pencil, thread the bell into it and push it through the milk carton. Make some bunting using thread and decorative tape. You can even make a window plant box by folding up some paper and gluing it underneath one of the awnings.

Wonderbly creates beautiful, personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiosity, and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind.

Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

Here’s how to do it:

First things first, grab your (empty) milk carton.

Take your ruler and get your child assistant to measure and trace two flaps for awnings and a hole for the birds. Your team’s builder can then cut the holes.

While you’re doing the fiddly bits, let your child one make their café’s sign with some cardboard and paint. Let them paint with their fingers for more sensory fun! Leave to dry, and then help the café owner write their name with a marker before you cut and glue it.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Easter

Easter Holiday Clubs, Camps and Workshops Aspire Active Camps

North Leamington School, Leamington Spa Mon 15-Thurs 18 Apr & Tues 23-Fri 26 Apr, 10am-4pm (Early Drop Off 8am, Xtra time 4pm-6pm) Multi Sports Academy offers a huge range of sports, physical activities and alternative activities. At Football Academy, develop football skills and techniques. Dance and Stage Beatz Academy is a fun and exciting programme of acting singing, dancing and stagecraft. Active Leaders for ages 12-14. Children aged 4 are eligible for half day Multi Sports Academy only. Early Bird offer - book before 5pm on Friday 29 March.

T: 01926 298178 www.aspire-sports.co.uk

All Things Wild

Honeybourne Mon 15-Thurs 18 & Tues 23-Fri 26 Apr, 9am-3pm Wild Explorers Holiday Club Let the kids go wild this Easter!

Learn about and meet the amazing animals. Use of all the facilities including the play areas. £25 per child per day, £18 for siblings and annual members. Includes all activities, lunch, drinks and snacks.

Book for 1 or more days, or all week.

For ages 4-12.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Let’s Animate

Fargo Village, Coventry Easter holiday dates tbc Animation Workshops Come along to the Let's Animate studio and enjoy making an animated film as a family or with friends. To find out more and to book please visit www.letsanimate.co.uk/ book-a-workshop T: 0797 3354567 www.letsanimate.co.uk

Easter Tennis Camps

Warwick Boat Club, Warwick Mon 8-Thurs 18 Apr, 9am-2pm Suitable for all levels. Three or four day courses for ages 5-15.

Cost (4 days) £90 members, £110 non-members. Cost (3 days) £70 members, £85 non-members. Daily rates £25 members, £30 nonmembers.

T: Gavin Henderson 07787 568642 www.warwickboatclub.co.uk/ tennis

LoveBallet

LoveBallet Dance Studios, Southam Mon 15 & Tues 16 Apr Lego Movie Dance Workshop Weds 17 Apr Bring It On Workshop Thurs 18 Apr Audition Technique Workshop All workshops 9.30am-3.30pm. £60 for 2-day workshop, £35 for 1-day workshop.

T: 07921 853773 www.loveballet.co.uk

Belgrade Theatre

Coventry Mon 15 & Tues 16 Apr, 10am-4.30p Exploring Stories of the City.

Using the creative minds of your young people, we will create mini performances inspired by Coventry’s stories. £55 per person (covers both days) T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Art Base Art Workshops Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 774705 www.art-base.co.uk

Playbox Theatre Warwick T: 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com

Action-packed childcare this

You will need: Weighing scales Mixing bowls Wooden spoon Fork Saucepan 12 hole muffin tray Measuring jug Tablespoon Teaspoon Sharp knife Large plate Muffin cases An adult

Ingredients: for the cakes 150g soft butter or margarine 150g caster sugar 3 eggs 150g self-raising flour 1 heaped tbsp cocoa powder Grated zest of an orange Ingredients: for the icing and nests 160g icing sugar 50g soft butter 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1-2 tbsp orange juice from the orange you have just used 100g dark chocolate chips 1 tbsp golden syrup 5-6 shredded wheat biscuits Chocolate mini eggs How to make Easter nest cakes WASH YOUR HANDS 1. Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 170oc/gas 4 and put a shelf onto the centre runner.

(AGA Roasting oven - shelf on oven floor).

familiesonline.co.uk

registered

Easter Holiday

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD Open from 8am-6pm Week 1 15th - 18th April Week 2 23rd - 26th April

Book before 5pm on Friday 29th March

EY476056

Early Bird Offer

£17 per day 8am-4pm

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

Super Camps

Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Easter Action

Warwick School, Warwick T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/ holiday-activities

Coolsportz

Henley-in-Arden and Warwick T: 07912 664426 www.coolsportz.co.uk

Onside Coaching

Venues in Warwick, Stratford and Southam T: 01926 496406 www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

Fit for Sport

Stratford Leisure Centre, Stratfordupon-Avon T: 020 8742 4990 www.fitforsport.co.uk

Hi-5 Day Camps and MultiSport & Swim

GO4GOALS

Stratford District T: 01789 260115 www.stratford.gov.uk/sportleisure-arts/hi-5-childrensholiday-activities.cfm

Kings Camps

In Warwick District: go to www.warwickdc.gov.uk/leisure, click on Young people’s activities, then Holiday activities for a range of holiday activities throughout the district.

Kingsley School Playing Fields, Leamington Spa T: 07747 562469 www.go4goals.co.uk

Bablake School, Coventry T: 024 7714 0719 www.kingscamps.org

Easter Nest Cakes

Ofsted

2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, beat in the eggs then fold in the flour, cocoa powder and grated orange zest. Mix well.

3. Spoon the mixture into 12 muffin cases in a muffin tray, ask an adult to put the muffin tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until springy; to check, insert a skewer, if it comes out clean the cakes are cooked. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4. While the cakes are cooking make the icing; cream the icing sugar, butter and cocoa powder together, adding sufficient orange juice to make a stiff icing.

wheat and add to the melted chocolate mix, stir to mix.

6. Once your cakes have cooled, spread the chocolate buttercream icing on top then arrange the chocolate shredded wheat mixture to look like nests and finish with 2 or 3 chocolate eggs. If you prefer you can substitute the shredded wheat mixture for chocolate flakes, break them up and arrange them on the icing, top with chocolate eggs as before.

Recipe by Beverley Glock 01844 275692 www.beverleyglock.com ©Beverley Glock 2009

5. Ask an adult to melt the chocolate chips and golden syrup in a heatproof bowl over a pan if barely simmering water. Use your fingers to crumble up the shredded

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13

What's on

Theatre Listings

Days Out – places to go and things to do. Look out for Easter Egg Hunts!

The Albany

British Motor Museum

Coventry Box Office: 024 7699 8964 www.albanytheatre.co.uk Twirlywoos Live!

Mon 11 Mar Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises. With beautifully inventive puppetry and a cast full of all your favourite characters from the hit TV show. For ages 1+.

Horrid Henry Sun 24 Mar The number one for fiendish fun is BACK! Join author Francesca Simon to find out what Henry gets up to in his latest mischievous adventures in Up, Up and Away - a brand new collection of wickedly funny and totally brilliant stories featuring the inimitable Horrid Henry. For ages 4+.

The Worst Witch Weds 24-Sat 27 Apr Featuring all of the beloved characters from Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch stories, this thrilling new stage adaptation features original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium!

Bridge House Theatre

Warwick Box Office: 01789 207100 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

The Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza Thur 18 Apr Join the all singing and dancing Easter Bunny and his friends as they take you on an adventure. The show is followed by a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny and includes a free, take-home gift.

ANiMALCOLM Tues 23 Apr A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny new musical comedy combining physical theatre, puppetry and the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre’s outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully comic story to the stage. For ages 5+.

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

In The Willows Weds 20-Sat 23 Mar Explosive new British musical, with soaring vocals and spectacular street dance. This classic story is brought leaping into the twenty first century with ballads, beats, and backflips.

Fun for the whole family.

Wow! It’s Night-Time Tues 16-Thur 18 Apr In this adaptation of a Tim Hopgood picture book, a curious little owl explores the night skies. For ages 2-5.

Pongo’s Party Sat 20 Apr With a colourful farmyard and host of loveable puppet characters, Pongo’s Party includes a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny himself! For ages 2-7.

Grandad’s Island Weds 24-Sat 27 Apr Join Syd and Grandad on a heartwarming adventure filled with songs, laughter and jungles. Benji Davies’s award-winning book covers themes of love and loss and is brought magically and sensitively to life on stage.

ANiMALCOLM Sun 30 Mar A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny new musical comedy combining physical theatre, puppetry and the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre’s outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully comic story to the stage. For ages 5+.

Royal Spa Centre

Leamington Spa Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall. co.uk Twirlywoos Live!

Tues 23 & Wed 24 Apr Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises. With beautifully inventive puppetry and a cast full of all your favourite characters from the hit TV show.

Stratford Playhouse Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 333990 www.stratfordplay.co.uk

The Greatest Show Sat 30 Mar Unleash your passion to sing-along to famous songs from bestloved shows. As well as featuring the best hits from the hit musical phenomenon ‘The Greatest Showman’, you’ll also hear iconic songs in concert from shows such as Frozen, Dreamgirls, Dirty Dancing, Shrek, Moulin Rouge, Mamma Mia and more! Performed by a talented 10 person cast, a show for all the family and not to be missed!

Warwick Arts Centre

Coventry Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk The Buildy-Uppy Dance Show Tues 16-Sat 20 Apr A magical hour of building, music and dancing. Let your imagination run riot as hundreds of boxes are stacked, squashed and rebuilt. Help create enticing caves, wonky castles and fabulous creatures, as together we learn that the strongest thing we can build is friendship. For ages 4+.

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

Gaydon A great day out whatever the weather Sat 6-Sun 28 Apr, 10am-4pm Mini Madness Join us for some Mini Madness this Easter holidays. Follow the Mini Trail, join a family tour with our very own Mini factory costumed characters, and even design your own Mini in our air drying clay workshops! Visit over the Easter Weekend, 19-22 April, and enjoy a traditional Easter Egg hunt with a bit of a Mini twist! Collect eggs around the Museum to claim your Mini Egg reward. The Museum offers families an annual pass at £40 allowing you to come back and enjoy activities every school holiday.

The annual pass is also valid for all the Show days except 5 Special Show days, details of which can be found online.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ events/family-activities

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Burford, Oxfordshire A fantastic day out for all the family.

Lots of animals including lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, penguins, lemurs and more.

Calling all ‘CotsWild Explorers’ The new ‘CotsWild Explorer’ activity trail launches in April for children aged 6-11 years old. The Egg themed trail pack (available from the gift shop) comes with a pop badge, lanyard and a pencil, for £2.50 per pack with 10% going to Penguin conservation.

T: 01993 823006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon Walk amongst some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in a unique rainforest environment. In the Discovery Zone observe the amazing life-cycle of a butterfly and see giant silk moths and their cocoons. Within the Emerging Case you may even see a butterfly hatch from its pupae!

Mon 8-Sun 28 Apr Easter Holidays Children and adults can take part in our popular twice daily Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions with one of our friendly team members and hold creatures such as a giant African millipede, African land snail and a variety of stick insects. The Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with life and is home to an amazing leafcutter ant colony, one of the largest on display in the UK. Watch in fascination as the ants take leaves back to their nest along overhead ropes.

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.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

Hill Close Gardens

Warwick A lovely place to visit. Children’s trail available. Explore the gardens and find the answers to all the questions.

T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

Kenilworth Castle

A fantastic place to let kids run free and get plenty of fresh air. Explore the ruins and have a great day out.

Sat 13-Sun 28 Apr, 11am-5pm Easter Adventure Quest Join us on a hunt for legendary dragon eggs.

Crack the clues as you follow the trail around the castle. If you track down the dragon egg, you’ll get a certificate to prove it, and a chocolate treat too!

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

Shakespeare Houses

In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Visit Shakespeare’s Family Homes in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.

There are children’s activities to help bring their visit to life and special events throughout the year.

Easter Holidays Sat 13-Sun 28 Apr, 10am-4pm Shakespeare’s Birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon Swan-derful!

Add your origami swan to our collection as we aim to fill the Birthplace with as many paper birds as possible to mark the 455 birthday of the ‘Sweet Swan of Avon’, William Shakespeare.

Sat 13-Sun 28 Apr, 12pm-4pm Shakespeare’s New Place Stratford-upon-Avon ‘O, brave new world’ Journey to Prospero’s island to discover a magical new world.

Dream up your own stories and legends, write a message in a bottle and design your own dream island.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Shottery Dig for your dinner Discover how nature’s helpers such as worms and ladybirds help things grow. Plant your own seeds in a pot to take home.

Mary Arden’s Farm Wilmcote Easter egg decorating Be inspired by traditional Tudor designs and decorate your own Easter egg.

Sat 13-Sun 28 Apr, 12pm-4pm Hall’s Croft Stratford-upon-Avon Mouse Hunt Find each of the mice that are hiding throughout the home of Shakespeare’s daughter and her husband, Dr John Hall.

Fri 19-Mon 22 Apr, 12pm-4pm Shakespeare’s New Place Stratford-upon-Avon Gastrell Returns The Reverend Francis Gastrell returns to contest the verdict of visitors, who last year convicted him as a villain for knocking down New Place in 1759. Gastrell will be on the site all day ahead of his 2pm trial.

Sat 27 Apr, 12pm-4pm Hall’s Croft Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare’s Birthday: Knights & Nymphs Garden Party Celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday in style. Dress up as a Knight or a Nymph, get your face painted and enjoy garden games. Plenty of fun for all the family. Free entrance for all CV37 residents.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.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

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on

Children’s Events 2019 28th April to 5th May

Meet ‘Mr Pinchy’ at Stratford Butterfly Farm!

‘Mr Pinchy’ is the latest inhabitant to take up residence at Stratfordupon-Avon Butterfly Farm within Minibeast Metropolis.

The brightly coloured RedClawed Crayfish, also known as Cherax quadricarinatus, or Yabby, originates from Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Yabby’s inability to reproduce in cold, temperate climates removes the threat of invasion of UK waters, making them the only species of crayfish legally allowed to be kept in aquaria under UK law.

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Festival includes: 2017 Country Parks ad winter.pdf

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28/06/2017

Enjoy a breath of fresh air this Spring! at

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From 8-28 April, children and adults can take part in twice daily ‘Meet the MiniBeast’ handling sessions in the Discovery Zone with the Education Team. Visitors can hold creatures such as a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, giant African Millipede, African Land Snail and a variety of Stick Insects.

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk CMY

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www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks Search for Kingsbury Water Park Annual or Ryton Pools Country Park follow us on Twitter @countryparks Parking

permits from only £48.00!

FISHING, WALKING, NATURE SPOTTING, FITNESS, FUN, PICNICS... and so much more!

For details of events visit warwickshire.gov.uk/ countryparkevents and book on-line!

Stratford

WIN WIN WIN WIN Dogs & Puppies: A Memory Game

Dogs & Puppies: A Memory Game, produced with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, is a simple yet adorable matching game where the aim is to reunite the puppies with their parents! Match the dogs and puppies of 25 breeds from around the world in this beautifully illustrated memory game. To play, simply place the cards face down and see if you can remember where the dog and its puppy are located. Collect more pairs than your opponent to win! With all kinds of breeds included - from Siberian Huskies to Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Dachshunds to Dalmatians - this fun and educational game will appeal to dog lovers everywhere. Includes beautiful illustrations of each dog and puppy by Marcel George. Published by Laurence King www.laurenceking.com

TO WIN, email your name, phone number and address to

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Battersea’ in the subject.

12:20

AND MUCH MORE

COMPETITION

We have a copy of the game up for grabs!

Jacqueline Wilson Francesca Simon Nick Sharratt Lydia Monks Aliens Love Underpants Show Harry Potter’s Magical World The Rainbow Fish David Litchfield Gaspard the Fox Playbox Theatre Build a Giant Elmer Events for Pre-Schoolers Storytelling

Literary Festival stratlitfest.co.uk How to book:

Box Office: 0333 666 3366 (Open 9.00am-7.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm Saturday)

or online at: ticketsource.co.uk/stratford-literary-festival

DEADLINE: SUNDAY 31 MARCH (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry) 15/2/19 Families warwickshire Sd advert 87 x 260 £30.00.indd 1 familiesonline.co.uk

15/02/2019 13:46

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

What's on Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick Fantastic day out for all the family.

Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment. Full programme of events plus farmyard animals, Guinea pig village, scales and tales, indoor soft play, adventure play and more.

Sat 13-Sun 28 Apr Spring Spectacular With lots of new baby animals, Easter egg hunts, children's shows, tractor rides and plenty more family fun, we'll help you have an eggcellent Easter!

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry Regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, as well as sensory play days with SEN sessions and lots more.

Until Sun 2 Jun Wildlife Photographer of The Year The acclaimed wildlife photography exhibition from the Natural History Museum is back with 100 stunning images.

Sat 13-Sat 27 Apr (excluding Sundays) Easter Holidays: Into The Wild Get creative with wildlife themed activities this Easter as we explore ‘Under the Sea’ (week 1) and ‘Wild Beasts’ (week 2). For ages 3+, but all welcome. £2.50, under 2's free T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.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.

“We Love Donkeys” is returning to Redwings this Easter with four jam-packed weekends filled with activities, perfect for the whole family. Starting on Fri 5 Apr, you can meet donkeys nose-to-nose, including Adoption Stars Arya and Timothy & Cain, and take part in fascinating talks and behind-thescenes tours.

T: 0870 040 0033 www.redwings.org.uk

All Things Wild

Honeybourne A fantastic all-weather, year round family attraction. Lots to see and do indoors and outdoors. Get up close to some amazing animals. Step Through Time Dinosaur Experience where you come face to face with the creatures of the past and learn all about them. Play areas, dino land train, go karts, soft play and much more!

Mon 15-Fri 19 Apr Hawks of Steele Enjoy the amazing display by Hawks of Steele Falconry and get close to their birds of prey.

Please note: Displays are on at selected times during the day.

Sat 6-Sun 28 Apr Wings Of The World Plenty of themed activities.

Take part in the Easter Egg Hunt Challenge.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

The MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations.

Interact with eccentric artworks, contraptions and machines, build marble runs on the giant MAD Marbles wall. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Warwick Castle

Warwick Jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Adventure Maze.

For 2019, brand new, spectacular Bird of Prey Show, landing this Easter and soaring every day from 6 April to 31 October. A great day out for the whole family.

T: 0871 265 2000 www.warwick-castle.com

Hillers

Nr Alcester Farm shop restaurant, shopping and lots to keep children entertained and happy, including a sandpit play area and a display garden with a bird hide. The miniature railway will also run on Sat & Sun 6, 7, 20 & 21 Apr and weekends to end of Oct, 11am4pm, weather permitting.

T: 01789 772771 www.hillers.co.uk

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.

Regular Forest School sessions for pre-schoolers.

Fri 19-Sun 28 Apr, 11am-4pm Easter Trail Search for hidden eggs around the park. find the seven missing eggs from the gallery! Once completed, collect your chocolatey reward. £3 per trail.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

The National Trust

Rain or shine there's always something to discover, plenty of space to run around and an outdoor adventure to be had at our local National Trust properties.

Try out Baddesley Clinton’s natural play trail with stepping stones, rope swings and a winding labyrinth.

Follow the animal sculptures over to the woodland for an animal adventure. Run wild in the woodland at Packwood House, get stuck in and hands on with activities such as den building and tree trunk hopping.

Charlecote Park is a great place to start your outdoor adventure with 50 Things To Do Before You're 11¾! Have a go at the orienteering trail at Upton House or pick up an adventure pack to help you explore the grounds. Discover Coughton Court’s natural play trail in the woodland.

Various dates between Thurs 18-Tues 23 Apr Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Have fun on a Family Easter Trail where you’re guaranteed a delicious prize. Some have craft activities and outdoor games. www.nationaltrust.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

Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for all ages. Regular Mini Museum Engineers sessions and Dad’s Days Out workshops.

Sat 13-Sat 27 Apr (excluding Sun), 10.30am-3.30pm Easter Holidays Craft Activities Easter egg machines galore!

This Easter we are making some eggstremely marvellous machines!

An Easter egg colourer? An egg dispenser? What egg related invention will you make? Use your challenge set and let your imagination run wild. £3 per child (cash only). Designed for ages 5+ but all ages welcome. Drop-in. Booking is not required.

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

Lunt Roman Fort

Nr Coventry Mon 15-Fri 26 Apr Come and explore this partiallyreconstructed timber fort. Stand on the ramparts, explore the exhibition in the granary and imagine yourself training horses in the gyrus. The Lunt Fort is open to the public on selected dates during the Coventry school holidays.

T: 024 7623 7522 www.luntromanfort.org

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wilderness 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

Foundry Wood

Leamington Spa An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts, and more. Regular Forest School sessions, storytelling, creative workshops and lots of special events. www.foundrywood.co.uk

COMPETITION

WIN WIN WIN WIN A Family Ticket (2+2) to see ANiMALCOLM at The Albany Theatre, Coventry ANiMALCOLM Sometimes the hardest thing to become is... yourself.

Malcolm doesn't like animals. But his family love them - the house is full of pets. What the house is NOT full of is stuff Malcolm likes. Such as the laptop he wanted for his birthday.

The only bright spot on the horizon is the school trip, which Malcolm never thought his parents would pay for. And yet here he is, on the bus,

heading to... oh no! A farm!

This vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical from the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre combines physical theatre, puppetry and the company's outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel's magical and wonderfully comic story to the stage.

ANiMALCOLM is on at The Albany Theatre, Coventry on Tuesday 23 April at 2.30pm & 7pm.

TO WIN, a family ticket, email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Malcolm’ in the subject.

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

DEADLINE: Friday 5 April (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry)

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on *FREE OF CHARGE

OPEN DAILY 8.30AM - 5.30PM 5.00PM Sundays

Monday 11 March

Sunday 24 March

FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES

new season now booking

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Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • B49 5PD Tel: 01789 772771 • www.hillers.co.uk

albanytheatre.co.uk | 02476 99 89 64 Albany Road | Coventry | CV5 6JQ

DunningtonHeath HeathFarm Farm• •Alcester Alcester• B49 • B49 5PD Dunnington 5PD Tel: 01789 01789772771 772771• •www.hillers.co.uk www.hillers.co.uk Tel:

Mary Arden’s Farm to reopen for the season Mary Arden’s Farm - the 23-acre Tudor working farm and childhood home of William Shakespeare’s mother in the village of Wilmcote near Stratford-upon-Avon - reopens to the public on Saturday 16 March.

Try your hand at geese herding and play on the new slide in the children’s revamped playground. Meet the cuddly looking Ryeland sheep, one of the oldest English breeds. A ram and two ewes have been added to the ever-growing flock of rare breed sheep — and their first lambs are expected in March! www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/mary-ardens-farm

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MONDAY 6th, SATURDAY 11th, WEDNESDAY 22nd & WEDNESDAY 29th MAY

WARWICK MAY RACING

Stratford Literary Festival celebrates its 12th year!

The Stratford Literary Festival celebrates its glorious 12th year with a superb line-up of speakers and events. The eight-day spring festival, which kicks off on 28 April, includes speakers debating science and ideas, mental health and women’s issues, medicine and the news, as well as welcoming some of the most celebrated literary fiction authors writing today.

Children can enjoy the multi-million bestselling writers Jacqueline Wilson and Francesca Simon and illustrators Lydia Monks and Nick Sharratt, plus stage shows of the much-loved books The Rainbow Fish and Aliens Love Underpants. Children’s events launch on 28 April with a drop-in craft session to help build a giant Elmer, to celebrate the famous patchwork elephant’s 30th anniversary, and pre-schoolers can help create a rainbow every weekday morning with craft and story-telling. Children’s Day this year rounds off the Festival on 5 May.

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 6TH MAY - KIDS CARNIVAL DAY 11TH MAY SATURDAY LADIES NIGHT 22ND MAY WEDNESDAY PROUDLY WARWICK 29TH MAY WEDNESDAY CELEBRATION RACE NIGHT

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WARWICKRACECOURSE.CO.UK

Full details can be found at www.stratlitfest.co.uk and tickets can be bought at www.ticketsource.co.uk/stratford-literary-festival.

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 17

What's on Ryton Pools Country Park

Bubbenhall Over 100 acres to explore. The park has miles of flat, surfaced footpaths, picnic areas, lakes, two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/ education centre and a café. The park is dog friendly and during school holidays, there is a whole programme of events and hands on activities.

Ryton Pools Miniature Railway Between Easter and the end of September, you can take a ride on the Miniature Railway on Sundays between 1pm and 4pm. The journey costs £1 per passenger.

Sat 13 Apr Family Bushcraft Fun Try to survive in the woodland. Have a go at lots of activities, learn new skills. Jacket potato tea. £8 per person.

Mon 15 Apr, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30pm-3pm Easter Fairy and Elf Adventure Make a magic Easter willow wand and join the Easter Bunny on a magical mission to find the fairies’ Easter eggs. Find the key to the magic kingdom and use some wishing magic to see if the fairies are about in Fairy Forest. The fairies may share their Easter eggs!

Tues 16 Apr, 10.30am-12pm Easter Boats, Rafts and Watery Sticks Try making boats and rafts out of natural materials such as sticks, rushes and bark. Add a few recycled materials, a weight or keel to keep it upright and then test how well they float on our pond.

See website for details of all activities, including cost and how to book.

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

Orienteering Events

Outdoor fun adventure navigation sport for all ages. Just like a treasure hunt, find the control points placed around the parks and woods. Suitable for beginners and experienced orienteers. Regular events.

T: 01926 632189 www.octavian-droobers.org

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

The art gallery runs regular after school and holiday activity sessions.

Every Wednesday term time, 10.30am-11.30am Arty Tots Sessions include play, singing and arty fun for under 5s and their carers. £2 per child.

Sat 30 Mar & 27 Apr, 1pm-3.30pm Art Cart Family Fun Visit the gallery and enjoy activities from the Art Cart (available to use all the time). Includes craft and art activities related to the gallery’s exhibition and collection.

Fri 19 & Sat 20 Apr, 11am-3pm Easter Bunny Treasure Hunt Enjoy a treasure hunt around the galleries and win a chocolate prize on completion! Drop in, no booking required. £2 per family (cash only).

T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms

Kids Carnival Day

Warwick Racecourse Mon 6 May Bank Holiday Fun, packed with free family entertainment and activities, and top-class horse racing.

Superhero theme – young racegoers can go dressed as their favourite and meet the superheroes themselves on the day with a special meet and greet by Superwoman, Superman, Batwoman and Batman. Fantastic family day out. Under 18s go free. www.warwickracecourse.co.uk

Jigsaw Festival

Dale Street Church Leamington Spa Sat 23 Mar, 10am-4pm Display and sale of second-hand jigsaw puzzles for all ages and interests, to raise money for national charity Action for Children. £2 entry includes £1 voucher towards puzzle purchase. Free for accompanied children. Refreshments available all day.

Stratford Literary Festival

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration Parade

Sun 27 Apr-Sun 5 May Children can enjoy the multi-million bestselling writers Jacqueline Wilson and Francesca Simon and illustrators Lydia Monks and Nick Sharratt, plus stage shows of the much loved books The Rainbow Fish and Aliens Love Underpants. Children’s events launch on 28 April with a drop-in craft session to help build a giant Elmer, to celebrate the famous patchwork elephant’s 30th anniversary, and pre-schoolers can help create a rainbow every weekday morning with craft and story-telling. Children’s Day this year rounds off the Festival on 5 May.. www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 27 Apr Civic dignitaries, VIPs and invited guests from the worlds of literature and theatre, students of Shakespeare’s school and characters in period dress, marching bands and local schoolchildren making their way through the streets towards Holy Trinity Church. Following the parade, there will be street theatre, workshops, music, dancing, readings and family activities. A full day out for all the family. www.shakespearescelebrations. com

Don't Forget!

Clocks go forward at 1am on Sunday 31 March

Free entry!

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Visitor Centre

n, A fu mily fa free out! day

Don’t Miss

Easter Mini Madness 6 – 28 April Themed family activities celebrating 60 years of Mini.

• • • •

Museum Trails Family Tours Make a Mini!

Sit in cars

See website for more details

Dog friend ly!

Follow the brown tourist signs Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP Open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 MONTHS FREE* * terms and conditions apply

MINI

EASTER

EGG HUNT 19-22 Apr

britishmotormuseum.co.uk J12 M40 . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033

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

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

anatomiCaL

The Buildy-Uppy Dance Show

FreCkLe ProduCtionS and roSe theatre kinGSton

ZOG

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Fri 24 - Sun 26 May

Tue 16 - Sat 20 Apr

All ages

Age 4+ Le Gateau ChoCoLat

Duckie

Sat 27 Apr Age 3+

Summer 2019 Zog © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

FamilY LuCa SiLveStrini’S Protein

The Little Prince Sat 1 Jun Age 5+

by Mike Kenny

Sun 2 Jun

Follow That Hare An Art and Nature Trail

until Aug 19 All ages

Ages 3 - 6

Warwick Arts Centre @warwickarts warwickarts

familiesonline.co.uk

Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

Illustrated by Helen Cann

If All The World Were Paper

Warwick Arts Centre – the region’s biggest arts and entertainment venue. FREE parking after 6pm

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 19

BOOK ONLINE to save money

FAMILY FUN AT THE BELGRADE THEATRE

16 – 18 Apr

Kids £9.75*

You are invited to

Marty MacDonald’s Farm

Pongo’s Party for

Kids from £15.75*

20 – 23 Mar

24 – 27 Apr

Kids from £18.25*

24 – 27 Apr

Kids £13*

20 Apr

Kids £9.75*

28 – 29 May

Kids £14.25*

Look for the to save 20% off the cost of your full price tickets when you book equivalent amounts for two or more participating shows at the same time. See website for further information on ticket prices and other concessions. *Ticket

prices include a £1.50 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online.

BOOK NOW

024 7655 3055

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

www.belgrade.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk