Families Hereford and Worcester Nov/Dec 2011

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years

FREE

Issue No 12 November/December 2011

Where’s Santa?

Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Enter our fantastic competition to win tickets to see Shrek

Editor’s Letter

News & Views

Buddy brilliant!

Dear readers We are very excited in this issue to offer you a fantastic competition worth over a £1000 to win a fairy tale weekend in London for a family of four to see Shrek the Musical, an overnight stay at a 4* hotel, four London passes giving access to over 50 attractions plus a meal at the Rainforest Cafe. For details of how to enter, turn to the back page. As they say “you have to be in it to win it!” Good luck.

In this festive issue you will find loads of places to take the children to see Santa. (Please mention Families when booking).

I have compiled a listing of traditional toy shops so you can support your local high street. Do read the Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas. If you cremate the turkey, set the microwave oven on fire (yes I put a Christmas pudding in tin foil in the microwave one year) or forget the crackers, does it really matter?!

Tell yourself your talents lie elsewhere. I actually can cook.

The microwave incident happened after several glasses of wine.

Do check out the website as we are constantly updating it with local news, press releases and information. All you have to do is visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk and register.

Finally if you would like to advertise in the Jan/Feb issue of Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 20,000 readers then , telephone 0844 504 7224 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk.

Next issue: Copy deadline is Friday 9th December.

Jan/Feb 2012, Have a very Happy Christmas x

Karen Craven

Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 9th December 2011

The tips are contributed daily by other parents, carers, teachers and therapists, and organised by subject. There’s also an interactive forum for people to solve specific practical issues.

The site’s creator, Deborah Gundle, herself has a son with profound learning disabilities. “When Zach was small, I spent so much time and energy solving daily problems, and I knew other people were doing the same,” she said. “I set up www.netbuddy.org.uk so we didn’t need to keep re-inventing the wheel.”

Introducing the ingenious, re-usable sandwich wrap

Contact details: Tel: 0844 504 7224 Fax: 0844 504 7201 Mobile: 07981 564053 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

The Wrapper has a plastic side for keeping food fresh and a colourful fabric outer. You simply place food in the middle of the Wrapper, fold and then seal with the handy velcro strip.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

With so many coloured materials to choose from, they are perfect for packed lunches. They can be branded with your local sports team logo, school colours, or with a favourite pet or family photo printed onto the cotton.

Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester rcester

In this issue News & Views Education Local Toy Shops The Do’s and Don’ts of a Happy Family Christmas Mum’s the Word!

Local Toy Shops Where is Father Christmas?

What’s On

All content Copyright 2011 Families Hereford and Worcester Circulation: 20,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, leisure centres, children’s clubs and classes, selected shops and other distribution points. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us.

Families Hereford and Worcester is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All 36 franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the content nor for any consequence.

Design: Natalie Schmidt www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440

Cover Photograph: Photo of William and Harriet Rimell with Nigel the reindeer taken at Smart Trees in Bishampton by Gareth Craven.

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www.netbuddy.org.uk is a website for parents and carers of people with learning disabilities, which offers hundreds of simple, yet ingenious solutions to everyday issues – from bed wetting to challenging behaviour.

School packed lunches are traditionally wrapped up in cling film, tin foil or plastic bags which end up in the bin and land fill sites.

You can stop this waste with The Wrapper by Re-Wrap-It – the Reusable Sandwich Wrap.

(local mum of 3)

02 04 08 09 10 11 12 14

Bed time can be a challenge forr any parent, as can getting ready for school … washing hair … brushing teeth ... monitoring TV time. But when your child has special needs, those daily routines can be even harder.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

They also make the ideal Party Bag or stocking filler for Christmas morning treats. www.re-wrap-it.co.uk

Baking up a storm Katie Fairhall, founder of Katie Bakes says “As a mother of two young children, I was always reluctant to spend money on the usual plastic rubbish which traditionally fills party bags and hated my children coming home with stuff that ended up in the bin five minutes later!” After setting up Artisan cookie mix company, Katie Bakes, in 2010, the Cookie Mix Party Bags were a logical solution to the problem.

Katie Bakes produces alternative children’s party bags to order as well as beautifully presented artisan cookie and brownie mixes in glass preserving jars. Katie’s achievements were recognised when she was selected as a finalist in the Hampshire Winning Women in Business Awards earlier this year.

To see the full product range visit www.katiebakes.co.uk.

November – December 2011

News & Views Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards

Need an extra income?

The cream of the retail industry gathered at The Savoy on Wednesday 14th September 2011 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of retail’s highest flyers and to announce the Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: Ann-Maree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Ltd. Like many great business ideas, Labels4Kids was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of 3 young boys, grew tired of them coming home from school with other children’s clothes.

Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for children’s school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how AnnMaree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active social-media strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website www.labels4kids.com/fam. Many congratulations Ann-Maree!

Smart Trees Smart Trees is based in Bishampton next to the Vale Golf Club. We have an established healthy Christmas Tree plantation covering some 15 acres and containing 20,000 Christmas trees from traditional Spruce to non-drop Nordmann, Blues and Fraser Firs. All trees are sheared or hand pruned which create the very best specimens. We grow the best quality trees to suit all budgets for both the general public and wholesale buyers. By visiting the plantation you get to see the trees in their natural environment and can be secure in the knowledge that they are harvested daily from the field for ultimate freshness.

Many people feel the annual Christmas Tree purchase is a very special time in the calendar and therefore the whole family should be involved. This is why we created “The Smart Trees Grotto Experience”. Having run orienteering based school trips for the last 7 years we felt that it was time to let the public have a piece of the fun too. This year we are open to the General Public for 3 weekends in December so that families can make the Christmas Tree purchase a truly magical experience for all the family.

The whole family can embark on an animal trail through the plantation solving clues, learning facts and generally having fun in the great outdoors. You are then free to wander over to meet our family of reindeers and their new babies. Whilst here you can enjoy yourself in the Natural Play Area, whether it’s getting lost in the Maze or imagining you are tunnelling to another land or captain of a Pirate Ship – whatever your imagination allows!

Back in 2008 an expectant Lisa and her husband Ian decided to look for a way to earn some extra money to enable them to spend more time at home when their new baby arrived. They realised that most part time jobs were not going to give them what they were looking for. After some consideration Lisa decided to take the plunge and set up in business part time as a partner for a major British PLC company.

Three years later Lisa, Ian and 2 1/2 year old Reuben enjoy a great work life balance.

“We get to spend lots of precious time together as a family. Without our part time business we simply wouldn’t have the money or time to do this plus it’s so nice for Ian to be a full time Dad. I had no experience of running my own business and was really nervous when I started but our business partner provided all the free training we needed so it was easy to get it up and running. What’s fantastic is that our business is all about saving people money which, in this current climate, is a hot topic. All I do is assist people in paying less for things that they already use.”

The future is looking bright for Lisa and her family as the business continues to grow. “I am interested in speaking to other mums (and dads) who want to spend more time together with their families or just need to earn an extra income to pay all those everincreasing bills.”

For more information ring Lisa on 01527 910258.

“I have advertised with Karen for the past 4 issues and have had great results every time so much so I now also advertise in other Families magazines. Really recommend it.”

Natalie Heeley – Forever Products

Entering the Barn you’ll weave your way through the trees, falling snow and bubbles pausing to visit the Nativity and stroke the reindeer. Then continue on your trail to find Santa, throwing coins into the magic wishing well whilst looking out for smoke puffing out of the chimney of his Grotto. There you’ll find him sitting next to his roaring fire, cheeks all a-glow, a smile and a gift for every child (entrance to the Grotto £5).

After all the excitement why not relax and treat yourself to a hot drink and a biscuit.

Dad can read the paper, kids can chalk on the walls and mum can wander through the trees making that all important decision!

Amanda, local mum to Toby aged 3, says “Smart Trees is a brilliant Christmas experience.

We enjoyed the nature trail which ended with finding reindeer, meeting Santa and taking our Xmas tree home! We’ll definitely be back this December.”

Please visit us in December and make your Christmas a magical one.

For further information call 01386 462706 or visit us at www.smarttrees.co.uk. We are signposted off the A44 between Evesham and Pershore next to the Vale Golf Course.

November – December 2011

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education Families Hereford & Worcester magazine – the really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years.

Please call Karen on 0844 504 7224 for more information.

Winterfold Builds Classrooms in South Africa A group of 30 children from Winterfold House School in Chaddesley Corbett recently travelled to South Africa on a Charity Sports Tour. This is the fourth such tour for Winterfold pupils and since the first trip in 2005, Winterfold has supported Ncemaneni Primary School in Kwazulu Natal. The majority of the pupils at Ncemaneni are Aids and TB orphans and over the past 6 years Winterfold pupils, staff and parents have united in a desire to improve the facilities at the school. Prior to their visit, Winterfold pupils spent several months raising money to help these children, including a 22km sponsored walk in the Chilterns, the sale of tour calendars and various in-house events such as movie nights. Members of staff also undertook the ‘Fourteen Peaks Challenge’ (the fourteen highest mountains in Wales in 48 hours!). A tour brochure and auction of promises also contributed to the fund raising. So far, Winterfold has raised a total of £36,000 for Ncemaneni. This has enabled much needed new classrooms to be built and the 2011 tour group were able to see for themselves the difference their fundraising has made to the lives of the South African children.

Opening of Classrooms: Winterfold Head Girl, Brittany Collie and teachers James Brinkley and Rick Cotterill with head teacher, Armstrong Mthembu and pupils of Ncemaneni Primary School at the opening of the new classroom block in South Africa.

Children’s Ghost Walk Parties Meet Bob! Bob is a man on a mission charged with clearing the Worcester streets of its paranormal parasites and ghastly ghouls. Not an easy task for one man and he needs your help!

Race after him as he ducks around the city in search of suspicious spooks – but there’s no way you’ll be scared as Bob’s fully equipped with the latest ghost-eliminating gadgets!

Under New Ownership ● ● ● ● ●

Prospectus available on request or contact us for a viewing

Childcare for children aged from 3 months - 5 years Open 50 weeks of the year from 7.45am - 6pm Flexible & Affordable Child Care Places available, contact us for further information Ofsted registered

See website for more information www.avonnursery.co.uk enquiries@avonnursery.co.uk 01386 422 414 or 07794 257594

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Learn fascinating stories about Worcester, fun facts and ghostly tales on a fun and energetic excursion guaranteed to send you home feeling like a brave and adventurous ghost buster!

An innovative and fun idea for birthday parties and special occasions, the Children’s Ghost Walk allows flexible booking times and dates that can work around the other aspects of party plans. Being based in the city centre allows easy access to a number of child friendly restaurants and eateries.

Walks start at the Guildhall and finish at South Quay fountains and last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Suitable for 5 – 10 year olds. Tickets £5 per person, children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum booking of 20 people, maximum 40.

For more information please call the Box Office on 01905 611427 or visit www.worcesterlive.co.uk November – December 2011

Education Wychbold Wychbold is a purpose built school catering for boys and girls aged three to nine. We pride ourselves on our happy, caring atmosphere where children want to learn and are keen to come to school each day. This is the result of good relationships between all members of our community because everyone is valued.

As a school we strive for high standards in all that we do. Our pupils are encouraged to do their best in all aspects of school life. This stimulating atmosphere provides every opportunity for them to grow in confidence, to develop and succeed, remaining an individual whilst learning independence and respect for others.

Close co-operation between home and school is essential if a child is to feel secure, gain confidence and meet with success in their school life. We have also built strong links with our extended community, hosting a range of events for local residents, the Women’s Institute and Nursing Home.

We are also supporting the Freshstart Foundation giving us a fantastic insight into other cultures while supporting a very worthwhile cause.

Our parents support and recognise our outstanding commitment to their child’s education and overall social development as they grow and learn. ‘Happy children, successful learners’ is what we strive to achieve every day.

For more information telephone 01527 861421 or email office@wychbold.worcs.sch.uk

“Exciting new picture story books for children, which embrace school skills and will positively inspire children to love learning!”

Peter North, Independent Publishing Co Co-ordinator ordinator Waterstone Waterstone’ss

‘Benjamin Writer-Messy’ (£5.99) is an enchanting story about a boy who cannot write! Follow Benjamin on his journey through Pencil Land, as he visits the mystical Handwriting Queen to see if she can help him to improve his handwriting!

Jake Monkey-Tail (£6.99) is a magical story about a monkey that cannot spell! A particularly bad spelling test score ore gives Jake just the motivation he needs to improve his spelling.

Fortunately, Jake meets the wise Spelladictionary Monkey, who teaches him how to spell in a fun and magical way.

The author of these books, Priya Desai, is a speech and language therapist who works in schools. Noticing there were no fun storybooks available which spoke about ‘specific school skills’ such as, handwriting and spelling etc. she was inspired to start independently publishing motivational children’s books.

Both stories make fantastic bed time stories for children aged between 4-8, and are also perfect for developing readers.

Priya is offering 30% off each book & will sign them! P&P is free.

To buy the books, visit www.priyadesai.co.uk and enter the discount code ‘families’.

Published by Learning Cycle Ltd.

November – December 2011

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education Treasure Trails

Tonia Peters

BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems

Tel: 07853 248311 For a lifetime of confidence and enjoyment in water

• Small & friendly classes with parents & babies together • Emphasis on movement through water to stimulate early reflexes • Above & below water techniques plus invaluable safety skills • Designed to enhance parent/baby bond • Building confidence to independent swimming E-mail: info@babyswim.me.uk Sue 07759 175280

www.babyswim.me.uk Clare 07983 909518

Fun filled parties:

Lots of themed parties available please contact us for details

Age 6-11’s Age 3-5’s Football Soccer Stars High energy dance Sporty Stars Multi Games Active Story Parties are themed inc Buzz and Woody, Shrek and the Bear Hunt.

01905 840396 or

As a large family we are always on the lookout for activities to keep everyone occupied plus us, the parents, entertained also. This is no mean feat when our children range from 16 – 4 years of age.

Editor’s Review

To advertise in future issues of Families Hereford and Worcester please call Karen on 0844 504 7224

We set off on Saturday 1st October, after applying sun cream – bizarre in October, to sample a Treasure Trail in our local area of Inkberrow, Feckenham and Astwood Bank.

One Trail booklet and a pen are all you need. You follow the trail to solve the clues and then submit your answer for a chance to win a cash prize. Some Trails require you to solve a murder mystery, like ours, whilst others require you to find the location of hidden treasure or crack the code to save the world.

The trail took us about 2.5 hours in total to complete on foot and in the car. This included a stop for drinks (it was very hot) and a toilet stop. We all thoroughly enjoyed it as it is a fun, healthy and educational way to explore your local area.

There are over 800 Trails across the UK with more than 30 here in Herefordshire and Worcestershire so you can enjoy them on home turf or on holiday in the UK. The trails would make lovely stocking fillers and they can be personalised too.

For more information email hw@treasuretrails.co.uk or telephone 07736 305648 for more details. www.treasuretrails.co.uk

Open Day at New Elizabethan School in Hartlebury The New Elizabethan School are hosting an Open Day on the 19th November 2011 from 10:30 AM till 4 PM. Along with Free legal advice on any education matter, we will be offering FREE Dyslexia Screening Test when booking in conjunction with the ACE screening test (£20) which shows a whole range of your child’s learning strengths and weaknesses from concentration and literacy levels along with levels of coordination.

The ACE test is an excellent assessment to support SENCOs and teachers as well as parents in advising appropriate teaching strategies to improve your child’s learning and helping them to achieve their full potential.

The New Elizabethan School also has a proven track record in providing a bespoke educational experience for children on the Autistic Spectrum. Our School philosophy is simple ‘One Size Does Not Fit All’. Your child only gets one shot at an education, so make it one that counts. We look at the child as a whole taking care to meet their emotional physical and personality needs as well as their academic ones.

All visitors are welcome to come and have a look around and speak to our staff.

The New Elizabethan School is situated in a beautiful and tranquil setting in Hartlebury, Worcestershire, DY11 7TE. Please telephone to book for both the FREE legal advice and the DST and ACE testing on 01299 250258. Some appointments will be available on the day.

email sales@kosport.co.uk www.kosport.co.uk

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.newelizabethanschool.co.uk

November – December 2011

Education SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Co-ed 13 -18 Sixth Form Open Morning Sat 12th November 9.30 am 01527 579679 or email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Co-ed 3months - 18 Open Fridays 8.45 am - 12 noon No appointment necessary 01562 822929 or email office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk

KING’S ST ALBAN’S Co-ed 4-11 Whole school Open Morning Sat 5th November 10.00 am onwards Taster Morning Sat 19th November 10.00 am – 12.00 midday Booking essential. Reception Open Afternoon Thurs 1st December 01905 354906 or email ksa@ksw.org.uk www.ksw.org.uk

KING’S WORCESTER Co-ed 11-18 Sixth Form Open Morning Sat 12th November 11+ Taster Morning Sat 19th November and Sat 3rd December 01905 721742 or email info@ksw.org.uk www.ksw.org.uk

THE NEW ELIZABETHAN SCHOOL Co-ed Open Day Sat 19th November 10.30 am – 4.00 pm 01299 250258 or email info@newelizabethanschool.co.uk www.newelizabethanschool.co.uk

WYCHBOLD FIRST & NURSERY SCHOOL Co-ed 3-9 Open Mornings for Nursery and Reception Mon 14th and Wed 16th November 01527 861421 or email office@wychbold.worcs.sch.uk IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL EVENTS@FAMILIESHEREFORDANDWORCS.CO.UK

Wye Valley Orienteers Learn together, play together, get active together with Wye Valley Orienteers outdoor club.

Check out our Christmas Gift Ideas this Festive Season: * Purchase a Photo Shoot or Photo Product Gift Voucher * Only £50 for a 1-hour Photo Shoot for up to 5 people with a 10”x 8” print * Photo sessions held at our studio near Redditch * Outdoor location shoots also available * Have your photo made into Greeting Cards * Give a framed print of the family as a gift * 10% off canvas prints, acrylics or bespoke frames only with this advert Visit our website for details of other services including: Photo-Shoot Parties, Wedding & Engagement Photography Contact Katherine 07989 577336 or email info@oceaneyes.co.uk Offers only redeemable with this advert expiry 31/01/12

Activities include map reading, problem solving and walking, jogging or running depending on your fitness – all the basics of orienteering, the sport where each outing is a mini-adventure as you navigate around a mapped course to find a series of markers.

Suitable for children from 6 years and their parents; no experience or special kit necessary. Sessions are held every Monday during school term time from 6 – 7.15pm at Hereford Rowing Club, Greyfriars Avenue HR4 OBE. Sessions cost £2.00/week/family or £8.00/10 weeks/family.

For further information, visit www.familysport.org.uk or call 0777 1573267.

November – December 2011

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Christmas SUPPORT OUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TOY SHOPS AT

Christmas

Home-Start Worcester & Wychavon Goodrich House Sansome Place Worcester, WR1 1UA

Being a parent isn’t always easy Home-Start offers friendship and informal support to families with young children.

The support is free and confidential, please speak to your health advisor or call the number below.

If you have parenting experience and can spare 2–3 hours a week to help a local family, find out more about volunteering with Home-Start Worcester & Wychavon.

Call 01905 29377 or email home-startworcs@btconnect.com

DROITWICH

MALVERN

Toyworld

The Toy Corner

21-23 High Street Droitwich WR9 8EJ 01905 772 403 www.onlinetoyworld.co.uk

129 Barnard’s Green Malvern WR14 3LT 01684 577544 www.thetoycorner.co.uk

HEREFORD

The Toy Barn at Lawn Farm

Hunky Dorey Gift Store 18 Church Street Hereford HR1 2LR 01432 357335 www.hunkydoreyhereford.co.uk

Drake Street Welland Malvern WR13 6LP 01684 310672 www.lawnfarmtoys.co.uk

KIDDERMINSTER

PERSHORE

TP Factory Toyshop

Pplumz Ltd

Zortec Avenue Oldington Kidderminster DY11 7DY 01562 733376 www.thetoycorner.co.uk

39 High Street Pershore WR10 1EU 01386 555002

WORCESTER

LEDBURY

Wise Owl Toys

Little Shop of Wonders

5 Charles Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2AQ 01905 22353 www.wiseowltoys.co.uk

44 Bye Street Ledbury HR8 2AA 01531 632206 www.littleshopofwonders.co.uk

host a Why not claim d n a y rt a p priced your half ee gift? fr d n items a

Electrical El t i l warmers, so a safer alternative to candles, with up to 80 beautiful scents to choose from plus scented gifts for children.

Or why not join my team, own your business and work the hours to suit you.

Contact Amanda on 07984 165760 or email o_halloranamanda@hotmail.com www.scentsRmemories.scentsy.co.uk 8

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2011

The DOs and DON’T DON’Tss of a HAPPY

FamilyChristmas

By Sarah Butters

DON’T expect it to be perfect

DO give out jobs

Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will over cook the turkey, under cook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of sauvignon blanc because your Mother in Law has criticized your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming. Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that do go well.

A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your preChristmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your Mother in Law has a view about your Yorkshire puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DO try and relax By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted.

You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you. It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions.

Whether it’s a trip to the local crib service on Christmas Eve or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper.

This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children, new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit to help kick start Christmas.

DON’T waste money Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of us. We want to give our children everything on their list, but won’t be able to. Most of us will be celebrating making it to the 25th December with a job and a roof over our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities whilst being frugal. Swap traditional cards for an email including a festive photo, organise a secret Santa for adult family members with a spending limit or simply suggest that you only buy for the family’s children. Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about the money you spend on each other. It’s about the time you spend with each other.

DO enjoy the preparation If you’re not careful, baking the cake, decorating the house and dressing the tree can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it become hard work. Give yourself the time to enjoy it and accept that with help from your little ones you can create some lovely Christmas memories. Ok, you won’t have a cake fit for Delia. There’ll be precious few needles left on the tree and your house will resemble the aftermath of a children’s birthday party but despite the imperfections you’ll have happy children and you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy Christmas.

DO get out and about

DO laugh!

You are not under house arrest over the festive period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments.

Add some wine and the results are anything but festive. Don’t be afraid of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run off some steam.

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a feast fit for royalty and take a minute to laugh. Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and tat, this is about preparing one meal on one day with decorations and a gift or two.

DON’T expect your children to be angels They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’ since Easter and then the presents are opened and your little angels turn into little devils. Rules and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from well meaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear pretty quickly. Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem. During your time out, remind them that Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t behave!

November – December 2011

And if you’re finding it difficult to smile, try using our favourite Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up.

What’s Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep, and crisp and even.

DON’T stress about the presents So you haven’t been able to find the latest Transformer or bag a Buzz Lightyear doll. Before you beat yourself up, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had?

My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drunk the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. Your kids will remember the laughter and the love and when you wake up in January, so will you.

Happy Christmas!

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Mum’s the Word!

Rachel Guest is married to Lee, lives in Bromsgrove and is Mum to Megan aged 9, Zara aged 7, Daniel aged 4 and Lucy the King Charles Cavalier spaniel aged 9 months!

Rachel is an Independent Phoenix Trader.

Monday Trimpley Village Hall Bewdley Tuesday Arley King’s Village Hall Stourport Wednesday Baxter College, Kidderminster Saturday Amblecote Scout Hut Stourbridge ZUMBA, STREET, BALLET, CONTEMPORARY, BREAK DANCE, JIVE, SALSA AND DINKY DANCERS All ages from 18 months – Adults.

Michelle is a Community Dance Artist with extensive teaching experience.

Everyone is welcome so come and have a go.

For more information ring Michelle on

01562 630252

www.whyleydance.co.uk

The start of the new school term has been very mixed emotionally. My eldest moved up to Aston Field’s Middle School and my youngest has just started at Finstall First School, so I am trying to cope with the fact that Megan is growing up (way too fast for my liking) and that I am going to miss Daniel desperately.

The only positive thing I envisaged was that I would finally have more time to run my business and clean the house properly but so far the reality has fallen short as there is still never enough time!

I became a Phoenix trader 3 years ago as I could fit it around all my other commitments.

Phoenix Trading produces an exclusive range of greeting cards, gift wrap and other related stationery. They sell directly to customers through Independent Traders like me. The fact that Phoenix Trading is a British company and that 100% of all the greeting cards and 95% of all the products are produced in the UK is very important to me and I am looking forward to the future as my business grows.

My husband also works from home with his own mortgage advice business which is great while our children are young. Between us we try to juggle family life with work. We can find it a challenge trying to fit in the copious amounts of homework that our girls seem to receive especially at the weekends. The latest project is ‘Space’ for Megan so we found ourselves at The National Space Centre in Leicester which surprised me as a fabulous day out for the family. I have to admit that I hadn’t a clue it existed until a neighbour told me about it. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and took numerous photos standing behind cardboard cut-outs of spacemen etc. The highlight for the children was being in a space capsule preparing for take-off with Daddy manning the controls.

Zara’s project over half term is the Egyptians and we have already had a request to visit the British Museum in London, so that will be one day out sorted!

We moved to Bromsgrove nine years ago from Reading and have never regretted the move. There is so much to do in the Midlands and we are never that far from any of the fabulous attractions that our country has to offer.

We love days out as a family walking the dog and riding our bikes. Arrow Valley in Redditch is always a favourite haunt of ours as the children can cycle safely round the lake, enjoy the excellent playgrounds and feed the enormous fish in the lake, much more exciting than feeding ducks!

For the last few years we have been National Trust members which has proved to be excellent value for money, especially as we are fortunate to be surrounded by quite a few wonderful properties and grounds; Hanbury Hall being the closest.

At the beginning of October we enjoyed the final days of glorious weather and found ourselves in Dovedale and Ilam Park in the Peak District. The children and the dog thoroughly enjoyed messing about in the river and clambering over the stepping stones. We had our usual picnic, a family tradition and gorgeous homemade ice-cream with lovely waffle cones.

I do intend this year to find more free time for me. I hope to carry on with my cake decorating which is a hobby of mine and helping my good friend Lynne with her cupcake business. On a Monday morning I am starting a pottery class at Avoncroft Community Arts Centre which is something I have always wanted to do. A new Zumba class run by ALM Fitness has also started up on a Tuesday evening there which I plan to go along to. I have never been the most co-ordinated of people but having tried Zumba once with a couple of friends and found it to be great fun, I can’t wait to give it a go again.

For more information on the places mentioned, please find contact details listed below. www.redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/leisure-and-culture/arrow-valley-park.aspx www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/rachelguest www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.guestindependent.com www.avoncroftarts.org.uk www.spacecentre.co.uk www.almfitness.co.uk www.thelittlecupcakebakery.co.uk

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2011

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November – December 2011

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11

Where’s

Santa?

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ museum Christmas at the Castle (Sundays 4th, 11th & 18th December) A traditional Christmas celebration including Father Christmas in his grotto, carriage rides, seasonal gifts, craft demonstrations, children’s activities and performances by local choirs.

Rays Farm Country Matters, Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6PF 01299 841255, www.raysfarm.com An Old Fashioned Christmas (Every weekend 10.00 am – 5.30 pm and Mon 19th – Fri 23rd Dec) See baby Jesus in the donkeys stable with Mary, Joseph, the Three Kings and the Wise Men then step from history into imagination.

Chat to Father Christmas as he prepares the childrens toys for that magical night. See Rudolph and friends waiting to pull the sleigh full of presents. Pre-booking essential. £6.50 adult, £9.00 child

Smart Trees, Fields Farm House, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Pershore, WR10 2LZ The Severn Valley Railway, 01386 462706 Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, www.smarttrees.co.uk DY10 1QX 01562 827232 The Smart Trees Grotto www.svr.co.uk Experience Specials (Sat Santa Steam Specials (Sat 3rd-Sun 4th Dec, Sat 10th-Sun 3rd-Sun 4th Dec, Sat 10th11th, Sat 17th–Sun 18th 11.00 Sun 11th, Sat 17th–Sun 18th am – 4.00 pm) and Sat 24th Dec) Take an Embark on an animal trail in a magical atmospheric steam train from Kidderminster along the Severn Valley setting through the Christmas trees, meet the reindeer and enjoy to Arley to visit Santa in his grotto. yourselves in the natural play area.

Presents for fare paying children completes the experience. Trains call at Then onwards to the Barn through the Bewdley on the return journey where falling snow and bubbles to visit the Nativity and find Santa, throwing coins passengers may alight to visit this into the magic wishing well whilst attractive riverside town. looking out for smoke puffing out of Santa Heralds (Wed 21st, the chimney of his Grotto. There you’ll Thurs 22nd and Fri 23rd Dec) Journey by steam train in the company find him sitting next to his roaring fire, cheeks all a-glow, a smile and a gift for of Father Christmas from every child. Entrance to the Grotto Kidderminster to Highley. Father £5.00 child, Free for adults, Nature Trail Christmas will visit all of the children on the train giving out presents for all £2.50 per family, photo with Santa fare-paying children. Trains depart from £2.50.

Kidderminster. Advance booking is Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold, essential. Adults £10.50, Children Droitwich, WR9 0DG £10.50 (1 to 15 years with a present 01527 860000 from Santa) Babies under 12 months www.webbsdirect.co.uk travel free unless a present is required.

Christmas Grotto (Sat 19th Presents cost £5.00 each.

Nov – Sat 24th Dec) A winter wonderland grotto to see elves in Bewdley Museum, Load Street, their woodland workshop before Bewdley, DY12 1AT meeting Father Christmas. Children 01299 403573 will then enter the spectacular toy www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/ warehouse and choose their own museum Christmas Craft Fair (Sat 17th gift worth at least £5.00.

Photographs of the grotto - Sun 18th Dec 12.00 – 4.00 experience will be available to pm) Browse for Christmas gifts, visit purchase on the day. £6.00 per child.

Santa in his magical Grotto and get hands on with festive craft activities.

Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa, Enjoy seasonal refreshments in the WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 Food Foundry Cafe. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hanbury hall/ The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, A Vernon Family Christmas Worcester, WR1 2HU (Sat 3rd - Sun 4th, Sat 10th – 01905 361821, Sun 11th, Sat 17th – Sun 18th www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk Victorian Christmas (Sat 18th Dec 11.00 am – 4.00 pm) Join the Vernon family for a traditional Dec 10.00 am – 5.00 pm) family Christmas. Enjoy festive ‘make Create your own Victorian and take’ activities and a visit from Christmas decorations, visit Father Father Christmas. Per item £0.50 Christmas in the scullery and meet (make and take) and per item £3.00 some of the characters from the (Father Christmas).

Commandery’s past.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2011

Christmas Fair (Sat 3rd - Sun 4th Dec 11.00 am – 3.30 pm) Mince pies, mulled wine and Santa.

Good food and interesting craft stalls.

The ground floor will be decorated for Christmas. Santa will be in his grotto each afternoon with some reindeer on Saturday.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Santa’s Grotto and real reindeer (Sat 17th – Sat 24th Dec) Santa’s Grotto in the Shop and real reindeer walking around the Park.

Top Barn Activity Centre, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH Tel: 01905 622223 www.topbarnactivity.com Greener Land Grotto (Thurs 1st Dec – Friday 23rd Dec 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm) Climbing British Waterways Maintenance wall up to Santa’s reindeer, Air Rifle Yard, New Wharf, Alcester Road, shooting on indoor turkey targets, Tardebigge, Nr Bromsgrove, Synthetic Ice Rink, Bouncy Castle, B60 1NF 01384 562358 Inflatable Battle Zone and Santa’s www.dreamcatchercanalcruises.co.uk grotto in own Narnia! Child’s entry Santa Special Canal Trip (Sat £7.50 – includes all activities and a gift 10th - Sun 11th, Sat 17th – from Santa! Children under 2yrs and Sun 18th Dec between 10.00 Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, parents go free (donations to Help am – 5.00 pm) Board the Dream WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 The Heroes welcome). Pre-booking Catcher to search for Santa in www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ welcome, discounts available for Tardebigge canal tunnel. Following a croomepark/ groups, individual activities available on short pantomime the search begins, Christmas at Croome (Sat 3rd request – please contact for details. taking you into the illuminated tunnel – Sun 4th, Sat 10th – Sun to the Christmas themed floating 11th, Sat 17th – Sun 18th Dec Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, grotto. Santa will give each child a 10.00 am – 3.00 pm) Experience B49 5NJ Tel: 01789 762090 present and there is a hot drink and the magic of Christmas at Croome www.ragleyhall.com mince pie for adults. £8.50 each with carol singing, decorations, special Christmas Market (Sat 26th roast lunches, Father Christmas in his Sun 27th Nov 10.00 am - 4.00 Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Court grotto, a Christmas trail and pm) Browse over 40 craft and gift Centre, Kingswood, Kington, interactive Christmas trees! £1.50 stalls on the ground floor of the Hall Herefordshire, HR5 3HF trail, £3.00 grotto and trail and enjoy festive entertainment with Tel: 01544 231109, musicians and a local choir. Father www.owlcentre.com Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, Christmas will be waiting by the fire Come and see Santa on the R6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 with a present for every child and there Farm (Group bookings from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ will be children’s craft activities. £6.00 Mon 5th Dec, weekend visits berringtonhall/ adults, £5.00 Children / Under 3’s FREE. from Sat 10th Dec and then

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffs, B78 3TW 0844 472 1950 www.draytonmanor.co.uk Magical Christmas (Sat 26th Nov – Mon 2nd Jan) Glimpse the behind-the-scenes magic of Santa’s toy workshop to see Santa and his elves hard at work. All good boys and girls under nine will receive a free present. Spectacular decorations, festive music and snow at least 3 times a day! See Santa’s reindeer in the zoo too.

Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR Tel: 0844 880 7667, www.cadburyworld.co.uk Christmas Celebration Weekends (Sat 19th – Sun 20th, Sat 26th – Sun 27th Nov, Sat 3rd – Sun 4th, Sat 10th – Sun 11th and Sat 17th – Sun 18th Dec) Meet Father Christmas every weekend and all children will receive a free gift. Also watch a 30 minute live production of Cinderella in pantomime.

November – December 2011

every day from Mon 19th – 24th Dec) Visit Santa and his reindeer in their snug winter quarters. Booking is essential as Santa needs to know the name and age of each child to select a gift.

Adults £8.00 Children £8.00 (including present) Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Search for Santa (Sat 17th & Sun 18th Dec) Let the costumed villagers and festive clues help you find Santa in his hidden grotto in one of the historic buildings. A surprise gift awaits each child when they find Santa. Pre-booking only. Tickets: £9.70 Adults, £6.00 Child, £4.00 Members.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Victorian Christmas Craft Fair (Sun 4th Dec 11.00 am – 4.00 pm) Victorian musicians provide a festive atmosphere with food and craft stalls, Father Christmas in his grotto, carol singing as well as Christmas crafts for children.

Adults £1.00, Children Free Do check with the venue in case details have changed and also please mention when telephoning that you saw their Christmas event in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13

What’s On THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Chris and Pui Roadshow (CBeebies) Meet Chris and Pui from Show me Show me in their fabulous new road show packed with fantastic songs, games and a few surprises along the way. Saturday 5th November 11.00 am and 2.00 pm (£12/£10) Alice in Wonderland (New College) Join Alice on her adventures through wonderland in this adaptation of Lewis Caroll’s classic tale. Wednesday 7th – Thursday 8th December 7.15 pm (£6/£4) Beauty and the Beast – The Pantomime (All & Sundry) Beauty And The Beast is a dramatic pantomime full of song and dance, traditional slapstick, corny jokes and general silliness. Wednesday 14th – Sunday 18th December 2.00 pm (sat and sun matinees) and 7.00 pm Prices range from £13.50 - £11.00 per ticket.

Family tickets £41.00 or £37.00 Zorro’s Christmas Adventure (Sideways Theatre) When Santa crash lands in the scorching sands of Mexico, it looks like Christmas will be cancelled, until he meets the one and only Zorro! Join the masked hero and Santa’s little elf - Zippy MonkeyToes - on their quest to thwart the evil El Scorchio’s plans... and save Christmas! Thursday 22nd December 2.30 pm (£9/£7) Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk A Night at the Movies (Vale Dance) Dancers of all ages from 3 years upwards perform an exciting mix of ballet, tap, modern and lyrical jazz featuring lots of favourite films.

Enquiries 01386 443756. Tickets £8 from 01386 443756. Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th November 2.00 pm and 6.30 pm (£8) Much ado about Wenlock (Vamos Theatre) A full mask show with original music, drama & dance and rooted in historical research – a creative and hugely inventive adventure for all the family. Tuesday 24th November 7.30 pm (£12/£10) Battle of the Bands (PHHS) The 5th annual student-organised competition to find the best student band. Contact school on 01386 765588 for information & tickets. Friday 25th November 7.00 pm (£12/£10)

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Please check with the venue in case details have been changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

The Nutcracker (Vienna Festival Ballet) The Nutcracker is one of the bestloved ballets and centres around Clara and her nutcracker doll, which magically transforms into a princely soldier. Their adventures see the Prince and Clara combat the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy for a wonderful trip to a Kingdom made entirely of sweets.

Tuesday 29th November 7.30 pm. Tickets £18.50 adult, £12.50 child.

Peter Pan (Vital Statistics Theatre Company) Join the crew on a magical classic adventure with audience participation, dancing, up-to-date songs and magical effects! A show for all the family! Saturday 10th December 2.30 and 7.30 pm Tickets £10.00, £8.00 Christmas Concert (PHHS) Prince Henry’s School presents its ever-popular Christmas concert.

Contact school on 01386 765588.

Thursday 15th December 7.00 pm Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Paddington Bear’s First Concert A story with music particularly for children from 4 - 7 years old.

Paddington needs all the help he can get from the audience to sing his song, dance & make lots of funny noises at his first concert in the Royal Albert Hall!

Saturday 12th November 11.00 am and 2.00 pm £6.00 Robin & The Big Freeze A festive feast of a show with fantastic puppets, live music, and birdwatching for everyone who is going away for Christmas or staying at home! Suitable for children aged 4+. Saturday 3rd December 11.00 am and 2.00 pm £6.00 Peter Pan A Pantomime in the form of the classic children’s story Peter Pan. Thursday 15th December – Sunday 8th January. Times and Prices differ so visit website.

Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk Alice in Wonderland (Norbury Youth Theatre) Come and enjoy a taste of nonsensical madness, but don’t try to taste the Queen’s tarts or it’s ...

OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th November 7.30 pm £9.00/£8.00

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw the listings in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids of all ages.

Saturday 19th November 2.30 pm £1.50 Celebration of Christmas (Salvation Army) Music, Dance and Drama to start the festive season.

Saturday 3rd December 2.30 and 7.30 pm £7.50 A musical Christmas (Happy Steps) A fun and lively show with all the best songs that make Christmas a magical time with a chance to singalong. Mince pies and tea after the performance.

Saturday 10th December 2.30 pm £7.00 The Attack of the Christmas Puddings (Avon Players) Christmas is under threat again from the evil Auntie Freeze, and this time she has powerful friends, or has she? Can Holly Noel save Christmas or will his friends do all the work and he take all the credit?

Saturday 10th December 7.30 pm £6.00/£4.00 Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids of all ages.

Saturday 17th December 2.30 pm £1.50 With Christmas in Mind (The Norbury Theatre Players) Come and re-capture the spirit of Christmas in songs, stories and verse inc mulled wine and mince pies. Saturday 17th December 7.30 pm £9.00 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk The Slipper & the Rose (PODS) The Slipper and the Rose is the musical version of Cinderella, told from the Prince’s point of view and enhanced by wonderful songs. The story is set in a fictitious European kingdom where the Prince must marry in order to save his country from ruin, but wishes to marry for love not duty.

Monday 5th – Saturday 10th December Check website for details. Tickets: £12.50 – £9.00 A Classical Christmas (ESO) A seasonal mix of music, carols and readings, the English String Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert returns for its fourth year at Number 8.

Wednesday 21st December 7.30pm. Tickets: £18.50, £17.50

Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Roary the Racing Car Champion of Champions Roary, the number 1 little race car ‘zooms’ into theatres for the very first time in a brand new live stage show!

Saturday 5th November 1.00 and 3.30 pm £13.50 and £11.50, Family ticket £46.00 The King and I (Redditch Operatic Society) The story of an English school teacher who becomes governess to the children of the King of Siam in the 1860’s.

Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th November 7.30 pm and 2.30 pm matinee £15.00, £14.00 Family ticket £50.00 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs When the Wicked Queen discovers, via her magic mirror, that Snow White is the fairest in the land, it’s not long before she is plotting to get rid of her with a one way trip into the depths of the dark forest.

Monday 5th – Sunday 31st December Times and Prices differ so visit website.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Sleeping Beauty The Courtyard presents the Sleeping Beauty pantomime.

Friday 25th November – Saturday 7th January Times and Prices differ so visit website.

Crik the Crok Crik The Croc is performed with puppets and live music. Everyone is looking forward to the Carnival until it turns out that an uninvited guest has decided to come and live in the river and spoil everything.

Sunday 27th November 2.45 pm £7.50 (£6.50) The Frog Prince A show especially for the under 6’s.

The poor handsome Prince has been turned into a Frog by a fairy called Honey but Princess Coral is a mermaid who makes the Frog Prince swim down to her Water Kingdom. Can a kiss turn our Frog Prince back and does everyone live happily ever after?

Monday 12th – Saturday 24th December £8.00 (£6.50)

November – December 2011

What’s On The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk

A Mouse called Cheddar Gorge Cheddar Gorge’s liking for chocolate biscuits brings him into conflict with Mrs Moppit’s and Mr Sloppit’s Quicker Cleaning Company the morning after Busy Lizzie’s party. Saturday 5th November 10.30 and 11.45 am £1.50

Free Family Learning Activity Get ready for Christmas with this activity making decorations from natural materials.

Sunday 27th November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Free

Jack and the Beanstalk This is the tale of a wicked giant, an evil henchman, a bionic cow, a fairy, some magic beans, true love and a very large beanstalk. Monday 5th December – Wednesday 4th January Times and Prices differ so visit website.

The Princess and the Dragon Enjoy fun, songs and audience participation for two to nine year olds! Will Princess Petunia agree to marry the Black Knight and can a dragon be made to find dancing preferable to eating princesses.

Saturday 10th December 10.30 and 11.45 am £1.50

MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Caring for your historic home Meet specialist stonemasons, carpenters, decorators and builders who specialise in historic properties and will be giving free advice. For children there are plenty of handson activities including brick making and wattle and daub. Saturday 19th November Admission Free Meteors and Cocoa Night Telescopes will be provided by the Bromsgrove Astronomy Club who will be on hand to provide a practical guide to astronomy.

Cocoa is included in the admission price. Pre-book only. Thursday 17th November 9.00 pm – 12.00 midnight. Tickets: £5.00 Traditional Candlelit Christmas Evening Start your Christmas festivities in a traditional, magical way, with a family evening of traditional Christmas fun.

Experience a candle-lit tour of the Museum visiting each building decked in traditional Christmas greenery; listen to the choir and band in the Victorian tin church.

There will be the opportunity to buy gifts from the local-food market and gift shop, plus enjoy the delights of the Edwardian Tea Room. Prebook tickets for this magical Christmas event. Saturday 3rd December 7.00 pm November – December 2011

Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk Christmas at The Commandery Mr and Mrs History talk to children about Christmas past.

Activities available.

Saturday 17th-Sunday 18th December 11.00 – 4.00 pm Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk Exhibitions: Edwardian Elegance The Edwardian period was a golden age for Worcestershire with work from the county’s craftsmen gracing country houses, ocean liners and fine hotels. This exhibition celebrates these skills with beautiful artefacts from the museum collections of Worcestershire.

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ museum Christmas Shopping Evening Enjoy seasonal entertainment and refreshments whilst browsing in our museum shop which stocks a wide range of cards, gifts and contemporary crafts. The Café will be open for warming meals and snacks and visitors will be able to explore the museum free of charge after dark. Wednesday 23rd November 5.00 - 8.00 pm

ATTRACTIONS Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon. CV37 9HH Carols by Candlelight A magical evening of traditional carols, mulled wine, mince pies and a rare opportunity to see the Cottage by candlelight. The gift shop will also be open for Christmas shopping.

3rd December 7.00 – 9.00 pm £4.00

Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratfordupon-Avon CV37 6BG Festive children’s quiz Explore the history and customs of our Tudor ancestors at Christmas time through the children’s Christmas quiz.

17th December – 2nd January Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP Christmas Feast See a display showing a traditional Tudor Christmas feast and read about how the Tudors celebrated all aspects of Christmas. Printed recipe cards will be available to take away.

Pomander Making Make your own pomander to take home – a perfect addition to the Christmas tree.

12.00 pm and 2.00 pm. £1.00 per person.

17th December – 2nd January Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-uponAvon, CV37 9UN

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct.org.uk NEARLY NEW SALES Ross on Wye NCT Saturday 5th November 10.30 am – 12.00 midday at The Ryefield Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross on Wye, HR9 7QD Tel: 0844 243 6252 or email: rossnct@hotmail.co.uk Worcester & Droitwich NCT Sunday 27th November 10.15 am – 12.00 pm at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Road, Worcester, WR3 8DX. Tel: 0844 243 6334 or email: nearlynewsale@yahoo.co.uk Kidderminster NCT Saturday 26th November 1.00 – 2.00 pm at St Cecilia’s Church, Hoo Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1LP Tel: 0844 243 6178 or email: kidderminsternct@hotmail.co.uk

National Trust

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW

0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Take a candlelit tour of Shakespeare’s Birthplace and enjoy performances by Shakespeare Aloud! actors and minstrels. Visit the gift shop for that special Christmas gift and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. See all five houses dressed for Christmas and discover more about festive traditions from Tudor to Victorian times. Normal admission and opening times apply unless otherwise stated. 01789 201845 www.shakespeare.org.uk (For all 5 Shakespeare properties)

Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9RS 01588 676060, www.shropshirehillsdiscovery centre.co.uk Live ‘n’ Deadly: Deadly Scene Investigations Enjoy a range of selfled activities, inspired by the cbbc ‘Live ‘n’ Deadly’ series, that encourage families to explore meadow nature and wildlife. Be challenged by a series of puzzles which will help you solve a ‘deadly scene’ . Budding detectives will receive rewards for their efforts.

Every weekend through to 4th December.

Advertise in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine!

Please call Karen on 0844 504 7224 for more information.

SPONSOR A TREE Plant an orchard tree, then bring your family along, year after year to follow its progress.

Saturday 26th November 1.00 am – 3.00 pm £25.00 Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL Tel: 01562 712822 GUIDED WALK A ramble through the stunning countryside at Clent. Find out about local landmarks, wildlife and history from an experienced local guide. Sunday 27th November Booking essential 10.00 am – 1.00 pm, Tickets £2.00 WINTER WONDERLAND A traditional Christmas at Clent.

Saturday 17th December 10.00 am – 3.00 pm, Tickets £2.00 CHRISTMAS WALK Take a trek through a winter wonderland.

Sunday 18th December 10.00 am – 1.00 pm, Tickets £2.00 Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AT THE CASTLE Local crafts people, carols, bell ringing, mince pies and mulled wine.

Children can make a wooden snowman to take home.

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ croomepark/ BEHIND THE SCENES SUNDAYS Discover the hidden parts of Croome on special guided walks and tours of the house and garden.

Sunday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th November 12.00 am – 3.00 pm Coughton Court, Coughton Court, Sambourne Lane, Alcester, B49 5JA Tel: 01789 400777 www.coughtoncourt.co.uk WINTER FESTIVAL Festive stalls will line the stableyard selling local produce, crafts, gifts.

The house will be dressed for a traditional Victorian Christmas and Father Christmas will be receiving visitors over both the weekends.

Saturday 26th November – Sunday 4th December WASSAIL Well loved Christmas Wassail. Christmas stories and carols from Birmingham Crescent Theatre, mulled wine, roaring fire and mince pies. Booking essential.

Adult £23, Child £10. Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th December

“We have advertised in Families for the past year and have had a great response, having both new students and new tutors contacting us. Karen takes great care to include as much as possible when it comes to editorial, listings etc; and is very knowledgeable about her market and client base. Using this magazine is great value for those of us on a tight advertising budget, and is well worth the outlay. The tutors in our network feel we are given a professional-looking profile and parents have the information they need in a well presented and attractive magazine”.

Kate Bishop – Help Tuition Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 AUTUMN PARK WALKS Take a guided walk through the park and discover more about the restoration work taking place.

Sunday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th November 11.15 am – 1.30 pm Adult £2.50, Child £1.50 TRADITIONAL CAROL CONCERTS Soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Thursday 15th Saturday 17th December 7.30 – 9.30 pm £13.50 The Greyfriars, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 23571 GREYFRIARS CHRISTMAS Come and see the house decorated for Christmas and have a go at making your own decorations.

On Saturday come and hear the Tudor Christmas Tales.

Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th December 1.00 – 4.30 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS, DAYS OUT AND FESTIVALS Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre This is the leading themed street market in the West Midlands.

Hundreds of stalls fill the atmospheric streets of Worcester’s historic heart with the colours, sounds and smells of Christmas. Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th December FREE www.visitworcester.co.uk Three Kings Parade, Stourport-on Severn Parade starts from Harold Davies Drive. The Christmas lights are switched on as the parade advances. The parade finishes at Stourport Civic Centre with a Carol Service where the Christmas Tree lights are switched on.

Friday 25th November FREE www.stourporttown.co.uk Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival The Festival occurs in the centre of town with street entertainers and stalls. Fancy dress competition and parade assemble at Bridge House Saturday 27th November 2.00 – 6.30 pm

If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section, please email events@herefordandworcs.co.uk

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair This has become a huge favourite with over 180 stalls combining the city’s own Christmas Craft Fair of local traders with the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. 17 November – 23 December 10.00 – 9.00 daily FREE www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket Whyley Dance and Ellie Dance Works hold Charity night A charity night to raise money for Kemp Hospice. Live band the Delay Rockers play fantastic rock and roll music, a bar and a raffle.

Friday 18th November at Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster Tickets £5 each Contact Michelle Whyley shell.francis@hotmail.com or Ellie Meade elliesdanceworks@ googlemail.com

Sales and Craft Fairs Hat Exhibition and Sale of work in the entrance/ shop area of Worcester Art Gallery, Library and Museum. Admission free. Hats and crafts, Christmas gifts and cards on sale at Malvern Gallery, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern. Admission free.

Telephone 07754950939 www.jillpeertreatments.com

November – December 2011