Families Hereford and Worcester issue 19

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

Issue No 19 January/February 2013

3 years old!

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

News & Views

Picture courtesy of jessography.co.uk

Dear readers A very Happy New Year to everyone and Happy Birthday to us (Families Hereford and Worcester) as we are 3 years old!

2012 was quite a year with the Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Wedding and the Olympics. My 5 year old (pictured on the front cover) sobbed his heart out at the closing ceremony of the Olympics, which we watched on holiday, and it really brought a tear to my eye to be so proud of what Britain had achieved. I don’t think 2013 will be quite so eventful but let’s hope it is a happy, healthy one for all of us.

We would love to hear from you so please follow us on twitter @FamiliesHW and on facebook FamiliesHandW. Families Hereford and Worcester is a magazine for local parents so please let us know of any ideas you might have, tips you want to share, local toddler groups we don’t know about, child friendly places/pubs/ restaurants/cafes etc and we can share them with our readers. We are constantly updating our website with local news, press releases and information. All you have to do is visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk and register.

If you would like to advertise in the Mar/Apr issue, which covers the Easter holidays also, to reach 44,000 parents then call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk. Copy deadline is Friday 8th February. y

Karen Craven (local Mum of 3, Step Mum to 2 plus Adoptive Mum to Salsa our retriever)

Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester

Contact details: Tel: 01386 791422 Mob: 07981 564053 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Next issue: Mar/Apr 2013.

Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 8th February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk All content Copyright 2013 Families Hereford and Worcester

In this issue 02 02 04 05 10 12 14 16 18 19

Editor’s Letter News & Views Ed’s Reading Room Education Choosing a nursery Interview with Antonio Carluccio Frugal Food How to have your best family holiday ever Health What’s On Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. 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 40 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 at www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440 Cover Photograph: Karen Craven

Right Estate Agents New year, new house. Is your new year’s resolution to move house but you don’t think you can afford it? Well Right Estate Agents can help you. They combine a personal face to face service with low fixed fees that you would normally associate with online estate agents saving you the stress and hassle of moving home by working proactively for you.

To sell your home quickly at a good price, they recognise the need for excellent online presence and focus their marketing in this area with plenty of good quality photos and advertising across all major online sites including Rightmove. The market leading fixed fees are fair to all and can save you thousands of pounds compared to other estate agents – money that you can put to good use on your new home! Right Estate Agents cover most of the Midlands.

Call Sarah today to book your free valuation: 01527 306206.

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Dragon’s Den Entrepreneur Shares Skills with Kidderminster Students Dragon’s Den winner and creator of the Magic Whiteboard, Neil Westwood, joined Holy Trinity International School students as they took part in an enterprise day, designed to promote business thinking and entrepreneurship in the community.

Neil Westwood stated: “More young people need to learn what it’s like to set up a business because it is a great career option.

It’s both fun and exciting to run your own business, and by doing these talks I aim to inspire students to consider running their own businesses in the future.”

The students from Yrs 9 to Yr 13 explored and shared business ideas with the local entrepreneur and undertook a number of practical activities throughout the day. www.holytrinity.co.uk www.magicwhiteboard.co.uk

Why not join Avon as a representative and earn some money?

Avon first started around 125 years ago and is the World’s number one direct selling company with over 6.5 million independent representatives worldwide.

Local Redditch mum Claire says “I have been an Avon representative for 41/2 years and more recently a Sales Leader for just over a year. I first started as an Avon rep when my daughter was 5 months old. I decided not to return to work as I wanted to be a full time Mum but I still wanted to make a contribution to our family income.

I have over 100 fantastic customers, many of whom have become friends, and I have a small but growing team of Avon representatives. I love the flexibility that Avon offers me; allowing me to work around the needs of my small children, they can either come with me or I can pop out for an hour on my own when my husband gets home. Sometimes after a day at home with the children it’s a welcome escape!”

For more information give Claire a ring on 07981 493439 or email claire.finlinson123@btinternet.com. http://www.avon.uk.com January – February 2013

News & Views Fed up of juggling motherhood, work and personal commitments?

Traditional Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Sweets • Gifts • Pocket Money Toys & more Party Bags to order – choose from a large range of sweets & pocket money toys.

Kiddikicks has franchise opportunities across the UK. Start the New Year as you mean to go on – less work, less stress, more exercise, more support and more quality time with your children.

Work for yourself and run your own successful franchise business with Kiddikicks toddler and child football-themed and football skills classes, sporty merchandise and cool clothing.

10+ party bags = free party bag for birthday child

27 Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553262 www.sweettraditions.co.uk

Kiddikicks

Be the Manager or the Coach; if you have a sporty, supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background and would like to work from home, Kiddikicks could be the best New Year’s resolution you make and keep.

Earn extra money

Call 020 7937 7965 Email sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk Quote “Families Hereford and Worcester” in your enquiry for a 5% discount.

Avon Representatives Required

IMMEDIATE START

Crafty way to support disabled children in Worcestershire Leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation is calling on Worcestershire’s crafters to help support disabled and terminally ill children in the county.

Getting involved is simple. You can make something and sell it at local sales, giving the proceeds to Newlife or donate your handcrafted goods and the charity will sell them for you. Alternatively, spread the word to friends and family or simply donate cash.

Whether you prefer to knit, crochet, sew, embroider, bake, make cards or jewellery, Newlife guarantees that 100% of all funds received will directly support babies, children and young people through its national Nurse Helpline – freephone 0800 902 0095 – equipment grants and emergency loan services and investment in medical research.

To join Newlife in saying ‘yes’ to supporting disabled and terminally ill children, please contact Vicky Jones or Anna Szymczak on 01543 468 888 or go to: getcrafty@newlifecharity.co.uk Picture of thirteen-year-old Hannah Dodd, from Brockhill in Redditch

ATTITUDE® launches new carcinogen-free body care range Eco-responsible household products brand, ATTITUDE® has unveiled a revolutionary new range of eco-friendly, all-natural and carcinogen-free body care products to keep the whole family green and squeaky clean this winter.

Available in a variety of delicate, natural scents the ATTITUDE® range encompasses 30 products including shampoos and conditioners, body washes, hand soaps, body lotions, body and face bars and deodorants, priced from £3.13. The range also includes ATTITUDE® Eco-Kids, a hypoallergenic and tear-free range for children including shampoo and conditioner, body wash, body lotion, hand soap and bubble bath, all within brightly coloured, character-led packaging, priced from £3.99.

For further information on the ATTITUDE® Body Care range, visit www.cleanattitude.com.

Fancy a chance of meeting Peppa Pig? For the 18th year running, baby charity Tommy’s is calling on parents across the UK to recognise the baby-friendly organisations committed to making their lives easier for the Baby-friendly awards 2013! This year Tommy’s has partnered with parenting club Bounty who will be donating £1 to Tommy’s for every vote cast. Each voter will also be in with a chance of winning a fantastic Peppa Pig Theme Park Mega Prize.

To vote for your favourite baby-friendly organisations, visit www.bounty.com/ tommys-awards2013 between 7th January and 18th February 2013.

January – February 2013

Contact Claire claire.finlinson123@btinternet.com 07981493439

The Nikken Opportunity: living your dream Would you like to build additional income, working from home and fitting your time around your children, other existing commitments, interests and responsibilities?

Use and recommend products that increase energy and help to repair our body naturally without chemicals?

Make a difference in the world by helping others.

To have a chat and find out more contact Danuta on 07730 537025 or email healthage@yahoo.co.uk www.nikkenwellbeing.co.uk/Danuta

New Wella Centre of Excellence in Worcester City Centre Worcester College of Technology has formally opened the first Wella Centre of Excellence in Worcester City Centre. The High Street Salon, named because of its convenient location in Worcester, is led by a team of experienced and dedicated staff from the College. It is committed to training young hairdressers to give them real work experience in the Hairdressing industry. The salon boasts a team of four apprentices, with two of them being qualified Hair Stylists currently studying an Advanced Level Hairdressing at Worcester College of Technology.

The salon is currently offering new customers 50% off their first appointment. The Salon is located at 97a High Street, Worcester.

To book your appointment please ring 01905 613246 and quote “Families Hereford and Worcester”.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Ed’s Reading Room FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

My Great Big Birthday Bash! by Betty G Birneyy (Faber £3.99) 9)

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my New Year book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

ED SAYS: ‘Humphrey loves being the classroom hamster with h such a wonderful crowd of children. In this story he learns about the importance of birthdays to humans and enjoys the unsqueakable excitement that surrounds birthday parties.

When he hears about plans for a surprise party, he doesn’t realise how much of a surprise it really is going to be.

‘This is another super book in the Humphrey’s Tiny Tales series.

The life of this adorable character provides a lot of FUN-FUN-FUN for young readers on their own or reading together.’

Feathers in the Wind by Sally Grindley Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories.

There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum.

Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

(Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Joe and Aesha are thrilled to be going to the Indian city of Ahmedabad with their parents – a vet and a photographer. They will be there for the annual kite festival which is very exciting but which can be devastating for some of the birds. The children aree eager to be involved but are they really putting themselves at risk sk when they try to help an injured bird on their own?

‘This is a fantastic adventure in the International Rescue series.

It is a fast-moving story that will entertain boys and girls alike.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Genie in Trouble by Ciaran Murtagh (Piccadilly Press £5.99) 99) ol ED SAYS: ‘Jamie is starting another tricky spelling test at school ble when suddenly his genie friend Balthazar appears. There is trouble back in Lampville and Balthazar needs Jamie to return to the Genie Academy with him to help sort things out. Jamie knows hee is in for a dangerous challenge but secret plots in the genie world and magic carpet races are better than a spelling test any day!

‘This is a hilarious and wacky story by this very funny writer. It is entertaining and full of energy. If you enjoy this book, look out for the other titles in the series.’

Granny Grabbers’ Whizz Bang World

by Charlotte Haptie (Hodder £5.99) h ED SAYS: ‘Delilah Smart’s parents are determined their daughter willll excell in everything she does and to help them they send off for a childcare robot. Although at first Delilah isn’t sure what to make of the metal contraption with several long arms, soon Delilah and Granny Grabbers form a close bond. But when Delilah’s parents send off for the replacement Nanny Deluxe, is it time for Granny Grabbers to go to the scrapheap?

Not without a lot of resistance!

‘This is a very funny and warm-hearted story. The madcap adventures and characters make for a real page-turner of a book.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

January – February 2013

Education

Keeping Head Lice at Bay Each day hundreds of children are sent home from school or day care with head lice, tiny wingless insects that live only in human hair. If your child is lice free, you will want them to stay that way. But the reality is they will go to school, have direct head-to-head contact with other children that have head lice and probably catch them again.

Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere: from nurseries and schools to support groups and theatrical performances. The 13th Annual National Storytelling Week takes place 26 January – 2 February 2013, encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling, this most ancient of communicative arts. National Storytelling week has an audience of around 17,000 people, so get involved in workshops, performances and events across the country. www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

A head lice infestation is not the result of dirty hair and affects all hair types, no matter the condition or length. Itching is usually the main sign your child has lice, and is not a result of the lice biting the scalp, but by a mild allergy to the lice which can cause a rash behind the ears or at the back of the neck. To detect lice early, the best way is to comb hair with a special fine-toothed head lice comb recommended once a week.

A great way to guard against head lice is to use a shampoo and conditioner with natural tea tree oil, as tea tree is known to be a natural insect repellent. The new PH balanced Teangi Tea Tree Shampoo and Teangi Tea Tree Conditioner have been developed to keep hair perfectly hydrated, moisturized and shiny. Both products are paraben-free making them suitable for all the family.

Teangi Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner are available at select supermarkets and chemists nationwide.

Advertise in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine!

Please call Karen on 01386 791422 for more information.

January – February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS School

Age

BROMSGROVE PRE-PREPARATORY AND NURSERY SCHOOL DODDERHILL

Co-ed 2-7

Co-ed 8 weeks 3 years, co-ed 3-7 and girls 8-16

HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3 months - 18

Dates

Contact

Saturday 19th January 10.00 - 11.30 am Saturday 21st January 10.00 - 11.30 am

01527 579679 or email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Thursday 17th January 10.00 am - 12.00 noon and 1.30 - 3.00 pm

01905 778290 or email enquiries@dodderhill.co.uk www.dodderhill.co.uk

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, WORCESTER

Co-ed 4-11

Monday 21st - Friday 25th January Open Week See King’s St Alban’s “in action” on a regular school day Saturday 26th January Lego Workshop for children wishing to join Years 3 to 5 in September 2013 Friday 1st February Children’s Day in School for all children booked for Entrance Day on Saturday 9 February

01905 354906 or email ksa@ksw.org.uk

KING’S WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

Saturday 19th January Senior Open Morning

01905 721742 or email info@ksw.org.uk www.ksw.org.uk

MALVERN ST JAMES

Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18

Saturday 9th February 10.00 am - 1.30 pm

01684 584624 or email registrar@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk

RGS SPRINGFIELD

Co-ed 21/2-11

Saturday 12th January 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

01905 24999 or email: springfield@rgsw.org.uk

RGS THE GRANGE

Co-ed 21/2-11

Saturday 19th January 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

01905 451205 or email: grange@rgsw.org.uk

RGS WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

Saturday 12th January 9.00 am - 12 noon

01905 613391 or email: office@rgsw.org.uk www.rgsw.org.uk

ST MARY’S WORCESTER

Co-ed 3mths - 5yrs, Girls 5-11, Girls 11-18

Saturday 19th January Open Morning

01905 357786 www.stmarys.org.uk

WINTERFOLD HOUSE

Co-ed 6 wks - 3yrs, 3-7, 7-13

Saturday 2nd February 10.00 am

01562 777234 or email: linda@winterfoldhouse.co.uk www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@FAMILIESHEREFORDANDWORCS.CO.UK

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January – February 2013

Education 2000 Worcestershire children enjoy a massage for Pudsey

Children from Westlands First School with Pudsey

Over 2000 children at ten schools across Worcestershire took part in a ‘Massage for Pudsey’ event on November 9, to raise money for Children in Need.

The fundraising activity, organised by Donna Davis from Kidderminster based Go Wellbeing, was the result of Donna’s involvement with the schools as a qualified instructor for the internationally respected Massage in Schools Programme – introduced to the UK in 2001.

The massage event was based on a specially devised weather story.

Children drew pictures using hand massage techniques to create different weather scenarios on the back of the child in front of them. Pudsey delighted children at many of the schools on the day when he made a special appearance to meet those taking part to raise money for Children in Need.

The Massage in Schools Programme helps create a relaxed and happy learning environment for children aged 4 – 12 years. Peer group massage takes place between children only, in a supervised school setting. This helps children develop respect for others and increases inclusion and empathy.

For more information about the Massage in School Programme contact Donna Davis on 07954 414 223 or visit www.massageinschools.com

Learning is Child’s Play at Winterfold!

At Winterfold House School in Chaddesley Corbett, every child is ensured of a great start to their pre-school career. The Woodhouse Nursery is set in a real ‘family’ house which stands in the school’s beautiful 40 acre grounds. ‘It is a true home from home environment and provides superb care and nurture for children aged 6 weeks upwards on a full or part time basis.

At three, children transfer from the Woodhouse to Winterfold’s Kindergarten where they develop independence and have the opportunity to grow intellectually and socially before starting full-time school. All the children have access to indoor and outdoor learning experiences within a structured routine. Both nursery and kindergarten children are able to make full use of the extensive grounds at Winterfold and have their own dedicated adventure playgrounds. There is even a ‘Forest School’ where younger children can explore the outdoors and learn about the natural world at first hand in a purpose-built outdoor ‘classroom’.

Whatever the weather, they can be seen out and about on a daily basis and wellies are an essential part of the kit!

To find out more about Winterfold House please telephone 01562 777234 to request a prospectus or visit www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk January – February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education Spotlight on Mrs Caroline Moore, new Head Teacher at Ombersley Endowed First School 1. First of all, could you tell me a little bit about the history of the school?

Ombersley Endowed First School was endowed by the Lloyds Foundation in 1876 which is a charitable trust that provided funding for the actual school building. The house attached to the school used to be the original Head Teacher’s house.

2. How long have you been teaching and is this your first post as Head Teacher?

Just over 23 years and this is my first Head Teacher post.

I absolutely love it. It is a wonderful school and all staff, governors and children are very welcoming. I feel like I have been welcomed into a lovely big family.

Personal Tutors in Malvern, Worcestershire and Herefordshire Key Stage 1, 2, 3, GCSE, A level, Common Entrance, Scholarship, IB. Most subjects covered, including English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, Music, IT. For information & enquiries call or email kate@helptuition.co.uk/ 01684 562439/

www.helptuition.co.uk

3. What changes do you intend to make, if any, at Ombersley?

It is a good school with outstanding features so I don’t want to come in and change things straightaway. I want to spend time at first getting to know everyone and also the ways of the school and then see what changes need to be made, to see if we can make it an outstanding school.

4. Is there anything unique that you offer that other schools (State or private) do not?

We have an outstanding pre-school in the grounds in a fantastic location. Ombersley is a beautiful rural place and this is a really lovely school with a very caring ethos. It is like being part of a family. Staff know children very well and they receive individual attention. The curriculum is very creative which will give children a lifelong love of learning.

5. I understand that Ombersley feeds into Witton and Westacre Middle schools. Are there children that go elsewhere and, if so, to which schools?

Some children go back into the Worcester system but the majority go to Witton and Westacre Middle schools after leaving Ombersley. Some children also go onto attend independent schools.

6. I read that you have recently become one of the first schools in Worcestershire to achieve the Leading Parent Partnership Award in recognition of the value you place on parental involvement.

Could you tell me a little bit more about that please?

The previous Head achieved that for the school in recognition of strong links the school has with parents. The parent forum ensures parents have a voice. We have an open door policy to discuss any concerns they have and we work in partnership with them.

7. You must be very proud of the good with outstanding features you were given in your latest Ofsted record.

What do you attribute that to?

The well-being of our children is very important to us. The staff work very hard to ensure that the pupils are safe and happy when they come to school. The extent to which pupils feel safe, the extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles and the extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community were also recognised as outstanding features.

✽ Qualified MPA photographer ✽ Cherubs photographer ✽ Family and baby photos ✽ Newborn photos ✽ Maternity photos To find out more, or to book call now on 07951 412010 or email hello@helterskelterphotography.co.uk

www.helterskelterphotography.co.uk 8

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8. Do you have spaces available and in what years?

Spaces are available and parents can either telephone Clare Smith on 01905 620384 to make an individual appointment or we do have open days/afternoons throughout the year.

9. If you could change places with someone for a day, who would that be and why?

I really love this job. It is the perfect job and the perfect school for me.

Caroline also wanted to say that the staff are very hard working and dedicated to the school. For more information visit www.ombersley.worcs.sch.uk.

January – February 2013

Education Increasing your daughter’s prospects with St Mary’s Worcester If you want your daughter’s education to get off to a flying start then it would be wise to take a look at St Mary’s Worcester. Recently rated the best small independent school outside London by The Daily Telegraph, St Mary’s offers excellent education tailored to the learning needs of girls at an affordable cost.

St Mary’s Worcester

Settling in sessions and taster days enable girls joining St Mary’s Reception Class to become very familiar with the school environment, their teachers and their new friends so that when they officially start school there are no teething problems.

Small class sizes enable teachers to get to know the children quickly, pay attention to their individual learning needs and allow time to extend and challenge their learning. Emphasis is placed upon embedding the key skills of reading, writing and numeracy so that as the Independent School Inspectorate recognised “By the end of the Reception year, all children exceed the goals expected for that age in all areas of learning.”

St Mary’s is keen from an early age to identify and nurture each girl’s unique talents and gifts so the opportunities available go way beyond the formal curriculum. Girls take part in weekly swimming sessions, cookery classes, Forest School, music and movement sessions and enjoy specialist teaching in music and French. The fun continues after school with exciting clubs including Pony Club, Dance Club, cheerleading and their very own Brownies pack.

Reducing the costs for you St Mary’s is committed to ensuring more girls across Worcestershire can benefit from the school’s first class education. The trustees are therefore delighted to offer a new welcome package for girls registering to enter the school in 2013. Each girl entering the school will be offered a bespoke package including a FREE first uniform and FREE after-school care together with generous support with the school fees.

To find out more about the bespoke packages including the bursaries and FREE places scheme please contact our Admissions Officer, Caroline Jennings on 01905 357786 or visit www.stmarys.org.uk for details.

January – February 2013

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

Grafton Psychology Associates Ltd Trading as Tonia Peters Company Registration Number: 7853233 Registered in England and Wales

Literacy & Numeracy Support: Dyslexia Specialist Teresa Jones – Personal Tutor Tel: 07999 534525 Teresa1Jones1@btinternet.com 1:1 & Small Group Teaching; all ages.

Multi-Sensory approach: making learning FUN.

‘Your child is my priority’

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Choosing a nursery

By Joanna Moorhead

Studies show that attending nursery can increase a child’s confidence, because it involves mixing with adults and other children from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery ‘key worker’ scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security.

© ChristArt – Fotolia.com

Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision: staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately: staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child’s likely interests and potential.

Choosing a nursery

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it’s difficult or impossible for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off: nurseries often open early in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder. On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice, so they’re more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency.

But nurseries aren’t cheap – according to the latest figures, the average cost of a nursery place for a child under two for 25 hours a week is more than £100 per week. This may make a nursery prohibitively expensive if you have more than one child, although many do offer a sibling reduction, and you can get help with the costs through Childcare Vouchers and Child Tax Credit.

So if the opening hours suit you, if your budget stretches to the fees, and if you like the idea of a social environment and a place with plenty of activities and trained carers, a nursery could be the perfect place for your child and for you.

How to choose the right nursery Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you’re actually going to need to leave your child: the more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you’ll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents’ views on what nurseries are like in your area. Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to take geography into account: how easy will it be for you and/or your partner to do the drop off/collect?) and don’t hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

Make sure you read the most recent Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are considering, and ask whether they have any awards of excellence. Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery: it may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas: are the spaces pleasant, bright, welcoming and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served.

Are you able to provide input for your child’s food – suggestions for what s/he would like to eat, or recipes? What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available?

Watch the children while they’re playing, and pay attention to how much they’re interacting with the staff. How do the staff come across – do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests?

Ask about organised play sessions – weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling.

Are there trips to the library, and to the park? How are these organised, and how often do they take place?

Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (for example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings). How many weeks a year is the nursery open? How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Is all well when I’m not there?

Some nurseries have webcams which allow parents to see live images of their child at play from their desk at work. But while some parents welcome this idea, others are sceptical – they say they want their child’s nursery to know they trust its workers, and worry that they’ll be seen as a way of spying on care workers. Others say they like the idea of watching their child at play so much that they’d spend too much time doing it – and wouldn’t ever get any work done!

As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it’s going.

You know your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented, that’s almost certainly the case. Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual – nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically. Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up.

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January – February 2013

Try not to drag out your goodbyes: leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both.

Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives: think about why you’re working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Choosing a nursery

Troubleshooting Fingers crossed, you’ll never have a problem with a nursery your child attends. But what happens when there IS an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that your child isn’t happy, or isn’t being looked after as well as possible or even – worst scenario of all – isn’t safe.

If you have any worries at all about your child’s nursery you must resolve them as quickly as possible. So as soon as something strikes you as ‘not right’, talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff – many niggles are simply down to a lack of communication. Explain what’s up, and the chances are you’ll never have to mention it again, and things will all be smoothed over.

But if you’re not satisfied that all is well, put your concern in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a protocol for dealing with complaints – ask to see this if it’s not spelled out in the nursery handbook.

Cutting nursery costs The government is currently considering reducing staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of bringing down what many see as unsustainable prices – but the move is controversial, and organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance are warning that such a change could risk children’s safety and well-being. Under current regulations, there must be one staff member for every three under-twos, and one for every four children aged two and three.

Most nurseries – even some of those attached to independent schools – provide government-funded places for three and fouryear-olds under the Free Early Education scheme, which starts from the beginning of the term (1 September, 1 January or 1 April) after your child’s third birthday. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can help towards your nursery costs through the Childcare Voucher Scheme (see the box on p4 for more details). Some two-year-olds are also entitled to free early education, so contact the Family Advisory Service (FIS – see below) to see if you’re eligible. If you’re working and claiming Child Tax Credits, you may also be able to claim extra tax credits to help with the cost.

For help with tax credits: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/

January – February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

11

Interview with Antonio Carluccio

Antonio Carluccio and his team – Worcester

Ka Karen Craven met Antonio Carluccio at th the opening of his brand new restaurant in Worcester “M culinary career began some 50 years ago while I was a student “My in Vienna. On a very low budget, and cooking for myself and friends, I had to learn very quickly how to stock a basic larder, how to buy fresh ha food wisely, cheaply, healthily and daily (as needed), and how to cook fo it simply. All my ideas come from a solid foundation: the years I had sp spent absorbing food facts, techniques, textures and tastes from my m mother. She was a passionate family cook who managed to feed her llarge family well, creatively and very lovingly through the lean postw war years. Vegetables were cultivated in the garden, breads and ppasta were made at home, and I was sent to forage for wild foods (I’m still wild about them, especially mushrooms). Nothing was wasted, and any leftovers were utilised in a dish for another day.”

Excerpt from the book “Antonio Carluccio’s Simple Cooking” Exc printed by Quadrille Publishing Ltd.

In September 2008, Antonio Carluccio, the much loved and respected Italian cookery writer, celebrated 50 years of championing, cooking and eating genuine, regional Italian food and wine. Being born on the Amalfi Coast in the South and raised in the wooded North-West has given Antonio a rare and privileged breadth of culinary knowledge. It was here, in Piedmont, at the age of seven that Antonio started his life-long past-time of hunting and collecting mushrooms and funghi with his father.

After time spent living in Germany, in 1975 Antonio moved to London and while learning English, traded as a wine merchant of Italian wines. His hobby of studying and collecting wild mushrooms continued to flourish as he found many varieties growing in the English countryside close to London, almost completely undiscovered.

Antonio took over the Neal Street Restaurant in Covent Garden in 1981, which traded for 26 years. In 1983 Antonio made his first appearance on BBC 2 talking about Mediterranean food and at the same time was asked to write his first book, An Invitation to Italian Cooking. Subsequently he has written thirteen books, published worldwide and made numerous television programmes including the hugely popular Antonio Carluccio’s Northern Italian Feast and Southern Italian Feast.

In 1991 Antonio opened a deli next to the restaurant and in 1998 started the first Carluccio’s Caffè in Market Place, London. In the same year, Antonio was awarded the Commendatore OMRI by the President of Italy for services to Italian gastronomy, the equivalent of a British knighthood. In 2007 he was awarded an honorary OBE. Check our website regularly as we are constantly updating it with lots of local news and information so please visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk and register.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

January – February 2013

Interview with Antonio Carluccio I had the great pleasure of attending the launch of the brand new restaurant Carluccio’s Worcester in November and meeting the man himself, Antonio Carluccio. Before the party started, I sat down with Antonio and asked him a few questions.

We are really pleased to welcome you to Worcester.

You have a large chain of restaurants around the country.

What actually made you decide to open a restaurant here in the city of Worcester?

We have 69 restaurants in total including Dublin, Qatar, Turkey, 3 in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. We wanted to open a restaurant in Worcester for years but the right place was needed. It doesn’t make commercial sense to put a restaurant in a place without passing trade. We have found the right place now and bang. This position is ideal. There is room and space here for something funky!

I have 3 children myself and one of them, my middle daughter, is a very fussy eater. I have brought up all my children in the same way ie to eat good, nutritional homecooked food as my parents brought me up that way also.

I personally believe that taste is a very individual thing and is a mixture of partly who you are ie inherent (inherited from one or both parents) but also very much what you have been exposed to and what you have experienced as a child. What are your thoughts on that?

I believe you learn taste in the family and for years you can forget the look and taste and then you cook something that your mother used to cook for you and you remember. I’m a cook because I love to cook. I am not a chef. A chef will cook because he has to: that is his job. He may even hate to cook.

I am really interested to see that you hold various family friendly events at your restaurants around the country. I am sure the local parents/grand-parents that read our magazine would love to hear what upcoming events you have planned for Carluccio’s in Worcester. Perhaps you could explain a little bit more about what Carluccio’s has to offer parents and children?

The idea to open the restaurants for me was to accept everybody from every social group and it is lovely to see mums and buggies, people chatting to each other, secretaries, everybody. Children used to be in the playground using all their energy, eating as they play, but now they are sedentary, they don’t go out, they look at the television. We want to provide good food for everyone. I don’t see why if one is young they should not have this. We hold foccacia making classes, pasta making classes and various events for children throughout the year in certain areas and will do the same in Worcester if there is a market for it.

Situated on Chapel Walk, at the heart of Worcester’s bustling Crowngate shopping centre, Carluccio’s offers an all-day Italian restaurant, food shop and delicatessen. Mixing contemporary design with charming nods to modern Italy, Carluccio’s is the ideal destination for an Italian coffee and hearty breakfast, right through to three-course candlelit suppers, or a festive family feast, and even a spot of foodie retail therapy.

Indoor and Outdoor Tennis for Adults & Juniors

Carluccio’s, Chapel Walk, Crowngate Shopping Centre, Worcester WR1 3LD T: 01905 612 040 www.carluccios.com Twitter: @carluccioscaffe Facebook: www.facebook.com/carluccioscaffe

February Half Term Tennis & Multi Sport Camps

We would love to start featuring and reviewing family-friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs in Families Hereford and Worcester from the Mar/Apr issue for local parents. If you are a child-friendly establishment or would like to recommend one then please get in touch by email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or phone 01386 791422. We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information please visit: www.pershoretennis.co.uk or phone Steve on 01386 561903

January – February 2013

New courses and classes available for all ages and abilities

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13

Frugal Food Frugal Food For Families by Menus4Mums Christmas has been and gone, and it’s time to tighten belts to pay those credit card bills. With many families throwing away a quarter of the food they buy, one clear way to save money is by cutting our grocery bills.

Menus4Mums has these great 10 tips on being more frugal with food without cutting back on quality.

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Tip 1: Meal Plan: The number one way to lower your food bill is to plan before you buy. That means deciding on what your family will eat for the week and using that to build your shopping list.

Check your freezer and cupboards first in case you already have some food you could use up. Then follow our tips below to make your plan super-smart!

Low Cost Psychotherapy Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre

Lisa Kimberley Psychotherapist in training

07971-675432 www.lisa-kimberley.psychotherapy.co.uk

Dance classes for all ages across Herefordshire and Worcestershire Mini Movers, Dance Clubs, Youth Dance, Contemporary, Breakdance, Street

www.dancefest.co.uk 01905 611199

Tip 2: Cook From Scratch: Using processed and pre-made food really pushes up your bill, so cook from scratch wherever possible. It’ll taste better and be healthier too!

If your family likes a Saturday night takeaway, save at least £20 by making the pizza or curry instead. And cook one main meal for the whole family, taking out portions for small children before adding salt and strong spices.

Tip 3: Batch Cook: On your meal plan, see where you could batch cook by cooking double the amount and freezing a dinner for later. That enables you to take full advantage of special offers on meat, plus it uses less energy (and your time!) Good dinners for batch cooking are stews, Bolognese sauce, and chilli-con-carne. Menus4Mums does do a Batch Cook Plan if you need some help.

Tip 4: Use Up Leftovers: Could you make a roast chicken on Sunday and use the leftovers for risotto or a stir-fry on Monday? If you cook too much pasta, could you stir in a little pesto and turn into lunch the next day with some cooked meat, cheese or salad items? And don’t forget you can freeze lots of foods – but do label them first.

Tip 5: Think Seasonal: Stick where you can to home-grown fruit and veg – the strawberries in the shops in January and February are yuck anyway! Out-of-season vegetables (eg beans) are often much cheaper frozen.

Tip 6: Use Cheaper Alternatives: We’re not advocating feeding your family lowquality food. Instead, choosing different food can significantly lower your bill. For example, at Sainsbury’s, chicken breast fillet is £13 per kilo, yet turkey breast is just £8.50 and chicken thigh fillet is a bargain £6 per kilo (and we actually prefer the taste!). Similarly, lean beef mince is £7 per kilo, yet lean turkey thigh mince is £4 per kilo and makes delicious bolognese. Frozen fish is really good value: Tesco’s fresh cod is £11-12 per kilo, whereas their frozen is £7.20. The greatest saver of them all is offal – just over £1 will get you ample lambs liver for a family meal, and it’s very healthy too.

Tip 7: Slow Cook: If you have a slow cooker gathering dust, get it out and make some deliciously warming stews. Slow cooking actually works better with cheap cuts of meat such as stewing steak.

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January – February 2013

Frugal Food Tip 8: Go Veggie: A significant cost of most dinners is the meat, so eating just one vegetarian meal per week could reduce your costs. What about a vegetarian pasta bake, Spanish omelette, or a vegetable casserole? Once your family is used to one veggie meal per week, you could always sneak in a second…

Tip 9: Breakfast & Lunch: What you put in your trolley for these meals will also affect your final bill. For example, if your kids like sugary Coco Pops, that works out at 20p per 30g serving plus milk, whereas you can get 1kg of healthy porridge oats for just £1, working out at an incredible 4p per 40g serving plus milk. Likewise, if you buy pots of fresh soup from supermarkets for lunch you can easily spend £4 for 4 people, yet you could easily make a tasty vegetable soup for £1-1.50. With lunchboxes, think about swapping pre-made snack items for more basic alternatives, eg an apple instead of a “fruit bar”, a lump of cheese instead of cheesestrings.

Tip 10: Puddings: If you’re in the habit of buying puddings, try making simple yet cheap desserts such as banana custard, baked apple, rice pudding or semolina (a 500g bag of semolina costs 89p and will last ages).

We hope that has given you food for thought (pun intended!).

Why not see if you can save £20 off your shopping bill this week?

Over a month that is £80 saved, and £960 over a year… And if you need any help or inspiration for meal planning, do check us out. Menus4Mums is a fabulous online family meal planning service for busy parents. Members get a new meal plan each week for dinners the whole family will enjoy, with recipe cards and a superhandy shopping list broken down into supermarket aisles. The meals take advantage of supermarket special offers to keep grocery bills down. All this from £6.95 for four weeks.

Visit www.menus4mums.co.uk for more information and to download a FREE one week sample menu plan.

Win

Ask Italian launches new cookbook in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity Food experts at ASK Italian restaurants have revealed some of their own favourite recipes in a new cookbook which will raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Edited by prize-winning food writer Carla Capalbo with special recipes from TV chef and Italian cooking expert Theo Randall, the ASK Italian Cookbook contains over 100 authentic recipes that will inspire the reader to cook Italian food with confidence.

From hand-made fettuccine to perfect risottos and indulgent desserts, the book contains some of the most popular dishes from the ASK Italian menu. It also features personal recipes from ASK Italian’s suppliers in Italy, from Theo Randall and Carla Capalbo, and from members of the ASK Italian team. Adrian Garforth MW (Master of Wine) has offered Italian wine matching tips to accompany the food.

The book also includes anecdotes about Italian food from celebrity friends of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity including Dame Helen Mirren, Claudia Winkleman, Ronni Ancona, Flavia Cacace and Gino D’Campo.

The ASK Italian Cookbook edited by Carla Capalbo with special recipes by Theo Randall, can be purchased from ASK Italian restaurants for £10. £4 from each sale will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and help fund the dining rooms, play areas and kitchen within the hospital’s new Surgery Centre, due to open in 2016. The book will be available from 20 November 2012.

The book can also be purchased from bookshops and other third party retailers with a minimum of £1 going towards the charity.

Competition C For your chance to win a 6 month membership to Menus4Mums (worth £40) send your full name to editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk.

Members receive a new meal plan each week for dinners the whole family will enjoy, with recipe cards and a handy shopping list broken down into supermarket aisles. The meals take advantage of supermarket special offers to keep grocery bills down. On average, our members say they save about £10-15 per week using the plans, so membership easily pays for itself.

January – February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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How to have your best family holiday ever: our top ten secrets

Joanna Moorhead, who has been planning her family’s holidays for the last 20 years, shares her insider tips to help you plan for a summer to remember in 2013.

Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters.

Of course everyone loves spontaneity – but for a spontaneous decision to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place... and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

So how do you do it?

Here are our top ten secrets…

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Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research. Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/villas/hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

Don’t expect a bargain. After two decades of planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between 10 and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room? Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague. Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

Location, location, location. Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with.

However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

Where to go...

Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hardpressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farm-house sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer.

More information at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Glamping

The Alps

The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious biscuit-tin location, complete with in-chalet hhotel t l or a villa, ill allll sett iin a bi it ti picture-perfect i t f childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it). Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer.

More information at www.chillypowder.com

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Where to go...

North Devon

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Enjoy the best of the beautiful British countryside from the comfort off a lluxurious canvas llodge i d equipped with a wood burning stove, comfy beds, a nice warm shower and much more inside. We also have a self-catering farmhouse on our family-run, organic farm. With acres of grassland for kids to run wild, and lots of local attractions such as Stonehenge and Longleat there really is something for everyone!

T:01380 828351 E:info@millfarmglamping.co.uk

January – February 2013

6.

7.

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Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right g for your family, and making it happen.

Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even n if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today. If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today. Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you ou find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down. You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

Ski with an independent tour operator Established 21 years ago, Ski Famille offers families a range of hhandpicked properties in France and Austria. All chalet holidays include 5 days Aust of free childcare and all properties are sski in/ski out or very close to the piste. Chris Thompson, managing director says: “the business has a high rate of repeat business and the majority of new guests choose Ski Famille as the result re esult of a personal recommendation.”

The T Ski Famille office team are all keen skiers or boarders with young ke cchildren of their own so they know how to ensure families book the right holiday for their needs.

Visit www.skifamille.co.uk for more details.

Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone – especially the parents – get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the crèche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

T Tiger reserves re-open to families re-o The Supreme Court in India has recently lifted its ban on tourism in over 40 tiger reserves, re-opening the door to tourists. The ban was put in place back in July 2012 following concerns that tourism was having a detrimental effect on the tiger population.

Families Worldwide has spaces on its 11-day Taj and Tigers trip departing 14 February.

Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworldwide.co.uk

If a rewarding position with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Tina Gillies today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Tinaʼs children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Tina for a FREE information pack on 01905 617821 or email: tinagillies@opulenuk.net

January – February 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

17

Health

Poised for Life The Alexander Technique does not only help adults with various aches and pains: the theme for this year’s International Alexander Awareness Week in October was ‘Poised for Life’, and focused on children.

When children and young people are taught to understand the importance of good posture and free movement, this can help them excel in sport, music and in other areas of their lives; while warding off future aches and pains.

For more information about the technique, awareness week events, and to find an Alexander Technique teacher, go to www.stat.org.uk.

Philippa Rands MSTAT 01386 881633 or 07922 013 898 Covering Evesham, Pershore, Tewkesbury and Moreton in Marsh areas

Ann Rowan MSTAT 01432 279536 or 01432 265565 Covering the Hereford area

“I have recently started advertising my new business venture with Families Magazine and had a great response from the start. I know my message is reaching my target market as the results are showing. Karen’s support in terms of editorials and listings has also been invaluable. I feel like she is a part of my team, on my side, helping me out with advertising and giving it 100% to support my business”.

Aliye Mullen Aliye Mullen Photography 18

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

Volunteering for Home-Start YOU can make a difference to a family in your community.

All parents know that those early years before children go off to school are vital in a child’s life and at Home-Start we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help…

Your help.

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

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

January – February 2013

What’s On THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Red Riding Hood Follow Red Riding Hood on her adventures in the forest as she meets Silly Billy, Woody the Woodcutter and other colourful characters. Saturday 16th February 2.30 pm £9.50, £7.50 under 16s, £30.00 family ticket The Elephant Bridesmaid Join Nessie the Elephant and her animal friends as they go in search of an outfit fancy enough to make her the Australian jungle’s first and most beautiful Elephant Bridesmaid. You can wear fancy dress for the chance to take part in a fabulous fashion show live on stage with the actors! Also children’s author Steven Lee will be available to sign copies of his book How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales. Saturday 23rd February 2.00 pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Mother Goose (Phoenix Theatre Group) Music, Dance & special effects from Evesham’s premiere Pantomime group. Lots for everyone to enjoy – with loads of singing, dancing and family entertainment to keep you glued to your seats.

Wednesday 23rd – Sunday 27th January 7.30 pm plus 2.30 pm Sat and Sun £10.00 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Wind in the Willows The enchanting tale of river-folk is faithfully retold in Amelia Marriette’s new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved story. Wednesday 9th – Saturday 13th January 7.00 pm plus 2.00 pm Sat and Sun Guinness World of Records Officially Amazing Science Live! For the first time ever, Guinness World Records arrives on stage with its Officially Amazing, totally bonkers, record beating, science mad all new live show. Join the Official Adjudicator and team of presenters in genuine audience Record attempts live on tour; unleash your inner skills, understand the world we live in and see if you too can be a Record Breaker.

23rd January 7.00 pm £17.00, £15.00 (child), £60.00 family ticket Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk Jack and the beanstalk (Norbury Players) A comedy adventure pantomime for all the family where a “meercat” has cast a spell over the village of Piddlington. Friday 11th – Sunday 13th, Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th, Thursday 24th – Saturday 26th January various times £10.00, £9.00 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Stuck With original music and plenty of audience participation, this is an exciting new production for families and young children. It all begins when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree.

He throws up his shoe to shift it but that gets stuck along with the cat, a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale, amongst other things! Saturday 16th February 2.30 pm £7.00 £5.00 (16 and under) January – February 2013

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.

Annie PODYS are proud to present this well-known, rags-to-riches tale of a young orphan’s search for happiness. Friday 22nd February 7.00 pm, Saturday 23rd February 1.30 pm, 7.00 pm £11.00, £9.00 W Factor Final 2013 The ever-popular W Factor offers the opportunity for youngsters age 11-18 to showcase their singing, music, dance, drama, artistic or filmmaking talents.

Monday 25th February 7.30 pm £5.00 Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The lion, the witch and the wardrobe Four children sent away to the countryside to escape the bombs of wartime London find themselves plunged into a wild adventure when they are magically transported via an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be forgotten world of Narnia.

Thursday 31st January – Saturday 2nd February 7.30 pm, plus Sat matinee 2.30 pm £12.00, £10.00, £35.00 family ticket Chinese New Year Celebration at the Palace The Redditch Chinese Association will be holding their annual celebration for Chinese New Year with lantern making, Chinese Calligraphy & Ribbon Dancing. Watch a demonstration of the fascinating Chinese Tea Ceremony. Events run from 4.30pm – 5.30pm and are free to attend. Then at 6.00pm the show starts. Monday 18th February 6.00 pm £5.00 and £3.00 (disc) £14.00 (family ticket) The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk There’s a monster in my piano What do you do when you hear a strange munching noise inside a piano? Call the Piano Doctor of course.

Starring puppets, animation and a very highly strung monster indeed. Sunday 20th January 2.30 pm £7.00, £6.50 Little Bo Peep Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn’t know where to find them.

Her friend Little Boy Blue is doing his best to help find the woolly runaways but he keeps falling asleep. Meanwhile, The Nursery Rhyme Man is in his kitchen baking a surprise cake for Little Bo Peep’s birthday. Sing along to your favourite nursery rhymes. Featuring magnificent puppets and fantastic scenery.

Sunday 3rd February 2.30 pm £7.00, £6.50 Sally and the Sunflower A delightful story of a very small girl, a very tall sunflower and a magical adventure, This is an enchanting and inventive re-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk with puppetry, colourful projections and storytelling.

Sunday 17th February 2.30 pm £7.00, £6.50 The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Animal Farm A must see performance for all ages. If you’ve never seen or read Animal Farm, this is the show for you. Even if you remember it from school... you won’t believe what you see! Wednesday 30th January 7.30 pm £12.50, £8.00 (child)

The Cuckoo Clock Bird When Mr. and Mrs. Picket’s budgie and the bird in their cuckoo clock disappear, will the Granter of Wishes be able to get them back? What on earth is in that enormous parcel that the postman is delivering?

Saturday 2nd February 10.30, 11.45 am £1.50 The Diary of Anne Frank The Diary of Anne Frank records the minutiae of the twenty-five months that some Jewish people spent in hiding from the Gestapo in the three tiny cramped rooms of an Amsterdam warehouse attic.

Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th February 7.30 pm Price: £9.50 (First Night £7,Concessions £8)

MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Avoncroft’s got talent – Half Term Activities Theatre and art workshop including acting, singing and crafts. Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st February Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Love Worcester’s Buildings: Trails and hands on activities celebrating Worcester’s stunning and controversial architecture. Thursday 14th – Sunday 25th February Children’s Half Term Holiday Activities: buildings trails and hands on craft linked to one of Worcester’s oldest buildings. Saturday 16th – Sunday 25th February Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Love Worcester Free Family drop in event Saturday 16th February 11.00am - 3.00pm Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Festival Crafts Craft activities exploring celebration days around the world including festivals, feast days and carnivals. Tuesday 19th – Friday 22nd February 10.30 am - 4.00 pm

ATTRACTIONS Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich, Ross on Wye,Herefordshire HR9 6HY 01600 3331181, www.english-heritage.org.uk Half Term Family Fun Trail Calling all junior investigators! Can you help crack clues and solve a mystery to earn your prize? Saturday 16th Sunday 24th February

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct.org.uk NEARLY NEW SALES: Worcester and Droitwich NCT Sunday 10th February 10.30 am -12.00 midday at Perdiswell Leisure centre, Bilford Road, Worcester, WR3 8DX Tel: 0844 243 6334 or email worcester_nct@hotmail.com

If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine and online, please email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On

NATIONAL TRUST 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 MUD AND MESS TRAILS Time to get back to nature on one of our garden trails. Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail BIRD BOX MAKING Make your own bird box under the supervision of our rangers and help to increase nesting sites this spring. Monday 18th February 12.00 – 3.00 pm £3.00 per bird box Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 BIRD SPOTTER TRAIL Become a ‘twitcher’ for the day with a bird themed family activity trail.

Down on the nature trail, look out for spring birds using your spotter sheet, complete the quiz for a prize and make your own bird kite.

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail BIRD BOX MAKING Make your own bird box under the supervision of the rangers and help to increase nesting sites this spring. Tuesday 19th February 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, 2.00 – 4.00 pm £4.00 per bird box Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL Tel: 01562 712822 MESSY MONSTERS PLAY DAY Come and enjoy some messy play in the Natural Play Area at Clent. Tuesday 19th February 10.00 am – 3.00 pm £1.00 child Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw the listings in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

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Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 MUDDY PAWS Get muddy and messy with the Spring half term trail. Solve all the clues to the muddy paw prints trail and find out where they live to collect your prize.

BIRD BOX MAKING Make your own bird box under the supervision of the rangers and help to increase nesting sites this spring. Wednesday 20th February 12.00 – 3.00 pm £4.00 per bird box Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croomepark/ GO WILD! HALF TERM TRAIL Adventure round Croome on a trail full of nature, discovery and going wild over the holidays. Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February 10.00 am – 4.30 pm £1.50 per item Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 WELLY WALKS IN THE PARK Go on a guided walk around the park and discover more about the history of the park and its restoration.

Every Sunday in January and February 11.30 am – 1.15 pm FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS – ‘WONDERFUL WEATHER’ Enjoy our winter themed trail around the garden and then get messy with ‘make and take’ activities. Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st February 11.00 am – 4.30 pm The Weir, Swainshill, Hereford, HR4 7QF Tel: 01981 590509 MUDDY MONSTERS Are you a real muddy monster? You will be when you’ve finished the trail. Search for all the missing monsters and find out what they’re useful for to collect your prize.

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

CHARITY EVENTS Wear a Hat Day – raise awareness and raise funds for brain tumour research Simply ask people to Wear a Hat on 28th March 2013 in return for a donation. You could also sell the delightful Wear A Hat Day character badges. Or why not organise an event around the day and sell badges, run a best hat competition, design a hat, make a hat, hold a hat quiz, sell cakes or anything else you can think of?

• Ask your place of work to get involved • Ask your child’s school to get involved • Ask your club to get involved • Ask your friends to get involved • Ask your friends to ask their place of work, schools and clubs to get involved To register interest email sarah@braintumourresearch.org or telephone 01296 733011. www.braintumourresearch.org Thursday 28th March

The Great Mums Get Together Get together with other mums over tea, coffee and cakes to raise vital funds for children and young people with cancer.

Join The Great Mums Get Together event today! For more information please visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/ gettogether or call Amanda Chapple on 01865 767 049. 10th -17th March

January – February 2013