Families Hereford and Worcs issue 24

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

Issue No 24 November/December 2013

Picture courtesy of www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

News & Views

Editor’s Letter Dear readers Where’s Santa – that is the question? You can take breakfast, lunch or tea with him, ride on a train to visit him, see him with his reindeer, visit his workshop, experience a wonderful winter Daniel loving Christmas wonderland and chat to him or even search for him in historic old buildings. Please contact the venue before visiting to book in advance and mention that you saw the event in the Where’s Santa? feature in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine and on the website.

If you would like to advertise in the Jan/Feb issue and reach 44,000 parents then call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk. Copy deadline is Friday 6th December. We offer free advice and a free design service.

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

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

02 Editor’s Letter 02 News & Views 04 Ed’s Reading Room 05 Education 09 Activities 11 Top tips for a perfect Families Christmas 12 Christmas Gift Guide 15 Where’s Santa?

18 What’s On

Two new websites have been launched in October to act as local directories for services available to pregnant and new mothers to offer more choice when preparing for a new baby. In addition, small specific antenatal classes will be introduced in some Children’s Centres. These classes will enable local parents to pick and choose the classes that particularly interest them, eg Water Birth, Coping Skills, Early Days with a New Baby etc. These are being piloted in Bluebell Wood Children’s Centre in Worcester at the end of November. www.worcester-antenatal.co.uk and www.worcester-postnatal.co.uk

National Adoption Week

Have a very merry Christmas.

In this issue

New local antenatal and postnatal websites launch

Next issue: Jan/Feb 2014, Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 6th December

Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW

Find out more during National Adoption Week which takes place 4-11 November this year. The National Adoption Week website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents. Discover some fascinating real life stories and find out more about the steps you should take if you are thinking seriously about adoption. Check out the myths and facts of adoption, how to go about it and all the support you will need at www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk.

New Mr Men and Little Miss magazine launches Aimed at 3-5 year olds, the magazine complements the Early Years Curriculum focusing on communication, language and literacy in a fun and interesting way.

This new magazine, based on the popular books

by Roger Hargreaves, transports children into ‘Mr Men and Little Miss’ fun and colourful world. Mr Men and Little Miss Magazine is full of the warmth and humour of the characters which children and parents know and love. Each issue will carry two exclusive, high quality collectable toys of the characters and is available at all major retailers and independents around the UK.

Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

Against Bullying All content Copyright 2013 Families Hereford and Worcester 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 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: www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk

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National Anti-Bullying Week takes place 18-22 November this year, with the theme ‘The Future is Ours: Safe, Fun and Connected.’ As always, the Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops, practical resources and short films on how to survive bullying. You can also join the Anti-Bullying Roadshow which tours schools, youth clubs and parents groups throughout the UK during November. Powerful, fun and exciting, the Roadshow includes music, science, strategies and up-to-date research and information on bullying. Check out the website too for their Anti-Bullying Village for Kids and Teens – a virtual space created by young people for young people where you can interact with others, as well as find out about events on school bullying, violence, racism and xenophobia through workshops, young people’s conferences and exhibitions. www.antibullyingweek.co.uk November – December 2013

News & Views Fight for Every Heartbeat As part of their new campaign Fight for Every Heartbeat, the British Heart Foundation are launching a DVD and a series of booklets to support parents coming to terms with their child being born with a heart defect. Finding out that your child has a heart defect can be an extremely distressing and traumatic time, and it is often difficult to know where to turn. 12 babies are born every day with a congenital heart condition, making it the most common defect at birth. While the number of children dying from these defects has fallen more than 80 per cent in the last three decades, heart problems account for more anomalies than combined figures for limb defects, facial problems such as cleft palate and respiratory problems. Through these booklets entitled ‘Understanding Your Child’s Heart’, the nation’s heart charity wants to raise awareness of the UK’s 70,000 children living with heart defects. Support is available for parents and children affected by congenital heart conditions at www.bhf.org.uk/congenital.

Rhyme with your tot An exciting new initiative launches this month with Nursery Rhyme Week. Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development by helping children to master key skills such as language and communication as well as social, physical and emotional skills. Taking place 11-15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It is free for anyone who has a child under the age of 5 or who works with the under 5s – all you have to do is register online and you can download a free resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the ‘rhyme a day’ challenge. This initiative is sponsored by Music Bugs. info@musicbugs.co.uk 01793 722072 www.musicbugs.co.uk/national-nursery-rhyme-week

New series of books for Parents concerned about their Child Out this month: The Journey Through Assessment & Food and Your Special Needs Child by Antonia Chitty and Victoria Dawson Addressing some of the major areas of stress for parents, these two helpful guides are full of clear explanations and practical advice for tackling the difficult issues of assessment for special needs and food.

The Journey Through Assessment will help parents through the period of uncertainty when they have to negotiate healthcare and education services. Compiled after extensive research and interviews with parents, it will help them navigate the processes necessary to gain access to the care that their child needs. Discover what might happen during the process, and get practical tips from experts, plus read what has worked for other parents in similar situations on the journey through assessment.

Food and Your Special Needs Child is a practical guide for parents living with the additional issues involving food often found in children with special needs. In typically developing children, eating problems are relatively common, affecting 20-40% of children. In children with special educational needs and disabilities, eating problems can be even more common; often severe and taking many different forms. Aimed at tackling issues in children aged between two and nineteen, use this book to discover the origins of how we eat, get practical tips from experts, and read what has worked for other parents in similar situations.

A third book, Sleep and Your Special Needs Child will be published in 2014. www.halebooks.com

Competition

WIN: Lands’ End winter layers Keeping out the winter chills is easier with snuggly layers, and Lands’ End is a muchloved, high quality clothing brand. Colourful, practical and packed with innovative details, Lands’ End outerwear is scientifically tested in all weather conditions to ensure your warmth, comfort and enjoyment – whatever the weather.

Children will love playing out in outerwear designed for adventure. Mothers will appreciate the long-lasting value of the ‘Grow-A-Long’ sleeves range, designed to adjust to little ones’ growth spurts.

Grownups will find an extensive collection, from luxury tailored wool cashmere blend coats, to hi-tech performance outerwear including a range of down-insulated, superlight jackets and full-on weatherproof coats.

Lands’ End truly has something for everyone and what’s more – for your first order, Lands’ End are offering £10 off on orders over £40. Simple enter FAMILY10 at the checkout for your exclusive discount. To view the collection, head to www.landsend.co.uk. Tweeters can follow @LandsEnd_UK and there’s a Facebook page too.

WIN! We have £100 worth of Lands’ End gift vouchers for one lucky Families reader – it could be you! To enter the competition, simply email editor@familiesherfordandworcs. co.uk with “Lands’ End Prize” in the subject line, sending us your name and address by Friday 29th November.

November – December 2013

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Winter book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Barmy Barney Barn Owl

by Ann Jungman

Genie in a Trap

by Ciaran Murtagh

(Troika Books £5.99)

(Piccadilly £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Barn owls have lived at Hoden Farm for years so Mr and Mrs Barn Owl are horrified to hear that their home could be sold to developers, leaving them homeless.

Time for the owlet Barney to put on his thinking cap and come up with a solution! With the help of the farmer’s daughter and the television in the farmhouse he is soon able to come up with some ideas. But will it be all plain sailing – or flying?

ED SAYS: ‘Jamie is very excited when his genie friend Balthazar invites him back to Lampville to be the guest of honour at the Genie Academy party – but things are not always what they seem! Will Jamie be able to extricate himself from this dangerous trap? And can he and his friends survive lightning bolts, a landslide and a firebreathing dragon among other things?

‘This is a lovely story for young readers reading together or on their own. And of course I am delighted to hear about the Owl Study Centre at the farm!’

‘This is the latest hilarious adventure in this magical series.

Boys and girls will be rolling with laughter as they devour this fantastic page-turner of a book.’

The Reindeer Girl

by Holly Webb

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon by Frank Cottrell Boyce

(Stripes £7.99) ED SAYS: ‘Lotta is thrilled to be going to Norway to meet her greatgrandmother for the first time. As well as the snow, Christmas and a special birthday celebration to look forward to, one of the most exciting things for Lotta is seeing the reindeer. Her favourite bedtime stories have always been those about her great-grandmother and the reindeer.

Lotta can only dream of such adventures. Can her dreams come true?

(Macmillan £10.99)

‘Here is the latest wonderful book by this super author in a beautifully presented edition. It is a heartwarming story for many a cold winter’s night!’

‘This incredible story with fantastic illustrations will entertain readers young and old. Fasten your seat-belts and prepare for the fun in this magical time-travelling adventure!’

ED SAYS: ‘There are amazing goings-on in London with Big Ben hurtling across the city like a rocket, Little Harry going missing and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang being stolen. At times of national emergencies such as these, even the Queen has to get involved. With a trip to the moon and a fiendish criminal around, there’s plenty of action in this story about the world’s most famous car.

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 maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

Independent Speech & Language Therapy Service – for children from birth to 16 years old.

• Baby Signing Classes – have fun and support the development of your baby’s early communication skills • Assessment, diagnosis and therapy for children who have speech, language and/or communication difficulties.

• Flexible appointments offered at a time and in the setting that most suits your child’s needs (eg home, school, nursery) • Liaison and support with nurseries and schools when required • Outcome focused therapy – saving you money by ensuring we only provide the therapy you need • Appointments offered within 2 weeks Contact: Nicki Holmes nicki_mason@hotmail.com / 07890161792 or Nibbhaya dhnibbhaya@gmail.com / 07791593180.

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Assessments for dyslexia, dyspraxia and other difficulties with learning. (Available Hereford and Worcester) Specialist tuition for dyslexia, dyspraxia or difficulties with learning. (Available in Hereford.) www.specialistteacher.co.uk sara@specialistteacher.co.uk 07816 414363 Sara Watts BA (Hon) PGCE, Cert of SpLD (OCR), CCET (BPS) Approved Teacher status (BDA and PATOSS)

November – December 2013

Education

November – December 2013

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Education

SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS School

Age

Dates

Contact

ABBERLEY HALL SCHOOL

Co-ed 2-13

Saturday 9th November 10.30 am onwards Prep and Pre-Prep School Open Morning

01299 896101 or email gill.portsmouth@abberleyhall.co.uk www.abberleyhall.co.uk

BREDON SCHOOL

Co-ed 2-18

Wednesday 6th November 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Tuesday 3rd December 2.00 – 4.00 pm

01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Co-ed 13 -18

Saturday 9th November Sixth Form Open Morning

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

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3-11, 11-16, 16-18 years

Saturday 16th November 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning

01432 363506 or email admissions@herefordcs.com www.herefordcs.com

Tuesday 19th November 3.30 – 5.30 pm Afternoon Tea and meeting Sixth Form teachers. 5.30 – 7.00 pm Open Evening presentations from students and staff

01562 822929 or email office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk

HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3 months - 18 years

KING’S ST ALBAN’S

Co-ed 4-11

Taster Morning 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Saturday 7th December (Booking essential)

Tel: 01905 354906 or email ksa@ksw.org.uk

KING’S WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

Saturday 9th November 9.30 am – 12.00 noon Sixth Form Open Morning

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

MALVERN ST JAMES

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

Wednesday 13th November 10.30 am – 12.00 noon Preparatory Department Open Morning

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

Saturday 16th November 9.00 am - 12 noon Sixth Form Open Morning

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

RGS WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

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

Sytchampton Endowed First School We are a village first school with a strong family ethos. We can offer you enthusiastic and dedicated staff, a spacious rural environment, excellent facilities with an emphasis on each individual child. We are situated on the A449 between Worcester and Kidderminster. We are part of the Droitwich Pyramid of schools and feed into Westacre or Witton Middle Schools.

Places available in most year groups.

To make an appointment to visit us and meet our new Headteacher and friendly staff please telephone us on Tel: 01905 620418 Email: office@sytchamptonfirst.worcs.sch.uk

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Don’t forget to mention when you telephone, that you saw these companies featured in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine Please call Karen on 01386 791422 to book your space for future issues

November – December 2013

Education Baby and Toddler ‘play time’ swim sessions King’s Hawford is starting ‘play time’ swim sessions for parents and toddlers on a Thursday early afternoon and Friday morning, in the school’s own child-friendly pool. The first session on Thursday 7th November will be complimentary, with subsequent sessions at a cost of £5 per child. This includes a swim and a play session with toys, activities and refreshments.

The emphasis will be on a swim session which is relaxed, fun and child-led with the aim of getting toddlers and babies to move more freely in the water, gradually introducing them to the skills and techniques of swimming.

Pupils of King’s Hawford, participate in a weekly swimming lesson from the age of three as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Swimming addresses many aspects of physical development, as well as promoting enjoyment and confidence, and developing a healthy, active lifestyle.

For further details and to check for availability on the sessions which will run Thursdays: 1.30 – 3.00pm and Fridays: 10.30 am – 12.00 pm, please contact the King’s Hawford school office on 01905 451292 or hawford@ksw.org.uk.

Riding high at Abberley Two Shropshire pupils are riding high after helping their school to qualify for national show jumping championships.

Emma Graham, who lives near Bridgnorth, and Mia Corrie, who lives near Buildwas, are part of a successful team of four riders from Abberley Hall School.

The school, situated close to Cleobury Mortimer, now goes through to the finals of the National Schools Equestrian Association competition, to be held later this month.

Emma and Mia, who are both 12, will be joined by fellow pupils Thomas Kitson and Emily Archer.

“We were thrilled to win our way to the finals, especially as half the teams we competed against in the qualifying round at King’s Equestrian Centre, Bromyard were from senior or middle schools,” commented Cecilia Dean, a science teacher at Abberley Hall who coaches the talented young equestrians.

“It was a very tricky course. We did not expect to do so well but we came out with an impressive second place which earns us qualification for the national championships - an incredible achievement for the team.”

The final is on October 25th - 27th October at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.

Riding lessons are becoming more and more popular at Abberley Hall, which is situated in 90 acres of land at Great Witley.

Not only can pupils take equestrian lessons, they can even take their own ponies to school.

“Our stables and ménage are increasingly popular with children who can keep their ponies here and enjoy the safe routes around our grounds, as well as receiving lessons in riding and stable management from qualified riding instructors,” explained Cecila.

November – December 2013

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Education Chessgrove Swim has an exciting September

Last month, Laura McCullough was promoted to the position of Manager at Chessgrove Swim, and her first promotional engagement was to meet the Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies.

Laura attended the Worcestershire Woman of the Year awards held in the stunning marquee at Chessgrove where Sharron was the guest speaker.

“Sharron was such an inspirational speaker”, says Laura “and she was very encouraging about the swimming lessons that we run at Chessgrove Swim. She is also a fantastic advert for how swimming keeps you looking young!”

Chessgrove Swim has a luxurious pool in Hanbury, nr Bromsgrove and has been teaching swimming lessons to babies, children and adults for 6 years. This month they have expanded their opening hours to teach swimming lessons every day of the week, as well as providing pregnancy aqua classes and pool parties. They can be contacted on 01527 821978 or www.chessgroveswim.co.uk.

Develop your child’s study skills with Kumon At your local Malvern Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their independent study skills and confidently tackle advanced work beyond the international standard for their age.

Students initially start at a comfortable level with a focus on building a strong foundation in the way they study; they will develop invaluable study skills such as concentration, pace and rhythm before progressing to more advanced work. Kumon encourages a love of learning and self-confidence in tacking new challenges.

Before enrolling, each child can benefit from a Free Assessment.

This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that their Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset. In addition to developing academic ability, Kumon study fosters in students the mind-set and skills for self-learning.

There are currently more than 69,000 students studying with Kumon at 680 study centres across the UK. The Malvern Study Centre is located at St Andrew’s Church on Church Down Road, with classes running on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.

For more information or to book a Free Assessment, contact Instructor Lynne Lambeth-Fradgley on 01684 560461 or email malvern@kumoncentre.co.uk.

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November – December 2013

Activities

Clubs and Classes

To advertise in future issues of Families Hereford and Worcester please call Karen on 01386 791422

Sue celebrates success!

Local mum of three, Sue Thomas is celebrating success after winning an award from Worcester City Council. Sue, an experienced personal trainer, received the award for ‘Contribution to Increasing Physical Activity’ in The City of Worcester Sports Awards 2013.

Following the birth of her first child a decade ago, Sue has helped hundreds of people to get into shape and improve their health through her exercise classes and nutritional advice.

‘I was absolutely astonished to be nominated for this award from Worcester City Council’, says Sue, ‘It’s a real privilege to be recognised for doing a job I enjoy. I love seeing the changes that exercise and good nutrition can make to people’s lives.’

Sarah Bates, one of the ladies who attends the Start2push buggy class which Sue runs in Gheluvelt Park said, ‘Sue is so enthusiastic about what she does and you can’t help but feel motivated to get out there and get fit. She’s really helped me to change my life and my attitude to fitness and health.’

Sue is not resting on her laurels just yet; she has lots more plans for her business over the coming months. If you’d like to find out more about Sue’s plans, you can follow her on Facebook by searching for start2exercise or visit her website at www.start2exercise.com.

FootieBugs FootieBugs has been developed by former Aston Villa Player and England International, Lee Hendrie and offers professional and fun football classes for children from 3-9 years.

Personal Training & Pilates A healthy and balanced approach to your nutrition and exercise to achieve the body you want.

For more information visit www.librafitness.co.uk or contact Maria Krick at maria@librafitness.co.uk/ 07814 507 058

Pre-school classes (3-5 yrs) use a unique teaching method whereby children are taken on story themed adventures introducing them to football basics such as passing, dribbling and shooting.

Classes for 5-9 years focus on more advanced football skills whilst encouraging social independence and are perfect for kids who are looking for extra training to further enhance their football skills.

Whether your child simply loves football or is looking for a head start into an academy, FootieBugs classes are great for developing new techniques and confidence within the game.

Classes are running in Worcester, Malvern and surrounding areas. * All coaches undergo an enhanced police check, are FA qualified and are fully insured Book online www.footiebugs.com Tel: 0845 863 0698 Email: Worcestershire@footiebugs.com

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Activities The twelve days of an active Christmas 6 outdoor play ideas and 6 present ideas to get your child active this winter Outdoor play and exposure to nature is one of the best and most effective ways to educate children about the world around them and encourage environmental awareness. Getting children active outdoors is also vital for their health and physical development as well as helping them to improve their sensory, cognitive and social skills.

Despite the weather, the winter months provide a surprisingly wide range of fun and exciting outdoor learning opportunities for your children.

1. Fly a kite

What better way to spend a breezy, sunny winter day than flying a kite. You could even get creative and have a go at making your own. Encourage your child to run, jump and chase their kite to keep them active.

2. Have a nature walk adventure

Organise a treasure hunt or get children to find and collect a list of objects. Feathers, leaves, fir cones, acorns and animal foot prints are great things for children to look for. 1926 Wooden Flooring has created a downloadable game for kids on their website called ‘Park Adventurers’ (www.1926woodflooring.co.uk/acatalog/parkadventurers.html). It’s designed to encourage children to explore their local park or natural play space while learning about natural habitats, British wildlife, litter and plants all at the same time. It’s packed with fun activities and natural trivia, best of all it’s free!

3. Try leaf rubbing

Children can create their very own autumn inspired artwork by leaf rubbing. Simply take a large leaf and place on a hard surface.

Put a piece of plain paper over the leaf and gently rub over the leaf with a crayon and the leaf pattern will appear on the page.

You can have hours of fun by experimenting with different types of leaves and coloured crayons.

4. Get wet!

Allowing children to play with water is not only fun, it can also teach basic science. Encourage your child to throw different objects (sticks, stones, leaves etc)— Get them to guess if they will float or sink. Teach them to skim.

5. Make walks fun

Turn boring walks into fun. Cycle, climb trees, sing, play simple games such as eye spy, tag and hide and seek or build simple dens with fallen branches, moss and leaves. Check out local Days out, parks and nature reserves on www.familiesonline.co.uk

6. Blow bubbles

It’s easy to make your own bubble potion. All you need is water, washing up liquid and a dash of sugar to thicken the mixture.

Using coat hangers and pipe cleaners you can easily make your own bubble blowers and create bubbles in all different shapes and sizes.

1. Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike To quickly

Dance Classes for Young Children at Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern: Mondays and Fridays 2pm Pre-school Ballet Thursdays 9.30am Pre-school role-play and movement to music Saturdays 10.15am Pre-Primary Ballet (Reception & Year 1) and tap if required

Classes at Bishops Frome Village Centre:

Saturdays 10.30am Ballet ages 4 and 5 and tap if required 11.20am Ballet ages 6 - 8 11.50am Tap and Modern ages 6 - 9

Many more classes available.

Telephone: 01684 573663 or 07525 057492; alternatively, email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk for more information.

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learn to get the balance, a must-have for any child from 3 years, £34.99, from www.Kiddicare.com 2. Paper Planes Learn to make 10 different paper planes then fly them 2. in the park! From 7 years, £4.99, from www.galttoys.com and toy shops.

3. Tricycle Provides plenty of fun for the youngest children whilst 3. developing their motor skills. £69.99 Manufactured for Galt by Winther www.galttoys.com 4. Happy Hopperz – Hours of indoor fun on the crazy Blue Bull! Suitable from 4.

12 mth - £24.99 www.kiddicare.com 5. Multi Sports Set Set contains kit to play cricket, football, rounders/baseball, frisbee and beach 5. tennis so there is something here for all tastes, skills and weather conditions! £60. www.thegreatgiftcompany.com 6.The Beano Chopper Covered frontto-back in classic Beano 6. imagery and features black and red grips, seat and back pads – just how Dennis and the gang would want it. £300, from Raleigh stockists.

November – December 2013

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Top tips for a perfect families Christmas

cards to people you only communicate with at Christmas. We’re not suggesting severing all ties with your friends and family over the festive period, but trying something different. Why not take a fun packed picture of your family (perhaps in the festive attire mentioned above) and email it out with good wishes to the people on your Christmas card list.

You’ll save money. You’ll save time and you may save a little bit of your preChristmas sanity.

Sarah Butters Editor, Families Leeds magazine

GET YOUR (ICE) SKATES ON For the Families Leeds editorial team, the countdown to Christmas begins when we take to the ice at Stockeld Park. It’s great exercise which means you’re able to treat yourself to cake and coffee without any guilt. There’s also the chance you’ll see that parent you avoid at the school gates fall flat on her backside while attempting a graceful glide across the real ice rink. Well worth wrapping up for! www.stockeldpark.co.uk For local ice rinks www.icequest.co.uk in Malvern and www.webbsdirect.co.uk/ in Wychbold who have a temporary ice rink from Saturday 23rd November – Monday 6th January.

ENJOY THE NATIVITY Whether you have the Angel Gabriel or the 5th sheep under your roof this Christmas, take the time to enjoy your child’s nativity. Ignore the crowing parent who is mother to Mary for the 3rd time.

“I’ve made her go straight into character and so she’s living in the shed and sleeping on hay.”

Embrace the breadth of characters now at the bedside of Baby Jesus and pray that whatever your child is cast as, there’s an outfit that can be bought in the dress up aisle at the supermarket. But most of all enjoy the moment. Too soon it won’t be the sheep and the cows you’ll be fretting about. It will be the birds and the bees.

ELF YOURSELF Ever wondered what you’d look like as a Christmas Elf? Wonder no more and instead, head to www.jibjab.com and begin the transformation. This clever online tool allows you to upload photos of you and your family and then a video of you, dancing as elves, is created. I recommend doing this on a day when the spirit of Christmas has deserted you, only to be replaced by a mountain of stress.

I challenge you to be glum when witnessing you and your family dance, as elves, to ‘Rockin’ Robin’.

TRACK SANTA Do you remember the days when a half eaten mince pie and an empty glass of sherry were proof enough that Santa had November – December 2013

BAN THE CHRISTMAS LIST been? Life has moved on and the Twitter generation needs more. You can now receive personal communication from the overstretched OAP, see photographic evidence that ‘he’s been’ and even keep an eye on old St Nick as he circumnavigates the globe. To ‘arrange’ a personal message from Father Christmas, go to www.portablenorthpole.com.

To track Santa from 1st December go to www.noradsanta.org and see a picture of him in your home at www.icaughtsanta.com.

Guaranteed to add some real magic to the Christmas countdown.

HAVE A CHRISTMAS CLEAR OUT There are certain inevitable facts about Christmas. You will receive an item of clothing that neither suits nor fits you. You will not have the batteries needed for 50% of the items your children open on Christmas Day. And the amount of ‘stuff’ in your home will double overnight. With that in mind, why not have a pre-Christmas clear out. Sell what you can on Ebay – it’s a great time to get rid of items and make some much needed cash. Encourage your children to fill a box with toys they no longer play with and take it to your local charity shop. As well as clearing some space for the new arrivals, it’s a way to introduce the concept of thinking of others to your little elves.

PURCHASE FESTIVE ATTIRE It’s a parental rite of passage to dress up your son or daughter as a reindeer or a shrunken Santa. As well as being very cute, it also provides us parents with some super photographic ammunition for the future.

My girls are 10 and 7 and have declared this the final year they’ll go along with my festive antics and will be withdrawing their labour from 2014. It’s a decision that’s making me broody. For those of you with more compliant/younger children, enjoy the moment. And make sure you take plenty of photos.

FORGET THE CHRISTMAS CARDS Imagine NOT sending cards. For a moment, park the anxiety you’ll feel when that first envelope drops on your doormat. Instead, think of the time you’ll save penning 50

Call me Scrooge, but I’m no fan of Christmas wish lists. I think it fuels the idea that this time of year is all about getting stuff and that isn’t the spirit of Christmas I want in my house. No good will come of giving a child a plain piece of paper and an Argos catalogue. In fact a survey in the aftermath of Christmas 2012 found that the most asked for wish on the lists of British children was a brother or sister.

Next was a reindeer. I think those are requests that even Argos would struggle with. If you don’t ask them to write a list, they’ll be delighted with whatever Santa leaves under the tree. Trust me.

MAKE IT MAGICAL Real magic doesn’t have to cost the earth but it will make your child’s Christmas one to remember. Spend time dressing the tree together or making Christmas biscuits.

Time is something we have in such short supply in our lives but it’s well worth finding it at this time of year.

Create new traditions. Santa’s elves started leaving a Christmas Eve hamper at our front door last year. It’s filled with inexpensive items like a toothbrush, a festive DVD, some jolly pyjamas and a silly mug for a night time hot chocolate. It kicks the festivities off in a truly magical way.

WATCH ONE OF OUR TOP 5 CHRISTMAS MOVIES Nothing lifts the spirits on a cold winter Sunday more than settling down to a festive DVD. I’ve done a straw poll in and around Families HQ and we’ve come up with our favourite five. Find them, watch them and have a very happy family Christmas.

1. Elf 2. The Snowman 3. The Polar Express 4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 5. The Nativity And finally, remember that Christmas is not about presents or perfectly cooked turkeys.

It’s about time and family. Your children will have forgotten what they were given by Easter, and your family will have erased the memory of the burnt parsnips but no one will forget the fun they had.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

11 Hereford & Worcester

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide Just a few Christmas gifts to give you some ideas Picture credit: © www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk

Learn French: Original songs & rhymes for babies and children

Character Kids A great family-owned online business with a huge range of educational and traditional toys for all ages. The owners work hard to find toys that are not only good value for money, but are also durable, long-lasting and encourage creativity and imagination.

Fast delivery, free P&P with orders over £30, all returning customers are automatically enrolled in a Buyer Loyalty Programme, which subtracts 5% from all future purchases.

Customers need not register to participate in this scheme.

Automatic, quick, and simple! www.characterkids.co.uk

Galt Toys Baby Walker Galt Toys has introduced a new Baby Walker toy to its popular Dr Miriam range to support young children when taking their first steps. The push-along truck is one of a range of seven wooden developmental toys created by the brand alongside leading parenting expert Dr Miriam Stoppard.

Suitable for children from 12 months, the wooden truck comes with 30 bright and colourful bricks to put in and take out of the truck, to aid manual dexterity and hand eye coordination. The Baby Walker promotes balance by encouraging young children to use their muscles to stay upright, while developing coordination as they take each step and learn to walk independently.

This is a new type of educational French language cd totally in French. By listening and singing along to these highly original and contemporary songs and rhymes your child will have fun while effortlessly absorbing French vocabulary, linguistic patterns and grammatical structures.

Tips for each song and rhyme suggest ways you can play along with your child, and have even more fun learning French together! Perfect to listen to in the car or at home.

From well loved French club Club Petit Pierrot which is highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express & Time Out. www.clubpetitpierrot.uk.com The CD plus a 32 page colour booklet with all the French lyrics and a full English translation is suitable from 6 months and is available for £20.00 from Amazon.

Plyt – new board game With children, it’s often best to hide learning within fun – it’s the spoonful of sugar that helped Mary Poppins get the medicine down. So if your child struggles with multiplication and division, there’s a brand new board game that can help.

Plyt is similar to Snakes and Ladders to play, but to move forward you need to be able to multiply the dice together. Where it’s clever is in creating a level playing field for all ages – older players simply have to use more dice and multiply 3, 4 or 5 numbers, while youngsters cope with 2 or 3. It is an enjoyable family game that can be played by everyone aged 4 upwards, regardless of their mathematical skill.

Plyt is available at www.plyt.co.uk at £19.99.

The Dr Miriam @ Galt Baby Walker is £39.99 from www.galttoys.com.

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November – December 2013

Christmas Gift Guide Peter’s Railway Books Peter’s Railway is an intriguing story about Peter and his Grandpa building and operating a miniature steam railway on a farm.

The books are written by Christopher Vine, an engineer who loves railways and anything mechanical or electrical.

They are his way of passing on his passion for engineering to today’s youngsters.

A free extra book with every order all signed with personal dedication to make a special Christmas present. To claim go to www.petersrailway.com and order at least one book.

In dedication box enter FAMDEC13. Chris Vine will add an extra free book to the order signed too. Email info@petersrailway.com.

Reader offer

Offer closes end of December 13.

The Real Wonders of the World and How to be a Dinosaur Hunter… … are two brand new titles in Lonely Planet’s Not for Parents children’s series.

They make perfect Christmas gifts for kids aged 8-12.

The Real Wonders of the World introduces kids to the world’s quirkiest and most interesting sights, including the biggest sweet shops, scariest theme park rides, coolest film locations and spy HQs combining colourful illustrations, insightful images and fascinating facts to take readers on the craziest world tour ever via stupendous structures, extreme escapades, luxurious extravagances, hi tech marvels and dangerous and haunted locations. £14.99 How to be a Dinosaur Hunter is the ultimate manual for young explorers who want to know all about chasing dinosaurs by showing readers how to search for dinosaur remains with details of the tools they need, the best places to discover fossils and how to identify findings. This book is crammed with essential facts and fun trivia about some of the biggest, scariest and weirdest creatures that ever roamed our planet. £12.99. Both books are available in stores now.

Fun filled parties:

Ubooly, the multilingual interactive learning toy Ubooly is an interactive learning toy with a smartphone brain which recently launched in the UK, providing children across the country with a truly educational experience to their playtime. Coming in two sizes, a small Ubooly is powered by either an iPhone or iPod Touch while a jumbo Ubooly works with the iPad mini. With more than 20 lessons and helper packs available, children can learn core skills through games and hands-on activities and choose from a variety of interactive educational lessons including Alphabet, Counting, Oceans, Space, French and much more. Customisable and with speech recognition, Ubooly also tells stories, plays games, sings songs and can interact with other uboolies making play and learning social with other children.

Ubooly is priced at £24.95 and is available in Orange, Green and Pink. Pre-orders on www.Ubooly.com and Apple stores.

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 e.g. The Incredibles, Cars, Despicable Me, Pirates, Shrek.

01905 840396 or

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

November – December 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13 Hereford & Worcester

Christmas Gift Guide Bizzy Bitz Cool, addictive, educational and fun, Bizzy Bitz is a must have this Christmas! With a simple ball and socket system, Bizzy Bitz offers infinite possibilities: Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which can help kids create accurate models of absolutely anything and everything. This has the additional advantage that if a piece goes missing you can always build hundreds of things from your remaining pieces.

Different boxes available to suit the various age groups 3-6 yrs, 6-9yrs and 9-12yrs.

Go to Amazon for customer reviews and see the range on www.bizzy-bitz.com.

WIN

Collector’s items – Buy a gift that can start a collection

A super maxi 850 piece box of Bizzy Bitz!

To enter, go to www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk/competitions Closing date for the competition is 2nd December 2013.

For girls a doll’s house which can be furnished and equipped over time can start a hobby that will last a lifetime.

See www.dollshouse.com.

For boys, trains, planes and automobiles are a big draw. Birmingham Bus Enthusiast Derek Parry produces models of old Birmingham buses which add a local flavour to a collection.

The various models have destinations such as Quinton, Turves Green, Yardley, Acocks Green via Moseley. Derek says they can supply models displaying any of 20 Birmingham bus route place names.

See www.forwardmodels.net or look on Amazon.

Fantastic bike helmets make a great present The world’s oldest helmet brand, Lazer, has a new fantastic kids collection of fun cycle helmets which are a perfect gift for Christmas to encourage children to wear a helmet. Lazer creates helmets that children want to wear by creating some really fun and interesting colour ways & designs without compromising on safety. Choose from budding adventurer, for those with a big imagination and those looking for something a bit different.

Priced from £22.99 from www.lazersport.co.uk.

Traditional Old Fashioned Sweet Shop

Girls Pamper Parties!

Age 3 + Dressing up, Nail art, Karaoke, Jewellery and magic wand making, Foot spas, Chocolate fountains and more!!

Very competitive prices.

Contact the pamper fairy to get a party tailored to you!

www.glitzngiggles.vpweb.co.uk

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Sweets • Gifts • Pocket Money Toys & more

Party Bags to order – choose from a large range of sweets & pocket money toys.

10+ party bags = free party bag for birthday child

27 Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553262 www.sweettraditions.co.uk November – December 2013

Where’s Santa

Where’s Santa?

IN HEREFORDSHIRE Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre, Kingswood, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3HF Tel: 01544 231109, www.owlcentre.com Come and see Santa on the Farm (Group bookings from Mon 2nd Dec, weekend visits from Sat 7th Dec and then every day from Fri 20th 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.

Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berringtonhall/ Christmas at Berrington (Sat 30th Nov – Sun 1st Dec) Browse a small selection of local food and drink stalls, see the ground floor of the house decorated for Christmas and take the kids to see Father Christmas when he comes to visit each afternoon.

November – December 2013

Severn Valley Railway

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.

Wyevale Hereford Garden Centre, Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 01432 266261 Country Gardens Hereford Garden Centre, A49 Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8BB 01432 839000, www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk Breakfast with Father Christmas and Tea with Father Christmas (Mon 18th Nov – Tues 24th Dec) Choose to have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas.

Grotto and Winter Wonderland (Sat 16th Nov – Tues 24th Dec) Visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto and wander around the enchanted fairy tale Winter Wonderland.

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Santa’s Workshop (first 3 weekends in Dec) Santa has parked his sleigh somewhere at Croft and set up his workshop to finish making all of the children’s toys for Christmas. Follow the reindeer trail to find Santa and get an early Christmas gift to take home. Visit the castle between 1pm and 4pm for children’s crafts.

Come and see Santa in his magical sleigh and real reindeer everyday!

The sleigh seats up to 6 people with Santa which makes a great opportunity for a family photo.

To book telephone 01886 888 517 www.cobhouse.org

Breakfast with Santa is on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December at £8.50 per child 9.00 am Tea with Santa is on 19, 20 & 23 December at £6.50 per child 3.00 pm Santa’s Sleigh Grotto is open on 23 & 24 December at £5.50 to see Santa and receive a gift 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Reindeer available for hire

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15 Hereford & Worcester

Where’s Santa Festive Farm, Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8AP 01568 797486/01432 830997, www.dinmore-christmas-trees.co.uk Father Christmas Grotto (all weekends in Dec from Sunday 1st December) Visit Father Christmas and get the chance to walk in through the door of 10 Downing Street and through into the winter wonderland of “Narnia”.

H Weston & Sons, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Hereford, HR8 2NQ 01531 660233, www.westons-cider.co.uk (Sun Dec 1st) With Father Christmas, reindeers and Christmas festivities to entertain the kids, the adults can indulge in a glass of mulled cider whilst listening to Christmas Carols sang by the Gorsley Choir around the tree. Also lots of local stalls and the cider shop, Tea Rooms and Scrumpy House will be open.

IN SHROPSHIRE Rays Farm Country Matters, Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6PF 01299 841255, www.raysfarm.com An Old Fashioned Christmas (Every weekend from Sat 30th Nov plus Mon 23rd and Tues 24th Dec) See baby Jesus in the donkeys stable with Mary, Joseph, the Three Kings and the Wise Men. Chat to Father Christmas and see Rudolph and friends waiting to pull the sleigh full of presents.

Pre-booking essential.

IN WORCESTERSHIRE All Things Wild, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ 01386 833083, www.allthingswild.co.uk Father Christmas Grotto (From Sat 30th Nov every weekend and Mon 23rd – Tues 24th Dec) Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto where every child will receive a present. There will also be a toyshop so do not forget to do your shopping.

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Tea with Santa (Wed 4th, Wed 11th, Wed 18th – Thurs 19th Dec 3.30 – 6.00 pm) Christmas Party (Sun 22nd Dec 4.30 – 6.00 pm) Further details to follow on website.

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Christmas at the Castle (Sat 7th - Sun 8th, Sat 14th- Sun 15th Dec) Father Christmas in a winter wonderland grotto, carriage rides, seasonal gifts & craft stalls, fun children’s activities and performances by local choirs & musical groups.

The Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 827232 www.svr.co.uk

The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Commandery Kitchen Christmas Party (Sun 22nd Dec) Take a traditional trip back in time to the Victorian era this Yuletide. Join the servants’ Christmas party held in the kitchen and meet Father Christmas, play games, make presents and marvel at the entertainments of the day.

Smart Trees, Fields Farm House, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Pershore, WR10 2LZ 01386 462706 www.smarttrees.co.uk Santas Grotto (All weekends in Dec from Sat 30th Nov) Santa’s magical Grotto with real reindeer and a vast choice of Christmas trees to purchase.

Also new Reindeer Cafe and Gift Shop open.

Pre-booking essential.

Santa Steam Specials (All weekends in Dec) An atmospheric steam train from Kidderminster along the Severn Valley to Arley to visit Santa in his grotto.

Presents for all fare paying children.

Santa Heralds (Fri 20th and Mon 23rd – Tues 24th Dec) Journey with Father Christmas from Kidderminster to Highley who will visit all fare paying children on train giving out presents.

Christmas Grotto (Sat 16th Nov – Tues 24th Dec) A winter wonderland grotto with elves in their woodland workshop and Father Christmas. Children enter the spectacular toy warehouse to choose a gift.

Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 1AT 01299 403573 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/museum

Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury hall/

Christmas Weekend (Sat 14th - Sun 15th Dec) Browse for Christmas gifts, visit Santa in his magical Wonderland, festive craft activities to make and refreshments.

Visit Father Christmas (All weekends in Dec commencing 7th) Visit Father Christmas in his study grotto and take part in festive ‘make and take activities’.

Little Heath Garden Centre, Lickey End, Bromsgrove, B60 1HY 01527 878174, www.littleheathgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Workshop and 25% off Shopping Extravaganza in support of Primrose Hospice (Wed 20th Nov) Santa is arriving at 4pm. Santa’s magical grotto with real reindeer, Children’s entertainment, Peppa Pig, face painting, complimentary mince pie and drink, local choir and brass band, lots more.

Magical Christmas Grotto (all weekends in Dec) Visit the magical Christmas grotto with real reindeer. Free entrance every day! Why not pay a visit to Santa and choose your own present.

Entrance £6.99 per child.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold, Droitwich, WR9 0DG 01527 860000 www.webbsdirect.co.uk

Cob House, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE Tel: 01886 888517, www.cobhouse.org Breakfast with Santa (All weekends in Dec and Mon 23rd – Tues 24th Dec) and Tea with Santa (Thurs 19th, Fri 20th and Mon 23rd Dec) Children can choose to have breakfast or tea and meet Santa in his magical sleigh to receive their gift.

Santa’s Sleigh Grotto (Mon 23rd – Tues 24th Dec) The grotto will be open for Children to see Santa and receive a gift.

Take a look at the other Christmas events happening in Hereford and Worcester in the What’s On section of this issue and online for some excellent festive ideas for the whole family!

November – December 2013

Where’s Santa Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk

Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU 01527 821272, www.jinneyring.co.uk

Blooms Worcester Garden Centre, Droitwich Road, Worcester, WR3 7SW 01905 451231, www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk

Candlelit Christmas (Sat 7th Dec) A traditional annual celebration from 7.00 – 10.00 pm with over 25 craft stalls, bands, choirs and mulled wine. The grounds and buildings will be decorated in authentic Christmas style and illuminated by lanterns. Father Christmas is also expected to visit.

Search for Santa (Sat 14th - Sun 15th and Sat 21st - Sun 22nd Dec) Santa is staying in one of the Museum’s historic buildings. See if you can find where he is by following clues around the site. Beware of mischievous elves who may try to put you off the trail!

A Christmas present for children and a glass of hot mulled wine for parents. Booking essential.

Santa’s Grotto (every weekend in Dec from Sun 1st) Santa will be here in his magical grotto every weekend day in December from the 1st from 2.00 – 4.00 pm.

Breakfast with Father Christmas and Tea with Father Christmas (Sat 23rd Nov – Tues 24th Dec) Choose to have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas.

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croomepark/ Visit Father Christmas (All weekends in Dec) Discover Father Christmas in his sparkling and cosy Grotto in the cellars of Croome Court. Free Craft making included to keep the family entertained.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Victorian Christmas Craft Fair (Sat 30th Nov Sun 1st Dec) 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.

Bodenham Arboretum, Wolverley, Kidderminster, DY11 5TB 01562 852444, www.bodenham-arboretum.co.uk

Evesham Country Park, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 761888, www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk

Christmas Nativity Trail (Sat 23rd Nov - Wed 1st Jan) A trail around the Arboretum where life size wooden characters are set in the Nativity story ending at the Visitor Centre where there is a “Mother Christmas” grotto for the children. Grotto is only open at weekends.

Santa’s Magical Grotto (All weekends from Sat 30th Nov then Wed 18th –Tues 24th Dec) Go into the elves workshop to create your own festive tree decoration which leads through a winter woodland walkway full of charming forest creatures. After singing a song with our ‘head elf’ you will discover Santa’s lodge where Santa himself will read an exciting Christmas fairytale to the children.

St Peters Garden Centre, Pear Tree Farm, Norton, Worcester, WR5 2NY 01905 357595, www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk

Evesham Vale Light Railway, Evesham Country Park, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 422282, www.evlr.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto (all weekends from Sat 23rd Nov plus Mon 23rd Dec) Meet Santa in his wonderful winter grotto.

Breakfast with Santa (Every Sat from 30th Nov plus Mon 23rd and Tues 24th Dec) and Tea with Santa (Mon 16th – Fri 20th plus Mon 23rd Dec) Children can choose to have breakfast or tea. Price includes meal, gift and personal visit from Santa.

See the Reindeer (Sat 30th Nov and Sun 1st Dec) Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer and watch him arrive on his sleigh on Sun 1st Dec at 10.30 am.

Help find Santa’s missing Christmas presents (All weekends from Sat 30th Nov then Wed 18th –Tues 24th Dec) Count how many presents you can spot on your train journey. Tell the guard your answer at Evesham Vale Station, and you may win a small prize.

Visit the What’s On section of our website at www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk just in case Santa adds more destinations to his busy schedule in the Hereford and Worcester area over the Christmas period.

November – December 2013

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17 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On We are now pleased to be working in conjunction with thebestof Worcester and thebestof Droitwich. If you would like your events included on their websites then simply complete a short simple registration process and you can add as many events as you like. Just go to www.thebestof.co.uk/worcester and www.thebestof.co.uk/droitwich.

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Mother Goose A traditional family pantomime which includes plenty of audience participation, song, dance and general silliness.

Wednesday 18th – Sunday 22nd December 2.00 pm sat/sun matinee 7.00 pm £14.50 - £12.00, Family ticket £45.00, £41.00 Beauty & The Beast Join Beauty, The Beast, and some very magical characters as they sing, dance and make you laugh your way through Christmas.

Friday 27th December 2.30, 4.30 pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s Iris White and The Kingdom of Curious Christmas Trees – voice on a stick A magical Christmas adventure especially for small children and their grown ups blending music, games and

drama to create a uniquely relaxed theatrical experience for early years and beyond.

Saturday 28th December 2.30 pm £8.00, £7.00 under 16s

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.

(and large enough) to make her the Australian jungle’s first and most beautiful Elephant Bridesmaid!

For ages 4 and up.

Tuesday 12th November 11.30 am £9.52, £8.40 child The Snowman Classic Christmas songs and stories will be followed by The Peoples Orchestra playing the original orchestration to a live screening of ”The Snowman”.

Sunday 8th December 4.30 pm £16.80, Concessions £10.08 Family (4 Tickets) £44.80

Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Magical family panto.

Thursday 12th December – Sunday 5th January 2014 Times Vary – see website £10.02-£25.20

Cinderella A magical, fun action packed show with modern songs and dance.

Wednesday 4th, Friday 6th – Saturday 7th December 7.30 pm £10.00, £8.00 conc, £30.00 family Booking: 07731557421

Only 80 Miles to Christmas A fun family puppet show loosely based on the nativity play. For age five upwards.

Tuesday 17th December 6.00pm £7.00 Concessions £5.00 Family (4 tickets) £20.00

Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www. norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk

The Elephant Bridesmaid Join Nessie and her animal friends as they go in search of an outfit fancy enough

Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids aged 4-10 years.

Saturday 21st September and Saturday 19th October 2.30 and 4.00 pm £1.50 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Robin Hood A traditional family panto.

Monday 2nd – Saturday 7th December 2.30 pm (sat) 7.30 pm £14.00 - £11.00 1, 2, 3 Little Pigs This imaginative two-person retelling of the well-known fable features a brilliant array of silly effects and tricks! Krazy Kat delight and amuse with super puppets and lively music, and feature fully integrated British Sign Language.

Suitable for age 3 – 7.

Saturday 14th December 2.30 pm £6.00, £5.00 under 16s The Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www. redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Shakespeares School Festival Four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays. Come along and celebrate the achievements of local schools in a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Tuesday 12th November 7.00 pm £8.50, £6.50

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The Nutcracker This story is based on “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and tells the story of Marie, a rather sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeier gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve which turns into a Prince, and the magic starts.

Saturday 16th November 7.30 pm £19.00, £17.00 Whistle down the wind The show follows a trio of youngsters who discover a man they believe to be Jesus, hiding in a barn. A lavish production filled with memorable characters and hit songs.

Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd November 2.30 pm (sat) 7.30 pm £15.00, £14.00, £50.00 family Aladdin A traditional family panto.

Monday 9th December – Sunday 5th January Times differ so check website £17.50 - £14.50 The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Aladdin A traditional family panto.

Tuesday 3rd December – Friday 5th January Times differ see website £10.75 - £15.75 Wake up Sleeping Beauty What happens to a fairy story when the narrator turns out to be a disgruntled witch, who uses Great Aunt Annabel’s magic pen to try to change the ending?

Saturday 14th December 10.30 and 11.45 am £2.50 The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Centrally Heated Knickers A vibrant show for families packed full of surprises and taking you to places you have never been before!

Friday 8th November 1.30 and 7.00 pm £12.00, £10.00 The Snow Queen A show brimming with colour and imagination. A funny and original take on the classic story.

Saturday 30th November 2.30 pm £8.00, £7.00 concs Rapunzel Rapunzel is told through the motions of 70 puppets in the modernised version of the classic fairytale.

Monday 16th – Tuesday 24th December Times vary so check website £8.00, £7.00 concs Cinderella A traditional family panto.

Friday 29th November – Sunday 5th January Times vary so check website £17.50, £16.00, £57.00 or £63.00 family The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarketthetheatre.com A Christmas Carol A ghost story of Christmas.

Friday 22nd November 7.00 pm £10.00 November – December 2013

What’s On GARDEN CENTRES

The Old House, High Town, Hereford, HR1 2AA 01432 260694, www.herefordshire.gov.uk/ leisure-and-culture/museumsand-galleries Jacobean Christmas, craft activity and re-enactors.

11th December 5.00 - 7.30 pm

Worcester & Droitwich NCT Sunday 1st December 10.30 am – 12.00 pm at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Road, Worcester, WR3 8DX Tel: 0844 243 6334 or email: worcester_nct@hotmail.com

Victorian Christmas, craft activity and re-enactors 18th December 5.00 - 7.30 pm

0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Science Fiction Time Travelling Day 50th anniversary of the BBC’s tv series, Doctor Who with a science fiction Family Fun Day inc sci-fi monsters, scary costumes, an original blue Police Box and lots of surprises.

Saturday 16th November

Christmas Shopping Evening Enjoy seasonal entertainment and complimentary mulled wine and mince pies whilst browsing in the museum shop. The Café will be open you will be able to explore the museum free of charge after dark.

Wednesday 27th November, 5.00 – 8.00 pm

STAR PARTY Herefordshire Astronomical Society provides an afternoon of talks and demonstrations followed by an evening of stargazing inc talks, demonstrations and activities.

Saturday 9th November 2.00 and 6.00 pm £5.00 adult, £2.50 child

Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk Christmas Ice Rink Saturday 23rd November – Monday 6th January

MUSEUMS

Carols by Candlelight A traditional Christmas carol service held in Bringsty Mission Church with seasonal readings.

Please come early, as numbers are limited.

Saturday 21st December 5.00 pm - free admission The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Steampunk at the Commandery Explore the world of Victorian Science Fiction! See displays of strange curiosities, exciting contraptions and fashion & design. Discover fantastic tales of a curious steam powered world.

Goggles, pocket watches, corsets, mad scientists, contraptions, top hats and airships!

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November Winter Solstice Celebration A solstice celebration at the Commandery and Fort Royal Park. The evening transcends into Tudor merrymaking with music, dance and sixteenth century Christmas customs.

Saturday 21st December 5.30 - 9.00 pm Booking essential.

The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH 01905 333224, www.elgarmuseum.org Christmas Crafts Workshop Create a card, a special decoration for your tree using materials recycled from Elgar’s garden or try your hand at the unique craft of tatting. Crafts for all ages!

Sunday 15th December 2.00 – 4.30 pm £2.00

November – December 2013

ATTRACTIONS Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6HY 01600 3331181, www.english-heritage.org.uk Carols by Candlelight Enjoy Christmas carols in the atmospheric setting of Goodrich Castle.

Friday 13th December 7.00 – 9.00 pm

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

SPONSOR A DORMOUSE Dormice need nesting sites to use once they come out of hibernation. Help to increase these sites by sponsoring a dormouse box then come along a learn about these little creatures as rangers put the boxes out.

Sunday 10th November 12.00 – 3.00 pm £25.00 per box Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 PREPARE FOR A MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS Travel back in time with Sir John Savile’s Household as they

prepare for medieval festivities in and around the manor house with costume, music, food and traditional crafts.

Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm BROCKHAMPTON BY CANDLELIGHT Soak up the atmosphere of the manor house dressed for a medieval Christmas and experience the rooms lit only by candlelight. Enjoy a festive menu in the tea-room, seasonal gifts in the shop.

Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm CAROLS AT BROCKHAMPTON Get into the Christmas spirit with traditional carols in the manor house.

Sunday 22nd December 12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 CAROLS AT CROOME The Malvern Hills Singers return for concerts in the beautiful church. Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th December 3.00 pm.

Adult £10.00, Child £5.00, Family £25.00 with hot drink and mince pie.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS LETTERBOX TRAIL Take on the 12 Days of Christmas Family Letterbox Trail around the garden every day. Prize included.

Saturday 30th November – Sunday 22nd December 10.00 am - 4.00 pm £1.00 per trail

Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Christmas Fair A Christmas Fair in the beautifully decorated Castle with a wide range of gifts from local craftspeople for all the family. Mince pies and mulled wine available.

Friday 6th – Sunday 8th December £3.50 adult, £1.50 child

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct.org.uk NEARLY NEW SALES Kidderminster NCT Saturday 23rd November 11.00 am – 12.00 midday at St Chad’s Church, Burcher Green, Kidderminster, DY10 3AY Tel: 0844 243 6178 or email: kidderminsternct@hotmail.co.uk Malvern Hills NCT Christmas Fair and Nearly New Toy Sale on Saturday 23rd November 10.30 am - 12.00 noon at Malvern St James The Dome, Imperial Rd, Great Malvern WR14 3BA Tel: 0844 243 6201 or email: malvernnct-nns@hotmail.com

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

19 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On CHRISTMAS AT CROOME Experience the magic of Christmas at Croome with every weekend before Christmas packed full of things to see and do. Croome Court will be decorated splendidly for the season with roaring log fires...

Saturday 30th November - Sunday 22nd December CAROLS AT CROOME Welcome the arrival of Christmas with “The Hills Singers” from Malvern. Includes free entry to Croome before your concert, a warming mince pie, delicious hot punch and even a Christmas present for children!

Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th December 3.00 - 4.00 pm Adult £10.00, Child £5.00, Family £25.00 Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 A TRADITIONAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS See Hanbury Hall decorated for a traditional family Christmas and marvel at the Christmas tree. Enjoy festive food in the tea-room including delicious hot turkey baguette or a full Christmas lunch.

Between Saturday 7th – Sunday 22nd December

SPECIAL EVENTS, DAYS OUT AND FESTIVALS “Making 2014 your best year yet”

TRADITIONAL CAROL CONCERTS Traditional concerts in the main hall with a local choir, enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st December £14.50

The Region’s largest business seminar, networking and expo event is held on on Wednesday 20th November 6.00 - 8.30/9.00 pm. Booking closes midnight on Sunday 17th November on www.thebestof.co.uk/droitwich.

Come as a guest to this FREE seminar and pick up great ideas to take away.

Greyfriars’ House and Garden, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 23571

Come and find out how new materials are changing our lives at this superb double-bill featuring scientist / television broadcasters Dr Jonathan Hare and Professor Mark Miodownik. Saturday 9th November 10.30 am £5.54 www.festival-innovation.com

CANDLELIT GREYFRIARS Escape from the crowds of the Victorian Worcester Christmas Fayre by enjoying Greyfriars in the evening by candle-light.

Thursday 28th – Friday 29th November 6.00 pm CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Christmas crafts available every Saturday during December.

Saturdays 7th, 14th and 21st December 1.00 – 5.00 pm GREYFRIARS’ CHRISTMAS Come and see the house decorated for Christmas and have a go at making your own decorations.

Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st December 1.00 – 5.00 pm

Visit our website www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk for a lot more things to do and places to see in the Hereford and Worcester area over the Christmas period. Register to taylor your postcode to your area.

Malvern Festival of Innovation Family Show

Rush Farm Christmas Fayre Free event to support Stockwood Community Benefit Support at Rush Farm, Stockwood, Nr Inkberrow, B96 6SX featuring live reindeer, craft stalls in the Christmas marquee, face painting, bouncy castle, carol singing. Sunday 1st December 11.00 am – 5.00 pm www.stockwoodcbs.org

CHARITY EVENTS St Richard’s Hospice Lights of Love Lights of Love is an opportunity to dedicate a light for a donation of your choice on the St Richard’s Hospice Christmas tree, Deansway, Worcester in memory of a loved one.

There are four Lights of Love services which take place in Worcester Cathedral on Friday, 15th November at 3pm and 7pm. After the evening service the congregation will take a short walk by candle light to the tree at St Andrew’s Spire for the switching on ceremony. Refreshments in the Guildhall.

Alternatively at The Sacred Heart Church, Droitwich on Wednesday, 27th November at 6pm or The Priory, Malvern on Tuesday, 3rd December at 6pm. www.strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove or call 01905 763963.

New Hope Charity Event A black tie charity event on Saturday 23rd November at St Andrew’s House Hotel, Droitwich to raise funds for New Hope. 7.00 pm Tickets in advance at www.newhopeworcester.co.uk

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

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Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2013