Families Hereford and Worcester

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years Issue No 30 November/December 2014

Families Hereford & Worcester is for Sale See page 3

Picture courtesy of Š Charlotte Arliss at Arliss Photography – www.arlissphotography.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

News & Views

Editor’s Letter

Personalised Handprint Cards & Pictures

Dear readers This issue is about all things festive including an extensive local Where’s Santa listing, loads of great places to visit and some entertaining activities for the 24 days of Advent to keep the children occupied.

Inspired by my 3 year old and a love of beautifully designed cards, I create personalised greeting cards and pictures to a professional standard.

Each card and picture is unique to you as it incorporates your child’s handprint into the design. Personalise with your own wording to suit any occasion.

A framed picture is the perfect gift for someone you love this Christmas. Or why not choose Christmas cards with a difference!

At Warwick Castle

Please contact the venue or venues (of course there’s no limit to the amount of times you can go and see him before the big day!) 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 our website www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk If you would like to advertise your business in the Jan/Feb 2015 issue of Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 44,000 parents then call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk. We offer free advice and a free design service. Copy deadline is Friday 5th December.

Have a peaceful family Christmas and a well deserved break.

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

In this issue 02 Editor’s Letter 02 News & Views 04 Ed’s Reading Room 05 Education 08 Where’s Santa?

12 Start a new family tradition 13 Christmas Gift Guide 14 What’s On

Next issue: Jan/Feb 2015, Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 5th December Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

All content Copyright 2014 Families Hereford and Worcester Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, preschools, 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 Front Cover: Charlotte Arliss at Arliss Photography – www.arlissphotography.co.uk

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Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

For ideas and designs please visit www.handsmadewithlove.com

Q POOTLE 5 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: POOTLE ALL THE WAY! Spark your child’s imagination this Christmas and pick-up your copy of the Q Pootle 5 Christmas Special: Pootle All The Way! as it flies onto DVD on 17 November 2014. Packed with special features including: Q Pootle 5: From Page to Screen and ‘Okidoki Karaoke’ and a special poster insert, there is something for everyone.

In addition to the DVD release, Q Pootle 5 puzzles and games – including a 35 piece puzzle, 4in1 shaped puzzle and giant playing cards – from Jumbo are available now. Two brand new picture books from Walker Books and a special Q Pootle 5 magazine from Egmont Publishing, will arrive in-stores this November.

Brand new Tots Play Lickey classes are starting on 4 November I live in Bromsgrove with my partner Alex, and our 14 month old daughter Charlotte. Before my daughter was born I was an IT Manager for a large food retailer, working long hours, and often away from home. But that all changed with the arrival of my daughter. As a new mum I quickly adapted to the feeding, changing and no sleep routine. But when Charlotte was awake I didn’t really know how to play with her; they don’t teach you that at antenatal! So I attended many classes for parents and babies in the early days and found them invaluable, especially as a way of meeting other new mummies.

Becoming a mum changed my life completely and I wanted to be able to spend more time with Charlotte and be there for the all important moments of her development. So when the opportunity to run my own Tots Play classes came about I knew that I could have the work life balance I craved.

We both loved the Tots Play classes we attended, with its mixture of baby massage, yoga, sign language and sensory play. It meant we didn’t have to pick just one. We had lots of fun, and also used the ideas we learnt at home. These classes have helped Charlotte develop into a very happy, bright, confident and social little girl.

I am very excited to bring Tots Play to Lickey, Cofton Hackett, Barnt Green and Rubery parents and babies. Not only do I get to spend more time with my family, but I get to share the fun and development that I know works with other families.

Classes will take place on Tuesday mornings at Lickey Parish Hall (Trinity Centre). For more information or to reserve your place contact Sarah on 01527 880327 or sarah@totsplay.co.uk November – December 2014

News & Views Could you be the next editor of

New home made healthy meal delivery service HomeKitchen is your new local, home-made delivery service.

Lauren James, the local lady behind the business, believes in using the very best of the ingredients on offer in Worcestershire, to deliver you something delicious, honest and wholesome.

HomeKitchen is designed to take the stress away from meal planning, food shopping and cooking, delivering home-made dinners to your door. They use local suppliers, using only free-range meat and eggs and organic as far as possible and cater for all, perfect for families, the elderly or busy individuals. For more information call 07973 284041 or email: food@homekitchenworcester.co.uk www.homekitchenworcester.co.uk

Adoption overhaul Across the UK over 6,000 children are waiting to find an adoptive family, but for 1 in 4 it is likely to remain only a dream.

And for every year a child waits their chances of being adopted reduce by 20%. This year’s National Adoption Week, taking place 2-9 November, hopes to change that so that every child waiting in care finds somewhere they can feel safe and loved. Since its launch in 1997 National Adoption Week has gone from strength to strength, reaching people across the UK who want to know more about adoption and reminding them about the difference adoption can make to a child’s life. 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. www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk

Exciting business opportunity for an organised mum or dad!

Work from home, fit your hours around your family and benefit from owning a wellloved established business.

For more details, call Karen on 01386 791422

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Hereford & Worcester

Would you like to fit work around your children, rather than fit children around work?

Would you like an extra income, OR new, flexible career with full, on going training and support, working part time, from home?

• Are you tired of having to book holiday from work, and await it being approved, to enjoy precious moments with your child at school events, and during the school holidays?

• Do you worry about taking time off work to look after your child when school is closed or they are ill?

If you’re looking for a business that actually fits around your children and current job commitments, with incomes from £200 - £2000+ a month then contact Lucie for further information today on 0781 7491497 or email: ljkkey@btinternet.com.

Dance Classes for Young Children at Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern: Mondays and Fridays 2pm Pre-school Ballet Tuesdays 4pm Grade 1 Ballet Wednesdays 4pm Primary Ballet Saturdays 10.15am Pre-Primary Ballet 11.00am Primary Ballet, 11.45 Grade 1 Ballet

Classes at Bishops Frome Village Centre: Saturdays 10.00am Primary Ballet, 10.30am Grade 1 Ballet, 11.00am Tap and Modern, 11.40am Grade 2 Ballet Many more classes available/Plus Tap and Modern Jazz Telephone 01684 573663 or 07525 057492 or email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk for information and to enrol.

November – December 2014

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

3 Hereford & Worcester

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

Katie’s London Christmas by James Mayhew

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Spaghetti Yeti by Kate Pankhurst (Orion £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Mariella Mystery hopes to become a super sleuth. When Mariella goes on holiday with her family and friends, she’s hoping she will have the chance to practise her powers of detection. Mariella and her friends are thrilled with the campsite, café and ice-cream parlour but they soon decide something strange is afoot when they realise there might be a spaghetti-stealing creature hiding in the woods. Will the Mystery Girls be able to outwit the spaghetti yeti?

(Orchard £11.99) ED SAYS: ‘It’s that time of year when anything can happen – Christmas! Katie and Jack have fallen asleep but are suddenly woken by a loud sneeze. They creep downstairs to see who is there and can’t believe their eyes. But Father Christmas, as well as having a cold, has so much to do. The children offer to help and so set out on a magical sleigh ride across London through swirling snowflakes – finishing with a very special delivery.

‘This is a lovely story with stunning illustrations by this talented writer / artist. It is sure to enthrall young readers and would make a glittering gift for boys or girls.’

‘This is a brilliant story with amazing illustrations throughout. It sparkles with humour from beginning to end.’

Splash Landing by Jan Burchett & Sara Vogler

Diary of Dorkius Maximus in Pompeii by Tim Collins (Buster Books £7.99)

(Orion £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Tom Bright is woken by a strange noise and is greeted by an equally strange sight when he goes into the garden to see what is happening. Tom has no idea what it is but it appears to be a talking animal. It explains that it is a Satnik from Saturn and is on a secret mission to explore Earth. Tom can’t resist helping and so embarks on an exciting adventure with his new friend and pet. But pets from space might just get you into trouble!

ED SAYS: ‘Dorkius loves living in Rome but he has to spend the summer in Pompeii. He thinks it is going to be deadly boring but instead it turns out to be deadly.

While following a trail of clues to work out how to avert danger he meets Decima and together they try to save everyone from the demon on Mount Vesuvius. Will Dorkius’ dream of becoming a Roman hero come true? Will he be able to stay alive that long?

‘Here are two stories in a fantastic new series which will delight young readers reading on their own or reading together. There is laugh out loud fun from start to finish.’

‘This is a hilarious instalment of Dorkius’ diary. The characters are fantastic and show the reader aspects of Roman history as well as bringing excitement and adventure.’

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.

HomeKitchen is your local, home-made delivery service.

We believe in using the very best of the ingredients on offer in Worcestershire, to deliver you something delicious, honest and wholesome.

We are designed to take the stress away from meal planning, food shopping and cooking, delivering home-made dinners to your door.

We cater for all, perfect for families, the elderly or busy individuals.

Phone: 07973284041 email: food@homekitchenworcester.co.uk Website: www.homekitchenworcester.co.uk

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Hereford & Worcester

Tonia Peters

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

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including autism, learning difficulties, 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.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Mobile Fish and Chip Van

Book us for fun exciting party food without the hassle! Perfect for children’s parties.

Offering various party packages to suit your budget and requirements: Traditional Children’s Desserts – Themed Accessories – Special Dietary Requirements.

Please email info@food-genie.co.uk or call Vicky on 01386 834693.

Minimum number 25 children no maximum.

November – December 2014

Education Lucton School Wins National First Aid Championships Lucton School crowned champions at the National First Aid Competition held at York in September.

Cadet Lance Corporal Anna Paterson, Cadet Corporal Henry McNab, Cadet Lance Corporal Jessica Bemand, Cadet Lance Corporal Ellie-Mae Davies-Bufton

Against strong competition, Lucton School’s CCF First Aid Team conducted themselves with poise and purpose in a range of medical scenarios, winning the top place as CCF National First Aid Champions. General Lillywhite presented Lucton School team with the National First place trophy (the shield) and their National First Aid Colours.

The weekend also hosted the national finals for all the military cadets, which included the CCF, the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets (ACF) and the Air Training Corps (ATC). By scoring more points than any other team on the day, Lucton went on to collect the overall National Cadet Team prize, named the London Cup. Lucton’s CCF team had beaten 44 national finalists from across the cadet movement.

Lucton’s Commanding Officer, Major Paul Howl, said, “This was a tremendous achievement, scoring more points than any team, especially when all the teams present had already shown considerable ability by winning through their own regional heats. All four cadet movements make up a total of over 3,000 units!”

Colonel Sharkey, Chairman of the National First Aid panel, congratulated Lucton’s Commanding Officer, Major Paul Howl afterwards and went on to mention his thanks to Lucton as a CCF unit that has completely raised the standards, for all to follow.

Cadets at Lucton receive comprehensive training, ranging from first aid, adventure training to map and compass skills. The overall aim is to develop teamwork, self-reliance, confidence and leadership skills.

Lady Darnley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, is understandably pleased. “As LordLieutenant I much enjoy my involvement with all the County’s Cadet Forces, and I am very impressed by the success of this Lucton School Team. I appreciate that reaching the national finals is a great achievement in itself, and I am really delighted that Lucton has brought both of these national trophies to Herefordshire. Many congratulations to them and to their instructors.” www.luctonschool.org

Bishop Perowne CofE College

World War One in the Words of Worcestershire people Explore the words and mementos of Worcestershire people brought together in public for the first time for a new exhibition featuring letters, diaries, poems and unusual objects. World War One in the Words of Worcestershire people will bring a personal insight into the First World War from 25 October – 14 March 2014 at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.

World War One in the Words of Worcestershire people is part of the Worcestershire World War One Hundred project and funded through Heritage Lottery Fund. This is one of the largest programme of events across England commemorating the First World War. Philippa Tinsley, Senior Curator, Worcester Art Gallery and Museum said “In researching this exhibition we have come across so many moving, personal stories of soldiers at the front and those who waited for them at home. We are so pleased that we are able to bring them together in this way and we hope the exhibition is a fitting tribute to all those who played their part in the Great War.” www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Perowne deputy head, care and guidance, despite the fact that he failed the guide dog screening programme because of a retinal fold. This condition is usually generic and can sometimes affect vision, but is not painful or progressive.

Debbie Thomasson, the nurture base manager, said a lot of research had been done into the benefits of students being with animals, particularly dogs.

Mrs Price said: “We thought ‘what a brilliant idea’ and the school governors agreed, on condition that the dog was of the right temperament to be with the children.

“I started looking at the Labrador/retriever breeders and after a few months found Boris at Putjade, in Kidderminster.

Matthew Holden, Lauren Williams and Demi Powell with Boris

BORIS the retriever has found a new career after failing his eye test to be part of the guide dogs for the blind breeding programme.

The 18 month old dog now loves life at Worcester’s Bishop Perowne CofE College where he spends his days in the nurture base helping youngsters who lack confidence; calming those who are a little emotional and teaching children how to care.

Boris also has a special talent for listening and can often be found sitting patiently with a pupil who is reading to him – a pupil who could otherwise find difficulty in reading to an adult.

Life has turned out pretty well for this loveable canine from Russia since he became part of the family of Jane Price, Bishop November – December 2014

“He was imported from Russia by guide dog and assistance dog breeder Sue Loach. His temperament is second to none, but when he went through the screening process he was found to have a retinal fold, which made him unsuitable for guide work. But he was perfect for us.

“We made him part of our family taking responsibility for his upkeep, insurance etc and he had a trial period at school, in Merriman’s Hill Road, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Now he has become part of daily life there. He just loves the children.

“The retinal fold does not make a difference to him at all – he actually qualified for Crufts before the eye test. He is much-loved by so many, at home and at school. He has improved the emotional wellbeing of many pupils, and what he has done for their reading cannot be underestimated.

“Boris is probably the most loved dog in Worcester.” www.bishopperowne.co.uk/ www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

5 Hereford & Worcester

Schools’ Open Days

Education School

Age

Dates

Contact

BREDON SCHOOL

Co-ed 2-18

Tuesday 18th November 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org

BROMSGROVE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Co-ed 7-13

Saturday 15th November Taster Morning 11+

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Co-ed 13-18

Saturday 8th 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

Thursday 13th November Junior School and Nursery Open Morning 9.30 – 11.30 am Saturday 15th November Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

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

KING’S ST ALBAN’S, WORCESTER

Co-ed 4-11

Saturday 8th November Open Morning 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Saturday 6th December Taster Morning 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

01905 354906 or email ksa@ksw.org.uk

KING’S WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

Saturday 15th November 9.30 am Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 22nd November Taster sessions for 11+ in Mathematics or Drama 10.00 am – 12.30 pm Saturday 6th December Taster sessions for 11+ in DT or Biology 10.00 am – 12.30 pm

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

MALVERN ST JAMES

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

Saturday 12th November Prep Department Open Morning 10.00 am – 1.30 pm

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

RGS SPRINGFIELD

Co-ed 21/2-11

Saturday 8th November 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

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

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

Rare Clouded Leopard cub hand-reared after parents abandoned her.

Meet Nimbus, the Clouded Leopard cub recently born at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Her start in life was a precarious one. Keepers found the cub abandoned and cold on the exhibit floor after her mother rejected her. With an empty belly and looking weak, keepers were forced to intervene and took the decision to hand-rear the vulnerable youngster. Curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, Jamie Craig, took the cub home, where she could be given around the clock supervision and ultimately the best chance of survival.

Jamie (pictured with Nimbus) has hand-reared many different species in his career, but this is the first Clouded Leopard cub he’s raised. As a surrogate parent, he is teaching Nimbus the vital survival skills needed to become an independent Clouded Leopard which will enable her to fully integrate with her own species in the future. The whole Craig family assisted with parental duties, helping the cub to grow in confidence and become the healthy, boisterous youngster she is today. Jamie’s children Niemi (pictured with Nimbus) and Jai lent a helping hand feeding and socialising the cub. Even Niemi’s cuddly toy collection has made its way into Nimbus’ new

temporary home in the Park, after she adopted them as enrichment toys. In fact, it was ten-year-old Niemi who named the cub Nimbus after the well-known rain cloud.

Jamie Craig said: “Nimbus will continue to be hand-reared until she is weaned in a couple of weeks. She will eventually move into her new home, an enclosure adjoining the Park’s Clouded Leopard adults, where she will remain until she is big enough to be safely reintroduced to one of her elder siblings.”

Nimbus is an important bloodline for this rare species and is part of an endangered species breeding programme. The Park is currently researching aspects of Clouded Leopard behaviour using camera traps and keeper observations which will help with future studies of this shy species. Of all the wild cats, Clouded Leopards are arguably one of the most enigmatic. Very little is known about them due to their extreme elusiveness. A study back in 2000 concluded: “Due to their highly secretive nature virtually nothing is known of the Clouded Leopard’s habitats in the wild.”

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) numbers are sadly declining.

Their natural habitat in Southeast Asia is undergoing the world’s fastest deforestation rate since 1990. Being forest dependant, this has had a devastating effect on population numbers. They also continue to be hunted for the illegal wildlife trade. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Clouded Leopards are also listed on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Cotswold Wildlife Park opens its doors at 10am every day†, with last admission at 4.30pm†† †

††

Except Christmas Day 3.30pm during winter months.

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Sytchampton Endowed First School (Primary status from September 2015 offering education from 4 – 11 years)

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. Our future offer means we can continue to feed into the 3 tier system and the Droitwich Middle Schools from September 2015 as well as into the 2 tier secondary system in Worcester or to Stourport High School from September 2017.

Places available in most year groups.

To make an appointment to visit us and meet our Headteacher and friendly staff please telephone us on 01905 620418 or email office@sytchamptonfirst.worcs.sch.uk 6

Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2014

Education Wolverley school opens animal care centre Students who are studying Level 2 in Animal Care at Wolverley CE Secondary School can now have regular hands on experience thanks to the school’s new animal care centre.

Having opened at the end of September, the centre has a wide collection of small indoor species, including rabbits, hamsters, geckos and a baby Royal Python.

On Thursday 16th October, students held a fundraising day in a bid to raise money to expand the centre. During the day, students paid £1 each to wear non-school uniform and took part in other activities, such as meet the animal tours, a cake sale and naming the centre’s new chinchilla and rats. The day raised a grand total of £552.80.

In the future, the school plans to expand the centre to include animal gardens for small outdoor animals and eventually paddocks for larger livestock, giving students more opportunities to enhance their studies.

To get going with the expansion, the school is also appealing to the local community for help. They are looking for donations of building materials, such as, timber, bricks, slabs, wire fencing, cement, nails and screws, as well as pond liner, sleepers, tubes, rocks and grass seed, to help them create suitable enclosures.

November – December 2014

Bryn Thomas, Headteacher at Wolverley CE Secondary School, commented: “Students studying for the Level 2 in Animal Care qualification have ambitions to go on to work with animals in the future, whether that be as vets, nurses, zoo keepers or even animal trainers.

Thanks to our new centre, students are able to experience hands on animal care, helping them learn how to create the different environments needed for the animals and the specific care plans. It has proved extremely popular with all students at the school who have been visiting the centre to see and pet the animals.

“A huge thank you to those in the local community who have helped us to develop the animal care centre by donating cages, equipment and even some of the animals for our students to care for. We would like the animal care centre to be a real community project, so if anyone is able to donate materials to us, or some of their time to help us build the new outdoor enclosures, we would be extremely grateful.”

The Animal care centre at Wolverley CE Secondary School is open to other schools and groups in the region to visit for an educational Animal Encounter session. Schools and groups can contact the school directly for more information.

Those interested in donating materials to Wolverley CE Secondary School’s animal care centre, can contact the school for more information. www.wolverley.worcs.sch.uk/

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

7 Hereford & Worcester

In Worcester, Kidderminster, Stourport on Severn, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Pershore, Evesham, Malvern, Upton on Severn, Hereford, Bromyard.

There are so many fabulous places to see Father Christmas including the Severn Valley Railway, West Midlands Safari Park, Small Breeds Farm Park, Top Barn, All Things Wild, loads of Garden Centres including Evesham Country Park, Littleheath and Webbs, numerous National Trust Properties and loads more.

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.

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Hereford & Worcester

© Abi Campbell Photography

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 1st Dec, weekend visits from Sat 6th Dec and then every day from Fri 19th 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/ Santa’s Grotto (Sat 6th – Sun 7th, Sat 13th – Sun 14th and Sat 20th – Sun 21st Dec) This year visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from the man himself. Then see the mansion decorated for Christmas.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Hereford (Wyevale) Garden Centre, Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 0844 288 5021 Hereford (Country Gardens) Garden Centre, A49 Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8BB 0844 288 5703, www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk Breakfast with Father Christmas and Tea with Father Christmas (Mon 1st – Wed 24th Dec) Choose to have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas and the elves. Children will also be given their very own Christmas tree cookie to decorate.

Christmas Grotto and Winter Wonderland (Sat 8th Nov – Wed 24th Dec) Special features like 3D festive films, elf workshops, and enchanting stories will transport your child into a magical wonderland this Christmas.

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Santa’s Workshop (Sat 6th – Sun 7th, Sat 13th – Sun 14th and Sat 20th – Sun 21st Dec) Santa has stopped off at Croft to make those last minute Christmas gifts. Follow the reindeer trail to find Santa in his workshop and get an early Christmas gift.

Festive Farm, Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8AP 01568 797486/01432 830997, www.dinmore-christmas-trees.co.uk Father Christmas Grotto (every weekend in Dec) Bring along the whole family to enjoy a journey through a magical winter wonderland!

Walk through the castle door to the sights and sounds of a medieval castle and then through the wardrobe – with the fur coats – into Narnia. At the end of your journey you can meet Santa and receive a gift.

November – December 2014

Where’s Santa?

IN WORCESTERSHIRE All Things Wild, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ 01386 833083, www.allthingswild.co.uk Father Christmas Grotto (From the end of Nov) This Christmas, Santa will be visiting All Things Wild again with his elves. Join them from the end of November to see what he has in store. 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 (Sun 7th, Sat 13th- Sun 14th Dec) A traditional Christmas celebration including 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 757900 www.svr.co.uk Santa Steam Specials (All weekends in Dec plus Wed 24th 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 19th and Mon 22nd – Tues 23rd Dec) Journey with Father Christmas from Kidderminster to Highley who will visit all fare paying children on train giving out presents.

Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 1AT 01299 403573 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/museum Santa’s Grotto Browse for Christmas gifts, visit Santa in his magical Wonderland, festive craft activities to make and refreshments. Further details to follow on website.

Little Heath Garden Centre, Lickey End, Bromsgrove, B60 1HY 01527 878174, www.littleheathgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Reindeer (Sat 29th Nov – Tues 23rd Dec) Go and see Santa’s reindeer before they leave for their magical adventure around the world!

Santa’s Grotto (every weekend from Sat 6th Dec plus Mon 22nd – Wed 24th Dec) Bring along your wish list and see Santa in his grotto.

Each child will receive a free sticker set.

The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Commandery Ration Book Christmas (Sat 20th - Sun 21st Dec) Discover what life was like for ordinary hard up Britons during the austere festive season in the Second World War. Enjoy a frugal Wartime Christmas and meet Father Christmas too.

Online Bookings Only

Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold, Droitwich, WR9 0DG 01527 860000 www.webbsdirect.co.uk Christmas Grotto (Sat 15th Nov – Wed 24th Dec) Children can wander through the winter wonderland grotto and see the animated elves in their workshop before meeting Father Christmas. They will then enter the spectacular toy warehouse and choose their own gift.

Don’t forget to mention when you telephone, that you saw their Christmas event featured in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine.

To be featured in future issues, please call Karen on 01386 791422.

November – December 2014

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

9 Hereford & Worcester

Where’s Santa?

Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Santa’s Grotto (Open from 29th November every Sat in Dec). Visit Santa’s Grotto at the Malvern Theatres, open every day to explore our Christmas wonderland and meet the jolly fellow himself every Saturday throughout December. Why not add some extra sparkle to your Christmas this year and check out our spectacular family pantomime Aladdin, see the website for details.

Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury hall/ Visit Father Christmas (All weekends in Dec) Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and take part in festive ‘make and take activities’.

Cob House, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE Tel: 01886 888517, www.cobhouse.org Breakfast with Santa (Sat 13th – Sun 14th, Sat 20th – Wed 24th Dec) and Lunch with Santa (Sat 20th, and Mon 22nd – Tues 23rd Dec) Disney themed Breakfast and Lunch with Santa at the Mayfly Cafe. Meet Olaf the snowman.

FAMILY YOGA Uplifting and inspiring yoga for all the family Mon – Thurs mornings at the Kindle Centre and Belmont Community Centre, Hereford Pregnancy, parent and toddler, parent and adult yoga

Yoga retreat weekend in July 2014

Call Dorothy on 01981 580453 or 07805 051021 to book Email dorothyopentheatre@live.co.uk

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Candlelit Christmas (Sat 6th Dec) 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 13th - Sun 14th and Sat 20th - Sun 21st Dec) Father Christmas is staying in one of the Museum’s historic buildings. Join a search team to help find him but beware of mischievous elves who may try to put you off the trail. Includes a Christmas present. Booking essential.

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croomepark/ Visit Father Christmas (All weekends in Dec) Visit Father Christmas at Croome and receive a present from him. Why not write a letter and post it to the jolly man in red using their post box. Price includes present.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Victorian Christmas Craft Fair (Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov) 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.

Girls Pamper Parties! Age 3+ Princess appearances & Frozen-themed parties.

Dressing up, Nail art, Karaoke, Jewellery & magic wand making, Foot spas, Chocolate fountains & more!! Very competitive prices.

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

www.glitzngiggles.co.uk 07817704933

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Bodenham Arboretum, Wolverley, Kidderminster, DY11 5TB 01562 852444, www.bodenham-arboretum.co.uk Christmas Nativity Trail (Sat 29th Nov – Sun 4th Jan) A trail around the Arboretum where life size wooden characters are set in the Nativity story with live animals ending at the Visitor Centre where there is a “Mother Christmas” grotto for the children. Grotto is only open at weekends.

St Peters Garden Centre, Pear Tree Farm, Norton, Worcester, WR5 2NY 01905 357595, www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Grotto (all weekends from Sat 22nd Nov plus Mon 22nd and Tues 23rd Dec) Meet Santa in his wonderful winter grotto.

Breakfast with Santa (Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov, Sat 6th Dec, Sat 13th – Sun 14th, Sat 20th - Wed 24th Dec) and Tea with Santa (Mon 22nd and Tues 23rd Dec) Children can choose to have breakfast or tea. Price includes meal, gift and personal visit from Santa.

Blooms Worcester Garden Centre, Droitwich Road, Worcester, WR3 7SW 0844 288 5183, www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk Breakfast with Father Christmas and Tea with Father Christmas (Mon 1st – Wed 24th Dec) Choose to have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas and the elves and choose your own present. Children will also be given their own Christmas tree cookie to decorate.

Christmas Grotto and Winter Wonderland (Sat 8th Nov – Wed 24th Dec) Special features like 3D festive films, elf workshops, and enchanting stories will transport your child into a magical wonderland this Christmas.

Evesham Country Park, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 761888, www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk Santa’s Magical Grotto and EVLR Present Hunt (All weekends from Sat 22nd Nov then daily from Thurs 18th –Wed 24th Dec) This enchanted grotto experience takes you into Santa’s HQ where children will create their own piece of art to adorn Santa’s office, then through the winter woodland leading to Santa’s lodge where he will read you a Christmas fairytale. Then children will visit the present room to choose their favourite gift and all parents will receive a delicious homemade mince pie. To finish the magical Christmas experience, every child will stop off at the elves workshop to create a Christmassy craft to take home with them! You can purchase a Combo Ticket which also includes a Festive Train Ride to search for missing presents.

When you are an expectant mother to be, you want to cherish every moment of your pregnancy, birth and the long happy days ahead with your new baby. As a doula, to support you (and your partner) on your journey would be an honour and pleasure, in this, your memorable birthing experience.

www.mumtomumdoulacare.co.uk

078 9688 4515 or email: esparkes@live.co.uk November – December 2014

Where’s Santa?

St. Andrews Town Hotel, St. Andrews Drive, Droitwich, WR9 8AL 01905 779677 www.st-andrewshotel.com Santa’s Sunday Lunches Every Sun from 30th Nov – 28th Dec with a special appearance by Santa.

Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, Worcs, DY13 9SS 01905 620325 www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk Come and meet Santa and Rudolph Jnr (Sat 29th Nov – Tues 23rd Dec) Visit Father Christmas and choose a gift or visit him in his grotto and choose your own gift. You can also meet Rudolph and sit in the sleigh.

Westmead Hotel, Redditch Road, Hopwood, Birmingham, B48 7AL 0121 445 1202 www.westmeadhotel.co.uk Santa Sunday Carvery & Disco (Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st Dec) Enjoy a relaxing Sunday Lunch carvery with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa (Sat 13th Dec) An all you can eat breakfast with a visit from Santa and a little gift.

Top Barn Activity Centre, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH 01905 622223, www.topbarnactivity.co.uk Santa’s Interactive Christmas Story (Opens Mon 1st – Wed 24th Dec) A dramatic retelling of the Nativity featuring a festive cast which links with the KS1 and 2 Primary Curriculum. This also includes crazy golf and festive crafts, roller racers and bouncy castle, climbing and rifle shooting. The whole experience lasts for approx 3 hours and booking is essential.

November – December 2014

Arley Arboretum & Gardens, Upper Arley, Near Bewdley, DY12 1SQ 01299 861368 www.arleyarboretum.co.uk/ Santa visits Arley (every weekend in Dec inc Mon 22nd Dec) Santa is visiting Arley so go and tell Santa all the things you want for Christmas! Free entry to the Arboretum & Gardens for kids in December.

Payment required to see Santa which includes gift bag & digital photo! No booking required.

We are a traditional, familyrun, toy shop and offer a vast range of wooden toys, educational games (including our best seller “Dobble!”) and puzzles for children and adults.

We stock products from Galt, Orchard Toys, WOW, Ravensburger, Pintoy, Le Toy Van, Playmobil, Greenboard Games, Bigjigs Toys and many other brands.

Wise Owl Toys, 5 Charles Street, Worcester WR1 2AQ. Tel/fax 01905 22353 www.wiseowltoys.co.uk

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!

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

© www.mouseabouttown.co.uk

11 Hereford & Worcester

Christmas

this n o i t i d a r t amily f w e n a t r Sta

Christmas

By Sal Jefford, Editor Families North Wales Shropshire Borders

Write a list of different Christmas-themed or special activities Handy tip: Keep a that you can enjoy as a family, and put one activity in each day separate list of which of the advent calendar. You can make them as simple or as activities you’ve put in elaborate as you like – whatever works for you! If your each day, so that you can children are usually tired after school try and keep the refer back to it and swap weekday activities quieter, then you can enjoy the more them around if necessary active ones at the weekend. (helpful if you’ve chosen sledging as an activity If you’re stuck for inspiration we’ve come but it doesn’t Opening the advent calendar and up with some ideas to get you started… snow!). counting down the days until 1. Decorate the Christmas tree Christmas is always exciting for little 2. Make paper snowflakes ones, but for us parents having to either try 3. Bake and decorate gingerbread men and refuse chocolate before school, or defuse the 4. Write a Christmas poem 5. Create a collage with Christmas stickers arguments over whose turn it is today – or both! – can be 6. Go sledging and have a snowball fight less than fun. So why not forgo the chocolate this year, 7. Make salt dough decorations and make a Christmas activity advent calendar instead?

8. Donate some toys to charity 9. Make Christmas wrapping paper (potato-prints onto brown paper) F.A. QUALIFIED COACH To Develop Grass Roots CERTIFIED SPORTS LEVEL 1 & 2 10. Make Christmas cards Football Skills FIRST AIDER YOUTH MODULES • Monday evening Development 11. Colour in Christmas printables (you can find plenty of 1&2 VALID DBS School 6 – 7.30 pm (for novice CERTIFICATE F.A. LICENSED players wishing to gain basic skills free ones online) COACH and awareness) 12. Dance around the living room to Christmas music • NEW Thursday evening ADVANCED Development School 6 – 7.30 pm 13. Make ‘Jingle Bell’ bracelets (thread small bells onto a FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL (for technically able players wishing to develop match play pipe cleaner) WINTER SESSIONS HELD INDOORS FROM 6.00–7.30 PM and awareness) 14. Bake mince pies • At Football Holiday Camps EVERY MONDAY NIGHT – DOLPHIN CENTRE, • For youth teams from FA BROMSGROVE, B60 1AY 15. Visit your local garden centre’s Winter Wonderland affiliated clubs EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT – ST. JOHNS MIDDLE SCHOOL, • School and academy teams 16. Make a Christmas tree (shape green paper into a cone BROMSGROVE, B61 7DH Specialist Training for Children and decorate with pom poms, sequins, etc.)

– available to book AWARDED ‘OUTSTANDING TEACHING’ • Coaching within Nursery and 17. Make handprint baubles for grandparents FOR SESSIONS IN SCHOOLS BY OFSTED Preschool Settings INSPECTOR IN JULY 2013 18. Have a ‘candle-lit’ bubble bath with LED tea-lights or glow• Coaching within Schools from Reception to end of KS2 Jon Newton Tel: 078 1054 2291 sticks (make sure the tea-lights can’t fall into the bath) • Coaching within After School Clubs jon.newton@grassrootsfds.com • Coaching within Out of 19. Go to the library for Christmas books School provision www.grassrootsfds.com 20. Make snowman pictures with cotton wool 21. Turn yourselves into dancing elves at www.jibjab.com 22. Make ‘reindeer food’ (oats, raisins and glitter) 23. Watch ‘The Snowman’ (don’t panic if you haven’t got it on DVD, it’s on Youtube!)

24. Visit a local Christmas festival

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November – December 2014

Animals have all the attributes you can ask for when it comes to nurturing our little ones, they provide the spring board for loving and learning from interaction to sounds to counting and role play. This family-run business has a great range of animal toys and the best full time toy testers and advisors, their little boys. All topped off with a range of gorgeous, soft, touch and feel fabrics to choose from. £49.95 From 2yrs. www.thetoyanimalcompany.com

Gift Guide

All these toys should be available from your local top shops, unless otherwise stated – if not just ask them.

BRIO Osby horse

Fisher-Price laugh & learn vacuum Push the vacuum along to hear over 30 songs and phrases, press three light-up shape buttons and toggle the on/off switch to activate more. Featuring Smart Stages™ technology, where you can select the stage that’s best for your child.

Suitable for 12 months plus. RRP £24.99

Personalised Puzzle Personalised presents are such a unique gift. They will also be a cherished memorabilia for generations to come. £50. Also personalised bags, stationery, stickers and much more.

Free ship code: JOY from Tinyme.co.uk *Offer ends 04.01.15.

The BabyZoo Sleeptrainer To help children learn when it’s morning and an acceptable time to get up, Momo and Mumbo will open their eyes at a time set by mum and dad, but close them again if the snooze option is chosen. Both analogue and digital clock, jungle sounds are optional!

RRP: £32.00 Age 3 yrs+

Galt sensational sequins Anything that promotes children’s creativity should be top of your shoping list. These craft kits are designed to help young children with their hand-eye coordination and cognitive development. Create decorative pictures to hang on their bedroom wall.

RRP from £5.99, available at www.galttoys.com. From 6 yrs.

November – December 2014

Christmas

Christmas

The Toy Animal Company

Timeless toy brand BRIO celebrates their 130th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, they’ve released its classic pull along horse, the first ever toy it produced and an abiding addition to any toddlers’ stocking this festive season.

RRP £16.99. From birth.

Bizzy Bitz Tremendous developmental and educational benefits, no wonder it has won multiple awards. Create impressive model masterpieces with the easy-to-follow instructions or let your imagination run free and build your own amazing creations. The brightly coloured, versatile pieces give endless opportunities to experiment and explore a world of creative possibilities. Guaranteed to keep your children busy....

Boxes suitable for children from 3 - 11+ yrs. £5 to £50. www.bizzy-bitz.com

First Sewing Kit Stegosaurus Britain’s best loved craft brand Buttonbag has a brilliant selection of craft kits designed to bring out the creative side in everyone, boy or girl. Buttonbag is a British craft brand with a loyal following of fans. All kits are priced between £10 and £20 and contain an assortment of beautiful and contemporary fabrics, wools and trimmings.

RRP £11.95 Ages 4+ www.buttonbag.co.uk

Can’t go wrong with Tractor Ted For your Tractor Ted fans, the long-sleeved pyjama top has a happy Tractor Ted face while the long-legged trousers come with a Tractor Ted print, (pyjamas £18). Tractor Ted DVDs (£8.99) and books (£4.99) cover big machines, looking after animals, the seasons and where our food comes from etc. www.tractorted.co.uk

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13 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

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

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk A Nutcracker Christmas – HOW College A lively, fast-paced magical show that combines the tale of The Nutcracker with the wonder of Christmas time. Wednesday 10th 7.30 pm, Thursday 11th 1.00 and 7.30 pm and Friday 12th December 11.00 am £5.00 adult, £4.00 under 16s Aladdin A terrifically funny pantomime, with some great jokes and one-liners.

Joining Aladdin on his comical adventures are some very colourful characters including Aladdin’s man mad mum, Dame Widow Twankey, his brother Wishee Washee and a couple of inept policemen. Wednesday 17th – Sunday 21st December 7.00 pm plus Sat & Sun matinees 2.00 pm £14.50 £12.00, £45.00 or £41.00 family ticket A Christmas Carol Join Scrooge, as he and his sidekick, Snout the Rat, are whisked off by three ghosts. With songs, dance, and a turkey full of magic, this is one Christmas with a twist Yule never forget. Sunday 28th December 1.30 and 3.30 pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s Santa in Love Have you ever wanted to know a Christmas secret? Or maybe you’d like to know the greatest secret of them all... the one about Santa Claus and the thing he secretly loves best.

You’ll never guess, so if you want to find out then join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. Friday 2nd January 11.30 am and 2.30 pm £8.50 14

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Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Pineapple Poll An amusing classic cartoon brought to life on stage, with the aid of a foot-tapping medley in celebration of 25 years of the Jacqueline Williams School of Dance. Wednesday 19th – Sunday 23rd November 7.30 pm plus Sat & Sun matinees 2.30 pm £12.00 07828 799475 The Nutcracker – Vienna Festival Ballet One of the best-loved ballets performed, this enchanting tale centres on Clara and her nutcracker doll that magically transforms into a princely soldier. Their adventures see the Prince and Clara combat the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy for a wonderful trip to a Kingdom made entirely of sweets. Friday 19th – Saturday 20th December 2.30 (sat only) 7.30 pm £18.00 adult, £13.00 child, £56.00 family Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Snowman – The People’s Orchestra Sunday 7th December 1.30 pm £15.00 adult, £9.00 child, £40.00 family Aladdin Will Aladdin, the poor son of a laundry owner, get to marry the Princess or will his plans be foiled by the evil Abanazar? On hand to help Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring and hindering rather than helping with his hilarious antics is Wishee Washee. The show, with a full supporting cast features lavish sets and costumes and a spectacular CGI flying carpet sequence. Thursday 11th December – Sunday 4th January 2015 Times Vary – see website £10.02-£25.20 November – December 2014

What’s On Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www. norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids aged 4-10 years. Saturday 15th November and Saturday 20th December 2.30 and 4.00 pm £1.50 Scrooge The Musical Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd, Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th November 2.30 (Sats) and 7.30 pm Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Hansel & Gretel This deliciously scary story, crackles with warmth, wit and wonder. Red Earth’s retelling of one of the most popular and powerful of all fairy tales is atmospheric, funny and free-spirited. Saturday 29th November 2.30 pm £8.50, £7.00 The Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www. redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Cinderella A traditional family panto.

Monday 8th December – Sunday 4th January Times differ so check website £17.50 - £14.50 The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Along the way some best-loved and well known nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters lend a hand, so look out for them! Monday 15th – Wednesday 24th December Varying times so check website £8.00, £7.00 concs The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarketthetheatre.com Christmas Past, Christmas Present A Community Choir Christmas Concert to include a wide range of songs and carols as well as a few surprises for you to enjoy. Friday 19th – Saturday 20th December 7.30 pm £10.00 The Rose Theatre, Chester Road North, Broadwaters, Kidderminster, DY10 2RX www.rosetheatre.co.uk Christmas Entertainment A popular Christmas offering with punch and mince pies. Tuesday 16th – Friday 19th December 7.30 pm £11.00, £10.50 concs The Snow Princess Sunday 28th December – Saturday 3rd January 2015

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

Beauty and the Beast A traditional family panto. Monday 1st December – Sunday 4th January Times differ see website £10.95 - £15.95

Candlelit Christmas Night Craft stalls, bands, choirs and mulled wine.

Father Christmas is also expected to visit. Saturday 6th December 7.00 pm £7.00 adults, £5.00 child

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

Carols by Candlelight A traditional Christmas carol service held in Bringsty Mission Church at Avoncroft with seasonal readings read by the Stoke Prior Parish team. Saturday 20th December 5.00 pm Free

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk

The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH 01905 333224, www.elgarmuseum.org

The Wizard of Oz Dorothy Gale of Kansas like so many girls her age, dreams frequently of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away to another world. At the end of the rainbow she finds Munchkinland and much more so follow Dorothy along The Yellow Brick Road and of course the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion and Toto will be with her to help her find The Wizard. Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th November 2.30 (sat) and 7.30 pm £17.00, £16.00 concs, £55.00 family Jack and the Beanstalk A traditional family panto. Friday 28th November – Sunday 4th January Times vary so check website £20.00 - £10.00 The Elves and the Shoemaker Join elves Corky and Peeptoe, as they go on a magical adventure to help poor Shoe Maker, Giotto, recover his fortune.

November – December 2014

A Musical Christmas Discover Magic Lanterns, create your own, and see a wonderful lantern show. Plus traditional Christmas crafts! Saturday 20th December 11.00 am – 4.30 pm Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk 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 3rd December 5.00 – 8.00 pm

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What’s On 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 12th December 7.00 – 9.00 pm 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 5th – Sunday 7th December

EVENTS National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 COMPARING A VICTORIAN AND GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS See the house staff at Berrington Hall prepare for a Victorian Christmas and compare the Georgian era Christmas

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celebrations with those in Victorian times. Saturday 15th November – Sunday 14th December (weekends only) 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 LEDBURY WAITES, MEDIEVAL MUSIC AND DANCE Meet the Medieval Minstrels, listen to their music and try on some armour. Sunday 30th November 11.30 am – 3.30 pm 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 6th – Sunday 7th December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND CRAFTS WEEKENDS Enjoy a spot of festive shopping inside the castle with a selection of local craft sellers. Enjoy carol singing from local choirs and look out for bell ringers over the weekend.

Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th and Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

WARTIME FOOTBALL A commemorative football match marking the Christmas truce that took place in no mans land at Christmas in 1914. Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st December 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 CHRISTMAS OUTDOOR TRAIL Follow the reindeer trail around the park to find their missing sleigh.

Saturday 29th November – Sunday 21st December 10.00 am – 3.00 pm £1.50 per trail with prize CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING FOR CHILDREN Follow the reindeer trail around the park to find their missing sleigh. Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING Huddle round and listen to festive storytelling in the Court. Sessions are for all ages. Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th and Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st December 1.30 – 2.00 and 2.30 – 3.00 pm FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Come along to the annual carol concert in the Church and enjoy a festive drink and mince pie afterwards.

Saturday 13th December 3.00 – 4.00 pm £10.00 adult, £5.00 child, £25.00 family ticket

Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 A GOOD CHRISTMAS BOX A very special, lively and atmospheric Christmas concert, including mulled wine and a mince pie. Saturday 13th December 7.30 – 9.45 pm £14.50 TRADITIONAL CAROL CONCERTS Enjoy traditional carols in the main hall with Gig Caritas, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Friday 19th – Saturday 20th December £14.50 Greyfriars’ House and Garden, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 23571 CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS Escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets with the candle-lit Christmas.

Thursday 27th – Friday 28th November 6.00 – 9.00 pm A VICTORIAN GREYFRIARS’ CHRISTMAS Enjoy a Victorian Christmas brought to life at Greyfriars.

Tuesday 2nd – Saturday 6th and Tuesday 9th - Saturday 13th December 1.00 – 5.00 pm If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section, please email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

November – December 2014