Families Hereford & Worcester Issue 39 May/June 2016

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Issue No 39 May/June 2016

Education Festival Fun Parties Clubs & Classes What’s On

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester

Editor’s Letter

The Queen’s Celebration

Dear readers Spring! What a fabulous season.

And so much happening.

This is the time of year when we see lots of events being organised, when many local schools have their open days and when clubs and classes become more popular. Take a look at our What’s On and Clubs & Classes pages to see listings of local events and activities.

It is also the time of year when the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer allowing the little ones to spend more time outside...Joy! Sport is a great way for them to enjoy the outdoors and, in this issue, we take a look at the benefits that children can get from playing various sports. It is also important to exercise our children’s brains, especially during the long Summer holiday, and we include a feature in this issue that advises parents on how to do this.

Families are encouraged to organise their own street party in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday on 11 June. Running alongside the ‘World’s Biggest Street Party’ on London’s Mall, Oakman Inns and Dr Rob Schafer have launched a website www.ourstreetparty.org, to help people organise their own events to meet their neighbours and allow children to play outside, free from traffic fears. If you are interested in organising your own Street Party or getting involved with one, visit www. ourstreetparty.org where you can sign up to receive a free information pack, join a meeting or call 01442 332 603.

Calling All Aspiring Youngs Writers

So enjoy the season. I know I will!

Diane Clifford.

Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester Tel: 01684 770566 Email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

In this issue

Next issue: July/August, editorial and booking deadline: Monday 6 June

02 News & Views 05 Ed’s Reading Room 06 School Open Days 08 Festivals 10 Clubs and Classes

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12 Children’s Parties 14 What’s On Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & 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.

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Is your child excellent with words? Do they like telling stories?

Or do you want to encourage their creativity? Well it is time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Child and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500 word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. Whether it is an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland and £500 worth of books for their school. Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is June 7th. Enter at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Get Strolling To School

Walk to school as part of the annual Walk To School week, running from 16 to 22 May. Organised by Living Streets and part of National Walking Month in May, it challenges schools and their pupils to walk to school more during the week. This year’s theme is ‘Strider’s Walk in the Wild’ with the walking habits and natural environments of different animal species being explored.

For details: www.livingstreets.org.uk/nwm

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

News & Views

Museums at Night Springtime sees Brockhampton, a Herefordshire National Trust estate, transformed by beautiful blossom. The orchards around the manor house are filled with colour. For the May half-term, the estate is exploring book worms and all things book related with a book worm family trail down on the nature trail (Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June). Families can search for the worms and win a prize! On Monday 30 May a mini second hand bookshop will be open.

Kids to get mini computers This year, every Year Seven child in the UK will get their own BBC Micro:bit. This tiny computer helps children begin to learn code and get used to technology from an early age. There are lots of different applications for this little gadget, from creating a digital watch and using it as a fitness aid to count your steps, to making games or controlling a music player. Around one million children will receive the Micro:bit from the BBC, which is passionate about helping children to both access technology and develop skills that will benefit them in their later lives.

Now in its eighth year, the Museums At Night Festival held on 11 to 14 May offers families the chance to engage with history and culture in a unique and exciting way. During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will open their doors to put on a diverse array of special nighttime events.

As part of the Festival, Avoncroft Museum will host a Bat walk on Friday 13 May. A guided evening walk around Avoncroft’s grounds to see the night-time wildlife. Free post-walk hot chocolate included! To find out more visit: www.avoncroft.org.uk visit

Award-winning tuition maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Redditch 01527 910 222 www.explorelearning.co.uk May - June 2016

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

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.

Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern Ballet Classes for Young Children: Mondays and Fridays 2pm Tuesdays 4pm ages 6-9 Wednesdays 4pm ages 5-7 Saturdays 10.15am ages 5-7 Saturdays 11.15 am ages 6-9

Many other classes for all ages Tap and Modern Dance. Regular Examinations R.A.D. Ballet and I.S.T.D. Tap and Modern Regular Shows.

Telephone 01684 573663 or 07525 057492 or email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk for information and to enrol.

Join Abberley Hall School for their Summer Open Morning on Saturday 7th May at 10.30am. To book your place please contact victoria.beswick@abberleyhall.co.uk space

The Benefits Of Outdoor Learning Just how important is outdoor play and why does it matter?

By Georgina Rodgers Can your child tell you where conkers come from? Decipher a Blue Tit from a Bullfinch? Do they know what leaf will calm a nettle sting? Lost in a world of phones, tablets and technology, our children are playing and learning outside less than ever before. Many of us believe in an idyllic childhood, where our children run around outdoors with their friends digging, exploring and climbing but recent surveys paint a very different story, with one recent government study showing that 12 per cent of children have not visited a natural environment in the previous year and most of our children spending half as much time outside compared to a generation ago. More children are now admitted to hospitals for injuries resulting from falling out of bed, rather than falling out of trees. The reasons for this are complex but include commercialisation of play.

Smarter, healthier and happier children

Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are countless benefits to outdoor play. It’s not only about learning about our natural environments and the creatures and plants that inhabit it; it is about what happens when children are in nature that really counts. Every professional agrees that nature is important to children’s development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. A recent study by the American Medical Association said: “Children will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier, happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play in out-of-doors.”

Being in the natural world allows children to develop their strength and coordination and gain self-confidence. They also have a great need for physical exercise and going to the park or exploring the local woods is a chance to use different muscles to swing, slide, skate, scoot or ride a bike. The Play Strategy for Scotland 2013 says: “Open space Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Boarding & Day School for 2-13 years allows children to be physically active and challenge themselves so they sleep and eat well and form healthy habits that will stay with them for life.”

Abberley Hall School

Let the adventure begin…

Mr Will Lockett, Headmaster e. will.lockett@abberleyhall.co.uk t. 01299 896275 Abberley Hall, Worcestershire WR6 6DD www.abberleyhall.co.uk

There are a number of other benefits, from learning about risk assessment and problem solving to improving their eyesight, with one study showing that just 40 minutes outside a day reduces school children’s chances of becoming shortsighted by 23 per cent. There is also a marked improvement in mental health, which is particularly important given the current rise in rates of mental health problems among young people and a number of studies have also shown a reduction in problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Forest schools and outdoor classrooms Studies have also shown that learning outside the classroom significantly raised standards and improved pupil’s personal, social and emotional development.

So next time you feel you need a boost or your child says they are bored, look to nature, not the iPad. Georgina Rodgers is a journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

Education Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early summer selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website www.EdontheWeb.com.

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Fridays With The Wizards by Jessica Day George (Bloomsbury £5.99)

Independent Day School Boys and Girls aged 2 -18 years

ED SAYS: ‘Celie and friends are safely back home in Castle Glower and they have plenty to do looking after the griffins. When they discover the evil and frightening wizard Arkwright has gone missing they immediately know the importance of finding him. He might well be within the castle walls but it is no easy task tracking him down.

With danger lurking in the secret passageways, wall panels, trapdoors and tapestries, will they win in this race against time?’

How To Capture An Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS:

‘Nate Bannister is the school genius, always creating amazing inventions or solving apparently impossible equations. He is the least likely person for Delphine to befriend but she is fascinated by him – and his talking dog. Nate’s latest initiative is to super-size Proton the cat before making him invisible. With Proton on the loose, everyone in town is in danger. This is a very funny story – the first in a new series.’

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

The Party Club by Anne Fine (Walker Books £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Rosie loves birthday parties – hers and those of her friends. She loves the cakes and candles, the presents and sparkly paper and all the other fun things at party time.

But her friends seem to be having birthday treats instead of parties so Rosie decides to start a party club to encourage a new party trend. Will she be able to tempt everyone to change their minds?’

Polly And The Puffin: The Stormy Day by Jenny Colgan (Little, Brown Books £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘It is a very special day for Polly as her father is coming home on his fishing boat. She tries to pass the time with her puffin friend Neil but she soon discovers how difficult waiting is. When black clouds begin to gather and a storm brews Polly starts to worry but her mother reassures her by telling her about the importance of lighthouses to show sailors and fishermen the safe way home.’

RGS The Grange 7 May 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm 01905 451205 RGS Springfield 14 May 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm 01905 24999 ‘Excellent in All Areas’ ISI Report 2015

Limited Reception Places Available for 2016

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning 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 can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

May - June 2016

Prep School Open Days

Call or visit our website to arrange a visit at your convenience

www.rgsw.org.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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School Open Days Abberley Hall School, Worcestershire Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Saturday 7 May, 10.30am Contact 01299 896275 www.abberleyhall.co.uk

How To Keep Your Active Over The Sum

Bredon School, Cheltenham

Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Tuesday 24 May, 10.00am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org The Downs, Malvern Board and co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Monday 2 May, 9.30am-4.30pm Contact 01684 544100 www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk Hereford Cathedral School, Hereford Day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Friday 20 May, 11.30am (Junior School) Contact 01432 363511 www.herefordcs.com King’s Hawford, Worcester Day co-ed ages 4 – 11 years Saturday 11 June 9.30am-12.30noon Contact 01905 451292 www.ksw.org.uk Malvern St James, Malvern Board All Girls ages 4 - 18 years Saturday 11 June 10.00am Contact 01684 892288 www.malvernstjames.co.uk Moffats, Bewdley Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Monday 2 May, 9.30am-12.30pm Contact 01299 841230 www.moffats.co.uk RGS, Worcester Day co-ed ages 2 – 18 years Saturday 7 May (The Grange - ages 2-11) 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday 14 May (Springfield - ages 2-11) 9.30am-12.30pm Contact 01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk The River School, Worcester Day co-ed ages 3 – 16 years Wednesday 4 May 10.00am Contact 01905 457047 www.riverschool.co.uk Winterfold House, Worcestershire Day co-ed ages 6 weeks – 13 years Saturday 21 May Contact 01562 777234 www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Get outside: Explore the many free activities available

How exciting – the summer holidays are about to start and you are planning for a busy and wonderful break. But how do you ensure that your children not only keep active but also keep their brain in gear over the long holiday?

By Dr Carolyn Shelley There are, of course, many holiday clubs which offer a variety of activities in addition to sports and swimming – but what about those other days? As a parent of three children myself, I know that it is worth planning and having activities up your sleeves – especially if our British weather isn’t quite up to scratch. I am always amazed at children’s innate curiosity and capacity to learn and so engaging children and giving them exciting experiences will really reap rewards. And, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are my top tips to ensure you all have a wonderful holiday.

1. What is your child interested in and fascinated by? The summer is a brilliant time to enable them to explore their passions and embark on a project – it could be related to Science, Nature or History, for example looking for minibeasts and finding out about habitats and life-cycles. A project can involve going to the library to find information books, looking for information on the internet, painting, writing facts – or even creating a PowerPoint (something that children are very adept at). This is a fantastic (and impressive) piece of work to take into school at the beginning of September and wow staff and their classmates alike.

2. You could help your child compile a holiday diary, the important thing to remember here is to ensure it remains a ‘fun’ activity. You don’t need to record every single day; choose the days when something different has happened, or

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

Education

when they have been excited (for example taken a bus, bought a new toy, visited a member of the family, gone to a friend’s house or even visited a special place, perhaps a castle or museum). Collect mementos such as tickets, leaflets and photos to stick in, it makes the diary an exciting activity to complete.

3. Get outside! Hopefully we will have a glorious summer which will be perfect for exploring our wonderful natural world and spending more time outside. In my experience, children love being able to go for a walk in a new area, fly a kite, look for different types of flowers, go rock-pooling, build a den in a forest (or your garden), even a walk to a local park. To make the experience a little different make a picnic together, arrange to meet up with friends, or create a ‘natural’ treasure hunt (finding a certain type of flower, sticks, leaves and feathers).

R EG

Brighter futures are built on firm foundations.

It’s never too early to invest in your child’s future.

7. Have craft days – especially good when the weather is not kind. This could be linked to a theme e.g. dinosaurs or castles, or could be linked to events – for example making a birthday card or present. You do not need to have lots of expensive craft kits, making junk models can keep children busy for ages before even getting to the painting stage.

8. Keep up the reading! This is so important, especially for younger children who are just getting going! Keep it fun, interactive and again look for books you can share together.

Finally have fun and a wonderful summer together!

Dr Carolyn Shelley is headmistress of Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School, Cheltenham.

Independent co-education for ages 4 to 11

ORNIENSIS VIG

Independent co-education in Worcester for ages 4 to 11

ORNIENSIS VIG

IA SCHOLA

4. Pose challenges. Children love new challenges, this can be anything to fit in with your child or your plans, for example, can you ride your bike without stabilisers? Read 10 books and write/draw a review of each one? Learn your times tables, learn to bake a cake or make a meal. They will feel a huge sense of achievement, it can even be a set of challenges for the whole holiday with a particular prize at the end.

6. Play maths games – these can be fun counting games in the car as you go on a journey, or games such as snakes and ladders. You can also buy fun shopping and counting games which will keep your little ones practising their numbers and maths skills without even realising – or you could set up a shop at home using tins from the cupboard.

IA SCHOLA R EG

Child’s Brain mmer Holidays

5. Visits – if you are able to, plan some visits to exciting places or attractions over the holidays. There are many amazing free activities available (for example libraries often have exciting free book related activities over the summer) in addition to the many wonderful museums and landmarks that we have.

These often stimulate lots of further interest and research and could be the basis for a project…and can be a high point for the holiday experience.

King’s Hawford Open Morning Saturday 11 June

9.30am – 12.30pm

Activities throughout the morning We welcome enquiries for entry into Kindergarten and Reception to Year 2 Please telephone: 01905 451292

Confidence in a changing world

Confidence in a changing world

www.ksw.org.uk

www.ksw.org.uk

May - June 2016

hawford@ksw.org.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Festivals

Rock The Summer Away A

Kids love festivals: Take them away for a weekend of music and merriment!

Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a breeze

Packing List

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By Sally J. Hall

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Waterproofs and wellies

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Toiletries in small packs, a hangup sponge bag for the shower.

Toothbrush and paste

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Lots of changes of clothing Warm jumpers and socks

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Sun screen and hats

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A baby carrier

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Torch and batteries

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Phone and charger

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Ear defenders

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Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes

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Insect repellent

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First aid kit

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Comfy clothes Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery

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Small backpacks for all, with a change of clothes, loo paper, wipes. Plus drinks and snacks

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Camera

Families Hereford & Worcester

Introducing your children to all kinds of music can be a great way to give them a lifelong love of everything from folk to classical. Many of the UK’s festivals have plenty to do for the whole family and with some careful planning and by packing a few essentials, you’ll all have a great time.

Where to stay If you have (and know how to put up) a tent, this can be the most cost-effective way of attending a festival, as ticket prices can be high. Check the tent before you go, to ensure it has all its poles and pins. A good ground sheet is a must, as are camp beds or self-inflating air beds. A playpen is great for babies and small children to sleep in at night and play in the day.

Alternatively, other options, from pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees may be provided. Take a look at the festival’s website to see what’s suitable.

If you can’t face roughing it, book a local hotel or bed & breakfast. You’ll have a bolthole should the weather turn nasty and somewhere to wash properly!

Site Map Take time to orient yourself around the site, find where your favourite bands will be and most importantly, check out where the loos and showers are. These can get very busy and there are often long queues.

For small kids, take a travel potty, as kids often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly. Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too.

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

Festivals

At A Festival

7-12 June 2016

Box Office 01242 850270 cheltenhamfestivals.com #cheltscifest

Pushchairs can be tricky to use if the ground is muddy. Carriers are more portable and take up less space...

With small kids, try to camp in the family or quiet areas so that you won’t all be kept awake by people coming back to their tents (in all conditions) through the small hours.

Setting up Car parks can be quite a way from camps, so try to ensure that all gear can be put into a couple of backpacks for you and your partner to carry – and still have a hand free for the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon to transport your stuff, which you can then use to pull the kids around in.

Hands-on science for all ages.

Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/science Charity No 251765. Illustration by Michelle Thompson

What to eat There are usually lots of food stalls but bear in mind they can be pricey.

If you want to do your own cooking, invest in a camp stove.

Easy, one pot meals are best, like soups, stews, rice or pasta, Freeze some home made meals, then just before you leave, put them in a cool box together with drinks and milk.

Take lots of snacks too, in case cooking or queuing for meals takes longer than you think!

Safety Kids should have your name (not theirs) and number on them in case they get separated. Write it on their arm, or buy luggage tags and attach them to their clothes and bags. Talk to them about how to behave should they get lost. Make sure your phone is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.

Dress your kids in bright clothes so you can spot them and take a photo of them each morning, so if they go wandering, you can remember how they were dressed and show others.

Don’t take valuables and keep things you can’t leave behind, such as phone, keys, your purse and credit cards, with you in a day pack all day. Never leave them in your tent.

Fancy dress Many festivals now have a fancy dress parade as part of the fun, so take costumes. Some things can be made on-site at a craft stall. Face paints are great to pack, as are glow sticks and bubbles.

Which festival?

There are plenty of festivals suitable for families all over the UK. Many, however, are right on our door step!

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

May - June 2016

Local Festivals Bromyard Folk Festival. 9 - 11 September www.bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk Cheltenham Music Festival. 1 - 17 July www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music/ Sunshine Music Festival. 26 - 28 August www.uptonfestival.co.uk Lakefest 2016. 11 - 14 August www.lakefest.co.uk Livestock Festival. 28 - 31 July www.livestocklongdon.co.uk Lunar Festival. 3 - 5 June www.lunarfestival.co.uk Nozstock. 22 - 24 July www.nozstock.com Wychwood Music Festival. 3 - 5 June www.wychwoodfestival.com

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes

A Kick Start To

Outdoor sport: A great way to be part of a team

How to get your little ones involved in sports clubs and which outdoor activities to choose from.

By Adrian Warner Most parents agree that getting young children involved in sport from a young age will help them to keep fit and get into the habit of enjoying regular exercise. Sport can also help kids learn important life lessons such as how to deal with winning and losing. It also encourages them to make friends and learn how to be part of a team. Outdoor sports are a great way for children to get some fresh air and have fun with their friends.

But how do you choose which sport is right for your child? It is important for children to get a flavour of a range of sports

Join RugbyTots To See The Benefits Of Sport Rugby is the perfect game for little ones, according to Michael Stevens of RugbyTots Worcester. It is a lively, exciting and competitive game that anyone can enjoy.

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.

Find out more and start your child’s journey today

Evesham 01386 429 429 evesham@stagecoach.co.uk

Redditch 01386 429 429 redditch@stagecoach.co.uk

Worcester Bromsgrove 01926 651159 01926 313660 bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk worcester@stagecoach.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester

It is a great team sport that encourages children – both boys and girls - to socialise, work in groups and learn the importance of co-operation to achieve common aims. With its combination of running, passing and catching, rugby helps children to develop their physical co-ordination and motor skills, especially balance and hand-eye co-ordination.

But there is no need for anxious parents to worry. The junior game is far less physical than the adult variety and at younger ages there are no physical tackles. Nevertheless there is still plenty of opportunity for children to enjoy themselves. Significantly, rugby builds character. It is a game that encourages discipline and respect – it teaches children to follow rules, to take care so as not to hurt each other and to respect everyone. But most of all, rugby is just so much fun! For class details email: michael@rugbytots.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

Clubs and Classes

Outdoor Sports

OPEN DAY FREE TASTER SESSIONS E: redditch.worcester@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01527 62378 Open Days Taking Place At The Following Locations: 1. Emmanuel Church, The Ecumenical Centre, 6 Evesham Walk, Redditch, B97 4EX 2. Countryside Centre, Worcester Woods Country Park, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG 3. Hampton Guide, Scout and Community Hall, Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2PQ

available and decide for themselves which one they prefer. Sport should always be fun, especially for small kids.

Exclusive membership discounts if you book today!

1. Football - There are a number of clubs around the country that offer coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged from five to 11. There is usually a morning or afternoon class where young children are introduced to the basic skills of the sport.

AS SEEN ON

2. Rugby – Firstly, don’t panic: the first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, non-contact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing. The focus here is on developing passing and running skills.

3. Tennis – Children from three years old can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis using smaller courts and nets and with child-sized rackets. Some clubs will also have squash and badminton courts, so your child can try out a range of games with friendly coaches.

4. Hockey – For children, the game will be much gentler than that for adults and sticks and pitches are smaller. Some clubs have a game called “Quicksticks” which is suitable from seven years, which is a four-a-side game that can be played anywhere and uses a bigger ball for safety.

5. Multi-Sports – If you are not sure which sport to choose, look out for multi-sports sessions run by companies or local authorities where kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available in the summer holidays and are a great way for kids to find out what they really like.

Adrian Warner has been a sports journalist for 30 years. He also lectures in Sports Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire.

May - June 2016

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email.

0345 313 0014

michael@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Children’s Parties Animals

Dance and Drama

Animalmania – specialise in animal parties, teddy bear picnics, princess and pamper parties. John or Carla on 01905 757136 www.animal-mania.org Life in the Rainforest – rainforest parties with spiders, insects, snakes, frogs plus school talks. Paul on 01386 49747 www.lifeintherainforest.co.uk Party Ponies provides pony rides for children at your party, fete and other fund raising events. For children 2yrs - 12yrs.

Prices from £120 for 1 hour party with 2 ponies. Individual lessons also available especially for youngsters too young to attend riding schools. £10 for 1/2 hour.

Call Tracey 01527 574199 www.partyponies.co.uk Simply Alpaca Birthday Parties – Get up close to the alpacas to meet and walk them around the “Alpaca Challenge Obstacle Course” or take them for a stroll around the fields. Victoria on 07980 587562 www.simplyalpaca.co.uk Trevor Hill birds and animals – Parties, school talks, shows/fetes with birds of prey, reptiles, small mammals. Trevor on 01885 410768 www.thbirdsandanimals.webs.com

Arts and Crafts Mosaic Parties – a mosaic party to decorate either a coaster, picture frame, trinket box or an edible mosaic option. Janet on 01299 828374 www.mosaicparties.co.uk

Cookery Crafty Cooks – pre-school classes, holiday workshops and parties. Rachel on 01628 476670 www.craftycooks.co.uk/classes/worcester Our Lizzy – vegetarian cookery school and cookery parties inc party bags, cake, tuition, invitations. Lizzy on 01684 892688 www.ourlizzy.com Pizza Express – Kids’ pizza making party www.pizzaexpress.com/parties/kidspizzamaking/ Red Hen Cookery Parties – cookery courses and parties for children and adults with choice of baking or two course meal parties inc party bags and invitations.

Naz on 01905 422997 www.redhencookery.co.uk

Beat Breakerz School of Dance Worcester and Droitwich – is a street dance school offering professional dance training for all ages and abilities. They also offer birthday parties, school workshops and street troupes.

Amie on 01905 29647 or 07715 638711 www.beatbreakerzschoolofdance.co.uk Stagecoach Redditch and Evesham – themed parties for children aged 4-18 and murder mystery parties for 11-16s inc dramatic games, songs and fun. Paula on 01386 429429 www.stagecoach.co.uk/parties

Face Painting and Make Up Funky Faces face painting and My Little Makeover Party – offer a broad range of parties including face painting, nails, make up and craft activities. Jane on 01905 763362 or Jo on 07967 483878. www.funkyfaces.biz Jenny’s Pampering – offer mini makeover parties for children inc nail art, glitter make up, foot spas, hair curled or straightened. Jenny on 07816 484785 www.jennyspampering.co.uk The Daisy Face Company – face painting and glitter tattoos parties inc party bags and photos for boys and girls.

Karole on 07886 317051 www.thedaisyfacecompany.com

Go-Karting Worcester Indoor Karting & Laser Combat – Worcester’s only indoor centre which can be enjoyed by families, individuals and groups. They have junior karts (8-14yr olds) and bigger karts for mums and dads too! Once the racing is over, why not enjoy the 2000 sq ft laser arena? Using lightweight guns and packs, be prepared to avoid the enemy while gaining points and shooting the opposition! With different game modes and shooting options available. Ideal for 5 years and upwards. All safety gear is included and we can provide hot or cold food.

For enquiries and bookings call 01905 352200 www.kartingworcester.co.uk JDR Karting – Choice of Junior and Main Go-kart track party circuits for ages from 4 years upwards and laser tag parties. Party packages available.

Tel 01452 311211 www.jdrkarting.co.uk

Music and Movement Little Giggles – children’s entertainer specialising in popular music and movement parties where children are encouraged to get involved.

Nikki on 07568 061192 www.little-giggles.co.uk

Pyjama Drama – Themed parties for children up to 7 years old full of games, music, movement.

Donna on 01527 908935 www.pyjamadrama.com Noodle Doodles – a mobile party entertainment business that will come to your venue arranging games and activities. Rachael or Hannah on 07718 762030 www.noodledoodles.co.uk

Pottery Eastnor Pottery – A unique, creative and very memorable way for your child and friends to celebrate their birthday to produce ceramic birthday keepsakes.

Jon on 01531 633886 www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Green Frog Pottery – Several different painting pottery party packages including a personalised plate for the birthday child and drinks for each child. Carrie on 01684 561778 www.greenfrogpottery.co.uk Honeybourne Pottery – Mix and match activities to suit the most creative of partygoers. Potter’s wheel, clay modelling and ceramic painting. Annabel or Alan on 01386 830410 www.honeybournepots.co.uk Jets Craft Cafe – Pottery painting, decopatch, enamelling, teddy bear and soap making parties. Sandra on 01527 873866 www.jetspotterypainting.co.uk

Scalextric Phoenix Scalextric – a huge 150 ft track with 6 lanes. Birthday, family parties and special events catered for from age 6 onwards. Jon on 07949 656577 www.phoenixscalextriccircuit.com

Sport Aztec Adventure – A variety of party packages inc kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, raft building, windsurfing and sailing. 01386 860013 www.aztecadventure.co.uk FDC Sport – A variety of activities inc football, gymnastics, bouncy castle, gladiator zone and nerf wars inc prizes, special medal, trophy and award ceremony for party child, invitations. Jamie on 07810 420787 www.fdcsport.co.uk Footiebugs – includes a magical football adventure for younger children, fun party games for all ages and a tournament match and penalty shoot out for older children. 0121 777 7792 www.footiebugs.com KO Sport – delivers birthday parties with a difference.

Coming highly recommended from years of bookings we have fine-tuned our parties to ensure maximum fun for all guests. Incorporating fun filled sports or dance around your child’s favourite TV/book characters or theme is a winning combination. KO Sport can take all

Mon-Sat (holiday time) Wed-Sat (term time) 10am - 5pm 10am - 4pm (Sat 5pm) Closed Sundays | Open until Sat 29th October

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

NEW Indoor Soft Toddler Bouncing Bunnies Toddler Play Area & Exclusive Mornings, 1st Wed of the month (Term Time only) Party Hire Tractor & Pony Rides, Hands on Pet Time, Indoor & Outdoor Play & Picnic Areas, Trampolines, Giant Sandpits, Zip Wire

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780 FREE bag of animal food with this voucher!

12

Families Hereford & Worcester

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.30 – 6.30 pm Tuesday: Woodrush High School, Worcester 6.00 – 7.00 pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30 pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40 pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Special Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am

offer 5 FREE lessons

www.kombatkids.com 01543 473408 / 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

Children’s Parties the worry away by providing invitations, party bags and entertainment and even a sports trophy for the birthday child.

From football to Zumba, goal ball to disco divas, or why not try our new roller disco parties? Whichever one you choose we guarantee your child will have a birthday to remember.

Email enquiries@kosport.co.uk or call on 01905 840396 www.kosport.co.uk Marksman Leisure – Shooting4Fun. Entertainment for most kids aged 7 – 107 for all your shooting entertainment needs. Based in Hanbury, Worcestershire, just a tenminute drive from Junction 5 of the M5.

• Wedding Day • Laser Clay Shooting • Woodland Laser Tag Birthday Parties • Office Parties • Works Parties • Corporate Entertainment • Stag & Hen Parties • After Conference Entertainment • Team Building Events – ½ day and full day programmes available. .

Mark on 01527 575141 or email mark@shooting4fun.co.uk or www.laser-shooting.com or www.shooting4fun.co.uk Rugby Tots A Rugbytots Party is a fantastically fun-filled way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Distinctive and dynamic, the parties follow a slightly different format to their standard Rugbytots classes, with a greater emphasis on play, plus plenty of party games and group participation. For children 2-7 years.

Tel 0845 313 0014 www.rugbytots.co.uk Mr Genie Magic Show – children’s magic show with balloon modelling, puppets, comedy fun and magic. Phil 01562 754824 www. mrgeniechildrensmagic.co.uk Ukidz – party entertainers for children of all ages. Large choice of themed parties inc minecraft, frozen, pirates, princess, cartoon heroes, witches & wizards, teenage, pre-school. 0800 566 8715 www.ukidz.co.uk

Inflatables

Venues & Play All Things Wild, Honeybourne nr Evesham 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk Blackwell Adventure Park, Bromsgrove 0121 445 1285 www.blackwelladventure.co.uk Bowl Xtreme Ltd, Worcester 01905 757475 www.bowlxtreme.co.uk Chessgrove Swim 01527 821978 www.chessgroveswim.co.uk Clives Fruit Farm, Upton on Severn 01684 592664 www.clivesfruitfarm.co.uk Coconut Island, Redditch 01527 529040 www.coconutislandredditch.co.uk Dudley Zoo 0844 474 2272 www.dudleyzoo.org.uk Halo Leisure, Herefordshire 0300 012 1222 www.haloleisure.org.uk Ice Quest, Malvern 01684 575222 www.icequestmalvern.co.uk Imagination Street, Bromsgrove or Redditch 01527 836377 Bromsgrove or 01527 892243 Redditch or www.imaginationstreet.co.uk

Birthday Parties Looking for a no-stress birthday party?

Farm Park entry, great food, trailer tour, bunny petting plus either goat feeding or pig racing.

There’s loads to do including...

• Trailer Tours • Frizbee golf • Pig Racing • Peddle tracto rs • Lots of anim als!

Open everyday: 9am to 5pm (10am to 4pm Sun) Visit our website for activities details.

01905 621 954 www.topbarn.co.uk Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, Worcester WR6 6NH

Shooting Entertainment for ages 7 to 107 Birthday Parties - Kids Parties - Stag Parties Hen Parties - Works Parties - Team Building

Combat Laser Tag - Laser Clay Shooting Real Clay Shooting - Archery & Rifle www.shooting4fun.co.uk

01527-575141

mark@shooting4fun.co.uk

Little Owl Farm Park, Dunhampton 01905 620325 www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk MFA Bowl Worcester – party inc game of bowling, invites, kids meal, juice, party bags, bowling voucher.

0843 290 8928 www.mfabowl.com/ worcester New Bridge Play Barn & Farm Park, Ledbury 01531 670780 www. newbridgeplaybarn.com Oakerwood Leisure 01568 780111 www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk Party Bus Surprise 01527 570093 www.partybussurprise.co.uk Play Planet, Hereford 01432 355777 www.playplanethereford.co.uk

For ForAges Ages5-11 4-11 • Sporty Parties • Dodgeball • Football

• Dance

• Tag Rugby

• Multisports

Parties can be themed e.g.

Minions, Paddington, Minecraft, Adventure Time, Frozen

The Orchard Cafe 01905 766492 www.theorchardcafe.co.uk Top Barn Farm Park, Worcester – Children’s parties held in beautiful surroundings with lots of animals to see.

Mike on 01905 621954 or email shop@topbarn.co.uk www.topbarn.co.uk

Bouncers Castle Hire – bouncy castles for children and adults 01905 339597 www.bouncerscastlehire.co.uk

West Midlands Safari Park 01299 402114 www.wmsp.co.uk Worcester Play Centre 01905 358148 www.worcesterplaycentre.co.uk

Little Softies – several different packages of soft play equipment for hire for babies and young children. 0844 3101419 www.littlesofties.co.uk

Wychavon Leisure. www.wychavonleisure.co.uk

May - June 2016

Top Barn!

Little Acorns, Worcester . 01905 424766 www.worcesterindoorplay.co.uk

BBC Inflatables – with around 100 hire items for children, teens and adults they have the largest range of inflatable fun in Worcestershire.

01905 841902 www.bbcinflatables.co.uk

Worcester Bouncy Castles by Bounce King – selection of bouncy castles, plasma cars, and party bags.

01905 455300 www. worcesterbouncycastles.co.uk

This Summer at

Wyre Forest Sports and Leisure Centres includes www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk Perdiswell and Worcester Swimming Pools www.1life.co.uk 01905 457189 Perdiswell and 01905 20241 Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13

What’s On

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 Greg Foot - CAUTION: Safety Goggles Required!

Fresh from Blue Peter and BBC’s Factomania join TV & YouTube Science Guy Greg Foot for an evening of curious questions and explosive answers. 4 May 7.00 pm £16.00, £13.00 under 16s, £40.00 family ticket The Curious Adventures Of Pinocchio Patrick Lynch from CBeebies pulls all the strings and turns all the pages to bring you the true story of Pinocchio 29 May 2.00 pm £7.00, £5.00 under 16s Flying The Nest: Handmade Theatre A fantastic mix of music, puppetry, facts and fun, this humorous show brings to life native bird characters in a new and engaging way. 19 June 2.00 pm £7.00, £5.00 under 16s Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.co.uk Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids of all ages.

21 May 2.30pm £1.50 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org The Very Magic Flute An imaginative take on the Mozart’s classic for children with beautiful puppets, magical transformations, and fully integrated sign language. 1 June 2.30 pm £7.50, £6.00 (under 16) Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Peppa Pig’s Surprise Peppa Pig, George and their friends are coming to Redditch in a brand new live interactive stage show. 22 - 23 June Wednesday 1.00pm and 4.00pm. Thursday 10.00am and 1.00 pm £17.00, £15.00 and £60.00 family ticket The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Courtyard Family Saturdays Want something different to do with your kids on a Saturday morning?

Live shows, film, workshops, free activities. From Every Saturday. 10.30am. £6.00 Pinocchio Original music and audience participation.

Pinocchio is a mischievous naughty puppet who is easily distracted by the Fox and the Cat and soon forgets what the blue fairy tells him.

7 May 11.00am £6.00

Meadow Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow, and see their stories come to life. 4 June 11.00 am, £6.00 Tiddler Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: ‘Tiddler’, ‘Monkey Puzzle’, ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ and ‘A Squash & A Squeeze’.12 - 13 June Sunday 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Monday 10.00am and 1.00pm £13.00, £11.00, Family £36.00 The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk The Railway Children A family participation musical.

Image Musical Theatre returns with this wonderful adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic. 14 May 11.00 am £9.00, £7.50 A Turn of Fate Join the cast of Happy Steps for a thrilling, fun and lively show. Unknown to each other, twins grow up with two completely different lives, oblivious the other exists.

By a turn of fate, the twins are reunited and share the excitement of the theatre, the Oscars and a new life ahead . This will be an exciting show of ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, drama and street jazz. 23 – 26 June 6.30 pm (Thurs and Fri) 12.30 and 5.30 pm (Sat and Sun) £10.00, £9.00 child

GARDEN CENTRES The Valley, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 41661, www.thevalleyshopping.co.uk Picnic at The Valley A free family event part of The Evesham Festival of Words. Bring your own picnic.

Storytellers and entertainment. Come dressed as a character from a favourite book. 26 June Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk Wychbold Half Term Fun Children can follow a fun quiz trail around the Riverside Gardens and all correct entries will go into a draw to win a prize.

28 May – 5 June 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.

Children’s Fair Rides 28 May – 5 June 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. £1.50 per ride

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

SUPER CAMPS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Museums at Night: Bat Walk A guided evening walk around Avoncroft’s grounds to see our night-time wildlife. Free post-walk hot chocolate included! 13 May £6.00.

Spring Bank Holiday A traditional family fun day featuring animal tales. 30 May Spring Half Term Animal-themed activities suitable for children aged 5 – 12. 31 May – 2 June Windmill sailing See the historic windmill in action as it is sailed by a team of specially trained volunteers.

If the weather is not suitable, volunteers will be available to show visitors around inside the Windmill, in small groups. 5 June Gorgeous Georgians 18 & 19 June Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Teddy Bear’s Picnic If you go down to the mill today you will enjoy a teddy bear trail in the grounds. Plus craft activities and songs and games. Don’t forget your teddy, and your picnic! 1 July 10.30 am – 11.30am followed by a picnic. Adults plus accompanying children £4.00. Additional children £2.00.

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Let’s Rock Join in the ‘Building Stones Roadshow’ and revel in rock and stone activities. Make clay dinosaurs and snake mobiles, meet Vernon the life size Velociraptor and follow the ‘building stones’ trail.

30 May 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. £5.00, £2.00. £13.00 familiy.

Let’s Rock - Craft Activities Enjoy craft activities exploring dinosaurs and fossils and follow the ‘building stones’ trail. 31 May -2 June 10.30 am-4.00 pm £5.00, £2.00 concessions. £13.00 family.

Father’s Day All Dad’s admitted free 19 June 11.00am - 5.00pm.

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Chilli Festival Now in its 5th year! Stalls selling everything chilli - chutneys, chocolate, cakes, wine, plants and more. Cookery demonstrations with local chefs, Children’s cookery school, live music and famous Chilli eating competition. 1 - 2 May 11.00 am – 5.30 pm Vintage Family Fun Day A nostalgic family fun day.

Line up of impressive Steam Engines, Tea Tent, Giant Garden Games, model steam engine rides, vintage carousel, chair swing and more! 11.00am 29 – 30 May

Knights School Medieval mayhem & junior jousting The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active for the children. 5 June in body and mind. Super Camps give children the opportunity to do just that, with a Peter Pan Treat Dad to a great day out with range of camps and courses to suit everyone. The camps are full of great new Chapterhouse Theatre Company presenting the activities for 2016, with a guarantee of water activities at all camps during the summer. unforgettable story of Peter Pan the boy who wouldn’t grow up. 19 June You can also rest assured knowing that your children are receiving the best care, having received yet another 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2016. Camps run from 8am Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 – 6pm for ages 4-14. Call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk.

6NW 01684 584900, www.threecounties.co.uk What’s On at Malvern College with Super Camps RHS Malvern Spring Festival The Spring Festival brings together inspirational ideas, practical tips and a 18 July to 26 August - Multi-Activity course fantastic day out plus loads for children including 25 July to 5 August - A Passion For Super Science school gardens challenge. 5 – 8 May 1 August to 5 August & 15 August to 19 August - The Great Super Camps Bake Off Royal Three Counties Show A jam packed day of 8 August to 19 September - RAW Adventure family entertainment and fun in celebration of our 8 August to 12 August - The Great British Takeaway great British farming world and countryside.

15 August to 26 August - Super Camps A Passion For Arts & Crafts 17 – 19 June 14

Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016

What’s On

Please mention you saw the event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

A Very Victorian Day Out The best of British fun and historical high-jinx with a great mix of fun and games for all.

Victorian toys and games aplenty. 29 – 30 May 11.00 am – 5.00pm

NATIONAL TRUST EVENTS Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 Designer’s apprentice trail Imagine you’re Capability Brown’s apprentice and you have been tasked to assist his final landscape design at Berrington.

Follow the family trail to become Brown’s apprentice and collect a prize at the end. 28 May – 5 June 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Lace Wars Join Berrington as Lace Wars sets up camp, with authentic weaponry, daily drills, displays and gun powder galore. 18h – 19 June 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, near Bromyard, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 488099 Bookworm trail Brockhampton bookworms are wriggling all over the place. Find the worms, complete the trail and win a prize. 28 May – 5 June 11.00 am – 5.00 pm Family fun run Celebrate Father’s Day with a fun run for the whole family around the great outdoors at Brockhampton. 19 June 9.00am – 12.00pm Ledbury Waytes Living history group the Ledbury Waites bring their distinctive interpretation of history alive at Brockhampton. Step back into medieval times and see how the ladies and gentlemen lived. 25 - 26 June 11.00 am – 3.00pm Croome Park. near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 Ugly bug bingo trail Discover what Bugs are lurking in the undergrowth at Croome, mark off each one and a full house means Bingo and a prize. 28 May – 5 June 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Hold a scary beast Be brave and hold a cockroach, spider or even a snake!

Great time to tick this off your “50 Things ...” list. Crafts available too.

28 May 11.00am – 3.00pm Birds of prey display Part of your “50 Things ... “activities, watch birds of prey as they take flight and perform for you.

Plus crafts in the activity cabin. 29 May 11.00am – 3.00pm Teddy bear zipwire Make a cape for your teddy and watch him fly down the house to the crash zone below. 3 June 11.00am – 4.00pm May - June 2016

SPECIAL EVENTS Hay Festival and Hay Fever, Hay on-Wye A ten day literary festival including children having the chance to meet and talk to their favourite writers and take part in workshops to create wonderful memories and develop new skills in imaginative thinking and self expression.

26 May – 5 June www.hayfestival.com

THE UK’S NO.1

FROM

£30 PER DAY

HOLIDAY FUN!

Queenswood 80th Birthday Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the gift of the country park and arboretum at Queenswood to the people of Herefordshire.

The day will include guided walks, children’s play activities and stalls exhibiting woodland crafts. 21 May

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 6PM

WITH ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 4 - 14

01235 467300 • WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK

www.herefordshirewt.org Asparafest Music & Food Festival, Evesham Family fun, Workshops, Demonstrations, Exhibitors and more! 4 and 5 June www.asparafest.co.uk

© National Trust Images/National Trust/896153. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcester, WR6 6JT 01905 726311, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Upton Jazz Festival Family friendly festival. Children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult.

Prices vary so please visit website.

23 – 26 June www.uptonjazz.co.uk Throckmorton Airshow The UK’s largest Emergency Services and Military show supporting various charities. Pre-paid tickets have to be purchased to ensure admission. 11 June www.throckmortonairshow.co.uk Rock and Roll Party in the Park, Riverside, Stourport, DY13 8UJ A celebration of Rock and Roll music featuring a D.J., live bands and dance throughout the day plus children’s rides.

Free admission.

5 June 11.00 am – 6.00 pm. www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk Celebrate Summer Party in The Park, Brinton Park, Stourport, DY11 6QT Come on down to Brinton Park for a great afternoon and evening of entertainment! Proms in the park, food and drink stalls, children’s rides and trade stalls. 21 June 2.30 – 9.00pm 01562 732975, email amy.smith@wyreforestdc.gov.uk Family Fun Open Day, The Coach House, Main Road, Ombersley, Droitwich, WR9 0EW Cakes, food, face painting, tombola, games, music, jewellery making, H&W Fire Service plus Henry Sandon from BBC Antiques Roadshow will be here to support a mini Antiques Roadshow! You are invited to bring ceramics along to value while he delights you with witty anecdotes from a lifetime’s experience.

So, now’s your chance to have an expert opinion on your pottery and china.

17 May 12.00 midday – 4.00 pm www.alzheimers.org.uk

Brockhampton Estate

Bookworm Trail Sat 28 May - Sun 5 Jun, 11am - 5pm

Down on the nature trail Brockhampton bookworms are wriggling all over the place. Find the worms, complete the trail and win a prize. £2 per trail

Bank Holiday Book Sale Mon 30 May, 11am - 5pm

For one day only our small but perfectly formed bookshop is expanding with a giant book sale. Focusing on Children's books and other treats from the bookshop. Browse the books and let your inner bookworm explore!

books and bookworms

01885 482077 nationaltrust.org.uk/brockhampton

Visit Eastnor /EastnorCastle

@EastnorCastle

#EastnorChilliFestival

Chilli Festival

Sun 1st to Mon 2nd May Pre-booking is highly recommended as tickets are limited. Please see our website for details.

#VintageEastnor

VINTAGE EA ST N OR Sun 29th to Mon 30th May eastnorcastle.com

Buy fast-track

tickets online

Don’t forget to mention that you saw the event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine. Please call 01684 770566 to book advertising space

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

15

Don’t forget to say you saw these advertisements in the Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

THE UK’s NO.1 FOREST ADVENTURE at Forest of Dean, Wyre Forest & Cannock Forest

Bookor caallt08g45o09a4p97e46.cquoot.ue FAkM666 †

*Offer valid until 30.11.16, excluding Saturdays, bank holidays and Corporate Events. Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Forest of Dean, Wyre Forest & Cannock Forest. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.

16

Families Hereford & Worcester

10

% OFF

PER PERSON*

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

May - June 2016