Families Hereford & Worcester July/August 2017 issue 39

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Hereford & Worcester

Issue 46 July/August 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Holiday Activities . Education . What’s On Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester

Editor’s Letter Dear readers Make sure you seize the summer! Six long weeks of school holidays beckon and you will doubtless be looking for days out, things to do, clubs and classes, and all manner of activities and diversions in order to keep your little darlings happy and busy. There's lots going on in and around our region during the holiday – be sure to check out our What's On section. Of course, not everything costs money and some of the greatest summertime fun - from hiking to home cinema and from picnics to painting - can be had for free, as we find out on page 10. Which brings me to my favourite activity idea for the holidays: making frozen yoghurt covered strawberries – dip inside to find out how... Yum! We will return in September with our Back To School issue. Enjoy!

Diane Clifford. Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester 01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW

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www.familiesonline.co.uk Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & 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 & Worcester is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ.

A Festival Of Fun For the City With workshops, music, crafts, quiz trails and even a village style fête, the Worcester Festival has dozens of great ways for families to spend their summer days in the city. This year's Festival kicks off on Saturday 12 August and runs right through to the August bank holiday on Monday 28 August, with events and activities happening all over the city every single day.

There is a host of great ideas for keeping the whole family entertained, and many of the events are completely free. There will also be live music on the High Street on each of the three Saturdays, and, as always, the Festival will come to an end with a bang with the St Richard’s Hospice Fireworks, a fantastic finale to the fortnight's celebrations with entertainment down on South Quay from 9pm before the display at 10pm.

Visit www.worcesterfestival.co.uk to find out more!

Kids Get Active At Hartlebury There is a packed programme of fun family activities planned at the County Museum inside historic Hartlebury Castle this summer. Activities take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout August and each day will include a themed trail, craft activities and interactive fun. Every week is different so families can enjoy a great day out more than once! Week 1 is Battles and Sieges, Week 2 is Nature Rangers, Week 3 is Creative Construction, Week 4 is Space and Week 5 is Storytime. On the Bank Holiday Monday there will also be a big Storytime themed event where children join in our interactive storytelling sessionsc. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Six Weeks Of Summer Fun At Eastnor

The summer holidays are set to be fun-packed at Eastnor Castle as they roll out their summer programme which will include several brand new events, as well as popular family favourites, to keep everyone entertained. Eastnor Castle will be open every Sunday through to Thursday from 23 July until 31 August, with an event included in the entrance price on every open day. Activities will include some popular events from last year such as the Dinosaur Show and Bounce & Boing. The Dinosaur Show was a huge hit last year and saw a life-like walking, roaring T-Rex on the Lower Terrace. www.eastnorcastle.com 2

Families Hereford & Worcester

Don’t be sacred! Life-like T-Rex at Eastnor Castle

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July - August 2017

News & Views Seize The Summer: This summer Explore Learning are offering all readers a free trial of their summer workshops at their centre in Redditch. To book a free trial call 030 3003 4006 and quote Families Hereford & Worcester magazine. www.explorelearning.co.uk

Clubs And Classes News

Enjoy a host of events at mac Birmingham

Open 364 days a year, mac Birmingham is a contemporary arts centre and charity, set in the magnificent surroundings of Cannon Hill Park. With over one million visits a year it is the liveliest arts centre in the Midlands.

This summer from 24 July to 3 September families can enjoy a host of events, courses and activities both inside and out throughout the six week holidays. Inside - children can enjoy one day courses including performance, digital media plus arts and crafts. In addition, mac Camps offer extended courses over 4-5 days, enabling children to further develop their creative skills and includes musical theatre, animation and dance. Young film buffs can also enjoy an increased selection of summer films in mac’s cinema.

Outside in mac’s outdoor amphitheatre – families can enjoy circus, comedy, cinema and theatre performances. With the help of mac’s generous funders the People’s Postcode Lottery, children and young people can experience a selection of £3.50 shows while enjoying the sunshine!

To find out more visit www.macbirmingham.co.uk or call the friendly Sales and Information Team on 0121 446 3237.

All Sorts Of Perfromng Arts: Join the summer fun with All Sorts Of Performing Arts. The theatre school is offering fun One Day Workshops across Worcester on various days from 24 July - 2 August. 10am-3pm. Students will learn street dance, drama, cheer dance, stage craft arts, musical theatre and lots more. There will also be an exciting fun packed performing arts week where students will learn and be given the opportunity to perform in costumes in six pieces with an end of week performance. 31 July-4 August.

For more details: www.allsortsofpa.co.uk or call 01905 726727.

Football Fun Holiday Camps: Football Fun Holiday Camps offer two types of camps for both boys and girls aged 5-13 years during the school holidays - Football and Multi Sports. The Football Fun camp is an established holiday camp, with the emphasis on children having fun whilst putting their footballing abilities to the test. All staff are FA qualified, have attended First Aid and Child Protection courses and hold a current DBS. During the Multi Sports camp children are able to try a wide range of Sports including basketball, athletics, kwik cricket, tag rugby, indoor tennis plus other fun activities. The next camps are running during the summer from 24 July to 1 September. Hollymount Primary School, Hollymount Road, Worcester, WR4 9SG. To book a place call Andy Beeston on 07482189980 or email: footballfuncamps@gmail.com

FREE bag of animal food with this voucher!

Re-Opens 5th April

Next issue: September/October Back To School issue Booking deadline: Friday 4 August July - August 2017

‘Easter at the Farm’ Lamb Bottle Feeding & Treasure Hunt.

NEW Soft Play, Pony Rides, Tractor Rides, Giant Sandpit, Play Barn, Friendly Animals, and much more!

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Near Ledbury, HR8 2QG

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

01531 670780

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Education

Making The Move To Big School - How Much To Help And How Much To Let Go Parental anxiety is normal at the time your child moves from primary to secondary school. During the primary school years, it is fairly easy to support your child at school. You will probably know their teacher and parents, as well as being familiar with school policies and routines.

Losing the control this familiarity offers is as daunting for parents as it is for children.

You may also worry specifically about your child’s ability to cope with the new environment and, crucially, whether he or she will make friends.

Attending secondary school IS a big leap up for a child – the children are older and bigger and it is challenging for children to get used to moving from classroom to classroom for different specialist lessons in a building which is usually much larger than primary school. They will be treated by teachers as much more independent individuals, expected to remember more complex school routines, with less assistance managing them.

Never fear though – your child may be much more ready for this than you expect and your anxieties may be eased by adopting strategies that help with the transition. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and manage the early months:

Support the development of friendships. Mixing socially and establishing secure friendships is of great importance to older children. It is appropriate for this age group to have access to a mobile phone and computer to communicate with friends but the dangers of social networking should be discussed and boundaries agreed.

Support organisation and routines. Create “To Do” lists or “Timetables” for the fridge, agree places to keep bags, kit, and Before the transition: books. Label uniform and valuables. Establish routines so they can get to school punctually. Don’t expect too much too soon, Shield your child from your anxiety. They can make this transition. Critically, they need to know that you believe in them many won’t crack this for years! and in their ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.

Understand what homework they have and know when it has been completed and handed in. Agree a routine that will help If your child will walk to school or travel independently on your child to complete and hand in all homework on time, public transport, practice the new journey. Start by travelling without devoting too much time to one piece and little or together. Then move to simply following behind your child. nothing to others. However, remember it is their homework Finally, let him do it alone and meet him there. Travel at busy not yours; help, encourage, motivate but accept their best. times. Allow your child to make mistakes and find solutions.

After the transition: Be there. Make sure a parent or trusted carer is available before and after school, to provide food, notice if your child comes in late, listen to their successes and concerns and be aware of subtle changes in mood; be someone to empathise and to discuss problems with. Help out if asked but do not take over.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Schedule time to relax. Your child will be exhausted by the effort of holding it all together. Tears are likely over the most trivial things and they may regress and demand more care. Trust that they can cope and make sure there is time for sleep, friends, homework, more sleep, watching TV, playing computer games and yet more sleep!

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August 2017

Education

Make Sure You Seize The Summer

Read, read and read some more A study by Oxford University Press showed that just 10 minutes of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 minutes in. We will be Start a blog uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading.

Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog. Give your Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures download your first activity! as these are a great tool to help children who find writing Play some games tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this picture to get their creativity flowing. as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving Have a movie night memory skills. Need some new games? Have a scavenger hunt Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching in local charity shops to see who can find the best game.

TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a Tuition book that has been made into a film that your child wants to To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting can read the book together before enjoying the film. children to do work at home and get them along to a centre Send a postcard where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and english sessions as well as a whole Let your friends and family know what you have been up to range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays. The with a postcard. They are a wonderful way to get a bit of best thing is you can go along and try one of these for free, so writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to get in touch today! See: www.explorelearning.co.uk/tuition-centre/ write, then try a postcard app like By Post. They can take their redditch/ or call 01527 910 222. own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

At Explore Learning we are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this we have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays.

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

July - August 2017

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

5

Education

Animal Agents: The Summer Reading Challenge 2017 The annual Summer Reading Challenge to children is simple.

During the holidays they are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice - fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge, which is run by independent charity The Reading Agency.

Children can sign up at their local library from the end of June onwards and all materials are absolutely free.

This year's theme is Animal Agents, introducing young readers to a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries.

Animal Agents is illustrated by Tony Ross, illustrator of the hugely popular Horrid Henry series. He is published all over the world; his awards and nominations include the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Kate Greenaway Medal, and the Smarties Prize.

The Challenge is open to all primary school children and is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work with local libraries and give out information to encourage children to take part, and most libraries run Summer Reading Challenge linked early years activity for pre-schoolers. Why not head to your local library during the summer holidays and enrol. It is completely free and any child can take part. For more informatiom go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Ed’s Reading Room

Hi book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

King of the Sky by Nicola Davies

(Walker £12.99) ED SAYS: “A small boy feels lost in his new home. No-one speaks his language and he is surrounded by grey weather and grey chimneys. Soon he is befriended by an old man who keeps pigeons and who smiles when he sees his birds soaring up to the sky. He offers one to his young neighbour who names him Re del Cielo – King of the Sky. When King of the Sky is sent to Rome by train, will he be able to find his way back? Or will he want to stay with the bright sunshine and the lovely smell of ice cream? Where does he really belong?”

Harper and the Night Forest by Cerrie Burnell (Scholastic £5.99) ED SAYS: “Harper and her friends hear that there is an ice raven living in the Night Forest. This mysterious bird sings a magical song that can soften even the hardest of hearts. The Wild Conductor tries to enlist their help as he plans to capture the ice raven and create the greatest orchestra ever. But soon Harper wonders what might happen if the ice raven left the enchanted forest. Who should the young friends help? Should such a free spirit ever be captured?”

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Accidental Secret Agent by Tom McLaughlin (Oxford £6.99) ED

SAYS: “Kevin’s daydreaming is legendary – currently about being a secret agent. His daydreaming causes him problems at school but when he is recruited for MI7 his problems could turn into real danger. He has to find information about one of the greatest criminal masterminds. Can Kevin really deal with the world’s toughest agents and meanest villains? But remember it’s all top secret so you’ll have to read the story to find out what happens.”

The Lights Under the Lake by Sophie Cleverly (HarperCollins £6.99) Key dates for your diary: 26 July – Event at National Trust Croome 23 August – Event at National Trust Croome Vouchers for free entry to the events on 26 July and 23 August will be issued by the library where you signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge. If you are a National Trust member don't forget to bring your membership card with you. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory/12/libraries 6

Families Hereford & Worcester

ED SAYS: “The twins Scarlet and Ivy are very excited when they hear about the school trip staying on the shores of a lake. It sounds idyllic but dark secrets lurk both in the old hotel and in the deep waters of the lake.

Very soon mysterious things start to happen and the holiday takes a turn for the worse.

Perhaps the ringing of church bells late at night and lights under the lake indicate that those buried in the flooded graveyard no longer lie peacefully.”

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.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August 2017

Your School Shoe Fitting Guide When it comes to buying school shoes the importance of making the right choice of footwear can not be overstressed. Poorly fitting shoes can cause problems, which your children could carry with them into later life.

Education

Obviously, if your little one complains that their feet hurt or become reluctant to wear their shoes, it’s a good idea to have their feet measured professionally again.

Measuring your child’s feet Because your child’s feet will continue to grow in fits and starts, it’s important to have them measured by a trained, professional shoe fitter in a shoe shop every eight weeks or so. You can quickly check the fit of your child’s shoes each month yourself, in between professional fittings. There should be roughly a thumbnail’s length between the end of the shoe and your child’s toes.

What to look for There are a number of important things that you should look for when choosing school shoes for your kids. A firm heel cup is very important. The heel supports the foot and needs to be held in a straight position. If the heel leans to one side or the other, pain and postural problems could arise. Try pressing gently on the sides of the heel - if it sinks in easily, the shoe is not providing sufficient support.

The shoe should have a strap, Velcro or laces to prevent the shoe from slipping forward and scrunching your child’s toes. IllWarning signs to look out for fitting shoes that crush the toes can lead to permanent problems like clawed or hammer toes. The shoe sole should be Children are not always good at telling their parents when they flexible at the ball of the foot only and it should have sufficient have problems with ill-fitting shoes, so you may need to be on cushioning so that the foot is supported comfortably when alert for problems. The following signs are usually indicative of poorly-fitting shoes: your little one runs or skips.

• Blisters and rubbing Shoe material should be breathable and water resistant. If your • Poor posture or a rolling gait when your child walks child’s feet sweat and can’t breathe, smelly feet and fungal • Reluctance to wear shoes at all infections can result.

• Refusing to wear socks (usually the shoes are too tight).

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*Offer valid until 31st December 2017, excludes Saturdays, Corporate Events and purchase of gift vouchers.

Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Wyre Forest. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge - please see our website.

July - August 2017

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Get Cooking

Fruity Family Treats Help them get their five a day with these fun snacks, ideal for the lunch box and picnics too!

Healthy Banana Granola Bars

These tasty bars are full of protein thanks to the hidden gems; quinoa and chia seeds.

Snowy Strawberries This one is super easy and great to get the kids helping in the kitchen. Ideal for summer snacks, they can be kept in the freezer and brought out after a hot day at school or holiday fun.

How to make: 1. .Heat the oven to 350F/180C /Gas 4.

You will need: 2.Grease and line a baking tray roughly 120g oats 20cm square.

2 mashed bananas 3.Mix together the quinoa, chia seeds, salt 60g quinoa and cinnamon with the oats in a large ¼ tsp salt bowl. Add the mashed banana and vanilla 1 tsp cinnamon and then the nuts and dried fruit.

2 tbsp chia seeds 4.In a small saucepan, melt the butter or ½ tsp vanilla extract margarine over a low heat and add the 30g chopped almonds honey. When melted, fold in to the 30g chopped pecans granola mixture. Pour into the pan and 40g dried cranberries press it down until it is level.

50g butter or margarine 5.Bake for 20-25 minutes.

2 tbsp honey 6.Cut into fingers while still warm and leave to cool completely.

Fruity Summer Rolls

You will need: 1 punnet strawberries 1 large pot Greek yoghurt How to make: 1. Wash the strawberries and trim the stalks and leaves off each one.

2. Put some of the Greek yoghurt in a bowl and roll each strawberry in the yoghurt. Lay them on a flat baking tray.

3. When you have covered all the fruit with the yoghurt, place the tray in the freezer on an empty shelf and leave to freeze overnight.

4. You can then take them off the tray and store them in freezer bags until needed.

Usually filled with tofu, herbs and noodles, they are a great snack and if you can find the rice paper wrappers in a local oriental food supplier, you can not only make those but also these amazing fruity rolls, perfect for lunch boxes.

You will need: Rice paper wrappers Mixture of summer fruit; watermelon, strawberries, apple, peach, mango, kiwi etc.

Mint leaves (optional) Lime juice How to make: 1.Wash and peel the fruit if necessary, then cut into very small, cubes.

2. Drizzle with lime juice over the fruit to prevent browning and stir well to combine the fruits together.

3. Add a few small or torn mint leaves.

4. Place a small pile of the fruit at the centre of a rice paper. Roll one side in, then the two ends and finally roll it up.

5. Lay on the open side to stop opening.

6. You can tie it with a chive or a small piece of string. Remove before eating.

Summer Activity Holiday Camp 2017 School holidays are a time to have fun with your friends, let off some steam and try some new things. Come and join us each day 10.00am - 3.00pm as we continue our successful and popular camps over the summer. This summer KO Sport have partnered up with St Barnabas First and Middle School again for our activity camps. The emphasis of course is FUN! The children will participate in a range of activities including a variety of sports and games, craft and cooking, indoor and outdoor, as well as many other activities, that are all fully supervised by our qualified team. Camps run on 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 August.

Cost per child £18.00. Wrap around care from 8.3010.00am costs an extra £3 per child. www.kosport.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester

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July - August 2017

Cool Kids For Summer

Health Tips for keeping your child cool during the day • Avoid synthetic fabrics. Opt for loose natural fibres like cotton or muslin.

• Give lots of nappy-free time.

• Stay in the shade and encourage your child to spend some quiet time to prevent him sweating too much.

• Playing in a paddling pool will keep kiddies cool. Keep it in the shade and supervise their play.

• Use a mini fan.

• Use cold, wet flannels, or give them a tepid bath or shower to cool their skin and let them air dry.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

Babies and young children can become seriously ill during very hot weather suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke and so it is vital you know how to keep them cool.

How to prevent overheating On sunny days babies under six months should never be in direct sunlight and young children should be kept in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm.

Attach a parasol or sunshade to the pushchair and make sure toddlers and older children wear a sunhat, preferably one with a wide brim. Apply high factor sunscreen even when there is cloud coverage and re-apply regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool.

Keep children’s nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. If it is very warm babies can sleep in just a vest and nappy, or just a nappy with a thin sheet over them.

give her cooled boiled water throughout the day as well as their usual feeds.

How to prevent heatstroke On a warm day, never sit in a stationary car with your baby for too long.

Temperatures can rise very quickly. Prams can become hot and airless so keep a careful eye on your baby if she falls asleep in her pram.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the temperature inside the body rises to 37-40°C (98.6-104°F). At that temperature, the levels of water and salt in the body begin to drop causing nausea, faintness and heavy sweating. Early symptoms can be difficult to spot in a baby or young child so the thermometer has to be your initial guide. Heatstroke is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Emma’s Diary: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Tips for keeping your child cool at night • Remove unnecessary bedding. Opt for a cool muslin sleeping bag • If he is still hot let him sleep in a vest and nappy, or even just a nappy • Open windows in several rooms to create a through breeze • Give them a tepid bath, or sponge bath, before bed and let them air dry while lying on a towel so the evaporation of the water will cool their skin down • Keep bedrooms cool throughout the day by closing blinds or curtains. Turn a room fan on before bedtime.

• Hanging wet towels over chairs or windows cools the air • Remove waterproof under sheets or cover with several layers of cotton sheets to absorb perspiration

Keeping hydrated Babies and infants are sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss so one of the biggest problems during warmer weather is dehydration which, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Early warning signs of dehydration are feeling thirsty and lightheaded and having concentrated, strong-smelling urine.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. If you're breastfeeding you won’t need to give them water as well as breast milk, but you may find your baby wants to breastfeed more than usual. If your baby is on solids or mixed feeds you can July - August 2017

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

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Clubs Entertainment

Entertain The Kids For Free Trying to keep children occupied can be difficult enough on evenings and weekends, let alone when you have six weeks of summer holidays to contend with. But trying to keep them busy, and trying to not spend a lot of money doing it, is another matter. But don't fear there are lots of ideas and activities that can be done for next to nothing.

Hiking All you have to do is put on your most sensible form of footwear and head out there. Getting out up a hill or through a forest can open up your children’s imaginations. The smell and touch of the outdoors are a welcome change from everyday life.

Chalk Grabbing some chalk and scribbling on the pavements is a great way to open up their artistic side while they get some fresh air, and it can also make them think that they are playing the rebel.

Don’t worry: the next spot of rain will clear away the evidence.

Museums and art galleries Some museums and galleries are expensive. But what a lot of people do not realise is there are countless free museums to be explored on a whole range of different subjects.

Gardening One of the beautiful things about gardening for adults is the ability to create a vision in your head, plant, and then watch that vision grow into reality. Help your child be part of that process and plant flowers and vegetables or sow some seeds. It is a Sports at the park wonderful biology lesson, and they won’t even realise it!

Grab a bat, ball or whatever they love and head to the nearest park. Get your friends and their families involved and make a Home cinema day of it. Get involved yourself and they will love it even more.

Watch out for the latest premiere on your home TV, darken the room and make your own popcorn. The kids will love it, and Head to the beach you will love not travelling and paying a small fortune for snacks. Children love beaches, it is almost universal. They have a seemingly unlimited supply of a material they rarely get to play Volunteer with, sand! Running away from the waves, skimming stones, OK, this may be a hard sell but could provide a wonderful life building sandcastles, making pictures in the wet sand...hey, you lesson. Volunteering can be done on a huge range of tasks, be it might even turn into a kid yourself for the day! simply providing company for a neighbour or walking a dog.

Learning the value of doing something for nothing may give Paint your children a fulfilling early life experience.

Painting is one of those things that you know will end with a lot of cleaning up! However, you only have to look at their faces Baking when they paint to see the fun that can be had. Just make sure Cooking is an important life lesson for anybody, so why not you are all wearing aprons and have a lots of newspapers down! start them out young with the most joyous form of cooking, baking! The kids will love getting involved, especially with all the Puzzles messy parts of baking.

They seem to be a dying breed now, but sitting down as a family and completing a puzzle or a board game is a wonderful way to Bike ride spend a few hours with the family.

Bikes are a great, free and fun way to spend a few hours.

Whether you have somewhere local or can drive to a park, the Picnic children will love the independence and freedom that comes Get a collection of your favourite foods and make a day of it - it with riding a bike. will provide some of their greatest summer memories.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August 2017

Clubs and Classes

Keeping Your Little Monkeys Swinging This Summer Holidays

Monkey Music, the award winning pre-school music group for children aged 3 months – 4 years across the UK, will be running a special holiday workshop during the Summer break.

Classes will be held every week in August where old, new and current pupils alike will all receive a warm welcome.

Monkey Music aims to introduce music to very young children in a fun way they can easily understand and enjoy, nurturing a child’s natural love of music so that it lasts a lifetime. Specialist teachers gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun and friendly environment.

“Parents and carers are always telling me how much their children miss Monkey Music in the holidays”, said Bethan Craner “and I know how difficult it can be trying to find new ways of keeping children amused over the long break. I also hope to welcome back some of our older monkeys who can no longer attend our term-time sessions due to school commitments. Our previous holiday workshops have always proved to be successful – Monkey Music is fun, formative and a great way of making friends!”

To find out more about Monkey Music, or to book a place on the holiday workshop call Bethan on 01527 62378 or email redditch.worcester@monkeymusic.co.uk. You can also visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk to sample some of the delights.

July - August 2017

Monkey Music Redditch & Worcester E: redditch.worcester@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01527 62378

Monkey Music classes are held at three venues near to you.

1. Arrow Valley Visitor Centre Batterns Drive, Redditch. B98 0LJ 2. Worcester Woods Countryside Centre Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG 3. Hampton Guide, Scout and Community Hall, Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2PQ

Teachers required. Full training provided. Call for

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

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Holidays

Tips On Flying With Young Children

DISCOVER WORCESTER’S CIVIL WAR STORY THROUGH A NEW INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

Opens at The Commandery, Worcester on 29th July 2017

1

Check if your airport has a dedicated crèche. Some are equipped with toys, books and rest rooms.

2

Ask if you can take your buggy to the flight’s gate so your little one will have somewhere familiar to nap if your flight is delayed.

3

Pack plenty of wet wipes in your handbag.

4

Get your children used to drinking room temperature drinks as it can be difficult to keep bottles cool or warm.

5

Pre-book children's meals on flights. They get served first and you will avoid the endless wait for food.

6

Breastfeed your baby, or have a drink ready for an older child when the flight is taking off and landing as the sucking motion will help equalise the pressure in the ears.

7

Under-twos usually travel free as long as they sit on a parent’s lap. If your budget will stretch to it maybe pay the extra fare so you have an extra seat.

8

A seat near the bulkhead (where there is a division or toilet in front) may have a bit of extra room, so your toddler could play on the floor.

9

Take plenty of baby food and mini snacks with you.

10

Try to time your child’s day so they will have a nap on the flight. Some airlines provide pillows and blankets.

11

Dress children in layers as they can get too warm on a flight – or too cold if the air conditioning is on full blast.

12

Take non-battery toys and games with you like good old fashioned colouring books.

13

Let your child have their own carry-on bag of small games and treats. Trunkis (the animal shaped wheelie siton-and-ride cases) are good fun.

14

Keep an eye on your child’s feet to make sure the seat in front doesn't get kicked.

15

But most of all: try to keep calm and enjoy yourself… it is your well-earned holiday too! www.emmasdiary.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August 2017

Nadezhda/shutterstock.com

Will you be travelling abroad with your young children this year? Here are a few tips for a stressfree journey...

What’s Ons THEATRE mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH 0121 446 3232 macbirmingham.co.uk The Third Policeman Miracle Theatre venture into a world somewhere between Alice in Wonderland and the Marx Brothers to bring us this comic masterpiece. 8 July. 7.30pm. £15 (£13) Age: 7+ Circus Day Taking Flight Stunning aerial circus, acrobatics, poetry and dance from world-renowned Rogue Play Theatre. A spectacular combination of circus and theatre.

30 July. 11.30am; 3pm. £6 Chapterhouse Theatre Company: Peter Pan Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter, far away on the magical island of Neverland with beautifully designed costumes, music and songs. 26 August. 2pm. £15 (£10) Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Scarecrow’s Wedding. The best wedding ever, the best wedding yet, the wedding that no one will ever forget. Wed 19th July: 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Thurs 20th: 10.30 am & 1.30pm, Fri 21st: 10.30am & 4.30pm, Sat 22nd: 11am & 2pm. £14.56.

The Railway Children The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production.22 -27 August. Tues-Sat 7pm, Wed Mat 2:30pm, Sat & Sun Mats 3:30pm. £19.60-£29.68. Under 16s £5 off.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School presents The Wind in the Willows. Come and enjoy the wellknown tale of the bumbling Toad of Toad Hall! 18. 19 July. £8.00 Under 16s £5.00.

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

Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, DY13 9SS 01905 620325, www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk A variety of animals, petting area, soft play, pedal tractors, nature trail, cafe and picnic area.

Newbridge Play Barn, Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780, www.newbridgeplaybarn.com An ideal place for you, your family and friends to enjoy a day out in the countryside. Visitors can enjoy a tractor ride, pony rides, handling the small animals and feeding the bigger animals. Suitable for all ages. There are trampolines, giant sandpits, zip wire, indoor soft toddler play area and lots more! Bouncing Bunnies Toddler Morning Extra activities especially for the children’s entertainment 13 July - Rhythm, Rhyme & Songtime 10:15 - 10:55am.

Other activities every 2nd Thursday or Friday of the month during term time: Shortwood Farm, Pencombe, Bromyard, HR7 4RP 01885 400205, www.shortwoodfarm.co.uk Set in 150 acres of glorious Herefordshire countryside. Lots of animals, animal feeding, tractor rides, birthday party venue, tea room and much more.

Small Breeds Farm Park, Kington, Hereford, HR5 3HF 01544 231109 www.owlcentre.com Owl garden, variety of animals and birds, small animals, tea room.

The Stables Farm Shop and Cafe, Astwood Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch, B96 6PS 01527 894167, www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk A variety of animals, tractor rides, animal feeding, giant sandpit, cafe.

Top Barn Farm Park, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH 01905 621954, www.topbarn.co.uk

Peter And The Wolf. A brand new show with amazing music created live on stage with a variety of instruments.22 July. 11.00 am. £6.00.

A wide range of animals, outside play area, tractor and trailer tour, animal petting, birthday party venue, egg collecting, sand pit, snack shack, farm shop, maize maze and much more.

FARM PARKS

MUSEUMS

All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ 01386 833083, www.allthingswild.co.uk

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

An all-weather attraction with a wide range of animals, a soft play area, outside play area, indoor tractors, animals encounter room, cafe, new barefoot walk, dinosaurs, birthday parties and much more.

Summer Fun! Wilderness Warriors.

Get back to basics and come and learn survival skills. 24-28 July.

Traditional games challenge. A week filled with traditional fun and games. 31 July - 4 August!

July - August 2017

£5 entry per person for grandparents and grandchildren when visiting together

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ

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

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What’s On Avoncroft’s big build. Can you design a new building for Avoncroft? 7-11 August Summer Fun! The great Avoncroft bake-off. Test your culinary skills and get ‘cooking’ in our bake-off themed week. 21– 25 August Bank Holiday family fun! Celebrate the end of the summer with awesome traditional Bank Holiday fun for all the family. 28 August Summer Fun! The big Avoncroft dig.Avoncroft needs young archaeologists to excavate treasures and important artefacts. Will you discover a Roman mosaic, an English king or a long lost building? 28August – 1 September Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Battle of Worcester weekend: The Storming of Fort Royal The Commandery presents the Battle of Worcester: The Fight for Fort Royal. Witness a pivotal moment in English history. Royalist troops were attacked and forced to flee into Worcester City as Cromwell’s Parliament forces faced the King’s Men on Fort Royal Hill. Join in with preparations for battle in a living history camp and experience these dramatic events leap out of the history books and into The Commandery’s grounds, evoking the sights, sounds and smells that happened in this very place 350 years ago. 26-28 August. Adult £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children (5-16) £2.50, Family Ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children) £13.00. Free for Worcester City Council tax payers (please make sure that you bring your Council Tax bill as proof of residency) Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www. forgemill.org.uk Pirates! Fact Or Fiction This exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through the Golden Age of Pirates! You will see Cilician pirates from the Roman Mediterranean to famed pirates of the Caribbean and meet some fearsome Vikings, Barbary Corsairs and Chinese pirates. 22 July-3 September.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Celebrity Personal items from the world of showbiz! A remarkable one-off exhibition on tour from Ideas, brings together some of the most iconic showbiz props ever to grace the town.

Normally kept locked away from public view.

Families will enjoy the opportunity to dress up and play their favourite songs on the jukebox don’t forget to take a selfie! 17 June-19 September

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.

Various Children’s Creative Workshops In conjunction with our ‘Celebrity’ exhibition see website for details.

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Summer Fun: Battles and Sieges 1-3 August Nature Rangers 8-10 August Creative Construction 15-17 August Space 22 - 24 August Our Summer Fun continues on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays throughout August.

Each day will include a themed trail, craft activities and interactive fun.

Storytime Meet characters from your favourite stories. Join in with interactive storytelling session. Lots of activities. 29-31 August Family Theatre-Billionaire Boy. Pack a picnic and join us for an evening of family fun and laughter as Heartbreak Productions present their fabulous stage adaptation of David Walliams’ book for children ‘Billionaire Boy’. 11 August 6.30pm-9pm.

ATTRACTIONS Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Regular attractions include Knight’s Maze and adventure playground.

Astronaut Training. Launch rockets, build satelites and much more! 23-27 July.

Make & Take: Air Dried Clay Workshops Create an ‘air dry’ clay creation to take home. 30 July-3 August.

Dinosaur Show. Travel back in time with a lifelike walking, roaring T-rex! 6-10 August.

Puppet Show. Enjoy the fantastic world of the Puppetree Puppets. 13-17 August.

Climbing Wall & Village Fete. See how high you can reach on the climbing wall! Plus Eastnor Village Fete. 20 August.

Climbing Wall & Karts Have a go on the climbing wall and race around on a pedal kart! 21-24 August.

Bounce & Boing. Inflatable slide, obstacle course and bouncy castle. 27-28 August.

Land Rover Experience Passanger ride around the Eastnor Land Rover off-road tracks. 29-31 August.

Family Fun Day Family fun with garden games and a zip-wire on the Valley Lawn. 10 September.

Lakefest (Deer Park Event) Fun, music and entertainment for the whole family. 10 – 13 August. Info and tickets from www.lakefest.co.uk

Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, www.svr.co.uk Peep Behind the Scenes Ever wondered how a Signalbox works, or how we change the tyres on a steam locomotive? All this and more can be answered. 15 July Classic Vehicle Day In its established summer spot! Classic vehicles from yesteryear on display at our stations along the line. 30 July Steam on the Road A weekend showcasing the very best of steam on the road, and steam on the rails! 12-13 August.

Westons Visitor Centre, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury, HR9 7NY 01531 660233, www.westons-cider.co.uk Play Park including John Deere pedal tractors, swings, the children’s play farm house plus delightful orchard walk past the orchards and a wildlife pond.

NATIONAL TRUST 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk There’s plenty of family fun on offer during the summer at National Trust places. See website for details.

Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 488099 Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 The Weir, Swainshill, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 7QF Tel:01981 590509

SPECIAL EVENTS Worcester Festival www.worcesterfestival.co.uk 01905 611427 Workshops, music, crafts, quiz trails and even a village style fête, the Worcester Festival has dozens of great ways for families to spend their summer days in the city. Percy the Peacock is coming along too.12 - 28 August.

Rhino Month: August 1- August 31. The keepers at Cotswold Wildlife Park will be doing a daily talk throughout August at 2:00pm near the Rhino Paddock about these magnificent animals, the threats to them in the wild and the conservation work that is going on to try and protect the species for future generations. Plans for the month include a fund raising activity-filled Rhino Weekend on Saturday 19 August and Sunday 20 August 2017. The aim is to raise funds for Rhino Conservation work in Africa through fun activities and competitions across both days. The Park supports Tusk Trust and has done for many years, and hopes to generate more interest, awareness and support through this fund raising event. For more details see: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 14

Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August2017

What’s On

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

Visit Eastnor this Summer Explore the Castle* • Arboretum & Tree Trail • Children’s Adventure Playground • Knight’s Maze • Junior Obstacle Course • Tree-Top Walkway Land Rover Little Off-Roaders* • Lakeside Walks • NEW Tree Hunters’ Trek Woodland Play Area • Ice Cream Parlour & Shop • Tea Room.

Adult £7 • Child £5 • Family (2+3) £20

(Castle upgrades available. *Additional charge applies.)

PLUS, a fantastic event included in the entrance price

Buy fast-tra ck

Sun 30th July – Thu 3rd August

tickets Climbing Wall online & Village Fete

Make & Take:

Mon 21st – Thu 24th August

Sun 23rd – Thu 27th July

Sun 20th August

Astronaut Training Air-dried Clay Workshops

Climbing Wall & Karts

Sun 6th – Thu 10th August

Sun 27th – Mon 28th August

Dinosaur Show

Bounce & Boing

Sun 13th – Thu 17th August

Tue 29th – Thu 31st August

Puppet Show

Land Rover Experience

eastnorcastle.com

/EastnorCastle

011 2 t s u g u A 9 201 7 2 6 the events at

out all d out abActivities FinEvents, stival.co.uk fe r e t s e c r and Fun for Everyone! o www.w 611427 5 0 9 12th 28th August 1 0 e ic ff Box O

@EastnorCastle *Additional charges apply

COURSES FOR ACTIVITIES AND THE SCHOOL CHILDREN DURINGYS HOLIDA

Box Office 01905 611 427 www.worcesterfestival.co.uk

GE MALVERN COLLE , 8AM - 6PM MONDAY - FRIDAYED REGISTERED AGES 4 - 12 • OFST DE SAVE 15% WITH CO

FAMILIES17

FROM

£PER3DA4Y

Book Today! Put your event in front of 44,000 readers with school aged children.

Call 01684 770566 to advertise in Families Hereford & Worcester

SUMMER SEASON 26 - 03 MAY SEP

Enjoy an affordable Summer of culture and fun at mac! macbirmingham.co.uk

July - August 2017

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

Registered Company no. 718349 | Registered Charity no. 528979

mac Birmingham

15

Families Hereford & Worcester Summer sorted for just ÂŁ55* (and get the rest of the year for free!)

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

Summer Fun! Jam pack your summer holidays with activity, adventure & action at Avoncroft! www.avoncroft.org.uk *Annual Family Membership includes up to five individuals

The Museum is 2 miles south of Bromsgrove off the A38. Sat Nav postcode - B60 4JR

Action-packed childcare this

Museum

Ofsted registered

Summer Holiday Open from 8am - 6pm Choice of venues

Hagley Hagley High School 24th July - 1st September

Bromsgrove Meadows Parkside School 24th July - 18th August

We accept childcare vouchers

Alvechurch

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School 24th July - 18th August

Fantastic early bird offer

5FOR ÂŁ75 DAYS

*8am-4pm consecutive days only.

Terms and conditions apply

Book before 7th July and take advantage of our

Early bird offers!

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 16

Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

July - August 2017