Families Hereford & Worcester July/August 2018

FR E E

TAKE

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Hereford & Worcester IN THIS ISSUE

Win An Annual Pass To Warwick Castle See Page 13

Separation Anxiety

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

What’s On Summer Time Fun

Issue 52 July/August 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

Celebrate Play on Playday UK! Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 1 August. Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. www.playday.org.uk

Dear Readers Hooray! Summer is finally here. There were times when I thought it would never arrive this year.

There is so much going on this summer in our area and we have hand-picked the best family days out and things to do, to suit all budgets.

Summer Fun At Eastnor

There is also a chance to win an Annual Family Pass to Warwick Castle on Page 13.

If you are looking for some extra help with childcare this holiday check out the excellent holiday camps featured throughout this issue.

Some of you will be having children starting school or nursery in September. It can be heart rendering when you need to say goodbye at the school gates. Take a look at the strategies that you can put in place to support your child on pages 6/7.

What ever you get up to, I wish you a lovely summer.

Diane Clifford.

Editor 01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham 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 Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof..

BOOK TODAY.

Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 parents in the region.

Next issue September/October “Education Focus” Booking deadline is Friday 20 July.

Eastnor Castle: Outdoor adventure Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, is gearing up for another funpacked Summer Holiday programme this year. The castle and grounds will be open every Sunday through to Thursday from 22 July until 30 August, with an event included in the entrance price on every open day.

Activities will include some firm family favourites such as Circus Skills and the Dinosaur Show, as well as a brand new ‘Survival Skills’ event where children can channel their inner Bear Grylls!

As well as these activities which are all included in the entrance price, there’s a huge variety of permanent attractions to keep the whole family amused all day. www.eastnorcastle.com

Wolverine Triplets

Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to three new Wolverine kits. After spending approximately nine weeks hidden away in their underground den, the triplets are beginning to venture out and explore their new woodland enclosure under the watchful eye of parents Sarka and Sharapova. For further information visit: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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Globe Trotting From Home Whilst most of us crave a warmer climate during the summer, a family holiday abroad is not always on the cards. However, that doesn’t mean children have to miss out on exploring the exciting cultures, tastes and traditions of a new country or three during their summer break.

Our Little Globe is a children’s subscription box that delivers personalised activity kits themed to a new country, each month.

The activities included range from crafts to cooking and the first month includes a free mini suitcase, world map and passport to document their adventures across the world. www.ourlittleglobe.co.uk

4 In 10 UK Parents Believe A Sun Tan Is Healthy

News & Views Mermaid Experience Sessions 31st July 2018 & 28TH AUGUST 2018

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER & LAUNCH MERMAID EXPERIENCE DAY 31st JULY NEW College, Worcester WR5 2JX EXPERIENCE SESSIONS 28TH AUGUST 9.30AM – 12PM or 1.30PM – 4PM, BROMSGROVE SCHOOL, WORCESTER ROAD, BROMSGROVE B61 7HP

A fantastic new experience for any want to be Mermaids.

To book your place today with our fully certified instructors, contact: Lisa or Kirsty on info@splashpaddleswim.co.uk/www.splashpaddleswim.co.uk

Victoria / Secretary - 07340903798

Sun Care: There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan Research released by the Met office and NHS reveals relaxed attitudes to sun care amongst many parents. The study found that 34% think a sun tan helps build resistance to the sun while 37% think a sun tan is a sign of good health.

However, according to NHS England, there’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. It doesn’t protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects and is a sign that the skin has been damaged.

Repeated sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.

The Met says that UV levels are usually highest between May and September. Clouds don’t always stop UV rays, so it’s very easy to get sunburnt in the UK, even when it’ s not particularly warm. Parents can check the UV forecast on the Met Office app. More information www.nhs.uk/livewell or www.metoffice.gov.uk 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 11 August and runs right through to the August bank holiday on Monday 27 August, with events and activities happening all over the city every single day, for all the family. www.worcesterfestival.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Junior Lifeguard Academy & Swim Camps WEEK’S COURSE Monday 6th August – Friday 10th August 2018 8.30am – 4.30 pm KING CHARLES 1 HIGH SCHOOL Comberton Road Kidderminster DY10 1XA

ONE DAY COURSE Wednesday 29th August 2018 – 8.30am – 4pm BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Worcester Road Bromsgrove B61 7HP £150 full week or £35 per day

To book your place or for more information please contact: Lisa or Kirsty info@splashpaddleswim.co.uk Victoria/ Secretary - 07340903798

Sessions are packed full of fun and essential lifesaving and water safety skills.

With sessions in snorkelling, body boarding, water rescues, first aid, sea scooters and visits from the RNLI, Birmingham Synchronised Swimming and STA.

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

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Summer Reading

Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and 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

Isadora Moon Goes to the Fair by Harriet Muncaster (Oxford £5.99)

Mischief Makers: The 2018 Summer Reading Challenge Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence. 2018 will be the 20th challenge. It’s open to primary school children of every ability.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal.

Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website.

This is the largest database of children’s peer-peer reading recommendations.

More information visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory/12/ libraries

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

ED SAYS: ‘‘When the magical Isadora, who is half vampire and half fairy, sees a poster for the Funfair Spectacular with a glittering carousel, she is determined to persuade her parents to let her go. Isadora is so excited about her first ever trip to a funfair but when they arrive it appears rather unspectacular. Would a magic spell and some fairy glitter along with a witch’s potion and some magic powder help to make it more exciting? Or could they possibly make things go wrong?”

Max Champion and the Great Race Car Robbery by Alexander McCall Smith

(SBloomsbury £9.99) ED SAYS: “Max is fascinated by everything to do with the cars his grandfather looks after. One Saturday morning when he sees an old car that bears his surname, Champion, on the bonnet, he discovers that his grandfather used to make – and race – some of the best cars around. His Ideas Book was a treasure trove of sketches and plans but it had been stolen by the nasty Mr Grabber. Will Max have the opportunity to retrieve the Ideas Book and his grandfather’s favourite car, Arabella?”

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Ancell’s Final Battle by Tony Main

(Troubador £7.99) ED SAYS: “Ancell the heroic hedgehog and his crew are sailing on Misty Dawn with the children they have already rescued. They are searching for the orphans kidnapped and still held by Laughing Jack and his band of pirates. Dolphins and whales and the great albatross join the animal crew in a battle raging in the jungle as well as on the high seas. With Laughing Jack as their enemy, the crew hope the killer whales can save them. Will Ancell and his friends be able to achieve their goal?”

Night Speakers by Ali Sparkes

(Oxford £6.99) ED SAYS: “It seems strange to Elena that each night she wakes at 1.34 am. What is even stranger is that two other children, Matt and Tima, also wake at this exact time.

Their lack of sleep soon catches up with them and their daily lives start to suffer. What is it that connects them? They are soon drawn together into an adventure where they discover they are each able to communicate with animals. However there is a frightening undercurrent permeating this story.

What is it like to be a Night Whisperer?

“This is a fantastic book about three unlikely friends with mysterious powers set in the night time world. It will have you on the edge of your seat.”

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

You 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

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WIN

Summer Reading A Copy Of The World Of David Walliams: Book Of Stuff

In celebration of ten wonderful Walliams years, Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine is offering you the opportunity to win this brand new compendium perfect for the ultimate David Walliams fan. Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this is David Walliams’ first ever activity book, ideal for bags of fun this summer!

Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. For further information: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/ To enter: Simply email your response to the following question to editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk For how many years has David Walliams been writing children’s books? a) 50 b) 2 c) 10

Under Fives

Pre-school Daily sessions for children aged 2-4 years

Baby & Toddler Play & Stay

Tuesday 10:00-11.30am Warm welcoming pre-school, £3 per family with an emphasis on outdoor Singing, music and movement learning and natural activities resources Sensory play activities

Encouraging creativity, curiosity and thinking skills as children explore our ever-changing activities

Light refreshments for adults and children

Forest School

Forest Tots

Tuesday morning 9am-12pm for children aged 3-4 years

Friday 10.00-11.30am £5 per family

Tree climbing, cooking on camp fires, den building, ropes and pulleys, natural craft activities, using tools and more!

A weekly Forest School for toddlers and carers Craft, cooking, tools and exploring

ATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH P INSPIR LAY Please call 07582 452024

or email underfives24@outlook.com for more info Registered charity number: 700305

Closing Date: 17 August. For T&Cs see www.familiesonline.co.uk

The Recreation Centre, Pershore Road, Eckington, WR10 3AJ

Could you be the next editor of Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine?

Would you like the flexibility of working from home and never miss your child’s school performance or sports day again?

Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support offered by a franchise helpful?

Are you self-motivated and well organised?

You now have the opportunity to buy Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Franchise – a business which is up and running, including established client base, readership and drop points.

No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd.

To find out more about running your own business around your family call 01684 770566 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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5

Parenting

When Saying Goodbye Is Difficult: Coping With Separation Anxiety It can feel heart rendering when you need to peel your toddler or little one from your leg to allow them to go into nursery or school. This is something that all parents will face at one stage or another. I have certainly had my fair share of difficult goodbyes over the years and I know that it is not easy.

By Dr Elise Kearney Separation anxiety tends to coincide with the developmental phase that infants go through between 8 – 10 months when babies become clingy.

This stage tends to peak around 18 months and then slowly declines and disappears between 2 and 3 years. A difficulty of parent-child separation that lasts for longer than is expected or is more severe in nature is called Separation Anxiety Disorder. It is characterised by recurrent and high levels of distress in the child in the anticipation of separation Separation Anxiety Disorder: don’t be afraid to ask for help from a primary attachment figure (parent or carer).

It tends to affect girls and boys equally although there is some research that suggests girls are more vulnerable.

As adults, it can be difficult to rationalise a childs level of To be recognised as Separation Anxiety Disorder, symptoms distress in the moment of separation. It’s hard to understand must have been ongoing for at least four weeks. The difficulties when, as adults, we know that our child does not realistically may be causing distress and disruption to school life, with face any danger and is not going to come to any harm. However, friends, more general social interaction and/or family life. when we consider the child response from an evolutionary perspective, separation from attachment figures would have Separation Anxiety Disorder may manifest itself as: meant quick death in the hunter gatherer era.

• Separation protest (crying, clinging, shouting, hitting, kicking) • Physical complaints such as tummy aches, headaches, nausea, The need for proximity to the attachment figure came above vomiting and bedwetting the need for food and water and only secondary to oxygen for • Sleep disturbance including not wanting to sleep alone survival. In this context it makes more sense that in stressful • Changes in eating patterns by eating more, less or being ‘picky’ situations including ‘newness’ (starting nursery, school, whilst on • Concentration difficulties holiday), illness, pain and sudden changes to routine, children • Anger/irritability and being ‘out of control during outbursts’ seek safety and comfort in the protection of the attachment • Feeling tense and fidgety figure. In a child’s mind the danger is a realistic threat to their • Needing to use the toilet more often safety and a childs panic system is set off.

Dr Elise Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford, Worcester and can be contacted on elisekearney@btinternet.com 07713755224 or find out more about the service she offers at: www.thefold.org.uk/natural-therapy-centre/consultant-child-family-psychology/ A mother of four and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Psychologist, Dr Kearney trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including; difficulties stemming from family separation, bedtime or sleep problems, feeding difficulties or “fussy eating”, dealing with anger or “temper tantrums” and separation anxiety, difficulties around potty training, sibling rivalry or difficulties with sharing, starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/University, anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, low mood and depression, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

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Parenting It is through a parent’s consistent, loving and calm response to the child along with providing a secure base (an adult to whom the child can turn as a safe haven, when upset or anxious) that the child can learn to explore their environment, learn to trust in others and in themselves.

If parents or carers have had difficult early parenting experiences, an adults separation from their child may be difficult for them and this disorder is also applicable to adults.

Children may become aware of their parents discomfort and become fearful of separation. If a family has experienced a lot of life changes (move of house, schools, nursery, parental separation) or trauma (death in the family, illness or accidents) this can cause separation to become difficult.

Whilst it is helpful to understand the background to separation anxiety, it is important to know that there are a number of practical strategies that you can put into place to support your child: 1. Schedule separations after nap times and meals so that your child is not tired or hungry.

2. Prepare your child for separation and take their feelings seriously. Be reassuring that you will return “I know that you don’t want me to go away but I will be back after school”.

It can be tempting to ‘sneak away’. However, this is likely to make your child more fearful and clingy in the long term.

3. Practice separations. Work with your friends or family to practise leaving your child for short periods initially. For example, popping out to the shop for 15 minutes. .

4. Remain calm, matter of fact and understanding to your child. This will help you both even if you don’t feel calm! If your child sees you become distressed, this will increase their panic reaction.

5. Try not to prolong goodbyes.

6. Give your child a comforter; It can be helpful to give your child something of yours to hold (scarf or top that smells familiar) on separation. Alternatively, just making sure that they have their favourite cuddly will help.

7. Be consistent and return when you say you will return.

Trying to make a child feel better by saying that you will be away for a shorter time than is actually the case can lead to increased worry about future separations.

8. Look after yourself! Research confirms that happy parents make for happy children. Remember to make time for you: to relax; exercise; eat healthily; and try to get enough sleep.

Whilst some may say that separation anxiety is ‘just a phase’ that children go through it doesn’t make it any easier to cope with! It can help to talk to friends and family about the challenges of parenting and they can often help you to maintain a sense of humour. If the separation anxiety is particularly distressing or it lasts for a longer period than you expect, then don’t be afraid to ask for help.. familiesonline.co.uk

Dodderhill Girls: energised

Why Do We Still Need Girls’ Schools?

The theme of much of the news this year has, unfortunately, been focused on the gender pay gap and the #MeToo campaign, despite it being 100 years since women achieved the right to vote. As the Head of Dodderhill Independent Girls School, I am dismayed by this lack of progress for women at work but equally energised by the challenges that still lay ahead.

This is why, after decades of experience, the need for girls schools is now more relevant than ever. Here at Dodderhill we use female role models to encourage girls to look beyond gender stereotypes and give them the tools to break through the glass ceiling. We support the #Thisgirlcan campaign, as this is one of our key messages – it is ok to go out and get hot, sweaty and a bit messy and don’t worry about what people think.

In a girls school all the leadership opportunities go to girls.

Evidence from the co-ed sixth forms that our girls move up to, is that our girls are better equipped to voice their opinions and have high expectations of how they will be treated.

During Speech Day this year, I encouraged our confident young women to lead the gender equality revolution and to be the #NotMeToo generation. I very much doubt this would be the keynote message at a co-ed school! We educate our girls to be independent, resilient young women who are fully equipped for the challenges of the 21st Century.

If you are looking for a school that promotes a ‘can do’ attitude and encourages girls to speak up and have their voice heard, please book a visit to see the Dodderhill difference! You will find a school like no other in the area and experience a community where a love of learning is part of our culture.

Catherine Mawston is Headmistress of Dodderhill Independent Girls School - www.dodderhill.co.uk

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

7

Summer

Back to nature: Kids love to explore

18 Things To Do With Your Under 5’s This Summer When term time classes and drop in activities for under 5s shut up shop for the summer holidays, you may be left feeling as if the only entertainment options available are leisure attractions which can be expensive and are sometimes not age-appropriate. So, here’s the low-down on alternative fun for your toddlers and pre-schoolers during this time.

give you plenty of healthy goodies to take home for fruity treats (see ice lolly recipe on page 12.) - and many of them all for next to nothing on the spending front.

The Woodland Trust Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

By Vanessa Christie

National Trust The National Trust may not immediately spring to mind for this Getting Back to Nature young age group but there are plenty of very child-friendly Mini Beast Mayhem gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to A child’s fascination with bugs can be fascinating to watch. Give enjoy running around. Look up https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ them a pot and a little shovel and set them to work exploring lists/our-top-gardens-for-children to see where best to head to. under pots, logs, loose soil and leaves. Just maybe don’t do what I did and let the ‘bug hotel’ come inside. Ewww.

Keeping Cool Water pistol targets Flower Power Fill up the pistols, line up some empty cans or paper cups and All you need is a jam jar (or something with a lid), flower petals fire away. For added fun, keep a score card. and any other scented (non-dog-poo) outdoor offerings, a little water and a mixing stick. Hey presto, you have a bespoke smelly Beach life

perfume, potion or concoction! Your child can even make their Have buckets and spades at the ready and head beach-side for own label to stick on. rock-pooling and castle building. Inland lakes and urban areas often have man-made “beach” areas and activities going on over Pimp Up Your Walk the summer, so check your local websites for information.

If going out for another walk has your child digging their heels in, try giving it a new twist. Prepare a piece of paper with a circle, triangle, rectangle and square drawn down one side and track objects that are these shapes along the way e.g. fence posts, road signs, wheels, swings etc. You can do a similar thing with textures, for example, rough, smooth, tickly, silky and so on.

Fruit Picking A trip to a Pick Your Own will keep their bellies occupied and 8

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Seaside fun: A firm favourite

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Summer Sprinklers Failing the beach and assuming it’s not dry enough for a hosepipe ban, water sprinkler action can’t fail to cool off the steamiest of tempers and meltdowns.

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Bath If it’s Just too hot, retreat inside to the relative cool of the bathroom, run a tepid bath and pile your young ones in.

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L L A R O F FUN Y L I M A F E TH

Rainy Days at Home Kitchen chaos Keep little hands busy and titillate taste buds by making fruit kebabs, juicy lollies and berry crumbles. If your children like rainbows, they can design their very own fruit rainbow on a plate for pudding.

Washing Up Get an enthusiastic toddler together with a washing up brush and they can be (a little) more useful than you think. This activity can also keep them blissfully happy for ages! So as long as everything in the bowl is kid-friendly, let them wash away!

Vegetable Paint Printing Give life to the stubby bits of veg lurking in the bottom of the fridge. Turn them into paint stamps before dumping them in the bin, compost or food waste.

Indoor Dens and Picnics Who said you have to be outside to build a den or have a picnic? Any combination of chairs, bed, tables, sofa, indoor clothes dryer plus an old sheet or blanket, the perfect hidey hole for all manner of adventures.

Ring your friends If you are feeling stuck at home and all at sea, the chances are there will be a friend nearby in exactly the same position. Never hesitate to pick up the phone and join forces. They will be as glad as you that you did.

Deal Hunting Your Local Council

Once you’ve exhausted the options in the What’s On section of this magazine and www.familiesonline.co.uk look at your local council website to find out about free or discounted holiday sessions at local leisure centres, libraries and theatres.

Kids Eat Free Lots of restaurants help families out in the holidays and drum up their own business, so it is always worth having a shop around for good deals.

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Culture Kids Plenty of museums are free to enter, or at least offer good holiday discounts and have lots of interactive entertainment to keep little brains engaged. Failing that, at least they are cool on a warm day and dry if it’s raining!

Vanessa Christie is a Lactation Consultant and Early Parenting Expert at The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, which returns to London Olympia 19–21 October. For more information, visit www.vanessachristie.com and/or www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

Box Office 01905 611 427

www.worcesterfestival.co.uk Festival 2018 A3.indd 18

familiesonline.co.uk

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

02/02/2018 09:28

9

Clubs and Classes

Tips For Teaching Your Child To Ride A Bike Summer is a great time to teach your child to ride their bike. Here are a few tips for those of you taking on this important project.

Teach in Short Sessions: Do not overtire your children or they may be put off cycling. Thirty minutes at a time is enough for young children. Finish the session on a high, even if they haven’t managed to pedal unaided, and stop when boredom or frustration set in.

Location: It is best to use a hard, level surface, rather than grass. Ideally, choose somewhere with a gentle slope. Make sure the location is traffic-free but keep an eye out for pedestrians, animals and parked vehicles.

Bike Setup: Check the rider’s clothing is appropriate and the helmet fits correctly with the straps not too loose or too tight. It should be seated over the front of the rider’s head.

Braking: The best way for children to grasp the concept of braking is for them to walk alongside the bike with their hands in position and attempt to use the brakes in this way.

Balance: Use a balance bike or take the pedals and stabilisers off a normal bike. Stabilisers are not recommended when children are learning to ride as they will learn the wrong weight distribution and arm movements for turning. Make sure the rider can reach the brake levers and can put their feet comfortably on the ground when seated on the saddle.

Scooting: Ask the rider to let go of the brakes and start scooting. They should use the bike like a hobby horse and push along the ground using their feet.

Supporting: Whilst they are learning to pedal you may need to support them. Hold them gently under the arms or by gently holding the middle section of the back of your child's top.

Time to let go: Many children may not realise they are riding without help and will be amazed when they stop and turn round to see you are now some distance away. Congratulate them on their achievement and pause for a breather!

For more information, visit www.cycling.org 10

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Clubs and Classes Junior Lifeguard Camps Inspire Young People To Learn Important Life Saving Skills With summer fast approaching and holiday plans well underway, many of us are looking forward to fun times at the beach and pool. Such places offer a wide variety of different leisure activities and sports to take part in and for most of us we have a great time and fantastic memories.

However, we all too often hear the tragic news stories where someone has sadly drowned at sea, or fallen into a pool and not been seen, or friends who’ve decided to swim and cool off in a quarry and got out of depth or cold water shock. Splash Paddle Swim are a well-established swim school across Worcestershire and along with their term time learn to swim programme, they also offer Holiday Junior Lifeguard Camps. At the Lifeguard Camps, children will cover all aspects of water safety, lifesaving skills and basic First Aid and CPR. Splash Paddle Swim organises visits from the RNLI who provide a fantastic insight into the work they do along our coasts and inland. Whilst also teaching essential and potentially lifesaving skills. Lifeguard Camps are jam packed full of both land based and water activities. Children all work towards certificates and a Junior Lifeguard pack presented at the end of the course. Parents have commented that they “love that children are learning valuable life skills whilst having so much fun”.

Dates of the Junior Lifeguard Camps are: Week Course: Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August 2018 at King Charles 1 High School, Kidderminster.

One Day Course: Wednesday 29 August 2018 at Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove.

For more information or to book email Vicki at info@splashpaddleswim.co.uk or call 07340903798. www.splashpaddleswim.co.uk.

Facebook Page: Splash Paddle Swim

Action-Packed Ofsted Registered Summer Holiday Camps In search of an activity provider for the summer holidays? Want your children to stay active throughout the six weeks? Enjoy a fun filled school holiday at Aspire Active Camps! For children aged 4 -14, Active Camps provides sports and activities every school holiday throughout the year.

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. Safety is paramount and we go that extra mile as an Ofsted registered provider to give you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible.

We provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. As we are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers.

Our next camps are taking place during the summer holidays at multiple locations across the Midlands. Our Hagley Camp is based at Hagley High School and will be running our Multi Sports Academy, Gym Beatz, Dance and Stage Beatz, Cricket Academy and, for 12-14 year olds, Active Leaders. Running at our Bromsgrove Camp at St John’s C of E Middle School Academy will be our Multi Sports Academy, Gym Beatz Academy, Dance and Stage Beatz and Active Leaders. Our Alvechurch Camp at Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School will have our Multi Sports Academy, Gym Beatz and Active Leaders. Running at our Worcester Camp at Nunnery Wood High School will be our Multi Sports Academy, Gym Beatz and Active Leaders.

A standard day at our camps is 8am – 4pm, however, we also offer Xtra time which runs from 4pm – 6pm.

If you want to join us at Active Camps for an action-packed holiday, visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979. familiesonline.co.uk

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

11

What’s On

Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Little Red Riding Hood Moon On A Stick combine enchanting puppetry and absorbing storytelling with all the traditional pantomime elements in a gentle, imaginative show designed especially for our tiniest audience members.

31 July

Yoghurt and Berry Coconut Ice Lollies Let the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit of time to allow them to set.

Have fun!

Young Herbert’s Horrors Young Herbert is a little horror. Living on a boat should be the ideal life for a wannabe pirate, but the boat’s grounded until Herbert can learn to tidy his cabin, eat his greens and be more polite.

Swashbuckling verse, jaunty music. 7 August Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Snail And The Whale Join a tiny snail on her trip round the world in Tall Stories’ magical, musical production inspired by the fantastic bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 3-4 July

and strawberries 1/2 tin of coconut milk Museums...

400g natural yoghurt Avoncroft Museum of Historic 1 tbsp maple syrup (use less or more Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR depending on how sweet your fruit is) 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk 1tsp vanilla Outdoor Shakespeare! Oddsocks

Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for achieving physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family. For more inspiration, recipes, events and classes, visit www.healthywholeme.com 12

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Scarecrow Day Family fun day with a whole host of scarecrow characters. 26 August

Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Summer Fun at Hartlebury Castle We start off the summer with ‘Dig It’ on 22 July, where families are invited to explore our new archaeology exhibition ‘On Ancient Tracks’, follow our explorer trail and enjoy hands-on activities including sand pit exploration, metal detecting, microscope identification and clay coil pots.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Hoot Owl – Master of Disguise Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl – he’s a master of disguise!

And he plans to use his cunning camouflage powers to gobble up the tiny animals of the night. 29 August

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Makes 4 (but this is depending on the Three Little Pig Tails A brand new version size of your lolly moulds) of the classic story of the three little pigs set in Paris. A grumpy old wolf is a chef who wants You will need: some pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the little pigs outwit the wolf and what kind of house will they 400g of frozen (or fresh) berries. A mix build? 7 JulyFARM PARKS is great - for example use blueberries

How to make: 1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

3. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

4.Warm the moulds under water to release the pops when you are ready to eat them.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY, www.forgemill.org.uk Big Build Event Celebrate the start of the ‘Brick Built’ exhibition by helping out on the Big Build. Many hands will be needed to put together a giant mosaic using LEGO® bricks. Take some time out from building to enjoy a go on our bouncy castle! 21-22 July

Productions presents Romeo & Juliet Shakespearean shenanigans and musical mayhem, with their Mods and Rockers themed production of Romeo and Juliet! 8 July

Hartlebury Castle: Activities throughout the summer During the summer holidays there will be a host of fun activities for families on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. We start on 31 July with storytelling and making clay dinosaurs in our ‘Telling Tales Week’.

In Week 2, Art Attack, children can get involved with our collage project and make arty crafts. Week 3’s activities are about Castles and Fortifications, Week 4 is Eco Warriors week with a chance to make items from recycled materials and solar panels, and in the last week of August you can meet some owls and make an owl mobile.

On Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, families can Get Up Close To Fantastic Birds Of Pprey and watch them soar over the Castle Carriage Circle, Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 meet a variety of real life owls and enjoy decorating 2HU 01905 361821, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk your own mini bird house to take home.

Marvellous Middle Ages We travel back to the Marvellous Middle Ages in the summer Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, holidays and find out what life was like through fun Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT family crafts and activities. Sessions run on 01905 25371, Tuesdays – Fridays over the summer holidays, at www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk 11am and 2pm.

Ice Age Celebrating half a million years of 31 July - 24 August Worcestershire’s history, from the time our Medieval Revelry at the Hospital of St ancestors arrived until the end of the last Ice Age Wulstan Get into the medieval spirit for our 10,000 years ago. Visit Ice Age and come face to brilliant August bank holiday medieval celebrations face with a Neanderthal, crawl inside an Ice Age and discover what life was like 800 years ago shelter and meet Fluffy the Woolly Mammoth. when The Commandery was a monastic hospital.

16 June - 8 September Please note that the 26 -27 August Museum is closed Sundays.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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What’s On

Open for Summer Fun

New for 2018

Larger undercover playbarns, enlarged giant sandpits & outdoor play area!

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

01531 670780

Get YOUR EVENT seen by 44,000 parents Call 01684 770566

WIN an Annual Family Pass to Warwick Castle!

Experience the fun of real history and enjoy spectacular daily shows and attractions!

Choose your side in the critically-acclaimed live action family show Wars of the Roses Live (selected dates until 2 September), complete with epic horseback battles, astounding stunt riding and swashbuckling sword fighting.

Get lost in time in the UK’s first Horrible Histories® Maze – watch your children’s faces light up as they explore the foul facts and fun games!

Witness The Mighty Trebuchet, the largest working catapult in the world, launch a cannonball 150ft into the air (selected dates) and don’t miss the spectacular Flight Of The Eagles Show (twice daily) featuring an impressive collection of eagles, buzzards and vultures!

For more information, visit www.warwickcastle.com TO ENTER

Email your answers to the following questions (and the name of the town/village where you live) to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk no later than 17 August 2018:

✸ Tell us in 50 words (or more) why you find Families magazine a useful tool for family life?

✸ How likely are you to respond to a piece of advertising you see in Families? a Very likely b Possibly c Unlikely

Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. See Warwick Castle website for full details.

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

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What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Days Out...

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com

MORE

narrow-gauge railway runs during April to October (weather permitting) and takes you all around the Park. Don’t miss the ‘Skymaze’ adventure playground. Save by buying tickets online. August 1st - August 31st 2018

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book Trail As you Eastnor Castle: Fun-packed holiday programme walk around the gardens and grounds, follow the Jungle Book trail! Can you find all the characters?

Regular attractions include Knight’s Maze and 21 July - 2 September adventure playground.

8 Horse Stunt Show The Cavalry of Heroes, Circus Training. Clown around, learn to stilt walk, a professional horse stunt display team, will be juggle and more… 22 - 26 July performing a brand new show 26-27 August Make & Take: Air Dried Clay Workshops Create an ‘air dry’ clay creation to take home. 29 July.- 2 August Dinosaur Show Travel back in time with a life0844 800 1895 like walking, roaring T-rex! 5 - 9 August. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Climbing Wall & Karts Have a go on the climbing wall and race around on a pedal kart!

There’s plenty of family fun on offer during the 12-16 August. summer at National Trust places. See website for Survival Skils. Have you got what it takes to details. survive in the wild? Make a shelter, start a fire Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW and camouflage yourself. 19-23 August Tel: 01568 615721 Bounce And Boing Inflatable slide, obstacle course Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, and bouncy castle.. 26-27 August.

Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 488099 Off-Roading With Landrover Realise your Land

National Trust...

Rover Experience dreams with this fantastic event giving visitors the chance to passenger ride around part of Eastnor’s 53 miles of carefully maintained off-road tracks and obstacles. 28-30 August Family Fun Day Family fun with garden games and a zip-wire on the Valley Lawn. 2 September

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

Farm Parks...

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

Severn Valley Railway: Exciting steam days out Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, www.svr.co.uk Steam Immerse yourself in the world of steam as you join our family-friendly Train Tips workshops at intervals throughout the day.

21-22 July and 28-29 July

Wild Explorers Holiday Club Each day runs from 9am until 3pm and the price includes all activities, lunch and snacks. £25 per child, per day or £18 for siblings and annual members.

Book for 1 day, a selection or all week, the choice is yours! 30 July-3 August, 6-10 August and 28-31 August

Wizard Weeks Step into the wizarding world as we transform The Engine House into a young magician’s fantasy! 30 July - 2 September

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Daily Activities. Penguin feeding takes place every day at 11am and 3pm in the Walled Garden. There are keepers on hand to answer questions. Daily Lemur talks at 12noon. The

Science Boffins Science Shows throughout the week, including jaw dropping experiments, mind blowing demonstrations and interactive games. There is even a plasma ball! 23-27 July

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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.

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

To advertise call: 01684 770566

Rhino month: Watch these beautiful animals Rhino Month The keepers will be doing a daily talk throughout August at 2:00pm near the Rhino Paddock about these magnificent animals, the threats and the conservation work that is going on to try and protect them for future generations. 1-31 August 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 Farm Park, Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780, www.newbridgefarmpark.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!

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

Top Barn Farm Park, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH 01905 621954, www.topbarn.co.uk 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, and lots of summer activities.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ 01905 754919 www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Minibeast Mystery A fun morning of minibeast hunting and pond dipping. £3.50 per child, booking essential. 1 August 10am – 12pm Whose Poo? Explore the woodland at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s headquarters and try to identify animals by their tracks and droppings. £3.50 per child, booking essential.

22nd August 1pm – 3pm

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. You can expect all of the Festival favourites, including Percy the Peacock, 11 - 27August.

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What’s On

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

Visit Eastnor Summer Sun 22nd – Thu 26th July

Circus Skills Sun 29th July – Thu 2nd August

Make & Take:

Air-dried Clay Workshops Sun 5th – Thu 9th August

Dinosaur Show Sun 12th – Thu 16th August

Climbing Wall & Karts Sun 19th August – Thu 23rd August

Survival Skills Sun 26th – Mon 27th August

Bounce & Boing Tue 28th – Thu 30th August

Off-Roading with Landrover eastnorcastle.com

Buy discoun ted

tickets online

/EastnorCastle

@EastnorCastle

DIG IT! SUN 22nd JULY

Explore the brand new Archaeology Gallery ‘On Ancient Tracks’ and enjoy plenty of opening day activities including digging for treasure.

AWESOME OWLS & FANTASTIC FALCONRY

THEATRE AT THE CASTLE

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Call 01684 770566 or email

editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

to get YOUR EVENT seen by 44,000 parents

BY HEARTBREAK PRODUCTIONS 17th AUGUST, PERFORMANCE STARTS 6.30pm

BANK HOLIDAY MON 27th AUGUST Get up close to a host of owls and birds of prey and watch them soar over the Castle. Make your own bird mobile and decorate a mini bird house to take home.

Advance tickets – Adults £14, Children £7.50 (+£1 booking fee). *

SUMMER FUN TUES, WEDS & THURS THROUGHOUT AUGUST

Enjoy hands on craft activities with a different theme each week, and follow the Summer Explorer Trail too. £2 per child for activities.

31st Telling Tales 7th Art Attack 14th Castle & Fortifications

21st Eco Warriors 28th Feathered Friends www.hartleburycastle.com

Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster DY11 7XZ

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Please mention you saw these events in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Ofsted

Action-packed childcare this

registered

Summer Holiday

Open from 8am-6pm

Hagley

Hagley High School 23rd July - 31st August

Bromsgrove

St Johns CofE Middle School Academy 25th July - 31st August (excluding 30th July)

Worcester

Nunnery Wood High School 23rd July - 31st August

Alvechurch

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School 25th July - 3rd August & 13th - 24th August We accept childcare vouchers

Early Bird Offer

Book before 5pm on Friday 6th July

ÂŁ16 per day 8am-4pm - Xtra Time available up to 6pm if required.

See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

Book early and pay only

ÂŁ2 per hour

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

Explore & Discover! ___ Activities, events and

history to uncover at Avoncroft Museum See our website for Summer activities

Avoncroft -" Museum 16

Families Hereford & Worcester

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