Families Warwickshire May-June 2013

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May/June 2013 Issue 11

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warwickshire Use our pull-out guide to plan your child’s best-ever birthday bash!

! e m i T y tI ’s Part

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Contents

Issue 11 | May/June 2013 | Families Warwickshire

This Issue Regular Features

6 Crying Out Loud

Flown

by Pirates of the Carabina Tue 28 – Thu 30 May All ages With a crash of drums, The Circus arrives – a tour-hardy troupe of acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians, stuntmen and adventurers.

3 News 5 Kids’ Page e Regular Groups

Trestle Theatre

The Snow Queen based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun Age 6+ “…can hold an audience of children rapt from start to finish” Financial Times

6 8 Pull-out Party Planner q Education

Complicite

Lionboy Tue 18 - Thu 20 Jun Age 8+ Award-winning theatre company Complicite presents its first show for families and young people, inspired by Zizou Corder’s bestselling Lionboy trilogy.

Warwick Arts Centre

@warwickarts

box office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

q t What’s On u Competitions

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

Contact details Call: 01789 764667 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Welcome...

Your child’s birthday party is definitely their highlight of the year, even if the thought of it leaves you in a cold sweat.

The cost, the organisation, the pressure...

Well, fear not, because I’ve collected all the best party-related companies in Warwickshire and put them on one handy planner – a one-stop party shop! Just put it on the fridge door till you need it. And our feature also has top tips to help any party you plan go with a swing.

Design by Caroline Smith www.carolinesmithdesign.co.uk Cover by Christine Lynne Burke Photography www.clbphotography.co.uk/ All content Copyright 2013 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,500 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000 local parents and carers from just £30 a month!

Next issue: July/August 2013 Main features: Summer holiday clubs and courses/Festivals Deadline: Fri 7 June

Families Warwickshire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the content, nor for any consequence.

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Parties feature

Plus, the weather may be warming up, but for many that means the 11+ and SATs are looming, so we’ve also got an article on how to deal with exam stress.

This issue has been particularly tight for space, so there’s a lot of extra information and articles on the website – head to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Happy reading!

Gabrielle Starkey Editor

Twitter: @familieswarks

www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

EE LOCAL EVENT

sage Information Morning

News & views

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

13 May 2013 • 10.30-11.15am

All change for disability services in Warwickshire

a Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 5JX

aged 0-1 year? Or are you expecting a baby?

With the county’s Integrated Disability Service (IDS) facing funding cuts of £1.7million, d out more about the many benefits of baby the Council will launch a 12-week consultation process from May 7, to help shape o learn how a baby massage class works!

a new, streamlined service. At the same time, another consultation is underway to

a three-year localWong all-ages her details,develop please contact Joanna on Autism strategy, with surveys for under and over16s. If you are affected by either or both of these issues, you are urged to make your • SoftTouchBabyMassage@gmail.com

views known through the consultations, and Autism West Midlands has also called for anyone concerned by the possible loss of IDS services to also contact their MP.

out localTobaby massage access either or bothcourses of the consultations, go to the new Ask Warwickshire website: http://askwarks.wordpress.com/

For more information on IDS go to http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ids s, the International Association of Infant Massage Formassage more information about autism, see www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/ dard for baby rers and health he world.

Baby Massage Week

New parents are being encouraged to get hands-on with their babies during Baby Massage Week (Mon 13-Sat 18 May), with a free information event and brand new classes starting in Leamington. Baby Tranquilo classes combine massage, yoga and signing, and will be run by Jenny Brown every Friday afternoon at the Sure Start Coffee Shop at 37 Clements St CV31 2DP. If you’d like to find out more about baby massage, Jo Wong of Soft Touch Baby Massage is holding an information morning for expectant and new parents at Kinderroom (31a Warwick St, CV32 5JX) on Mon 13 May, 10.30-11.15am.

For more information about Baby Tranquilo, go to http://www.babytranquilo.moonfruit.com/

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Want a full-time income for part-time hours?

Make Way for More Monkey Music!

Monkey Music has never been bigger in Warwickshire, with an extra class for its youngest members just launched. Open to babies from 3 months, there will now be not one, but two Rock’n’Roll classes on a Thursday at The Malt House in Alveston. Also new for the summer term is an extra Ding Dong class – for 3 and 4 year-olds – at Stratford Leisure Centre on a Monday morning. Classes for babies and toddlers also run at the Rosebird Centre in Stratford, and in Alcester, Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington.

Got young children?

Struggling to balance your job, your finances and being a parent?

Been made redundant?

Need an extra income?

Just fancy a change?

Rewarding work with real security, flexibility, work/life balance and control over your destiny –if that sounds appealing, contact us today.

For a free trial, call 01789 415526 or see www.monkeymusic.co.uk And don’t forget to join Monkey on Facebook! You can now share pictures and videos – and keep up-to-date with all of Monkey’s news – by going to www.facebook.com/ monkeymusicstratforduponavonandleamingtonspa.

Keep an eye out for some special offers coming soon!

Keep up to date with us online www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

You too could change your life.

Contact Stacey on 07810 820731 or Sharon on 07983 442553 for a FREE information pack or email staciecalder@live.co.uk or sharon@breakthroughgroup.net

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.facebook.com/familieswarwickshire 3

News & views

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

Carluccio’s comes to Leamington Friday 3 May sees the opening of Antonio Carluccio’s latest restaurant, food shop and deli, at One Satchwell Court, Leamington. Mums will be able to gather for coffee and cake, or treat the children to fresh, handmade pasta dishes. Stratford’s Carluccio’s, on Riverside, is always buzzing, and no doubt the Leamington branch will be just as popular. www.carluccios.com/

Schoolchildren perform in Troy Story Get busy in the great outdoors with The National Trust National Trust properties in Warwickshire (Coughton Court, Baddesley Clinton, Packwood House, Charlecote Park and Upton House and Gardens) are getting active this spring as the re-launch of their hugely successful initiative ‘50 Things to Do Before You’re 113/4’ gets underway for May Half Term. To celebrate the simple pleasures of the great outdoors, each property is providing an action-packed checklist for under-12s, including everything from skimming stones to hunting for bugs and making daisy chains.

‘50 Things to Do Before You’re 113/4’ will run from May Half Term until September and – whatever the weather – promises an unforgettable day out for kids and the young at heart. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/midlands/ www.facebook.com/NTMidlands

Congratulations to school children from Thomas Jolyffe, Wilmcote Primary and the Welcombe Hills schools, who performed in an “intergalactic opera” at Stratford Civic Hall in April. Led by the Orchestra of the Swan and Coventry-based theatre company Talking Birds, the children performed alongside professional actors to bring the story – based on the Iliad – to life with lots of singing, some fighting and a few tricks!

Late-night fun at the Herbert On Saturday 18 May the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry will be extending their usual opening hours for I Protest! – an amazing day and night of free activities as part of the national Museums at Night event. I Protest! is a free event linked to the Herbert’s Caught in the Crossfire exhibition, which will run from 2-8pm, providing a wide range of hands-on family activities, talks, screenings and much more. Visitors will be able to try weaving and tapestry stitching, and watch battles between street artists and breakdancers (and maybe learn a few moves!). There will also be a range of free make-and-take activities for people of all ages.

Booking is not necessary – simply drop in any time between 2-8pm.

For more details, visit www.theherbert.org

Put your best foot forward...

Perfectly timed for the Spring and (hopefully) better weather, 2013’s Walk to School Week runs from 20-24 May. As part of National Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children about the benefits of walking, with each day focusing on a different aspect of walking, including safety, discovery, health, eco-friendliness and social time. Take part in Strider’s 5-Day Walking Challenge and reinforce the benefits of walking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walkto-school/walk-to-school-week

Your community farm needs you!

Active families around Bishops Tachbrook are being sought to help turn six acres of farmland into a community farm. Farmers Paul and Judith Macfarlane are hoping to build a community of 20 local families, who will have the chance to learn to farm in exchange for homegrown fruit and veg, eggs and meat from geese, chickens, ducks, pigs and goats, and honey from bees.

Anyone interested should email willowbrookcsa@gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/willowbrookcommunityfarm Due to space pressure in this issue it hasn’t been possible to include everything in the magazine. So go to the website to see: How to get kids gardening A guide to children’s savings accounts Lots more daily Regular Groups listings for your area www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Asparagus Toad in the Hole

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

We’re lucky to live so close to Evesham, famed for its asparagus (it’s even holding Asparafest, an “extreme village fête”, on June 1-2 – see www.asparafest.co.uk/) so here’s a great recipe using this fantastic local vegetable!

The stems can be a bit gritty so be sure to give them a good wash first.

paper to soak up the excess water.

Pour the oil in to a large, shallow roasting tin and place in the oven to heat up.

Put the flour in to a bowl and make a well in the centre. In a jug, whisk together the eggs, milk and water then gradually pour this in to the well in the flour, mixing all the time. This will help ensure your batter stays lump free (but don’t worry if it is a bit lumpy). Season with a little pepper and stir in the herbs.

Leave to stand for 5 minutes.

16 thick asparagus spears 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 eggs 140g self raising flour 150ml semi skimmed milk

Wrap each asparagus spear in a piece of ham. Taking great care, arrange the spears in the bottom of the roasting tin (using tongs to keep your hands away from the hot oil) then pour over the batter.

It may sizzle and spit when you do this. Put it carefully back in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes; the top will be gently brown and well risen. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the ham. This recipe should serve 4, but you can always adjust the proportions to feed fewer or more people.

150ml cold water 2 tablespoons chopped mixed herbs such as parsley, dill or oregano 8 slices of lean ham, halved Preheat the oven to 220c, gas mark 7. Please note, we’re dealing with hot stuff in this recipe so be sure to ask an adult to help you out.

Crossword

Cook the asparagus spears in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain it, then set it aside on kitchen

See p14 for answers

2

3

4

5

7

6 8

9

11

10

12

14

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15 A heavy weight

5 Animals with trunks

1 A flying machine

16 Where ships are built

9 Squirrels eat these

6 A little child

DOWN

10 Old word for meadow

7 A garden tool

1 African deer

11 Against

8 Where your foot joins your leg

2 List of names for duties

12 Net-like; gauzy; delicate

3 Play area

13 Twinkles in the night

11 A book of maps 14 Used for cooking

Tel: 01789 764667

My Hamster is an Astronaut

by Dave Lowe (Templar £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘When Ben Jinks announces that he’s going to build a rocket for the school science competition, his mega-brainy hamster is more than a little surprised. Stinky realises he will have to do most of the hard work – and be very involved in the launch! But there’s a cunning plan afoot to upset their ambitious competition entry. Will Ben and Stinky get their rocket off the ground?

‘This is a very funny story in the fantastic Stinky and Jinks series.

Laugh your socks off as Ben and Stinky aim for the stars.’

Penny Dreadful is a Record Breaker

by Joanna Nadin (Usborne £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Penny Dreadful is back with more of her madcap adventures. Penny’s latest brilliant ideas, with the help of her best-friend Cosmo, are tracking down a vampire to take to school for show-and-tell, giving Grandma Overall a surprise sparkly makeover and breaking the world record for something that has never been in the record books before.

However dreadful things become, Penny always seems to bounce back to look on the bright side!

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ACROSS

Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

Despite the recent cold weather Spring is definitely springing and we should be seeing lots of lovely, elegant asparagus appearing in the shops.

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Kids

4 A dull pain

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

‘The three stories about these super characters are absolutely hilarious with fantastic illustrations to complement them.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS+ The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard (Phoenix Yard Books £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Griffin Silk is a very unusual boy who finds the children at school rather mean. He lives with his loving family though sadly without his mother and baby sister. Griffin holds a secret in his heart and it is only when he meets Layla and he knows he has found a true friend that he starts to deal with his secret. Will he have the courage of his mythical namesake? And will Griffin and Layla together find a way to bring peace to this young boy?

‘This is a beautifully written and extraordinary story that will move as well as entertain its readers.’

Adrenaline Rush

by Allan Jones (Orion £5.99) ED SAYS ‘Zak Archer is a spy working for a secret government agency.

In this latest adventure in the Codename Quicksilver series, Zak is working undercover as a stunt double for a Hollywood movie.

He and his colleague Wildcat are investigating a link between the producer Elton Dean and a suspected terrorist attack.

Zak is aware of the dangers surrounding him but if his cover is blown will he be able to complete his mission?

‘This brilliant story is full of action and is exciting from start to finish. It is a real pageturner of a book.’

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

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Parties

It’s party time!

By Joanna Moorhead

A birthday party is the highpoint of the year for most kids - so the pressure is on to get it right. The secret, as ever, is in the planning.

But which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.

The Church Hall Party

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Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit – they’ll need plenty of energy for all that running around.

Who’s it suitable for? Children of five plus, who are confident about being left somewhere they don’t know

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Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, eg height restrictions, beforehand – there’s nothing worse than finding out on the day that one of your guests is too small to participate.

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Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance – the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in.

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Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

What is it? An indoor party in a hired venue

The pros: A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home The cons: You’ll have to leave the place

spotless afterwards, and pay for any damage

The Traditional Party

What is it? An at-home for the birthday

child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, and musical bumps.

Top tips to make it work:

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Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as well in case it’s a lovely day.

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Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early in the afternoon so you can get it tidied away before the end.

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If you’ve got the budget, hire an entertainer, some softplay equipment and/or a bouncy castle – the extra space will make it a lot more fun.

Who’s it suitable for? Great for nursery

and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time (can be combined with the Arty Party, see below).

The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly

can be); other parents often stay to help you out and keep you company (especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through).

The cons: You may need to redecorate

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Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

The Action Party

What is it? Paintballing, go-karting, drama, swimming, football, Go Ape etc

afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

Who’s it suitable for? Older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around or performing.

Top tips to make it work:

The pros: Your house remains intact; the

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Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about which rooms are in and out of bounds

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Have a timetable for what’s happening when

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Think about a project, eg craft kits, pirate games

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Give them a chance to let off steam in the garden

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For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to sit around the edges of it. At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbish inside and bin.

kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam.

The cons: It can be very expensive;

although some options, eg a swimming pool party or trip to an adventure playground, can be good value. If paintballing, many children end up covered in bruises (though they don’t seem to mind!)

Top tips to make it work:

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If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold as they’ll be outside for ages).

The Restaurant Party What is it? A meal-based party in, for

example, a pizza restaurant, where the kids are allowed to help or watch in the food preparation

Who’s it suitable for? Older kids of 8-12; children who enjoy the chance to meet and chat more than the chance to run around The pros: At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table in the restaurant and invite some other parents along, so it’s a meal out for you as well.

Children enjoy the sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out with friends The cons: It’s expensive; any raucous behaviour can upset other diners

Top tips to make it work:

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Make sure you’re booked at a time when the restaurant won’t be busy

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A restaurant near a park, where kids can run off a bit of energy afterwards, is a good idea

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Don’t rely on the pizza-making/ chef-watching for absolutely all the entertainment. Bring colouring packs or check the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy games to play round the table, eg I-Spy, in case things flag

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Parties

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Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements beforehand; most restaurants allow you to bring your own (don’t forget the candles and matches) Don’t limit yourself to chain restaurants – your local eaterie may well be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible than bigger establishments

The Arty Party

What is it? A creative party in a professional venue or at home (think Little Bird Soaps, Kiddy Cook, Build-a-Bear, pottery painting) Who’s it suitable for? Children over six, who can cope with a creative project

And finally...whatever sort of party you’re having don’t neglect the party bags! Every kid, at every party, is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag – and part of the excitement for your child is helping to put the bags together. Have a budget and stick to it – party bags can add hugely to the cost of a party – but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown away immediately.

Little Bird Parties bath socks

lip balm

Girls of all ages love creating their own lotions and potions perfume

soap body balm bath bombs

littlebirdsoaps.com katie 0779 242 3105

See our online Children’s Parties Section for more, including: 8 low cost party bags ideas: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ lowcostpartybags Our editorial team top tips: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ ourbestpartytips

Traditional and innovative educational toys and gifts for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and children up to the age of 12 73 Clarendon Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4PN Tel: 01926 337700 e: shop@ellaystoys.com

www.ellastoys.com

The pros: Professional help will be on hand,

so parents can relax and even join in! Children can take their artwork home.

The cons: Can be expensive, depending on the activity.

Top tips to make it work:

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Keep the invite list short - works best with smaller groups.

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Don’t worry about it being just for girls - many boys enjoy creative parties too!

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Do praise everyone’s efforts equally some children can get very sensitive about their creations.

h c a o rts c e e heatr A T g Sta The original, largest and STILL the best network of part-time performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Y N DA ne

OPE

th Ju ay 9 pm d n u S to 1 10am

Stagecoach Leamington Spa, Warwick & Kenilworth are holding an open day 10am to 1pm with FREE Open day workshops at 11am at Trinity Catholic School, Leamington Spa on Sunday 9th June.

Call 01789 263 464

www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

Holid Workshay 12th-16th op

A BOOK N ugust OW!

Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Pull-out Party Planner Venues

Hatton Country World Dark Lane, Hatton CV35 8XA. Call 01926 843411 http://www.hattonworld.com/ Package includes admission to the Adventure Farm and Snorty’s soft play, party bags, balloons, meal and lots more.

Ragley Hall Alcester B49 5NJ. Call 01789 762090 www.ragleyhall.com/ Bring a picnic to the adventure playground and maze, or hire the whole park exclusively! There’s a party room, and new options include watersports on the lake and pony rides.

Umberslade Farm Park Butts Lane, Tanworth in Arden B94 5AE. Call 01564 742251 www.umberslade.com/ Package includes tractor and pony rides, party bags, meal, entrance to the park to meet the animals and lots more.

Hoar Park Children’s Farm Nr Ansley, Nuneaton, CV10 0QU. Call 02476 398334 www.hoarparkfarm.com/ Package includes a guided tour of the farm and animal encounters. Really good value at only £80 for 15 children!

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Stratford Marina, Clopton Bridge, Stratfordupon-Avon CV37 6YY. Call 01789 415088 www.sharkeyscutsforkids.co.uk/locations/ avon/ Princess and Pirate makeover parties for girls and boys, with wild hairstyles, disco dancing, Scalextric and X-Box games. Also, pampering parties for tweens.

The Open Door Café 3 Slade Hill Hampton Magna, Warwick, CV35 8SA. Call 01926 410446 www.opendoorcafe.org.uk Great, friendly café available for hire.

Catering and entertainment can be included in the package.

The Pirate Party Boat Call 01789 267795 or 07970 289114 http://theatre-marine.co.uk/ Follow a treasure map to find the loot on this 90-minute cruise on the River Avon, near to Stratford-upon-Avon, complete with smoke machine, cannon and foam swords.

The Wonder Bus Call Jennie on 02476 331077 or 07765 240448 www.thewonderbus.co.uk/ Soft play and food aboard a double decker bus that will come to your home or venue.

Suitable for ages 3-8 years.

Soft Play The Play Farm

5 Berrington Rd Leamington Spa CV31 1NB. Call 01926 425601 www.playfarm.co.uk/ Party packages include Disco Fever, pizzamaking and Build-a-Bear.

Cheeky Chimps 3 Cattell Rd, Cape Industrial Estate, Warwick CV34 4JN. Call 01926 409007 www.cheekychimpswarwick.co.uk/

Henry’s Castle Play Barn Stratford Armouries, Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow, Stratford upon Avon CV37 0JA. Call 01789 262468 www.henryscastle.co.uk/ Play barn with separate party room and outdoors play area. Options include a disco party and Pottery Dottery painting.

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Monkey Music Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet Play Centre Whitefriars Lane, Coventry CV1 2DT. Call 02476 228 254 www.blackchili.co.uk/tinytimcentre/ purpleplanet/ Small soft play venue with good café.

Parties can be self-catering. Good value option.

Jam Jam Boomerang Woodhams Rd, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry CV3 4FX. Call 02476 30 3893 www.jamjamboomerang.co.uk/ Three packages – Pre-schoolers, Silver and Gold – for a 2-hour party.

The Adventure Zone Soft Play and Party Centre 68 Somers Rd, Rugby CV22 7DH. Call 01788 579561 www.theadventurezone.co.uk/ Standard, Deluxe and VIP packages, from £7.95 per child.

Leisure Centres

Everyone Active run children’s parties at Stratford-upon-Avon, Southam and Studley leisure centres. Themes can include pool parties, sports, bouncy castle and dance.

See the website for more information: www. everyoneactive.com/ Warwick District Council run a variety of children’s parties, including swimming and sports, at the following leisure centres: Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, Leamington Spa CV32 4EW. Call 01926 882083 St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, Warwick CV34 4QY. Call 01926 495353 Castle Farm Recreation Centre, Kenilworth CV8 1EY. Call 01926 850550 Abbey Fields Swimming Pool, Kenilworth CV8 1BP. Call 01926 855478 Meadows Community Sports Centre, Kenilworth School CV8 2DA. Call 01926 857613 John Atkinson Sports Centre, Myton School CV34 6PJ. Call 01926 498363 For more information, go to www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ and click on Leisure, then Leisure Centres and Gyms, and then Children’s Parties.

Pre-schoolers Calypso Kids Why not invite Calypso the Frog along to your little one’s birthday party? If you want to play percussion instruments to your favourite songs, swirl ribbons, shake pom poms & dive under the parachute, Calypso Kids Musical parties are for you. Enjoy 45 minutes of interactive, musical fun with balloons for your guests & a present for the birthday child & all for £75.

(Price is for up to 20 children – that’s just £3.75 per child!) Suitable for children aged 1-5 years (though the grown-ups & big kids always join in too!)

Call Emmajane on 07890399162 or email hello@calypsokids.co.uk www.calypsokids.co.uk

Mess Around Warwick Mess Around parties cater for preschool age children. We provide a free flow, unstructured messy play experience – letting the children explore and play in their own time.

We set out up to 6 different materials and activities for the children to get stuck into. Choose from coloured spaghetti, jelly, custard, shaving foam, ice, dry cereal, slime, sand or compost!

We bring an array of toys along too so that the children can use their own imaginations to role play and explore the materials, usually tea sets, pots and pans, tractors and animals or bugs. There is also a choice of keepsake for the party boy/girl.

Call Ingrid on 07889 470091 or email Ingrid@Mess-Around.co.uk www.mess-around.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MessAroundWarwick Twitter: @MessAroundCV34

Mess Around Stratford upon Avon Call Krissy on 07500 772 514 or email krissy@mess-around.co.uk www.mess-around.co.uk/stratford2013 Messy play parties for ages 0-4.

Munchkin Melodies presents

Little Scamps Birthday Parties

Fun filled, lively music parties for babies and children up to 4 years of age.

“Caroline has a presence which held the children on the ‘magical journey’ she created and her energy kept them all interested.”

“Little Scamps has original music, boundless energy and masses of smiley happy faces at the end and was incredibly good value” Our parties are great fun and can adapt to any theme; packed full with puppets, instruments, parachute play, scarves, ribbons and lot’s, lot’s more. For original parties that will delight, contact Little Scamps Call Caroline on 01926 498466 or email littlescamps@ munchkinmelodies.co.uk www.littlescamps.org.uk

Tumble Tots Call Laura on 01926 856 313 or email laura. gould@tumbletots.com www.tumbletots.com/ Active sports and music party for ages 6 months–7 years, tailored to the age range.

Baby Sensory Call Gemma on 07989 502712 or email warwickshire@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com/ Stimulating parties for babies, with a huge range of activities.

What better way to spend your big day than with a monkey who loves to party!

Especially with other little monkey friends who join him singing, dancing, and playing musical party games!

Monkey’s parties are great fun for children and babies of all ages.

Every Monkey Music party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the birthday child’s favourite Monkey Music songs.

Your Monkey Music teacher will make sure that everyone has a really special day to remember. Monkey Parties also work really well for a mixed age group of children.

Call Claire on 01789 415526 or email stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Boogie Bugs Call Annie on 07702 261907 http://boogiebugclub.co.uk/ A mix of live performance, songs, dancing and games.

Theatrical parties Stagecoach Stagecoach Parties take your child on a rollercoaster ride through their imagination and land them safely back with some amazing memories!

Parents can sit back and relax while we do all the work! We can come to you, either at home or a hired venue, or Stagecoach Leamington Spa offer their own decorated venue on Saturdays for FREE! There are themed parties for children aged 4-11 and Murder Mystery for 11-16 year olds. Each party is tailor-made for each age group and packed full of dramatic games, songs and fun for everyone!

Whether they want to be princesses, pirates, fairies or detectives, there’s a Stagecoach Party for everyone.

Call Jacqui Dance on 01789 263464 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ leamingtonspa

Playbox Theatre Company The Dream Factory Shelley Ave, Warwick CV34 6LE Call 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com/ Tailor-made performance packages for your little star and their friends.

Arts and Crafts Lilac Ladybird Craft Studio

Hilltop Farm Shop and Café, Fosse Way, Hunningham, Nr Leamington Spa CV33 9EL. Call 07890 154852 www.lilacladybird.co.uk/ Parties for any age – range includes pottery painting, teddy bear-making, papercraft, jewellery making, enamelling or T-shirt making.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

All the contacts and inspiration you need – just pull out this useful guide, stick it on the fridge and save it until you need it!

Equipment hire Kiddy Cook Children’s Cookery Parties

Let Kiddy Cook take the pain out of parties with our fantastically different foodie-fun celebrations for children aged 5-11. From creating your own party feast to whizz-bang food science experiments we’ve got fun stuff to keep any group of friends entertained. We’ll provide everything you need from start to finish, from invites to ingredients to utensils to party bags. And don’t worry about the mess– before we go we’ll do all the clearing, cleaning and washing up. How cool is that?

To book a party or to find out more just call Charlotte on 07506 034 899 or email us at leamingtonspa@ kiddycook.co.uk.

Web: www.kiddycook.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ KiddyCookLeamingtonSpa Twitter: @KiddyCookLSpa

The Creation Station Covering Kenilworth and South Coventry Call Catherine on 0844 874 7336 www.thecreationstation.co.uk/childrensart-class-and-party-entertainer/coventrysouth-and-kenilworth Arty Parties include painting, modelling, sculpting and crafting, plus music, dancing and games. All children create two works of art to take home.

Little Bird Soaps Here’s some of what makes a Little Bird Party special...

Learn to create wonderful natural beauty products, without the nasties.

We come to you laden with the finest natural and organic ingredients and the tuition needed for your guests to create their own lip balm, bath bombs and more. Everyone leaves with a handcrafted party box full of goodies they can use and be proud of. No need to buy the usual throw away party bag. Our parties are very bespoke with plenty of special touches. It’s lots of fun and crafty too.

For ages 6-86 yrs!

For more information call Katie on 0779 2423 105 or visit www.littlebirdsoaps.com

The Pottery Paint Shop

The Leam Boat Centre

36 West St, Warwick CV34 6AN. Call 01926 258087 www.thepotterypaintshop.co.uk/ Pottery painting parties for ages 5+.

Mill Gardens, Mill Road, Leamington Spa CV31 1BE. Call 01926 889928 www.leamboatcentre.com/JuniorParties Kayaking or raft-building parties in Warwick and Leamington.

Beading Crafty 25 The Square, Brandon, Kenilworth CV8 1EF. Call 01926 858442 www.beadingcrafty.com/ Jewellery, sculpture and painting parties for age ranges 8-11 and 12-15.

Childsplay Ceramic Studio Stratford Garden Centre, Campden Road, Clifford Chambers, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8LW. Call 01789 205745 www.stratfordgardencentre.co.uk/ Pottery painting parties for ages 5 and over.

Photography Portraits by Christine Smash the Cake!

A fun and memorable way to mark your little one’s birthday, you’ll have a smashing time! This is a wonderful gift that will last a lifetime, with beautiful portraits taken before, during and after the cake smash.

Mini Fashion Shoots: As your kids reach that tricky age for parties, why not book them a confidence boost? My Mini Fashion Shoots for 11-16-year-olds make them look like they could be on the front cover of their own album or magazine, and it’s great fun for all involved!

Check out special offers on Smash the Cake & Mini Fashion Shoots parties at: www.portraitsbychristine.co.uk

Pamper parties

Absolute Beauty Pamper Parties Call Rosina on 01926 612403 www.rosinabeauty.co.uk/ For girls aged 8+. Use the giant Jacuzzi, followed by a pamper treatment, and watch a film on the cinema room.

Girl Thing Potter In Craft Studio 1a Augusta Place, Leamington Spa CV32 5EL. Call 01926 886 655 or email info@ potterin.co.uk www.potterin.co.uk/ Large range of crafty parties, including pottery painting, mosaic, jewellery, decopatch, glass painting, Princess and Pirate. Also provide pottery painting kits to paint at home.

Pottery Dottery Pottery painting parties at Henry’s Castle Play Barn (see Soft Play)

Crazy Kiln 6 Station Rd, Brandon, Kenilworth CV8 1JD. Call 01926 853 274 www.crazykiln.co.uk/ Pottery painting, decopatch or clay craft parties available.

Tel: 01789 764667

Avon Toys, 77-79 Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 4RR Call Marion Burns on 07547 174592 Subtle, age-appropriate beauty experiences for girls aged 6+, with nail art, glitter tattoos, hair styling with gems and much more. Can come to your home or venue.

Activities

Phoenix Scalextric Circuit Call Jon on 07949 656577 or email jon@ phoenixscalextriccircuit.com www.phoenixscalextriccircuit.com Race your friends around a huge 6-lane track. I recommend this – Luca has been to two parties here, and loved it. Brilliant for boys, from about age 8, especially.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Go4Goals Call Jason Davies on 07747 562469 or email Jason@go4goals.co.uk www.go4goals.co.uk Football parties for ages 4-11, run by a fully qualified FA coach.

Onside Coaching Call 01926 496496 or email info@ onsidecoaching.co.uk www.onsidecoaching.co.uk/ Multi-sports, football or dance parties at your choice of venue.

Bunkers Hill Swimming Barton Road, Welford-Upon-Avon CV37 8HQ. Call 01789 751016 http://bunkershillswimming.co.uk/ Two-hour parties, with games and races.

Wacky Racquets Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure Centre CV37 6YY. www.wackyracquets.co.uk/ Badminton parties – offering very low rates at the moment, as these are new, so book while you can! Great for teenagers.

Softplay Takeaway Relax and let Softplay Takeaway bring the party to you!

Safety mats, ballpit + balls, rockers, tunnels, climb-on large shapes, musical mats, fancy dress costumes and lots more!

Perfect for parties, christenings, weddings and other occasions, Softplay Takeaway really does take the stress out of organising a party.

We offer a range of packages to suit all budgets and space. All you have to do is book the venue – or we can even come to your home – and let us take care of the rest!

Our top quality equipment is thoroughly cleaned prior to each use and we are fully covered with public liability insurance.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ softplaytakeaway Mobile: 07966 767 213 Email: softplaytakeawayhire@ gmail.com

Rock and Roll Soft Play Call 07760 366155 or email info@ rockandrollsoftplay.co.uk http://www.rockandrollsoftplay.co.uk Soft play hire, for 0-4-year-olds.

Tenpin Bowling

Bounceroos Bouncy Castle Hire

Shires Retail Park, Tachbrook Park Drive, Leamington Spa CV34 6RH. www.tenpin.co.uk/leamington-spa/ Organised parties with two games of bowling, dancing, meal and party bags.

Call 07769 979676 or 0247 6629197 www.bounceroos-bouncycastles.co.uk/ Have a list of recommended venues to weather-proof your party.

Go-Kart Party

Call Colin & Michelle Nevin on 07817 033292 or email info@tickety-boo.uk.com www.tickety-boo.uk.com/ Full range of party equipment plus staff.

Packages include High School Musical, Multi-Activity and Adventure Aerobics.

Call Colin Stokes on 07905 631 098 Totally safe racing in electric cars, at your venue or one of their approved venues around Warwickshire, for up to 24 children.

Mr Karting Unit 2, The Hangars, Harbury Lane, Bishop’s Tachbrook, Leamington Spa CV33 9SA. Call 01926 833444 www.mrkarting.co.uk Exciting indoor racing, in petrol-driven karts (children must be age 8 and 4’4” tall).

Entertainers Animal Antics

Call John on 01902 678320 or email john@ animalantics.net www.animalantics.net Invite the Animal Man to your home or venue and thrill the kids with cockroaches, giant African millipedes, tarantulas, toads, lizards, snakes and birds of prey. Ages 5+.

Mad Science

Tickety-Boo

Party bags

Amanda Walker Crafts Email Amanda on amandawalkercrafts@ gmail.com www.amandawalkercrafts.co.uk Handmade gifts and fabric party bags, empty or pre-filled with wooden toys.

Party shops The Giant Party Shop

148 Emscote Road, Warwick CV34 5QN. Call 01926 351 643 or email info@ giantpartyshopwarwick.co.uk http://giantpartyshopwarwick.co.uk/

Call 01926 429875 http://westmidlands.madscience.org/ birthdayparties.aspx High-energy, interactive science shows, for ages 5-12. Options include Rocket Party, Ooey Gooey Party and Lazer-Glow Show.

Stratford Fancy Dress

Cakes

12 Gloucester Street, Leamington Spa CV31 1EE. Call 01926 314699 or email info@one-stop-partyshop.co.uk www.one-stop-partyshop.co.uk

Cake Time

Call Fiona on 07790 483 888 or email fiona@ cake-time.co.uk www.cake-time.co.uk Fabulous handmade occasion cakes and cupcakes.

Stratford Garden Centre, Campden Road, Clifford Chambers, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8LW. Call 01789 298467 www.stratfordfancydress.co.uk/

One Stop Party Shop

Let’s Party Market Place, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AG. Call 01608 665944

9

Education Helping your child cope with exam stress

School stops for summer, learning doesn’t have to

by Dr Lucy Russell

Dear parents of year 5 and 6 children,

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Leamington Spa Study Centre Joanne Cox 01926 513130 kumon.co.uk

This article has been written for you to share with your child as they approach their exams. I am sure they will be looking to do their best, not only for themselves but also for you. There’s always a considerable amount of playground ‘chat’ about these exams, especially the 11-plus, and this tends to make children more anxious than might have been the case. This article explains that getting ‘stressed’ is normal and provides some ideas to help.

S

o, I guess by now you have heard lots about the 11-plus exam and maybe you have discussed with your parents whether or not you will take this exam. Or if you are taking SATs this summer, you might have been practising at school or have heard people saying it’s important to do well so you are in the right streams at secondary school.

Some children can be worried about these exams. This might be for lots of reasons.

Maybe you’re worried about messing it up, or worried that you won’t understand the CHILDCARE FOR questions. This is fine and quite natural.

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In fact getting ‘stressed’ or anxious when you’re faced with exams, is very common. Leading up to an exam, your body gets pumped with two substances called adrenalin and cortisol, which can actually help you focus.

This ‘stress response’ was helpful when we were cavemen and needed to run away from wild animals… But too much stress is not healthy and has a negative impact on your body and mind.

Some of the effects stress can have on your body are: tense muscles, dry mouth, feeling jumpy, heart racing, having trouble sleeping, getting angry or tearful easily, upset stomach...

7.30am

If you’re feeling any of these things, here are some things you can do to help yourself cope with it.

Look after yourself Make sure you get lots of sleep. Stop homework or playing on computer games at least one hour before going to bed.

10

Exercise helps release tension in your body and boosts your mood. Build it into your timetable each day – perhaps walking around the block, or bouncing on a trampoline.

Your brain needs a steady stream of energy and the right vitamins and minerals to work properly. Try to eat lots of healthy food. A good breakfast on the day of exams is important too.

Use coping techniques Talk to your parents or someone else you know well. It’s really important that you don’t suffer alone. Sharing a problem can sometimes make you feel that a burden has been lifted.

Others may have experienced the same sorts of feelings.

When you’re stressed, do some relaxing and enjoyable things. This calms your nervous system, stops the release of adrenalin and gives your body a rest. It creates ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body which help you relax.

It’s especially important to do this in the evenings as this will help you sleep well.

Keep things in perspective Try to challenge any panicky thoughts like ‘If I don’t pass, my world is over.’ Of course it means a lot to you and your family to do well, however, many people don’t pass exams and life will go on.

Challenge any ‘negative’ thoughts you’re having which seem to make you stressed.

Thoughts are not always true. Work out what your worrying thoughts are and then check out whether they are true or not by chatting to your parents or a friend.

Thanks for reading this article, we hope you found it useful.

Dr Lucy Russell is the lead child psychologist at Everlief Child Psychology in West Wycombe. http://everlief.co.uk Looking for a private child psychologist in Warwickshire? Try Dr Helen Andrews at Family Matters in Warwickshire (based in Henley-in-Arden). Call 01564 795337. www.familymattersinwarwickshire.co.uk/ Alternatively, see your GP and ask to be referred to CAMHS (the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service).

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Independent and Grammar School Open Days May/June 2013 Warwick School

Myton Rd Warwick, CV34 6PP. Tel: 01926 776400 e: enquiries@ warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org/ Thurs 9 May: Junior School at Work, 1.45-3.15pm Fri 5 July: Open Evening, 7-9pm

Rugby School

Rugby CV22 5EH. Tel: 01788 556 274 e: registry@ rugbyschool.net www.rugbyschool.net/ Sun 12 May: Open Day for 13+ (Year 9) boarding pupils for entry in 2015 Sat 15 June: Open Day for 16+ (Year 12) boarding and day pupils for entry in 2014

The Kingsley School

Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa CV32 5RD. Tel: 01926 421368 e: carolewatson@ kingsleyschool.co.uk (Registrar Carole Watson) www.thekingsleyschool.com/ Mon 13 May: Prep Open House Weds 3 July: Senior School Open Evening

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery

St Joseph’s Park, Kenilworth CV8 2FT. Tel: 01926 514444 e: post@ crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk/ www.littlecrackers.co.uk/ Tues 14 May: Open Evening, 5-7.30pm Tues 11 June: Open Day, 10am-3pm

Alcester Grammar School

Birmingham Rd, Alcester B49 5ED. Tel: 01789 762 494 e: office@ alcestergs.com

www.alcestergs.co.uk/ Thurs 4 July, 6-8.30pm: Open Evening for Yr 5 pupils

Princethorpe College

Rugby CV23 9PX. Tel: 01926 634201 e: elainewarwick@ princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk/ Weds 5 June: Open Evening, 6.30-8.30pm Taster Days available for Year 5 pupils in May and June

Stratford Preparatory School Church House, Old Town, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6BG. Tel: 01789 297993 e: secretary@ stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk/ Fri 7 June: Open Day, 10am-2pm & 6-8pm

King’s High

Landor House, Smith St, Warwick CV34 4HJ. Tel: 01926 494485 e: enquiries@ kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk/ Fri 14 June: Open Evening Sat 22 June: Taster Morning for girls in Yr 5

King Edward VI School (KES) Church St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6HB. Tel: 01789 293 351 e: headspa@kes.net www.kes.net/ Sat 22 June: Open Morning for Yr 7 2014 (current Yr 5)

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King Edward VIII School

Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AQ. Tel: 024 7627 1111 e: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk/ Sat 29 June: Open Morning for Year 5 pupils

Education News

Deputy Prime Minister urges Lillington Primary to go for top award

Following a recent visit to Lillington Nursery and Primary School, Nick Clegg has written urging them to enter the 2013 Pupil Premium Awards. The awards celebrate schools that have made the best use of the Pupil Premium fund (additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers). Mr Clegg called Lillington’s use of the funding “innovative and effective”, and noted in his letter that “the most recently available Key Stage results show that Lillington Nursery and Primary is among the top performing schools in England for boosting the performance of disadvantaged pupils since the Pupil Premium was introduced.”

Win a recording session for your school!

Warwickshire County Music Service has launched an exciting competition for school singing groups, with prizes including a session in a recording studio to produce a CD. Warwickshire schools are invited to enter in three categories – infant, primary and secondary – and nine groups will be selected for a grand final “sing-off” on July 8 at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington. For more details call 01926 742630 or go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/music Tel: 01789 764667

11+ Tuition

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

At Crackley Hall we believe that every child should be allowed to learn in their own way. That’s why we never use a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to our teaching. We also support the individual interests of each child with a host of extra-curricular activities – everything from sport to art and performance. In this way, we help all our pupils at Crackley become the best they can be.

And with our nursery, Little Crackers, carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school, based on the exciting Reggio Emilia approach we are the perfect choice for your child’s first steps into education.

Open Evening – Tuesday 14 May 5.00pm to 7.30pm Open Day – Tuesday 11 June 10.00am to 3.00pm For more information please visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk or call 01926 514444

The Princethorpe Foundation Education in the Catholic tradition

Boys and Girls 2 to 11

Registered Charity Number 1087124

11

Clubs, Classes & Regular Groups These listings are organised by area (in alphabetical order), and then by time. If you’d like your classes listed, please contact Gabrielle on editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

There are more Regular Groups listed online at

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Alcester area Monday Rutleigh Norris Ballet School at The Dance Studio, The Greig Lifestyles, Kinwarton Rd, B49 6AD. 4.30-7.30pm, Young Pupils 3-10yrs PrePrimary to Grade 3. Royal Academy of Dance I.D.T.A. ballet taught. Contact Edwina Norris on 01789 766884. www.ballet.uk.com

Thursday

Book your FREE class today

Rutleigh Norris Ballet School at The Dance Studio, The Greig Lifestyles, Kinwarton Rd, B49 6AD. 5-8.30pm, Senior pupils and Students 10-18yrs. Grade 4 to grade 8. Royal Academy of Dance I.D.T.A. ballet taught. Contact Edwina Norris on 01789 766884. www.ballet.uk.com

Friday Monkey Music at Alcester Methodist Church, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DX. Classes at 9.40am, 10.20am, 11am and 11.40am. Lots of free parking behind at Waitrose/Shoppers car park. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk

Saturday

T: 01789 415526 E: stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk

Rutleigh Norris Ballet School at The Dance Studio, The Greig Lifestyles, Kinwarton Rd, B49 6AD. 9.30am-12.30pm, Young Pupils 3-12yrs.

Pre-Primary to Grade 4. Royal Academy of Dance I.D.T.A. ballet taught. Contact Edwina Norris on 01789 766884. www.ballet.uk.com

Classes in Alcester, Alveston, Stratford, Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick

Sunday

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy Ballet, Tap, Modern & Street Dance classes for children

Coventry

IDTA & RAD Exams Shows & Competitions Fully qualified & experienced staff Branches in Warwick, Wootton Wawen & Northampton

Baby Ballet 21/2 years Street Dance for 7+ years

Call 07791 852891

or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com for more information Krystle Gerrard AIDTA CDE

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

www.godivatrapeze.co.uk Childrens Circus Classes in Leamington and Warwick Aerial Skills: Trapeze, Doubles Trapeze, Rope, Silks, Aerial Hoop.

Childrens classes are held in: Motionhouse Dance Studio Spencer Yard, Leamington Spa 5-8yr Friday 5-6pm 8-11yr Friday 6-7pm 11-14yr Thursday 5-6.30pm 14+ Monday 6.30-8pm (Warehouse in Warwick)

Godiva Trapeze & Aerial Arts Company

Adult beginners Classes held at Spencer Yard: Sunday 11.45-1.15pm 1.15-2.45pm 3-4.30pm Contact: gaynor_godiva@hotmail.com We also do holiday projects and birthday parties.

All ages and abilities welcome!

12

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy at Wootton Wawen Village Hall, Alcester Road, Wootton Wawen, B95 6AY. 10am Baby Ballet; 10.30am Pre-Primary Ballet & Tap; 11.15am Street Dance. Call Krystle on 07791 852891 or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com http:// krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Wednesday Baby Tranquilo at Xcel Leisure Centre, Coventry CV4 8DY. Baby massage, yoga and signing. For babies from 8 weeks. Learn new techniques that promote physical, social and emotional development and enhance communication and bonding. Free class available. Call Jenny Brown on 07725 094123 or email jennybrown05@googlemail.com www.babytranquilo.moonfruit.com Tumble Tots (term time only) at Christ Church, Frankpledge Road, Cheylesmore CV3 5GT. 9.30-10.10am Gymbabes; 10.30-11.15am Walking – 2 years; 11.30am-12.15pm for ages 2-3 years; 1-1.45pm for age 3 – School Age. Contact Laura Gould on 01926 856 313, laura. gould@tumbletots.com or www.tumbletots. com/warwick

Burton Green Hall, Hodgetts Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1PH. 10-10.40am Stage 1 (4 monthstoddling); 11-11.50am Stage 2 (toddlingapprox 2 and a half ). Contact Nikki Sayers on 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk http://www.dandydevelopment.co.uk Stagecoach Kenilworth at Priors Field School, Clinton Lane, Kenilworth CV8 1BA. 4.30-7.30pm. Three hour-long classes of singing, dance and drama for ages 6-18yrs.

Contact Jacqui Dance on 01789 263 464, leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk or www. stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

Thursday Tumble Tots (term time only) at Castle Farm Sports Hall, Fishponds Road, Kenilworth CV8 1EY. 9.30-10.15am for age 3 – School Years; 10.30-11.15am for Walking – 2 years; 11.30am12.15pm for ages 2-3 years; 12.45-1.25pm Gymbabes. Contact Laura Gould on 01926 856 313, laura.gould@tumbletots.com or www. tumbletots.com/warwick Monkey Music (term time only) at Kenilworth Youth Centre, Abbey End Car Park, Abbey End. Kenilworth.CV8 1QJ. Classes at 10am, 10.40am and 11.20am. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Leamington Spa Monday Monkey Music (term time only) at The Octagon, St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Vicarage Road, Lillington, CV32 7RH. Classes at 9.40am, 10.20am and 11am. Plenty of parking on surrounding streets. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk Cookie Tots (term time only) at Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street, CV32 4RN. 10.30am. Grown ups help their children to make a simple recipe then the children take part in fun food-related activities and games.

Contact Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk.

Tuesday Cookie Tots (term time only) at Whitnash Community Centre, Acre Close CV31 2ND. 10.30am. Grown ups help their children to make a simple recipe then the children take part in fun food related activities and games.

Contact Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk.

Wednesday Cookie Tots (term time only) at Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street CV32 4RN. 1.30pm. Grown ups help their children to make a simple recipe then the children take part in fun food related activities and games.

Contact Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk.

Thursday

Thursday

Baby Tranquilo at Moathouse Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre CV2 1DX. Baby massage, yoga and signing. For babies from 8 weeks. Learn new techniques that promote physical, social and emotional development and enhance communication and bonding.

Free class available. Call Jenny Brown on 07725 094123 or email jennybrown05@googlemail. com www.babytranquilo.moonfruit.com

Monkey Music (term time only) at Dale St Church Centre, Dale St, CV32 5HL. Classes at 1.40pm, 2.20pm and 3pm. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Kenilworth

Children’s Trapeze at Motionhouse Dance Studio, Spencer Yard, CV31 3SY. 5-6.30pm for 11-14 years. Learn aerial skills including trapeze, doubles trapeze, rope, silks and aerial hoop. All abilities welcome – adult classes also available! Contact Gaynor on gaynor_godiva@ hotmail.com www.godivatrapeze.co.uk

Tuesday

Friday

Baby Tranquilo at Burton Green Village Hall, Burton Green CV8 1PG. Baby massage, yoga and signing. For babies from 8 weeks. Learn new techniques that promote physical, social and emotional development and enhance communication and bonding. Free class available. Call Jenny Brown on 07725 094123 or email jennybrown05@googlemail.com www.babytranquilo.moonfruit.com

Dandy Development (term time only) at St Paul’s Church, Leicester Street, CV32 4TE. 10-10.40am Stage 1 (4 months-toddling); 1111.50am and 12.15-1.05pm Stage 2 (toddlingapprox 2 and a half ). Contact Nikki Sayers on 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk http://www.dandydevelopment.co.uk

Wednesday Dandy Development (term time only) at

Cookie Tots (term time only) at Whitnash Community Centre, Acre Close, CV31 2ND. 10.30am. Grown ups help their children to make a simple recipe then the children take part in fun food related activities and games.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Clubs, Classes & Regular Groups Contact Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk.

514 or krissy@mess-around.co.uk www. facebook.com/MessAroundSoA

Tumble Tots (term time only) at St Marks Church, Rugby Road, CV32 6DL. 11.45am12.25pm Gymbabes; 1-1.45pm for Walking – 2 years; 2-2.45pm 2 – 3 years; 3-3.45pm for ages 3 – School Age; 4-4.50pm Gymbobs. Contact Laura Gould on 01926 856 313, laura.gould@tumbletots.com or www.tumbletots.com/warwick

Stratford-uponAvon

Children’s Trapeze at Motionhouse Dance Studio, Spencers Yard, CV31 3SY. 5-6pm for 5-8 years; 6-7pm for 8-11 years. Learn aerial skills: trapeze, doubles trapeze, rope, silks and aerial hoop. All abilities welcome – adult classes also available! Contact Gaynor on gaynor_godiva@hotmail.com www.godivatrapeze.co.uk

Saturday Stagecoach Leamington Spa at Trinity Catholic School, Guy’s Cliffe Avenue, CV32 6NB. 9.30-11am or 12.30-2pm for 4-6yrs; 10am-1pm or 2.30-5.30pm for 6-18yrs.

Classes in singing, dance and drama.

Contact Jacqui Dance on 01789 263 464, leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk or www. stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa Kiddy Cook: Monthly workshops for children aged 4 – 11. We follow a different theme every month – choose from Italian, Indian, Chinese, vegetarian food, bread making... see website for details (www. kiddycook.co.uk/leamington-spa) or phone Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899.

Rugby Thursday Dandy Development (term time only) at Long Lawford Memorial Hall, Railway Street, Long Lawford, near Rugby, CV23 9BA. 10-10.40am Stage 1 (4 monthstoddling); 11-11.50am Stage 2 (toddlingapprox 2 and a half ). Contact Nikki Sayers on 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@hotmail. co.uk www.dandydevelopment.co.uk

Shipston-on-Stour Monday Mess Around at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE. 10.15am. Messy play sessions for preschoolers. Terms runs for 5 consecutive weeks, booking is essential. 5 week term £25, or £5.50 a week, siblings £2.50.

Contact Krissy Monaghan on 07500 772 514 or krissy@mess-around.co.uk www. facebook.com/MessAroundSoA

Wednesday Calypso Kids Preschool Music Classes at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipstonon-Stour CV36 4AE. 9.20am, 10.15am & 11am. Friendly, relaxed music class with an emphasis on exploring and playing instruments. All classes are mixed age.

Different instruments are hidden in Calypso the Frog’s lily pad for the children to guess and then play on a musical adventure. Blocked bookings cost £3.50 per class or Pay-as-You-Play for £4.50.

Discounts available for siblings and childminders. Free, no obligation taster session available. Contact Emmajane on 07890399162 or hello@calypsokids.co.uk www.calypsokids.co.uk

Friday Calypso Kids Preschool Music Classes at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipstonon-Stour CV364AE. 10am & 11am. See Wednesday for class details. Contact Emmajane on 07890399162 or hello@ calypsokids.co.uk www.calypsokids.co.uk Mess Around at Blackwell Village Hall, Blackwell, nr Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4PE. 10.15am. Messy play sessions for pre-schoolers. Terms runs for 5 consecutive weeks, booking is essential. 5 week term £25, or £5.50 a week, siblings £2.50.

Contact Krissy Monaghan on 07500 772

Monday Tumble Tots (term time only) at Memorial Hall, Hathaway Lane, Shottery, Nr. Stratford upon Avon CV37 9BL. 9.30-10.15am for age 3 – School Age; 10.30-11.15am for Walking – 2 years; 11.30am-12.15pm for ages 2- 3 years. Contact Laura Gould on 01926 856 313, laura.gould@tumbletots.com or www. tumbletots.com/warwick Sparkle Tots at Alveston Malt House, Alveston CV37 7QP. From 9.30am.

Performing arts classes for pre-school children aged two years upwards. Free taster session available. Call Natalie Rogers on 07702 923741 or email sparkleperformers@gmail.com Monkey Music (term time only) at Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgefoot CV37 6YY. Classes at 10am. 10.40am and 11.20am. There is 1 hr free parking in the multi storey opposite or pay and display at venue. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Tuesday Sparkle School of Performing Arts at Tiddington Community Centre, Tiddington CV37 7AN. 4pm Boys Only Streetdance Class – no girls allowed! Call Natalie Rogers on 07702 923741 or email sparkleperformers@gmail.com

Wednesday Monkey Music (term time only) at Rosebird Community Hall, Shipston Road CV37 8LU. Classes at 9.30am, 10.15am and 11am. Pay & Display at hall or walk up from Waitrose area. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Thursday Monkey Music (term time only) at The Malt House, Alveston Village CV37 7QP. Classes at 9.40am, 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www. stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk Mess Around at Stratford Armouries, Pathlow CV37 0JA. 10am and 11.15am.

Messy play sessions for pre-schoolers. Price includes half-price entry to Henry’s Castle play barn after the session. Terms runs for 5 consecutive weeks, booking is essential.

5 week term £25, or £5.50 a week, siblings £2.50. Contact Krissy Monaghan on 07500 772 514 or krissy@mess-around.co.uk www.facebook.com/MessAroundSoA Sparkle School of Performing Arts at Alveston School, Knights Lane, Tiddington CV377BZ. 4.30pm onwards. Classes in musical theatre (dance, drama and singing) ballet, street dance and drama. Fun and exciting and open to children age four years upwards. Pupils work towards shows and exams. Call Natalie Rogers on 07702 923741 or email sparkleperformers@ gmail.com

Friday Sparkle Tots at the Rosebird Community Hall, Shipston Road CV37 8LU. From 11.30am. Performing arts classes for pre-school children aged two years upwards. Free taster session available. Call Natalie Rogers on 07702 923741 or email sparkleperformers@gmail.com

Saturday Monkey Music (term time only) at The Malt House, Alveston Village CV37 7QP. Classes at 9.40am, 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Warwick Monday Monkey Music (term time only) at St Mary Immaculate Hall, West Street, Warwick CV34 6AB. Classes at 1.40pm, 2.20pm and 3pm. Small parking zone behind the church hall. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for details. www.stratforduponavon@ monkeymusic.co.uk

CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES

Mess Around at The GAP Community Centre, 39 Oakwood Grove CV34 5TD. 10am and 11.15am. Messy play sessions for pre-schoolers. Terms runs for 5 consecutive weeks, booking is essential. 5 week term £25, or £5.50 a week, siblings £2.50.

Contact Ingrid Barber on 07889 470 091 or ingrid@mess-around.co.uk www.facebook. com/MessAroundWarwick

at the Greig Hall, Alcester Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

(01789) 766884

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy at Hatton Park Village Hall, Barcheston Dr, Warwick CV35 7TR. 5pm Baby Ballet; 5.30pm Pre-Primary and Primary Ballet and Tap. Call Krystle on 07791 852891 or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com http:// krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

info@ballet.uk.com

www.ballet.uk.com

Children’s Trapeze at Motionhouse Warehouse, Budbrooke Road, Budbrooke Industrial Estate, Warwick CV34 5XH. 6.30-8pm for 14+ years. Learn aerial skills including trapeze, doubles trapeze, rope, silks and aerial hoop. All abilities welcome – adult classes also available! Contact Gaynor on gaynor_godiva@hotmail.com www.godivatrapeze.co.uk

Tuesday Tumble Tots (term time only) at Warwick Gates Community Centre, Cressida Close, Warwick Gates CV34 6DZ. 9.30-10.15am for Walking – 2 years; 10.30-11.15am for ages 2 – 3 years; 11.30am-12.10pm Gymbabes; 1-1.45pm for age 3 – School Age. Contact Laura Gould on 01926 856 313 or laura.gould@tumbletots.com or www.tumbletots.com/warwick Dandy Development (term time only) at Barford Memorial Hall, Church Street, Barford CV35 8EN. 10-10.40am Stage 1 (4 months-toddling); 11-11.50am Stage 2 (toddling-approx 2 and a half ). The awardwinning new baby and toddler class that combines baby sign, music and sensory fun. Talk, Share and Play: we’ll grow in every way! Contact Nikki Sayers on 07890 241301 or nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk http://www.dandydevelopment.co.uk Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy at St Mary’s Church Hall, Old Square, Warwick CV34 4RA. 3.45pm Baby Ballet; 4.15pm Pre-Primary and Primary Ballet and Tap; 5pm Grade 3/4 Ballet/Tap/ Modern; 6pm Zumbatonic (ages 5+).

Call Krystle on 07791 852891 or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com http:// krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Thursday Cookie Tots (term time only) at St Paul’s Church, Friars Street, Warwick. 10.30am.

Grown ups help their children to make a simple recipe then the children take part in fun food-related activities and games.

Contact Charlotte Bayley on 07506 034899 or leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk.

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy at St Mary’s Church Hall, Old Square, Warwick CV34 4RA. 4pm Pre-Primary and Primary Ballet and Tap; 4.45pm Grade 1/2 Ballet/ Tap/Modern; 5.30pm Grade 3/4 Ballet; 6.45pm Grade 4/5 Modern; 7pm Grade 2/3 Tap. Call Krystle on 07791 852891 or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com http:// krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Friday Stagecoach Warwick at Myton School, Myton Road CV34 6PJ. 4-5.30pm for 4-6yrs; 4.30-7.30pm for 6-16yrs and 4.30-7.30pm for Further Stages 16+yrs.

Classes in singing, dance and drama.

Contact Jacqui Dance on 01789 263 464 or leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk or www. stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

Cooking Classes and Parties Ages 2 -11 Ages 2 - 11

Contact Charlotte on 07506 034899 www.kiddycook.co.uk landscape ad.indd 1

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For the budding star in your family!

Sparkle tots performing arts and ballet classes, 2 years plus Boyz Only Street Dance class, 4 years plus Musical Theatre, Ballet Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or and Street Dance classes, 4 years plus email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com

to book a free trial session.

BABY TRANQUILO

BABY MASSAGE BABY YOGA BABY SIGNING Calming Relaxing FUN Classes. A fantastic way to communicate with your baby.

NEW CLASSES IN LEAMINGTON CALL NOW TO BOOK Contact Jenny on 07725 094 123 jennybrown05@googlemail.com

www.babytranquilo.moonfruit.com

Advertise on these pages from as little as £30 per month 13

What’s On

Things to do and places to go in Warwickshire Spring Shearing Weekends

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Saturday 18 May, 2.00pm – 8.00pm

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Museums at Night I Protest! FREE

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Join the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum for

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 4-Mon 6 May, Sat 11 & Sun 12 May, Sat 18 & Sat19 May Watch the sheep getting their annual haircuts in our sheep shearing demonstrations, plus our usual fun packed programme including fun fair rides, Farmyard Favourites and Snorty’s indoor play. www.hattonworld.com

May Day Bank Holiday Re-enactment Camp

Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU. Sat 4-Mon 6 May Be transported into the very heart of Mediaeval England as the Castle grounds are transformed in to a historic encampment. Reenactors will spend three days eating, sleeping and living as Mediaeval village dwellers, so make sure to come along and witness the tough and gruelling conditions during Mediaeval day-today life. www.warwick-castle.com

Exploring the themes from Caught in the Crossfire, this large scale event welcomes everyone as part of the national Museums at Night event.

Be the first to see new acquisitions, talk to artists, and enjoy live music and a street art drawing battle! Whether you fancy trying your hand at something new, or simply watching one of the stunning displays, there’s sure to be something to delight and inspire everyone.

May Bank Holiday Fun

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Sat 4-Mon 6 May May Day celebrations continue with crowning the King and Queen of May, feasting, mummers, falconry, music and makeand-take activities. A great family day out.

Stratford Festival of Motoring

Sun 5 and Mon 6 May Around 200 classic cars will be on show around Stratford this Bank Holiday – a must for young petrolheads! www. shakespeare-country.co.uk/Stratford-FestivalOf-Motoring.aspx

Terrier & Lurcher Show

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sun 5 May Showcase of some of the best working dogs in the country. Enjoy watching Terrier & Lurcher racing, see what the judges think and visit an array of trade stands.

Admission charge applies. Call 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com

Look out for our new website launching soon!

Exhibitions and Performances Laika the Spacedog

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Sat 11 May, 2pm A brand new opera from ETO for children aged 6-12 and families, packed with music, drama, design, lots of science, and one of the greatest stories about a real animal ever told – the race to get a dog into space. Ticket holders can also book for a free ETO workshop, A Trip to Calais, which takes place straight after the show.

Tickets £9.95/£6.95 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Thurs 16-Sat 18 May, Adapted from the bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo), this mix of puppetry and live music brings to life a host of characters from their best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Tickets £9.95/£6.95 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

The Snow Queen

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Sat 1 and Sun 2 June After a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar disappears. Gowri, his best friend, discovers that he has been captured by the formidable Snow Queen, and embarks on a journey across the continent to save him.

“Rosamunde Hutt’s production is acted with flair and humour and can hold an audience of schoolchildren rapt from start to finish” Financial Times Age 6+ Running Time: 2hrs (including interval). Tickets £9.95/£6.95; Under-26s £8. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

Star

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Sun 2 June, 2pm and 4pm Join the green-fingered Gardener and the tidy Tailor who live at opposite ends of the world. All they share is a bright star glittering in the sky above them. One sad day this star disappears…A light-hearted and touching tale of friendship, needlework and botany. Ages 2-5. Running Time: Approx 45mins www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

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Fat Fluffs Bunny Bonanza

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sun 5 May Meet lots of rescue rabbits, enjoy face painting, have a go on the tombola and try your hand at many family games and activities at this charity fundraising event. Free admission. Call 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com

Family Fun Day

Warwick Race Course, Hampton St, Warwick CV34 6HN. Mon 6 May A great day out combining 7 races with free entertainment, including fun bus, inflatables, skateboarding simulator, zorb balls and live music. General admission £10. Book in advance for a Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children, plus free ice cream!) for £30. www.warwickracecourse.co.uk/

Kenilworth Festival

Tues 7-Sun 12 May Lots of events in different venues throughout the week and weekend including: free Musical ABC class for preschoolers; Big Art for kids up to 11; Street Fusion Graffiti Jam for teens; Runner’s Festival; Food Fayre; Super Cars Sunday; Party in the Park and much more. www.kenilworthfestival.co.uk/

Friday Food Fest

Bishop’s Tachbrook School, Kingsley Road, Bishop’s Tachbrook, Leamington Spa CV33 9RY. Fri 10 May, 3.30-6pm Farmer’s market with local produce, plus themed rooms with activities, games and handmade goodies. Café, plant stall, cakes, chocolate raffle and much more.

Please come along and bring friends and family. For more information, call Susan Watt on 07711498047 or suzwatt@gmail.com

Organ Grinders (Street Organs)

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 11-Tues 14 May Enjoy seeing and listening to the myriad of street organs at various locations around the Farm Village and Shopping Village playing a wonderful selection of delightful and enjoyable music. Free admission. Call 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com

Varmints

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Tues 4 & Weds 5 June Based on the award-winning book by Helen Ward and Marc Craste, this exhilarating dance-theatre show tells the poignant tale of one small creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever. Tickets £9.95/£6.95 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Company

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Sat 8 June, 7pm “The Abbott & Costello of the sock world” (Time Out), stars of stage, screen & YouTube bring you a brand new show of songs, sketches, socks and violence with a Sci-Fi theme. Age 8+. Tickets £10.50/£8.50 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

James and the Giant Peach

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS. 11th – 15th June The Birmingham Stage Company proudly presents Roald Dahl’s amazing story. If you’re looking for fruit-filled fun and whizzpopping wonders, then don’t miss it!

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Lionboy

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Tues 18-Thurs 20 June Charlie Ashanti is 11 years old. He’s a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats. When Charlie’s parents are kidnapped, he sets off on a rescue mission – with a little help from a floating circus and its pride of performing lions. Award-winning theatre company Complicite presents its first show for families and young people, inspired by Zizou Corder’s bestselling Lionboy trilogy and with a cast including Adetomiwa Edun from BBC’s Merlin. Age 8+. £15.50 (£13.50), Wed & Thu matinee £12.50, Under 26s £10 www. warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

What’s On

Please phone before you go, in case details have changed since we went to print.

Due to space restraints, it has not been possible to include all events.

Please go to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk for more listings.

The Visitor Centre, Ryton Pools Country Park CV8 3BH. Sun 12 May, 4-6am From early Spring through to Summer, as day breaks, song birds live up to their name and fill the air with music. Get up early to learn about birds and bird song, and you’ll be home in time for breakfast! Please wear suitable clothing and bring your binoculars.

Hot drinks and croissants to warm you up at the end of the walk. Adults £4.50, Concs £3 (includes hot drink and croissant). Booking essential – call 024 7630 5592.

UK Slot Car Festival

Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ. Sun 12 May, 10am-4pm A fantastic ‘hands on’ family day out – you can even bring your own slot cars to race on lots of different circuits. Featuring Scalextric and more – try, buy, race and just enjoy all the many things going on throughout the day.

Discounted advance tickets available online.

For more information visit www.heritagemotor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 645031.

Museums at Night

Thurs 16-Sat 18 May Cultural venues will be throwing their doors open after hours again, for this inspiring festival. The Herbert, National Trust properties and Shakespeare’s Birthplace are just some of the local places taking part. www.culture24. org.uk/museumsatnight

Alcester and Forest of Arden Food Festival

High Street, Alcester Sat 18 May, 9am-5pm Browse, taste and buy at this wonderfully friendly festival of local growers and producers. The High St will be closed, so it’s totally safe for little ones. Free parking or Park and Ride, and lots of cafes and pubs for lunch, as well as a pig and ox roast. http://www.alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk/

Water Orton Wonderdogs Flyball Competition

Hatton Shopping Village, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 18 & Sun 19 May, from 8.30am Enjoy the fastest growing dogs sport in the UK by watching this national competition where teams of four dogs race and jump to see which one is first past the finishing line. It promises to be exciting, fun and unpredictable! Racing starts at 8.30am on each day. Free admission. Call 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com

CBSO Family Concert: Incredible Adventures Town Hall & Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA. Sun 19 May A musical adventure with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conjuring up scary dancing skeletons, wild pirates and superheoes in music from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and the Pirates of the Caribbean and Incredibles films. Bring along a small musical instrument to join in, and why not come dressed up as your favourite adventure character? FREE craft workshops and music in the foyers from 1.30pm. www.thsh.co.uk/

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall

Idolize Spiegeltent, Recreation Ground, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB. Sat 25 May, 11am DJ Monski Mouse presents her hit parentsand-children dance event for under 5s. Baby Disco encourages the joys of dancing, music and play for parent and child alike, with swing, jazz, rock, pop, funk, latin, soul and more! There’s a soft furnished ‘baby area’ where the non-walkers can roll around to the music too! Part of the Hullaballoo Comedy Festival. £9. www.comedyhullabaloo.com/

Family Art Day – Katie Paterson: In Another Time – and Artists’ Plans for Sustainability Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Sat 25 May, 10am-2.30pm Tel: 01789 764667

Bring the family along for a fun-packed day of art activities in the Mead Gallery. Take home works that you have made and win some fantastic prizes, while learning about art and getting creative. Children must be accompanied by an adult of 18+. Please book in advance by calling the Box Office on 024 7652 4524. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Wychwood Festival

Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH. Fri May 31-Sun June 2 Family-friendly festival with music from The Human League, Bill Bailey, Soul II Soul, Kate Nash, Toploader, Dreadzone and The Beat, among others. Also includes its own Children’s Literature festival. www.wychwoodfestival.com

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Dawn Chorus

The Kenilworth Show

Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ. Sat 1 June, from 9am The 70th annual Kenilworth Show will feature all the popular agricultural and equestrian classes and entertainment, plus a thriving homecraft section, classic cars, trade stands and activities for all the family. Tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the gate for adults, Children under 16 FREE. www.kenilworthshow.co.uk/

Make Memories this May

Asparafest

Ashdown Farm, Badsey, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7PA. Sat 1-Sun 2 June Brand new family-friendly festival described as “an extreme village fete,” celebrating the Vale of Evesham’s famous asparagus harvest.

Early Bird Tickets: Adults £7, Children under 10 Free, Children under 16 £4, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) £18, Family (1 adult, 2 kids) £11. http://aspara13.squarespace.com/

discovery

Beginner’s Bats

The Visitor Centre, Ryton Pools Country Park CV8 3BH. Sat 8 June, 8.30-10.30pm (depending on weather). An evening slide show explaining the fascinating lives of bats, followed by a night-time stroll with the Rangers. Take part in our 3-bat challenge!

Pippistrelle, Daubenton’s and Noctule – will we be lucky enough to hear/see them all?

Please wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing, and bring a torch. £4 per person.

Booking essential – call 024 7630 5592.

Stagecoach Open Day

Trinity Catholic School, Guy’s Cliffe Ave, Leamington Spa, CV32 6NB. Sun 9 June, 10am-1pm Come and try a free workshop, and discover why Stagecoach is still the best part-time performing arts school in the world! Call 10789 263464 www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

Spring Watch Walk

The Visitor Centre, Ryton Pools Country Park CV8 3BH. Sun 9 June, 1-3pm Be part of Spring Watch and help us spot the signs of Spring at Ryton. Our observations of these natural events will be sent to several national recording schemes to track the progress of Spring. Adults £3, Concessions £1.50, Family £7.50. Booking essential – call 024 7630 5592.

Alcester Street Market

High Street, Alcester Sun 9 June, from 12.15pm Popular annual celebration, with lots of stalls, fancy dress parade and live music. This year’s theme is Georgian/Regency. www.alcestercourtleet.co.uk/streetmarket.htm

Leamington Peace Festival

Pump Room Gardens, The Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA. Sat 15 June, 11am-8pm & Sun 16 June, 11am6pm Free festival, with 3 entertainment areas, free workshops, children’s activities and many stalls. www.peacefestival.org.uk www.facebook.com/ LeamingtonPeaceFestival

Universe of Sound Family Day

Town Hall & Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA. Sat 15 June, 10.30am-

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

4.30pm Find out about The Planets and the orchestra with live demonstrations, workshops and space-themed performance for all the family. www.thsh.co.uk/

Come and explore your local National Trust properties for an action-packed May half term. A whole host of outdoor family activities awaits you at Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote Park, Coughton Court, Packwood House and Upton House & Gardens.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Puzzle Answers 1

Father’s Day Free Entry

Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ. Sun 16 June Go as a family to Compton Verney today and dads and granddads go free! www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Daddies’ Dens

The Visitor Centre, Ryton Pools Country Park CV8 3BH. Sun 16 June, 1-2.30pm Bring your dad along on Father’s Day to design and build a den in our wood! Which team will manage to gain the most survival points to win the day? A family event. £3 per Dad and one child, £1 for each additional child. Booking essential – call 024 7630 5592.

Midsummer Madness

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Fri 21June, 6pm-8pm Join the Tudors and celebrate the longest day with dancing, music and feasting with a traditional bonfire to cleanse the air of the Plague.

Mary Arden’s Farm ticket holders go free, otherwise adults £5 and children £4. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Taming of the Shrew

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Fri 28 & Sat 29 June, 7pm start Madcap Theatre Company returns to perform Shakespeare’s popular comedy. Bring a picnic or enjoy a light meal in our café.

Tickets: £12/£10. To book visit the what’s on page at www.shakespeare.org.uk

Grounds Weekend

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nest building, bird portraits, storytelling and much more. Free with admission cost.

Race for Life 2013: Coventry & Warwickshire

Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ. Sun 30 June 2013 is the fifth consecutive year that Race for Life has been hosted at Stoneleigh Park and we are looking forward to welcoming over 500 women dressed in pink fancy dress. So come along and run, walk, dance and sponsor – together we will bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. www.stoneleighpark.com/ events.aspx

Duck Race

Stratford Road Park, Alcester Sat 6 July, 4-5pm Annual duck race on the river Arrow, raising money for Alcester’s Christmas lights and bunting. www.alcester-tc.gov.uk/events/event/ duck-race/

Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ. Sat 29-Sun 30 June A bird-themed weekend in the grounds inspired by the incredible new artwork Empty Nest by Hilary Jack.

Falconry displays, Forest school activities,

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rescue mission – with a little help from a floating circus and its pride of performing lions.

Award-winning theatre company Complicite presents its first show for families and young people, inspired by Zizou Corder’sbestselling Lionboy trilogy and with a cast including Adetomiwa Edun from BBC’s Merlin. Suitable for age 8+

“Complicite produces the most imaginative theatre to be found anywhere” The Independent

1st prize

A free family membership (2 x Adults and 3 x Children) Valid for 12 months, worth £95.

3 x Runner Up prizes A Free Family Day Pass (2 x Adults and 3 x Children)

For a chance to win 2 adult and 2 childrens tickets to one of the performances enter online at www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk/competitions

Win a Smash The Cake Session with Portraits by Christine

A fun and memorable way to mark your little one’s birthday – you’ll have a smashing time!!

The session lasts for one hour and the lucky winner of the competition will receive a full set of images on disc, all print ready, including a personalised montage with their name and their age, and of course a cake to smash!

Enter online at

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk/competitions

To enter any of the competitions, go online to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk/competitions

Half Term Events & Activities Wonderful Whitsun

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 25 May-Sun 2 June An amazing Dog Agility Show, plus a full day’s programme of spring time entertainment.

Wicked Whitsun

Warwick Castle, CV34 4QU. Sat 25 May-Sun 2 June Step into the world of Horrible Histories, with five different eras of history being brought to life in the castle’s grounds. www.warwick-castle.com

Activities at Compton Verney

Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ. Sat 25-Fri 31 May, 11am-4pm: Mass Doodle Sun 27-Fri 31 May, 12.30-2.30pm: Storytelling www.comptonverney.org.uk

M>A>D May Half Term Activities

Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ. Sat 25 May – Sun 2 June Motoring Art and Design (M>A>D) is our theme for May half term. Every day there will an exhibition of artworks supported by workshops from our artist in residence, drawing challenges and a quiz.

Plus: Tues 28 May, 10am-4.15pm: Introduction to Animation. Suitable for ages 8-15. £30.

Limited places. Weds 29 May, 10am-4.15pm: Cars Through the Lens – One-day children’s digital photography workshop. Suitable for ages 8-15. £30. Limited places. Thurs 30 May, 10.30am3.30pm: Super Cars and Super Bikes: Design and Draw with Brian Casey – Drop-in session

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for all ages and abilities. Fri 31 May, 10.30am3.30pm: MAD Family Craft Friday. Drop-in craft activity for all the family. Sun 2 June, every hour from 10.30am-2.30pm: The K’Nex Electric Buggy Challenge – Drop-in activity.

Visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 645031 for more information.

Events at the Shakespeare Houses

Sat 25 May – Sun 2 June ‘Let Us Garlands Bring’ at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW. Butterfly Trail, Singing Tree and Music Trail at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH. Tudor Festival at Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Shakespeare Now at Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. A Wedding to Prepare at Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford CV37 6BG. Tues 28 May-Sun 2 June All Things Woolly at Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. It’s sheep shearing time. See sheep dog trials, spinning and weaving, and woolly trail.

999 Whitsun Activities

Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD. Sat 25 May-Sun 2 June, 10am-4pm Bring the family to enjoy the 999 exhibition of historic emergency vehicles, and have a go at a fun family activity trail or a creative crafty project every day. Plus, come to the Family Day on Sun 26 May – a full day of hands-on family fun, including a chance to meet police dogs and puppies! www.transport-museum.com/events/

Events at Ryton Pools Country Park,

CV8 3BH Mon 27 May-Sun 2 June: Dinosaur Trail Follow the trail to crack the code. £1.50 per trail

sheet, available from the Visitor Centre.

Tues 28 May, 11am-12.30pm: Wild Woods Exciting activities based on Forest Schools principles. For accompanied children aged 3-6 years. £3 per child. Weds 29 May, 11am-12.30pm: Pond Dipping For accompanied children aged 3-12 years. £3 per child. Weds 29 May, 11am-1pm: Birds of Prey A regular event, with local birds of prey experts. Free (donations to animal welfare charities). Thurs 30 May, 11am-1.30pm: Jellyfish Windsocks For accompanied children aged 3-12 years. £2 per child – just drop in. Fri 31 May, 11am12.30pm: Wild Woods Survival Can your team complete the challenges set by the Rangers?

For accompanied children aged 5-12 years.

To book any of these events call 024 7630 5592.

Cylinder City #2

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well Coventry_CV1 5QP. Tuesday 28 – Friday 31 May, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm After the success of last year’s Cylinder City event, join us for its return and help create a huge group sculpture in response to Matthew Picton’s mixed media artwork Dresden 1945. Just drop in any time and join us. Free. www.theherbert.org

ArtBase Workshops

Tues 28 and Weds 29 May, 9.30am-3.30pm at The Armouries, Stratford upon Avon Tues 28-Thurs 30 May, 9am-3pm at The Croft Preparatory School Fun and creativity!

Price £30 per day/£15 per half-day.

For more information or bookings please email info@art-base.co.uk or call on 01789 774705

Drawing Week at the Mead Gallery

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL. Tues 28 May-Sun 2 June, times vary Free art activities. No booking is required. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk