Raring2go! Solihull - Spring 2023

Springtime is finally upon us!

We can pack the winter coats away and look forward to extra hours of sunlight. The Easter holiday is approaching, and May Half Term will be hot on its heels.

Don’t forget we have a bonus bank holiday weekend for the King’s coronation in May so there

lots of opportunities to get out and about with the family and lots of events taking place across the region to head along to.

There are all sorts of ideas and suggestions in this edition of your Raring2go! magazine but don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for many more.

Have a fabulous Spring!

Nicola, Editor

Follow us on social media to keep up to date all year with your local #gotoguide for families.

What’s On? Spring 2023

Until 16 April (selected dates)

Magic Alley – Witchcraft and Wizardry

Undertake the quest and take a journey through a number of rooms which are inspired by all different kinds of magic. You can expect to encounter magical creatures such as unicorns and fairies, alchemy, fortune telling, astrology, witches and wizards and maybe even a dragon! If you are interested in all things magical then this event is for you. Recommended for ages 6+ and takes approx. 45 mins. Check website for dates.

www.magicalleystratford.com

1 – 15 April

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum – Crafting identities

Aimed at ages 3+, but all are welcome. Throughout the Easter holidays, families are invited for a range of drop-in arts and crafts activities. Inspired by the Divided Selves exhibition, these daily workshops will explore themes of identity, home and community. This is a great opportunity to get creative with selfexpression using different mediums and recyclable materials, producing art that you can take home and treasure. £2.50 per child.

www.theherbert.org

1 – 16 April

Hatton Adventure World – Spring Spectacular

The Spring Spectacular programme is back this Easter. The farm will be packed with baby animals… piglets, lambs, chicks and goat kids in the Spring Arrivals Marquee. Wait patiently and you might even witness a birth! There’s lots to see and do: Seek thrills on the outdoor funfair rides and bouncy castles! Get up close to baby animals, explore native wildlife on spring walks. Be entertained with a Magic and Puppet Show. And don’t forget to make some noise clapping on your favourite sheep in the Grand National Sheep Race!

www.adventure.hattonworld.com

1 – 16 April

Stratford Butterfly Farm – Rainforest Realm

Spring 2023 sees the opening of Rainforest Realm, an exciting new display linking to the rainforests of Belize and the ancient Maya civilisation. On 12 April, Holt Hall Apiary’s beekeeper Matthew Ingram will be in the Discovery Zone along with his bees. Visitors will be able to interact and learn all about these wonderful pollinators. The popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions and demonstrations will take place daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00 throughout the Easter Holidays (except Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday).

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

1 – 16 April

West Midland Safari Park – Easter

Bramble is back! The resident Easter Bunny will be at the Safari Park again to greet guests and help celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year.

www.wmsp.co.uk

1 – 16 April

Becketts Farm – Easter Event

Easter is a special time of year at Becketts Farm. Join a fun-filled event where you will learn about the chick hatching process, and if you’re lucky, you may see one hatching! There will also be Ewes and Lambs, Goats and Kids and Chickens.

www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

1 – 16 April (selected dates)

Magic Alley – The Case of the Disappearing Dragon Egg

One of Erek’s dragon eggs has gone missing –can you solve the mystery of its disappearance and determine if it is magic or mischief? Over the Easter holidays this event will incorporate an egg hunt which may or may not assist you in deciding if the egg was stolen! There is also likely to be a performer to assist you, it may be one of our detectives, it may be a witness or even one of the suspects. Interrogate them to see what you can find out! Recommended for ages 6+ with ages 4+ permitted. Check website for dates.

www.magicalleystratford.com

an imaginative role play centre for under 5 years to book your space visit info@solihullplaytown.co.uk

based at combat sports centre, vulcan road, solihull

What’s On? Spring 2023

1 – 16 April & 27 May – 4 June

Coventry Transport Museum – Junk Modelling Maker Challenge

The world can be an extraordinarily playful place when children are involved in creating it, and the Junk Modelling Maker Challenge offers them a chance to imagine what a more playful environment might look like. The focus is on wheels in motion, encouraging families to think about ways of using wheels, tyres and anything else that rolls.

www.transport-museum.com

1 – 30 April

Drayton Manor Resort –15 years of Thomas Land

A month packed full of birthday celebrations with Thomas & Friends as we commemorate the 15th anniversary of Europe’s only Thomas Land! Birthday party balcony shows, Thomas & Friends character Easter hunt, street entertainment, party games throughout the day and Thomas all dressed up for a party. All set in a decorated Thomas Land.

www.draytonmanor.co.uk

3 – 15 April

Alexandra Theatre – Annie

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairy tale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family… With unforgettable songs such as It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it! Starring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan. www.atgtickets.com

4 & 6 April

The Chocolate Shed – Chocolate Making Workshops

Ideal for any weather, these sessions are a special treat. Each workshop is run with a seasonal twist. Suitable for children of all ages (5-16). Check website for the timing and recommended ages for each session.

www.thechocolateshed.com

4 – 13 April

Lunt Roman Fort – Spoon Wars

This Easter, prepare for battle – in spoon form! Visitors will create their own miniature spoon warrior, to add to a vast battle scene which will go on permanent display in the Lunt Roman Fort’s museum! Aimed at ages 5 - 12, but all are welcome. Under 4s go free. www.luntromanfort.org

5 – 16 April

Compton Verney – Woodland Tribe

Woodland Tribe are returning to Compton Verney for the Easter Holidays to build the ultimate treehouse! Located in the woodland, children (and adults) will be given the chance to use real tools to build the ultimate treehouse! We encourage creative thinking, making and playing, co-designed and built with you; this is the hideaway kids (and parents) dream about. Recommended for children over the age of 6. Booking required.

www.comptonverney.org.uk

11 – 14 April

Compton Verney – Animation Camp

Are you a budding film-maker, animator graphic designer or just really excited to have a go at a new skill and find out more? Then this 4 day animation camp is just for you! The days will include learning all about the principles of animation, stop motion and create thaumatropes and kineographs. You’ll learn all the stages of making an animation film, using stop-motion and hand-drawn techniques to create a story writing/ storyboarding, character + set design, stop motion + hand-drawn animation, sound recording, editing + screening. Once you have edited your film with sound and music, there will be a screening to parents and carers at the end of the week.

www.comptonverney.org.uk

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

COME AND MEET THE BECKETTS FARM CHICKS

1st - 16th APRIL 1 am - pm

CHICKS HATCHING DAILY

do you want a kids birthday party with a difference?

Treat yourself and �� friends to a bakery themed party and learn how to decorate cakes with our confectioners. Bake � dishes� pi��a and cupcakes and enjoy with a party buffet.

family friendly restaurant

Becketts Farm Restaurant serves delicious all day breakfasts and lunches with something for everyone! Don't miss out on our family carvery served every Sunday ����������pm. Booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

children's menu available

What’s On? Spring 2023

11 – 15 April

Belgrade Theatre – Unexpected Twist

Unexpected Twist is the re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, by one of the bestloved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. Combining two stories in one; Rosen’s story and the Dickens classic that inspired it. Two stories that twist together, unexpectedly! Shona and her class are studying the book, Oliver Twist. She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met. Age recommendation 8+.

www.belgrade.co.uk

15 April & 11 June

Ackers Adventure – Thrillseeker Days

Skiing, archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip wire and tower drop. Also free tobogganing for under 12’s with a paying adult. These days run similarly to a theme park – you queue up for the activities that you would like to try, whether you do some multiple times or try them all. Our popular thrillseeker days have been running since 2010 and each year they are bigger and better so don’t miss out on these excellent value for money days.

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

5 April

Aston Hall – PALAVER! Party at Aston Hall

Our most fabulous friends are throwing a very FANCY party for kids (and their grown-ups too!). Meet your glamorous guide, get your party invitation, and travel with them through the historic rooms of Aston Hall. Along the way you’ll meet a spectacular line-up of drag and cabaret performers all preparing for the fanciest and most exciting family party Aston Hall has ever seen. Get ready for music, stories, performances, DIY costume-making, party games, and a FABULOUS rainbow disco in the Long Gallery for all the family. Suitable for ages 3-8 (and fabulous for grown-ups too), bring the little

ones, stick on a sequin or ten, and get ready for a school holiday party like no other.

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

15 April

British Motor Museum – Young Driver Classic Car and Fire Engine Experiences

Choose from 3 fabulous British motoring classics (a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor or Austin 7) for a classic car experience or drive a real ex fire service Dennis fire engine complete with lights and sirens. It’s unforgettable fun! Time slots available from 10 –4:15 are available to book online.

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

22 April

Compton Verney – Wild Escape Family Day

Celebrate Earth Day and the opening of a new outdoor sound installation Living Symphonies. The Wild Escape programme is jammed packed full of free creative family activities celebrating the wildlife on our doorstep from pottery workshops to pond dipping, Can you follow the flight of the dragonfly through the galleries and grounds?

www.comptonverney.org.uk

27 May – 3 June

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum – May Half Term Crafts

Aimed at ages 3+, but all are welcome. Inspired by the stories behind two seascape paintings in the permanent art collection, half-term craft activities are themed around the sea. As well as experimenting with watercolour, wax resist techniques and junk modelling, make use of natural seaside materials including salt, shells and seaweed. £2.50 per child.

www.theherbert.org

27 May – 4 June

Hatton Adventure World – Pirate Invasion

Ahoy me’hearties! This Whitsun half-term, Hatton Adventure World is being invaded by the fearsome Captain Starling and his dreaded pirate crew! Are you ready to help save Hatton from the dreaded pirate invasion? Join them for some swashbuckling pirate-themed adventure.

www.adventure.hattonworld.com

The Shakespeare Express returns, running between Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon, with more dates to choose from for 2023 and time to spend in Stratford

Alternatiively travel from Stratfford and enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch with friends and family aboard a heritage steam train.

Book now at vintagetrains.co.uk

SPRING

1st to 16th April

ADORABLE BABY ANIMALS

ALL DAY ANIMAL HANDLING

FAMILY SHOWS

TRACTOR SAFARI

AND LOTS MORE SPRING TIME

FUN & FROLICS...

What’s On? Spring 2023

27 May – 4 June

Drayton Manor Resort – Fiestaval

Join a vibrant, colourful, fun-packed celebration across the resort! Street entertainment throughout the day, dancers & live music, themed food & drink, Rory’s Fiesta Finale Show and family activities. www.draytonmanor.co.uk

27 May – 4 June

Stratford Butterfly Farm – Mini-Beast handling sessions

The popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions and pupae demonstrations will take place daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00 throughout half term (except Bank Holiday Monday). www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

30 May & 1 June

The Chocolate Shed – Chocolate Making Workshops

Ideal for any weather, these sessions are a special treat. Each workshop is run with a seasonal twist. Suitable for children of all ages (3-16). Check website for the timing and recommended ages for each session.

www.thechocolateshed.com

30 May – 1 June

Lunt Roman Fort – Spectacular Swords

Aimed at ages 5-12 but all are welcome. Under 4s go free. Craft yourself a sword with a difference. In addition to creating their own mighty gladius, participants will also be taught how to create a dazzling scabbard and sword belt to round off their creation!

www.luntromanfort.org

30 May – 4 June

Belgrade Theatre – Mog the Forgetful Cat

Join Mog and the Thomas family, on a journey through one year in the life of a really remarkable cat, as she catches a burglar, gate crashes a cat show, goes to the V.E.T. and gets to eat lots and lots of eggs. Everyone’s favourite cat might be

forgetful, but she certainly has a lot of adventures, and she loves her family very much. Based on the bestselling Mog picture book series by Judith Kerr, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.

www.belgrade.co.uk

31 May

Belgrade Theatre – Sing-a-long-a Encanto Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly magical. It couldn’t be easier or more fun! The first rule of Sing-a-long-a is THERE ARE NO RULES! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. You the audience are the stars! And remember we don’t talk about Bruno no no no! Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show.

www.belgrade.co.uk

9 - 10 June

Heartbreak Productions at Jephson Gardens – Bad Dad

Heartbreak Productions returns to Jephson Gardens with outdoor performances of Bad Dad on 9 June at 18:30 and 10 June at 14:30 and 18:30.

www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

17 June

Broadway Arts Festival – Family Day

A whole range of activities for families are planned as part of the Broadway Arts festival from drumming and paper lantern making workshops to meadow and cyle-delic painting sessions. There will also be an outdoor theatre performance of Robin Hood on the village green at 2:30. Visit the festival website for more details and to book tickets.

www.broadwayartsfestival.com

28 June – 1 July

Alexandra Theatre – Demon Dentist

Join Alfie and Gabz on this fabulous adventure, as they investigate the strange events happening in their home town! Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillows! Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery - but no-one could have dreamed what they’ll discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself, in this hilarious and thrilling story!

www.atgtickets.com

Celebrate King Charles III’s coronation in style

On 6 May, King Charles III’s coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey. To mark the occasion we will have an extra bank holiday so there will be plenty of time to get involved with the planned national or local events and initiatives and join in the celebrations.

The Coronation Big Lunch

This year the Big Lunch will be moving to May to join the Coronation celebrations, bringing neighbours and communities together to share friendship, food and fun! Join the nation in celebration and be part of history on 6-8 May. Find out www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

party

The UK has a long history of organised street parties to celebrate national events. Why not organise one for your neighbours to mark the coronation?

There are all sorts of events taking place to mark the coronation for you and your family to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites but make sure you check our online What’s On? Guide to see what else is

hand will be available online at www.thebighelpout.org.uk

concert and light show

While the pomp and ceremony of the coronation processions and service will take place on the Saturday, the BBC will be televising a concert and light show on Sunday 7 May. The event will feature world class professional performers and amateur choirs as well as a laser and drone show.

Eastnor Castle’s Coronation Chicken Easter Treasure Hunt

sEnjoy our treasure hunt as we look forward to a new monarch being coronated. Find clues around the castle and grounds and hand in your entry for a chocolate treat at the end.

www.eastnorecastle.com

5 – 8 May

Drayton Manor Coronation Street Party

Join us for a celebration of the King’s coronation and all things British at the UK’s best street party! With a fireworks finale, late night riding, live music - DJs and a live band, Rory’s Coronation Show, street party entertainment throughout the day and themed food & drink - experience a whole day of fun with our full day ticket or celebrate the night away with our evening only ticket.

www.draytonmanor.co.uk/theme-park/events/ coronation-street-party

6 May

Royal Leamington Spa Town Council’s ‘King Charles Coronation Celebration’

sJoin us for a family friendly celebration from 10 –5 at The Pump Room Gardens. Big Screen, Live Music, Food, Drink and much, much more. www.allevents.in/leamington

Any parent of a school age child will know that learning to read is a significant part of a child’s school life. But what exactly are the benefits to a child of taking pleasure in reading books, and how can you support this at home?

Research by The Reading Agency indicates that reading for pleasure – so not just the ability to read, but the child’s choice to read for the sheer joy of it - is the single most important factor in a child’s later success and happiness in life; it ranks more highly in the statistics even than their parents’ wealth, for example. Currently, there is also a large gap in achievement between secondary school students who read books for pleasure, and those who do not; so enabling and encouraging a child to read what they want from a younger age will help them as their schooling progresses too. Reading for pleasure has many non-school based benefits: it can increase empathy, improve relationships with others, reduce the symptoms of depression and improve wellbeing throughout life. Students who read for pleasure make significantly more progress, not only in vocabulary and spelling, but also in maths, than children who read very little.

Enjoying a book with a pre-school child can bring

Cuddle up with a Book

Reading for pleasure –the key to achievement!

huge benefits to them later on, when you’ve finished a book, take the time to talk about it together: did they like the story, what did they think of the characters, what was their favourite illustration? For an older child learning to read or a child who is just about reading independently, the single most important thing you can do is genuinely allow them to choose what they read. Libraries are a great, and free, way to allow your child to explore. There is a significant correlation too between a child who has been allowed a genuine choice in their reading, and their commitment and enjoyment in it. So, while it is tempting to make a choice for them, taking them to a library and allowing them to choose for themselves, will boost their reading significantly. Reading comic books and non-fiction absolutely counts as reading, and is valid and valuable. Don’t fall into the mistake of thinking that only fiction counts as ‘proper’ reading, lots of children prefer non-fiction. And there is some brilliant storytelling in comic form being published today too. So even if it isn’t what you would choose, accepting their choice is extremely important!

By Tamsin Rosewell, Kenilworth Books

Photo: The Reading Agency

Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! !

Fill in the missing numbers

Royal Find ten words related to Royalty

W O R D S E A R C H

The missing values are the whole numbers between 1 and 9. Each number is only used once. Each row is a mathematical equation. Each column is a mathematical equation. Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction. START

ANSWERS: Row 1 = (L-R) 7, 6, 4 Row 2 = (L-R) 1, 9, 8 Row 3 = 5

NUMBER

MISSING

ANSWERS: Buckingham, Crown, Palace, Queen, Charles, King, Prince, Royal, Consort,

Princess, Windsor

Clubs & Classes

Ackers Adventure

An array of activities for 8 – 18 year olds to try at camps held every school holiday. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

Aspire Sports

Sports and activity childcare during every school holiday at venues throughout the Midlands. Tel: 0121 663 1426

www.aspire-sports.co.uk

Complete Cricket

Established in 2007, Complete Cricket are a rapidly expanding Midlands based company who specialise in delivering an extensive range of ground-breaking high-quality cricket coaching programmes for individuals, schools, clubs, universities and county boards. Programmes include group coaching, oneto-one coaching and holiday camps.

www.completecricket.co.uk

Diamond Swim Academy

We aim to offer high quality Learn To Swim provision for all. Our highly experienced staff have represented Great Britain in Swimming at 5 Olympics and competed internationally over a period of 18 years.

www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk

Smart 11 Plus

Our 11+ tutors will give your child outstanding support in their journey to grammar school. We offer private group 11+ tuition to assist your child in their preparation. Our unique 11+ courses are personalised to meet the needs of each individual child. We will give your child the best chance of success in the 11+ examination.

www.smart11plus.co.uk

Solihull Young Dancers

We welcome ballerinas (age 2 1/2 +), plus any tap and modern jazz dancers (aged 5 +). Encouraging musicality, expression and imagination. Exam and Show work. Based at St Helens Church, Solihull. Spaces available. Est. over 30 years.

Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Stagecoach

Dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 2-18. Theatre schools on Saturdays plus holiday workshops open to all.

Tel: Jenny on 0121 745 4007

www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull

s4swim

S4 Swim School provides swimming lessons at Langley Primary School and Streetsbrook Infant and Junior School in Solihull. We offer a wide choice of swimming lessons throughout the week.

www.s4swimschool.uk

Team Super Sports Camps

Providing fun, professional and specialist coaching in Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, Netball, Football, Tennis and Dance/Gymnastics. Each year since 2017, we have run sports coaching camps during the school holidays for children aged 5-16. Our specialism, we are widely regarded as one of the top sports coaching providers within Solihull and the surrounding areas.

www.teamsupersports.co.uk

Ballet Classes: from the age of 21/2 upwards

Tap Classes: from the age of 4 upwards

Is your child going into year 4 or 5 in September?

Or are they stressed about upcoming GCSE’s or A levels?

Looking for local support with the 11 plus, SATS, Core GCSE’s or A levels? Our tutors will give your child outstanding support whatever their need. We offer private group and 1-2-1 tuition in Solihull to assist your child in their preparation for their exams. Giving your child the best chance of academic success .

Tel: 07884-559-471

Email: in-tuitiontutors@outlook.com web: www.in-tuitiontutors.com

S4 Swim School have been providing the service of swimming lessons to thousands of children and adults for over a decade.

Lessons run at many great pools during term time and school holidays.

• Small groups

• Online personal member area

• Term plans available to download

• Personal swimmer achievement records

• Fast progression through groups

Facebook: s4swimschoolcsbs

Instagram: s4swimcsbs

Twitter: s4swimcsbs

s4swimschool.uk

Jump in, have fun & learn to swim! with Diamond Swim Academy

Lessons for swimmers age 2.5 to Adults

• King Edwards Camp Hill Girls, Kings Heath

• Archbsihop Ilsley, Acocks Green

• Moseley Road Baths

• King Edwards Girls, Edgbaston

• Blue Coat School, Harborne

Action-packed childcare this Easter & Whitsun

Tudor Grange Academy 15%

NEW VENUE

Easter Dates

Week 1: 3rd – 6th April

Week 2: 11th – 14th April

Whitsun Dates

30th May – 2nd June

BOOK

21st - 25th August

The Dovehouse Theatre, Langley School

A jam-packed one week Musical Theatre Workshop, learning new skills and techniques, having incredible fun with your friends, and putting on a full show in one week. Limited Availability. Open to non-Stagecoach students. Childcare Vouchers accepted.

FROZEN!

EARLY STAGES MORNING SUMMER WORKSHOP

4-7 year olds

9:00 - 12:00 or 1:00 – 4:00

£90 (£80 for second siblings)

*With Permission from Music Theatre International. Original Broadway Orchestrations by Dave Metzger. Original Broadway Music Supervision and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus. Additional Broadway Dance Arrangements by David Chase. Frozen JR. Music Adapted and Arranged by Madeline Smith. Frozen JR. Script Adapted by Sara Wordsworth*

SCHOOL OF ROCK!

MAIN STAGES

6-18 year olds • 10:00 - 4:00

£140 (£110 for second siblings)

*An Amateur/Youth group production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd*

Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2-13.

Trusted by teachers and parents alike, watch your child’s confidence, motivation and progress skyrocket in just 15 minutes a day with Reading Eggs.

With access to all 5 programmes, including Mathseeds, for up to FOUR children, it’s the perfect way to fit in some positive screen time.

Ages 2–4

First Steps

Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready‑to‑read skills.

Ages 3–7

Learning to Read Children follow structured, one‑on‑one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills.

Ages 5–10

Mastering Phonics

Fast paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers.

Ages 7–13

Building Confidence

Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school.

Ages 3–9

Learning Maths

Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills.

Scan QR code for 30 Day FREE trial

Pre-School

Drama Tots

Imaginative play classes for Under 5s. Transport children into the wonderful world of their imagination using a combination of props, movement, puppets and music! Our lively classes engage children in both life and learning, increasing their understanding of the world, while developing personal skills such as confidence, self-awareness, communication, language and creative thinking.

Rebecca (Solihull)

Rebecca@dramatots.co.uk, 07810815114

Cat (Balsall Common)

Cat@dramatots.co.uk, 07532769095 www.dramatots.co.uk

Sing and Sign

For babies and toddlers, up to 2 years old. Our Classes use musical and sensory activities to teach Baby Sign Language. These signs include daily routines and things little ones love. Using Baby Signs can develop communication and ease frustrations. Classes are live in Shirley and Dorridge term time, and online @home. Contact: Wendyjackson@singandsign.co.uk 07517 381117

www.singandsign.co.uk

Solihull Young Dancers

Ballet classes for children aged from 2 ½ years and tap classes from 4 years on. Our lessons focus on strong technique whilst retaining an element of fun to keep the pupils engaged at all times.

Contact: kate@solihullyoungdancers.co.uk / 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Stagecoach

Stagecoach Mini Stages (for 2 -4 year olds) 45 Minute Classes are a fun and exciting way for you and your child to actively experience the performing arts in a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull

Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Play

Little Crackers

Stay ‘n’ Play is back at Crackley

Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery every Wednesday during term time from a new time of 10.30am to 11.45am. We have got some exciting activities and events lined up, so there is plenty to keep you and your little one busy and entertained. You won’t need to book your place in advance.

www.littlecrackers.co.uk

Fun Spring crafting ideas from our friends...

Our friends at Red Ted Art have given us these wonderfully simple and fun spring craft ideas to share with you. Not only do kids LOVE to create when crafting, there are lots of hidden learning opportunities too. Everything here and on their website is easy to set up and very do-able, even for the most “non crafty” among us. So fear not, Red Ted Art has your back. Just pay a visit to to Red Ted Art’s amazing website for full instructions and further guidance on the suggestions below and many more.

For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com

Paper Tulip Origami

Pop Up Rainbow Cards

Paper Butterflies

Origami Bookmarks

Butterfly Lifecycle Paper Craft

Large Paper Plate Flowers

Party Time!

Hatton Adventure World

To provide you with the maximum flexibility and choice for your party we have options ranging from Party Venue hire to just admission for the Adventure World at a discounted party price. All party bookings include all day access to Hatton Adventure World for you and your guests, downloadable party invitations, a birthday card for the birthday child with a £5 Hatton voucher (£10 for Members), a pot of animal feed, per paying child (value £1) and access to Super Slide Mania. www.adventure.hattonworld.com

Becketts Farm

Treat yourself and your friends to a bakery themed party and learn how to decorate cakes with our confectioners. Bake two dishes; pizza and cupcakes and enjoy with a party buffet. www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

The Chocolate Shed

Celebrate your child’s birthday this year with a fun, creative and yummy(!) chocolate-making party at The Chocolate Shed. Suitable for children of all ages. Party-goers get to design, create and decorate chocolate pizzas, frogs, pictures, bars or truffles to take home and enjoy. Parties tailored to suit your child’s age & hobbies that will make their chocolate-y dreams come true. Tel: 01564 794718

www.thechocolateshed.com

Solihull Play Town

We offer exclusive use birthday parties at Solihull Play Town. You will have a member of staff available to help you organise your day, exclusive 90 min play session for up to 20 children, Mini Disco, Party Invitations, a free return visit for the Birthday Child and free jugs of squash. Catering is available from our café or you can bring your own food.

www.solihullplaytown.co.uk

Ackers Adventure Parties

With over ten adventurous activities to choose from, your party experience will be an active and enjoyable one for both children and adults. Choose from jungle challenge, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, bushcraft, archery, orienteering, bellboating, tubing, tobogganing, disc golf or skiing.

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk/groups/parties/

Fired Crafts

We put the ART back into Party. Let them get creative with our pottery party. We come to you with all that is needed for them to make a mini masterpiece and return up to 2 weeks later with their gift wrapped party bags with the finished piece inside. Plus a FREE personalised birthday plate for the lucky Birthday Boy or Girl!

www.firedcrafts.com

THE King & Queen

QUICK QUIZ

1. What date is the King and Queen Consort’s Consort coronation?

2. Where will the coronation take place?

3. What is King Charles’ birthday?

4. What is King Charles full name?

What is the surname of the king?

6. Where do the King and an Camilla, Queen Consort live?

7. What crown will Charles wear for the coronati

8. Will Camilla, Queen Consort wear a crown?

9. How many children does the King have?

10. How many other Kings of England have en called Charles? encalled

ion?

Palace

A chance to WIN!

Win a week at a Complete Cricket holiday camp

Complete Cricket Holiday Camps are for boys & girls of all ages, abilities & experience of cricket! Throughout the week, technical cricket skills are taught by our engaging & enthusiastic coaches, as well as fun activities, game play and competitions!

Closing date 26 May 2023

Win a family ticket to see an outdoor theatre performance of Bad Dad at Jephson Gardens

Heartbreak Productions, the outdoor theatre experts, are returning to Jephson Gardens this Summer on 9th and 10th June with

David Walliams’ Bad Dad

Closing date 26 May 2023

Enter these and many competitionsmoreonline at Makeraring2go.co.uk. sure you select where you are to see competitions in your local area.

Win a family ticket to Singa-long-a Encanto at The Belgrade on 31 May

From the producers of Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music and Sing-a-Long-a Frozen, the brand new smash hit film musical of 2021 about the Family Madrigal with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing.

Closing date 19 May 2023

Win £150 to spend at Skatehut

Win a £150 voucher to spend at the all-new SkateHut HQ flagship store in Halesowen.

Closing date 30 April 2023.

Competition Winners

Thinktank

Joshua (12) Shipston High School, Oscar (4) Quinton Primary School and Dexter Lee (2) Quinton Cygnets.

Butterfly Farm

Oliver Roesler (5) Ulverley School

The Reel Store

Isabelle Hudson (10) Knowle

CE Primary Academy

Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants

Connor (5) Clapham Terrace primary

Lower Drayton Farm

Tracey Bagley and Linsay Mayman

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Enter the competitions online at www.raring2go.co.uk/ solihull/competitions.

The winner will be the first correct entry or entries drawn at random. No cash alternative.

The winner will be notified by phone or email. Full terms and conditions are available online at www.raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms.