Families22 web (1)

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JULY - AUGUST 2014 ISSUE 22

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

What’s On summer special The best of summer camps Scooby Doo The Mystery of the Pyramid

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Let the memories begin

Enjoy music, theatre & family fun throughout the summer Visit our website for more information

Early bird discounts available

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presents

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“The Very Best Circus Has To Offer!”

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Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

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www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

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“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

Contents In this Issue...

H

ello and welcome to the school summer holiday issue of Families magazine. This bumper issue is your essential guide to summer fun.

There are some fantastic shows for children this year – In the Night Garden Live at Cannon Hill Park (see our discount voucher on page 31), The Gruffalo at the Town Hall, and Scooby Doo and the Mystery of the Pyramids on at the New Alexandra, Birmingham.

Don’t miss the 25 per cent discount for a day out at Hatton World (see page 23); take part in the National Trust Fifty Things to do before the age of 11 ¾ at Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton, and go ‘Rome-ing’ around the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry and join in their Roman-inspired children’s workshops. We also bring you all the best summer holiday clubs – sport, drama, music, swimming, a juniorapprentice style enterprise camp; an adventure camp and more.

We have great competitions on offer too: win a professional photograph of your children with Aperture Studios (page 9); bag yourself two Roman children’s costumes and a ticket to the Herbert (page 7) and we have a family ticket to The Gruffalo up for grabs (page 9). Log on to www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk and find details of all our competitions in the local competitions folder.

Are you holidaying with friends this summer? If so, read our survival guide to ensure you return as friends too! But whatever your plans for this holiday – be it at home or away – we hope you have a relaxing summer break.

, Editor Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes.

Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row.

She specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments.

Contact Abby for more information: 07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our September/October issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Thursday, July 31, 2014 Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, July 2014.

We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

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News Clubs & Classes Education Academic Support charity Not every mum’s a walking milk bottle!

Domestic abuse NoVate Relax with a holiday in Ireland World War 1 centenary Chores for kids Holidaying with friends Top five savings mistakes Get summer sorted … sunshine or showers The best of summer camps What’s On Theatre What’s On Out and About

16 23 28

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Issue 22

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Great British Coin Hunt

P

arents looking for an affordable, educational and engaging activity to keep their kids entertained this summer holiday don’t realise that they may already have the answer lying in their pocket or purse.

The Royal Mint is encouraging the nation to embark on a ‘Great British Coin Hunt’ which is free of charge, not weather dependent and open to all.

All you need to do to get started is to empty out your pockets, piggy banks or coin jars and don’t forget to look down the back of the sofa.

There are 15 different 50p designs to collect, 21 different £1 coin designs, and 23 different £2 designs.

There are also six circulating coin designs ranging from 1p to 50p to collect which each contain a different element of the ‘Royal shield of arms’.

When all six coin denominations are assembled together they create a striking shield design. You should also hunt for three different portraits of the Queen on UK coins.

Rare coins Some coins are rarer than others so you could start your search by looking out for the Kew Garden design on the back of 50p pieces (210,00 minted); the 2011 Edinburgh badge design on the £1

coin (935,00 minted) and the rarest £2 coin – the Irish variant of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester (485,000 minted).

Shane Bissett at The Royal Mint said, “Despite the fact that coins are found in almost every British household, and seen by most of us on a daily basis, many people just don’t pay any attention to them.

We want to encourage the nation to take note of what is in their pockets and purses and realise that there are a great number of coins that are worth looking out for. “

Did you know?

• The Royal Mint has been minting coins for more than 1,000 years • There were estimated to be 28.9 billion UK coins in circulation at 31 March 2013, with a total face value of £3.9 billion, all manufactured by The Royal Mint.

• In total,1.4 billion UK coins were issued during 2012-13.

• The Royal Mint has long been trusted with the currencies of other countries and mints.

Gorky Park in Birmingham The Moscow State Circus returns to the UK this summer with its latest production Gorkogo Park (Gorky Park).

The show, set in the famous Moscow Park, opens with superstar clown Val Defun inviting the audience to take a stroll in the park at sunset and meet some incredible circus performers including the award-winning Flying Trapeze of Alievs White

Birds; the roller skating of the Veslovskis; vertical pole jugglers, and many more.

The Circus will be performing at Beckett’s Farm in Wythall between July 9 and 13 with two shows every day. Tickets start from £10 for adults and £7 for children.

To book log on to www.moscowstatecircus.com or call the Box Office on 0203 375 3970

Four eyes made fashionable Persuading a child they need to wear glasses has just been made easier with the launch of a new eye-catching fashion accessory.

Blinx has launched a range of soft plastic clip-on charms for spectacles which allow wearers to customise their glasses according to their mood or personality.

An initial range of 20 designs are now on sale and at just £1.99 they could quickly become a key fashion collectible for children, and consequently parents’ best weapon in any battle to get children wearing their glasses. See www.myblinx.co.uk

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Scooby Doo:

The Mystery of the Pyramid

I

f your children love the Scooby Doo movies, prepare for a school summer holiday treat.

Scooby Doo and the gang are on stage at the New Alexandra Theatre with more spooky mystery and drama.

This time their adventure is set in Egypt at the Pyramids. Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid. In doing so they have to deal with a gang of mysterious mummies and brave the wrath of the Pharaoh who will transform anyone who dares to approach the pyramid... into stone!

not be suitable for young children with a nervous disposition. The show runs from Monday, August 25, to Wednesday, August 27. To book log on to www.atgtickets.com or call 0844 871 7615

With hilarious physical comedy, popular tunes and special effects... the whole family will enjoy this 90 minute show. This is a loud, vibrant, action-packed children’s show with spooky fun, and the promoters advise some content may

Save money with summer offers Save the pennies and the pounds will save themselves, as the saying goes. Well, this summer you can save your pennies and pounds with our summer discount offers for Families magazine readers.

In the Night Garden Live

Herbert family ticket

Families readers can save up to £5 on tickets to In the Night Garden Live by quoting Hurry 967 when booking online at www.nightgardenlive.com See page 31.

We have 3 family tickets to give away for the Herbert Art Gallery and museum – with Roman costumes for the children.

See page 7.

Explore

Gruffalo

Teamworks Karting 2 for 1

You can get 25 per cent off your first month’s membership when you join Explore Learning in July. Log on to www.explorelearning.co.uk

We also have a family ticket to give away for the Gruffalo.

See page 8.

We have a 2 for 1 voucher for a day out with the family at Teamworks Karting in Birmingham or Halesowen.

See the voucher on page 25.

Hatton Adventure World You can save 25 per cent for advance online booking for a family day out at Hatton World. See page 23.

Family Portrait Save £100 by winning a family portrait of your children with Aperture Studios.

It will make a great keepsake or a super gift for Gran and Grandad. See page 9.

Half price Strings Club holiday camp We have a half price offer for a strings club holiday day camp in Harborne, saving you £12.50. See page 6.

Summer Fun Activities at Hoar Park

DONKEY RIDES (CHECK AVAILABILITY ON DAY) CHILDREN‛S FARM COURTYARD GAMES BOUNCY CASTLE PICNIC & PLAY AREA From End July and throughout August!

0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk

Nuneaton Rd, Over Whitacre, Nr Coleshill & Nuneaton, CV10 0QU Tel: 024 76 394433 or 024 76 397733 Tues-Sun for more details

web:www.hoar-park.co.uk email:info@hoar-park.co.uk

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Out in the open with Sherlock Holmes

S

herlock Holmes, Jungle Book and Treasure Island are all being staged at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens this summer, and you can catch up with Peter Pan and the lost boys at Brueton Park and Packwood House in Solihull.

Take a picnic along with family and friends and enjoy some magical open air theatre in a beautiful location.

All performances take place at 7.30pm.

To book call: 0121 454 1860

First up is Sherlock Holmes on Wednesday, July 16. The worldrenowned detective is back in action when the wife of Dr Watson goes missing deep in the Northumbrian countryside. On Wednesday, August 6, join Mowgli on his wonderful adventures with the loveable and wise Baloo the Bear, the powerful panther Bagheera, not to mention mischievous monkeys and the terrifying tiger Shere Khan in Chapterhouse’s adaptation of the Jungle Book.

On Wednesday, August 13, get ready to find Captain Flint’s buried treasure in the Rain and Shine production of Treasure Island.

Meanwhile the annual open air performance at Brueton Park in Solihull is Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, on July 17 at 7pm. The show will be back again at Packwood House on August 8. Grab your skateboard and prepare for a fast and frenzied journey back to your childhood as the audience get the chance to join the gang and team up with the lost boys. The first 336 tickets sold at Brueton Park will be guaranteed a seat in the Arts Complex in the event of extreme weather. To book log on to www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk For Packwood performance: Box Office:­0844 249 1895

Celebrate with the Strings Club

The Strings Club is offering something special this summer for Families readers. The first day of their summer holiday camp in Harborne is HALF PRICE if you quote ‘Families Birmingham’.

You can choose any date from Monday July 28 to Friday, August 1, or Monday to Friday, August 18 to 22.

Strings Club founder Amy Cunningham says: “We are celebrating reaching the final of the Music Education Awards for Excellence recently and would like to offer as many children as possible the chance to

try out our summer camp.”

The award-winning music club is designed for children aged 4-12 whether they are new to music or already learning an instrument. Each day includes musical events from masterclasses by renowned composers to performances by famous ensembles and funky workshops all about the blues.

Amy says: “What makes our holiday camps so unique is that each child - whether complete beginner or advanced - leaves us as an inspired musician with a big grin on their face!”

To find out more or to book call Amy on 07799 33 25 62 or book online at www.thestringsclub.org

The whimsical world of Rowland Emett Have you ever heard of the Forget Me Not computer, a water-powered clock called The Aqua Horological Tintinnabulator, a fantastical flying machine or a bicycle for flying across the moon?

The latter two featured in the inventions of Caractacus Potts in the movie Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang, but all the above were created by the cartoonist, designer and inventor Rowland Emett.

This summer Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery invites you along to Marvellous Machines - an absorbing exhibition which takes you into the curious and whimsical world of this eccentric English inventor and tells of his time spent living and working in Birmingham.

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The exhibition features quirky moving machines, contraptions from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, and surprises which will astound and spark the imagination.

Emett’s work is loved across the world and is displayed in venues such as the prestigious Smithsonian Institute in America and the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, which has ten of his inventions (dubbed the Dream Machines). But the Birmingham exhibition will be the largest ever display of the inventor’s work. He was awarded an OBE in 1978.

Marvellous Machines is on at the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and runs all summer.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Revolting Romans and poos from the past!

G

o Rome-ing around the Herbert Art Gallery for a summer of fascinating children’s workshops and family fun linked into the Museum’s Roman Empire exhibition – Power and the People.

The gallery has a programme of events for children and families throughout the summer holidays. It all kicks off on Wednesday, July 23, with a free archaeological dig with a difference where children can uncover real Roman finds - and learn about the Romans by examining their poo! Truly, (coprolites) fossil faeces can tell you a lot about what the Romans ate and give you clues about their health.

From July 28-August 21 there’s a daily programme of fun weekday workshops including mosaic-making, minting some roman coins, making eagle standards and designing roman brooches. You can also drop along for a Revolting Romans family talk (July 28) where you can learn all about their less than savoury habits. This might not be for the faint-hearted adult, but children will revel in all the gory details.

To round off the summer there will be a Roman Feast Day on Wednesday, Aug 27, where families are invited to bring a picnic along, meet some Roman costumed characters, and take part in a Roman art activity. Find out more about the programme of events at www.theherbert.org family activities.

We have 3 family tickets to win (2 adults and up to 3 children). Each winning family will also receive 2 Roman children’s costumes (not pictured).

To win log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk click on competitions, local, and answer this question before July 20: Who starred as Maximus in the blockbuster Roman film Gladiator?

A. Russell Crowe B. Anthony Hopkins C. Daniel Craig

Break the bag habit A shocking 10.6 billion single-use bags will be given out over the next 18 months before the government implements its new bag charge legislation in October 2015. With the average person using 133 bags per year, the Break The Bag Habit coalition is launching a new website to encourage supporters to pledge to stop using single-use bags, in an effort to offset the environmental impacts.

The website is supported by internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Brent with a series of stunning yet shocking images entitled ‘Killer Bags.’ These images feature plastic bags Martin was confronted with while diving, and make some difficult viewing. So don’t delay, make your pledge today! www.breakthebaghabit.org.uk

Layca Community Centre, Stretton Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 2RL 0121 744 5128 www.lighthallunderfives@hotmail.co.uk

We are a well established Pre-school in the heart of Shirley, and from September 2014 we are extending our opening hours from 8-6 Monday to Friday!!!

We have a large bright & welcoming classroom and are privileged to have a large fantastic outdoor area for our children to enjoy.

Staff members are all qualified and first aid trained.

We accept children from 2-5 years of age We offer 2 year funding Free places for 3-5 year olds Ofsted 2013 – awarded ‘good’ Follow the EYFS curriculum

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW! With outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 to 18 year olds, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West End show - what are you waiting for?

PQA Solihull and PQA Sutton Coldfield are enrolling now for the Autumn term.

Academies run on Saturdays To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us on 084567 32022

BOOK FREE T YOUR ASTER

NOW!

Please feel free to give us a call and to have a look around!

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Help wanted for children with autism or challenging behaviour

H

ave you had any experience of children with autism or challenging behaviour – either through work, or with a family member? If so Serenity Foster Care, who specialise in looking after children with autism or with challenging behaviour, would like to hear from you.

Serenity are expanding their team of foster carers in Birmingham and across the West Midlands and are looking to recruit interested individuals who understand the needs of children and teenagers – including people who have experience of special needs.

Director Sofia Younis says: “You don’t need to be an approved foster carer already because we will assess and train suitable individuals or couples who want to put themselves forward.”

As long as you have a spare room and a commitment to helping and supporting

children in your care, you can apply to become a carer. It does not matter whether you are married or single or whether you own your own home or live in rented accommodation.

Serenity offer 24 hour support to all their foster carers and offer a basic allowance of £350 a week, but it can be considerably more depending on the circumstances.

Call Sofia on 01675 443 781.

In the Night Garden Live In the Night Garden Live is back this summer at the inflatable, all-weather Showdome at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston. Catch up with Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka in a small arena where everyone is close to the action. Costumes, scenery, puppets and a magical atmosphere will make this a day to remember for every tiny tot and their parent. There are two

different shows - Ninky Nonk and Pinky Ponk – both opening on Saturday, July 12, and running until Saturday July 26.

Don’t miss your chance to see your little one entranced. Early booking advised as popular show times sold out early last year.

Turn to page 31 for £5 discount code.

Book online at www.nightgardenlive.com

Under the sea

Summer hols will go swimmingly at Solihull Arts Complex which is having a summer of fun based on an underwater theme.

Get creative with arts and crafts and fun dance sessions for children aged 4 and above, based on the sea theme. The sessions all run in August - Tuesday 5, Thursdays 7 and 14 August - with art and craft in the morning and dance in the afternoon. Children who would like to attend both sessions can stay for a supervised lunch, either bringing their own packed lunch or ordering one at the venue.

Book online or at the box office 0121 704 6962

Win a family ticket to The Gruffalo The Gruffalo – the stage adaptation of the muchloved children’s book – is back at the Town Hall, Birmingham, this summer from August 12-24.

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The book was voted the nation’s number one bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners, and the live show has been performed all over the world.

Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake! Mouse can

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scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined…?

We have one ticket for a family of four to give away. Just log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk before July 20; find the competition in our local competitions folder.

For your chance to win answer this simple question: Who illustrated The Gruffalo?

A) Axel Scheffler b) Adam Ant c) Andy Pandy

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Win a professional portrait of your children with Aperture Studios

A

re you shocked by how quickly your children change and grow? Win this wonderful competition worth over £100 for a children’s portrait shoot from Aperture Studios, then you can capture time standing still instead of it flashing by you in an instant.

Aperture photographers love working with children – from newborns through to teens. The lucky winning family can visit their state of the art studio on the outskirts of Birmingham for the full star treatment.

You will receive a 20”x16” canvas print following the shoot and a promise that it will be your children’s personality shining back at you.

Aperture photographers have the techniques and expertise to get those amazing shots you will treasure forever.

To enter the competition log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk before September 1, click on our local competitions folder. Just answer this simple question: What is the name of the Birmingham photographic studio named in the article: a) Aperture b)Apparatus c) Apple For examples of Aperture’s work see www.aperture-studios.co.uk or phone: 0121 439 3211

Well, doh!

Who would have guessed?

Teenagers are so embarrassed at being seen in the company of their parents that they stay on average 6.7 metres away from them in public.

The poll carried out by Clinton cards also found that Dads’ cringe – worthy misdemeanours included dancing or singing in public, bad jokes, using outmoded language and having poor taste in clothing.

Dads got the thumbs up for giving lifts, slipping offspring the occasional fiver, technical know how and DIY, having a relaxed attitude and for their willingness to allow TV meals.

But long-suffering parents can take heart in other research that shows their children do begin to appreciate them when they hit their twenties, and they are true converts by the time they have their own children.

Treasure These Moments Forever Specialists in capturing family, children, bump and newborn portraits. From £20 www.aperture-studios.co.uk

0121 4393211 Issue 22

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Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Little kids, big stars Pupils from Castle Bromwich and Kingshurst-based Spotlight Stage School have been keeping busy in a variety of professional shows around the country.

Jack Dolaghan, 11, and Fenton Lockley, 12, beat off over 500 other boys from across the Midlands to gain 2 of just 20 places in Matthew Bourne’s new ballet Lord of the Flies and performed alongside a cast of professional male dancers at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Meanwhile, 3 other pupils are performing in long-running shows.

Tia Noakes, 13, has spent half her life MUSIC in Birmingham and half in London for TIM DRUM SCHOOL theTANDLER last 12 months, performing as the original Veruca Salt when the Olivier 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location Award winning musical and the Rock School grades 1-8.Charlie Ages 4 upwards.

Chocolate Factory opened in the West End. Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk Nicole Manumbre, 11, and Sophia Tejero, 12, have been sharing the role of Young Nala in the UK tour of Disney’s The Lion

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY

MUSIC BIR

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

Harborne Dance School

SPORTS 5-a-side football training Birmingham and Solihull Boys and Girls aged 3 to Adult Tel: 07745 565745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

FootieBugs with Lee Hendrie Professional football classes 3-9 years

Adults and Children

Tel: Wendy on 07515 878772

Tel: 0121 777 7792

www.footiebugs.com

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk

TUITION

Primary Plus-The Inspiring Tuition Service 11+, SATs, Literacy & Numeracy support from 7 years

Solihull Young Dancers

In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter

Ballet and Tap Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL Dance/Drama/Singing/Gymnastics Exams, Shows & Competitions North Solihull. 0121-242-3904 www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

Record your leavers’ song!

Leaving primary school this year and practicing your class song for the year 6 leavers’ assembly?

How about recording your class song and having a very special memento to remember your time in primary in years to come.

Progress Music has a new recording studio in the Jewellery Quarter and you can book studio time to record your class song along with your teacher, or a group of friends.

For more information call Gary Walmsley on 0121 212 9642

Get in the Mix!

Club Futsal UK

Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle

King since July 2013 and performed at Birmingham Hippodrome before joining the cast on their UK tour.

Spotlight Director Vicky Richards says: “I think the opportunity to be involved in professional stage, film, TV and modelling work while still training is a huge advantage, as well as lots of fun”.

For more information about Spotlight Stage School, contact Vicky on 0121-2423904 / 07775-631316 or vicky@spotlightstageschool.co.uk

Tel: 0845 206 8658

If you are under 18 and love baking bread, this is your chance to show off your brilliant loaves and flaunt your focaccia by entering the World Bread Awards competition.

The KitchenAid Young Baker Award is open to under 12s and 12-17 year olds, and the summer holidays are the perfect time to practise your sourdough or your scones.

You could win a fabulous set of prizes including a stunning KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Tilt Head Stand Mixer (RRP £450), and your bread could even be judged by Frances Quinn, winner of Great British Bake Off 2013. If you get to the finals, you get to attend a baking VIP reception in London in October!

Entries close on 31 August 2014. To find out more log on to www.worldbreadawards.com

www.primaryplus.org.uk

YOGA

Fun and creative yoga classes From walking age to 12 Tel: 0845 863 0682 Email: nidhi@yogabugs.com www.yogabugs.com

MUSIC ACADEMY

!

FAVOURITE SONG RECORD YOUR R TA PS PO A BE TO EVER WANTED FOR THE DAY? es in brand new Children’s parti io recording stud Call 0121 212 9642

www.progess-academy.co.uk

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Only £99

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Free summer activities in fifty Birmingham parks Fifty Birmingham parks will be hosting free and fun activities aimed at getting more of us to keep fit in the great outdoors.

The Active Parks initiative trialled at 5 Birmingham parks last year is now relaunching and expanding to fifty parks. It is funded as part of a £20million Coca Cola Zero ParkLives programme to get people across the UK exercising more.

Research shows that more than a third (35 per cent) of Birmingham people are spending less than an hour a week being active outdoors¹. The Coca-Cola research suggests that while 61 per cent of Birmingham residents would like to spend more time being active outdoors, they are put off by perceived costs and lack of time.

The ParkLives scheme will appeal to a broad cross-section of Birmingham communities, particularly families and young people, offering something for almost everyone.

A timetable of activities starts in June. All sessions will be free and led by a trained session leader supported by park volunteers.

Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward, said, “This programme really does offer something for everyone, from canoeing on Edgbaston Reservoir and Tai Chi in Handsworth to Buggyfit and rounders in Walkers Heath Park and Zumba at Witton Lakes.”

Parks taking part in the initiative include Senneleys Park Cotteridge, Walkers Heath, Edgbaston Reservoir, Moonlit Park, Lickey Hills, Handsworth Park, Kings Heath, Eastside, Perry Hall, Summerfield Park, Brookvale Park, Billesley Common, Kings Norton, Enderby, Chamberlain Gardens, Cofton, Bloomsbury, Muntz, Witton, Daisy Farm and West Heath.

Family day Music for Youth Festival The Birmingham Music for Youth festival will be holding a special event for families on Saturday, July 12.

There will be festival activities around and about the city for families to enjoy, and you can experience a range of different musical genres including orchestra, jazz combos and big bands, performed by the next generation of musicians – all 21 and under – at the Town Hall and Symphony Hall. Everyone from the complete novice to the amateur musician can try out some instruments too.

A family festival ticket costs £10 and you can book at www.thsh.co.uk or box office on 0121 345 0600. At 10am and 2pm you can meet a Music for Youth guide at the Symphony Hall who will help you plan your festival day.

NCE! A D !

SING T NOW!

AC

The largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the UK.

t Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls t Age appropriate classes for boys and girls from 4 to 18 t Preparation for Trinity Guildhall exams t Qualified CRB checked staff t Excellent facilities including the Octagon Theatre t Builds confidence and develops imagination

Stagecoach Edgbaston Call 01926 651159 edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

Issue 22

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Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Mythical Maze

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ake part in the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge at Birmingham and Solihull libraries.

The Reading Challenge gets ¾ of a million children reading each summer, and for each book read they pick up a sticker, with up to six mythical monster stickers to be collected this school holidays.

There is added fun this year with an app which allows each sticker collected to unlock games on a smartphone.

Reading for pleasure is known to be more important to children’s success than education or social class. So get your kids reading this summer – you’ll be doing them a favour. For more information log on to www.readingagency.org.uk

Poppy fields at a Sheldon School Pre-school with hours to suit working parents A Shirley-based pre-school is extending its opening hours to suit working parents. The Lighthall Under Fives Pre-school, which is based at the Layca Centre, Shirley, will open from 8am until 6pm from September.

It has places for children aged 2, with free places for children aged 3-5. To find out more call 0121 744 5128.

Poppies will be blooming in one Birmingham school in August to commemorate the World War 1 Centenary.

Pupils at St Thomas Moore Primary School, Sheldon, sowed poppy seeds last October for a poppy field display in readiness for the anniversary. A World War 1 soldier is seated in his trench with his uniform and sandbags, giving an interactive feel to the garden.

Year Four pupils who were working on the project also read Michael Morpurgo’s book the War Horse, and produced some very touching ‘soldiers’ letters home’ from the trenches as they imagined how it would feel to write a last letter.

United we stand…

A group of Sutton Coldfield primary schools have celebrated their first year of working together as a Co-Operative Learning Trust - a move, they say, has given them the edge in being able to respond to the lightning speed of changes hitting primary schools as part of the ‘Gove Revolution’.

The seven primary schools – Coppice, Four Oaks, Langley, Little Sutton, Hollyfield, Moor Hall, and Whitehouse Common - made history by forming the first Co-Operative Learning Trust in Birmingham last summer. Four of the schools in the Trust have been inspected in the last year – three were awarded ‘outstanding’ and one improved from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘good’.

Rachel Davis, Chair of the Trust, says: “We wanted to proactively respond rather than wait for the changes to hit us, but we also wanted to retain what is unique and special about our schools.”

The Co-Operative Trust allows the schools to work closely together, while retaining an independent

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Issue 22

Explore Summer offer

A special prayer booklet was recently laid near the floral tributes at the Menin Gate in Ypres by Teaching Explore Learning Centres in Birmingham and Assistant Ann Shakespeare Solihull are offering readers 25% off their first on behalf of the school month’s membership when they join in July. to remember the 100th Anniversary.

Explore Learning has

centres in Harborne, Kings Heath, Shirley, Sutton Coldfield, Yardley and Longbridge.

See website for details www.explore learning.co.uk

head teacher and governing body. At the same time the schools have pooled resources and employed shared staff to work across the group, including a business manager and an information technology co-ordinator.

Financial efficiency is not the only driver – a drive for excellence is key to the way the Trust operates. One way in which the Trust achieved this was to develop its own mini inspection teams with head teachers in the Trust reviewing other schools: observing lessons; speaking to pupils; looking at school data; and giving feedback in the same way as Ofsted inspection teams. This has had such an impact on delivering results the Trust is now undertaking reviews in other schools.

Contact: r.davis@littlesu.bham.sch.uk

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Mum launches Academic Support charity

A

cademic Excellence was founded by Natalie Jones, a mum shocked at the high cost and variable quality of tutors she found when she was looking for outside school support for one of her children.

Her enterprise, supported by the Princess Trust, was set up to give every child access to affordable outside school tuition, regardless of their background.

As the business expands, Natalie has not lost sight of her founding principle. Indeed, she is going one step further as she is launching Academic Support, a charity backed by local business people, which will offer means-tested support for children to attend any of the Academic Excellence services – tuition, after-school care, holiday club, or their new nursery.

Natalie says: “The business is going from strength to strength but I refuse to move away from the vision that every child should have access to support and the chance to reach their potential, regardless of their background. The charity fund should allow us to offer our support free, or at a reduced cost, on a means-tested basis to those who cannot afford to pay.”

Tuition Academic Excellence offers tuition in Maths, English, the 3 Sciences, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese and Law. It works with pupils from primary school right through to A-levels. It tutors for the 11 plus exam and it also runs an A star group for gifted and talented students at all stages.

This year everyone attending the gifted and talented group got A* grades at GCSE and A levels in the subjects they were tutored in, and many of the primary school pupils won scholarships to independent schools or won places at grammar schools. But Academic Excellence is equally as committed to helping struggling students achieve better grades than forecast as they are in supporting the academic high flyers.

Tiny Tots Saturday Club As well as tuition, after-school care and a holiday club, Academic Excellence also runs a really popular Tiny Tots fun club on a Saturday morning where children learn French, English, Maths and Phonics through play, and Natalie now plans to open Academic Tots, a nursery with an emphasis on preparing children to learn.

Natalie says: “Our centre is phenomenally busy; we now employ more than 20 qualified teachers who are specialists in their field, and they teach both at our base in Edgbaston and at outreach centres across Birmingham.

After school Care “Our after-school care has grown too; we now collect from nine Birmingham schools and take children to our centre in Edgbaston. We look after them until 6pm and provide them with a healthy hot or cold meal; they attend an hour’s tuition or homework support, and then are free to play, or take part in music or dance classes until home time.”

Holiday Club The centre’s unique holiday club mixes support for schoolwork (one hour’s tuition) with fun activities and outings to parks, cinemas, ice-skating, bowling, farms and other attractions. It is open to everyone and has wrap-around care to suit working parents, but it was initially prompted by parents of children who wanted extra tuition for their children in school holidays. Combining it with the holiday fun club means they get the best of both worlds.

Natalie says: “The Holiday Club will run every week-day throughout the school summer holidays.

It is a great way to catch up or get ahead with school work, but school is out for summer and we make sure the children have fun, make friends and really enjoy all the activities on offer too!”

Bookings are now being taken for the holiday club. For tuition each child is given an initial assessment and an individual learning plan is drawn up by qualified teachers.

If you would like to enquire about Academic Excellence tuition, after school care, the holiday club, or the new nursery, call 0121 454 2858.

Parents or teachers who would like further information about the Academic Support charitable fund should e-mail: info@academicexcellence.org.uk Issue 22

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Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Not every mum is a walking milk bottle!

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he World Health Organisation recommends that babies are fed exclusively on breast milk for the first six months of a babies life. But for many mums breast feeding is not that easy.

Clare Byam Cook is a fomer midwife and breast feeding expert to the stars - she counts Lily Allen and Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda among her clients. But, she is refreshingly down to earth when it comes to talking about breast feeding problems.

She has little time for breast feeding zealots who give the impression that all a mother has to do is let her baby feed on demand and their breast will automatically supply the milk. Here she gives you her top tips on how to breastfeed and what to do when it goes wrong, but first she has one key message for mums: “When campaigners try to promote breast feeding and don’t discuss the problems, then mothers who struggle believe they are failures, but they are not,” she says emphatically. “Not every mother is a walking milk bottle. Some mothers have enough milk to feed twins, but for others the baby won’t latch on properly or their milk flows so slowly the baby falls asleep.

“Breast feeding might be natural but just because it is natural does not mean it will always go right. Ask any farmer and he will tell you

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he bottle feeds a percentage of lambs born each year because he can’t get them to feed.”

Clare has come across cases of twins where one twin latches on and feeds easily, while the other twin can’t. She has also come across mothers who have had no problems feeding the first of their children, and then encountered difficulties with another. So no mum should feel they are to blame if things are not going smoothly.

Eighty per cent of mothers start off breast-feeding: clearly they have heeded the advice that breast is best for their baby – helping to prevent tummy upsets, respiratory infections and ear infections – and best for mums because it makes them less likely to get breast cancer. The problem is that within 6-8 weeks the percentage still breast-feeding has plummeted.

If you are planning to breastfeed, Clare offers some advice to help get it right:

How to feed: • Line the baby up mouth to nipple.

• Instead of expecting the baby to open its mouth wide, a mum should squeeze her breast to make it smaller for the baby to latch on to.

• You will know if the baby is latched on correctly because it won’t hurt and the baby will be getting milk.

• You will know if a baby is getting enough milk because after they feed they will fall asleep in their own bed, and it will be 3-4 hours before they need another feed.

What to do if it is not going right • Ask for help and ask your friends for their recommendations – who they have found to be helpful.

• Use breast feeding aids like nipple shields and breast pumps.

• If nothing works for you even with support – don’t feel a failure.

If you are planning to breast feed, you might like to watch Clare’s DVD Breast- Feeding Without Tears, or read her books: What to expect when you are breast-feeding, and what if you can’t; Top tips for breast-feeding; Top tips for bottle-feeding.

All available from Amazon.

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Issue 22

NoVate

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A cry for help – some practical tips in domestic abuse cases

T

he report of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) on the 43 police forces across England and Wales, highlights systematic failings in the way the police deal with victims of domestic abuse and most worryingly, a failure by some forces to collect evidence properly.

Legal remedies available in the family court are therefore even more important like Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders (for which legal aid is still available) which can be made, if there is evidence to support such allegations of domestic abuse, on the balance of probabilities.

The type of ‘evidence’ required involves enquiring whether the victim has reported such abuse to the police, so what was reported to the police becomes immediately relevant. In order to understand the process, both in the criminal and family justice systems, here are some practical tips on achieving the best evidence:

Reporting an incident: a) all 999 calls to the police are recorded and a transcript of that call can be obtained; b) ensure when speaking to an officer they make notes in their pocket notebook; c) take the officers details down and ask for the local domestic abuse liaison officer to get in touch with you to support you through this process; d) check your police statement and ensure that you agree with the contents before you sign it; e) if your evidence is being recorded by video this should be done quickly; f ) if English is not your first language ask for an interpreter to be present to assist you;

Injuries: g) the officer should take photographs of them (on a bodycam worn by the officer or digital camera); h) if this does not happen, you should take photographs on a mobile phone or camera to preserve this evidence; i) attend A&E or your GP surgery so that a medical professional has witnessed and recorded the injuries as well as your explanation of how your injuries were sustained;

Bail Conditions: j) If no further action is taken by the police there will be no bail conditions and that’s when you will need to contact a family lawyer to think about applying for protection through the family courts if you continue to feel at risk of harm.

Ultimately, the act of reporting an incident to the police (irrespective of the alleged perpetrator being charged) has the twofold effect of getting on record that an incident has occurred and the victim is significantly concerned about the alleged perpetrator’s behaviour.

For further information on how NoVate Direct Legal Solutions can help you & to read the full article please visit our website www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com or contact us on 0845 201 0160 or Email info@novatedls.com

no V ate direct legal solutions

Issue 22

15

Holidays

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Relax, unwind, chill out … w

H

olidays in Ireland are all about relaxing and unwinding. Take a step back from the frantic pace of city living and your daily work commute and escape this summer to a country which knows how to appreciate the good things in life.

You won’t have to travel far to find stunning land and seascapes. In fact, you can base your holiday at Rosslare Strand – a couple of miles from where the car ferry docks.

A holiday here has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for an active holiday with windsurfing, seakayaking or horse-riding; a traditional family beach holiday, or you simply want time away to unwind with a good book and a stroll along the beach, this place has it covered.

Rosslare Strand is a long, sandy beach with a blue flag award, so perfect for a family beach holiday or for water sports enthusiasts. But the area is also golfer’s paradise with 2 championship golf courses in Rosslare (6 in the county of Wexford) and a fisherman’s dream with offshore and sea angling. If your idea of relaxing is less energetic, spend some time de-stressing on a heated lounger at the sea spa at Kelly’s Hotel. The spa offers thalassotherapy (a treatment using healing sea water); aromatherapy steam rooms,

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along with treatments such as hot stones massage (really recommend this!), facials and manicures.

Having relaxed enough to feel really chilled out, it’s time to explore further afield. Visit Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre and have a guided tour of the oldest operational lighthouse in the world; see the showrooms at the famous Waterford Glass Centre, tour Johnstown Castle and Gardens near the village of Murrin, or head inland to Kilkenny, well worth a visit with its Castle, its well preserved medieval buildings, and quirky craft shops.

You should also take a trip to New Ross (45 mins away) to visit The Dunbrody Famine ship, and experience what it was like to face the stark choice between leaving Ireland or starving. Mingle with travellers at the ticket booth hearing their stories, before boarding the ship and finding out

Holidays

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

with a holiday in Ireland about conditions on board a vessel dubbed a ‘coffin ship’ because so many emigrants did not survive the 6 week voyage across the Atlantic. But hear too of those who did and what became of them when they landed in America.

There are plenty of other family-friendly attractions nearby such as Blackwater Open Farm with indoor and outdoor play (30 mins away); the indoor adventure play barn at New Ross; zipwire, climbing walls and extreme adventure highropes at Courtown Leisure Centre; and Kids Karting, bumper boats, bowling and crazy golf at Pirate’s Cove (both 60 mins away).

But, if you want to stay put and just relax in Rosslare, the coastal golf links are right on tap, as are the sea spa at Kelly’s Hotel and the beach. Enjoy!

Good places to eat on your travels:

Ireland is developing a reputation as a great place to go for food-lovers. Two Kilkenny restaurants -The Campagne and Lady Helen at the Mount Juliet Hotel - and the restaurant at the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Waterford, were awarded Michelin stars in the 2014 guide. The Aldridge Lodge at Duncannon, Wexford, was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand title – indicating good food at reasonable prices.

Where to stay: Grangewood Holiday Cottages, Rosslare Strand Four star holiday accommodation.

Downstairs has a spacious open-plan living area with a well equipped kitchen, comfortable sitting area, and dining space. The cottage has 3 bedrooms (a double with en suite bathroom, a twin and a single room) and can accommodate five people. Patio doors open onto a private garden area.

Availability and cost A week in June costs 550 euro (approx £450 sterling); a week in July or Aug costs 600 euro (approx £485 sterling). For further information or to book call: 0758 352 6056 or 00 353 876 196 331

Getting there: By ferry. Take your car to

Rosslare with Stena Line from Fishguard or Irish Ferries from Pembroke Dock. The crossing takes 3.5 hours. A return ferry crossing with car and 4 passengers in high season costs approx £290. Fly-drive: Flybe run flights from Birmingham to Waterford.

Tourist information: See Failte Ireland’s

free and very useful South East pocket guide to the area. Contact wexford@failteireland.ie Call 00 353 53 912 311.

Issue 22

17

Remembrance

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

On August 4, 1914, the lights went out across Europe…

A

ugust 2014 marks the 100th year anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war. Sixteen million people died either in fighting or as a result of disease or starvation. Almost every family in the UK was touched in some way by the war – through the loss of family members, friends or neighbours.

As the anniversary approaches, UK families will be commemorating with their children, including lighting a candle at dusk on August 4, and extinguishing it at 11pm.

Ten ways to get your child interested in World War 1 1) Find your local hero. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery. More than 600 people were awarded it for their actions during the First World War. You can find your local hero at https:// www.gov.uk/government/news/how-you-can-get-involved.

5) Bake a trench cake.

People in Britain would bake and send a fruit cake to loved ones on the front line. Some traditional cake ingredients were hard to come by, so the trench cake recipe had no eggs. (See below) Ingredients ½ lb flour, 4 oz margarine, 1 teaspoon vinegar, ¼ pint of milk 3 0z brown sugar, 3oz cleaned currants, 2 teaspoons cocoa ½ teaspoon baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, grated lemon rind How to: Grease a cake tin. Rub margarine into the flour in a basin. Add the dry ingredients. Mix well. Add the soda dissolved in vinegar and milk. Beat well. Turn into the tin. Bake in a moderate oven for about two hours.

6) Take part. There are so many activities from now up to 2018.

Search the Imperial War Museum calendar to find exhibitions, talks, plays, concerts near you.

7) Hold a minute’s silence. Does your child play a team sport, go to a youth club or an art or music group? Perhaps it could be done at school.

2) See if your family fought in the war. Just by typing your 8) Light a candle. On August 4, 2014, families across the country surname into the Commonwealth Graves Commission search tool, will light a candle in the evening. Just before 11pm, parents will you can see if any of your relatives fought and died in the First blow it out. The last candle burning will be on the tomb of the World War. Advert for ‘Families’ magazine 2014. Actual size (118 x 70 cm). unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey. At 11pm it too will be 3) Visit a memorial. The First World War touched every community As inPDF. extinguished. in Britain. Of the 16,000 villages the UK, just 53 (known as the “thankful villages”) have no war memorial because all of their 9) Listen to First World War songs. Tunes like “Pack up your young men returned home alive. You can search for a memorial troubles” and “It’s a long way to Tipperary” are on the BBC website.

Derek Perry 07971 45676010) Buy a poppy, donate pocket money to Help for Heroes or near you at: http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.002006.

4) Read a Great War poem together. After reading “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrea, Moina Michael was so moved she vowed to remember the fallen and the remembrance poppy was born.

do a sponsored activity for Veterans UK. Soldiers today serve all over the world to keep us safe and protect innocent people in war-torn countries.

Get one for Grandad (or Nan, or Dad, or Auntie)

Anyone who grew up in Birmingham in the 1950/60s will remember the blue and yellow buses.

Now, you can buy a detailed diecast metal collector’s model, guaranteed to bring back memories.

And you can order yours in any one of over 20 local routes! What was your memorable destination?

Actual model about four inches long.

Adverts may vary. Or select no ads.

How about the 3 or 9 to Quinton, 5 to Perry Barr, 8 Inner Circle or 37 to Hall Green? Or along the Bristol Road on the 62, the 12 via Harborne, 18 to Northfield, 40 to Fort Dunlop, or the 60 along the Coventry Road? And, of course, the famous 11 Outer Circle.

You can order through our website www.forwardmodels.net and pay by PayPal.

Call 07971 456760 to pay by card (you may have to leave your number and we will call back). Or by post to: Forward Models, Unit C11.2, Parkhall Business Centre, Martell Road, London SE21 8EN. Models are £33 each plus £3 p&p for any number bought.

See the full size originals, preserved at the transport museums at Wythall and Aldridge

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Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Chores for kids

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ave a family plan for everyday household tasks and you will teach your kids a great life lesson. Chores help kids learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house. Not sure your kids will go for it? Turn it into a game when they are young - a way to earn stars and later credits when they are older. And, since you ask, no, we don’t think children should get paid to help you around the house! Here we suggest some age-appropriate chores for toddlers through to teens.

Toddler (ages 2-3) • Pick up/put away toys • Unload the dishwasher, especially cutlery, plastic cups and tupperware • Dust (little ones love a feather duster!)

• Collect dirty clothes and put them in the hamper • Help move clothes from washer to dryer • Put clothes away • Make their bed • Wipe down cupboards, cabinets and skirting boards with soapy water. This one can get messy but it’s lots of fun!

At this age, it is more about ‘helping mum’ and having fun than chores!

Pre-schooler (ages 4-5)

• Hang up laundry • Sweep • Vacuum • Fold clothes • Clean microwave • Rake leaves As the chores get more complex and time-consuming, mix them up with simpler ones from the younger age groups so it doesn’t become too onerous

Ages 9-11 • All the above plus: • Make simple meals • Clean the loo (they’ll love this one!)

• Mop floors

Ages 12-14 • All the above plus: • Clean the bathroom • Make full meals including a meal plan • Clean out the fridge and freezer • Mow the lawn • Supervise younger children’s chores – a great time to get bossy themselves!

• All the above plus: • Load the dishwasher • Take out the recycling • Lay the table • Clear the table • Wash dishes (with supervision) • Wipe out bathroom sinks • Match socks. This can easily be turned into a fun game!

• Fold simple clothes or tea towels • Water indoor plants 2008|2009 29008|2009 002|8002 • Feed pets Why not try rewarding RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL younger children for Children aged from 3 months to 5 years. doing their chores, at least Ofsted Outstanding when you first introduce • Qualified friendly staff. them? For older children • Daily home cooking. chores can become a • Interactive Whiteboard/Table. normal part of their day.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

Ages 6-8

• All the above plus: • Help prepare meals, wash vegetables, simple cutting • Wipe counter tops and kitchen units

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

Serenity Foster Care is a fresh new concept. We provide a holistic approach to both carers and those being cared for.

Serenity Specialist Care have been working with and looking after young people living with Autism and emotional difficulties in their specialist care homes.

Serenity Foster Care builds on this experience and assists the foster carers to provide a safe, stable and appropriate living environment for the young people we look after.

At Serenity Foster Care, we offer clear and regular supervisions, specialist training and a 24 hour support for all our Foster Carers.

Want to share in this exciting fresh approach to foster care?

Think you could contribute to the well being of young people?

Why not talk to Serenity Foster Care and foster with confidence.

Serenity Foster Care

Embracing Children : Inspiring Lives t: 01675 443 781 www.serenity-homes.co.uk Issue 22

19

Holidays

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Ten tips for holidaying with friends this summer James Wignall

T

here are many benefits to holidaying with friends such as shared costs, larger properties, friends on tap for the kids, joint childcare opportunities and a guaranteed social life. But there are many potential pitfalls too which could affect your friendship and even your marriage...

After many holidays with friends and family we think these are the 10 essential tips for a successful joint family holiday.

1) Discuss potential pitfalls before you book your holiday so there are no awkward surprises.

Beaches or Museums? Kids Clubs or quality family time? Expensive guided excursions or free nature walks? Everyone has a different idea of the perfect family holiday, and that’s fine, just ensure your expectations and your daily budgets are discussed ahead of time so there’s no embarrassment or arguments.

2) Agree price brackets for meals out together beforehand.

Nobody likes being pressured into eating where they’d prefer not to. If you can’t agree, don’t compromise: you’ll be happier if you go your separate ways to dine and hook back up afterwards. You can always blame the kids (or husband…) for not liking X, Y or Z.

3) Ensure you ring fence some quality family time alone.

Ensure you make time for just your family.

Make sure you get to go exactly where you want, do what you want to do and when you want to do it. This also gives you time to chat together, let off steam and release any inter-familial tension that may have developed.

4) Separate vehicles are essential.

Never be tempted to share a people carrier or minivan with another family.

You need your space. And an escape plan (even if it’s only temporary).

5) Some boundaries must be agreed on and stuck to.

Obviously presenting an entire rule book to the other family might not be a good idea, so choose your battles carefully. If your kids’ meal times are sacrosanct, then say so and plan accordingly. If you hate being woken up at 4.00 am then lay down the law… It’s your holiday.

6) Don’t interfere in the other marriage.

Don’t show any disapproval of the other couple’s divisions of labour or parenting techniques.

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Unless it directly affects you or your family’s holiday then it’s none of your business. (Until you return home of course).

7) Rent a property with as many bathrooms as you can afford.

You think your spouse takes ages…you might be surprised by other husbands/ children etc too.

8) Never buy presents, ice creams, souvenirs etc. just for your own kids.

Check with the other parents first or at least agree on a price bracket / size of souvenir or present before purchasing. (or at least be discreet about it).

9) Agree fixed meeting points for fixed times for when you get separated.

Some kids (and adults) get bored long before others, so don’t force them to hang around waiting for everyone else.

10) Don’t force grumpy kids to ‘make up’ if they don’t feel like it.

It’s not just adults that get bored, tired, hot, and sweaty and start fights. Regular Time Outs are necessary for everyone.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Holidays

Holiday health

Sun safety - advice from the NHS

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the SPF, the better. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

• Don’t spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen. Sunscreen should not be used as an excuse to stay out in the sun. Spend time in the shade between 11am & 3pm.

• Even “waterproof” sunscreens should be reapplied after going in the water. Water washes off sunscreen and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you’re not getting burned.

Water also reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure.

• Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.

Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing after-sun or calamine lotion. If you feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters, seek medical help. Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone.

• Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun.

Use at least a factor 15 sunscreen and choose a broad-spectrum brand that has a four- or five-star rating. Apply it to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Choose sunscreens that are formulated for children and babies’ skin, as these are less likely to irritate their skin.

Bring a seat/blanket picnic and join the fun in Brueton Park (age 5+) Thurs 17 July, 7pm Tickets £8/£7 in advance or £9/£8 on gate

Holiday Art, Craft & Dance Sessions

Join our deep sea-themed activities in the Studio. Choose art, dance or both! Ask Box Office about lunchtime supervision tickets and/or optional lunches. All abilities welcome - great for ages 4+.

Sessions take place on: Tues 5th, Thurs 7th & Thurs 14th August.

Timetable 10.30am-12.30pm - Arts & Crafts, £5 per session 12.30pm-1.30pm - lunch supervision £2 per ticket 1.30pm - 2.30pm - Dance Fun, £4 per session

Autumn/Spring seasons booking now!

The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark 31/10/14 Tickets £8 Chris & Pui Roadshow 15/11/14 Tickets £12/£10 ch.

Cinderella - Panto 12/12 to 4/1/15 Tickets £15-£18.50 Sid’s Deep Sea Adventure 17/2/15 Tickets £12/£8 ch.

Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

re

A British Museum Tour

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on

ce Ad ss ult io s bo at ns £5 ok di £4 / C h / in sc g ou Fam ildr en on n lin ts a ily T £2 ic .5 e v in ail ke 0 ad ab ts £ 1 va le nc fo 2.5 0 e r

• Some sunscreens may aggravate eczema. Check the label for any ingredients that you know your child is allergic to. Test any new sunscreen on a small area before applying it to the whole body. Put on your child’s emollient and steroids first then put the sun protection cream on 30 minutes later. Remember to put more sun protection cream on regularly throughout the day and especially after swimming.

Outdoor Drama - Peter Pan & The Lost Boys

T GET SE C A TION FOR AN OF R SUMME N PACKED U F Y FAMIL RT ROMAN A T R E HERB U AT THE E M Y & MUS GALLER NT AND LU ORT! F N A ROM

16 May – 31 August 2014 www.theherbert.org

The exhibition has been developed in partnership between Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives and the British Museum.

Supported through the generosity of the Dorset Foundation

Issue 22

21

Finance

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The top five biggest saving mistakes

by Ashley Curtis

S

aving money isn’t just about putting aside a certain amount each month from your pay packet. One of the key principles of saving is making your money work hard for you.

However many of us admit our money management skills aren’t quite up to scratch.

Here’s five of the foremost errors we make on a constant basis.

Not saving for retirement

The young never think they will grow old so, unsurprisingly, pensions are not uppermost in their mind when they first start work. That is likely to be a costly mistake. The importance of putting money into a pension early - whether that’s through a work-provided pension or a personal one - cannot be understated. The later you leave it to save for a pension, the harder it is to play catch up, and the more money you have to find each year.

In 2010/11 only 36 per cent of women and 39 per cent of men were saving for a non state pension, according to figures from the Pensions Policy Institute. Less than half! But if you want to be able to retire without money worries, it makes sense to think about saving in a way that maximises the potential for long-term growth. Ignoring your future savings, regardless of your current age, is a huge mistake.

Not investing

It is better to invest. Not investing in any form - whether it’s through an ISA, stocks and shares or in bonds - can be a huge mistake as investing helps you put your money to work for you. For instance, long-

term stock investments usually gain over the long run.

For young adults new to investing, it’s important to think about your reasons. Are you simply looking to make higher returns on your savings? Perhaps you might be putting some money aside to help pay for your child’s education or looking at ways to maximise your income when you retire. Whatever your reason, investing is a medium to long-term commitment that can deliver returns in the future.

Cashing in

If you are in possession of investment bonds or a stocks and shares ISA, it can be tempting to cash in early if you have existing debts that need paying. However it’s highly recommended you find other solutions to pay off your debt as cashing in assets early can be a costly move.

Some investment bonds will allow you to withdraw some or all of your money whenever you need, but a ‘surrender’ penalty may apply if you do so (as well as associated taxes). Consequently, the money you saved over five years may take much longer to replace. Have a look for tax free savings options if you think you might have to cash in early.

Living paycheck to paycheck

If you consistently find your monthly paycheck doesn’t last until the next pay day, you’re classed as ‘living paycheck to paycheck’.

In order to make it to the month, most people falling under this bracket accumulate a lot of credit card debt or visit payday lenders just to tick them over. However this can spiral very quickly and, in the end, it’s likely you won’t be able to make ends meet in the near future.

To stop this cycle, you need to start budgeting properly. Note down your essential expenses and compare this with your income; if your expenses fit within your budget, your income should be enough to last the month.

Saving at the end of the month

One of the most common errors from people starting to save is the mindset of saving cash at the end of the month. Forbes suggests you shouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t anything left to save at the end of the month as many of us tend to treat ourselves to a luxury good if we end up with spare cash.

Consequently, it’s important to get into the habit of setting cash aside at the start of the month. You can have cash automatically transferred from your bank account into a savings account or other long-term investment platform, helping you to build your savings. www.forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk

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Issue 22

Summer Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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he great British weather is unpredictable, to say the least.

We could be in for a heatwave with cloudless blue skies and endless bar-b-cues on balmy evenings (it has been known to happen!). Or, surprise, surprise it could be sodden.

Either way the long school hols are a time for chilling out with the children and creating special moments they will remember in years to come. So, hedging our bets, we are coming up with some suggestions for having fun in the great outdoors, and also some rainy day ideas.

The Great Outdoors: Daisy chains and tree hollows

The National Trust’s Fifty Things to do before the age of 11 and ¾ is a great starting point for outdoor exploration. Print off the tick list of activities and see how many the children have yet to do. Can they make a daisy chain? Have they ever set up a snail race? Or climbed a tree; ridden a horse, canoed down the river, found their way with a compass, played pooh sticks or gone on a really long bike-ride? They can find things to do in their own back garden, and together you can plan outings further afield where they can accomplish more. continued...

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Get summer sorted… sunshine or showers

Summer Spectacular

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Summer Activities

The Great Outdoors: Farm Adventures

It is amazing how many children have no understanding of where their food comes from. You might live in the heart of the city, but you will find children’s farms in close striking distance. Children love petting and feeding animals and it is a great way for them to get in touch with the natural world. Hoar Park children’s Farm and craft village near Nuneaton has fun activities throughout the school holidays with bouncy castle and children’s play area. Hatton Adventure World is a day out for all the family with farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas and a full programme of activities every day – including a sheep grand national! (Book online in advance for a 25 per cent discount on ticket prices. See page 23) Umberslade Farm Park, near Solihull, is a working farm open for visits with indoor play areas; Ashfield children’s Farm in Tamworth is a small, family run farm; and Broomey Croft children’s Farm is near Kingsbury.

Gardens Pick up a children’s trail and explore the Botanical Gardens and spark your child’s interest in growing things. Then go home and give them some space in the garden to look after their own flower pots; or allot them a corner of the garden to plant their own food.

Sport Challenge the children to a ‘parents versus children’ football match in the park – and enter into the spirit of the world cup! Find an activity that none of the family has tried before and organise a session – you can canoe, kayak, climb or zipwire at Ackers, or sail at Edgbaston reservoir. Cool down on a warm day with a waterfight in your garden.

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

And some indoor fun for those rainy days: Workshops

There is no shortage of family or children’s indoor workshops throughout the school holidays and many of them are offered at a low cost. Mac Birmingham runs family art and craft sessions where you can take part alongside your children; the Herbert in Coventry has daily family sessions; Warwickshire Wildlife Trust run nature-related (indoor and outdoor) workshops daily during the school summer holidays at Brueton Park, Solihull, and Selly Manor in Bournville has family events planned as well as some children’s workshops in August.

Active indoors Have family time with karting at Teamworks Karting in Digbeth, Birmingham, and Halesowen (minimum age 8); indoor climbing, crazy golf or a laser game at Star City, or try Altitude at Merry Hill, Brierley Hill, Europe’s highest indoor ropes course (age 6 and over) with a low ropes course for young children.

Theatre Ideal in any weather: if your child has never been to a live theatre performance, make this the summer to take them. From tiny tots to older children and teens, there is a show to suit everyone. In the Night Garden Live is at the showdome at Cannon Hill Park in July; The Gruffalo at the Town Hall from August 12 - 24; Scooby Doo and the Mystery of the Pyramid at the New Alexandra Theatre from August 25-27, and Wicked at the Hippodrome until September.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Summer Activities

Board games Don’t want to stir out of the house? Have a day of board games and card games at home. Monopoly, Scrabble and Cluedo all stand the test of time – or find board games to match your child’s interests eg Dr Who. If you don’t have a pack of cards, invest in one – it supplies endless hours of fun – Snap, Go Fish, Old Maid ‌ even pontoon and poker for matchstick stakes with older children.

In the kitchen Help younger children to melt chocolate and make rice crispie buns or cut up seasonal fruit and make a juicy fruit salad. If you have teenagers, why not turn over the kitchen to them for a day and let them set up their own restaurant. They can draw up a menu, shop for the ingredients, prepare the starters, cook the meal and serve it up to mum, dad and assorted guests.

2014 BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2013

Dates: every weekend from 27th 26th April to 29th 28th September 2013 2014 except for the first Sunday of the month from May to October EXCEPT FOR THE kRST 3UNDAY OF THE MONTH FROM -AY TO /CTOBER when we operate as the MUSEUM HERITAGE BUS. WHEN WE OPERATE AS THE -53%5- (%2)4!'% "53 Meeting point: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square CORNER OF #OLMORE 2OW 7ATERLOO 3TREET 6ICTORIA 3QUARE Tour times: 10.30, 12.30, 2.30

THE BIG BRUM BUZ IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Unplug and reconnect!

What do all the above activities have in common? You’ve guessed it. There isn’t an iPad or smart-phone mentioned.

For many families these days even together time is dominated by mobile phones, iPads, TV and other devices.

But we say: Ping! It’s time to unplug and reconnect with your family the good old-fashioned way.

Issue 22

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What’s On Summer 2014

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Summer Holiday camps an Martial Arts: Harborne, July 21-25 and Aug 18-22 A great holiday club for energetic children: burn up energy and learn new skills at this martial arts summer camp in Harborne. It is for children age four upwards with groups for everyone from the complete beginner to the seasoned martial arts fan. It is run by Antonio Santorelli Black Belt Academy at Lordswood Girls School. £15 per day – (9am-3pm).

To book call Antonio on 078 1805 2978 www.asbba.co.uk

FootieBugs: South Birmingham and Solihull Summer holidays to Aug 22 Starting from as little as £12 per day, FootieBugs offers an action packed, fun week of football during the school holidays. The camps are open to children from 5-11 years and are full of fun games and activities. Each week ends with a World Cup competition day and the chance to win trophies and medals! All children will receive a certificate for taking part. Coaches have an enhanced police check, FA qualification and insurance and are passionate about coaching children! For more information or to book a place, please call Ashley 0121 77 77792 or email Ashley@footiebugs.com www.footiebugs.com/solihull

Make A Splash and Waterhugs: Solihull – swimschool in summer holidays Make A Splash Swimschool will be running summer swim courses for children at venues in Solihull. A fun swim session every day during the week can really build confidence in water and improve skills. Courses available for all ages and stages. Call Suzi on 0121 4050440 for more information. www.makeasplash.co.uk

Adventure Activities: Ackers, Birmingham - weekdays in summer, ages 8-16 Ackers Adventure run holiday adventure courses for active 8-16 year olds who love a challenge. They operate on a 75 acre site in the centre of Birmingham and all activities are led by qualified instructors. The camps run daily from 10am-4pm during the school summer holidays and young people get the chance to try kayaking, canoeing, archery, ski-ing, a jungle challenge, orienteering, climbing, asbseiling and much more. Places are limited so prebooking recommended. Call 0121 772 5111. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

Enterprising Minds: Harborne, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Sandwell - July 28-Aug 1 and Aug 4-8 This is a course for anyone aged 11-16 who watched Junior Apprentice and thought ‘I could do that’. It is a new and fun school holiday camp where you can learn what it really takes to

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Issue 22

succeed in business. Are you a leader, an innovator, a good communicator, a financial whizzkid or a good team player? Play to your strengths and pick up new business know-how - marketing, money management and project planning - at the Enterprising Minds holiday camp. Want to set up your own business? Planning on taking business studies at school or college? Or just game for a fun summer challenge that is just a little bit different from other holiday camps.

You’re hired! Call Sonia on 0121 369 1975. www.enterprisingminds.co.uk

Progress Music: summer school and recording, Jewellery Quarter This summer Progress Music are running week-long summer schools in their recording studio at the Jewellery Quarter for young people aged 9-15.

During the week, young people take part in Group Singing, Choir Singing, get solo tuition and record a song in the professional studio at the end of the week. It costs just £99 for the week’s workshop. (You can also book a 3-hour Recording Studio Party with a group of friends over the summer holidays) Contact: Progress Music on 0121 212 9642 or www.progress-academy.co.uk

Holiday Fun Club: Edgbaston – runs all summer, ages 4-14 A holiday fun club jam packed with activities like football, dance, drama, design, art, multi sports, zumba, games and trips out. The emphasis is on fun, but at the same time children are helped to fill in the missing gaps in their school

work, or can get ahead in maths, English, science or languages schoolwork with qualified teachers and tutors. (one hour tuition) Contact: 01214542858 www.academicexcellence.org.uk

Strings Club: Harborne age 4-12, runs July 28-August 1 and August 18-22 The Strings Club will be running its summer day camp in Harborne for budding musicians – including complete beginners (instruments can be provided). Tuition in guitar, violin and ukulele and each day there is a fun musical experience from funky workshops to masterclasses by renowned composers.

Contact: 07799 332562 www.thestringsclub.org £25 a day.

HALF PRICE OFFER for any one day.

Just Quote Families Birmingham.

Futsal: Birmingham Summer futsal skills training at summer camp at Birmingham’s Futsal Arena at Great King Street, North. Contact: Paul Holmes on 07745 565 745 or e-mail: info@clubfutsaluk.co.uk to find out more. www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Round Midnight Drama: Sutton Coldfield - runs July 28Aug 1 and Aug 4-8 Round Midnight Theatre company run theatre summer schools for young people passionate about acting, singing

What’s On Summer 2014

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

nd activities More: Dance: Street Dance Camp;

and dancing. For more information call 0121 440 8188 or e-mail: summerschool@roundmidnight.org.uk www.roundmidnight.org.uk

Art: Barber Summer Art School, Birmingham July29-31 and Aug 12-14

Three-day art summer schools for ages 4-8 in the morning and ages 8 upwards in the afternoon. The August art school Summer Sketchbooks look at drawing and print, and students make their own sketchbooks.

Contact: 0121 414 2261 or education@barber.org.uk www.barber.org.uk

Multi skills

Ultimate Activity, Edgbaston www.ultimateactivity.co.uk SuperCamps, Bournville and Edgbaston www.supercamps.co.uk Active Kids Camp, Birmingham University, 07811 345 519 / Phys Kids, Solihull, www.phys-kids.co.uk Just Camps, Solihull www.justcamps.co.uk All Active Sports, Solihull, www.allactivesports.co.uk Aspire Active Camps, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth www.aspire-sports.co.uk Central Coaching, Solihull, Birmingham www. centralcoaching.co.uk

Cheerleading Camp, Birmingham www.letmeplay.co.uk Dance workshops, Solihull www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Circus: Aerial Circus Skills, Birmingham, www.rogueplay.co.uk Water skills: Sailing, canoeing, www.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk

Cookery: Taste Cookery School, Sutton Coldfield, Fiona Asson 01743452818 Orange Kitchen Birmingham, Solihull www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

Business & Enterprise

Summer Camps ONLY

Drama: Big Arena Drama, Sutton

£80

Coldfield www.bigarena.co.uk Stagecoach, Solihull www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull

PER WEEK

Arts and Crafts: Edgbaston,

www.macbirmingham.co.uk Solihull www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Film: Edgbaston www.young-film-makers.com

Are you aged between 11-16?

Would you like to do something exciting and different this summer?

Are you a budding entrepreneur or future business leader? footiebugs.com

If so why not check out the new and exciting week long summer camps happening in and around Birmingham Where:

Solihull, Harborne, Sandwell and Sutton Coldfield

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111 School Holiday Programme

When:

Daily, every school holiday for 8-16yrs, 10am-4pm, £ 25 per day. Ski, Climb, Canoe, Archery, Kayak and more. Each day is different!

Birthday Parties!

Includes activity, invites, party room, certificates and lots of fun.

ThrillSeeker Family Taster Day Sunday 21st September ∙ One day, One price, 8 Activities to try!

Pre booking essential on

0121 772 5111

G o l d e n H i l l o c k R o a d, S p a r k b r o o k,

Birmingham B112PY

info@ackers-adventure.co.uk

How to book: Online www.

Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August & Monday 4th August – Friday 8th August From 10am – 3pm

enterprisingminds.co.uk

or call 0121 369 1975 for further details Limited places

Do something this summer that your future self will thank you for!

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Parenting What’s On Theatre In the Night Garden Live Step into the magical world of In the Night Garden and see Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own purpose-built, family-friendly Showdome. With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action wherever you sit and everyone gets a great view! Take a picnic to the park and have a memorable summer day out.

Venue: Showdome, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Date: July 12-26 (Except Tues) Time: 10am. 12pm, 2pm and 4pm Tickets: From £12.50 To Book: www.inthenightgarden.com

Theatre

Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £25-£60 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee

Wicked

Hit West End show Wicked flies into Birmingham. An untold tale from the ‘Wizard of Oz’, - an unlikely friendship between two sorcery students which sees them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: July 9-September 6 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Wed matinee and Thurs matinee Aug 14 and 28 at 2pm;

In the first play ever written by Agatha Christie we are introduced to Hercule Poirot who went onto become the most famous detective of all time and the only fictional character ever to receive a fullpage obituary in the New York Times.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Date: July 7-12 Time: Evening at 7.30pm; Wed and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £16.90-£37.50

Moscow State Circus – Park Gorkogo

The Moscow State Circus brings its latest show to the UK Venue: Beckett’s Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall, B47 6AJ Date: Wed July 9- Sun July 13 Time: Wed-Fri at 5 and 7.45pm; Sat 3 and 6pm and Sun 2 and 5pm Tickets: Adult from £10-£35 and child

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk from £7-£35 (2 for 1 tickets online) To Book: 0203 375 3970 or online at www.moscowstatecircus.com

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Chapterhouse theatre company’s open air production of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Deep in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside a terrifying mystery and a legendary nemesis await the arrival of the world’s greatest detective. When the wife of Doctor Watson suddenly disappears, a desperate quest to find her begins.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wesbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Wed, July 16 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Adults £13.50; child £9 and family £40 To Book: 0121 454 1860

Swallows and Amazons

On Summer Holidays in the Lake District in 1929, the Walker children’s plea to be allowed to camp on Wild Cat Island is answered by a now legendary telegram, from their Naval Captain Father, which heralds the start of the adventure… A performance by Stage2 Youth Theatre Venue: Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham Date: July 17-19 Time: Eve At 7.30pm and Sat matinee at 2pm Tickets: £10.50 To Book: 0121 643 5858

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Open air production of of Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and raucous travelling players.

Picnic with family and friends.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Wed, July 23.

Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Adults £13.50; child £9 and family £40 To Book: 0121 454 1860

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys

28

Grab your skateboard and prepare yourself for a fast and frenzied journey back to your childhood!

Heartbreak’s innovative adaptation of the classic Peter Pan gives audiences a chance to join the gang - team up with the Lost Boys and let your imagination run wild in a skate park full of fun and adventure.

Venues: Brueton Park Solihull.

Outdoor performance. The first 336 tickets sold will be guaranteed a space in Solihull Arts Complex theatre in the event of extreme weather.

Packwood House and Gardens, Lapworth, Solihull Date: July 17 at Brueton Park; Aug 8 at Packwood Time: 7pm (at Brueton Park) and 7.30pm at Packwood House Tickets: £8 adult and £7 child in advance. (Brueton Park); and £15 adult; £8 child or £38 family of 4 at Packwood House.

To Book: 0121 704 6962 for Brueton Park; ­0844 249 1895 for Packwood.

Issue 22

Jungle Book

Join Mowgli on his wonderful adventures with the loveable and wise Baloo the Bear, the powerful panther Bagheera, not to mention mischievous monkeys and the terrifying tiger Shere Khan! A guaranteed summer hit for all the family. Open air musical production by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Wed, Aug 6 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Adults: £13.50; child £9 and family £40.

To Book: 0121 454 1860

Ant and Dec’s Takeaway on Tour

Takeaway on Tour will put its audience at the heart of every show! In true Takeaway style, every night the arena audiences will get the chance to win some amazing prizes, interact with Ant & Dec, and even nominate friends and family for a surprise

they will never forget!

Venue: LG Arena, Birmingham Date: August 9-10 Time: 7.30pm Sat, and 2.30 and 7.30pm Sun Tickets: £28.45 To Book: 0844 338 8000

The Gruffalo

Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined…?

Venue: Town Hall, Birmingham Date: Aug 12-24 Time: 11am and 1.30pm.

Sun, Aug 24 at 3pm Tickets: £12-14 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story is brought to theatrical life by Rain or Shine in this new adaptation by James Reynard.

Meet a host of wild characters from Billy Bones to the threatening Blind Pew and the ‘Black Spot’. Witness the pirate’s mutiny on the Hispaniola and marooned Ben Gunn and the fight at the stockade on the isle where Captain Flint’s treasure is buried.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Wed, Aug 13 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £11 in advance of £13 on night.

To book: call 0121 454 1860

Footloose

When rebellious city-boy Ren arrives in small-town Bomont the quiet lives of its residents are changed forever. Frustrated by the council’s repressive rules, Ren incites a teen revolution to bring dance, music and joy back to a community overshadowed by tragedy. This rock and roll musical is performed by talented youngsters from across the West Midlands who won places on the Alexandra’s Stage Experience summer school.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre School Date: Aug 20-23 Time: Eve at 7pm and Sat matinee at 2pm Tickets: £16.90-£20.90

Scooby Doo: The Mystery of the Pyramid

Scooby-Doo and the gang are back by popular demand and with even more Spooky Mystery and fun - this time in the Pyramids... Warner Bros.’ Cartoon Classic Comes to Life! Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid. Easy, you say? Not if the gang has to deal with mysterious mummies plus the wrath of the Pharaoh who will transform anyone who dares to approach the pyramid... into stone! A show for the whole family.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Date: Aug25-27 Time: Evenings at 6.30pm; Tues and Wed matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £21.40

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Parenting What’s On Theatre

Vintage Trains Open Day, Birmingham See vintage trains in steam at Tyseley Loco Works open day. A fun day out for all the family with rides, demonstrations, stall and all day Pullman breakfast and refreshments.

Venue: Tyseley loco works, 670 Warwick Road, B11 2HL Date: Sat and Sun July 5 and 6 Time: 10am-5pm. Last admission 4pm.

Tickets: Free entry for children when accompanied by paying adult. (ÂŁ10) Tickets at gate. Cash only.

Pirate Summer Party

Calling all ye young pirates and princesses come and join a day of adventure, treasure hunts, games, competitions and much more at National Sea Life Centre. Charity event.

Venue: Sea Life Centre, Brindly Place, Birmingham Date: July 5 and 6 Tickets: From ÂŁ12.50 online. www.visitsealife.com

Family Sundays

Learn how to paint, draw, and sculpture at the Barber Institute family workshops.

July 6 – Painting, Stormy seas and skies; July 13 –Sculpture, Big Birds; July 20 –Printing, Animals, heads and bottoms; July 27 – Drawing Surreal Scenes Venue: Barber Institute, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Time: 11am-12.30pm for ages 4-8; 1.30-3pm for ages 8 upwards Tickets: £5 per child. Booking essential.

To book call 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org.uk

The Wonderful world of Rowland Emett

A whimsical and wonderful world of machines and cartoons created by eccentric English inventor Rowland Emett.

This exhibition for all ages includes items from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, fantastical flying machines, and a bicycle for cycling across the moon. Many larger than life surprises will astound and spark the imagination. This exhibition will be the biggest ever display of Emett’s work, which is loved by many across the world and will tell the story of his life living and working in Birmingham. Venue: The Gas Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square Date: until September 21 Tickets: Adults £5; child £3, family ticket £10

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela

UK’s biggest Asian outdoor event which will take place over a weekend. With performances by the biggest global Bhangra and Bollywood superstars.

Venue: Victoria Park, High Street, Smethwick Date: July 5 and 6 Time: 12-7pm

Children’s Trails

Visit Birmingham’s Botanical gardens and go on a children’s trail around the gardens.

Take the Brilliant butterfly, beautiful birds or dangerous plants trail. Or perhaps the Fabulous Food or Marvellous Medicine trail.

There are plenty to choose from.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road Date: Every day Time: 10am-5pm Tickets: Child ÂŁ4.75; under 5 free; Adult ÂŁ7 for one or ÂŁ12 for 2. Family ÂŁ22.

Family Camping Weekend

A full weekend of Camping Capers, including fun activities with Snorty the Pig and entry to Hatton Adventure World on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening families can take part in ‘Mini Beast Encounters’ followed by bug hunting around the Farm as well as a Children’s Disco and for those up in time on Sunday morning there will be an early morning walk with the Resident Nature Ranger discovering the flora and fauna of the area! The Restaurant and Soft Play will stay open late or bring your own BBQ and enjoy the great British outdoors in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

Venue: Hatton Adventure, Dark Lane, Hatton Date: July 11-13, Aug 1-3 and Aug 15-17 For more information and to book a pitch log on to wwwhattonworld.com or call 01926 843411

CALL

0844 871 3011 (bkg fee) OR VISIT

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

MON 25 to WED 27 AUG /scoobydooliveuk

Find us on

and

(bkg fee)

TO BOOK TICKETS TODAY! and share with your friends

www.ScoobyDoo-Live.com ™ & Š 2013 Cartoon Network

@scoobydoolive

National Magazine Partner

Shirley Carnival

An action packed day out for all the family, with stalls, refreshments and entertainment.

All proceeds to a good cause.

Venue: Shirley Park, B90 3AL Date: Saturday, July 12 Time: 12.30pm-4.30pm

Living History Day and Knight School

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Come down and meet some of the occupants of the castle ruins and take part in our Knight School – do you have what it takes to be a Medieval Knight or Man at Arms?

Location:Â Weoley Castle, Alwood Road, B29 5RJ Date: Sunday, July 13 Time: 1-4pm FREE EVENT

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Shark Week at Sealife A special Shark Week event in celebration of one of nature’s most magnificent

but misunderstood creatures. The SEA LIFE centre is hosting the event to support conservation of sharks. Activities include: colouring sheets; badgemaking; shark feeds; shark hats and stickers; learn a variety of cool facts about sharks and their habitats.

Venue: Sea Life Centre, Brindley Place, Birmingham Date: July 7-13

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Issue 22

  29 

Parenting What’s On Fifty things to do before the age of 11¾ Have you climbed a tree, built a den, made a mud pie, skimmed a stone, flown a kite, hidden in a tree hollow, found frogspawn, set up a snail race?

Check out the National Trust fifty things to do before you are 11 ¾ and get busy this summer.

See how many of the challenges you can tick off when you Visit National Trust properties at Packwood House and Gardens and Baddesley Clinton. Print off the full list on www.50things.org.uk Venues: Packwood House and Gardens, Lapworth Lane, B94 6AT

NEW for 2014 Hatton Adventure World have gone all ‘Wild West’ and families can enjoy playing at being Cowboys with activities ranging from tin can shoot outs to hobby horse rodeo! Masses of cut outs to find and challenges to complete in our Jungle Maze and for the very brave, go dinosaur spotting on our Timewarp Tractor. Twenty five per cent discount for advance online booking - See page 23.

Head to the races at Hatton Adventure world.. the sheep races that is.. First, the children can really let off steam with a traditional sports day races and adventure

Big Brum Buz Heritage Bus

Enjoy a ride on the Big Brum Open Top Buz and discover Birmingham’s unique Heritage Sites on the first Sunday of the month from May to October 2014. July 6 visit Aston Hall, Soho House and the Pen Room; August 3 visit Blakesley Hall and Sarehole Mill.

Venue: pick up the bus at Victoria Square Date: July 6 and August 3 Time: 11.30, 13.15, 14.30, 15.45 Tickets: children FREE; adults £5 on bus; entry to sites free on the day.

FREE FOR CHILDREN

Musical Picnic Metropolitan Brass Quintet

Explore music, discover how brass instruments work and listen to a range of classical, film and popular music with this free children’s events.

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar Date: Sat, July 19 Time: 10.30am FREE EVENT

Baddesley Clinton, Rising Lane, B94 6AT

Rodeo and races at Hatton World!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

play, as well as having an A-maizeing time at the Hatton Adventure World Maze seeing how long it takes to find their way out. Then the family can head to the races …. cheer on your favourite as you watch sheep racing around the ‘racing’ track.

Venue: Hatton Adventure, Dark Lane, Hatton, CV Date: July 19-September 1 Time: 10am-5.30pm Tickets: Twenty five per cent discount for advance online booking. See page 23.

Ten per cent discount for online booking.

See www.hattonworld.com

Totstime Tuesdays and Crafty Thursdays

Creative play for under 7s on Tuesdays and Crafty fun for all on Thursdays. .Have fun with your child as they play, explore and learn. No need to book, activities are drop-in, so just turn up and have fun!

Venue: Blakesley Hall Dates: July 22, 29 and Aug 5, 12, 19 and 26 (Totstime) and Crafty Thursday on July 24, 31, and August 7,14, 21 and 28.

Time: 12-3pm Tickets: £1 per child.

Hands on history, Teddy Bears’ picnic and children’s workshops Tudor history in the heart of George Cadbury’s Bournville village! You can wander round our lovely garden and explore inside the timber framed manor house and medieval hall. There is dressing up, armour to try on, indoor and outdoor games and objects to handle. Our summer events this year include a Hands On History Day on 7th June, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on 19th July and our popular Children’s Workshops in August.

Venue: Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2AE B30 2AE Date: Open daily except Monday Time: Tues to Fri 10am-5pm; Sat and Sun 2-5pm Tickets: Adults £3.50; children £1.50; /concessions £2.50; family £9.50 Tel: 0121 472 0199 www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk sellymanor@bvt.org.uk

Shakespeare Express

Take a family trip to Stratford on Avon the old-fashioned way. Catch the Shakespeare Express steam train from Snow Hill, Moor Street, Tyseley and Henley in Arden to Stratford. Have a leisurely day out visiting the sights in Stratford or wandering round the shops, then catch the train for a return trip.

Date: Every Sunday from July 20 to Sept 7.

Sundays only.

Tickets: Adults £20 pre-booked or £25 on day; children £12.50 pre-booked or £15 on day. Family £45 pre-booked or £50 on day.

To Book Call: 0121 708 4960.

Bamboo Butterflies

To coincide with the National Butterfly Survey, don’t miss the chance to make and take away your own Big Bamboo Butterfly. Join local artworker Jim Morris to make your butterfly using bendy bamboo - decorate it with a rainbow of recycled ribbons - and see it flutter and fly. It takes about 45 minutes to make a bamboo butterfly.

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, B13 0BD. Date: Sunday, July 20 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: £2 per child. Booking advisable.

Ring 0121 7776612 or email sarehole. mill@birminghammuseums.org.uk.

Also take part in the National Butterfly survey with a ranger-led walk along the banks of the river cole. 10.30am-12pm.

Leaving from carpark at Sarehole Mill.

FREE EVENT.

Music in the Park: Brass Bonanza

Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in the park listening to the Alcester Victoria Silver Band as they perform a selection of brass favourites old and new. Bring along a picnic or enjoy the refreshments available - the perfect finale to the weekend!

Venue: Knowle Park, B93 9HT Date: July 20 Time: 2.00pm - 4.15pm

Make a Bug Hotel / Make a Windchime

Make a bug hotel for mini beasts in your garden and make a windchime

30

Issue 22

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, B13 0BD Date: Wed July 23 (Bug hotel); Thurs, July 24 (windchimes) Time: 1-3pm Tickets: £1 per person

Robert Wilkinsons Funfair Venue: Meriden Park, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5TB Date: Thurs July 24-Sunday July 27 Time: weekdays 4-8.30pm; Sat and Sun 1-8.30pm

Jazz picnic

Enjoy a picnic and listen to Jazz music as part of Birmingham International Jazz and Blues festival.

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road Date:Sunday, July 27 Time: 1-3pm FREE EVENT. Children under 16 go free into mill. Adults £3

Summer Fun – Heroes and Villains

Children’s Summer Holiday Activities( Tues-Thursdays 29th July – 28th August.)

Includes King Arthur Knight school, Robin Hood-themed activities, Train to be a Highway man, become a sleuth with Sherlock Holmes.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove Date: Various dates in school summer holidays. Pre-booking is recommended, please call 01527 831363 to reserve your place. www.avoncroft.org.uk

Fantastic Mr Fox

A wily fox uses his formidable cunning to outsmart three feeble-minded farmers, who resort to extreme tactics to protect their chickens in director Wes Anderson’s animated adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl children’s book. PG Movie.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat, Aug 2 Time: 12 pm relaxed performance; 2pm.

Animation/Craft drop in from 11am Tickets: £3 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Summer Drawing Sundays – Around the World

Learn how to draw with artist in residence Ruth Radcliffe. Explore the world through drawing taking inspiration from the paintings and sculptures in the galleries.

For all ages.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Dates: Sun, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 Tickets: £5

Family Forest Exploration

Join the Neighbourhood Rangers for a scavenger hunt, explore the meadow for flying insects, make a bug mask and follow the sawdust trail to hunt the Ranger!

Venues: Dorridge Park, B93 8LJ (Aug 5) and Palmer’s Rough, B90 3LX (Aug 12) Dates: Aug 5 and 12 Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Tickets: £3 per child, payable in advance, with limited places available.

To Book: Contact 0121 704 8000

Teddy Bears Parachuting Picnic

Bring your teddy bear to Blakesley to join in the fun for National Play Day. Have your teddy bear parachute jump from Blakesley Hall. Take your teddy to the teddy bear hospital. Play garden games. Don’t forget to bring a picnic.

Venue: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, B25 8RN Date: Wed, Aug 6 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: £1 per child to take part in the activities

What’s Parenting On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Hungry Bug Play Day and Picnic

Take part in a hungry bug play day! Have a go at our butterfly hunt, make a caterpillar hat, and enjoy a bug-themed play area.

Why not bring along a picnic to enjoy in the castle grounds – because all us bugs get hungry after a good play! Activities are aimed at children aged 6 and under.

Location: Weoley Castle, Alwood Road, B29 5RJ Date: Wednesday, August 6 Time: 11.30am-3pm Tickets: £2 per child. Adults go free.

Musical Picnic

Kosmos Ensemble present world and classical music on violin, viola and accordion, along with unique adaptations of popular children’s stories set to music.

Enjoy dancing and singing, and even have a go at playing the accordion!

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar Date: Sat, Aug 9 Time: 10.30am FREE EVENT

Musical Picnic – Midweek Explorer

Enjoy a mid-week breather with little ones and explore Jazz music at a session aimed at children under 5.

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar Date: Wed, July 23 & Aug 13 Time: 10.30pm FREE EVENT

Family Summer Night

Black Country Living Museum plays host to a family summer night.

Street entertainers, puppeteers and storytellers, Punch and Judy show, pony rides, skittle games, face painting, and circus skills workshop. Meet Charlie Chaplin, see birds of prey or brave creepy crawlies. Black Country comedy Panto performed by Fizzog Theatre. Something for everyone.

Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley Date: Date: August 16 Tickets: Half ususal price.

Adults £7.95; child £3.95 To Book: call 0121 520 8054

Fly a kite

A fun afternoon especially for families with school age children. Choose your design and make a kite (designs suitable for young and older children). Then gather on the playing fields and fly the kites.

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, Date: Sunday, August 17 Time: Kite-making 12.15-2.15pm and kite flying from 2.15pm Tickets: £2 per child. Available from Mill tearoom.

All creatures – great and small

Celebrate our animal friends at this event, featuring all creatures great and small!

Meet some tropical insects which you can hold if you are brave enough, and make some feathered friends at the static bird display. Other attractions include face painting, Punch and Judy shows, crafts and a farm-themed treasure trail. There are small charges for some of the attractions.

Venue: Olton Jubilee Park, B92 7QR, Date: Aug 20 Time: 11am-3pm

Back to the Future

Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean “time machine” invented by slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parentsto-be meet and fall in love - so he can get back to the future. Special outdoor screening at Sundown cinema. PG

Venue: mac birmingham Date: August 22 Time: 8.45pm Tickets: £10; £8 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Simply Messing About with Boats

Bournville Boat Club will be sail some model boats – including fireboats, container boats and fishing vessels at Sarehole mill pond. The Club will also provide some model boats for visitors to have a go at steering the vessels and navigating the waterways. Barrel organ and dancing puppets in the yard.

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, B13 0BD Date: Saturday, August 23 Time: 12-4pm FREE EVENT. Under 16s free entry to mill. £3 adults.

DON’T MISS IT, BOOK TICKETS NOW!

BIRMINGHAM Cannon Hill Park 12 Jul - 26 Jul

The bigges t “ fam ily event

this summer!

- The Independent

”

Ship Ahoy!

Family fun day. Become a pirate and go on a voyage with a sea-faring storyteller.

Make a nautical flag and enjoy seathemed animations and films, then hunt for treasure in the Barber art galleries, following a treasure map.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Date: Mon, August 25 Time: 11am-3pm FREE EVENT

Teddy Bear’s picnic

Take your teddy bear for a picnic at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and enjoy a fun family day out at the gardens. Take your teddy on a trail around the garden.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Wed, August 27 Time: Gardens open from 12-3pm CHILDREN FREE www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Watch the trailer and book online at

www.NightGardenLive.com or call 0333 300 0015 (bkg fee)

Shirley Sports Day

It’s almost time to go back to school after the holidays so how better to celebrate than with a school -style sports day? Take part in some traditional races for all ages, follow our sporting treasure trail around the park and make your own medal with our craft activity! Other entertainment includes circus skills, face painting and Punch and Judy shows. There are small charges for some of the attractions.

Date: Aug 27 Venue: Shirley Park, B90 3AL Time: 11.00am - 3.00pm,

Moseley Folk Festival

* Coupon worth £5 off orders over £60, or 5% off orders under £60 and e x p i re s 31 J ul y 2014. T& C s a p p l y, s e e w w w. N i g h t G a r d e n L i v e . c o m .

I t N G c h a r a c t e r s a n d l o g o © 2 0 0 7 a n d T M D H X - R D Wo r l d w i d e L i m i t e d .

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

Venue: Moseley Park, Alcester Road, Families Print Ad 2014_AW.indd 5 Moseley, B13 8DD Date: August 29-31 Tickets: From £15 for under 16 to £180 for a 3-day family ticket.

To Book: www.moseleyfestival.co.uk/tickets

05/06/2014 15:58

Lord Dudley’s Crazy Crusade Quest

Can you solve Lord Dudley’s Crazy Crusade Quest and find the Holy Grail? You will meet many characters along the way that will give you riddles to solve and clues to unravel in order to find the grail cup and win a prize! Fun for all the family!

Venue: Weoley Castle, Alwood Road, Birmingham Date: Friday, August 29 Time: 12pm. Last entry 2.30pm.

Tickets: £1 per child.

“A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE” ++++ The Sunday Times

“MONSTROUS FUN!” ++++ Daily Mail

Dorridge Day

Family fun day with fairground attractions, stalls and shows.

Venue: Dorridge Park, B93 8LJ Date: Sunday, August 31 Time: 12-4pm

TUE 12 - SUN 24 AUGUST Box Office 0121 345 0603 www.thsh.co.uk

tallstories.org.uk

Issue 22

31

Holiday Fun Club From: July 21 – Aug 29

Get ahead this summer For ages 4-14

Morning, afternoon y and full da . sessions nd Wrap-arou Childcare available.

After-school Care

Improve School gra des, make new friends, have fun.

1 hour Tuit ion English, M aths, Scie nce, Language s, includin Mandarin. g Then play : Multisports, Fo otball, Coo kery, Dance, Art and Desig n, Fashion, Z umba, oth e r activities and a wee k ly excursion .

Refurbished Georgian building with excellent facilities.

Relax after school in our café (hot food and snacks).

Chill out in our games room.

Have fun in dance, music, and language clubs.

Get ahead in our homework club.

Places now available at Edgbaston (Pick-up from schools within a 3 mile radius)

Childcare vouchers accepted.

Academic Tuition

Register now for our academic tuition and ask if you are eligible for up to 80 per cent off fees.

Maths, English, Sciences, Languages. 11+, Independent school exams, A Level, GCSEs, IGCSEs. Tuition from £10 per hour.

Tuition at our Edgbaston Centre and at outreach centres in Quinton, Erdington, Solihull and Chelmsley Wood.

Tuition, After-school Care, Holiday Fun Club - Mon 21st July until Fri 29th August.

registered

9 George Road, Edgbaston, B15 1NP For all enquiries call: 0121 454 2858

e-mail: info@academicexcellence.org.uk follow us on facebook

COMING SOON!

ACADEMIC TOTS LTD We will be offering full time and

part time day care for children from 6 weeks – 5 years.

The Nursery will provide a safe stimulating environment, with new equipment and resources for your children, with highly qualified and experienced staff.

If you are interested, please call Maggie on 0121 454 2858