Families29web

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 ISSUE 29

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Advice for starting school Clubs & classes Make your own bubbles

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Issue 29

BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR WORKSHOPS AND FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES For more details/how to book, pick up our latest Families *MVWX PIE¾IX or visit www.barber.org.uk

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Contents In this Issue...

Hello Readers, It is with pleasure that I welcome you to my first issue of Families Magazine for Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

I am the mum of two children, a 9 year old boy, and a 6 year old girl. We have just enjoyed a fabulous summer holiday getting out and about, doing our research for this issue. Together we hope we have given you many ideas for things to see and do in the region come rain or shine.

Now the summer holidays have come to an end we are all looking ahead to the challenges a new school year brings. In this issue you will find advice for starting school, a guide to clubs and classes, and guidance on ‘bubbleology’ – the science of making bubbles!

For those of you who like to book early there is even a little sneak peek at exciting Christmas events!

Finally, I would like to give the previous editor, Wendy Flynn, a huge thank you for the time, patience and support she has given to help me produce my first Families Magazine. I am sure you all would like to join me in thanking Wendy for all she has done in her years as Families Magazine editor, and to wish her the best of luck for the future.

Suzanne Brown, Editor

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

4

4 News 10 The tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth 11 Choosing fun activities 14 Dads in charge 15 Do you coo?

16 How to get children to behave 18 Banish children’s fussy eating 19 Back to school 20 Been there, done that! Ten mistakes parents make when starting school life 22 Money Matters 23 Hankering after a different lifestyle?

24 Halloween craft activities 26 Rich pickings for theatre 27 Ski holidays 28 What’s On

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Advertisers: Book now for our November/ December Christmas issue Call 07807 352087 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday, October 2, 2015 Design: MattWaltonDesign@icloud.com (email) Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, September 2015.

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

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The Art of ‘Bubbleology’

W

e all love bubbles; making bubbles, catching bubbles, watching bubbles float away, maybe even bursting bubbles.

But Louis Pearl – the world’s leading Bubbleologist – has made an art form of bubble making.

His unique show – the Amazing Bubble Man – has sold out at Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the past 18 years, and this October Half Term you can get the opportunity to see him in action at the Town Hall, Birmingham.

Think square bubbles, doughnut bubbles, huge bubbles, people in bubbles, tornadoes and rocket bubbles, alien creatures and flying foam.

Comedy, artistry, audience participation and spellbinding bubble tricks will keep everyone mesmerised in a show that has a little bit of science, a little bit of art and a lot of magic. For all ages. There is one show only on Friday, October 30, at 11am.

How to make bubbles at home A simple and easy recipe to make at home is: Water and original Fairy Liquid with about 16 parts water to 1 part Fairy Liquid. To make the bubbles stay moist add a little glycerine. To get super bubbles, Louis recommends adding gums to allow the bubbles to stretch. Try guar gum or zantham.

Call 0121 345 0600, or visit www.thsh.co.uk

Accidental Brummie

Take a trip to the Birmingham Rep on the weekend of September 26 and 27 to get a new perspective on city life. The Birmingham Rep is hosting an innovative ‘promenade performance’ around the whole theatre. While ambling around the REP you will bump into the scenes and characters from Birmingham, inspired by real life encounters and experiences from around its backstreets. The show has been put together

by Cressida Brown and the Foundry artists.

Performances run at 11am; 2pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm on Saturday and at 12pm, 2pm and 5pm on Sunday. They are free to attend, but you must pre-book your place. Call the box office on 0121 236 4455 or book online. On Saturday there will be free drop-in events and workshops for all ages with a chance to get a glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes.

Win a family ticket to Birmingham International Tattoo Families Birmingham has 3 sets of 4 tickets to give away for the Birmingham International Tattoo. More than 1,000 performers led by the Band of the Royal Air Force will join together at this year’s Tattoo which will commemorate the Battle of Britain.

International marching bands from Sweden, France, Hungary, Italy and the British forces will join massed Scottish pipe bands, field gun teams, standard bearers and display teams for the showcase event on Saturday, November 28, at 6pm and Sunday, November 29, at 2pm at the Barclaycard Arena.

There will be military displays including the Field Gun Competition featuring the Royal Navy, Army and RAF. The Spectacular

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Grand Finale will feature more than 1,000 performers who will be joined by the Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour and Escort plus great vocalists to perform the traditional Land of Hope and Glory and closing ceremony.

Tickets are priced from £17.20 to £28.20 with reductions for children. Visit www. birminghamtattoo.co.uk for full details or call the Box Office on 0844-338-8000.

To be in with a chance to win a set of 4 tickets for the Sunday afternoon performance log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk/win before November 15 and answer this simple question: Birmingham International Tattoo will commemorate: A) The Battle of Britain; B) The Battle of the Bulge or C) The Battle of Hastings.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Be there for a mum!

D

o you remember how hard it could sometimes be when your children were very young? You might have been lucky enough to have great support networks, but not every mum does.

Home-Start in Bartley Green & Quinton is looking for volunteers who can help make a real difference for a family who are feeling under pressure. It could be because a mum has post natal depression; or because they are coping with a multiple birth (double trouble or twice as nice!) or just because they are feeling isolated at home with very young children.

A Home-Start volunteer can help support a local family just by being there, offering practical support or a listening ear.

If you have experience of being a parent (even if your children are now older or have flown the nest) and you have a few hours to spare during the week, Home-Start would like to hear from you. Full training will be given to suitable volunteers. A training course starts this September and runs one day a week for eight weeks from 10am to 2pm, fitting in with school hours.

To find out more call 0121 675 4441 or e-mail homestartbgq@yahoo.co.uk

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Einstein: A show for bright sparks!

Y

ou don’t have to understand Einstein’s theory of relativity, get your head around E = MC², or be a science boffin to enjoy this musical ‘science’ show for bright sparks of seven plus.

Take a quantum leap of the imagination and join Albert, the genius, behind the ubercoolest moustache in science.

Einstein takes you at lightning speed through two world wars, the ‘wurst’ sausage joke ever and some real-life physics facts. He is also joined by his wives and mum on the piano, and by guest rapper MC Squared!

Fun and factual – and a science performance the like of which you have never witnessed before. It’s on at mac birmingham on Sunday, October 11.

Call 0121 446 3232, or visit www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Anita and Me

The stage adaptation of Meera Syal’s semi autobiographical debut novel Anita and Me will premiere at Birmingham Rep this October.

The book, which is studied as a text for some GCSE English courses, tells the tale of Meena, the daughter of the only Punjabi family in the mining village of Tollington. When she becomes friends with feisty Anita, she thinks she’s found her soul mate but her world is turned upside down and she finds herself caught between two cultures.

Anita and Me won the Betty Trask award, a prize open to authors under 35 from a Commonwealth nation. (And - as a British novel, it also passes the Michael Gove test for literature!)

The show runs from October 9-24 and is aimed at 14 plus.

Call 0121 236 4455, or visit www.Birmingham-rep.co.uk

Kids aged nine want to be popstars and footballers British kids switch their role models from real life heroes to reality TV stars and celebrities at the age of nine, a new study has revealed.

Research of 2,000 parents and their school-age children examined the career aims of Britain’s youngsters and found age nine years and eight months is the average turning point where the grip of reality TV and celebrity TV takes hold.

Parents noticed that, just before a child hits double figures, aims of being a policeman, farmer or vet were reduced in favour of trying to be a pop star, footballer or celebrity.

A spokesman for Yeo Valley, who commissioned the research, said: “It’s important to teach our children to dream big and achieve everything they want to in life but the results show how difficult it can be in the modern world to ensure those aspirations don’t become too superficial.”

Could you manage the skies over Birmingham?

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How hard can it be? Now is your chance to discover what it is like to stop planes bumping into one another with the first ever Air Traffic Control Experience at The Wonderful World of Trains & Planes in Birmingham. “We wanted to encourage children to understand more about air travel and to give them more of an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. The airline industry is a fascinating one. Who knows, one or two of our young visitors might be inspired to follow a career in it when they’re older.” says Steve Jordan, Director, Wonderful World of Trains & Planes.

So, who’s up for the challenge? To find out more call 0121 227 4000 or visit www.wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk Take off, and take control!

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Roman forts, coffin works and zero carbon homes W

hat do a Roman fort, a coffin shop, a theatre, an old school house and a zero carbon home have in common?

The answer is that these Birmingham and West Midlands venues are all taking part in the free national Heritage Open Day celebrations running on the weekend of September 12.

You could choose to visit the Newman Brothers Coffin Works at Fleet Street in Birmingham – a time capsule with its working machinery and unusual products like coffin handles, ornaments and shrouds. Costumed guides will lead you round the factory and tell you stories about the workers and tradesmen during an hour-long tour.

Alternatively, you could take a step back in time and join a Victorian classroom at the Old Clifton School, swapping your tablet for an old slate, or trying to write with an old pen and ink. If your prefer drama to old school discipline, visit Birmingham Hippodrome, or if ancient history appeals, visit the Lunt Old Roman Fort at Baginton.

So how do we get from Rome to zero carbon homes? Well, John Christopher and his wife Jo Hindley took on a serious challenge when they modernised an 1840s Victorian house at Tindal Street, Birmingham, to “zero carbon” standard – a UK first. Improvements included triple glazing, super-insulation, whole house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, a wood stove and 34sqm of solar panels. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) called the house “quirky, delightful” and “a thoughtful design of exceptional quality”. There is a special children’s presentation at 2pm.

You can find out more about these events and other local venues taking part in the Heritage Open Days on www.heritageopendays.org.uk



   

   

  Issue 29

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

You can bet your bottom dollar, you’ll love it!

A

nnie, an all time favourite family musical, comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from October 13 and runs through the October Half Term to October 31.

It stars Craig Revel Horwood, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge, as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!

The show is set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression. Little Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, and she resolves to find her real parents. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, but of course, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

A great half term treat – you can bet your bottom dollar the kids will love it!

Call 0844 338 5000, or visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The toys are back in town Buzz Lightyear and Woodie from Toy Story; Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars, Ariel and the little mermaid ... and Elsa and Olaf from Frozen.

The Disney on Ice show Worlds of Enchantment will be running at the Barclaycard Arena during the October Half Term break (October 21-Nov 1). The show features children’s favourite Disney characters along with the newer celebrities - the much-loved Elsa and Olaf from Frozen.

Box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk

Watch some high speed stunts and races with the cars, dive into an undersea adventure and watch Buzz Lightyear and co escape the toddlers of Sunnyside Daycare. Then, enter the snowy Kingdom of Disney’s Frozen as sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff learn the meaning of true love.

Watch time slide by as you reach for infinity and beyond .... all during the half term break.

Call 0844 844 0444, or visit www.theticketfactory.com

Town Hall Symphony Hall

townhallsymphonyhall

@THSHBirmingham

thsh_birmingham

FOLLOW THE FUN Aliens Love Underpants © Claire Freedman and Ben Cort 2007

Aliens Love Underpants

Steve Backshall’s Wild World

Sunday 25 October 1pm & 3.30pm Monday 26 October 11am & 1pm Town Hall £12.50 plus transaction fee*

Sunday 1 November 11.30am & 3pm Town Hall £18 plus transaction fee*

The Amazing Bubble Man

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Friday 30 October 11am Town Hall £12 adults £10 Under 16s plus transaction fee*

Tuesday 22 December 2015 – Wednesday 13 January 2016 Relaxed Performance Saturday 10 January 2016 3pm Town Hall £12 – £14 plus transaction fee*

*A £3 transaction fee plus £1 (optional) postage, will be charged on all bookings except purchases made in person at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall Box office.

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Funded by

Town Hall renovation also funded by

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

News

‘Nín Hâo’ and ‘Hello’ from the new Academic Tots Nursery!

A

new nursery is opening in Edgbaston which aims to give preschool children a head start in education, including introducing them to a variety of Modern Foreign Languages.

The Academic Tots nursery is due to open at George Road, Edgbaston, during October 15, with a waiting list starting from September. Initially it will take 30 pre-schoolers.

The emphasis will be on creating a safe and secure family-like environment, while aiming to prepare pre-schoolers for school in a warm and positive atmosphere at the same time as having fun!

Academic Tots will be focusing on ‘teaching’ academic subjects like literacy and numeracy with a daily focus on modern foreign languages including French and even Mandarin! These lessons will be delivered by qualified teachers with enhanced DBS clearance and also by people that are born in the relevant regions to help with authentic accents.

Natalie Jones, the founder of Academic Excellence and a passionate believer in providing equal opportunities for all children in education, says: “We have had a lot of requests from parents who use the Academic Excellence afterschool care and tuition to extend the provision to full time childcare. It makes sense to us as the demand for childcare is increasing and the early years are a crucial time for nurturing children and developing their ability to learn.”

Free hours for 3-4 year olds To find out more, to register your interest or book a place, call Nicky on 0121 454 2858. Or log on to www.academictotsnursery.co.uk or find out more about Academic Excellence tuition and holiday clubs at www.academicexcellence.org.uk

Box Office: ���� ��� ���� bcmg.org.uk MishMash Productions in association with Nottingham Lakeside Arts, Aurora Orchestra, hosted by BCMG, presents:

Sunday � November ����, �pm & �.��pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham B� �LF Suitable for children aged 4 + and their families.

A magical, musical journey with original live music performed by musicians from the celebrated Aurora Orchestra.

Approximately 45 minutes duration with no interval.

All tickets: £5 No charge for children under 3 years of age.

Buy three tickets and the fourth family member gets in for free!

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Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth!

I

t seems that parents in the UK urgently need to brush up on oral health for the sake of their children.

One in five parents in Birmingham admit they fail to get their kids to clean their teeth for the recommended two minutes, twice a day – and more than one million children in the UK aged 8 or under have never visited a dentist.

Those are the findings of two separate surveys carried out in the UK recently.

Getting good dental hygiene ingrained from a young age is important.

Not only does neglecting oral health leave people open to tooth decay and gum disease but it can also expose them to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and strokes in later life.

One in five parents has had rotten teeth removed, and more than a quarter have had three or more fillings. Unless we help our kids to look after their teeth, this generation will end up in a similar situation.

If at all possible we should try to get children to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, and take them for annual dental checkups.

Alison Freemantle, Clinical Pharmacist at Careway who carried out one survey said: “Parents are aware of best practice when it comes to their kids’ teeth, but everyday commitments and juggling a busy work and home life can take its toll.

“Our survey showed that only 15% of parents are aware that poor dental health actually increases the risk of heart disease and only 5% that it increases the risk of strokes.”

A further survey carried out by My Dentist, the UK’s largest dental group, also highlighted parents’ confusion around dental health.

• Twenty per cent incorrectly thought that fruit smoothies were good for their children’s teeth • Twenty per cent incorrectly believed that sippy cups are good for children’s teeth • One in eight parents incorrectly believed that fluoride was bad for children’s teeth The best way of helping your child look after their teeth is to make sure they brush for two minutes twice a day. And don’t forget to take them for regular dental checkups.

Grounds for drinking coffee New thinking claims coffee may be good for you after all. We’ve been told for years to cut down on how much coffee we drink. It’s bad for the blood pressure, it can be linked to certain cancers and it makes you jittery – right?

Well, it seems new evidence has emerged to show that it may actually be good for you. Three to five cups a day can reduce type 2 diabetes and heart disease, may protect from Parkinson’s and can reduce the risk of cancer of the pancreas, liver, breast and prostate. One of the chemicals in coffee – caffeic acid – can help cells defend themselves against cancerous cells.

Sadly, the fancy coffee shop kind packed with fatty and sugary flavourings is still bad for you!

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

Choosing fun activities

K

ids need to have plenty going on to stop getting bored and parents are aware of the value of after-school clubs to ensure their children are stimulated.

With a vast range on offer, it can be tempting to sign them up for a different activity every evening, but that risks overkill. A couple of carefully chosen after school activities are fun and energising; a wall to wall schedule of activities becomes a chore both for parents and children and is likely to have the opposite effect.

The key is to follow your child’s interests and suggest some activities you think might appeal to them, especially in areas that the school can’t cover.

At the same time, think balance. Keep at least one or two evenings a week free so children can invite friends round for tea; have the time to chill, or even to get a bit bored (a little boredom can be beneficial; sparking creativity and giving them space to follow their own pursuits).

If you are keen for your child to start a class and they are reluctant (perhaps you think drama would boost their confidence; or you are keen they learn to swim) suggest they might like to try it with a friend. That will make it more social – and they could find they love the class.

What age is best to start classes?

Early years: They get very tired so keep outside activities to a minimum. A good run in the park lets off steam. An art, singing or baby ballet-type class with the emphasis on play is great.

Infant school: Add a low-key activity; singing, music, dancing, sports and swimming are great.

Junior school: As tests loom, add an educational class if your child is struggling with one subject.

Senior school: It’s easier to add activities as energy and independence increases.

What’s on the menu?

Mini Mozart: Even for musical geniuses, from seven years a 30 minute class is plenty, with ten minutes of daily practice.

Fitness Fan: Sports and dance are great for fitness and flexibility, though for younger kids avoid classes that are too aggressive or pressurised. Whether it is martial arts, zumba, cricket or football, the emphasis should be on fun.

Mastermind: If one subject is a struggle, one-to-one tuition can pay dividends. Or help them get a head start in languages with some fun classes.

Mini Thespian: Kids thrive in acting and singing classes and may go on to theatre school. It builds confidence.

Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org

The largest Bollywood Academy in the West Midlands

Fun Bollywood Dance Classes all ages and abilities learn how to dance like your favourite Bollywood film stars!

Join today!

Enrol now courses in your area

Classes in the following areas: Solihull, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Great Barr, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield & Wolverhampton.

For full details and timetable visit

www.bollywooddreamsdance.com t: 0845 226 8210 e: info@bollywooddreamsdance.com

0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk Issue 29

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Clubs and Classes CLUBS & CLASSES

DIRECTORY

ART Solihull The world’s largest art programme, here, in Solihull.

Fine Art classes for children, teens and adults Call 07414 630 681 | www.artscool-knowle.com

DANCE & DRAMA

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Every Drawing Tells a Story The Big Draw 2015 is the world’s biggest drawing festival with fun family events being held throughout October.

The theme of this year’s festival is Every Drawing Tells a Story. Families are invited to take part in local events and draw, doodle, sketch, paint or just make marks with meaning, and enjoy getting in touch with their visual and creative sides.

Log on to www.thebigdraw.org for a round up of events in your area. In the meantime if your child wants to draw or paint or sculpt, sign up for Barber Institute Creative Sundays where children can learn to draw like a pro and learn artistic techniques. There are workshops for ages 4-7 and 8-12. Art’s Cool in Knowle run regular classes for children and use the Gluck method to teach fine art.

Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk CENTRAL STAGE SCHOOL Tap Street Jazz Musical Theatre Solihull: Adult & Children’s Classes Tel: Claire 07939 529 227 info@centralstageschool.co.uk www.centralstageschool.co.uk

Irish dancing classes for boys and girls aged 4 to adult Classes held in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Redditch Call Louise on 07790 876 345 for information

www.granarince.co.uk

XCEL SHOWBIZ

A fun school teaching the stars of the future Dance, Singing & Acting, held on Sundays in Solihull for boys/girls 6+ Call Kim on 07930 300330 www.xcelshowbiz.co.uk

Be Dramatic!

Calling All Children and Young People aged 5-16: Join Big Arena now and take part in these Great Shows

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

Solihull Young Dancers

Ballet, Tap & Modern Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

Fun, creative & confidence building

Meet every Saturday, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.

Book a free taster session for your child now. They will love being a member.

077389 52062

0121 427 3770

mikevenables@bigarena.co.uk www.bigarena.co.uk

Animation and computer games

Many parents bemoan the amount of time their children spend on computer games but some teenagers turn their passion for games into a lucrative career.

Young people aged 11 to 17 who would like to learn the art of computer games and animation can attend a Saturday course at mac birmingham’s dedicated media studio where they can learn about animation techniques, sound tracks and 3D modelling. The 13-week course runs every Saturday from 10am12pm and costs £99.

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Where everyone's a star!

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

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Club Futsal UK 5-a-side football training for children, teens and adults Fun, fast-paced & for all abilities Solihull - Thurday Birmingham - Weds & Fridays Make friends, learn new skills & get fit - Join us now For details: call 07745 565 745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Strings Club comes to Bournville Give your children a harmonious start to the autumn term and ignite their love of music with The Strings Club’s award-winning courses.

With locations in Harborne - and brand new for autumn 2015 in Bournville - enrol your little ones into Strings Club Minis, 45 minute lessons especially created for children aged 4-5. Or for older children in Year 1 and above join Strings Club’s Sound Start classes in guitar, violin or ukulele.

Led by some of the UK’s leading string teachers, each fun-filled lesson is packed full of inspiring music tuition focusing on musicianship, group learning, and concluding with a grand performance each week - giving your children the chance to show what they’ve achieved!

To help track their progress, The Strings Club also offers the chance to practice toward the prestigious Music Medal awards.

Then, when school’s out – don’t miss The Strings Club’s October Half Term Holiday Camp at Harborne – an unmissable week of musical workshops, events and activities.

The 10 week term-time courses at Harborne and Bournville start from £150, with instrument hire from just £3 per week.

Curious to find out more?

Why not book a complimentary taster session on Saturday 19 September.

R

Visit www.thestringsclub.org to book or call 0121 369 1950.

Non profit-making dance school Dizzy Dancers, a non-profit making dance school which offers classes in ballet, tap, gymnastic dance and free style, has some spaces available for September.

The aim of the club is to offer young people a fun way to exercise and learn new skills, and as the teachers Tracy and Louise volunteer their time and the school provides a free venue, the dance school charges only a small fee to cover costs.

Dizzy Dancers is registered with the International Dance Teachers Association so children have the opportunity to take dance exams if they wish, or to take part in shows (also optional).

Tracy Haynes, who teaches along with Louise Hill, says: “We run the club because we love dance and we love to teach it. All

the money goes back into the school to fund costumes for the shows and dance exams for the children.”

The Club meets at Highgate (Calthorpe School) on Saturday morning between 10am and 12.30pm, and it takes children from the age of 2. To find out more, or book a place, call Louise or Tracy on 0773 465 1192.

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD THIS Autumn - Ukulele, violin and guitar - Partners with The Royal School of Music

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SING T NOW!

AC

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

- Instrument hire from £3 per week

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

Awarding winning terms time courses for children aged 4-11 years

R

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950

Issue 29

13

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Dad’s in charge – new parental leave rules

By Judy Yorke

J

ust a few years ago, dads could only take a fortnight off to spend with their newborn. While 2011 saw the introduction of increased paternity leave, it was only available when mums went back to work. But new Shared Parental Leave regulations give eligible parents across the UK flexibility to juggle childcare between them.

After a compulsory two weeks off for the mother, parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave in the baby’s first year (or the first year of adoption). The law applies to same sex couples and those bringing up a child together, even if it’s from a previous relationship.

Taking it in turns

How you split the leave is up to you. It will depend on who earns more, who feels their career will be least affected by taking time off, and who wants to be at home. Significantly, for the first time, dads can take the year off while mums return to work.

The leave can be taken in blocks (up to three each) so you can alternate time off if one of you has a particularly busy time at work before resuming parental leave. It’s a big advantage if you don’t want to be away from work for too long.

Some dads might want to return to work in the early months when mums are breastfeeding. Once babies start on solids, it can be easier for dads to be fully hands-on so they might want to take time off then, either in one go or in several blocks.

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Issue 29

Sharing the load

One big advantage is that parents can be off at the same time. Many mums need their partner’s support in those first magical, exhausting, bewildering weeks and can dread their partner going back to work after a fortnight.

In these cases, a few more weeks with both of you at home could help enormously.

Having time off together can benefit families with older children while everyone is getting used to a new member of the family. It means one parent can focus on them and make sure they don’t feel left out.

This can also be important in the school holidays when day trips with a newborn are tricky.

Can you afford it?

Finances will play an important part in the decision. While you can share up to 50 weeks, only 37 are paid. You will receive £139.58 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

See more at www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ shared-parental-leave

House rules ok!

Hang up your coat (don’t leave it on the banister); take your shoes off the sofa; don’t eat food in the bedrooms; no phones at the dinner table. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

If so you are not alone – they crop up among the 50 top house rules for families, along with making sure you flush the loo, empty the bath after you and not leave wet towels on the bathroom floor; and that you turn off room lights and the TV. If you have a dog, you probably have a rule that there is no feeding the dog titbits from the dinner table, and for some a rule that bans pets from the bedrooms.

The research by home security specialists Yale UK also found that mum is more than twice as likely as dad to be ‘the boss’ and make all the rules in British households.

But, Dad is the parent most likely to be charged with checking the home security and doing the rounds to ensure the right windows are closed and doors locked.

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Do you coo?

B

abies learn different aspects of language from mum or dad. A study has shown that mums are more likely to coo and use non-word based language with babies. Dads are more likely to talk in ‘proper’ language. Surprisingly, both approaches are good for your baby’s language development.

A team at Washington State University attached microphones to parents of pre-school children and recorded verbal exchanges with their children, using speech recognition software to analyse results.

They believe the way women speak to children – using high pitched sounds and cooing to them – promotes bonding, while the more adult speech of dads gives them a bridge to adult life.

Professor Mark VanDam, who led the research, said: “The parents are complementary to their children’s language learning.”

Paracetamol use ‘may harm male foetus’ Paracetamol could have an adverse effect on developing male babies. A Professor at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh has said that the use of paracetamol for a week or more could lower a baby boy’s testosterone levels while in the womb.

Doctors recommend that women should take the lowest possible dose and take it for as short a time as possible. Pain or fever can be serious in pregnancy, so it is best if pregnant women speak to their GP.

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Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

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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

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Out

HOME START VOLUNTEERS WANTED Home Start is looking for parent volunteers to support families in Bartley Green and Quinton.

The charity supports families with young children where parents are struggling with loneliness, post natal illness, relationship problems, single parenthood or coping with multiple births or several young children.

If you have experience of bringing up children and can spare a few hours a week, we would love you to join our team.

Volunteers can be of any age and from all walks of life.

Full training is given for suitable volunteers.

A training course starts in September.

Charity No: 1114963

Call 0121 675 4441 or e-mail: homestartbgg@yahoo.co.uk

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 7.30am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673

• CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability) 19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416 Issue 29

15

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How to… get your childre

P

icture the scene. You’re at the supermarket and you’ve refused your child something that they want, causing them to freak out and scream loudly. You react by shouting back at them. Before long the situation is out of hand, with both of you at full-volume and people staring.

All kids will have a tantrum at some point, but some simple steps can help to avoid this behaviour, or at least lessen it. Trying a bit of distraction when the anger starts to build up - telling a joke, pulling a silly face - can be really effective.

If it’s too late for humour, then take a deep breath and a mental step back. Is their behaviour really unreasonable? Can you just ignore it and carry on with your shopping? Maybe you have a spare few minutes to put the trolley aside and take them out of the situation? It could be either out of that aisle or maybe even out of the supermarket, where you can both calm down.

Positive Parenting

This approach may seem like pie in the sky when faced with a screaming 3-year old, but it’s never too early to try what the NSPCC calls ‘positive parenting’. If you show love and affection to your child and praise them when they are behaving well, they will associate getting attention with good behaviour.

Active ignoring is encouraged, while physical punishments like smacking should be off limits: “smacking or biting back gives a very confusing message – that it is OK to use force or to hit physically when you are angry or to make a point.”

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Issue 29

So when you feel like you’re at the end of your tether, try to stay calm. After all, a toddler having a tantrum in the supermarket is one thing, but a screaming adult in the frozen food aisle? Not a good look…

Here are some hints from leading Clinical Psychologist, Professor Tanya Byron, on how to smooth out behavioural problems and get the best from your child.

Be positive

“One of the biggest mistakes we make as parents is to leave our children alone and say nothing to them when they’re behaving nicely.

“Ignore the behaviour you don’t want.

Instead, emphasise the positive with cuddles, kisses, and praise, and tell them all the things they need to hear in order for them to understand they will get attention for doing things nicely.”

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

en to behave Distraction

“As soon as you feel the temper rising, distract them with something else: a funny song, story, or ‘did you see that green squirrel with orange stripes just fly past the window?’”

Ignoring

“Ignoring gives the message that the behaviour gets no reward and if you use this technique alongside praising their lovely behaviour, your children will get a very powerful message.”

Time out

“First ask your child to stop misbehaving. If that doesn’t work, ask again, but more firmly. This gives the child two chances to change his or her behaviour, and if they do, you praise them.

“If they refuse to stop the behaviour, or if the tantrum escalates, you go for Time Out. Take your child firmly but with no attention to a safe place where you can leave them for a period of one minute for each year of their life (i.e. three minutes for a three-year-old) up to a maximum of five minutes.

You should not talk to your child through the door or give them any other form of attention during the Time Out period.

“Once the Time Out period is over, explain to your child why they were Timed Out and then move on and praise them at

By Hannah Hunter the first opportunity.”

Tantrums

“Tantrums happen to all parents. They do not mean you are a bad parent. You can try to prevent them with praise and sticker charts.

If that fails, you can try to distract the tantrums away. But once started, the best way to stop them is to ignore them.

“Remember: distract, ignore, but do not punish.”

Rewards

“At home, a sticker chart is a great way of encouraging good behaviour. Each time your child is good, give them a sticker.

Naughty behaviour gets a ‘sad face’. Points mean prizes - enough stickers get them a treat.”

Positive example

“It’s straightforward but it works - your children will copy you.

Swear and they will swear, smack and they will smack. Lead by example.”

Professor Byron’s book The Skeleton Cupboard, is published by Pan Macmillan. The book is a memoir based on her early career as a clinician. www.panmacmillan.com/book/tanyabyron/theskeletoncupboard

Helpful Websites:

www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents-and-carers/guidesfor-parents/better-behaviour/better-behaviour_wda90710.html www.youngminds.org.uk NHS: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/dealingwith-difficult-behaviour.aspx#close

Issue 29

17

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Follow three steps to banish children’s fussy eating

A

new study by Aston University in Birmingham and Loughborough suggests parents could banish their children’s fussy eating habits by following three simple steps.

The ‘three R’s’

Researchers found that using ‘three Rs’ – Repetition, Role Modelling and Rewards - at meal times could help parents get their children to eat, and even like, new vegetables.

By repeatedly exposing a child to a certain food (‘repetition’), eating it first and showing them how tasty it is (‘role modelling’) and praising them for trying it (‘rewards’), a parent can change their child’s attitude to the food.

Five a day

Dr Claire Farrow, of the Aston Research Centre for Child Health, said: “Not eating enough fruit and vegetables is one of the main risk factors for global mortality. Eating more fruit and veg could prevent numerous cancers, stroke, diabetes and obesity. Children in the UK, however, do not eat enough of them – with only about 20% of them achieving the recommended five-a-day.

“It can be very challenging for families to encourage their children to eat a healthy, balanced diet as children naturally go through stages during their toddler years when they are often fussy and will refuse new foods, particularly vegetables. This is a normal developmental stage for children, but it can often lead to a restricted diet as children become fussier and fussier about what they will eat.

“Eating behaviours have been shown to track throughout childhood and into adulthood – so it is vitally important that children are exposed to fruits and vegetables early in life to inform healthy eating as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.”

A total of 115 children aged between two and four took part in the research. They were placed in four separate groups and given the same vegetable to taste every day.

At the end of the study, the group of children introduced to the ‘three Rs’ ate more vegetables, including vegetables they had previously disliked - an average of 4g, compared to 0.6g before the start of the investigation. Result! Now that’s a very pleasing fourth R for parents struggling to get kids to eat their greens.

Restore Vitality

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality Capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

Pharmaton Vitality Capsules is packed with the unique Ginseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve temporary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically proven to enhance mental and physical performance. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, and never give up.

(Licensed medicine) For temporary periods of fatigue. Always read the label.

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Issue 29

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

E

Edgbaston High School for Girls: Education, Enrichment, Excellence

dgbaston High School for Girls is a purposeful and vibrant community, providing a 21st Century education based on traditional values.

From the youngest to the most senior pupils, the school’s aim is to encourage, develop and support so that each girl leaves EHS having achieved the best possible academic results and developed the skills and confidence to use her talents widely.

Dr Ruth Weeks, Headmistress, comments: “EHS offers an enriched educational experience; pupils make excellent academic progress and achieve high standards in their work whilst benefiting from a distinctive system of pastoral care where emphasis is placed on nurturing each girl’s strengths and raising self-esteem.

“We wholeheartedly encourage our girls to be independent, to face new challenges and to acquire new skills. Combined with excellent teaching this unique approach offers our pupils a truly rounded education.”

EHS is an independent school for girls. One of the features of EHS is the continuity of education it offers: the Nursery, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form departments on site work together to cater for girls aged between two and a half to eighteen years.

All pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities to excel, both in and out of school. Year on year academic results are outstanding and an extensive variety of sporting and creative interests are encouraged.

The school offers excellent standards of teaching alongside state-ofthe-art facilities including the 600 seat Octagon performance space, a spacious Sixth Form Centre, swimming pool, athletics track and hockey field.

Visit EHS to see for yourself: Senior School Open Day on Thursday, 24 September, 2015, 4.30 - 7.00pm and Preparatory School Open Day on Saturday, 26 September, 2015, from 9.30am - 12.00 noon.

For further information about admissions or scholarships and bursaries please contact the Admissions Office on 0121 454 5831 or email admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk Article by Edgbaston High School

Dr Weeks, Headmistress, with Year 7 pupils

Back to school

Put a smile on their face as they go back to school with super-cool personalised lunchboxes, pencil cases, PE Kit bags and homework bags available from Labels4Kids. We like the Zoo backpacks and snack kits which come in great designs, the personalised colouring pencils and the handy tote bags.

Looking ahead to birthdays or Christmas, Labels4Kids now sell a personalised gift range including Disney Frozen, Spongebob and other characters.

Check them out on www.labels4Kids.com

VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your antonym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher 11+ score Recommended by tutors for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham CEM test

www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk Issue 29

19

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Been there, done that!

Ten mistakes parents make when they’re new to school life

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

Ten school life mistakes to avoid:

Complaining to the teacher based on what your child told you happened…only it didn’t…

Your child tells you X did Y, you march in demanding answers from the teacher, only to discover that what your little one reported wasn’t actually correct. Stay open-minded until you find out the facts from all concerned.

Sweating the small stuff Try to not get obsessed with reading levels, who got the hardest spellings and the like. It won’t go on their CVs after all. As long as they’re enjoying school and learning, that’s what matters most.

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with competitive parents is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of theirs, they’ll hate you for it. If theirs has one up on yours, you’ll have to endure their smugness. Walk away or change the subject to something more interesting, like the weather.

Not helping at school…or doing so for the wrong reasons Volunteering in the classroom or for the Parent Teacher Association will help you make friends and feel part of the school community.

Academic Tuition Register now for our academic tuition and ask if you are eligible for up to 80% off fees.

Some assisted places available via Academic Support Charity.

Maths, English, Sciences, Music, Languages (including Mandarin).

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

Our centres are in Edgbaston, Quinton, Erdington, Solihull and Chelmsley. Wood

Fretting about fall-outs Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy now?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten.

Tackling other parents about problems between the children Even if your protective instincts kick in, don’t head over to give the other mum what for. She probably won’t agree that her child is to blame and parental fall-outs can endure long after the kids forget.

Speak with the teacher instead.

Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to get the daily chat with staff you might be used to at nursery or with childminders. Assume ‘no news is good news’.

Expecting your child to be pleased to see you at 3pm With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids are exhausted. Skip the after-school activities in favour of quiet time back home and go with lots of early nights during the first term.

Opening October 2015

Academic Tots Nursery, Edgbaston

30 places available for pre-schoolers.

Get your child school-ready at a nursery that makes learning fun!

• Qualified teacher-led nursery • Teaching literacy and numeracy through play • Daily focus on foreign languages with native speakers • Fun, friendly and family atmosphere Childcare vouchers accepted.

Fifteen hours free for 3 and 4 year olds.

Application for places now open: Call Nicky at Academic Tots on 0121 454 2858

follow us on

facebook

Our Edgbaston centre also provides: After-school care places now available.

(Pick up from schools within a 3 mile radius)

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Issue 29

www.academicexcellence.org.uk

www.academictotsnursery.co.uk

9 George Road, Edgbaston, B15 1NP

For all enquiries call: 0121 454 2858

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Education

Focusing on academic rather than practical skills before they start

Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance!

Ask reception teachers what they’d like their new charges to be proficient at and it probably won’t be about letters or numbers.

What’s more important to settling in is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings.

There’s a black hole in every single primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost uniform, pencil cases or shoes back, add their name to it all!

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Where Individuals Matter OPEN MORNING TUESDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2015 9am - 12noon

• Small Class sizes • A friendly caring environment • Children reach their full potential • Outstanding Ofsted St James Place, Shirley, Solihull B90 2BA since 2007

Kingswood School 0121 744 7883

www.kingswoodschool.co.uk Issue 29

21

Money

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Money matters!

M

HELP WANTED Struggling to balance your job and parenting?

Ever fancied being your own boss?

Mummy Do You Have To Go to Work Again?

With childcare at an all time high, would you like the opportunity to work flexibly from home on a full time income?

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Recruiting in your area.

For a free information pack call Jeanette on 0115 939 4123 or mobile: 07809 557392 Also find me on facebook: jeanette.farrar@facebook.com

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Issue 29

any children of the recession have grown up with money worries. Nine out of 10 parents (89%) admit to worrying about money, with most failing to hide this from their children.

A startling 3 in 4 children aged 8-15 say they are conscious of their parents’ financial struggles.

It is easy to see how this can happen. When a parent finds they have to say no to school ski trips or requests for money for special treats, they have to be honest about why and, more often than not, it comes down to hard cash.

Children can also pick up on day to day concerns when parents are worried about how to pay the bills. So living through the austerity years it is little wonder that so many children and teenagers admit to worrying about money too.

The best way of equipping them to feel more in control is to help them understand financial basics.

While 75 per cent of children are tuned in to their parents’ worries, only a small percentage of 8-15 year olds can explain what is meant by overdraft and interest rate; the difference between credit and debit cards, or how current accounts work.

Financial education is being taught in school but parents need to support that learning and help children and teens get to grips with money management.

Giles Martin, Head of Halifax Savings, said: “Parents need to be very aware just how much of an impact their own feelings about money can have on their children’s views and habits. Whilst finance is now being taught in schools, children don't want their mum and dad to take a back seat.

“Talking about money at home can be a great way for children to start building an understanding of the importance of good money management.”

Most parents cannot give their child everything they want (not good for them anyway); and you might not be able to give your child everything you would like to give them, but you can teach them about finance. Money is not the be all and end all, but the truth is it does matter.

Work

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Hankering after a different lifestyle?

T

here are some key times of year when people decide to make life-changing decisions - one is post Christmas and a second is after returning from a summer break.

When you have time off work you mull over what’s good in your life and what isn’t and that can be the catalyst for deciding to make some lifestyle changes.

Quitting your job to work for yourself is a daunting prospect but, according to some recent research, if you have the entrepreneurial spirit you could end up feeling happier and healthier working for yourself.

Accounting software company Xero surveyed 1,000 people in the UK who had taken the plunge and set up their own business.

Eight out of ten said they were now less stressed at work, and they had a better home life, with more than half saying they had more flexibility around their family and commitments.

James Caan, CBE, serial entrepreneur who started 28,000 new businesses in his role as Chairman of Start-up Loans, believes the findings go some way to explain the number of people starting their own business.

Five Requirements for a Happy Business: Dr Robert Holden, best-selling author and renowned happiness expert, suggests five requirements for making your business a happy one.

Have a vision: Knowing what you’re working for helps you take pride in your work and focus on your goals.

Good relationships: Make sure you have honest and clear communications with your employees, clients and customers to help keep them happy too.

Freedom and flexibility: Having a good work-life balance and being able to enjoy your free time or family occasions with flexible hours helps you to manage your workload and do your best job.

Growth and investment: Learning new skills and helping others to do the same encourages engagement and excitement.

Creativity: It’s not just about coming up with new ideas, but also allowing yourself and your team to be creative and using the right tools to do this.

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Issue 29

23

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Crafts and Decorations

H

ave fun with a few simple art and craft activities which will transform your home into a witch’s cavern or haunted house this Halloween. Create lanterns, flying bats and bunting or make a scary, floating ghost by wrapping a piece of white material or a white bin bag over a balloon and drawing on a spooky face. For a Halloween feast, or tea party, use a paper plate and card shaped into a cone to make a witch’s hat as a table decoration. Add a lantern and some creepy treats to create the perfect setting for a spooky supper!

Try some of the arts and crafts ideas here.

Halloween Lantern

Create a stunning but easy-to-make Halloween lantern to decorate your garden or window.

Materials: A glass jar, two pipe cleaners or pieces of garden wire, glue, tissue paper, patterned wallpaper or wrapping paper, scissors.

Instructions: 1. Cut the patterned paper and tissue paper into strips of the same size

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Issue 29

2. Cut shapes into the patterned paper 3. Stick the tissue paper onto the back of the patterned paper 4. Stick the paper strips onto the jar 5. Twist the two wires together into a crucifix shape. Turn the crucifix upside down so that the long end or ‘tail’ points straight up.

6. Place the horizontal wire that forms the cross of the crucifix around the rim of the jar, twisting the ends together to secure.

Then bend the long’ tail’ up and over the top of the jar. Twist the ‘tail’ to the horizontal wire to secure the handle.

7. Place a tea light inside and your lantern is ready!

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A toilet tube Halloween Bat to decorate your house, as a spooky present or to take to a party!

Materials: Toilet roll tube, black poster paint, black card, scissors, string, sticky tape, coloured poster paint or goggly-eye stickers Instructions: 1. Fold the top of the tube inside to create two points making ears. Then, turning the tube sideways, do the same again to create a point at the bottom making the shape of a bat’s body.

2. Once folded, paint the whole toilet roll tube in black poster paint for a really scary bat look.

3. Take a piece of black card and fold it in half, then draw two small curves at the bottom to create spiky bat wings. Cut this into shape.

4. Fold the piece into a concertina zig-zag shape to give the wings lots of body and make some scary shadows.

5. Cut two small holes on each side of the tube where the wings should go, then thread the folded wings through.

6. Open up the wings and fold them into shape. Add some spooky eyes with paint or goggly-eye stickers. Tape some string to the back, and get ready to scare all of your friends with your frightening hanging bat!

Glow in the Dark Fabric Monsters

Create a friendly little monster to light your way on the treacherous trick or treating trip!

Materials: Scraps of material (from around the house or bargain bins/ scrap tubs at fabric stores), paper, pen, pins, needle and thread, wadding or toy stuffing, battery operated tea light. Buttons and ribbon optional.

Instructions: 1. Draw a simple shape for your monster. An oval with straight bottom edge works best as it’s simple, but you can choose any shape. Remember, you are going to have to sew it up, so the more curves, the trickier the sewing.

2. Cut out your shape using paper scissors.

3. Pin your shape onto your fabric to stop it sliding around, then cut two monster shapes from the fabric. Use two different fabrics if you want to mix it up, or the same colour all over.

4. Pin your back and front together with the right sides facing each other. Sew your monster together leaving a gap for the stuffing. Turn your fabric inside out through the gap remaining, so that the right side of the fabric is on the outside.

Place half your wadding inside, making sure you push it gently into every area of the monster’s body. Just before adding the last bit of wadding, pop the tea light inside and nestle it inside, then fill to the edge and sew up.

5. You can add a few extras such as button eyes, a ribbon round his neck and a bit of punky hair!

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Halloween Half Term Fun Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October We’ve got a week of activities to give the kids a frighteningly good time. Join us for spine-tingling stories, haunting hide and seek and terrifying trails as the sun goes down.

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Issue 29

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Christmas shows

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Rich pickings for Christmas theatre

N

o Christmas would be complete without a visit to the theatre and there are some rich pickings for Christmas show treats for children this year.

Whether you have a toddler, a tweenie or a teen – or all three – you can find the perfect show for all the family.

Indeed spoilt for choice this year, you might find yourself booking a few. So, if you want the best seats with the best view plan ahead and buy your tickets now.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Birmingham Rep, November 19-January 16

Walk through the wardrobe and prepare for an adventure… The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, set in snow-covered Narnia, could be a magical choice for a Christmas treat all the family can enjoy. When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy stumble upon an enchanted wardrobe in an old country mansion, they discover that it’s a gateway to another world.

A world where animals speak and mythical creatures roam. A magical world called Narnia. The wicked White Witch has cast a spell bringing about an eternal winter and the children must find the way to break the spell and reinstate Narnia’s rightful ruler, Aslan the lion, to his throne.

Call 0121 236 4455, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Gangsta Granny

New Alexandra Theatre, December 7- 12

Birmingham Stage Company (Producers of Horrible Histories) has adapted David Williams’ book Gangsta Granny for the stage. It premieres here before heading to London’s West End. Age 5 and above permitted.

Call 0844 871 3011, www.atgtickets.com

Hairspray

New Alexandra Theatre, December 14-January 2

Don’t miss this chance to let your hair down with this irresistible feelgood musical show. Your children might have already seen the movie Hairspray – now see the live show. It’s Baltimore, 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way! A show with a message that goes to the heart of Christmas.

Age 5 and above permitted. Call 0844 871 3011, www.atgtickets.com

Aladdin

Solihull Arts Complex, December 11 –January 3

Panto is back... Oh yes it is! Malcolm Stent celebrates 25 years of Christmas shows in Solihull with another silly, sparkling, toe-tapping musical instalment from pantoland. This year it’s Aladdin’s turn to shine, so get ready to Boooooo Abanazer and gasp as the magic carpet tries to fly...! Don’t wait to book this as it sells out fast, particularly for shows in the school holidays. Call 0121 704 6962, www. solihullartscomplex.co.uk

I’ve Seen Santa

Solihull Arts Complex Studio, December 19-24 It’s Christmas Eve and Little Bear can’t wait to see Santa! “Santa will come just as soon as you go to sleep,” Mummy Bear says. But Little Bear doesn’t want to go to sleep. He wants to see Santa! Suddenly. . . glug, glug, glug! What’s that noise? There’s someone downstairs... Will Little Bear really see Santa? Call 0121 704 6962, www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk And...

The Nutcracker

Birmingham Hippodrome, November 27-December 13

Cinderella: A Fairytale

mac birmingham, December 3-January 9

Grimm Tales

Crescent Theatre Company, December 5-19

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Town Hall Birmingham, December 22 – January 13

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Ski holiday

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

‘Home from home’ at Chilly Powder P lanning ahead for your next winter holiday? Take a look at Chilly Powder for a superb chalet experience.

Chilly Powder has been operating catered chalet ski holidays since 1996. The genuine ski-to-the-door location of their three luxury catered ski chalets with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities sets them apart from other ski chalets in Morzine, France.

Francesca and Paul Eyre - with their three children Ben, Eloise & Jamie - live there all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski holiday for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities.

For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage room and childcare is provided in Chilly Powder’s own crèche. With excellent food, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere, their chalets are the perfect winter holiday destination.

Take a look at their website www.chillypowder.com

Learn to ski in the Midlands I

f you are planning a ski break this winter you might want to take a few lessons in advance to learn the basics or brush up on your technique before your holiday.

The nearest slopes in Birmingham are the dry ski slopes at Ackers Adventure at Golden Hillock Road, in Sparkbrook, which has a main slope of 100 metres and two nursery slopes of 30 metres.

The Ackers Pingu Ski School is designed for children aged 4-8 with little or no experience of skiing and it is held most weekends. The centre also run Get Skiing starter lessons for complete beginners from 8 years to adult, and courses for more advanced skiers who want to improve their techniques.

The Snowdome in Tamworth (real snow) has a main slope of 170 metres and a nursery slope of 22 metres or 45 metres, while the dry ski slopes at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard centre are 230 metres and 150 metres in length with nursery slopes of 40 metres. At the Snowdome adults and juniors aged 8-15 can learn to ski in 2 hour group lessons, 3 hour fast track sessions, or take a learn-to-ski-in- a- day course.

The Gloucester centre has a Snow Cubs session for children aged 3-5 (must be supervised) which runs every Sunday morning and selected Saturdays in winter. It also offers Penguins

and Polar Bear awards for children aged 6-10 and Junior Holiday Ski Schools – a 3 day holiday course with tuition for 3 hours during the day. Ten to 16-year-olds can join a Holiday Ski Academy. www.ackers-adventrue.co.uk www.snowdome.co.uk www.gloucesterski.com

LEARN TO SKI AT ACKERS ADVENTURE THIS SEASON! PINGU SKI SCHOOL FOR 4-8 YEAR OLDS SKI STARTER LESSONS FOR JUNIORS & ADULTS GREAT VALUE SKI PACKAGES LEARN TO SKI IN A DAY! IMPROVER LESSONS SKI PARTIES RACE TUITION & TRAINING HOME OF THE MIDLAND SKI CLUB DON’T MISS OUR SKI SEASON OPEN DAY SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER £5 SKI TASTERS, £5 RECREATIONAL SKIING, TOBOGGANING, DEMOS, COMPETITIONS & GIVEAWAYS!

Ackers Adventure Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham B11 2PY

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

bookings@ackers-adventure.co.uk

0121 772 5111

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Theatre

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Ballet Theatre UK – Snow Queen

A beautiful retelling of this classic ballet performed

by Ballet Theatre UK who will be performing two performances of Snow Queen, one matinee and one evening show.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull Date: Tues, Oct 27 Time: 2.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets: £18 adult; £12 child To Book: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Sylvie Guillem A life in progress

Hailed as one of the greatest dancers of her generation, Sylvie Guillem performs for the final time in the UK at Birmingham Hippodrome in September Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Tues & Wed Sept 8 and 9 Time: 7.30pm To book: 0844 338 5000 Tickets: £15-£75 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Me and My Cat?

When Detective K answers a call from a boy called Nicholas she is surprised to see a picture of a cat on her phone screen!

Will she solve the mystery and return Nicholas to his own body in time? Age recommendation 5+ years.

Venue: The Door at the Birmingham Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street.

Date: Sat, Sept 12 Time: 11.30am and 2pm

Tickets: Adults £9; child £6; babe in arms £2 To book: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

First Steps – a Child’s Swan Lake

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s introduction to Swan Lake, specially adapted for children aged 3-7 years. A storyteller sets the scene and introduces the children to the music and characters before a performance of a section of the ballet.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Fri, Oct 2 Time: 1pm Cost: £10 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Mister Maker and The Shapes Live!

Join CBeebies’ Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour! A show packed full of arty adventures there’ll be a big ‘make’ to take part in, super songs to join in

Les Enfant Terribles: Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie Roll up; roll up, for the most magnifical, tremendible and fantasticulous experience in town! The caravan of curiosities and its crew of mysterious misfits have arrived to entertain, amuse and beguile you. Are you brave enough to get on board? Age 6 plus. Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B’ham B12 9QH Date: Sun, Sept 27 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £10 (£8) www.macbirmingham.co.uk/event/marvellous-imaginary-menagerie/

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with, a fabulous supporting cast, and not forgetting, The Shapes!

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Date: Fri and Sat, Oct 9 and 10 Time: Fri at 4pm; Sat at 10am, 1pm & 4pm www.atgtickets.com

Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking (Junior Edition)

Albert Einstein and some boffin-checked science in a fun family show for children aged 7 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: Sun, Oct 11 Time: 2.30pm Cost: Tickets £8; family of 4 £28 (max 2 adults). macbirmingham.co.uk

I Spy!

Dance/Stage School present an all-acting, all-dancing, all-singing spectacular featuring young talent at its best. An original exciting story full of intrigue…

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: Sat, Oct 17 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (£10 concessions) Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Worlds of Entertainment – Disney on Ice

Rev up for non-stop fun with four favourite Disney stories as Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.

Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar’s Cars perform high-speed stunts and race across the ice. Dive into adventure with Ariel and The Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom. Watch Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang and enter the wintery world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen.

Venue: Barclaycard Arena King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA Date: Oct 21-Nov 1 Tickets: £19-46 To Book: 0844 338 8000 www.barclaycardarena.co.uk

into a drama blending actors and actions.

Ages 5-10.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: Fri, Oct 23 Time: 4.30pm Tickets: £14 (£12 child) Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Aliens love Underpants

A zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the first time with stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens!).

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, B3 3DQ Date: Sun & Mon, Oct 25 and 26 Time: Sun at 1pm and 3.30pm and Mon at 11am and 1pm Tickets: £12.50 plus transaction fee www.thsh.co.uk

The Laughing Sole Comedy for Kids

An exciting comedy club where the laughs are loud and shared across all ages! Compered by Mrs Barbara Nice, this comedy club is specifically for children and their families. Recommended age 5 plus, but younger siblings are welcome.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: Sun, 25 October Time: 2pm Cost: Tickets £7 each, or Family Ticket £24 (max two adults) macbirmingham.co.uk

Jurassic Adventures

Find out what happens when dinosaur hunters stumble on a dinosaur in this fun half term holiday show. The large-scale show for children features large and small-scale dino puppets skilfully woven

Rummage

There’s a rubbish dump on the edge of town. Each day, as the last lorry rumbles away, a solitary figure picks her way through the discarded junk. To her, the dump is a treasure trove, a place of beauty and usefulness, full of things waiting to be given a new life.

Shh!

Books flying overhead, free-running on moving shelves and falling in love – all

Venue: The Door at The Rep Date: Sat, Oct 31 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adults £9; child £6 and babe in arms £2 To Book: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/event/ first-stages-rummage/

What’sParenting On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk this in a library? C-12 Dance Theatre’s exciting and explosive new show Shhh! is an entertaining contemporary dance story of a library that is closed down, but if the community come together, can they save it? Age 7 plus Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: Thurs, Oct 29 Time: 8pm Tickets: £12 macbirmingham.co.uk/

The Basil Brush Show

See the legendary Basil Brush in a special stage show!

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Theatre Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: Sat, Oct 31 Time: 11am, 2.30pm Tickets: £12 Booking: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Duck in the Truck

Based on the bestselling book by the acclaimed children’s author Jez Alborough, this funny, silly, yucky, mucky show will have you giggling away, singing along and laughing out loud! Ducklings aged 3 – 7 years old will love this hilarious tale.

It’s totally quackers! Don’t forget to wear your wellies!

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: Fri, Oct 30 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

The Amazing Bubble man

Spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

Venue: Town Hall Victoria Square, Birmingham Date: Fri, Oct 30 Time: 11am Tickets: £12 and £10 To Book: 0121 780 4949 www.thsh.co.uk/event/the-amazingbubble-man/

Steve Backshall’s Wild World

Join Wildlife TV Presenter, Adventurer, naturalist and writer Steve Backshall at Town Hall as he takes you on a tour of the real life expeditions that have inspired his novels The Falcon Chronicles. It’s a wild journey, illustrated with photos and films from his expeditions from the Arctic to the Antarctic, from the tundra to the top of the world’s highest peaks, and from the depths of the rainforest to the bottom of the sea. This talk is suitable for wildlife enthusiasts from eight plus.

Venue: Town Hall Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ Date: Sun, Nov 1 Time: 11.30am and 3pm Tickets: £18 To Book: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk/event/steve-backshallswild-world/

Annie

Annie starring Craig Revel Horwood, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge, as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Tues, Oct 13- Sat, Oct 31 Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Wed and Thurs matinee at 2pm Tickets: £20-£42.50 To book: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com/ WhatsOn_focus.asp?showId=1880

****These details were checked at time of going to press, however, please call the venue or look at the websites in case of changes in schedule. Thank you.

Like us on FacebookFamilies Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Follow us on Twitter @familiesbirm

How the Koala Learnt to Hug

Koalas are the cuddliest critters but just how did they learn to hug? There’s only one way to find out so come and hear Karen The Koala tell her story in this fun filled family musical. With a host of gorgeous puppet characters, great stories, sing along songs, superb games and first class hugging all you’ll need are your ears. (And your arms!)

Age 3 plus Venue: mac birmingham Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: Sat 3 Oct Time: 11.30am & 2.30pm Tickets: £8; family of 4 £28 (2 adults max) macbirmingham.co.uk

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What’s On Out and About Pre School Story Time

Venue: Harborne Library Date: Every Wednesday (term time only) Time: 2.15pm -2.45pm Contact: 0121 464 1596

Little Springers Stay and Play Group Stay and play for children under 5 and their parents Venue: Spring Hill Library Date: Every Friday Time: 10am-12pm Contact: 0121 464 7422

Come Stitch With Us

In association with Birmingham Embroiderers’ Guild. All ages and abilities are welcome, though children need to bring an adult.

Venue: Cafe Mezzanine Library of Birmingham Date: Sat, Sept 5 & first Sat of every month Time: 11am – 2pm For more details email: birminghamembroiderersguild@gmail.com

Family Saturdays

A range of free activities aimed at families and young visitors. Try the Family Trail, Art Explorer Bags and enjoy the creative materials that can be found in the Resource Room on the second floor.

Venue: Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS Date: Sat, Sept 5 & Sat, Oct 3 & first Saturday of every month thereafter Time: 1-4pm

@barmyaboutbooks at Sutton Coldfield Library A reading group for 8-12 year olds Venue: Sutton Coldfield Library Date: Sept 5, Roald Dahl Day; Oct 3, Myths and Legends.

Time: 2.15-3.15pm Contact: 0121 464 2274

Honey Show

Heritage Open Day

Come and see the 17th century rooms and get hands-on with objects from the past to touch and smell!

Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD Phone: 0121 348 8100 Date: Sep 12, 2015 Time: 11am - 3pm Cost: FREE - part of Heritage Open Days.

No booking required.

Potato Shindig

Head to Hatton Adventure World and pay a visit to the potato patch.

Children can learn where their food comes from by harvesting potatoes and picking some corn on the cob, and take them home to cook.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World Dark Lane, Hatton Date: Weekends of Sept 12 & 13; 19 & 20; 26 & 27 (dependent on crop. Call 01926 843411 to check) Time: 11am-5pm Normal entry fees apply.

Heritage Open Day: Pikes and Muskets

England is embroiled in civil war! Watch the 17th century soldiers practice their military drill, see their tent camp, and get ready to hear and see the muskets fire as the soldiers prepare to attack!

Venture inside the Hall and walk through the 17th century rooms and get hands-on with objects from the past. There will also be dressing up and activities for children.

Venue: Aston Hall Trinity Road, Aston, B’ham, B6 6JD Date: Sept 13, 2015 Time: 11am - 3pm Cost: FREE - part of Heritage Open Days.

No booking required.

Phone: 0121 348 8100 Family fun day with fairground attractions, stalls and shows, organised by Knowle and Dorridge Round Table. Please check their website for more details nearer the event.

Venue: Dorridge Park, B93 8LJ Date: Sun, Sept 13 Time: 12-4pm Cost: £1.50 per person or £5.00 per family (2 adults with between 2 and 4 children).

Storytime for children aged 0-5

A fun series of creative workshops where you can learn to draw, paint and sculpt like a pro!

Sun, Sept 13 – Heritage Heroes (Make modroc sculptures of local heroes) Sun, Sept 20 – Two Sides to Every Story (Draw a ‘before and after’ story) Sun, Sept 27 - 3D Music Listen to live music & make a matching sculpture inspired by The Stravinsky Fountain in Paris.

Venue: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Times: 11am – 12.30pm (ages 4 – 8 years); 1.30 – 3pm (ages 8 – 12 years) Cost: £5 per child, per session.

Booking is essential.

For more information or to book a place contact 0121 414 2261 or education@barber.org.uk

Pirate Week

ARRR, shiver me timbers! The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham celebrates “Pirate Week”! So grab your crew and jump aboard for a swashbuckling adventure as you explore some of the most fearsome scoundrels of the seven seas in the ‘SCARIUM’! Captain Pegleg Pat and first mate ‘Sea Salt Sally’ and their band of pirates await. Lads & lasses are encouraged to come dressed as pirates.

Venue: National Sea Life Centre Brindley Place, Birmingham Date: Sept 12-20 Issue 29

including a dog show, classic car show, cycling events and an arena with shows and displays from talented local groups and artists, this event is fun for all the family! There are also numerous stalls of local artisans and charities.

Venue: Tudor Grange Park Solihull, B91 3LU Date: Sun, Sept 20 Time: 11am - 5pm Tickets: £2 per adult, £1 per child or £5 for a family.

activity, all linked to a new theme.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Studio Dates: Oct 6 & 20; Nov 3 & 17 Time: 9.30-10.30am Cost: £3.50 per session (1 tot and carer) Booking: 0121 704 6962

Supreme Cat Show

Birmingham Weekender

Birmingham Weekender is a weekend of free outdoor performances, art and activities across the city centre.

Birmingham’s major arts organisations will celebrate the city through music, dance, theatre, food, fashion and much more. The festival marks the opening of the newly transformed New Street Station and coincides with Style Birmingham Live and the Rugby World Cup. Dates: Sept 25-27 www.birminghamweekender.com

Moseley History Day

Meet the historical characters of Moseley in times past, ask them questions and listen to stories about their lives. Tea and cake on sale.

Venue: Moseley Park and Pool Alcester Road, Birmingham, B13 8DD Date: Sept, 26 Phone: 07836 599 990 Take a look online for further details!

Autumn event

A family event. Celebrate this season’s harvest of apples; enjoy live music, delicious food and family friendly activities.

Venue: Martineau Gardens, 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham Time: 11am-3pm Date: Sun, Sept 27 Tickets: £3 adult; £1 concessions; £6 family

The Crufts of the Feline calendar with something for every cat lover. .

Venue: The NEC, Birmingham, Halls 17 - 18 Date: Sat, Oct 24 Tickets: from £7.50

Family Trails

Pick up a free family trail to help you explore the galleries at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. There are special seasonal trails during the school holidays (half term) to look out for. Trails can be picked up from the Vestibule desk (adjacent to the Round Room).

Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH Find out more on the BMAG website: www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Prickly Friends, Den Building, Batty About Bats & more

Apple Day (weekend)

Dorridge Day

Find out about beekeeping, meet a Queen Bee, learn about different types of bees, talk to beekeepers, make candles from beeswax and buy locally produced honey.

(Cash only for purchases) Venue: Martineau Gardens 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston Date: Sat & Sun Sept 5 &6 Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Free entry.

Phone: 0121 440 7430

Venue: Sutton Coldfield Library Lower Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1XX Date: Alternate Tuesday and Fridays (term time only).

Time: 11- 11.30am Dates: Sept: Tues, 8, Fri 18 & Tues 22 Oct 2015 - Fri 2, Tues 6, Fri 16 & Tues 20 Phone: 0121 464 2274

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Creative Sunday Workshops

Fun in the Park

The annual charity fundraising event organised by Soroptimist International Solihull returns. Featuring entertainment

A weekend of apple-themed activities for children and families including apple pressing, apple tasting, longest peel competition (adults), woodturning, bee keeping, Molly Dancing on the Archery Lawn. Sales of Autumn produce from stalls.

Venue: Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT Date: Sat and Sun Oct 3 & 4 Time: 12-4pm, 2pm guide of the gardens Tickets: Adults £4.50, Concessions £4, Ages 5 – 16 £1, under five free.

Free Open Day at Aston Hall

Come and visit this magnificent Jacobean House for FREE. Take the ‘Aston Experience’ tour around the hall; see all the 17th century rooms and get hands-on with objects from the past to touch and smell!

Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD Date: Oct 4 Time: Tours at 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm and 2pm. (Max 25 visitors per tour. First come, first served) Phone: 0121 348 8000

Tiny Tots Creative Play

This course aims to provide babies, toddlers and their guardians with a fun experience of stories and creative play.

Join us for songs, story and a creative

A series of fun half term workshops for parents and children. Under 8’s must be accompanied.

Mon, Oct 26, 11am-12pm Prickly Friends (Hedgehog-themed fun and games, all ages) Mon, Oct 26, 1-2pm - Den Building (Make the perfect survival shelter, age 4 +) Tues, Oct 27, 10.30am-12pm – Batty About Bats (Batty craft and nocturnal games, age 4 plus) Wed, Oct 28, 11am-12pm & 1-2pm – Wildlife Watch (Spot wildlife and work towards an award, age 4 plus) Thurs, Oct 29, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm –Crafty Drop In (Make a kite or a glass lantern, all ages) Fri, Oct 30, 10.30am-12pm – Prickly Friends for tots (Build a hedgehog home, age 2-4) Venue: The Parkridge Centre Brueton Park, B91 3HW Booking recommended except for drop in events.

Cost: from £2 to £4.50 depending on activity.

Contact: 0121 704 0768. ****Please telephone the venue or check the website to confirm your chosen event is still taking place before heading out.

Out & About

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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Pumpkin Week

24th October to 1st November 2015

Our top ten Spooky events for Halloween Hide and Seek; trails through the Gardens; lighted pumpkins and lanterns, spooky stories and music.

Experience the gardens as dusk descends.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Westbourne Road, Birmingham Date: Oct 26 - 30 Time: 11am - 4pm Call 0121 454 1860

Pumpkin Week

A Halloween-themed week at Hatton Adventure World with a free pumpkin for every child; carving competitions in a brilliant (but slightly spooky!) themed marquee; a pumpkin hunt with a prize badge and a visit to the ‘Halloween Pumpkin House’. Plus full day’s programme of Farmyard Fun, with both indoor and outdoor play areas.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World Dark Lane, Hatton Date: Oct 24 - Nov 1 Call 01926 843411

Spooky Outdoor Trail

Family fun days for Halloween with spooky outdoor trail and take-home activities Venue: Packwood House & Baddesley Clinton, Near Solihull Date: Sat, Oct 24 - Sun, Nov 1 Time: 11am - 3.30pm There is a £2.50 charge for the trail and take home activities Call 01564 782024

Witches and Wizards

Conjure up lots of fun by making witches hats, creepy cauldron bags and jumping frogs during half-term week.

Be spellbound by a trail and brave some yucky boxes!

Venue: Selly Manor Museum Date: Oct 26 - 30 Time: 10am - 5pm Phone: 0121 472 0199 Cost: adults £3.75, concession £2.75, children £2 (under 4s free), family £12.

No need to book.

Call 0121 472 0199

Wicked Workshop and Terror

Follow a spooky terror trail around the park if you are brave enough, then take part in a creepy craft activity and wear your most frightening Halloween costume for a chance to win a fancy dress competition - there are prizes for the most horrifyingly dressed boy and girl! £1.00 per child for the terror trail and crafts.

Venue: Elmdon Park, B92 9EY. Meet by the car park on Tanhouse Farm Road.

Date: Wed, Oct 28 Time: 11am - 1pm Cost: £1.00 per child for the terror trail and crafts.

Call 0121 704 8000

Halloween Boat Trips

Make it a Halloween to remember with all the family on our special Children’s Boat Trips through Dudley’s fantastic underground caverns! Trips last 1 hour.

Venue: Dudley Canal Trust Date: Oct 29 - 31 See website for times and costs Call 0121 557 6265

Halloween Nights

for every child

O O O O

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This Halloween, visit the Museum’s eerily gas-lit village where your little devils and mini ghosts and ghouls can trick or treat in SAFETY along the Museum’s cobbled streets, collecting sweets as they go.

This is a pre-book only event.

Venue: Black Country Living Museum Dates: Oct 29 - 31 Time: 6.30pm - 10.00pm Call 0121 520 8054 to book

Haunting Halloween

Are you scared of the dark? There are creatures and monsters that could jump out at any time, and our resident witch, Smelly Nelly, will be lurking about! Come along in your most frightening fancy dress for a chance to win our competition, listen to some spooky stories as you walk round the park and take part in a creepy craft activity. Bring a torch and warm clothing.

Pre-booking is essential.

Venue: Brueton Park, B91 3HA. Meet by the car park.

Date: Sat, Oct 31 Times: 5.30pm; 5.50pm; 6.10pm; 6.30pm; 6.50pm Cost: £3 adult, £2 child.

Pre-booking essential.

Call 0121 704 8000 to book.

Ghostly Gaslight

Dress up in your most scary costume and go along to the Halloween event when the streets, shops and houses will be transformed into eerie places filled with ghosts, ghouls and monsters. The buildings will be illuminated in spectacular style and fireworks and pyrotechnic effects will light the night sky.

Venue: Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge Date: Sat, Oct 31 Tickets must be prebooked.

Call 01952 433 424

Halloween at Moseley Park

Dress to scare! Pumpkin lanterns welcome.

Halloween fun.

Venue: Moseley Park Alcester Road, Birmingham, B13 8DD Date: Sat, Oct 31 There will be two events – one for smaller ghouls and ghosties and one for older weird and wonderful. Check online closer to the date for details and times.

Call 07836 599 990

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Half Term Halloween Fun

FREE Pumpkin

Issue 29

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in pursuit of excellence King Edward VI High School for Girls is a beautiful school with the capacity to transform the lives of the bright, multi-talented girls who come here from an extraordinary range of backgrounds. We offer girls a richly varied and exciting education in a friendly, nurturing environment.

Open Days Saturday 10th October 2015 9.45am - 12.00 noon Tuesday 20th October 2015 Sixth Form - 5.00pm Saturday 16th January 2016 9.45am - 12.00 noon Closing date for applications Monday 18th January 2016

Telephone 0121 472 1834 â&#x20AC;˘ www.kehs.org.uk No.1 School in the Midlands Sunday Times 2013

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