Families Birmingham Solihull and Sutton Coldfield March/April 2012

FRE

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE #1 MARCH-APRIL 2012 ISSUE 8

E

R

Birmingham and Solihull

R

Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

HARBORNE-MSBOOKKEEPING

Accounts Preparations, VAT Returns, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

Tel: 0121 4282684 Mob: 07823550041 Email: msbookkeeping@talktalk.net 2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Stumped by science?HARBORNE-MSBOOKKEEPING Supernanny to Tel: 0121 777 4902 the rescue Easter A to Z

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

Ofsted Outstanding

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Accounts Preparations, VAT Returns, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

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

Tel: 0121 4282684 Mob: 07823550041 Email: msbookkeeping@talktalk.net

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Stumped by science?

Ofsted Outstanding Supernanny to the rescue Tel: 0121 777 4902 Easter A to Z

2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for 3+

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

Contents

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

In this Issue...

5

3 News 4 What mums

really want!

5 Clubs and classes 8 Stumped by science?

10 Supernanny to the rescue 12 Easter A to Z 14 What’s on

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

8 10

Next Issue:

Advertisers: book your space now for our May/June issue.

Call 0758 352 6056

or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday, April 6.

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk

16 Brain tumour research

Wendy Flynn , Editor, Families Birmingham & Solihull

Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham and Solihull, March 2012

14

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.

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Classes in Solihull, Knowle, Hockley Heath & Wythall NOW BOOKINGEaster holiday football camps Approved football training for kids aged 2 to 7 years

Rugby-based, fun activity classes for kids aged 3 to 5 years old.

Classes in Birmingham and Solihull

07807 297 511

www.rugbymonkeys.co.uk 2

Issue 8

For a free trial class or information about our football parties please call

0121 744 9730

Local classes at a venue near you

Where learning’s a ball rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

News

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

Children’s Lives

Activities cost £2 per child and if you pick up a family activity loyalty card after 4 visits, the fifth activity is free.

How life has changed for children! Many mums will remember growing up at a time when there was more freedom, more play, less technology and far less traffic. But how has life changed for children through the centuries?

Take a family outing to the Children’s Lives exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from March 23 for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of children past and present and their experiences of home, school and community.

The exhibition features wonderful black and white documentary photography taken by Bill Brandt for Cadbury’s in the 1930’s and 40’s and campaign photography by Nick Hedges for the Shelter campaign in the 1970’s. See scenes from Bournville, Sparkhill, Cannon Hill Park, Harborne and the Black Country. There are also paintings by artists including Gainsborough, Reynolds, Rossetti, and Picasso; artefacts, toys and film. The final room of the exhibition featuring children of today has been curated by pupils from Waverley School in Small Heath and Four Dwellings School in Quinton. Definitely worth a visit – and runs until June.

As well as craft activities, children will also enjoy Music in the Gardens at the bandstand. The music programme runs every Sunday and bank holidays from April to October. To download the Family Activity Programme or find out about membership: www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Slainte (Cheers!)

Have your shamrock at the ready for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade taking take place in Birmingham on Sunday 11th March.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all our readers and may the luck of the Irish be with you.

Canny canines Spring into action at the Gardens An annual family membership which allows free access to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens all year round costs just £62 - and with the Gardens extending their family activities programme so children will never tire of visiting, this sounds like a great deal.

The decision to add to its regular Sunday afternoon family programme with new events at half term and school holidays comes in response to parents who want fun family outings that don’t break the bank.

The 2012 activities programme includes many of the old favourites – pond dipping, recycled musical instruments; and herb planting - as well as new workshops in African, Indian and rainforest crafts.

Crufts dog show will be the place to be for canine pet-lovers as 22,000 dogs – and 200 pedigree breeds – take part in the show at the NEC on March 8-11. There are over 400 display stands; a dog activity ring where you can find out how to unleash your dog’s potential, and a good citizen dog training programme. Under 8s free.

Child first day nursery

...we have dedication to education

TUITIOS N MATH

11+GCSE’s

G

VERBAL REASONIN

ONING

NON-VERBAL REAS

SCIENCES

ENGLISH LANGUAGES 58 or email please call 0121 454 28 For more information ence.org.uk info@academicexcell ase call or email: ple you To find a class near demicexcellence.org.uk www.aca MOB 07543 668261 | TEL 0121 454 2858 |

Childcare and a whole lot more

Drop in anytime and see – 3 months to 5 years 0121 788 8148 • solihull@childfirst.co.uk www.childfirst.co.uk • Cooks Lane B37 6NZ Issue 8

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Mother’s Day

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

What mums really want Psst, dads – want to know what mum really wants for Mothers’ Day? Here are some ideas to show her how much you care.

A family gathering

Mothering Sunday was originally a day-off from Lent, when servants were allowed to travel home to see their mums, and have a slap-up dinner together. Traditional presents were flowers and cakes – and you won’t go too far wrong if you stick to tradition. What mum doesn’t love having the family all around one table, with cake and flowers thrown in? But mum’s not making the feast, or doing the washing up – oh no. Book her favourite restaurant or pub, or make the meal yourself - and make sure you wash up afterwards.

Time to herself

This is one thing we mums often crave more than anything, so organise her some proper “me time”. Book her a spa day or indulge her hobby (yoga/ writing/crafts/cookery) with a weekend course. If she doesn’t get to see her closest friends enough, maybe you could secretly liaise with them and organise a weekend away? You’ll be rolling in Brownie points after any of these.

Personalised works of art

If home is where your woman’s heart is, then a few personal touches to beautify it won’t go far wrong. Book a portrait session for the whole family with a great local photographer (eg Abby Wilkes 07966 867306), or find a local service that turns an existing photo into a fantastic artwork. What woman could resist a framed print of her wedding day as a romantic gesture?

Something really unique

With a little planning ahead, you and the kids can present mum with a truly unique and handmade creation. Take the children’s fingerprints or hand or foot casts, and have them made into pictures, keepsakes or jewellery – there are lots of places that do this now (eg Smallprint – call Sarah on 07950 832 054). Alternatively, take the kids to a pottery painting shop (eg Paint a Pot at Notcutts Garden Centre) and have a great time making a personalised plate, mug or vase that mum will treasure forever.

Time with you, alone

Chances are, since the kids came along, life’s been a little (or a lot) less romantic. Mothers’ Day is the perfect time to put this right, with a hotel reservation slipped inside the card and the grandparents on standby for next weekend. Happy days all round.

Whatever you decide, we hope every mum has a wonderful Mothers’ Day!.

By Gabrielle Starkey

Grasshoppers Day • Ages 3 months to 5 years Nurseries • Small group sizes

8.00am to 6.00pm Loving,• Open caring and quality • Mature qualified staff childcare in homely • Home cooked meals settings

• Ofsted approved • CCTV and Door-entry security Day Nursery • Grant Funding processed Schools • Teachers specializing in Quality Pre-School Music, Dance & French Education Erdington 0121 384 8096 (subject to- availability) and Care Edgbaston - 0121 455 6026 Open 7.00am – 6.15pm Harborne - 0121 427 5040 106 Wake Green Road 19 Woodland Road, Open 7.30am – 6.15pm Moseley, B13 9PZ. 4 0121-449-3673 Issue 8 Tel:

Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 8.00am 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

Clubs and Classes

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

Fans of ‘little piplings’ love YogaBugs

D

oes your ‘cheebie’ tune into Waybuloo and copy the ‘little piplings’ yogo moves?

Then he or she will love YogaBugs classes where they can enjoy some real live ‘yogo’ action. YogaBugs founder Nell Lindsell was the yoga consultant to the hit TV show!

At YogaBugs classes children are Superheroes who encounter a different adventure every week – whether it is a Super Sonic Space Mission or an Underwater Mermaid Adventure. The yoga postures are incorporated into the story, and at the end of the class there is a relaxation session where children learn breathing techniques and visualisation.

Michelle Best, the YogaBugs franchisee in Birmingham, says: “Children love coming to our classes and having a Superhero adventure and there are lots of other benefits too. Yoga is a great physical exercise and it has been shown to have a calming effect on children, reducing their stress levels and increasing their concentration spans.”

Michelle holds classes for MegaBugs (3-5); MightyBugs (2-3) and MiniBugs (2 years) at the Rowheath Pavilion in Bournville on Friday mornings, and at the Layca Centre in Shirley on Monday mornings. A new class is also planned for Solihull from March, and more venues will be added soon.

For more information call Michelle on 0845 863 0691.

Match of the day Club Futsal is inviting Birmingham and Solihull football clubs or individual players to join them at the Ricoh Arena for the Coventry City V Doncaster game.

The football fans will be taken on a tour of the stadium and take part in a parade around the pitch before the match kicks off, while some youngsters will get the chance to form a guard of honour as the players leave the tunnel.

Club Futsal is also organising a futsal tournament for ages 5-16 in Birmingham in July. Each team will play nine games of 6 minutes with trophies for the winners and runners up. For more information on either event, contact Paul Holmes, Club Futsal Director, on 077455 65745.

New classes for September in the Sutton Coldfield area

YB-MB-AD-090212.pdf

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09/02/2012

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h c a o c rts e heatre A g T a St

Stretch Your Child’s Imagination In Three Directions At Once The original, largest and still the best part-time performing arts schools in the world.

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

Stagecoach Edgbaston Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls for children and young people aged 4 to 18

Call: 01926 651159 email: edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

CE! AC

DAN SING!

T NOW!

Issue 8

5

Summer Clubs andFun Classes

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

Guitar, Bass, Drum Lessons 7-19 years Vocal lessons for over 11’s 2 Hour sessions including stage time.

CRB cleared Staff, great fun.

RockSchool grades.

Tel: 0845 226 3318 www.therockproject.com

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY Explore your creativity!

To advertise here call 0758 352 6056

DANCE & DRAMA

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

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

PYJAMA DRAMA TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL

MUSIC

Drama for creative little people, 6 months -7 years Sing, dance,City pretend, 1-to-1 drum tuition, Centre play. location Callgrades Kate on 0363 Rock School 1-8.0800 Ages542 4 upwards. or e-mail: kate@pyjamadrama.com Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk

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

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

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

PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC Early learning through music Baby, toddler and pre-school classes Call 0121 711 4224 for nearest class www.rhythmtime.net

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Issue 8

Does your child have a good imagination and do they love to write? Explore Learning, which recently opened a new maths and English centre in Kings Heath, launches its National Young Writers Award 2012 for year 3 upwards this April and May. Last year children were asked to write an adventure story, and this year … the plot thickens. As we go to press, details of the 2012 writing challenge have not yet been released, but log onto www.explorelearning.co.uk later this month and all will be revealed. Tutors from the Centre are offering free creative writing workshops and assemblies to schools to fire up children’s creative processes and get them in the mood for writing.

Explore Learning offers a variety of individually tailored courses in maths and English for ages 5-14, and an 11+ preparation course.

The Centre has just launched Explore Writing, a unique creative writing course designed to inspire even the most reluctant of writers! Later this month it introduces Succeed in Secondary, a course aimed at year 6 and secondary school pupils, helping children to develop research and presentation skills. To find out more about the courses or book a free trial session call 0121 6617 409 or email kingsheath@explorelearning.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Studio Opening When the recession began to bite many businesses ditched their investment plans, but Bev Drew of Planet Dance had the confidence to forge ahead with hers.

Two years later that confidence has paid off as Planet Dance moves into its own premises in Solihull, which has two dance studios complete with sprung wooden floors, mirrors and ballet bars.

“It was a big project and there were times over the past two years when I wondered whether we would ever reach our goal, but now that we have come through to the other side, I know the hard work has been worth it,” says Bev. Since launching in 2004, Planet Dance has been using different halls and studios to hold its dance classes, but as they expanded Bev wanted her own base.

The programme of classes includes drama, ballet, street dance, breakdance, tap, freestyle, ballroom and Latin, but having their own studios is opening up new possibilities.

“We can look at expanding to cover other areas of dance and fitness – contemporary, musical theatre, cheerleading, … “ says Bev, who, after the successful completion of one project, is clearly looking to her next.

Edgbaston High School

ClubsSummer and Classes Fun Drum School Juniors Birmingham Drum School has a dedicated junior room with two ‘mini drum kits’ with 18 inch bass drums and 13 inch snare drums – just right for little people.

Drum School Juniors caters for 4-8 year olds and Tim Tandler says: “It’s great to see very young drummers starting out and almost straight away playing a basic beat and counting time!

“We have developed ideas that will aid many basic skills needed to play many instruments - counting, coordination (using right and left hands), establishing a practice routine, reading basic notes and rhythms and the ability to focus on a given task.”

For more information on drum lessons for all ages from 4, contact Tim on 0121 503 5849.

Surge in interest in elocution lessons Having elocution lessons appears to be a hot new trend as people seek to ditch their regional accents which they perceive are holding them back in a competitive market.

A report by the online Tutor Pages site says that relative to the number of tutors, there were more inquiries for elocution lessons than for any other subject area last year.

People in Birmingham and the West Midlands head the list of those unhappy with the sound of their own voice and generated the most number of inquiries. Among academic subjects, secondary science and maths were the most sought-after subjects, while piano tuition was the most sought-after of all the musical instruments.

Edgbaston High School’s £3.5 million development project was officially opened by the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Brown, president of the school’s governing council.

CLUB FUTSAL UK The new wing DO YOU WANT TO BE THE NEXT MESSI? accommodates an AGES 3+ BOYS AND GIRLS extended library, a TO BOOK CALL PAUL 07745 56 57 45 state of the art Sixth WWW.CLUBFUTSALUK.CO.UK OR EMAIL CLUBFUTSALUK@AOL.COM Form Centre and £20 PER MONTH FUTSAL COACHING CENTRES new classrooms.

BIRMINGHAM FUTSAL ARENA WEDNESDAY 5PM-7PM The school’s new SOLIHULL COLLEGE THURSDAY 5PM-6PM Fitness Suite APR APRIL 21st COVENTRY CITY V DONCASTER was opened by All Children Price in Price Includes - Parade the pitch before game - Guard of honour Dame Kelly Holmes in September.

Gro Group photos - Enjoy the Game - Ticket Price £15 Child + £20 Adult Book Online EHS was founded in 1876 and CLUBFUTSALUK TOURNAMENT @ B’HAM FUTSAL ARENA JULY 7TH now has 950 pupils.

It caters CLUBFUT TOURNAMENT + E TOURNAMENT + EXPO FOR INDIVIDUALS + TEAMS £10 PER PERSON (TEAMS OF 7+2 COACH’S £100) for children from nursery right SOCCER CAMPS IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS through to sixth form. £15 PER DAY OR £60 PER WEEK VARIOUS VENUES AVAILABLE

May bank holiday family fun Get your feet moving and your fingers creating as International Dance Festival Birmingham’s Family Weekend returns on 5 - 7 May. Cannon Hill Park and Age 2.5 to school MAC will be taken over by award winning dance Free places for 3 and 4 year olds companies with spectacular outdoor performances, participatory workshops Breakfast Club and and crafts. Activities will After-school Club take place every day, including treasure hunts, impromptu performances, music processions, dance workshops and art workshops. Australian choreographer Shaun Parker Pick up and drop offtakes over the playground ALL local primary schools with his World Premiere of Spill - kids will love it and Tel: Andrea on 077329 08194 grown-ups will too!

Vivian Road Pre-school Harborne Kids Club

Maths & English tuition Inspiring tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities!

Confidence

New skills

Enthusiasm Explore Learning centres provide unique tuition that will meet the individual needs of your child.

Book your free trial session today!

Kings Heath - 0121 6617 409 Visit our centre on Alcester Road South, Birmingham

www.explorelearning.co.uk

Issue 8

7

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Parents stumped

W

hat on earth? Children are curious about life, the universe and pretty much everything.

Why is the moon sometimes out in the day?

Why is the sky blue? How do aeroplanes stay up in the sky?

The chances are if you are a parent you have been asked these questions by curious children, but how many of us were able to answer them?

A nationwide survey by the Big Bang Science Fair who polled more than 2,000 parents found that 2 in 3 of us were stumped by the science behind the questions and failed to answer correctly. Shamefully, instead of owning up and researching it along with the kids, many of us sneakily pretended nobody knew or even worse made up the answers! Sounds familiar?

Now you have the chance to make amends by taking the family along to the Big Bang Science Fair at the NEC on March 17, where learning science is fun and fascinating -and what’s more it’s FREE to attend.

You will be doing your children a favour (the poll found that science and maths tops the subjects their children enjoy most), and fuelling their enthusiasm for science, maths and technology will almost certainly help their future career prospects. As for us adults – we might catch the science bug ourselves and next time the kids come up with a conundrum, we will be better placed to look it up rather than fobbing them off.

The Science Fair will engage all ages - as well as exhibitions and theatre shows there are interactive workshops exploring the science behind everyday life.

Workshops fill up fast so register for free tickets online at www. thebigbangfair.co.uk if you don’t want to miss out.

A full programme is available online but here we give you a sample to tickle your tastebuds.

Top Questions To find a list of top ten questions asked by kids which puzzle parents log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Psst! We also give you the answers. So next time you want an answer for: ‘Why is water wet? Will we ever find aliens? What makes the colours of the rainbow?’ you will know where to look. Thanks to the Big Bang Team for coming to the rescue and explaining the Science.

1. “Why is the moon sometimes out in the day?”

Basically it’s visible because it’s just another object being lit by the sun. So when it’s in the right place we can see it. The moon is orbiting the Earth around once every 28 days. You can’t see it during the day if it’s right between us and the sun because the back of it, which isn’t lit up by the sun, is pointed towards us. If the moon is around 45 degrees or even 90 degrees off the sun then half of it will be lit up brightly. Then the surface of the moon is about as bright as the surface of the Earth is.

2. “Why is the sky blue?”

If you’re stuck on this one, then you’re in good company – it even stumped Aristotle and Isaac Newton. White sunlight is really a lot of different colours of light mixed together. Light passing through the sky bounces off particles in the air and some colours of light travel through air and dust better than

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Issue 8

others. The blue light gets bounced around the most, so whatever direction you look at you see a blue colour.

3. “How do aeroplanes stay in the air?”

Lots of things that go up into the air can’t stay there, such as a ball you throw, because gravity pulls the object back down. Aeroplanes, however, are different. A plane is able to fly when its upward and forward forces are stronger than its downward and backward pulls. The forward pull of a plane comes from its engine, which gives it power to move – and that force must be bigger than the backward push it receives from the air in front of it. The upward lift of a plane is created thanks to the special curved shape of a plane’s wings. The way air flows over and under the curved wing is what allows a plane to lift up, up, and away. Planes are able to stay in the air because they have more upwards lift than the natural downward pull of gravity! Although it’s a bit more complicated: think about this, planes fly upside down.

Free and fun science resources for children, teachers and parents: www.planet-science.com; Science on the bbc www.bbc.co.uk/science

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

by Science Bang Goes The Theory Live (Show suitable for all ages) Bang Goes the Theory is for anyone who is remotely curious about life, the universe and pretty much everything. The best science lets you try, find out and prove things for yourself. You can join the team – live – as they hit the stage to test, stretch, explain and experiment with science and how it shapes the world around us.

Rollercoasters and relativity with Alton Towers (Workshop for ages 7-16 ) Discover how the combination of gravity and speed affects you on a rollercoaster -from velocity, acceleration, energy and friction to centrifugal and centripetal forces.

Understand that unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate or decelerate; examine the ways in which frictional forces affect motion; understand how to determine the speed of a moving object and be able to use the quantitative relationship between speed, distance and time.

(Phew, it’s enough to leave you breathless!).

How to make millions of chocolate bars in a day (Farm to Fork zone ages 7–19) Chocolate is more than just delicious, it is packed full of science!

At the NestlĂŠ stand get an insight into the incredible manufacturing

How to save the planet in 60 minutes (Ideas Factory Stage – ages 7-16) Join Dr Ken on his one wheel energy saving vehicle in his bid to save money and mankind. Dr Ken challenges his audience to take action to save the planet. His show presents the serious issues of global warming in an exciting, dynamic and fun way. Although Dr Ken will be talking rubbish he will be making sense of carbon reduction, saving water, preserving resources, recycling and creative green transport.

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Classroom Casualty (Body Talk zone suitable for all ages)

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The Classroom Medics activities are suitable for all ages and provide a unique experience to use real medical equipment and see how your body works. Activities include measuring your lung volume and discovering your lung age; recording your temperature with a laser thermometer, measuring oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter and using an otoscope to video your ear drum and see it on a big screen!

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11+ Exams are only 6 months away Give your child the confidence to pass the 11+ %FUBJMFE EBJMZ FYBN RVFTUJPOT DPWFSJOH .BUIT t &OHMJTI t 7FSCBM t /PO 7FSCBM

Is your child ready for the 11+?

Personalised course for your child

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment:

Free

Assessment 0800 854 714 kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

)*() 4$)00- GPS (*3-4

process, from roasting the cocoa beans to how the chocolate is tempered, moulded and shaped into the nation’s favourite, Kit Kat. Some lucky people will get the chance to get involved and create a chocolate bar. YUM!

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to unlock your child’s potential, building their confidence and independent study skills.

Handsworth Wood 0121 240 1596 Harborne 0121 427 3007 Great Barr 0121 378 2130 Smethwich and Moseley 0121 426 5090

& % ( # " 4 50 /

4VDDFTTGVMMZ VTFE CZ 1000s of children Dedicated 11+ Tutor Every question timed to improve speed

Call us now 0121 733 6558 or visit www.ksol.co.uk/wf Issue 8

  9 

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Supernanny

S

ally Oakey is a bundle of energy, unflagging and unflappable. So she relishes the challenge of helping parents who feel they are losing the battle on the home-front and need some reinforcements.

The flash points for many parents who call on Sally for support are sleeping and eating.

Sally says “The people who contact me with sleep issues, when their children won’t go to bed or constantly get up at night, are usually very tired and desperate. I go into their home and watch the interaction between the parent and child and make suggestions about what might help.

“I stay for a few evenings and guide them through while they are getting the child into a new routine. Then – just like Jo Frost Supernanny – I go away and let the parents get on with it. A short while afterwards I come back to check that everything is going to plan or if anything needs altering, and I work like that until the situation is resolved.

Each child is different so it is a case of finding out what works best for an individual child, but it usually doesn’t take too long to crack it.”

Sally was once called on by Helen, a mum at her wits end with her 3-year-old daughter Ellie who was using every delaying tactic imaginable to put off going to bed, and was then constantly getting out of bed and going downstairs.

“Ellie was very stubborn and her mum, who was working fulltime, was exhausted. At times it was 11pm before she got her daughter to sleep and she hadn’t even managed to have tea.”

By spending time with Helen and Ellie, Sally sensed what was going on: “A lot of the little girl’s behaviour was about a change of routine. Her Dad had started a new job and was working away during the week and her mum was managing on her own and felt more stressed.

Ellie had picked up on this and felt insecure – so although she had never been great about bedtimes, it was making the situation a whole lot worse. She was worried her mum might go away too.

“For the first few nights every time she came downstairs we didn’t talk to her, tell her anything or

Children’s Behaviour 4 week course

For Happy Confident Children Phone Ruth; 07929 047110

E-mail: childbehaviour@hotmail.co.uk

www.childbehaviourdirect.com 10

Issue 8

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

Parenting

to the rescue promise her anything – we just put her back to bed. But she wasn’t falling for that and got up over and over again. We must have put her back to bed 30 or 40 times a night, so we decided to re-evaluate for the second week.

“We bought some fairy lights for her room and told her that either Helen or I would sit in her room, not talking, just sitting. Gradually over a week we moved closer to the door until by the end of the first week we were sitting outside on the top stair. It was completely exhausting but at least Helen could see that we were getting somewhere.

“Ellie was a real girly, girl and loved the idea of the fairy lights and the fairies looking after her, and she felt more secure. That was the key to this. She knew her mum wasn’t going anywhere and she felt safe again.

“Looking back at those three weeks it seems like no time at all to resolve sleep issues, but at the time it was very wearing for Helen so it helped to have someone there who had been through it before and could offer reassurance.”

From experience Sally knows many behaviour issues can be sorted with a simple change of routine. Another family asked for help with their toddler Amy who refused to eat – or if she did eat anything, it had to be pasta. Amy’s antics pushing food around and leaving her place were causing mayhem for her mum Julie, but once again by watching what was going on between mother and daughter, Sally found a simple solution.

Sally’s top tip When a child shouts, a parent often shouts back. Next time this happens, speak QUIETLY. It’s a surefire way of quietening a shouting child. They pause to listen because they want to know what you are saying, and without knowing they will lower their voice too, giving you the chance to restore calm.

We can provide a complete and professional service that meets all your nannying and childcare needs: - Day nannies - Live-in nannies - Night nannies - Maternity nurses - Breast-feeding support - Babysitters - Before and after school care - Corporate and event nanny services

Simply call us on 08000 194518 or go to www.sallysnannies.co.uk

1,500

“Julie had told Amy she must stay at the table until she had finished eating which meant the little girl felt under a lot of pressure, but Julie never sat down with her herself as she was rushing around doing chores or cleaning the kitchen. Refusing to eat was Amy’s way of getting her mum’s attention.

“Instead for the first week Julie and I sat at the table to eat with Amy and talked with her about the day. She began to follow our lead because she enjoyed having her Mum’s attention, and we gradually began to introduce new foods to the dinner menu.”

Sally, who has now started up her own nanny agency, is passionate about helping and supporting parents.

“Children grow up so quickly. You want to be able to look back and remember how good it was – not look back and remember how much you dreaded bed times or meal times. Parents should be able to enjoy their children and I like helping them do that.”

Sally’s Nannies provides: day nannies, night nannies, live-in nannies; Super Nanny services, breast-feeding support, maternity nurses; before and after school care; event nannies; and babysitters.

Tel: 08000 194518 Names of parents and children mentioned in this piece have been changed.

If a rewarding job with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Carolyn Rose today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Carolyn’s children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolyn.rose1@tesco.net I ssue 8

11

Easter Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The A to Z of Easter activities

C

ome rain or shine we offer you an A to Z of Easter activities so you won’t be stuck for ideas for family outings with the children over the Easter school holidays.

A is for adventure

Head for Acker’s adventure outdoor centre in Sparkhill, or Adventure Island mini golf at Star City.

B is for botany and butterflies

Croft children’s Farm, Kingsbury; Ash End House Children’s Farm near Tamworth; or Hatton Farm in Warwickshire.

command centre at Laserquest, Star City, and learn of your mission to capture alien bases and save the world.

G is for gardening

M is for Museum

Get your garden ready for summer with a trip to Notcutts Garden Centre, Shirley, where children can paint a pot and enjoy the pet and aquatic centre too. Mooch around Plantasia Maze world and wild walk at Dobbies Garden Centre, near Atherstone, or visit Akamba Garden Centre in Solihull for an exotic African experience.

H is for hills

Ramble around Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston or the Butterfly farm in Stratford on Avon.

C is for canals

Catch a canal boat ride at Sherborne Wharf in the City Centre, or explore the underground limestone caverns by boat at Dudley Canal Trust.

D is for dens and dungeons

I is for Imax and Ice-skating

See a film on the largest screen in the West Midlands at the Imax, or go slip sliding away at Blue Ice rink in Solihull or The Leisure Box in Birmingham.

P is for Presenting

Present the news or record your own sports commentary at BBC West Midlands Public Space at the Mailbox. Or book a tour and see behind the scenes.

Visit Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, or have some fun at Jitterbugs in Blackheath with its soft play, slides, climbing walls, and mini motorised motorbikes on their own tracks for tiny tots.

E is for Easter and egg hunts

K is for Karting

F is for fun on the farm

Go karting with the kids (ages 8 and up) at an indoor circuit with Teamworks Karting at Fazely Street in Birmingham or an outdoor Karting circuit at Birmingham Wheels on Adderley Road South.

L is for Laser

See spring lambs and Easter chicks at Umberslade Farm Park, Solihull; Broomey

For an action packed outing enter troop

Pre School Activities

MINI MONKEYS Tuesday & Thursday

WEDNESDAY Parent & toddler group MUSIC WITH TRACEY! 10am–12noon & 1pm–3pm Music and movement – a Role play, dressing up, lively session that is bound to get your little ones up and FREE squash and biscuits for every dancing 10.45am – 11.30am child.

FRIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS-lots of messy fun 10am – 12noon

... but sit in the sun and read a book. Bliss.

Test your skills at some Olympic sports – sailing, fencing, archery, canoeing and kayaking – with Edgbaston Watersports and Bearcreek Adventures.

Build a tribal den at Brueton Park in Solihull or delve into past history with a trip to the Dungeons at Tamworth Castle or Warwick Castle.

Join a traditional Cadbury’s-sponsored Easter egg hunt at Birmingham Back to Backs, Coughton Court in Warwickshire or the Rock Houses in Kinver.

N is for nothing to do O is for Olympics

Go fly a kite and have a bracing walk on the Clent or Malvern Hills.

J is for Jewellery Quarter and Jitterbug play

… and a not-to-be missed exhibition of Children’s Lives at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which charts childhood from the 18th Century to present day with a striking collection of paintings, documentary photography, moving images and objects.

Q is for quizzical

Take a trip to Think Tank to find the answer to all those Science questions.

R is for rock climbing

Try Creation Leisure in Moseley, Redpoint Climbing Centre at Cecil Street, or Twin Peaks indoor climbing centre at Star City.

S is for Stately Homes

Blakesley Hall, in Yardley; Ragley Hall in Alcester and Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire – are all within easy striking distance.

Edgbaston Watersports Adventurous Learning for all, in the Heart of Birmingham

Awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) quality badge for adventure sports.

FREE

ENT

MONDARY THURS Y & DAY!*

Follow us on

*Term time only

Call 0121 454 1997 for further information www.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk

12

Issue 8

Easter Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

T is for Theatre

See Diversity Dance group in action at the NIA; Peppa Pig, and My First Sleeping Beauty Ballet at Alexandra Theatre; Cbeebies at LG Arena; Tiddler and Other Tales at the Old Rep; and the Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Town Hall on various dates during the Easter break.

U is for Underwater

It’s an underwater world at the Sealife Centre in Birmingham.

V is for Vintage train

Forget the highspeed rail link and take a step back in time on the East Midland Rambler excursion from Tyseley to Leicester on a good, old-fashioned steam train (April 14).

W is for Waterpark

Waterworld in Stoke on Trent offers an indoor tropical aquapark with water-rides, slides and flumes. Closer to home visit Kingsbury Waterpark, Warwickshire, with its 15 lakes set in 600 acres of country park. Stroll,

cycle, explore and enjoy wildlife in the great outdoors.

X is for

… whatever you want it to be.

Y is for Yellow

See the yellow mongoose and yellow capuchin at Dudley Zoo.

Z is for Zebra

... at the West Midlands Safari Park.

Log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Log onto www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk for weblinks to all attractions listed.

BIRMINGHAM

B OTANICAL G ARDENS

Westbourne Road Edgbaston B15 3TR an educational charity www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Sunday 8 April

Easter Egg Hunt Mar11 18

25 Apr 15

Bonsai Boot Sale Mothering Sunday

Mums free with paying children

Orchid Show Bonsai Demo

Flower

Shows Theatre Bands Free Family Activities Leisure learning and workshops

Beautiful Gardens - 7000 Plants - Birds Glasshouses - Gift Shop - Gallery - Tea Room

OPEN DAILY 0121 454 1860

FAM03 Issue 8

13

What’s On

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

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Based on the book by Judith Kerr.

Venue: Town Hall, Birmingham, B3 3DQ Date: April 3-7 and April 17-19 Times: April 3-7 11am and 1.30pm; April 17 1pm; April 18-19 10.30am and 1pm Tickets: £10.50 To Book: 0121 345 0600

pedigree breeds Venue: LG Arena, NEC, B40 1NT Date: March 8-11 Time: 8.15am-7.30pm Tickets: from £10 and Best in Show from £17.50. UNDER 8 FREE .

To Book: 0844 338 0338

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Birmingham’s Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade Date: March 11 FREE EVENT. www.birmingham.gov.uk/whatson.

Diversity

THEATRE & SHOWS MAC Arts

Fevered Sleep – The Forest -Contemporary dance theatre (March 7-11):Theatre na Nog – Aesop’s Fables (March 18); Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals (April 2); Misunderstood Monster, April 4; Innocence (April 9-11) Venue: MAC, , Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH To Book: 0121 446 3232

Vibrant dance group with eye-catching, diverse routines with music from classical to hip hop.

Venue: LG Arena Date: April 7 Time: 2.30 and 7.30pm Tickets: £21.50 and £29.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Chinese State Circus – Yin Yang

Venue: Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DS Date: April 8 and 9 Time: 7.30pm; and 2.30pm Monday matinee Tickets: £15-£31 To Book: 0844 871 7627

Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt

Peppa, George and Danny dog have some fun and games on a day out on Grand-dog’s boat.

Venue: Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DS Date: April 11 and 12 Time: 10am; 1 and 4pm Tickets: £13.50-£20 To Book: 0844 871 7642

Disney on Ice – Princesses and Heroes

A youth ballet for talented dancers aged 8-18 who have auditioned for a year’s course of tuition culminating in this Sleeping Beauty Show.

Venue: Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street Date: March 16 and 17 Time: 7.30pm; 2pm Sat matinee Tickets: £14 and concessions £12 To Book: 0121 643 5858

X Factor Live

Venue: LG Arena Date: March 24 and 25 Tickets: £32.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Spamalot

Hilarious Monty-Python comedy suitable for ages 8 and over Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DS Date: March 26-31 Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £14.50-£38.50 To Book: 0844 871 3011

The Tiger who came to tea

14

Issue 8

My first Sleeping Beauty Ballet

An enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies, fun for the whole family.

Venue: Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DS Date: April 21 and 22 Time: Sat 11am; 2 and 5pm; Sun 11am and 3.00pm Tickets: £10-£25 To Book: 0844 871 7627

Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice Tour

TV show spin off. At the show the audience will get the chance to text in their votes to select the ice-skating duo who will perform the Bolero.

Venue: LG Arena, NEC, B40 1NT Date: April 27-29 Time: 7.30pm; 2.30pm Sat matinee; 1.30pm Sun Tickets: £32.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Family Activities at the Gardens

JLS

Midland Theatre Ballet – Sleeping Beauty

(CBSO). Craft activity with Pumpkin Arts an hour before each performance Venue: CBSO Centre, Berkley Street Date: April 21 Time: 11am; 1.30 and 3.30pm Tickets: £7.50; Any group of 4 £25 To Book: 0121 345 0491

OUT AND ABOUT

Join Ariel, Jasmin and Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, and Rapunzel for this ice skating spectacular Venue: NIA, King Edwards Road, B1 2AA Date: March 14-18 Time: 7pm Wed-Fri; 11am, 2.45pm and 6.30pm Sat and Sun Tickets: from £14 To Book: 0844 338 8000 Popular boy band in concert Venue: LG Arena, NEC, B40 1NT Date: March 16 and 17 and April 17 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £25-£32.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Star Gazing

CBeebies Live

Mr Tumble, postman Pat and Jess; Andy Day; Balamory’s PC Plum and Lazy Town’s Stephanie and Spartacus – live on stage.

Venue: LG Arena Date: April 13 Time: 2pm and 5pm Tickets: Adults from £15; child from £12.50 and family from £50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Chris and Pui Roadshow

The Cbeebies double act are in town for some music, songs and games Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, B91 3RG Date: April 20 Time: 11am and 2pm Tickets: Adult £12 and child £10 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Tiddler and Other Tales

A theatre treat for ages 3 plus based on the book by children’s author Julia Donaldson.

Venue: The Old Rep Theatre Date: April 21 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: £7.50 and £4.50 To Book: 0121 245 4455

Notelets – Storytime

An informal, interactive, mini concert for 3-5 year olds and their family with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Sunday afternoon and holiday activities at Birmingham Botanical Garden including Animal plates (March 4); Mosaic Masterpieces (March 11); Fun Flowers (March 18) Fun with Foam Shapes (March 25) Paper Bells (April 1); Easter Holiday Fun (April 4, 8, 11 and 15) Bendy Bugs and Beasties (April 22) and Tissue Paper Blooms (April 29) Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, B15 3TR Time: March 12.30-3.30pm; April 1.304.30pm Tickets: Activity £2 per child.

Usual Garden entrance fee applies.

Annual Family Membership £62.

Musical picnic

A morning of musical entertainment for all the family. Watch, listen and join in with fun performances and activities with singer Nia Lynn and her trio.

Venue: Café Bar, Symphony Hall, B Date: March 3 Time: 10.30am Tickets: FREE EVENT.

Crufts dog show

Something for every dog lover with 200

Study the night sky with Knowle Astronomical Society. Wrap up warm and bring your own telescope if you have one.

Venue: Dorridge Park – meet at car park Date: March 13 Time: 7.30-9.30pm To Book: 0121 704 8000 (places limited).

Miniatura

Some childhood fascinations never leave us – such as dolls houses and all the tiny things that go into making a small world Venue: NEC B40 1NT Date: March 17, and 18 Time: 10am-5.30pm Sat; 10am-4.30pm Sun Tickets: Sat: £12 adults £6 children; Sun: £6 adults and £3 children To Book: 0844 338 8000

The Big Bang

UK Young Scientist and Engineer’s Fair where you can do everything from designing a solar powered water heater to exploring radioactivity. Book spaces for awe-inspiring theatre shows or hands on workshops Venue: NEC, B40 1NT Date: March 15-17; March 15 and 16 school groups only; March 17 family day Time: 9am-6pm Tickets: FREE EVENT To Book: Register for tickets at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

Children’s Book Sale

A treasure trove of old library stock on sale Venue: Centre for the Child, Central Library, Chamberlain Sq., B3 3HQ Date: March 17 Time10am-4pm

Mothers’ Day lunch

Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RT Mother’s Day lunch followed by a stroll around the gardens as it springs to life.

Date: March 18 Time: Open 11am-5.30pm To Book: Tel: 0121 415 8668.

Mothers’ Day Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea at the Edwardian Tea Room followed by a trip around the museum Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: March 18 Tickets: £17 adults; £8 child.

Prebooking essential.

To Book: 0121 415 8668

Sport Relief

Raise cash for Comic Relief by running 1, 3 or 6 miles with family or friends Venue: Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Blossomfield Road, Solihull Date: March 25 Time: 9.30am – 11.30am To register: www.sportrelief.com

Barber

Mum’s portrait, make a portrait of your Mum for Mothering Sunday – clay modelling (March 11); Mastercopies – learn how to copy a masterpiece (March 25); Print Your Own Money – Be a millionaire (April 29) Venue: Barber Institute, Uni of B’ham, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Time: 11.30am-1pm Tickets: £5 per child. Age: 4-11 Booking essential. To Book: 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org.uk

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Humpty Dumpty Easter Egg Hunt

Follow an egg-citing trail of clues around the Museum and win a chocolate egg Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: March 31-April 15 Time: 10.30am-5pm Tickets: £7.70 adult; £4 child and £19.80 family

Easter activities

Traditional Easter fun and games Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ Date: March 31-April 15 Tickets: £14.95 adults; children 5-16 £7.95 and family ticket £39.95 To Book: 0121 557 9643

Easter Fun

Curious Sounds in Curious Places

Experience the unusual side of sound and music as Symphony Hall becomes a laboratory of ear-opening sound experiments. Music performances and interactive family workshops. Watch a piano on mechanical tracks exit the building and come to rest at the nearby Pitcher and Piano pub!

Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad St., B1 2EA Date: April 7 Time: 12pm Tickets: FREE EVENT

Easter Craft Activities

Family fun day out with craft activities and seasonal food Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road Date: April 7 Time: 11am-5.30pm Tickets: £4.50 adult; £3.50 child: £14 family of 5.

Fun activities and treasure hunts for children at the largest complex of medieval buildings in Birmingham Venue: Saint Nicholas Place, 81 The Green, Kings Norton, B38 8RU Date: April 2-13 Tickets: £2.50 per session.

No booking needed.

Oliver

A children’s classic - the famous story of the boy who asked for more Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: March 13-April 21 Time: 7.30pm evenings; Matinees, 2pm Tickets: £18.50 and £52 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Easter activities

Easter trail blazers (age 2-4) April 2; Wacky Windsocks (4 plus) April 3; Easter Extravanganza, (all ages) April 4; Easter Bunnies (4 plus) April 5; Tribal Dens (4plus) April 10; Easter cards and chicks for tots, April 11; Easter Birds (4plus) April 12; Pond dipping for tots, April 13 Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Time: 10.30am-12pm Tickets: £4 per child or £3 members To Book: 0121 704 0768

Easter Egg and Bonnet decorating

Family activity – mastering the art of traditional egg decorating and easter bonnet making Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: April 4 and 5 Time: 10.30am-5pm Tickets: Entrance fee Adults £7.70; children£4 and family £19.80. £1 for materials

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter bunny has hidden clues around the park. Crack the code and win a prize – and you might even see the Easter bunny. Puppet shows, children’s rides, craft activities and other entertainment.

Venue: Elmdon Park, Tanhouse Farm Road Date: April 6 Time: 11am-3pm Tickets: Entry £2 per child, and a small charge for some attractions.

Cadburys Easter Egg hunt

Cadbury Easter Egg hunt at a National Trust property including Birmingham Back to Backs (April 8 and 9, 10.15am-3.30pm, £3.00 and normal admission charge); Clent Hills (April 7 and 8, 10am-3pm, £2.00) and Coughton Court (April 8 and 9, 11am-4pm, £2.50 and usual admission charge) Tickets: Back to Backs must be pre-booked Tel: 0121 666 7671 www.eastereggtrail.com

Victorian Household at Easter

Help the Victorian housekeeper as she does her daily chores, keeping servants and footmen in order. Join her on her strict inspection and witness the servants wait on the gentlefolk at afternoon tea. An Easter special at the Castle.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, Ladybank, Tamworth, B79 7NA Date: April 8 and 9 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm. Last admission 4pm Tickets: £6.50 adults; £4 child; £1 ages 2-4 and under 2 free.

Easter Bunnies

Search for the tiny rabbit hidden one of the Barber paintings – then make your own textile rabbit.

Interactive story-telling too.

Venue: Barber Institute, University of B’ham, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Date: April 9 Time: 11am-4pm FREE EVENT. No need to book.

Dizzy Duck Race

Pick a duck, wish it luck and watch race down the river. Prizes for top in race. Craft activities and fun for all family.

Venue: Babbs Mill, off Fordbridge Road, Kingshurst – meet at play area Date: April 11 Time: 11am-12.30pm Cost: £1 per entrant

in

it 3 the

Art Animal Tracks

Learn how to make a plaster cast of an animal footprint and take it home.

Venue: Dorridge Park Date: April 12 Time: 11am-1pm Tickets: £1 per entrant.

To Book: Pre-booking Essential.

Tel: 0121 704 8000

Scarecrow Making Day

Make your own scarecrow – family activity with a prize for the best creation.

Venue: Knowle Park Date: April 19 Time: 10.30am-12.30pm To Book: Pre-booking essential.

Tel: 0121 704 8000

St George’s Day at Tamworth Castle

Living history day with family activity trail, have a go archery, medieval joust and street entertainment Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NA Date: April 23 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm. Last admission 4pm Tickets: Adults £6.50; child £4; ages 2-4 £1; Under 2’s free Issue 8

15

Brain Tumour Research

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Did you know..

B

rain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other sort of cancer?

Every year 16,000 families in the UK hear the devastating news that someone they love has a brain tumour. Many of those patients will be dead within months, and fewer than 20 per cent will survive the next five years. But it need not be this way.

Fifty years ago less than 20 per cent of childhood leukaemia patients with the most common form of the disease lived more than 5 years – today almost 90 per cent do. That dramatic turnaround in survival rates could be possible with brain tumours, but it will only happen if money is raised for research.

Despite being the most deadly of cancers, brain tumour research receives less than 1 per cent of all the funds raised for cancer research – just 70p in every £100 raised. Now a concerted campaign is underway to raise public awareness and help fund the research that can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Trudy Shingler – a forensic psychologist (and beauty queen), married to Lea, and mum to 4-year-old Phoenix – died last year from an aggressive brain tumour. Only months before she had being enjoying life to the full, but her death was swift and brutal.

Initially the headaches and nausea she was getting were put down to an inner ear infection but within weeks she was taken to A and E where scans detected two brain tumours. Surgeons operated but the tumours grew back within 10 days.

Her Dad Mark recalls: “In November 2010 we were told she had only hours to live. Miraculously she pulled through that crisis but the

Reg charity no: 1093411

16,000

diagnosed with a

PUT A

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AD HE

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chemo didn’t work and the tumour continued to grow.

We were all absolutely devastated.

“She died at home in February – 4 months after her diagnosis. All the family were with her including her little boy Phoenix.

“We talk about her all the time and Phoenix understands that his Mummy is not around – that she is an angel in heaven. But when he gets upset he still cries for her and that is hard. If he sees a picture he will say ‘That’s Mummy’, but when he is feeling down, a picture can’t comfort him. He says: ‘But that’s not real’.”

Mark has set up Trudy’s Trust in memory of his daughter to raise funds for the charity Brain Tumour Research, and he is backing this campaign.

“When she died people were great, but they used say to me -‘I remember when my Mum or my Dad died.’ They meant well but it used to make me very angry because I would think – but it is not my mum or dad. It is my child. There is a difference.

That is not the natural order of things.”

PLEASE HELP: Help raise funds for brain tumour research by organising your own fundraising event or taking part in the Brain Tumour Research Wear a Hat day on March 30. Log on to www.braintumourresearch.org to find out how to take part.

Trudy’s Trust will be holding a family sponsored walk over Cannock Chase in June and a summer ball at the Ramada Hotel in Birmingham on June 23. The Trust needs to raise £1million for a brain tumour research centre. Log on to www.trudystrust.co.uk If you fundraise or donate to this campaign – please e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk and we will give you a shout out in our next issue.