Families 18 web

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 ISSUE 18

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Is your child shy?

Gifts that won’t lose their sparkle Bizzy Bitz as seen on Dragons’ Den Where to find Santa!

Tuition Plus

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Classes Moseley & Harborne

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Karate instruction in the Midlands area for children aged 4 and over

by Greg Hegarty 5th Dan, former British Champion

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Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

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Solihull Karate Academy For more information 07501

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Issue 18

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

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Contents In this Issue...

W

elcome to the November/December issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine. Hope you all had a wonderful Half Term break. Now, the countdown to Christmas begins … with thoughts of gifts, baubles, lights, snow, reindeer and Santa Claus uppermost in every child’s mind.

Of course, for mums it can be a teeny bit more stressful, all the preparations and the build up. Nevertheless, Christmas can be a wonderful family time and we have some suggestions for you for fab festive treats. As Father Christmas arrives in town, we offer you a guide to where you can catch up with him. And since no Christmas would be complete without a visit to the theatre, don’t forget to look in our what’s on pages for the best in Christmas shows. With Jack and the Beanstalk panto on at Solihull Arts Complex, A Christmas Carol at the Rep, Miracle on 34th Street at the New Alexandra Theatre, Tom’s Midnight Garden at the Old Rep Theatre, and Snow Dragon and Hansel and Gretel on at mac birmingham, there is a show for all ages and stages.

As for Christmas gifts, we suggest a few more unusual ones that won’t lose their sparkle before the holidays are out, and read all about Alta and Rachel Fogel, the entrepreneurs who appeared on Dragon’s Den, and are now set to take on the might of Lego with their patented construction toy Bizzy Bitz.

Speaking of dragons, what sort of a parent are you? Are you a dragon ready to flare up and go into battle to sort out your children’s problems? Joanna Moorehead suggests children do better when you hold your fire (see page 10).

Finally – is your child too timid for their own good? Read our article about how you can help your child overcome their shyness.

And with that, let the countdown begin to a very Merry Christmas for one and all.

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

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

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

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

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our January/February 2014 issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Monday, December 2.

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, November 2013.

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.

4 8 10 12 14 15 16 18

News Clubs and classes Let them fight their own battles Say goodbye to being shy Gifts that won’t lose their sparkle Can Bizzy Bitz blitz Christmas?

Where to find Santa What’s on

4 10 14 18

Tudor House

Preparation for Grammar School 11 Plus

All children in year 3 and year 4 should apply

Tel: 0121 709 1200

www.tudorhousetuition.co.uk Issue 18

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Science – the squishy and the stunning bits

W

hy don’t penguins get spots? Could picking your nose be dangerous? Why doesn’t the moon wander off? Could a 10-million-volt battery float over your head? And how long would it take for your heart to pump enough blood to fill the theatre?

Billy Miller has no idea what’s in store when he enters the crazy, awesome world of Horrible Science and soon he is under attack from beastly bacteria, vicious volts and foul fluids! Will he regain control before it’s too late?

Birmingham Stage Company, who successfully adapted Horrible Histories for theatre, are now back with a squishy new show – Horrible Science. Using actors and 3D Bogglevision (don’t ask), the show has the awful answers to the gruesome bits of science that kids will love. How can you survive the Bathroom of Doom and the Toothbrush of Terror - when in just a few hours one bacterium can produce 100 million copies of itself to infect your towel, flannel, toothbrush and even your hands! Or why do we produce 50,000 litres of spit in a lifetime – enough to fill 100 baths? Even confirmed science haters will love this show and it’s suitable for all children aged 6 plus.

It’s on at the Town Hall from December 3-7, with a 7pm performance on Friday evening and two Saturday shows at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets £12-£16. Call 0121 345 0600 to book.

Watch out too for Birmingham Stage Company’s Christmas show Tom’s Midnight Garden, based on the magical children’s story by Philippa Pearce. Strange things happen as Tom travels back in time to a secret garden from the past.

Don’t miss the show at the Old Rep where it runs for 12 weeks from November 13 to February 1. Tickets £12-£18.

Call 0121 245 4455.

Silver Jubilee A spectacular silver jubilee celebration is planned for Birmingham International Tattoo this year when military brass bands and other performers gather at the NIA for their annual performance.

More than 1,000 military musicians and marching bands will take part in two performances on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.

Babies, breadwinners and boardrooms Data from the Aviva Family Finances report suggests that women are the now the main breadwinners in one in three households – a rise of 80 per cent in the last fifty years.

However, household incomes are on average 28 per cent lower than in homes where the higher earner is male.

A separate survey by maternitycover.com discovered that the majority of women still feel their promotion prospects alter dramatically if they have children, and 1 in 3 women felt they were overlooked for promotion because they were of childbearing age. Sixty eight per cent of mothers surveyed earned less than they did before they had a child (perhaps because they work part time), with only five per cent earning more.

Many mums-to-be felt taking maternity leave made their job vulnerable to ambitious colleagues or redundancy. And 1 in 2 women admitted they would not be upfront about telling their employer they were pregnant if they were offered a new job or promotion.

4

Issue 18

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Foundation Fun wants feedback – can you help?

F

ormer headteacher and Ofsted Inspector Miralee Askew is looking for parents’ (or nurseries’) feedback on a fun playtime programme she has developed for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Nurseryphonics is playtime with a purpose - a combination of lively, interactive singing, movement and instrument playing with an emphasis on pure fun and enjoyment. The programme makes much use of rhythm and nursery rhymes, which have been shown to sow the seeds for future literacy success.

The fun programme has 3 elements - Building Bases (for babies) Sound Starters (1 year olds) and Firm Foundations for 2-3 year olds.

Miralee is now looking to ‘test drive’ Nurseryphonics and is offering FREE demonstration classes to any interested parent and toddler groups, nurseries or parents at home who are willing to give feedback on the classes so she can fine tune the programme.

If you can help, call Miralee on 07931 301765 or email: m.askew@blueyonder.co.uk.

Her website is www.foundationfun.com

Peppa Pig makes a Splash Children’s favourite Peppa Pig is back in Birmingham with a brand new show. The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fete to raise the money for Mr Bull to do the repairs and all Peppa’s family are on hand to support. There’s plenty of fun, including a Champion Puddle Jumping competition - childhood bliss. The show runs at the New Alexandra Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday November 12 and 13.

To book: 0844 871 3011

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Malcolm Stent

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available online!

Box Office: 0121 704 6962

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk Issue 18

5

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

It’s Panto time … oh yes, it is

I

f you have four generations of the same family laughing along at the same joke, you have a winning family show. And, that’s what comedian Malcolm Stent aims to achieve at his annual family pantomime at the Solihull Arts Complex.

This year the show is Jack and the Beanstalk. Join Jack, his mum, his friends, some farmyard animals, villagers, travelling players … oh and a very, very large man who lives up a very, very tall tree.

Beacham, John Partridge and Gary Wilmot as the Pantomime Dame.

Other pantomimes running at local theatres include Around the World in 80 Days at the Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, Robin Hood at Hall Green Little Theatre and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Sutton Arts Theatre. For a full round up of Christmas shows, see our What’s On guide or log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

This is a show for ages 3-103 – perfect for a family Christmas outing with comedy that will delight your child, and hilarious gags that parents will enjoy which won’t shock your Gran. With a swanky beanstalk, a loveable cow and lots of audience participation and silly singalongs, the show offers a traditional festive recipe for good fun. Booking is now open on 0121 704 6962, with early booking advised, especially for matinee performances during the school holidays.

The Hippodrome pantomime is Snow White and the seven Dwarfs with Gok Wan making a pantomime debut, along with Stephanie

Win a family ticket to A Christmas Carol Families magazine has a treat on offer for one lucky family – a visit to the newly refurbished Birmingham Repertory Theatre to see the muchloved classic, A Christmas Carol.

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket for A Christmas Carol on Friday, 29 November, 7.30pm, just log on to www.familiesbirmingham. co.uk and answer this question:

Dickens’ uplifting story is brought to life in this beautiful musical adaptation following the story of the meanest and most cold-hearted man in London, Ebenezer Scrooge. As the clock strikes midnight his world turns around when he is taken on a journey through the vivid and enchanting worlds of past, present and future.

Will Scrooge change his ways in time for Christmas Day?

Scrooge’s friend and business partner Jacob Marley is the ghost of…?

Victorian Evening and Father Christmas Catch up with Father Christmas and do some Christmas shopping at the Victorian Evening at Hoar Park craft centre (near Coleshill) on Thursday, December 5.

Christmas lunch for £12.95 from November 26 to Sunday, December 22, which lets families combine a Christmas celebration with gift buying.

The annual event is a favourite with families with a hog roast, free mince pies, mulled wine and hot chestnuts. All shops and the on-site restaurant are open from 6pm. The Joybell choir and the Silver Burbage band will entertain shoppers, and the event is complete for children with a visit from Father Christmas.

Scandinavian Christmas

The craft centre also offers a two-course

6

Issue 18

Meanwhile, for Christmas with a Scandinavian flavour, drop in at the Barber’s annual festive fair on November 23. Families can browse artists’ stalls selling unique, hand-crafted gifts, and there will be live storytelling in the galleries, festive crafts workshops, and Christmas carols from Bournville Young Singers.

a) Christmas Past b) Christmas Present c) Christmas Yet To Come A Christmas Carol runs at Birmingham Repertory Theatre between November 27 and January 4. Recommended for ages: 7 plus.

To Book: 0121 236 4455.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

News

Adopt a Christmas Elf!

Theatre with added fairy dust

re festive visits to Lapland now passé? If you have the odd six or seven thousand pounds to spare for a luxurious family treat this Christmas you could adopt an Elf – and have Santa come to you!

The Never Ending Story stars Stacey Solomon as Tinker Bell and has a cast of acrobats, dancers, stuntmen and magicians. Watch Peter Pan fly high above the stage without wires and hold your breath as Peter and his posse take on Captain Hook and his pirates.

A

Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell and the lost boys are coming to the NIA, Birmingham, (Dec 13-15) for a high-flying, hi-tech fantasy adventure show.

Grosvenor House Apartments managed

by Jumeirah Living are inviting families to explore London with their very own Christmas Elves.

Two enchanting Elves will arrive at the family’s Mayfair residence each day for five days, ready to entertain children and adults. Relax in luxurious surroundings with carols and festive stories as the children help the Elves decorate a tree. Sit back as you and the children are whisked off in a private car to visit the London Aquarium with your Elf guides, and enjoy an exciting week of activities packed with magic, including a tour of Harry Potter’s London.

On the last day of the Elf experience, the family’s fun-loving friends will arrive with baskets full of delicate parchment paper, shiny golden letters, and pots of sparkling glitter for an afternoon of letter-writing to Santa. (Adults who are on the good list get to go for an in-residence spa treatment). And for the climax of the holiday, there is one last special visitorSanta Claus himself drops in to personally collect any letters and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

The ‘Adopt a Christmas Elf’ experience is available as a supplement to any stay for £6,800, based on a family of 4.

For further information and reservations (020 7518 4444).

Birmingham Music School Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Bass Fully Trained Yamaha Teachers CRB Checked Yamaha Teaching System Accredited Exams Grade 1-8 Instruments Provided Play & Read Music & Have Fun Free Trial Lesson Call: 0121-439-5488

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BRANSTON STREET, JEWELLERY QUARTER, B18 6BA Issue 18

7

Clubs and Classes

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

New YogaBugs classes in Harborne and Moseley YogaBugs are now running classes at the Barefoot Birmingham Studios in Harborne and St Anne’s Church and Ruby Ru in Moseley.

Children learn yoga poses as part of fun interactive classes which teach yoga through story-style adventure sessions in which they “fly on a magic carpet” and “swim down the Nile”.

Nidhi Shah who runs YogaBugs in Harborne and Moseley says: “ In our increasingly fast paced lives, children are given less time to reflect and daydream.

Toddlers are naturally very flexible but children can lose this as they get older and spend more time sitting still at computers, and watching television. YogaBugs encourages flexibility, and strength, posture and joint mobility all improve.”

Research also shows that yoga helps children to relax and also increases their concentrations levels.

MUSIC

The fun and engaging classes are designed for children from birth to 12 - with MiniBugs (walking to 2); MightyBugs (age 2 to 3.5) MegaBugs (age 3-5 and age 5-7) and Yoga’d Up for age 8 to 12. To find out more call Nidhi on 0845 863 0682.

TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL

Clubs & Classes

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1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 MARTIAL www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk ARTS

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Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Self Defence

classes for all ages and abilities VISIT www.combatsportscentre.co.uk to book a FREE trial lesson

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

MUSIC

Harborne Dance School

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Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle Adults and Children

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

Tel: Wendy on 07515 878772

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

SPORTS

FootieBugs with Lee Hendrie

Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Professional football classes 3-9 years

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761

Tel: 0121 777 7792

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Nicholson School Of Dance Ballet & pointe, Classical dance fusion, RAD. Age 4+ Moseley & City centre (BOA)

Tel: 0121 449 4304

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TUITION

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

Solihull Young Dancers

In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter

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

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

Tel: 0845 206 8658

www.primaryplus.org.uk

YOGA

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

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056 8

Issue 18

Casting call

Class Act Drama has issued a casting call to all budding young thespians to sign up now to take part in their new shows.

The Drama School, which has branches in Birmingham city centre, Yardley, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, and Tamworth, is scheduled to perform adaptations of: Scrooge - A Christmas Carol, Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Of Coarse It’s Acting (a spoof comedy show) in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s a hectic schedule - we are about to take to the stage with these shows, but we are also planning ahead for our next productions and will be holding auditions for the lead roles in the New Year. We would be delighted to welcome any newcomers interested in taking part. It is a good time to get involved,” says Class Act Director Clare Smith.

There is an open invitation to newcomers to drop in on a session, to take part in a class and to meet the tutors so they can see if they like it before committing. To find out more about becoming a Class Act Drama member, you can email Marian at classactteam@aol. com or call on 0121-244-3214.

Class Act Drama also offers one to one coaching for GCSE and A-level Drama, preparation for auditions, drama classes and coaching for adults in presentation techniques.

Clubs and Classes

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

Mandarin classes With China predicted to overtake America as the leading World economy by 2027, there is a push to get more students learning Mandarin so they can compete for jobs in a global economy.

As well as planning to make a modern foreign language compulsory from the age of 7, Education Secretary Michael Gove also announced an ambitious scheme to train an additional 1,000 Mandarin teachers for England. (Last year there were 100 qualified Mandarin teachers in secondary schools).

But Academic Excellence in Birmingham is ahead of the game. It is already offering students lessons in Mandarin, and two of their students won first and second place in a national competition for Mandarin learners at Manchester University this summer.

Academic Excellence founder Natalie Jones explains: “Mandarin is one of the five languages we offer here. We started an after-school class last year and one 12year-old is now planning to take a GCSE in it. With China being one of the leading economies, the ability to speak Mandarin could be a real advantage in the future.”

On Saturday morning from 12noon to 1pm, the Edgbaston centre also offers fun Spanish or French classes for tiny tots (from age 2-4) to introduce them to foreign languages at an early age.

MUSIC ACADEMY

For more information call Academic Excellence on 0121 454 2858.

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Six free outdoor play ideas

Despite the weather, the winter months provide a surprisingly wide range of fun and exciting outdoor learning opportunities for your children.

Here are some suggestions for an active winter:

Call 0121 212 9642

www.progess-academy.co.uk

• Fly a kite in winter wind.

Only £99

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

• A treasure hunt nature walk finding feathers, leaves, acorns, fir cones and animal foot prints.

• Autunm inspired art. Try leaf-rubbing for hours of fun.

• Welly Walk. Splash in all the puddles! Skim stones on a lake. Climb trees, and build dens.

Classes in Birmingham and Solihull

• Blow bubbles. Make your own bubble potion with water, washing up liquid and a dash of sugar to thicken the mixture. Use pipe cleaners to make blowers. Even adults love bubbles!

07807 297 511

www.rugbymonkeys.co.uk

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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

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Issue 18

9

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Memo to self: Let them fight th

A

re you forever rushing into school to talk to your child’s teacher, or phoning other parents to talk about playground squabbles? Think again, says Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters.

One of my daughters is disgruntled. I am, she says, a bad mother.

“Other mums support their children,” she says. “When they have a problem, the mums go into school to talk to the teachers. You never do that.”

She’s not entirely correct: I’ve had children at school for the last 15 years or so, and there might have been one or two occasions when I’ve gone in to talk to a teacher or a head outside of parent-teacher meetings. But I could certainly count those times on the fingers of one hand, and, thinking about it, probably even on one finger.

I hope I’m not a bad mother, and I know there are some problems – and bullying is foremost among them – when a meeting with a teacher has to be arranged, and fast. But bullying apart, I believe that my daughters are better helped if I hang back from making appointments and arm them instead to negotiate their own issues, and fight their own battles, at school.

Why so? Well, the raison d’etre of parenting is to make your child independent: and it seems to me that if I wade in at every opportunity to smooth my child’s path in life, I’m not helping her to learn to do it for herself. And what message does it give if, when she tells me about a problem she’s experiencing, my response is to say ‘I’ll come in to talk to your teacher about that’?

What it says is: you can’t sort this out for yourself; you’re not smart enough or capable enough or eloquent enough. You can’t do it, but I can. And that doesn’t help my daughter develop those skills, and it doesn’t help her become experienced and confident at learning to problemsolve for herself.

Sometimes, over the years, my daughters’ problems have been significant ones – and certainly many of them have seemed significant to my daughters, even if they didn’t seem all that important to me. On at least one occasion, the problem has been a clash between them and a teacher, and listening to the story it’s been difficult not to agree that, yes, it sounded as though the teacher was in the wrong.

But this is what I tell my daughters: teachers are only human. Teachers, like everyone else in the world, have some people they like better than others. So of course it’s possible that a teacher might not favour you, might even pick on you, because he or she doesn’t like you. And, yes, of course it’s a terrible

10 Issue 18

shame if you end up with an unfriendly-seeming teacher in a subject you really love.

But rather than race in to school to have it out with the teacher, I tell my daughter to find a way of dealing with it, and, if possible, I help her work out what that might be. Could she start the ball rolling on building a better relationship with the teacher in question by being nicer to her, or by working harder in the subject, or by making more contributions in class? Because the truth is that, all through life, there will be individuals who will seem to stand in the way of what we want – and learning to work with these people, or round them, is a hugely important life skill.

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

heir own battles Talking to your child about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on will also help her process her own feelings. Again, this is an important learning curve. Help your child see that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case that someone has got it in for her, but maybe just that the teacher or the other child has issues in their own life. And instead of encouraging your child into negative feelings (â&#x20AC;&#x153;that teacher/child has always been a total pain, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying it for yearsâ&#x20AC;?) turn things round into something positive (Everyone has bad days. What could you do tomorrow that could start to improve this relationship?â&#x20AC;?).

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Similarly problems with other children: I long ago made a resolution never, ever, to get involved at parental level over my daughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; squabbles. Not only is life far too short, but more importantly, learning to get on with their peers is what childhood and adolescence is for.

None of this means, by the way, that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m abdicating responsibility for how my girls behave. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that talking to other adults isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t how I believe my offspring will learn to treat others well. That comes, I think, from modelling what I hope are good relationships in my own life, and in listening to the issues they have in their lives (when they want to talk about them) and helping them find a way of dealing with them.

So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important to make time to listen when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experiencing problems at school, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucial to validate how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling, to reflect back that I understand their worries and can see that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a genuine issue. But what should happen next is far more about equipping them to go back into school and work out how to put the problematic relationship on track, than it is about grabbing your coat and racing in to try to solve the difficulties yourself.

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11+ Tuition

Could do better report!

A study of 24 developed nations has shown that England is languishing close to bottom of world rankings for literacy and numeracy skills. Sixteen to twenty four-year-olds in England rank 22nd for literacy and 21st for numeracy, behind Estonia, Australia, Poland, and Slovakia.

The study by the Organisation of Economic Development (OECD) found that England is the only country in the developed world where the generation approaching retirement is more literate and numerate than the youngest adults. Yet, 24 per cent of all adults here have only the basic maths skills expected of a ten year old. The fear is that Britain could increasingly lose out in the battle to attract high skilled jobs in a global market.

The latest OECD survey confirmed its earlier research that high-quality initial schooling is an important predictor of success in adult life.

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Issue 18 11

Parenting

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

Say goodbye to being shy: how to help your child overcome their shyness

P

arties and family get-togethers at this time of the year can spell a worrying time if your child is shy.

Take Holly’s experience with her 6-year-old son, Thomas. “Thomas is a lovely little boy but when he met anyone he hadn’t met before he was unable to speak, he lost all his manners and just looked at the floor.” This is not unusual. Shyness is a perfectly normal trait in

childhood, but when lives become restricted by shyness we must take action as there is no question that shyness robs us of opportunities that other people take for granted. The good news is that there are a lot of practical things that can gently encourage a shy child to be more outgoing.

Mixing in society

Start by inviting one friend over for half an hour at home, then moving to more friends, more time and then outside the home.

Children learn social skills from watching others so model the kind of interactions you want to encourage: be warm and friendly with people you don’t know, introduce yourself to new people, ask people for help, and compliment friends.

Drama queens (and kings)

Shyness doesn’t necessarily mean low self-esteem; it usually comes from fear or feeling worried about what other people think. Simple acting techniques from drama classes soon equip children with the ability to express themselves more clearly in front of others. Equally, presenting ourselves in a confident manner by sitting up straight and making eye-contact, even when we don’t feel like it, will make any child feel bolder because of the positive way others will react to them.

Facing up to it

Perhaps the most effective way to help your child to be less shy is to talk openly with them about it. Refer to situations that are daunting and empathise “sometimes I feel worried about speaking up at work, but I always make an effort and feel good afterwards”.

Holly added that she “used to read books to Thomas that had themes of facing fears or overcoming challenges”.

Dress Rehearsal

Watch what situations trigger shyness in your child then role play them later at home, giving hints on how they can feel more courageous when next out in public. “Thomas always felt nervous going to birthday parties, so we decided to set up a party scene at home, using his favourite toys and acted out the different scenarios: giving the party boy their present; saying hello to other children; asking the adult where the toilet is; saying thank you on leaving. It worked a treat”, said Holly. A karaoke machine or sing along DVD will encourage your child to be more adventurous with their speech and movement. Record them pretending to be a news reader, or presenter interviewing their ‘celebrity’ friend.

Lights, camera, action

Trying new activities in a gradual way helps overcome shyness.

Holly had always been encouraging Thomas to try out new things. “I knew Thomas had achieved an improved level of outgoingness when in the end-of-term football lesson, Thomas waited 30 minutes for his turn to kick a ball through the cones and straight into the goal - in front of everyone. He has really come out of his shell”.

Taking trays of nibbles round guests, being photographer at a family occasion, going into a shop and asking for the price are all great ways to take their mind off their shyness. But don’t force them into doing things that make them uncomfortable, play to their strengths. Your child’s shyness will vanish if he is encouraged to get better at things he already excels at.

Above all, being calm will sooth many a shy child. Relax Kids (www.relaxkids.com) sell a range of CDs that provide ‘chill skills’ that relax children and, as a result, boosts their confidence.

12 12 Issue 18 13

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Elizabeth Dolton

Our attitude is crucial

A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to comfortably relate to a wide variety of people is one of the most important ingredients for happiness and success.

We all want our children to outgrow their shyness and latest The thing to remember is that the majority of children will find research indicates that how parents respond to shyness is what their way through all of this with a bit of guidance and will soon be makes the difference. Labelling our child as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; would certainly waving their hands in the air to answer questions, belting out songs be discouraged. They often turn into self fulfilling prophecies. In during group singsongs, and being the first in the queue for trying the same sense, we should always avoid dismissing any feelings of new things. shyness e.g. â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be silly, big boys donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get shyâ&#x20AC;?. Comments like this lead children to feel that their worries are not valid, leading to anxiety. Be supportive by combining empathy with confident assertions, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ahh, I can see youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling a bit 2008|2009 29008|2009 002|8002 worried, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really confident youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able Children love receiving their own letters!

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Issue 18 13

Christmas Gifts

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

Gifts that won’t lose their sparkle

C

hildren are deluged with gifts at Christmas and the gloss often wears off that latest digital gadget before they have even returned to school. This year, why not include some gifts that will last all year round and won’t lose their sparkle?

Little Letters

Children love getting Christmas gifts through the post and letters plopping onto the doormat addressed to them make them feel important. This Christmas give them a gift that ensures they get a special delivery just for them every week. The Little Letter Company posts colourful Craft Kits to children based on a different theme each week. It makes an ideal gift for children aged 3-6 who love gluing and sticking. And, as the kit contains all that is needed for each week’s task, it is so much more practical than finding yourself post-Christmas knee deep in googly eyes and sequins spilled on the carpet and clogging up the hoover. You can order a Christmas gift set to run for several weeks or several months – starting from £15. E-mail contact@littlelettercompany.co.uk; tel 0845 838 2499 or log on to www.littlelettercompany.co.uk

Collector’s items

Buy a gift that can start a collection. For girls a doll’s house which can be furnished and equipped over time can start a hobby that will last a lifetime.

See www.dollshouse.com For boys, trains, planes and automobiles are a big draw.

Birmingham Bus Enthusiast Derek Parry produces models of old Birmingham buses which adds a local flavour to a collection.

The various models have destinations such as Quinton, Turves Green, Yardley, Acocks Green via Moseley. Derek says they can supply models displaying any of 20 Birmingham bus route place names.

See www.forwardmodels.net or look on Amazon.

YogaBugs ‘Magic Carpet’

You can book a term of YogaBug classes (Moseley, Harborne) as a Christmas gift – and still have a present for a child to unwrap, because the gift card comes with a free YogaBugs t-shirt. There are classes for children from walking to age 12 – starting with MiniBugs (walking-2), MightyBugs (2-3.5), MegaBugs (3-5 and 5-7) and Yoga’d Up for ages 8-12. It makes an ideal gift for a mum with a pre-school child, and a brilliant gift for a primary age child to enjoy all year round.

Call 0845 863 0682. Order before December 10 to ensure the gift t-shirt arrives in time.

14 Issue 18

A memorable experience

Give them a gift that will make memories.

Junior school children love hanging out with friends. So, for example, book them a studio recording session at Progress Music Academy and let them record their own ‘friendship’ song. Call 0121 212 9642. Or book them a photo session with special friends – for a present that will become a treasured keepsake. www.abbywilkes.com Call 07966 867 306. Are they fond of animals? Make their day with a gift of a Little Zoo Keeper experience at Dudley Zoo. Or adopt an animal for them. What about a Sumatran tiger? Rothschild giraffe, cheeky lemur or Humboldt penguin. How cool is that – and you get to visit too as admission tickets are included (from £30).

Find out more www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 0844 474 2272

Annual fun pass

Rather than buying individual gifts for relatives, consider combining the money you would spend and buy them an annual family pass to a favourite venue.

For example, you can buy an annual family pass for Umberslade Farm Park (£81 at 2013 prices), an annual pass to Dudley Zoo and Gardens (child £22 and adult £35) or an annual family membership of the National Trust for £75.

Christmas Gifts

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Can Bizzy Bitz blitz Christmas?

B

izzy Bitz, as seen on Dragon’s Den, is poised to take the Christmas market by storm as reviewers give the colourful construction toy the thumbs up.

detailed worker lorries, aeroplanes, clocks, and exquisite candelabras. It really can be used to create anything.”

Lego has 75 per cent of the construction toy market – but Bizzy Bitz, with its patented ball and socket system, is more flexible. Not only can you create more with less, but it makes it easier to construct moving toys – little cars with wheels that move, or windmills that turn.

It is being taken to the market by entrepreneurs Rachel and Alta Fogel who won praise – but not funding ­- for their ‘fantastic’ product from Dragons’ Den Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Kelly Hoppen.

What would YOUR child make of Bizzy Bitz– a gift that can enthral at 3 and continue to intrigue at 13, comfortably outlasting any electronic gadget?

You can buy the toy direct from Bizzy Bitz www.bizzy-bitz.com and there are different boxes available suiting the various age groups, with prices ranging from about £9 for a small set; £25 for a medium sized set to £48 for one of the large sets. Some of the range is also available on Amazon.

The couple are now set to follow in the footsteps of previous Dragon’s Den contestants like Trunki (the suitcases for kids designers), the creators of the ‘Tangle Teaser’ hairbrush and Bedlam Puzzles manufacturers, all of whom launched successful businesses after being turned down by the Dragons.

With brightly coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes, children of all ages and stages can create absolutely anything with Bizzy Bitz. Parents who have tried it with their children have described it as ‘cool‘, ‘addictive’, ‘educational and fun’.

Inventor Alta Fogel says: “Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which - with only its basic shapes (no custom made pieces) - can create accurate models ofNovember absolutelyNovember anything2013. and everything. rt ‘Families’ for ‘Families’ magazine magazine 2013.

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Issue 18 15

Santa Guide

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Hear those sleighbells …

Santa and Sleeping Beauty Catch a magical train ride aboard the Santa Express and see the world’s rarest animals en route to Santa’s magical Sleeping Beautythemed Grotto within the walls of the eleventh century Dudley Castle. Receive a gift from Santa, enjoy a fun-filled Christmas show, and round off your day with a tour of the site. See Santa’s reindeer as they prepare for Christmas. This must be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Venue: Dudley Zoo and Gardens, The Parade, Dudley Date: Dec 3-24 Time: Dec 3-13 from 10am to 2.30pm and Dec 14-24 10am-3.30pm.

Last admission 1 hour before closing.

Tickets: Child £9.50; child under 1 £4.00 with gift or free without gift. Adult £6.50.

Family of 4 £28.

Santa in the Gardens

A truly magical time of year! Santa and his Elves will soon be leaving the North Pole where it is all sparkly with white fallen snow in their sleigh, to start their very special journey to The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come along & visit Santa’s Grotto & receive a gift from his secret toy shop.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Date: Sat and Sun from Nov 23 – Dec 22 Time: 12-2pm Tickets: £6.

To Book : 0121 454 1860

Magical Christmas at Drayton

Twenty rides and attractions, spectacular decorations and it snows 3 times a day. See Polar Express in 4D and meet Santa at the Castle of Dreams.

Venue: Drayton Manor, Tamworth, B78 3TW Dates: Dates from Nov 15-Jan 5. Father Christmas is back at North Pole from Jan 1.

Time: 11am-5pm Tickets: £20 adult; £15 child.

Booking essential.

To Book: 0844 472 1950

Santa’s Winter Wonderland, Tamworth

Real snow, real reindeer, real Santa … and real fun. Play and slide around in snow as you explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail with it’s biggest ever slide! Take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a fun game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge and have fun sliding about in the snow tubes.

Venue: Snowdome, Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, B79 7ND Date: Nov 22-Dec 31 Tickets: From £12.95 To Book: 08448 000011

Santa at Touchwood, Solihull

Santa will be at his Grotto at Touchwood Solihull this year Date: From Nov 23

16 Issue 18

Time: 10.30am-7pm Mon to Friday. 10am7pm Sat and Sun 11am-5pm Tickets: £2.50 per child. Come along on day and book a timeslot.

Search for Santa’s hideout

Santa is making his traditional preChristmas visit to Bromsgrove and is staying in one of Avoncroft Museum’s historic buildings. Join a search party to find him, following clues around the site.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: Dec 14 & 15, 21 and 22.

Tickets: Adults £10, Children £7 (Members: Adults £5, Children £4).

To Book: Pre-booking essential.

Tel: 01527 831363

Santa at Gulliver’s Kingdom

Santa arrives at this theme park designed for children aged 2-13. In addition to all the Christmas rides and attractions, enjoy Gully’s magical snow show, get creative in Mrs Christmas’ kitchen and enroll at the Elf School to become an honorary elf!

Venue: Gulliver’s Kingdom, Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PG Date: Dec 7-23 Tickets: £19.95 - £25.95 To Book: 01925 444888

Traditional Santa Grotto

Celebrate a traditional family Christmas at Umberslade Farm Park with a giant Christmas tree, live nativities and a warm welcome from Father Christmas.

Venue: Umberslade Farm Park, Butts Lane, Tanworth in Arden, B94 5AE For further information and to book: 01564 742251 or e-mail info@umberslade.com

A Golden Key to see Santa

Come and see Santa in his magical Grotto and receive a golden key to unlock his workshop where each child can choose their very own present off the shelves.

Venue: Hatton Country World,

Dark Lane, Hatton, CV35 8XA Date: Weekends from Nov 23 and daily from Dec 21-24. Also Friday evenings from 6.30pm Dec 6, 13 and 20 Tickets: Weekend: Child £13.05 and adult or child under 2 £7.15 To Book: www.hattonworld.com or call 01926 843411

Santa in the servants’ quarters

Visit Santa in the festively decorated Victorian Servants’ Quarters at Shugborough, where the children can meet Mrs Claus, stir the Christmas pudding, and make a wish and have a train ride around the beautiful estate grounds on the Christmas Land Train.

Venue: Shugborough estate, Milford Common, ST17 0XB Dates: weekends of Dec 7&8; 14 &15, 20&21 Time: 10am-4pm Tickets: Child £8.80 and adult £5.50.

To Book: Book timed slots online or call 0845 459 8900.|

Santa Special

Take a boat trip to visit Santa in his magical illuminated grotto deep in the Dudley Caverns. Carols, seasonal entertainment, hot drinks, mince pies and gifts for the children.

Venue: Dudley Canal trips, New Road, Dudley, DY1 4SB Date: Dec 8, 15, 21 and 22 Time: 10am-5pm. Trips last 1 hour and boats leave every half hour.

Tickets: £10.50 To Book: 0121 557 6265

Santa at Blists Hill

Residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town will be busy preparing for Christmas during these special weekends. See Father Christmas’ reindeer and meet him in his grotto.

Venue: Blists Hill, Madeley, near Ironbridge, TF7 5DU Date: Sat and Sun Dec 7&8 and 14 &15 Time: 10am-4pm Museum admission is £15.95 adults, £10.50 children, under 5s free; a family ticket £46.50. A visit to see Father Christmas in his Grotto is an additional £3.50 per child and includes a traditional gift. www.ironbridge.org.uk

Santa and the Enchanted Forest

Santa’s chief Elf will lead you through the enchanted forest and Christmas lights to his woodland grotto where you can meet the reindeer. The day includes a journey on Santa’s special elf train!

Venue: Conkers Waterside Centre, Rawdon Road, Swadlincote, DE12 6GA Date: Weekends from Nov 30 and daily between Dec 21 and 24 Time:12-8pm.

Timed slot for Santa visit but stay all day.

Tickets: Adults £8.95; child £9.95 and family of 4 £32.50. A £2.50 upgrade gives you access to the Discovery Centre – take part in a tree top adventure in the Enchanted Forest; watch out for the spider, scary troll and fairy grotto.

To Book: www.visitconkers.com

…

Santa Guide

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

…Santa’s on his way Santa Hunt

A fun-filled search for Santa with costumed guides and magical Christmas clues. Stir the Christmas pudding, sprinkle magic dust on the reindeer’s shoes, write a letter to Santa in the Victorian school, send it up the chimney and see if he has received it by the time you have found him.

Each child receives a gift.

Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Rd, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Dates: Weekends from Nov 23 and daily from Dec 21-24 Tickets: Adults £15.50; children £8.30; child under 3 £6.20 To Book: Pre-booking essential. www.bclm.co.uk or call 0121 520 8054

Santa at Winterbourne

Family fun with a festive craft fair, food, carols, Father Christmas and children’s activities Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RT Date: Dec 7 Time: 12-5pm Tickets: Adult £5.00; child £4.00 and family of 5 £16.00

A Victorian Christmas, Tamworth

Santa visits Tamworth Castle for a magical Victorian Christmas. It’s fun all the way as the castle household prepares for Santa’s visit.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NA Dates: weekends in Dec 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 Times: 10am-4.15pm.

Tickets: Child: £5.50 & adults: £3.00 To Book: Pre-booking essential.

Call 01827 709581/709618.

E-mail: tic@tamworth.gov.uk

Christmas at Clent

Visit Father Christmas in the woodland and receive a small gift before exploring Clent for a sign of Christmas hidden in the trees.

Venue: Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood Car park Date: Dec 1 Time: 10am-3pm Tickets: £2 per child.

No need to book.

For information call: 07990561008 hollie.ryan@nationaltrust.org.uk

Santa in the Park

Father Christmas is making a special appearance in the park so come and visit him in his grotto to receive a small gift! Festive treasure trail, craft activity, carol singers, brass band and other entertainment.

Venue: Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HA Date: Dec 8 Time: 12-3pm Tickets: £3 per child.

To Book: Book a timeslot on 0121 704 8000.

87mm x 130mm Advert_Layout 1 16/10/2013 10:59 Page 1

Santa at Highbury Hall

Have a traditional Christmas family lunch at Highbury Hall. Santa will be along with gifts for the children.

Venue: Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Road, Moseley Date: Dec 15 Time: Individual bookings taken between 12.00pm and 2.00pm. £24.95 per person, including a three course meal, coffee and chocolates.

Children’s menu available on request.

Hoar Park Farm Shopping & Leisure Village Presents...

Victorian Evening Enjoy the festive celebrations with...

The Burbage Silver Band and The Joybell SINGERS

Christmas Craft Fair and Family Day Saturday 23 November 11am – 4pm FREE

• Artists’ stalls selling unique hand-crafted gifts, greeting cards, • jewellery, books and more!

• Storytelling in the galleries (12.30 & 2pm) • Crafty cracker-making for kids (11am-4pm) • Carols from the Bournville Graduates (1-2pm)

‘Singing carols around the tree...’

See Father Christmas Hog Roast Burning Braziers to keep you warm

All Shops Open

Restaurant Open ~ Booking Advisable

Free MINCE HOT CHE PIES MULLED SNUTS WINE

Thursday 5th December from 6pm

Hoar Park Farm Shopping & Leisure Village Nuneaton Road, Over Whitacre, Nr. Coleshill & Nuneaton, CV10 0QU Tel: 024 76 394433 or 024 76 397733 web: www.hoar-park.co.uk email: info@hoar-park.co.uk

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS. 0121 414 7333 www.barber.org.uk

Issue 18 17

Parenting What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Snow Dragon

The night of the Snow Dragon approaches… On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon who brings gifts. But when Billy bumps into some wolves in the woods, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. Find out how Billy escapes – and whether the Snow Dragon will bring him a present.

Has Billy been naughty or nice?

Story-telling, comedy and songs create a magical, mysterious world for everyone aged 3 and up, from the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Date: Nov 26-Dec 8 Time: Times vary.

See website for details.

Tickets: £9 To Book: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk

Out & About

Aston Hall by Candlelight

One of the country’s finest Jacobean houses, Aston hall is seen at its most breathtaking, lit by around 300 shimmering candles and warmed by two glorious fires Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6JD Date: Nov 1-3 and Nov 7-10 Time: 6pm first entrance and 8.30pm last ticket slot Tickets: Adults £14, £12 children; £51 family of five.

To Book: 0121 202 2222

Nature Tots

Nature themed walk and activities for ages 2-4 Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Date: Nov 8, 15. 22 and 29. Themes: Woodland Discovery; Music and our Senses; Prickly Friends and Red Robin Times: 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm Tickets: £3 per child. Must be booked.

To Book: 0121 704 0768

Musical Picnic – Midweek Explorer

Take time out mid-week, relax and explore some Jazz Music with Sara Coleman.

Children under 5 and parents/carers. Or Sat – The Old Dance School – folk, jazz and classical fun.

Venue: Café Bar, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham Date: Midweek - November 13 and Dec 18.

Sat Nov 30 The Old Dance School.

Time: 10.30am FREE EVENT

Science Fiction Time Travelling Day – Sat 16 November

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BBC’s iconic television series, Doctor Who, with

a science fiction Family Fun Day. With a history spanning seven centuries, there’s no better place than Avoncroft for a spot of time-travelling. Sci-fi monsters, scary costumes, an original blue Police Box and lots of surprises.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: Nov 16 Time: 10.30am-4pm Tickets: Adults £7.70; child £4.00 and under 5 free

Toy Steam and Hobby Day

Steam toys and other traditional hobby fun.

Venue: Winterbourne House and Garden, 58 Edgbaston Park Road , Date: Nov 16 Time: 10.30am – 4pm Tickets: £5 adults, £4 concession, admission includes house and garden.

Down on the Farm

Come have a look around the farm with the Ranger. Suitable for families and people of all ages.

Venue: Sheldon Country Park, Ragely Drive, B26 3TU Date: Nov 17 Time: 2-3pm Free event To Book: www.birmingham.gov.uk/ranger-events

Highbury Hall Christmas Craft Fayre

Christmas Craft Fayre over two days.

Unusual personalised gifts, with 40+ stalls Mulled wine and mince pies will be on sale as well as other light refreshments.

Venue: Highbury Hall, 4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley Date: Nov 23 and 24 Time: 11am-4pm Tickets: £1 pay at door.

Children free

Barber Festive Family Fair

The Barber’s ever-popular Scandinavian Christmas Fair, a fun-filled family day with Christmas cracker making for children, livestory-telling, carols, and browsing for hand-crafted Christmas gifts among the artists’ stalls.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS Date: Nov 23 Time: 11am-4pm

18 Issue 18

Christmas lights and Santa Stroll

An afternoon of family fun building up to Christmas lights switch-on at Tamworth.

Fun fair, face-painting, stalls, free arts and crafts activities. Santa Stroll with hundreds of Santas raising funs for charity. Live nativity under town hall, 100 decorated Christmas trees Venue: Tamworth Town Centre and St Editha’s Square Date: Nov 30 Time: 2-5pm

Date: Dec 14 Time: 6.15pm Tickets: Adults £12; children £6 and family £32 To Book: Booking essential.

Call 0121 666 2442

Christmas Open Evening

View historic Highbury by candlelight and dressed for Christmas. Mulled wine and mince Venue: Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Road, Moseley Date: Dec 1 Time 5-9pm FREE. Optional guided tour of £3.50 per person.

Victorian Christmas

Visit the house decorated for traditional Victorian Christmas. Enjoy a festive meal in Barn Restaurant or shop for gifts.

Venue: Baddesley Clinton, Time: 11am-4pm Date: Dec 2-Jan 5

Festive Fun

Christmas-themed wildlife walk and glitter art and crafts for ages 2-4 Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Dates: Wed and Fri Dec 4, 6, 11,13, 18, 20 Time:10-11am and 2-3pm To Book: 0121 704 0768

Meet Holly Berry

Harvest some Holly for Christmas Venue: Sutton Park, Visitor Centre, Park Road, B74 2YT. Donations gratefully received.

Date: Dec 7 Time: 9.30am-4pm

Christmas Fair

Festive Fair with music, food, crafts and gifts. Visit the new cafe Venue: Packwood House, Lapworth, B94 6AT Date: Dec 7 and 8 Time: 11am-4pm

Christmas Lights Tour

A very special sparkly tour on the Big Brum Open Top Buz to light up your Christmas nights. The tour will take you from the heart of the city in Victoria Square to the glittering magical Jewellery Quarter and beyond. Be entertained and intrigued by festive stories from around the city.

Join in carol singing.

Date: Sunday, Dec 8 Venue: Victoria Square, next to the Council House. The tour lasts approximately one and a half to two hours, finishing at the starting point.

Time: 6.30pm Tickets cost: £10 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance through Birmingham Tours on 0121 427 2555 or email: enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk.

Christmas Wassail

A magical evening.

Join the long established traditional Christmas Wassail. Christmas stories and carols from Birmingham Crescent Theatre, mulled wine, roaring fire and mince pies.

Venue: Coughton Court Date: Dec 7 and 8 Times: 4.30-6pm and 7.30-9pm Tickets: Adults £23 and child £10 To Book: Booking essential 0844 2491895

Carols in the Courtyard

An atmospheric evening of carols sung by a local choir, within the beautiful candlelit courtyard of the Back to Backs. Including a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Venue: Back to Backs, 53 Hurst St/50 Inge St

Tom’s Midnight Garden

Is it possible to travel back in time? Tom has always believed it cannot be done, but when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past.

Venue: The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DY Date: Nov 13-Feb 1 Times: times vary. Please see website Tickets: £18 and £12. Family of 4 £56.

To Book: 0121 245 4455

Art Takeover Day

Start the New Year creatively by joining Art Takeover Day. Fun make and take workshops with art inspired by the Herbert’s collection. Drop in throughout the day. Activities will take place in the Covered Court area of the museum.

Venue: Herbert Art Gallery, Jordan Well, Coventry Date: Friday, Jan 3 2014 Time: 10.30am & 3.30pm FREE

Theatres & shows The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Standing on the hill top a boy is watching his sheep. He is bored, seeking adventure, and looking for the next best thing! A boy tasked to keep his community safe but with a vivid imagination. A boy who makes up stories and craves the thrill of the unknown.

A boy who, unthinkingly, unknowingly cried WOLF! For ages 3-7 and their families.

Venue: The Door at the Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street, B1 3AH Date: Nov 9 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adult £7.50; child £4.50 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 44 55

Dotty the Dragon

Dotty is a baby fire dragon. She lives at the top of a mountain with her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon. In the village below, everyone fears for their lives, for dragon’s eat children! Or so they believe. But Dotty would never eat children! Not ever...

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Nov 10 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash

A brand new Peppa Pig show. Come and join Peppa and her friends for another allsinging, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS Dates: Nov 12 and 13 Time: 10am, 1pm and 4pm Tickets: £15.40 and £21.90 To Book: 0844 871 7626

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Around the World in 80 day – the pantomime Venue: Highbury Theatre, Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5HD Date: Nov 19-23 Time: 7.30pm and maintee Nov 23 at 2.30pm To Book: 0121 373 2761 (Box office 7.30pm9.30pm)

bands, gymnasts, dog display teams, the field gun race and many other performers to the NIA in Birmingham. Spectacular light and sound finale with British tenor Tim Pitman and singing sensation Rebecca Robinson.

Venue: NIA, King Edward Street, Birmingham Date: Nov 30-Dec 1 Time: Sat at 6pm and Sun at 2pm Tickets: £12.50 and £25 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Snow White and the Seven Drawfs

Mirror, mirror on the wall … which is the best panto of all?

Venue: Sutton Arts Theatre, South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QU Date: Nov 30-Dec 14 Time: Eve at 7.15pm; Sat matinee at 2pm and Sun at 5pm To Book: 0121 355 5355

Robin Hood Horrible Science

From the producers of Horrible Histories comes the seriously squishy spectacular Horrible Science.

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, B3 3DQ Date: Dec 3-7 Time: weekdays 10.30am & 1.30pm Fri 7pm & Sat 10.30 am & 2.30pm Tickets £12-£16 To Book: 0121 345 0600

A Christmas Carol

On a cold, bleak, biting Christmas Eve seven years after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley, London’s meanest miser Ebenezer Scrooge is his usual grumpy old self. Scrooge hates Christmas, calling it ‘humbug!’, his only act of seasonal generosity is to offer his poor overworked clerk Bob Cratchit, Christmas day off.

But as the clock strikes midnight his world will be turned upside down. Dicken’s Chrismas Classic – a family show for aged 7plus.

Venue: The House at the Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street, B1 3AH Date: Nov 27-Jan 4 Time: Times vary. See website for details Tickets: £7-£35. Family discounts available.

To Book: 0121 236 4455

Traditional family panto. You’re going to love it … oh, yes, you will Venue: Hall Green Little Theatre, Pemberley Road, Acocks Green, B27 7RY Date: Dec 6-14 Time: Evening at 7.30pm; matinee 2.30pm Sat and Sun Dec 7,8 and 14 To Book: 0121 707 1874

Hansel and Gretel

In the middle of a snow-covered forest sits a tiny cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls are made of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows of clear sugar glaze, but what’s inside? This Christmas follow Hansel and Gretel into the frozen forest… and find out. Step into a magical snow-covered winter wonderland.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Date: Dec 3-14 Times: vary. See website for details.

Tickets: £13.50 and £10.

To Book: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk

What’s Parenting On Dr Bunhead’s Very Dangerous Christmas Show

Can reindeer really fly? TV stunt scientist Dr Bunhead gets out his reindeer bazooka to answer this and many more Christmas mysteries such as: Can Dr Bunhead survive setting his head on fire like a Christmas pudding?

Custard vs Jelly which is more flammable? Coke bottle or hot water bottle, which makes a better bomb?

And, what is the world’s loudest Christmas cracker?

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, B3 3DQ Date: Dec 22-Jan 5 Time: Eve performances at 7pm; Sundays at 5pm Tickets: £14 and £16 To Book: 0121 345 0600 Date: Dec 13 to Jan 5 Time: Times vary. See website for details.

Tickets: £14-£17.50.

To Book: 0121 704 6962.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Family pantomime starring John Partridge, Gok Wan, Stephanie Beacham, Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: Dec 19-Feb 2 Time: Times vary, see website for details Tickets: £12-£39 To Book: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

What the Ladybird heard

Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks.

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow, but the tiniest, quietest creature of all has a plan of her own…

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham Date: Dec 20-Jan 10 Time: Times vary.

See website for details.

Tickets: £11.50 and £8.50 To Book: 0121 345 0600

VISIT SANTA’S GROTTO AT

Peter Pan – the Never Ending Story

Miracle on 34th Street

Kris Kringle takes on the cynics among us in an all singing, all dancing adaptation of this Christmas favourite. A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine Miracle on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DS Date: Dec 5-7 Time: 7.30pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £28.90-£38.90 To Book: 0844 871 7626

Birmingham International Tattoo Birmingham International Tattoo celebrates its Silver Jubileee year in spectactular style.

The biggest indoor military tattoo, with over 1,200 performers brings together marching

High-flying, hi-tech fantasy adventure starring Stacey Solomon as Tinker Bell.

See Peter Pan fly high above the stage without wires.

Venue: NIA, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, Date: Dec 13-15 Time: Fri at 7pm; Sat 3pm and 7pm; Sun 11am and 3pm Tickets: £22-£49.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Fantastic Mr Fox

Crescent Theatre Company present a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much loved children’s story Venue: Main House, Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote St. B16 8AE Date: Dec 7-14 and Dec 18-21 Time: Eve at 7.15 and matinee Sun at 2.15pm on Sun 8, Thur 12, Sat 14, Wed & Thur 18 and 19; and Sat 21 Tickets: £15 & £12. Matinee Dec 8 £8 To Book: 0121 643 5858

Jack and the Beanstalk

Malcolm Stent’s winning Family panto for ages 3-103 Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, B91 3EG

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CASTLE FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL AGES! 3-24 Dec

ALL VISITS TO SANTA’S GROTTO MUST BE PRE-BOOKED VISIT SANTA’S GROTTO : MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SHOW SURPRISE GIFT : MAGICAL TRAIN RIDE Book online @ www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 0844 474 2272

Issue 18 19

Books

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Waterstones’ top Christmas book gifts for children Pinocchio by Michael Morpurgo Harpercollins £12.99 The perfect gift for all ages, Pinocchio as you’ve never seen him before: telling his own story through the master storyteller and award-winning author of War Horse. In this stunningly beautiful interpretation of the classic story, Michael Morpurgo channels Pinocchio’s words to tell the famous puppet’s story in his own inimitable, cheeky and always funny way. Lavishly illustrated throughout in full colour by the acclaimed Emma Chichester-Clark, this is a must-have gift for all book lovers, and an utterly charming and surprising adaptation of a much-loved tale.

Diamond by Jacqueline Wilson Doubleday £12.99 Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, Diamond was a dainty, delicate daughter - and a bitter disappointment. Discovering she has an extraordinary natural gift for acrobatics, Diamond tries to use her talent to earn a few pennies, but simply brings shame on her family.

Then a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing on the street, and makes a deal with her father. Diamond is sold for five guineas, and is taken, alone and frightened, to become an acrobat at Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus. The crowds adore Diamond, but life behind the red velvet curtains is far from glamorous. Another moving historical adventure from the much loved Jacqueline Wilson.

The Slightly Annoying Elephant

by David Walliams and Tony Ross Harpercollins £12.99 Number one bestselling author David Walliams presents his first picture book, illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross. What’s big, blue, bossy, and turns up uninvited? A slightly annoying elephant, of course! A magnificently warm and funny picture book from two remarkable talents.

Aunt Amelia by Rebecca Cobb Macmillan £10.99 When Mum and Dad go away for the night, Aunt Amelia comes to look after one very cross little girl and boy. They do NOT want to be looked after and, even worse, Mum has left a list of boring instructions.

But Aunt Amelia turns out to be rather different from expected ...and a LOT more fun! A charmingly funny, warm and beautiful new picture book from the hugely talented creator of Lunchtime.

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy Puffin £9.99 One of our best loved children’s characters The Worst Witch is back in a brand new, exciting and very funny adventure. Mildred, notoriously the worst witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, makes a wish on a shooting star - and to her great surprise it comes true! But it also spells trouble. Mildred’s wish-cometrue is a small dog but she has to keep him a secret from her friends, and especially the formidable Miss Hardbroom. It’s a disaster waiting to happen...and it does...! This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read, fantastic fun and will make a brilliant gift for young bookworms.

The Further Adventures of The Owl and The Pussycat by Julia Donaldson and Charlotte Voake Puffin £10.99 Julia Donaldson, revisits Edward Lear’s favourite rhyme in this wonderful new story set in a nonsensical land full of adventure. When their beautiful golden ring is stolen, the Owl and the Pussy-cat must travel far from the safety of the Bong-tree glade as their search for the thief leads them across the Sea, to the Chankly Bore and beyond...Full of enchanting lyricism this new rhyme, beautifully illustrated by Charlotte Voake, promises to be as important and successful as the original.

Christmas in Exeter Street by Diana Hendry Walker Books £6.99 This is a gloriously unusual and charming picture book full of Christmas spirit. It’s Christmas Eve, and the house in Exeter Street is full to bursting! There’s a guest in every nook and cranny from top to bottom - and even a baby sleeping in the kitchen sink! Will Father Christmas be able to find them all? This gorgeously illustrated and atmospheric picture book about a house packed full of guests perfectly captures the sense of excitement and sharing that goes with this very special time of year.

The Demon Dentist

by David Walliams Harpercollins £12.99 Book your appointment with the dentist this autumn – don’t worry, it won’t hurt a bit…!Demon Dentist is a jaw‐achingly funny and teeth‐chatteringly thrilling tale about an evil dentist who has an over‐the‐top devotion to teeth extractions…From David Walliams the popular comedian and the bestselling author of Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink

All books are available from your local Waterstones bookshop and online at www.waterstones.com 20 Issue 18