Families 27 web (3)

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MAY - JUNE 2015 ISSUE 27

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Eleven plus applications May half term The Autism Show Tuition Plus

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Issue 27

“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

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In this Issue...

H

ello and welcome to the May/June issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

It’s my favourite time of the year – lighter evenings, warmer weather and two bank holiday weekends – all of which mean you have great scope to get out and about and enjoy some precious family time.

Our what’s on information gives you some great ideas for fun outings – from taking a trip on the Big Brum Buz, seeing the stream trains at the Tyseley Open Weekend, visiting Hatton Adventure World or finding the best bluebell wood walks in the West Midlands.

Introduce your children to opera with Peter Pan or to get them interested in orchestral music with the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular. See James and the Giant Peach at the Blue Orange Theatre at the May half term, or go to the Extreme Stunt Show at Becketts Farm on Bank holiday weekend. There is no shortage of fun things to do at this time of year.

If your child is sitting the eleven plus for grammar schools in Birmingham, Warwickshire and Walsall it’s time to register now. See our education pages for further information.

Would you know what to do in a health emergency? Read some tips from a Red Cross First Aid expert. Finally, it’s party time .... with our feature on page 15.

, 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 OW moments. OOK N B on tuiti Contact Abby for more a t a information: 07966 867306.rom y F oda www.abbywilkes.com rol T

* £45

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4 News 8 Clubs and classes 9 May half term 10 Eleven Plus 12 Family meals - let’s

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all eat together 13 The average life of a family car 14 Would you know what to do in an emergency?

15 Party problems solved 16 What’s on theatre 18 What’s on out and about

15 16

Award-Winning 11+ Specialists

11+ Tuition For children in Years 4 & 5

Thinking of Grammar School?

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“Find out why over 98% of our parents recommend us to family & friends”

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Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our July/August school summer holidays issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Design: MattWaltonDesign@icloud.com (email) Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, May 2015.

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

Over 10 Years of Experience Personalised 11+ Tuition Includes Daily Online Tests Excellent Success Rates Small Teaching Groups

Enrol NOW on 0121 733 6558 Centres in Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick, Handsworth & Harborne

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Issue 27

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News

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James and the Giant Peach at half term

S

ee James and the Giant Peach this May half term at the Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

The play, of course, is based on Roald Dahl’s popular tale of James Henry Trotter who escapes the clutches of his gruesome aunts Spiker and Sponge and embarks on an adventure in the company of enchanted creatures including the centipede, Miss Spider and the Old Green Grasshopper.

The Blue Orange is a small theatre of about 150 seats so the audience will be close to the action for this production – always a plus for smaller children.

The show runs from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, and again on the weekends of May 30 and 31 and June 6 and 7. Book tickets by calling the box office on 0121 212 2643 or book online at www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk

Identify these well-known Birmingham landmarks How well do you know your city? Can you identify these wellknown and much loved Birmingham landmarks using the three clues given below by the Big Brum Buz tour operators?

1) Bronze in colour, 5 tons in weight, 2 and a half times life size, created by sculptor Laurence Broderick?

2) Classical and graceful, based on the design of the Temple of Castor & Pollux in Rome, built by Joseph Hansom & Edward Welch?

3) In the shape of an ocean going liner the golden turret is the funnel and the ever circling rings symbolise heavy and light industry?

Have you worked out the answers or are you still baffled? If you need help you can find the solutions by logging on to www.

familiesbirmingham.co.uk Or better still hop aboard the Big Brum Buz and take the Brummagen tour. The open-topped bus tours run three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays from April until the end of September.

In the space of an hour and a half you can get to know your city; discover the stories behind the local landmarks and find out why Birmingham was known as the City of A Thousand Trades in Victorian times. Meet the Golden Boys, travel to leafy Edgbaston and pick up the Tolkien trail.

The Buz tours run at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm at weekends. Meet at the end of Colmore Row/Waterloo Road next to the Council House. A family ticket costs £20 for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Big Brum Buz is also available for hire for schools and parties.

Enquiries: 078051 15998. www.birmingham-tours.co.uk

places to go Bluebell wood walks –inthethetop West Midlands

When bluebells flower you can enjoy some truly spectacular woodland walks, but where are the best places to go to enjoy the sights and scents?

The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien. Main entrance off TOP PICKS Yardley Wood Road; pedestrian entrance from Pensby Close National Trust Woods and access from Windermere Close playing fields. Hill Hook Many of the National Trust properties throughout the West in Sutton Coldfield. Pedestrian access via Netherstone Midlands have wonderful woodlands and you can combine Grove, Bradgate Drive and Hill Hook Road. Beacon Wood on your walk with a visit to a stately home. For the best Lickey Hills - A woodland with a great variety of wildlife and bluebell wood walks try Packwood House, near Solihull; beautiful carpets of bluebells each spring. Enter via a gate Coughton Court near Alcester; The Clent Hills near Romsley, from the public footpath off the old A38.

Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard, Herefordshire; Woodland Trust Clumber Park, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire, or Croft Bunkers Hill Wood near Stourbridge makes for a good walk Castle near Leominster. as the sun sets in the west. The entrance is off Whittington Wildlife Trust Woods Hall Lane between Stourbridge & A449 Kidderminster Road.

Moseley Bog and Joy Woods - The childhood playground of

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News

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

Ban junk food ads

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marketing can influence children’s food preferences, and parents say it makes the job of ensuring their children eat healthily that much harder.

Almost seven in ten (69%) parents polled feel the UK Government should introduce stricter regulations on the food industry to better control how junk food is advertised to children.

Mike Hobday, Director of Policy at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Junk food companies are exploiting legal loopholes in the regulatory system, allowing them to continue bombarding children with junk food adverts.

Around 30% of children in the UK are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of being overweight and developing coronary heart disease in later life. Research has shown that TV

“We urge the UK Government to heed the public’s clear call and take immediate action”.

ore than 30,000 people have signed a petition to ban junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed.

Sixty per cent of UK parents believe stopping children being exposed to junk food adverts could cut childhood obesity, and 30,000 signed a petition supporting a pre-watershed ban, which the British Heart Foundation (BHF) took to Downing Street.

Frozen –family camp out Book your space now for a fun family camp out at Avoncroft Museum grounds in Bromsgrove and enjoy a special indoor screening of the hit movie Frozen. Children can dress in costume, sing along to the tunes (adults too!) and have a fantastic themed mid-summer celebration.

Families can pitch their tent at the Museum overnight and have breakfast in the tea room on Sunday morning. Booking is already open and costs £30 for a pitch for up to 6 people. Last year’s museum camp out event sold out (and that didn’t have Frozen as a theme), so usual word of warning – get your skates on to book if this appeals to you.

The kids will love it. Call 01527 831363.

Yet loopholes in the UK regulatory system mean that junk food adverts which are banned during children’s programming can still be shown during family programming, such as X-Factor, when children’s TV viewing peaks.

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0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk Issue 27

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News

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Up in the air

Extreme Aerial Stunt Show

B

ig air shows are the name of the game this summer as the Extreme Stunt Show team hit the air with daredevil flying feats at their show at Becketts Farm, Wythall, on Sunday, May 31.

‘BIG AIR’ motorbike battles, human fireballs and daringly huge ramp jumps – displaying ‘cliffhangers’, ‘nac nacs’ and ‘supermans’- are all part of the programme. Watch the riders battle for air space with gravitydefying mid-air stunts.

The company has been entertaining audiences across the globe for over 30 years and has a wealth of skills, experience and stunt professionals.

RAF Cosford Air Show Meanwhile, in June you can see the largest aviation event in the West Midlands at the RAF Cosford Air Show. The family event will this year include a full flying display of the Avro Vulcan, a British cold-war nuclear bomber.

As well as the air displays there are a host of ground attractions, including military displays; air ambulance; simulator rides; children’s inflatables, and stalls. A must see this year is the ‘Victory Village’, part of the show’s VE70 theme. Travel back in time to a village green in 1945 and join in the all-day street party with sing-a-longs, vintage traders, a cosy tea room and visits from some well-known historical characters.

Families who have been to the show before should note that tickets must be bought in advance this year. Under 16s go free and adult tickets are £22. You can buy them online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Take your child to the opera for a £1 The Welsh National Opera are coming to Birmingham Hippodrome with their production of Peter Pan and you can take your child to the show for the special ticket price of £1 when you pay for your own adult ticket.

The show is an ideal introduction to the opera for children aged 8 and above – all of whom will be familiar with the tale of Peter Pan. This edgy version stays close to the original story by JM Barrie. Fly away on an enchanting journey with Peter Pan, but will you be able to find your way back?

The show will premiere at the Hippodrome on Thursday, June 11, and there will be pre-performance talks for under 16’s led by a storyteller.

Peter Pan workshops will also be delivered in local schools in Birmingham as part of WNO’s Youth and Community programme to introduce young people to the opera.

The £1 tickets for children are bookable by phone only.

Call Ticket Sales on 0844 338 5000.

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Issue 27

Autism show in Birmingham The Autism Show is the national event for autism, offering practical support to the two million people in the UK who live and work with autism on a daily basis.

Taking place for the first time at the NEC Birmingham on June 19 and 20 this year, the event will provide parents, carers and professionals including across the midlands with the latest information, advice, products and services on the condition.

Visitors can hear from the UK’s leading autism professionals; discover 100s of products and services; listen to adults on the spectrum talk about their experiences; learn new strategies and approaches for home; access one to one specialist advice; and interact with innovative sensory products.

There will also be talks on autism in the classroom and a sensory classroom where visitors can experience how school pupils with sensory processing difficulties might feel.

To find out more and to book tickets visit www.autismshow.co.uk

News

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The Daleks are landing

D

r Who’s famous adversaries – the Daleks, Cybermen, and the spine-chilling Silence – will be making their appearance at a live Dr Who symphonic spectacular at the Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA) on Tuesday, May, 26.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Chorus of Wales will be conducted by Ben Foster, and the show will be hosted by Peter Davison, who played the fifth Doctor.

There’s a matinee performance at 3pm and an evening show at 7.30pm.

Lego sets Younger Dr Who fans might also be interested to know that Dr Who Lego sets will hit the toy stores later this year.

The idea came about from the LEGO IDEAS website where fans can submit ideas for a set and vote for their favourite to be produced.

The Doctor Who concept from fan Andrew Clark received the 10,000 votes needed for The LEGO Group to consider it for production, and they have now confirmed it will be ready for market later this year.

Click here to add phot o or Drag phot o here

Click here to add photo or Drag photo here

Click here to add photo or Drag photo here

Issue 27

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Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Run music classes for tiny tots?

Music for Mummy is looking for new recruits to run classes as it introduces more venues across Birmingham, Solihull and the West Midlands The award-winning franchise runs structured music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with half hour Jolly Babies sessions for mums and babies, and Music with Mummy classes for 1-3 year olds.

If you are musical and would like to work with children, you can find out more by speaking to Lindsay Lucas who runs Music with Mummy in the West Midlands.

You don’t need a musical qualification but you do need to love music and have energy, enthusiasm and a genuine love of children. Full training will be given to the right applicants.

The initial training will cost £125 but there is no franchise joining fee. You could be running your own classes and earning an income doing something you love. If you are interested, call Lindsay on 07815 759035 or e-mail lindsayjanelucas@aol.com

Anyone for cricket? Girls wanted Coleshill Cricket Club are looking for young female cricketers to take part in the 2015 Junior cricket season.

Coleshill CC and Complete Cricket Coaching are running FREE softball cricket sessions aimed at getting girls aged 6 - 11 involved with sports activities.

The sessions start on Wednesday May 6 and run every Wednesday night up to July 15 from 6.00pm - 7.00pm at Memorial Park, Coleshill.

CLUBS & CLASSES

DIRECTORY

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

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

DANCE & DRAMA

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

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

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

Solihull Young Dancers

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

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

www.granarince.co.uk

XCEL SHOWBIZ

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

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056 8

Issue 27

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

The Ultimate A-Z of activities – summer saver Early bird bookers can take advantage of the Ultimate Activity Camps summer saver offer if they book before June 16. Don’t worry if you haven’t sorted your holiday dates yet, as you can change your provisional dates up to 14 days before the camps start.

From art to zorbing, the fun camps offer the ultimate A-Z of activities.

They are run at King Edward High School, Edgbaston, which has a heated swimming pool, dedicated dance studio and astro turf pitches and there are more than 40 fun activities on the programme. The holiday programme caters for 4 year old tots right up to 14 year old teens who want a challenge.

A day costs £36 with the Summer Saver offer and a week £169. Book online at www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0844 870 7077.

Childcare vouchers accepted.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

May Half Term

Blue Orange Theatre – May half term                  theatre workshop Take part in a May Half Term Youth Theatre workshop at the Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

The workshop has been funded by Comic Relief and is open to 7-18 year olds who will have a chance to get involved in creative writing for the stage; take part in drama and physical theatre and perform for an audience.

The workshop will be run over four days Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29 between 10am and 3.30pm. It costs ÂŁ30 for the four days, and assisted places are also available.

To find out more and to book call the Blue Orange Theatre on 0121 212 2643 or e-mail them at info@blueorangetheatre.co.uk

Aspire to have some fun Aspire Active Camps provide sports and activities during every school holiday at venues throughout the Midlands. All their camps are Ofsted registered; their coaches are suitably qualified and they meet or exceed Ofsted supervision ratios.

Children aged 4 – 14 can take part in an exciting programme of indoor and outdoor activities each day. As well as specialist Academies like Gym Beatz, Football and Complete Cricket, the Multi Sports Academy encourages children to try a huge range of sports and activities.

And for children whose interests lie in music and drama, RSM Stage Academy and C Sharp Academy are great for enhancing performance – as well as making new friends!

Activities run from 10am - 4pm each day, with the added option of extra time. So, as a busy parent, you can choose to drop your children off at 8am and pick them up at 6pm.

For more information, please visit www.active-camps.co.uk

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Issue 27

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Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

If you’re not in....

The grammar school entrance exam is NOT like the Lottery, but it does have one aspect in common... if you’re not in, you can’t win.

Registration is now open to sit the eleven plus and each year a number of parents who want their children to try for a grammar school place forget to register or fail to return the form on time. But all grammar schools operate a strict deadline and forms received after the cut off point are not accepted. So if you would like your child to sit the eleven plus it is time to get your act together.

Registration is already open for Walsall and Wolverhampton schools, and registration opens for Birmingham and Warwickshire schools on Tuesday, May 12. The deadlines for returning the forms are shown below along with the dates for the entrance exams. Don’t leave it too late to apply.

A wide social mix

The King Edward Foundation grammar schools in Birmingham are working to encourage more children from less well off backgrounds to apply for a place. Last year the Foundation expanded the overall number of places available and now twenty per cent of places at the schools will be allocated to children on a pupil premium who reach the qualifying score in the exam. A child who has been in receipt of free school meals at any point during their time in primary school may be considered for a place under this system. This can mean they are awarded a place on a lower exam score although they must reach the qualifying score.

Rounded education

Grammar schools are centres of academic excellence but they also offer a rounded education with sports, extra-curricular activities and opportunities for development.

Who can apply

There are eight grammar schools in Birmingham – Bishop Vessey, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Handsworth Grammar School and five King Edward Foundation grammar schools. Students do not have to live in Birmingham to apply for a place.

There are two grammar schools in Walsall – Queen Mary’s Grammar School for Boys and Queen Mary’s High School for Girls. You do not have to live in Walsall to apply to sit the exam.

Alcester Grammar School, Warwickshire, has a catchment area.

Depending on where you live in Solihull or South Birmingham, you might be eligible to apply to sit the entrance exam.

Registration opens for the Birmingham and Warwickshire tests on May 12 and the closing date for applications is Friday, July 10. Registration is already open for the Walsall schools and the closing date for applications is Friday, June 5. The Walsall eleven plus exam is July 1, while the Birmingham and Warwickshire exams are in on September 12.

Vocabulary opposites for 11plus Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have unveiled an additional set of Opposites, specifically written for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) 11+ test.

These new cards complement the existing sets which encourage children to build up a solid bank of advanced vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words.

Each card shows a target word with a childfriendly definition and a list of synonyms.

The other side of the card shows its opposite.

Creator Mary Farquhar says: “It has become

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increasingly apparent that there is a need to focus more energy on mastering opposites.

This new set of opposite flash cards answers the demand from tutors, teachers and parents.

“The new cards should be used in conjunction with the existing sets to provide children with the extra challenge they need to tackle the eleven plus with confidence, and boost results.”

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Mock 11 plus exams If your child is sitting the 11plus exam they will need to feel comfortable in a formal exam setting. It can be daunting for a primary school child used to working in a classroom surrounded by familiar classmates to suddenly pitch into a big exam hall among strangers.

One way of ensuring nervous tension does not hamper their performance on the day is to ease them into the situation by getting them to sit some mock 11plus exams. KSOL, who specialise in 11 plus tuition, run mock 11plus exams in a hall setting similar to the real exam.

They will be holding mock exams on Saturday, May 16, and Saturday, July 11, and any child intending to take the 11plus can sit them. KSOL will also give you feedback on your child’s performance and highlight areas of strengths and weaknesses.

That means you will know where to focus in the final run up to the real exam. To find out more and to book a place call KSOL on 0121 733 6558.

KSOL will also be hold an Open Day at their Shirley Centre for children who are planning to take the 11 plus exam in 2016, and their parents.

VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

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

www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

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Visit our Open House on Thursday 7 May 2015, 9.30am - 3.00pm

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Clubs and Classes Family

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

Family mealtimes Let’s all eat the same!

If you find yourself cooking more than one family meal, read this article by Kathryn Mewes

I

believe it is important for children to realise that they cannot have their ‘favourite’ meal each and every day. My ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and there are 2 options – Take it or Leave it!’

There is too much emphasis today on children having to eat all of their meal. This is what leads us to only giving them food we know they will eat. It is important to realise that your children may leave some of their meal but as they get to understand this meal is going to appear at least once a fortnight they will adjust. Slowly but surely they will ‘tuck in’.

I often suggest creating a ‘meal plan’ so that everyone knows what is on offer that night. For example Monday, spaghetti bolognaise and green vegetables; Tuesday, fish cakes and roasted vegetables; Wednesday Thai curry with rice; Thursday sausage & mash with onion gravy and carrots; Friday, fish and chips; Saturday, pasta or pizza night; and Sunday roast.

You can alter the menu plan every week or have 2 – 3 that you simply rotate. This has so many advantages: the food shopping can be done once a week & ordered online for ease; everyone knows what is going to be served; you don’t have to think each morning about the ‘evening meal and you are only cooking one meal for the family.

“What if my child won’t eat it?”

Please don’t expect your family to instantly adapt. They will ‘dig their heels in’ before accepting the permanent change. If a meal is not eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and a cup of milk to line their stomach before bed. The most important thing is not to offer them something else – you will then be back to where you once were.

“I don’t want to eat early with my children.”

The important thing is that if you are introducing change you need to lead by example. You can have a small portion, or mainly vegetables while sitting with the children. I have ALWAYS found that children behave far better at the table when an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating not just observing.

For further information and advice on guiding your child at mealtimes see the book The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes.

Shopping Sherlock app – makes saving elementary Have you ever wasted hours online searching for the best deals on products or holidays or flights? A free Shopping Sherlock app could be the answer.

It is an invitation only site where you can do product searches to filter for the lowest prices, or look for the best deals on flights or hotels. The site also runs daily discount deals for members. It is free to sign up when you log on to: www.shoppingsherlock.com/86672

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Issue 27

As well as being an efficient way of searching for deals, Shopping Sherlock also offers cash incentives for members who spread the word about the website and encourage friends and relatives to join up. Speak to Hema Patel if you would like to find out more about how you can earn income by becoming a champion for the new app. Call her on 07989 547619.

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Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

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• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

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

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

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

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

Clubs and Classes Family

Futsal Camp 2015

The average life of a family car

T

he average family car will travel 59,814 miles, suffer 12 dents and scratches and be home to 36 family arguments, according to a recent survey.

The study found that for the six years the average family use the same car it will be used to go on 18 holidays and mini-breaks, 66 day trips and make 702 trips on the school run.

The result is the car will be home to 12 drink spills, hear children say ‘Are we nearly there yet’ 360 times, be the scene of 216 tantrums and completely breakdown twice over that time.

Meanwhile, it will suffer 12 faults over its lifetime and will be kept going for more than a year and a half on its last legs before finally being replaced with a new one.

James Wilkinson, CEO for online car finance specialist Car Loan 4U,

Children add another string to their bow Budding young musicians at The Strings Club have received prestigious Music Medal awards from The Royal School of Music.

More than 40 children aged between 5 and 7 recently received their award and certificate in front of family and friends. The Music Medal award stands alongside the usual grade systems such as ABRSM and is a key part of the National Qualifications Framework.

Founder of The Strings Club Amy Cunningham explains “As partners with Music Medals and The Royal School of Music, we encourage all our pupils to aim for an award – not only does it give them something to work towards, it also helps build confidence in their own abilities as well as a love of playing their instrument!”.

The Strings Club offers fun-filled music provision to children aged

4-12 with a range of lessons to suit any child and ability – from complete beginner to grade 8. It also offers holiday camps, and parties as well as school provision.

The Strings Club was awarded ‘Start-Up Business of 2013’, nominated by The Apprentice Star’s Karren Brady. And, last year, the company was nominated for ‘Best Musical Initiative’ at the Music Education Awards for Excellence by a panel of experts including Dr Richard Hillier, Headmaster of the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Try out the Strings Club May Half Term holiday camp at the Bluecoat School, Harborne, or join them for a complimentary free lesson at their summer holiday camp.

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

said: “The average family car is really worked hard over the years, running errands, visiting friends and relatives, holidays, day trips and numerous school runs.

“Many of us spend a huge amount of time in our car, especially when you factor in the time you spent lost or stuck in traffic, so it’s inevitable it’s likely to witness a host of family arguments and spilt drinks.”

The study of 2,000 drivers revealed the average family car will also make four trips a month – 48 a year – to see relatives as well as 30 trips to the doctors, dentists and hospital over its lifetime.

The same car will also spend nine days of its lifetime frustrated and held up in traffic. Meanwhile, the hard work takes its toll on the car with it gaining an average of two dents and scratches each year, and a total of 12 faults over the six years requiring £1,491 to fix.

Car Loan 4U specialise in finding car finance packages as well as offering full vehicle history and vehicle valuation checks.

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Issue 27

13

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Would you know what to do in an emergency?

O

ne in three parents in the UK say they wouldn’t feel confident knowing what to do if their child was to have a health emergency.

Yet, a study of 1,000 parents carried out on behalf of the Baby Show found that one in four parents recalled their child experiencing a health emergency in the first four years of their life.

Most common emergencies faced by parents included problems breathing, allergic reactions to foods, seizures, bronchitis and pneumonia.

While the majority of parents said they knew how to do a meningitis check (78%) and help a choking baby (71%), 60% of parents didn’t know what to do if their baby had drunk bleach. Nearly half (43%) said they wouldn’t know how to resuscitate their baby while 46% would not know what to do if boiling water fell on them.

Tracey Taylor, a British Red Cross first aid expert says: “Having a baby is a special and exciting time for the whole family. We would like all parents, grandparents and even aunties and uncles to learn first aid so if ever faced with an emergency they’d be confident to know how to help.”

Some first aid tips from Tracey include:

1,500

Bumps

You don’t need a first aid kit. There are lots of everyday items that you can use in an emergency.

For example, frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel is ideal to soothe a bump to the head.

Burns

Burns and scalds are common in toddlers as the little explorers don’t always know what is safe to touch. If your baby or child burns themselves, cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes. (Cold milk is great to cool a burn if you don’t have access to cold running water.) While cooling get someone to call 999 for an ambulance if the burn is serious. Once the burn has been completely cooled, cover it loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag and ensure you get your child checked out.

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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: carolynrose121@gmail.com 14

Issue 27

Seizures

Febrile seizures can happen in younger children and babies when they become too hot. If your baby or child arches their back, stiffens their body and has clenched fists, are red-faced and hot to touch this may be a febrile seizure. The key thing you need to remember is to protect them from injury and reduce their temperature.

First aid at your fingertips

Going on a baby-and-child first aid course is an ideal way to be prepared for any health emergency you could face. If you can’t get to a course, you can download the Red Cross’s baby and child first aid app. Packed with useful information, animations and tips, it’s first aid at your fingertips.

British Red Cross will have a stand at the Baby Show at the NEC on May 15-17. For 40 per cent discount on tickets to the Baby Show book in advance on www.thebabyshow.co.uk and quote Discount code ‘LIFE’.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Parties

Party problems - SOLVED

P

lanning a party? Need some advice? Sarah Butters takes a look at the very latest party problems posed by parents and gives you some top tips on avoiding serving a can of worms at your child’s next celebration.

CAN YOU….say no to siblings?

Most of us wouldn’t dream of turning up to a party uninvited. Yet some parents feel it acceptable to bring along a string of siblings and presume they too are welcome.

“They won’t eat. In fact you won’t even know they’re here,” cry the parents as they sprint out the door, while said siblings begin pilfering from the pre prepared party bags. The point is if you’ve budgeted for 20 and catered for 20, you’re ready for 20 children – not 25. Very often entertainers insist on a maximum number and siblings can tip you over the limit, and in turn, tip you over the edge. Prevent the problem at the point of invite and make the sibling rule clear. A simple ‘Sorry, no room for siblings!’ means there’s no question. I find the addition of an exclamation mark makes you look fun and not mean.

CAN YOU…..exclude individual children?

This is a tough one because, as a general rule, you should stick to one of 3 party invite rules.

1. Invite the whole class – this is perfect for Reception age children 2. Invite all the girls or all the boys – this becomes popular as children head into KS2 and the opposite sex become toxic 3. Invite a few close friends – this works when you’re keeping the budget down or as you head towards the end of primary school.

However there are exceptions. If your child is the victim of a classroom bully, you’ve grounds to exclude that individual. This is YOUR child’s special day and they’re entitled to enjoy it without fear. Excluding problematic children is more difficult. Instead, it’s best to ask the parents of said child to stick around to offer a helping hand.

CAN YOU…..fine a parent for a ‘no show’?

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There is little more irritating than the parent who confirms their child will be joining the party, only for them to leave an empty chair at the birthday table. The tale of the mum who billed a parent after they failed to show up to her son’s skiing party certainly made party no shows the talk of the playground. Was she right to have sent the invoice? The reality is there will always be ill mannered individuals who chose to accept an invite, and go on to make other plans without letting you know. In a world of text messages and emails, a no warning no show is simply unacceptable. But it’s also inevitable at some point in your party throwing life. Invoicing a parent may make the headlines and also make you feel better for a while, but it’s likely to alienate your child and make YOU the subject of ridicule at the school gates. Our advice is to make a point of asking what happened to those no show when you next bump into the parent. In my experience you maximize the middle class embarrassment the more parents there are to witness it.

Issue 27

15

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Book early

Don’t miss your chance to see chance to see Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy In Birmingham This Summer. This summer, the In the Night Garden Live Showdome is back in Birmingham - for two weeks from 11 July to 25 July.

See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections.

In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome. With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action and everyone gets a great view!

Watch the trailer and book online at NightGardenLive.com James and the Giant Peach

After his parents are eaten by an escaped rhinocerous, James Henry Trotter is sent to live with his gruesome aunts Spiker and Sponge. But when he accidentally grows a giant Peach, he embarks on an adventure that takes him over land and sea and even into the sky. A Roald Dahl tale.

Venue: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Great Hampton Street, B18 6AB Date: May 23-25; May 30 & 31 and June 6 & 7 Times: vary. See website Tickets To Book: 0121 212 2643 www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk

Rapunzel

This is a story about a girl. The story happened in a once upon a time, and in a once upon a place. The girl was called Rapunzel. Placed high-up in a tower above the world and faced with the challenge of growing-up, she is found alone, dreaming.... Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity and joys of growing up, risk taking and discovering who you are.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park. Age 3 plus.

Date: Wed, May 27 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 or family of 4 £28 Call: 0121 446 3232

http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/tuttifrutti-productions-rapunzel/

Peter Pan

A family show for ages 5+ Peter Pan, Wendy and the Darling brothers and Tinkerbell in Never Land.

This enchanted island is home to Peter, Tink, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, her Native American nation and the scheming Captain Hook. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys are engaged in an on-going conflict with Captain Hook and his pirates. Hook is as intent on defeating Peter Pan as he is from escaping the tick-tocking crocodile that once ate a hand of his and has pursued him ever since.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull Date: Fri, May 29 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 Call 0121 704 6962 http://www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk/ whatson_focus.asp?showid=4250&genr eName=&showName=Peter-Pan#sthash. ecmq9SP9.dpuf

StatiK

It’s Mikey’s first day working at the regimented radio factory. But when a mystery voice unexpectedly comes through the airwaves chaos ensues and rules fall away. Inspired by the wisdom of

Pitschi – The Kitten with Dreams Pitschi doesn’t care for the rough and tumble and mischievous fun of kitten play, but instead dreams of being something else – a chicken, perhaps, or a goat, or a rabbit… for after all, anything is better than being a cat! A rich mix of story-telling, physical theatre, music and song to tell the story of a kitten that learns to be happy by being exactly what she is. For ages 2 plus.

Venue: Foyle Studio, mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Tues, May 26 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 or family of 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232 http://macbirmingham.co.uk/ event/pitschi-the-kitten-with -dreams/

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Issue 27

children; energetic clowning and a vibrant soundtrack combine in a hilarious show about breaking the mould. For ages 5+ Venue: The Door at the Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street, B1 2EP Date: Sat, May 30 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adult £9; child £6; babe in arms £2 Call: 0121 236 4455 http://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/event/ first-stages-statik/

Basil Brush

Now, Britain’s most loveable fox Basil Brush is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey).

Together they will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written ‘live’ stage show packed with fun and excitement. Join in the mayhem, along with Mr Stephen who is continually interrupted by naughty uncontrollable Basil!

A show for all the family.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Date: Sun, May 31 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £16.90 and £4 transaction To book: www.atgtickets.com

Little Red

Take a journey into the deep, dark woods

with brave Little Red, exploring the secrets of the forest.

With this original retelling of the traditional tale, step into the shows of little red as she discovers that wolves are not the only perils she faces. For ages 5 to 9 Venue: The Door at the Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street, B1 2EP Date: Sat, June 6 Time: 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: Adults £9; child £6 and babe in arms £2 Call: 0121 236 4455 http://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/event/ first-stages-little-red/

Gorilla Gardening

Join Ellie as she tracks down the shape she saw in the moonlight and swaps her headphones for a spade. Uplifting, inspiring and full of fun, Gorilla Gardening, introduces you to the nature on your doorstep and challenges you to get digging too! A play for under 7s.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Sun, Jun 7 Time: 11am & 2.30pm Tickets: £8 or family of 4 £28 Call 0121 446 3232 http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/gorillagardening/

Welsh National Opera Peter Pan - Unending

An perfect introduction to opera for anyone aged 8 and over. The production brings to life the story of Peter Pan – the danger, the delightful anarchy and the vibrancy of JM Barrie’s original story.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Thursday, June 11 Time: 7.15pm Tickets: £16-£49 Call: 0844 338 5000

The Boy who Became a Beetle Greg’s an ordinary boy, much like any other. At least, he was... Until this morning. When he wakes up with clacking pincers on his head, a huge heavy shell on his back and six spindly legs with a mind of their own, life’s about to get a whole lot trickier.

How will he get dressed?

Eat his breakfast? Go to the loo?

What will his family do when he scuttles out of his bedroom? And how will the rest of the world react to this creepy crawly crisis?

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sun, June 28 & Mon June 29 Time: Sun 2pm & 4.30pm & Mon 11am & 2pm Tickets: £8; family £28 Call 0121 446 3232 http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/ the-boy-who-became-a-beetle/

Theatre

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/ WhatsOn_focus.asp?showId=1854

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

A family show presented by Queensbridge Musical Society. When Peter. Susan, Edward and Lucy are evacuated to the country, they are unaware of the adventure they will encounter. During a game of hide and seek the youngest daughter, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe which transports her to the wonderful land of Narnia.

Covered in snow, Narnia is full of weird and wonderful creatures, but is watched over by the evil White Witch.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Tuesday, June 16-Sat, June 20 Time: 7.30pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm

Tickets: Tues-Thursday ÂŁ14 and ÂŁ12; FriSat, ÂŁ15 and ÂŁ13 Call 0121 704 6962 http://www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk/ whatson_focus.asp?showid=4357&genre Name=&showName=The-Lion-The-Witchand-The-Wardrobe

Frame(d)

National Youth Dance Company returns to mac birmingham with a new work created by the 2014-15 Guest Artistic Director Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. For all ages.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Sun, June 21 Time: 4pm Tickets: Adults ÂŁ12; child ÂŁ6 Call: 0121 446 3232 http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/ framed/

Aladdin – Ballet Theatre UK

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If you are looking for a different lifestyle and are keen for a new challenge, ask yourself: ‘Does this sound right for me?’ If the answer is yes, call 0758 352 6056 for an informal chat and more detailed information.

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Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dazzling re-telling of this exotic classic tale boldly brought to life through the entrancing magic of classical ballet.

Follow the tale of the lonely orphan whose life is destined for greater things. Tricked by an evil sorcerer, Aladdin sets out on a quest in search for the ultimate treasure. Deceived, Aladdin is left alone in a dark and damp cave to where he will uncover a life changing object‌a dusty old lamp.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road Date: Wed, May 27 Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: Adults ÂŁ18; child ÂŁ12 Call: 0121 704 6962 http://www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk/ whatson_focus.asp?showid=3771&genreNa me=&showName=Aladdin-by-Ballet-TheatreUK#sthash.hvBirfxa.dpuf

Run Families magazine from home

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BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2015 Dates: every weekend from 25th April to 27th September 2015 except for the first Sunday of the month from May to October when we operate as the MUSEUM HERITAGE BUS. Meeting point: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square Tour times: 10.30, 12.30, 2.30

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THE BIG BRUM BUZ IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Issue 27

  17 

What’s On Activities Music in the Park: VE Day 70th Anniversary concert

Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with this special concert from the Coventry Consortium Band and their resident vocalist Sue Starr.

Refreshments are available at the Bridge Club on site - or why not bring a picnic, relax.

Venue: Shirley Park, B90 3AL Date: Sun, May 10 Time: 2.00pm - 4.15pm

Robert Wilkinson’s Funfair

Enjoy all the fun of the fair. Thrills, spills and rides suitable for all ages.

Venue: Meriden Park, B37 5SH Date: Thurs, May 14-Sun, May 17 Tickets: £1 per person entry; £1 per ride

Museums at Night – “Night time Tales”

Heath Road, Sutton Coldfield. B76 0DY Dates: Sat, May 23- Mon, May 25 Tickets: £2 return for all classes (ages 2 and up) from Harvesters Station

Music in the park – Brilliant Brass!

Our second ‘Music in the Park’ event features a performance from perennial favourites the Alcester Victoria Band, who will play a range of brass classics, from film and television themes to military marches and traditional arrangements.

Refreshments will be available on site, or you may prefer to bring along a picnic and spend a relaxing Bank Holiday afternoon in the park Venue: Malvern Park, B91 3DL Date: Sunday, May 24 Time: 2.00pm - 4.15pm

Let’s Get Sporty

See “Night at the Museum” (cert PG) and then explore Avoncroft’s grounds after dark. The buildings will be lit by candlelight and inhabited by story-tellers with their night-time tales. In partnership with “Museums at Night” and Artrix.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove Date: Fri, May 15 To Book: 01527 831363

The Story of Children’s television

A family-friendly trip down memory lane with The Story of Children’s Television interactive exhibition with objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images from iconic children’s programmes. Fom Mummy Woodentop to the original Tracy Island model created on Blue Peter, Gordon the Gopher, The Wombles, Rastamouse and the singing veggies from Mr Bloom’s Nursery.

Venue: Herbert Art Gallery, Jordan Well, Coventry Date: May 22 through to September FREE

Echills Wood Railway

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

A narrow gauge train for tiny tots and their bigger parents running along the tracks at Kingsbury Water park. During the May Bank Holiday weekend trains will operate during these days between 11am and 4-30pm. Catch the train and have a picnic in the park by the railway stations and just watch the trains go by!

Venue: Harvesters Station, Far Leys, Kingsbury Water Park, Bodymoor

It’s time to get sporty! Outdoor games guaranteed to get the heart racing with costumed demonstrators on hand to help visitors hop and skip their way to some old-fashioned fun!

Grab a sack and join in an old-fashioned sports day at the Museum’s very own Folkes’ Park. Knock boredom on the head with some traditional street games, including skittles, the whip and top, hoop and stick and hopscotch.

Venue: Black Country Museum, Tipton, Dudley Date: May 23-31 2015 www.bclm.co.uk

May Half Term nature fun

A series of half term workshops encouraging an interest in nature and the great outdoors.

Tues, May 26 – Crafty Drop in 10.30am12pm and 1-2.30pm. Age 2 plus.

Wed, May 27 – Pond Dipping 11am-12pm; Den Building 1-2pm Age 4 plus.

Thurs, May 28 – Nuts About Nature workshop with scavenger hunt and wild art, Age 4 plus.

Fri, May 29 – Slippery slugs and snails for tots. A guided slug and snail hunt for ages 2-4.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3 HW Tickets: £2 - £4.50 depending on session

The Baby Show Experience the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event – The Baby Show, 15-17 May at NEC Birmingham. Specially designed with mums-tobe and new parents in mind, the event has been recommended by mums for over 13 years.

Highlights include: Superb Shopping & Unbeatable Savings; Expert Information & Advice; Weaning, breastfeeding & sleep specialists; Group antenatal & first aid sessions. Daily fashion shows for mums to be & family fun with crèche and an Activity Zone with taster sessions for babies and toddlers.

Venue: NEC Birmingham Date: Fri, May 15-Sun, May 17 Time: 9.30am-5pm Tickets: Special Families discount with code ‘LIFE’. Quote the discount code when you book in advance online at www.thebabyshow.co.uk for 40 per cent discount.

Once upon a time… and Happily Ever After

A fun day out for all the family with a fairytale theme. Spot your favourite characters from popular children’s stories in trails and activities around the historic buildings at Avoncroft Museum. The fairytale theme continues Tues-Thurs of the May Half Term with craft activities and storytelling.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove Date: Once Upon a Time event (Bank Holiday, Monday, May 25) and theme continues Tues, May 26-Thurs, May 28 Time: 10.30am-5pm

May Madness

Make your own jester’s stick to take home and follow our family trail to find out about celebrations in Tudor times.

Drop-in family craft activity.

Venue: Blakesley Hall, Yardley, B25 8RN Date: Thurs, May 28 Time: 12.30 -2.30pm. £2 per child.

Children must be accompanied.

Birds, Bees and Butterflies

Half term family fun at Birmingham Botanical Gardens as the Butterfly house re-opens.

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Birmingham Date: Mon, May 25-Friday, May 29 Time: 11am-3pm

Extreme Stunt Show 2015 – Big Air Battle

Daredevil drama with stunt riders in a new show – The big Air Battle. Amazing tricks and students.

Venue: Becketts Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall, B47 6AJ Date: Sunday, May 31 Tickets: www.extremeeventsurope.com

Solihull Carnival

Celebrate the Carnival with the Solihull Lions! Bob Wilson’s Funfair will also be in residence at the park with funfairs taking place from Thursday 4 June onwards. There will be plenty of other entertainment, stalls and activities to enjoy. Free entry - charity donations welcome.

Sunday Art for children Cosford Air Show The RAF Cosford Air Show is the largest aviation event in the West Midlands but is also renowned for the huge variety of attractions on the ground with something for all the family.

Other attractions that visitors to the show can enjoy include the children’s inflatables, simulator rides, aviation exhibitors and military grounds displays. There are also plenty of shopping options for all the family, various catering facilities and of course, the RAF Museum. We’re pleased to be selling tickets for this fantastic event again.

Venue: RAF Cosford, TF11 8UP Date: Sun, June 14 Time: Gates open 8.30am Tickets: £22. Children under 16 go FREE with paying adult.

To Book: Call 0871 230 1083

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Issue 27

A series of Sunday arts workshops for children aged 4-8 and 8-12 where they can learn to draw like a pro with help from the experts at Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

May 3 – Simian Selfies – turn yourself into a 3D Simian; May 10 Strange Sculptures; May 17 Textile Dolls; May 24 Crazy Caricatures. Sun, June 7 – Opera comes to life.

Celebrate the student opera by drawing performers in full costume & hearing them sing; Sun, June 21 Printed Patterns.

Search the Barber for unusual patterns then design & make your own patterned print.

Sun, June 28 Bold Self Portraits. Create a colourful self-portrait, using collage & oil pastel to form layers & texture Compose a collage & oil pastel self-portrait. Experiment with colour blending, creating textures & shadow.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Art, Time: 11am-12.30pm for ages 4-8 and 1.30-3pm for ages 8-12.

Cost: £5 per child, per session. Booking essential.

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

Out & About

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Party at the Park Take part in Hatton’s Got Talent, watch some Hawaiianthemed shows and sip ‘mocktails’ from a new Kiddies Cocktail Bar. All this alongside our ever popular daily programme of shows, fun fair rides, farmyard favourites and Superslide Mania. So GET READY TO PARTY and come on down to join in the fun!

Venue: Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton Date: Sat, May 23-Sun, May 31 For best discounts book online in advance at www.hattonworld.com

www.octavian-droobers.org or telephone 01926 632189.

Race for Life

A race for women of all ages supporting Cancer Research.

Venues: Malvern & Brueton Parks (B91 3DL and B91 3HA). The race starts in Malvern

Park before finishing in the town centre.

Date: June 21 Time: 11am-1pm Entry: Adults £14.99 and child £10.

Under 6 free. This is a women only event.

To enter: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

UK’s no.1 f�r child�are during the sc�o�l ho�idays

Wher� th� action �ev�r sto�� @baWTl 9e\WTl +-#ɀ T!`Ɋ )-#ɀ c!`Ɋ Activ��ies for b�ys and girls age� 4-1� Rate� ‘Outs�andi�g’ by Ofste� in 2014

Date: Carnival, Sat, June 6. Funfair from Thurs, June 4 Venue: Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU Carnival runs from 12.00pm - 5.00pm

The Good Food Show and Gardeners World Live

Meet your favourite chefs – Mary Berry, John Torode and James Martin; or gardeners Monty Don, Carol Klein and Joe Swift at these two events Venue: NEC Birmingham Date: Thurs, June 11-Sat, June 14 Tickets: for Food Show £24.25; for Gardeners World £22.50

Damson Park Dog Show and Fun Day

Annual fundraising event with proceeds going towards improving the recreation grounds. Featuring the Dog Watch show; rides, entertainment and stalls. A fun event for all the family and their four legged friends.

Venue: Elmdon Heath Recreation Grounds, B92 9JS Date: Sat, June 13 Time: 10.30am-3pm

Donkey Derby

Help Shirley Round Table raise money for charity by supporting the annual donkey derby. Donkey races, entertainment for children; rides; sideshows and stalls.

Venue: Shirley Park, B90 3AL Date: Sat, June 13 Time: 12-5pm Tickets: £2 pp entry

Frozen Camp Out!

Pitch a tent overnight at Avoncroft Museum; head to a special indoor screening of “Frozen” (cert PG, film starts

at 7pm) with the chance to sing! Camp overnight at the Museum and have breakfast in the Tea Room on Sunday morning.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove Date: Sat, June 20 from 6pm Cost: £30 per pitch for up to 6 people.

Pre-booking essential. (A camp out event sold out last year, so early booking advised). Call: 01527 831363/831886 to book your pitch.

Supersonic Kids Gig - Led by Flamingods

01235 46730� w�w.sup�rcamps.c��uk

Birmingham Cannon Hill Park 11 Jul - 25 Jul

A fantastic gig for kids and their families, which aims to introduce children to experimental music. Led by Flamingods, who take African rhythms and grooves to bring a welcome, vibrant splash of day-glo to any proceedings. For children aged up to 10.

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar Date: Sat, June 13 Time: 11am FREE EVENT

Family Orienteering event

Try the outdoor adventure navigation sport of orienteering with the local club, Octavian Droobers. There will be courses from 1Km to 6Km, easy to advanced, to suit all abilities and ages from 5 to 85!

Help is available to all newcomers. A large scale map and electronic timer are also provided - bring a compass if you have one.

Venue: Hillfield Park, B91 4UJ Date: Wed, June 17 Time: 6-7.30pm Cost £4.00 per adult, juniors free, plus £1 for the hire of a timer.

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Vintage Trains Summer Open Weekend A family fun weekend with Vintage Steam trains. Details to be confirmed.

Please check online nearer the date.

Venue: Tysley Loco Works, Date: Sat and Sun 27 and 28 June Time: 10am-5pm with last admission at 4pm Tickets: Adult £15 and children under 16 FREE. All children must be accompanied.

Tickets on sale at venue on day.

Cash or cheque only. No credit card.

NightGardenLive.com No booking fee online or call 0333 300 0015 (bkg fee)

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off orders over £60 or 5% off orders under £60 NightGardenLive.com • call 0333 300 0015 (bkg fee) *Coupon worth £5 off orders over £60, or 5% off orders under £60 and expires 30 Jun 2015. Discount tickets are subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply, see www.NightGardenLive.com. © 2015 DHX Worldwide Limited. In the Night Garden and all related characters, titles and logos are trademarks of DHX Worldwide Limited. All rights reserved.

Issue 27

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Issue 27

King Edward VI Aston School King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls King Edward VI Five Ways School

King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

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