Families Warwickshire Issue 34 March-April 2017

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March/April 2017 Issue 34

Take me home!

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warwickshire

The essential local magazine for parents www.familiesonline.co.uk

CATHERINE WHEELS

summer 2017

BASED ON THE BOOk BY JUDITH kERR

White

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Sat 11 - Mon 13 Mar Age 2 – 4

A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood

Fri 14 - Sun 16 Apr Age 3+

ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © KERR-KNEALE PRODUCTIONS LTD 1968

FamilY PIGTAILS PRODUCTIONS

LES PETITS THEATRE COMPANY

The Tap Dancing Mermaid

The First Hippo on the Moon

by David Walliams

Sun 14 May Age 3+

Thu 1 - Sun 4 Jun Age 3+

Warwick Arts Centre – the region’s biggest arts and entertainment venue with restaurant, bars, café, gallery and FREE parking after 6pm Warwick Arts Centre @warwickarts warwickarts

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Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre The University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Issue 34 | March/April 2017 | Families Warwickshire Kids go free at Carnival Day

In this issue

Warwick Racecourse is hosting a Carnival Day on Monday 1 May. Packed with free family entertainment and activities, this promises to be a fantastic Bank Holiday day out for all the family. There will be a local Mascot Race and appearances from children’s favourite, Chase from Paw Patrol, making it the perfect day out for youngsters. Children go free but don’t miss the early bird ticket offer for grown-ups! Tickets are just £12.50 if you buy them before midnight on 25 April. www.warwickracecourse.co.uk

3 Snippets 7 Education Easter Holiday 4 Parties q Clubs 5 Clubs & Classes w What's on Contact details Mucky Pupdate

Call: Claire Jones on 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com Design by www.peninsula-design.co.uk All content ©2017 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,500 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welfordon-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers Next issue: May/June 2017 Deadline: Friday 7th April Families Warwickshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Warwickshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Eddie has been part of our family for over 6 months now. He’s not only my daughters’ first puppy, he’s mine too and I can honestly say that, as a first time dog owner, I’m really enjoying the whole experience. After the school run and before I settle myself down at my desk to work, I look forward to our daily trek over Newbold Common.

Our evening walk also helps me to unwind after a busy day. It would be remiss of me though to paint a totally rosy picture of dog ownership. At this time of year, dog walking is a mucky business! Our daily walks trudging across muddy, squelchy fields come with a consequence – one very mucky pup.

However, rather like children, a mucky pup is a happy one and I’d rather have a happy pup.

On the plus side, there’s nothing nicer on a cold, miserable day than snuggling up with the children and our cuddly Eddie-bear in front of a good film and a bowl of popcorn.

That said, roll on summer!

PetStay

Warwickshire Branch

“We Love Dogs here at PetStay”

Providing a loving, safe Home Dog Boarding service for your dog whilst you are away.

Fully Licensed and Insured www.petstay.net

01789 608021

More Loving Dog Carers Wanted!

For Mums...

The Revitalise Programme has been Launched Online 50% Discount to Celebrate!

For more information please contact Tina

07932 441 450

yournewwings@gmail.com

www.yournewwings.com

Your local divorce & family law specialists Caring, confidential legal advice 3 Divorce and separation 3 Getting a fair financial settlement 3 Issues concerning children when separating 3 Legal arrangements before you marry or live together

FREE telephone appointment Call Warwickshire based divorce & family lawyer Alison Ratchford on 01789 336405 or email Alison.Ratchford@family-lawfirm.co.uk

Local meetings arranged at a time and place to suit you www.family-lawfirm.co.uk 6 FREE downloadable guides available on our website Woolley & Co is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Head office: Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF

W&Co_87x130PR_AlisonRatchford.indd 1

@familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

06/09/2016 13:21 www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Snippets

It’s party time! ation -motion Animrt ies CREATIVE Stop& Pa y da th Bir s Workshop

mate.co.uk o.uk www.letsani @letsanimate.c

0797 3354567

hello

‘MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA’ CHILDREN’S PARTY Pizza chef brings his own special oven and children make delicious fresh pizzas at home.

WE CLEAR UP THE MESS!

pizzaupyourparty@gmail.com

Workshops for children to learn how to Be Dog Smart Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, is branching out to help young people in schools and communities across the Midlands to learn all about dogs and inspire a future generation of dog owners. Education Officers Charlotte Paddock and Anthea Holloway are devoted to animal welfare and education, and travel throughout the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands helping young people to learn about responsible dog ownership through various education programmes including Be Dog Smart and Building Confidence Around Dogs.

The fun and interactive workshops provide a safe environment to learn about responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs, as well as how to help your child manage a fear of dogs.

The education scheme successfully delivered over 8,000 workshops in 2016 and the team can provide

07562 608659

To get involved or learn more about the education scheme email charlotte.paddock@dogstrust.org.uk or visit www.learnwithdogstrust.org.uk

50% off family membership at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Felt making parties The perfect party activity for girls or boys of all ages !

Learn with local artist and teacher Ursula Westwood.

Choose your own theme.

Two hour party for £15 per child

www.ursulawestwood.com 07802 901566

Pizza up your party!

Introducing Little Boot Books

For something a little different for your child‘s birthday party, why not Pizza Up Your Party?

The pizza chef will come to your house or venue and bring all the ingredients with him, including the homemade pizza dough – he evens brings his own pizza oven! Children then make their own delicious fresh pizzas and, at the end of the party, Pizza Up Your Party will clear up all the mess! You can also hire the pizza chef to make pizzas in your home for other special occasions – housewarming, catching up with friends, family get together – allowing you to be with your guests and not worry about the food. Pizza-tastic!

This year, after meeting in a Warwickshire primary school nearly fourteen years ago, two friends came together to create a very special new children's book project. One of those women is Alison Hanson, who is making her debut as an author with this exciting new picture book. The other is Becki Pantling, who brought in illustrator Samantha Theobald-Roe and composer Rachel Jamieson to make both the book and the audiobook come to life.

www.facebook.com/pizzaupyourparty

talks or workshops - completely free of charge - in schools, holiday clubs, libraries and youth groups.

Tours around Dogs Trust centres are available so families with children can learn about the work Dogs Trust do, and experience what one of the Rehoming Centres is like.

Take advantage of this special offer for Families Warwickshire readers. Join the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for just £30 and the whole family can enjoy membership for the year. It also includes six FREE workshops per year for up to 3 children (4 to 14 years). WWT membership allows you free entry to over 2000 Wildlife Trust nature reserves nationwide including Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre near Coventry. Brandon Marsh is a fantastic place to visit and children will have a great time exploring – there’s an orchard, a mouse maze, bird watching hides, an education garden, a sensory garden and lots more. Take a picnic or refuel in Badgers Tearoom.

Call the membership team on 02476 308972 quoting FAMSPR17 or visit to join today. This offer is only available on family membership. Payment

by Annual Direct Debit only and applies to new members only. Offer valid until 31st May 2017. www. warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/families

The story is Mandy and Mitch and the Big Brave Boots, a picture book for ages 3 to 7, which aims to promote positive mental health from an early age by exploring emotions, specifically worry and anxiety. The team at Little Boot Books intends to continue growing their small business with more titles, all aimed at exploring big topics with little readers. www.littlebootbooks.com

New Dash classes

Dance with Dash now offers a fun contemporary class, with an emphasis on creativity and choreography, for young people aged 12+. The class takes place on Saturdays from 12.15pm to 1pm at the Townsend Hall in Shipstonon-Stour .

After Easter, there will be some new classes on Tuesday evenings. For ages 4+ there will be new 1st ballet, pre-primary tap and pre-primary modern classes and for ages 8+ there will be a primary jazz class. Starting date and venue are being confirmed so check on the Dance with Dash website or call Sarah on 0797 074 2256. www.dancewithdash.co.uk

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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Clubs and Classes

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

TRY TENNIS

DANCE CLASSES H Southam Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat

H Leamington

MEMBERS FREE Non-members £3 FIRST SESSION FREE! Young person membership from just £4 per month

Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

Family Fun Sessions

Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

Sunday Fun Tennis for Families Starts 23 April 3pm-5pm

Friday Floodlight Tennis

H Cawston

Starts 17 March. See website for details

Mondays and Fridays Call Claire on 07774 518949 claire@loveballet.co.uk www.loveballet.co.uk

Get inspired by Wimbledon giant-killer Marcus Willis at Warwick Boat Club Is your child a would-be Roger Federer or Johanna Konta? And do you fancy trying your hand at tennis or getting back on court after a long lay-off? From Friday 17 March, Wimbledon giant-killer Marcus Willis and his doubles partner Gavin Henderson are launching Floodlit Junior Tennis Sessions for youngsters aged 5-12. The sessions will take place every Friday evening from 4.50pm to 5.30pm at Warwick Boat Club - beautifully located beside Warwick Castle - and will be free for members and £3 for nonmembers with the first session free.

Every Sunday from 23 April, from 3pm to 5pm, their Try Tennis Sunday Afternoon Family Sessions are back by popular demand. The family sessions are open to all-comers and are free to members and £3 for non-members with the first session free.

The Willis/Henderson duo are also running a string of Holiday Tennis Camps for 7 to 15 year olds to give children action-packed training in a fun, friendly atmosphere. At just £25 a day, the holiday camps will run from 9am to 2pm during school holidays.

Easter: 10-13 & 18-21 April May Half Term: 30 May-2 June Summer: 17-20 & 24-27 July, 31 July -3 Aug, 7-10 & 21-24 Aug The club is also offering heavily discounted junior memberships at just £4 a month.

When not playing on the international tennis circuit, Marcus, the gutsy Wimbledon qualifier who famously upset the form-books at last year’s Championships, winning 7 matches and even giving Federer a run for his money, coaches at the club where Gavin is Director of Tennis. The pair have already encouraged scores of newcomers to take up the game. “We make tennis fun with non-stop activity and lots of games and drills,” said Gavin.

“We’re determined to inspire everyone, all ages and backgrounds, even if they’ve never picked up a racket in their lives. See you on court!”

For more information or to book, contact Gavin at gavindhenderson@hotmail.co.uk or on 07787 568642. www.warwickboatclub.co.uk/tennis-juniors/

@familieswarks

Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Coventry & surrounding areas.

familieswarwickshire

To book a place, please email gavindhenderson@hotmail.co.uk or call Gavin on 07787 568642.

Book your FREE Trial Lesson

www.warwickboatclub.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com

mel@bilinguasing.com

07815 149877

Ballet, tap, modern & street dance classes

Classes available from 21/2 years Free trial & sibling discounts IDTA & RAD exams taken annually Biannual show Classes in Claverdon, Call 07791 852891 Wootton Wawen & Studley

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Warwickshire Music Spring Festival

DANCE WITH DASH

Thousands of children from hundreds of schools will take part in 2017’s Warwickshire Music Spring Festival this March and April, featuring everything from the most prestigious County groups through to whole school singing with the fabulous ‘Singing Playgrounds’ project. The Music Makers concerts on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March provide a focus for the Festival. This wonderful weekend of music making will celebrate National Shakespeare Week and will feature repertoire reflecting music from the renaissance performed by Warwickshire Music’s prize winning Early Music consorts.

The Central Area Music Theatre Group will present the ever popular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Bridgehouse Theatre in Warwick on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 March. Also on Saturday 25 March and just next door at the brand new Warwick Hall will be the first of the Singing Playgrounds presentations alongside County ensembles and the organisation’s very special Suzuki violin groups.

The Windband day on Sunday 26 March will highlight the progression that Warwickshire Music offers all young musicians with junior, intermediate and area bands performing alongside the County windband, jazz orchestra and percussion ensemble.

Wherever you live and whatever sort of music you enjoy, you will find something for you just round the corner.

Come and support the young people of Warwickshire as they make music and celebrate success.

For more information please go to www.warwickshiremusichub.org/springfestival

www.familiesonline.co.uk

• Quality dance classes in Shipston-on-Stour • From 18 months to adults • Ballet Tap Modern and Jazz • British Ballet Organization (BBO) syllabus • Pre-School Melody Bear class

T: 07970 742256 www.dancewithdash.co.uk

®

warwickshire

Call Claire on 01926 335004 or email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk to promote your business in the next issue

Want the best for your child through music?

Warwickshire Music offers: • Instrumental and vocal tuition by fully qualified teachers • Wide variety of after school music groups • Music theatre groups • Specialist groups including Suzuki strings and drum school • Performance opportunities throughout the year “Thank you very much for a great 7 years of music. Tours, concerts and weekly practices with various CMS groups form some of my fondest memories and were certainly a wonderful opportunity.”

Sam - member of the County Youth Orchestra and Wind Band.

T: 01926 745111 cms@warwickshire.gov.uk

www.warwickshiremusichub.org 5

Lunchbox Ideas

School lunch is such an important meal for children. It provides the fuel they need to see them through an afternoon of learning. An ideal lunch would provide all the major food groups: - Carbohydrates: grains, vegetables and fruit provide a quick burst of energy and nutrients.

- Protein: fish, meat, eggs and dairy provide a much slower and long lasting release of energy and support for cognitive function.

- Fats: avocado, oils, butter, full fat dairy and olives all help to balance energy levels, keep your child fuller for longer and provide much needed nourishment for a developing brain.

As mum to two young children, Vicki Gotham is well aware that providing a healthy lunch that your child will actually eat can be a challenge. So here is a handful of her tried and tested lunchbox ideas:

The importance of sleep for children As adults, we are more than aware of how important a good night's sleep is - we need it for balance, mood stability and to enhance brain function. And anyone who has children will concur that getting a full night's sleep is essential to combat temper tantrums and tiredness, which can be traumatic for toddlers. Experts from the NHS think that as much as we should prioritise healthy eating and exercise, we should also be ensuring children get around nine hours of solid slumber nightly, to improve their learning.

Particularly when they are young and acquiring knowledge on everything as they begin to shape and understand the world around them, children need a requisite amount of sleep to boost retaining information and help embed knowledge from throughout the day. Ultimately, our brains need rest overnight to allow us to absorb information better, and this is even more important for young minds.

So how much sleep should they be getting?

The NHS guidelines for optimum sleep time for different age groups have been collected by the Millpond Children's Sleep Clinic. These are: Between the ages of 4 and 16, children should be sleeping through the night for 11 hours, which gradually goes down to about 9 at 14, with 15-minute decrements over the time space.

Why is sleep so important?

We only need to look at some of the poor decisions or small mistakes we have made ourselves when we are tired, and we can begin to understand the importance of sleep. How many times have you started something which you then struggled to finish, simply because of the impact tiredness has on judgement and motivation? When coupled with the vital rest time for busy, sponge-like brains, getting adequate sleep makes a lot of sense.

Whether it's through using sleep aids or planning a meticulous routine, there are several ways to ensure your children are reaching the requisite sleep hours for their age group.

So, how can you encourage them to sleep?

Essentially, fostering a good sleeping habit is much easier with young children than teenagers, who

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know how to fight back! Laying the right foundations when they are young, and encouraging them to see sleep as a part of healthy living should make maintaining it, even when they have discovered the joys of socialising, much more straightforward.

Routine, routine, routine

Whilst they try to convince themselves and their parents otherwise, children thrive on routine, and our brains learn when to start shutting down and getting the all-important rest they need. Trying as best you can to instil a routine of preparing for and going to bed at the same time every night will help your child, no matter what age they are.

This includes brushing teeth and getting pyjamas on at a certain time, which starts to surreptitiously prepare the brain for sleepy time. Getting them settled into a routine means preparing the brain for its rest period.

• Wholemeal wraps with a protein filling chicken/tuna with sweetcorn and mayo; hummus mashed with avocado and grated cheese; egg mayonnaise; ham off the bone.

• Pizza slices – make with wraps, tomato sauce and grated cheese. Bake at 200⁰C for 10 mins.

Cool and slice.

• Pasta pots with chicken or tuna, sweetcorn and mayonnaise.

• Crackers or breadsticks with a selection of hummus, cherry tomatoes, carrot and cucumber sticks, cheese, olives, pieces of chicken or ham.

• Use mini skewers to serve olives, cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes.

• Fruit pots or skewers with berries, melon cubes, grapes, satsuma segments etc.

• Small pot of plain yoghurt. Much better to add your own honey or berries for sweetness than buy a sugar laden flavoured yoghurt!

• Muesli bars – choose lower sugar varieties such as Organix Goodies Oaty bars. Or make your own Sugar Free Flapjacks with xylitol.

• Superfood Smoothie Pouch. Blitz together some superfood ingredients (fruit, plain yoghurt, chia and flaxseeds, cacao nibs, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, avocado, honey). Pour into reusable food pouches and freeze.

Vicki Gotham is a Nutritional Therapist, Systematic Kinesiologist, Weight Management Coach and local mum of two. Read more about lunchbox ideas and recipe details on her blog: www.healthyapproach. co.uk/healthy-lunchbox-ideas

Limit the technology

For many people, the evening routine relies on technology. Be it smartphones, tablets or television, we all, including our children, use devices to unwind with at night. However, these bits of tech are actually stimuli, which make the going to bed routine harder to implement. After dinner, try enjoying some conversation or a board game to encourage them to chat about their day and also allow the brain some all-important decompression time.

Where possible, discourage them from having TV or gadgets in the bedroom at all, as these can be used as a distraction. In fact, making sure that the bedroom is most closely associated with sleep is a better way to negotiate this obstacle - which means keeping it tidy and clutter-free.

The importance of light

Whether it's through blackout curtains or nightlights, achieving the correct balance of light in your child's room is key to ensuring consistency in their sleep pattern. Invest in some heavy duty curtains so that whether winter or summer, their room is dark, and use a little nightlight for a subtle glow that helps orientate them if they do wake up in the night.

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Education

Parents see value in Mandarin Chinese Whilst French, Spanish and German are the top languages of choice, a majority of UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important non-European language for their children to learn. More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey commissioned by the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) felt that the language would open their children’s minds to an “exciting and dynamic” culture. 51% also thought that learning Mandarin Chinese would boost their children’s future career prospects.

Mark Herbert, of the British Council, which is backing the MEP along with the UCL Institute of Education, said: “With the global economy becoming more interconnected and the drive to boost exports, language skills are increasingly vital for work and life.

“Mandarin Chinese is one of the languages that matters most to the UK’s future prosperity. If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, we need far more of our young people leaving school with a good grasp of Mandarin in order to successfully work abroad or for businesses here in the UK. Learning Mandarin is also a fascinating process that brings a valuable understanding of Chinese culture,” he added.

Leading figures call for official guidance on screen time If you’ve ever worried about the amount of time your children spend in front of smartphones, computers, consoles and TV, you’re certainly not alone. A group of 40 leading authors, educationalists and child-development experts have called for official guidelines on the use of screen devices by children up to 12 to be drawn up by recognised authorities on child health and development.

In a letter to The Guardian the group, which includes author Philip Pullman, psychotherapist Susie Orbach, childcare expert Penelope Leach and the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, said it also wants to see the creation of a minister for children. This cabinetlevel role would have the responsibility for assessing the impact of all government policies on children’s health and wellbeing.

The letter also called for a kindergarten-style education for 3 to 7-year olds, which would emphasise emotional and social development and encourage outdoor play.

Warwick Junior School The success and reputation of the Junior School comes from more than just equipping boys with the skills and knowledge in readiness for senior school entry. A Warwick Junior School education nurtures the whole child, helping boys to develop confidence and character and to be supportive of their peers.

The Junior School is committed to help boys learn to persevere, to have courage to make mistakes and to recognise setbacks as learning opportunities. Skilled and experienced staff encourage the boys to be curious about the world and to use their creative energies both in the classroom and beyond. The staff share a restless ambition for the boys in the school. The learning habits they encourage will serve the boys in years ahead, allowing them to make the most of their opportunities.

Warwick Junior School offers Taster Sessions at a date to suit you. You can book your son in for a morning or a full day taster session, enabling him to join one of the classes and see what the school is really like. To book a place please contact Mrs Turner on 01926 776418 or j.turner@warwickschool.org

“If children are to develop the self-regulation and emotional resilience required to thrive in modern technological culture, they need unhurried engagement with caring adults and www.warwickschool.org plenty of self-directed outdoor play, especially during their early years (0–7),” the letter reads.

JS At Work 87 by 130 May 2017_Layout 1 06/02/2017 12:44 Page 1 Awarded “Outstanding” ISI - 2015

Open Mornings Early Years & Key Stage 1 Saturday 18 March 2017 10am - 12 noon

Whole School

Tuesday 28 March 2017 10am - 12 noon Independent co-educational day school for children aged 2-11 Years

For further information, or to book a tour with the Headmaster, please call 01789 293795 or email office@croftschool.co.uk

www.croftschool.co.uk Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7RL

@familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Independent boys’ school (7-11 years) For details and a prospectus please contact: 01926 776414 ∣ enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

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AWARD-WINNING

Education

Take the fear out of exams We all know that the lead up to exam season can be a daunting and stressful time for child and parent. With children encountering phonics screening checks, teacher assessments and SATs by the time they reach the end of primary school, you might wonder how best to support your child through exams - and you certainly aren’t alone! In a recent, independent study by Explore Learning, while 90% of British parents said exam results are important to their child’s future, only 1 in 4 parents felt their child’s exam performance actually reflects their true ability, and 2 in 3 parents admitted that their child has suffered from exam stress.

Although there is no magic formula for exam success, there are many ways to help children feel prepared and confident about assessments. Here are a few of our top tips: Plan ahead This is the key to kick-starting any successful exam preparation.

Blocking out periods of time to ‘cram’ for an exam might save time but it won’t assist your child’s retention of information long term. Revisiting a range of subject areas in manageable, weekly chunks can be much more beneficial to supporting memory, skills, and confidence.

HAVE YOU BEEN

FEARLESS TODAY?

Find the right way for your child It is important to understand that everyone learns and revises in their own way. Some children like to visualise their work so sticky notes around the house and visual representations might be useful, whereas others will respond better to you asking them questions and to explain a paragraph in their own words. Some children will switch on bright and early, while others will be ready to learn later on in the day. Find the learning style and pattern that works for your child, with their input, and create a plan to suit their individual need.

/explorelearning @exploretutors EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

®

warwickshire

Call Claire on 01926 335004 or email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk to promote your business in the next issue

Positive thinking Finally, be sure to remain positive throughout exam preparations and praise them when you see them accomplish something great: hearing things like “brilliant reading” or “you’ve done a fantastic job explaining that method to me” will undoubtedly build their self-belief.

At Explore Learning, we’re here to support both you and your child from day one. As well as tailored maths and English tuition from our expert staff, we run relevant workshops and parent information evenings for our families throughout the year so that everyone feels as confident as possible at home, especially when exams are around the corner!

For more advice and top tips to support your child’s exam preparation this year, and to book your free trial at your local centre, visit our website: www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/exam-preparation-how-to-support-your-child/

Signs point to Oxbridge success for local students

It has been a wonderful start to 2017 for five gifted pupils from Coventry’s King Henry VIII School, all of whom have been offered places at prestigious Oxford or Cambridge Universities. Pictured proudly in front of their school’s famous red doors are: Olly Davies (Theology, Christ Church College, Oxford); Louisa Woolley (Biochemistry, St Peter’s College, Oxford); Matthew Kenyon (English, University College, Oxford); Emilia Cieslak (Law, Keble College, Oxford) and Yuhang Xie (Natural Science, King’s College, Cambridge).

The move to Oxford or Cambridge next year will be the next step on an exciting educational journey which began in Coventry’s primary schools. For all five their secondary education at King Henry VIII School has seen them blossom as they pursue their academic studies as well as a wide range of other interests. The five bright, busy and ambitious pupils are surely destined for further great success at university and have set a wonderful example for other local young pupils to follow. www.khviii.com

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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Education

Crackley Headmaster Rob Duigan is absolutely brilliant. He knows every child’s name and treats them as individuals. That’s really important to me me.

An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

Claire Lomas – Crackley Parent.

At Work

To find out what a Crackley education can do for your child, visit our Open Morning on Saturday 11 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm or our Open Evening on Tuesday 9 May from 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

Thursday 4 May 2017 1.30 – 3.15pm

Places still availa b for Septe le mber 2017

Come and visit us on a working school day.

Meet teachers, pupils and get a feel for our wonderful environment.

Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545 www.warwickprep.com

For information call 01926 514410 or visit crackleyhall.co.uk

Crackley Hall School An independent school for 4 -11 year olds

Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

Independent Schools Contact Details and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com Bablake Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk Bablake Junior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Bilton Grange Rugby T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk Sat 4 Mar, 10.30am-1pm: Open Morning Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Sat 11 Mar, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning Tues 9 May, 5pm-7.30pm: Open Evening

@familieswarks

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Sat 18 Mar, 10am-12pm: Early Years & KS1 Open Day Tues 28 Mar, 10am-12pm: Whole School Open Day Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry T: 024 7627 1307 E: headteacher@khps.co.uk www.khps.co.uk The Kingsley School Leamington Spa T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Sat 11 Mar, 10am-12.30pm Sat 6 May, 10am-12.30pm Open Mornings

familieswarwickshire

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Thurs 4 May, 1.30pm-3pm: At Work Afternoon Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Thurs 4 May, 1.30pm-3.15pm: At Work Afternoon

Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

Senior Schools Bablake Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 E: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Sat 18 Mar, 9.30am-1pm: Taster Morning

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Warwick Preparatory School

9

What's on

Easter Holiday Clubs, Camps and Workshops Let’s Animate Animation Workshops Fargo Village, Coventry Tues 18 Apr, 10.30am-12.30pm Lego! Come along to the Let's Animate Studio and make a short stop-motion style animated movie, think Lego Movie!

Filmmakers will build and create their very own Lego scene, which will then be brought to life through the animation process.

Tues 18 Apr, 1.30pm-3.30pm Plastercine! Come along to the Let's Animate Studio and make a short stopmotion style animated movie, think Wallace & Gromit! Filmmakers will build and create their very own plastercine character, which will then be brought to life through the animation process.

Each filmmaker receives a certificate, and a copy of their animated movie to share with friends and family. For ages 7+. £10 per child. Booking is essential.

T: 07973 354567 www.letsanimate.co.uk

Motionhouse Dance Studio Spencer Yard, Leamington Spa Weds 19-Fri 21 Apr 10.30am-12.30pm Mini Movers for ages 5-7.

1.30pm-4.30pm Junior Dance Days for ages 8-11.

T: 01926 887052 www.motionhouse.co.uk

Junior Tennis Camps

Warwick Boat Club, Warwick Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr, 9am-2pm Learn a new sport or improve your tennis skills. Fun coaching sessions, open to members and non-members. All abilities welcome. For ages 7-15. £25 per day/£80 for week (4 days) for members, £100 non members.

T: 07787 568642 www.warwickboatclub.co.uk

Felt Making Workshops

Sat 25 Mar, 1.30pm-4pm (Venue tbc) Mother’s Day felt making corsage workshop. Make a beautiful spring felt flower brooch.

Ryton Pools Country Park, Bubbenhall Weds 12 Apr, 10.30am-12.30pm Make a beautiful spring picture from wool fibres, and learn the technique of felt making.

Weds 19 Apr, 10.30am-12.30pm Make a three dimensional felt spring flower or a picture using wool.

All resources and materials are provided at all workshops. Adult £20, child £10, adult + child together £25.

See Ursula’s website for details on forthcoming workshops.

T: 07802 901566 www.ursulawestwood.com

Easter Holiday

North Leamington School Week 1.

Monday 10th - Thursday 13th April Week 2.

Wednesday 19th - Friday 21st April

Open from 8am - 6pm *Offer ends 5pm Friday 24th March 2017 Terms and conditions apply

Warwick School, Warwick Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr, 9am-4.30pm (Extended day available) Super Choice multi-activities for all children aged 4-12. Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities.

Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities from go-karting to wall climbing.

T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/ What-is-on-in-2017

The Croft Preparatory School, Stratford-upon-Avon Mon 10-Thurs 13 Apr, 9am-5pm (extended care available) Daily and weekly activity camps, jampacked with fun activities. 'Outstanding' Ofsted. Early Years crews for 4 to 5 year olds ensures learning and development within a fun environment. The 6 to 9 year old crews can explore new activities and take on new challenges such as The Avengers School of Archery, Super Camps Driving School and Motor Mania. Our 10 to 12 year olds can come together in their very own common room as well as spend more time tackling activities in depth. Prices start from £38 per day.

T: 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

GO4GOALS

Kingsley School playing fields, Leamington Spa Tues 11-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Thurs 20 Apr, 9am-4pm (early drop off 8.30am) Football or multi sports camps for ages 5 to 11. Half day option for 4 year olds. Indoor option available. Siblings half price.

T: 07747 562469 www.go4goals.co.uk

Coolsportz

Action-packed childcare this

Leamington Spa CV32 6RD

Easter Action

Super Camps

Warwickshire College, Henley-in-Arden and Warwick Tennis Club, Hampton Road Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr Fun multi-sports activities in a safe indoor and outdoor environment. For 4-13 years.

Morning, afternoon and all day sessions.

T: 07912 664426 www.coolsportz.co.uk

Ofsted registered EY476056

Aspire Active Camps

North Leamington School, Leamington Spa Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Weds 19-Fri 21 Apr, 8am-4pm Multi Sports Academy offering your child a huge range of sports, physical activities and alternative activities such as dodgeball, ultimate frisbee and archery. Children aged 4 are eligible for half day Multi Sports Academy only. www.aspire-sports.co.uk

Lots of activities and sports to choose from New Standard Hours 8am - 4pm

4FOR £60

Onside Coaching

DAYS

We accept childcare vouchers

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298 178

Venues in Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Southam and Coventry Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr, 9.30am-3pm (Extended day available) Multi sports, football, dance and forest school.

T: 01926 496406 www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

Holiday Action 2017_Layout 1 06/02/2017 15:57 Page 1

ArtBase Easter Art Workshops

The Croft Preparatory School, Stratford-upon-Avon Tues 4-Thurs 6 Apr, 9am-3pm Tues 4: Baby Animal Triptych on wood.

Weds 5: Spring Birds inspired.

Thurs 6: Glitter Flies at Night mixed media.

Stratford Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon Mon 10-Thurs 13, Weds 19 & Thurs 20 Apr, 9am-3pm Mon 10: Hot Air Balloons on wooden discs.

Tues 11: Glitter Flies at Night mixed media.

Weds 12: Lion King painting and prints.

Thurs 13: Kingfisher painting and collage.

Weds 19: Spring Birds inspired.

Thurs 20 Baby Animal Triptych on wood.

Creativity and fun.

All workshops £30 per day.

T: 01789 774705 www.art-base.co.uk

History Detectives Agency Fun Holiday Club

St John’s Museum, Warwick Mon 10 Apr, 9.30am-4pm Kings, Queens and Castles. Learn about castles through games and craft activities.

Build a medieval siege engine, make feasts fit for a king or queen and design your own coat of arms. £20. For ages 6-12 years.

bu Xbsxjdl Tdippm Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities. Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities.

All enquiries to the Course Director, Eileen Braham 01926 735473 e.braham@warwickschools.co.uk

Cygnets ✸ Reception­6 Years Super Choice Programme ✸ 7­12 Years

www.warwickschool.org/what-is-on-in-2017 Check our website regularly to see what is available and to make a booking

10

Warwickshire County Records Office, Warwick Tues 11 Apr, 9.30am-4pm Climbing the Family Tree. Become a family history detective and explore the family tales hiding in the Record Office. Bring your own family photos and documents and learn how to use Ancestry.com to research your family tree. Make a scrapbook to store your precious family photos in. £20. For ages 6-12 years.

T: 01926 412501 www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ heritageboxoffice

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Family shows White

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Sat 11-Mon 13 Mar A playful, highly visual new show for very young children. A perfect first time theatre experience.

Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Sammy & The Snow Leopard

Bridge House Theatre Warwick Sun 19 Mar Join 9 year old, animal mad Sammy, who receives an unexpected gift and finds himself on an adventure that quickly spirals out of control. A high-energy show that will enchant everyone over 5.

Box Office: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

The Chimpanzees of Happytown Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa Sun 19 Mar Live family music concert for young children with some irresistibly catchy songs with actions. Ideal for ages 3-7.

Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Ulla’s Oddysey

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry Tues 28-Thurs 30 Mar Fourteen-year-old Ulla is attempting to become the youngest person to sail the world single-handedly with only her cat Binnacle to keep her company. Fun, feisty, family-friendly opera for ages 7+.

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

What's on

Fantastic Mr Fox

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry Tues 18-Sat 22 Apr Family fun at its finest. A tale of greed, pride and the power of friendship, this is a theatrical feast with live music and songs, ideal for the whole family. Suitable for ages 5+.

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry Weds 19 Apr A family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds, lasting for 40 minutes, followed by a meet, greet and treat with the Easter Bunny himself - plus a free Easter present for every child!

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Coming up in May One Little Word

Bridge House Theatre Warwick Sat 6 May A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. This moving story captivates children’s imaginations, and is underscored with original music and told with just ONE spoken word.

Box Office: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Monstersaurus

Bridge House Theatre Warwick Tues 11 Apr Monty is a young inventor who creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters. An energetic show with original music and plenty of audience participation! For ages 3+.

Box Office: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Events for Kids

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open All Year

Butterflies • Birds • Ants • Iguanas and so much more….

Children’s Day 30th April Rob Biddulph Horrible Histories Martin Brown Steven Lenton Sarah McIntyre Philip Reeve The Big Draw

Face painting storytelling and lots more…

Onsite toilets now open Please check website for latest news & last entry times

Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk Welcome to Jungle Town!

An inspiring children’s

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry Fri 14-Sun 16 Apr Delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem!

Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

play experience

encouraging imagination play and development!

@familieswarks

Stratford Literary Festival with

Box Office: 01789 207100

stratlitfest.co.uk

Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa Tues 18 Apr A family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds, lasting for 40 minutes, followed by a meet, greet and treat with the Easter Bunny himself - plus a free Easter present for every child!

Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall. co.uk

Plus Playbox Theatre Free events for Pre-schoolers

Open at Stratford Garden Centre

Visit www.jungletown.co.uk

or call 01789 296637

familieswarwickshire

www.familiesonline.co.uk

10th Anniversary Festival 23rd April - 30th April

11

What's on

Days Out – places to go and things to do.

Look out for Easter Egg Hunts!

Here are a few ideas for fantastic days out. See the What’s On pages of www.familiesonline.co.uk for more!

Foundry Wood

Leamington Spa Sat 8 Apr, 2pm-3pm Adventures in Storytelling – Spring Walk A lively, interactive storytelling journey through Foundry Wood. Suitable for ages 6+ and their families. £3 adults/children. www.foundrywood.co.uk

British Motor Museum Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Fri 31 Mar-Mon 24 Apr, open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm Easter at Redwings Redwings Oxhill will be hosting a jampacked schedule of family activities this Easter celebrating all the great things about donkeys! Meet these lovable longeared creatures nose-to-nose, including super fluffy Arya and cheeky duo Timothy and Cain, plus find out everything you need to know about donkeys and their care with a series of fascinating guided tours and talks. Entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome.

T: 0870 040 0033 www.redwings.org.uk/visiting

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon Mon 10-Sun 23 Apr There's something for all the family this Easter at Stratford Butterfly Farm. There will be twice daily Meet the Minibeast handling sessions in the Discovery Zone, where children and adults, under the supervision of our friendly and informative Education Team, can get close to some of the amazing creatures that live here.

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick Sat 8-Mar-Sun 23 Apr Spring Spectacular Come and join in Easter fun for the whole family! With our latest Animal Arrivals, Tractor Safari rides, Masters of the Skies in Falconry, Magic and Puppet Shows and Egg Hunts in our Easter Eggstravaganza.

We’ve got Outdoor Laser Combat (for 8+) and Fun Fair Rides (for younger children).

Plus our usual animal favourites and masses of indoor and outdoor adventure play.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

Gaydon Sat 8-Sun 23 Apr Easter Holidays ‘Cracking’ fun activities. Follow tour Auto Science Secret trail to discover the secrets of making British cars. Drop in to our activity space to design your own scientific car. Family tours with our very own ‘Mad Scientist’ every day at 10.45am and 1.30pm Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr Sublime Science Shows ‘Science’ brought to life. Be amazed at this 25 minute show (at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm) full of cool interactive demonstrations and hands on activities where you will get a chance to make smoke rings, bubbles, and slime. Places are limited and are subject to availability.

Technic Challenge A drop-in activity (10am-3pm) where children can get hands-on and design, build and test their own LEGO® Technic machines then race them along the ‘Track’.

Places are limited and are subject to availability.

Fri 14-Mon 17 Apr Easter Egg Hunt Help Shaun the sheep and his flock find all the eggs hidden around the Museum.

Hatch your own Car A craft and design based activity. Hatching starts with an egg shape made from card strips, and uses more card strips and sellotape to build up the shape. Then your hatched car can be customised! On Good Friday meet Jim the artist and see his amazing hatched cars.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Ragley Hall

Nr Alcester Beautiful home and stunning gardens.

Woodland Walk waiting to be explored.

Hours of fun for children in the Adventure Playground with 3D maze, aerial slide, rope bridges and climbing frames. Dogs on leads are welcome.

T: 01789 762090 www.ragley.co.uk

Hill Close Gardens

Warwick Thurs 13 Apr, 2pm-4pm Easter Family Workshop An eggstravaganza of eggciting Easter arts and crafts, including and Easter Trail and Easter Bonnet. £4 per child.

Sat 15-Mon 17 Apr, 11am-5pm A Victorian Easter Victorian styled tea rooms and Victorian Easter displays around the gardens.

T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

12

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Fri 14-Mon 17 Apr, 11am-5pm Easter Adventure Quest Be a challenge champion! A character from the past will help you crack the clues as you explore Kenilworth Castle. There's a reward for successful adventurers.

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Apr, 11am-5pm Medieval St George’s Weekend Discover the legend of St. George and cheer on our champion as his story comes to life in the castle grounds as he battles a mighty dragon. Hands-on fun and games.

Sun 30 Apr-Mon 1 May, 11am-5pm The Great Rebellion Kenilworth’s Civil War history is brought alive as Europe’s largest re-enactment society, Sealed Knot, sets up camp within the castle walls. Full on action.

T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworthcastle

The MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. Interact with eccentric artworks, contraptions and machines, build marble runs on the giant MAD Marbles wall. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Swan Theatre

Stratford-upon-Avon The Play’s the Thing Family-friendly exhibition for families and children aged 7+. Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre-making in Stratford-upon-Avon. Immersive, hands on and engaging. www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

Coventry Transport Museum

This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Weds 15 & 29 Mar, (alternate Weds), 10am-11.30am Go Messy!

Transport inspired messy play time!

Sensory play activities for ages 0-4.

Sat 8-Sat 22 Apr (except Sun 16), 10.30am-3.30pm Science Bites: Colourtastic Experiments and Optical Illusions A holiday packed full of creative experiments. A different activity every day exploring the science of kinetic optical illusions, including homemade kaleidoscopes, chromatography and thaumatropes.

Suitable for ages 3+. £2 per child, per activity. Drop in. www.transport-museum.com

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry Tues 7, 14, 28 Mar & 4 Apr Sensory Stories and Rhymes 11am-11.30am: childminders' session, 12pm-12.30pm: open to all Have fun and explore our galleries through songs, stories and rhymes in these inventive Early Years sessions, every Tuesday in term time. Led by a member of our team. Drop in. Suitable for ages 0-4. £1.

Thurs 16 & Fri 17 Mar, Thurs 27 & Fri 28 Apr, 10.30am-11.30am & 1pm-2pm Sensory Play Days A stimulating experience for Early Years children to play creatively and explore using inspiring and sensory materials. £2.

Sat 8-Sat 22 Apr, 10.30am-3.30pm Portraits, Pictures & Props Experiment with a different activity every day inspired by artworks from our portraits exhibition; including clay sculptures, royal crowns, dancing dolls and print-making! £2 per child, drop-in.

Weds 12 & Weds 19 Apr, 11am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm Your Face is a Masterpiece!

Transform your face into a work of art, as our skilled face painters use iconic art movements to make you look like a painted portrait. £1 per child.

T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

Warwick Castle

Warwick Jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Adventure Maze. A great day out for the whole family.

T: 0871 265 2000 www.warwick-castle.com

Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows

off Paget's Lane, Coventry Weds 12 Apr, 10am-1pm Outdoor Survival Have fun playing outside in the woods, building dens, making things and having a snack cooked on the campfire. Bring old clothes and prepare to get muddy. Suitable for children aged 7-11. FREE T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Market Hall Museum

Warwick Weds 12 Apr,10.30am-3pm Toys and Games Explore toys and games from the past and find out more about how toys are made.

Get crafty and follow the museum trial. £2.50 per child, drop in.

Fri 14 Apr 10.30am-3pm Easter Egg Hunt Go on an Easter Egg hunt around the museum and make some Easter crafts. £2.50 per child, drop in.

Tues 18 Apr 10.30am-3pm Arty Tots Make ‘Easter egg’ inspired decorations and maybe a chick or two. Join us for a story and some songs. Ideal for under 5s, older siblings welcome. £2.50 per child, drop in.

Weds 19 Apr 10.30am-3pm Awesome Anglo Saxons Find out more about the life of the Anglo Saxons. Try on some Anglo Saxon clothes, follow the museum trial and make an Anglo Saxon brooch. £2.50 per child, drop in.

T: 01926 412132 http://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk

Leamington Art Gallery and Museum

Leamington Spa Sun 26 Mar, 2pm-4pm Celebrate Mother's Day with art! Learn how to make a paper crane - a lovely gift for Mother's Day. Suitable for ages 7+. Free, drop in and join in.

Fri 14 & Sat 15 Apr, 11am-4pm Easter Weekend Make a fluffy chick egg basket, visit the face painting station, follow the trail around the building and collect your chocolate prize. Free, drop in and join in.

T: 01926 742700 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/ royalpumprooms

Compton Verney

Nr Warwick A great day out for all the family. All weather family backpacks for all ages, grounds trail, nature’s art box, adventure playground, discovery room. Plus holiday drop in sessions.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Ryton Pools Country Park

Bubbenhall Sat 8-Sun 23 Apr Easter Fun Trail Follow the clues around the park to crack the code and collect your prize. £2 per trail sheet.

Tues 18 Apr, 10.30am-12pm The Great Ryton Egg Hunt Collect your mystery egg sheet from the Visitor Centre and follow the trail collecting clues as you go. Claim your prize from the Easter Bunny in her den. £2.50 per child.

Drop in.

T: 024 7630 5592 countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

What's on

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST

A WILD DAY OUT Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry & Parkridge Centre, Solihull

Fri 14 – Mon 17 April Be a challenge champion!

Set off to crack the clues and claim your reward.

50% off

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OFFER see page 4

Easter Wildlife Watch Workshops 10th - 21st April

Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NG

Children’s activities include bug hunting, pond dipping, find a frog, den building and lots more.

See all our events at www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/whats-on

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A choc-o-bloc array of Spring Newborns Magic and Puppet Shows Easter Egg Hunts Laser Combat (8yrs+) Plus... all the usual Hatton favourite activities ALL DAY INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

ONLINE DISCOUNTS for advance booking at hattonworld.com

www.hattonworld.com @familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Terms and Conditions apply - see website for details

13

What's on

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping.

Sat 29 Apr, 10am-4pm Wild Fest A truly wild day out with activities for all ages from cooking to face painting, mini beast hunting to craft and guided walks to pond dipping.

Sat 8-Sun 23 Apr Easter Challenge Trail Get active this Easter with our Easter Challenge Trail! Head to Brandon Marsh and try to complete as many of the nature challenges around the Onyx Trail as you can! Will you top the leader boards? NB: This is not a chocolate egg hunt. There is no upper age limit so everyone can join in!

T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails at The National Trust

Various dates between Thurs 13 & Tues 18 Apr Have fun on a Family Easter Trail at one of the local National Trust properties where you’re guaranteed a delicious prize! Some have craft activities and outdoor games. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/ warwickshire

Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa Tues 11 & 18 Apr, 10am-12.30pm Jephson’s Jungle Club On 11 April, plant a sunflower seed to grow and do a sunflower craft activity. On 18 April, pot a yummy strawberry plant to take home. Free. Turn up any time and join in.

E: laura.smith@warwickdc.gov.uk T: 01926 456754

Stratford Literary Festival

Sun 23-Sun 30 Apr There are performances, story times and activity sessions for children throughout the festival and a dedicated Children's Day on Sunday 30 April from 10am-4pm, at Stratford ArtsHouse. A fun day of events for children with leading authors and illustrators featuring pirates and spotted creatures, shadow puppets and Horrible Histories. Story-telling, facepainting, popup cafe and Waterstones Bookshop. Ideal for children aged 3-13. www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

All Things Wild

Honeybourne A fantastic day out whatever the weather.

Fantastic new soft play, The Jungle Mayhem and new Wild Fun Play Barn. Lots of animals to meet – big and small, cute and fluffy, farmyard favourites, reptiles and birds, wild and more unusual, they’re all here! Step through time dinosaur experience and lots, lots more! The theme for Easter is ‘Wild Babies’ and there will be baby animals to handle.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration Parade

Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 22 Apr Starting around 10.30am, civic dignitaries, VIPs and invited guests from the worlds of literature and theatre, students of Shakespeare’s school and characters in period dress, marching bands and local schoolchildren gather for the main ceremony in Bridge Street then make their way through the streets towards Holy Trinity Church. Following the parade, there will be street theatre, workshops, music, dancing, readings and family activities.

A full day out for all the family. www.shakespearescelebrations.com

EASTER

The Shakespeare Houses

In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 8-Sun 23 Apr Easter at Shakespeare’s Family Homes Spring Time at Mary Arden’s Farm. Come and meet our new arrivals and make a pom pom chick or lamb to take home.

Oh Let’s Build a Kite at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. The sky’s the limit with our amazing kite building workshop. Craft your own kite in our family activity marquee, or bring your own to fly in our Yew Circle.

All that glisters is not gold at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. A fun interactive children's treasure hunt in the gardens with music and comedy, led by our inhouse actors Shakespeare Aloud.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk

Kids Carnival Day

Warwick Racecourse Mon 1 May Bank Holiday Fun, packed with free family entertainment and activities. Meet Chase from Paw Patrol. Fantastic family day out.

Kids go free, early bird ticket offer for adults - £12.50 before midnight on 25 April. www.warwickracecourse.co.uk

COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM

HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall

Stratford-upon-Avon Learn about Shakespeare’s early life and explore the very building where he learnt to read, write and first enjoyed professional theatre. Come and visit and step back in time to the 15th century. Lots of fun for the family including dressing up Tudor-style, Tudor games, Medieval wall paintings and brush up your Latin with our Tudor School Master!

T: 01789 203170 www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

Lunt Roman Fort

Nr Coventry Mon 10-Thurs 13 & Tues 18-Fri 21 Apr, 10am-3.30pm Make and Take: Roman Coins Inspired by coins discovered at the Lunt, create shiny card and foil coins and make your own designs. Suitable for ages 5+.

Drop in. Free activity (site admission applies).

T: 024 7623 7522 www.luntromanfort.org

The Weaver’s House Coventry

8 Apr Open Day: Tudor Games & Easter Find out about the games Tudor children played and learn how traditional dyes were made. FREE entry, donations appreciated.

Restored medieval cottage, complete with full size replica loom and working garden.

Refreshments available on Open Days.

T: 024 7625 7117 www.theweavershouse.org

LUNT ROMAN FORT

HOLIDAYS

AT COVENTRY MUSEUMS Saturday 18 – Saturday 25 February

Find out more at: www.theherbert.org www.transport-museum.com www.luntromanfort.org

Easter Ad 180mm x 130mm.indd 1

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15/02/2017 14:07

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

What's on

Free entry!

Easter Holiday Family Fun

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Visitor Centre

Easte holid r activ ay ities!

, A fun ily am free f ut! day o

8 - 23 April Join us for some ‘cracking’ daily activities.

Sublime Science Shows 10 - 13 & 18 - 21 April Shaun the Sheep Easter Trail 14 -17 April See website for full details.

£39 FAMIL Y TICKET

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 M ONTHS FR EE*

Follow the brown tourist signs

britishmo

tormuse

um.co.uk Gaydon . W arwickshire . CV35 0B *see webs J ite for full te

J12 M40 .

GET SOCIAL ...

rms and co nditions.

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP Open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033

’Eggtastic’ family fun...

t...

sprung a Spring has

Family Days Out

Come and go wild this Easter holidays!

Ragley Hall, Park & Gardens, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ www.ragley.co.uk 01789 762090

Please see our website for more details

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ T: 01386 833083 E: info@allthingswild.co.uk

@familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

www.familiesonline.co.uk

15

BOOK ONLINE to save money

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See website for further information on ticket prices and other concessions. Ticket prices include a £1 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online.

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024 7655 3055

www.belgrade.co.uk

RUSH MULTI

ACTIVITY CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE Tumble coaching

Rock wall

Freestyle coaching

Open jumping

Trampoline coaching

and much much more...

Extreme Dodgeball Camps run between 3rd - 23rd April (*excluding 14th and 17th April) Ages 5 - 16 yrs Book by 6th March and make the most of our Early Bird offers Early Drop Off & Late Pick Up Options Available A special Easter Egg hunt during all toddler sessions

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RUSHUK.COM

03454 500 268

Rush Uk - Unit 6 Avery Dell Kings Norton - Birmingham - B30 3DZ

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004