Families Warwickshire Issue 32 November-December 2016

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November/December 2016 Issue 32

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Pony Rides Children’s Cooking Demos Festive Family Cinema

Saturday 19th November 10am – 5pm Sunday 20th November 10am – 4pm

FREE ADMISSION! FREE

Bespoke gift and craft retailers PARKING Indoor event with everything under one roof Gourmet food and drink available to pre-order or take away Expert-led yuletide workshops Café offering a selection of festive favourites LOCATION: STONELEIGH PARK, WARWICKSHIRE, CV8 2LG @naecstoneleigh @naecwinterfair www.naecstoneleigh.co.uk/naec-winter-fair

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Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Issue 32 | November/December2016 | Families Warwickshire

Your local divorce & In this issue family law specialists 3 Snippets

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7 Education q Clubs and Classes e Christmas t Days Out

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

Contact details FREE telephone appointment

Call: Claire Jones on 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com Design by www.peninsula-design.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.

WIN A PET PHOTO SHOOT Next issue: January/February 2017 Deadline: Wednesday 7 December

All content © 2016 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, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers.

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

Christmas Tree Festival

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Exciting new attraction at the RSC

06/09/2016 13:21

Don’t miss this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at The Collegiate Church of St Mary’s in Warwick. The annual event opens on Warwick Town Victorian Evening, Thursday 24 November, and continues until Sunday 4 December. All the trees are individually decorated by the community and local businesses and visitors can vote for their favourite Christmas tree and be entered in the prize draw. On the opening evening there will be entertainment, refreshments and stalls.

Local school choirs will be singing Christmas songs on Friday 25 November at 10am in a free concert and Santa will be visiting the Christmas Tree Festival at 10.30am on Saturday 3 December. Join him as he looks at the beautiful trees and stops off at the pop-up café for a lovely slice of cake before continuing on his journey!

Admission to the Christmas Tree Festival on Victorian Evening is 50p per adult and £1 per adult for the remainder of the festival. Child entry is free. See the website for full details and more information. www.stmaryswarwick.org

Countdown to Christmas If you love Christmas, crafts, family fun, food and drink then you will love the NAEC Stoneleigh Winter Fair on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 November. Bringing together more than 50 independent stallholders and crafts people with entertainment for the family, including festive demonstrations, it promises to be the best way to get into the spirit of Christmas. So whether you want to shop til you drop, enjoy the entertainment or just get in the mood for a fabulous December, the NAEC Stoneleigh Winter Fair is the place to be! For stand enquiries email winterfair@stoneleighevents.com. For Winter Fair updates, visit Facebook @naecwinterfair. www.naecstoneleigh.co.uk/naec-winter-fair

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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.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has recently opened its first ever permanent exhibition devoted to the staging of Shakespeare’s plays. This new familyfriendly visitor attraction, The Play’s The Thing, reveals the secrets and stories behind the making of the RSC’s world famous productions and takes you on a multi-sensory journey into the world of the theatre, with digital technology, hands-on activities and treasures from the RSC collection.

See beautifully crafted costumes and props, try on virtual costumes, learn how magical and gory stage and sound effects are made, and experience how productions are staged through interactive hands-on activities. Children will be delighted to learn about some of the RSC’s more gory theatrical secrets, including how a snapping carrot can replicate the noise of bone breaking, how crispy cereals and glue are mixed to make scabs and how actors keep soup in their mouths so they can ‘vomit’ on stage!

The Play’s The Thing is open daily from 10am at The RSC’s Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children (under 5s go free). Your ticket is then valid as a year’s pass to the exhibition. www.rsc.org.uk/the-plays-the-thing

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Pupdate Our bundle of fur, Eddie, is now 4 months old and growing by the day. Just like my daughters when they were 4 months old, he eats and sleeps like a dream. However, unlike a 4 month old baby, he is very mobile, very inquisitive and is teething – that is, losing his very sharp baby teeth ready for the big ones to come through. Apart from an array of teething toys and bones to gnaw on, Eddie also finds relief chewing cardboard boxes, magazines and shoes, particularly my husband’s Crocs! I’m pleased to report that damage has been minimal to date although last night, in the time it took me to make a coffee, he managed to destroy the front cover of a book I’d left on the sofa – the book was ironically entitled ‘Brain Games for Puppies’!

6 tips for getting great photos of your pet Pets are a part of the family so it’s important to capture those special moments with them that make you laugh or smile. But sometimes it can be challenging to get good photos. These tips will help you do just that, regardless of whether you’re using a simple phone camera or something more sophisticated.

Try getting down to their level. We’re usually a lot taller than our pets so typically we photograph them from above but getting down to their level can make a more interesting photo.

For those of you with dogs or horses, pricked up ears look better in photos and some dogs do a cute head turn too. To get them to do that, make different noises with your mouth, try a harmonica if you’ve got one or even rustle an empty crisp packet.

Turn off the flash on your camera as it can make pets’ eyes look an odd colour (the animal equivalent of red eye in humans). If you’re getting blurry images because there’s not enough light without the flash, try encouraging your pet to move to where the light’s better.

up, sometimes it’s difficult to remember how little they were when you first got them.

Finally, don’t forget to get some close up shots too.

By Linda Scannell Linda Scannell is a professional photographer based in Warwick, who specialises in photographing and filming pets and people. She created the stunning Christmas front cover for this issue.

Competition

To win a mini pet photo shoot with Linda worth £150, go to www.petphotographybylinda.co.uk and enter the competition.

Eddie’s adventures in the big wide world started, once he was fully vaccinated, around the time when the children went back to school in September. It seemed only right that he should also go to school to learn a few manners, meet other puppies and to start some obedience training by learning a number of commands. So every Wednesday evening for 6 weeks, my youngest daughter and I took him to Wag-n-Train classes in Old Milverton where we all made great friends and learned a lot from Marianne and Dawn. No-one was more delighted than my daughter when she received her and Eddie’s certificate and medal at the end of the course. We can highly recommend Wag-n-Train to anyone looking for puppy classes. www.wag-n-train.co.uk We’re regular visitors to Newbold Common in Leamington where Eddie likes nothing more than a run around the field with other dogs, big or small – we’ve met Dachshunds and Great Danes and everything in between. Rather like a child, when he comes home wet and muddy, I know he’s had a great time! Luckily, we have a fantastic grooming salon close by – Chelsea’s Pawfessional Groomers (you can find it on Facebook) – where Eddie has enjoyed a play session and his first shampoo and trim!

As with any new baby, we have oodles of photos of Eddie but are particularly delighted with his modelling debut on the front cover of this issue.

Linda was very impressed with his behaviour as well – no diva demands whatsoever! Read Linda’s tops tips on taking great photos of your pets on this page.

Our next challenge? When Eddie meets the Christmas tree! Wish me luck!

By Claire Jones, Editor

Keep your camera handy so you’re ready to capture your pet doing the things that make you smile, like the cheeky beagle above who loves to steal food from the kitchen worktop.

Include toys or people or furniture to give a sense of scale, particularly when you’ve got a little kitten or puppy, because when they’re all grown

Tooth checkups at lowest level Dental problems being lined up for the future The British Dental Association (BDA) says that the number of children having annual dental checkups has fallen to an all-time low. They also said that 40% of children did not have a checkup last year.

Checkups are a vital way to prevent tooth decay.

Poor dental health can lead to children needing fillings and extractions and tooth decay is one of the main reasons children need to visit the hospital.

The BDA suggests that children should see a dentist at least once a year. Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 10% increase in children needing hospital admission.

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Fun visit to the dentist Pennington Dental in Kenilworth understands the importance of introducing regular trips to the dentist at an early age and holds regular dedicated ‘Kids Days’ to encourage children (and their parents!) to feel relaxed about attending for their check-ups. The Kids Days typically involve a busy face painter, lots of balloons, goodie bags and lots of fun – all free! The next Kids Day is on Saturday 17 December. www.penningtondental.co.uk

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Not enough hours in the day!

Parents are constantly juggling, making decisions big and small. Add sleep deprivation, a demanding job, a poorly child or a house move to the mix, it’s no wonder we often feel overwhelmed. So what makes time management particularly tricky for us?

1. Unpredictability The needs of the family are constantly changing.

Tip Try to relax into the chaos, know

that you are doing the best that you can and that everyone else is dealing with this too!

2. Contaminated time When you

4. Proactive vs. Reactive Consciously aiming for what we want versus reacting to each crisis as it comes along.

Tip Setting aside time to plan (monthly, weekly or daily) can help with this.

just have so many things to deal with at once, making it difficult to focus on one thing and feel like you are doing it well or even finishing it!

Tip Accept that occasionally it is important to isolate yourself, take time to recharge or allow yourself the luxury of focusing on one thing until it is done.

In reality, you’re doing a better job than you think. Only about 10% of our thoughts are conscious so it’s no wonder we feel like we are often on auto-pilot - we are!

3. Expectations of what we should be able to achieve combined with what we believe others think we should achieve can create stress and anxiety.

Tip Look closely at where should is showing up in your life and ask yourself why you think you should.

Visit www.yournewwings.com for more information, free worksheets and to sign up for a free workshop session of Time Management Tips for busy mums.

Fixed fees available

DIVORCE IS NEVER

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We are passionate about providing the very highest standards of client service and never lose sight of the fact that although practical issues need to be resolved, feelings and emotions are just as important.

We can help with a wide variety of family law problems.

Please contact Carline for free initial advice 01926 491181 carlineg@moore-tibbits.co.uk

Moore & Tibbits Solicitors

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Christmas after separation As we draw closer to the Christmas festivities and children become increasingly excited, for some separated parents they view this period with nothing but dread.

Organising Christmas for children whose time has to be shared between two separate households can be daunting but there are some tips which may help: Be realistic as to the presents your children should have Although as parents we always want to give our children the world this is not always feasible. Consider sharing your child’s Christmas wish list with your ex-partner as early as possible so that you can decide together who will purchase which present and whether you can agree to share the costs for the purchase of more expensive presents.

Christmas should not be a time for one-upmanship with one parent against the other as to who can buy the most expensive present. You must also remember that legally you cannot force your ex-partner to buy presents or contribute towards Christmas or other presents if they do not wish to do so.

If you have an ongoing problem and you are unable to persuade your ex-partner to contribute towards the children’s presents, activities and so forth and you do not have child maintenance in place, you should consider contacting the Child Maintenance Service who can assist. www.childmaintenanceservice. direct.gov.uk Decide early which session of your children’s Christmas activities each parent will attend Your children have no doubt worked hard and been to endless practises for their school Christmas productions and other performances. It would be ideal for both parents to be able to enjoy their performances together but this is not always practical. Most schools and organisations have

more than one performance so get the schedules early and agree with your ex-partner which showing you will each attend to avoid any unpleasantness.

Make early arrangements for Christmas Day contact As to which parent the children should spend Christmas Day with is no doubt the most contentious issue. You could decide to take a long term view and agree that Christmas Day contact will alternate on an annual basis so that you and your ex-partner have the opportunity to see the children open their Christmas presents on Christmas morning. Alternatively you may decide to agree that Christmas Day should be split between you, allowing your children the chance to spend a part of this special day with you both. If you cannot agree arrangements direct with your ex-partner, you may find it useful to attend mediation with a mediator trained to help resolve family issues. Usually with the assistance of a mediator, a suitable compromise can be found in your children’s best interests. If mediation proves unsuccessful then arrange to meet with a family solicitor for help. Ultimately an application can be made to the court for a Child Arrangement Order to be made which, with the court’s assistance, directs how your children’s time should be spent between you and your ex-partner. Making an application to court can be stressful and expensive and so should be viewed only as a last resort.

By Carline Gayle-Buckle Carline Gayle-Buckle is a specialist in family law at Moore & Tibbits solicitors.

Call 01926 491181 or email carlineg@moore-tibbits.co.uk for free initial advice, to arrange a consultation or if you need further information about Child Arrangement Orders.

www.qualitysolicitors.com/ moore-tibbits

How to keep energy levels up for learning during the winter It’s that time of year when we all begin feeling a little sluggish and even lively children may lose their get up and go – literally - when hauling them out of bed for school. So how can you maximise winter energy levels, so they make the most of school, learning and life in general?

Maximise sleep Getting sufficient rest boosts the chances of your child waking refreshed the next day. The NHS recommends a five year old should receive 11 hours sleep per night, steadily reducing to 9.5 hours by the age of 11. Work back from when they need to get up to determine optimal bedtimes. If changes are afoot, simply phase them in gently - say moving ten minutes earlier a day for a few days.

Consider a ‘wake up gently’ alarm clock Ditch the shock of sudden, loud alarms and bright lights switching on, in favour of an alarm clock that mimics sunrise by gradually increasing lighting levels. These can make waking up and getting out of bed less of a thing to dread on dark mornings, hopefully reducing grouchiness. Some also have a sunset stimulation mode; ideal for encouraging little ones to doze off at bedtime.

Start mornings with hearty but healthy breakfasts Swap sugar-loaded cereals for something more nutritious, warming and energy-boosting. Warm porridge with fruit or scrambled eggs on toast are still quick and easy but make better ‘tummy-fillers’ to see children through to lunchtime.

Put some lively music on at breakfast!

If it’s gloomy outside and everyone’s half asleep, liven things up with some mood-enhancing favourite tunes. The right music is a brilliant pick-me-up at any time of the day, so why not all get up off the sofa and have a dance for a few songs after school too.

Walk to (and from) school It isn’t possible for everyone but if time and distance allows, leaving the car at home and walking is far more

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invigorating and will help ensure children are fully awake for the first lessons of the day. Walking is also lovely winding down/catching up time on the way home.

Watch out for ‘end-of-term-itis’ exhaustion Many children get a build up of tiredness through the autumn term, which is usually the longest of the academic year. This can lead to a condition lightheartedly called ‘end-of-term-itis’, involving tears and tantrums aplenty by December.

If your child has recently moved to a new stage of schooling, such as into junior or secondary school, with more homework or higher expectations, they may be especially prone to this.

Fend it off by keeping the time after school and at weekends relatively quiet and sticking with those sensible bedtimes.

Get outside at the weekends, whatever the weather It’s oh so tempting to be lazy on an autumnal weekend, cosied up in the house. Whilst you may all benefit from downtime after a busy week, even an hour of fresh air and activity will do everyone good. Remember there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Make sure everyone has decent waterproofs and wellies so you can get out there no matter what.

Get more information about the importance of sleep from Families Online www.familiesonline.co.uk/sleep

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

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

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Princethorpe inspires, and helps students to be the very best they can be. Ask the parents if you don’t believe me me!

Helen Pascoe-Williams – English Teacher and da Vinci Programme Co-ordinator.

To find out what Princethorpe can do for you, visit our Open Morning - Thursday 12 January 2017, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Entrance Examinations Day - 11+, 12+, 13+ and 14+ Saturday 21 January 2017, 9.00am - 3.00pm.

Princethorpe College

An independent school for 11-18 year olds

For information call 01926 634201 or visit princethorpe.co.uk

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Open Morning Junior School only

Saturday, 14 January 2017 10.00am - 12.00pm Independent boys’ school (7-11 years) Scholarships and bursaries available 01926 776418 ∣ admissions@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

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Education

Should I read to my primary school child?

Is it important to keep reading to children who have learned to read on their own? The answer is “yes!”

According to recent research, when children begin to read independently (between the ages of 6 and 9), their parents often stop reading aloud to them.

However, children of this age (and older) love to be read to. It’s special time with their parents and it means they can be exposed to more complex stories and ideas, with a parent present to explain meaning and vocabulary.

Reading aloud to older children also increases their vocabulary and improves spelling and comprehension. It also often leads to discussion about new ideas and parents and children can enjoy chatting about the subjects the story raises together.

Once your child can read independently, here are some tips for reading to them: Deliberately encourage them to choose books that are a little above their current reading age in which they won’t necessarily understand all the words or concepts, but in which the story is a little more sophisticated than those they can read to themselves. This will make being read to a very satisfying experience for your child.

Introduce them to novels you loved as a child or research authors and novels you think your child will enjoy online and in libraries and bookshops.

If your child really engages with a novel and wants to continue to read it alone, go with this. However, it’s a good idea to suggest you re-read together the chapters they’ve read alone, so that you can build on the sense of an experience shared and iron out any comprehension blanks. “I started to read Hetty Feather to my 6 year old and she loves it so much she has continued to read it to herself” says Stratford mum, Marie.

Introduce story anthologies which include abridged versions of classic novels like Treasure Island and Heidi. Some publishing companies like Usborne or Barefoot Books even create child-friendly stand-alone versions of the classics, in books entitled The Adventures of Odysseus and The Adventures of Achilles.

Visit libraries and bookshops often. Hunt for suitable books for your child yourself and encourage them to do the same. Note the titles in which they show interest and buy books for birthdays, Christmas - in fact, any time you can afford them!

Download books on to a Kindle for when you travel.

Follow your child’s interests. “My 8 year old son became very interested in the World Wars after Remembrance Day, so we found some factual books for his age at the library.” reports Leamington mum, Sarah.

Tell your child about books you are enjoying reading as an adult, so that they can see that reading can become a pleasurable, life-long pursuit.

Make time for reading every day if you can, whether it’s at bedtime or on the couch after dinner.

By Linda Stone

Independent Schools Contact Details and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa CV32 5TW T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk

Bablake Pre Prep Coventry CV1 2LH T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk

Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden B95 5JP T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk

Bablake Junior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Bilton Grange Rugby CV22 6QU T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth CV8 2FT T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Weds 16 Nov, 7pm-8pm: Nursery and Reception Open Evening

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King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry CV3 6PT T: 024 7627 1307 E: headteacher@khps.co.uk www.khps.co.uk The Kingsley School Leamington Spa CV32 5RD T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Thurs 17 Nov, 10am-2pm & 6pm-8pm: Open Day

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick CV34 6PL T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Tues 8 Nov, 1.30-3.15pm: At Work Afternoon Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Tues 8 Nov, 1.30-3.15pm: At Work Afternoon

Senior Schools Bablake Senior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com

King’s High Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Princethorpe College Rugby CV23 9PX T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Weds 9 Nov, 1.30pm-3.15pm: At Work Afternoon Tues 6 Dec, 2pm-3.45pm: At Work Afternoon

King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry CV3 6AQ T: 024 7627 1111 E: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Education

Helmets proven safer than you think Encourage your family to stick with bike helmets A study of bike helmet use has found that the wearing of a bicycle crash helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by 70% - and your risk of a fatal head injury by 65%.

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

The same study also said that neck injuries are not caused by, or made worse by, wearing helmets.

Statisticians Prudence Creighton and Jake Olivier from Australia’s University of New South Wales took data from 40 studies to come up with their findings and presented their results at Safety 2016 in Finland.

Love maths With Explore Learning’s National Young Mathematicians’ Award returning soon, the tuition company wants more children than ever to be confident and excited about maths! Here are a couple of top tips for inspiring maths at home: Bring maths to life with fun and engaging ways to learn new skills. Baking, measuring objects and budgeting at the shops are great ways for your child to be hands on with maths.

Ask questions during homework time Why? How do you know? Are you sure?

The more you can challenge your child to convince you of their reasoning, the more you will help them build skills such as problem solving from an early age.

Be sure to praise them for their efforts afterwards, too!

At Work

For more advice, support, news and views on maths, take a look at the Explore Learning blog - www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/category/maths/

First class theatre is open

Tuesday 8 November 2016 1.30 – 3.15pm

Come and visit us on a working school day. Meet teachers, pupils and get a feel for our wonderful environment.

Warwick Hall is the recently opened, state-of-the-art performance venue which sits alongside Bridge House Theatre at Warwick School. The new auditorium has a gallery level which increases the capacity to 1000, and a telescopic seating unit allowing it to accommodate a wide range of productions, making it one of the largest and finest performance venues in the region. The theatre is looking forward to providing high quality entertainment to children, young people and their families. www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Last tours 2.40pm

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

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.

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9

Clubs and classes

Christmas Holiday Clubs, Camps and Workshops Visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for more Holiday Clubs.

Aspire Active Camps

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD Mon 19-Fri 23 Dec, 10am-4pm (extended care available) In the Christmas holiday at our Leamington Active Camp we are running our Multi Sports Academy, which offers a huge range of sports and activities such as ultimate frisbee, rounders and dodgeball.

We will also be running our Football Academy, where your child will develop various football skills and techniques.

T: 01926 298178 www.aspire-sports.co.uk

Christmas Holiday Club

Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP Tues 20 & Weds 21 Dec, 9am-4.30pm Christmas Activity Day for 4-12 year olds. Plus Early Birds Swim for 6-12 year olds 8am-9am. Early Risers for 4 - 5 year olds 8am-9am. Night Owls for 4-12 year olds 4.30pm-6pm.

Weds 4-Fri 6 Jan, 9am-4.30pm New Year Short Courses for 6-12 year olds. Plus Early Birds Swim 8am9am. Night Owls 4.30pm-6pm.

T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/ Holiday-Activities

GO4GOALS Christmas Cracker

Kingsley School Leamington Spa CV32 5RD Weds 21 & Thurs 22 Dec, 9am-4pm (early drop off 8.30am) Football or multi sports camps for ages 4 to 11.

T: 07747 562469 www.go4goals.co.uk

Onside Coaching

Aylesford School Warwick CV34 6XR Mon 19-Fri 23 Dec, 9.30am-3.30pm (extended day available) Multi sports and dance.

T: 01926 496406 www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

Coolsportz

Warwickshire College Henley-inArden B95 6AB and Warwick Tennis Club (opp racecourse) Warwick CV34 6HX Mon 19-Weds 23 Dec, 9am-12pm Tennis, football, uni hoc, table tennis, parachute, cricket, rounders and more. For ages 4-15.

T: 07912 664426 www.coolsportz.co.uk

The power of music

Learning to play a musical instrument is a fun activity which can also bring great benefits to your child.

Social skills

Playing music is a great way to make friends. Not only are children who play instruments encouraged to join groups and orchestras, you’ll often find them getting together outside of music class too. Music draws children together from different backgrounds and creates a common bond.

improves and practice pays off, your child will see a huge confidence boost, which will help them to become more self-assured as they grow.

Persistence

Motor skills

Learning an instrument can be a slow, sometimes arduous task and the traits that children must acquire are patience and the ability to practice.

These skills are transferable to many other tasks they will come up against later in life.

Intelligence

Once a child has mastered making sounds from their instrument, they often begin to experiment.

Although they may not become an improvisational genius, this leads to creativity, which in turn creates a sense of achievement.

Creating notes from an instrument, whether it’s brass, woodwind, percussion or strings, helps a child to fine-tune their motor skills.

Minute movements of the hands and fingers are believed to help create neurological pathways in the brain.

The mental and physical processes happening inside your child’s brain when they learn to play an instrument seem to help them with problem solving. It’s also believed these children tend to do better in other subjects including maths, science and learning a foreign language in particular.

Confidence

There’s no doubt that a child who feels they can manage a task - such as performing a simple tune - is filled with confidence. As their skill

Creativity

Find out more about music classes and the benefits at www. familiesonline.co.uk/music

By Sally J Hall Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

“I really enjoyed the concert. Thanks Warwickshire Music.” Bobby With nearly one hundred Music Centre and County Groups, Warwickshire Music runs lots of events every year. These range from school assemblies right through to major concerts at massive venues such as the University of Warwick Arts Centre.

Being part of a Music Centre group or activity and playing at events can boost your child’s confidence and encourage social interaction between their peers.

What matters to us is that every event, no matter how big or small, is special and memorable to the children and young people taking part.

Aspire Active Camps

10

Music makes a difference to young people’s lives. It inspires them and stimulates them in all aspects of their lives and learning. To find out more about how music can motivate your child and information about all our activities go to www.warwickshiremusichub.org or call 01926 742630.

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Clubs and classes

I n t r o d uc e y o ur Fun, educational I n t r o d uc ey o ur Fun, educational & multi-sensory b a b yt oa & multi-sensory child b a b yt o a music classes for music classes for CLASSES w o r l d o f, s o un d , babies,DANCE w o r l d o f s o un d & H toddlers Southam babies, toddlers & I n t r o d uc ey o ur Fun, educational s o n g s a n d m us i c Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat pre-schoolers s o n g s a d m us i c& multi-sensory b a b yn t o a pre-schoolers H Leamington

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• 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

music classes for babies, toddlers & Fun, educational & multi-sensory www.dancewithdash.co.uk trial!s o n g sa n dm us i cclasses forpre-schoolers music babies,

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Fun filled, Action Packed Drama Workshops in

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Want the best for your child through music?

To find out more :-

07804 848674 thedramaclub@yahoo.co.uk

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Kyokushin Karate Kenilworth Dojo From Tokyo to Kenilworth Training Wednesdays 4.30pm-5.30pm (children) 5.30pm-6.30pm (adults)

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.

Clarendon Hall (inside St Nicholas Hall) High St, Kenilworth

E: kyokushin_kenilworth@yahoo.com Facebook: Kyokushin Kenilworth Dojo

T: 01926 745111 cms@warwickshire.gov.uk

www.warwickshiremusichub.org

Kids Art Club

Come and have fun at our

Saturday morning tennis coaching for juniors Any questions?

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

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All ages and abilities welcome.

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11

Where’s Santa?

Take your little ones to meet Father Christmas.

For more festive fun ideas, see What’s On at www.familiesonline.co.uk Enchanted Christmas Kingdom

Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Various dates from Sat 26 Nov-Sat 24 Dec Visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto and receive a golden key to unlock his workshop where each child can choose their very own present off the shelves. A festive family day out with Fun Fair Rides and Children’s Shows – not forgetting the Reindeer Hunt with a prize for the children.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage

Sleigh Ride

Coventry Transport Museum Coventry CV1 1JD Thurs 24 Nov-Fri 23 Dec, Opens 10am Experience the true magic of Christmas with a wonderful ride on the Co-op sleigh. After the ride, meet Santa in his grotto. Child £5, accompanying adult £1.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com

Breakfast or Tea with Santa

Wyevale Garden Centres at Bournton-on-Dunsmore (Blooms) CV23 9QQ and Black Hill, Stratford-uponAvon CV37 0QW Various dates from Sat 12 Nov -Sat 24 Dec Receive a special present from Father Christmas. Biscuit decorating. Fun festive activities. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/ breakfast-or-tea-with-father-christmas

Santa’s Grotto

Studley Garden Centre Studley B80 7DR Charlecote Garden Centre CV35 9ER Various dates from Sat 28 Nov to Thurs 24 Dec Bring along your wish list and see Santa in his magical grotto before he leaves on Christmas Eve. Photo of your grotto experience will be available on the day.

Each child receives a free sticker set. FREE. www.thegardenstore.ltd.uk

Breakfast with Santa

Studley Garden Centre Studley B80 7DR Charlecote Garden Centre CV35 9ER 4, 11, 18 & 24 Dec, 9am-10.30am Join Santa and his elves for a magical breakfast feast followed by festive fun, songs and games. £7.50 per person.

Booking essential. www.thegardenstore.ltd.uk

Santa at Warwick Castle

Warwick CV34 4QU See website for dates Santa’s Stately Breakfast - games, carols, a special gift and the chance to meet Father Christmas.

Stories with Santa - included in general admission.

Santa Sleepover - complete with Elf wake-up call!

T: 01926 406660 www.warwick-castle.com

Santa’s Grotto

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum CV32 4AA Sat 10 Dec, 11am-4pm A family friendly day out with seasonal craft activities, refreshments and carol singing. Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a special festive gift. Carol singing. Gift shop open. FREE drop in and join in.

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

Christmas at Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth CV8 1NE Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec, 10.30am-4pm A weekend of Christmas fun for all the family. Enjoy crafts and storytelling and, for all those who have been good this year, meet a very special guest in his grotto.

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

Santa in The Royal Priors

Leamington Spa CV32 4XT Sat 10 & 17, Sun 11 & 18 Santa will again be on his sleigh this Christmas. Every year the Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa invite Santa to the Royal Priors where he delights youngsters with presents and a friendly Ho! Ho! Ho! www.sparotary.org.uk

Christmas Markets

Leamington Spa’s Yuletide Market: The Parade on Sundays from 20 November to 18 December Stratford Christmas Market: Bridge Street on Thursdays from 24 November to 22 December Stratford Waterside Christmas UpMarket: Sundays from 27 November to 18 December Warwick Victorian Evening: Thursday 24 November Shipston-on-Stour Victorian Evening: Friday 2 December

Santa Float

Santa’s sleigh visits every road in Kenilworth and Leek Wootton over two to three weeks in December, raising money for charity. You can also see him at the two lighting up ceremonies - in the Old Town and in the main Square. www.kenilworthroundtable.com/ SantaFloat

Father Christmas at the Enchanted Manor and Magic Alley Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW Thurs 24 Nov-Thurs 24 Dec Visit Father Christmas in this magical grotto. Everyone receives a specially commissioned bedtime story to be read together on Christmas Eve. £7 person, under 2s go free. Booking recommended.

T: 01789 290967 www.stratfordchristmasfestival.co.uk

Victorian Christmas Weekend

Compton Verney CV35 9HZ Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec Come and see Father Christmas and his reindeer. Take part in storytelling sessions, popular with the under 5s. Plus food, music, craft, activities and fun.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Christmas Lights Switch Ons Leamington Spa: Sunday 20 November Stratford-upon-Avon: Thursday 24 November Warwick: Thursday 24 November Kenilworth Warwick Road: Friday 25 November Alcester: Sunday 27 November Kenilworth Old Town (High Street): Friday 2 December Henley-in-Arden: Saturday 3 December

Don’t miss Myton Hospice Santa Dash: Sunday 11 December www.mytonhospice.org/event/santa-dash Leamington Lantern Parade: Sunday 4 December www.leamingtonlanternparade.co.uk

Performances and Pantos 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Tues 8-Sat 12 Nov Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, this production explodes everything we thought we knew about the D-Day landings and uses music, puppetry and foolishness to tell this tale of war, prejudice and love. For ages 7+.

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

The Tempest

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB Tues 8 Nov-Sat 21 Jan 2017 Don’t miss this year’s RSC family show the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young theatregoers and families.

Using technology never used on stage in this way before, creating a magical and unforgettable theatrical experience. For ages 8+. Box Office: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

Red Riding Hood

Talisman Theatre Kenilworth CV8 1EG Sun 18-Sat 31 Dec All the fun of the traditional family pantomime, with quite a few twists! Lots of laughs, music, magic and fun.

Box Office: 01926 856548 www.talismantheatre.co.uk

12

Midsummer Night’s Dream

Bridge House Theatre Warwick CV34 6PP Weds 16-Sat 19 Nov Performed by the drama departments of Warwick School and King’s High School.

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

Mavis Sparkle

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sun 13 Nov M6’s cosmic production mixes magic, illusion, animation and laughter inspiring us all to dust away doubts, follow our dreams and reach for the stars!

For ages 5+.

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

Family Concert

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Sun 20 Nov Music from the films performed by Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra.

Entertainment and participation for all the family.

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

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Playbox Theatre Warwick CV34 6LE Tues 13-Sat 31 Dec A completely re-imagined production of our ever popular family show. A perfect family treat for the holidays.

Box Office: 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com

Beauty and the Beast

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Sat 3-Sat 31 Dec With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible special effects and bags of slapstick fun, this year’s panto is a delight for all the family to enjoy.

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

Dick Whittington

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Weds 23 Nov-Sat 7 Jan This year’s panto is packed with sing-along songs, amazing sets and extravagant costumes. An enchanting tale of fame and fortune, heroes and villains, cats and rats for all the family.

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

Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Thurs 8-Sat 24 Dec A brand new Santa show for 2-6 year olds with fun characters, favourite action songs, a great story and a chance to meet Santa and get a present from him.

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

Jack and the Beanstalk

Priory Theatre Kenilworth CV8 1BN Weds 14-Sat 31 Dec A magical pantomime adventure with beautiful sets and costumes, hilarious comedy and bags of knockabout fun.

Box Office: 01926 863334 www.priorytheatre.co.uk

Stick Man

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Thurs 24 Nov-Sat 31 Dec Touching, funny and utterly original, this delightful adaptation of the hugely popular children’s book features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. For ages 3+.

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

The Colour of Me

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov Join us in a magical world of colour. Can you feel the excitement of the deep blue sea, the green peacefulness of nature, or bravely go where no child has ever been… inside an orange? For ages 3-6.

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

Aladdin

Stratford ArtsHouse Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU Weds 14-Tues 27 Dec Join Stratford ArtsHouse for a magic carpet ride at this year’s magical pantomime adventure. Featuring a professional West End cast, spectacular scenery and costumes, dazzling special effects and plenty of audience participation – it’s set to be a firm favourite this festive season.

Box Office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004

Christmas

Bingo for cat lovers!

Cat Bingo brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game as players learn the names, colourings and characteristics of their favourite breeds, from Tonkinese to Siamese, and from Bengals to Birmans. This beautifully illustrated bingo game contains 64 cat tokens (illustrated

by Marcel George), one playing board, 12 bingo cards and brightly coloured counters for you to mark up your card. It also includes a leaflet containing information on each of the cats included. Perfect for lots of family fun this Christmas, this game is already a firm favourite with Families Warwickshire, siting nicely on the toy room shelf next to Dog Bingo!

CHRISTMAS KINGDOM

www.laurenceking.com/en/gifts/games/

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas Brain Tumour Research (BTR) has a fresh range of cards to choose from this Christmas! Giving or sending cards is the perfect way to show you are thinking of someone during the festive season. Christmas is so often a time to reflect on the significant connections in our lives and a personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated. BTR cards are priced at £4 per pack and at least 50% of the proceeds go towards funding the charity’s aims.

Could you sell Christmas cards on our behalf?

Brain Tumour Research would love to send you a box of cards to sell at your school, club, workplace or local Christmas fair. The cards will be sent on a sale or return basis so anything you don’t sell, simply return to BTR along with any money raised.

ET CR SE SHOP Y TO

To find out more about buying or selling cards and to view the full range of designs visit www.braintumourresearch.org/christmascards To order, contact the office on 01908 867200 or email supportercare@ braintumourresearch.org or buy online via eBay page www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ braintumourresearch.

Christmas cookies in a jar This is a lovely Christmas gift as the jar can be used again and it’s full of yummy, Christmassy biscuits too.

You will need: • 250g soft butter or margarine • 140g caster sugar • 1 egg • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 300g plain flour • Quarter tsp ground cinnamon • Tiny pinch of ground star anise • Quarter tsp nutmeg • Large Kilner jar • Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells

Pre-book your visit to Father Christmas NOW and avoid the queues

To decorate: • Icing sugar • Water • Lemon juice Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing until it forms a ball of dough.

Children can do this with their hands.

The earlier you book, the more you'll save!

18529A 10/16

Fantastic all day family entertainment programme

Next, roll the dough out on a floured surface and use a variety of Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes - stars, diamonds and hearts are all good. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190oC 375oF).

Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little water, until it is easy to pour but still thick. Use a piping bag to make decorations on each and leave to dry in a cool place.

www.hattonworld.com

Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label. @familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

www.familiesonline.co.uk

13

Christmas

Days Out – places to go and things to do!

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

Warwick Arts Centre

The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov, 10am-5pm Family Weekend – The Wonders of Winter Workshops, performances, sports activities and more. FREE entry, FREE activities and workshops. Paid theatre performances and cinema screenings.

T: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

British Motor Museum

Gaydon CV34 0BJ Fri 9-Fri 23 Dec, 10am-3pm Mechanic’s Christmas Trail Help Martin, our mechanic, fix the sleigh and find the missing reindeer.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec, 10am-3pm Christmas Craft Weekend A weekend of Christmas family crafts. Make car shaped Christmas decorations out of salt dough and car shaped Christmas cards. All activities are included in normal Museum admission.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS Find out about all the beautiful and delicate creatures that live here. Meet fascinating insects, clever creepy crawlies and other curious creatures. Over Christmas, there will be daily Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions in the Discovery Zone.

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Fantastic day out for all the family. Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment.

Full Christmas programme of events.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world

The MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT The MAD Museum houses an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. A fun place to visit for all the family. Great shop, ideal for Christmas shopping.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry CV1 5QP Until Sun 20 Nov Nature Notes Multi-sensory exhibition. FREE. Until Sun 15 Jan 2017 Brick Wonders See some of most iconic man-made, natural and ancient wonders of the world, made of Lego. FREE. T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry CV1 1JD This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Weds 2 Nov-Weds 14 Dec (alternate Weds), 10am-11.30am Go Messy!

Transport inspired messy play time! Sensory play activities for children aged 0-4.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum CV32 4AA

Sat 12-Nov, 11am-4pm Outsized Art Help us create a huge Colin Hitchmoughinspired piece that will take over the exhibition for the day.

FREE Drop in & join in.

T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms

Royal Shakespeare Company

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB FREE drop-in activities all year round including Dressing Up Box, Play Cart, Adventure Bags plus special events and workshops during school holidays.

T: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk/families

RSC's Swan Theatre

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB The Play’s the Thing Brand new 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. £8.50 adult, £4.25 child. www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

Shakespeare Houses

In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Various dates and times from Thurs 1 Dec Christmas at the Shakespeare Family Homes Enjoy a Tudor Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a Victorian themed family Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, discover how Christmas has changed in the 400 years since the Halls lived at Hall’s Croft, and become a Tudor fashionista at Shakespeare’s New Place.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk

The National Trust

See the houses dressed for Christmas and enjoy festive activities.

Charlecote Park Nr Warwick CV35 9ER Baddesley Clinton Baddesley Clinton B93 0DQ Packwood House Lapworth B94 6AT Coughton Court Alcester B49 5JA www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FamilY Mavis Sparkle Sun 13 Nov age 4+

Oxhill CV35 0RP Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm Home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Meet residents large and small from Shire to Shetland. Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse.

Entry is free.

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

Ryton Pools Country Park

Bubbenhall CV8 3BH Sat 26 Nov-Tues 3 Jan (weekends and school holidays) Naughty Elves and Festive Fun Trail Follow the trail around the park and complete your trail sheet - fun for all the family. £2 per trail sheet.

Weds 14 Dec, 10am-12noon Toddler Trundle Christmas Party Christmassy fun on the last toddler trundle of the year. Trail, crafts, face painting and party food. £6 per child. Booking essential .

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

Carols at the Castle

Kenilworth Castle CV8 1NE Sat 17 Dec Enjoy a traditional, festive start to Christmas. Concert starts at 6pm and lasts about an hour. www.kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk/Events

Carols at Warwick Castle

Warwick CV34 4QU Sat 17 Dec Annual Christmas charity celebration in magnificent setting. Gates open 6.45pm.

Carol Service 7.30pm. www.carolswarwick.com

autumn 2016

WriGGle daNce TheaTre

The colour of Me

ScaMp TheaTre & Freckle producTioNS

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov ages 3 - 6

Stick Man images reproduced by permission of Alison Green Books an imprint of Scholastic Ltd Text © 2008 Julia Donaldson Illustrations © Axel Scheffler

M6 TheaTre

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Family Weekend The Wonders of Winter Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov all ages Free activities and workshops, plus performances of Wriggle Dance Theatre’s The Colour of Me, Stick Man and much more!

From the book by Julia donaldson and axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo Thu 24 Nov – Sat 31 dec 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

14

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

Christmas

4-5 Henley Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6PT www.theMADmuseum.co.uk

01789 269356

Christmas Family Activities Mechanic’s Christmas Trail 9 - 23 Dec Help Martin, our mechanic, fix the sleigh and find the missing reindeer

Quote ‘Families Warwickshire’ and get 10% discount!

Christmas Time at & Gift Shop

Happy Christmas from everyone at Families Warwickshire

The UKs Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open Every Day (Except Christmas Day)

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

Christmas Craft Weekend 10 - 11 Dec Make your own Christmas cards and decorations See website for more details

£39 FAMIL Y TICKET

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 M ONTHS FR EE*

britishmo

tormuse

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

J12 M40 .

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and conditi ons.

Please check website for latest news & last entry times

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

The Museum is closed 24 Dec - 2 Jan inclusive

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Christmas at Coventry Museums

COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM

HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Get out and about over the festive season!

Discover a fantastic family day out with plenty to see and do and beautiful gifts in the shop.

Get creative in Santa’s Workshop at Coventry Transport Museum and craft dazzling decorations at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

For more details visit: www.transport-museum.com www.theherbert.org

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@familieswarks

familieswarwickshire

11/10/2016 15:38

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Experience the true magic of Christmas with a wonderful ride on the Co-op Sleigh, now at Coventry Transport Museum!

24 November – 23 December Children £5 Accompanying adult £1.50 Opens at 10.00am. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For full details please go to www.transport-museum.com

We reserve the right to close the ride early.

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12/10/2016 10:54

BIRMINGHAM

RUSH

TRAMPOLINE PARK INCLUDING EXCITING ATTR ACTIONS: rushuktrampolinepark

16

RushUKTrampolinePark

OPENING NOVEMBER

rushuk

Ninja Warrior Assault Course

Free Wifi

Total Wipeout

After Dark Disco Nights

Wavy Lane

Dodgeball Leagues

Long Tumble Lanes

Battle Beams

High Performance Arena

Slack Lines

Rush Boutique

Trapeze

Cafe

Rock Climbing Wall

editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 01926 335004