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Back to School: Education Special

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Issue 13 | September/October 2013 | Families Warwickshire

So – finally, we had a great summer, weather-wise, and I hope everyone really enjoyed it. Did you get to kick back, recharge and gear up for the new school year? If you didn’t manage to get completely organised, don’t worry – we’ve got a great Clubs and Classes feature in this issue to help you get your children’s extracurricular activities sorted. There’s also a big Education feature with tips on supporting your child, whether they’re already at school or just starting. And a guide to Open Days, for those who are looking to move on up next year. Please get in touch with your comments – you can email or call me (see contact details below left) or go to our Facebook page or Twitter. Twitter: Have a great autumn,

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All content © 2013 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-upon-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 from just £30 a month! Next issue: November/December 2013 Main features: Shop Local for Christmas/Pantos and Shows Deadline: Monday 7 October Families Warwickshire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the content, nor for any consequence.

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News & views

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

New family club opens in Leamington Local mother of two Priscilla Conway has realised a dream by opening a members’ club for families in the Irwin Memorial Hall, the grand former home of the Royal British Legion, on Kenilworth St in Leamington. The bright, airy facilities of the Family Tree Members Club boast a café, play room, snug and huge hall upstairs, and with a comprehensive timetable of activities there’ll be something for everyone from age 0-12, and their parents. See our interview with Priscilla on p15.

www.family-tree-club.co.uk

Warwick Words The family section of Warwick Words seems to have shrunk somewhat this year, but there are still two great events you shouldn’t miss. Favourite Rhymes is at Warwick Library on Friday 4 October, 11am and 2pm, where the Bookstart Bear will be encouraging the under-5s to enjoy songs, rhymes and stories. Book by popping into the library in Shire Hall to collect your free ticket. For older children, Ruth Rogers will be explaining how she helped to bring Joey the horse to life as Assistant Puppetry Director of the National Theatre’s production of War Horse on Saturday 5 October, 11.30am. Tickets are £5 each and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £18. To book, call the Box Office on 01926 776438. www.warwickwords.co.uk

Musical Steps comes to Studley New pre-school music classes are starting up in Studley, with a free taster session on the opening day. Daniela Hewitt is inviting parents of babies and toddlers to try out Dani’s Musical Steps for free on Monday 16 September, 9.20-10.45am, at Studley Parish Centre. Please contact Dani to book your free place and there will be tea, coffee and cakes available, and a chance to find out more about the educational benefits of the classes. Call 01527 850024 or email daniela. hewitt@musicalsteps.co.uk

www.musicalsteps.co.uk/teacher.asp?ID=1640

Twirling Toddlers comes to Rugby Walk to school and feel the benefits

Beat the traffic and get your kids out in the fresh air during International Walk to School Month this October. Each year, primary school children from across the UK join forces with more than 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school, and this October is no different. The Public Health Minister Anna Soubry recently warned that only one third of boys and a quarter of girls in the UK are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, so this is the perfect way to get more active. Many parents know that walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer cars on the streets and strengthens communities when children and parents are seen out and about. All good reasons to leave the car behind and walk! www.livingstreets.org.uk

New pre-school classes teaching song, dance and gymnastics are launching in Rugby this September. Jenni Pitchford is the first franchisee of Twirling Toddlers, which was set up in 2011 by Warwickshire mum Michelle Ventner. The new classes, which are based on the principles of ballet, tap and gymnastics, will run on Mondays at Rogers Hall, Hillmorton, and Fridays at Overslade Community Centre, Buchanan Road. For more details, contact Jenni via jenni@twirlingtoddlers.co.uk or 07572 432034. www.facebook.com/ TwirlingToddlersRugbySouthL

LOCAL MUMS LAUNCH POTTY TRAINING BOOK Local mums Jude Hough and Diane Titterton have written an easy-to-use and beautifully illustrated book, which is full of common-sense tips to make potty training easier. ‘How to Potty Train’ guides parents through each stage of potty training and combines fun sections for kids with advice for parents, so that they can learn together. Full of colourful illustrations that will appeal to children, the book includes a number of ‘read together’ sections that help to explain the process to children in a fun and engaging way. How to Potty Train costs around £8.95 and is available from retailers and the Dry Like Me website: www.drylikeme.com

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New Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, the bestselling author of the award-winning Noughts & Crosses teen series, has been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2013–2015. As part of her role she will call on teachers and parents to spend at least ten minutes per day sharing a book with their pupils and children in an impassioned bid to get more children reading more, as well as working to make reading ‘irresistible’ for teenagers. ‘I am honoured to have been chosen as the eighth Children’s Laureate,’ said Malorie Blackman. ‘Stories have inspired me and taught me to aspire. I hope to instill in every child I meet my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.’ www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/malorie-blackman/

Stratford gears up for “biggest and best yet” Food Festival

Stratford town centre is holding its own food festival on the 14-15 September, with French and Italian markets, and Carluccio’s will be celebrating autumn’s finest ingredient – the marvellous mushroom! Head down to Riverside for their dedicated Mushroom Market, with lots of fabulous fungi products on sale inside and out. www.carluccios.com

The Big Draw October is Big Draw month, and there are lots of events going on locally to encourage families to put pencil to paper. Since its launch in 2000 The Big Draw has grown to encompass 15 countries and 200,000 people in its celebration of all things arty. So check our listings on p19 and look out for other events springing up nearer the time – and enjoy getting creative! www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

Leamington’s ﬁnest toy shop to see what we have...

We are now stocklists of: Bigjigs Rail • Orchard Toys • Galt- inc. Horrible Science and Horrible Histories • Le Toy Van • Didicar • Priddy Books ....and much, much more!

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Villa to Rent

Foodies should head down to Stratford Race Course, the new, larger site for Stratford’s popular food festival, on 14-15 September. Children under 16 have free entry (it’s just £6 for adults), and there’ll be free parking and a free shuttle bus service running from town. Headline acts include the Great British Bake-Off judge Paul Connolly and Sophie Michell, the presenter of Channel 4’s Cook Yourself Thin, as well as loads of stalls, live music and children’s entertainment including family discos, kids cookery, inflatables and a climbing wall. It’s always a great family day out. www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk

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Get up to some mischief on Roald Dahl Day! The world’s favourite storyteller is celebrated each year on his birthday in September, which this year happens to be Friday 13th! Which makes it very apt for the focus will be on all of Dahl’s tricksy characters – from George, with his terrible medicine, to the Twits and the Witches. Join in by downloading a party pack from the website and maybe hold your own party – at school, at your local library or at home? And schools can sign up to an interactive webcast, Puffin Virtually Live, featuring Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson, among others. You can also raise money for seriously ill and disabled children on Dahlicious Dress-Up Day – Friday 27 September. For more information, see www.roalddahlday.info/

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Education Special The best possible start at a new school How do you prepare your child for his or her first day at a new school? It’s all about familiarity and confidence, says Joanna Moorhead The summer before my eldest daughter started at primary school, a rather wonderful thing happened. We were having work done on our house, and by chance a friend mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for a housesitter. It suited us perfectly to move out of our home for a few months, to escape the builders’ dust, so we did just that. And our temporary home, as it happened, was next door to the primary school at which Rosie would start in September. We moved in May, so from then until the end of July she and I would watch, each morning, as the children walked and ran, cycled and scootered past our door, in their grey and purple uniforms. They looked happy and excited; they were meeting their friends, having fun. The street would then go quiet until about 10.30am when we’d hear them again in the playground; and then again after lunch, until at 3.30pm they’d all stream out again, and head back home with their mummies and the occasional daddy. I’m sure I talked to Rosie about what it would be like in reception class, and I’m sure I taught her to open her lunchbox and get her own shoes on and off and all the other things you’re advised to do before your child’s first day at school; but the truth is that nothing prepared her for school as much as those weeks of simply living next door to it. The experience normalised what was going to be a huge change in her life: it showed her, better than any words from me could, that school was where children went

when they were old enough. Watching those happy-looking kids skipping past our door, hearing them calling to their friends and generally picking up a sense that school was fun and exciting, was the best possible way of introducing her to her new life. In time my three younger daughters followed their big sister to that same school, and they – like Rosie – all took it in their stride. They, of course, were wellused to the primary by then: unlike Rosie, they would be there every morning and every afternoon, dropping off or collecting a big sister or sisters. They would pick up on the excitement and happiness of school by osmosis, seeing their sisters and their friends as they bounced up alongside their buggy – and they’d be drinking it all in. This, it seems to me, is the number one best way to get your child ready for primary school: as much as you can, show rather than tell. Try to be around the school sometimes as the children arrive or as they’re leaving for home; if you have friends with children already there, ask to go along with them sometimes for the drop-off or the pick-up. Give your child every opportunity you can to imbibe the sense that school is an exciting and interesting place to be. Every child, and every parent, gets a bit nervous before their child starts at a new school. Even after 17 years of being a parent with children in school, I’m feeling a bit worried about my youngest daughter’s move to secondary school in September. The fact that I’ve done school starts many, many times before doesn’t alter the

fact that this is a first for Catriona, and because it’s a first for Catriona it’s a first for me too. But what I now know is how important it is for me to be confident, and to be positive, about the move. Of course I have mixed feelings: of course I’m a bit worried about how she’ll cope in new surroundings, about whether she’ll find it easy to make new friends, about whether she’ll like the school food and about whether she’ll settle down to the work. And when she wants to talk about those fears – because, of course, she has them too and it’s important not to deny our children’s feelings – I do. But I always remember to talk to her as well about how exciting this new start is going to be: because every beginning is a bit scary and involves risks – but our lives move on and grow and become whole because we embrace them and we’re brave about them. Children worry when we worry, and they’re confident when we’re confident. So if you’ve got a child starting school this autumn, the number one thing to do is find the confidence in yourself: empathise with your child, but empathise with the fact that her world is opening up and becoming more exciting as well as with the fact that there will be wobbles. Try not to worry too much about the problems: believe in your own, and your child’s, ability to deal with these as they come along. Don’t even, for a minute, bother about things like maths and English and reading: no, honestly, I mean it. Those things are for further down the line: all you have to think about, this September, is delivering a child to school with a song in his or her heart. Do that, and everything else will be easy.

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7.30am

And here are some other positive ways to support your child at school this autumn...

Down-to-earth advice from the experts

The National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) and the charity Family Action have teamed up to launch a campaign called Ready to Learn Every Day, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of parental input to children’s learning. A series of leaflets will be published over the 2013-14 school year, giving parents practical and positive messages following five key themes: good routines, speaking and listening, spending time together, being prepared and good behaviour. Research shows that children succeed best in school when parents are actively involved in their education. But it’s not just about helping out with homework. In fact, preparing children for learning can be far more basic – like making sure they know

how to take turns and listen; that they go to bed on time; have breakfast and turn up at school on time, having remembered their pencil case, PE kit and homework. Did you know, for instance, that primary school-age children need 10-11 hours of sleep each night, and that playing computer games or watching TV just before bedtime can stop them falling asleep easily? In contrast, playing old-fashioned board games can increase your child’s social skills (listening, taking turns etc) and concentration, which will then help them at school. Just a few simple adjustments to family life could make a big difference to your child’s learning. Pick up the first leaflet – called Getting the Most Out of School: A Short Guide for Parents – from your school, or download from www.family-action.org.uk/naht

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to develop your child’s confidence and independent study skills so they excel throughout the new term and beyond. Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. Leamington Spa Study Centre Joanne Cox 01926 513130 0800 854 714 kumon.co.uk

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Start school with confidence with Dry Like Me It’s not uncommon for children to start preschool or school without being fully toilet trained. If your little one needs a little help, there’s now a complete range of products from local mums, Jude Hough and Diane Titterton. They created the award-winning and unique Dry Like Me potty training pads, and have now introduced two new versions of their pads, to create a range that supports little ones from the start to the end of potty training – including getting dry at night. Like the original Dry Like Me pads, the new versions turn children’s ordinary pants into training pants, while still letting them understand when they have had an accident – which is an important part of learning to get dry. They have been designed as potty training aids, rather than nappy substitutes,

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and help children move to their own pants to speed up the potty training process. A new, more absorbent Dry Like Me Early Days pad has been launched for use in the first few weeks, when a little more support is often needed. And later on, when the child is dry during the day, there is now a new Dry Like Me Night-Time pad for night-time potty training. The original Dry Like Me potty training pads are used in between. Together, these three pads provide a complete system of potty training support; letting children learn from their accidents while capturing accidents and so reducing the mess and stress. Dry Like Me potty training pads are recommended by health professionals and endorsed by child toileting charity, ERIC. They are soft,

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comfortable and suitable for children of all ages, because one size fits all. Dry Like Me potty training pads are available from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Wilkinson, Ocado and Amazon. For more information, potty training advice and special offers go to www.drylikeme.com and you can share your experiences at www.facebook.com/DryLikeMeUK

Education Special

Which secondary is right for my child? If you have a child heading to secondary school in 2015 – or even need to make a last-minute decision on a 2014 entry – now is the time to take advantage of school open days (see p12 for our planner). Here, Joanna Moorhead lists the 20 things you need to know when choosing a ‘big school’.

Make your own mind up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard. A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours.

Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own. Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

Use open days wisely. If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode. (See page 12 for our list of upcoming open events).

Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

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Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring? These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home. We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

Look at the school’s league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn around?

Where do pupils go on to from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook. This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

call the education department at your local authority. Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for. Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

Remember that, at the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

You’re bound to talk to other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

Keep telling yourself (because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses. There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or

Tel: 01789 764667

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At Princethorpe College we believe that every child learns in their own way and we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching. We help all our pupils to achieve excellent exam results and nurture their individuality and social development. Through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, everything from sport to performance and more, we help your child become the best that they can be. We’re looking for new pupils of all ages, faiths and backgrounds to join our thriving community. Come for a visit and see for yourself how we make exceptional people out of our pupils.

Open Afternoon Sunday 6 October 2.00pm to 5.00pm Find us on the B4453 between Leamington and Rugby For more information on open events and admissions please visit www.princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201

The Princethorpe Foundation Education in the Catholic tradition

Boys and Girls 11 to 18 Registered Charity Number 1087124

Education Special Learn to read with Reading Eggs is the award-winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs programme is all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

Proven reading results

Learn to Read in 5 Weeks – for FREE!

l Over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since using Reading Eggs l The lessons content and format are based on solid scientific research l Has a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words supporting what children learn at school l Uses skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success l The programme is used by over 2 million children worldwide (and counting!) l Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’ experience

Why children love Reading Eggs

From 26 August to 30 September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read! This FREE event will give your child 5 WEEKS FREE* access to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3 – 13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Whats more, for every new sign up Reading Eggs will donate £1 to our charity partner Tommy’s!

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Hurry, offer ends 30 September, 2013. Register today at

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l There are over 512 interactive games, motivating rewards and songs l It makes reading fun – children want to learn l The programme supplies one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability l Detailed assessment reports show and recognize progress l Suitable for children aged 3 - 13 From 26th August to 30th September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read! This FREE event will give your child 5 weeks FREE access* to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs. co.uk/learn. *Free trial only available for new customers who register at www.readingeggs.co.uk/ learn.

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

All-round education at King Henry VIII King Henry VIII School can be found tucked neatly alongside the War Memorial Park in Coventry, but this leafy, suburban location belies an incredible tradition of Outdoor Education. 2012 -13 has been another bumper year for the school, which continues to offer a truly rounded education to its students and a welcome change from the largely exam-focused, academic thrust of some notable local rivals. A typical student at King Henry VIII School is a fit, skilful, determined sort who is often found ankle-deep in mud on the tracks and fields of Warwickshire or working in the local community to support less fortunate youngsters. King Henry VIII School currently boasts the National Champions in no less than four different disciplines: Girls’ U18 British School’s Orienteering; U16 Boys’ Orienteering winner; Girls’ and Boys’ U16 British Schools’ FellRunning. The Orienteers will now represent Great Britain at international level next year. The U18 Cross Country A and B teams have recently won the Birmingham Schools’ League. King Henry VIII School is one of the leading providers of the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the country with the vast majority of students completing at least their Bronze and Silver awards by the time they are sixteen. The Sixth Form allows them to continue to the Gold Award. Many older students have just returned from an amazing South Africa Eco-Safari, a monthlong expedition based on conservation, voluntary work and

exploration. The summer holidays have also included overseas tours to Chile for rugby and to Malaysia for hockey. The school’s success in the great outdoors is not at the expense of other areas of the curriculum, however. King Henry VIII School currently boasts its largest ever Sixth Form as testament to the success of students recently in their GCSE and A Level exams. The school averages 19% A*s at A Level and 45% of students get all A* or A grades in these challenging exams; way above the national average for independent schools. King Henry VIII Prep School offers the same high standard of all-round education from 3 to 11 year olds and is currently over-subscribed in many of its year groups. At a time when some parents are finding it challenging to invest their hardearned savings in an independent school education, King Henry VIII School’s students’ successes show exactly why an outstanding education is better value than ever, even in tough economic times.

King Henry VIII

Prep & Senior School

www.khviii.com | T: 024 7627 1111 Join us at our Open Events

Open House:

Friday 11th October 9:30am - 12:30pm

Open Morning:

Saturday 12th October 9:30am - 12:30pm King Henry VIII School, Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AQ

A leading co-educational day school, since 1545 Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education Independent school open days 2013 Prep & Primary Schools Warwick School Myton Rd Warwick, CV34 6PP. Tel: 01926 776400 e: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Sat 28 September: Sixth Form Open Morning, 10am12noon and Open Day, 2-4pm Tues 12 November: Junior School at Work, 1.453.15pm The Kingsley School Beauchamp Hall, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa CV32 5RD. Tel: 01926 421368 e: carolewatson@kingsleyschool.co.uk (Registrar Carole Watson) www.thekingsleyschool.com Sat 5 October: Entrance Exam for Yr 7 Sept 2014 Mon 7 October: Scholarship Week Tues 15 October: Sixth Form Open Evening Sat 9 November: Prep School Open Morning and Senior School Open Afternoon

Warwick Preparatory School Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL. Tel: 01926 491545 e: admissions@warwickprep.com (Mrs Webster, Admissions Secretary) www.warwickprep.com Sat 5 October: Open Morning, 9.30am-12.30pm Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery St Joseph’s Park, Kenilworth CV8 2FT. Tel: 01926 514444 e: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk/ Thurs 10 October: Open Day, 10am-3pm King Henry VIII School Warwick Road, Coventry Cv3 6AQ. Tel: 024 7627 1111 e: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk/ Fri 11 October: Open House, 9.30am-12.30pm Sat 12 October: Open Morning, 9.30am-12.30pm

The Croft Preparatory School Alveston Hill, Loxley Rd, Stratfordupon-Avon, CV37 7RL. Tel: 01789 293795 e: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk/ Weds 16 October: Whole School Open Morning, 10am-12noon Bablake School Coundon Rd Coventry, CV1 4AU. Tel: 024 7627 1248 e: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk (Mrs L Baines, Admissions Officer) www.bablake.com/ Sat 9 November: Open Morning

Senior Schools Rugby School Rugby CV22 5EH. Tel: 01788 556 274 e: registry@rugbyschool.net www.rugbyschool.net/ Sat 21 September: Open Day for 16+ (Year 12) boarding and day pupils for entry in 2014

Princethorpe College Rugby CV23 9PX. Tel: 01926 634201 e: elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk/ Sun 6 October: Open Afternoon, 2-5pm Weds 13 November: Sixth Form Open Evening, 7-9pm King’s High Landor House, Smith St, Warwick CV34 4HJ. Tel: 01926 494485 e: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk/ Sat 12 October: Taster Morning for girls in Yr 5 & 6 Weds 16 October: Sixth Form Open Evening Sat 9 November: Open Morning

www.croftschool.co.uk ISI Outstanding 2009 and EYFS 2012

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

Open Morning Saturday 5 October 2013 – 9.30am to 12.30pm School opens at 9.30am and last tour at 11.30am

Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field, Banbury Road,Warwick CV34 6PL For further information please visit www.warwickprep.com alternatively call 01926 491545 or email admissions@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.

Whole School Open Morning Co-educational school for children aged 2-11 years

Wednesday 16 October 10am -12 noon For further information, or to book a tour with the Headmaster, please call 01789 293795 or email office@croftschool.co.uk Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7RL

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Clubs and Classes Special

Choosing extracurricular activities by Ellen Arnison

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies? How do you know what, and how much, out-ofschool activity is right for your child?

ot long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything. Please take a deep breath and relax. Extracurricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them. However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes. With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety. In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future. They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, just might flourish in a dance class. As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children. While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted. The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

daughter’s best friend is doing it – this may not be a good enough reason. Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and whether it complements what’s already going on. For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child who is timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir, if it boosts their confidence. A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others. After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful. So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home. When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked? While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves!

LIDTA

Delivering Dance for over 30 years Small classes ensuring good pupil-teacher ratio Students from 18 months to adults Qualified CRB checked teachers Performance opportunities To join the Intadance Family please call Geraldine for a free trial lesson at our Kineton studio

01926 640452 info@intadance.co.uk

www.intadance.co.uk

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy Ballet, Tap, Modern & Street Dance classes for children

IDTA & RAD Exams Shows & Competitions Fully qualified & experienced staff Branches in Warwick, Wootton Wawen & Northampton

Baby Ballet 21/2 years Street Dance for 7+ years

Call 07791 852891

or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com for more information Krystle Gerrard AIDTA CDE

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Book your FREE class today

T: 01789 415526 E: stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk

Classes in Alcester, Alveston, Stratford, Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick

Clubs and Classes Special

SEN activities Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extracurricular activities. Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers. They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence. Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully can be a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for

Clubs and Classes whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe. Equally, there are other more educational and developmental benefits to extracurricular activities. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves through trampolining, and children with challenging behaviour often respond well to the discipline of martial arts. Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar challenges. Your school or local authority may be able to advise about SEN groups, or call the Integrated Disability Service (IDS) on 01926 742240.

What Happens at... Monkey Music? In the latest of our series of class reviews, Gabrielle Starkey visits Monkey Music in Alveston.

“She loves music, she’s always boogying at home, and she loves all the other kids – it’s really sociable for both of us. Claire’s really lively – and a bit bonkers, which helps!” Anna, mum to Elsie (15 months)

ne of the things I love about dropping in on pre-school classes is the energy. You might be feeling sluggish of a morning, but after watching a class full of wide-eyed tots singing, dancing and playing funky rhythms, you leave with a huge smile. Claire Haydock has been leading her Monkey Music classes for 8 years now, but there’s no let up in her enthusiasm, and it’s infectious. In fact, some families have been passing on the Monkey Music fever with each new child. “Her older siblings did it, so they sing along at home together,” says Lucy, of 14-month-old Poppy. “She puts on her t-shirt on Thursday, and her fingers start waggling!” “Both my kids have been,” agrees Elena, mum to Carlton (1 year). “It’s really interactive. He’s always on the go, and it’s fun.” Because it’s an established brand (started in London in 1993), Monkey Music classes have been well-tested, and the benefits of an early introduction to music have been proven by lots of research. Music is mood-enhancing: relaxing, energising and – most importantly – fun. Without realising it, children learn social skills, listening, rhythm, counting – and even to tidy up! “Claire relates to them all so well,” says Colette, mum to Dominic (2 1/2). “Dominic likes the drums and going to the jungle. It’s helping with his speech, through the rhythms.” And Allie says of Ella (also 2 1/2): “She likes the drums and the instruments. We’ve been coming since September and we love it. Claire is fantastic. Ella’s learning rhythm, social skills and to listen.” There’s a Monkey Music class for all pre-school age groups, specifically tailored to their developmental stages. For babies, there’s Rock n Roll

from 3 months, with gentle songs in a stimulating sensory environment. Toddlers from 12 months get more active, with Heigh Ho classes getting them up on their feet. Older pre-schoolers learn to dance and sing, play percussion instruments and even recognise written music and instruments of the orchestra in Jiggety-Jig (age 2 and 3 years) and DingDong (age 3 and 4 years) classes. It’s not just the children who love it, either – although they really do. “She talks about it all week,” says Charlotte of 2 1/2 year-old Harriet. “This is my second time – I did it with my other child. They learn without it being too serious.” But the mums, dads and grandparents also love having a relaxed space to meet other parents – particularly the first-timers. “There are four mums here from my antenatal group,” says Laura, mum to Ava (18m). “It’s very social, and she can do everything here she hasn’t got at home.” Claire and her team run Monkey Music classes all over South Warwickshire (see below), as well as nursery sessions, holiday workshops and parties. Now is the time to sign up for the new term and join their merry, musical band – with the added bonus of a free first class. “Jake’s been coming since he was 4 months,” says Kerry. “He’s now 3 1/2. I like the interactiveness. Claire’s really good, she gets the children involved – and they listen to her, which is amazing!”

When and Where? Mondays: Stratford, Leamington and Warwick Wednesdays: Stratford Thursdays: Alveston, Kenilworth and Leamington Fridays: Alcester and Warwick Saturdays: Alveston

For more details, please contact Claire on 01789 415526 or stratforduponavon@monkeymusic.co.uk, or see www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/stratforduponavonleamingtonspa. www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Become part of the Family Tree T

here’s a new concept on the block with the opening of the Midlands’ first family members’ club, Family Tree, in Leamington. It’s creator, Priscilla Conway, talked to Gabrielle Starkey about how it cam e about. Have you ever been to a preschool class and wished you could stay at the venue afterwards, for a coffee with the other mums? Or struggled with your child’s homework and wished there was help on hand? Or worried about going into town with your new baby, in case there’s nowhere to breastfeed? Or taken two (or three, or four) children of different ages out, and struggled to keep them all happy? These problems and more should be solved by the Family Tree Members Club, which has just opened on Kenilworth Street in Leamington. Inside a huge, airy Victorian building, Priscilla Conway and her team have created a stylish meeting place for modern families. There’s the all-important coffee house, providing quality coffee and well-priced, largely home-made food. On the same floor is a large playroom, with a tree-house climbing structure and slide, and dedicated corners for arts and crafts, dolls houses and dressing up. The snug, next door, doubles up as a sensory room for babies by day, and a tech room for older children after school, with games consoles and cinema screen. And upstairs there’s a huge, high-ceilinged ballroom, where a range of classes, events and parties can take place. “My background is working with families,” says Priscilla (she was Chief Officer of Parenting Project, which runs four children’s centres in the Stratford area). “So I did a lot of research, thinking about what parents’ needs are. And also I love coffee shops, I love sitting and talking to friends, and going with the kids. We pulled everything together and came out with this idea of a family membership club, somewhere exclusive families can go, without the noise, with good quality coffee, free Wi-Fi, play facilities and activities, if you want to do them. What’s been missing is everything under one roof.” It seems that the research has paid off, because the feedback on the Family Tree Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FamilyTreeMembersClub), since the launch day on 19 August has been

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

DANCE CLASSES FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS Classes from 4 months and upwards

info@twirlingtoddlers.co.uk 07552 770774

wholly enthusiastic. Membership is just £19.50 a month per family, making it very accessible. “It’s very do-able,” agrees Priscilla. “That gives you access to 6 days a week, all facilities, and then the classes – you pay extra for that but it’s £4.30 a session. So if you’re looking at a 10-week block for say, a dance group, that’ll be £43 for 10 weeks, so it’s still very doable.” And as children go back to school, the Family Tree’s range of in-house classes and homework club (called The Thinking Zone) will be swinging into action. “The Thinking Zone is a free homework support group, so you can bring homework from school or children can follow one of our programmes.” says Priscilla. “I’ve had a primary school teacher look through all the information we’ll be providing, to make sure we know the latest techniques. It’s different from when we were at school!” The other classes range from storytelling, drama and dance for pre-schoolers to crafts, cookery and science experiments for older children. Some are taught by the in-house staff, while specialists will be brought in for others. “My science experiment on a Saturday morning is run by a science teacher with a PhD in science, who’s great,” says Priscilla. “The hula hoop dance – obviously you need to know how to hula hoop to teach it, so she’s coming to do some sessions for us.” For new mothers, there are other benefits. “One of the things we’re offering is that if you’re not a member and you’re desperate for somewhere to go in town where you can breastfeed, you can come here. It’s just things like that,” says Priscilla. “Supporting schools, as well. PTAs are always struggling to find venues to raise money for the school, so it’s about utilising our venue, because it’ll be empty in the evenings. We have all the licences – music, alcohol and films”. So drop in to the Family Tree and try out the facilities for yourself. Going on what we’ve seen, it’ll be money well spent.

Call the club on 01926 312820 or email info@family-tree-club.co.uk www.family-tree-club.co.uk

New After school Drama Club in Stratford-upon-Avon. Fun filled, Action Packed Drama Workshops led by 2 Professional Actors When? Thursdays - during term time What time? 4-5pm 7-11 years. 5-6pm 12-16 years Where? The Rosebird Community Centre (opposite Waitrose) To register or for more information, please email thedramaclub@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07804 848674 Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years Classes are held at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour CV36 4AE Wednesdays at 9.20am, 10.15am & 11.00am Fridays at 10.00am & 11.00am What’s in the lilly pad today? £3.50 per class when paying for a half-term block in advance or £4.50 a class to pay-as-you-play. Discounts are available for siblings.

Book a FREE Taster Class. Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

Dani’s Musical Steps

A wonderful world of music, learning and fun

Educational and inspiring music classes for babies & toddlers at the Ken Kennett Centre, Stratford and The Parish Centre, Studley Develop Creativity - Co-operation Listening - Communication - Language

Free trial class - book now!Tel: 01527 850024 email: daniela.hewitt@musicalsteps.co.uk

www.musicalsteps.co.uk

For the budding star in your family! Sparkle tots performing arts and ballet classes, 2 years plus Boyz Only Street Dance class, 4 years plus Musical Theatre, Ballet Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or and Street Dance classes, 4 years plus email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com

to book a free trial session.

Clubs and Classes Listings SPORTS

There are too many local clubs to list them all here, so this is just a selection. For more, see our Regular Groups listing and Online Directory at www. familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Dani’s Musical Steps Dani’s music and movement classes, in Stratford and Studley, are a funpacked, high-quality educational experience that babies, children and parents love. Music has a huge impact on children’s development and it’s important to start as early as possible. Here is what you will get from Dani’s friendly, relaxed classes:

BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOL Sing and Sign Baby Sign

Classes in Stratford, Warwick and Leamington. Call Pippa Jenkins on 01789 415591 or email pippajenkins@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk

• lots of fun • quality time with your child • a carefully planned & structured programme • lovely opportunities to bond with your child • a first-class introduction to music

Little Splashers specialise in baby and pre-school swimming from two months to four years across Warwickshire.

• plenty of ideas to use at home Dani’s uses a wide range of percussion instruments, props and visual aids to teach all the important musical skills and concepts. Activities include musical games, percussion playing, listening activities, action songs and original Musical Steps songs. The songs and activities are based on proven teaching techniques from the world-renowned Kodaly, Dalcroze and Suzuki methods. Call Dani on 01527 850024 or email daniela.hewitt@musicalsteps.co.uk www.musicalsteps.co.uk

Lessons have been developed by expert swim coaches to combine a mixture of exciting play activities with the latest swim techniques to make swimming fun and progressive. As each course progresses you will build your baby’s confidence, learn invaluable safety skills and work towards independent swimming at a very young age. Give your child the ‘love’ of water you can join Little Splashers at any stage. For Rugby, Leamington, Kenilworth, Coventry, Warwick & Stratford Upon Avon classes contact us on: 07968 015292 Email: jo@littlesplashers.co.uk www.littlesplashers.co.uk

Rhythm Time

Music classes in Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Hatton Park, Lillington, Wellesbourne and Stratford. Call Sue Thomas on 01926 886995 or email fandhthomas@callnetuk.com http://rhythmtime.net/franchisee/4/

Twirling Toddlers specialises in dance classes for babies and toddlers from 4 months and upwards. Through the use of dance, songs, movement, props and sensory toys we can help your little one to develop in most areas of child development: language, memory, numeracy, physical development, co-ordination, social skills, concentration, confidence, body awareness and most of all have FUN! We offer sensory and movement based classes for babies, general dance classes for the 1-2year olds and then ballet, tap and gymnastics based classes for little ones aged 2 and upwards. Not forgetting that the adults who attend also have lots of fun too! For more information please contact Michelle at info@ twirlingtoddlers.co.uk or 07552 770774

MONKEY BUSINESS HAS NEVER BEEN BIGGER! JOIN the UK’s award-winning preschool music group Monkey Music! Monkey has never been bigger in south Warwickshire – with nine venues soon to be up and running.

Dandy Development

Award-winning baby development classes in Barford, Kenilworth, Long Lawford and Leamington. Call Nikki Sayers on 07890 241301 or email nikki.sayers@hotmail.co.uk www.dandydevelopment.co.uk

Baby Sensory

Classes in Stratford, Leamington and Warwick. Call Gemma O’Rourke on 07989 502712 or email warwickshire@ babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com

Tumble Tots is the UK’s leading provider of active physical play for children aged 6 months to 7 years. The local franchise operates during term time in Stratford, Warwick, Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington. Using a range of colourful equipment (including ladders, rope bridges, various large foam shapes, boxes, tunnels and beams) classes are designed to be both challenging but achievable so children can build up their confidence and self –esteem as well as their physical skills of agility, balance climbing and co-ordination. The classes also support language development through rhymes and action songs. Classes are based on a child’s age/developmental milestones so each stage is at a level which suits them. As children progress through the Tumble Tots programme they are advanced through the different stages with certificates recording their progress. In addition to the usual programme, Tumble Tots has now introduced a mixed age class so siblings can join in the fun together and is also available for children’s parties. Tumble Tots is about learning through play which is a key element in a child’s development. It is also about having FUN and being involved in a group environment. For a trial session see our website at www.tumbletots.com Call Laura Gould on 01926 856313 or email tumbletotswarwick@gmail.com

TENNIS Inspire2Coach Tennis coaching at all

Classes are grouped according to age – catering for babies from 3 months right up to children of 4 years. The aim is simple – to introduce little ones to the wonderful world of music through song, dance and play. Mum-of-two Claire Haydock brought Monkey Music to Warwickshire in 2005 – with classes now thriving in Alcester, Alveston, Stratford, Warwick, Leamington, Lillington and Kenilworth. Claire said: “Music and rhythm can engage children at an incredibly early age and there’s a great deal of research to show how important music can be in the development of young minds. “Our classes are all about introducing music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. “Of course our classes are fantastic fun too – for the children and the grown ups!” Free trial classes are available at all venues. Call 01789 415526 or email stratforduponavon@monkeymusic. co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk

ages, in Alcester, Aston Cantlow, Coventry, Nuneaton, Solihull and Evesham. Call Mel Farrow on 02476 150688 or email info@inspire2coach.co.uk www.inspire2coach.co.uk

SWIMMING Broom Swim School

Great lessons for all ages in small groups (my son swims here), nr Alcester. Call Sallie Walters on 01789 772249 or email salliewalter@hotmail.co.uk

Bunkers Hill Swimming Lessons for all ages in Welford-upon-Avon. Call Carol Kibblewhite on 01789 751016. www.bunkershillswimming.co.uk FOOTBALL Go4Goals After-school coaching

in football, dance and multi-sports, in Leamington and Stratford. Call Jason Davies on 07747 562469 or email jason@go4goals.co.uk www.go4goals.co.uk

Alcester Town Football Club

Groups of all ages, from 4 upwards, and particularly seeking new Yr 6 players this autumn. Call Mark Henstone on 01789 764712 or email markhenstone@ hotmail.com www.alcestertownfc.co.uk/

Leamington Juniors FC

Teams from Under-9s up. To contact, go to the website and click on Teams, then choose the age you need. www.leamingtonjuniorsfc.co.uk

CRICKET

Youth Cricket coaching is available at the following clubs:

Kenilworth Cricket Club Call 01926 853872 www.kenilworthcc.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon Cricket Club Call 01789 297968

www.stratford.play-cricket.com

Leamington Cricket Club www.leamingtoncricket.co.uk

Highway Cricket Club, Coventry www.highwaycc.play-cricket.com

MARTIAL ARTS Master Johnson’s Family Karate Family classes in Alcester,

Henley-in-Arden, Kenilworth, Stratford, Wellesbourne and Rugby. Call Master Johnson on 07961 853552 www. johnsonskarate.co.uk

British Tang Soo Do Federation Family martial arts

classes in Rugby, Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington Spa. Call 07766 947932 www.family-martial-arts-classes.co.uk

ATHLETICS 365 Academy Leamington

Track and field training for ages 8-12, with children earning coloured wristbands as they develop skills. Call Rachel Berney on 07904 644568 or email info@leamingtonathletics.co.uk www.leamingtonathletics.co.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

GYMNASTICS Leamington and Warwick Gymnastics Club

Intadance is a friendly, long-established school in Kineton, offering lessons for all ages. Ballet / Ballroom / Latin / Tap / Dancefit / Musical Theatre / Kinetic Kids / Freestyle / First Dance / Over 60’s Keep Fit. Students gain IDTA amateur and professional qualifications and we are very proud of our 30-year continuous pass record.

Call Abby Brooke on 077955 16367 or email lwgc@live.co.uk www.thegymnasticsclub.co.uk

BADMINTON

BC ALVESTON JUNIORS

Is your child looking for a fast, sociable, non-contact sport, suitable for both boys and girls?

ALVESTON JUNIORS is Warwickshire’s largest junior badminton club and the only one in the county awarded “Premier Club” status by Badminton England. With our seven qualified coaches we coach around 100 players aged from 8-18 in structured groups – including many Warwickshire county squad members. We run four weekly 90 minute sessions all year round in Stratford and Leamington (in addition to after school clubs). Contact AlvestonJuniors@aol.com to arrange a free trial session, see our website www.AlvestonJuniors.co.uk or call Chris on 01789 842664 WACKY RACQUETS “BADMINFUN” is an innovative concept introducing badminton to players aged 6-11. Using shorter racquets, lower nets and unorthodox equipment such as hoops, cones…and chocolate (!) your child will develop co-ordination and confidence in a fun club environment. Our qualified coaches will help them make rapid progress in this popular sport - many of our players are now in Warwickshire county squads! The weekly 90 minute sessions in Leamington and Stratford (£5) can include a free club shirt. We also run active “Badminfun” parties. For a free trial session or more details ring Chris on 01789 842664. See www.WackyRacquets.co.uk

The Drama Club: Fun-Filled, Action-Packed Drama Workshops. For your child, The Drama Club will be all about fun: Drama Games, Stage Combat, Improvisation, Mime, Stage Craft, Script Work and Physical Theatre. At The Drama Club we know that having fun is a serious business. Our weekly sessions will help your child acquire better concentration, a richer vocabulary, higher self esteem and a whole range of social and creative attributes that can make all the difference to their confidence and independence. The Drama Club is run by two professional actors with close links to the RSC, an extensive knowledge of theatre and performance, and a passion for theatre for young people. Aaron Bixley, Director of The Drama Club, won a scholarship to study at Guildford School of Acting. He is Head of Drama at The Croft Preparatory School and has directed over 16 productions there. Sarah Plowright, Workshop Leader, trained at East 15 Acting school and worked extensively as an Actor before beginning a 15 year career in the RSC Costume Department. The Drama Club believe in the contribution Drama can make to the quality of children’s lives. To register or make an enquiry please call 07804 848674 or email: thedramaclub@yahoo.co.uk First Session Free!

Playbox Theatre Company

Wide-ranging classes in theatre, musical theatre, circus, film and media, backstage skills and Shakespeare. All ages (including pre-school) taught at their HQ in Warwick and around the region. Call Nikki Cross on 01926 419555 or email Nikki@ playboxtheatre.com www.playboxtheatre.com

CIRCUS SKILLS Godiva Trapeze & Aerial Arts Co DISC GOLF Quarry Park Disc Golf Course Fun version of golf, played with a Frisbee, in Leamington. Call Derek Robins on 07780 727921 or 08450 525277. www.quarrypark.co.uk

ARTS THEATRE Stagecoach Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth

Safe and fun training in aerial arts in Leamington and Warwick, including trapeze, rope, silks and aerial hoop. All ages from 5-adult welcome. Call Gaynor on 07966 182546 or email gaynor_godiva@hotmail.com www.godivatrapeze.co.uk

DANCE Rutleigh Norris Ballet Schools Traditional ballet training in Alcester, Bournville and Moseley. Call Edwina Norris on 01789 766884 or email info@ ballet.uk.com www.ballet.uk.com

Jaykays Dance Company

Develop confidence and have fun while learning to sing, dance and act. Call Jacqui Dance on 01789 263 464 or email leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamington

Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Street Dance, Freestyle, Musical Theatre and Gymnastics, based in Leamington. Call Jeren on 07738 954258 or 01926 422380, or email enquiries@jaykaysdance.co.uk www.jaykaysdance.co.uk

The Academy of Performing Arts Saturday morning classes in Henley-

The Nikki J Academy of Dance

in-Arden. Call Glyn Trefor-Jones on 01234 742440 or 07875 078309, or email a.p.a@live.com www.theacademyofperformingarts.com

Classes in Leamington: Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, Freestyle and Street. Call Nikki Shurvinton on 07958 643005 or email office@njadance.co.uk www.njadance.co.uk/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Kinetic Kids (from 18months) – Encouraging early development of co-ordination and social interaction at a fun level through movement, music, instruments and creative dance. Please call Geraldine on 01926 640452 or email info@intadance.co.uk for a free trial lesson. www.intadance.co.uk

Krystle Jaynes Dance Academy was formed in 2008 by Krystle Jayne when after training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London she recognised the need for quality dance training, but in a fun & stimulating environment. Students are welcome from the academy from 2 1/2 years where they can learn baby ballet in which Krystle uses a specially designed syllabus aimed to introduce children to the basics of ballet in a fun yet informative way. Students can learn ballet, tap, modern, street dance & cheerleading. Royal Academy of Dance & International Dance Teachers Association exams are taken yearly with the majority of students achieving pass with distinction which is the highest grade possible. Students perform in a show every 18 months in which the programme profits are donated to Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital and many students take part in other productions where possible. There is a FREE trial class with all classes, combined classes (such as ballet & tap together) & sibling discounts to make the academy as cost effective for parents as possible. For more info call Krystle 07791852891 or krystlegerrard@ btinternet.com. www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Tap n Groove Ex-West End professional teaching urban tap and street dance in Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth. Also does SwingSing (vocal classes for 4-14s) and MamaSing (a Gleestyle singing workshop for women). Call Mary Grigg on 07966 168043 or email mary@tapngroove.co.uk www.tapngroove.co.uk Dance with Dash

Ballet, Modern and Tap classes, plus Melody Bear movement, in Shipston on Stour. Call Sarah Dash on 0160 864 1253 or 0797 074 2256, or email sarah@ dancewithdash.co.uk www.dancewithdash.co.uk

MUSIC Stratford Music Centre

A wide range of music tuition for instruments and voice, plus Rock School. Call Margaret Tattersall on 01789 263620 or 01789 266245, or email info@ stratfordmusiccentre.org.uk www.stratfordmusiccentre.org.uk

DubHouse

New DJ workshops and tuition for ages 8-18, in Barton, nr Bidford-on-Avon. Call Shaun on 07540 378137 or email shaun@dubhouse.co.uk www.dubhouse.co.uk

CRAFTS The Art Group Kids Club

Clubs for ages 6+ after school on Weds (ages 9-12) and at weekends, in Leamington Spa. Call 07812 608221 www.art-group-studios.co.uk

OTHER SCOUTING

There are Scout and Girl Guide groups all over Warwickshire. To find your nearest, go to www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk/ (for Scouts) or www.ggw.org.uk/ (for Girl Guides).

POKEMON

Video game enthusiasts meet every other Saturday in Stratford. Call 07846 103604 or email stratfordpokemonleague@gmail.com http://stratfordpokemon.wix.com

Sparkle School of Performing Arts If your child wants to dance, sing and act and have lots of fun too, this is the place to be. Taught by Natalie Rogers, these classes are designed to help your little star to realise their full potential. There is a class for everyone at Sparkle for children from two years to eighteen years of age. Sparkle tots classes are an introduction to dance, drama and singing for children age two to four years. Sparkle tots classes run on Mondays mornings and Friday lunchtimes. Sparkle Boyz only classes on Tuesdays are street dance classes for boys age four years plus who want to learn to dance, with no girls allowed. On Thursdays, Sparkle School of Performing Arts classes take place. The Sparkle starlets class is a musical theatre and ballet class for children age four years plus. Once your child is seven years of age, they can join Sparkle stars classes in ballet, musical theatre and street dance. I also offer private lessons in all dance styles and advanced performers classes once per month for my most advanced performers. For further information, please call 0845 017 0825 or email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com

October Half Term

Events and Activities

Hallowe’en Pumpkin Trail

Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9ER. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov, 10.30am-4pm Come and find the Pumpkins and spell our ‘spooky’ word to claim your prize. £2 per trail. Normal admission charges apply. Call 01789 470277. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/

charges apply. Call 01295 670266, or email andrew.overton@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house/

Hallowe’en at the Haunted Castle

Warwick Castle, Warwick,CV34 4QU. Thurs 24 October-Sat 2 Nov, 10am-9pm Encounter the spirits from over 1000 years of history. Warwick Castle will stay open until 9pm every night... but be warned to keep your wits about you as the ghosts become even more restless after dark! www.warwick-castle.com/

Pumpkin Week

Hatton Adventure Farm, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov, 10am-5.30pm Pick your own pumpkin, visit the Pumpkin Hallowe’en House, take part in carving competitions and play hunt-the-pumpkin. There’s all the usual Hatton fun too – huge soft play, fun fair rides, children’s shows, animals and much more. Take along our voucher for a free pumpkin for every child! Call 01926 843411. www.hattonworld.com

Family Fun Days: Hallowe’en and Gunpowder

Coughton Court, Alcester, B49 5JA. Sat 26-Sun 27 October, 11am-5pm and Thurs 31 October-Sun 3 Nov, 11am-5pm Spooky outdoor trail with take-home activities. £2 charge for the take home activities. Normal admission charges apply. Call 01789 400777 op2, or email coughtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/

Family Fun Days: Hallowe’en

Packwood House, Packwood Lane, Lapworth, B94 6AT. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov, 11am-3.30pm Spooky trails around the house and grounds with take-home activities. £2 charge for the trail and take home activities. Normal admission charges apply. Call 0154 782024, or email Packwood@ nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust. org.uk/packwood-house/

Family Fun Days: Hallowe’en

Baddesley Clinton, Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton, B93 0DQ. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov, 11am-3.30pm Spooky trails with take-home activities. Normal admission charges apply. Call 01564 783294, or email Baddesleyclinton@ nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust. org.uk/baddesley-clinton/

Hallowe’en

Upton House and Gardens, near Banbury, OX15 6HT. Mon 28 October-Sun 3 Nov, 11am-4pm Join Rags the raven for a Trail through the enchanted woods and gardens. Small charge for activities. Normal admission

Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ. Sun 27 & Tues 29 October, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Join our storyteller Nigel Sewell for spookily gruesome tales in the atmospheric Morning room. Children £2.50 Adults £6. Suitable for ages: 6-16. www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Mystery Storytelling

Cuddly Critters

Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9ER. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov, 11am4.30pm Come and see how many cuddly critters you can find while enjoying the stunning collection in the house. Normal admission charges apply. Call 01789 470277 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/

Frightful Plots and Fearful Tales

Events at the Shakespeare Houses

Sat 26 October-Sun 3 Nov A fun programme of family-friendly events every day (unless otherwise stated). Normal house admission applies. Shakespeare’s Birthplace: ‘O treacherous villains’: Follow clues to find famous speeches and see them performed. 3 November, 3pm: A potted performance of Macbeth by Shakespeare Aloud! Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens: Macbeth Trail: There’s something foul in the deep, dark woods. Enter if you dare...! 31 October, 11.30am & 2.30pm: Scary story-telling in the woods. (suitable for ages seven and above). Mary Arden’s Farm: All Hallows: Halloween-themed activities. Friday Fright Night, 1 November, 6-8pm: Join the creepy farmhand and meet ghosts of times gone by. To book: 01789 293455. Nash’s House & New Place: Bear where art thou?: Follow a spooky Shakespeare quote to find our Hallowe’en bear. Hall’s Croft: Evening Ghost Walks, 26 & 31 October, 6pm: Evening walks around Stratford-upon-Avon ending at Hall’s Croft with wine and hot drinks. Suitable for children aged 10+. To book visit www.stratfordtownwalks.co.uk For more information on any of the Shakespeare Houses events, and to book, see www.shakespeare.org.uk

Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ. Tues 29 and Thurs 31 October, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Connie and Verne are back – help them solve a mystery in our storytelling session for under-5s. Child £2.50 Adult £6. www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Zombie Hunt

Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Thu 31 Oct, 12 noon - 9pm, FREE Join the Mead Gallery’s Halloween Zombie Hunt, including a Prize Draw and the opportunity to win a unique artist-made zombie doll. Free; no need to book. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Holiday Activities and Workshops Warwick School Holiday Activities

Mon 21-Fri 25 October and 28 October-Fri 1 November Wide-ranging programme of holiday clubs and courses open to pupils from all schools. New this year will be a course for 4 and 5 year olds (week commencing October 28 only) and a 3-day netball coaching course for girls aged 7-16 (28-30 October). Please ring Eileen Braham, Course Director, on 01926 735473 or e-mail ebr@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org/

The Academies

The Kingsley School, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5RD.

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Pumpkin Week

● FREE pick-your-own pumpkin BOOK ONLINE AT ● Pumpkin Halloween House hattonworld.com ● Pumpkin carving competitions FOR SAVINGS! ● Pumpkin Hunt with prize ● Fun Fair Rides ● Young Drivers Zone ● Children’s Shows ● Falconry Displays

...and

lots more Farmyard Fun and Adventure Play

Open daily 10am - 5.30pm Hatton Country World, 3 miles outside Warwick off A4177 Warwick - Solihull Road

Tel: 01926 843411 18

Programme subject to change 16287A 08.13

www.hattonworld.com

26th October-3rd November 2013

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

What’s On

Things to do and places to go in Warwickshire Mon 21-Fri 25 October and 28 October-Fri 1 November Choose from Art Academy (ages 6-13), Perform Academy (ages 6-13), or Tiny Tots Academy (ages 3-5). For more information, see www.theacademies.co.uk/venue/ leamington-spa-the-kingsley-school

Slapstick Workshops

Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Sat 2 November, workshops at 10am (for ages 7-10yrs), 1pm (11-17yrs), 3pm and 5pm (over 16 yrs). For one day only, Tim Klotz (resident fight director at Drama Centre London) will be teaching the art of physical comedy through a series of workshops for children, young people and adults. £15.50 per person www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

The Big Draw Everything in Miniature

Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ. Tues 22-Thurs 24 October, 10.30am-3.30pm Draw, paint and explore transport in Miniature. Free event, suitable for ages: 0-11. For more details see www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk or call 01926 645031.

Drink and Draw Big Draw (Adult event)

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Fri 25 October, 8-11pm A one-time only, free Drink and Draw event at the Herbert! We welcome every kind of doodler to join us. We’ll be inspired by Quentin Blake’s book Angela Sprocket’s Pockets. Draw mismatches of objects that Angela could keep in her pockets. Any drawings suitable for public viewing can be left on display at the Herbert for the week. No skill level required, it’s all about the fun! See the Quentin Blake exhibition from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Bar open from 8pm. Booking is advised. www.theherbert.org/

Events, Sept/Oct 2013 An Evening of Jazz

Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG. Sat 7 September, 7.30pm Join us in period costume for a 1930’s inspired jazz evening, with prizes for best dressed! See www.shakespeare.org.uk for ticket info.

Cottage Garden Festival

Sat 7-Sun 8 September Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH. Our second festival with demonstrations or rural crafts, market stalls, garden-themed entertainment and children’s activities. Cost £2.50-£5 (tickets cover both days and available on the door). www.shakespeare.org.uk

Heritage Open Days

Thurs 12-Sun 15 September The Shakespeare Centre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-uponAvon, CV37 6QW. Take a fascinating archive tour with special access through the Trust’s Collections. Visits are free but booking essential. Visit www.shakespeare.org.uk for tour times and booking info.

Heritage Open Weekend

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Sat 14 September, 10am4pm and Sun 15 September, 11am-4pm Meet dozens of local history groups. View the medieval undercroft, which will be open to visitors for this weekend only, and explore our history centre and galleries. Booking is not required. www.theherbert.org

The Mega Miniature

Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Sat 26-Mon 28 October Come along and build a megaminiature new Coventry and Warwickshire! Be part of designing and building the biggest joint collage and 3D sculpture in the area. For more information, call 024 7652 4524. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Mono Printing

Compton Verney, Compton Verney CV35 9HZ. Sat 26 and Tues 29 October, 11.15am & 1.15pm Use a press to make a stunning animal print. Two-hour workshop using drawing, monoprinting techniques and collage. All materials provided and children 12 and over are welcome. Tickets: Adults £13, Child (5-15) £2.50. www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Draw Tomorrow

Compton Verney, Compton Verney CV35 9HZ. Tues 29 October-Sun 3 November, 11am-4pm Drop-in activity based on the current exhibitions. Families can create their own animal of the future, then make a foam print to display and take home. Tickets: Child £2.50 Adult £6. www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Tel: 01789 764667

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Sat 21 September, 8-10.30pm Adult event – life drawing with a difference... The event will feature clothed life models in a costumed/themed setting with an open bar and music. Linked to the Keeping Up Appearances exhibition. The bar will be open, and there will be cake! Booking is required. £10. www.theherbert.org

Apple Days

Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN. Sat 28-Sun 29 September Celebrate the end of the Tudor harvest and enjoy applethemed activities. Plus, falconry, archery, craft traders, music, dancing, BBQ and apple juice bar. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk Thurs 3-Sun 6 October Literary festival featuring many famous names including Kate Adie, Sarah Dunant, Peter Snow, Alison Weir, Barry Norman and Mark Watson. www.warwickwords.co.uk

Tiny Tot Explorers: Art Play Sessions

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Thurs 3, Fri 4 and Sat 5 October, at 10.30-11.30am & 1-2pm Practical session which encourages children aged 1-3 to explore and investigate through sensory play. Booking required. £2. www.theherbert.org Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, CV35 9ER. Thurs 3 October, 6-7.30pm Join our Ranger for a walking tour of the estate. Learn more about the deer park and the creatures large and small that live here. All tickets £5. Booking advisable: call 01789 470277. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/

Victorian Street Fayre Cheese and Pickle Festival

Coughton Court, Alcester, B49 5JA. Sat 14-Sun 15 September, 11am-5pm A celebration of local produce, with tasters, demonstrations, country crafts and live music. Normal admission charges apply. Information line: 01789 762435. coughtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/

Riverside Folk

Coughton Court, Alcester, B49 5JA. Sat 14 September, 7pm An evening with Radio 2 Folk Award winners James Fagan & Nancy Kerr and Tim Edey & Brendan Power, on the riverside lawn. Booking essential. Information line: 01789 762435. coughtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/

Great Electric Train Show

Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ. Sat 12-Sun 13 October, 10am-5pm A superb new model railway event, in association with Hornby Magazine, with over 25 top-quality layouts across all of the scales on display. Please see the website for further event details at www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk or call 01926 645031.

Autumn and Apple Day

Hill Close Gardens, Bread & Meat Close, Warwick, CV34 6HF. Sun 13 October, 10.30am-4.30pm Come to see the historic apple collection – more than 60 different varieties in the Gardens. Apple tasting and sales of produce all day. www.hillclosegardens.com

Warwick Words

Deer at Dusk

Pockets of Plenty

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Sat 26 October-Sun 3 November, 10.30am12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm Angelica Sprocket has pockets galore, what do you think she keeps in them? Join us for a week inspired by the Big Draw and Quentin Blake’s book, which sees Angelica pull weird and wonderful objects from her pockets. Our studio space walls will be filled with pockets for children to open and reveal an object, which will then inspire the art work for that day. Leave your art work on our huge display wall. This is a free, drop-in event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. At busy periods you may be asked to wait. www.theherbert.org/

Swinging Belles

Chapel Street, Harbury Sat 5 October, 4-9pm Featuring the Harbury Theatre group, ‘The Amazing Mr Alexander’, Harbury steel pan group and Harbury Ukelele group. Stalls, fairground rides, storytelling, lovely food and drink.

Air Ambulance Birthday Bash Fun Day Festival

Coventry Aeroplane Club, Rowley Road, Baginton CV3 4FR. Sun 6 October, 10am-4pm The Air Ambulance Service is celebrating it’s 10th birthday! Games, stalls, food stands, a BIG Bouncy Castle etc. Come & see our helicopters up close. Licensed bar, live musical acts and so much more. £6 per adult, Under 16s go free. www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/ octobash/octobash-festival

Family Deer Park Safari

Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9ER. Sun 13 October, 11am-12noon & 2-5pm; Sun 27-Tues 29 October, 11am12noon & 2-5pm Join our Ranger on a family friendly tractor pulled trailer ride through the parkland. Adult £5, Child £3. Booking is essential as these events are very popular. Call 01789 470277. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park/

Alcester and Forest of Arden Food Festival

High Street and Church Street , Alcester B49 5AE. Sat 19 October, 9am-5pm Ist Autumn festival where you can taste and buy the best foods produced by the stallholders, also free Park and Ride shuttle coach on the hour from 9am-4pm. www.alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk

RSC Family Workshop: Richard II

The Clore Learning Centre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB. Sat 19 October, 10-11.30am Take part in a fun family workshop and work as an actor does, on your feet! No previous acting experience or knowledge of the play required. For children aged eight years and up and parents/carers. Tickets: £5 per adult and £2.50 per child. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. www.rsc. org.uk/whats-on/events/family-workshop

Rugby’s Miniature Railway

Rainsbrook Valley Railway, Onley Lane, Rugby CV22 5QD. Sun 20 October, 2-5pm The Rainsbrook Valley Railway provides rides on our miniature railway. Steam, electric and petrol engined passenger-hauling locomotives. Fares £1.20 per person but under 3s, if accompanied by a ticket holder, travel free of charge. www.rugbymes.co.uk

Stratford Food Festival

Stratford Racecourse, Luddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9SE. Sat 14-Sun 15 September Now being held on a new, larger site, with a free shuttle bus running to and from the town centre. Lots of stalls, workshops, cookery theatre, celebrity chefs (Paul Hollywood is headlining), live music and children’s attractions. Adults £6, under-16s Free. www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk

Stratford Town Centre Food Festival Sat 14-Sun 15 September Bancroft Gardens and surrounding streets, Stratford CV37. Free festival with cookery demonstrations, Italian and French food markets and street entertainment. www.stratfordtowncentrefoodfestival.co.uk/

Moonlight Walk for Myton Hospice

Sat 14 September, 9pm Choose from a 3, 5 or 8 mile walk, starting from Warwick Castle. Admission £10. www.mytonhospice.org/fundraising/events/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

All Things Wild

A great day out for all the family! Indoors we have soft play areas, pedal tractors and a craft room with lots of activities. Outdoors we have lots of animals to see, including new additions Fergus the wild cat and Pip and Olly the barn owls. Coming soon! ‘Step Through Time’ a fun and educational dinosaur experience. The terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex has already arrived! Don’t forget to check www.allthingswild.co.uk for our latest news and events! Station Rd, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire,WR11 7QZ Opening times: Shop: 9.30 - 17.00 Farm Park and Cafe: 10.30 - 17.00 Telephone: 01386 833083 Fax: 01386 833364 Website: www.allthingswild.co.uk Email: dft@domesticfowltrust.co.uk

One child free!

What’s On EXHIBITIONS

s e c n a m or f r e P d n a s Shows, Exhibition

THEATRE Quentin Blake: As Large as Life

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry CV1 Sat 27 July-Sun 3 November Wonderful free exhibition of Blake’s work for hospitals and health centres, designed to have a cheering, therapeutic effect. Children will recognise his style from the Roald Dahl books. www.theherbert.org

Sikh Fortress Turban: A British Museum Tour

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry CV1 Sat 24 August-Sun 17 November Unravel the stories of the Sikh turban and discover how and why turbans symbolise Sikh faith and identity. Free exhibition centred around a replica turban known as a Dastaar Boonga or fortress turban, worn by a group of skilled warrior Sikhs called Akali Nihangs. www.theherbert.org

Arms and Armour

Warwick Castle , Warwick, CV34 4BJ. Mon 2 September-Weds 23 October Warwick Castle’s History Team will be blowing the dust off the Castle’s unique collection of arms and armour in an exciting interactive exhibition. Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our authentic pieces of shining armour and deadly weapons with our team explaining how the pieces worked, how they were made, who they supposedly belonged to and how they ended up at Warwick Castle. www.warwick-castle.com/

Curious Beasts: Animal Prints from the British Museum

Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ Sat 5 October-Sun 15 December Compton Verney will premiere this major exhibition which features works by artists including Albrecht Dürer, Francisco de Goya and George Stubbs and demonstrates the important role printmaking has played in our understanding of the natural world. Organised by Compton Verney in partnership with the British Museum. www.comptonverney.org.uk

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show – Live!

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Weds 18 September, 7.30pm The original cast reunite for this acclaimed show, featuring a celebrity guest as the Voice of the Book. Main stage, tickets £25. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Three Witches

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry CV1 1GS. 4-12 October Three Witches is the tale of Roy and Beth, brother and sister, on the road together. Always being moved on, they find themselves at the castle where Macbeth was once King. There they meet the Laird, the crow and Hagwitch, the castle Keeper. She challenges them to spend the night, lift the ancient curse and become the new King and Queen. But things are not as they seem and the three witches are up to their old tricks. Running time: 1hr. Adults £7.25, Children £5.25 www.belgrade.co.uk/

STATIk

Studio, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Sat 12 Oct 2013 2pm & 4.15pm An energetic, hilarious show about a beautiful, regimented world and the chaos caused when one person can’t or won’t fit in. It’s Mikey’s first day at work. Wearing his brand new uniform he joins the signal-fixers, preparing radio transmitters and tuning them in. But when a rogue signal – the voice of a child – is mysteriously picked up, it brings about the hilarious destruction of the factory regime. Running Time: 1 hr. Age: 5+. £9.95 (£6.95) www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ Sat 5 October-Sun 15 December This exhibition draws inspiration from Enid Marx’s (Marco) Animal Alphabet creating a Fantastical Animal Alphabet of new original prints by artists from Leicester Print Workshop. Visit a pop-up printing studio within the exhibition to find out more about various printing techniques and meet artistin-residence Kate Da’Casto, who will be producing work in response to the Curious Beasts exhibition. Those who want to get hands on with printing themselves can visit the resource room to make their own specially designed letter of the alphabet. www.comptonverney.org.uk

Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Sat 19 October and Sat 26 October, 2.30pm & 5.30pm; Mon 28 Oct, 7.15pm; Tues 29 October-Fri 1 November, 2.30pm & 7.15pm; Sat 2 Nov, 2.30pm and 5.30pm Come and explore the secrets of our very unusual bank... This exciting site-specific, promenade experience for children aged 5+ and their accompanying adults is fun, beautiful and thought provoking; exploring resources that money can and cannot buy. Please note – ticket price includes transport from Warwick Arts Centre to the production location, which is a mystery site in Coventry. Customers must meet by the Koan entrance to the Arts Centre 1 hour before stated performance time. The coach will leave promptly 45 mins before performance time. For individual requirements and access enquiries please contact the Box Office on 02476 524 524. Tickets: £12 (£8). www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Kindertransport

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry CV1 1GS. Weds 23-Fri 25 October, 7.45pm; Sat 26 October, 2.30pm & 7.45pm Drama marking the 75th anniversary of the kindertransport movement, which saw over 10,000 children separated from their parents during WW2. In Germany in 1938, as the clouds of war gather, a desperate mother forces her nine year old daughter onto a train, sending Eva out of danger and into the arms of strangers. In England, decades later, another mother reluctantly prepares for the departure of her grown-up daughter, as Faith cuts the ties of childhood. Then a chance discovery opens an unhealed wound and a long-buried secret is revealed. Suitable for ages 11+. Part of Family Arts Festival. Tickets: £8.75 - £20.75. www.belgrade.co.uk/

Bananas in Pyjamas

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Tues 15 October, 7.30pm All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, . A wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Main Stage. Tickets: £18, £16 Conc. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Justin Live!

Centrally Heated Knickers

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Sat 19 October, 11am and 2pm Join CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher for an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Famous for his many faces in hit programmes such as Something Special, Justin’s House and Gigglebiz, BAFTA Award winning Justin will bring his very own spectacular show to our stage this autumn. Main Stage. Tickets: £16.50. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Blown Away

Ferguson Room, Swan Theatre, RSC, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB. Tues 29 October-Sun 3 Nov, 10.30am & 1.30pm What if, one windy night a little girl arrives in your bedroom and tells you she’s the wind? Join us as a small boy finds himself swept up and whisked away on an unforgettable journey with her. Flying through the air with the world so small below them, they feel big, and when you’re big you can do anything at all! A beautiful and engaging show containing live music, shadow puppetry and movement. An exciting new piece of theatre for three to six year olds. Running time: 1 hr. Tickets: £10 adult; £5 child. Ticket Hotline: 0844 800 1110. www.rsc.org.uk/

Dinosaur Zoo

Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Fri 1 Nov 2013 11.30am & 1.30pm From Australia, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage and up close and personal! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, meet the most recent addition to the Dinosaur Zoo, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator. Children can watch wideeyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures with a Danger Seat. Ages 3+. Tickets: £12.50 (£10), Danger seats (front row) £15.50. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

MUSIC Music Centre FREE Concert

Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Tues 8 October, 7pm The Music Centre’s Annual event is back, featuring Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Wind Orchestra, Brass Band, Chamber Choir and THE BIG SING and much more. Tickets are free but must be booked through the Arts Centre Box Office (024) 76 524524 or online www.warwickartscentre.co.uk. General admission.

Stratford on Avon Music Festival

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Mon 28 October, 1pm & 3.30pm “Are you thinking what I’m thinking B1?” “I think I am B2?” It’s Banana-riffic! It’s Partytime in Cuddlestown Park. But wait... the guest of honour’s gone missing? It’s a Banana emergency! Join B1, B2, Amy, Lulu and Morgan in this brand new, all singing, all dancing show. Main Stage. Suitable for ages 3-9. Tickets: Child: £10.50; Adult: £12.50; Family of 4: £42. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

The Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

A Fantastical Animal Alphabet

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Sat 19 October, 2pm Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires or Highlanders). We have the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits! Studio. Tickets: £8.50. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Bank On It

Keeping Up Appearances: Fashion Through Two World Wars

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry CV1 Sat 21 September – Sun 5 January Discover the link between women’s clothing and their roles in society between 1900 and 1950s. From glamorous gowns to practical overalls, this free exhibition showcases what women were wearing and why they were wearing it. www.theherbert.org

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL. Mon 28 Oct 1.30pm & 4.30pm A compelling new production performed by legendary children’s poet Michael Rosen, with songs, grooves and flights of musical fancy from The Homemade Orchestra. Join us on an exciting adventure through science…What am I? Where am I? How does it all work? We urgently need your help on a voyage to re-discover the world. Running time: 75mins. Age 7+. Tickets: £12.50 (£10.50). www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/

Sat 12-Sun 20 October A week of fine performances from the worlds of classical, folk and jazz. The Festival launches with a specially composed Festival Fanfare on the steps of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Sat 12 October at 11am. Highlights include The Fairey Band – a brass band family concert – on Sun 13 October, 3pm, and ‘The Tuba Bear’s Picnic’ on Sun 20 October, 3pm. Children are welcome to bring their favourite teddy bear to the latter show! Tickets £10 adults; children (up to two per family) free; additional children £5 each. For more information, see www.stratfordmusicfestival.com/

I Flautisti

Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Sat 9 November, 11am “The Girls Aloud of Baroque Music” return with their recorders for a one-hour concert, including the Big Blow, an opportunity for the audience to bring their own recorders and participate in a special composition. As part of the Leamington Music Education Programme, I Flautisti will be spending 7 and 8 November in schools in Leamington, Rugby, Stratford and Warwick, plus giving a workshop for the County Music Service at The Dream Factory. For further details of this Education Programme, call the Leamington Music office on 01926 497000. Main Stage. Tickets: £5 adults, £3 children. www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk