Families Hereford & Worcester Issue 54 November/December 2018

FR E E

TAKE

ME H

OME

Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Working From Home The pros and cons

Bereavement The grieving process

Where’s Santa

The best places to visit the jolly old fellow

What’s On A festive guide

Issue 54 November/December 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Editor’s Letter Dear Readers Working from home is brilliant! I know, I do it. You can fit your job around your life rather than having to fit your life around your job. Of course, you still need to actually do the work, and that means you will need to be super-organised and super-efficient, but if you are a busy working Mum or Dad, then you will already know about being organised and efficient. Every working parent will appreciate how precious is the freedom and flexibility offered by home working. So, if you fancy working from home then take a look at our feature in this issue on page 8.

Another of our features covers a more serious issue: bereavement. We all need to deal with bereavement at some time, and the kids will come across it sooner or later, so we provide some helpful expert advice on coping with bereavement.

On a more cheerful note, we help you to track down Santa with our easy to use list of Santa’s hang outs. Plus we have our seasonal What’s On guide.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens at Malvern Theatres on 13 December and runs until 6 January 2019. This spectacular production stars the legendary Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen. www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.

Have a fabulous Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Diane Clifford. Editor

Pershore Tennis Centre Wins Award

01684 770566 Pershore Tennis Centre served up a huge win when it was editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof..

awarded Club of the Year by Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA at the annual Hereford & Worcester County Awards Banquet hosted at Worcester County Cricket Club and attended by all the major tennis clubs in the County. The Club have five outdoor courts (two are laid with new clay surfaces) and three indoor courts, hosting an all year ‘round coaching programme for adults and juniors alike. www.pershoretennis.co.uk

Christmas Comes to Hartlebury Castle Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the much-loved 'Christmas at the Castle' weekend on 8 and 9 December. This annual event attracts visitors from far and wide to enjoy the Castle looking at its festive best, with seasonal activities and fun for the whole family.

Mid 19th century three bedroom farm house for sale; comprising of one hectare of land, outbuildings and a two bedroom gite.

Situated in the Pays d’Auge Normandy, France.

Private sale: 255,000 euros (no agents’ fees) Contact: 00-33-2-33-36-07-85

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As well as enjoying the Christmas event visitors can explore the new developments at Hartlebury Castle including marveling at talking portraits, promenading the Long Gallery and following in the footsteps of royalty as they stroll around the moat on a new walk revealing the grounds for the very first time. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

BOOK TODAY

Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 parents in the region.

Next issue January/February issue Booking deadline is Friday 7 December

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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News & Views

is set to land in Worcester this Christmas Santa will officially land his sleigh in Worcester on Sunday 25 November, and embark on his arrival parade around the city before heading to Crowngate’s Friary Walk to open Santa’s Base Station with his elves.

On selected dates until Sunday 23 December, there will be plenty of free fun for local children at the Base Station, with the chance to meet Santa and his elves, find out if they are on the naughty list, enjoy festive face painting, compete in reindeer dance-offs and much more!

A Brand New Family Pantomime!

WORCESTER REPERTORY COMPANY PRESENTS:

‘Best Baddie’ winning Liz Grand as Sheriff of Nottingham

Geneviève Lowe as Maid Marian

John-Robert Partridge as Dame Ginny

For more information on Crowngate’s Christmas opening times, festive offers and events, please visit crowngate-worcester.co.uk For information on city events please visit visitworcester.co.uk

Search for Crowngate Worcester and Visit Worcester

Heidi Gowthorpe as Mystic Mary Written by Chris Jaeger Directed by Ben Humphrey

Tom Riddell as Robin Hood

The Swan Theatre, Worcester 3rd December 2018 – 6th January 2019 Sponsored by

Box Office 01905 611 427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Maid Marion A5 2pp (1.10.18).indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

15/10/2018 15:38

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Winter book selection for you to enjoy. www.EdontheWeb.com Check out Ed’s tweets: @kidsbookreviews Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic by Harriet Muncaster (OUP £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘‘Isadora’s aunt is a

New Reception Test Criticised Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new Reception test, a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school. It is proposed that it will take place during the first 6 weeks of the autumn term.

Guidelines recently released by the governments say the new reception baseline assessment will be short (about 20 minutes), interactive and practical. It will cover language and communication, early mathematics and social and behavioural skills.

However, the proposed test has been criticised in a report written by an expert panel and published by the British Education Research Association.

The report’s authors say that the assessment is highly likely to produce unreliable and invalid results, as it fails to recognise that young children develop at different paces and doesn't adjust for key factors, such as differences in ages and family background.

Add to this the fact that teachers and practitioners are likely to become increasingly pressured to 'teach to the test', and it is difficult to see how baseline results will have any real value.

More info at www.bera.ac.uk 4

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

snow fairy and with her magic wand creates a winter wonderland in Isadora’s garden with sparkly snowflakes and glittery frost. Isadora excitedly makes a snow boy who comes to life but when she takes him inside her house it is rather warm so she has to find her aunt, or at least her aunt’s magic wand, to freeze Snow Boy. Then they must get to the Land of Ice and Snow as the snow magic might not last forever. Can her aunt help Isadora and her new friend with her ice magic?”

Marge and the Secret Tunnel by Isla Fisher

(Piccadilly Press £5.99) ED SAYS: “Marge is babysitting today – hooray! As soon as their parents go out, Jemima and Jake ask Marge to help them find out where their secret tunnel goes.

What will the three adventurers find on this latest expedition?

Later when they go shopping, Marge manages to turn a boring task into a chaotic but hilarious outing for Jemima and Jake.

Then they find themselves part of the dramatic rescue of a lost kitten. Marge is in charge – and that means fun! Laugh out loud as you turn the pages of this fantastic book with its humorous heroine.”

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Maudlin Towers: Treasure of the Golden Skull by Chris Priestley (Bloomsbury £6.99) ED SAYS: “Mildew and

Sponge are back for another adventure in Maudlin Towers!

Although they dislike their school intensely they are horrified to hear it might close and realise they must do something to help. Could Greenbeard the Pirate be a clue and could there really be treasure on the island haunted by the ghost of Greenbeard? As the only written clue to the treasure is disintegrating in front of their eyes, are Mildew and Sponge going to be able to save the day? This hilarious action-packed story will entertain young readers who enjoy strange goings-on in a rather unusual school.”

The Missing Barbegazi by H S Norup

(Pushkin Press £6.99) ED SAYS: “Tessa is overcome with grief after the death of her grandfather. She knows that she must find the barbegazi she has heard of in her grandfather’s tales but she doesn’t realise how involved in their lives she will become. Gawion and his family are finding the winter very hard but the worst thing is Gawion’s sister Maeg has disappeared. Can Tessa discover her grandfather’s secret and will she and Gawion be able to find Maeg? Should all secrets be found out or should some be kept secret? This magical story is set in the wonderful week between Christmas and New Year. “ Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or email: maggiehumphreys@aol.com. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Education A School Full Of Girls Who Want To Change The World Malvern St James is a leading independent school for girls aged 4-18. What helps to make us distinct and refreshing, is our recognition and active support for the individual talents, interests and passions of girls, and the liberating and inclusive ethos the school embraces.

MSJ doesn’t produce a ‘type’ of girl. We achieve excellent academic results but we are not an exam factory. Our ethos is one of inclusion and respect. Girls can pursue their passions and interests in the field of their choice – all routes are equal. It may be horse riding, engineering, politics, the environment or climbing. We recognise the importance of allowing each individual to grow and flourish. We find ways to support girls to achieve their passions.

Next informal open morning: Monday 26 November If you would like to arrange a tour of Malvern St James, please contact Admissions on 01684 584624 or by email admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk

Our inspiration Every girlgirl is unique, withwith theirtheir own own character, passions and and Every is unique, character, passions idiosyncrasies.

That’s whatwhat makes life atlife Malvern St James so idiosyncrasies.

That’s makes at Malvern St James so enjoyable enjoyable and rewarding. are constantly inspired by pupils our pupils and rewarding.

We areWe constantly inspired by our and we support themthem to have the the confidence to excel, to to love life, and we support to have confidence to excel, love life,stand up for all that they believe and shape wonderful future.future. stand up for all that theyinbelieve in andashape a wonderful

Be anything, achieve everything

BOOK YOUR PLACE AT OUR FORTHCOMING OPEN MORNING ON MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2018

Exploration And Adventure Eckington Under Fives Pre-School and Forest School, tucked away in a beautiful rural setting on the edge of Eckington village, near Pershore, is a pre-school which firmly believes that every child is gifted in his or her own way.

Pre-school Daily sessions for children aged 2-4 years

Our primary aim is to engage and nurture the whole child.

Here, children grow emotionally, physically and intellectually, with carefully planned environments that promote creative thinking, co-operation and independence.

Baby & Toddler Play & Stay

Tuesday 10:00-11.30am Warm welcoming pre-school, £3 per family with an emphasis on outdoor Singing, music and movement learning and natural activities resources

A weekly Forest School (and Forest Tots sessions for our very young learners and their families) is key to our ethos of promoting exploration and adventure in the natural world.

As we provide Early Years education for children from the day after their 2nd birthday right up to school age, our skilled Early Years practitioners take every opportunity to promote children's physical development.

Please email underfives24@outlook.com or visit www. eckingtonunderfives.com for more details. familiesonline.co.uk

Under Fives

Sensory play activities

Encouraging creativity, curiosity and thinking skills as children explore our ever-changing activities

Light refreshments for adults and children

Forest School

Forest Tots

Tuesday morning 9am-12pm for children aged 3-4 years

Friday 10.00-11.30am £5 per family

Tree climbing, cooking on camp fires, den building, ropes and pulleys, natural craft activities, using tools and more!

A weekly Forest School for toddlers and carers Craft, cooking, tools and exploring

ATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH P INSPIR LAY Please call 07582 452024

or email underfives24@outlook.com for more info Registered charity number: 700305

The Recreation Centre, Pershore Road, Eckington, WR10 3AJ

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

5

Bereavement

Supporting Your Child And Family When a child loses someone who is significant to them it can be one of the hardest and most testing times of their lives. Bereavement affects children and young people in different ways and grieving is a natural part of recovery. The grieving process is an individual journey and there are no rules as to how a person should grieve. Grief is a response to the death of a loved one or a reaction to any form of loss.

Childhood losses may also include: loss of a pet; separation of a family; loss of a community and friends following a house move or any other kind of significant loss. By Dr Elise Kearney Children grieve differently depending on their age and developmental stage:

Two Years and under Whilst children do not have an ability to understand the concept of death at this stage they sense the reactions of their care givers. Children will experience a sense of loss through separation and a sense of a situation being different.

Possible reactions: Crying, clinging, feeding or sleep

difficulties, an increase in restlessness and a possible regression in potty training.

Strategies: Keeping the normal routine in place provides a sense of security. Your child may need more holding and soothing than usual. Increasing special time together, whether that is singing, massage or play will reassure your child.

Three to Five years

Six to Nine years

Death is understood as temporary and reversible. Dead persons or animals can be fixed or awakened. Sometimes 4–5 year olds can become interested in death and want to see and touch dead things (bugs etc). They have no fear of death.

Possible reactions: Your child may show no emotional reaction initially. They may regress to younger behaviour patterns (bed wetting) and they may fear and fight separation from significant others (i.e. attending nursery or school).

There may be a reluctance to settle at night time or begin waking at night with bad dreams. They may develop tummy aches, headaches, seem more tired or restless. They may ask repeated questions about the person who died or about the death. You may find that your child becomes aggressive towards younger siblings or friends in school or nursery.

Strategies: Maintain the normal routine to help your child to feel secure. Speak clearly and openly, keeping explanations short and simple. Answer questions even when they are repetitive, it can take time for children at this stage to process information. It can be helpful to use stories and drawing to help children to express their grief. Making a special play time for your child during the day and et them be in charge of your play session and lead the way. Physical activity such as swimming or a run around the park can help dissipate the physical stress.

Children tend to fear personification of death, for example, skeletons and ghosts. They have a clearer understanding of death and that they can die. Children are beginning to understand that death is a permanent state. It’s not unusual for children at this stage to feel some responsibility for the death.

Possible reactions: High anxiety, especially for the health and safety of significant family members. Children may become clingy and fight any separation. At this stage children become more afraid of death and less willing to talk. Grief reactions may be intermittent. You may see physical reactions such as stomach aches, headaches and unusual tiredness. There may be a new reluctance to settle to sleep and sometimes bed wetting. You may see aggressive behaviour to siblings or friends.

Strategies: Maintain the normal routine to help your child to feel secure. Make time to talk about the lost loved one and give short and clear explanations. It can be helpful to put up photos of loved ones and the sense that it is okay to think and talk about the lost loved one. Avoid using clichés such as ‘past away’ or ‘gone to sleep’ which may not be helpful in their understanding of death as a permanent state. Use stories and art to help in the expression of grief. Plan a daily special play time. Encourage your children to maintain their normal playtimes with friends and encourage outdoor play. Allow your child some sense of control over life by giving them choices.

Dr Elise Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford, Worcester and can be contacted on elisekearney@btinternet.com 07713755224 or find out more about the service she offers at: www.thefold.org.uk/natural-therapy-centre/consultant-child-family-psychology/ A mother of four and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Clinical Psychologist, Dr Kearney trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including; difficulties stemming from family separation, bedtime or sleep problems, feeding difficulties or “fussy eating”, dealing with anger or “temper tantrums” and separation anxiety, difficulties around potty training, sibling rivalry or difficulties with sharing, starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/ University, anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, low mood and depression, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

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When A Loved One Dies

Bereavement

Practical Tips Children benefit from being included in funeral arrangements and traditional funeral rituals in order to say goodbye to their loved one. You can create rituals with your child to support them in coming to terms with their loss. This might include: • Lighting a candle for a loved one at the local church • Planting a special flower or tree • Writing a special note or drawing a special picture to the loved one (this can be buried under the plant if your child likes that idea) • Releasing balloons at a funeral • Creating a special memories scrap book or box

Depending on their ages, children and young people who are encouraged to participate in the funeral by reading a poem or something similar often cope better with their loss.

Remember that it is okay for your child to see you crying and expressing your grief. Try to allow you and your family times when you can have a ‘break from grief’. Make these times to have fun and if possible laugh together. This will be a powerful healing tool.

It is estimated that about one third of grieving children and their families may need to be provided with therapeutic support beyond that which can be provided by the family.

Indicators that your child and family may need some additional support might be behaviour difficulties, sleep difficulties or separation anxiety that is persisting. Whilst there is no definitive time line for grief, if a difficulty is acting as a barrier to you, your family and child moving forwards, it may be time to take advice from a professional.

Ten to twelve years

Children at this stage view death as an inevitable fact. They can be curious about the biological facts about death. In order to hide fears, they may joke about death. Children may still feel a responsibility for the death at this stage.

Possible reactions: You may see temporary separation anxiety and fear which may manifest as a disruption to the bedtime routine and a reluctance to go to school. Children may be more prone to day dreaming at school and lose skills due to disruption in concentration. Children may distance themselves emotionally from adults. There may be a deep sense of sadness that they cannot ‘fix’ the situation. Again, you may see a physical reaction to grief with tummy aches, headaches and tiredness plus a regression to younger behaviour such as bed wetting.

There may be a temporary sleep disruption .

Strategies: Try to give an honest account of death and answer questions clearly. Try to react compassionately to questions which may seem insensitive to adults. Give them permission to express their feelings ‘it’s okay to feel angry, sad and tearful’. Let your child know that you are there to listen.

Use stories and art to aid their expression of grief. Put in a daily special time to just talk or read together. Encourage your child to take part in physical activities which will boost their mood. Remember to maintain the normal routine and boundaries to help your child to feel secure. Encourage playtimes with friends who can be a good source of support. familiesonline.co.uk

Teenagers

More adult processes are evident at this stage. They fluctuate between knowing that the death is final and not wanting it to be true. Teens may have feelings of ‘immortality’ whilst at the same time fearing that life is fragile.

Possible reactions: Teens may assume an adult role with younger siblings or you may see a regression to a younger age needing more reassurance. It is common for teens to show anger and aggression. A behaviour change may be seen in relation to school work, hobbies or peer friendships (spending more time at home or more time out of home). Your teenager may experience disruption to their sleep and eating pattern.

Teenagers may also develop headaches, stomach aches or other physical complaints. To defy death, they may partake in ‘risk’ taking behaviour (smoking, drugs, alcohol, dangerous behaviour).

Strategies: Maintain the normal routine to help your teenager feel secure. Encourage communication and expression of emotions. Again, normalise the emotions ‘it’s okay to feel angry and sad’. Maintain clear and firm boundaries in relation to behaviour both inside and outside of the house. This will help your teen to feel more secure and reduce anxiety. Make special time to be available to your teen. Let your teen lead the way, This lets your teenager know that you are there when they want to talk. Encourage the maintenance of peer relations, friends are a good support. Physical exercise will boost your teenagers mood and be a helpful outlet for any tension built up.

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Work

Working from Home: The Pros and Cons So you want to work from home?

For many parents the chance to work from home on a regular basis is the Holy Grail. Not only does it cut down on endless hours spent commuting and travel bills, but it means you are around for your family in case of an emergency.

Yet working from home isn’t for everyone.

If you’re in a sector where working from home is possible or you are considering freelancing or running your own business from home, you need to be honest with yourself about whether the pros outweigh the potential cons.

Homeworking: allows for flexibility Ask yourself some questions. Do you work best as part of a team, bouncing ideas off each other? It is possible to exchange ideas with if the computer stops working and a solution if the internet people via Instant Messenger and technology is enabling people goes down, for instance, a local library or nearby cafe with Wifi. who work remotely to have virtual colleagues in their home office, but if face to face contact is important to you, then you Create a Routine might find working from home a struggle. You may be able to Some people like to do the difficult calls or tasks early in the mitigate this, of course, through creating or joining a local day to get them out of the way and to kick start the day. Take business network or ensuring you get out regularly to meetings regular breaks, do some exercise and get out and see people. or other events - or even just to walk the dog!

Let people know your working hours and let neighbours and family know you are working and not lounging about at home.

The advantages of working from home are significant. In addition to those mentioned above, the wellbeing of most Get Good Childcare parents would be enhanced by not having to deal with rush Employers may stipulate childcare if you are working from hour traffic or train delays and the anxiety of not getting to home. In any event, it is very stressful trying to work from school or nursery pick up on time. One of the worst home with small children, particularly if they don't have regular nightmares for many parents are the days when their child sleep patterns.If you are working from home while other wakes up sick and they have to frantically ring round friends and colleagues are in the office, ensure that you are visible by family to get cover while they go to an important meeting. Not attending selected social events and meetings and keeping up having to deal with this can hugely lower stress levels. with people in the office as much as possible.

Co-Working Space If you are not sure about homeworking, but need to work closer to home, you could consider using a co-working space Try to have a Separate Work Space or creating your own local hub with other homeworkers in It is good, if possible, to draw a line between home and work so your area. Alternatively, you could consider homeworking for you can close the door on work both mentally and physically at part of the week to get the best of both worlds. the end of the day. Having a separate space - a room, an outdoor building etc - creates the sense of ‘going to work’. It As with everything, it’s advisable to know yourself and approach also means that your work papers are kept separate and away different ways of working with your eyes as open as possible. from small hands! Alternatively, if you don't have a separate Sometimes though, it takes a bit of experimentation to know space, you can still create the feeling of going to work by what works best for you. Compromises may be involved. walking round the block before you start work. You may, of Ultimately, it is only you who can judge what is best for your course, need to go out to drop off children in any event before family’s circumstances - and, of course, as with all things you start your working day. parenting, those circumstances may change with time...!

Once you have decided if homeworking is for you, you need to consider what you need to work successfully from home.

Make Sure you Have the Technology you Need The basics are likely to be a computer, good phone, Wifi connectivity and a printer. Bear in mind that you are likely to have very little technical support so it is vital to have a back-up 8

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Mandy Garner is Editor of Workingmums.co.uk. Workingmums.co.uk advertises homeworking opportunities and offers tons of advice on how to set up your own business and different ways of working, including case studies in a variety of sectors.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

The Parenting Apart Programme Helping Parents to put their Children First Separation and divorce can be a challenging and upsetting time for all involved. The relationship has ended between the adults, but their role as parents has not stopped.

It's important to make sure parents and children get the support they need.

Although there may be a lot going on and the mental and emotional demands of conflict, separation or divorce can leave people feeling overwhelmed, The Parenting Apart Programme will explore the unique challenges faced by families and will help them to identify practical strategies which will support them to navigate this specific phase in their life.

How it works?

The Parenting Apart Programme (PAP) facilitated by the Claire Field Consultancy team is offering you a supportive environment to communicate as parents, to form a

respectful Parent Working Relationship, and to compile a Parent Working Agreement (PWA) which outlines all details for the child’s emotional wellbeing.

The Parenting Apart Programme offers: • An initial 4-week programme.

• One to one meetings with a family consultant to establish trust and develop a positive approach.

• Joint meetings enable both parents to begin communicating together properly in a supportive environment.

• Agreements jointly developed collaboratively that can be filed alongside Court orders if required.

• Reviews and ongoing support to help you through the first steps of moving on.

• Resident parent re-establishing parenting relationship with the non-resident parent.

• Initial one to one meetings prior to entering the Parenting Apart Programme can be held for an initial assessment.

• The programme prioritises the emotional and physical wellbeing of the children.

Tailored, personal and consistent support, helping and supporting parents when they need it the most. www.clairefieldconsultancy.com

The Parenting Apart Programme (PAP) has been specifically produced to support you with hands on support and advice through an initial 4-week programme.

Children have an amazing capacity to cope with all sorts of challenges if the adults in their lives remain constant and consistent – these are the two main ingredients in the Parenting Apart Programme.

Please visit the website www.clairefieldconsultancy.com to view parent testimonials and for full details on the programme. Or contact the office directly on 01562 700447. Parents can self-refer and the team will be very happy to assist you with any enquiries.

Work from home: be the next editor of Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Would you like the flexibility of working from home and never miss your child’s school performance or sports day again? Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support offered by a franchise helpful? Are you self-motivated and well organised?

You now have the opportunity to buy Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Franchise – a business which is up and running, including established client base, readership and drop points.

No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd

To find out more about running your own business around your family email Diane: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

9

Recipe EASTNOR POTTERY & THE FLYING POTTER

POTTERY EXPERIENCE

Savoy Cabbage Mocha Torte

VOUCHERS

perfect Christmas gift from as little as £20 order yours today

01531 633886 @

admin eastnorpottery.co.uk www.eastnorpottery.co.uk

Get Creative With Clay in The New Year If you’ve never done it before, making a pot on the potter’s wheel is both incredibly satisfying and therapeutic. To achieve a ‘good pot’, the activity demands total concentration. So much so, there is little capacity to dwell on anything other than the mud in hand. All the ‘other stuff’ fizzing around in your head dissolves away and participants regularly comment on a sense of well-being and relaxation. Why not gift a friend or loved one a pottery experience for Christmas? Gift vouchers start at just £20 to make a pot on the potter’s wheel or you can do a full day for £130.

For gift vouchers tel: 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk

Stir Up Sunday is the last Sunday before advent – 25 November - when tradition states that families gather together to stir the Christmas pudding - so get stirring

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Mix and bake this delicious festive torte from newly published book: Cakes with Secret Ingredients - from aubergine to zucchini.

Serves 8-10.

Ingredients

• In a small cup, stir 1 tablespoon of 150g savoy cabbage boiling water into the coffee, then add 150g dark chocolate 70% this to the butter and chocolate mix 150g unsalted butter and stir well before leaving to cool.

1 tbsp instant coffee 1 tbsp boiling water • Now you’re ready to whisk the eggs 3 large free range eggs and sugar together, into a light fluffy 150g caster sugar consistency. Add the cooled pureed 70g ground almonds cabbage and fold together, taking care 70g self-raising flour not to knock out any of the air you just whisked in. Next gently fold in the Method cooled chocolate mixture. Keep folding, Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas this time adding the sifted flour and Mark 4. ground almonds, the last of the ingredients.

Line a 20cm round loose-bottomed tin with baking parchment.

• Finally you’re ready to pour the mixture evenly into the prepared tin, • Begin by washing and roughly before placing it into the middle of a chopping the cabbage. Cook in a preheated oven to bake for 40 minutes. steamer until soft, then move to a You can tell it’s ready when a skewer mixing bowl and puree until smooth inserted into the middle comes out a with a hand blender. You might need to little sticky with mixture. Remove from add a tablespoon of water to help it the oven and place on a rack to cool puree, just don’t add too much. completely before removing the tin.

• While the oven’s preheating, break the chocolate into a heat-proof bowl, add the butter and pop into the oven. When it’s melted, carefully remove and stir well.

• If you have any chocolate coffee beans, add a few to the top, these are the perfect addition and add a lovely crunch. www.blackberrycottagefayre.co.uk

Did you know?

Savoy cabbage has quite a different texture and appearance from white, spring or green cabbage. The flavour’s different too, it’s more delicate. Nutrient-rich savoy cabbage is also a fantastic source of fibre, and vitamins B, C and K, among many others. It really is all good!

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Parties

Classic Party Games are the Best Forget researching the latest games for your child’s next birthday. Despite the fact that we live in a digital age, the simple truth is that children crave the classics.

Sleeping Lions Children lie down on the floor as still and as quietly as possible pretending to be ‘sleeping lions’. A judge roams the room and any child that moves is ‘out’. The winner is the last child ‘asleep’.

Kim’s Game Lay a tray with a mix of objects from toy figures to random items like sticky tape or a spoon. Cover the tray with a tea towel. Allow the children a minute to look at the tray before covering it back up when they write down everything they can remember from the tray. The one who remembers the most items is the winner.

No Hands Allowed Have the children try and pop bubbles blown around the room without using their hands. They can use their heads, elbows, legs, feet, knees, etc.

Pass the Parcel You can’t have a party without pass the parcel! Almost despite The Chocolate Game age, children still love to sit in a circle, pass that parcel around The children sit in a circle and take turns to throw a dice. If and rip off the paper when it’s their turn! A small chocolate they get a six they put on a hat, scarf and gloves then attempt treat for everyone is enough to get them excited plus the to eat a wrapped bar of chocolate with a knife and fork. anticipation of a bigger “present” for the winner. Party etiquette Meanwhile the other children keep on throwing the dice. When demands that the final present is won by a guest, so try to make the next person throws a six, they get their turn. sure the winner isn’t your child!

Action-packed, Ofsted registered childcare throughout the school holidays for 4-14 year olds It’s Christmas! Are you in search of an activity provider for this Christmas holiday? Enjoy a fun filled school holiday at Aspire Active Camps throughout the year.

Christmas Holiday Wednesday 2nd - Friday 4th January 2019 Open from 8am-6pm

Hagley

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. Safety is paramount and we go that extra mile as an Ofsted registered provider.

We provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. You are also able to pay via childcare vouchers.

Our next camps are taking place from 2 – 4 January 2019 at multiple locations across the Midlands. Our Hagley camp at Hagley High School and our Worcester Camp at Nunnery Wood High School will be running Multi Sports Academy and, for 12-14 year olds, Active Leaders.

A standard day at our camps is 8am – 4pm, however, we also offer Xtra time which runs from 4pm – 6pm. www.aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979. familiesonline.co.uk

Ofsted registered

Action-packed childcare this

Hagley High School

Worcester Nunnery Wood High School We accept childcare vouchers

Early Bird Offer

Book before 5pm on Friday 14th December

£16 per day 8am-4pm - Xtra Time available up to 6pm if required.

See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

Book early and pay only

£2 per hour

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

11

Where’s Santa

Nothing beats a visit to see Santa with the children and get the family in the festive spirit.

Here is a round-up of some of the best places to visit the jolly old fellow and create some very special memories...

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Where To Find

s a m t s i r h Father C

All Things Wild, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Santa’s Passport To Christmas Experience 24-25 November, 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 20-24 December Enjoy a magical Christmas experience at All Things Wild this season with a chance to hunt for elves, take part in festive baking at Merry Berry’s Christmas Kitchen, meet the Wise Men’s camels and ride the Seigh Bell Express. Of course you can meet Santa himself.

Arley Arboretum & Gardens, Upper Arley, Near Bewdley, DY12 1SQ 01299 861368 www.arleyarboretum.co.uk Santa visits Arley Weekends in December Meet Santa and his Elf. Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Father Christmas at Avoncroft See Website for dates.

Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit his favourite museum. Have a go at festive craft while you wait for ‘the big man’ to arrive with his sack full of presents!

Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 1AT. 01299 403573 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/museum Christmas Grotto 15 - 16 December Visit Santa in his magical Wonderland for one weekend only.

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Bodenham Arboretum, Wolverley, Kidderminster, DY11 5TB 01562 852444, www.bodenham-arboretum.co.uk Christmas Nativity Trail 24 November – 1 January Follow the stars and answer the Christmas questions as you go before reaching the live Nativity Scene in the barn buildings; complete with a family of donkeys.

Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Coleford, GL16 8JR www.clearwellcaves.com Christmas Fantasy Spectacular 30 November, 1- 24 December. Captured the magic of Christmas under the earth in the magical caves. Follow the seasonal story – Cora and the Bloobious Bright – through exciting displays, meet Father Christmas in his Grotto, choose a present and halfway through discover a little Christmas market selling gifts, decorations, stocking fillers and seasonal treats.

Cob House, Worcester Road, Wichenford WR6 6YE. 01886 888517, www.cobhouse.org Breakfast with Santa, Winnie The Pooh and Tigger too 15-16, 22 – 24 December Enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet Santa in his sleigh and receive a gift. Winnie The Pooh and Tigger will be there too. Children can also visit the resident reindeer.

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW. 01568 780246 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croftcastle/ Santa’s Workshop 17-18, 24-25 November, 1-2, 8-9,

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Where’s Santa

15-16 December Step back in time to 1918 and see the castle decorated for a wartime Christmas. Find out how the KevillDavies family, who were living at Croft at the time, would have been celebrating the end of the war, with music, decorations, carol singing...

Festive Farm, Wellington, Hereford, HR4 8AP. www.dinmore-christmas-trees.co.uk Santa’s Grotto From 1 December Bring along the whole family to enjoy a journey through a magical winter wonderland!

At the end of your journey meet Santa in his cosy cabin.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY. 01527 62509 www.forgemill.org.uk Tea and Cake with Father Christmas 5-6 December Craft activities, story, songs followed by refreshments where you will be joined by a special visitor! There will then be the opportunity for individual visits to Father Christmas in his grotto.

Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ. 01299 250416, www.hartleburycastle.com Christmas at the Castle 8-9 December A chance to meet Father Christmas. Children can take part in craft activities, have their face painted and write that all-important letter to Santa, whilst you can help the housemaid stir the Christmas pudding and make pomanders in the Castle’s Scullery. Out in the Carriage Circle the Castle’s Coachman will be offering horse & carriage rides on Sunday.

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Hereford (Wyevale) Garden Centre, Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 0844 288 5021 www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/christmas-grottos Breakfast with Santa 17 November - 24 December Bring your Little Diggers along and enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, DY13 9SS. 01905 620325 www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk Come and meet Santa 24-25 November, 1-23 December Visit Santa and his elf and pick out a fabulous present. Write and post your letter to Santa and walk through the winter wonderland.

Maylord Shopping Centre, Hereford, HR1 2DT 01432 278083 www.maylordshoppingcentre.co.uk How The Grinch Stole Christmas 17 November - 24 December Take a snowy footstep in to the Enchanted Kingdom’s Christmas grotto.

Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX.01562 757900 www.svr.co.uk Santa Steam Specials Every weekend in December Travel on a vintage steam train from Kidderminster to Arley where the children, and the grown-ups, will have the thrill of meeting Father Christmas in his grotto.

Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold, Droitwich, WR9 0DG. 01527 860000 www.webbsdirect.co.uk Christmas Grotto 10 November –24 December A festive journey to meet the elves in the workshop, explore a wintery wonderland and emerge to meet the jolly fellow. familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8TH & 9TH DECEMBER 1 1 AM – 4PM A visit to Santa, craft and gift stalls, children’s activities and local choirs make up this magical Christmas event.

www.hartleburycastle.com Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster DY1 1 7XZ 01 299 2504 16

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Avoncroft Museum: Candlelit Christmas

St Richard’s Hospice: Lights of Love

Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster Avoncroft Museum of DY11 7XZ 01299 250416 Historic Buildings, Stoke www.hartleburycastle.com Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, Christmas At The B60 4JR 01527 831363, Castle A traditional www.avoncroft.org.uk Christmas celebration Candlelit Christmas An including a chance to meet evening of merry music, Father Christmas, seasonal delicious food and a glass of gifts and craft stalls, fun something warming, as you children’s activities, horse and wander the Museum’s grounds carriage rides and and historic buildings lit by performances by local choirs candles, lanterns and and musical groups.

Christmas lights. Pick up some 8 -9 December Christmas presents in the Museum Shop. It’s an evening Hampton Court Castle to put you in a festive mood and Gardens, Hope-underfor the month ahead!

Dinmore, Leominster, 1 December HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Castle Green Hereford Christmas Fair A HR1 2NX Christmas Fair in the www.friendsofcastlegreen.org.uk beautifully decorated Castle Christmas Fair on Castle with a wide range of gifts Green Great collection of stalls from local craftspeople. showcasing all you need for those 30 November-2 December very special presents and stocking fillers. Music and activities for The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The children – come and meet the Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD reindeer – choice of excellent 01905 765576 street food plus the Friends’ Cafe www.thehiveworcester.org serving warming mulled wine and Hive Lantern Parade cake.

Have fun making the lanterns 25 November at The Hive and then show off

Events

Hartlebury Castle: Christmas at the Castle

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

your creation in a magical Christmas parade.

24-25 November and 1-2 December Parade 6 December Hereford Christmas Lights Weekend The start of the Christmas season with a weekend of treats and lighting up the city.

17-18 November Hereford Race Course Roman Road Hereford HR4 9QU Christmas Jumper Raceday Don your favourite Christmas Jumper for raceday.

15 December

Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold Droitwich, WR9 0DG. 01527 860000 www.webbsdirect.co.uk Christmas Ice Rink Skate whatever the weather on real ice under the roof.

3 November – 7 January Witley Court Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JT www.english-heritage.org.uk Enchanted Witley When the sun goes down the fun starts as you follow an illuminated trail around the grounds. Fairground ride and some Christmas shopping 6-9, 13-16 and 20-22 December

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip. WR3 8SZ. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Christmas Craft Fair and Festive Fun Free St Richard’s Hospice entry. No booking required. www.strichards.org.uk 17 November.

Lights of Love Services Dedicate a light in memory of National Trust loved ones. Six services across www.nationaltrust.org.uk the county. See Website Berrington Hall nr for dates and details Leominster, HR6 0DW 01568 615721 Christmas with the Georgians See the mansion decorated Christmas light switch on Small Business Saturday with traditional Georgian 22 November 4-6-30pm 1 December decorations. Carriage rides Worcester High Street Worcester city centre and children’s trail. www.christmasinworcester.com www.worcesterbid.com 17 November – 1 January Worcester Victorian Christmas Worcester Cathedral Christmas (weekends only) Fayre Tree Festival 29 November – 2 December 8 December - 3 January Brockhampton Estate www.worcestercitymarkets.co.uk www.worcestercathedral.co.uk Greenfields, Bringsty, Christmas Fayre in The Cloisters The Hive Lantern Parade

WR6 5TB 01885 482077 30 November – 2 December www.

6 December A wartime Christmas worcestercathedral.co.uk www.thehiveworcester.org Trail Learn all about the

traditions of the families on

Worcester’s Christmas Countdown

14

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familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Malvern Theatre: Snow White

the home front and how they celebrated Christmas during World War One 17 November - 23 December (weekends only)

Evesham Arts Centre: Stick Man

Swan Theatre: Maid Marian

Family Fun At The Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, of Julia Donaldson and Axel Norbury Theatre, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 Scheffler’s Stick Man.

Norbury House, Friar Street, 577330 www.artrix.co.uk 24-25 November Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED Handmade Craft Fair Sleeping Beauty A 01905 770154, Croft Castle Yarpole, nr Pick up some truly unique traditional panto for all the www.norburytheatre.co.uk Leominster, HR6 9PW gifts for yourself and others, family with all the fun, songs Aladdin and the 01568 780246

all of which have been and silliness people have come Wonderful Lamp This 1918 Christmas on the handmade by a wide range of to love from Evesham’s traditional pantomime tells of Home Front Step back in talented local craftspeople. premier Pantomime Society. a boy who finds a lamp, an time to 1918 and see the 24 November 23- 27 January 2019 uncle he never knew he had. castle decorated for a wartime Jack And The Beanstalk 11-26 January 2019 Christmas. Find out how the A traditional family Malvern Theatres, Grange Kevill-Davies family, who were Pantomime with, fun, laughter Road, Malvern, Worcs, The Palace Theatre, living at Croft at the time, and plenty of audience WR14 3HB 01684 892277, Alcester Street, Redditch, would have been celebrating participation www.malvern-theatres.co.uk B98 8AE 01527 65203, the end of the war, with music, 15 – 23 December Peppa Pig’s Adventure redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk decorations, carol singing...

Times and prices differ so see Peppa Pig, George and their Aladdin In a show packed 17 November - 16 website. friends are back in the brand full of Eastern promise, join us December (weekends only) new live show Peppa Pig’s on the streets of Old Peking The Courtyard, Edgar Adventure! where you’ll meet the Croome Park Croome Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 14-15 November mischievous Aladdin, his dopey D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01432 340555, Snow White and the brother Wishee Washee and 01905 371006 www.courtyard.org.uk Seven Dwarf The his poor but honest mother Family Crafts at Croome Peter Pan The Courtyard’s legendary Su Pollard as the Dame Widow Twankey.

Help decorate the tree in the annual panto is back and this Wicked Queen, alongside 10 December - 6 January Rotunda by making a twig star time, for the first time ever, Francesca McKean as Snow Various times so see website – make one to take home with it’s…. PETER PAN! Peter Pan White, Aiden Banyard as the you too. entices the three Darling Prince, Philip Meeks as The Swan Theatre, The 8-9 December children to his home in Nursie… and back by popular Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED Christmas Card Making Neverland with the promise demand is comedy star Mark 01905 611427, Make a Christmas card for of magic and adventures.

James as the loveable www.worcesterlive.co.uk some special or perhaps one Adapted from the original by Muddles!

Maid Marian and the to send to Father Christmas J.M Barrie and by arrangement 13 December – 6 January Merry Men The evil Sheriff and his elves. with Great Ormond Street of Nottingham is short of 8-9 December Hospital and Samuel French Number 8 Community Arts money. She has three plans: Ltd. £1 per ticket goes to Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore tax the peasants, fix the result Hanbury Hall School Road, GOSH. WR10 1BG 01386 555488, of an archery competition, and Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA 1 December – 12 January www.number8.org marry her rich nephew to the 01527 821214 Times and prices differ so CBeebies Christmas soon-to-be-wealthy Maid It’s Christmaaas! At check website Show: Thumbelina Join in Marian. Can Robin Hood save Hanbury Fancy a nostalgic the fun and enjoy your the day? Well, apparently Christmas? Discover Evesham Arts Centre , favourite Christmas show in not… as it turns out, he’s a Christmas in true 70’s and 80’s Victoria Avenue, Evesham, the cinema for the first time lover not a fighter. But what style. Get a blast from the past Worcs, WR11 4QH ever! The much anticipated about the feisty Maid Marian? as you explore the house 01386 48883, annual CBeebies Christmas This Maid InWorcester will dressed for the Christmas we www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Show is coming to the big lead the merry men to all remember: a riot of colour, Stick Man Touching, funny screen for a family-friendly overthrow the Sheriff and with bright lights, baubles and and utterly original, Scamp cinema experience. prove that this girl really can! tinsel galore!

Theatre’s delightful adaptation 15 December 3 December - 6 January familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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The Most Magical Panto Of Them All! MARTIN DODD for UK PRODUCTIONS proudly presents

THE LEGENDARY!

Su Pollard as THE WICKED QUEEN

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND !

Mark James Philip Meeks as MUDDLES

as NURSIE

with

THE CECILIA HALL DANCE CENTRE 13 Dec ’18 to 6 Jan ’19 | 01684 892277 | malvern-theatres.co.uk

t Avoncroft at

Boal< now

for a Xmas High Tea

Christmas

Festive events th is Christmas

Candlelit Christmas Evening Saturday 1st December 7.00pm - 10.00pm

The Museum is 2 miles south of Bromsgrove off the A 38. Sat Nav postcode - B60 4JR

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

Avoncroft Museum

y

.

familiesonline.co.uk