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Warwickshire
IN THIS ISSUE
Get Set For The Games Summer Fun Holiday Clubs
Issue 66 July/August familiesonline.co.uk 2022
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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 1
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CONTENTS Photo: Apple & Bee Photography
Hello summer! The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family but also, for many parents, the challenges of summer childcare and working from home whilst the children are off! Well, fear not… inside this issue we have lots of ideas for family days out, ways to enjoy the great outdoors, listings for local holiday clubs and classes and some top tips on how to amuse the children and be as productive as possible when you’re WFH!
Our Summer feature is the Commonwealth Games, which is being hosted in Birmingham for 2022. Test your knowledge with our Commonwealth Quiz and find out how your family medal! The Games commence on 28th July and although the majority of events are taking place in the West Midlands, we do have some key events taking place in Warwickshire including the Bowls and Para-bowls at Leamington’s Victoria Park and the Cycling Road Race winding through the historic streets of Warwick. We can’t wait to watch it as a family and introduce Eva to some new sports. This issue, we are launching a new column, ‘Ask the Expert’, and I’m delighted to welcome the first member of our panel, Sue Taylor. Sue has a wealth of experience and expertise in Early Years and has spent her 50-year career working in schools and nurseries, nationally and internationally. She provides some sound advice on how to help prepare your pre-schooler for school in September. Finally, we have a delicious dairy free Neapolitan ice cream recipe for you to try which is healthy and super easy to make as it only has 4 ingredients! So you and
the children can enjoy it guilt free... all we need now is the sunshine! Enjoy the magazine and have a great summer!
Claire
Editor
Contact us
Claire Jones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T: 07938 657719
familieswarwickshiremag @familieswarks familieswarwickshiremag
In this issue 4. 5. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Get set for the games Summer fun What’s on Clubs and classes Active families Parenting Performing arts Ask the expert Recipe
All content © Families Warwickshire. Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents of children 0-12. Print run 16,000. Families Warwickshire 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 this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Warwickshire, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Next issue: September/October 2022 Booking deadline: Friday 12 August 2022
Summer in the Alps The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs. With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home! For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit https://www.morzine-avoriaz.com/activites-de-plein-air-ete.html
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GET SET FOR THE GAMES
Let the competition begin! Challenge all the family with our Commonwealth Quiz One point for each correct answer, bonus points if you can answer the questions in italics. Check your score to see where you place on the Families Warwickshire winner’s podium... (Bragging rights only I’m afraid!). Good luck!
1
Where did the Commonwealth originate from? The Roman Empire or The British Empire
2
What year did the Commonwealth start? 1926, 1936 or 1946
3
What percentage of the world is in the Commonwealth? 1/4, 1/3 or 1/8
4
How many countries make up the Commonwealth? 28, 54 or 73 (Can you name any of them?)
5
Who is the Head of the Commonwealth? The President of the USA, The Queen or The Pope
6
The Commonwealth Games is a sports event held every how many years?
7
True or False: The Commonwealth Games is also known as The Friendly Games?
8
How many times has England hosted the Commonwealth Games? 1, 3, 5 (Where and when?)
9
How many sports are on the programme for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham? 12, 19, 25 (Can you list which ones?)
10
Scores: 25+: Gold - If there was a first prize for Commonwealth knowledge, you’d have won it. 16-25: Silver - Not bad, keep up the training and next time you could find yourself on top of the podium. 6-15: Bronze – Great work getting onto the podium but you’ve probably missed a few training sessions, right? 0-5: Wooden spoon – Back to training for you! Never mind, tune in from 28th July – 8th August to up your game!!!
What animal is the mascot of the 2022 Commonwealth Games? (Bonus point for his name!)
Answers: 1. The British Empire 2. 1926 3. 1/3 4. 54 - Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. 5. The Queen 6. Four 7. True 8. 3 (if you count Birmingham this year!) London in 1934 and Manchester in 2002. 9. 19 - Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bowls, Boxing, Cricket (women’s), Cycling, Gymnastics, Judo, Hockey, Netball, Rugby 7s, Squash, Table tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Wrestling. 10. A multicoloured Bull called Perry!
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in Warwick District – you can be a part of it As the Summer Holidays begin, the celebrations for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be starting in Warwick District this July. From Sunday 16 July to Saturday 21 August, a festival of culture and sport will be held across the District with the Victoria Park Bowling Greens providing the venue for the Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls competitions between Friday 29 July – Saturday 6 August. In addition, there is a fantastic opportunity to see free sport when some of the world’s best cyclists compete in the Cycling Road Race, starting and finishing at Myton Fields near Myton Road in Warwick on Sunday 7 August. If you haven’t got tickets to the lawn bowls or the cycling events but would like to experience this once in a generation sporting event, then you can still be part of the fun! From Thursday 28 July – Monday 8 August, there will be two festival sites in Warwick District, one in the Pump Room Gardens in Royal Leamington Spa and another in Market Square, Warwick; both will have big screens open from 10am – 10pm and are free to attend.
At the Leamington Spa site on Saturday and Sunday over both weekends of the Games, there will be activities for children between 10am – 12pm, 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm, including medal making, creating commonwealth countries’ flags, bunting and much more. The festival site in Market Square, Warwick, will be open daily from 10am to 10pm, with refreshments available from local businesses. Further information relating to this site will be announced closer to the Games. In addition to the festival sites, CultureFest will take place from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 21 August 2022. Showcasing and celebrating the arts and heritage venues, artists, and creatives in the area, with events and activities taking place across Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth and Whitnash. For further information, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/cg2022, and for more details on Warwick DC CultureFest, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/culturefest
The festival site at the Pump Room Gardens will have several activities for families as well as an opportunity to try bowls at one of the pop-up bowling greens provided by Bowls England, where you will be able to challenge your family and friends and get a feel for the sport. On 28 July, there will be a jazz and samba band, dancers, stilt walkers and jugglers providing entertainment from 5pm, ahead of the Opening Ceremony at 8pm. 4 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
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SPORT
BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES coming to venues in Warwick District
Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa Friday 29 July - Saturday 6 August 2022.
Cycling Road Races Start / Finish at Myton Road near Myton Fields, Warwick, Sunday 7 August 2022.
CultureFest CultureFest will showcase and celebrate the incredible arts and heritage venues, artists, and creatives in Warwick District from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 21 August 2022. www.warwickdc.gov.uk/culturefest
Scan the QR Code for more info
For more information about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games visit www.birmingham2022.com or www.warwickdc.gov.uk/cg2022 Get Set For The Games – More information for residents and local businesses during Games time can be found at www.birmingham2022.com/getset and on the Get Set For The Games Twitter channel at twitter.com/GetSet2022.
SUMMER FUN
Enjoying the great outdoors By Ed Bassett The school shoes have been kicked under the bed until September, the weather’s looking promising and there’s the great outdoors to explore as a family. A recent study found that taking part in nature-based activities leads to improved mood, less anxiety and positive emotions, so let’s get out there!
Kayaking Kayaking is an exhilarating activity for families with children who are confident in water. It’s also a very versatile activity, given that you can kayak on almost any body of water, including lakes, rivers, streams or even the sea. Tuition and guided trips are widely available throughout the country for first timers.
Gardening Gardens are great spaces to explore sensory development. By encouraging children to feel and understand the texture of soil, actively listen out for birds (and next door’s dog) and smell the flowers, you will improve their sensory awareness and recognition. Better still, if you engage children in growing their own food, they naturally have a keener interest in eating it, encouraging healthy eating habits from a young age. Even city kids can watch and wonder at plants growing on a windowsill. Cress, salad leaves and tomato plants are very simple to grow and don’t require any outdoor space at all.
Foraging Nettles, elderflowers, blackberries, cherries, chestnuts and apples can all be found in woods and forests at various points throughout the summer and early autumn and can be safely foraged for all types of cooking, baking and jam-making. The Woodland Trust has a handy guide for what’s in season in the UK for those wanting to try their hand at foraging. (https://bit.ly/ WoodlandTrustForage) Remember, while foraging in public spaces and footpaths is perfectly legal, if you’re on private land you will need the permission of the landowner.
Ed Bassett is Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo. To book a campervan for your next road trip, visit www.camptoo.co.uk
Forest bathing Forest bathing is about being calm and quiet among trees, observing the natural environment while breathing deeply, in order to de-stress and boost wellbeing. This meditative practice can be beneficial both for adults and children. Find a quiet spot and start breathing deeply. Try hugging a tree. Deep breathwork balances blood pressure, boosts energy levels, improves sleep, strengthens respiratory function, supports healthy functioning of the immune system and relieves stress. Encourage children to observe out loud what they can see, hear and smell around them and how it makes them feel.
Camping Camping makes the most of longer days and even a weekend spent immersed in nature is a breath of fresh air and healthy, wholesome fun for all ages. Look up at night and marvel at the free light show on offer from various constellations, stars and planets. You’ll enjoy the slower pace, a greater connection both with nature and your family and be ready to return home feeling calmer, less anxious and less irritable.
Scavenger hunts A scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of interaction and incentive to any walk. Set out with a list of specific animals, bugs, flowers and trees to find and challenge the kids to find the natural treasures along the way. For younger children, ask them to spot different colours - such as looking out for red leaves, ladybirds or birds’ feathers. 6 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
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SUMMER FUN
Fuel their imagination
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
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Oxhill Visitor Centre
ily am f n A fu y out! da
this Summer 22 July to 5 Sept 7 marvellous activities to celebrate 100 years of the Austin Seven
0 YEARS 10
Follow the brown tourist signs
Small car Big history
Blake, 7. Future car designer
Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP Open various dates throughout 2022 Please check our website for more information and to book tickets
britishmotormuseum.co.uk
J12 M40, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ
Summer-advert-families-87x130-June22.indd 1
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www.redwings.org.uk | 01508 505246
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K C I W R A W ’ N I P M U J IS
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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 7
WHAT’S ON
Places to go and things to do this summer All Things Wild
Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
Hatton Adventure World
A fantastic year-round family attraction, comprising of animals, dinosaurs, soft play and much more to discover! With plenty of activities both indoor and outdoor, to keep all ages entertained whatever the weather! T: 01386 833083 allthingswild.co.uk
Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping. Learn about different animals and have lots of fun! T: 024 7630 2912 warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Fantastic day out for all the family. Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment. Farmyard animals, guinea pig village, scales and tales, laser combat arena, indoor soft play, adventure play and much more. Dinosaurs Alive! Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep Step back into prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the earth! Dinosaurs are brought back to life with the power of state-of-the-art animatronics, puppetry and SFX. Learn how to tame these incredible beasts in Dino Ranger training and visit the Baby Dinosaur Petting Zoo. Enjoy a daily programme of dinosaur shows, activities and meet and greets… all included in the standard admission. T: 01926 843411 hattonworld.com/adventure-world
Honeybourne
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
Exhibitions, events and galleries. Learn about local history and what life was like in Victorian Leamington Spa. T: 01926 74200 warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms
Stratford Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon
Mon 25 Jul – Fri 2 Sep
This summer the whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions, Butterfly Life Cycle, Beetle and Snake demonstrations will be held in the Discovery Zone throughout the summer holidays. The giftshop has a wide range of nature inspired fairtrade gifts and sells soft drinks, snacks, confectionary and ice-creams. To guarantee entrance over the summer holidays tickets should be purchased in advance from the online booking system. The Butterfly Farm recommends reading the ‘Information’ section of the website to help plan a visit. T: 01789 299288 butterflyfarm.co.uk
Coventry
British Motor Museum Gaydon
World’s largest collection of historic British cars, celebrating the past, present and future of British motoring. A great day out whatever the weather. Fri 22 Jul – Mon 5 Sep Fuel their imagination this Summer and explore the new Austin Seven exhibition ‘Small car. Big history: 100 years of the Austin Seven’. Have fun with the interactives, meet the Austin Adventurers for a fun family tour and complete your visit by making your own Austin Seven cardboard cut-out to take home. T: 01926 641188 britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Compton Verney Nr Warwick
Stunning parkland and lake, and woodland adventure playground. Award-winning art gallery. Restaurant and gift shop. There’s so much to choose from this summer: Tiny Tuesdays, RAF STEM Tuesdays, Get Mucky, Get Making, Woodland Tribe, Colourscape, Outdoor Adventure Holiday Club, Big Art Holiday Club and Shape It! Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. T: 01926 645500 comptonverney.org.uk
Coventry Transport Museum Coventry
Housing the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet, the Museum tells the story of a city which changed the world through transport. Captivating displays, interactive galleries and highly immersive exhibitions. Regular Mini Museum Engineers sessions for 0-5 year olds, Chat and Play for under 5s, and interactive Family Museum Engineers sessions. T: 024 7623 4270 transport-museum.com
What’s on at the theatre Royal Spa Centre
Leamington Spa BOX OFFICE: 01926 334418 royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday
SAT 30 JUL 2022 Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, the party is ready to go! Let’s just hope the weather holds out… Bursting with all the charm from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday is packed full of puppetry, storytelling and music and promises to be a celebration for the whole family!
Nr Warwick
Belgrade Theatre
Coventry BOX OFFICE: 024 7655 3055 belgrade.co.uk Room on the Broom
WED 7 – SAT 10 SEP 2022 Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears! Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up.
8 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
Art in the Park Leamington Spa Sat 13 – Sun 14 Aug
Leamington’s FREE family-friendly festival is back! Art in the Park, the largest free outdoor gathering in Warwickshire, returns for 2022, taking place in Jephson Garden and Mill Gardens. Families can get involved with a wide range of art, theatre, dance, crafts and workshops during the weekend... and all for free! Children can also be making kites and ‘journey doors’ right now, to be featured in the festival. Free art supplies packs are available over the summer from the Pump Rooms and Town Hall, to be used alongside online tutorials that families can join from home. artinpark.co.uk
Herbert Art Gallery Coventry
Foundry Wood
Leamington Spa
An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts and more. Regular Forest School sessions, storytelling, creative workshops and lots of special events. foundrywood.co.uk
Go Ape
Coventry
With a Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure Plus and Treetop Adventure, Go Ape at Coombe Country Park has something for thrill-seeking adults and fun-seeking children. If heights are not your thing, try out the NEW Mini Land Rovers! goape.co.uk
Events and exhibitions all year round. Regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, sensory play days, storytelling, family friendly workshops, art talks and masterclasses. Crafting Coventry’s Culture Mon 1 Aug – Sat 3 Sep (excluding Sundays) This summer enjoy an exploration of culture through creative arts and immersive experiences. Explore how to collaboratively make cityscapes with eco-friendly materials, learn the skills to form ceramic objects and experiment with printing playful patterns. All creations can be taken home on the day. T: 024 7623 7521 theherbert.org
Hill Close Gardens
Warwick
Rare Victorian Gardens to explore with a Children’s Trail and special events and workshops throughout the year. There’s also a special garden created for children where they can play in the mud kitchen and are invited to plant, water, weed and harvest fruit and vegetables, so go prepared to get stuck in! T: 01926 493339 hillclosegardens.com
The Albany Theatre
Coventry BOX OFFICE: 024 7699 8964 albanytheatre.co.uk Summer Circus Party
MON 22 AUG 2022 Summer Circus Party is a high energy production, all performed to a carnival soundtrack which will have you dancing in your seats! Stunning Vocalists and Showgirls are joined by a cast of amazing Acrobats, Whirlwind Jugglers, Bendy Contortionists and Hypnotising Hula Hooper’s. Featuring Hilarious Slapstick Comedy from The Funniest Showmen. Get ready to DANCE, SHOUT and CHEER in a crazy stage show full of Music, Madness and Mayhem. There will be balloons, bubbles, lasers, confetti cannons, UV light show, puppets and loads of audience participation with games & prizes.
Follow Families Warwickshire on Facebook for the chance to WIN FREE TICKETS! @familieswarwickshiremag familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON The MAD Museum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit the UK’s only Mechanical Art venue. Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. Interact with artworks, contraptions and machines. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets. T: 01789 269356 themadmuseum.co.uk
The National Trust Warwickshire
Jump In Warwick
The newly refurbished Jump In Adventure Park in Warwick opens on 2nd July and is the perfect place for families to enjoy some quality jumpin’ fun! The park has some amazing attractions. Whether it’s flying through the air into the foam pit or racing down the slides on the new huge inflatable, there are plenty of thrills to be had. If you love football and sports, there is a new interactive pitch to hone your skills and challenge your friends…. and then there is the super popular Wipeout! The whole family will love it... guaranteed! There is also a fantastic 4-tier soft play area and soft play parties are new for 2022! gojumpin.com
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Kenilworth
A fantastic place to let kids run free and get plenty of fresh air. Explore the ruins and have a great day out. This summer, book to experience the Legendary Joust on 30-31 Jul or the Knight’s Tournament on 27-29 Aug. Don’t miss one of history’s most spectacular sporting contests! T: 01926 852078 english-heritage.org.uk
Lunt Roman Fort Nr Coventry
Explore the unique Roman Fortress, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the world’s only known gyrus! This summer, book to experience Sparkling Spears 26 Jul-4 Aug, Bejewelled Belts 9-18 Aug or Creative Crests 23 Aug-1 Sep. Lunt Roman Festival Sat 16 – Sun 17 Jul Don’t miss one of the Lunt’s most spectacular events of the year, when the Fort truly comes to life! Marvel at displays from Vicus and Britannia, try your hand at the archery stand, or take to the field as part of our interactive Battle Drill. Refreshment is available from Karke Authentic Lebanese Food and The Great British Burger Co, plus replica Roman goods will be on sale in the living history village! Advance booking recommended. T: 024 7623 7522 luntromanfort.org
Rain or shine there’s always something to discover, plenty of space to run around and an outdoor adventure to be had at our local National Trust properties: Baddesley Clinton; Coughton Court; Packwood House; Charlecote Park; Upon House and Gardens and Farnborough Hall. nationaltrust.org.uk
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Oxhill
Public Open Days: 8-11 Jul, 15-18 Jul, 30-31 Jul, 5-8 Aug and 26-29 Aug Home to 80 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse, pony or donkey. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome. Booking is required. Private visits for supporters can be booked Monday – Friday. T: 0870 040 0033 redwings.org.uk/visiting
Ryton Pools Country Park Bubbenhall
Over 100 acres to explore. The park has miles of flat, surfaced footpaths, picnic areas, lakes, two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/education centre and a café. Events and hands on activities throughout the year. Dog friendly. Cashless pay and display car parking (card only, not smartphone or watch) T: 024 7630 5592 countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
Turn your visit into a whole day of exploration and pick up the Schoolroom’s FREE Family Trail around Shakespeare’s hometown with fun facts about one of England’s most historic towns and key highlights from Shakespeare’s childhood. T: 01789 203170 shakespearesschoolroom.org
Warwick Castle Warwick
A great day out for the whole family! Witness the incredible skills of the bowman and get lost in time in the Horrible Histories® Maze. See the spectacular and fascinating birds in the UK’s biggest bird of prey show, The Falconer’s Quest. Explore the castle towers and ramparts and over 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. Don’t miss the brand new Zog Playland. Plus the return of the popular Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail. T: 0871 265 2000 warwick-castle.com
Warwickshire Lavender Farm Bubbenhall
Thu 16 Jun – Mid Aug (Thu – Sun) This small family run working farm is opening to visitors this summer. Relax and enjoy the picturesque beauty and aromas of the lavender field, the perfect backdrop for a family photo! Take a picnic or treat yourself to a drink and a cake in the Lavender Charity Café. The farm distils beautiful essential oils on-site and you can purchase their products in the café or online. £4 per adult (Children under 12 are FREE). Check website for opening times. No pre-booking required. warwickshirelavender.com
Twycross Zoo Atherstone
Enjoy a family fun day out at the Zoo! Explore the animal world any time of the year, with indoor and outdoor habitats, interactive experiences and fun, exciting encounters with over 500 animals, from 125 different species. If you’re feeling brave, why not journey though the deep, dark wood and visit The Gruffalo Discovery Land – the only land of its kind in the UK which aims to inspire more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world. T: 0844 474 1777 www.twycrosszoo.org
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit the 600-year-old building where William Shakespeare was inspired by literature and theatre for the very first time! Fun for all the family including dressing up Tudor-style, traditional Tudor games, quill writing and a lesson from a Tudor School Master!
Warwickshire
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& Nature Inspired Gift Shop The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY! Open throughout the year from 10AM daily
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS
Tel. 01789 299288
enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk
www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Don’t miss Funtopia
War Memorial Park, Coventry Thu 26 Jul & Tue 9 Aug (11:00 - 17:00) This fun-packed event is specifically designed for under 10’s. Filled with high energy Inflatables, Sumo Suits, Nerf Wars, Driving School, an Under 5’s Area, Crafty Corner, Role Play Areas, Circus Skills, Fun Workshops and more! And it’s not just for kids, parents are encouraged to join in the fun as well! Funtopia is unlimited play, so when you’ve purchased your wristband you can go on any activity as many times as you like - all included in the price! Please note: some activities have height/age restrictions. All wristbands are purchased on the gate, there’s no need to book. These events are Autism Friendly. There are queue jump passes available (with proof of eligibility), a quiet area, sensory toys and activities and the Management Team are fully trained to make these events as inclusive as possible.
Willy Wonka’s Summer Festival
Wolf Run Junior Leamington Spa
Children and teenagers can get a taste of the action and enjoy wild running and obstacles at the Wolf Run Junior. Open to 7 - 17 year olds and taking place on Sun 4 Sep at The Offchurch Bury, Warwickshire; the junior course is 3km long and can be completed once or twice. The Autumn Wolf Run for adults takes place on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Sep so sign up today and enjoy a fun and active weekend with family and friends in the great outdoors! thewolfrun.com
To advertise with us call 07938 657719
Stratford-upon-Avon Tue 16 Aug – Thu 18 Aug (10:00 – 17:00) Enter a world of pure imagination this Summer on Waterside, with Willy Wonka’s Summer Festival. Join Charlie & Willy Wonka on Bancroft Gardens and keep an eye out for a naughty umpa lumpa or two! Fun and games to be had for all the family. But most importantly, who will win the golden ticket, to spend on delicious treats in Stratford-uponAvon town? Street entertainment, Live music, DJ compere, Street food court and over 80 artisan market traders. The perfect day out during the summer holiday!
Warwickshire Pride Festival
Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa Sat 20 Aug (10:00 – 18:00) The Warwickshire Pride festival is a colourful celebration of LGBT+ life and culture. It also highlights the injustices that LGBT+ people still face locally, nationally and around the world. Expect a rainbow marketplace of stalls, live performances and entertainment on stage throughout the day, food and drink from around the world, fairground rides, a trans chillout zone, bi zone, youth tent, women’s tent, a quiet zone, dog show, family area and much more.
editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 9
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Spanish, French, German & Italian classes in Coventry & Warwickshire sessions available for ages 1 month - 7 years hello@bilinguasing.com We make languages fun agai
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School's out but we're just getting started! Join us for a Summer of Gymnastics at LWGC
North Leamington School, Leamington Mon 25 Jul – Fri 2 Sep 8am - 6pm Enjoy a fun filled school holiday at Ofsted registered Active Camps! Includes a range of sports, dance and activities. There’s something for everyone aged 4 – 14. T: 01926 298 178 www.aspire-sports.co.uk/activecamps/leamington
Belgrade Theatre
Coventry Week 1: Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug 10am – 4:30pm Week 2: Mon 15 – Fri 19 Aug 10am – 4:30pm The theme of this year’s Summer School is Play in a Week, and challenges children aged 8-16 to create and perform their own brand-new piece of theatre whilst being creative, making new friends, learning new skills and having fun! Places are limited so book early. www.belgrade.co.uk/events/ summer-school-week-1/ www.belgrade.co.uk/events/ summer-school-week-2/
Clubszone
Alcester, Bedworth and Rugby Clubszone Holiday Clubs cover a variety of fun and engaging activities including sports, dance, drama, archery, fencing and special inflatable dates during busy weeks. Book online. T: 0116 279 5099 www.clubszone.co.uk
CVLife
Centre AT7, The Alan Higgs Centre & Xcel Leisure Centre, Coventry Mon 25 Jul – Fri 2 Sep Children aged 5-11 can enjoy a fun packed summer full of exciting activities at all venues. Each week is themed, with special visits during each one! www.cvlife.co.uk
Fit for Sport
Leamington, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Fit For Sport’s Camps are designed to engage all children from 4-12 years old through multi-sports, games, and arts and crafts so that they can make friends and keep active throughout the holidays. T: 020 8742 4990 www.fitforsport.co.uk/holidayactivity-camps
Let’s Animate Preschool Summer Holiday Booking Open Summer Club for September Sessions Age 4 -16 2022 www.thegymnasticsclub.co.uk
Warwickshire
Fargo Village, Coventry Animation workshops. 7+ and family sessions available. T: 07973 354567 www.letsanimate.co.uk/bookings
GO4GOALS
Kingsley School Playing Fields, Leamington Mon 25 Jul – Thu 18 Aug (Monday-Thursday) Summer Football Camp open to both boys and girls. Coaching will be provided for all levels and children will develop technically and improve their social skills for later life. T: 07747 562469 www.go4goals.co.uk
Hotshots
Harris Sports Centre, Rugby Mon 25 - Wed 7 Jul 9am-4pm Children from 6 – 16 can learn and enjoy Basketball at Hotshots. All levels welcome. Lots of prizes up for grabs including trophies, basket balls, t-shirts and awards. Get fit and have fun this summer! T: 07775 670375 www.hotshotsbasketball.co.uk
Leamington & Warwick Gymnastics Club
Leamington Active and fun packed gymnastics holiday clubs for children age 4 and in Reception up to teens. Non members welcome. T: 01926 614489 www.thegymnasticsclub.co.uk/ holiday-clubs
Onside Coaching
Alcester, Coventry, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Whether it’s sport, dance, gymnastics or forest school there’s something for everyone on offer to keep little ones active across the summer holidays. www.onsidecoaching.co.uk
Stagecoach
Leamington Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug Kenilworth & Warwick Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug Children and Teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at the fabulous Stagecoach Performing Arts Summer Workshops. www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick www.stagecoach.co.uk/ leamingtonspa
Warwick School
Warwick Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities. Open to children from Reception to Year 7 (up to and including 12 year olds), these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities. From swimming to art and craft, cookery to wall climbing there’s something for everyone. T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/ summer-action-2022
Interested in becoming a distributor? Email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
10 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVE FAMILIES
UDIO ANIMATION ST hday Parties rt
Workshops & Bi
Adventures await at Go Ape! Opened in Spring 2019, Go Ape Coventry offers the best of high rope antics, set within the 500-acres of Coombe Country Park with its stunning gardens, woodland and lake. From high and low ropes courses to ground based adrenalin activities, this location has something for all.
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0797 3354567
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Whether you’re looking to channel your inner Tarzan or give your mini-monkeys their first adventure, Go Ape Coventry has ropes courses to cater to all ages and abilities.
DISCOVERY DAY
Explore the world of performing arts through our FREE TASTER SESSIONS in singing, dancing and acting for 4-18 year olds. KENILWORTH & WARWICK 9th Sept 2022 - 4.45pm Heathcote Primary, CV34 7AP
LEAMINGTON SPA 10th Sept 2022 - 10am Arnold Lodge, CV32 5TW
10th Sept 2022 - 10am Balsall Common Primary, CV7 7FS
www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk 07483914041
www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick warwick@stagecoach.co.uk 07432638990
Heights not your thing? Not to worry, for the adults, channel your inner warrior and take on Axe Throwing. Shake off those covid blues and hone your aim in the axe arena. For the little ones, we have a brand new activity to Go Ape, Mini Land Rovers. Give your mini monkeys their first taste behind the wheel as they tackle the off road obstacle course to earn their very own driving licence. For further info and activity restrictions please visit www.goape.co.uk/locations/coventry
Featuring: Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure Plus, Treetop Adventure, Axe Throwing, The Plummet, and Treetop Challenge Xpress
book at goape.co.uk
#FindYourAdventure
Participation and supervision ratios apply — please see our website.
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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 11
PARENTING
Home working in the school holidays By Louise Goss School holidays can be one of the most challenging times for a working parent. Even with organised childcare, holiday clubs and generous offers from grandparents, there are often days when you are trying to meet deadlines while acting as a snack vending machine or being constantly pestered by demands to ‘look at me.’ Here are a few tips to help you cope with the stressors and be as productive as possible. Prepare in advance Realistically, you probably won’t get as much done on the days your children are home. Knowing and accepting this can immediately lessen the stress and frustration. Ahead of the holidays, if you have time to prepare in advance, you’ll also ease the anxiety over how you’ll manage your workload. If you have any big projects or deadlines looming, try to get the bulk of the work out of the way so that you’re left with the smaller tasks to complete during the holidays. Of course, it’s not just managing your own expectations but also those of your customers, colleagues and clients. A good way to prevent misunderstandings about availability is to let clients know you won’t be available for a big order or that deadlines will need to be extended to allow for shorter working days. You can help emphasise these boundaries for others and keep them firm for yourself by highlighting reduced office hours when you speak to colleagues and in your emails and utilising automated out-of-office email responses. Fill their cup It can be hard to focus with a child clamouring for your attention. But by giving your child the right kind of quality time, they are often more accepting when you need to step away to work. I often find when I am very present and engaged with my children for a short time, they are satisfied and happy to then play alone for a while, freeing me up to work in peace. Getting them set up with a game or started with some Lego building are great ways to give them your time and then allow you to step away.
Communication is key Communicate with your team. Be transparent about your situation and capacity. Explore flexible working options. Setting boundaries is important when you are trying to work with other family members around. Communicating to children and partners when you are and are not available can prevent any misunderstandings or resentment. Younger children hear the word ‘no’ a lot, so a more positive way of asking them to be patient is to give them something to look forward to after you’ve finished your work, whether it is the collage you’ll make together or a den you’ll build. Ask for help Don’t forget or be afraid to ask for help. We can often feel guilty or that we have failed in some way if we don’t manage everything. However, asking for help is a sensible way to relieve stress and maintain some balance. Older children and other family members may be able to help with housework or babysitting. You could even organise a swap with a fellow working parent to look after each other’s children a couple of times a week, allowing you each to work on your child-free days. Louise Goss is a journalist and the Founder of The Homeworker magazine (www.thehomeworker.com) which supports people who work from home and remotely.
Independent schools - Coventry and Warwickshire Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18) T: 01926 778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
BKHS Bablake Preparatory Coventry T: 024 7627 1260 www.bkhs.org.uk
Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 3-13) T: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
BKHS King Henry VIII Preparatory Coventry T: 024 7627 1160 www.bkhs.org.uk
The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
Prep and Junior Schools Bablake and King Henry VIII Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7627 1285 www.bkhs.org.uk
Crescent School Rugby T: 01788 521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
See websites for open days
12 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden T: 01564 795722 www.henleymontessori.co.uk
Senior Schools
Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
BKHS King Henry VIII Senior Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 www.bkhs.org.uk
Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 www.warwickprep.com
King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776418 www.warwickschool.org
Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
BKHS Bablake Senior Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 www.bkhs.org.uk
Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 www.warwickschool.org
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PERFORMING ARTS
A love of performing can develop key skills for life Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, and the benefits of this can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life. Creativity Children are naturally imaginative, and pretend play and make believe comes easily to them. Imaginative play can enable a child’s social and emotional development, helping them to form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.
Confidence Building Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends, but for some standing up in front of an audience can be daunting. Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence levels. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious. At PQA we believe that our three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television, offer our students the very best mix of both performance based and technical training as well as providing them with skills for life to help them grow into wellrounded individuals. For more information vist www.pqacademy.com
Problem solving The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life when dealing with a variety of issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall. Empathy Performance is a classic form of storytelling, not only for entertainment but for sharing tales and ideas. Performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, we need to be able to step into their shoes, understand their situation and what has brought them to that situation. If a child understands a character in this way, they can apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to friends and adults and develop their social skills. Listening The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively.
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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13
ASK THE EXPERT
Families Warwickshire have teamed up with a panel of experts in all manner of subjects to answer your questions. First up is Sue Taylor. Sue is our Early Years Expert with 50 years experiece working in schools and nurseries, nationally and internationally. We put your questions to her about starting school.
Q: My son is starting school in September. How can I help him prepare? Amy, Leamington There are lots of practical things you can do before he starts. If your son doesn’t have an older sibling already attending the school make time occasionally to go past the school to familiarise him with the building, saying positive things like “Look there’s the playground you will play in with your friends”, “This is where mummy will say goodbye” etc. All Reception classes hold induction days and it is so important for him to attend these if possible. It will give him a chance to meet his new teacher and peers and also familiarise himself with the classroom. If there is an opportunity to meet some of the other mums, try and organise a play session or picnic in the park before school starts. This will really help him when everything is so unfamiliar, particularly in those first few days.
Q: What will my daughter be expected to be able to do when she starts school? Megan, Stratford-upon-Avon It is so important that she feels as confident as possible especially when doing the basics e.g. recognising her own name, managing her own personal hygiene, putting her coat on and being able to use a knife and fork. Practice these skills at home over the summer but please don’t worry if your daughter hasn’t mastered them all before September, she will get lots of support at school.
Q: My daughter is showing signs of anxiety about starting school. How can I help her? Lucy, Coventry If there is a particular issue that seems to be concerning your daughter and is making her anxious, always have a quick word with her teacher to alleviate your worry. It is usually something that can be sorted out quickly and easily. Just remember, however anxious you feel, which is very normal, try not to transfer this to her and ALWAYS use positive language. Take every day as it comes, good today, not so good tomorrow, it’s all very normal and she’ll soon settle into her new routine.
Q: My twins have been in full-time nursery since I went back to work. How different is school to nursery? Rebecca, Warwick
Screen time: how much is too much? The online world can be great for creativity, learning new things, connecting and downtime. It allows parents some time off too. However, there needs to be a balance. Consider an agreement on holiday tech use. Set age specific rules around what, when, where and how much time each child is allowed. Once the rules are agreed, stick to them. Don’t use screen time as a reward. This sends the wrong message about screen importance. Give countdown warnings before screen time ends. Simple verbal reminders prepare children to switch off, thus avoiding techno tantrums! Review the latest apps, games and movies together. Let your child show you what they are doing. Use parental controls to ensure children aren’t accessing inappropriate content. Try www.familyzone.com or www. breckfoundation.org/post/screen-time Establish no-tech zones such as the bedroom and mealtimes, set a good example by not constantly checking your own phone and make sure that all tech is switched off at least an hour before bedtime.
FREE copy of Help your Child Cope with Change Families has teamed up with Summersdale to offer readers this accessible guide to supporting your child through difficult experiences and life changes, including divorce, new siblings or the loss of a loved one. Change is part of life but for a child, events such as starting school, dealing with changes in the family or unsettled times in the wider world can feel destabilising and frightening. As parents and carers, it can sometimes be hard to know what to do for the best. This book, written by Liat Joshi Hughes, offers actionable tips that will give you and your child the tools to navigate difficult times. To apply for your free copy, visit www.familiesmag.co.uk/go Closing date: 19 August. T&Cs at https://bit.ly/Famhelpyourchild
Even when children have been to nursery, there are certain situations they may find challenging when first starting school, noisy dining rooms, new boundaries to follow, being able to sit and listen and that big, noisy and boisterous playground! Although nursery is often longer hours, school is completely new environment for them and you may notice that they are really tired whilst they get used to it all. Finally, remember this is an important next step for you and your child and whilst exciting it can also be overwhelming for you both. The most important thing is to BE POSITIVE! If you have a question you’d like to ask our experts, please email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk by Friday 29th July 2022 and you could feature in our next issue.
14 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
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CU FOOD
Make dairy-free Neapolitan ice cream!
AN T OU DK T E� P
We asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her delicious, creamy dairy-free Neapolitan ice cream recipe with us. So the secret ingredient in this wonderfully tasty ice cream is …. banana! When you freeze sliced bananas and then blitz them in your blender or powerful food processor, the banana eventually turns into a silky, creamy ice cream which can be flavoured with vanilla, cocoa and frozen strawberries to create gorgeous Neapolitan ice cream. Freeze in a container to create that classic Neapolitan look.
Instructions Ingredients
Step 1 Grab a non-stick tray that will sit flat in your freezer. In a single layer, add the banana slices to the tray with the strawberries to one side. It’s okay if the layers overlap a bit, you may just have to break them up once frozen. You may need more than one tray. Then freeze your fruit.
Step 2 Blitz the frozen bananas in a blender. Set the frozen strawberries to one side. The bananas will look chunky/sandy at first; continue until you have a pale, creamy mixture. If you don’t have a strong blender, bliz in batches. If your bananas won’t blend, let them defrost for five minutes, until softer.
Step 3 Divide the banana mixture between three freezer-safe bowls.
•
6 large bananas (750g peeled weight) sliced into 2cm (3/4 inch) pieces
•
150g (5.3oz) strawberries, hulled and halved
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1 tsp vanilla extract
•
2 tsp cocoa powder (dutch processed)
Equipment • • • • • • •
Weighing scales Measuring spoons Chopping board Kitchen knife Food processor 3 bowls 1 litre freezer-safe tub with lid
Makes approx. 1 litre of ice cream.
Step 4 Add the vanilla to the first bowl, the cocoa to the second and the strawberries to the third. Stir well. Pop the third bowl with the strawberries and banana back into the blender and blitz until smooth. You now have your three flavours.
Step 5 Your ice cream may have become quite loose, which can make sectioning it in the container tricky. If necessary, cover all three bowls and firm back up by freezing for an hour.
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Step 6 Once the three flavours are firm enough to hold their shape, transfer into a 1 litre tupperware container in the traditional Neapolitan pattern. Pop on the lid and freeze for another hour, or until firm enough to scoop. Enjoy! editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15
War Memorial Park, Coventry
W o od s , Ob s ta c l e s , L a k e s & Fi el d s . . .
Plus lots more acts over the weekend, family attractions and licensed bars.
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